Head Ball Coach needs to show patience against Georgia

 

 

Steve Spurrier, the Head Ball Coach at South Carolina, said the other day that he was tired of winning low-scoring, close football games. He said he was going to “start coaching my butt off until we can throw the ball around.”

He continued: “We’ve all been coaching but we’re going to put in overtime. We were pretty sad the other night and it’s nobody’s fault but mine.”

He talked about how conservative his game plan was in last Thursday night’s 7-3 win at N.C. State. He ran the ball 42 times, threw it 22.  QB Stephen Garcia only attempted three long throws. All three were completed but one was called back due to a penalty.

Spurrier sounds he wants to be less conservative and take some more shots down the field when his Gamecocks come to Athens to play Georgia Saturday night.

HBC, I respect you a lot. You are a Hall of Fame player and not long after you retire you’ll be a Hall of Fame coach.

But I have known Steve Spurrier and watched him coach since he was Red Wilson’s offensive coordinator at Duke in the early 1980s. And coach, trust me when I tell you that pitching it around the ball park a lot is the LAST thing you want to do with this team, this Saturday or any Saturday.

Let’s look at the facts. From watching last Thursday night’s game in Raleigh it was pretty easy to see that Ellis Johnson has another good defense at South Carolina. Russell Wilson, last season’s All-ACC quarterback, could not run away from the speedy Gamecock defenders. Wilson is used to making plays with his feet and his arm. He really could do neither against South Carolina.

Another fact. Garcia, the South Carolina quarterback, is what he is. He has some talent and every now and then he will make a really good throw. He made a couple of them against N.C. State. But the more you have to rely on Garcia’s arm, the more likely some mistakes are going to be made.

If you’re coaching against him, the book on Steve Spurrier is pretty simple. If he has better athletes than you do, which was the case most of the time at Florida, you’re probably not going to beat him. He is as good as I’ve ever seen when it comes creating mismatches, putting his best player against a lesser defender. But if the athletes are about the same, then you have to outwait him and hope that he gets impatient. More than once in the past few years at South Carolina Spurrier would grow weary about not being able to score points quickly. As a result his quarterback would try to make plays instead of being conservative and letting the defense win games.

Six times since he got to South Carolina, one of Spurrier’s teams has scored a touchdown or less. In 15 years as the head coach at Duke (1987-89) and Florida (1990-2001), his teams scored a touchdown or less only six times.

But Spurrier is in a different time and a different place now. No one is going to confuse Stephen Garcia with Danny Wuerffel, Shane Matthews, or Rex Grossman. He’s had two Florida-like big play receivers at South Carolina in Sidney Rice and Kenny McKinley. I’m not sure there is one of those on this team.

Spurrier’s best bet with this team is to let Ellis Johnson’s defense give him field position and then take the shots only when the down and distance is in his favor.

The HBC needs to show a lot of patience with this team and be willing to win every game 7-3, if that’s what it takes. It’s not easy for him. It goes against every fiber in his being. That’s why I’ll be interested to see how patient he is Saturday night against Georgia.

 

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207 comments Add your comment

SatchelBuzz

September 8th, 2009
7:35 am

Hope he stays patient,…D looks awfully stout.

m

September 8th, 2009
7:47 am

Last Thursday night against NC State, South Carolina looked like the worst team in history that ever won a game…they were truly pathetic.

Of course on Saturday, the ugag hushpuppies got shut down by one of those big 12 teams that play no defense…remember??? How did that inferior big 12 team manhandle a sec powerhouse?!?! LOL

If ugag has trouble with South Carolina, then they are really a pifitul team…because SC sucks.

Thanks to God and Greyhound, chan gomer gailey is gone forever and TECH went from having the worst coach in the nation to having the BEST coach in the nation.

The whipping that TECH is going to put on the dawgs this year is going to be something to behold. You dawgs might as well start (actually keep) crying now.

45-42…glad it still hurts so bad…and it is only the beginning.

Not Disappointed!

September 8th, 2009
7:57 am

It should be an interesting game. The pups have to deal with a better defense, but not so much offense.

Ramblin Wreck.

SimpleDawg

September 8th, 2009
8:01 am

It figures that the first 2 posts on a story about UGA and USC are technonerds.

USC will have to throw the ball to win because they have no running game. Their running backs are worse than ours.

Let’s hope Washaun Ealey gets to play soon….Richard Samuel isn’t the second coming of Herschel as so many declared…not even close.

We need to get the ball to AJ.

Re: Tech/Clemson.....

September 8th, 2009
8:03 am

Clemson has struggled to score in Atlanta, in fact Clemson has not scored a touchdown in Atlanta since 2003 when it won 39-3. And,The last time Clemson won in Atlanta (2003) , the Tigers defeated Middle Tennessee by a 37-14 score the week before. Clemson enters this year’s game in Atlanta coming off a 37-14 win over Middle Tennessee.

#2 BAMA FAN

September 8th, 2009
8:03 am

The first team that scores a touchdown wins saturday night!! It is going to be a ugly game to watch. Hope the dawgs win and Cox has a good game! GO DAWGS!!

greg

September 8th, 2009
8:12 am

How in the world can a coach as great as the HBC is never get a top level quarterback at South Carolina. Can someone please explain this to me?

gatorhead1013

September 8th, 2009
8:19 am

You nailed one of the true flaws of Spurrier as a coach. Impatience. Even at Florida, often when they got behind or he got frustrated, he’d resort to bomb after bomb…

RAMBLE ON!!!

September 8th, 2009
8:19 am

Umm, Mr. College, err Mr. SEC Football. There is a game this Thursday between two higher ranked teams that will impact the ranking more than these 2nd tier wantabees.

Pull your head out of your azz and wake the f up!!!

m

September 8th, 2009
8:19 am

Oh, I forgot

NC State lost to “pathetic” South Carolina..Whoops!

VA Tech whipped Bammer…Whoops!

Maryland crushed Cal… Whoops!

Duke hung 60 on the Richmond Spiders…Whoops!

Virginia destroyed William & Mary (WILLIAM & MARY!!)…Whoops

Thank God & Greyhound GA Tech played JSU without their starting QB! ACC should start scheduling Sun Belt teams.

JB

September 8th, 2009
8:21 am

off subject some, but I want to get this off my chest. I know as far as men go, it’s hard to beat Coach Richt. But, after watching Bama play Saturday after watching us, Saban looked like the coach going into his 8th or 9 th year, and Richt’s team looked like year two trying to turn a program around. For Georgia to play like that, you have to Question the coaching and philosophy in Athens.Shannon at Miami is fighting for his job and brought in new OC and DC this year. Miami looked VERY MUCH improved last night. We’re mopping with a dirty mop. We ought to playing lights out. We look like we’re playing in the dark. Saban is a lot of things, but a pretty good football coach he is. I wonder if Richt is playing for his job ? Shannon at Miami responded. Will Richt ?

leland

September 8th, 2009
8:27 am

Dear Mr. CF–me, I think the team that scores third, either field goal, safety or touchdown (but not extra points) will probably win. But I’m not sure; it might be the fourth score. Your pal, Leland

Leon Forrester

September 8th, 2009
8:28 am

Maybe Richt and Shannon are playing for the same job?

Buck Strickland

September 8th, 2009
8:29 am

Ramble, is William & Mary playing Richmond?

I believe two of Tech’s biggest games are on Thursday nights this year. That’s one way to get folks to watch ACC football. Free hot dog and coke with every police report is another.

Mac

September 8th, 2009
8:30 am

Now that he’s not at Florida, I like Steve Spurrier and would like to see his team win every game but one. But, after this much time, it’s obvious it’s not going to happen. He’s rich, he’s accomplished a lot, if it was me, I’d retire.

DawgMax

September 8th, 2009
8:37 am

USC–good defense, not great, mediocre offense. Ga: mediocre offense, pretty good defense. Playing at home—UGA wins by 10. Garcia throws a couple of INTs, Dawgs break a punt or kickoff for 6.

JB

September 8th, 2009
8:37 am

a few things we know after week one. Tech nerds are right, gonna be a long year in Athens. Also, me thinks Tech loses to VT, Miami and FSU…..all pretty good teams. They are fast and TACKLE very well.
That hurts Tech.

Saint Simons

September 8th, 2009
8:39 am

((((( 24 10 ))))) hahahahahahahaha

JWalker

September 8th, 2009
8:45 am

As a Tide fan, I can’t stand Spurrier. However…I think South Carolina wins 17-13 on Saturday.

Babba Nole

September 8th, 2009
8:50 am

Tony, I’d like for you to write about the marriage between ESPN/ABC and the SEC. I just don’t think it’s a healthy thing for College Football for the sports biggest broadcaster to be in bed with one particular conference. Doesn’t ESPN/ABC now have a financial stake in the success of the SEC over other leagues? Won’t comments by ESPN/ABC commentators critical of non-SEC teams now have to be judged in context with that financial marriage? I just don’t think it’s a good thing.

god and greyhound

September 8th, 2009
8:53 am

Yeah, I think Spurrier can do without your expertise. All this from a guy who picked uog over okst, and who suggested Richard Samuel was on the brink of stardom because he was good at breaking tackles.

He is what he is, huh? What isn’t what it is?

Pat

September 8th, 2009
8:55 am

The dogs play with no spirit – no sacks – no turnovers – no deep passes. Our team does act like the Coach – too low key no passion. I heard Bowden say one time he asked Richts wife how their first date went. She said she had to slap him. Bowden asked “did he get fresh?” She said “no, I wanted to see if he was alive.” We have to play with our hair on fire – I don’t see it.

Death to the Directional Kickoff

September 8th, 2009
8:56 am

Please NO MORE DIRECTIONAL KICKOFFS… it simply DOESN’T WORK

and for once please RUSH THE FRIGGIN’ PUNTER like you might actually want to block a punt occaisonally.

The special teams are pathetic and show no sign of improvement.

optionoffense

September 8th, 2009
8:59 am

UGA is pathetic. The quarterback is a career backup. The RB can’t help but trip over the 20 yard line. I don’t think this will be a very pretty game. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Georgia Tech will expose the Clemson defense. Expect 250 on the ground and 150 in the air. 400+ yards total offense will equal about a 28-17 victory and then it’s on to put Miami in thier place.

Andy in Blairsville

September 8th, 2009
8:59 am

Having watched the OK ST game Spurrier has a really good if not fantastic chance of winning in Athens this weekend.

SimpleDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:00 am

All of these little yeller fellers are like the Clempson and South Carolina fans over here in SC….they would rather see their rival lose than see their team win.

The loss by the Dawgs on Saturday is no reason to jump off of the nearest bridge. After watching the replay of the game, I still can’t believe we lost…a play here or there and we win the game….except for the TURNOVERS and PENALTIES. Same $#!+, different year.

Dawggies still beat the Warrior Chickens. Clempson beats the Yeller Jerkits.

dandydawg

September 8th, 2009
9:00 am

We are horrible. We won’t beat South Carolina. We won’t beat Tennessee. We won’t beat Arkansas. We won’t beat LSU. We won’t beat Florida. We won’t beat GaTech.

Mark Richt….please go back to FSU and help Bobby.

dandydawg

September 8th, 2009
9:02 am

SimpleDawg

You’re a moron.

DawginLex

September 8th, 2009
9:02 am

don’t know what happened to my comments.

YoungDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:03 am

Caleb is back! Now we can rotate 2 backs & focus on the running game then open it up as needed. Also we need to mix in Gray & Braden Smith as we did on the first drive. If Cox shows that Saturday was an aberration due to his illness then he’ll keep the job. However if he doesn’t improve them mixing in Gary in the Grayhound O & ala Shockley will prepare him to take the reigns if needed. The D did its job & should be able to do the same against SC but we MUST hold onto picks because Garcia will give us a couple. CMR need to take over the kickoff unit & let Bogota kick it in the end zone otherwise that’s a wasted scholarship! Fabris is in charge of the DE’s as well if that & kickoffs are a prob again he’ll be a scapegoat that might save Martinez job. I don’t think we’re as bad as we looked against OK State but the schedule doesn’t allow us much time to figure things out so we’ll have to survive the next couple games until we find out identity on O. Remember Florida went through the same thing last year. I say that as a comparison not to say we’ll go on to win it all. Just saying sometimes it takes a few games to find the right formula on offense for that season.

SimpleDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:05 am

I’m a complete goofball jerkoff. Don’t listen to me, I was just joshing around.

JB

September 8th, 2009
9:05 am

Pat, you are so right. I see our coach’s trying to rev us up, but it ain’t working. I’ve been looking for a word to describe the relationship between our team and the coach’s. The word I’ve come up with is ” coddling”. Do any of you think Cox would have finished that game if Spurrier was our coach. Would Cox get another chance under him. Yes. But for God’s sake, let’s try to win the game. Try something. Our D should of disrupted their offense. no, we rush 3, drop 8 , and still give up 2 TD passes.
WE BLITZED TWICE. Their QB must have been pinching himself. I don’t think he got dirty. Yes, I’m pissed. Oh yea, we’ll have the SAME game plan this week. We are 6-4 in our last 10 games by the way.

SimpleDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:06 am

YoungDawg

You’re obviously another flake.

CharlotteGator

September 8th, 2009
9:06 am

Sorry, but I’ve got to go off topic as well.

I was very impressed with both Miami and FSU. Last night’s game served as a slight reminder to the days when this was one of the premier games of the season. Both teams still have some flaws on defense, but the potential on the field was undeniable.

I think Jacory Harris might be my favorite non-Gator in all of college football. I came away very impressed by his talent, toughness, and leadership. He’s a pretty unique player, carries himself well during games, and gave a great interview at the end. Really sharp young man I hope to watch the next couple of years. Shawn Spence on D was a little disappointing. He was a monster last year as a freshman, but didn’t look the same last night. Sophomore jinx perhaps?

For FSU, Ponder played well, their RB showed some flashes, and the D looked lively. Star of the night for me though was Greg Reed (Reid?) from Valdosta. Losing him in recruiting season hurt, but last night showed why. He looked incredible as a freshman. If he keeps it going, he’ll definitely be a difference maker by year end. FSU’s weird speed nickel package also was interesting to watch. Seemed like somewhat of a gimmick at first, but I can definitely see that scheme and all the zone blitzing it allows wreaking havoc in protections and being dangerous as the year goes along. Here’s hoping someone figures out how to neutralize at some point this year so it doesn’t have a huge impact in the UF-FSU game at the end of the year.

Instant Classic1

September 8th, 2009
9:07 am

USC 27
UGA 16

Spurrier could outcoach Richt in his sleep

DawginLex

September 8th, 2009
9:07 am

Ok, now let’s try again.

After a weekend trip away with the family, it was a great weekend despite the loss. I was upset over the play calling more than anything. I am not buying into the “they adjusted” crap as to why we stopped trying to run the ball. After a beautiful 80 yard drive, we threw on 9 of the next 13 plays. That’s play calling, plain and simple.

The defense played well. I only saw a couple of missed tackles. The long pass was upsetting because a play could have been made.

The offesive line obviously took a huge hit but will still be a good line. Thankfully, there is depth.

This game this weekend could be the beginning or the end of Joe Cox’s season as starting QB. If we lose tis game, I could see Richt removing a lot of redshirts and going with youth to gain experience, Murray and Ealey in particular.

To the yellow fuzz idiot:

I have a life other than hanging out on a blog all weekend, especially a holiday weekend. I don’t answer to nerds like you.

reebok

September 8th, 2009
9:10 am

UGA over South Carolina 3-2.

Ramblin Rick

September 8th, 2009
9:12 am

Expect the ‘c0cks to stick it to the mutts all night

Fleischman in Chattanooga

September 8th, 2009
9:13 am

Joe Cox for Heisman!

Typical uga Fans - pre-OK St. beating

September 8th, 2009
9:15 am

• BobertTheDawg

You heard it here first… (2 votes)
________________________________________
Georgia will have no problem winning in Stillwater. For the 1st half it will be a close, hard fought battle but in the end, the SEC will again show its dominance.

Georgia – 30

Oklahoma Fake – 17

• allhailuga

OSU is in danger of losing big on their home field in front of a national television audience. the reason why you’re trying to puff out you chest is because you realize how unforutnate that you have to face UGA this year as your first game of the season. OSU is absolutely regretting signing that contract with UGA (as is ASU).

your offense is about to get exposed for being an over-hyped big 12 offense which can’t operate against an SEC defense (see Texas Tech vs Ole Miss and Oklahoma vs Florida).

your defense is about to get rubber stamped and confirmed for being just as bad as it was last year (see 96th worst in the nation)

your “new” stadium is about to get exposed for being a few tens of thousands smaller than the SEC stadiums.

your fans are about to be exposed as posers when a good junk of your new stadium is not wearing orange… but rather red and black (UGA fans actually bought a ton of your season tickets to go to the game, plus the fact that yall haven’t even sold the stadium out yet… that’s just pathetic)

HAHAHAHAHA

Change It Up

September 8th, 2009
9:16 am

After this season, Richt needs to hire a PROVEN OC and DC. If not, it’s time to reevaluate Richt as head coach at UGA.

GatorDave

September 8th, 2009
9:17 am

Well I was told I was an idiot last week for saying UGA couldn’t beat OSU and that there were certainly going to be a falloff with the team losing the three offensive players that they did.

Cuz

September 8th, 2009
9:19 am

Do we want a HC to lose his cool on the sidelines every time something goes wrong. Personally, I don’t. That is for the assistant coaches. I want a HC to be that rock that everyone will turn to and cling to when things are not going our way. If he loses his cool, the players will lose theirs and then we have no chance. Yep. Richt is a veritable ice berg on the sidelines. But his pre-game speeches that I have seen on the tube have fire in them. It is maddening for some that he acts like “Joe Cool” on the sidelines. To me, that just means there is an eye in the hurricane. A calm in the storm.

Bring on the Hens. Choke dem Chickens.

Cuz

September 8th, 2009
9:21 am

GatorDave, you were no way as big an idiot as some thought. Well that sounded funny, but I meant it as a compliment.

I think we could have won the game sticking to what worked on the opening drive. We did not and lost to a team that made better adjustments and capitalized on our mistakes as a good team should.

Pago Flyer

September 8th, 2009
9:23 am

The DAWGS don’t want the ‘Canes or ‘Noles!

Gen Neyland

September 8th, 2009
9:23 am

Patience and Spurrier could be labeled as (chose one) (A) Oxymoron…(B) Oil and water…(C) A comedy routine…(D) Quantum leap

Anonymous

September 8th, 2009
9:26 am

murfdawg

September 8th, 2009
9:27 am

reebok,
I hate it when you are right!!!

GatorDave

September 8th, 2009
9:29 am

Cuz-

I do believe you guys should beat South Carolina..although I think it will be ugly…could be one of those 17-13 games. I’d be a little more worried though now with Arkansas and Tennessee. And this past week did nothing but further my belief on the Gators and Georgia Tech both winning easily.

Either way…UGA will be back…but, I’m not thinking much of this year other than about seven wins.

Atlanta Gator

September 8th, 2009
9:31 am

Spurrier must be patient. No game-changing mistakes or turnovers. Let the defense do what it can to make the Dawgs fumble and throw interceptions. If this game becomes an offensive track meet, the Dawgs win.

Joe M

September 8th, 2009
9:33 am

Georgia is on its way to becoming the new stagnant program with a head coach who refuses to do anything outside the norm. Guess what, the norm ain’t working.

I’ve said it from day one and will continue to say it. Richt lost his voice and Georgia lost its heart & its edge when Brian Van Gorder left. Simple as that.

I love all that Richt stands for and the many great things he has done at Georgia and for Georgia. However, the fact remains that he is who he is and Georgia is what it is under him. A good program that will win some and lose some. And the wins may start to fall a little while the losses start to rise.

Tucker said it best in his column about the game. This program has lost its edge and is not the same program as 5 years ago. How long has BVG been gone?

Change It Up

September 8th, 2009
9:37 am

Will Muschamp for DC or HC!

BubbaDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:38 am

Gator Dave you are still an idiot. Who are you to tell us about our program? The Dawg nation doesn’t need some loser like you telling us what to do. Go worry about your gators. We have a payback coming for ya’ll anyway. Jerk.

Bow Wow

September 8th, 2009
9:40 am

One loss and the sharks are circling Richt and his staff. Please include the big fish, Adams in that meal.

McDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:41 am

the defense played fine-it has nothing to do w/ Van Gorder or W. Martinez-it had to do w/ 2 crucial turnovers and a stagnant offense-Logan Gray has a much much better arm than Cox and if we are going to compete the coaching staff will need to address the QB situation-everyone said think 30pts and we would have won the game which is exactly how the game played out

GatorDave

September 8th, 2009
9:43 am

BubbaDawg-

I guess you’re right. You’re classier than I am.

Change It Up

September 8th, 2009
9:45 am

McDawg, there are DCs superior to Martinez. Let’s hire ‘em.

me

September 8th, 2009
9:45 am

Tony:

No story on the game last night? So I guess when your boy b00by loses to Miami you have no comment. Just say what you are a UGA homer and a b00by lover.

stendec

September 8th, 2009
9:45 am

AN OPEN LETTER TO MARK RICHT

Calmed down enough to type coherently. I have been supporter of yours. That ended in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Now believe you are a liability to my beloved Bulldogs. See only downward trend, bitter losses and complete unaccountability. Know why loss in Oklahoma to overrated Cowpatties anguished Bulldog Nation so much? No, I did not think you did! These northern upstarts disrespected the Dawgs. Called them out! Mocked them by saying the point spread would be 300 plus points. Those 24 points seemed like 100! Know what would have happended had the loudmouths treated Alabama, Florida or LSU in such a manner? Their new fancy smancy stadium would have been broken in with a loss of no less than four touchdowns! Any SEC/Southern team with any pride or dignity whatsoever would have left that new stadium with a victory! The Dawgs should have been motivated enough to kick those upstart cowboy wannabes into Texas! The fact they were not exposes your skills as a motivator. The Dawgs did post a face-saving TD then went through the motions for the next three plus quarters. The field goal was an unanticipated plus which meant nothing in the big scheme. You appeared so uninterested that you failed to get your hair ruffled during an obviously biased fourth down mark against the Dawg defense which led to one Cowpatty TD plus a phantom personal foul penalty on Dawgs which led to another. I am hoping that a donation to your favorite charity was not made by that zillionaire in Oklahoma but I have ruled nothing out. It was a sad day for the Bulldog Nation, Southern football and all who believe loudmouth blowhards should get their comeuppance! The Dawg season is officially over. Even if you beat SC by 100 points. You would not if you could! Being a Christian is fine but a lying backstabber has the Crimson Tide in the hunt for a national championship! Will not mean anything in hereafter but fans in Alabama sure feel happier than members of Bulldog Nation in here and now! How deep is pain? Imagine a stranger having intimate relations with daughter/girlfriend/wife or son/boyfriend/husband in a tremendously expensive hotel room then you are required to pay the tab. Vile and nauseating. A bunch of Cowpatties abused the Bulldog Nation without consequence. That is something I will never forget! Nor forgive. Do the right thing. Said as simply and plainly as I could. A completely disillusioned Stendec.

Change It Up

September 8th, 2009
9:46 am

And OCs superior to Bobo. Let’s hire ‘em.

cloudy

September 8th, 2009
9:49 am

Wow- Joe Cox lost his first starting game in what- 8 years? Still waiting to hear “Homer” Tony’s comment on why Georgia got clobered by OSU.

Johnny DangerDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:56 am

Babba Nole,
I agree that there is probably a bit of a conflict of interest. I don’t think anyone’s going to get fired for arguing that the Big 12 (for example) is the best conference, but still…

mark_richt_is_good

September 8th, 2009
9:57 am

GatorDave U are a piece of crap.

Johnny DangerDawg

September 8th, 2009
9:59 am

cloudy,
Tony already wrote about why OSU won and said that Joe Cox needs to play better. Maybe try reading that article.

RxDawg

September 8th, 2009
10:00 am

Atlanta Gator, I like your posts. But “If this game becomes an offensive track meet, the Dawgs win.” this one stuned me. I know USC has their problems too. But I saw nothing that says the Dawgs have an offense worthy of that.

Going from what we all saw from the first games, it should be a typical low scoring UGA vs USC game. Except with even less scoring this year.

Todd

September 8th, 2009
10:01 am

As bad as I hate to say it, the HBC has a good shot Sat. in Athens.

I can only say you’ve got to be kidding me (from Ga’s standpoint), but it’s the facts.

Mark Richt cannot, will not, never ever be able to make tough decisions. What am I talking about, do you not remember when he talked us all in to Joe T. How can you possibly make millions and watch Joe T in practice and the guy had no business starting a game in the SEC. Don’t respond by saying how mean it is to talk about 20 yr. olds like this. Joe Cox is not Joe T. but I’m telling you right now I’ve seen enough to know about what he’s capable of. Dont’ forget he started for a half against Ole Miss a few yrs. back and threw for 50 yrds.

It’s time for Logan Gray. We all know already that A. Murray is SEC caliber. He may not be ready, but you know he can play in the SEC. In when you say he’s not ready, he can dang sure run the offense and manage the offense with his eyes closed. That’s what Cox has been asked to do.

A. Murray playing time as a freshman is 400% more valuable than redshirting.

It took Mark Richt 12 football games before he played Knowshon Moreno!

Didn’t A. Murray look as good as Barkley in the Elite 11 camp?

Come on people, I’m just an avg. UGA grad making a $ in the real world and can see it!

RxDawg

September 8th, 2009
10:03 am

stendc, “Calmed down enough to type coherently”

…umm try again bud

Habersham Dawg

September 8th, 2009
10:06 am

GatorDave, thanks for not rubbing it in today. I really mean that. Trying to be as good-natured as Cuz. After the weekend of mourning, and having to listen to my son the Gator fan, I decided to take off the sack cloth and wash off the ashes. If the OSU game is any indication of how the offense is going to be for the rest of the year, then I’ll need to up my blood pressure medication.

Fleischman in Chattanooga

September 8th, 2009
10:15 am

Why would Kirby Smart want to leave a top 5 program like Alabama for a program on the decline like Georgia? Kirby came back a few years ago and left after 1 year. He loves Saban.

Aeschylus

September 8th, 2009
10:19 am

Have said all winter and spring that UGA would miss K.M. more than any element. Samuels is no breakaway threat and O.S.U. is not an SEC caliber defense. Saturday night has all the earmarks of an ugly SC/UGA game. It might be 3-2.
Cox is not a “bad quarterback” but he was riding the pine behind Matt Stafford for a reason. To expect him to step in and play at a high (albeit expected) level at this point is premature. Defense was better but was on the field all night.

Richt is going to continue doing things the way he does. Of course if “things don’t improve,” he’ll be on the hotseat–with average joe fan; however he fits the bill with the administration and the power brokers. One can say that pressure will mount but like it or not, the change curve in Athens is much wider than at the other elite football schools in the conference.

dawgie doo

September 8th, 2009
10:19 am

Dogs could be looking at an OH 4 3 start …USC will be tougher than many think and Arkansas could be big trouble for the puppies. hopefully the OSU game brought to an end the illogical talk of this being a 10 win season for GA

Cuz

September 8th, 2009
10:19 am

Why all the hate with Gator Dave. He made some obvious points that will be addressed on the field. The Dawg team that played last Saturday will not compete with UF or Tech. That is just the way it is. Before we jump off the cliff though, there are plenty of years where we got better at the end of the season which gives us a shot at Tech. Halloween in JAX, sure I will pick the Dawgs. I always pick the Dawgs. I am a blind homer. I have my own seeing eye bulldawg. I can be more objective looking into the future from how we played the previous weekend. Once game week gets here, I will pick the Dawgs. So with that said:

UGA 24 USCe 17

how2fish

September 8th, 2009
10:21 am

Change it up..go away..what game were you watching? We lost a game to a higher ranked team..plain and simple we could have won yes..but the difference was the 3 turnovers..and the most outrageous bad call I’ve ever seen.. I’m referring to the unnecessary roughness flag called on UGA in the 4th quarter it was 3rd down and the penalty gave Okie State a 1st down inside the 15 I think it was rather than forcing a punt there was no helmet to helmet contact..our guy just HIT HIM TOO HARD..WTF when the play by play guys comment..”If they are going to call penalties for that we might as well play touch” you know its bad ….no one in the SEC or even the Big 10 will ever win a game against the little 12 if they call penalties for hitting too hard. Not taking away for Okie State they played a much better defense than I thought they would..and so did we and I took great solace from that..we need better execution on the kick coverage and a better mix of play the pass/run ratio was too pass heavy to me..but I stand by my 8-4 or 9-3 take on our season..now if we lose to the game chickens I may have to re-think that but I don’t think we played as bad against a better Okie State team than they did against NCST..we shall see. stendec take a pill if your a bulldawg fan hold your damn horses for a couple of games..till you jump off the bandwagon you must have recently jumped on..

Cuz

September 8th, 2009
10:21 am

doo, throwing in some Spock Star Trek lingo?

Saint Simons

September 8th, 2009
10:23 am

24 – 10 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Cuz

September 8th, 2009
10:24 am

how2, if the bandwagon fans leave and if the Tech fans get their own blog. The UGA blogs might get lonely. And yes I know Barnhart is not a UGA blog.

Atlanta Gator

September 8th, 2009
10:26 am

Aeschylus—-Great blog handle.

Cuz—-Keeping in the spirit of the “blind Homer,” I see.

PMC

September 8th, 2009
10:29 am

Gator Dave, you were a jerk last week. That’s why people jumped on you. Why would you even be concerened with UGA or thier team when your Gators have been vastly superior for almost 2 decades? Why even bother to make posts?

Cuz

September 8th, 2009
10:30 am

Atlanta Gator, two ancient Greek references, I am impressed.

how2fish

September 8th, 2009
10:32 am

Cuz I can live with lonely….blindly vicious is harder to handle.

Atlanta Gator

September 8th, 2009
10:32 am

Cuz—-That’s why I’m here. To give voice to the obscure.

im4bama

September 8th, 2009
10:33 am

Can’t say that I’m pumped to watch this S.Carolina and UGA game. I knew S.Carolina would struggle offensivley against NC State. Thank goodness for Ellis Johnson’s defense. I pick the Bulldogs in this one.

Wow, what a game last night with FSU and Miami. Both the QB’s were real good. Freshman DB,Greg Reid for FSU was great last night. I hated Bama couldn’t get him in recruitting. Now I really hate it after watching him put on a show in the return game and just make plays all over.

Atlanta Gator

September 8th, 2009
10:35 am

RxDawg—-Thanks. Bottom line: Georgia has more talent on offense than South Carolina. Whether the Dawgs can figure out how to use it between now and Saturday is another question.

Denver Dog

September 8th, 2009
10:40 am

The Techies have the usual cut and paste comments. Stendec, those comments are tasteless. You did need to make a point by such references. CMR is a good coach. The same guys who are running the Kangoroo court today, we doing the annoiting before last season.

I don’t know if the Hillbilly needs to be paitent or not, but he needs to use the tools which he has. UGA is not NCSTATE, and South Carolina is not OK STATE. UGA is UGA, and we will see how well the dogs do against another stout defensive team. I believe the bigges pain from USC offense will be the DeMarco running back, and the biggest from the d, will be the quickness on the corners. UGA has to get the running game going to do anything. USC will be loaded for bear on that, and it may well come down to the punting game. I see UGA by a couple of TD’s, but if we drop the ball, lay it on the ground, and make poor decisons on the special teams again, we will be in for a long evening.

JB

September 8th, 2009
10:45 am

We could lose ( if the same Ga. team shows up, although the D played well at Times) Carolina, Ark. is 50/50, we lose to Tenn., Lsu, Fla. and this team can’t beat Tech. What happens in Athens at Year End. I know Richt is safe…….but what will make him shake this program up. Second biggest check book in the country and a staff that’s basement bargin. Ask Shannon if his two new coach’s running each side of the ball made a difference last night ?

HH

September 8th, 2009
10:46 am

If Carolina beats UGA in Athens, I don’t care if it’s only by a point, there won’t be salvaging this season, and the demise of Richt & Co. will begin for good. One more year after this and his contract will be down to about three years and a buyout will no longer break the bank. We’ll find out what Richt is made of starting Saturday. Its time to quit blaming everything on bad calls and injuries.

1eyedJack

September 8th, 2009
10:48 am

We shall overcome! UGA 17 SC 10.

we had a great gameplan, but failed to execute.

September 8th, 2009
10:55 am

should be a great game…..two coaches who think their offensive philosophy can overcome the reality of their talent levels. (in that kind of battle, my money would be on spurrier….he will have some plays that actually work with the level of talent that he has…he can innovate during the game.)

to paraphrase george bernard shaw (and this is a great predictor of how the uga season will go…)
“The reasonable man accepts the world for what it is. The unreasonable man persists on trying to make the world conform to him (or his gameplan.) Therefore, all progress depends upon the unreasonable man.”

elcubismo

September 8th, 2009
10:56 am

stendec. best. post. ever. keep being awesome.

reharperjr

September 8th, 2009
10:57 am

Did not read all 79 comments, so I don’t know if this has been addressed, but Lorenzo Ward is the DC at SC, not Ellis Johnson. Ward came from Arkansas in the off season as DC and Johnson is Asst HC in charge of LBs.

nuetral observer

September 8th, 2009
10:58 am

Caleb (Jasper Sanks) will be a non factor, uga misses on another can’t miss running back

Sheik Yerbouti

September 8th, 2009
10:59 am

DawginLex – re: yellowfuzz. You said you “don’t answer to nerds like you”. But you just did. Which would make you the idiot. Which, by the way, was established many posts ago.

Hugo Chavez

September 8th, 2009
10:59 am

Que’ tal los perros!!!!!

JB

September 8th, 2009
11:05 am

we rush 3 men all year coupled with no running game, we lose 7-8. Guys, use your minds , not your hearts looking at this. We can’t WILL the Dawgs to win all year.

Sheik Yerbouti

September 8th, 2009
11:10 am

how2fish – a better name for you would be “howtobeawhiner” or “howtomakeexcuses” or “everysingletimethedogslosetheywerecheated”.

TDAWG

September 8th, 2009
11:12 am

We can look at this thing a bunch of different ways but last week is over and the dogs are 0-1. We can blame a lot of things like Cox being sick, King not making the trip, swine flu, whatever but we are 0-1. I think we have more talent than USC and I do believe we come up with a win because i do not see the dogs going 0-2! I hope that Richt and company have made some adjustments and also stick with things that work! Georgia’s biggest problem last sat was that OK State made adjustments and UGA got away from things that were working. A good coaching staff will have a differnt mind set this week, and I believe they will have a twist for Ol Ball Coach. But know the Ol Ball Coach will have the same. that said UGA 31-10! Go Dawgs!

JB

September 8th, 2009
11:15 am

You heard it first( today that is). I think Mark makes us fire him before he fires 3 to 4 coach’s and he rides out of town with 5-6 mil paid contract along with the 5-6 mil he already has in the bank and goes off to do what he really wants to do with never a money worry again. I really can’t see him firing Martinez and Bobo. He will be ordered to , and that’s where it will get interesting. Georgia Football is bigger than him. ask Tubbs, ask Fulmer. These administrators will feel a lot of heat. They love him, but look out. I wouldn’t type this if I felt this staff could turn this around this year. They pretty much have a stay the course mentality. I hope i’m wrong, but we lose a lot this year.
The Tennessee game will be the last straw.

David

September 8th, 2009
11:21 am

Tony -

Got a serious question for you, from a serious Dawg fan…..Is Joe Cox any better than Stephen Garcia? I realize that you have more “ammunition” to evaluate with Garcia, but can Cox make SEC throws? Based upon my observations of the OSU game, Bobo abandoned the running game and started throwing all over the place, but can Joe get it done? It may be too early to tell, especially with him being sick…..I’m really starting to doubt the coaching ability of some on the team. Is it time for Richt to make difficult decisions and bring in some coordinators and positions coaches that will bring a new fire to this team? For the life of me, I don’t understand our inability to kick the ball into the endzone…we brought in Bogotay for this reason, and he didnt play so obviously his leg is no better….may be time to hold open try outs for someone with a leg…..

Whopper Dawg

September 8th, 2009
11:22 am

Dawgs might not score.

how2fish

September 8th, 2009
11:27 am

Sheik Yerbouti when do you graduate from Tech ? Or are you on the I need the 72 vigins now plan? I didn’t whine or make excuses merely stated facts as I see them don’t give a damn what you think about it.

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