Newsstand previews have Dogs in Top 20
First day back from Italy, I saw one of the sure signs of impending summer: preseason college football preview magazines on the newsstands.
Not surprisingly, the Dawgs don’t have the lofty expectations of last year at this time, when they were the consensus preseason No. 1 team, but both Lindy’s Southeastern 2009 Preview ($6.99) and Sporting News College Football ‘09 ($7.99) see them in the Top 20.
Lindy’s puts UGA at No. 17, right behind the Trade School. Florida is, of course, No. 1 and other SEC schools ranked include LSU (6), Alabama (7) and Ole Miss (9). The Dawgs’ opening opponent, Oklahoma State, is ranked No. 10.
The magazine’s assessment of Georgia includes a cheap shot quote from an anonymous SEC coach (who sounds like he probably was one of those who lost to Mark Richt last year). He says last year’s UGA team might have been “kind of soft. They never knocked you off the ball or blocked that well.”
Lindy’s sums up the 2009 Dawgs by noting their “ambitious” schedule and saying: “The ‘wow’ factor [Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno] is gone, but eight or nine victories in the regular season seems reasonable for a stable program that never takes an off year in recruiting.”
Rennie Curran is UGA’s only preseason All-American in Lindy’s, making the second team defense. Lindy’s ranks A.J. Green (who’s on the cover for this region) at No. 6 among wide receivers (with Alabama’s Julio Jones at No. 3 and Okie State’s Dez Bryant at No. 1). Ben Jones is ranked No. 6 among centers, Clint Bolling is No. 5 at offensive guard, Geno Atkins is No. 8 among defensive tackles, Curran is the No. 4 outside linebacker and Reshad Jones is No. 12 among safeties. UGA has the second best offensive line, Lindy’s reckons, and its recruiting class is ranked No. 6.
The same rankings are used in a companion publication, Lindy’s Football 2009 College Preview ($7.99).
The Sporting News preview, which has Joe Cox and South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia on the cover of this region’s edition, ranks UGA at No. 15. They also have Florida at No. 1, with Ole Miss at No. 5, LSU at No. 8 and Alabama at No. 13. Oklahoma State is ranked No. 10 and Georgia Tech is No. 11. Curran is a third-team All-American.
SN’s “fearless forecast” trashes this year’s No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, saying “Georgia won’t miss Matthew Stafford. Good riddance to his 33 career interceptions in a Georgia uniform. New quarterback Joe Cox isn’t going to win games by himself, but he won’t hurt the Bulldogs like Stafford did.”
Sounds like Stafford ran over this guy’s dog. And like the writer never watched Georgia play over the past two seasons.
Overall, the Sporting News has UGA finishing second in the SEC East and projects the Dawgs in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, giving them a B+ grade and commenting that Georgia has “stacked defensive and offensive lines. … A.J. Green might be SEC’s best receiver. … Always better when not hyped in preseason.”
Can’t argue with that.
Anyone think preseason rankings of No. 17 or No. 15 for the Dawgs are way off the mark or are they about right?
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149 comments Add your comment
DawgGirl32
May 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
The problem with trying to figure out where we should be ranked is that we have sooo many questions marks still. I think what’s scary is that we’re really going to need some of these true freshmen to step up. Marlon Brown, Washaun Ealey, Branden Smith, Orson Charles, and Authur Lynch are all going to have to step up and have big freshman years. If they don’t, I can see 8-4, if they do, I think the possibilities are pretty endless for this team. There’s definitely A LOT of potential. I’m pretty excited to see how it all turns out.
billytdoogan
May 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
rankings seem about right regarding the Dawgs. I don’t agree with many of the other teams in the top 15 though. Alabama has a QB who has never started, Tech is Tech, and Ole Miss should be down with the Dawgs until proven otherwise.
UGA’s success in the big games will rest on Ealey’s shoulders. Joe Cox will be fine but we will only move the ball with a good running game to go along with the passing game. Samuel and King are about as good as Tony Milton and Danny Ware were, not very. Although, I think Samuel would make a good inside receiver if he can catch.
And the anti-Suckford Comments are fair. did you see him throw the ball? they were either in the bleachers, in the dirt, or in the opponent’s chest.
AJ is one of the top receivers in college football, and yes, better than Julio Jones. He had to be to bring in some of Suckford’s crappy passes.
DOG FAN
May 29th, 2009
5:16 pm
GAMES ARE WON IN THE TRENCHES 14-0 BECAUSE THE D WILL BE THE 2007 D JUST BETTER…….
Cuz
May 29th, 2009
5:24 pm
The South Carolina game will be tough. Since I live on the border I know that game is the second biggest game of the year for the roosters. It would be great if the Dawgs recognized it as such, but no, they keep getting blindsided.
Anonymous
May 29th, 2009
5:25 pm
It just gives me a bad name when a coach won’t own up to a comment.
Otto
May 29th, 2009
5:33 pm
With all the smack talk that has gone on and warnings from Slive I would try to stay out of the media as well. SOS would not surprise me as he would be smart enough to keep a low profile when commenting on other teams.
Spike
May 29th, 2009
5:56 pm
Ole Miss at #5 preseason? No way. They are much better that years past, but no way they are #5. If we get by Okie State and the ‘Cocks early on watch out. I doubt we beat the Gators. We have a good shot against LSU at home. If we stay healthy and get a few breaks, we surprise a lot of know it alls and finish 10-2.
Pete
May 29th, 2009
6:02 pm
Cox will be very good. I love how they have the Dawgs flying under the radar…
45-42
May 29th, 2009
6:46 pm
Tech is Tech? Yeah, you’re right. They beat you last year and have more talent coming back then you do. Another GT victory come November.
Glenn
May 29th, 2009
6:58 pm
BamaCLT your ideas and thoughts, well are you a slug or something.
zulucanibal
May 29th, 2009
6:58 pm
hulio hones or julio jones…doesnt have anything on A.J.
dawgfan1911
May 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
As crazy as this may seem, this Georgia team looks a lot like Alabama did last year. Huge offensive line, unproven qb, talented but unproven skill players, strong d line and linebackers, ok kicker and bamas special teams may be better who knows with the bad coaching on special teams that we have. I just think better assistant coaches can get more out of this Georgia roster. There is a huge drop off in coaching when you look at a guy like Charlie Strong at Florida and Willie at Georgia. I know Georgia will lose to Florida again this year but so will most other teams, but they may have a chance against every one else. Coaching will decide maybe 2 or 3 games this year.
Elephant Slayer
May 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
DawgFaan1911 I agree with you and DawgGirl32. UGA will surprise a lot of teams this year. Watch out for Logan Grey, this kid will take the job from Cox. Being a Gator I’m looking forward to playing Ole Miss for the SEC title! Bama doesn’t stand a chance and was over rated last year.
RedandBlack
May 29th, 2009
8:35 pm
I am just hoping that the Dogs will show up and play each one of their games one at a time for a hard played and consistently executed game with little or no penalties. The coaching staff needs to inspire a lot of focus on these players. If so, then I see the Dogs being a better balanced team than last year with a much improved record come the end of the season. The Dogs are going to surprise a lot of folks. Woof, Baby, Woof!! Go Dogs!!!
S.E. Dawg
May 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
I believe this group of dawgs are going to do the unexpected and do better than most expect. That’s usually what we do. When we’re expected to do well, we don’t. It’s when we’re not expected to do well, that’s usually when we shine.
I also believe UF is setting themselves up for an upset. If Tebow goes under center to improve his NFL status he is going to get his jock rocked. Just my opinion.
big_fort
May 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
A.J. Green won’t have Stafford, J. Jones won’t have J.P. Wilson either. So that puts them about even. That’s for Bama guys.
nwizzle dawg
May 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
that hands down statement about Julio is hilarious…. he’s got the burners and he’s a beast vertically, but after the catch (especially in space)Green has got Jones ….uhhh, hands down
Alfred Neuman IV,Summa Cum Laude,UGA'90
May 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
S.E. Dawg, Man, you really got me good with that opening line! My chair started spinning and almost tipped over! A regular Yogi no less!
And leave off the “we” unless you actually play for GA.
brickman
May 29th, 2009
9:12 pm
the dawgs will suprise alot of folks this year.tech goes down,okie st goes down and the fla game will be close!!
SEC = Boooooring
May 29th, 2009
9:20 pm
Arf Arf Arf…..go dawgs
Anonymous
May 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
We the alumni of Alpha Sigma Sigma pull Alfred Neuman’s shingle. You are out of the frat dude. Turn in your toga on the way out.
Bama22
May 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
Bama will be fine. Two years in a row, we have recruited the best talent at the Capstone. Saban plays the talented players, regardless… Bama’s D is stronger and more talented. Cody has dropped the weight and is quicker. The QB is a winner from Texas. Bama is a head of the curve. As far as the SEC Championship Game, Bama was winning, until the yellow flag came out for a horse collar. But hey, America got the two teams they wanted. These were not the two best teams. Guess what America? Bama is back and back to stay. ROLL TIDE ROLL 4 LIFE…..
Alfred Neuman IV,Summa Cum Laude,UGA'90
May 29th, 2009
9:54 pm
Enter your comments here
Alfred Neuman IV,Summa Cum Laude,UGA'90 Pledge Trainer, Alpha Sigma Sigma
May 29th, 2009
10:02 pm
Does this mean I won’t be able to see Otis Day & The Knights play at the House this Fall?
S.E. Dawg
May 29th, 2009
10:11 pm
Alfred, 92,000 people cheering for a common cause becomes the 12th man. So I guess that makes us part of the team. When I’ve walked out of Sanford Stadium and can’t speak above a whisper it means I’ve done everything possible as a fan to help my team win.
Apostle
May 29th, 2009
10:19 pm
I don’t put much stock in pre-season ranking.But I do believe the Dawgs will win at the most 8 games.And if the defense is as bad as last year it could be 6.
Fools Gold
May 29th, 2009
10:57 pm
Yes the dawgs will surprise a lot of kool aid drinking fans this year. But dont fret mutt fans your team just might win enough to face Yabba Dabba Dabo and his Climpson Tiggers in the Chicken Bowl at the Atlanta Dome.
obomaisaclown
May 29th, 2009
11:20 pm
WILL BAMA LOI BE OUT BEFORE OR DURING SEASON, 4-7 SHOLLY LOST ONE YEAR BAN PER PAUL FINEBUM ON ATLANTA RADIO
real
May 29th, 2009
11:49 pm
Dawgs will roll over OK ST. Look for 10-2.
dawg man
May 29th, 2009
11:53 pm
that ga tech prick with the 45-42, how does 1 out of 8 sound, hahahahahah!
real
May 29th, 2009
11:54 pm
dawg man, ditto. What a joke.
doggonegadawg
May 30th, 2009
12:00 am
This is shaping up nicely. The Dogs open with less than impressive expectations. The return of Vance and Sturdivant to the O line (and these two guys play with an attitude-no softness here) UGA just might be the surprise of college football this year. Remember Cox has never lost a high school or college game when he starts. Your grandmother could run the ball behind this line. Top five. Remember you read it here.
FL DAWG
May 30th, 2009
12:15 am
The dawgs will be solid on both lines. Very deep at all line positions. The O line will be awesome for at least the next three years. How well Cox (and or Grey) play will set the tone for UGA. IMO, QB will not be an issue this year. Who ever is the QB will have more time to pass than Stafford ever had. The QB talent may drop off some, but the O line will be much better. The D will revolve around how well they pressure the QB. We should be very solid up the middle and shut down running games and force teams to throw. Pressure from up the middle or from the outside does not matter, pressure just has to happen for the D to be stellar. Good D line play in passing situations will take the pressure off the DBs. Running game will be above average, and has the potential to be great if a RB will step up. Receivers will be better than last year from top to bottom. UGA has a legitimate shot at going 11-1 prior to the bowl game. One last note, the team will need to have a sense of urgency and be focussed for every play of every game. A reasonable expectation is 10-2 or 9-3 prior to bowl game.
Drop the Denial
May 30th, 2009
12:39 am
Seriously, stop the freaking denial folks. 2009 dawgs wont be ANYTHING like 2008 or 2005 dawgs.
1. (0-1) Loss to OK ST
2. (0-2) Loss to USC
3. (0-3) Loss to Ark
4. (1-3) Win over Az St
5. (1-4) Loss to LSU
6. (2-4) Win over Tenn
7. (3-4) Win over Vandy
8. (3-5) Loss to Florida
9. (4-5) Win over Tenn Tech
10. (5-5) Win over Auburn
11. (5-6) Loss to Kentucky
12. (5-7) Loss to GT
The crash from the “fantasy football cloud” you’re all living on is gonna be a spectacle.
Dr. DawgForEVER
May 30th, 2009
12:41 am
I never witnessed more biased ranking than this one, doesn’t make sense whatsoever. if LSU is # 6 and Alabama is 7, Georgia must be 5, there is no way LSU or Alabama are better teams than Georgia, I’m really truly puzzled, LSU and Bama both will start with freshman QB and their O line is not even near what Georgia has!! and this GaTech, they are so inconsistent they beat Georgia by 3 pts and suddenly everybody looked at them as super heroes I cant wait to play them and spank the crap out of them. Go dawgs
Tech fan and grad
May 30th, 2009
12:59 am
As many have said, the depth and experience on UGA’s O line is a HUGE factor. I would bet that UGA goes 9-3 or 8-4. Not great, but certainly VERY respectable after losing two skill guys in the top 10 of the draft. As for the Tech/UGA game next year, I would bet on Tech right now…but I wouldn’t bet a lot. UGA just has too many 4-star recruits stepping into roles, and Tech’s offense will still be running a pretty new offense (it takes a LONG time to run the option to perfection; most high school QBs who are artists at it have been doing it since middle school).
A side note, to anyone who insults the Tech offensive scheme: Grow up. I have a lot of knowledgeable UGA fans as friends, and they, like most football people in the country, have come to acknowledge that an option based spread is far from an antique. LSU shut us down in two ways: turnovers, and winning the line of scrimmage. Care to show me ANY offense that would overcome those two things???
Miles D
May 30th, 2009
1:02 am
I cannot wait to see A.J. Greene and Marlon Brown on the same field together! That my friends WILL BE something special! And also, I can’t wait to see how Branden Smith looks! It’s gonna be a interesting to see how it all comes together this season, if we can got into it healthy and out of trouble! I think we might surprise alot of people and even ourselves. LET’S GO DAWGS!!!
D.Stan
May 30th, 2009
1:17 am
Why do we feel that Cox will not be as successful as Stafford? Because he only has one year left? People, Cox has learned the system and has been waiting on his chance to prove himself. Remember he was also very highly recruited in high school. In no way do I think he will hurt the team this year. I believe that we drastically need to have a running back to step up and fill the void that Moreno left. The question is: Who will it be?
Big B CH 99
May 30th, 2009
2:14 am
UGA’s success this next yr will depend on a few things, the first will be the Defense must get better (the key position will be DE & getting a Pass Rush which will create more turnovers). The keys offensively will be finding a # 1 (go-to) RB & a # 2 WR.
The reason that Tech is ranked higher that UGA in pre-season is because they are returning almost all of their starters from last yr (the only exception being 3 Defensive linemen) & UGA did lose Stafford, Knowshown, & MoMass.
Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FL DAWG
May 30th, 2009
3:02 am
Moreno will be harder to replace than Stafford. Cox has plenty of experience in the system and will have time to deliver the ball on target. MoMass will also be easier to replace than Moreno. Several incoming Freshmen will have a chance to fill in the role of A.J. last year while A.J. becomes the main target that other teams will have to put in double coverage. No running back has stepped up in the system. King is capable as a ball carrier as is Samuel, however neither has shown a propensity to block very well. The O will be carried by the line, Cox and WR. The running game will be better than average, but not great. The D has to step up with pressure on the QB. I believe the pressure will come from up the middle from several Sr. DTs and LB blitzs from the outside. DB need pressure to cover for lack of experience. UGA has the potential for 11-1 regular season, but more realistic would be 10-2 or 9-3. No disrespect to Tech, but UGA will win that game and will not lay down like they did last year in the 3rd quarter, regardless of how the rest of the season goes. I don’t predict a blowout, but UGA will win by 10+.
nwizzle dawg
May 30th, 2009
3:39 am
“I cannot wait to see A.J. Greene and Marlon Brown on the same field together! That my friends WILL BE something special!”
No truer words on this list….that Under Armour play was no fluke….not trying to overhype the kid but, even if he’s average, it’ll be INSANE having him as an option as a slant on 3rd and 5+….but if he stays healthy he wont be anywhere close to average….Funny how Massaqoui had his breakout year when he had the best complimentary reciever of his career….its hard to stop two big fast guys…..Moore gets better and better also, and King has got the natural gifts….cant wait to see this combo in a 4set
MoWreck
May 30th, 2009
6:18 am
Dawg Man, how does 8 in a row sound. I remember THAT the most
Tech sucks
May 30th, 2009
6:22 am
Georgia is ranked way low but that is good. Both lines will be hugely improved and that is going to make the difference. They will finish in the top 10, probably top 5 this year. They will destroy Tech.
Boro Dawg
May 30th, 2009
7:19 am
Do you think Ole Miss is the “cool pick this year”? WOW!!!!!
hop
May 30th, 2009
7:24 am
just like the dawgs disappointed last year, they will surprise this year.
both lines will be very strong this year, and with the incoming freshment wide receivers,an accurate passer, the dawgs will be the surprised team of the nation this year.
the strong schedule will work in their favor!
UGASUX
May 30th, 2009
7:58 am
“Tech sucks”, you are an idiot. UGA may finish in the top 25, but not the top 10. I see 7-5 with a big loss to GT in ATL. Ole Miss is the sleeper in the conference. UF will again win it all.
m
May 30th, 2009
8:13 am
the funniest joke in the history of mankind was ugag being ranked preseason #1 last year.
and let us not forget….trade school with the high school offense 45…preseason #1 hushpuppies 42.
P
May 30th, 2009
8:40 am
Way overrated at #1 last year. Still overrated this year.
tim
May 30th, 2009
8:41 am
aj green will be just like stafford and noshow–he’ll be gone after this year. One of the biggest reasons the puppies won’t win anything anytime soon is all the “hype” players IE green have absolutely no loyalty to uga only to the prep for the pros. Say what you want about tebow and spikes, but those guys love uf and want to win for uf.
meansonny
May 30th, 2009
8:47 am
UGA offensively…
we find backs who can get yards for us to replace knowshon. Nobody can replace Moreno’s “tough yards”. But we won’t need that shake and bake in the backfield so much if the OL can stay healthy and out of jail.
Cox will be consistent for UGA. I expect improvement at the TE position. I expect good production at FB. But Cox’s biggest successes will be due to YAC. He doesn’t need to go deep so much as fit the ball well on crosses, slants, bubble screens, and outs.
Our biggest challenge will be red zone production. This is where losing Moreno really hurts us. I expect better TD numbers for TE and FB than last year. I expect to see more corner fades than last season. But poor percentages may cost us big games.
We will get to the red zone on good teams. How we close the drive will determine our win-loss record ( I don’t have faith in Walsh as a reliable option either)