Which UGA win do you most want?
Back during the low point of the 2006 football season, before the delightful turnaround at Auburn, I wrote here about someone asking me and another UGA fan if we could have just one win out of that season’s remaining games, which would we choose. We both quickly said the Tech game, because at that point the Dogs were out of the SEC race, even with what then looked like an unlikely win at Auburn.
But looking ahead at the coming season, with a clean slate and all things still possible, I was thinking about which game means the most to me. Now, of course, I want the Dogs to win them all, though unlike my brother Jon I’m not ready to go out on a limb and predict that. (Actually, Jon always picks the Dogs to go undefeated, no matter what kind of team we have. That’s one reason I always like to give him a call at halftime if Georgia hasn’t looked so good in the first half; Jon is always positive they’re going to do better in the second half, and many times they’ve proved him right.)
Loading ...While I’d love for Georgia to again deflate the national media hype surrounding a high-scoring team from out west, in the larger picture of the season the Oklahoma State game doesn’t really mean as much as some others. As has been proved with other teams in recent seasons, a loss there wouldn’t even necessarily knock them out of BCS contention — if you’re going to lose, lose early in a high-profile game that at least wins you points for tough scheduling.
South Carolina? Well, we all absolutely hate losing at any time to Steve Spurrier, but is that game any more important than any of the other conference games on the schedule? Not really.
LSU? That’s the toughest opponent coming Between the Hedges this season and a lot of folks are picking them to win the SEC West. But even if we lost to them during the regular season, if we still made it to the title game in Atlanta and whipped them there, the earlier game wouldn’t matter so much.
Winning in Knoxville is always great, but despite Lane Kiffin’s general obnoxiousness, I don’t really see that game as any more important than, say, Arkansas. Or Vandy.
Beating Auburn is always great and particularly in Athens, where those wins tend to come harder, but this isn’t likely to be a great year for the Tigers, so I can’t say that game matters the most.
No, it comes down to Florida or Tech.
A win at Jacksonville, especially considering the media beatification of the future St. Timothy and all that Urban Way stuff, would be very, very sweet. And it’s the game that usually decides the SEC East. Do I want it the most? Well, that’s the logical choice if we’re still in contention for the division title by that time. Getting to the Georgia Dome in December is the most important thing for the program. And, yes, I believe that’s the one that means the most to me this season.
What about the in-state rivalry with the Trade School? As much as I’d love to see the delusional Jackets fans get their ridiculous “new sheriff in town” braggadocio thrown back in their faces, that game would only get elevated to most-wanted-win status if the Dogs aren’t in contention for an SEC championship. Because, frankly, as painful as it is to lose to them occasionally (and let’s face it, once in eight years is very occasionally), and as sweet as it is to beat them in Atlanta with our fans outnumbering theirs in their own stadium, the hard truth is the game against Tech doesn’t really mean as much as even a win over Vanderbilt. And, in fact, a loss to them doesn’t mean as much as any SEC loss.
At least, that’s the way I feel about it. What about you? Feel free to comment, vote in the poll or do both.
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280 comments Add your comment
biggerthanbigdawg
July 13th, 2009
7:28 am
First, I would say Florida, then UT and then Tech.
JB
July 13th, 2009
7:29 am
Tech needs to be put back in their normal place, the back of the bus. Our loss to them last year was mostly self inflicted , and barring a repeat of the perfect storm last year, where we looked nothing like a typical Mark Richt team, we will set the house in order. I think Tech has made a big mistake OD’ing on giving us raspberry’s and having rings made. I think we kill them this year like LSU did……
Jim
July 13th, 2009
7:35 am
I’d like to see us win the SEC East division and go on from there.
Getting to the title game is most important. We need to start winning
again in Jax. and if we will this year, then i count that as taking 2 of the last 3 from the nat’l champs. Not bad.
tp
July 13th, 2009
7:52 am
sweep the East for the 1st time.
Steverino
July 13th, 2009
7:54 am
Outnumbering Tech fans in their own stadium? Get a grip chubby. You are a buffoon.
Tom
July 13th, 2009
8:01 am
I’d say that GA fans most want to beat Florida or Tech. And of those two, it has to be Tech. They’re accustomed to losing to the Gators, but have to cringe at the idea of going a 2nd consecutive year listening to the Techies gloat. What could be worse ?
Robert
July 13th, 2009
8:06 am
Florida, duh.
MADDAWG55
July 13th, 2009
8:08 am
This is why I love UGA football!! We have 5 natural rivals……USC,UT,UF,AU,GT!! Of all those the wins at the W.L.O.C.P. are by far the sweetest.
Who is Gt??
July 13th, 2009
8:09 am
Gt is IRRLEVANT!!!
MADDAWG55
July 13th, 2009
8:09 am
BREAK TEBOW !!
Cmill
July 13th, 2009
8:14 am
Obviously Steverino does not go to the games in Atlanta when UGA plays Tech because Georgia fans consistently outnumber Jacket supporters at Bobby Dodd. Take a look around if you’re in the stands this year.
SomewhereinGA
July 13th, 2009
8:19 am
Steverino, you are indeed the buffoon…it happens almost every UGA/GT game played in that rathole. One reminder: Do you not remember GT having to sell the ticket packages in this paper, and all of the Bulldog Nation buying up the tickets for that one game??? Damn, you nerds can’t even sell out your home games and you have the audacity to come on to this blog and gloat?
Alt-Delete Dawg
July 13th, 2009
8:23 am
Tech is a biggie, alright, but look at the Oklahoma State game. In scheduling mid-tier teams from the Pac 10 and Big 12, the Dogs have put themselves in the position of having nothing to win and everything to lose. Instead, they should’ve scheduled the “big-cheese” team in either of those conferences. If Southern Cal, Texas or Oklahoma was not do-able, I would have just stayed away. Lose to a mid-tier team and all of the SEC claims of superiority and UGA being a national power fall flat. Of course, lose to USC like Arkansas and Virginia did and you lose credibility also. Look at Auburn; they had pretty decent teams when they lost to USC back-to-back. So, on second thought, don’t schedule any of those teams. Just say no.
dawgfanatic24-7
July 13th, 2009
8:23 am
I’d like to see us go undefeated until we get to Jax. Our guys may come out hot and Timmy Tebag cold. It could happen. Both games are so late in the year that we really can’t afford any losses if our goals are a NC or Conf Champ.
turkey
July 13th, 2009
8:25 am
It’s the Gators, stupid.
Ali Akbar Allah
July 13th, 2009
8:28 am
They want Florida and Tech – both teams that they can’t handle this year.
Class of '98
July 13th, 2009
8:30 am
Just beat Florida.
coachdawg 2000
July 13th, 2009
8:33 am
DESTROY THE GATORS!!! I am already sick of the annual espn man-crush on tebow. Ivan maisel (bammer homer) is drooling all over himself over tebow already. It’s sick, on espn.com he is lauduing how wonderful it has been watching him and he gushes over teabags beard. Nothing would make me happier than watchiing teabow cry in a press conference about a lost season because of a beatdown at the hands of the DAWGS. It would be sweet to destroy the geeks in the hood, also. So for the sake of being fair let’s just go out whip everybody.
coachdawg 2000
July 13th, 2009
8:35 am
triple a-
how did you get out guantanimo?
ROHO
July 13th, 2009
8:37 am
If CMR doesn’t beat FL this year we will still love him but we will also miss him.
JDB
July 13th, 2009
8:45 am
There’s no question a win over UF would be way more gratifying than getting due payback against the dorks.
TommyGator
July 13th, 2009
8:47 am
A similar question has been raised for the Florida Faithful. Would we rather beat FSU or UGA. For any hardcore fan, Gator or Dog, the answer has to be the intra-division conference rival. That’s the game that means the most to the season’s success. Beating the intra-STATE rival is some really sweet gravy…but it’s gravy, not the main course.
VanDSIRROM
July 13th, 2009
8:51 am
Beware the Commodores…for the first time in decades Vandy will ‘re-load’ rather than ‘re-build’…with 19 starters returning, a new QB, and a ‘no-huddle’ offense that’s sure to be an improvement, the ‘Dores may just improve on their #3 SEC East finish last season…
The last time Georgia was at Vanderbilt Stadium, the Dawgs came away with a win only because of an ‘end of game’ fumble By Vandy at their 10 yard line…
In case you aren’t paying attention–Bobby Johnson has built a contender in Nashville.
joe
July 13th, 2009
8:56 am
agree with JB…The Jackette’s need to be b-slapped to the back of the bus…..but we need to start beating UF on a regular basis….back and forth doesnt get it
Yurtle_the_turtle
July 13th, 2009
9:00 am
As a Tech fan, I thought that most of the UGA faithful would vote for beating Florida. It makes sense in that the Gators are in the SEC and we’re not, however the rivalry between GT and UGA is viewed.
Let's Go Bravos!
July 13th, 2009
9:03 am
The Gators…always the Gators. I hate them more than anything on this planet!
jimi
July 13th, 2009
9:04 am
hey joe, what’s the “back-and-forth” business ? and where you going with that gun in yo hand ?
rainman
July 13th, 2009
9:04 am
Any logical person would have to say that Florida would be the most important win for UGA — same conference, same division, history of losing. But the same can be said for the game between GT and VT.
It is nice to have that last game of the season, after all conference ramifications have been resolved, where pure hatred can reign supreme.
DawgFan24
July 13th, 2009
9:05 am
Gators, end of story. Is it September yet?
Otto
July 13th, 2009
9:07 am
GT has not been #1 on the list since I was born. In the 80s Auburn was #1. 90s until now it is UF. Tenn in most years is #2 followed by Auburn and then GT. GT has moved up to #2 this year. I suspect next year they’ll fall back to #4.
give me a break
July 13th, 2009
9:08 am
UGA might have more fans show up, but how many of those fans actually have ties to UGA besides “just liking them”. I’d say 80% of Georgia fans are band wagoners who don’t even know where athens is. I am a current student and not to gloat or sound smarter (which I know I am without broadcasting) every other UGA fan is some half bred trash of a person who has half of their teeth intact and can only say “sic em” when they’re in the vicinity of someone else.
joe
July 13th, 2009
9:09 am
i’m goin down to shoot my ol’ lady. i done caught her messin’ around with another man.
Bill Lewis
July 13th, 2009
9:16 am
Gators and Jackets (in ATL) is the same type game-neutral field. The north end zone of GT’s stadium is as cool as being in Sanford.
Although both are neutral fields, it’s no contest about beating FL. It’s funny putting GT and FL on the same platform.
DawginLex
July 13th, 2009
9:19 am
I refuse to acknowledge that losing to any of the 3 is acceptable to me.
Sorry
JayRoot
July 13th, 2009
9:27 am
.
The Gaytors will definitely beat the livin’ snotty arrogance out of Ugag in Jax. Business as usual for the Gaytors on Halloween.
Now, as for Tech … that too, will be more of the same from last November … an absolute man-handling of that mental-midget defense.
You know, my little brother is a football coach in the hot-bed of recruiting for football players … nationwide … Jacsonville,FL and when Richt stopped by to chat in December 2009 – not long after the drubbing – he was asked about the GaTech game and he responded with, “You know, when we were in the locker room at halftime we thought that game was over”.
It is that arrogance that makes that a%* whoopin’ in 2008, and the one that Ugag will receive THIS november, and the many that are surley to come in the Paul Johnson era, ssooooo sweet!
Now, should’nt all you Ugag fans be in a soup line somewhere?
I gotta get back to work.
.
Ramble On!!
July 13th, 2009
9:28 am
Obviously they are going to say Florida. This article is so dumb. They own the other two teams (including us).
Saint Simons
July 13th, 2009
9:30 am
45-42!!!!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
richard cranium
July 13th, 2009
9:31 am
The loss to GT with 45 points on the board makes that game the most important of the year for UGAg…
Ask Jim Don_nan how important it is to win the GT game!! No predictions here, but if UGAy loses at Bobby Dodd this year, the leghumper nation will have a complete meltdown – this is a fact.
Duh !
July 13th, 2009
9:31 am
UGA has to start beating teams like Vandy and South Carolina like a rented mule first to gain any national respect. Florida is so far ahead in their program right now that it will take some other coach besides CMR to start beating them consistently. CMR has definitely reached his plateau with UGA. Last years loss to Georgia Tech was inexcusable and unforgiving.
LizDawg
July 13th, 2009
9:33 am
I have to go with beating Tech and restoring order. Unfortunately we have to concede yet another loss to Florida, hopefully we can beat them in 2011 after Teblow has gone to the NFL as a 3rd round pick. Beat the maggots for the 8th time in 9 years, that is all.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 13th, 2009
9:34 am
“A win at Jacksonville, especially considering the media beatification of the future St. Timothy” vs. the fleabag beatification of St. Richt?
Kapt. Kangaroo, you are a buffoon. Stick to UT, they will be the only one UGAg will beat in the near future.
Pi$$onaDawg
July 13th, 2009
9:35 am
It has to be the Gators. It has been so long since UGA beat Florida and the same for Tech beating UGA. Tech’s has to be #1 VT, TIE Clemson/UGA, #4 FSU now that we only play them in a few year seperate rotation. I would think for UGA it is #1 UF, tie UT/GT, #4 Auburn.
ahope3
July 13th, 2009
9:36 am
It’s funny how this guy calls Tech a trade school. We’re in the top 5 engineering schools in the country and you wanna call us a trade school. That’s funny cuz most UGA grads come to Tech for grad school due to the fact that a bachelors degree from the craphole will get you a great position at pumping gas. Face it, you hate Tech because we’re superior. You call us Techies because we’re intelligent, which really looks ignorant on your part. Who gets shunned for being praised by the nation for bringing businesses to Georgia. Tech runs Georgia. UGA may be pretty good in football (some years) but your trend of losses to Tech in every area (football, basketball, volleyball, academics, starting salary,etc.) will continue for years to come. Face it, UGA fails in comparison to Georgia Tech.
jdawg
July 13th, 2009
9:38 am
I list it Florida, Gt, Ten, Aub, SC in order of hate the most. I think that your age determines your list. Older dawg fans hate, hate, hate Gt with a passion. I’m only 31 so I hate Gt but not as much as the Florida. If I were 51, I’m sure Gt would top my list. I can’t stand everything about Florida and their fan base. Arrogant, egotistical dumbarrses, who have won the series for the last 20 years, the majority of my life, Hate is not a big enough word to touch my depth.
Rico
July 13th, 2009
9:38 am
Oh sure, you will continue to feel this way (and should) until Tech gives UGA three or four beat downs in a row like in the early late 90’s and 2000. I can assure you on 2000, UGA fans wanted to beat only Tech that year. At best this series will be .500 during the next 10 years. And that my Puppy friend, will be fun!
m
July 13th, 2009
9:41 am
Since you dawgs are relatively stupid, let me break it down for you:
The dawgs would much rather beat floriduh….but they hate losing much worse to Tech.
So on balance, the THRILL of victory over Floriduh still would not be as great as the AGONY of defeat to Tech.
Besides, it is a moot point…you can’t beat floriduh and you can’t beat Tech…so you need to concentrate on beating awBARN or tennerrsseee.
45-42…glad it hurts so bad…and it is only the beginning.
Thank God and Greyhound that Chan Gailey, ugag’s favorite Tech coach, is gone forever…you dawgs are really going to miss him even if you are too stupid to realize it.
There is a new sheriff in town…and his name is Paul Johnson. You dawgs are quickly going to grow to hate this man. Mark it down.
Lewis
July 13th, 2009
9:44 am
Any old school dyed in the wool UGA fan knows this answer…BEAT TECH…BEAT TECH…BEAT TECH. If you can ONLY pick one, it’s gotta be the in-state rival.
David
July 13th, 2009
9:49 am
Bill, you’re about as bright as the school your root for would indicate. Outnumbering us in our stadium? Please explain to me when that took place. Are there a lot of UGA fans? Yes, there are. Because there’s a bunch of “I didn’t graduate from there or go to school there or have anyone in my family go to school there, but this is a cool team to root for, so I’m rooting for them” type of fans.
So, yes, to further your point, UGA has a bunch of bandwagon fans. I’m not sure this is soemthing to be bragging about.
I know you and the other 2 million UGA fans in Georgia think last year was a fluke. And when we win again on November 28th, you’ll cast it off as twice in ten years. And when we win the year after, it won’t be three in a row, but just 3 in the last 11. And our fourth win in a row will be 4 of 12. You UGA fans will hold onto that 8-game win streak as long as possible.
Oh, and as for your question: No way UGA beats Florida. So you can cancel that one out. And UT, believe or not, will win that game. Keep in mind: UT’s defense was ranked 5th in the country last year, but their offense was stagnated by an old head coach and a new OC that just didn’t get it. UGA loses in Knoxville, loses in Jacksonville, and loses in Atlanta.
Could be a long year, pups.
Otto
July 13th, 2009
9:50 am
m, Don’t try to hard to over inflate your ego. GT is kid brother. They win every once in a while and may even get a small streak but you’re not one of the big boys or rivals in the same class.
Hey Bill
July 13th, 2009
9:51 am
It is funny to put GT and FL on the same platform…just for the record UGA is not even close to the same platform at FL either. Get over it, you are a second tier SEC program. 7 national championships for the SEC since 1991 and 0 for UGA