LIVE BLOG: Georgia seeks bowl bid (and revenge vs. Tech)
Georgia players, angered by a home loss to Tech in 2008, planted the "G" flag after last year's win at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
(This will serve as the Georgia live blog when the game starts. We’ll also have a Tech live blog on, as they say, another network.)
ATHENS — Hello and welcome to the last game this season that anybody at Georgia or Georgia Tech will remember.
The Jackets (6-5) still have a low-level bowl game to play. The Dogs (5-6) hope to still have a low-level bowl game to play. But tonight’s meeting is really about the final opportunity for either school to create a highlight in a
The memory of Tech players (like wide receiver Andrew Smith) mangling the hedges lingers with Georgia players.
mostly miserable season.
As Georgia defensive end Demarcus Dobbs said, alluding to the last four years of his senior class: “I don’t know if we’ve left a legacy. But I know if we don’t make it to a bowl game, that will be one legacy that we leave. … We’ve done a lot as a class. But the only thing that matters is how you finish. Nobody going to talk about the Sugar Bowl. They’re going to talk about what we did our senior year.”
Kickoff is still several hours away. But there’s no reason to wait until then to start the banter. This will serve as your live Bulldogs’ blog during the game. I’ll update it later when I get to the stadium.
A few thoughts before kickoff:
♦ Georgia is favored by as much as two touchdowns. Sounds about right. While strange things happen in rivalry games, the only absolute about either team is that the Dogs can put up points, led by the Aaron Murray-to-A.J. Green connection. In the last six games, Georgia has put up point totals of 41 (Tennessee), 43 (Vanderbilt), 44 (Kentucky), 31 (Florida), 55 (Idaho State) and 31 (Auburn). I realize Mike Bobo bashing is a favorite pastime of fans but offense hasn’t been the problem, defense has. And about defense . . .
♦ The only way I see Tech winning this game — other than via multiple Georgia turnovers and penalties — is if the Jackets run for a ton a yards and dominate in time of possession, keeping Georgia’s offense off the field. So the onus is on defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and the Dogs’ defensive front. The Jackets are without starting quarterback Joshua Nesbitt and their offense isn’t nearly as fluid with backup Tevin Washington.
♦ Tech coach Paul Johnson knows his team is undermanned this game. He’ll have to “steal” a possession or two. So a couple of trick plays, like a fake punt, wouldn’t be surprising.
♦ Neither team has a win over a quality opponent. The difference is Georgia still needs a win to become bowl eligible. If it can’t beat Tech, it doesn’t deserve a bowl. The Jackets had lost three straight until having to scramble to beat 3-8 Duke last week.
Now, about this rivalry. The road school has won the last three meetings. Tech has split two since Johnson’s arrival. But if the high point for this Georgia senior class was going 11-2 and winning the Sugar Bowl in 2007, one of the low points was losing to Tech at Sanford Stadium two years ago.
To punctuate the upset, Jackets’ players tore off pieces of the hedges — something Georgia coach Mark Richt has reminded his players of this week.
“Coach Richt’s definitely been quick to tell us about that,” guard Clint Boling said. “We’ve got pictures all over the locker room. We definitely know what they did last time they were in Sanford Stadium.”
Wide receiver Kris Durham, another senior, said: “That sticks out more to me than [beating Tech] last year. It’s something you remember. You can still Google and see the pictures. They’re very vivid online.
“Those [hedges] are sacred to us. That gets to you a little bit. We didn’t protect our own house. We didn’t protect the hedges. We can’t say anything bad about them tearing up our field because we didn’t prove it between the lines and they did. They beat us.”
OK, that’s it for now. If you missed it, here’s a link to my interview with athletic director Greg McGarity earlier in the week. He’s standing behind Richt and says the coach will be back next season, and I agree. While I’ve been critical of Richt and the direction of the program in the last two years, my view is he has earned the chance to turn this around.
I’ll check back later.
♦
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2,645 comments Add your comment
Blackberry Pie
November 27th, 2010
1:29 pm
Over or Under 3 chop blocks by Ben Jones
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
1:29 pm
Yeah Trishawishachickenhed-erwareagle, if just a portion of the accusations are true, and I’m not even talking about SCAM NEWTON but Bobby Louder and the rest of his GANG, awbarn is going to lose its accreditation and get kicked OUT of the SEC. “Live for today for tomorrow we die”, right?
Coach Sleepy
November 27th, 2010
1:30 pm
Remember when jackets trimmed the shrubs? Does that fire you up better than running on the field after our first score? I hope so.
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:30 pm
Insiders tell me that the BCS was afraid of another cheating scandal at Auburn…… there you go
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:32 pm
I heard the SEC is already looking at a replacement for Auburn….. either OK or Tx A&M
Steve
November 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
Seven major infractions for Auburn in the last 50 years. PATHETIC!
http://www.dawgsports.com/2006/7/16/1376/16504
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 27th, 2010
1:35 pm
UGA 5-6 record would actually be 7th even in the big east, but take heart you would be 5th in the wac
Steve
November 27th, 2010
1:36 pm
Hey Trisha, what was Auburn’s record just 2 years ago? Did not even go to a bowl game. Ha. Do you have any clue how bad Auburn will be next year when Scam is gone? They will be lucky to go 7-5 before a bowl. You act like every program does not have a down year. Look at Texas this year moron.
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
1:37 pm
Hey but none of those seven infractions matter because we won it on the field. No matter that Pat Dye, card cerrying member of Bobby Louders’ cosa nostra family got run out of town for cheating yet is still on the Awbarn board of trustees. How does that happen?
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:37 pm
Auburn’s history of major violations includes getting slapped with three years’ probation in 1957, three years’ probation in 1958, and a two-year ban on postseason and television appearances in 1979.
Coffee Bluff DAWG
November 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
TrishaD,
AU 1 win in last 5 yrs – not exactly dominating UGA.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
And will the Bama fan who stole our inflatable AUBIE from the parking lot next to the soccer fields yesterday, please return it or at least not sexually molest it..
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
Auburn was held responsible for unethical conduct in November 1991 and sanctioned for unethical conduct and a lack of institutional control in August 1993.
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
1:39 pm
What is really funny is all these $hit kicking barners are so crunk up. Do you think next year with out Scam that Gene Shiznit is all of a sudden still going to be a genius, or do you think having Scam had somewhat of an impact?
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:40 pm
Coach Bowden said on tape that A.U. boosters were funneling large amounts of cash to recruits.
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:40 pm
The most recent instance of wrongdoing on the Plains occurred when Auburn was placed on two years’ probation on April 27, 2004. The N.C.A.A. news release announcing the latest penalties against the Plainsmen stated that, during the probationary period from April 2004 to April 2006, “the university shall continue to develop and implement a comprehensive educational program on NCAA legislation and submit periodic reports to the NCAA,” including “a preliminary report that sets forth a schedule for establishing this compliance and educational program.”
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 27th, 2010
1:40 pm
@steve..yeah, look at Bama this year..3 loses..
my point was 3 coaches, 3 teams with totally different players, 3 undefeated seasons…
how many has UGA had? Thats all I asked…
Now I am outta here…go Tech, stomp UGA
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:41 pm
Enough said about Auburn and cheating…. the facts speak for themselves.
Hey Trisha…. nice school selection….
bugsquacher
November 27th, 2010
1:44 pm
go dawgs….. gata
Steve
November 27th, 2010
1:44 pm
2 out of those 3 years Auburn was cheating. Plus their schedule is a joke. 4 road games a year?
TY
November 27th, 2010
1:45 pm
This breaking news:
They just found AUBIE at a TrishaDishaWarEagle home and YES it was sexually molested by Trisha herself. When asked about why all she had to say is, “I was lonely.”
Charlie Trippi beats Charlie Dudish
November 27th, 2010
1:47 pm
One point that hit me from one of the bloggers: we have improved as the year progressed.
What bothers me is that this is the third year of this pattern. We have started out very slowly for three years now, and by the time the improvement starts to come, we’re out of the conference picture. Next year, the motto should not be ‘Finish The Drill’, it should be ‘Start and Finish The Drill’
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
1:48 pm
Bugsquacher you are a fountain of information. Thanks for representing the facts you must be a DGD. Don’t pay attention to trishawhatever, after her “sweep the leg” of Murray comment it was obvious what kind of “DISHA” she was.
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
1:49 pm
TY plus 1! GATA!
Coffee Bluff DAWG
November 27th, 2010
1:49 pm
Hey Trisha,
I see that a combined down SEC year and sCAM man could possibly lead you to the MNC. Too bad it will all be taken away down the road due to NCAA violations.
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 27th, 2010
1:54 pm
Anyone got a place to rent I am tired of my mom’s basement. I am trying to upgrade my computer system so I can play more World of warcraft and zombie games. Here is a video of me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEdkLVzHUO4
BigDawg
November 27th, 2010
1:56 pm
Jeff,
“Strange things happen in rivalry games”??? Since when? In this series…in my lifetime of over 50 years…The better team nearly always has won. Last year GT was a very slight favorite and lost. Every year GT has won except in 1990 – UGA has been favored. But luckily the Tenth Avenue crowd is usually the underdog and YES they also usually lose. This year will be no different. I have watched Tech several times this year and they really have little chance tonight. UGA is simply the far better team even if the record does not show it. UGA will win something around 41 or 34 to 13. So say a 21 to 28 point UGA win.
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
November 27th, 2010
1:57 pm
Going into yesterday’s games, Alabama and Boise State were both favored to win … and both teams quickly ran up “insurmountable” leads in their respective games. At that point, I’m sure all the ‘Bama and BSU fans were talking LOTS of trash. Unfortunately for them, the rules require that a football game be played for FOUR quarters. I don’t have any delusions about Tech’s chances for the game this evening, but I will say that we HAVE a chance. Two years ago the Jackets overcame a pretty large deficit to defeat the Dogs. It wouldn’t surprise me to see something like that again this year.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 27th, 2010
1:58 pm
I thought I would post a video of me check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIcV4N1qvss
atltiger15
November 27th, 2010
1:59 pm
Hey folks, we won 8 games with Chris Todd at QB. He had no mobility and had a spaghetti arm. Next yr it will be either Barrett Trotter and true frehmen Kiehl Frazier top3 dual threat QB in nation. Yes AU develops talent unlike you guys…Plus rb’s return. wide receivers return, we’ll just reload while you guys………crickets, continue to get worse…I know. you’re gonna say death penalty and so forth. Nope not gonna happen. I’m glad you guys seem to know everything but for someone who works within the University, i know more than most. You guys wont like the desicion but who cares. You guys are trying to tie the win total for in state teams today. 8, 9, 10 correct,,,,you wish, 6 wins will tie for the best record, brutal,…..really brutal with all that talent, or at least thats what you guys tell me every 1st thurs in feb when signing day rolls around
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
2:01 pm
Flowery Branch are you really equating this years nerds to that team two years ago. I’m not delusional about this years version of my beloved DAWGS but no way in he!! the nerds could mount a comeback like that. The nerd defense that year had a pulse.
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
2:08 pm
Atltigger, just because you clean the bathrooms at the “school” doesn’t mean you have inside info. Our RB’s and DB’s leave early because they are NFL quality and can go make millions of $. He!! we started all of that leaving school early with Herschel! Oh yeah next year when your Offensive co-ordinator Gus is the head coach at Vandy I bet you will still develop that talent so well huh?
layinlow
November 27th, 2010
2:18 pm
If Richt loses this game he will be fired. No way Richt and his staff could ever recover from a 5-7 season with no bowl and losing to a sorry Tech team. Even Richt’s supporters would turn the other way once the onslaught started. This is a must win game for Richt. Thats exactly why McGarrity gave himself an out with his I support Richt proclamation. I believe McGarrity fully expects Georgia to win this game or else it will be bad for Richt.
Kirby Not So Smart
November 27th, 2010
2:18 pm
Did any of you check out the game yesterday?
My defensive game plan was great in the second half…….NOT.
Although UGA will beat GT by at least 20 points today, some of you whiners will still be calling for CMR job. This is to let you know that it will cost you big time to get little Kirby back at UGA.
Big Dog 98
November 27th, 2010
2:20 pm
KIrby,
Don’t worry, I don’t think anyone wants you back at UGA.
The Regulator
November 27th, 2010
2:21 pm
A graduate from UGA was suffering from constipation, so his doctor prescribed suppositories. A week later the bulldog complained to the doctor that the suppositories had not produce the desired results.
“Have you been taking them regularly?” the doctor asked.
“What do you think I’ve been doing,” asked the bulldog, “shoving them up my ass?”
JacketFan86
November 27th, 2010
2:22 pm
WHATS THE GOOD WORD??
Kirby Not So Smart
November 27th, 2010
2:23 pm
You want me at UGA.
You need me at UGA.
Chances are...
November 27th, 2010
2:23 pm
“This is to let you know that it will cost you big time to get little Kirby back at UGA.”
And your point is…?
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
Bigsquasher — Yes, I would think this is it for A.J.
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2010
2:28 pm
Russ, the Unemployed Mascot — Thanks for the news. I await further updates.
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
2:28 pm
I’m a Richt advocate and I couldn’t disagree more. I think we are all seeing what we should have expected, but didn’t want to see this year. Newborn 3-4 defense un-learning terrible habits and progressing, and a RF quarterback showing toughness, heart, and developement every week. No hot seat for Richt thank GAWD.
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2010
2:30 pm
Paul in RDU — Just going through comments now. I’ll check spam filter in a few minutes.
The Regulator
November 27th, 2010
2:30 pm
On a tour of Georgia, the Pope took a couple of days off his itinerary to visit the Georgia coastline on an impromptu sightseeing trip. His 4X4 Pope-mobile was driving along the beautiful shoreline when there was an enormous commotion heard just off the headland. They rushed to see what it was and upon approaching the scene, the Pope noticed in the water a hapless man wearing a University of Georgia football jersey, struggling frantically to free himself from the jaws of a huge shark.
At that moment a speedboat containing three men wearing Georgia Tech football jerseys roared into view from around the point. Immediately, one of the men took aim and fired a harpoon into the shark’s ribs, immobilizing it instantly. The other two reached out and pulled the Georgia man from the water and then, using long clubs, beat the shark to death. They bundled the bleeding, semi-conscious man into the boat along with the dead shark and then prepared for a hasty retreat when they heard frantic shouting from the shore. It was the Pope summoning them to the beach.
After they reached the shore, the Pope praised them for the rescue and said, “I give you my blessing for your brave actions. I had heard that there were some bitter hatred between the people of Georgia and Georgia Tech, but now I have seen with my own eyes this is not true. I can see that your society is a truly enlightened example of true harmony and could serve as a model on which other states could follow”. He blessed them all and drove off in a cloud of dust.
As he departed, the harpooner asked the others, “Who was that?” “That,” one answered, “was his Holiness the Pope. He is in direct contact with God and has access to all of God’s wisdom. ” “Well,” the harpooner replied, “he doesn’t know squat about shark fishing. Is the bait holding up okay or do we need to get another one?”
layinlow
November 27th, 2010
2:34 pm
Some of you Richt supporters have twisted logic, you think we should keep Richt because of the who else are we going to get argument. Thats ludicrous to want to stay a middling SEC team because of the fear of going backwards. Sometimes you just have to take that chance. We have become irrelevant. Sorry but I’m a realist. Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Alabama, have all won a National Championship since UGA. If Auburn wins it that will make five teams in the SEC since UGA won the title. We are no longer an elite SEC team and haven’t been for sometime and if you can live with that fine, but I can no longer. I can live with Richt having just one more year to turn it around but thats it.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 27th, 2010
2:35 pm
If I could catch a boyfriend I wouldn’t have to pretend to be a Barner and hang out on the UGA boards
ScoutDawg
November 27th, 2010
2:36 pm
2-2! bad years does not irrelevant make, silly nerd imposter.
layinlow
November 27th, 2010
2:38 pm
I’m not a nerd imposter fool. I am a regular on the UGA boards and have never changed my handle. I have been a UGA fan for over 30 years. Ignorant fans are the ones who can’t handle constructive criticism.
The Regulator
November 27th, 2010
2:39 pm
Q: Three UGA football players are in a car. Who’s driving the car?
A: An Athens policeman.
layinlow
November 27th, 2010
2:40 pm
You probably weren’t even born the last time Georgia won a national championship.