Dogs and Pokes: Underrated vs. overrated?
In rating five teams that preseason estimations may have overrated and five that might prove to have been underrated, Rivals.com senior college football writer Olin Buchanan has put an interesting spin on the Sept. 5 season opener in Stillwater. Georgia is one of the teams he pegs as “possibly underrated” and Oklahoma State makes his list of “possibly overrated” programs.
His advice on the Bulldogs: “Don’t take them too lightly. Georgia has posted at least 10 wins in six of the past seven seasons and should have another strong year.” He thinks the offensive line “could be among the nation’s best with Trinton Sturdivant back in the lineup” and says wide receiver A.J. Green “could gain superstar status this season.”
Defensively, “tackle Jeff Owens is back from injury, and he, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston provide an outstanding rotation.” The linebackers are solid and while “the secondary needs to get better,” he says, “at least there are good athletes to work with in the defensive backfield.” The Dogs have a demanding early schedule, but “if the Bulldogs get through that, the Top 10 beckons — maybe even the top five.”
His capper goes into territory that even the most optimistic Dogs fan is probably hesitant to enter: “Three times in the BCS era, teams won national championships the season following an NFL draft in which their previous quarterback was the first player selected overall (Tennessee, LSU and USC). Could Georgia make it four?”
As for Okie State, Buchanan says, “No doubt, there are reasons to expect a big season in Stillwater. Dez Bryant is the best receiver in the country. Kendall Hunter is an explosive running back. Zac Robinson is a third-year starter at quarterback. Russell Okung could be the first offensive lineman taken in next year’s NFL draft.”
The problem, he says, is that all those players are on offense. “The defense could bring the Cowboys down like an anchor. Don’t forget that six opponents scored at least 28 points against the Cowboys last season, and that they were among the nation’s worst in pass rush and pass defense. Six starters return on the defense, but only one in the secondary.”
There are some questions about the offense, too, Buchanan says. “Remember, the Cowboys bogged down when Bryant was hurt in the fourth quarter of last year’s 42-31 Holiday Bowl loss to Oregon.”
Of course, Georgia allowed an opponent to score more than 35 points five times last season. And the bulk of the Dogs’ offensive production came from players no longer on the team.
And there’s no doubt Buchanan is swimming against the media stream here, as the Cowboys have been annointed as a preseason juggernaut by most national analysts.
But then the Dogs know how that can turn out.
Talking to UGA fans about the upcoming match, I haven’t been able to get a consensus yet. Quite a few are marking down the opener as one of the Dogs’ likely losses, feeling that Georgia just won’t be able to stop the Cowboys’ offense while our own rebuilding offense might not be ready to keep up that early in the season. Other Dogs fans are resistant to the hype surrounding the Pokes and smell another Boise State or Hawaii. Overrated, in other words.
What do you think?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
212 comments Add your comment
Maddog
July 16th, 2009
10:44 am
I agree.
UGA = underrated
OSU = overrated.
Clay
July 16th, 2009
10:45 am
I have a good feeling about this game. Georgia will be prepared. This will be like a bowl game, I feel. Oklahoma State will have to beat UGA–UGA will not beat themselves in this game. This reminds me of opening games of years not too far gone by: Boise State and these Cowboys. Each time we heard about how UGA wasn’t ready for what these guys were going to bring and each time UGA dismantled them. I don’t know if I’m as confident than Olin Buchanan, but I like UGA’s chances in this game.
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
10:50 am
The problem with this game is that it is the opener in a brand new stadium. The good part is it is against a team that can’t stop anyone. We should be able to run the ball all day and take the crowd out.
Question is can we stop them?
I say we can and will. 23-17 DAWGS
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
10:55 am
UGA = About where we should be right now. We have the track record worthy of top 15 consideration, but too many questions to put us much higher than that. That’s why you play the games though and if those questions are answered positively we will move up the rankings in short order.
OSU = OVERRATED. Its the same song and dance. They’ve got a flashy offense with some admittedly talented skill guys and media goes berserk. The rest of the team is crap. That’s right I said CRAP. I’ve also heard a lot about this supposedly crazy atmosphere in Stillwater. YAWN. Give me a break. I’m more worried about South Carolina than I am this game. True story.
pj
July 16th, 2009
10:56 am
It’s hard to say this without coming across as a homer, but I do think the Dogs are underrated going into the season just as they were overrated last season. I work in radio and had the chance to interview Vince Dooley a few weeks ago as part of his book signing tour across the state. He said it best – that we shouldn’t have been rated so high last year, because we were unhealthy and inexperienced on the line of scrimmage. Knowshon is amazing, but when big D atheletic D Lines like Floridas hit us in the mouth, there was nothing Moreno could do. On the flip side, when Alabama’s Senior laden O line was pushing us off the line of scrimmage, there was only so much our talented LB’s could accomplish.
This year it’s reversed. We have EIGHT O Lineman returning with STARTING experience, not to mention our young guys who are developing. With Jeff Owen and Geno in the middle, we’ve got our greatest interior tandem since Seymour and Stroud. Fundamentaly, we have a great team in the trenches.
Last year was alot of sizzle, not enough steak. This year, it’s all steak, no sizzle. That’s how coach Dooley said championships are won. Well, he’s got 6 of em…. I tend to agree.
10-2 and another BCS Bowl game. Go Dawgs.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 16th, 2009
10:56 am
Ok St. 45 UGAg 42
T-Dog
July 16th, 2009
10:57 am
In order for us to do well in still water we have to take control on defense EARLY and take the home crowd out of it. We have much more depth at every position and this should be a factor later in the game if we can stay close early.
Just my .02
Ed-Covington
July 16th, 2009
11:01 am
Excuse my ignorance-who was the USC QB drafted #1 overall? Not Leinert(?) and not the guy with the Bengals; who else?
Long Dawg
July 16th, 2009
11:06 am
I have a good feeling about this game. There will be a pissed off bunch of Dawgs who want to get the bad taste of last year out of their mouth from last year and the OK. State game is perfect. The Dawgs will play like they did against Florida in 2007 and the only suprise will be how good the Dawgs really are. The Pokies go down hard.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
11:10 am
Carson Palmer was the #1 pick in the 2003 draft. Your ignorance is excused.
And that is a very interesting fact that I will have to stash away for my “defense wins championships” argument. If QB play is so important, why did THREE teams win it all after losing a top NFL draft pick? Very interesting.
Dawgs09
July 16th, 2009
11:15 am
Looking at things as they stand, this game won’t be pretty. I am hoping that the Dawgs can pull it off because we have the ingredients for a good team, but win or lose, it will be close.
As for our offense, just because the guys that will be playing this year aren’t going to be Mr. Stafford or Mr. Moreno on the offensive side doesn’t mean that the guys aren’t any good. With the line and their experience, we could do a number on an OK State defense that is lacking a little. Our back-ups aren’t exactly scrubs if you know what I mean, and we do have that Green guy in the #8 jersey as well…
As for us on defense, we have a few holes to fill. The D-Line and linebackers will be the anchor of the defense (moreso the line) and the d-backs will have to learn on the fly with a few freshmen stepping up to make the team better (Ogletree and company).
Overall, I think the Dawgs are where they should be to start the season. No big hype, no major expectations out of the team, just play ball and take care of business. If the team can play as a team rather than individuals and quickly fill a few defensive gaps, we could be looking at something special this season (11-1, maybe even the unthinkable 12-0 and on to greater things in the BCS world…) but realistically, we may be closer to the 9-3 or 8-4 mark and see us in the Chick-fil-A Bowl again. Only time will tell, and if we pull out a big win to start the season, the momentum could build and give us something to run with. I like our chances this season just because of the lack of hype that could motivate the guys moreso. I have heard the word “team” come out of the mouths of several players more than once which makes me have faith/hope that Richt has set the guys straight and gotten them together as a real team this year. That kind of attitude wins games and championships.
lakerat
July 16th, 2009
11:16 am
Both are rated about right – and you still have to play the game to find out who is right and who is wrong!
And, Carson Palmer is the USC guy drafted #1 with the Bengals.
Kevin
July 16th, 2009
11:21 am
I’m a UGA grad living in TX currently and the Big 12 folks hate and despise the “SEC, SEC, SEC” chant we do after we beat other conference teams. So a win over a Big 12 opponent to open the season would be extra sweet out here in the Lone Star State. Go Dawgs!
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
11:24 am
You dawg fans are simply clueless.
The OKSt vs GA game will be…THE…Big 12 “statement game” for the whole 2009 season.
Aside from Arkansas at Texas A&M on October 3rd, there are NO OTHER SEC vs. Big 12 games, until perhaps BCS time. Therefore, this game will be THE benchmark for ALL Big12/SEC/BCS comparisons.
The Big 12 Commish, Dan Beebe…KNOWS…this is THE GAME and a HUGE opportunity elevate the status of the Big 12 over the SEC, and to make the case for the Big 12 as THE conference for 2009.
As a result, I GUARANTEE OKSt is gonna D-E-S-T-R-O-Y GA in front of a on Nationnal TV audience. Not only will OKSt put 45+ points, but I dont think the OKST defense will let GA score in the first half. Hell, GA gave up 40+ 3 times in 2008. The OKSt defense will likely knock Joe Cox out of the game.
For all of 2008, all the sports media groaned on & on about how bad the Big 12 defenses are/were. The Big 12 will end that argument with having OKSt put a total beatdown on GA. All the sports writers, including Tony Brainfart, will get to see a Big 12 defense annihiliate an SEC offense.
The Big 12 is going to make sure the SEC is totally humilited in front of a national TV audience. ALL other comparisond between the Big 12 and the SEC are going to come back the OKSt beatdown of GA for reference.
Face it dawgs, the beatdown of the decade is coming in Stillwater.
Herschel Talker
July 16th, 2009
11:28 am
Trade School Junkie likes men
Harry Dawg 73
July 16th, 2009
11:29 am
I hope that it is like the Sugar Bowl game vs Hawaii or the Athens opener few years back with Boise.
I see a shoot out however, ……….like we cannot stop them but UGA holding on desperatly in the end, due to our offensive line depth and maybe the emerging ability to grind it out on the ground by rotating full backs AND the tailbacks, winning a 42-38 deal. That will be omnious ………….as it will suggest that Martinez still has not a clue. If we do score …….and win …….what will that prove? Big 12 is not a D conference.
The 2009 offensive indicator for UGA will be vs SC the next week, as they are always able to throttle UGA’s offense it seems. They have used TWO totally different D Head Coaches over two years and SC STILL has been able to throttle UGA and Bobo. Why??? Great D coach ( 2 ) decisions.
Spooky start to a tough season ahead. Go DAWGS !!!
Harry Dawg 73
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
11:32 am
Dawgs09- I didn’t know they were going to allow Ogletree (a senior in high school this year and 2010 commitment) play in the Ok State game. Interesting…. Maybe you should know what you are talking about before making a two paragraph anaylsis which loses all credibility through such an ignorant comment.
Long Dawg
July 16th, 2009
11:34 am
Trade School flunkie, you clearly base your opinion on emotion and jealousy of the Dawgs and the SEC and not on the evidence.
Do you not think the Florida beatdown of Oklahoma and the Ole Miss flogging of Texas Tech, both on national TV, didn’t already make the case for SEC vs Big 12. What, are you misinformed or just in denial? 2009 is not 2008 so your guaranteeing a beatdown of the Dawgs means about as much as you guaranteeeing an ACC Championship for Tech. Neither are going to happen.
Yes Sir!
July 16th, 2009
11:37 am
Dawgs09- you are going to have to wait until 2010 before Ogletree will be able to help our secondary. He is going into his senior year of high school this year.
OUfan
July 16th, 2009
11:40 am
OSU will be good this year. The quarterback Robinson is 1000x better than Reid who played against you in Athens. Also, OSU will have a very strong Offensive line and will only get better on defense. They do have good talent on defense. Don’t forget, the teams that racked it up on them last year were primarily spread teams..OU, Mizzou, Tech, Oregon, Houston, Texas…These teams are some of the best offenses in the nation and would run up yardage on most anyone.
OSU has a good run defense, the problem has been in stopping spread passing attacks. But if you think UGA is going to win by lining up in I-formation and running it down their throats all day with inexperienced RB’s, you have another thing coming. They will shut this down. UGA will have to throw and throw a lot to have a chance. Don’t forget, this OSU team played Texas down to the wire in Austin last year and was down by only 3 to OU in the middle of the 4th quarter.
This isn’t the same team you played in Athens. This team will have a very strong o-line and a great quarterback. Zrob is an option QB who ran for over 800 yards two years ago and over 500 last year. Something to think about, OSU put 41 on OU last year, Florida only put 24 on us. OSU WILL score points on UGA. If your offense can keep up, it might be a close game. If not, OSU wins in a blowout. There is no way UGA wins easily, that is a fantasy. Not that team in that stadium. Dez Bryant is the best reciever I have seen in quite some time, and Kendall Hunter is the best OSU RB since Barry Sanders. Bryant has to be double covered, there is no one who can single cover him. Just look at his Youtube highlights. Sometimes the guy beats even triple coverage.
There is a lot of talent on OSU. Don’t think they are thin because they are not.
DesertDawg
July 16th, 2009
11:42 am
Trade School Junkie- please explain how Dan Beebe will help Ok State beat UGA. That makes no sense and by the way just because we gave up 40+ points 3 times last year doesn’t mean we will this year.
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
11:42 am
Trade school junkie- So the dawg fans are clueless because we didnt know that OK State will win simply because there are no other SEC v. Big 12 games next year and they want to? That is not a logical argument. So because the Big 12 commissioner knows it is an opportunity to boost their status that means they are going to win? Does he play football? Is he any good? If this means they will DESTROY UGA I don’t understand why we actually play the game. The best FOOTBALL team will win that day, not the team that wants to boost their conference status more. You are a moron. If the defenses were so tired of hearing last year about how bad they were, why didnt they step it up last year. So now not liking hearing about how bad you are last season makes you a good defense this year? “The OKSt defense will likely knock Joe Cox out of the game.” I didnt realize that OKST’s defense was so amazing at sacking the QB. Funny they never mention that, but then again, it would boost that status so i’m SURE they will all of the sudden be beasts on the line in this game. You sir, as are most Tech fans, are cluless about football.
RxDawg
July 16th, 2009
11:43 am
“Other Dogs fans are resistant to the hype surrounding the Pokes and smell another Boise State or Hawaii. Overrated, in other words.”
Count me in as “other dogs”. On a scale of 1 to 10 of difficulty for this game, I’m going to call this a 3…..maybe 4. In all of Richt’s career at UGA, these type of games are the kind he wins. In fact, other then a handfull of bowl games, he has never lost early out of conference games that I can think of. Of course we might lose, but I really doubt it. Offensive teams have to shake the rust off early in the season. In fact, on paper, I’d say both team’s offenses compare equaly. Defensively (i HOPE) we should out man em. But hey, let the media hype it up. You listening dawgs? We don’t stand a chance against the mighty pokes
southgadawg88
July 16th, 2009
11:44 am
…The return of Sturdivant and Owens will have a bigger impact than losing Stafford and Moreno.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
11:45 am
The only way this game is close is if Georgia plays as soft defensively as it did last year. That is the only way. Cox faces tougher defenses in practice than he will in this game. Our offensive line will look like they’re pushing around a blocking sled. If the defense is flying around and smacking people in the mouth then game over and good luck the rest of the way Okie State. You’re toast.
MaconKnight
July 16th, 2009
11:49 am
I think we all will be able to see, how coaches have prepared our young men for the game on the first offensive and defensive possesion.. I think back to the year we opened the season at Clemson, how well prepared we were, both physically and mentally. We will see if CMR has these guys prepared like they were on that day. we will see if CMR has changed the atmosphere back to what it was when he first got hired, with the discipline(no holding calls, personal fouls, pass interfernce). and if willie can motivate and inspire our defense to play junkyard dog Erik Russell defense. Well maybe asking to much but we just have to wait and see.
MaconKnight
July 16th, 2009
11:49 am
I think we all will be able to see, how coaches have prepared our young men for the game on the first offensive and defensive possesion.. I think back to the year we opened the season at Clemson, how well prepared we were, both physically and mentally. We will see if CMR has these guys prepared like they were on that day. we will see if CMR has changed the atmosphere back to what it was when he first got hired, with the discipline(no holding calls, personal fouls, pass interfernce). and if willie can motivate and inspire our defense to play junkyard dog Erik Russell defense. Well maybe asking to much but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
11:50 am
OUfan- it is because of OKST defense being used to playing against a spread formation that we believe we can run it down their throats in an I-formation. The makeup of a that type defense causes exactly that by having your DE and DT smaller than the SEC D-lines. They will have a hard time getting off of a very good UGA O-line to stop the run. This will wear them down causing the LBs and Safeties to play closer to the line and open the door for us to go to our passing game. And to say Hunter is the best RB for OSU since Barry Sanders isn’t saying much. Who have they had since then to compare him to?
RxDawg
July 16th, 2009
11:56 am
Nice comments OUfan. Thanks for stoping in and letting us in on “the other side” a bit.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
11:58 am
“But if you think UGA is going to win by lining up in I-formation and running it down their throats all day with inexperienced RB’s, you have another thing coming. They will shut this down. UGA will have to throw and throw a lot to have a chance.”
If you think UGA is just going to line up in I-formation and run it down their throats all day you’ve got another thing coming. We’re going to pass 50% of the time and run 50% of the time because that’s what we freaking do. The problem is Okie State isn’t going to have a damn clue which one is coming. If the running game gets going, which it will because Okie State is soft, we’ll be as likely to pass on 1st and 10 as we will be to run. And that is when things get ugly my friend. You see, you don’t have to have one of these cute little spread offenses to trick a defense. Sometimes the good ole fashioned play action will do the trick. Georgia’s offense is a lot more complicated than simply lining up in the I and running it down people’s throats.
Read my lips: GEORGIA ROLLS. We probably lose to South Carolina or something though. They can play some D.
dawgstephen
July 16th, 2009
11:58 am
Make no mistake, the dawgs are UNDERrated. The OK STATE cowboys are as good as
advertised, and if the GA Bulldogs win in stillwater it proves the dawgs are a better team than everyone thought, and it does NOT mean that OK State was overrated just that GA won.
The have a GREAT offense, or they would not have scored 41 pts against Oklahoma. Their defense cannot be judged against the 61 oklahoma scored because lots of teams gave up lots of points against the Sooners. The FLA gators held Oklahoma to a low amount because lets face it, they have a great defense.
Sept 5th should be a war. Go dawgs.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
TheATL
July 16th, 2009
12:00 pm
Boys 47, Bitches 10
dawgfanatic24-7
July 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
The Big 12 = no defense. Look at the points OK put up against those crappy Big 12 teams. 60 pts in many games. That offense looked as powerful as some of Ga’s high school teams vs Fla. UGA will stop them early then run in down their throats….all day long.
dawgstephen
July 16th, 2009
12:09 pm
THe ATL proves once again, that there needs to be moderator approval and censorship of these blogs. Come on AJC, you can do it. Meanwhile, I blog away with full moderator control at a real blog.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
12:13 pm
Why is it when fans argue the strength of the Big 12 they can only do so in reference to other Big 12 teams? For instance, I could really care less what Okie State did against OU, Missourri, Texas Tech, etc. because those are also overrated soft Big 12 teams. Where are the big OOC and bowl wins? There is never any mention of those. Hmm….
DEFENSE?
July 16th, 2009
12:16 pm
UGA has not shown that it has a defense – ranked 10th in the SEC in ‘08 in points allowed, trailing Kentucky for god’s sake.
More troubling – UGA was dead last in penalties – which I attribute to poor coaching.
Even more troubling – UGA has to replace the #1 passer in the SEC, AND the #1 rusher in the conference this year.
If you couldn’t stop anyone last year, and you lost around 400 yds per game in offense, how in the hell are you gonna be as good as last year? Answer: not gonna happen
SEC 08 Stats
July 16th, 2009
12:16 pm
http://www.secsports.com/new/sports/fbc/08stats/confldrs.htm
jaxdawg
July 16th, 2009
12:18 pm
Year in and year out for the past 10 years UGA has consistently been in the top 5 or 10 in recruiting. OSU is normally nowhere to be found. They may have a couple allstars, but those allstars need a surrounding cast to help out. I rest my case. UGA wins!
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
12:19 pm
long dawg: since you asked:
Mark it down:
GT will win the ACC…and beat the dawgs again in 09.
And, OKST is gonna CRUSH GA.
A recap:
UF-24 OK-14: (Florida was a better team and UF defense was the key)
OKSt-41 OK-61 (Game was OKST-41 OK-44 with 9 minutes left in 4th Qtr)
UF 49 GA 10 (A-1 Gator beatdown)
So, OKSt scored more points on OK than FL did, and of course, FL destroyed GA.
OKST has entire record-setting 2008 offense back for 2009. GA does not.
OKST has new, highly regarded DC on staff for 2009. GA does not.
Translation: OKSt is gonna lay a beatdown on GA.
dawgstephen
July 16th, 2009
12:19 pm
I want to respond to DEFENSE?
Here is how. You put your best defensive lineman back from injury, 3 great linebackers back in lineup, have a solid and healthy offensive line, and return 20 players who all lost time to injuries to the lineup.Add the incoming playmakers at their positions, and it wont matter who is QB or running back, they will do fine.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
Long Dawg
July 16th, 2009
12:19 pm
OU fan, I tend to agree with your assessment in general. This game is all teed up for OK STate to make a statement. They did score 41 on OU but OU scored 61 on them and only 14 on Florida so I am not sure that means anything. To win Georgia must establish a running game and keep the OK ST offense off the field. They are gonna throw every down and if we don’t have a pass rush it could get ugly. OK State has the edge in skill position talent and experience but Georgia has a better defense. Should be a great game.
Dorsey Hill
July 16th, 2009
12:27 pm
I’d feel a lot better about it if Houston was playing. We can’t stop them from scoring if we don’t pressure the qb. I don’t care what your scheme is, if you can’t force hurried or bad decisions they will move the ball. It seems to me that we will have to outscore them which will require a lot of guys to perform who haven’t yet proven themselves.
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
12:32 pm
southgadawg88 said:
“The return of Sturdivant and Owens will have a bigger impact than losing Stafford and Moreno.”
OMG !!!! Thats a classic. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
STOP IT !! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Long Dawg
July 16th, 2009
12:35 pm
Trade school flunkie, you left out the Oregon beatdown of Oklahoma State in the bowl game. OU scored 61 points on OK State. Their defense sux. What is your point? Oregon scored 42 points and won 42 to 31. Using your logic Oregon could beat OU because the held OK State to fewer points than OU did.
Man for man Georgia grades out higher in talent except for four to five positions. The Florida/Ga score has nothing to do with anything.
Tech will not even win it’s first ACC game much less the conference. How many conference championships does Tech have? Thought so. If you want to talk about a beatdown see the Tech LSU game.
AC
July 16th, 2009
12:38 pm
Enter your comments here
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
12:46 pm
So convenient for GA fans to try to change the subject. As a reminder, this blog was about OKST vs GA: Over-rated:Under-Rated.
For all the same reasons both I and OUFan(who you agreed with) have stated:
OKST has entire record-setting 2008 offense back for 2009. GA does not.
OKST has new, highly regarded DC on staff for 2009. GA does not.
Translation: OKSt is gonna lay a beatdown on GA.
AC
July 16th, 2009
12:47 pm
3 Reasons the DAWGS will be BETTER this year than last.
1. Jeff Owens. No one will be able to run up the middle on us this year and Owens will command double teams.
2. Joe Cox. Joe does not have the arm of Matt Stafford, but who else does? I tell you something that will not happen this year, 10 INTs and constant bombs down field in the playing calling. I think BOZO fell in love with Stafford’s arm. UGA seemed to lose patience with control drives which they will do with Cox. Also, everyone speaks of Joe’s accuracy which will come in handy in the RED ZONE. He is already battle tested bring the dawgs from behind once before.
3. Rennie Curran. With Jeff back, EXPECT big things again from Curran who will return to form and make constant tackles behind the line on running plays.
AC
July 16th, 2009
12:49 pm
TECH game will BE a blow out UGA 42 TECH 17. Write it down.
dawgstephen
July 16th, 2009
12:50 pm
HEEYYY AC…well said, well put….THANK YOU for agreeing with me and what you have said. I wrote an article yesterday about Joe Cox…hes not an average Joe.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
1983Dawg
July 16th, 2009
12:50 pm
USC the following week concerns me. They play on a Thursday and have extra rest, while we play on Saturday and travel. USC plays us tough. We must not celebrate an OSU victory too long if we win. Let’s keep our eyes on the real prize: the SEC!
AC
July 16th, 2009
12:50 pm
UGA will be dominant against the running game. Paul Johnson will have nightmares about JEFF OWENS and RENNIE CURRAN before all is said and done.
Drew-G-A
July 16th, 2009
12:57 pm
It will be close, but we will win!
The Truth
July 16th, 2009
12:57 pm
Its not even worth trying to reason with Trade School Junkie…its clear he knows nothing about college football and is just talking down towards Georgia becouse he likes to see his name come up on the blog. Its very apparent that he has a major inferiority complext towards Georgia.I’ll bet he even guaranteed Tech’s 3 point win aganist Gardner Webb last year and their blowout loss to LSU in the bowl game. He sounds like a high school kid with nothing better to do…although I’m probably being kind….more like a 8-10 year old.
AC
July 16th, 2009
1:03 pm
Hey Trade School. Tennessee lost a QB by the name of Peyton Manning and were able to replace him and win the National Title. Although I am a fan, Stafford is not Peyton. Not by a long shot. I think he need another year to develop. In truth, I am actually glad he is gone. Our offense, while at times was explosive, could never put 4 quarters of football together with Stafford at the helm. This will change this year.
Dawgs09
July 16th, 2009
1:03 pm
Ogletree was the first name that came to mind when I was thinking about this since he was the last DB I remembered reading up on (yes, I should have looked it up since I wasn’t EXACTLY sure…). Branden Smith is the man whom I was thinking about. Amazing how dumb that makes one feel and look.
Open mouth, insert foot.
Sorry fellas…
AltamahaDawg
July 16th, 2009
1:06 pm
Huh? all over it and I agree with.
And yea that was funny, I was hoping that they wouldn’t catch on to how often UGA lines it up in the I-formation all day long. Darn that was such a great plan too.
The question posed, depends. Are we talking for THAT game. Then yes. Definetly a perception correction on the way.
Overall? UGA is not under-rated. They are top 15 coming in, fairly so, and will lose 2-3 and finish there, maybe press the top 10 in the final polls depending. OSU will lose 2-3 as well, and no way finish at thier preseason status, if that is what over-rated means.
Although both terms are pretty worthless.
TheATL
July 16th, 2009
1:08 pm
Boys 47, Bitches 10.
Pokes lay the beatdown, Bitches’ fans go back to the racist, homophobe Klan ways.
AC
July 16th, 2009
1:14 pm
TheATL – basically what you are saying is that ALL people in the south are racist and all people in the south are homophobe and all people in the south are part of the KLAN. Isn’t that a form of prejudice?
82dawg
July 16th, 2009
1:16 pm
Could be ugly. Soft Willie’s defense lets juggernaughts like Kentucky and Tech run up the scoreboard, you can only imagine what a truly powerful offensive team could do. Could get REAL ugly……
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
1:19 pm
dawg09- forgiven, don’t let it happen again.
AltamahaDawg
July 16th, 2009
1:19 pm
Houston out, But Battle is back with both wheels hopefully. I think the main thing at DE is not so much who, but just having some numbers back so they can roll them.
DesertDawg
July 16th, 2009
1:30 pm
Trade School Junkie – you are an idiot, why do you keep looking to the past. You can’t look at what happened a year ago and say the same thing will happen this year. You do realize that teams change from year to year right?
dawgfanatic24-7
July 16th, 2009
1:42 pm
TheATL is clearly on here to show his ignorance. He’d best get back to his summer job of mowing grass befoe daddy whoops that a$$.
TheATL
July 16th, 2009
1:43 pm
I don’t mow grass; I smoke grass.
AltamahaDawg
July 16th, 2009
1:57 pm
“you lost 400 yards on offence from last year”…. I guess you assume they are just going to try it with 8 men on the field?
Really?
July 16th, 2009
1:58 pm
TheATL- you must be 12 years old, there is no way a grown man would post such an immature post. How is your summer vacation been so far?
Too Easy
July 16th, 2009
1:58 pm
Desert: Teams do change, but idiots don’t.
Long Dawg
July 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
Trade School Flunkie, Ok States best running back had 37 yards on Oregon.Obviously their running game can be stopped. They have three good skill position folks; quatrerback, receiver and running back. That alone does not make a great offense. Their offensive line is mediocre at best. I don’t know who the new DC is but it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t have the talent. Their defensive line and linebackers are pretty good but their defensive backfield is medicore. On paper they look pretty good but the games are not played on paper. You are hoping and praying for a Georgia beatdown just like you hope and pray for a winning season at Tech.
OUFan
July 16th, 2009
2:08 pm
the “junkie” may sound over the top, but the keys remain the same:
Pokes 2008 offense is back in full, and they will have a new D.
Ga wont have same offense w/out staffard and mareno.
Pokes will score a lot more on Ga than Ga will score on the pokes.
Pokes will win this one with confidence.
Doyouknowshon
July 16th, 2009
2:10 pm
I love how these blogs always turn into insults back and forth. Is it that hard to stay on topic?
I don’t know a lot about OSU but they seem to have a pretty high powered offense with big time talent at the skill positions. I don’t think they are the OSU of two years ago, plus they will be looking for payback after the Dawgs embarrassed them in Athens a few years ago.
This will be a tough one for the Dawgs to pull out. All I know is that come September 5th, I will be grilling out with friends, drinking a lot of cold beer and cheering my heart out for the Dawgs to spring the upset.
Go Dawgs!
PBR=America in a can
July 16th, 2009
2:17 pm
HLYBW? The only reason why Tech fans are on our blog is they really cant do a comparison like this. Is Jacksonville State underrated or is Tech overrated doesn’t exactly create a good topic at all. Plus their mothers are working so its blogging and animated porn all afternoon for the nerds.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
2:19 pm
“Ok States best running back had 37 yards on Oregon.”
But didn’t year hear OUFan? That entire running game is back this year. I mean IN FULL. We are doomed!!!
Good grief.
southgadawg88
July 16th, 2009
2:24 pm
..I guess I must be the only person on this blog who thinks we can we 10 games with either of the top 3 QB’s starting.We would win some games in a different manner but still win regardless.Not that Stafford wasn’t a great talent or we wont miss Knowshown’s exuberance…it’s that we have two All American caliber players on both lines… DT’s in Owens and Atkins as well as two OL in Boiling and Sturdivant.I’m old school and I believe if you control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball you will win the majority of your games.
AltamahaDawg
July 16th, 2009
2:30 pm
So, if we were to look up the term “new” in the college football handbook would that be somewhere between “couldn’t be any worse” and “wanna bet”?
jessica
July 16th, 2009
2:39 pm
dawgs win in stillwater!!!! uga35 osu 7
BIGBOY
July 16th, 2009
2:40 pm
….I don’t know “88″ Owens and Sturdivant are coming off of ACL surgeries.The general rule of thumb is it takes two full years to come back from that.I see where you’re going though but a lot rides on how quickly those guys get back up to speed.
southgadawg88
July 16th, 2009
3:03 pm
The two year recovery seemed to be the norm about 8-9 years ago…but it looks like over the last 4-5 guys are coming back better than ever after a year.If we get out of camp with those guys 100 percent we are going to be tough to beat by anybody.
OUFan
July 16th, 2009
3:05 pm
Pokies had 460+ yds offense vs. the Ducks in 42-31 loss.
Pokies offense will be same/better. D will be better.
Ga offense wont be better in 2009. D may be batter.
Ga wont win a shoot-out with Pokies.
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
3:18 pm
It won’t be a shootout. Dawgs 23-17
They don’t like speed on defense and that is what UGA has. All you haters think the cupboard is bare and it is not.
You think Richt and Martinez don’t believe they have something to prove this year?
Trade school junkie, to be so smart with all that Tech education, you sure type stupid stuff.
N.GA.DAWG
July 16th, 2009
3:21 pm
i think it will be a dawg fight. i like our chances as long as the players stay relitivily healthy. im just glad i will never see tripp drop another ball in a big game.
Let the OSU-Georgia trash talk begin | OSU Cowboys
July 16th, 2009
3:22 pm
[...] more interestingly, here’s what a Georgia blogger with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says about the situation. Cowboy fans looking for extra [...]
Fort Worth Dawg
July 16th, 2009
3:29 pm
Best possible scenario: Boise-type opponent is the sexy upset pick. Worst possible scenario: UGA pre-season number 1 with a blackout.
I think the jury is still out on Martinez but this year seals his demise if things go badly.
RxDawg
July 16th, 2009
3:43 pm
Bill, if you find some good OSU blogs please link them. I’d love to get into some good debates to work up to the game =D
Nashville4UGA
July 16th, 2009
3:45 pm
I don’t think this will be a cakewalk for either team, especially in the first game of the season. But I like the Dawgs chances.
I said this last year when Owens went down…”there goes the pass rush” and it was true. Jeff Owens is one of those players that command a double team. Without a player like that in the middle it allows the O-line to man up causing the defense to have to blitz more which in turn opens holes in the secondary. With Owens and Atkins in the middle you have two DT’s that are hard to handle for one guy leaving one on ones for the DE’s. I believe our defense will be much better from that fact alone.
do you people remember that this team won 10 games last year despite having 18 players who were starters or serious contributors on the sideline? With them back we have no reason to FEAR anyone, RESPECT, yes, FEAR NO!
I also look at things like special teams, turnover margin, redzone Defense, penalties. It’s the little things that win games and championships. These were the problems for us last year, if these are even remotely fixed we will be fine.
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
3:45 pm
dawginlex = dawg in la-la land
dagws are gonna hold OKST to 17?
Thats delusional.
Wes Stansbury
July 16th, 2009
3:46 pm
I think that OSU is probably over-rated. I know the Dawgs are Under-rated!
gadawg77
July 16th, 2009
3:46 pm
The Dawgs are right where they need to be. I’ve never seen a national championship won before the season starts. It’s all about how we finish. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
3:48 pm
““Ok States best running back had 37 yards on Oregon.”
But didn’t year hear OUFan? That entire running game is back this year. I mean IN FULL. We are doomed!!!
Good grief.”
Not here to talk trash, just clarify that a bit. Kendall Hunter had knee surgery between the regular season and the Holiday Bowl, so the 37 yards is not legit. For the season, he had 1,555 yards and 6.5 ypc. He also did it against the good teams. At Texas, who was ranked No. 1 at the time, he had over 140 yards rushing. The No. 2 RB, Keith Toston had 686 yards and a 6.7 ypc average. Not saying they are going to run all over UGA because I don’t think they will. But, they are very capable of running the ball.
One other common misperception: OSU is not just purely a spread, passing attack offense. For 2008, OSU had 3,149 yards passing and 3,191 running. In 2007, they had exactly 3,161 yards passing and 3,161 running.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
3:55 pm
“Bill, if you find some good OSU blogs please link them. I’d love to get into some good debates to work up to the game =D.”
RxDog-Go to GoPokes.com. There are have been several ongoing “debates” going there with some of the UGA fans for a few months now.
Michael
July 16th, 2009
3:57 pm
Another thing that we all have to factor in here is that just the other day the starting tight end and a highly recruited running back got busted with pot in their apartment. That’s gotta warrant some sort of a suspension right, so now they’re down to cuz of the 5 pointed leaf and so are we. Even though both teams lost two players to start that game, that’s gotta have an affect on the outcome.
DawginLex
July 16th, 2009
3:57 pm
Delusional is a Tech fan thinking that UGA is not going to win a lot of games.
Delusional is a Tech fan thinking they are going to play in a BCS bowl this year.
Delusional is a Tech fan thinking that the UGA program will ever be second fiddle in this state to the nerd herd.
Huh?
July 16th, 2009
3:59 pm
OrangeCowboy, I am definitely here to talk trash and I think you bring up a very interesting point. It sounds to me like Okie State has no depth at running back. You’re playing a guy that just came off knee surgery after the end of the regular season? Geez man. The guy backing him up must be total stiff.
Okie State has no depth. That’s why you lost 4 of your last 6 games. Georgia has depth and will wear you down. If we don’t come out on fire and go for the jugular early like we tend to do in these kind of games, we’ll still pull away in the 4th quarter because we’ll have more fresh bodies. I’m sorry but I just don’t like the overrated Pokes in this matchup. It really has nothing to do with Georgia. Match up the overrated Pokes with any talented, deep, and well coached team and you’ll have the same result, if not worse. Do you really think the Pokes could stay on the field with Florida for instance? Well if you’re the top 10 team everyone says you are you should, but I think that would be a monumental beatdown. I’m just not buying the hype. Its all smoke a mirrors…
Erk
July 16th, 2009
3:59 pm
Okie St is the trendy pick that Corso, Hirbstreit & Co. will make because of talented offensive skill players but Georgia will win this one on the lines of scrimmage. Our defense will stop their run and make them one-dimensional while our O line will allow us to keep them guessing with play action. OSU is overhyped, brand new stadium, etc. This sets up nicely for the Dawgs given their out of conference & road record. The tougher game will be S. Carolina the following week. Sorry Big 12, still not convinced beyond OU & Texas. Ole Miss proved my point against Texas Tech last year.
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
4:00 pm
i guess we’ll see on gameday. We can’t play the game on this blog by comparing numbers against other teams. When the Dawgs and the Pokes line up on the field, the stats will be out the window. I personally hope to be able to watch a great game.
Michael
July 16th, 2009
4:01 pm
Orange Cowboy, how many of those defeneses that Kendall Hunter ran all over were ranked in the top 10? And before you make something up, I know the answer. Which is none! The best defense in the conference last year was ranked 52nd. Now conversely, every week, in the sec, our defenses are ranked in the top 10. Any anylyst will tell you, that’s what separates the sec from everybody else. The speed on defense is unmatched in any other conference.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
4:04 pm
On another note, any of you Dawg fans headed this way for the game? Happy to help with any gameday info if needed. Looking forward to what should be a great game. All us OSU fans have been looking forward to this one for at least two years now.
b
July 16th, 2009
4:04 pm
What’s OSU’s home record in big games?curious
FL DAWG
July 16th, 2009
4:06 pm
OSU is the real deal. That Bryant kid should be in the pros by now, even Champ, in his best days would have a hard time covering him. Robinson is a smart and athletic QB with deceptive speed and quickness, I just don’t think we can get to him often enough. OSU O line is just unbelievable, we are really going to be outmanned on the defensive front. OSU defense flies to the ball and arrives at the ball with nasty intentions. The entire D is overlooked, they are a very athletic group. Our inexperience at QB and WR is going to hurt us a lot on the offense. Our O-line will have to play far above their ability to score a field goal. This is simply a great OSU team that has a legitimate shot at the Championship…I hope we can keep them under 50.
I hope Vince is reading today.
Spike
July 16th, 2009
4:09 pm
Remeber two points. First, the Dogs are tough as nails on the road, (except Jax, but that is another story, and Stillwater is not Jax.) Second, remeber all the BS hype about Okie State prior to the game two years ago about what an offensive power they were blah, blah, blah. Recall what happened in that game?
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
4:18 pm
huh? said to Orange Cowboy:
“Do you really think the Pokes could stay on the field with Florida for instance?”
GA cant stya on the field with FL.
Guess you forgot about the 49-10 azz-whoopin.
BTW, OKSt put up 41 on OK; FL put up 24 on OK.
UGA was the pre-season #1 “trendy” pick in 2008…until Bama took’em to a “funeral.” LOL
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
4:20 pm
You make some good points Erk, but Corso, Herbstreit & Co. almost always pick against OSU when they play against the bigger name schools like UGA, OU, Texas, etc. and with good reason. OSU usually loses to them. So, your point is well-taken. The Big 12 has not fared well against the SEC heads-up from top to bottom. OU has now lost to both LSU and UF in NC games and Ole Miss whipped TTech in a virtual home game in the Cotton Bowl.
Speaking of the ESPN crew, has anybody heard if Gameday is doing our game or is it going to be Alabama-VT?
FLDAWG
July 16th, 2009
4:32 pm
I already beat OK State last night on NCAA 2010 38-17
ghost dawg
July 16th, 2009
4:33 pm
do they teach spelling at trade schools junkie?
big dawg
July 16th, 2009
4:38 pm
i’ve got a friend in kansas who is a huge big 12 guru, former k-state’r, who admittingly says the sec is head and shoulders above the big 12, but he thinks we may have our hands full this year. 2 yrs ago, he thought all the hype about ok st was way over-rated, but this year, he’s actually picking them to win the north, not OU. with all that said, i still love flying under the radar, our D wanting to prove something, and do believe that we will hold them under 21 pts and win by 17 or more. but, that’s why we still have to play the game on the field. i’ve still got my 5k on the dawgs playing texas in jan
1eyedJack
July 16th, 2009
4:42 pm
It’s really very simple and has always held true. To win football games you must be able to run the ball and you must be able to stop the run.
It is a fact that the DAWGS WILL run the ball, always have, always will. We have a highly rated OL and Richt and Bobo WILL get the RB situation sorted out by Sept. 5th. In fact at that point of the season the running game should be ahead of the passing game. DAWGS control the clock keep OSU’s offense off the field.
The question is can OSU run the ball well enough to keep the DAWGS from sending the kitchen sink at their QB? Our DL and LBs should be formidable against the run. Will OSU’s passing game be synched up by the first game of the season? We’ll see.
I have a good feeling about this team. With 20+ would-be letterman back from injury and the addition of a few good freshmen this team could be way underrated.
FLDAWG
July 16th, 2009
4:42 pm
Orange Cowboy, I would hope ESPN picks Stillwater instead of the ATL. Why kick off the college football season at a neutral site and not a true college town? Plus I think they did Alabama vs. Clemson last year? Either way should be one good game.
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
4:43 pm
Orange Cowboy:
Any thougths on why TTU QB Harrell and WR Crabtree got “dissed” by the NFL?
Re: TTU vs Ole Miss: do you think the BCS screwed TTU by not offering them a BCS bid? Was TTU really that motivated to play in a non-BCS game? I dont. It didnt look like it in the Cotton Bowl. You could tell with both Crabtree & Harrell, neither really wanted to be…at the Cotton Bowl.
And, since we’re on the topic of Big 12 vs SEC, as someone that likely knows the Big 12 better than those in the South, how would you compare Harrell, McCoy or Bradford to GA QB Stafford?
jason
July 16th, 2009
4:47 pm
OrangeCowboy, I agree with your post on Okie ST’S offense. The Cowboy offense is probably more closer to a normal (if I can say that) pro set offense. I have seen then in an I on occasion even though the y work primarily out of the spread.
On the the DAWGS, losing Trenton, and Owens did more damage than alot of people realize. The whole OL was shuffled seemed like every week, due to more injuries and inexperience. We had a DT/DE move form there to TE, to OL. That’s how bad our OL was hurting.
With Owens hurt, Atkins was the only inteior pass rush we had. This allowed opposing OLs to double team our ends. The only good thing to come from this was that Weston showed his true talent and improved as the year went on. Now, we 4 DTs and can rotate and keep fresh. Owens, Atkins, Weston, and Tyson.
I see this game similar in score as to the last time we met. It will be a harder fought game. No disrespect to OSU. The key to this game is sustaining long time consuming drives to keep that potent O off the field. #14 Cox is the man for that. He is a smart and relentless competetor. He is our coach on the field. We will go RB by committie and i expect us to go 60/40 run/pass. Plenty of carries for our 3-4 RBs. TEs will play a huge role in providing outlets. I expect Green to be doubled so Marlon Brown has to have a coming out party. Also Moore needs to pick up where he left off after the bowl game. I am going to pick UGA 34-24. It will be a great game down to the wire.
On D we need a pass rush, not neccessarrily Qb sacks. We need to stay in the QB’s face and force early throws. Noone will shut Bryant down, so we need to eliminate YAC. This will be crucial. THeir run game will be a non factor. Our DTs are big and can run. They will take up blockers allowing Curran and LB crew to do some damage. This game will go into the 4QT with no apparent winner. CMR thrives in games like this.
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
4:49 pm
So now you are saying that not being invited to a BCS bowl is the reason TTech could not beat Ole Miss??? You REALLY have some VERY flawed logic Trade School Junkie. Do you think that games are ever won or lost on the field, or do “circumstances” always determine the outcome in your opinion. College football players don’t need “circumstances” to want to win. Please go to another blog about something other than football.
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
4:52 pm
You guys just remember that our RB in the last game vs. OKST had less game experience than our backs do this year. He seemed to do pretty well in that game. What was his name again?
jason
July 16th, 2009
4:58 pm
FLDAWG
I already beat OK State last night on NCAA 2010 38-17
Did you play Samuel? I did, and he was just like last year. Tough runner between the tackles, made some good gains, and then FUMBLES the ball. I was rotating him with King, and I had to pull him and go with Thomas. On a side note, Marlon Brown had a hell of a game. UGA won 34-14.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
4:59 pm
“Why kick off the college football season at a neutral site and not a true college town?” Great point FLDAWG. I forgot that one is in ATL. One thing that might work against Stillwater is the fact Gameday covered our last home game against OU last year. Don’t know if they would want to come back that soon, but this is a whole new season so maybe that doesn’t matter. And speaking of overrated/underrated, I think VT is probably overrated this year.
Pinnochio
July 16th, 2009
5:01 pm
Pokes will look dandy on offense. But as usual, the defense will wear out. Will be very hot — but both teams should be ready for that. If Zac Robinson has learned to throw the deep ball over the summer, Dawgs better look out. But don’t think he has that kind of arm strength to keep secondary soft. Atmosphere electric, but UGA’s athletes will ruin it for the ‘Boys.
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:03 pm
OrangeCowboy, VT is overrated, but they had to stick an ACC team in there somewhere. Really VT gets theirs because of their D. Year in and year out they have one of the nation’s best. I just want to know where their Offense is going to come from.
Ed
July 16th, 2009
5:04 pm
Dawgs win a shootout 49-45 after the OSU quarterback misses a wide open receiver in the end zone on the last play. After the game, Mark Richt concedes that maybe, just maybe, there’s something wrong with the way his blue-chip defense is being coached. But then he quickly dismisses the idea and announces that the defense needs to tackle better and “stick to their assignments.”
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:05 pm
Pinnochio, That was an excellent post. That says alot of how UGA can keep OSU out of the endzone. If OSU cannot throw the deep ball, they will be introuble. With the speed UGA brings on D, I don’t think those WR screens are going to be effective. That speed will limit YAC. OSU will have stretch the field to keep UGA’s D honest.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
5:11 pm
Can’t argue any of your points Jason. Since OSU usually runs out of the shotgun and have 3-4 WR’s split out, they are technically a spread. One thing they do a little differently is they really pass to try and set up the run instead of the opposite. If UGA is able to shut down one or the other, it will be trouble for the Pokes.
You also touched on depth. That could become a huge factor, especially if the temps here remain in the 100+ range like they have been. I know UGA is used to the heat just like we are and I think you have more depth across the board, so hot weather could be to your advantage.
It may be a similar game to last time, although I am confident that OSU has more talent across the board and more depth than in 2007. I don’t really have a good feel for what kind of team UGA is compared to 2007.
Not sure about our home field “advantage” either. I didn’t realize until recently that Coach Richt is 30-4 on the road. Very impressive in ANY conference, but especially the SEC.
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:18 pm
OrangeCowboy, I thought the last game was a hard fought game won by UGA in the second half with depth. I don’t see how OSU will run the ball out of the shotgun. I may be wrong but gives UGA’s DL a running start, and then the LBs will fill the gaps. OSU will have to run some misdirection to slow UGA’s front 7 down, and I don’t mean option. Iknow OSU has seen tape of the TEch game last year. Totaly different option attack.
It may be a similar game to last time, although I am confident that OSU has more talent across the board and more depth than in 2007. I don’t really have a good feel for what kind of team UGA is compared to 2007.
You said this above and I agree. OSU is more talented this year, and it will be an even better game. I think depth will be the deciding factor. It will be a blast from the 1 QT to thw 4 QT. I can’t wait.
Also, OSU was who I was rooting for last year. I wanted to see you guys win the Big 12.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
5:22 pm
Pinnochio-You are right, ZR has only average arm strength. Mainly what he brings are smarts, athleticism, and he is a real running threat. He is a playmaker and is good at eluding the pass rush. This will also be his third year to start. He didn’t take over the job in 2007 until a couple of games after they played UGA.
Of bigger concern to me is who will be our #2 WR. Our #2 WR from last year got kicked off the team as did one of our better slot receivers. We have a lot of good young talent coming back, but just not much experience. You will have to double cover Bryant, but if nobody else can get open and make a play, it won’t matter.
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:27 pm
OrangeCowboy, You were talking about Robinson’s running ability, and I have to say you are right. That’s why I don’t care about QB sacks in this game. UGA just needs to get in his face and chase. Make him uncomfortable in the pocket.
Smashmouth
July 16th, 2009
5:29 pm
Keep their offense off the field. When we get a 3 and out… score. Don’t give them any breaks with penalties. Run the ball twice throw it once. As long as we have AJ, Marlon, and Orson on the field they are not going to be able to cheat up by anticipating the run. Easy. Don’t kick it out of bounds on kick offs and when we have to punt. Hopefully Washaun Ealey learns to block this summer. Cornelius Washington… the next Marcus Howard? Redshirted last year… was a beast in HS… pushed AJ Harmon around like a rag doll when they went head to head in HS. I was watching the only 2 scoring drives against Colorado the other day (both were led by Joe Cox)… Joe Cox has as better arm than most every QB in the SEC and that was like 3 years ago. Jevan Snead has a better arm… maybe, I said maybe Ryan Mallett…. but who else? If he gets into his rhythm like he did that day… a lot of people are going to be suprised across the nation. We’ll see very soon…
LifelongDawg
July 16th, 2009
5:52 pm
I didn’t read any other posts, so I’m sorry if I repeat others. There is NO way that Okie State should be favored by any more than a FG in this game, if that. I don’t know the line, but in my eyes the Dawgs SHOULD be favored. They more or less handled the same team last year, and the biggest change is where they are going to play. That’s not as tremendous a boost as usual for the Cowboys, as UGA is so good on the road.
chazzo
July 16th, 2009
5:54 pm
You left out the college x-factor, the reason that I love college football. Anyone can win. OK state will be up, up, up for this game, and UGA is traveling half way across the country. I have a feeling, UGA will win by two touchdowns, but I’m not willing to put money on it.
Skip Jacobs
July 16th, 2009
6:16 pm
If the team can stay away from the horrendous rash of injuries that happened last yr, the offense will be solid and will get better as the season progresses. The defense is going to be way better than people think. You don’t realize how much having Jeff Owens back will help.
The strength in the middle will help our ability on the ends-plus, I believe we will have good talent on the ends-especially with Rod Battle full speed. Look, this program has recuited top ten, top five talent since Mark Richt has been here-has OK State done that????
Yes, they are a good team, Georgia is better. On final thing-attitude-Georgia has the right
frame of mind this year,
SuperB
July 16th, 2009
6:16 pm
Oklahoma State will be very good, no doubt about it. But a team like Georgia is tough, year -end year- out— and they know how to win big games on the road. Cox, Samuel, and King are better than some people think!
Cautious Cowboy
July 16th, 2009
6:25 pm
Interesting blog and comments. Overrated and underrated: I believe UGA’s O-Line is overrated, while OSU’s is underrated. UGA has 8 players returning on the line that have started…unless the NCAA changes the rules only 5 will be on the field at one time, except maybe goal line situations. As well, a few of those players started because the actual starters were injured and thus by default their backups became starters! Make no mistake, I believe that UGA has a very good line, but is it any better than OSU’s? OSU has led the Big 12 in rushing 3 straight years, each year averaging over 200+ yards per game. Last year OSU ran for 217 yards vs a Texas defense that had 3 players drafted by the NFL. That number represented the most yards vs Texas in 2 years. Russell Okung is being mentioned as the first O-Lineman to be drafted next year.
In the end this game should be very competitive and should be close and it will come down to the team that makes the most plays. I visited Athens 2 years ago and was welcomed by all UGA fans, I had a great time, great atmosphere and WOW -great coeds!
Go Pokes! Beat Dawgs!
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
VOR: Player MOTIVATION has AN IMPACT on game outcomes.
How does a 10-1 TxTech team, whose ONLY regular season loss was to OK, (including wins over Texas & OKSt)get passed over by the BCS for a 12-0 Utah team, that until the Sugar Bowl, had played mostly cupcakes like Weber State, Utah State, Wyoming, San Diego State, etc.
Granted, Utah beat Bama. But, how MOTIVATED do you suppose Bama players were to play Utah, after losing the SEC-CG to FL and ending their NC hopes? My guess, Bama players were not very motivated, because the Sugar Bowl meant NOTHING to them at that point.
So, lets see, a 10-1 TexTech team with (NFL draft potential seniors)
QB Harrell and WR Crabtree gets “shut-out” of a BCS bowl, and gets relegated to the Non-BCS Cotton Bowl, of no particular importance.
How MOTIVATED do you think Harrell, Crabtree and other TexTech players were to play in the Cotton Bowl? Not very motivated, because the Cotton Bowl meant NOTHING at that point, especailly to Harrell & Crabtree. What were Harrell & Crabtree going to PROVE OR GAIN by playing ALL-OUT in a second-tier bowl?
Ole Miss was surely more motivated than TxTech to play, after all it had been 5 years since Ole Miss had even been to ANY bowl game?
How MOTIVATED was GA when they almost lost to a ridiculously bad Auburn team (without a HC) 17-14? Was it because Auburn was AS GOOD, OR BETTER than GA? Or did GA player motivation have ANYTHING to do with it?
Z.Itchy
July 16th, 2009
6:58 pm
There’s absolutely no way to know what will happen. The variables in this scenario would drive a statistician mad trying to decipher it all. Practice injuries could possibly affect game performance but only the Lord knows about that. Highly rated guys that wow in practice all of a sudden become duds on the field. Then again, guys that no one expected to contribute much, all of a sudden become THE MAN on game day. All that really matters is what happens when cleats hit the game day turf. All the variables do make it exciting to anticipate however. I’ll be watching.
jason
July 16th, 2009
7:05 pm
Cautious Cowboy, You say our OL is overrated. We had injusries and had freshman filling in. Yoy are right. But at least if a OL gets hurt we won’t skip a beat with our back ups. As far as your line, I don’t know.
I hear alot about thisokung kid, might be a great one. He makes your line. I like the 200 yds per game rushing… You think you will get 200+ against UGA’s Defense. We gave that to Tech last year. That won’t be happening again anytime soon; not to a team who hands the ball off in Shotgun.
Dawg1
July 16th, 2009
7:11 pm
UGA 35 – OK ST. 21 (maybe).
dan
July 16th, 2009
8:27 pm
I think both teams are given a decent amount of respect. I mean it’s hard for UGA to not be underrated since there are so many unknowns. But here is how I see the game playing out:
I think the national media will talk up Oklahoma State( playing at home, big offense) and they will talk about the Dawgs will have a tough time matching up defensively. Because this is the first game of the year and since it’s a nationally televised game, I say the Dawgs defense will show up. They will give the Cowboys a tough out and hold them to 17-21 points. When the defense was motivated last year they played pretty hard, and after a whole offseason of being told how bad they suck, I think they’ll come out with a chip on their shoulders.
The question then becomes, will the offense be able to get it in gear? I think Joe Cox has the arm to get the job done but I do have my concerns about the pieces around him 1.) AJ Green will be THE guy which means he will be double teamed constantly. Someone else must step up. 2.) Tight end must become a factor again, the last 3 years the production has been awful from these guys. 3.)THE DROP BALLS MUST STOP. Seriously if makes me want to vomit! 4.) Caleb King/Richard Samuel/Carlton Thomas/whoever must step up.
The offense has potential, but they got to be able to put it all together. Oklahoma’s defense is mediocre, so I think the big plays are there. But if the Dawgs slop around and have 10 penalties on offense, they WILL lose this game because they don’t have the talent/experience from previous seasons to compensate for the mistakes. The Dawgs will have to earn every win this year.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
8:47 pm
jason-You keep bringing up about handing it off from the shotgun. Here is a link to some highlights: http://www.collegefanz.com/docs/DOC-6338. You will see several plays in there where OSU does just that. Watch those and tell me it doesn’t work. Sometimes, they just pitch it out from the ‘gun. Other times, because of the way they have the field spread out, it is a delayed hand-off where the RB (usually Hunter) will wait for the lanes to develop, take the ball and go. Still other times, Robinson will fake handing it off to Hunter going one direction, keep the ball and take off in the opposite direction himself. It’s really kind of a zone-read option. Like you said, completely different from Ga. Tech. Not saying it will work successfully all the time against UGA, but 200+/game rushing speaks for itself.
jason
July 16th, 2009
9:00 pm
OrangeCowboy, I am just saying you have not seen a fast defense. Those plays are not going to be so easy against UGA. I am not saying that you want break on or two, but you ain’t going to do that consistently an expect to win. There is a reason as to why when you talk SEC, you talk about fast defenses. I say mis direction is you best bet, and you can do that from the gun, as you know.
jason
July 16th, 2009
9:02 pm
OrangeCowboy, You nailed it with the zone read and the QB keeper. That kind of misdirection will make UGA break it down to not over persue.
DOGGIE IN NC
July 16th, 2009
9:28 pm
Jason, did you flunk English? Who is mis direction? Is she hot? Cowpoke, should be one heck of a game if both teams show up to play. It could go down to the wire, but I really expect our defense to come out and shut you down early. GO DOGGIES!
FL DAWG
July 16th, 2009
9:35 pm
UGA’s offense is going to lull the Cowboy’s to sleep in the high noon showdown of the first week. UGA’s first drive will be: 1)King Run Left for 4, 2)Samuel Run up the middle for 3, 3)Play action White for 7 first down, 4)King Run Right for 3, 5)Thomas Pitch Left for 5, 6)Chapas Full Back Dive for 3 1st down. 7)Samuel Run Left for 2, 8)King run up the middle for 3, 9) Moore reception over the middle for 12. 10) White reception for 14 1st down on the Okie 24. 11)Thomas run Left for 7. 12)AJ Green on a fade route off a play action fake for 17 UGA TD.
Doug
July 16th, 2009
9:36 pm
OSU will be as surprised as BS. This team will be better than 08.
jason
July 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
mis direction… That’s funny. Look at the second post and you will see that I got it corrected. I don’t take time to edit for a blog.
yarddawg
July 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
we get crushed by the orange pokes
Big Dawg
July 16th, 2009
9:59 pm
Ok St. will not know what hit them!
billy
July 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
your question is overrated, my answer is always underrated
ghost dawg
July 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
the dawgs will stomp, then what will you say junkie? oops look out gnats!
cowboys rock
July 16th, 2009
10:11 pm
the cowboys have had this game on their minds since the season ended. Too much offense at home is way too much for a talented SEC mid-pack team to handle, plus first game on the schedule for new QB, on the road….. pokes will put the dawgs in the back yard,
teach’em to do it on the paper!!! I can’t wait to be in the stands with the “welcome to the big time” party happening for OSU football. OSU 38-17.
cowboys rock
July 16th, 2009
10:14 pm
dog fans need to stay on the porch, keep barking to someone who will listen, like tennessee.
Cuz
July 16th, 2009
10:57 pm
It it true that the entire stadium does the Hokie-Pokie at halftime. Well that is what I heard from a friend who has a girlfriend who knows a girl that once dated a guy that lived in Tulsa that had a roomate who claimed he once went to a OSU game. That’s what its all about.
Camden Mark
July 16th, 2009
11:04 pm
SEC brutality and speed vs a few pizzaz players with no support from the over rated bull-12?
We bust em up in the trenchs.
Dawgs 45 Okydokies 17
jason
July 17th, 2009
12:15 am
cowboys rock, You do realize who had their ARSE handed to them the last time. If UGA is midpack SEC, what does that make you? Let’s see….
OU, TEX, UK, Mizzu, OSU (tied with TT). Talk about mid pack….
Denver Dog
July 17th, 2009
12:46 am
Here is a flash for you Techies with nothing to do, it will be solved on the field. Let’s check back around the end of November. I think that OK state is rated right, and UGA is rated right. The dogs will win a tough one, but everyone will be amazed at the UGA Junkyard Dog Defense, and the balanced offense. Kickinig will be solid, and so will all the other aspects. THis team is sitting pretty. Tough Schedule, Tough Conference, Tough Coaching. UGA ROCKS in 09
Gator Mike
July 17th, 2009
1:08 am
Although I am a Gator, I am pulling for UGA because they are an SEC Team. I also believe that UGA will be better than most predict this year. Last year they suffered from injuries and far too much hype about Stafford and Moreno who were both exposed in Jax. UGA will be more of a “team” this year which will make them very dangerous. UGA will handily beat OK St.
Reality
July 17th, 2009
2:29 am
Enjoy reading the discussion. Here is another consideration-the field. Never seen any stadium like Boone Pickens. (Big 10, Pac-10, SEC, etc.) Not a large stadium, but the fans are right on you. More like a basketball arena. If Holder, OSU athletic director, opens this game to single ticket purchase or, better yet for OSU, only student participation (they have the money to do this), watch out. Noise level will surpass anything you have seen in the SEC. Know your stadiums are large and loud, (been to a lot of them) but you have to see this one to believe it. First game with the west end zone enclosed. Now a bowl. If Holder allows it to go capacity by not restricting it to season ticket holders, it will be pandemonium.
hop
July 17th, 2009
5:44 am
the dawgs usually do much better when the expectations are low as they are this year.
the dawgs defense will be loaded with great speed and the best set of defensive tackles in the nation.
the dawgs offense will be high octane with great speed with the receivers and a boat load of very talented running backs.
the comboys have some good pieces,but the dawgs will bring the total package with great athletes on both sides of the ball.
OrangeCowboy
July 17th, 2009
7:52 am
Reality-You have some of your facts wrong. First, Holder is not going to open it up to single-game tickets. He had the same policy last year for the OU game and he didn’t change it for that game. It ended up within a couple thousand of capacity anyway. If he didn’t change it for OU, he won’t change it for UGA. No offense to UGA, but OU is a bigger, more important game to us than UGA. It’s like the UF game for UGA as far as importance.
The other thing is, this is not the first game with the west end zone enclosed. It was enclosed all last season. Trust me, that’s where my season tickets are located. The only thing that wasn’t completed last season were some of the suites and the new training facilities and coaches offices that are housed underneath the west end zone. It will be 100% complete for the UGA game. That is why this game is the official grand opening of BPS.
Paddy
July 17th, 2009
8:17 am
What is the early Vegas line on this game?
To me it comes down to the line play on both sides, avoid penelties and turnovers. Known this is over simplified but always a trusted measure of outcome. Think UGA will have the upperhand all afternoon in line play. We are really that good Pokes on both lines, with depth.
The x factor is CMR ability to win on the road at a 30-4 clip. UGA by 10.
red5.ws
July 17th, 2009
8:36 am
I keep hearing how tech is going to win the ACC and how Paul Johnson is one of the 10 best coaches in America (see Mark Bradley this week) Can someone PLEASE explain to me what he did to earn this kind of respect…
-tech lost to an average Boston College team
-tech beat Gardner Webb 10-7
-tech got trounced by a bad UNC team
-tech lost to a bad Virginia team
-tech was EMBARRASED by a good but not great LSU team in their own backyard.
-tech finished with 4 losses, including an embarrasing bowl loss (sounds EXACTLY like Chan to me)
-so tech scored 23 points in the first 7 minutes of the 3rd quarter to upset UGA and if the dawgs come out without their head up their collective arses in the 2nd half and finish the drill, tech finishes with 5 losses. Would they still be singing his praises, or is all this hype based on upsetting UGA in Athens.
The fact is Johnson has done NOTHING beyond beating UGA better than Chan Gailey ever did, if the ball bounces right Gailey could have won the 2006 game just as easily as Johnson could have lost last season. But now I’m supposed to believe they are winning the ACC and going to a BCS game ? SPLAIN IT!
Cuz
July 17th, 2009
8:57 am
red, just another case of Guy Love like on Scrubs. PJ’s is the latest incarnation of Bobby Dodd who will traverse the dangerous ACC and lead them to the BCS promised land where crystal footballs await them.
mitch
July 17th, 2009
9:07 am
This is a classic offense vs defense game. OSU offense is legit but they have a suspect defense; UGA should have a good defense but the offense is somewhat suspect. Therein lies the problem for UGA: the defense should be good but considering last year’s defensive breakdowns, the Dawgs have a lot to prove on that side of the ball. This is as much a statement game for the OSU program as it is a potential judgement of Willie Martinez’s ability as DC.
Top Dogg
July 17th, 2009
9:19 am
Every time i read comments from the zit riddled nerds ,i realize just how much they dont know about football.Exterminator is coming Bugs,mark it down on your buddies back.
Trade School Junkie
July 17th, 2009
9:23 am
Uh…excuse me red5…but, GT beat BC 19-16, moron.
Trade School Junkie
July 17th, 2009
9:28 am
Overall, the fcats remain the same:
OKST has entire record-setting 2008 offense back for 2009. GA does not.
OKST has new, highly regarded DC on staff for 2009. GA does not.
Translation:
OKSt is gonna lay a beatdown on GA.
Corine Browns (d)
July 17th, 2009
9:51 am
I hate to be hatin but ya’ll really is overrated. It dont matter no ways cuz coarch meyers and dem dare gators gonna do it again! Go gator vote democrat!
red5.ws
July 17th, 2009
10:10 am
Trade school Junkie, they lost to Va tech, not BC, fact remains still 4 losses. Instead of calling names like a child, answer the question.
Reality
July 17th, 2009
10:11 am
Orange Cowboy- Your statement indicates the situation. OU didn’t go capacity in Stillwater last year with Oklahoma State’s expanded stadium. And that was with a significant amount of OU fans attending. (Nor to my knowledge, any other game last year.) Due to this, expanded Boone Pickens has yet to experience its full potential as a “home field advantage”. And as far as the importance of this game, it just might be as important as the yearly OU game. This is purportedly the Cowboys breakout year. They have been pointing to it for the last five. Eight home games this year. Eight!! They fall flat in the opener against an SEC opponent, in front of a non-capacity crowd, on national television, it could be difficult to rebound.
Top Dogg
July 17th, 2009
10:22 am
Just in GT gets commitment from ABDUL AL KAZAM, top rated Camel Jockey in Iran. Watch out Dogs,Berka or not they say he can do more with a Camel then can be believed.
CHARLOTTE DAWG
July 17th, 2009
10:36 am
I stole TheAtl’s Grape Soda Quarterly magazine and he’s just upset.
Dawg_Em_Out
July 17th, 2009
10:38 am
i like uga winning this game for the reason that our defense was soooo bad last yr, i only see it getting better this yr. everyone knows the dawgs o-line is gonna more than likely be the best in the sec. so with a stable of rb’s, somebody will shine eventually imo. plus joe cox knows this offensive scheme very well, and aj green will be 100%. add in our freshmen. an i see atleast one of them making a big impact, possibly branden smith from atlanta. UGA imo, will see another 10-2 season with losses to lsu/fla.
Lee Dawg
July 17th, 2009
10:40 am
The Dawgs will need to run the ball and control the clock and the defense will have to stop OK State 50% of the time. UGA 34 OK St. 21. Book it!
BruffDawg
July 17th, 2009
10:42 am
Whats Richt’s record against nonconference opponents again? Oh yeah REALLY GOOD. Nerds can tout stats all they want. UGA 35 OKST 17. Write it down.
Dawg Nation
July 17th, 2009
10:44 am
SPEED is the key if you ask me….both teams posess speed on O however to prevent big plays you need speed everywhere to close on the ball soons its caught or when the back gets to the line. UGA is more equiped for that and will definitely slow this game down…play actions, lots of runs, lots of short passes….we want long drives.
OK St. puts up lots of points because they get BIG PLAYS….we limit those types of plays and make them use long drives or better of course stop them we will be fine.
As someone stated our D and O lines will be huge…our line will allow a very good stable of running backs to hit holes and we will rotate fresh legs very important and all our backs are extremely talented. Our depth is many coaches dream.
Game managemnet and coaching….with Richt stellar on the road and plenty of talent at his expense the dogs will win a close one…we wont stop OK St. put we will slow them down enough for us to win.
Preston
July 17th, 2009
10:50 am
I love the dawgs and always will but I’m not getting all worked up over them until they show me that they can do something special with the talent they bring in year after year. At least win the damn conference!
joe jenkins
July 17th, 2009
11:07 am
The dawgs should beat okie st and the chickens, but if we lose any one of those games it will be a long year.
DAWGPOUND
July 17th, 2009
11:09 am
Ga will be better this year. Last year on offense everyone just waited around for Stafford and Moreno to make plays. And while Stafford is a good strong armed QB, we will be better off wiyhout him. On all his throws he wanted to throw 40 yards down field which lead to a lot of incompletions. Moreno will be missed but we several good backs ready to make their mark. Offensivly we will be fine. On D last year we were without Owens who is our best D lineman. And also without Ellerbee for a while and after his injury he never played that well when he came back. Owens presence last year would have made a huge difference on D. He would have helped shut down Ala. and Fla. We may have still lost to Fla with them both healthy but I think we would have beaten Al and GT. This year we have a lot of returning talent and Joe Cox should do very well. Dont forget he was a 4 star Qb out of high school and never lost as a starting Qb since middle school. This team could be great. I dont think we can lose more than 2 games and could possibly go undefeated.
OrangeCowboy
July 17th, 2009
11:13 am
Oh, don’t get me wrong Reality. This is a HUGE game for OSU and we have been looking forward to it for a very long time. I think it is without a doubt the biggest OOC home opener ever and maybe the biggest OOC home GAME ever. And you are right, a loss in the first game would deflate the expectations for this season whereas a win could propel them to great things.
But, I just have to tell you as a lifelong Oklahoman, OSU fan and OSU grad, no game will ever be bigger to OSU fans than OU unless we were to play for a BCS title. They are our in-state and conference nemesis. Trust me, if we had to choose, 99% of OSU fans would take a win against OU over a win against UGA. The way UGA feels about UF? That’s the same way we feel about OU. Do you think most UGA fans would rather beat OSU or UF?
As far as the stadium, you just don’t know what you are talking about. For the OU game last year, there were maybe 2,000 empty seats and they were in the far upper corners. OU had their 5,000 allotment plus maybe another 2-3,000 there. That’s it. So that left about 50,000 OSU fans to maybe 8,000 OU fans. They got the full effect of the fans being right on top of the field. I don’t think having an extra 2,000 fans in the upper corners would have made much difference. Again, I was there and I have attended well over 100 games in that stadium in my lifetime and the enclosed west end makes a big difference. It will not be any more loud or raucous for UGA than it was for OU. For OSU fans, nothing compares to when OU is in town. You just have to trust me on this.
Trade School Junkie
July 17th, 2009
11:23 am
OrangeCowboy:
Your assessment on the following: close to the mark, or far of the mark.
GA fans seem to think their gonna somehow hold OKST to 17, 20, 21 points. Whats your predicted score?
UF-24 OK-14: (Florida was a better team and UF defense was the key)
OKSt-41 OK-61 (Game was OKST-41 OK-44 with 9 minutes left in 4th Qtr)
UF 49 GA 10 (A-1 Gator beatdown)
So, OKSt scored more points on OK than FL did, and of course, FL destroyed GA.
OKST has entire record-setting 2008 offense back for 2009. GA does not.
OKST has new, highly regarded DC on staff for 2009. GA does not.
Translation: OKSt is gonna lay a beatdown on GA.
Reality
July 17th, 2009
11:40 am
Orange Cowboy, I have also been to the stadium many times. For noise, key is where the students are located. If the tickets are available, let the students purchase them. Granted, it is in the upper sections. And as for the fan base, that is evolving. Reason the proposed Dallas game with Texas Tech drew so much controversy. (OU still, and will always be, the biggest game, but others are getting much closer.) This is not the place to be discussing these issues. I leave it at that.
DDD
July 17th, 2009
11:51 am
OrangCowboy:
Whats your assessment of teh following…and…whats your score predcition for the game?
UF-24 OK-14: (Florida was a better team and UF defense was the key)
OKSt-41 OK-61 (Game was OKST-41 OK-44 with 9 minutes left in 4th Qtr)
UF 49 GA 10 (A-1 Gator beatdown)
So, OKSt scored more points on OK than FL did, and of course, FL destroyed GA.
OKST has entire record-setting 2008 offense back for 2009. GA does not.
OKST has new, highly regarded DC on staff for 2009. GA does not.
Translation: OKSt is gonna lay a beatdown on GA.
OrangeCowboy
July 17th, 2009
12:30 pm
“Your assessment on the following: close to the mark, or far of the mark.
GA fans seem to think their gonna somehow hold OKST to 17, 20, 21 points. Whats your predicted score?”
I’ve noticed that most predicted scores coming from UGA fans have OSU only scoring 17-21 points. My guess is that OSU will score more in the 28-35 range; however, our offense typically doesn’t start off the season real fast. It usually takes 2-3 games to really get it going. That said, if our defense is not improved, we could score 35 points and still lose. That, along with the fact UGA has a lot of new guys on offense, are the big unknowns to me right now. I’ve been thinking about this game for months and I still haven’t a clue as to how it’s going to go except I think OSU will score more than 21 points.
CHARLOTTE DAWG
July 17th, 2009
2:17 pm
Fellow Dawg fans,
Lets not act like Florida and GT fans by giving bullish predictions that could make us eat crow. If any Georgia fan is completely convinced we will win, I wish I had what you had for breakfast.
People that have been watching the dawgs for years should expect the unexpected as that is what Georgia has done lately.
My prediction(and a humble one): Georgia finally gets some breaks and wins an ugly game in Stillwater, still leaving us with a concern about our defense. Neither team will be embarrassed in my opinion.
Next week: a loss to USC. That is Spurrier’s type of game when the dogs are feeling confident. He’s done it to us already even as a Gamecock(2007).
So we split. If we lose to Okie State, the opposite will be true.
But Georgia is just not dominating enough for any of us to be convinced we are going to beat those guys hands down. That is some stupid rhetoric a Tech fan would spew. Both head coaches for either team are probably very, very concerned.
I won’t be shocked if we win or if we lose. I have no idea what to expect from my dogs after last year. When my uncle predicted Tech would beat Georgia last year, I laughed in his face. Let’s just say Thanksgiving wasn’t that fun last year. Won’t be making that mistake again.
Until we become more consistent and coaches prove their worth, I’ll never know what to expect.
Wouldn’t shock me if we go 10-3 or 7-5. We’ll just have to see. We have the talent but we’ve always had the talent.
One thing I’m sure is the UGA Okie State game is going to be a competitive game and fun to watch if you are not a fan of either team. Poke and Dawg fans probably won’t have any finger nails left and the fridge will be empty of beer by the 4th quarter.
Let’s just wait and see. My post might seem negative but on a positive note: Since Richt arrived in 2001, I’ve always felt we could win every game we play. The question is will they.
The team seems to be staying humble and going about their business. Let’s do the same.
Trade School Junkie
July 17th, 2009
2:22 pm
Cowboys: Be afraid. Be VERY Afraid.
GA’s got this new starting QB named Joe. No, he wasnt as good as Stafford or Tereshinski, according to GA HC Mark Richt. Thats why he was 3rd string for the past few years. He’s got a rock-solid, impressive 1 career college start so far against Conference USA U-Alabama Birmingham. No he didnt finsish the game but thats beside the point.
But, man, you see his middle-school and high-school stats. They’re wicked cool. All the UGA fans are bragging about that.
But, there’s hope for you OKSt fans.
You wont have to worry about GA’s Defense. Hell, they cant handle a “gimmick high-school” offense that laid 400 yds and 38 pts on their defense. So, I dontthink your 2008 record-setting OKSt offense will have much trouble.
LOL
yarddawg
July 17th, 2009
4:41 pm
dawgs get embarassed
yarddawg
July 17th, 2009
4:47 pm
a very quiet plane ride back, i mean, id rather it be, would you please shut the …. up or your gonna run more sprints in practice, not a chance, nobody gets in trouble for running their traps
GO POKES
July 18th, 2009
8:33 am
I have read all of the posts and am amazed that no one has mentioned the fact that special teams will probably decide this game early. ESPN recently rated the Pokes special teams as number 1 for 2009!! Cox and Bryant will light GA. up on kickoffs and punt returns giving State great field position which will ignite the blowout!!
Pokes 45 – Dawgs 14
Mo
July 18th, 2009
9:09 am
I’ve seen some of you Dawgs talk about OSU’s lack of depth at RB. Don’t kid yourself, every kid at that position can play and was recruited by big time schools. The defense should be better than last year as each recruiting class under Gundy has brought in better athletes.
BlueSaloon
July 18th, 2009
8:33 pm
Let’s count all of Georgia’s National Titles since in the last 25 years………Um still searching for any grain of a National Title since Herschel Walker was 18 back in 1981. Let us count all your conference titles the last 10, hell 15 years………still trying to find any championship minus Southern Living Magazine that Georgia has won in recent memory.
OUFan
July 18th, 2009
9:11 pm
OSU has better depth, and better talent, at RB than UGA and almost any other school. They are USC-level. It’s ridiculous to say they have a ‘lack of depth’ at RB. Hunter is an All-American. Toston is a durable backup who has rushed for over 1500 yards in his career and is also an excellent receiver. We also have at least three 4 or 5* players further down the depth chart including Beau Johnson, RS Freshman Kye Staley (6′3″ 240), Fr. Dexter Pratt (6′2″ 230), RS freshman Travis Miller (4.3 speed). Injuries hurt us at the end of our season last year but Gundy refused to break redshirts which hurt us in our last two games with only Toston (who also got nicked up) and Johnson anywhere close to full speed.
Oh yeah I forgot an incoming freshman FB David Paulson a Georgia native who turned down the dawgs for OSU.
OSU can hit you with any style of running back you can imagine, and most of the RB’s are high caliber former recruits who turned down schools like OU, LSU, etc. In fact I believe OSU has full confidence in the option attack and Oline versus UGA and imagine we will run at you and run at you all day.
OUFan
July 18th, 2009
9:34 pm
Oh and yeah, it is true about the OSU field. While only seating 61 K, it is a noisy place due to close confines. The east end zone, while not technically bowled, is blocked by the immensity of OSU’s basketball arena, a giant brick wall for sound to bounce off. The fans are closer to the field than any other stadium. The retaining wall is only a few yards from the sideline. Many opposing players have commented on how much they hate playing at OSU for this factor. WR’s and QB’s are particularly effected by the closeness of the wall to the sideline on sideline routes.
This is NOT an easy place to play. Usually OSU beats everyone at home except OU and Texas and those games have been pretty close in general, never decided before the 4th quarter except maybe a game or two when vince young freaked out and ran for 500 yards. Even with Vince Young and a MNC team, Texas had to fight well into the second half. OSU has defeated ranked teams from Tech and OU and other schools when they had a bad team when playing at home. OSU rarely if ever loses home nonconference games. Of course UGA is the best noncon home opponent in many years.
Charlie Poke
July 18th, 2009
10:03 pm
OState is loaded at running back…has one of the best Offensive lines, has the nations premier receiver, and a smart athletic Quarterback. TE is a question. Other receivers is a questions. Offense has plenty of experience working together. Someone said our runners were second rate…just the opposite…we have too many great runners such that we are redshirting them. Watch for a hurry up offense. It wears down and confuses the defense. I would look for at least 30 pts. by OState.
OState Defense front is questionable…some good player and new coach. Secondary is young but talented. LB’s are very solid. Team is pretty good against the run up the middle and on the corners. Last year team got eaten up by short passes. New Def. Coach. Dawgs will be a good test.
What was not told by the stats last year. Oregon was creamated by OState in the first half. What killed the Pokes was the injury to Star Receivier, Bryant and Quarterback ZRobinson. They both should have been pulled. The defense then went on the field too much and Oregon flat wore them out. I am just calling it as I saw it. OU and OSU both played their hearts out in a good game. The score was real tight at the end but OU scored in what would have made it almost impossible for OSU to win and to me it looked like OSU conceded the game but OU was determined to run up the score rather than run out the clock. Thats how I saw the game.
I don’t know you Dawgs but having a new backfield at the beginning of the year is not a plus. Passing becomes difficult because of timing. Runners are not used to the Oline and vice verse. Sounds to me like it may take a few games to get the gears greased and running.
Defensively, it is hard to compare. Don’t think that OState can’t run. Their backs are very good and the line is great. Dawgs you must have good stamina because if Ostate gets on a roll they will play hurry up offense eliminating substitutions. Quarterback is elusive and receivers are good blockers that is why Zac gains yards. You will need to contain the Quarterback. If you have great defensive backs and safeties this will cause the most problems for OState.
This is what I know as a Poke fan. I know we are looking for a great year and want to get it started right. I only hope that we do not overlook you guys. But I would say a very good Ostate Offense and a very experienced team gives us the edge, If it was later in the year it may be different. Now lets see what transpires in the actual game.
BIGBOY
July 18th, 2009
10:59 pm
Wow OSU sounds formidable!!But wait..looking back at their schedule for the last 4 years I see they haven’t beaten OU,TEX or TEX A&M once.TBoone Pickens is a tough place to play huh?Is that’s why you have lost 10 games there since 04?
BIGBOY
July 18th, 2009
11:15 pm
OSU in the SEC would be right up there with Kentucky.
OUFan
July 19th, 2009
1:04 am
Ostate>>>Kentucky. LLoll.
It’s true, OSU has struggled versus OU and Texas. They always play OU tight at home. The last several games against Texas have been like a hex for them. I’ve never seen anything like it. Last year they lost 28-24 in austin in a game that went to the last possession. The previous year was a 38-35 last second loss in stillwater, they blew a 35-14 4th quarter lead. Another year in Austin OSU actually blew a 35-7 lead. Remember, when they have been playing these teams, the talent gap has been huge, but closing every year. OU and Texas the last several years have been two of the top programs nationally, usually ranked in the top 5 and regularly playing in the MNC. Gundy has been redshirting guys and never breaks a redshirt unless the player is Dez Bryant-calibre. Believe me when I tell you they have a whole bunch of new guys who will make an impact. UGA fans talk about Marlon Brown or Orson Charles and justifiably so, but OSU is breaking out guys like Justin Blackmon, Justin Horton, and Kye Staley. Their entire secondary, while young other than NFL corner prospect perrish cox, is composed of guys who turned down programs like OU. We wanted Markelle Martin, Victor Johnson, Daytwain Lowe but instead they went to OSU. The talent level is increasing in this program. It isn’t just on offense. They have some really good talent on the Dline too…chinasa, jones, miller…these guys could have played anywhere. Kentucky doesn’t get guys like this.
BTW OSU beat A&M like a drum last year. The only Big 12 programs they haven’t beat lately are OU and Texas. They’ve basically had Texas beat 3 or 4 times and blown the 4th quarter. OU has been lucky to pull away late in Stillwater, in norman we blow them out but we blow everyone out in Norman. I know OSU lost some home games in Gundy’s first year when they went 4-8 but since then probably all their home losses have been to top 5 or top 10 opponents. Since zac was their QB the only home losses have been to OU, Texas, and a top 5 KU team that went on to beat VT in the orange bowl. The KU loss is deceptive because it was very competitive until OSU suffered some crucial injuries. The wr Bowman, who the previous year had racked up over 300 yards receiving versus KU in a record game, was knocked out via dirty play by KU cornerback Aqib Talib in the second quarter. At the time, OSU was leading the game and driving for a score. A similar effect would be felt by UGA if AJ Green were knocked out.
These losses have all been to teams that had championship-calibre quarterbacks…Bradford, McCoy, Reesing, vince young…
BPS is very tough place to play. Just ask Mike Leach. Bob Stoops hates playing there. The last three OU/OSU games in Stillwater went 38-35, 27-21, and last year, 61-41 (44-41 at 9 minute mark of 4th quarter). Before that, OSU beat stoops 2 years in a row, 16-13 in 2001 and 38-28 in 2002, both victories over top 3 OU teams. In 2000, OU’s last MNC, OSU lost to OU 12-7 at home.
OSU has lost their last two games to Texas by a total of 7 points.
You’re not going to walk into that field and just beat them senseless. If UGA wins at all, it will be very close and likely involve a key injury or two to OSU. But you don’t have a proven qb or proven RB, so I don’t really see UGA going in there and winning. It took Colt McCoy everything he had to win there. You don’t have a Colt McCoy and you don’t have all the offensive or defensive talent Texas had/has. And this OSU team is better on both sides of the ball than teams past.
Trade School Junkie
July 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
Pokes, no need to worry.
OKSt is going to D-E-S-T-R-O-Y UGA in Stillwater.
This game wont EEEEEEEEEE-VEN be close.
OKST 54 UGA 23
OUFan
July 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
52-0 OSU
BIGBOY
July 19th, 2009
5:17 pm
What difference does it really make how many points OSU scored on OU?They gave up 61..they gave up 56 to Tex Tech and 42 to Oregon.That’s 3 out of their last 4 games played.Sure OU “held” FLA to 24 pts.But that awe inspiring,incredible,greatest ever,blah,blah,blah offense of OU…the 1 that was crushing everybody and was going to be sooooo unstoppable against the Gators only managed 14 pts.That offensive machine of Tex Tech?ask Ole Miss how intimidating they are.Actually what was the last time a decent big 12 team beat a decent SEC team?
BIGBOY
July 19th, 2009
5:25 pm
OU and TEXAS would only be contenders in the SEC(not favorites)Yep I said it…your two flagship programs would not be favored in any year to win the SEC.Taking it one step farther…the only reason OU and Texas make it to the BCS is they play in that weak ass conference.When’s the last time those great schools have come out on top of a SEC counterpart?
BIGBOY
July 19th, 2009
5:36 pm
Speaking of the mighty SOONERS….let’s see they have won one bowl game…17-14 against Oregon in 2005…since 03 they are 1-5.They mostly only play other Big 12 scrubs and so when they get to the Bowl game they get EXPOSED!!!!
BIGBOY
July 19th, 2009
5:45 pm
The Longhorns actually look like a better program than OU.At least they step their game up in the bowl games.If they played anybody other OveratedU I would respect them more.I will say this though….Vince Young was one of the most exciting college players I’ve ever seen.
R u kidding me?
July 19th, 2009
8:00 pm
I love how UGA and others out there want to constantly balk on OkState’s D. Listen up people, it’s a new season, w/ a new and highly respected D-coordinator leading the way. To top it off we have our QB, RB, and WR that made us so dangerous on O last year, and last time I checked Mike Gundy is 42.
UGA is a team to be respected. However, regardless what this joker says about “over/under rated” OkState is going to bring the hammer down so hard that UGA will be running back home with their tails b/w their legs.
I wish you luck, but remember “were not in Georgia anymore”…
Charlie Poke
July 19th, 2009
11:19 pm
Like I said earlier…Georgia backfield is new and it is their first game….for most teams the offense takes a few games to get their rythm…. with a Rookie backfield this will certainly be the case. OState backfield and Offense have been all playing together for years…it will take less time for them to catch their rythm and then watch out. Your best hope is an injury to Dez our premier receiver and / or our Quaterback Zac Robinson. That will have an impact. I do not know how our defense will be but I suspect it has been given a lot of attention and will be significantly better. Ostate is simply a “good” Veteran team. You Dawgs look to be having a rebuilding year.
Trojans 2009
July 20th, 2009
10:32 am
Cowboy fans. Forget trying to have a logical argument with UGA fans. Theyre delusional, and facts are ususally lost on them.
The fact remains, THIS is OKST’s HC Gundy’s Season.
He’s got everythng he could possibly ask for:
1. A loaded & record-setting veteran offense
2. A new, highly-respected DC with lots of returnng veteran Def talent
3. A National TV game….at Home….vs an SEC opponent
Folks, it’s AAAAAALLLLLLLL laid out for OKST and the Big 12.
OKST, HC Gundy, and the Big 12 (in general) have E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G to gain here.
Not only would a OKST win over UGA be a hallmark start for what is supposed to be OKST’s “BIG” season, aside from ARK vs Texas A&M, there are NO OTHER Big 12 vs SEC match-ups until bowl season.
The media writers, and Big 12 Comissioners will use THIS GAME as THE BENCHMARK for ALL Big 12 vs SEC comparisons for ALL OF 2009. It will be THE ONLY arugument. Every single weekend, it willl comeback to THIS GAME for ALL 2009 references.
Any UGA fans that think they’re gonna face the same OKST defense from 2008, or that UGA’s D is gonna hold OKST’s offense to 17-21 pts are in a state of denial SO DEEP, that a medical intervention is needed.
But, rest assured OKST fans, UGA fans had teh same mental state…right before Bama went to Athens and DESTROYED UGA on National TV.
OKST WILL CRUSH UGA…IN A LAUGHER: 52-22.
BIGBOY
July 20th, 2009
6:23 pm
OK state has never crushed any good team…they are lucky every blue moon to even beat one.There is a sizable gap in talent between the SEC and Big 12.The two elite teams OU & TEX would be close to the top 4 SEC schools.The drop off is steep in the Big12 after the top two.If you don’t think the quality of the players make a difference you don’t know anything about football.Logan Gray and Aaron White would be touted as future stars at teams like OK state/Mizzo but may or may not make an impact at UGA.
Charlie Poke
July 22nd, 2009
11:38 pm
Well BigBoy….when Georgia gets crushed in a couple of weeks by the Pokes will they have crushed a good team or a young upn coming team? I said before the Pokes will score 30+ pts. The question will be whether you Dawgs have the firepower to match it or our defense has the fire in their eyes to make a statement and shut you down. I prefer to be humble….but the Cowboys want to make an opening statement to start the season and you guys are in the way. But who knows on any given day and with the right breaks even a great team can be beat by a mediocre team.
Alabama John
July 25th, 2009
10:47 pm
I am an OSU alum and went to the last UGA-OSU game. The game was pretty close in the first half, but the big differences between that game and the upcoming one are:
QB – Bobby Reid – highly rated OSU QB was afraid to get hit, hence he didn’t opt to run when he had huge holes. Now we have Zack Robinson, who will definitely run it given the chance.
Defense – OSU did pretty well containing UGA in the first half, but ran out of gas. They were thin – No redshirts, even had offensive players that converted to defense due to lack of players and talent. No longer – Gundy has brought in some quality speedy defensive players and now have quite a few good ones that have been redshirted. The defense will play better.
The UGA fans treated us very good (which makes me think, most of the trash talking UGA bloggers don’t actually go to the games). For those who go to Stillwater, hope you’re treated wonderfully. Everyone should enjoy supporting their teams and that includes the visitors. I won’t be there, but will be watching.
I hope that the UGA coaches and players are as easily fooled by the insanity in these Blogs about how superior they are in every way. Remember that no matter how well it’s cooked “CROW” is very hard to digest. All teams are 0-0 for now. What happened over the last 20 or 40 years will not win or lose this game.
I know UGA has a tradition of great teams and OSU doesn’t. It starts somewhere and with some game. This could be the one. Look past OSU and you will have the opportunity to eat some of that “CROW”. Same for OSU. One advantage that OSU has is that the UGA tradition is better in football that ours, which will not cause us to overlook UGA.
BTW, OSU has lost one of it’s better offensive players in tight end Brandon Pettigrew, but there’s good backup. Let’s see how the game plays out. Then we’ll see who is dilusional and who isn’t. I don’t have a prediction, only hope OSU comes out on top. Why wouldn’t I?
cowboys_r_us
July 27th, 2009
9:08 am
I feel OSU is rated about right and UGA is underrated. As an OKSt. fan, I’m very nervous about this game. UGA is definitely a talented team who is going to make this game VERY challenging. One thing I’ve read alot and think isn’t quite clear is that OSU’s offense isn’t really comparable to OU, Texas Tech or Missouri. OSU has been statistically the most balanced offense in the country the last 2 seasons. While there is alot of talk of passing offenses in the Big 12, OSU’s features the run game. You can be sure that OSU is going to run the ball ALOT in this game, because that’s our “bread and butter.” Of course, you will see alot of passing as well, but the real reason that Dez Bryant had the opportunities to make his receptions was the running game bringing in the defense. This game could be a time-of-possession battle. With all the talk of UGA’s offensive line strength and that also being the case for OKst., I’m guessing you could see alot more smash-mouth football than most people believe. That being the case, I think OSU’s defense will look better than you expect. The short HB screens, bubble screens, hitches, and intramural looking plays that Texas Tech and Missouri ran gave our defensive backs alot of trouble. We had the majority of our problems because we couldn’t get in the backfield quick enough to pressure the QB – especially against OU and Texas Tech. That being the case, I think we’ll stand a much better chance against Georgia of slowing the run and forcing Cox to pass the ball. AJ Green’s playmaking ability could give our DB’s alot of trouble and make this thing interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing this game. Should be a electric (bowl-type) atmosphere and should be a close game. I’m picking OSU by a touchdown. Btw, ignore ‘Trade School Junkie’, he doesn’t show the type of class that I think you’ll find from the majority of OSU’s fanbase. Good luck and enjoy your time in Stillwater…
OSU fan
July 27th, 2009
1:44 pm
Wow!! So much passion!!
This will be a great game. I don’t think either will necessarily dominate. It should be a lot of fun – for both teams.
Georgia will replace stars with up and coming stars. There is always a lot of talent and it just need time to retool after loosing so many key players.
For OSU, this is new territory. Never has OSU had so much talent and been so deep. They truly are challenging elite teams. Only time will tell if when we loose our stars, will we be able to simply roll in the new talent or rebuild.
As for the game, I do believe OSU will win, but it will be a good game.
OSU’s offense, which typically starts out slow and builds over the season, is better prepaired this season. OSU will score 24+ on everyone this season. That is not a boast but supported by the last 2 seasons with much the same talent. And as far as the bowl game, if you did not watch it, Hunter was injured, Bryant got injured, and Robinson tore a muscle in his shoulder. And they still scored!
OSU’s defense will be better. The backfield is raw but talented. The front is as deep as it has ever been – and that speaks to some wonderful talent from recent years, including Antonio Smith (with his new $35m contract). Are any as good as he, maybe not, but overall we are better.
If I were to hazard a guess, because of home field and such: OSU 35-24.
I hope both teams are in the top 5 by year’s end.
AFCM (Oklahoma City)
July 27th, 2009
11:21 pm
I think many are taking Oklahoma State too lightly; OSU seems to fare well at home. However, I will concede the perspectives introduced here and I can certainly envision Georgia taking a page out of Texas’ book. For those of you who are unfamiliar, reference the past few times Texas has visited Stillwater. Most often, OSU jumps out to a big lead only to find someway to blow it in the fourth quarter. With that said, as a fan of college football, I can’t ask for much more than a game of this caliber in early September. Well, there is OU/BYU.
Cheers!
AF
July 28th, 2009
10:03 am
Having lived in both Stillwater and Athens I can’t wait for this game and believe I am as impartial as this discussion comes. I think Georgia is the better team and if this game was played in October they would win regardless of where it was played. It being the first game of the year in OK I think Ostate has the advantage. Ostate will jump out early with the veterans then UGA will fight back in the second half but fall just short.
The original blog was a great question and I think Ostate is slightly overrated and UGA is just about where they should be. It doesn’t make a difference because both have juggernauts in their conference that will keep them away from national considerations.
The truth
July 29th, 2009
1:09 am
Here’s the reality dawg fans: Oklahoma State returns players who have accumulated 5,500 career yards RUSHING the ball. Hunter is over 2200, Robinson over 1500, Toston over 1500, Beau Johnson had 300+ last year. Our third string rb last year had more yards than caleb king. OSU also returns a veteran offensive line, will start 5 seniors, and one of them is projected as the best LT in the NFL draft. There are also experienced backups. The OSU line is expected to be either the best or second best in the big 12. In addition to all this, we have several new RB’s coming out of redshirt…6′3 230 lb Kye Staley a 4* recruit, a powerback running a 4.5 40…Dexter Pratt 5* RB 6′2 225, travis miller, a 4.3 speedster, jeremy Smith, one of the top ten RB’s in the nation last year in HS, and David Paulson a GA fullback who turned down the dawgs at the last minute to come to OSU. Every single one of these guys turned down SEC programs to come to OSU.
This is a powerful running game you are encountering in Stillwater. OSU has talent at TE and WR too…both YOuman and Mosely (who will play) gained significant experience last year while pettigrew was injured. Mosely turned down Tennessee for OSU, he is no slouch. Other than Bryant, OSU has a host of recievers, most coming out of redshirt…Justin Blackmon is expected to be a force. Justin Horton is a 6′4 230 lb 4.5 hybrid guy from Louisiana…Isaiah anderson and Hubert Anayim are our speed guys, 4.4. Anderson has been timed at 4.28 in the 40. Adrian Richardson 6′4, 4.4. another player expected to emerge. Finally there is our late JC recruit Dameron Fooks 6′3 210 who turned down UCLA for OSU.
So yeah, we have weapons other than dez bryant. It’s foolish to base expectations of this game on how OSU closed the season versus OU and Oregon. Kendall Hunter was injured prior to the OU game, played verses OU injured, and then had knee surgery before the Oregon game. Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant were both injured in the middle of the Oregon game.
OSU will be powerful on offense. The big question mark in this game is the OSU defense. The OSU defense has talent and experience. The DE’s chinasa and jones were both 5* recruits. On the interior, derek burton and Swanson Miller were highly recruited. The youth up front is maturing and after a second year in the program Miller is expected to be a dominating force on the DL. We return all of our LB’s going two deep. Lavine and Sexton are all-league caliber players. Perrish Cox at one corner is an NFL pick. The other corner is a concern but there are highly recruited guys ready to step in. The same can be said for our safeties who are all young but were 4 and 5 * recruits. Victor Johnson and Markelle Martin spurned Oklahoma to come here. Most importnantly Lucian Antoine nicknamed the punisher is coming back from an injury.
Expect to see a powerful, bruising running game. OSU will have too many weapons to stop, probably will rack you for 500 yards plus. The question in this game is whether or not UGA can keep up. Can a quarterback with less than 500 career yards lead a cadre of rb’s with less than 500 career yards to victory on the road against a qb with 6000 career passing yards leading a running game featuring 5500 career rushing yards?
UGA may have a nice defense, but it is nothing OSU hasnt seen before. Last year on the road a healthy Kendall hunter put up 160 yards on Texas. OSU put up 460 yards on an OU defense that held florida to 24 points. etc.
You will NOT be shutting OSU down, not even close. OSU will be a dominant team this year. I expect OSU to ram the ball down your throats and use bryant and the other wr’s as blockers. Mark it down. we will run right over you.
The truth
July 29th, 2009
1:25 am
The difference, acfm, is that UGA doesnt have colt mccoy or vince young at quarterback. if joe cox was the qb on those texas teams, OSU wins those games. UGA also doesnt have the rb’s texas had in the past. UGA is staking all of its hopes on a single player, aj green, and praying that a bunch of freshmen and sophomores with little college experience or none at all will get it done, and on the road in a very tough stadium against a veteran team. even on defense osu returns ten of its top 12 tacklers. I just dont see this being a close game. It is very rare for even a highly recruited HS player like marlon brown to record huge stats in his first game. Dez had one reception in his first game, for eight yards. Later on in the year he exploded for 155 yards against NFL pick aqib talib. But first game jitters, unfamiliarity with the road and the new qb usually hurt inexperienced offensive players.
Cowpoke: Dogs should be ‘scared’ | The Junkyard Blawg
July 29th, 2009
10:30 am
[...] checked in recently on the piece I wrote a couple of weeks ago on whether the Cowboys were overrated and the Dogs underrated, and confident Okie State fans are [...]
The truth
July 29th, 2009
10:57 am
I’m not nervous about this game at all, I am more concerned about playing Houston the next week. Houston has an experienced offense that can keep up with our offense. Georgia doesn’t. I think OSU will win this game by several touchdowns. Probably something along the lines of 52-17.
POKE
August 7th, 2009
3:29 pm
TRUTH wrote – The OSU defense has talent and experience. The DE’s chinasa and jones were both 5* recruits.
———————————————————————
Come on dude. Get your facts straight. Your hyping up the team, but with some false info. Those guys were 4 star recruits at best. When OSU gets a 5 star recruit it will go worldwide.
POKE
August 7th, 2009
3:30 pm
TRUTH wrote – The same can be said for our safeties who are all young but were 4 and 5 * recruits.
————————————————————————
Once again OSU has not signed a 5 star recruit. Also you are leaving off one important name from that defense. BILL YOUNG. The new DC. His schemes will be the reason that OSU is better on D.
Charles Preuss
September 5th, 2009
7:42 pm
Well the game is over and the crying towels are out. This was a very physical game. I thought in the second half Georgia defense got tired and slowed down a little. Ostate was fresher and was flying to the ball. Ostate defense made good solid tackles….and Georgia did too. I would say that Ostate offense played a sloppy game….too many penalties. Special teams played a bid part in Ostates game. Defense was the best I