UGA D-lineman Travon Walker - UK was most physical opponent

[STL_Cat]

Asked at the Orange Bowl press conference who was the most physical opponent with them all season, who came at them downhill the hardest, etc (paraphrasing), UGA D-Lineman said “for me, I’d have to say it’d have to be Kentucky.”

I know ultimately UGA beat UK without much stress, but it is cool to hear a guy like Walker flat out say that UK was the most physical team with them. Says a lot about the identity of this program Stoops has helped to build.

 

[TuckyFB]

Jonathan Allen of Alabama said that same thing a couple of years ago.

And we're only going to get better and better in the trenches if we keep getting recruits like Goodwin and Deone Walker

 

[Mark80]

Asked at the Orange Bowl press conference who was the most physical opponent with them all season, who came at them downhill the hardest, etc (paraphrasing), UGA D-Lineman said “for me, I’d have to say it’d have to be Kentucky.”

I know ultimately UGA beat UK without much stress, but it is cool to hear a guy like Walker flat out say that UK was the most physical team with them. Says a lot about the identity of this program Stoops has helped to build.

This is not the first time that statement has not been said

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Asked at the Orange Bowl press conference who was the most physical opponent with them all season, who came at them downhill the hardest, etc (paraphrasing), UGA D-Lineman said “for me, I’d have to say it’d have to be Kentucky.”

I know ultimately UGA beat UK without much stress, but it is cool to hear a guy like Walker flat out say that UK was the most physical team with them. Says a lot about the identity of this program Stoops has helped to build.

This is what I've been trying to get the Iowa fans to understand. With the size of their lines, they have a problem coming.

 

[vhcat70]

I know ultimately UGA beat UK without much stress, but it is cool to hear a guy like Walker flat out say that UK was the most physical team with them. Says a lot about the identity of this program Stoops has helped to build.

Had our D had the wits to pick up the QB not-a-pass fumble it would have been considerably closer IMO.

 

[BrewHawk]

This is what I've been trying to get the Iowa fans to understand. With the size of their lines, they have a problem coming.

Yet somehow, we dealt with the largest OL in the nation just fine (3.8 ypc for Minnesota who averages 6'6", 335 lbs with all five guys getting some sort of all-conference recognition. 2 first team, 1 second and 1 third team and 1 HM).

We'll see. If we can slow down your run game I like our chances.

 

[KentuckyDC]

Had our D had the wits to pick up the QB not-a-pass fumble it would have been considerably closer IMO.

Also a dropped end zone catch. Game opened up as it went on and could have been a 7pt spread.

 

[Madcat62]

we find out saturday

 

[Soupbean]

Yet somehow, we dealt with the largest OL in the nation just fine (3.8 ypc for Minnesota who averages 6'6", 335 lbs with all five guys getting some sort of all-conference recognition. 2 first team, 1 second and 1 third team and 1 HM).

We'll see. If we can slow down your run game I like our chances.

Its not just the run game, its the combo of the run game and Wandale Robinson that creates the problem

 

[JHB4UK]

I mean, 14-7 halftime.

Yeah non play on the fumble before 1st TD sucked. But if you are 10 yds downfield & the ball helplessly rolling along by itself a linebacker or safety's instinct is gonna be its an incomplete.

 

[BrewHawk]

Its not just the run game, its the combo of the run game and Wandale Robinson that creates the problem

I thought the discussion was (and has been) regarding the size difference issue on the line.

If you want to bring our secondary into the discussion, that plays a lot more in Iowa's favor.

 

[SosaUK87]

Yet somehow, we dealt with the largest OL in the nation just fine (3.8 ypc for Minnesota who averages 6'6", 335 lbs with all five guys getting some sort of all-conference recognition. 2 first team, 1 second and 1 third team and 1 HM).

We'll see. If we can slow down your run game I like our chances.

Bra. SEC is a different animal. You gonna find out soon. Kinnard is gonna eat your small lineman for lunch.

with that said, I really like you guys.

 

[BrewHawk]

Bra. SEC is a different animal. You gonna find out soon. Kinnard is gonna eat your small lineman for lunch.

with that said, I really like you guys.

K.

 

[Catluv]

That was probably why the Georgia Dlinemen were mad at the end of that game.

 

[bradyjames]

Yet somehow, we dealt with the largest OL in the nation just fine (3.8 ypc for Minnesota who averages 6'6", 335 lbs with all five guys getting some sort of all-conference recognition. 2 first team, 1 second and 1 third team and 1 HM).

We'll see. If we can slow down your run game I like our chances.

I don’t.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Yet somehow, we dealt with the largest OL in the nation just fine (3.8 ypc for Minnesota who averages 6'6", 335 lbs with all five guys getting some sort of all-conference recognition. 2 first team, 1 second and 1 third team and 1 HM).

We'll see. If we can slow down your run game I like our chances.

I would agree. With Ali out our passing game is taking a hit.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

The biggest shock to me would be us not being able to run. Seems about 90-95% of the time we can run effectively.

 

[JASUN74]

Cats - 44. Iowa - 17. Give or take a field goal.

 

[jacobbleedsblue]

These Iowa boys are seeing the sec suck it up so far in bowl season and feeling their oats. Stoops has built a culture of valuing bowl games that just isn't there at every school. Y'all'll see.

 

[Soupbean]

I thought the discussion was (and has been) regarding the size difference issue on the line.

If you want to bring our secondary into the discussion, that plays a lot more in Iowa's favor.

I think you're still missing the point. This is about both and the fact that if the defense (all of them) have to concentrate more on stopping the run then it makes it more vulnerable to trying to stop Wandale. The size advantage means you probably are going to have to bring safeties up which makes it vulnerable to play action. And if you bring LB's up instead of safeties then the underneath stuff is more exposed.

The point is . . . Wandale puts stress on defenses both ways. And its the combination of the run game and him that matters on either seperately against your line or secondary.

 

[BrewHawk]

I think you're still missing the point. This is about both and the fact that if the defense (all of them) have to concentrate more on stopping the run then it makes it more vulnerable to trying to stop Wandale. The size advantage means you probably are going to have to bring safeties up which makes it vulnerable to play action. And if you bring LB's up instead of safeties then the underneath stuff is more exposed.

The point is . . . Wandale puts stress on defenses both ways. And its the combination of the run game and him that matters on either seperately against your line or secondary.

We don't change our defense, other than going from 4-3 to 4-2-5. You will get seven in the box at the most, unless you run 3TE.

 

[Madcat62]

Yet somehow, we dealt with the largest OL in the nation just fine (3.8 ypc for Minnesota who averages 6'6", 335 lbs with all five guys getting some sort of all-conference recognition. 2 first team, 1 second and 1 third team and 1 HM).

We'll see. If we can slow down your run game I like our chances.

big is one thing but big and physical and nasty is another thing

 

[NavyCat88]

Kirby Smart said the same thing in prep for our game this year--he really talked up our improvement in line physicality over the past 5 years.

The focus on trench warfare to include recruiting, retention, development, and depth of OL/DL is what sets Stoops apart from other UK coaches IMO. With past coaches, we were hoping to lure a good skill player or two to UK who could "make someone miss," "out quick" someone, or "operate in space" and line play was not as proficient. No longer the case. Good line play is like an insurance policy when other areas of the game don't go as planned. If you can always run and always defend--you'll be OK.

Looking forward to CMS' Wildcats bringing some physical ball to the field against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. Iowa has always struck me as a team with similar DNA. Should be a good game.

GBB!

 

[southindycat]

I'm expecting a lot of attention on Wandale and CRod to result in their production being mitigated, though not eliminated, while Levis posts close to 100 yds rushing, Cummings close to 100 yds receiving, and McClain 120+ yds combined rushing and receiving. I also expect Riggs to collect at least 1 TD reception, and one of the young WRs to ball out for the first time... Magwood?

 

[RDF922]

Bad move on the Georgia players part.

They still have a distinct possibility of playing Bama and the is Bulletin Board material!!!

 

[Creed Bratton]

I thought the discussion was (and has been) regarding the size difference issue on the line.

If you want to bring our secondary into the discussion, that plays a lot more in Iowa's favor.

Your line is better and your secondary is better so according to you I guess UK should just go to Disney World Saturday instead of showing up to play Iowa. 😂

 

[BrewHawk]

Your line is better and your secondary is better so according to you I guess UK should just go to Disney World Saturday instead of showing up to play Iowa. 😂

K.

 

[Madcat62]

come see bout it saturday

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I don't want to play another team where the fans get along so well. It takes most of the fun out of waiting for the game. We're all too darn nice.

 

[Soupbean]

We don't change our defense, other than going from 4-3 to 4-2-5. You will get seven in the box at the most, unless you run 3TE.

Ok

 

[MirageSmack]

Bad move on the Georgia players part.

They still have a distinct possibility of playing Bama and the is Bulletin Board material!!!So he should lie, just to not make big bad Bama mad? Players don’t believe in that nonsense.

 

[Jeff Sykes]

We don't change our defense, other than going from 4-3 to 4-2-5. You will get seven in the box at the most, unless you run 3TE.

If they only put 7 in the box against UK Iowa is beat. Mark it down. Even UGA had more than 7 in the box and your D while good isn’t even close to UGA’s and if you think It is I have some ocean front propert in eastern KY for sale cheap.

 

[cidsports]

These Iowa boys are seeing the sec suck it up so far in bowl season and feeling their oats. Stoops has built a culture of valuing bowl games that just isn't there at every school. Y'all'll see.

The winner of the 2022 Citrus Bowl will be winning their fourth straight bowl.

Neither program has ever accomplished it.

Kirk Ferentz has won 3 straight twice. Mark Stoops has now done it once.

It should be interesting on Saturday.

B1G game for Ferentz and Stoops.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Yet somehow, we dealt with the largest OL in the nation just fine (3.8 ypc for Minnesota who averages 6'6", 335 lbs with all five guys getting some sort of all-conference recognition. 2 first team, 1 second and 1 third team and 1 HM).

We'll see. If we can slow down your run game I like our chances.

It isn't about just being big. Those days are over. Look at Michigan and their celebrated OL/dl getting completely manhandled even after wearing their"run the ball" tshirts to the game. Mel kiper should update his big board because the kid from Michigan was way outclassed.

UK ol and dl (injury riddled) held up way better in a game at their place.

It doesn't mean UK will win. But it does mean that big physical skilled OL makes a difference over the course of a game. Give the Iowa db takeaway machines, UK shouldn't throw the ball more than 20 times.

 

[yoshukai]

Had our D had the wits to pick up the QB not-a-pass fumble it would have been considerably closer IMO.

Along with THREE offensive lineman allowed a lone Georgia defender get through them to stop a walk in Touchdown.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

It isn't about just being big. Those days are over. Look at Michigan and their celebrated OL/dl getting completely manhandled even after wearing their"run the ball" tshirts to the game. Mel kiper should update his big board because the kid from Michigan was way outclassed.

UK ol and dl (injury riddled) held up way better in a game at their place.

It doesn't mean UK will win. But it does mean that big physical skilled OL makes a difference over the course of a game. Give the Iowa db takeaway machines, UK shouldn't throw the ball more than 20 times.

Yeah, I paid particular attention to MI #97 with him supposably being greatest thing since....and he was like a tall skinny guy that didn't have the size, strength or toughness to make hardly any difference against a GA OL.

 

[bertfan31]

Yeah, I paid particular attention to MI #97 with him supposably being greatest thing since....and he was like a tall skinny guy that didn't have the size, strength or toughness to make hardly any difference against a GA OL.

Saw him before the game and after the game. Not so much during the game. Michigan dogged Iowa 42-3 and Georgia bent Michigan over. I like our chances.

 

[sieken]

Doubt he said the same after the UM game! Holy Cow!

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

GBB!

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Doubt he s2 years, how would youaid the same after the UM game! Holy Cow!

Walker is just crazy athletic for his size, he covered kickoffs his first 2 years. Be a treat stepping in front of 280 lb running wide open and have to hit him above the waist.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Along with THREE offensive lineman allowed a lone Georgia defender get through them to stop a walk in Touchdown.

That lone defender was the Butkus award winner, it wasn't like he was a backup.