Even Independence Bowl can tell us something about Georgia
Mark Richt entertained the horde of media (slight exaggeration) in Shreveport this week.
Let’s start with two facts. 1) Seven SEC teams landed in better bowl games than Georgia: Alabama (BCS), Florida (Sugar), LSU (Capital One), Mississippi (Cotton), Tennessee (Chick-fil-A), Auburn (Outback), Kentucky (Music City); 2) Only 6,800 of the Bulldogs’ 12,000-ticket allotment to the Independence Bowl was sold, which of course leads to the obvious question: How did they find 6,800 people to go to Shreveport?
So it’s safe to assume that most of you are not thrilled with the fact that the final memory of the 2009 season will be the Dec. 28, 5 p.m. time slot tonight on ESPN 2. (Programming note: The Independence Bowl follows the Premier League soccer game between Wolverhampton and Manchester City.)
But I’m here to tell you that tonight’s game does mean something for Georgia’s season. Besides, it’s worth watching if for no other reason than more updates from the minds of Urban Meyer.
This is what a win over Texas A&M tonight accomplishes. It leaves Georgia at 8-5, which aesthetically is a more pleasing than 7-6. It also means the Bulldogs will have gone 4-1 in their final five games after the Florida loss, including the win over Georgia Tech. (The lone defeat came to Kentucky, a development so stunning that even Rich Brooks is going to retire.) A win keeps recruits who are on the fence about Georgia at least still on that fence, or maybe even pushes them over it. A loss possibly tips them in the wrong direction.
The biggest problem with tonight’s game is it doesn’t give Georgia fans a true preview of next season. Next season’s quarterback won’t be playing, which stems from coach Mark Richt’s decision not to take the redshirt off of freshmen Aaron Murray or Zach Mettenberger. In a sense, next season’s defense also won’t be playing because Richt hasn’t hired a defensive coordinator yet (nor at least two other assistants).
But what you can take from tonight’s game is seeing what underclassmen are making plays tonight. Who looks like they are treating the game as a bonus and not a booby prize?
We can also find out something about Richt. This will be the first game he has coached since he fired Willie Martinez. Given the pressures and time constraints stemming from the job search, as well as recruiting, I want to see where the man’s level of energy and enthusiasm is at coaching a football game.
It’s not the game you wanted. It’s not the day or time slot you wanted. But it’s not a game devoid of meaning.
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395 comments Add your comment
UA Alum92
December 28th, 2009
2:41 pm
I agree, SD Dawg. Hard to know which team will show. I mean, while Man City has the speed, Wolverhampton will be looking to rebound following their two-nil loss to the Reds. In American football, I think the Dawgs win in a close one. I’d love to see the Monsters of the Midway take care of Favre & Co. but I don’t see it happening.
SD Dawg
December 28th, 2009
2:41 pm
SouthGA- I do like the offense for next year. I do not think Murray can be worse than Cox in terms of turnovers. Question is can he make the key throws when called upon. We just need to line up and run it.
I don’t know how in the world the defense is not WORSE next year. We lose three NFL DL’s. Hopefully, “coaching up”, new scheme, new attitude makes a difference.
11-2 Georgia Tech in Orange Bowl
December 28th, 2009
2:42 pm
but we lost to GEORGIA, which ruins it! I’ll admit it!
Vince Dooley
December 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
Without me, UGA will never be great again. Somebody please start a drive to name the Stadium after me…PLEASE!
I would do it myself … but I have to rebuild my house now.
John
December 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
This game will tell us something about Georgia…if the defense has a good showing, it will tell us that the next defensive coordinator will be Rodney Gardner.
City fan
December 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
Looking forward to the Man City match….can’t say that I will be excited to see the Georgia team play tonight. They have been uninspired in every game but one this year and while lots was made of Willie’s D, the offense has not exactly been a consistent unit either. So good luck Dogs, I hope you surprise me. Most importantly, if you win just stay in your hotel rooms tonight and rent a movie. Nothing good ever happens in Shreveport after 9 p.m.
D(r)ooley
December 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
Shreveport? December 28th? Second tier programs Georgia and Texas A&M…………..should be a good one.
Mike Bobo
December 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
The food here at the Denny’s is great!
I think we will come back next year!
Mikey
December 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
This just in-
Tim Tebow will coach the Gators next year, thus giving up a chance to be an NFL starter… err…backup.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
These graduate assistant coaches have been great to me. We’re all temps, you know. Today, we toured a huge dog food factory here in Shreveport (one of the biggest dog food plants anywhere) and we had a nice time together. If I was running the state I’d try to get them to move this plant to Georgia.
fame
December 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
SOUTHGADAWG88 you cracked me up with that analogy you had of Meyer being like a dope addict!!Lol now whenever I see him on TV I’m starting to see that “wild look” in his eyes too…lol
SD Dawg
December 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
City Fan- LOL on the Shreveport after 9pm comment. I drove out to California twice this year. Both times right past the stadium on 1-20. I thought to myself, what a crappy place to watch a bowl game. Never thought we’d be there. I guess I learned the valuable lesson of never….
Tony
December 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
Haha. 5pm Dec 28th game. And people say this program isn’t on the brink of disaster. LOL
Dawg Fan 74
December 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
Good luck Dawgs!
I hope you can win this major bowl!
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
At least Martinez and Fabris won’t be making a$$es out of themselves on the sideline anymore….
GayRay from South Beach
December 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
I am really getting aggravated at all of these Tech fans that are coming into town. They keep trying to punch me in the butt. I’ve already broken off three of their little stingers today.
Also, FYI, you don’t wear socks with flip flops
Dawg Fan 74
December 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
Maybe next year we can shoot for the Emerald Bowl…
Gamecocks
December 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
GO AGGIES
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
Vince Dooley told me he has a bigger shower at the team hotel (EconoLodge) than he does at home right now. He’s living in the lap of luxury right here in Shreveport. I wonder if there’s any mold or asbestos here? I can tell you for sure somebody’s already pee’d on the carpet. Several somebodies.
JB
December 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
I thankful the A&M offense is great and will score on Georgia pretty much at will so Richt doesn’t get all teary eyed and mushy and promote Rodney Garner…..great guy, but not what we need.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
These new coaches are great! They’ve been walking me around town and we’ve been sightseeing. What’s the biggest Walgreen’s you’ve ever seen?
SOUTHGADAWG88
December 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
Fame he has all the symptoms Betty Ford knows all too well.Seriously though it’s hard to see a guy like that lasting 10 plus years coaching at one spot…he’s too wired up
SD Dawg
December 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
Yuck it up Techmen. Doesn’t change outcome…
JB
December 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
Earlier blog had Tech Nerds talking about getting laid in Miami…….I don’t think pasty white thighs and glasses and pocket protectors work that magic in Miami….LOL
Angus
December 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
I dunno, Jeff. It looks like you struggled to make a compelling case for this ball game – you get an A for effort.
Me thinks it’s more of a no-win game for UGA. Beating a poor, 3-5 in conference Big 12 team won’t lift an eyelash outside of Athens or College Station. Lose and UGA’s rep plummets – they’ll start ‘10-11 unranked and rated 7th in the SEC.
Dawgs roll, 31-20.
Cuz
December 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
Joe Cox better not throw an interception. I won’t be able to blame Coach Willie.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
It’s not even going to be 5:00 here when we start. That 4:00 sun should be right in Coach Richt’s face and you all know what that means. With that thinning hair of his he’s going to need some sunblock.
SOUTHGADAWG88
December 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
Question for all…what if we do shut them down today?What does it mean?They suck?DC is pretty much overrated?The next DC already on staff?This game could be interesting
gatorsam
December 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
Have you noticed the excitement each year from the Dawgs when they finish fast after the Jacksonville fiasco? Same song, different verse!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
Shreveport is pretty special if you’re a dog.
JB
December 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Tech couldn’t beat a middle of the pack worn out Georgia team at home, what will Iowa do to them?
fame
December 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
They suck IMO 88
SD Dawg
December 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Angus is correct. No win for us in terms of perception. Just handle your business. Pack up the bus and head back to Athens. The extra practice is invaluable to the future though.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Jeff, will the AJC writer for this game also be a temp? There are a lot of temps working here today.
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Answer – Zero.
Question – How many nerds have gotten “lucky” at South Beach to date?
The REAL Paul's Johnson
December 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Russ, the Temporary Mascot, why don’t you go chase cars in traffic.
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Well. nerds, at least we’re playing on a green field….
boots
December 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Jeff, it will also be interesting to see if some of the things other coaches were criticised for (directional kick-offs) continue with CMR. I’m hoping they don’t. Bowl games can be something to build upon, even if they suck. Winning this miserable bowl is better than losing a miserable bowl.
acc=weakersister
December 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
UGA next year could have losses to the following…USC (1st real game…new QB…on the road), Arkansas, Miss. St. (a classic road trap game), UT (3 of the last 4 years…and a great Defensive coordinator), UK (road game and a lot of young talent), Florida (we all know that history), Auburn (road game and a tough place to play) and GT. That is 7 potential losses. Do I think they lose all 7? Heck no. Do I think they could lose as many as 5 of them? Yes. You UGA fans may want to look around for options in Shreveport again..or you may get a break and get to Nashville. 8-4 is doable. 9-3? I think that’s a pipe dream.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
The water tastes bad in Shreveport and it smells a little. We brought some bottled water for the game. I was in a parade this morning with some folks from Advocare. We were all walking down the street together. I have short legs and don’t go too fast but all the Advocare folks were using walkers. We were about the same speed. I never knew there was an Advocare Bowl but I’ve met some nice old folks here.
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
You think Coach Richt will tell his players to “win this one for the Willie”?
SD Dawg
December 28th, 2009
3:05 pm
Gatorsam- I haven’t seen ONE Dawg fan this year who is excited with the way this team finished. Happy to beat Tech, but most if not all are dissatisfied. You can stay and beat your chest. You guys earned it and do most every year the last 20. The rest of the Tech fans are wasting time trying to get under our skin about Shreveport. Frankly, anything south of the Sugar Bowl is nothing to get excited about. If you aren’t playing in the SEC Championship, it’s all pretty disappointing.
See y’all in J-Vegas next year. We plan on showing up and trying again. The ship has got to turn at some point. Right?
Bob
December 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
Uga will be 0-2 against the big 12 after today!
Two unranked teams in a meaningless dec 28th game! Wow nice job dogs! You did well for your redneck fanbase!
WonderDawg
December 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Come on acc=weaksister, you know Tech has won its “once per decade” game in Athens. The other six will be seriously tough, though.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Since it’s not a sellout they passed out tickets at the Advocare Nursing Home. This will be almost like the East Stands at Grant Field! Old people don’t make a lot of noise and we sure didn’t bring anybody here for the game. Heck, we didn’t even bring a full staff of coaches.
Dog Dawg
December 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Happy to admit it. I’m finally here. Shreveport USA! Have seen very few dawg tailgaters but have seen thousands of AGGIES. Sick em
AdvoCare V100
December 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Nice bowl bullmutts!!
SD Dawg
December 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
9-3 is not a pipe dream. Do I think it will happen? Probably not. But that is not a pipe dream. David Greene redshirted and went 8-4 in 2001. Put me down for 8-4 with a win over Tech for sure.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
The blogging work of Russ, the Temporary Mascot is now done. Woof! Go Dawgs!
Redneck
December 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
That’s right, Bob. Our absolute worst team in over a decade just smacked around your best in two decades! Still leaves a bad taste, huh?