Two-minute drill: Cowboys’ Bryant ‘most dangerous’ player
Matt Hayes of Sporting News says Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant is the most dangerous player in the game today.
Dez Bryant (Associated Press)
Hayes notes that Bryant says opponents last year were triple-teaming him. “Remember how Larry Fitzgerald dominated at Pitt earlier this decade? Bryant is the same type of player,” Hayes says. “He has terrific speed with long strides, great vision and balance with the ball in the air, and he’s nearly impossible to cover without help. Bryant also is dangerous on punt returns (17.9 yards per return, two TDs last fall).”
Curran is SEC’s ‘hardest hitter’
Sporting News Today is running down each conference’s top player by category (click on Page 17 after you go to the front page). As “hardest hitter” for the SEC they pick the Dogs’ Rennie Curran. They also include a couple of nice YouTube links to Curran’s highlights.
Dogs’ other receivers
The Macon Telegraph looks at relatively unheralded Georgia receivers Tavares King and Israel Troupe.
“They’re underneath the radar because we have a lot of guys everybody wants to talk about,” quarterback Joe Cox says. “But those two guys have been working hard for the past year or two years, and I expect them to play a lot and make plays for us.”
“Troupe has caught more deep balls than I’ve seen him catch in a while,” head coach Mark Richt says. “He seems to be running precise routes, catching the ball. He’s doing a good job.”
As for King, cornerback Brandon Boykin says, “A.J. [Green is] a great receiver, but T.K.’s just as good. He has the smoothest routes I have ever seen. It’s tough guarding him, and I do it every day.”
Another bowl prediction
Sports Illustrated, which has Georgia ranked No. 15 in the preseason, predicts the Dogs will wind up in the Outback Bowl against Illinois this season.
Shockley high on Joe Cox
Bulldogs Blog catches up with D.J. Shockley, whose time at UGA overlapped a year with 2009 starting QB Joe Cox. Shockley says he was impressed with Cox from the start. “When he first got there, you could definitely see it just pouring out of him that he was a born leader. He had it in him to lead the offense, lead the team and lead at a place like University of Georgia. It’s nothing new. I knew he had it in him way back when.”
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79 comments Add your comment
Saint Simons
August 13th, 2009
4:01 pm
((((( 45 42 ))))) hahahahahaha
mebertmoover
August 13th, 2009
4:16 pm
man i cant wait til them dawgs put a whoopin on osu! we gonna eat dez like pez, you know what im sayin? zac robinson? more like wac robinson, you know what im sayin? gundy? more like al bundy, you know what im sayin….go dawgs, sic em! meow……
now that's funny
August 13th, 2009
4:25 pm
Mebertmoover I do know what you are saying. OSU? More like OSWho, you know what im sayin? Stillwater? More like sleeping Pillwater, you know what im saying?
OrangeCowboy
August 13th, 2009
4:32 pm
“In 108 touches last season (receptions, punt and kick returns), Bryant had 1,885 yards and 21 touchdowns. He averaged 17.5 yards per touch and a touchdown every 5.1 touches.” And, UGA has 5′-9″ cornerbacks that are gonna have a loooooong day, know what I’m saying?
Otto
August 13th, 2009
4:34 pm
My OU friend calls still water Stoolwater and OSU is Ohio St. OSU is Okie Lite.
(45-42) wORLD TOUr
August 13th, 2009
4:34 pm
Mine eyes have seen the glory
Of the stomping of the Dogs
We will teach the poor dumb farmboys
They should stick to sloppin’ hogs
When the Jackets are triumphant
There will be a mighty cheer
We’ll do the same next year!
To Hell, to Hell, to Hell with Georgia,
To Hell, to Hell, to Hell with Georgia,
To Hell, to Hell, to Hell with Georgia,
The cesspool of the South!
reebok
August 13th, 2009
4:44 pm
Tech fan here. Where did SI rank the Jackets, just out of curiosity? Good luck against Okie State, see you on the Flats in November.
L-Dawg
August 13th, 2009
4:50 pm
GLORY GLORY TO OLE’ GEORGIA!!!
SO BLESSED TO BE A TRUE FAN AND NOT A TRUE HATER!!!
GO DAWGS!!!!!!
23 DAYS!!!!
J J Gunns
August 13th, 2009
5:05 pm
I tell you what… Last year a receiver like Dez Bryant, coupled with a quarterback like Zac Robinson, would have been a nightmare for our secondary. This first question will answer a lot of questions about our defense.
By the way, did you see that Oklahoma State is one of the teams featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated???? Thanks, SI! Our cover last year worked really well for us… LOL!
Go Dawgs!
J J Gunns
August 13th, 2009
5:06 pm
Sorry! I meant the first GAME will answer a lot of questions about our defense.
45ACP
August 13th, 2009
5:09 pm
56-20 Orange Cowboy. Guns Up!
marcellus
August 13th, 2009
5:21 pm
So we’ll find out what we’re all about on 9/5-I gotta say that even to this point, I do not know what to expect from the Dawgs this year-Lot’s of “If’s”-
Regardless, I will be there every weekend w/ 92,746 of my friends-I can’t wait much longer!
45ACP
August 13th, 2009
5:22 pm
I thought I was on a Georgia Bulldog blog. About Georgia Bulldog players. Their scrimmage, practice, Georgia Bulldog coaches and player comments. Are you haters really that jealous. You go out of your way to post on a Georgia Bulldog blog? Didn’t your Mama tell you that if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all? How about it’s better to be thought of as stupid than to open your mouth and/or type it and prove it.
That’s all I got to say about that.
AltamahaDawg
August 13th, 2009
5:27 pm
I never really thought about Curran as a hard hitter, although I’m sure he does. My word for him would be something more like relentless.
marcellus
August 13th, 2009
5:28 pm
45ACP-
You’re right. But look at it this way: If you had such an inferiority complex as most Tech fans, you too would have a ring made for beating your in-state rivals-hell, it happens so very infrequently. I mean, do you really think LSU had a ring made after they mopped the superdome floor with them? To that end, did UGA have a ring made for the victory over FLA a couple years back? It’s quite simple, UGA has been there, & they act like it – GT has not in a long while..
marcellus
August 13th, 2009
5:31 pm
Hard to believe that Curran won that over B Spikes-just a thought…
Rennie Curran
August 13th, 2009
5:32 pm
“Coach Gundy, please! Please, I beg of you! Send Dez over the middle just one time!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX1a77UhMzY
45ACP
August 13th, 2009
5:38 pm
OH HELL YEAH!!!
Rip their head off Rennie. Are we ready for some football.
Let’s get it on……………
Einstein
August 13th, 2009
5:43 pm
How many out there vote for the AJC to ban “Saint Simons”, aka an AJC lackey, from all these boards? He/she/it has nothing constructive to contribute and I, for one, thinks it’s getting redundant and boring. If he/she/it wants to post, have at it on the GA TECH blog. Good riddance! Peace
G2Rhett (Colorado Springs)
August 13th, 2009
5:50 pm
I’m in agreement with Shockley that Joe Cox will be a leader and an exceptional one at that. The Dogs don’t miss a beat with Stafford gone. Goodbye Stafford…hello Joe!
Question: Was A.J. Green’s first career touchdown pass was thrown by Stafford or Cox?
Answer: You guessed it, Joe Cox!
This will be a lethal combination in ‘09!
J J Gunns
August 13th, 2009
5:55 pm
45ACP, welcome to our world! Hopefully we will beat them this November and they will decide to go away…
I do have a question for you about your prediction. The last time someone put over 50 points on us was back in 1999. Last year, Florida hung 49 on us and they were the National Champs last year AND had the 2 time Heisman trophy winner leading their offense. So you see the Cowboys putting 56 up on us Sept. 5th? What is your thoughts behind that number? I agree your offense put up some sick numbers last year (including against Texas A&M), but do you attribute your prediction to a continued offensive assault or do you think that this is the worst UGA defense that we have put on the field in a decade? In my opinion, I don’t see the score going that high… However, I do think it will be a close game.
And thank you for being civil on this board! Its great to have an adult conversation with a fan of one of our opponents. I am interested in what you have to say.
Go Dawgs!
Denver Dog
August 13th, 2009
6:16 pm
Here is what I see, UGA running the ball at will, or passing at will. Whichever OSU, or anyone gives us, we can do it. The difference is that we have an O line this year and most importantly, we have a d line too! OSU is a good team, and whether we can move the ball, or stop the ball, that will determine the outcome. There will be a big emotional push from OSU to start with, and I would not be surprised if they put up 2 or 3 scores real fast, but I don’t know how long they can stop the dogs, and if they do it could be a long day for the dogs. Make no mistake, one team will dominate early, and will will out in the long run.
Cuz in Minnesotta
August 13th, 2009
6:19 pm
When did Tim Tebow win the Heisman the second time. I must have snoozed through that one.
superDawg
August 13th, 2009
6:21 pm
Orange cowgirl what did you say last time.
Denver Dog
August 13th, 2009
6:21 pm
Cuz, You did, it was another miracle he performed
superDawg
August 13th, 2009
6:26 pm
35-14
god and greyhound
August 13th, 2009
6:40 pm
To marcellus,
The ring was part of the gift package from the Chick-Fil-A bowl. The Tech seniors voted to have the uog score engraved on it.
Small peanuts compared to when uog broke Tech’s 8-game streak and retired the guy’s jersey who scored the winning touchdown.
Act like you’ve been there before? Is that how uog was acting when it beat Vandy in 2007 on a lucky fumble, and the uog players were so giddy they danced on the Vandy logo at midfield? Then they follow it up the next week by having a team end zone celebration after scoring a TD against Florida? Was that uog acting like it’s been there before?
uog: The Wisconsin of the SEC
AltamahaDawg
August 13th, 2009
6:40 pm
He meant to say Two Timin Tim Tebow.
Cuz in Minnesotta
August 13th, 2009
6:43 pm
I agree g and g. I mean no team annihilating the Bulldawgs in Sanford Stadium would touch the sacred hedges. The Tech players and fans have more class than that.
pj
August 13th, 2009
6:48 pm
UGA 31 OK ST 21
chazzo
August 13th, 2009
6:52 pm
I agree with DJ. As far as SI, though, pre-season bowl predictions are about the only thing more worthless than pre-season polls. Just another thing to bet on and bring the sport down.
marcellus
August 13th, 2009
6:55 pm
G of G
Don’t hate us cause you aint us-I can see that you have documented well-
the envy is seething out of you-
simply join a tech blog & type til your heart’s content
marcellus
August 13th, 2009
6:56 pm
G of G
Struck a sore nerve, didn’t it-
That’s what the truth usually does-
ouch
Cuz in Minnesotta
August 13th, 2009
7:10 pm
g and g, did you see that obscene gesture by Dez Bryant to the fans. I am going to report Bill King to Mama Cox. I cannot believe he would have the gall to put players making obscene gestures on two blogs in a row. What about the chlidren? Oh the inhumanity.
AltamahaDawg
August 13th, 2009
7:15 pm
They weren’t stomping on Vandys logo so much as it was symbolic of thier entire year of hard work.
Cuz in Minnesotta
August 13th, 2009
7:32 pm
Dez Bryant the most dangerous player, is he packing heat or something?
BIG UGLIES WIN GAMES!!
August 13th, 2009
7:37 pm
Bryant is a very good receiver but fragile,,a strong hit or 2 very early in the game from Jones, Banks and Evans will all but put him out,,and oh yea, Geno,Jeff and Tyson in Robinson face all day wont hurt either…..
Paddy
August 13th, 2009
7:40 pm
Cowboy folks…CMR wins on the road and he will make you scratch your head at the end of the game. I know you have great players. He will find a way to beat you, he always does.
BIG UGLIES WIN GAMES!!
August 13th, 2009
8:00 pm
Oh well take Banks off I see he will be out a few weeks…DARN…
Kiffin's A Bozo
August 13th, 2009
8:08 pm
YIKES SPIKES!!! Just ask “No-gain” Moreno who hits hardest!!!
OrangeCowboy
August 13th, 2009
8:45 pm
“Coach Gundy, please! Please, I beg of you! Send Dez over the middle just one time!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX1a77UhMzY
Looks like a nice player…but I didn’t see him tackle a single WR going across the middle. Didn’t even see him trying to cover one. Just sayin…
OrangeCowboy
August 13th, 2009
8:50 pm
“Orange cowgirl what did you say last time.” Didn’t say anything about Bryant last time, didn’t make a prediction on final score then, and I’m not making one now. Just saying, last time was Bryant’s first game ever for OSU and you will not stop him this year. You might win the game, but you won’t stop Bryant.
GradyGrad96
August 13th, 2009
8:50 pm
People have short memories. When UGA players started stomping on the V at midfield after winning the game the UGA coaches were all over their butts instantly. Does anyone remember the prior year, when the game was in Athens? I was there. Vandy won the game. Their team, the entire team went nuts on the G at midfield. Vandy coaches did nothing about it, nor did the UGA players attempt to do anything about it. Some UGA players remembered and wanted to exact a little revenge. Unlike Vandy, the UGA seniors and coaches quelled in quickly. Richt apologized to Vandy coaches and scolded the team. The same actions were not taken by Vandy coaches and team leaders when they stomped on the G. Those in glass houses should not throw stones.
OrangeCowboy
August 13th, 2009
9:08 pm
“Bryant is a very good receiver but fragile,,a strong hit or 2 very early in the game from Jones, Banks and Evans will all but put him out” Where do you get that Bryant is “fragile”? He hurt his knee in the Holiday Bowl because he slipped on the wet turf and came down awkwardly, not because he was hit by anybody. Other than that, he missed a few plays in the Mizzou game because they were cheap-shotting him to the head, something they finally got called for. That’s it. He never got hurt at all his Freshman year. This guy look “fragile” to you?
http://www.newsok.com/catching-up-with-osu-wide-receiver-dez-bryant/article/3391920?custom_click=lead_story_photo
J J Gunns
August 13th, 2009
9:16 pm
“Two Time Heisman Trophy winner”???? Where the heck did I get that??? Sorry… I don’t know what I was thinking…
Say what?
August 13th, 2009
9:17 pm
g and g, really? Marcellus points out that your team had rings made to celebrate their 1st victory over the Dawgs in 8 years and your come back is “the team voted on it”??? How the heck does that counter his argument? Seems to me that it backs it up.
Reality Check
August 13th, 2009
9:30 pm
UGA will run the ball on OK St. to keep DEZ off the field. Then they will put loads of pressure on the QB to make it difficult for him to get Dez the ball. They won’t punt to him or kick off to him. He will be double teamed in passing situations. Nullify Dez and we win.
Robert Blake as Baretta
August 13th, 2009
9:39 pm
And dat is the name of dat tune.
OrangeCowboy
August 13th, 2009
9:57 pm
“He will be double teamed in passing situations.” You think nobody ever thought of that one before, Lombardi? Bryant was double-teamed virtually every play last year. 87 catches, 17 YPC, 19 TDs. Texas probably did the best job of double-teaming him last year, holding him to only 74 yards, no TDs. Problem was, that left things open for Kendall Hunter. All he did was shred them for 161 yards rushing.
Robert Blake as Baretta
August 13th, 2009
10:19 pm
I’m just a washed up TV has been actor. Who won that game, Texas or Oklahoma State?
I-DOG
August 13th, 2009
10:25 pm
God and Greyhound: I remember that game you are referring to, when UGA broke tech’s 8 game winning streak. I was sitting 3 rows behind Moses and remember him going on and on about some tablet he received on Mount Sinai the day before. I can remember it like it was yesterday. That guy is so voluble that if it weren’t for him wearing his red and black robe and UGA sandles, I might have had to ask him to put his staff down as it was blocking my view of the offensive line play.
dawgstephen
August 13th, 2009
10:28 pm
Yes, this young man can surely play. Georgia has a playmaker at WR as well. I think its gonna be a battle of execution. The team who stops the others “stars” will win the game.
Dont nobody get too down on the D-Coordinators for either team on the OSU-UGA Game, cause there will be some points scored for both sides against each side.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
DaddyDawg
August 13th, 2009
10:29 pm
A number of Ok State fans seem to think that we’ll be quaking in our cleats when we arrive in Stillwater for the game in September. But this Ga team has played in much bigger stadiums against better teams in more important games, so they will not be intimidated. Everyone talks about Dez Bryant, and he is a great receiver, but remember that Ga beat Ok State 2 years ago when Ok State had Dez Bryant AND Adarius Bowman, a 6′4″, 220lb+ receiver, along with Brandon Pettigrew (who is now in the NFL), and we held all of them in check as GA won by 3 TDs, 35-14.
Yes, Ok State had Bobby Reid playing at QB, but even when Zac Robinson came into the game in the 2nd quarter and stayed in the game in the 2nd half, we held him in check. Even then, Ok State had a good running back in Dontrell Savage running behind LT Russell Okung, and we had no problem keeping Ok State’s self-proclaimed “best offense in the world” under control. What you will find in this year’s game is that GA’s front seven may be the best OK State will play against all year. With our rotation of 4-6 DTs, we’ll get penetration and pressure up the middle early and often, flushing Robinson into the waiting arms of either our DEs and/or LBs. We’ll be fresh with our depth on defense in the 4th quarter, and our talented and experienced OL, with the depth we have, will wear down Ok State’s porous defense. Ga may not win in Stillwater by 3 TDs, but GA will win, and OK State won’t score 40 points. The real question is just how many points Ok State’s defense will give up to a GA team with the OL to run the ball down your throats or throw the ball downfield to talented playmakers when you load the box. I, for one, am looking forward to the trip to Stillwater……. Game on!!
GT Alum
August 13th, 2009
10:29 pm
I-DOG, even this die hard GT fan and ex-player got a good laugh out of that one! Gotta give credit where credit is due..
I-DOG
August 13th, 2009
10:34 pm
Orange Cowboy:
We look forward to the matchup and know that you have a good team in Stillwater for the coming season. Perhaps your best in a decade. Your stadium will be rocking and it should be a great game and I’m sure tha Bryant will have an impact on the game. Hopefully, we can limit his success.
ANYTHING can happen in a first game in college football. It could go down to the wire or it could be a blowout for either side. We will just have to wait and see.
OrangeCowboy
August 13th, 2009
10:51 pm
DaddyDawg-I’m not one of those thinking UGA will be intimidated. Respectful, yes. Intimidated, no. And likewise OSU players for UGA. A few things to point out, though. Yes, Dez was on the team when they played two years ago, but that was his very first game as a true Freshman. He didn’t even play that much. Okung was a Soph and ZR had only played significant snaps in one other game, the year before against OU. So, my point is, this whole team has obviously matured and gotten a ton of game experience since then. Of course, so have any UGA players that were around then.
I pretty much agree on the rest of your points. I think you are right on the mark with the depth issue, especially if it is still really hot by then. I think that will favor UGA. We are thin at DT and if you get a lead on us in the 2nd half, it might be tough to come back. I also agree you won’t win by 21 this time and that OSU is not likely to score 40 points. It typically takes 2-3 games for our offense to really get clicking.
I can tell you all the OSU fans are really up for this game as well. We should both find out a lot about our teams that day. If you are coming this way, have a safe trip. I hope you enjoy your day in Stillwater…at least BEFORE the game.
OrangeCowboy
August 13th, 2009
11:06 pm
I-DOG: Looking forward to it as well. Easily the best game in college FB that weekend.
DawgsWin
August 13th, 2009
11:20 pm
Georgia will not have any trouble with Ok State—their conference is overrated, and the dawgs should this game with no problem. Ga’s size and speed will quickly wear out Ok state, and they will quit in the second half, when the dawgs pull away. Ga 37 Ok State 20–put it in the book, take it to the bank.
FL Dawg
August 13th, 2009
11:21 pm
Dez Bryant is no better than AJ Green who we practice against everyday. Bryant will be much better covered than Okie St. believes. Hunter won’t have much room to run up the middle and will be forced to go outside against some very fast LBs. Dawgs win by 10.
Honker
August 13th, 2009
11:50 pm
The Tech team should change their name to the Georgia Tech Cicadas. They only come around once every 7 years to make a lot of noise only to disappear again.
Denver Dog
August 14th, 2009
12:01 am
God and Greyhound, the point is that he announced the rings 9 days before the bowl bid. Please get you facts right, and while you are at it, say hello to Ramsees over by the river.
orangepoon
August 14th, 2009
12:17 am
dez bryant and AJ Green are different types of recievers. both will be in the NFL obviously, but I’m not sure its valid to compare the two directly. both are very good.
We (UF) own UGA
August 14th, 2009
12:25 am
Bill King is a typical UGA NERD!!!!
BS Patrol
August 14th, 2009
1:20 am
I watched that youtube of Curran. That would not intimidate my granny & she’s been dead 45 years! Not one solid tackle in the whole video. Is this the best you’ve got? Seriously?
BS Patrol
August 14th, 2009
1:28 am
SAINT SIMONS BANNED!!
DOGGIES COWED BY FAMOUS BLOGGER!
Kiffin's A Bozo
August 14th, 2009
1:34 am
J J Gunns=Nostradamus
Saint Simons
August 14th, 2009
3:46 am
Caleb King: uga’s latest 5-star BUST!!!!!!! hahahahahahahahaha
Big time?? Not
August 14th, 2009
5:48 am
Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes, four beanies
Cuz
August 14th, 2009
7:11 am
At least Caleb King can count to four.
J J Gunns
August 14th, 2009
7:58 am
Well… I guess its that the Catholic church is ready to cannonized Tebow as a saint, we might as well give him the second Heisman now!!!
deaddawgie
August 14th, 2009
8:41 am
prediction- joe cox will be pulled by halftime of this game….osu ROLLS on you bitches….the questionis will richt burn murry’s redshirt to take the pressure off his ass before the season’s over?
deaddawgie
August 14th, 2009
8:47 am
why didn’t richt ever give joe cox any playing time (meaningful series) the last few seasons like the did with shockley during green’s tenure? this kid has zero meaningful minutes on the field since his freshman year…..caleb king is a bust, samuels has fumbleitis
yall are pretty much guaranteed 4 losses this year- FLA, LSU, OSU, and GT…..the question is how many 2nd tier teams will beat you? TN, AU, ARK, etc???
deaddawgie
August 14th, 2009
8:49 am
rennie curran was freakin awesome in the Tech game last year!!!
deaddawgie
August 14th, 2009
8:53 am
future excuses to be expected after the OSU ass whompin:
it was joe’s first real game
it was raining
we weren’t in athens
the defense was unmotivated
there were just too many injuries
we couldn’t do a blackout
we are very young, next year we will be awesome!
willie martinez, willie martinez, willie martinez
getthepicturenow
August 14th, 2009
9:13 am
comes down to “big” 12 vs SEC dd. what will the “big” 12’s excuses be after the SEC bitch slaps them again? oh, and the oregon ducks just called, they said you need to shut you’re mouth & roll over, they’ll be down to check on you later.
deaddawgie
August 14th, 2009
9:35 am
the ducks would hang 100 on martinez’s crap defense
getthepicturenow
August 14th, 2009
9:39 am
if the holiday bowl was still going on i think oregon would have right around 1,570 points right now. point is, they don’t play defense in the “big” 12 don’t play defense. they don’t recruit defense, & i doubt very seriously they practice defense.
Trade School Junkie
August 14th, 2009
10:01 am
SEC vs. Non-Conference openers:
OKST vs GA
NCST vs USC
VT vs Bama
OKST is gonna ROUT ga in Stillwater
NCST is gonna beat USC EASILY
Bama the likely winner.
OZZFEST
August 20th, 2009
11:35 am
Why is no one at the AJC writing about OSU AD Mike Holder’s decision to rip-off UGA season ticket holders for $100 for this game….more than twice the $45 UGA charged their fans in 2007. (Yes, I am a season ticket holder and yes, I ordered two tickets and will be at the game.)
Those people responsible for this should be castrated.