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
ARdawg
September 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
Too early for concern on the Fr kicker, the OL, front on D and Murray’s flailing the ball is quite concerning. This is Buffalo.
45ACP
September 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
The kick was just a bit wide right. Chuck Dowdle said he was like a deer in the headlights before the game. He’ll settle down and be okay.
Senor Coughee
September 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
You mean the refs actually saw the hold this time?
dawggirl
September 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
Yeah, Murray’s accuracy is very troubling.
Big guy
September 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
Looked more like a pancake than a hold
gbal
September 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
bring some pressure
Dr J
September 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
Run defense is great however. Need to tighten up on the pass D a bit.
Under the Bleachers
September 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
ARdawg
September 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
Too early for concern on the Fr kicker, the OL, front on D and Murray’s flailing the ball is quite concerning. This is Buffalo.
Your last sentence says it all. ” This is Buffalo”
Both side of the Line are getting pushed around.
dawggirl
September 1st, 2012
1:09 pm
Blocked!
Jeff Schultz
September 1st, 2012
1:09 pm
Special teams is going to take over this game.
Dr J
September 1st, 2012
1:10 pm
We are clearly missing Rambo and Commings back there. Mitchell too. I hope it was just a one game suspension for Rambo and Ogletree. If not, Mizzou could light us up
5150 UOAD
September 1st, 2012
1:10 pm
Nice play
Under the Bleachers
September 1st, 2012
1:10 pm
If Murray throws another incompletion the Hutson Mason fans will be calling for Murray’s Helmet.
Senor Coughee
September 1st, 2012
1:10 pm
OMG…complaining already? Pathetic.
45ACP
September 1st, 2012
1:10 pm
5150 – Cuz posted earlier today. Have not heard from him in a while. Guessing he and Baylie are doing okay.
nobody
September 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
Too be fair Murray looked pretty awful at the beginning of last year as well
gbal
September 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
am just dont have it
Under the Bleachers
September 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
Very Nice Special Teams play…..then the OL gets a passed swatted down. This DL of Buffalo is not very imposing either.
Jeff Schultz
September 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
FYI — I see Marshall on the sideline.
Dr J
September 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
Murray looks horrible on his passes.
dawggirl
September 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
Murray, what the hell? He looks AWFUL.
5150 UOAD
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
35:55minute Murray is really making his bid for the Heisman today for sure.
nobody
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
Wow usually dont mind murray but asking for a flag after that throw? Seriously?
satxdawg
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
Gurley probably got hurt when they pushed him down after the td …
Senor Coughee
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
Nice kick.
gbal
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
What the he!! does FAIR have to do with anything nobody?
Big Crimson 75
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
Back up QB please!!
Jeff Schultz
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
Dogs get field goal but that’s not good, failing to get even first down after blocked punt at Buffalo 23.
Under the Bleachers
September 1st, 2012
1:13 pm
Big Crimson 75
September 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
Back up QB please!!
LOL!
Fair Weather Fan
September 1st, 2012
1:13 pm
Murray ain’t having his best day.
FALKONS
September 1st, 2012
1:13 pm
Murray sucks! I want to see Mason NOWWWW! I bet you Hutson Mason can hit those passes! I saw this guy at Lassiter and he can really throw it! Murray shoud just stick with the screen passes and short stuff! His timing is off!
Big Crimson 75
September 1st, 2012
1:13 pm
Dr J — you’re a terrible fan.
Jeff Schultz
September 1st, 2012
1:14 pm
Murray is only 5 for 11 for 74 yards.
dawggirl
September 1st, 2012
1:14 pm
We always look rusty in our first game. I expected more though. I mean, to quote Apollo Creed: “You think I was tough? This chump’ll kill ya.”
Under the Bleachers
September 1st, 2012
1:14 pm
You guys knew it would start and JEFF was right….
Bench Murray,
Fire Bobo
Crawl over Grantham
Turn on Mark Richt..
Same Soap Opera, different Year.
gbal
September 1st, 2012
1:14 pm
Sub at QB or just run the ball
Orange12
September 1st, 2012
1:14 pm
At least he didn’t turn it over.
Fair Weather Fan
September 1st, 2012
1:14 pm
Maybe Murray doesnt want to get far enough ahead for mason to come in
Dr J
September 1st, 2012
1:14 pm
@Big Crimson 75, do I have to make you look stupid again? Get off the board.
Senor Coughee
September 1st, 2012
1:15 pm
Big Crimson 75….either that or a Tech troll…..
Big Crimson 75
September 1st, 2012
1:15 pm
dawggirl — Did you know Apollo personally?
Senor Coughee
September 1st, 2012
1:15 pm
that answered that….troll…
Under the Bleachers
September 1st, 2012
1:15 pm
FALKONS
September 1st, 2012
1:13 pm
Murray sucks! I want to see Mason NOWWWW! I bet you Hutson Mason can hit those passes! I saw this guy at Lassiter and he can really throw it! Murray shoud just stick with the screen passes and short stuff! His timing is off!
I bet Lassiter saw some defenses just as good as this Buffalo defense too!
Aaron Murray SUCKS!
September 1st, 2012
1:16 pm
Aaron Murray SUCKS!
FALKONS
September 1st, 2012
1:16 pm
Even the NEW UGGA looks sick or constipated! LOL I guess I am just looking for something to complain about! Hey South Carolina looked awful. Tenn looked good!
Jeff Schultz
September 1st, 2012
1:16 pm
Just looked down — I still don’t see Gurley on the sideline.
gbal
September 1st, 2012
1:16 pm
Lamay next series
nobody
September 1st, 2012
1:17 pm
So what is the deal with Gurley?
5150 UOAD
September 1st, 2012
1:17 pm
The VOLS Bray is making 35:55minute Murray look like the GaState QB.
Bray
Shaw
Rogers
look way better than Murray so far and they all played against Way Better Talent.
Big Crimson 75
September 1st, 2012
1:17 pm
Too bad Buffalo is about the 125th best team in the Country.
If uga were playing the 101st best team, watch out!!!