Bulldogs will win because they HAVE to
The first week of the season always has a bunch of easy picks and honesty compels your Fearless Friday Forecaster to admit that none of the tough picks went his way:
Picking Georgia over Oklahoma looked good after the first possession of the game. Then Oklahoma State woke up and the Georgia offense took a nap for the rest of the day.
The Florida State pick over Miami looked promising until the Seminoles dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone as time expired.
I really thought Wake Forest was going to beat Baylor 24-21. Instead it was the Bears, and QB Robert Griffin, who prevailed by the same score.
So that gives us a modest record of 7-3. And it will only get tougher from here on. So let’s press on with this week’s edition of the Fearless Friday Forecast:
1. South Carolina at Georgia: The latest internet rumor has Joe Cox selling barbeque sandwiches out on East Campus and Buck Belue coming out of the broadcast booth to start at quarterback against South Carolina. That’s not true and neither was the rumor that Logan Gray would start ahead of Cox against the Gamecocks. Cox starts. Gray plays. Georgia wins because it HAS to with a trip to Arkansas coming up next week. Georgia 17, South Carolina 10.
2. Mississippi State at Auburn: Auburn and its new coaching staff got a solid test against Louisiana Tech while Mississippi State was picking on Jackson State. The good news is that a rookie head coach gets to say he is 1-0 in the SEC. That will be Auburn’s Gene Chizik. Auburn 35, Miss. State 17.
3. Vanderbilt at LSU: LSU had better hope the 478 yards its defense gave up at Washington was not a sign of things to come. This will be closer than the experts think. LSU 28, Vanderbilt 20.
4. UCLA at Tennessee: Tennessee takes a significant jump in class after pounding a bad Western Kentucky team. The goal is the same: Establish the run to make QB Jonathan Crompton comfortable. This is all about getting ready for the Mighty Gators next week. Tennessee 31, UCLA 17.
5. Troy at Florida: I thought Troy might have enough athletes to at least make this competitive for a half. But the Trojans lost their opener to Bowling Green. We do know that Troy is better than Charleston Southern. Florida 45, Troy 14.
6. FIU at Alabama: Coach Nick Saban told everybody—players, managers, media, and fans—that we are not allowed to overlook FIU. The Golden Panthers, who were 1-23 in 2006 and 2007, rolled to an impressive 5-7 last season. Okay coach, whatever you say. This game is about working on the offensive line and making QB Greg McElroy even more comfortable. Alabama 42, FIU 3.
7. TCU at Virginia: After losing to Bill & Mary last week, things don’t look good for the Cavaliers of Al Groh as TCU comes to town. Every time a Mountain West team plays an ACC team it wants to make a statement: We deserve an automatic BCS bid, not you guys. TCU 28, Virginia 17.
8. Jacksonville State at Florida State: Bobby Bowden has had a lot of gut wrenching losses to Miami. Given the time and place in his career, Monday night’s 38-34 defeat to the Hurricanes has to be right up there with the worst. The Seminoles bounce back and get ready for a trip to BYU. Florida State 45, Jacksonville State 14.
9. Notre Dame at Michigan: The fan bases at these two schools began the season in a bad mood. Both were calmed down a bit when Notre Dame beat Nevada (35-0) and Michigan beat Western Michigan (31-7). If Notre Dame loses, then the Urban Meyer rumors start again. If Michigan loses the heat gets turned back up on Rich Rodriguez. Notre Dame has more athletes and a veteran quarterback (Jimmy Clausen). Notre Dame 31, Michigan 27.
10. USC at Ohio State: USC has won eight straight non-conference games on the road. The Trojans will play a true freshman quarterback (Matt Barkley) making his first start on the road. Ohio State’s Terrell Pryor is just a sophomore and will have to play well for the Buckeyes to have a shot in the Horseshoe. USC has too much speed. USC 28, Ohio State 20.
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300 comments Add your comment
Kid Ray
September 11th, 2009
8:10 am
over Ok. State
m
September 11th, 2009
8:16 am
Thank God & Greyhound we weren’t playing William & Mary last night!
paul in J-ville
September 11th, 2009
8:24 am
Good calls Tony the prognosticator, these are not “more difficult” picks as you say they are, these are obvious. Only 1 game is even a minor challenge to predict the outcome (UGA/SC) but the rest are simply obvious. Can I please take a crack at going up against you and your record……PLEASE????
Picking Georgia over Oklahoma looked good...
September 11th, 2009
8:30 am
I thought they played OK State!!
VolsnGoBlue
September 11th, 2009
8:32 am
Notre Dame falls flat as michigans athletes are in better shape, playing in a newly expanded northern cathedral of college football (the BIG HOUSE), and are juiced to get into the top 25. Notre dame = ooooooverrrrrated
Carlton Powell
September 11th, 2009
8:33 am
Agree with the “have to” win by ‘Dogs Sat. pm. This MIGHT be one of the bigger games in CMR’s career. Lose, and there’s a real possibility of an 0-3 start. Bobby Petrino WILL outcoach CMR, so the players will need to be at their emotional best to win in F’ville. Currently, the ‘Dogs are a troubled program. If this Fabris guy REALLY thinks he can rationaize short kickoffs in the SEC, he needs to be replaced N-O-W. If the ‘Dogs have someone capable of kicking the ball into the endzone and do not choose to do so, that’s irrational behavior. As my bride asked last night, “what exactly does Mark Richt do duing the games?” I couldn’t answer, because I don’t know. The coaches need to get it together. It’s as if they hit the pause button last Nov. 28th, and hit play last weekend. Nothing has materially changed. Sat. evening will be interesting, to say the least.
tom-vinings
September 11th, 2009
8:35 am
if uga wins because it has to, it would of won last week (is losing to Big12 really a possibility???) I hope MR can pull the trigger to switch QB if Cox starts playing like Bobby Cox has been managing the Bravos… Maybe the name has doomed him.
JB
September 11th, 2009
8:36 am
I’m telling you, Florida and Bama, who appear to be the best of the SEC right now ought to have their butt’s kicked for these Schedules they are playing. It does not help the SEC. These patsies are week after week. Trust me, if Georgia were playing these and we were ranked in the top 10 , we would DROP EVERY WEEK IN THE POLLS. Hats off to Bama for VT, but check out the rest the next few weeks. I think there are a couple of Prison teams on there.
Matthew Marsee
September 11th, 2009
8:47 am
I like it, Tony. I predict you’ll go 9-1 this week. I like Mississippi State and Dan Mullen’s new offense over Auburn. And watch out, that Georgia/South Carolina game is going to be close. Real close. I say UGA just barely.
SimpleDawg
September 11th, 2009
8:49 am
The Dawgs better find the fire and passion required to excel in major college football, or the Warrior Chickens will grease the skids for a huge downhill slide. With that being said, the Dawggies should dispatch USC in a second half surge. But, beware of Ol’ Steve Superior. He loves to hate Georgia, and he loves to beat Georgia, especially since UGA ruined his senior season by handing the Gators there only loss.
The phantom holding penalty screwed Clempson, and saved the bugs from defeat. The bugs do have some talent on the team, but they can’t afford to do the Jekyll & Hyde thing very often or it’ll be a disappointing season in the ‘hood – and PJ’s head will explode like a nickle balloon. Opposing coaches will be looking to have Nesbit run it more and throw it more as a recipe for squashing the bugs.
JB
September 11th, 2009
8:52 am
Carolina at Georgia…..If it comes down to coaching, i’m worried. I’m nervous about our offense moving on their “pretty good” D. I’m encouraged about our D although. I;’m worry about Garcia having ALL day to find the open man. We need to turn the heat up on D.
SimpleDawg
September 11th, 2009
8:55 am
Have you ever seen a dumber half of football than that calamity of errors committed by by the Grape Gang of Pickens County – better known as the college that Clem named after his son.
Joe M
September 11th, 2009
8:56 am
Why do we spend our time discussing the things that happen in Athens. Things ARE NOT going to change in any way at anytime.
It goes back to Florida 07. CMR jumpeed out of his shell and tried to do some things different and it blew up in face when his imagge took a hit. Then he spends the rest of the season ajnd entire off-season apologizing when he had nothing to apologize for. In is not in his character to change from vanilla to any other flavor. He tried it once and it bit him in the butt. He WILL NOT try it again.
It is what it is…vanilla. Georgia will win most of its games in any given year. They may win the East if UF and UT are down in the same year, not likley to happen now with those two head coaches. They may even win the SEC if the East and West are down, again, not likely. I don’t see another SEC Championship for Richt. NC – NEVER! My God, beating Tech will be as ahrd as anything from here on out.
VANILLA! So much for blowing the lid of the program. 02 potential, where did you go?
David
September 11th, 2009
8:58 am
The only one I disagree with is UGA vs SC. I feel that it’s actually Spurrier and Co. that HAS to win and I think they will by a score of something in the neighborhood of 13-10.
RxDawg
September 11th, 2009
9:02 am
Not that I’m upset…but last time I checked USC HAS to win also. I beat my chest before the OSU game. You don’t see me beating now. I’m not sure what to expect here. Might as well do a coin toss honestly. I’ll cautiously take the dawgs since it’s at home.
GT vs Clemson game was really good last night. I’m glad Tech won BUT most of their points came off of trickery. That wont work all year. To their credit though, I thought Clemson was going to come back for the vicotry but Tech held strong. It will be interesting to see the rest of their season. But I’m thinking a little bit overated and pretenders for the ACC, not contenders.
78 DAWG
September 11th, 2009
9:03 am
The Columbia South Carolina Times is saying this is the biggest game in the history of South Carolina football!
Da truth
September 11th, 2009
9:04 am
JB — just be glad your dogs do not play Bama or Ole Miss this year. Don’t dare try to rip us…you have had your share of GA Southern in years past. GA finally plays an OOC game (OSU) and start whining. Bama has had to put up w/ everybody else getting bye weeks the week before them for years. I think it was a couple of years ago…Bama faced six SEC terams w/ byes the week before!! UCLA, Clemson, VT, Penn ST next two years…. And FLa plays FSU &GA every year and MIami most years. Can’t help they are not top 15 material nowadays.
Nachos
September 11th, 2009
9:05 am
BIG SURPRISE !!! TONY JABRONI PICKING HIS BELOVED DAWWWWGS
Fleischman in Chattanooga
September 11th, 2009
9:13 am
Meet me in the bathroom
RxDawg
September 11th, 2009
9:16 am
Notre Name is way overrated. I agree that Meeechigan wins this one.
Dabo Dawg
September 11th, 2009
9:17 am
The difference between UGA and Clemson is win or lose the Tigers look good while the dawgs look pathetic win or lose……
Got 12?
September 11th, 2009
9:18 am
Clemson didn’t look good against Bama last year.
41 38 49 38 45 24
September 11th, 2009
9:20 am
Thats 6 games now and counting that the dawgs didnt look good.
RxDawg
September 11th, 2009
9:22 am
For Clarity:
I agree with VolsnGoBlue that Michigan wins the game.
FLA DAWG
September 11th, 2009
9:23 am
I agree with you Tony in that The Dawgs HAVE TO win. My guess is you’ll finally see the coaching staff kicking some butt on the sidelines if there’s a letdown. But in the end I am not so confident The Dawgs WILL win because Bobo is calling the O plays and Martinez is calling the D plays. Many Dawg Fans (and some players I’ll bet) have already lost faith in these guys.
My hope is for a win but my prediction is SC 13 UGA 10.
Ohio State fan
September 11th, 2009
9:25 am
“It goes back to Florida 07. CMR jumpeed out of his shell and tried to do some things different and it blew up in face when his imagge took a hit. Then he spends the rest of the season ajnd entire off-season apologizing when he had nothing to apologize for.” – Really?
Poor sportsmanship is nothing to apologize for? You sound a lot like Congressman Wilson who yelled “you lie” at Obama the other night. Sportsmanship and civility are important.
gdawginkalamazoo
September 11th, 2009
9:26 am
Tony, this is UGA football we have to win every game. Things will be better this week and the Dawgs roll into Arky with 1-1 record and some big time confidence. Looking at the ESPN football page it seems most of the articles are related to the swine flu. That may be the deciding factor this year other than injuries.
NEXT#13
September 11th, 2009
9:26 am
YOU TELL’EM, DA TRUTH !!! THE WEAK TEAM’S WANNA PLAY US FOR A BIG PAYDAY TO HELP THIER PROGRAM’S !! HELL, FIU WAS GONNA CAN THE CHEERLEADING SQUAD B/C THEY COULDN’T AFFORD THEM AND THE NEW BASKETBALL COACH IZZY THOMAS !! THEM GORGEOUS DOLL’S HAD A BIKINI CARWASH AND RAISED $50,000 JUST TO KEEP IT GOING !! KUDO’S TO THEM!!
Where have you gone jim Bob Cooter ?
September 11th, 2009
9:27 am
Tony-
1) I think this game means more to USC than to the Dogs. One thing we do know : UGA won’t see a better defense this season. If Steve Spurrier has another good game in him as a play caller ,it will be this one .I think SC wins an old fashioned game,1960’s style 14-10. If the Dogs lose here ,it will be look out below in the East.
2) AU is worlds better tha MSU at this point. Cow College cruises 31-10.
3) Vanderbilt will kick a late field goal that will give them just enough points to lose by 4 touchdowns. LSU 41- 10
4) They’ll be pouring them tall and cold at the Purple Porpoise this Saturday in Gainesville. By the second quarter ,Larry Blakeney may wish he could pick up a few to go. UF 196- Troy 7
5) UCLA brings its golden boy (Rick Neuheisel) into Rocky Top to take on Tennessee’s new wunderkind Lane Kiffin. Would anybody else rather see these two’s wives play in the Lingerie Bowl ?
Just asking…Vols win because it’s at home,but it’ll be colser than fans expect. UT 24 UCLA 10
6) Why is it that Florida Atlantic can field a decent team so soon after going Division I ,but FIU ,(just down I-95 ), is such a train wreck ? The Panthers take another whoopin on the road UAT- 54 FIU 7
7) Given the way things went in Virginia’s opener, The Al Groh Show should be sponsored by U-Haul , Mayflower and Two Men & A Truck this week. 7 months to prepare and they lose to…William and Mary ? TCU brings the pain 41-10
9) ND at Meeechigan. Neither of these teams would be any better than the 5th best in the SEC,but you would think that this was the NC game for all the hype it has generated. Both are undefeated. Big deal , the leaves haven’t even changed yet. I guess ND wins ,but Michigan makes it a four quarter game. Hard to believe that an entire network will be devoted to this. ND 31- UM 19
10) USC at OSU . Ohio State got caught looking past Navy last week to the beating they will absorb from a real team this week at home. USC(w) 38 OSU 10.
Chained Dawg
September 11th, 2009
9:27 am
Our coaching staff at UGA are bunch of buffoon’s. Got plenty of talent and resources but cant make it work. I think Dabo Dawg has a point.
JB
September 11th, 2009
9:27 am
Da Truth…..that is all true………BUT, Our AD, Evans has MADE IT A POINT in the last 2-3 years to BEEF UP or Schedule…..AND HAS, while the chest beaters in the conference line up Several weak teams. Yes, we will also have a couple to play, but not 5 or so. Now with Johnson at Tech, That has even become tough ( we lost last year to them). Look at your schedule. you’re only hurting yourself. If you run the table, you won’t be allowed to play for the NC this year. Not enough Quality wins, But heck, we could say the same about Ohio St. EVERY YEAR.
Dawg Fud
September 11th, 2009
9:30 am
Dawgs have to win but that does not mean a darn thing. We have to WANT to win and stop at nothing to win. Big difference.
I love the Dawgs but would not bet against South Carolina in this game. They are faster, bigger and more physical than OSU.
People keep syaing the “it” factor will get us through the day. Yet, we have not seen any element of “it.” Hopefully this week!
GO DAWGS!
Dawg Fud
September 11th, 2009
9:32 am
Ohio State fan – it’s not like Richt punched an opposing player in the throat.
Tide4u2c
September 11th, 2009
9:32 am
I don’t want to hear people complain about Bama’s schedule because last year before the season all we heard about was how tough Bama’s schedule was with too many road games on top of it plus we heard how easy Florida’s schedule was.Nobody gave Alabama a chance and yet Bama proved everybody wrong winning 12 games in a row. But by the end of the year everything changed Bama had a easy schedule because the SEC was down,etc and after beating top SEC teams including Georgia and LSU. So I don’t want to hear all of the complaints about Bama’s schedule.
Otto
September 11th, 2009
9:34 am
FLA DAWG don’t forget Fabris coaching the special teams. UGA break a kick off for a TD by returning when its 8 yards deep in the end zone. Who really want to start at the 20 anyways?
NEXT#13
September 11th, 2009
9:35 am
JB….I COUNT 3 TEAMS THIS YEAR….3 !!! THE REST ARE SEC TEAMS IN THE STRONGEST DIVISION IN THE CONFERENCE !!! WHAT’S YOUR POINT ???!!! IF WE RUN THE TABLE WE WILL PLAY FOR THE MNC DESPITE YOUR THOUGHT’S !!!!
TACO
September 11th, 2009
9:35 am
Big surprise!! Nachos is still a retard.
Dooley's Cardiologist
September 11th, 2009
9:35 am
SC struggled to beat one of the worst teams in the ACC last week. As much as it pains me to say it, the Dawgs get the “W” this weekend.
kramers2009
September 11th, 2009
9:36 am
I just hope Ole Miss can keep it close against the Flu this weekend. The Rebels spotted them a big lead, but it looks they might have what it takes to come back and win that game.
kramers2009
September 11th, 2009
9:36 am
Enter your comments here
FLA DAWG
September 11th, 2009
9:36 am
Otto,
Yep, I did forget to add Fabris to our illustrious list of performance coaches. Thanks for the reminder!
Got 12?
September 11th, 2009
9:38 am
Tide4,
Don’t take it personal. AJC bloggers love to complain. Check this out: I don’t like the way some of the commentators look in HD. See, even I’ve joined in.
Next week, I plan to work on my whining.
Jigger
September 11th, 2009
9:39 am
Georgia scores 20 or more on SC.
gdawginkalamazoo
September 11th, 2009
9:39 am
Otto, I agree it probably shocks everybody when the kids takes off from 8 deep. The gunners are running full balst letting up a bit thinking “he’s gonna take a knee” then BAM out he goes.
How did OSU kick the ball that far anyway?
Dshep
September 11th, 2009
9:42 am
BLA BLA BLA
Pres
September 11th, 2009
9:44 am
Georgia will win because they have to win…that is very lousy reasoning.
GeoffDawg
September 11th, 2009
9:44 am
I agree. The Mountain West does deserve an automatic BCS bid over the ACC and the Big East.
Dooley's Cardiologist
September 11th, 2009
9:45 am
Tony,
USC vs. OSU looks a little too close to me. USC wins by a ton.
FLA DAWG
September 11th, 2009
9:45 am
Well, well Ohio State Fan is back with more smack. You may want to think before you blog my friend. Dawg Fud put your butt back in the chair. When Woody Hayes strangled a Clemson player on National TV you have no place criticizing ANY other coach. And when you then use the outburst incident (which the man apologized for almost immediatley afterwards) because of the same outrage MOST AMERICANS feel about the LIES of your buddy Obama you lose all credibility.
But back to college football. The Dawgs will stink this year and that will make you happy. Ohio State will do better because your coaching is better.
Dooley's Cardiologist
September 11th, 2009
9:47 am
Mountain West????????? I am hoping against hope that I didn’t just see that. MAYBE over the Big East.
JB
September 11th, 2009
9:49 am
Damn Next 13, i’m glad you can’t come through the screen. Just Google Strength of Schedule for college football and take a look. I’m not staring a war, just that For Bama to make it all the way, The AD needs to Beef up that schedule. yea, I said VT was great Start. Yea I said we have also been guilty of that, but we are trying to upgrade. I know as a Bama fan you would rather show up to see Bama play a quality team Vs. a patsy.
Dawg Reflections
September 11th, 2009
9:50 am
Mark this down…As long as Joe Cox starts and plays significant time as our QB, we are going to struggle on offense. Do you think that the “play calling” and no Moreno has suddenly taken us from a 30+ point average offense to this disgrace? I don’t. The receiving core sure hasn’t fallen off save some experience. Furthermore, the Spring Game was a preview to just how awful this offense was going to be. CMR said he thought the problem last week was “execution”. That means “players”, and I agree. Counting the Spring scrimmage, this offense has produced exactly 2 touchdowns in 8 quarters of play. One of those of course was garbage time, last 30 seconds of the Spring Game sprint by C. Thomas. So really one legit drive and TD. Primary problem is no down the field passing threat. 3rd down and longer than 7 yards and you might as well bring on the punting unit. Maybe we can work on a trick play, fake punt?? Work for the Techies…We’re sure gonna need something because I don’t think this unit can muster a TD drive against a legit SEC defense. Correction, I don’t think this “Joe Cox led unit” can muster a TD drive against a legit SEC defense. He’s got the heart, and maybe the moxy, but the arm’s not there and you can’t fix that with coaching.
Tide4u2c
September 11th, 2009
9:50 am
I’m pulling for Michigan against Notre Dame.
benadawg
September 11th, 2009
9:51 am
It looks to me to be a coaching staff that is nowhere near cohesive, Fabris would kick the ball deep for me or he would join the unemployment line, my god what does it take to get this point accross, short field=points..i am starting to doubt the recruiting judgement is caleb King the next Jasper Sanks? Are we choosing speed over smarts and toughness? If CMR doesn’t challenge an obvious forward spot in a crucial time of the game, who is advising him from the booth… All that said i have had my confidence shaken, prove me wrong dawgs. I appreciate the fact Joe Cox has been waiting for his chance, but with no wheels and No arm, time is not on his side. stay in the pocket, use your weapons, or sit on the sidelines with a really good view of the game.
Saint Simons
September 11th, 2009
9:53 am
24 – 10 !!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Randyt
September 11th, 2009
9:55 am
I’m a Vol but this SC/UGA game is compelling because frankly both offenses looked anemic and both defenses were at least adwquate last week. The question is which team has actually had some real soul searching this week because neither seemed to play with any heart last week. One has to wonder if Dark Visor has lost his passion.
Close game but I give the edge by a field goal to the Dawgs because I think they will have more energy/heart than SC which has developed a losing mentality (but I will root for SC just to tick off my GA coworkers
.
reservoirDAWG
September 11th, 2009
9:57 am
I threw GT a bone and picked them to cover last night. It won’t happen again. I don’t know what to think about tomorrow’s game other than I have to go to a couple’s shower. If it wasn’t family I would be in section 131.
JB
September 11th, 2009
9:59 am
Dawg reflection……….Very few of us on here have the guts to say what you just did……WE DON’T WANT TO BELIEVE IT…………………………………………………………………….You’re on the mark. no running or passing game = trouble…………Even it the D is great, this will be hard to overcome……..My prayer is they prove us wrong………i’ll gladly salt and pepper my words and eat them
Eric
September 11th, 2009
10:01 am
War Eagle!!!
Da truth
September 11th, 2009
10:03 am
Yep, JB….GA has picked up their OOC recently. Running the table in the SEC means winning the conf. championship game, which will put any undefeated SEC team in the BS game. Unfortunately, the big 10 and pac 10 get a free ride…which hurts SEC teams chances if there is 1 loss.
Bow Wow
September 11th, 2009
10:03 am
Richt’s in game coaching strategy consists of yelling at the referees and looking bewildered.
Tim
September 11th, 2009
10:04 am
As long as any SEC team plays one conference top 20 team they should be good for strength of schedule. They have to play 7 tough league games and the conference campionship (which is likely a top 10 team). If they don’t make it to the championshion game then strength of schedule is really not important.
shards1967
September 11th, 2009
10:05 am
The SC ( not USC, as that is University of Southern Cal ) game will tell us all what we have or do not have.
It will reveal the ability or not to rev up player emotions ( home gae at night) Alamo mentality and the recollection of Bama last year. PRIDE should be the main factor. That comes from caring about your school and the program. That is a player thing. Do they have this??? UGA is 2-3 in our last 5 games folks. Not a good trend. Florida is the only good team that we were defeated by in this ugly 5 game run. OSU will end up in the top 17-20 only and a minor, minor bowl game.
It will tell us what Jumpin Joe Cox has or does not have. This is key, as they ( SC ) will be coming and he must be able to get his roller skates on and spiint out side looking down field to hit somebody. Can he do this? THIS factoid will be Joe’s achilles heel. He is small but slow.
Can UGA play special teams? Can we return punts w.o. a block in the back??? Are we gonna run the ball out from deep in the end zone???
Can we handle the ball on an easy pic? Can he hit w.o. a flag? See Reshad Jones and his history of cheap shots that lead to scores deep in our territory. Enough of that gang.
Can SC come in here and embarrass UGA? If this is SS last year, he will remember UGA by this one game. Can we forge his memory for years and years???
UGA, class of 73
Will
September 11th, 2009
10:06 am
Big Tone,
As I sit here in my office getting ready to head to Athens this afternoon, I am totally and utterly nervous about my dawgs tomorrow. What if we come out and lay another egg? What if we make a stupid penalty and get beat by 1 or 2? The fans are already getting angry at the coaching staff and a bad loss could really make things ugly in Athens. I was at the Auburn game in the 90’s when the entire stadium booed the team at halftime for poor play and poor coaching. I don’t ever want that to happen again.
CMR has to win this game and has to win this game impressively. RX Dawg said it well….When was the last time our dawgs played a good or complete game? Many will say Michigan State but we looked like crap the first half. I can’t remember the last game my dawgs looked really good. Do you? That question is very disturbing to me and many other UGA fans and a loss this week would really turn the heat up on this coaching staff. Not to mention we could be looking at a 3-9 season dead in the face. Also, one thing I am going to watch is the alleged fighting between the coaching staff during the game. If the coaching staff is fighting then we truly have problems on the team. If the coaches are not on the same page how do you expect the players to be? I am not predicting the game this week, because I have no earthly idea.
Fred
September 11th, 2009
10:07 am
Even if they win this weekend the dawgs look way overrated at 15. It will be fun hearing all the whinning this year. I bet we also stop hearing what a great guy Richt is as well…
Tennessee FatJoe
September 11th, 2009
10:08 am
Georgia will win because it has to win? Good lord Tony, didn’t have time to really disect this one? Wouldn’t matter anyway….you’re always a homer when it comes to your alma mater.
Well lets see, I was right last night….said Tech would win but wouldn’t cover.
As for Saturday….first prediction, UGA scores 21 (however, thats over the next three games with SC)
SC 16
UGA 10
gdawginkalamazoo
September 11th, 2009
10:09 am
SOS will definitely have his hate visor on this week. Always had and always will. If there is any trickery or straight up smashmouth to this game SOS will be pumping his players for it. He has a hateful passion for UGA like nobody. If he could do a half a hundred again that would make his season. Won’t happen but don’t think for a minute he smiles everytime he thinks about that one. I would like to see a visor that is filthy from being thrown to the ground. Go Dawgs!
DawginLex
September 11th, 2009
10:10 am
The last complete butt whipping we put on someone was Hawaii in 2007. Other than that, it would be the SECCG in 2005 when DJ completely destroyed LSU.
Are we due a game like that?
Yes, in 2010.
Tomorrow will be ugly. I’m gonna watch but I believe we will lose.
I agree with all of Tony’s picks except for my own school.
SC 20
UGA 16
I HOPE I’M WRONG.
FRED
September 11th, 2009
10:15 am
IF WE LOOSE TO USC DO WE GET A NEW COACHING STAFF.
Vince
September 11th, 2009
10:19 am
Fred-
Yup. But the biggest tthing ya’ll need is a new, more intellectual fan base.
shards1967
September 11th, 2009
10:19 am
When has UGA really looked good in a game? Answer ……………..Jax vs Florida in 2007 and since then, we have just played the game w.o. emotions. Maybe the Hawaii bowl game BUT as a Bulldog, I know that they were absolutley horrible and so vastly over rated then. They were pitiful. That bowl game does not count. The national writers were in love with the Rainbows. They would lose 10 games per year in the SEC and defeat Tech only.
2008 was a UGA disaster. We should have lost one or two games ………Bama and Florida. Tech? we laid down folks. went to sleep and that is the players and coaches fault. We also lacked a tough ass attitude toward Bama and partied all week prior to that game and we got blown out and deservedly so. Sabin take care of biz.
This year? SC will tell us everything that we need to know. We will be in one, tough, hard fought game with tons and tons of Norwood bringing it and we had better be ready for one physical game or else. Could be the beginning of the end for most of the UGA staf and they know it.
UGA , class of 73
FLA DAWG
September 11th, 2009
10:20 am
Fred,
I’m with you on your feelings about all of the coaching changes except Richt. Think back to when he first came here. He called the Offensive Plays and Muschamp then Van Gorder were our DCs. With less Blue Chip talent we played better, more intense, smarter ball.
Now we have better talent but Bobo & Martinez (and Fabris) calling all the shots.
Yeah, I know it’s Richt’s responsibility to have recognized this and made the changes necessary. As a matter of fact I blogged about it last year and was heavily criticized. I’m a ‘79 alum and want only the best for UGA and The Dawgs. If Richt would call the O plays and we could get a firebreathing dragon DC then all would change for the better. But Richt will have wasted yet another season at the expense of the players, school and fans.
DR
September 11th, 2009
10:21 am
I agree. The endzone celebration was nothing compared to some of the unsportsmanlike crap FL pulls each and every week, along with their jerk hole coach. We ran into the endzone… get over it already. Go Dawgs! As far as the other games, I can only hope that USC (the real USC) kicks the snot out of of Ohio State. I am tired of hearing a team that is mediocre at best year after year, go on and on about how they should be ranked in the top five. They BARELY beat Navy last week, for crying out loud.
DR
September 11th, 2009
10:22 am
I agree with every word that FL Dawg said.
BBR5
September 11th, 2009
10:24 am
FL Dawg and Will… couldn’t agree with you more!!!
Rabun Dawg
September 11th, 2009
10:27 am
Tony, yes the Dogs have to win, not just because of the trip to Arky next week,but to try to salvage a season. However, on the flip side, I think USC East feels the same way. The Evil one needs a win to finally keep his program out of the “gutter” of the SEC. I am guessing this one will not be a thing of beauty to watch,Offensively, that is, but if I had to put money on who out coaches whom, I’d have to go with the guy with the visor! It pains me to say this, but I need to be shown that CMR and his band of coaches can truly out coach someone.JMHO
TommyP
September 11th, 2009
10:27 am
Two things you can always expect from this column: picks your grandmother could make (”Chalk” Barnhart) and Tony trying to validate his losses from the week before.
10 picks, 10 favorites. Well done, Tony.
AP
September 11th, 2009
10:29 am
Crackolina 13 Georgia 12 And the meltdown will intensify! Hope I’m wrong. I have little confidence in this coaching staffs ability to motivate! Hope the crowd does it for them. And the losing streak ends this weekend for the other “lesser” DAWGS on the West Coast— UW big! They actually do refer to themselves as the dawgs. One other thing, Rocky Top better be ready for UCLA. Upset special! Have a great weekend, I’m off to Seattle.
Tide4u2c
September 11th, 2009
10:29 am
Even if Georgia beats South Carolina especially if it is a close grind it out type game you dawg fans will still be worried about Arkansas,Arizona St and LSU coming up.
#2 BAMA FAN
September 11th, 2009
10:30 am
GO UCLA BRUINS AND MISS. ST DAWGS AND THE REAL DAWGS AND FINALLY THE CRIMSON TIDE OF ALABAMA!!
ELISTONED
September 11th, 2009
10:30 am
THE DOOLEY TEAMS PLAYED WITH TOUGHNESS AND EMOTION. IT SEEMS THAT CMR RELIES ON EXECUTION AND TECHNIQUE , IT IS HARD TO ARGUE WITH CMR RECORD ; HE IS 34 &5 ON THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THE I’M GOING RUN THE BALL DOWN YOUR THROAT ATTITUDE AND POLLACK LIKE EMOTION IS THE X FACTOR IN ANY GAME. FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER , THE TIME IN TEXAS IS ALWAYS 10 to 9.
Reality Check
September 11th, 2009
10:31 am
Tony – Don’t pick against the Big 12 anymore.
reservoirDAWG
September 11th, 2009
10:33 am
I’m not worried about SC. They have a good D and no offense.
Rabun Dawg
September 11th, 2009
10:36 am
On another matter, did I hear correctly that whoever it is that coaches the receivers did not even know that Brown and Wooten did not get in the game last week? He, (whoever it is), has two supposedly great young receivers at his disposal, and he doesn’t even know whether they got in the game or not? Kinda lame, me thinks! And, why did the coaches not insist the kick returner take a knee deep in the end zone rather than try to run it out. Maybe once, but repeatedly? Wow, no wonder we can keep a coaching staff together. Nobody else wants them!
dan
September 11th, 2009
10:41 am
I’m worried more about the Dawgs mental state than anything else. Can the beat Carolina by a TD or more? Yes they can. But how will they respond to the adversity of losing to a ranked opponent on the road? That I can’t answer. I think we’re going to find out what kind of character this team has, for better or for worse, in the next few weeks. When they get it in the mouth, will they pick themselves off the mat and get ready for round 2? Or will they feel sorry for themselves? Again I can’t answer that.
But I do know this: somebody needs to take command in that huddle. And it bothers me a little bit that Joe Cox flew out seperately from the team. I know he was sick, but I think that the team was a little discombobulated by that. And then I here reports that he was banged up this week, but should be good to go? What’s that about? A QB in a fragile mental state is a bad thing!
gatorman770
September 11th, 2009
10:43 am
“….was nothing compared to some of the unsportsmanlike crap FL pulls each and every week, along with their jerk hole coach.”
Sounds like a verse from a country song titled “Poor-mouth Song of the Loser” or a example of “projection” in a college psychology class.
dan
September 11th, 2009
10:43 am
I’m worried more about the Dawgs mental state than anything else. Can they beat Carolina by a TD or more? Yes they can. But how will they respond to the adversity of losing to a ranked opponent on the road? That I can’t answer. I think we’re going to find out what kind of character this team has, for better or for worse, in the next few weeks. When they get hit in the mouth, will they pick themselves off the mat and get ready for round 2? Or will they feel sorry for themselves? Again I can’t answer that.
But I do know this: somebody needs to take command in that huddle. And it bothers me a little bit that Joe Cox flew out separately from the team. I know he was sick, but I think that the team was a little discombobulated by that. And then I hear reports that he was banged up this week, but should be good to go? What’s that about? A QB in a fragile mental state is a bad thing!
Matt
September 11th, 2009
10:47 am
Michigan over Notre Lame
OSU over USC
UCLA over UT
Dawgs have to show me something before I believe
Miles
September 11th, 2009
10:48 am
I like all of Mr. Barhart’s picks, except one, i.e., the Bulldogs will lose in Columbia.
4tix4dogs4cokes
September 11th, 2009
10:50 am
DawginLex — The 52 points laid down on the Tigers in Baton Rouge (defending National Champs) last year did not qualify as a “complete butt whipping”?
AceDawg
September 11th, 2009
10:50 am
Play like champs dawgs. Richt – stand up for your team. Don’t stand on sidelines when you should challenge a spot at the goalline. Don’t stand on the sidelines when your safety crushes a receiver legally and OSU gets 15 free yards for it. Lose a headset. Make the Dawgs perform at their best.
dan
September 11th, 2009
10:52 am
Gatorman 770
I personally have had no problem when Florida used to ring up the score on opponents in the past, including my beloved Dawgs. If a team is going to play like crap then they deserve it as far as I’m concerned. But I thought it was pretty hypocritical for Gator fans to cry foul during that endzone dance. If it bothered the team so much, then why didn’t they do something about it during the game? Yeah the endzone dance was a punch in the balls, and maybe it bit the Dawgs in the ass during that 49-10 loss last year( even though I thought the Gators won because they played better not because of some revenge factor). But the Gators have done the same thing to opponents over the years. You can’t cry foul when someone returns the favor. It’s the way karma works in football.
4tix4dogs4cokes
September 11th, 2009
10:56 am
Tony — Picking games straight up is easy (especially in CFB), so don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back. If you want to prove you have some chops, pick based on handicaps and you will be doing something if you are above .500 — otherwise, anything less than .750 is not so impressive.
Tide4u2c
September 11th, 2009
10:57 am
Is there a team in the east that can give Florida some competition?We over here in the west seem to have atleast 2 teams Alabama and maybe LSU(if they have fixed their defense).It looks like Alabama is the only other team in the SEC that cannot only give Florida competition but can even beat them.
Barry Jay
September 11th, 2009
10:58 am
A few comments:
On the Tech game…fully enjoyed seeing Clemson come back on them. The gimmicks of PJ will only go so far. I think Clemson’s performance is a highlight of things to come against Tech.
Ohio State Fan: Richt didn’t tell his whole team to leave the bench. Without that…the incident was no different than any other teams players getting a celebration penalty. The point is Richt didn’t instruct anything. He apologized immediately to the SEC and the officials. He made it clear. Why should he have to continue to answer for it for a year? No other coach does when his players commit penalties. Urban Cryer didn’t and Timmy didn’t for the willful lack of sportsmanship they displayed when they played UGA last year.
On UGA-SC: We are going to lose if we don’t expand the playbook and play every down as if it is the last desperation gasp. I have come to believe that Richt is holding Bobo back…making Bobo coach they way Richt would. Richt needs to tell Bobo to open the playbook. I think we win if we make this game our SEC championship game and play with fire and intensity.
hsf
September 11th, 2009
11:05 am
Every other year, doesn’t Alabama lose to a Louisiana-Monroe, Southern Miss, or Little Sisters of the Poor? They didn’t last year, so this is the year!
Kendawg
September 11th, 2009
11:10 am
It will be hard for the Dawgs to lose in Columbia since the game is being played in Athens.
1eyedJack
September 11th, 2009
11:11 am
It seems the cup is half-empty.
DAWGS 17 USCe 10.
DawgBack
September 11th, 2009
11:12 am
Mark it down–the dawgs come back big and beat South carolina bad!!! Cox throws 3 TDs and UGA’s D gets a pick 6. Ga 34 USC 16
SOOHSO
September 11th, 2009
11:13 am
If CMR loses to SC we will love him but also miss him.