LIVE from Liberty Bowl: A.J. and Russ are in, Uga is out
Russ is in the house! (Literally.) He's got his bowl game face on.
MEMPHIS — Welcome to the end of Georgia’s season. I know. The Liberty Bowl is not what you were expecting, and neither is the modest goal of trying to finish with a winning record. But Memphis is a nice place, particularly if you’re into barbecue, and I can recommend the ribs at the “Germantown Commissary” (albeit not a BBQ-sounding place).
I would’ve saved the bones for Uga VIII but, alas, he has a tummy ache and didn’t make the trip from his palace in Savannah. At least, that’s the word that the Seiler family is putting out. I’m more inclined to think Uga just didn’t want to make his bowl debut at a game so beneath his standards, particularly since he came in as such a highly touted recruit.
Or maybe Uga’’s just academically ineligible like Caleb King. Like everybody else, he lost interest after the Florida game. Like King, he missed five “academic-related appointments” (obedience school).
So, we have this significant change the depth chart: Russ, The Temporary Mascot, is back!
Don’t, worry. Russ has more bowl experience than Aaron Murray: He won the Independence Bowl last year. Come to think of it, maybe Georgia Tech should’ve borrowed Russ last week for its game in Shreveport. Does Russ get holiday pay for this? The poor mutt was probably happy in retirement, playing shuffleboard at the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm.
But this could be good news for the Dogs. Russ is only 4-4. But he’s 1-0 in bowls and won his last game over Tennessee. Also, Georgia is 3-1 when both Russ and A.J. Green are in the lineup. (Kudos to newshound Tim Tucker for supplying me with that statistic.)
Meanwhile, back here on earth . . .
A loss would give Georgia (6-6) its first losing season since 1996, when the Dogs went 5-6 in Jim Donnan’s first year. Ironically, the last time the Dogs lost in the Independence Bowl was to North Carolina State, which had Donnan at quarterback, in 1967.
Here’s the good news: Donnan is not in Memphis.
But do I think Georgia will lose this game? No. Central Florida will be able to put some points up but in the end I don’t think George O’Leary’s defense will have an answer for Murray-to-Green.
Take one last look at Green because this likely will be his final collegiate game. He most likely will be a top-five NFL pick and I don’t believe the threat of an NFL lockout has any significance. Remember, any college junior who comes out can always take a nice little $1 million loan from an agent to hold him over, just in case the league doesn’t play next season. The potential of a lockout affects mostly mid-to-low-round picks, not first-rounders.
As for the significance of this game, it’s obviously a much bigger deal if the Dogs lose (panic!) than if they win (expected). But going 6-2 after a 1-4 start would be a slight boost going into the offseason.
Not sure what kind of crowd this game will draw but I’m guessing not great. The last report was that the Dogs had sold only 5,000 tickets for this game and gave about 1,000 tickets away for staff and families. That would still leave about 4,000 from its 10,000-ticket allotment.
If you missed them, here are links to a couple of stories from the week worth looking at:
– Tucker’s story on Murray, who’s about to break every significant, single-season Georgia passing record as a freshman.
– Tucker’s piece on the homecoming and disappointing season by Marlon Brown, a highly touted receiver out of Memphis.
That’s it for now. I’ll be here to report on the game and all of Russ’s movements.
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2,311 comments Add your comment
Scoops Mahoney
December 31st, 2010
2:41 pm
The basketball team beat Eastern Kentucky by 5.
Woo-hoo!!!
Liberty Bowl preview: Can Dogs avoid first losing season in 14 years? | UGA sports blog
December 31st, 2010
2:41 pm
[...] join the conversation on Jeff Schultz’s live blog during the [...]
Fido
December 31st, 2010
2:44 pm
Another inbred mascot on its death bed. How ironic!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
2:44 pm
FROM MY BLACKBERRY: I’ll be blogging with you during the game, Jeff. I remember that only you offered me a bed when I was kicked out of the Georgia football program. I may still want to come to John’s Creek. Let’s see how today’s game turns out. Big Bad Bruce has issues. I will leave it at that.
Cheech and Chong
December 31st, 2010
2:47 pm
I nominate Snoop Dogg as the mascot. He’s a football fan.
Jeff, how’s the grass in Memphis? Is the field okay today?
bp2010
December 31st, 2010
2:49 pm
Just a comment on another post – Derek Dooley has to learn to control his emotions on the sidelines and keep his players under control on the field. The personal foul penalties last night killed Tennessee’s chance at a win. And it’s sad that they are trying to anoint the freshman QB as the next best thing since sliced bread, because his 4 wins were against mediocre teams and he let his emotions get too high. When he failed, it hurt that much more.
Mark Richt won with Donnan players and BVG
December 31st, 2010
2:52 pm
Hope UGA doesnt pull a Clemson because they are getting whipped by the Bulls 31 – 13 right now.
Headley Lamar
December 31st, 2010
2:53 pm
Sometimes teams dont show up for the bowl game.
Miami must still be on the bus.
Midtown Dawg
December 31st, 2010
2:53 pm
I hope Sammy Watkins and Charone Peake watched Clemson’s game and their mediocre QBs and then watch Murray shoe he is the best freshman QB in college football while breaking records set by Stafford and Shockley. Guys who do you want to catch passes from next year???
robodawg
December 31st, 2010
2:53 pm
Good depth at dawg!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
2:54 pm
Let me field that question on the grass as I am much closer to the ground than Jeff. The grass won’t be a factor today. I am concerned that we are short on running backs again today. Those boys may run this state but I don’t think so. I am concerned about Big Bad Bruce, though, as he has been running into furniture all week and is suffering from excessive slobber. That can be said about a lot of Georgia fans, too. There’s more to do in Memphis than in Shreveport so I consider this an upgrade. Who would have thought I’d be back so soon!
Katherine
December 31st, 2010
2:54 pm
Bogen H.
December 31st, 2010
2:09 pm
I’ve never understood how anyone – even an alumnus – could support and take pride in UGA’s football team. When you look at their history for the past forty years, how can anyone ignore Jan Kemp and the “remedial studies” scam, the Jim Harrick fiasco, the DUIs in the athletic office, the DUIs and other arrests of players, the #1 party school tag (i.e., the most drunk students), the suspensions and outright dismissals, the Fulmer Cup, and on and on?
As disgraceful and humiliating as it is, I don’t see many alums and fans demanding an end to this sordid activity. It sets UGA apart as the kind of school most people abhor, and it’s become an embarrassment to the whole state of Georgia.
Will it never end? Apparently not while Saint Mark Richt is at UGA. Richt is perhaps the biggest hypocrite in the United States. But even with all the cheating and lawlessness that he ignores, he still can’t win the SEC.
UCF 34, UGAy 17. The good guys win.
And UGA will be at home sh*tting all over himself.
HAHAHAHAHA
Why are you on this blog then? It’s new years and people want to be happy and root for their team…not miserable and trying to cause trouble. You are pathetic.
catlady
December 31st, 2010
2:55 pm
Jeff, looks like poor little Clemson is being pushed around by those limited-talent, small-program guys from USF. I remember quite distinctly when “USF” was three buildings in the middle of acres and acres of nowhere near Busch Gardens in Temple Terrace. You would drive on their entrance road for miles before seeing, off in the distance, 3 little buildings which housed the total of the “University”. This was in about 1960.
Don’t know if UCF has much, but I think they could beat UGA if Green gets hurt.
On the TN game last night, I still don’t understand why NC got so little penalty for having 15 or 16 men on the field (should be 5 yards per man on the next down, not the next to the next down!). TN didn’t play well enough to win, but neither did NC.
Norman Cowans
December 31st, 2010
2:55 pm
Snoop Dogg would be appropriate but Magruff the crime dog might make more sense.
dawgfan
December 31st, 2010
2:57 pm
Derek Dooley looks like he’s about to throw himself off of a bridge during every game. Relax dude. Hell, even at 6-7 you exceeded expectations. Its not like you went from Top 15 to 6-7 like the Joke By Coke did. Have a drink bro.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
2:57 pm
Jeff and I will probably head down to Graceland after the game. We want to try some of those fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Big Bad Bruce could never eat one of those because his heart would explode. Having an inbred mascot says a lot about the program, doesn’t it? Don’t they have a veterinary school at UGA?
Jeff Schultz
December 31st, 2010
3:00 pm
Sorry had to leave you folks. Did a phone interview with Thomas Dimitroff for a Sunday and column and NOW THIS: CHARLIE WEIS may be the next Florida offensive coordinator. Just posted a blog: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/12/31/florida-muschamp-close-to-hiring-charlie-weis-as-assistant/
5150 P.O.A.D.
December 31st, 2010
3:01 pm
30 min to kickoff. All non-SOBER dawgs Woof! I think the Mississippi just started flowing backwards. Man that was a lot of WOOFING.
I bet Beale Street will be a MESS tonight win or lose.
FLA DAWG
December 31st, 2010
3:03 pm
I’ll bet Michael Vick could persuade UGA VIII to suck it up for a bowl game………….I’m just say’in.
Mark Bradley took a few days off
December 31st, 2010
3:04 pm
if CMR blows this game HowdyDoody will need to take a hard look at this program. McGarity has already flexed his muscles with the firing of the volleyball coach. poor guy…
markie mark
December 31st, 2010
3:04 pm
RUSS….where ya been, baby….glad to have you back….(I told ya months ago to bite an opposing player and they wouldnt run ya off – this may be your last chance …)
Buckeye
December 31st, 2010
3:05 pm
Does anyone know how to get ESPN with rabiit ears?
Jess Wunderin
December 31st, 2010
3:06 pm
Very funny article, Jeff!! By the way, who proof-reads them before you post them………..Russ, perhaps?
Mark Bradley took a few days off
December 31st, 2010
3:06 pm
FIRE DABO SWINNEY !
Katherine
December 31st, 2010
3:06 pm
Have espn grow some?
FLA DAWG
December 31st, 2010
3:06 pm
The worst and best thing for The Dawgs in this game is a loss.
Worst: Total humiliation.
Best: Maybe we’d begin our rebuilding a year earlier with a new coaching staff.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
3:07 pm
Game time temperature should be around 67 degrees. I am not going to require this big block of ice to sit on. Jeff, shall I send it up for you?
reebok
December 31st, 2010
3:07 pm
good luck, doggies.
miami didn’t show up against notre dame and south florida is running clemson out of the stadium. the ACC seems to be having their traditional bowl success this year. thank god carolina came back to beat the vols last nite.
Katherine
December 31st, 2010
3:08 pm
Russ…you are being pretty lame just fyi
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
3:10 pm
Thanks, glad to be back. Let me tell you where I’ve been . . . I got fired! They brought in an inbred dog with a genetically engineered white a$$ and almost no mind at all. He is so inbred that the family tree has no branches. Seems to fit in nicely, though.
Vain Jangling
December 31st, 2010
3:10 pm
Beating Tech yet again is always a good way to end the year, but it takes some of the fun out of it when it’s coupled with the phrase, “to become bowl eligible.” The end result? A UGA blog entitled “LIVE from Liberty Bowl.” New Years Eve in Memphis! Man oh man, that’s what those blue chip recruits want to look forward to. [sorry, request for sarcasm font denied]. If they Dawgs win by 30 and act like they’ve been there before, I’ll feel better about the whole thing. Looking toward next year, Green’s gone and our running backs are mediocre at best. Can you say Isaiah Crowell? Anyone? Anyone? And would someone please tell me whether Christian LeMay is going to sit around patiently for three years.
Mark Bradley took a few days off
December 31st, 2010
3:10 pm
Clemson scores
Mark Bradley took a few days off
December 31st, 2010
3:11 pm
2 point conversion fails 31 – 19 …
Katherine
December 31st, 2010
3:12 pm
Nothing wrong with being in a bowl game today in memphis…I mean it could be worse…they could have gone to shreveport.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
3:13 pm
Katherine, I don’t question your insightful posts, why do you pick on mine? Are you a UGA grad? “Have espn grow some?” Just guessing.
FLA DAWG
December 31st, 2010
3:13 pm
I was wrong that a loss today would be total humiliation………….I’m already totally humiliated by our play this season.
5150 P.O.A.D.
December 31st, 2010
3:13 pm
If Richt does his usual and Doesn’t give LeMay a real shot at starting I think me might consider transfering or Hutson will.
Paul in RDU
December 31st, 2010
3:14 pm
Looks like Jacory Harris has $500 on ND
Mark Bradley took a few days off
December 31st, 2010
3:14 pm
Clemson recovers onside kick
Katherine
December 31st, 2010
3:15 pm
Oh russ russ…that was just a lame attempt on my part at humor. No I am not a UGA grad…started rooting for them when I moved to georgia. Are you a uga grad? I’m guessing no or you wouldn’t be here under a dog’s name trying to cause trouble.
Headley Lamar
December 31st, 2010
3:15 pm
Georgia will play in its 46th bowl game, sixth most in college football history.
The Bulldogs have won 26 times in the post season. Only Alabama, Southern Cal and Penn St. have won more bowl games than Georgia
Jeff Schultz
December 31st, 2010
3:15 pm
Michael Jordan’s — posted a blog. There’s no confirmation now but pretty strong speculation. Maybe not be confirmation until after KC Chiefs are out of playoffs.
Katherine
December 31st, 2010
3:16 pm
Enter your comments here
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
3:16 pm
We went to an auto parts store today and everybody with a valid drivers license came out with a gift (that was about 8 of us). I don’t know why these players can’t keep a license. Anyway, they had somebody follow the running backs around the store (just in case). All in all it was a pretty good experience. I think the Sugar Bowl is overrated. Bet they don’t tour any parts stores.
Jeff Schultz
December 31st, 2010
3:17 pm
Russ, the Temporary Mascot — Let me be the first to welcome you back into the fold.
5150 P.O.A.D.
December 31st, 2010
3:18 pm
Katherine is our resident Big BRAVES Fan. Kat are you going to Johnny’s Hidaway tonight?
Paul in RDU
December 31st, 2010
3:18 pm
UGA is 2 bowl wins ahead of JoePa
Katherine
December 31st, 2010
3:19 pm
No poad im not…but ive heard about that place….im sure it will be fun
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
December 31st, 2010
3:19 pm
Honorary degree, Katherine. It’s part of the settlement for when they painted my a$$. I never thought they’d ask me back. If Big Bad Bruce is on his deathbed I may be back for next season. I may be one of the few coming back.
Headley Lamar
December 31st, 2010
3:19 pm
Wonder if UGA will be watching on TV back home in Savannah?