Happy Hour: Herschel vs. Knowshon
I thought we’d head into the weekend with one of those imponderable but nevertheless fun discussions that come up so often over a few beers, matching up two great teams from different eras and arguing about who would win.
Part of the problem in doing this, of course, is that modern era players are much bigger and faster than those from decades ago. So the 1942 national champion Georgia team probably would get killed by an average team from today, despite having Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi in the backfield.
Even the 1980 national championship Dogs technically would be at a weight and speed disadvantage against a 21st century team. But then they did have Herschel and a helluva defense, which might be the equalizer.
In this game for the ages, I’d put them up against the 2007 Dogs, a team that lost a couple of games (one badly) but finished the season as a juggernaut.
Think about the possibilities: The 1980 SEC and national champs with Walker, Buck Belue, Lindsay Scott, Jimmy Payne, Eddie Weaver, Scott Woerner and company against a team that didn’t win its division but finished No. 2 in the nation, thanks to Matthew Stafford, Knowshon Moreno, Mohamed Massaquoi, Marcus Howard, Jeff Owens, Kelin Johnson and others.
The first inclination would be to favor the 2007 team just because you’d figure that even with Herschel, Vince Dooley’s 1980 offense couldn’t keep up with Mark Richt’s 2007 scoring machine. But then I start wondering whether the 2007 defense really could stop Walker. And whether that stout 1980 defense might not be able to shut down Stafford.
It would be a great game either way. Who do you think would win?
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187 comments Add your comment
Cuz
June 26th, 2009
4:02 pm
No doubt the 1980 team wins.
Cuz
June 26th, 2009
4:08 pm
And Freshman Terry Hoague blocks Brandon Coutou’s field goal as time runs out in the fourth quarter to send it into overtime. 1980-24 2007-21.
Gen Neyland
June 26th, 2009
4:15 pm
I agree with the bus driver…
Cuz
June 26th, 2009
4:16 pm
Herschel Walker seperates his collar bone on the first play of the 1980 teams opening drive and still manages to rush for 154 yards and three touchdowns. Knowshon makes some good runs into the red zone then takes himself out of the game for a breather.
bushwacker
June 26th, 2009
4:27 pm
Yes they would not be able to stop Herschel and yes it was the DEFENSE that won the National Championship.
I saw every game Herschel played in Athens and every road game was on tv, NOBODY could stop Herschel, he could go around you, thru you or over you.
People don’t realize he played the entire national champioship game with a seperated shoulder that happened on the first play.
But the biggest weapon they had was DC Erk Russell, one of those guys you’d literally run thru a brick wall for!!!
No comparison, I’d take that team with that defense against any national champion before or since!!!
southgadawg88
June 26th, 2009
4:28 pm
….Second that opinion.
jimmy
June 26th, 2009
4:37 pm
who covers green and mas
Cuz
June 26th, 2009
4:38 pm
Sorry. should have been seperated shoulder for Herschel.
Cuz
June 26th, 2009
4:44 pm
Green was not on the 2007 team.
Scott Woerner, Jeff Sanchez, Jeff Hipp-3 int in one game, Terry Hoague 3 interceptions in one game also. I think this is a pretty good cover group of DB’s.
Cuz
June 26th, 2009
4:56 pm
Whoops, I messed up again. Oldtimers has got me. Sanchez was not on the 1980 team. He came to us from junior college in 1982.
The DAWG
June 26th, 2009
4:59 pm
While Knowshon was terrific, there really is no comparison. Herschel literally ran over people rather than around them, and was much faster. Think about it – who would you rather tackle, Knowshon with his shiftiness or Herschel with those huge thighs running high coming straight at you. Which tackle would you prefer to try and make? Yea, me too!
Glad they both wore the “G”, and left us with many great memories. I just don’t think there will ever be another Herschel with that hard-as-a-rock build. GO DAWGS
The DAWG
June 26th, 2009
5:03 pm
I forgot to say that I would have to go with the ‘80 team.
Ben
June 26th, 2009
5:07 pm
It would be a good game, no doubt. I think the 2007 team wins barely. The speed of the game has gotten so much faster. That doesn’t mean Hershel wouldn’t still run for over 200 yds. I say 2007 wins it late in the air.
CHARLOTTE DAWG
June 26th, 2009
5:09 pm
Folks were different back then. People played hurt and with passion. Players played for the “G” not the NFL paycheck.
I hope to hell that Joe Cox outshines Stafford this year. It would be a good lesson to America’s youth. Hard work, patience, and character still mean something! I hope Joe is the household name 10 years from now, not Stafford! We won’t see Joe in the NFL but I hope we remember him just like we remember Greene.
Cuz
June 26th, 2009
5:17 pm
I hope we remember Joe Cox like we remember DJ. Except without the injury.
turkey
June 26th, 2009
5:18 pm
The 1980 team played DEFENSE, the 2007 team did not. Buck Belue was by far a better leader than Stafford and would have found the holes in Martinez defense.
Mark
June 26th, 2009
5:28 pm
No comparison what-so-ever between Walker and Moreno…Walker is considered the best if not one of the best of all time? Hell I’d take Hearst and Hampton over Moreno any day….never saw them pull themselves out of a ball game! Seemed like UGA was a stepping stone for both Stafford and Moreno to the pro’s….I want to see the fire and heart…bleed UGA!
Georgia’s “D” under Erk left it all on the field…Fight to the death on every play….never saw poor fundamentals under Dooley and ERK….we didn’t have the talent back then like we do now but boy we did have heart! The 1980 D shuts down the 07 offense….our defense nowadays just isn’t the same….Martinez needs to go!
There Goes Herschel
June 26th, 2009
5:30 pm
I’ll take the young man from Wrightsville, GA over the contender from Belford, NJ, All Day Long. Might as well ask our GT brethern “Eddie Lee Ivory or Jonathan Dwyer?”. That’s not a dig; it’s a compliment so give it a rest with the 45-42 crap.
BJohnDawg
June 26th, 2009
5:33 pm
1980 nuff said.
RK
June 26th, 2009
5:35 pm
depends on which personality Herschel shows up with
Otto
June 26th, 2009
5:42 pm
Woerner picks off Stafford. 34 runs all over that battered DL and sorry Renne gets run over too.
Otto
June 26th, 2009
5:45 pm
Players also couldn’t leave early until the USFL changed that so there was no big early payday. 34 took the early payday and IMO for $16mil back then I would too.
CHARLOTTE DAWG
June 26th, 2009
5:47 pm
RK, freaking hilarious. I don’t even care if you are a Techie. That was great! I’m still laughing!
And good post Mark! Couldn’t agree with you more! Moreno and Staff came to Georgia b/c they knew our program would get them in the NFL. Staff considered Texas where he wouldn’t have been as much of a star and might have given way to Colt McCoy. Moreno considered Florida. Doubt he would have been the man there either.
Basically, both of them saw Georgia as a big time market where they knew they would be in the lime light and get noticed by NFL scouts.
And it showed people! Moreno taking himself out all the time. And Staff admitted to us all he knew he was going pro back in November. Think that effected his play against MSU in the bowl game? It took 3 quarters for homeboy to wake up! If MSU had any kind of offense whatsoever, UGA would have been down by two touchdowns b/c Staffy’s head was in the clouds the first two quarters thinking about what kind of car he’d buy first.
Freaking pi$$es me off! Yeah they were good, yeah they gave us some good times, yeah the OL was never that great when Staffy was there…I’ve heard them all. But how can you deny my point that they did not bleed red for UGA and were not good leaders?
I remember Moreno throwing temper tantrums at Tech in 07 when they were shutting him down but Brown was having a great day. It was all about him. The announcer at the recent bowl game said he was just pacing the sidelines swearing obscenities. How bout’ lead your team Knowshon instead of acting like a crazy homeless person?!
If Cox/Gray and RB by committee get it done this year, my point will be proven. We’ll see. God I hope so! And if they do, I hope Richt takes notice and starts recruiting character!
The dawg
June 26th, 2009
5:51 pm
1980 would find a way to win like they did so many time that year..would never bet against the greatest player to put on the shoulder pads..late
Mark
June 26th, 2009
5:57 pm
Walker’s team won the SEC x3 and the NC x 1…..Moreno + Stafford didn’t even win the East??????
Bottom line is that CHAMPOINS have thier names put on the walls!
DJ = Champ Greene=Champ Bulue=Champ…..all leaders….might not have the greatest pro potential….but they WON FOR UGA!
Beware of the bite
June 26th, 2009
5:59 pm
Frank Ros would roll up knowshon..btw-tech: go back to the shallow end…
gatorman770
June 26th, 2009
6:03 pm
I saw both teams play in person and Herschel and the 1980 team wins hands down. Herschel was the best back in the country in 1980. There were a number of backs in the country as good or better than Knowshow in 2007 and 2008. Herschel always “showed up” and will’d the team to win!
Joe Reee
June 26th, 2009
6:05 pm
It would b a good kickers duel between Rex and coutu..two great kickers. Tech fan can go ahead and snatch ur purse now..
CHARLOTTE DAWG
June 26th, 2009
6:09 pm
Better yet Mark, one day you might be watching a bunch of Sunday Football on the NFL network with your buddies all day. You’ll see quite a few games that day. As the day comes to a close, you might see Staff, Moreno, and MoMass on the different games.
One of your buddies will say “gosh, UGA had Staff, Moreno, and MoMass at the same time? They must have been nasty.”
And you’ll reply…”actually no. We didn’t even win our sub-division while they were with us. Their last game in Athens was a loss to their in-state rival.”
Then your friend will say “wow, guess they didn’t care b/c it didn’t stop them from jetting and going to the NFL.”
Now you tell me this! Just hear me out and imagine this scenario. Greene and Pollack are considering going to the NFL after their Junior year. Their junior year’s they both have a horrible day against their biggest rival, the gators, and get trounced as a team. Then they lose to Tech, a team that hasn’t beaten them in 7 years that runs a high school offense and show-bouts after the victory by ripping out hedges and putting them in their mouth.
Think those two boys go to the NFL anyway? I think not! They had character and heart. Pollack would come back straight up commando style for his senior year and simply not allow anything but perfection.
Different people…different times.
DirtyDawg
June 26th, 2009
6:10 pm
Knowshon is a talented, extremely driven young man…Herschel was a freak of nature that should have won the Heisman three years in a row – and four if Jack Manton had kept his greedy mouth shut.
Larry
June 26th, 2009
6:10 pm
1980! Hershal would get the rock 52 times for 310 yards with 4 tds.
Minnesota Dawg
June 26th, 2009
6:23 pm
No GA defense stopped it’s opponents offense at clutch times like Dooley’s 1980-1983 dawgs. You would about have a heart attack when some opponent drove down inside our red zone, but never fail someone (Hoague, Woerner, Sanchez, Payne, etc.) would either intercept or cause a fumble! Then with Belue handing off to Hershel, we always could make the plays when we needed to. They controled the ball! Remember when they played Florida in 1981 and 1982? Haven’t seen a GA team since be able to do that consistently!
Kendawg
June 26th, 2009
7:01 pm
I’ve been a rabid fan of college football since 1959 and I’ve never seen anyone dominate a season like Herschel did. I know I’m biased, but I consider him the greatest college player I’ve ever seen.
Omar Schtankinfanger
June 26th, 2009
7:14 pm
My vote: 1980 Dawgs.
Herschel Talker
June 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Whom do you think I’d vote for?
SECfan
June 26th, 2009
7:26 pm
I wasn’t even alive in 1980 but I pick Dooley’s Dawgs with the Junkyard Dawg Defense and Buck Belue leading the offense.
AC
June 26th, 2009
7:34 pm
STOP IT! No contest?
Listen, there is no way Herschel tears through the modern day athlete like he did back then. None. Would he be great today, certainly. But there is no way he could take the pounding and grind like he did back then. Defenses are much bigger, faster and stronger. Thus, his impact would be marginalized.
And everyone please stopping knocking on Moreno. Moreno would break the ankles of all the greats that everyone has mentioned on defense from the 1980’s team. There are not many backs that have the unique quickness of Moreno.
I am on of the biggest 1980’s UGA team and Herschel fans of all. If we are comparing the a teams impact in their era, 1980’s hands down, not even close. However, if we are asking what if the 1980’s team played the 2007 team, my heart says 1980’s but I am going to say the 2007 team wins by a large margin.
pricedawg
June 26th, 2009
7:38 pm
1980 would win 10-9. Great D on the 1980 team, while the 2007 team was inconsistant.
Billy Bob
June 26th, 2009
7:38 pm
Who Cares!!!!!!!!!
pricedawg
June 26th, 2009
7:46 pm
AC, you said “no way he could take the pounding and grind”. You have lost your mind. He was the ONLY option UGA had in 1980 and the ONLY offense UGA had in the Sugar Bowl agains Notre Lame. He was bigger, faster, and stronger than Knowshon. For that matter, Hearst was the #2 back of all time at UGA. Knowshon would at least be #4. 1. Herschel, 2. Hearst, 3. Hampton, 4. Worley (if not for playing time at fullback, 5. Knowshon.
eBuzz
June 26th, 2009
7:56 pm
Apologize for butting into a totally UGA blog, but with tribute to 4 outstanding athletes, my money would be on the 1980 Belue and Walker team that had an outstanding defense (I would have given my left nad – or better yet, someone else’s – to have had Erk as the Tech coach)that deservedly won the NC with a TEAM effort.
j.cassell
June 26th, 2009
7:57 pm
07 dogs- third and 7 on their 35 -Staffor drops back and connects to a wide open Woerner at the 48 — Worner scampers down the left sideline just like Florida and Ga.Tech did. Game Over.
AltamahaDawg
June 26th, 2009
8:13 pm
dude, that such a like, freaky question.
thats like. our entire universe could be like, inside a molecule in the pin of a needle……..
Rasheed Willis
June 26th, 2009
8:25 pm
Mike Vick was better than both of these teams.
Obama is my Black President!!!!
Jon
June 26th, 2009
8:33 pm
I’m all about nostalgia, but I think the 07 team wins by 10. By the end of the season Knowshon and Thomas Brown were as good as any two backs in the same backfield that I’ve seen in a while. Including Cadillac and Ronnie. Couple that with Stafford and how well he played after the Florida game and we have ourselves a double digit win folks. Not to mention that 07 defense. It was pretty nasty in its own right. Remember, it led the SEC in sacks with 42 I think, six of them coming against Tebag.
Denver Dog
June 26th, 2009
8:35 pm
68 dogs were pretty good. 76 dogs were great, but that 80 team was majical. The teams that they beat were outstanding, and then they beat Notre Dame to win it all. This was a great team. I actually think the 1982 team was better, but they couldn’t win the last one. I’ll never forget the dropped Clarence Kay TD pass in the endzone.
The thing that the Dooley era teams had that no one else had was Erk. The man flat out could coach. The teams were never quite the same after he left.
1980 wins out based on what it achieved.
Denver Dog
June 26th, 2009
8:39 pm
I remember the Hershel runs, but the one against SC when he beat the tackler with the angle was the greatest long run in UGA history I think. He lined up and ran over people. He could put the whole team on his back and carry them down the field. Knowshon was great, for that matter so was Rodney, Garrison, Tim W. and a lot of other great UGA backs. There was only one Herschel. He is in a class by himself.
W
June 26th, 2009
8:39 pm
RASHEED YOU ARE THE KING IDIOTS.
Rasheed Willis
June 26th, 2009
8:43 pm
“W”???? Are you a follower of our last racist President? The man who single handedly destroyed New Orleans and killed our ecomomy? I see.
Obama is my Black President!
LizDawg
June 26th, 2009
8:44 pm
1980, Herschel would run wild over Slick Willie’s D.
Mark
June 26th, 2009
8:45 pm
AC, I can’t belive that you think Walker in his prime would rip GA defense in 07…What are you looking at? The HT and WT and speed of the players back then compared to now? Walker 240 and a 4.3 forty….Moreno 190 and 4.7 forty? Would the 80’s team give up some weight…yea but not much as far as speed….Linsey Scott was a 4.3 guy….Give me Meat CLeaver at 290 and Payne in the line any day….mean..nasty and never die attitude of that defense….always six or seven guys in on a tackle…THE ONLY player on the 07 d with the heart of the 80 d is Curran….imagine if the current d played with his passion and heart….STATS MEAN NOTHING…..TEAMWORK AND HEART will defeat larger and faster…just ask that ND TEAM in 80….they were faster and were 40 pound heavier on average….80 TEAM beats 07 team hands down
Dawgcrew34
June 26th, 2009
8:45 pm
I would rather see the 1980 team play the 2002 team that finished 13-1 and beat FSU in the Sugar Bowl. They didn’t have as much offense, but could you imagine Pollack and Walker two 3 time all americans playing against each other! Heart vs Heart!
Rasheed Willis, Jr.
June 26th, 2009
8:46 pm
Rasheed! Don’t you know me? I’m your son! Obama maybe your black president but your black butt never paid my child support! Get a job, fool! You like a teacher on vacation; no class! Youknowwhatimsayin’?
superDawg
June 26th, 2009
8:46 pm
Herschel was well Herschel.Knowshon was a great RB,but he could not touch Walker on speed,power,or impose his will on any D.
Rasheed Willis
June 26th, 2009
8:53 pm
I will not stand for this racism. Just becuase I’m black does not mean I dont pay child support.
Obama is my Black President!!
Mrs. Rasheed Willis
June 26th, 2009
8:54 pm
Rasheed! Not another abandoned son! Your worse than your brother Ray Nagan when it comes to abandoning people!
Rasheed Willis, Jr.
June 26th, 2009
8:56 pm
I don’t care about racisim, I just want you to accept me, Daddy!
superDawg
June 26th, 2009
8:56 pm
Rasheed you need to catch a bus on out of here.Your boy obama has already caused more harm to this country than all others combined.He is on his way to bankrupting this country which is the way of most DEMS.I see him as one and done.GOD HELP US UNTIL THEN!
Rasheed Willis
June 26th, 2009
8:59 pm
Whitey you better sit down. I’m about to get mad, real mad, Joe Jackson.
Obama is my Black President!
Rasheed Willis
June 26th, 2009
9:01 pm
Ray Nagin is a hero to Black people, just as Mayor Bill Campell was. Obama is spreading the wealth, it is about time becuase we deserve it.
Rasheed Willis, Jr.
June 26th, 2009
9:01 pm
Daddy, I know what you mean by “RACISM.” It stands for Rasheed Isn’t Confident In Supporting Me. Now send me some coins or I’m gonna get Obama to get on TV and call you out! He may be your black President but he’s my enforcer! You dig?!
Rasheed Willis, Jr.
June 26th, 2009
9:02 pm
Daddy, I know what you mean by “RACISM.” It stands for Rasheed Isn’tConfident In Supporting Me. Now send me some coins or I’m gonna get Obama to get on TV and call you out! He may be your black President but he’s my enforcer! You dig?!
KD
June 26th, 2009
9:04 pm
This is a no brainer. My vote would be for the Herschel Walker led team. Without Herschel Walker, UGA does not win a national title. Also, I do not see Georgia winning another football national championship no time soon. Georgia will always have an extraordinary football season but they always come up with “snakes eyes” when it comes to football national championships. I am not a Georgia Tech fan, but I would place my money on Tech winning a football championship before Georgia.
McDonough Dawg
June 26th, 2009
9:06 pm
Imagine a Willie Martinez defense trying to tackle Herschel. 1980 team 77 2007 team 10
Juan Willis
June 26th, 2009
9:17 pm
Then how did we come to exist?
larrymunsonthe3rd
June 26th, 2009
9:18 pm
Herschel by 14
Rasheed Willis, Jr.
June 26th, 2009
9:18 pm
I’m sorry I ever logged onto this site. Dad, you are an embarrasement. Do me a favor: keep the checks and stay out of my life.
byron hinson
June 26th, 2009
9:20 pm
All about HEART, 1980
tech man
June 26th, 2009
9:25 pm
I doubt whether hershal and noshon could have done what 2 Tech backs did last year in athens. 408 yards rushing!
Spike
June 26th, 2009
9:28 pm
I have seen both play. No doubt about it. The 1980 team would spank these guys.
Juan Willis
June 26th, 2009
9:34 pm
Tech Man! Be careful! You could soon find yourself filling in for the role of my popi, Rasheed Willis.
Buddy El
June 26th, 2009
9:38 pm
Each of Herschel’s personalities would score and put the game away early
Hawkinsville Dawg
June 26th, 2009
9:44 pm
There is no comparison. The 2007 team had talent and potential. The 1980 team had little preconceived potential, but they just won when they had to win. May God bless Knowshon, but he is not in the same galaxy as Hershel Walker. I recently saw Hershel, and he can probably still play.
Lets be honest
June 26th, 2009
9:45 pm
Tech man – I doubt whether GT will EVER have the longest winning streak in the UGA/GT rivalry. 7 straight. BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! And own the overall winning record. LOL. Now go cry in the shower while you rock back and forth. BEOTCH!!
Hawkinsville Dawg
June 26th, 2009
9:48 pm
The 1980 team had an attitude. If you should be fortunate enough to meet some of the 1980 team members, they still have a swagger. It is an attitude with results air about it. They refused to lose, and always managed to find a way to win.
tech man
June 26th, 2009
9:51 pm
hershal + noshon = Dwyer
tech man
June 26th, 2009
9:53 pm
1942 + 1980 = 1990
tech man
June 26th, 2009
9:55 pm
Terence Moore + Lee Corso = Bill King
Hawkinsville Dawg
June 26th, 2009
9:55 pm
Jonathan Dwyer is an excellent football player and a fine person. His mom is and should be prod of him. However, he would sit on the bench an play third team behind Hershal and Knowshon
yellow fuzz
June 26th, 2009
9:59 pm
WTF?? + Cuz = scene from Deliverence
ghost dawg
June 26th, 2009
10:03 pm
Alec ogletree is a dawg, gotta love it
Gt fan four evur
June 26th, 2009
10:08 pm
I like Hershey bars….
D.Ellis
June 26th, 2009
10:19 pm
2 more recruits coming in. D. Rogers…..and the NUMBER 1 or 2 S in the country!
Welcome OGLETREE AND ROGERS!
the dawg
June 26th, 2009
10:19 pm
Not a problem…Meat cleaver weaver would sharpen his teeth on Stafford. Moreno is good..However Herschel walker would injure you if you considered getting in his general vicinity. The confrence has not seen the likes of a Bombastic punisher like him since and will never in the future. Lindsey could catch and Belue had heart and accuracy.Terry hoage would ride green like sea biscuit!!
And I’m done
the dawg
June 26th, 2009
10:25 pm
Rasheed,
It is obvious you did not investigate “Your black President”before you voted . If you think you got it rough now..Try and hold on to your wallet and your freedoms there coming for ya…and guess who is leadin the way..Yep you guessed it”your black president”
Steve
June 26th, 2009
10:29 pm
Well, at least Herschel doesn’t have a stupid and fugged-up name like, Knowshon . . .
Dog Nation
June 26th, 2009
10:37 pm
PEOPLE, There is no comparison here. The 80 team went UNDEFEATED and won a CHAMPIONSHIP. They didn’t lose to 2 inferior teams, then get “motivated”, or “hungry”, or “focused”, whatever the loser excuse was. The 80 team went out from the first day of off-season workouts willing to pay the price for greatness. The 07 team did not. And as far as Herschel vs Knowshon? Come on, Walker was the greatest college football player ever. Knowshon was good (up there with G. Hearst) but not in Herschel’s class.
will
June 26th, 2009
10:38 pm
1980 team in a blowout 56-14
benadawg
June 26th, 2009
10:43 pm
if you answered 2007 you are an idiot
GT.....Seriously, WTF????
June 26th, 2009
10:56 pm
Ogletree just comitted to the DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELL YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
pcoleman
June 26th, 2009
10:59 pm
Doggone Bill, this blog’s been out since 4PM. Are you asleep at the wheel? You are the most prolific columist/blogger in captivity. Keep ‘em coming!
b/t/w – 1980 Dogs Rule!
Zane
June 26th, 2009
11:01 pm
To paraphrase Lloyd Benson who referred to John Kennedy and Dan Quayle, “I’ve seen Herschel Walker, and Moreno is no Herschel Walker.” I kept a diary of score and yardage for Herschel’s freshman year – between 100 and 200yds per game. Consistent. Crowning game was not sugar bowl vs Notre Dame, but the second 26-21 Florida game. No big pass play like Lindsay Scott in prior Florida game. Time dictated final 80yd drive was win or lose. Almost every play a run with Herschel. Herschel had carried ball a slew already. Ground it out. Amazing drive, amazing running, amazing will to win, amazing stamina, amazing 4th quarter drive and victory. Moreno may have had the ability to do so, but he never showed, on the field, what Herschel showed.
Zane
June 26th, 2009
11:14 pm
Rasheed, Obama is not YOUR black President, Obama is HIS black President. It’s all about him. Obama is a narcissist.
Bishopbulldawg
June 26th, 2009
11:23 pm
Zane hit the nail on the head. That second 26-21 win over the gaytors was Herschel at his greatest. No words can fully capture the heart of that OL and that team as they huddled in front of their end zone and committed themselves to winning and not being denied. I haven’t seen that kind of resolve in along time!
JM
June 26th, 2009
11:31 pm
You must be hosing me…Nat Champs vs over-rated losers???
Coach D
June 26th, 2009
11:34 pm
In terms of athleticism, Knowshon and Stafford are comparable to Herschel. But the thing that separates Herschel from those guys is a concept called Kokoro, which is a mental attitude that Korean Martial artists call ” indomitable spirit” or a refusal to lose. Herschel besides being a phenomenal football player was also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and understood the concept of Kokoro well. It is a triumphant spirit that we all have inside us, we just have to dig deep to find it.
There is a story about a 19th century karate master in Okinawa who was challenged to a duel. The two met at dawn, each expecting a fight to the death. The master, approached the scene relaxed with his hands by his side. As the master came within fighting range, the challenger suddenly felt ill, and his knees nearly buckled. He excused himself to regain his composure. After several minutes, the challenger returned, and once again felt ill after looking into the master’s firm gaze. Finally, the challenger said ” Sir I withdraw my challenge and apologize. I can see I am no match for you, and fighting would surely cost me my life”.
This story illustrates the difference between someone with athletic prowess and a master who is in touch with his Kokoro. Herschel like a great players, would often beat opponents before he would even step onto the field, because they could sense his spirit. You think this idea sounds far fetched but it isn’t. When the Dawgs rushed the field in 2007, they displayed Kokoro or “a fighting spirit” that refused to except defeat. The Gators were probably more talented than UGA that year, but they sensed the Dawgs will and were scared, you could see it in their eyes. The reverse was true in 2008 when the Gators had Kokoro on their side. The Dawgs were literally scared to hit and be hit by the Gators.
So you ask me, which team displayed more Kokoro? 1980 UGA or 2007 UGA? 2007 displayed it at the end of the year, but 1980 UGA had it the entire year. So who would win between the two? I’m putting my money on the masters of 1980 over the advanced pupils of 2007.
Larry
June 27th, 2009
12:35 am
Shallow end tech…u know ur role son..
Beware of the junkyard dawg
June 27th, 2009
1:44 am
Ocheltree is a junkyard dawg..come 2 Athens and smoke fools and clip straight busters in the secondary…Fear the bulldawg bite in the near future weaklings..yes, I am also talking to the purse carrying, wine sipping, shallow end swimming ticket holder @ grant field with ur gold high heels….u will always be the afterthought in the peach state. Go dawgs
SoCal Dawg
June 27th, 2009
1:57 am
1980!
Randy Freeman
June 27th, 2009
5:02 am
them Dogs of 1980 where the best ever
Kevin
June 27th, 2009
6:21 am
I am a GT man. 1977-81. Season ticket holder since and always UGA away games. THWG! But…Hershel is the best UGA player ever and it isn’t even close. Absolute domination when EVERYONE knew he was getting the ball. HW is the best college player I have ever seen; only Bo Jackson is even in his range. 1980 and Vince knew how to win. They would find a way. Moreno? lol
gary
June 27th, 2009
7:18 am
No doubt the 80 team wins this game. They had Belue at the helm and he had the heart of a champion beating in his chest. The offensive line opened big holes for Herschel, and the defense bent but DID NOT BREAK. Also had great place kicker in Butler, and Scott WOerner was MUCH better than any one of the defensive backs we had on defense in 07. Moreno was avery good player, but we have a tradition of great backs at UGA. the 2002 team would have been abetter match up!! Another point the Dawgs under Dooley KNEW HOW TO AND DID BEAT THE GATORS REGULARLY!!!!!!!!
Frank Lane
June 27th, 2009
7:36 am
1980 team destroys 2007. Not even close.
Red Dawg
June 27th, 2009
8:20 am
ERK is the BIG difference! 2007’s talent+ ERK style D.2007 wins all day,every day.
Yeller Skeeters Are Peter-Eaters
June 27th, 2009
8:29 am
Who cares? They are both gone, and I personally don’t give a frog’s fat a$$ what they do once they leave UGA. Look forward, not behind, because there will NEVER be another Herschel, and Moreno couldn’t wash Herschel’s jock. You never saw HW removing himself from the game every time UGA got inside the red zone, either.
Cuz
June 27th, 2009
8:35 am
There goes Herschel, there goes Herschel……..
Tull
June 27th, 2009
8:38 am
Herschel and company win without a doubt. That team’s defense would have shut down Knowshon and left Stafford running for his life.
Cuz
June 27th, 2009
8:39 am
I forget what game, I saw Herschel carry four defenders into the endzone from the five yard line. One DB had jumped on him at the ten. He powered his way end, shook them off like a dog shakes himself after a bath. And handed the ball to the nearest ref. Herschel never spiked the ball in the endzone.
meansonny
June 27th, 2009
8:53 am
I love the ‘80 team. But lets ask the question this way.
2007 UGA versus 1980 Tennessee
2007 UGA versus 1980 Clemson
2007 UGA versus 1980 Mississippi
2007 UGA versus 1980 South Carolina
2007 UGA versus 1980 Florida
2007 UGA versus 1980 Notre Dame
As great as the 1980 Dawgs were… they were in a lot of close games against average athletes the way we made them back in 1980.
This is a team sport. Herschel didn’t run up the score on any competition. He was the sole option. And the opposing teams knew it. Herschel scored anyway. But those 6 opponents listed above were beaten by 1 score or less.
meansonny
June 27th, 2009
8:57 am
I’d like to see the lineups another way.
1980 starters (weight, height, recorded 40 time, bench, squat, and vertical) listed against the 2007 starters (weight, height, recorded 40, bench, squat, and vertical).
Take those stats and ship them off to Las Vegas. Vegas is never “right on”. But they give you a good impression of how things might go. Odds would probably lean towards 2007.
If 1980 was going to win… 2007 would have to be coughing the ball up with mistakes and shooting themselves in the foot. Could very well happen. But if the game was played in January, I believe the 2007 team would efficiently protect the ball and win by 10+.
FRED
June 27th, 2009
9:03 am
Enter your comments here
FRED
June 27th, 2009
9:04 am
HERSCHEL WAS ONE OF A KIND PERIOD END OF DISCUSSION
AltamahaDawg
June 27th, 2009
9:27 am
How about the 1979 team Vs the 2008 team???????? Now we would have to form actual thoughts.
Cuz
June 27th, 2009
9:33 am
Well since the 1979 team beat every SEC team but one, Auburn. I would have to give it to the 1979 team because the 2008 team lost two SEC games. And the 1979 team beat Florida and Tech.
doug
June 27th, 2009
9:41 am
This so easy its stupid. Any team from 2000 to 2008 would destroy the 1980 team. These guys today are so much bigger faster and stronger its insane. There is not an OL on the 80 team that could block Jeff Owens or Gino. Even though Richt teams dont have a lot of heart, they would wreck any team Dooley put up against them. I hate these comparisons. Ali vs Marciano. Please!!
AltamahaDawg
June 27th, 2009
10:01 am
Good job Cuz. Although they did play 2 SEC games less. And they did lose to SC,not yet SEC. And that goose egg they put up against Va. at home wasnt a highlight. I guess its fair to ask if 1979 UGA had to play 2008 Florida…..
I suppose expanding the debate would be decade of 70’s VS decade of 00’s.
or Blog VS decade of the 70’s. That would be B rutal.
Brian
June 27th, 2009
10:11 am
Are you kidding me? Is this a discussion? Knowshon and Moreno won an Outback Bowl or something like that! No comparison.
UGASlobberknocker
June 27th, 2009
10:24 am
Does anyone know if WSB will still be the flagship station for UGA under the new agreement with ISP?
dawgfanatic24-7
June 27th, 2009
10:26 am
The 1980 dawgs put us on the map. 3 conference championships and one national. No dispute we loved the ‘07 dawgs but teams are remembered by championships. 1980 dawgs would win. They didn’t know how to lose.
John
June 27th, 2009
11:28 am
The answer is in the question. The 1980 team against anyone? As much as I love March Richt, none of this teams can hold a candle to that 1980 team. For that to change, Richt will have to post an undefeated run and a national title. It’s the intangibles that win it, and that stout defense. Couple that with Herschel and a ball control offense? No competition.
shards
June 27th, 2009
11:39 am
The only current D team player from UGA that would hit any 1980 player and make him know his name by the end of the game is R. Curran. Last year’s corners, and safeties would have been embarassed by H. Walker, as he would have shed them after trying to tackle him with a shoulder, like in the tech game. That says it all. The 1980 D was leather tough physically and mentally. The 2008 D was neither.
Stafford would have thrown 4 pics because Hoague and Hipp, Kelly, SCOTT WOERNER and et al, would have shown him coverages that MS could not fathom. MS would have been QUICKLY frustrated and then he would have thrown a bunch of pics ………like he did under some pressure in the U of T game, when he had to then tackle their safety, otherwise THAT PIC would have been a TD for U of T.
1980 Dawgs win a hard fought close game and maybe on Butler’s 4 -field goals. HW would have two TDS and 235 yds vs. 212 for KM and maybe one td. 2008 3- pics and 2 fumbles ( kevin’s resulting FGs ) would allow 1980 team the victory.
superDawg
June 27th, 2009
11:42 am
eBUZZ YOU MIGHT GET ME TO RELAX ON gt FOR A SECOND,OK SECOND IS UP.
Ozzfest
June 27th, 2009
11:43 am
LET ME CLARIFY THIS……….KNOWSHON IS GREAT. HERSCHEL IS THE GREATEST. CASE CLOSED.
heeldawg
June 27th, 2009
11:45 am
As one who saw every home game (and many road games) that was played for both of these squads, the 1980 team would win without question. This was a team with solid defense, a never-say-die mentality, and the best football player of any era in its backfield. Herschel did things I’ve never seen before or since. For you latecomers who have only seen Walker on film, you wouldn;t even begin to make the argument for the 2007 team if you’d seen the man in person. It was an experience.
Truth be known
June 27th, 2009
1:07 pm
It sucks that you have to live in the past and go back to 1980 to talk about a national championship team. Is it just me or was that 29 freaking years ago? Man, that is pathetic.
And then you’re gonna talk about how great a 2007 team was that lost 2 games, Let’s examine that 2007 team that everyone thinks is so great because they won their last 5 games. They should have lost to Vandy and if not for Vandy fumbling the ball as they’re about to put the game away the dawgs surely lose that one.
Then they, beat a Florida team that lost 3 other games and whose star player Tebow was obviously playing injured with the shoulder injury, then you beat an Auburn team that wasn’t very good, same with an awful Tech team, then you beat an overwhelmed Hawaii team from a pansy conference that had no business being in a bcs bowl game to begin with.
This is a team that lost at home to a Carolina team that didn’t go bowling and that got the living hell beat out of them by a average Tenneessee team. Speaking of that great teams either go undefeated or lose one close game on their way to a title.
A 2 loss team including one of the losses by a blowout margin is not a great team. What’s wrong with you folks? What kind of koolaid do you guys drink that makes you think the 2 loss 2007 team was such a bunch of worldbeaters?
Pi$$onaDAWG
June 27th, 2009
1:26 pm
Walker’s Team couldn’t win. After Hershel runs for close to 3 thousand yards in the first half, and gets close to the Tech 222-0 Cumberland score by himself he will have to rest. KNOW SHOW will get the ball to the 20 and need a rest and Matt will do all the passing to MO MASS and now Mo Mass can catch right? WALKER MY DAWG would pat knowshow on the butt and ask him if he ever met Bill Bates or played against “BO”.
shane#1
June 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
Twentyfirst century football is a completely different game! Possibly the 1980 team would have stood a chance against the 2007 team had they had access to modern training methods and coaching, but no way Dooley’s three yards and a cloud of dust offense wins today. They just didn’t score enough points. As for the 1980 defense, Nando, Trenton, and the Big Cheese would have pushed those undersized linemen right off the field. Knowshon would have had a field day, along with Thomas Brown! Then the D backs would have been left standing in their tracks by Sean Bailey and Mo-Mass. They would be just too slow. As a matter of fact, who would have covered Durham at 6′5″? Some 5′8″ corner? Yeah football is different today. The Old Ball Coach changed SEC football forever. Today’s game is speed, speed, and more speed. As Bear Bryant once said,”when you go to the track, always bet on the jockey with the fastest horse!” The 1980 tean had heart and was a great team, FOR IT’S TIME! BTW, I am old school and love a tough D. I used to argue football with Buck about using the pass to open up the running game and winning with the D and that sort of thing, but this old cat has changed his spots. Buck was right. Look at the scoring averages of UF and LSU when they won their BCSCGs. Want to win the BCS, then average over 40 pts a game.
Dawgtime
June 27th, 2009
2:08 pm
Apples to oranges. In the 1980’s, college football was built around running the ball and defending the run. Recall the split 60 defense with the rover. Today’s game is based on passing the ball. Players today are bigger, faster, and stronger. In terms of Knowshon vs Herschel, Knowshon is a great running back. Herschel is the greatest running back that ever played college football. If he had played his senior year, he would still hold most of the rushing records. Notice most of the runner that are ahead of him played four years. He changed the game. 6′2 225 with 4.3 speed. After him came him backs like Bo Jackson. If the two teams played, the modern team would have a huge advantage because of the size factor.
wp
June 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
You’re kidding right. The 80’s DAWG defense would chew up Stafford and Morino. Hershal & Co. would destroy the 2008 Defense.
Phil McCrotch
June 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
Let’s Be Honest says…. I doubt whether GT will EVER have the longest winning streak in the UGA/GT rivalry. 7 straight. BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
ok, let’s be honest. Tech actually does have the longest winning streak at 8 in a row. Most everyone knows that except you.
Still laughing dumbass?
Phil McCrotch
June 27th, 2009
2:41 pm
By the way- 1980 team. no contest
Dawgtime
June 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
The thing that separated the two great backs was size and speed. Herschel was bigger and much faster. 4.5 to a sub 4.3. Both were warriors. Hello AJC, the number 1 HS player in state and the number 1 DB in the nation just committed to UGA. Where are the headlines? Oh he said no to at least 50 schools including GT and Florida. Smart kid. Welcome to the nation.
Michael Adams Sucks and so does Paul Johnson
June 27th, 2009
4:04 pm
Herschel and company dominates. Period.
KJ
June 27th, 2009
4:30 pm
“After Hershel runs for close to 3 thousand yards in the first half, and gets close to the Tech 222-0 Cumberland score by himself he will have to rest”
Well, Herschel might be able to do that, if UGA forced a small college that disbanded their football team a year earlier to send over 11 intramural frisbee players under the threat of lawsuit. But UGA has too much class to do such a thing.
Anyway, lots of ignorance in this blog. It doesn’t matter how the ‘80 team fared against ‘80 competition, it matters how they WOULD fare against a team that likely has a significant size/speed advantage. If you still think that doesn’t matter, go back and watch the film from the Sugar Bowl vs Hawaii, and pay attention to what happened on the lines.
FloridaDawg
June 27th, 2009
4:46 pm
Walker controls the game and Erk’s defense does it’s job.
‘80 team 28….’07 team… 16.
Cuz
June 27th, 2009
4:48 pm
Mr. McCrotch you are definitely correct on the win streak. And when that streak was broken by UGA we ordered rings. Okay we did not order rings. But we retired Theron Sapp’s jersey. Good football player but retiring a jersey just for a touchdown sounds as silly as ordering rings for a three point win. IMHO. Have a good weekend.
No way the 2007 defense stops Herschel. The guy would still be the biggest, strongest back that the 2007 defense would face. Moreno jumped over a player. Herschel would jump over the entire defensive line, meet a linebacker in mid air and slam him backward into the end zone. Where he would find the nearest ref and hand him the ball. Very polite young man.
Cuz
June 27th, 2009
4:50 pm
Don’t forget Altamaha, I lived the 1979 season. The year of the Blunderdawgs. They were just blunderfull.
AC
June 27th, 2009
5:15 pm
What are you drinking?
Walker was fast and IS the greatest running back far superior to Knowshon and L. Scott was fast, but the modern game is decided by team speed. One player can no longer beat you. Look at the teams that UGA has faced that were one dimensional. Unless the 80’s team runs some form of Paul Johnson’s offense, they don’t win. Period.
meansonny
June 27th, 2009
5:28 pm
The 2007 team was very flawed. But they did improve.
And they finished the season as strong as anyone in the country.
By season’s end… they were without a doubt without flaws (outside of any character flaws that rolled over into the summer).
If the game was played in January 2008. The 2007 team would win.
It was posted earlier… A national championship team needs to score about 40 points per game today.
Sorry Buck… but 1980 wasn’t your year to be leading the Dawg Nation to 40 points per game.
The 2007 Dawgs averaged 38 points per game the last 6 games of the season. This included victories over Auburn (#6 nationally in scoring defense) & GT (#21 nationally in scoring defense)
And no… Herschel couldn’t jump the defensive line. Kade Weston is 6′5″. Jeff Owens is 6′3″. Add Geno. These athletes are 300 pounds.
They will be lining up against a very undersized offensive line.
shane#1
June 27th, 2009
5:51 pm
KJ, just my point. I think some of these guys are thinking about the 2008 team. You know, the one without the Big Cheese, Nando, Sturdivant, Jeff Owens, Marcus Howard, Thomas Brown, a healthy Battle, and Washington. Oh, and Brannen Southerland for half a season. That 2007 team, at least after Howard was fully recovered and Boling and Sturdivant had found their sealegs, would have beaten any UGA team from anytime, and dam near any other team.
Mark
June 27th, 2009
6:01 pm
AC and meansonny? Listen to this and verify if you like…..THE ND TEAM UGA played in the SUgar bowl was faster and bigger….on average they outweighed our offense and defensive lines by FORTY POUNDS per man! YOU CAN”T MEASURE HEART and THE SHEER WILLPOWER of a TEAM to win by ht and wt and charted fourty times….plus look at the data….the DB and LB were about the same as far as ht and wt……guess we should take curran out as a linebacker cause he is so small….?
icedawg
June 27th, 2009
6:41 pm
no contest 1980
meansonny
June 27th, 2009
6:50 pm
I believe in sheer willpower.
But I also believe in athletes.
Size is most important in the trenches. For Herschel, who would be the best player in the game, to be truly effective… he needs help in the trenches.
I’m guessing that the defensive lineman of ‘07 will outweigh the OL of ‘80 by an average of 60 pounds. And that’s mostly muscle.
I’m guessing that the Marcus Howard will have as much speed on the edge as the ‘80 team saw all season.
I’m also guessing that the ‘80 UGA team’s defense didn’t see an offensive line that averaged 305 pounds.
Nor did they face an arm as strong as Stafford all season.
What QB from their ‘80 season had a stronger arm than Stafford?
What team that they faced averaged 38 points per game down the stretch?
The ‘80 team most definitely could have won in that situation. But it would require sloppy play by the ‘07 team to accomplish the victory.
AC
June 27th, 2009
8:58 pm
Mark. Come on. ND was bigger in the trenches and faster in the skill positions. However, in today’s game the big men are not only bigger, they are fast. I am telling you that ND’s team did not have the athletes we have today along the line. That is the bottom line. Any football analyst would tell you that. That is what separates the SEC from every other conference in today’s game. The men in the trenches.
Listen, I love the 80’s team and they were a far better team in their era. But they would be a good Big 10 team today. Good skill positions, solid on the lines, but do not have the COMBINATION of SIZE and SPEED of today’s SEC team in the trenches. The only reason they would be good is because of Herschel.
Mister T
June 27th, 2009
9:25 pm
I’a a Tech fan and even I think this is weak. The title of the blog is no contest, but even I remember the 1980 dawgs. The beat 2007 and trounce 2008 versions.
THWg!
ShutUpMutt
June 27th, 2009
9:50 pm
No way 1980 wins. Have you seen bodybuilding competitions in the 80s compared to today? Same thing with football. 21st century football is bigger, faster, tougher… you name it. Herschel couldn’t run over today’s football players like he did back in 80.
Mark
June 27th, 2009
10:22 pm
Stafford had the strongest arm ever…..I’ll agree …but who cares!….guess what…he never even won the east…enough said! Give me a leader any day…not someone thats waiting around for draft day.
We had to average 38 points down the stretch cause we had no DEFENSE! By the way the season starts with the first game…not the stretch….
I LOVE OUR “O” NOW!!!! I JUST WISH THE “D” had the soul of the old days!
Guy by the name of Guy Mycantire(sp) (Guard) played in the 80’s…undersized….played in three,,,four super bowls with SF Niners…SIZE AND SPEED ON PAPER DON”T MEAN FECAL MATTER!
AC you contradict yourself….you say ND was bigger and faster….my point exactly!
“THE only reson they would be good is becuase of Herschel” …..DO you realize how many players from the 1980-1983 era beacame All AMericans…All SEC….PROs?
Marcus Howard….who does he play for now? I can name 5 NFL Hall of famers…that Herschel made look like boys amoung men….one was a guy by the name of bates that played for Dallas for what…10 years…all pro…Had a drink with him one night…..any era.. college or pro’s….Walker! HEART and LEADERSHIP!!!!
If our modern day Defense could match the Offense we would be in the NC picture year in year out…..we need less of the players that use UGA as stepping stone for the pros and more guys that bleed UGA!
shane#1
June 27th, 2009
10:30 pm
DB and LB may have been about the same as far as ht and wt but what about speed? I would wager that the LBs in 2007 were as fast as the dbs in 1980. Don’t forget that Howard ran a 4.45 at the pro combines in 2008. Howard was a 245 lb DE! 250 or 260 was OG weight in 1980! Just what OT from 1980 would keep Howeard out of the backfield? Also remember that HW’s main strengths were straight ahead power and speed. Herschel could NOT cut back against the grain. Owens, Atkins and Washington could deny him the middle and with Curran and Gamble on the outside, along with Battle, who was healthy that year. Just where would Herschel run? You guys keep talking about heart, did Thomas Brown not have heart? How about Kelin Johnson winning the starting safety job at 185 lbs, did he not have heart? Does Renee Curran not have heart? Sorry boys, but there is no way Belue and Scott win that game, so the UGA of 2007 has a relatively slow, undersized D and Herschel to beat. A Herschel with an O line that can’t block the D. The closest modern team that I can think of that would compare to the 1980 team would be Wake Forest with Herschel in the backfield. Wake is a smart, well coached team with a lot of heart. Wakes’s problem is that they are too small and too slow to ever get within sniffing distance of a BCS title.
ShutUpMutt
June 28th, 2009
12:09 am
You people are crazy if you think the 1980 team could beat the 2008 team. The bar has been raised significantly in the past 28 years. The players in the 80s couldn’t stand up to the ones today. Herschel is a great player, but not compared to today’s defenses. NO WAY.
Let me also add (as a tech fan) that GT could stop Herschel and all of his personalities just like we stopped Knowshon.
See you b!tches next year.
Tonto
June 28th, 2009
1:12 am
Take it from an unbiased(Clemson Tiger) observer: Knowshon Moreno was great, but……
Hershel Walker was the greatest football player I ever saw in person. You can say what you want about Moreno, and I would add a ditto from me, but Hershel was the best. Add him to any team, especially the UGA team of circa 1980, and …. they could beat, then and now, any team UGA produced.
Munson: “My God,… he’s only a freshman!!! ” (Vs. Tennessee, 1st Game)
Incidentally, Hershell never scored against Clemson. Never.
Gravy Train
June 28th, 2009
1:14 am
Bill,
I thought you said you’ve never been drunk a day in your life. Well you could’ve been drunk to entertain such an argument when beer is involved.
There is no comparison for the H-Bomb, and it’s certainly unfair to Knowshon or any other Georgia running back to make such comparisons. Number 34 is retired for great reasons, for he aspired to be one of the greatest ever.
Whopper Dawg
June 28th, 2009
2:35 am
1980 wins – why?
Heart, discipline, execution.
Erik Russel vs Willie (The Mistake) Martinez?
Can you imagine Herschel running against a WM defense? Laughable. And Standford on his back against Russell’s D and Moreno needing his blows? Come on.
Give me a break
gary
June 28th, 2009
6:21 am
The 2002 team with Greene and Pollack was much better than the 07 team, and would have fared better against the 80 team, but in the end Buck and Herschel would prevail.
Danny Floyd
June 28th, 2009
6:32 am
Maybe close but ‘80 would take the game. A repete of THE PLAY that knocked off the Gators that year would make for a classic ending!
Marietta Dawg
June 28th, 2009
7:41 am
Let’s see . . . Who is more overmatched: Knowshon vs. Herschel or Martinez vs. Erk? Nice try at making a little controversy where none exists. The two teams do not compare. You cannot compare pretenders with champions.
Dawg Days
June 28th, 2009
7:48 am
Who cares about which is better, Ogletree is a Bulldog, now that’s real news. He will star at safety as true freshman, a real stud.
Shut up ... Mutt
June 28th, 2009
7:56 am
ShutUpMutt – So you think that GIT could stop Herschel? Here’s a little history lesson for you. 38-20, 44-7, 38-18. Sound familiar? Those are the scores of the three years that Herschel played against you.
yellow fuzz
June 28th, 2009
8:24 am
Herschel was great back in his day. But in NO WAY would he be considered a great college back today. In fact, he’d be recruited as a defensive end today. And the last time I saw him in person, he’d be better suited for the offensive line.
AC
June 28th, 2009
9:49 am
Mark, ND was bigger on the lines in the 80’s with a bunch of fat people. They were not the athletes of today. I have not contradicted myself at all. The bigs today are athletes with speed. That is what is meant by team speed. It’s not the skilled positions, it is also the speed of the line.
It does not matter when talking with someone like you. 20 years from now when the OL is averaging 400 pound linemen that all run a 4.4 you still will believe the 80’s team wins.
Ask anyone who has PLAYED football and they will tell you the same. Modern day football players are bigger and faster.
AC
June 28th, 2009
9:52 am
All American in the 80’s doesn’t mean “fecal matter” either.
AC
June 28th, 2009
9:53 am
Speaking of all the players from the 80’s who played in the NFL and played in Super Bowls. They all say the same thing on TV when interviewed. The GAME is faster.
meansonny
June 28th, 2009
9:53 am
We did have a defense in 2007. Remember this blog was about 1980 versus 2007.
2007 UGA was ranked 18th in the nation in scoring defense.
After the Tennessee game… we came out as one of the tougher defenses against each weeks respective teams.
(held Florida to their lowest total of the season. Florida ranked #3 in the nation in scoring offense)
(Held Kentucky to their lowest point total of the season. Kentucky ranked #15 in the nation in scoring offense)
(Held Hawaii to their lowest point total of the season. Hawaii ranked #1 in the nation in scoring offense).
The 1980 team could very well win the game. Look at the Notre Dame game… the unrecovered kickoff put the Bulldawgs in position to take control of the game. That could happen to the 2007 team (a few times over). But the 2007 team was the faster, more physical, and better equipped team by the end of their season.
This is a fantasy game. We’ll never really know.
But they didn’t make athletes back in 1980 like they do today.
And ask just about any coach… they want the best horses in the Derby.
AC
June 28th, 2009
10:00 am
For those who do not think Herschel would be a great back today, you are Crazy. He would be a game changer even today.
Mark
June 28th, 2009
11:13 am
AC…….I agree that todays players are bigger and faster but thats not the point. Yes I agree the game is faster…..not the point
Under your train of thought why would we even play the game….or any football game at any level….lets just award the win to the team that on paper is faster and bigger????????Matter of fact why would there even need to be a game….lets not even play it…just give the win to the bigger-faster team????
“The 80’s team is like a modern BIG 10 team?” SO the BIG 10 should just forfit to the SEC…cause there is no way they could win?
THE BIGGEST-FASTEST-MOST TALENTED TEAMS DON”T ALWAYS WIN!!!!!!!!
THATS WHY THE GAME IS PLAYED!
AC
June 28th, 2009
12:35 pm
All I am saying, is that it is not going to be easy for the 1980’s team to win. Everyone makes it out like they would win easily.
Let us remember, that the 80’s team, though talented, was EXTREMELY lucky. Some of the games could have went either way.
I believe that the modern team would be favored. Does it mean they could lose? Sure. That is why you play the game. That is why the Big 10 plays the game. Because there is always a chance.
My only point is that the 2007 team would more than likely win more than they would lose.
AC
June 28th, 2009
12:36 pm
Oh, and by the way, I think the Big 10 should forfeit.
nobody
June 28th, 2009
1:09 pm
Good as Moreno was, nobody can touch Hershel; truth is, I would take Robert Edwards over Moreno….no telling how good he would have been had he played offense his entire career and had he not gotten hurt at Tennessee….he was wearing them out before his injury….
TW
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
#34 had a defense and an offensive line.
#24 never had the privilege.
AC
June 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
As far as running backs, after Herschel, people seem to forget about Hampton who had to share time. He was a great college back as well as a great pro.
Frank Lane
June 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
The difference is deception. the 1980 team could line up and explain the play to you, exactly what they were going to do and why, then snap the ball and do exactly what they told they were. Deception was rarely if ever necessary.
I cannot remember when another Georgia team could do exactly what you knew they were going to do and make it work.
That70sGAdawg
June 28th, 2009
6:44 pm
Last years Willie Martinez defense stop Hershel ????
HA, HA, HA!!!!!
John
June 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
2007 team wins, but Herschel runs for a mile
Mark
June 28th, 2009
9:05 pm
Walker…Hearst….Hampton…..Edwards……NEVER DISPLAYED THE LOOK AT ME I’M THE GREATEST EVER ATTITUDE that MORENO did….didn’t care much for all that show boating….didn’t even win the east….TWO first round draft picks and we can’t even win the east? We shall see what this years “TEAM” will do without the two superstars!THe more I think about Stafford and Moreno the more I can’t think about what a waste of talent….do you think the two might have pissed off some of there own teammates? No team chemistry????Think Stafford would have stuck around if Cox was the starter???? CAN”T WAIT TILL OKLAST……GO DAWGS!!!!!
Dave In Tampa
June 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
I agree with the fact that the athletes are better trained now a days, but don’t you think that if HW had todays training technology he would take advantage of it as well? He was a work out fanatic. Imagine how much quicker and stronger he would have been with today’s technology. He was by far the best RB in College Football ever.
richtfan
June 28th, 2009
10:22 pm
i don’t know who would win or whatever, but i can say unequivocally that herschel is vastly superior to knowshon. herschel was bigger, stronger, faster and more durable than any back that has ever played the game without question. knowshon had the cutback ability, but that’s all he had over herschel.
Dewayne
June 29th, 2009
12:10 am
1980 wins hands down! Herschel Walker was and always will be the GREATEST DAWG ever! Knowshon did not stick around long enough for us to get a total look at what he had to offer. GO DAWGS, SIC EM, WOOF WOOF WOOF!
Coach BoBo
June 29th, 2009
8:02 am
Yawn
chazzo
June 29th, 2009
8:56 am
Question is, do they beat Tebow and the Gators?
chazzo
June 29th, 2009
9:03 am
The 80s dogs never faced a team with an equivalent receiver corp. With all due respect to Sanchez and Hogue… Not that Sanford is as good as Marino, but they did lose against Pitt… and Penn State? with talented quarter backs. AC is also absolutely right about the lines of today compared with twenty or thirty years ago. I don’t think it would depend on which Herschell showed up, it would depend on which personality the 2007 team showed up with… the manic one that beat the snot out of overrated Hawaii and partied in the Jax endzone or the depressive one that played Tennessee.
chazzo
June 29th, 2009
9:05 am
Shoot… what about special teams?
Otto
June 29th, 2009
11:12 am
Chazzo Erk was also not calling the shots for the ‘81 and ‘82 bowls.
chazzo
June 29th, 2009
12:37 pm
Good call, Otto. Erk is a big x-factor in this comparison. What a great coach. I try to lay off Willie, but the Richt and the dogs could use some of that venom from an Erk Russell or Mickey Andrews type guy. Head butting players… blood running down his face. Glorious!
chazzo
June 29th, 2009
12:50 pm
South Carolina did in the Dooley in 85 by stacking the line and pooching kickoffs. The dawgs never got any momentum off kick returns and couldn’t run with line backers standing right behind the line. Did Dooley alter his gameplan? Heck no. It was like he would rather lose than have another coach force him to adjust. And, perhaps there was nothing to adjust to. That was the Todd Williams/Dukes/can’t play a black QB/Jackson/Johnson years. I do have a strange admiration for that kind of stubbornness (not the black QB thing). One thing I will give ol’ Vince. It creates an attitude in the players to make them go out there like that. Here’s the gameplan. Are you man enough to win? I think that would build a great deal of confidence. Sometimes a trick play (see onside kick vs. UF) says the only way we can score is to be shifty because we aren’t as good as you. Love Richt, but I think he could learn from stubborn ol’ Vince down in the red zone sometimes. “Man up and get it done or be losers. What will it be?” Of course, what do I know, I played basketball for a crappy little high school in central FL.
Otto
June 29th, 2009
1:21 pm
Chazzo UGA needs that guy on the sideline even if not at DC. I would love to see Pollack back as DL coach. Kirby Smart who is a UGA grad is DC over at Bama. We should see if it was injuries or CWM this fall.
The red zone was also much better with CMR calling the shots before Bobo. The past fews have seemed to have a couple of plays that get called all to often. UGA has plenty of weapons Bobo needs to learn to mix it up more.
You mention special teams the defense would rarely get good starting field position. All 3 parts of the game needed improvement last year.
Coach D
June 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
The 1980 team might not be big, but the did not, repeat did not, lack talent. There were lots of NFL talent on that team. I hear what people are saying about the size and speed of the game, and I’m not underestimating that. But that’s like saying the teams in the 90’s couldn’t hang with today’s Dawgs and it’s just not true. Hines Ward, Matt Stincomb, Rob Edwards, Champ Bailey are as good or better than anyone who has played for UGA in this decade. Terry Hoage, Garrison Hearst, Rodney Hampton, Guy McEntrye, Freddie Gilbert, Herschel were all great in college AND the NFL and would stomp a mudhole in most of these kids today because these kids are soft. Raw Talent does triumph over a team that just has heart and little talent. But if a team with just Raw Talent and no heart plays a team with Talent and Heart( which past Bulldog teams plenty of both), the team with just Raw Talent loses.
Natureboy809
June 30th, 2009
10:21 am
Wow at some of the idiots in this thread. The game has changed SO much since 1980. The 2007 team would win by 50+. Herschel would still be the best player on the field, but the 1980 team’s BIGGEST offensive lineman weighed in at 265 lbs. They would lose the battle in the trenches so bad that not even IMO the greatest player in CFB history, Herschel Walker, would be able to do anything. On the other side of the ball, with 300+ lb road graters blowing 250 lb DTs off of the ball, Knowshon would probably get 6 yards before contact on every snap. It would literally look like a HS team playing against the 2007 team.
chazzo
June 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
I actually think it was Vandy that did that to the dawgs in 85. I just remember black uniforms. One thing I will say over and over is I like what I am hearing from the players this season… All work ethic and team… very refreshing. And, only a couple of ‘em in the doghouse and none in the jailhouse.