Dogs shouldn’t give up a home game
Damon Evans should continue to stand firm on not giving up a home game in Athens in order to meet UNC (or anyone else) at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta next season or any season, no matter what sort of enticements ESPN and the Atlanta Sports Council come up with.
Such a “neutral” site game should only be considered if it takes the place of a road game for the Dogs. If that can be worked out, fine. A road game in Atlanta sounds great.
I’m not too worried on this issue, though. Financial considerations alone make giving up a game in Athens unattractive since football ticket sales are expected to generate $16.3 million this year, not counting Bulldog Club contributions. On top of that, losing a Saturday in Athens would anger the alumni base.
Meanwhile, I thought Evans was surprisingly candid in admitting that UGA is aiming to buy victories by paying increasingly hefty amounts to lure lower echelon Division 1 teams unlikely to be much of a challenge to Athens without the Dogs having to make a return visit.
“You buy these games, let’s be candid, because you think they will be … not as difficult a win,” Evans said.
They call them gibronis in professional wrestling, and it’s a fact of life of major college sports. With as tough a conference schedule as the Dogs play and Georgia Tech as a permanent nonconference game, UGA has to be careful in loading up its nonconference schedule. This year, with both Oklahoma State on the road and Arizona State in Athens, it’s a difficult one. Certainly tougher than a lot of other SEC schools play.
Sure, fans have a tough time getting excited about your North Texases and New Mexico States. But as long as the Dogs are playing at least one game a year against a big-name nonconference foe besides the Jackets, I think we can’t really complain.
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66 comments Add your comment
GetOverIt
June 2nd, 2009
10:22 am
Complain they can and complain they will!
The Dawg
June 2nd, 2009
10:39 am
Bill,
Now that you are I suppose “on the payroll” at the AJC, I for one would appreciate your trying to shove these “would be reporters” who keep bringing this issue up, out the door. Please, the un-professional way these guys go about taking a pay check with the same stories over and over (take a look at the sports page on the interenet, which keeps the same stories on for weeks at times) is ludicrous.
Professional, hardly. It is no wonder the AJC is in trouble. The internet has been at the base of much of the newspapers around the country, suffering financially. With the AJC, I am convinced it is also the shoddy reporting. The stories that come out without a blog, are the stories many times that the reporter does not want people to take off on but knows that they are stories that are suspect. In other words, sorry journalism. I long for the days of the old quality reporting of people like Jesse Outlar.
This continual “Georgia Dome” crap is nothing more than a way to increase revenue through readers “clicks”. Pathetic.
KNelson
June 2nd, 2009
10:58 am
Georgia fans , this why why 4-0 is always so easy. You play no one until Tennessee and traditionally you lose that one. You have to buy a few wins, otherwise you have 2 losses in September
Nachos
June 2nd, 2009
11:13 am
Of course they shouldn’t give up home field advantage! We all remember the great blackout of 2008 and how well that went. Coach Saban and his players were TERRIFIED of playing there. Play ‘em all in stink town puppy fans, and enjoy the 2010 Citrus Bowel.. ruff ruff
Walker
June 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
Bill quit crying!! A game against UCLA, Texas, Mich., USC, or even UNC would be awesome to open the season in the GA. Dome. It would bring alot of money to ATL. and let people who can’t make it to Athen’s (THERE ARE A COUPLE) see the game.
John
June 2nd, 2009
11:19 am
If the Dawgs are going to play at the Dome, it should be for 1 of 3 reasons: Bowl Game, SEC Championship, and a “road” game vs GA Tech (if Tech ever figures out they could sell about 15,000-20,000 more tickets if they host the game at the Dome instead of “Historic Grant Field”- of course, it would end up being a “home” game for UGA, but isn’t this all about $$$$?)
John
June 2nd, 2009
11:26 am
As for the comment about people “not being able to make it to the Dome”, is absurd. I’m a season ticket holder and probably can’t get tickets to a game in the dome. Think about it. 94,000 folks in Sanford on game day. About 15,000-20,000 goes to students. That leaves 74,000 available tickets (which is about the Dome’s capacity), UGA gives 10% of the seating capacity/or the other team’s seating capicity which ever is less in tickets to the visitor. So now you are down somewhere around 65,000-70,000 tickets available to season ticket holders on a gameday in Athens, and there is a waiting list for this. How in the world do you think tickets are going to be available in the GA Dome when it seats 20,000 less and the other team wants to bring their fans? Look at GA/FL. Jax holds more than the dome and season ticket holders can’t get tickets for this game.
Tech should move their “big” games to the Dome is you want to bring money to Atlanta, or better yet, have them host a “neutral site” game like they did with AL/Clemson last year. Problem is. . . . . all the stadiums in the SE are bigger than the dome, so all these teams “lose” money. All they gain is a little recruiting.
Dorsey Hill
June 2nd, 2009
11:27 am
KNelson,
UGA is 6-3 vs. UT since 2000. So yeah, we “traditionally” lose that one. I’d like to “traditionally” lose to UF in the same manner. You must be “traditionally” stupid.
WinderDawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:28 am
I have always thought that it was nice to have a couple of cupcake wins against the new mexico states of college football however,if we as a program are ever going to get to the point of being one of the best in the country, then we have to step up and play against the best. If we are going to be good enough to win the the SEC, then we need to play the Texas,Ohio State,Penn States of the world. I would rather play USC and lose but at least know where we stand, then tobeat the crap out of Tenn Tech and think we are much better than we really are.
Otto
June 2nd, 2009
11:38 am
Walker the tickets would be easier to get in Athens.
Another traditionally good reply from Dorsey lol.
Otto
June 2nd, 2009
11:41 am
Winder I’d rather beat Clemson then lose to USC which is what UGA has on the schedule for ‘13.
http://www.sicemdawgs.com/football/sched/fbsch_13.php
Clemson, Bama and Tenn in a 3 game stretch. The schedule lets up a little for Vandy and then At LSU and then off to Jax.
The ‘13 schedule is hard enough and if UGA wins the SEC they will be in the mix for a BCS title game.
RedandBlack
June 2nd, 2009
11:48 am
The Dogs should schedule an annual away game in Charlotte, NC and the opponents can play the Dogs there on a rotational basis between Clemson, North Carolina, Viginina, Virgina Tech, Wake Forest, NC State. Just challenge the best of the ACC and the Dogs meet them in Charlotte each year whether it be Boston College, Duke, Florida State or Miami. Keep the six home games in Athens, but do this Charlotte, NC game each year. This is a game that will pay dividends to the Bulldogs.
Look, the Dogs need to travel to play some good road games. Besides the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Charlotte would be the next best venue closest to Georgia. It is just a straight shot up I-85. In some folks’ minds Atlanta is too close to Athens to call it a road game for Georgia. Charlotte makes sense and a notable and well publicized road game there would benefit recruiting for Georgia.
As for Jacksonville, Georgia should renew the series there. The state of Florida is a fantastic state for recruiting. The Dogs still have the lead in wins in the series. So, the Dogs just have to play better down there go get a W. Coach Richt and the Bulldogs can do and they will do it. It is for all of us to support them wherever and whenever at anytime. Woof, Baby, Woof!! Go Dogs!!
murfdawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:51 am
All SEC teams deserve a few “not as difficult win”. Eight SEC games are a lot tougher than eight Big 2plus 9 conference games or eight People Against Contact conference games. After playing florida, Auburn and GT, I have a pretty good idea where we stand every year. The first eight games are good football contest. Three of the last four are war!!! Nobody in the country has three rival games to end the season. I compare UGAs schedule to a marathon. The first 20 miles are easy. It’s the last six that kill you. For Georgia, the first eight are easy. the last four will kill you.
John
June 2nd, 2009
11:54 am
I love to play a tougher schedule, ie TX, USC, OSU, etc. and I’d be a lot happier paying for tix as a season ticket holder. One thing to remember here, Florida has the same issue as UGA when it comes to scheduling, b/c of the GA/Fl game, and as a result, they play a lot of cupcake games as well. It certainly didn’t hurt their chances of winning National Championships of late. I think the key here is that we don’t need to be “beating” the cupcake teams 42-10, etc., but 70-6 like Florida does. I think TN, Ak, and Auburn’s biggest mistake over the past few years is playing nonconference games against USC or Pac-10 teams. While the game looked “nice”, once you lose a big non-conference game, then most likely lose 1 or 2 SEC games, it’s really tough to play in the National Championship with 2 or more losses.
uga_b
June 2nd, 2009
11:58 am
I hate to say this but until there is a better resolution College Football is simply an exhibition sport capped off by an exhibition game. The truth is lesser opponents aren’t good exhibitions but do increase the likelihood of a bowl game payout. The bowl game could then in essence justify one bad opponent since the extra game replaces it. I would enjoy our team actually testing itself more in better exhibitions against better opponents; it just won’t happen.
Nachos Fan
June 2nd, 2009
12:04 pm
Nachos owns all you Neck puppy fans.
WinderDawg
June 2nd, 2009
12:08 pm
you are probably right about the confrence with eight games that are no gimmes anymore, it’s just that i hate going to 12:30 kickoffs in the hottest part of the year to watch us smack W.Kentucky around. I hate those early day games.I do love the night games when all my 92,000 friends are fired up and the stadium is rocking.I just like to see us play quality non-confrence opps. Ever since the 82 Sugar Bowl, i have wanted anothert shot at Penn State!!
Saint Simons
June 2nd, 2009
12:10 pm
UGA should schedule YALE!!!!!! A sure WIN
dawgstephen
June 2nd, 2009
12:17 pm
Dont give up the home game to play FLA in jax…..theres a THOUGHT!!!!
i think that is the even numbered year 2010….the gators would be ‘tween the hedges….if we keep a home game, it should be that one
m
June 2nd, 2009
12:22 pm
You sec pussie-dawgs crack me up. You are scared of playing floriduh in jacksonville so you want that changed and you are now scared of Paul Johnson and his high school offense so you want to quit playing Tech.
You talk about how big and bad the sec is then you are scared to death because you finally have a decent non-conference schedule for the first time in history.
I will now sit back and laugh at you whiny crybaby dawgs.
Napoleon's Solo
June 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
“The Non-non-conference Affair” Open Channel D {for Duh, gee coach, gimme the ball…} Mr. Waverly, still on the Payroll at UNCle…but.. Where is April Dancer when your really need her?
stoopid
June 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
hey st simons, maybe well just schedule gardner webb! a$s.
jdawg
June 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
The only one’s to be concerned about how much we pay…is frankly me and the donor’s to GEEF and season ticket holders. I really do not care what anyone else thinks of the team or amount. The only group that he has to worry about is the board and the true paying customers. jdawg
stoopid
June 2nd, 2009
12:29 pm
m,
who in the hell said we dodnt wanna play tech?? hahaha!! I would imagine about 110% of dawg fans cant wait to shiiit all over your lamea$s team in Nov. Scared of tech? im still laughing!!!
KNelson
June 2nd, 2009
12:38 pm
Dorsey how about going back 20 years instead of your selective dates for wins. Even @ 20 years Ga doesnt traditionally beat UF either.
Dawgfact
June 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
Folks, the main reason UGA should play this game is to keep other teams out! Alabama, LSU, OLE Miss are all scrambling to be in it because they get their foot in the recruiting door in Georgia, and Atl more specifically. Alabama is loving it…even though Clemson stunk last year, it was noticed by people in the area.
Playing in Charlotte would be a great idea…gets you exposure to a big market with no major college football team in town. MoMass, Joe Cox, and Trinton Sturdivant are all from the Charlotte area among others. Beat UNC in Charlotte and you’ll get some attention.
Michael
June 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
If you want a game at the Georgia Dome then it should be either UF or Auburn. And I don’t want Auburn off campus so just UF then. JAX is not a neutral site and should be changed.
AltamahaDawg
June 2nd, 2009
1:00 pm
Oh so Knelson you were talking last decade, and not recent history in your original post. Got it. That whole reference to this year threw us off there. You are right, Dorsey is just selectively looking at the years since you have discovered Tn Football. Much better to skip back and ignore the pesky last decade.
And you weren’t at all indicating that you believe TN was beating UGA a lot recently. You being such a traditionalist, and not at all making up things in practically every post you have ever had in here.
Is one of those 2 losses going to be the “joke of an OOC game” OSU? That you predict we cannot win? Maybe we need to man up like TN who “never has bought an opening game win”?
BlackSambo
June 2nd, 2009
1:10 pm
Why not play the Jackets first game of the season in the Dome?
Dawgfact
June 2nd, 2009
1:11 pm
You don’t believe TN “never has bought an opening game win”? Just ask UCLA and California….oh wait.
slimpickens
June 2nd, 2009
1:22 pm
Saint Simons, ever heard of Southern Mississippi?
PMC
June 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm
Those fans are short sighted. Alabama is FAR FAR FAR FAR historically superior to UGA…. what did they do… they went and played a game in the Georgia Dome in the kickoff classic because it’s a big deal. It means a lot to recruiting and gives lots of national TV exposure because it’s a big game.
You’re basically giving up a home game against a worthless 1AA team to play a big time matchup. Sanford Stadium is awesome….. but honestly if you’ve sat throught the second half of one of those 1AA snore fests… it’s definately not the same environment it is for Auburn or Tennessee or anyone Relevant.
Take a freaking risk. Take on a Penn State early in the season, they are just as unsettled. You’re still making money, and you’ve still got TV revenue. National Prime Time meaninful games are the ones that get you the kid from Texas or California who is all world and recruited everywhere. This would be a good thing for Georgia long term.
PMC
June 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
If you’re losing money on ticket prices…. CHARGE MORE… it’s a finite resource and people will sell thier children in the south for CFB tickets.
Otto
June 2nd, 2009
1:31 pm
Knelson, 20 yrs ago UGA was coming off a 14-5-1 record against the Crocs.
Otto
June 2nd, 2009
1:32 pm
Clarify over the previous 20yrs at that point.
RedandBlack
June 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
Coach Richt and Georgia should be able to sew up the state of Georgia for recruiting enough by playing in Athens six times a year while racking up 10 wins or more and going on to compete in a major bowl game at the end of the season. Playing in the Georgia Dome against an out of conference opponent will not be as meaningful for the program in the long run. The Dogs need to play some good opponents out of conference on the road and out of state. Road games against good competition in out of conference play will benefit the program the best in both the short and the long run. By making those OOC games against good competition on the road, then the Dogs should be able to get home games in Athens against the same competition in return.
The game in Jacksonville is necessary for that purpose as well. The Dogs will just have to play better to win down there. florida today is not like the florida of the 60s, 70s, or 80s. Coach Richt and his players can do it and they will do it. They will make a W for the Bulldogs happen down there. Just have faith folks. Go Dogs!!
PHIL
June 2nd, 2009
1:38 pm
Hey Nelson, I got a few words for you, like ” HE JUST RAN OVER ‘EM” Or how about “We just stepped on their face with a hob nailed boot!” You just put your coonskin cap back on and go back to the hills. That must be the place where UGA “traditionally” loses to TN.
RJS
June 2nd, 2009
1:44 pm
PMC, I don’t understand your point about playing taking on a “Penn State” early in the season.
Oklahoma State will be a preseason top 10 team when Georgia goes to Stillwater. Penn State may not start the season in the top 25. Georgia has plenty of good non-conference games scheduled over the next 5 years. Heck, UGA goes to Autzen stadium in a few years- it doesn’t get much further than that. If your point is simply to play a “home” game at Georgia Dome that’s fair enough but Damon Evans has already taken UGA’s non-conference schedule national.
Pago Flyer
June 2nd, 2009
1:44 pm
Indoor football in the South! What a bunch of whimps!
Otto
June 2nd, 2009
1:54 pm
Many consider Autzen stadium one of the toughest places to play in the country. As a SEC fan I don’t think it is that far up there but it does get national attention.
WildBill
June 2nd, 2009
1:55 pm
I concur with RedandBlack 100%. Charlotte sounds good. Also, why spend $975,000 for North Texas State anyway? Why spend money for a school from Timbucktoo when there are plenty fine opponents within shouting distance of UGA. Keep the $$$$ closer to home, our neighbors will appreciate it. And Damon, whatever you might think, $975G’s is a pile of dough, unless it is BO spending it.
Robert
June 2nd, 2009
1:57 pm
Any notion resulting in fewer home games is ludicrous and should be thrown out the window immediately. I want to be in Athens, the heartland, as much as possible. Any TRUE Bulldog fan will agree. Plus, it’s good for the Athens community and Atlanta just kinda sucks.
Georgia Tech harbors terrorists.
Robert
June 2nd, 2009
2:02 pm
Also, Sanford Stadium on a beautiful Athens day is heavenly. The Dome is little and indoors. The correct choice is obvious.
Hey Robert
June 2nd, 2009
2:06 pm
UGA professors murder people.
Saint Simons
June 2nd, 2009
2:30 pm
good one Hey Robert!!!!!!!
Dawgfact
June 2nd, 2009
2:46 pm
I’d like to be in Athens as well….but you’re still missing the point. If Ga doesn’t play in the dome, someone else will. And the kids in Atlanta will see Alabama whip up on Clemson, or Va Tech stand up bama this year, or Ole Miss whip UNC…whatever. Look at the kids bama has signed from Ga since that game…probably wouldn’t have otherwise.
Gravy Train
June 2nd, 2009
2:49 pm
I can’t wait until all of these good ole boy “fans” like Bill King go the way of the dinosaur. What is best for the team is of far greater importance than the G.O.B.’s selfish want to get drunk on the coast and then give their money to the state of Florida. Playing in the Dome, be it against Florida or any other ranked program, would boost recruiting and exposure. Just look at what a win in the dome did for Bama last year. But no, getting drunk in your comfort zone is far more important, right?
The bottom line should be the outcome and impact of the games.
So what does Tech have to say about fostering terrorist engineering? I wonder if this guy was painted up yellow and black with his clown wig on? Maybe he knows what happened to Va. Tech’s jersies a few years ago.
Old Dawg
June 2nd, 2009
2:51 pm
Yo, M. Everybody plays a lousy non-conference schedule. And then there’s the ACC — Almost a College Conference — with scary as hell Duke in the mix. Gives me the chills just thinking about the Dukies. Tech has a pretty good slat of non-conference games this year, but that match-up with Jacksonville State last year was priceless!
Diamond Dawg
June 2nd, 2009
2:52 pm
How bout dem dawgs!!!!!!! Quit all you whinning and complaining. Were gonna be just fine. Tech fans always try to find a way to take shots at us. One in a row and their on top of the world all of a sudden.
JIM
June 2nd, 2009
3:00 pm
As a UT fan, my thoughts are somewhat useless, but what about having the Florida-Georgia game rotated between Atlanta and Jacksonville every other year. Still split the tickets 50-50, but in Atlanta, Georgia is the hjome team and in Jacksonville, Florida would be the home team. Have the Florida-Georgia game in Atlanta the year Tech & Georgia play in Athens. That way Georgia plays in Atlanta every year and doesn’t have to play the Gators in Florida every year.