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
Phil
December 31st, 2010
8:21 pm
Proof Richt is an idiot: Time running down in 4th quarter and we force the UCF runner out of bounds. The clock is stopped but Richt calls timeout anyway! Burns a timeout when the clock is stopped. Would have been nice to have a timeout to use when Murray got sacked on that last drive.
Richt has lost it, and so have you people that support that clown.
UGAKev
December 31st, 2010
8:22 pm
TAMPAGATOR, I STRONGLY DISAGREE AS I HAVE BEEN TO GAINESVILLE , YOUR STADIUM IS SOLID IN VOLUME BUT IT DOES NOT MATCH THE VIEW AND LOCATION OF SANFORD STADIUM. tHE SWAMP IS ALWAYS MENTIONED AS A LOUD PLACE TO PLAY ALTHOUGH I BELIEVE FROM EXPERIENCE ITS SLIGHTLY OVERRATED BUT SANFORD STADIUM IS ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT AS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN A COLLEGE FOOTBALL, NO THE SWAMP. I INVITE YOU TO COME SEE OUR FACILITIES AND CAMPUS ANYTIME. GAINEVILLE IS NICE BUT IT IS RIGHT BEHIND ATHENS. GEORGIA FANS LIVE THROUGH GEORGIA FOOTBALL. FLORIDA FANS ONLY LIVE THROUGH STEVE SPURRIER, TIM TEBOW, AND URBAN MEYER. YOUR FOOTBALL PROGRAM IS A BABY STILL..GEORGIA WAS THOUGHT OF LONG BEFORE FLORIDA. YOU WON YOUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. WE HAVE BLOWN OUR CHANCES AND BLEW WHAT COULD OF BEEN THREE NATIONAL TITLES IN A ROW IN THE EARLY 80′S. THATS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLORIDA AND GEORGIA RIGHT NOW
Paul in RDU
December 31st, 2010
8:22 pm
The better team won today – better coaching, better effort, better gameplan. UCF’s DL dominated – so much for “Big Boy Football” from an SEC team.
barneyb
December 31st, 2010
8:23 pm
When are the Mark Richt apologetics going to acknowledge the fact that our Head Coach is so far out o fhis league that it’s ceased to be funny? Albert Einsten said “insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting the different resuts”. And you want this overpaid HC to have another year to once again, “rebuild”?
UGA football is DONE- stick a big old fork in it. Time to blow it all up and truly rebuild…an entirely new staff. As an alumni, I am embarrassed by the pefroamcne on and off the field, and have been for several years. Look at the stats- really look at them! A losing record against ranked opponents as well as our SEC opponents. Richt really has NOT been the great coach you all seem to think he has. He did most of his big winning with Donnan’s boys! I liked Richt, but this has gone on way too long!
2Dawgs
December 31st, 2010
8:23 pm
Tech lost to Air Farce. We lost to who?
TampaGator
December 31st, 2010
8:23 pm
Virginia Dawg….”my friend” should have not been taken in literal…positive comment…..terms….understand….my friend.
DC
December 31st, 2010
8:23 pm
Wow– I never would have believed it — where has the pride gone? Junkyard Dawgs? Go Lindsey Go?
Something is really wrong — they simply do not look like they know what they are doing — very little intensity– invisible game plan or adjustments— poor play calling — stupid mental mistakes – no leadership — it is tough to watch — even if it isn’t fair, a change is needed –
JB
December 31st, 2010
8:23 pm
We better hope that 10 redshirts and 5-7 true incoming freshman are the real deal next year….Let today’s team start next year less the 3-4 guys going pro….and you’re looking at 3…maybe 4 wins…..
USMC dawg
December 31st, 2010
8:24 pm
Guys,
Mark Richt’s= No Discipline and No Enthusiasm!
“the fish stinks from the head down”
Bulldykes
December 31st, 2010
8:24 pm
Why fire rich? Certainly the other teams like our bulldykes leader. We should keep him forever since he is our only hope for winning a NC game!
Bulldykes nation unite!!
SEC Fan
December 31st, 2010
8:24 pm
What a pathetic letdown for our conference. UGA is a nobody !
5150 P.O.A.D.
December 31st, 2010
8:24 pm
I am glad I don’t live and die by what 18-23 year old men do on a football field. I enjoy the games very much, but I was not going CRAZY over the TECH loss like you Dawgs are over this game. I am so proud of the Tech players for their degrees and their hard work all season. Did I want to beat the DAWGS? Hell Yes, but when Nesbitt went down I knew our chances to bet UGA went way down.
Dawgs back away from the Ledge and have a Drink or Smoke and relax.
Bobo really needs to go for sure.
Letterman85
December 31st, 2010
8:26 pm
In a surprise move MR decides to move on. Who is the next leader to take his place?
JB
December 31st, 2010
8:26 pm
Count on all home games next year starting at noon……I know the south ga. fans love that. A 250 mile drive with a noon start…………
BobbyDawg
December 31st, 2010
8:26 pm
AJ Green should transfer and play his senior year at Auburn. The pay would probably be just as good as the NFL.
USMC dawg
December 31st, 2010
8:26 pm
Coach Richt is one of the highest paid College football coaches in the country.
How does that sit with you?
Snoop Dawg
December 31st, 2010
8:26 pm
BuLLdawg, you’d make a fine Senator with those fine fillibustering skills you just displayed.
All I can say is, “I told you so…”
dandydawg
December 31st, 2010
8:26 pm
5150…
I don’t think anyone is crazy over a win or loss. Football is only a minor part of our lives, but hey… we just love the game.
Sergeant Joe Friday, LAPD
December 31st, 2010
8:26 pm
Get a life…it’s only a freaking football game! My son is in Iraq and you all talk like UGA football really matters.
gss303
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
It is not about money, uga has more money than they can spend and they need to open up
the bank and get the right folks in athens. They are one of the top revenue programs in the ncaa.
It is time for a change. I imagine our new AD agrees and in time will make it happen.
UGAKev
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
I HONESTLY BELIEVE THE MAIN REASON RICHT HAS NOT BEEN FIRED IS BECAUSE IF WE DID IT WOULD OF HONESTLY BEEN A WASTE OF TEN YEARS. BUT DONT WORRY DAWG FANS SIT BACK AND WATCH BECAUSE EVERYTHING WILL BE ANSWERED NEXT YEAR. THE BEST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO A PROGRAM IS LOSING SOMETIME….ASK THE GATORS!
GTFANFROM1951
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
Tech scored more points than UGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ellie mae
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
“Phil” and “BarneyB” above-
Couldn’t agree more! As always, poor clock management, unimaginative play calling, poor execution, etc. Once again, we were outplayed and most of all, OUTCOACHED! It’s time to fire them all in Athens! they are being paid obscene amounts of money for losing, condoning thug behavior, poor academic performance, etc…they suck.
P.O.A.J. 365/24/7
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
Yep, toadie, its bad, it hurts, but sooner or later there is a cure. There is no cure for TECH.
USMC dawg
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
Coach Richt never gets anything out of our talent: Stafford, Moreno, A.J, etc.
Get Out of Town Richt--Please
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
We need a new coach—he is and will always be a good coach but his TRAIN HAS LEFT THE STATION! WE NEED SOME NEW BLOOD
JB
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
POAD….Don’t live and die…. LMAO… you post 24/7 on EVERY Tech and UGA blog…..You’re obsessed.
Midnight Rambler
December 31st, 2010
8:28 pm
I was delighted to watch George O’Leary beat the dawgs one more time!
Loyal Dawg Fan Forever
December 31st, 2010
8:29 pm
This UGA teams has shamed the entire state of Georgia!
Including Waycross and Zell Miller (hard to do!)
Denver Dog
December 31st, 2010
8:29 pm
Hey Tampa Gator. Cool down a little, your time is tomorrow. The only thing we know for sure is that Urban kicked a player off of his team for cheating, stealing, and who knows what else, and that player is leading a mediocre team to the big game. He went to Auburn a) There was more money there.b) His dad decided for him. (on video tape). c) He decided after discussing it with his dad. Hats off to Urban for that. It took 5 years to get the dirt on Bush. How long will it be for Auburn. Where are the alleged journalist on this issue? Barnardt, Bradley, Schultz, all turned their head the other way. So did all the real journalist. The swamp doesn’t hold water compared to Sanford or Kennan, the two most beautiful stadiums in college football. Right now UF is a top 5 program, who knows what it will be after you let a Bulldog run it for a few years!!!!
Alpha23
December 31st, 2010
8:29 pm
Ok, we all know georgia s.u.c.k.e.d. all year!!! Maybe now there will be some changes made!!! Off. cord. anyone??
dandydawg
December 31st, 2010
8:29 pm
GTFANFROM1951
December 31st, 2010
8:27 pm
Tech scored more points than UGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
******AND THEY STILL LOST…… lmao
Letterman85
December 31st, 2010
8:29 pm
Sargent Joe, thanks for the reminder and God Bless your son and all our troops!
Honolulu Dawg
December 31st, 2010
8:30 pm
I knew we were doomed when our retard coach lets Murray wear 2 gloves throwing the ball. No way in hell Saban would let his QB wear gloves…
Fire the entire coaching staff. Michael Adams too…
JB
December 31st, 2010
8:30 pm
There ought to be 10 people filing for unemployment Monday in ATHENS, GA.
gss303
December 31st, 2010
8:30 pm
Geo Oleary did not do squat. UGA beat themselves and did it horribly.
Maybe he got his resume fixed this time and wont get fired for NOT having a masters.
TampaGator
December 31st, 2010
8:31 pm
UGAKEV….Keep dreaming. It helps you ignore reality.
USMC dawg
December 31st, 2010
8:31 pm
hey guys,
mark richt isn’t a bad person, but he has been at UGA too long.
He was a great coach for us and now we need to move forward in a new direction.
I am not a yahoo who thinks we should be #1 every year, but for those of you who say UGA can’t attract a great coach are ignorant. Our program is one of the highest grossing in thew country and Money Talks.
Buzz
December 31st, 2010
8:32 pm
O’Leary = puppy euthanizer
Letterman85
December 31st, 2010
8:32 pm
Again who would you hire? Easier said then done
TampaGator
December 31st, 2010
8:33 pm
Denver Dog…the head coach does not run the Florida program…a brilliant man named Foley does….and he is the best of the best…and he will be in Gainesville until he retires….about 20 years from now.
5150 P.O.A.D.
December 31st, 2010
8:33 pm
JB I said I love the Game, but I don’t go off on the players, coaches, and Athletic Department everytime Tech loses. You read me poking fun at UGA, but again I don’t go crazy to Fire everybody or they SUCK, or they have to go.
JB
I love the game and I watch a lot of the game when I can. It is a Pleasure not a pain.
Snake Doc
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
Out coached, out played, out hustled, no dang pride. MR has to go!
Phil
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
Time to go after Jim Harbaugh big time. Whatever it takes to get him to Athens. He might end up in the NFL, but if the money is right, he might stay in college. Somebody is going to lure him away from Stanford, ir needs to be us.
Richt has lost it, my God people, wake up.
Can U say....
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
Embarrassing?
Dawgs suck so bad, gawd.
Nick Fairley scares dawg fans
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
GT = 6-7
UGA = 6-7
GT and UGA are both bottom tier football programs who should have never gone to bowl games.
TampaGator
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
Steaks and everythihng else is ready. Time to eat….and then go celebrate the New Year! Have faith….Dawg fans. The world does not end tonight. You have a Florida trained AD. You will get better.
UGAKev
December 31st, 2010
8:35 pm
LOL…THATS WHAT I THOUGH TAMPAGATOR, THATS WHAT I THOUGHT…..ALRIGHT DAWG FANS LETS KEEP SUPPORTING OUR DAWGS AND HOPE WE GET THE BIG TIME RECRUITS LIKE CROWELL AND DREW. I AM GOING OUT FOR NEW YEARS EVE BECAUSE THIS DAWG FAN LOVES THE DAWGS AND LIFE AND IS GOING TO HAVE A GREAT NEW YEARS EVE….GO DAWGS!
A Tech Fan Forever
December 31st, 2010
8:35 pm
As a GT fan, I hope CMR stays……he’s the worst coach at UGA since…….Uh, I guess since the last one
11 ARRESTS 6 Wins 7 LOSSES
December 31st, 2010
8:36 pm
hahahaha….