Bulldog Bites: Talking bowl games, fiery coaches and Washaun
Georgia's postseason destination? (Music City Bowl)
Despite Mark Richt’s 2009 Dogs not yet being assured of bowl eligibility, the pundits are including Georgia in their usual predictions of who’ll wind up in which bowl.
My colleague Mark Bradley wrote about the chances of UGA winding up in the gulag of the postseason, Shreveport, home of the Independence Bowl, still popularly known as the Weedeater Bowl from the days when Poulan was the sponsor. That’s where ESPN’s Bruce Feldman sees them, against Missouri, while ESPN’s Mark Schlabach thinks they’ll likely play in Nashville’s Music City Bowl against FSU. David Ching of the Athens Banner-Herald also sees the Dogs in the Music City. And I tend to agree Nashville seems Georgia’s most likely postseason destination, assuming seven wins for the Dogs.
Generally, the Music City has the seventh pick among SEC teams eligible for a bowl. Of course, there’s always the chance they could wind up in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, which picks just ahead of the Music City. Or if the Dogs do wind up 6-6 they could slip down to the Papajohns.com Bowl in Birmingham, which actually has the last pick of the SEC’s bowl tie-ins, after the Independence.
The Dogs appear to have pretty much played themselves out of anything better than the bottom half of the conference’s bowl tie-ins, and currently most predictions I’m hearing from fans are that Georgia will wind up 6-6 or 7-5, with few giving the Bulldogs much of a chance of upsetting the Yellow Jackets. If, however, Georgia were to defy the odds and wind up 8-4, the strong finish could elevate them to a better postgame home, most likely Atlanta’s Chick-fil-A Bowl.
The bigger question is how well the Dogs’ fan base will travel for one of the lesser bowls. Will you go to Nashville? Memphis? Or, God forbid, Shreveport or Birmingham?
ZEIER LIKES A CALM RICHT
Richt’s “nice guy” tag and calm demeanor have many fans crying for a more confrontational style. Former Georgia QB Eric Zeier doesn’t agree.
On his Georgiadogs.com blog, he writes: “I have heard that we need someone on the sideline that gets emotional and gets in the face of players so all can see. To that point, allow me to share this: I have played for a number of great coaches through my playing years, but none were better than Tony Dungy. When I was in Tampa, I heard the very same thing. Tony needs to go because there is not enough fire there to win championships. And so the Bucs let him go. Yes, Tampa Bay did win a Super Bowl after he was gone, but simply compare the Indianapolis Colts to the Tampa Bay Bucs right now. Where would you rather be? Tony went on to get his Super Bowl ring with the Colts. And he has played a major role in creating the premier program in the NFL. Do not mistake calmness for lack of fire. You can have both like we have right now at Georgia. That is not our issue, and as a matter of fact, it is that calmness we need right now from our leaders to push through this period. Our issues are clearly visible. Turnovers. Penalties. Before we compete on the national stage again, those issues must get fixed. We have talented players, we have talented coaches, but the myriad of mistakes we continue to commit allows none of that to shine through.”
SLIGHTING OF EALEY IRKS ROBINSON
Washaun Ealey. (Bob Andres / AJC)
UGA kicking great Rex Robinson doesn’t like Richt giving the starting nod this week to Caleb King over Washaun Ealey because Ealey missed a block in the Florida game on a play that led to one of Joe Cox’s three interceptions. Ealey is clearly the Dogs’ best running back, Robinson argues, and that’s all that should matter at this point. Blocking is of secondary importance, he says, and it was still Cox who made the bad throw, not Ealey, and yet Cox remains as a starter.
Sums up Robinson: “It’s as if Richt is shining a bright light on Washaun’s weaknesses to distract us from Joe’s continued struggles. Spreading the blame around to lighten Joe’s burden. This staff has always harped on its running backs having to be able to block to get on the field and I understand that this is a crucial issue in most situations. But do you really think that is Georgia’s biggest issue on offense? Please.”
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158 comments Add your comment
TX Dawg Fan
November 4th, 2009
2:04 pm
I completely agree with Rex Robinson
Herschel Talker
November 4th, 2009
2:04 pm
Sounds like Rex is on the fire Mark Richt bandwagon. Welcome aboard, Rex! It’s time to move on to bigger and better.
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:05 pm
Look at the number of schools ahead of UGA defensively http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/stats/byteam?cat1=defense&cat2=Total&conference=I-A_all
joe
November 4th, 2009
2:05 pm
first…damn
ImADawg
November 4th, 2009
2:08 pm
First!!
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:08 pm
List of potential DCs anyone?
ImADawg
November 4th, 2009
2:10 pm
Well crap!!! Missed it again. I agree with Rex on the running backs. It seems like every time a back makes a good play, he rotates them out. It’s hard to jump on a horse’s back and make a run in you keep putting him back in the stable.
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
Why would you keep your most productive RB from starting and blame it on his pass blocking. 90% of UGA’s pass plays are play action.
mmgtfan
November 4th, 2009
2:14 pm
Hey, where’s L-dawg?
BullDawg Rick
November 4th, 2009
2:15 pm
Kirby Smart or Travis Jones….
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:16 pm
I have a hard time thinking that Kirby Smart would leave ‘Bama
Tom
November 4th, 2009
2:16 pm
Listen to Zeier…..he’s always dead-on!!….
“Georgia fans are passionate, but let’s face it – they’re not the brightest fans. Passionate, but not bright.” – Eric Zeier, November 21 2001
mikie g.
November 4th, 2009
2:18 pm
Jim Harbaugh. Van Gorder. Chucky. enough said.
J Dub
November 4th, 2009
2:19 pm
I don’t think there is any disputing that Ealey has run with more burst, furor, and determination than any back on our current roster. There is no need to attempt to hide anything about Joe’s ability. It is all there for the world to see. 12 picks, an interception in every game this year, fumbles, staring down receivers, focusing in on AJ too much. I am sick of the excuses, every week there is a new one, whether it is the wind for the special teams, the blocking for Joe, COME ON! I am not on the fire Mark Richt bandwagon but let’s be honest. Joe STINKS! There are no two ways about it. He has the poor arm strength, poor accuracy, and poor leadership if his moping on the sideline when he was removed from the UF game is any indication. Let’s move on!!
Keith
November 4th, 2009
2:19 pm
Two words for you Dawg fans, Charlie Strong! The Richt effect has worn off. It was all fine and dandy early on, but it is old now. It is time for a change, and I think it will happen for the 2011 season.
Tom
November 4th, 2009
2:20 pm
Here’s the take of Stewart Mandel from SI:
“I’ve noticed an interesting trend when it comes to the Richt “hot seat” discussion. Whereas a teams’ own fans are usually the first to turn on a struggling coach, in this case, nearly all such speculation is coming from outside the state of Georgia (and in John’s case, outside the country). [Note: Mandel obviously doesn't read the Junkyard Blawg, or anything else on ajc.com] Perhaps it’s because we’ve seen other SEC schools, like Auburn, abruptly turn against previously successful coaches. But Georgia is different. For one thing, its AD, Damon Evans, is one of the sharpest guys in the profession; he’d never make a knee-jerk reaction off one bad season. And most sensible Dawgs fans, while incredibly frustrated with the current team, still revere Richt, who rescued the program from 20 years of mediocrity and boasts an 86-26 record and two SEC titles. [see previous note]
Right now, most fans are understandably directing their angst at Richt’s coordinators, Mike Bobo and Willie Martinez. Richt isn’t dumb. He knows he will have no choice but to part ways with at least Martinez after the season to show the faithful he’s serious about making changes. And he’ll definitely be facing pressure to return Georgia to SEC title contention next year. Florida will be Tebow-less (and most of its defensive starters will be playing on Sundays), leaving the East open to challengers. And the one thing Richt absolutely can’t afford is for the new kid in town, Lane Kiffin, to win the division before he does. If that happens, then you could legitimately put Richt on the hot seat.”
I think that’s pretty close to 100% right. I don’t think that even Richt thinks Martinez can survive. They’ve probably already discussed this. Evans has probably already discussed it with Richt. Question is the when & how, if Martinez takes the semi-face-saving “resigning to pursue other opportunities” route or not.
And if Tennessee somehow rebounds enough to take the SEC East next year before Georgia can – or, God forbid, a severely depleted Florida wins # 18 of 21 and does–yowza. Abondon all hope & ship.
Paul's Johnson
November 4th, 2009
2:22 pm
Richt has said that he believes in putting the players on the field that give us the best chance to win.
So I guess King is the best back that we have. I have to disagree. Ealey missed a block, sure, but I bet he makes sure he picks up the blitz next time he is on the field. As Robinson said “Cox threw the pass” and does it really matter anyway being that you’re playing a QB that threw a pick because he lacks the arm strength to throw it out of bounds.
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:22 pm
To Keith are you suggesting that Charlie Strong you be the next HC or DC at UGA?
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:23 pm
To Keith are you suggesting that Charlie Strong *would* be the next HC or DC at UGA?
Todd
November 4th, 2009
2:23 pm
Doesn’t matter what Zier thinks or Rex or Bill King or Tony “Koon Dawg” Barnhardt, Shultzie, Bradley, Steve Clown Patterson from the dawgvent…..
MR decided when Staff. exited Coxy would play out his entire Sr. yr. Why? He told us so after the Fl game “there is not a finer young man than Joe Rooster Coxy of Charlotte, NC…” I guess that’s how you define a starter per MR.
He also told us Women want love, Men want respect, no coach men want well coached football teams!
Does anyone really think MR year in year out compete at the level of Myer and Saban? Come on folks.
And guess what, the Kitty up in Knuckersville just beat his ass. MR will be gone in 2 yrs at the UGA.
Styles
November 4th, 2009
2:29 pm
If Richt had some guts he would sit anyone who gets an unsportsman like penalty and then run them till they puke! I don’t care if he berates anyone on the sideline for all to see but not playing them would make more of an impact.
another ptc dawg
November 4th, 2009
2:30 pm
Richt is defending Cox the same way he defended WM last year. poor kickoff coverage, turnovers were the problems that put the defense in a hole every game. Now Richt is saying Ealey can’t block so that is why Cox is throwing ints. Which game is the PROM GAME that Richt promised to take Cox to? Enough is enough. Bench Cox and fire Willie dance with somebody else.
K
November 4th, 2009
2:31 pm
Just a question, but is Sylvester Croom worth pursuing as DC?
DBalcer
November 4th, 2009
2:31 pm
If you read Rex’s blog he is not on the fire Mark Richt band wagon. If fact he is opposed that the movement. While he disagrees with the coach he doesn’t say to let him go. Rex’s blog is always a good read.
Lou
November 4th, 2009
2:35 pm
I know everybody is high on Kirby Smart because of Bama’s defense…tough..aggressive..disciplined..they make big playy with the game on the line..they create turnovers..they force lots of three and outs…they make opposing quarterbacks very uncomfortable and therefore less effective…BUT…the real DC at Bama who is heavily involved in game planning and decision making is Saban…Smart is learning from one of the best…but don’t assume the Bama defense is his creation…He’s a big part of it..but by no means is he on his own…Is Kirby ready to be handed the keys to a defense where he’s on his own?
AA
November 4th, 2009
2:39 pm
Sure is great to have Paul Johnson at Tech.
Ugay coaches are overpaid, they’re players are overhyped and they’re team is over rated.
Same old story, different year.
GO JACKETS !!!!!!
THWG!!!!
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:40 pm
Kriby Smart would at least know what to do with the keys….Willie still can’t figure out
knoxdawg
November 4th, 2009
2:40 pm
CMR is crazy to not start Ealey. He is the only back to me that has proven he deserves to start by his performance in games. Oh well, it is his team so he can do what he wants. I feel Gray deserves a shot at QB but I guess not. We all heard that they had packages for him before the season started and that he deserved playing time. The only playing time he has gotten was when it didn’t matter any more. Bet he doesn’t play a series in the first half this week as we heard CMR say. Dawg fans are passionate no doubt but we aren’t dumb. A defense that can’t stop even a poor offense doesn’t give us much chance to win. I keep my hopes up that eventually the defense will show up but that light is fading fast. Lets hope we can finish 6-6 or maybe 7-5 but 5-7 would not surprise me.
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:41 pm
Kriby Smart would at least know what to do with the keys….Willie still can’t figure ^it^ out
Piccioli
November 4th, 2009
2:45 pm
The Red Queen’s Race. Lewis Carroll was describing Mark Richt to a “T.” Or I should say… to a “G.”
Cuz
November 4th, 2009
2:52 pm
Martinez is gone at the end of the year. UGA gives him a half million severence package. Damon then hires a consulting group for 100 G’s to find a DC. Smart, Strong, Venables, Chavis, Muschamp and Bumpas decline. Rodney Garner is then given 300 G’s more to take the job. Bobo gets 100 G’s more for parity. So at the end of the day, we get a new DC for 1 million dollars. What a country.
Cuz
November 4th, 2009
2:54 pm
I still would rather win all the rest of the games than lose them. I guess that makes me a sightless Greek poet.
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:55 pm
Why would you keep your most productive RB from starting and blame it on his pass blocking. 90% of UGA’s pass plays are play action. Texas was really smart at signing Muschamp as their coach-in-waiting……The only way I see him coming to UGA is offering him more $$ and the same deal.
Keith
November 4th, 2009
2:55 pm
HC. You then get a defensive minded HC who will bring in another good DC for a double dose of what’s ailin’ ya.
Abilene
November 4th, 2009
2:55 pm
I’ve never been to Shreveport. I doubt if I would go to Shreveport if my life depended on it.
But Nashville is a fun place. If we have to go to a minor bowl, Nashville beats most places hands down. And it’s not Shreveport or Boise.
Cuz
November 4th, 2009
2:55 pm
Welcome to historic Grant field where two hapless Defensive Coordinators will battle it out to see which will be let go by their respective programs first.
Otto
November 4th, 2009
2:56 pm
Joe Kines is out at Tx A&M with no talent he greatly improved the defense the first time he came to Athens and was doing a fine job at Bama before Saban. Kirby Smart is another option. Smart comes home and gets out of Saban’s shadow. I am sure other names could be generateed by a search firm.
Now who does UGA get to run the offense?
Todd if no changes are made CMR maybe gone about 13 months from now. Next year looks to be more of a rebuilding year than this year.
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:57 pm
Keith good point…….UF hasn’t made Strong their coach-in-waiting have they?
Abilene
November 4th, 2009
2:57 pm
Cuz should be CFO for the UGA athletic office! But he’s probably right about the $$$.
Cuz
November 4th, 2009
2:58 pm
I hear they make a mean gumbo in Shreveport.
Everybody should stay at the Gaylord Hotel in Nashville once in their lives. You never have to leave the place. Someone built a mall and added hotel rooms.
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
2:59 pm
Richt’s loyalty to his Seniors and Staff are his major weakness
Cuz
November 4th, 2009
3:00 pm
Abilene, I call em like I see em. If I don’t see em, I make em up.
Keith
November 4th, 2009
3:01 pm
NCDAWG: I don’t think so. That would be a LONG wait if he is waiting for Meyer to step down or leave. That guy (Strong) has been more than patient if you ask me, and he is a hellova coach!
JB
November 4th, 2009
3:01 pm
6-6………………………weed eater bowl………………………………..this is were we are………………boy, let’s talk about 2005 and 2007 a minute…………..that always makes me feel better…………………………………We are not just losing games, we are getting hammered by good teams………and not so good( Tenn)………………………..Richt will do NOTHING to this staff this year………………………A new QB next year…..a weaker defensive line ( if there is such a thing)……..6 -6 next year…..then what?…………….Then when?………………Ole Miss of the East
NCDAWG
November 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
I think it is too early to get rid of Richt……unless he keeps Willie
Otto
November 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
Keith, Urban Meyer is an offensive coach but understands defense and special teams win titles. If UGA gets a new HC offense or defense background he needs to hire a good DC. Chizik was a good DC but Auburn’s offense is what has been clicking. A HC that can balance everything is needed.
Keith
November 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
He’d (Strong) bring in a whole new staff as well.
Abilene
November 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
The Gaylord is an incredible place. You’re right, everyone should at least stay there once.
I’m afraid it would take more that gumbo to get me to Shreveport! Well, maybe a good shrimp creole or blackened redfish. Good grief, I’m getting hungry.
guy
November 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
what possible reason would strong or kirby have to leave the championship caliber teams they are currently with in order to make a lateral (more realistically downgrade) move to be uga’s DC? do you really think uga can pay strong more than uf could? sorry, but the only way those guys are leaving is to take a HC job.
Nashville Dawg
November 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
Zier, let’s not forget that Dungy has Payton Manning whose’s ego to win and be the best was the reason they won the Super Bowl.
I completely agreed with Rex. QB plays should be the main factor, not RB blocking. Cox can’t wait all day to throw. If the defense brings heat, then get rid of the ball!!!!!
I truly believes that Richt decided to start C King is because he is worried that King might transfer!?!?!?!
I told ya’ll many times…Richt has not Fire and Desire. All he and his H2O girl doing is babing these kids. The Richt is living large and happy with extra TV time with Dalton’s carpet and Ford.
Fire Richt now please……..