LIVE: Georgia looks to make quick work of Buffalo, move on
Thirty minutes to kickoff. Fans may want to get here quick before the blowout starts.
ATHENS — For the first time since November, I can begin a blog with, “Good morning from Sanford Stadium.” The Georgia Bulldogs plan to have the Buffalo Bulls for a light lunch.
Let’s get to the important stuff:
• 1.) It’s humid. I mean, really stupidly humid. My iPhone right now says 81 degrees (projected high in Athens: 93). But it feels more like a sauna on July 1 than the almost-fall cooling temperatures of Sept. 1. Logic suggests this will affect Buffalo more than Georgia, not that we would have attached any trace of suspense to today’s outcome even if it was 72 degrees with a soft ocean breeze. (The point spread is 37½. I say the Dogs cover. See the rest of my picks here).
• 2.) This is the first game for Russ, The Temporary Mascot, as Uga IX. I’m hoping this ascension to full time means the poor dog finally gets insurance benefits. I had to crack up at athletic director Greg McGarity’s statement the other day: “Russ has endeared himself to the Georgia people over the last three years. His dedication to duty when called upon has been exemplary and it’s fitting that he takes his place in the official line of Georgia mascots.”
People. The dog is in a crate. What’s he going to do? Make a break for it and hop a bus to Starkville?
(You may now commence with your cyber attacks on me for making Uga jokes.)
• 3.) This is a good chance for Georgia to test its depth on defense and try some players in different situations. Five defensive starters are expected to miss the game: Cornerback-wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (sprained ankle), cornerback Sanders Commings (suspended two games for domestic battery), linebacker Chase Vasser (suspended two games for DUI), linebacker Alec Ogletree (violation of team rules) and safety Bacarri Rambo (violation of team rules). Georgia has never confirmed reports that the Olgetree and Rambo both failed drug tests or that they have been suspended (and for how long).
• 4.) I’m most interested to watch the Dogs’ offense, particularly the play of the offensive line (which I believe ultimately will determine what kind of season they have) and the effectiveness of freshman tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. As much as the excommunicated Isaiah Crowell was undone by off-the-field issues, most recently felony gun charges, he easily was the best running back the Dogs had.
That’s it for now. I’ll post any updates on the lineup and suspensions as warranted. Now, I may head down for a pre-game chat with Russ.
Welcome back to college football.
The cyber venting lines are open.
By Jeff Schultz
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,078 comments Add your comment
FLA DAWG
September 1st, 2012
4:27 pm
Look Dawg Nation,
I’ve been blatantly outspoken of my lack of confidence in Richt and Bobo and called for their departure. But today I saw a very talented team that executed well and received what I believe were timely, calculated playcalling on O and adequate adjustments on D.
It was kinda what you’d expect of a very good SEC Team feeling its way against an inspired cupcake team in a season opener game.
Let’s see what happens with Mizzou, Vandy, UT and SC. We should have a much better picture by that time.
GO DAWGS !!
DawgNole
September 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
KC
September 1st, 2012
4:23 pm
He didn’t drop the ball, he was in the end zone…
_____________________
You’re correct. Should’ve said “lost possesion of the ball.”
John
September 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
Gurly is only getting the ball 15-20 times a game IF Murray has over 300 yds passing. They think Murray is Heisman material.
DIT
September 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
To the people that want to sit here and speak crap of the coaches. Get a Life! They were not going to show any new wrinkles & schemes today. The intelligent person knows this game was going to be very vanilla! Save your critique after next weeks game. This teams will be a totally different team next week.
Left Coast Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
Good points @ Devil’s Advocate
MD
September 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
Stop complaining about Murray’s OVER-THROWS.
It’s Murray’s UNDER-THROWS that get picked.
Murray didn’t throw a bad pass today, if he missed, he either threw it away or OVER-THREW.
And NO INTERCEPTIONS!!!!!
I’ll take that over a few missed passes ANY DAY!!!!
DawgNole
September 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
DIT
September 1st, 2012
4:24 pm
Hate 1st games. glad it’s out of the way. Can’t gauge this team based on what happened today. Let’s see what they look like against Mizzou. We will see what kind of character they have after that game.
_________________
Ditto.
John
September 1st, 2012
4:30 pm
DIT….Coach Bobo has had a vanilla game for 7 years now. Any intelligent person would know this….
5150 UOAD
September 1st, 2012
4:30 pm
Rantastic Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:09 pm
Great, nerds commenting on a Bulldog game. Win your own game, then talk.
—————————————————————–
Moe Ron this is a Jeff Schultz LIVE blog………I think it is OPEN to anybody that has a computer.
OMG
September 1st, 2012
4:31 pm
Thought Murray chucked it down the field too often today.
I don’t think he hit a single screen pass, and didn’t hit the mid range passes to a tight end, and didn’t complete a pass to a run back, it’s either go for brke, or the little wr screen, that seems to be it.
Left Coast Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:31 pm
@ DIT – it’s probably not even worth you wasting your fonts on most of these ignorant people.
Rantastic Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:31 pm
Big Crimsom 75
Some of these tools aren’t even UGA fans in the first place. As long as you’ve been on the AJC, you should know that, but some fans have legitimate gripes my friend. I wanted more running and grinding the clock. I’m happy with the win, not pleased with the missing starters on Defense or lack of pressure in the middle or off the edges. Glad about turnovers (none) and we can move the ball. Murray was wound-tight but didn’t turn it over, still he needs to hand it off more. We have trolls pretending to be Dawgs everyday. Today was no different. RUSS GOT A BONE & A WIN TODAY! WAY TO GATA RUSS!
John
September 1st, 2012
4:32 pm
A good day for Murray is no pick 6’s? Really?
DawgNole
September 1st, 2012
4:32 pm
FLA DAWG
September 1st, 2012
4:27 pm
Look Dawg Nation . . . .
It was kinda what you’d expect of a very good SEC Team feeling its way against an inspired cupcake team in a season opener game.
_____________________
True. It’s just a shame we’re stuck playing “inspired cupcakes” in the first place–thanks to McGarity.
DIT
September 1st, 2012
4:33 pm
@John…. Won’t argue too much with you on that, but let’s agree today was even more so. Very basic playing calling. Form the most part out of the same offensive scheme. Next week will be a totally different offense. Not saying world beating, but more aggressive than today
John
September 1st, 2012
4:34 pm
Left Coast Dawg…….you’re reading my post, so you obviously care. Now run along….
DIT
September 1st, 2012
4:34 pm
@ Left Coast Dawg – I heart ya!
DIT
September 1st, 2012
4:35 pm
sorry “hear ya”. wow that was a serious typo
Pitbull
September 1st, 2012
4:35 pm
It was a perfect tuneup opponent gor UGA.
Buffalo was strong enough and had the talent to present a challenge and did so with 5 defensive starters out.
Yet Georgia was able to substitute and play a lot of people. Do you realize how many freshmen we had out on the field today, and walkons too.
Everyone got experience and the timing down. It was good.
Some slobs will moan about not beating the spread but the spread doesn’t matter. People have no business betting on college sports anyway.
We got done what we needed to get done and should be in fine shape for next week if number 71’s ankle is ok.
Go Dawgs and THWGT.
Left Coast Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:36 pm
DawgNole – this game was scheduled per-McGarity so how is he to blame. matter of fact if I’m correct I believe Turner Gill was the coach and had turned the Buffalo program around. Thus, it was a respectable OOC game for the schedule.
BubbaGolf
September 1st, 2012
4:36 pm
Listened to game and it appears they may be overrated…but, D missing significant players. O-line a concern. They may have to play much better to beat Mizzou. But, GO YOU JUNKYARD DOGS!
Dog Fan in Seattle.
John
September 1st, 2012
4:36 pm
DIT…..What was different today you haven’t seen in the last 7 years with Bobo? This is not vanilla playcalling, it’s the best idea’s that guy has.
Left Coast Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:36 pm
Pre not Per….my bad
joe jenkins
September 1st, 2012
4:37 pm
we are overated again……the dream team is a complete bust!!!
corey moore cant even beat out norman??LOL
ray drew is less than average
jay rome is not commited
crowell a thug booted from the team. So disappointed with the run defense today….the jury is still out on CTG…..the defense is not ready to be elite…i’m so doubtful that we will ever have a dominant defense under grantham…their is a reason the browns fired him…geez ya’ll disney dawgs need to shut the hell up about going 14-0…after today’s game we need to be worried about becoming bowl eligible
DIT
September 1st, 2012
4:37 pm
A win is a win. Gotta run. Take my family out to celebrate my daughter’s 14th!! Go Dawgs!
John
September 1st, 2012
4:38 pm
Todd G. will improve his defense, I believe that, however the 3 and outs from Bobo will test him against tougher competition.
ARdawg
September 1st, 2012
4:38 pm
45 points and a win over a much inferior opponent, first game of the year isn’t much to belly ache over. 45 points and a loss is a different story.
I am convinced that we now have a real running game we haven’t had in the last 3 years. It will make volumes of difference for the offense and Murray although the OL needs more work. One can only hope Grantham finds that defense by next week because we were gashed
GO DAWGS congrats and the win and Gurley is the real deal
5150 UOAD
September 1st, 2012
4:40 pm
pitbull…………..name all the Freshmen that played today
Rantastic Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:40 pm
50¢
You got nothing to offer about UGA that you haven’t already said over and over. Talk about your own crappy, worthless team for a change. You mad cause you gonna start the year with a big ol loss? Don’t blame ya. Chickens almost lost, bugs will lose and the DOGS WIN AGAIN, LOL.
CHDawg
September 1st, 2012
4:40 pm
There is a time to quit whining and support the team and just see what they can do. There were a lot of bright spots and big plays. The O line played better in the second half–they are young. We need to improve a whole lot there if we want to play with the big boys. They were flat and looking ahead I think. We know the D can play and they looked flat in the second qtr. I think our quick lead put them to sleep. That is something we have had a problem with in the past. Go Dawgs. A solid W will never be whined over by me.
DawgNole
September 1st, 2012
4:40 pm
Pitbull
September 1st, 2012
4:35 pm
We got done what we needed to get done and should be in fine shape for next week if number 71’s ankle is ok.
_________________
Number 71 had no business being in the game midway through the 4Q with a 21-point lead. One of the VERY FEW logical arguments for playing junior high school teams is that we can get the starters out early–so they don’t get hurt and so we can get some reps for the subs. We obviously fell a little short in that area today.
John
September 1st, 2012
4:41 pm
joe jenkins…I respectfully disagree, CTG has shown steady improvement. Bozo is the problem.
ARdawg
September 1st, 2012
4:41 pm
Left Coast
Hardly a respectable OOC opponent even if McGill was still there.
Bad Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:42 pm
Richt is gonna botch up the easy schedule again this year and McGarity better can him and bring in the best man for the job. So embarrassed to be a dawg fan with Richt as the coach. Good riddance. Thanks for the few good years in the early to mid 2000’s but just can’t keep up with the Saban’s of our conference.
BlackHat
September 1st, 2012
4:44 pm
Michael Bennett is a BEAST.
He just DOMINATED as a blocker, and made some huge 3rd down catches.
Big day for MB.
FLA DAWG
September 1st, 2012
4:44 pm
With Richt in charge don’t hold your breath for the bread and butter running game The Dawgs were so great at in those glory years.
Richt is an FSU OC Passer and will always have that in his blood.
I don’t agree with it either – especially when you have the kind of horses we have but that’s just the way it is.
John
September 1st, 2012
4:45 pm
Bad Dawg….I agree, it’s not that the coaching staff forgot how to coach, but the coaching talent has greatly improved in the league since the mid 200’s.
Big Crimson 75
September 1st, 2012
4:46 pm
It’s safe to say y’all can turn the page on the Ike Crowell era.
Devil's Advocate
September 1st, 2012
4:47 pm
For the record, I’ve been bashing Bobo since he was running the offense in the 90s. I don’t know if I’ve ever had anything good to say about him in a public forum. But I do have to admit that while I didn’t think he deserved the OC position when he got it, I do see him progressing and at least appearing more comfortable with what he’s doing today.
That said, I don’t think he’s the best option and I don’t think he’s always right. I will say what I saw today was the best work I’ve seen from him yet. I liked how he split the load for the RBs and I liked seeing him take shots down field. It’s not his fault that Murray took forever to hit a receiver on a deep ball (and when he did it wasn’t in stride as the WR had to turn and the defender missed the tackle).
Let’s keep things in perspective people. A lot of coaches in history have received undue credit because they had studs playing for them. I have yet to see Bobo really out coach anyone offensively for an entire game. Sure, a great play here and there, but never anytime I can recall where…wait…Bobo outcoached Tech in the famous “I Run This State” game. That was brilliant just lining up and running the ball down their throats that year.
Dang, there I go again bashing Bobo. Bad me! I honestly will say that Bobo has earned my curiosity to see how he calls the Mizzou game. He’s got a clean slate with me this season but it can go back to calling for his head if UGA doesn’t run the table this year. There is no defense on the regular season schedule that should shut down UGA’s offense. If UGA loses a game it had better be due to the opponent striking gold and simply outscoring UGA in a high scoring affair. I won’t be happy with the defense but I’d sleep better at night versus seeing one of our famous untimely underperforming offensive games.
DW
September 1st, 2012
4:47 pm
Thought our d-line looked really bad.
Jenkins looked decent on a few plays, but we looked a lot better in the 2nd half when GSmith got in there.
Garrison Smith just brought it.
So did Jarvis Jones.
Everybody else had an ok day on defense.
John
September 1st, 2012
4:48 pm
BlackHat ….Micheal did a great job today. Let’s hope he doesn’t disappear against SEC talent like he did last year.
Murray The Midget
September 1st, 2012
4:48 pm
No Bama,No LSU Or Arky again this year. Yall think we are scared?
Bad Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:49 pm
John, Exactly Richt is not a terrible coach but he just can’t keep up with guys like Les Miles, Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban, and maybe even James Franklin. Not to mention he continues to recruit players that embarrass UGA off the field and now UGA is branded as a bad school around the nation. This crap makes me sick. Enough is enough.
DW
September 1st, 2012
4:49 pm
45 points of offense, and bashing Mike Bobo.
Look at the other side Grantham just coughed up 23 to Buffalo Bisons!
And coughed up 300 yards and 24 points on 4 red zone attempts.
Mike Bobo isn’t the problem.
kingdaddy
September 1st, 2012
4:52 pm
Why all the sad trolls? We won, be happy. S.C. won, UT won. Fla. will probably win but Bowling Green is giving then a game. Vandy looked good. SECe will be fine. Won’t know about GT until tonight, but hope they win. Getting ready to go to the “Shell House” for some oysters and shrimp, then “Party-town”. Way to go Russ, GATA big brown butt…
Bad Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:52 pm
Why call for Bobo’s head when he is Richt’s right hand man? If Bobo goes Richt is going with him and I am just fine with that. Grantham’s overrated too. Definitely better than Martinez but not up there with LSU’s and Alabama’s defense.
Reality
September 1st, 2012
4:53 pm
How bout dem DOGS! Go JAWJA! Who was the booing for in the 2 quarter?
DawgNole
September 1st, 2012
4:53 pm
Left Coast Dawg
September 1st, 2012
4:36 pm
DawgNole – this game was scheduled per-McGarity so how is he to blame. matter of fact if I’m correct I believe Turner Gill was the coach and had turned the Buffalo program around. Thus, it was a respectable OOC game for the schedule.
____________________
Oh please. Buffalo’s a notorious loser–and had one decent year (8 wins) under Gill. No excuse for playing the OOC crap we schedule. One thing Damon Evans did was try to schedule home and homes with DECENT OOC opponents in an attempt to “spread the (Bulldog) brand.” McGarity’s the total opposite, and the result is games like today’s, which inspire no one.
blackandwhitestripes
September 1st, 2012
4:54 pm
mutts have no defense
joe jenkins
September 1st, 2012
4:54 pm
how does our defense give up 23 points to buffalo….our redzone defense still struggling once again…..I just stop and think about why did commings, tree and rambo come back for their senior…just to get suspended?!!! it’s a damn shame…with such an easy schedule…these players are not commited…this is richt’s last season…enough is enough…i see us finishing 7-5