What if Cox can’t play?

Joe Cox reported ill (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Joe Cox reported ill (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)

Reports are that Georgia QB Joe Cox has the flu, but apparently the UGA staff is still planning on him starting against Oklahoma State on Saturday.

What do you think? Is an ailing five-year senior with a little game experience preferable to his inexperienced backup, redshirt-sophomore Logan Gray? Does third-stringer Aaron Murray, a true freshman, enter in the equation?

And if Cox can’t play, does this mean the pooches are screwed?

Feel free to share your thoughts, and check back with the news story for more details as it’s updated.

245 comments Add your comment

david

September 4th, 2009
2:56 pm

we roll either way–osu has no D and we have no fear in opponents stadiums ( Except Jax of course) GO DAWGS!

Cb@CB.com

September 4th, 2009
2:57 pm

Better call your Bookie, Bradley.

Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho

September 4th, 2009
2:59 pm

Then we play Logan Gray. It’s as simple as that. Nothing else you can do. We had to have several guys step up as they haven’t had to before, it would just mean one more would have to play well in their big test. It’ll be what it’ll be

RunningDog

September 4th, 2009
3:00 pm

Joe will likely play, but I feel confident with Logan Gray too. Dang, I hope I can sleep tonight.

david

September 4th, 2009
3:00 pm

I forgot–m–SEC 1 ACC 0

MiltonDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:02 pm

i think there just rumors to psych out the OSU team. give Cox a flu shot & a vitamin C pill just in case- i’m curious to know who the other players are.

Yellow Fuzz

September 4th, 2009
3:03 pm

I hope Cox recovers and plays well. I want to see the dogs get spanked at their best. No excuses. 45-42.

jdawg

September 4th, 2009
3:08 pm

Bad news but O & D lines win games. Just limit turnovers and run it all day.

wlson haynes

September 4th, 2009
3:08 pm

we have at least two top rated qbs who can handle the situation-between gray and murray we’ll be ok

GDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:08 pm

I honstly feel better with Logan. He looked much better in the G-Day game, has a better arm, but most important, he can run!

Dooley's Cardiologist

September 4th, 2009
3:08 pm

I would be more afraid of Logan Gray if I were OSU. He would add a different demension that they don’t want to see.

Pumpdawg

September 4th, 2009
3:12 pm

Hey BK, quit with these stupid posts. If Cox can’t play, we lose worse.

G Dawg

September 4th, 2009
3:12 pm

Those doctors have probably been treating Joe for the last 2 days. They will give him all the drugs to make it possible to go out there and play. Even if Joe cant play I have faith in my Dawgs.

Cartoon Jacket

September 4th, 2009
3:12 pm

Who Cares!!!????? I’m going to Dragon Con! YA!

BullDawg Rick

September 4th, 2009
3:13 pm

Dawgs will be just fine with either Joe Cox or Logan Gray…

Mitun

September 4th, 2009
3:14 pm

why not let Aaron Murray start?

BruffDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:14 pm

If gray plays OSU will have to change their gameplan, but we have flirted with that idea all week. They cowboys will be more concerned with stopping the run first. I don’t know if Cox is that much better we should play him sick. Might be time for the GRAYHOUND to get unleashed.

Cartoon Jacket

September 4th, 2009
3:14 pm

Awww shucks!! Mom won’t let me out of the basement, :( !

Denver Dog

September 4th, 2009
3:15 pm

Logan Gray makes it happen, just wait and see. He will be in there with Aaron, and they will really put some dents in the D of OK state

MoDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:15 pm

Honestly, I think we need Joe more against an SEC defense, anyway. Gray is better than serviceable and should know the offense enough to hand the rock off to Samuel and Thomas and make a few throws (he’s got a good arm). Our O-line should dominate their “D” and having Gray in there opens the playbook up a little more, honestly. We just need to pound it and run the clock to keep their offense off the field and our defense fresh.

Joe’s “my boy”, but I feel the same this year as I did last year in that the backup should be capable of coming in and managing just fine.

Give Joe some fluids and let’s see how he does, but if he falters, get him outta there and let’s let Logan take it.

Pumpdawg

September 4th, 2009
3:16 pm

BullDawg Rick

Please, keep your dumb opinions to yourself. You don’t help matters.

Frank Wren

September 4th, 2009
3:16 pm

Whats the over under for number of Tech students at Dragon Con?

Reggie Ball

September 4th, 2009
3:16 pm

MoDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:17 pm

I’m chubby and smell like wrapped cheese.

McDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:17 pm

Logan Gray has a way better arm anyways

Jason

September 4th, 2009
3:19 pm

The excuses are already starting. I can see it tomorrow, post game interview after the Dawgs lose 42-21. “Well, we still have several players that weren’t able to travel out of state because of parole violations, a few were not able to afford bond from arrests last week, and Cox had the Flu, it was all we could do to keep it within three touchdowns”

Pumpdawg

September 4th, 2009
3:19 pm

My tights feel so silky smooth. My buckes, shiny.

BruffDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:19 pm

Murray is the future. Emphasis on the word FUTURE. He will be the man, just not quite yet. Logan is no pushover. He would do fine this year as a starter

Gators wear jean shorts

September 4th, 2009
3:20 pm

Some of the great sports performances have been from guys with the flu, adversity just seems to bring out the best is certain guys, I wouldn’t be suprised if Joe is one of them.

MoDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:20 pm

This is where the Techsters join in start laughing. Typical.

To the “fake” MoDawg – I have a chubby and some cheese for you…come and get it!

Dr McAllister

September 4th, 2009
3:20 pm

Have the team physician start him on osetamivir (Tamiflu) now-attenuate this or nip it in the bud–so Joe can play !!!

Blindside

September 4th, 2009
3:21 pm

LG was going to see playing time anyway. Now he’ll see more. Dawgs roll.

MoDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:21 pm

Jason back off Tech boy. All your team can do is run the ball anyways. Thats very high schoolish. At least Joe Cox knows our system and is great. We won’t lose to Oklahoma St.

UGA 49 OKS 6

G Dawg

September 4th, 2009
3:21 pm

Buck Belue just anounced that his sources said hes feeling alot better today. they expect him to be fine tomarrow.

Mr. Mang

September 4th, 2009
3:22 pm

Hasabig will be fine tomorrow. Middle name

athensdawg

September 4th, 2009
3:22 pm

no excuses, boys. git-r-dun.

McDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:22 pm

THE LARGEST QUESTION IS HOW MANY OTHER PLAYERS HAVE THE FLU AS WELL

Bizzaroneck

September 4th, 2009
3:23 pm

I think this could actually work out better. I have thought since the spring game that Logan Gray is the best QB on the roster. Fastest white guy on the team, great arm. He adds a dimension that could make us title contenders.

Eddie McShan

September 4th, 2009
3:23 pm

Why can’t I play?

Jason

September 4th, 2009
3:24 pm

MoDawg, don’t get angry just because Martinez knew the run was coming every snap, and still couldn’t figure out how to stop it. Its sad when GT has two running backs and a QB with more rushing yards than your all SEC tailback….

I told you so

September 4th, 2009
3:24 pm

Hate to say it but I said about 2 weeks ago that the Swine Flu would dictate the outcome of this years games – not making excuses b/c I feel Logan and Joe are about the same except with Logan we have the running threat – so either way we are fine.
Just read where Stillman I think had to forfeit a game b/c all it’s players were sick and could not play – hope this does not sweep through the BCS this year.

Brad

September 4th, 2009
3:24 pm

If he has Swine flu, no way in he11 he plays tomorrow for obvious reasons. UGA could lose 5 starters and the fan base would still be saying they will win. Can you say delusional?

BruffDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:24 pm

What is the difference between georgia tech and mascarra? Mascarra on women who are crying, and techies run crying from women!!!

GT YELLOWMAGGET

September 4th, 2009
3:24 pm

YELLOW FUZZBALL, JUST BETTER HOPE NESBITT DOES’T GET HURT AGAINST THAT POWERHOUSE JAX ST. THURSDAY SEPT 10TH GT FOOTBALL STARTS IT’S LOSING STREAK!!!

MoDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:25 pm

I’ll make this real easy for you…any future post on this thread will be by my apparent alter-ego. I have stated what I wanted to say so I’ll just sit back and see what else “I” have to say….

Continue “alter MoDawg”…

HamDawg11

September 4th, 2009
3:25 pm

Is it ironic that “The Winds of Change” is playing on the radio right now? I’m not liking this feeling I’m getting. ‘Course, before this I was feeling really confident about our chances in OK. But, usually when I feel overconfident we come out with a big L, so maybe everything’s just as it should be.

There’s waaaaaay too much time between now and kickoff for my mind to wander…

Davis

September 4th, 2009
3:25 pm

Expect more players to be out with the flu. This crap is contaigous.

MoDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:25 pm

MdDawg Stop with the damn excuses, Randy already told you that. You must not listen to anyone!

Blindside

September 4th, 2009
3:26 pm

He does NOT have swine flu. Brad, don’t go into your below ground shelter.

Flu Cox

September 4th, 2009
3:27 pm

24 hours til the sound of TOUCHDOWN DEZ BRYANT rings in your ears!!

Darindawg

September 4th, 2009
3:27 pm

Heck, we had 18 starters injured when we played Tech and they still had to come from behind and only beat us by 3. Just proves the old saying that our reserves are as good as their starters. We’ll be fine Sat.

Brad

September 4th, 2009
3:28 pm

How do you know? The reg flu isn’t going around now. It usually doesn’t start until October. Swine is what is going around now. I’d bet 100-1 that it;s the swine and he doesn’t play tomorrow.

24 hours

September 4th, 2009
3:30 pm

28 hours until Gundy has a post game rant about how he’s actually a woman.

Vijay

September 4th, 2009
3:30 pm

Yeah right darin. Like anyone believes that lie.

Cuz

September 4th, 2009
3:31 pm

Dawgs to Face Cowboys with Cox Out?

That won’t be pretty.

GO DAWGS

September 4th, 2009
3:31 pm

Jason your a MEAT GAZER !!!!!!!!!!!!! DAWGS WIN 24-17.

Blindside

September 4th, 2009
3:31 pm

Most of the flu cases right now are type A but not Swine.

Dawg

September 4th, 2009
3:33 pm

Yellow Fuzz… what would you know about playing big teams? Who do you nerds play tomorrow?? The ONLY big team you play is Georgia, and last year you barely beat a VERY mediocre GA team. What a joke. As far as Joe Cox, I hope he gets to play solely based on the fact that he’s been waiting for this day for several years.

Dawg

September 4th, 2009
3:33 pm

DarinDawg… I completely agree. Our worst player is still better than Tech’s best.

YoungDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:33 pm

WOW this really brings up a lot of questions!

Even if Cox plays I think this means we’ll see more of Gray than expected. If it’s just Gray then we’ll have to mix our normal O & the packages for him:
What if Gray has a big day, do we have a QB controversy?
Same deal if Murray has to play & has a big game?

What this really means is the running game will be even more important than we already knew it would be:
Samuel might need some help so will Ealy get some carries?

Ok so Cox doesn’t play & we lose then maybe morale won’t be down that much. Then the coaches can motivate the guys by pointing out that we’ll still be able to compete for the SEC East.

wlson haynes

September 4th, 2009
3:34 pm

each team plays 11 players at one time. with uga talent level, i will take any of our 11 over their 11-when okstate double covers aj green-you will see breaKOUT

Dawg fan

September 4th, 2009
3:34 pm

Larry Munson just reported that Joe Cox has a 108 temp but may play

69 Dawg

September 4th, 2009
3:35 pm

The entire key is Will Willie show up? He’s not been showing up for most of the games. Will he have any kind of game plan? Will he be able to make any adjustments or be frozen like he was in the GT game.
Please Lord let Willie show up for the game.

Bill King

September 4th, 2009
3:36 pm

Altamaha?

Attitude change? I don’t recall ever saying Georgia would lose to Oklahoma State. Going back to early summer, I said that all four games in September were winnable.

Frank Wren

September 4th, 2009
3:37 pm

LSU just scored again

Gary

September 4th, 2009
3:37 pm

Gosh you ga fans calling tech fans and players nerds and the gt fans calling ga players and fans rednecks is so stupid.

if you’re a nerd, and tech has some, you aren’t on this blog. those on this blog like sports and by definition aren’t nerds. if you’re a redneck, you’re certainly not on a computer. so those doing the name calling only make themselves look stupid. grow up.

Blindside

September 4th, 2009
3:37 pm

Willie Martinez had the swine flu all last season. He’s over it now.

A.J. Suggs

September 4th, 2009
3:40 pm

But I want to play!

JaxDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:42 pm

If we have to go with Gray I think we’ll be fine. I Cox and Gray are closer to 1a and 1b than 1 & 2. Gray’s athleticism would make for an interesting look to the offense, and there were already plans to play him anyway.

YoungDawg- I agree we will definitely see more of Gray than the original gameplan calls for.

Either way- Dawgs 38 Pokes 24

Good luck to all the other SEC teams this weekend & I hope everyone has a fun & SAFE Labor Day Weekend!!

Go Dawgs!

Brad

September 4th, 2009
3:42 pm

Blindside you are clueless…from the cdc website

•Almost all of the influenza viruses identified were the new 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These 2009 H1N1 viruses remain similar to the viruses chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and remain susceptible to antiviral drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir) with rare exception.

Dawg fan

September 4th, 2009
3:43 pm

dawg,

Nothing against Joe Cox but I for one am not impressed with his high school accomplishments becuse his scholl could recruit and played agaionst schools that couldn’t. H also could not execute our offense nor does he want to be executing georgias offense when they come play us this year.

“you barely beat a VERY mediocre GA team”. Now wait a minute. I thought you “owned” us and were the “preseason number 1″? LOL And “outrecruited us 10 straight years”. How do you get mediocre out of all that that? LOL.

Typical georgia fan that’s how. You just can’t stand to get your azz beat, straight up with no excuses. It’s got to always be sombody elses fault. I knew the closer we got to kick off the closer the excuses would begin to fly. LOL. LOOSER!

Yellow Fuzz

September 4th, 2009
3:44 pm

dawg,

Nothing against Joe Cox but I for one am not impressed with his high school accomplishments becuse his scholl could recruit and played agaionst schools that couldn’t. H also could not execute our offense nor does he want to be executing georgias offense when they come play us this year.

“you barely beat a VERY mediocre GA team”. Now wait a minute. I thought you “owned” us and were the “preseason number 1″? LOL And “outrecruited us 10 straight years”. How do you get mediocre out of all that that? LOL.

Typical georgia fan that’s how. You just can’t stand to get your azz beat, straight up with no excuses. It’s got to always be sombody elses fault. I knew the closer we got to kick off the closer the excuses would begin to fly. LOL. LOOSER!

Brad

September 4th, 2009
3:44 pm

Frank Wren

September 4th, 2009
3:45 pm

Florida just scored again

Tom

September 4th, 2009
3:45 pm

Frank, you sure don’t sound like someone whose son is going to play baseball at GT.

Taylor Bennett

September 4th, 2009
3:45 pm

Please let me play…can I? Please?

Frank Wren

September 4th, 2009
3:45 pm

Alabama just scored again!

JasonDawg

September 4th, 2009
3:46 pm

Does it really matter? We are gonna get hammered by most of the teams on our schedule anyway.

Frank Wren

September 4th, 2009
3:46 pm

Kentucky just scored again and rushed for their 500th yard of the game

Burdell

September 4th, 2009
3:47 pm

Headline: “Bulldogs’ Cox Drained of Fluids”

Seriously though, I hope the young man is feeling better by tomorrow. Like many of you have said before…just run, run, run and play physical D. The Dogs’ lines win this game.

Go Jackets!

Jack Hoff

September 4th, 2009
3:47 pm

Yellow Fuzz,

You still haven’t explained how you type so much with your left hand….

Frank Wren

September 4th, 2009
3:47 pm

Georgia Southern just put up 21 on the number one team in the nation. LOLOLOLOLOL

senoiadawgs

September 4th, 2009
3:47 pm

Gray certainly has the best arm of the bunch. Like Stafford though it doesn’t mean he is the best QB. I for one would love to see him get ample playing time. However, I would feel more comfortable with the option of a 5th year senior.

nemov

September 4th, 2009
3:47 pm

I can only assume from the double post above that Yellow Fuzz and Dawg fan are the same person?

Wyld Byll Hyltnyr

September 4th, 2009
3:47 pm

and the excuses start

Yellow Fuzz

September 4th, 2009
3:49 pm

LOL, you loosers always blame others, LOL. Ga Tech is natinal powerhouse, and Georgia isn’t, LOL. I love using seventh grade techno-jargon in my posts, LOL, as it is a reflection of my intelligence, LOL.

Dawg fan

September 4th, 2009
3:50 pm

LOL, you loosers always blame others, LOL. Ga Tech is natinal powerhouse, and Georgia isn’t, LOL. I love using seventh grade techno-jargon in my posts, LOL, as it is a reflection of my intelligence, LOL.

Burdell

September 4th, 2009
3:51 pm

“Bulldogs’ Cox Manhandled by Cowboys”

Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

gray

September 4th, 2009
3:52 pm

Gray was going to see plenty of time weather Cox is sick or not don’t be surprised if Cox does play and they can stick to there gameplan Gray comes in, in the red zone to run the wildcat with carlton thomas. Mark my words.

BIGBOY

September 4th, 2009
3:52 pm

Yellow fuzz I’m still waiting on you to explain why the hell GT can’t beat VA.You remember VA?1-5 in the last 6.Fill me in on that one smart guy…go back to your own blog.I’m not worried about Cox so much…Gray brings the run threat to the table…stronger arm to boot…we are loaded this year…come tomorrow you will all see what I’m talking about.

Sanford Drive

September 4th, 2009
3:52 pm

Yeah, Fuzz, way to hide the fact that you’re posting as multiple users. Nice touch.

Bo in North Carolina

September 4th, 2009
3:54 pm

Jason name those committing parole violations and those arrested last week!

Bill E. Goat

September 4th, 2009
3:54 pm

I hope all you guys saying UGA will still win or that Gray is better or just as good aren’t here if you lose using it as an excuse…

[...] What If Cox Can’t Play? – AJC.com [...]

Frank Wren

September 4th, 2009
3:54 pm

What color rings do you guys get for a win over Jax St?

I sure hope they are pretty!!!

BUZZ

September 4th, 2009
3:54 pm

And the excuses begin

Dick

September 4th, 2009
3:55 pm

Tech boys, why did ya’ll choose the color of your stream as a school color?

Richard Hamilton

September 4th, 2009
3:55 pm

rub some dirt on it and get in there Joe!

Observer

September 4th, 2009
3:56 pm

And the excuses begin again

Oledawg

September 4th, 2009
3:57 pm

Dawg fans, let’s not run like a pack- in circles barking our heads off.
The flu has had plenty of press and it has been stated on these blogs that the flu may have a lot to do with the season’s outcome on all 119 teams. This will just continue until a vaccine becomes available next month. Some teams will be unluckier than others, but with our acceptance of flu being a factor this year we should be better able to roll with the punches. We are the least team to have reason for panic. We have 4 QBs that are good enough to play in the SEC or they wouldn’t have been recruited. Other positions will become involved and things may go to the point where some games may be canceled by some teams before this year is over. If the most virulent strain hits, many schools and universities could close. Cross your fingers and proceed with caution. Do not become stressed with what may be inevitable. How do you think the players feel after all their hard work? Twitter encouragements if you know any player’s numbers. As fans, that’s about all you can do for this team and this ubiquitous problem.

GO FANS! GO DAWGS!

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