Bulldog Bites: All is well, SEC’s top official says
Another week, another officiating controversy in the SEC (this time with LSU was on the short end), and it has the conference’s head of officiating, Georgia Tech grad Rogers Redding, sounding a bit like the Kevin Bacon character at the end of “Animal House.”
Speaking to Florida Today, Redding maintained that the officiating in the SEC this year hasn’t been much different from other seasons (wow, that’s a backdoor indictment if ever I heard one) and said it only seems worse this year because the coaches have been griping more in public.
“This is not broke,” Redding said of the officiating. “It doesn’t need fixing … I think we’ve had a really good season so far.”
All is well!
WELCOME TO ATHENS, MONTEZ
Let’s hope winning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week helps freshman defensive end Montez Robinson get over being homesick for Indiana. Robinson had five tackles Saturday against Tennessee Tech, including two sacks. There’s nothing like playing time and recognition to make a player feel he belongs.
Holding Tennessee Tech to negative rushing yardage was a rare feat for the Georgia defense. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
DEFENSIVE SHOWING WAS HISTORIC
Patrick Garbin writes that when Georgia held Tennessee Tech to minus-13 yards on the ground, it was only the eighth time in Bulldog history and the first time since the 2008 Sugar Bowl against Hawaii that the Dogs yielded minus yards rushing in a single game. Tennessee Tech’s 55 total yards was the least amount a Georgia defense has yielded since the Dogs held the Citadel to 39 in 1958.
PLAYING WHILE THE SUN SHINES
We were warned ahead of time by Damon Evans that it probably would come to this, but having a fourth night game this season in Athens is now a reality with the news that the Kentucky game will kick off at 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 21. Ah, there’s nothing like post-midnight traffic jams in the Classic City. This past Saturday’s game on a glorious fall afternoon is going to become an increasingly rare experience for UGA fans, unfortunately.
DOGS’ BOWLING STREAK
The Athens Banner-Herald takes a look at how the Dogs are trying to extend a program-record 12 consecutive seasons of bowl appearances, tied for the fourth-longest streak in the nation. If Georgia does become bowl-eligible this season, it will be the latest in the year that has happened since Mark Richt’s first year in Athens in 2001 when Georgia did it by beating Ole Miss 35-15 on Nov. 17.
Most observers see the Dogs going to the Music City in Nashville, the Liberty in Memphis or the Independence in Shreveport, but Buck Belue is more optimistic. He thinks Georgia could make it to the Outback Bowl in Tampa. Wonder what the betting odds are on that.
I’ll be off as usual on Tuesday. The Blawg will return on Wednesday.
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81 comments Add your comment
NCDAWG
November 9th, 2009
2:08 pm
It has come to this?
Saint Simons
November 9th, 2009
2:11 pm
45-42 !!!!!!!!!!! hahahahhaahahahahaha
E
November 9th, 2009
2:13 pm
Willie??????? CWM?????? Do the right thing at seasons end!!!
Steve McGarrett as Chin Ho's Leader
November 9th, 2009
2:13 pm
Buck is in dream land on the Outback Bowl. Most likely the other 3 bowls with a 6-6 record. Play the wrong team in the bowl and its a losing record for the dogs. Bill, will you see St. Simons tomorrow? I know that he is one of your big buddies.
Flowery Branch Dawg
November 9th, 2009
2:13 pm
If they can beat Aub & Ky, I think the Chick-fil-a Bowl would love to take UGA. They are 2nd in the east with SC playing FL this week and Tenn still has Vandy & Ky left. Anything is possible. I dont mind the Music Bowl, but the Liberty & Independence would stink….
RonnieGarDner
November 9th, 2009
2:14 pm
If UGA had played this good against Tenn,Florida, LSU,and Ok State we would be undefeated right now. As it is……well I guess we will have to settle for the fact that we are playing better than any team in the country the lsat 2 weeks (Vandy & TennTech).Hopefully this momentum will land us a top 5 preseason ranking next year.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
2:15 pm
The good news for UGA is, SEC officials will be doing the Tech game. I wonder if Slive has already told them, “We owe Georgia one.”
L-DAWG
November 9th, 2009
2:15 pm
GLORY GLORY TO OLE UGA !!!!!!! WILLY AND BOBO I’LL STICK WITH YOU AS LONG AS YOU’RE MY COACHES. AND I LOVE MEN!!!!!!!!!!! I USE CAPS BECOUSE I FEEL IRRELIVENT IN REAL LIFE!! WHAT A TOOL I’VE BECOME!!!!!
WTH
November 9th, 2009
2:16 pm
Who is UGA tied with in this streak?
NCDAWG
November 9th, 2009
2:17 pm
So now we are worrying about being bowl eligible……Here is a problem I have. We beat a FBS school, and now everyone seems to forget about Tennessee and Florida……….LSU and OSU bother me but not as much as those two…………..When was the last time UGA beat Tennessee and Florida in the same season? UGA has too many good Athletes to be playing this poorly. The problem is due to certain loyalties and shcemes…some of the better athletes are not playing!
Sid
November 9th, 2009
2:22 pm
LSU got nailed to the goal posts.
Replay official is crooked.
Tell Slive I said so !!
NCDAWG
November 9th, 2009
2:23 pm
wth: Florida State (27)
Florida (18)
Virginia Tech (16)
Georgia, Georgia Tech (12)
Texas (11)
Boston College, Oklahoma (10)
LSU, Ohio State, Texas Tech (9)
Southern Cal (8)
Otto
November 9th, 2009
2:25 pm
The officials are as bad as ever. They just have more media coverage and money on the line. The SEC needs to step it up.
Saint Simons
November 9th, 2009
2:28 pm
UGA going to Carpets of Dalton bowl!!!!!! hahahahahahahaha
NCDAWG
November 9th, 2009
2:29 pm
Congratulations to Montez Robinson. Why is he just now getting playing time?
Fire Mike Slime
November 9th, 2009
2:34 pm
Yeah Bill I heard about that comment. Here ismy post from Barnhards blog: November 9th, 2009
2:10 pm
Tony, the Al. LSU game was still undecided – Al scored right after the bad call. What would have been interesting is if the zebras let the players decide it on the field. Could Al have stopped the LSU offense w/ a back up QB under center and a championship on the line? What a great finish! …we will never know.
AND one more thing. When the vast majority of thebad calls benefit just 2 teams, after a while common sense dictates you have to consider its NOT a coincidence. My sister once had a little dog. Whenever I came in the room, even if there were 5 or 6 people around, he would sneak up and try to bite me. Seldom anyone else, just me. Got me once or twice. But I am sure the dog liked me, it was probably just a coincidence. And has everyone heard about the absurd statement by the SEC Director of Officiating Roberts Redding? His officials are hving an OUTSTANDING year. Talk about being out of touch…or maybe in denial.
NCDAWG
November 9th, 2009
2:42 pm
Does this shut-out save Willie’s job?
reebok
November 9th, 2009
2:43 pm
If the officials keep screwing up, the commish will just have to raise the fines on the coaches. Problem solved!
South Carolina is next
November 9th, 2009
2:48 pm
Gee whiz, I hope Ronnie GarDner @ 2:14 is joking.
NCDAWG
November 9th, 2009
2:52 pm
Will no bowl=no changes in coaching staff?
Sam
November 9th, 2009
2:57 pm
It was Tennessee Tech for crying out loud!
Real Truth
November 9th, 2009
2:57 pm
The real truth is that the SEC has the worst officiating of any conference in the NCAA.
m
November 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
The sec official is correct.
Acc officiating is 10 times worse than sec officiating.
But there are two differences:
One is the ACC is mainly neutrally bad and unbiasedly bad… whereas the sec is biasedly bad. The sec officials will always favor an sec team over a non-conference team.
Second reason is that ugag fans (and sec fans in general) are such crybabies that it makes the officiating look worse than it is.
Bottom line is this….the sec sucks….the sec officiating sucks…and the ugag hushpuppies suck worst of all.
And a reminder…Paul Johnson is going to stomp your sorry arses…mark it down.
The IRS
November 9th, 2009
3:00 pm
Maybe we should check these officials bank accounts. I wonder if an audit of their financial records might turn up a lot of money gained illegally through sports betting and shaving points? It is a good question and should be asked because the officials in this league seem to be either incompetent or paid to make bad calls.
Todd
November 9th, 2009
3:03 pm
Redding is an absolute IDIOT! These are the morons we have running the SEC. What a lame excuse for the SEC. He and Slive are nothing but scum
Reggie Ball
November 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
Yea man u got dat rite! SEC refs be cheatin for the SEC! They did that when they tricked me into trowin da ball away on forth down in athens dat time.
What? You not just trickin me? Oh, uh somebody jes infoamed me dat that wuz ACC refs in athens dat time. Damd u means dat my own refs mess wit me.
I beez a grate Gorjia Tek football player. I wuz da quorterbak! An i is a pwoud gaduate of Gorja Tek.
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
November 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
Win out and get a Peach Filet Bowl bid. Maybe that’s a pipe dream but it’s my pipe dream.
Frank DeZoort
November 9th, 2009
3:06 pm
Lets bring Kirby Smart Home. He is good just look at Bama’s defense. Georgia needs to open thier wallet and bring this Dawg home as the defensive coach
Bob Dylan
November 9th, 2009
3:09 pm
…stuck inside of Shreveport with the Outback blues again…
Big Bird
November 9th, 2009
3:10 pm
If you are a freshman at the University of Georgia and homesick, something’s wrong with you…wow! Maybe that’s our problem: we’re recruiting sissies.
Cuz
November 9th, 2009
3:29 pm
Nashville or Shreveport, we would have to win out to make Tampa. Not that it could not happen, just not willing to bet my house. The crash and burn is more likely.
For Willie to keep a job he will have to win out and shutout one or more of the three remaining regular season games. I am not confident of that scenario.
TO
November 9th, 2009
3:30 pm
NCDAWG – FBS is “Football Bowl Subdivision”. UGA, UF, UT, AU, etc. are all FBS schools. Tennessee Tech is an FCS school. That is “Football Championship Subdivision” or the former Division IAA.
Michael Scharff
November 9th, 2009
3:31 pm
I HATE NIGHT GAMES!!!!!! Mainly, because I go to all of the Home night games, and I can’t stand the drunks and the traffic.
Cuz
November 9th, 2009
3:31 pm
My Mom was not a good cook. I did not get homesick once I got to Athens.
Cuz
November 9th, 2009
3:33 pm
We have had an outstanding year in officiating.
Translation: It was tough, but we were able to get that Bama and Florida matchup in the Dome.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
3:35 pm
The question is, will those SEC officials be able to tell the difference between the legal cut blocks and illegal chop blocks on Nov. 28?
GeoffDawg
November 9th, 2009
3:36 pm
My solution to the night games is to play better. That’ll get you televised at 3:30 on CBS. Alternatively, we could also play worse and get stuck in 12:30 kickoff purgatory.
Mikey
November 9th, 2009
3:39 pm
Here is a great idea-
Please just concentrate on Auburn. Bowl game is not the most pressing issue. The war eagles are.
DamntheButcher
November 9th, 2009
3:40 pm
FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ
DamntheButcher
November 9th, 2009
3:41 pm
FIRE THAT SORRY WILLIE MARTINEZ
Ed
November 9th, 2009
3:45 pm
The officiating has been good by WWF standards, perhaps. By the standards of real sports, the SEC officiating has been horrible for years. It’s finally come to a head this year, but this is nothing new.
JB
November 9th, 2009
3:47 pm
The team will go to Shreveport or Nashville, many fans won’t go. My guess 3 or 4 thousand, down from 15-20 thousand. Economy and the play is my guess. Richt will want the Bowl to get the extra 2 weeks of practice more than anything. It’s like an extra spring session. If we beat Auburn and Tech, He’ll want to keep Willie. We have a chance with Auburn, but even with the suspect D at Tech, it’ll be tough.
Buck Belue
November 9th, 2009
3:47 pm
You stupid idiots talked about me on here last week for calling you out. I know that Willie M is a very good coach and all you you pukes are crazy and don’t know football like I do. Now leave me alone.
Willie Martinez
November 9th, 2009
3:52 pm
I shut out Tennesee Tech and CMR gave me the game ball. Thats my buddy, he will make sure I’m here for another 3-5 years, until I take over as head coach.
Willie Martinez
November 9th, 2009
3:53 pm
Thank you Buck! Id write more but Ive got to work on this soft zone scheme I got set up for Auburn. Im gonna hold them under 50 points, just you wait and see!!!!
PMC
November 9th, 2009
3:57 pm
the PR director of the Iraqui government under Hussain is a bit more apt. of a comparison.
jack bull
November 9th, 2009
4:07 pm
my buddy in kansas called me late sat nite and made a good point, with the SEC’s new big TV contract’s, there comes a whole lot of scrutiny. and that goes with the officiating also. he also said that the conspiracy theory is pretty evident,to the midwesterners, that the SEC wants either UA or UF to be undefeated at the end. how does the replay booth not see that was an INT for LSU? just someone from the outside looking in’s opinion.
AND, i agree, gulp, with buck. we do still have a chance to play on new years day.. gotta have faith..
Bill King
November 9th, 2009
4:14 pm
Longest current streaks of bowl games:
Florida State (27)
Florida (18)
Virginia Tech (16)
Georgia, Georgia Tech (12)
Texas (11)
Boston College, Oklahoma (10)
LSU, Ohio State, Texas Tech (9)
Southern Cal (8)
NewnanDawg
November 9th, 2009
4:30 pm
SEC officials and elected members of Congress must all be related.
Both are egomaniac powertrippers
Both will do anything (lie, cheat, steal) to maintain their power
Both have absolutely no concern for the actual well being of those they “serve”
Both are completely out of touch with reality
Oh, crap, we can’t vote out the SEC officials next fall.
Go Dawgs! Beat Auburn!
eric dawg
November 9th, 2009
4:48 pm
The only way Richt can justify keeping Martinez is another shutout game which is highly likely since UGA is playing another high school team on SATURDAY after Thanksgiving.
Saint Simons
November 9th, 2009
4:51 pm
Does anyone know where I can get help? After watching our Nerds play Wake I am a little worried about Duke, and very worried about the Dawgs coming to Atlanta and finishing our season in a sad note. I am nervous, sick to my stomach, having cramps and pains all over.
We will be looking ahead to UGA, for sure. We admire that program, and strive to be like that program. So I hope Duke does not beat us, oh man,…………. I am am worried big time. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to run to the rest room…
Fire Mike Slime
November 9th, 2009
5:00 pm
PMC, that,s really funny… “there are no American troops at the Baghad Airport. I have it on good authority.
Dawg Bone
November 9th, 2009
5:18 pm
SEC refs—the worst of any major conference in the country, even the ACC, which is terrible too. Totally embarrassing that these incompetent clowns keep their jobs.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
5:29 pm
Maybe some day there will be real-time 3D laser scanning of the entire field and all “calls” can be made by the supercomputer to within 1 microsecond and .001 inch. Not referees required, and the instant replays will be of graphically recreated 3D figures.
At that point everybody will just decide to play Madden football video games instead.
Nate
November 9th, 2009
5:29 pm
Why is a night game “unfortunate”? The dawgs look awesome at night and it definitely ups the gameday atmosphere.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
Nate – That’s if they aren’t dumb enough to wear black and white.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
5:39 pm
Don’t censor my post, dammit!
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
5:43 pm
Censored again.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
5:47 pm
Well, I’ve learned that freedom of speech doesn’t include criticism of certain bowl sponsors who greedily corrupt the traditional established bowls wit their product names. See if this one gets by…
Big time?? Not
November 9th, 2009
5:50 pm
Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes…..and almost 51,000 at the game saturday…..St. Simons, you and all the north avenue trade school toadies, go away.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
5:50 pm
“T.C.” & company are willing co-conspirators in this college football mess.
Delbert D.
November 9th, 2009
5:51 pm
Eat Mor Beef.
THUGS on Scooters
November 9th, 2009
7:00 pm
One thing is for certain, All is NOT well in Athens ! Bragging about a defense holding a highschool team to negative yardage is really nothing to crow about either. Bowl are you kidding? As Vince Dooley would say “This season is Ova” The streak has ended!
NCDAWG
November 9th, 2009
7:01 pm
Thanks TO for clarification
cantondawg
November 9th, 2009
9:37 pm
Ericdawg,
Stupid comment about GT calling them a high school team. They’re 8-1 and will probrably win the ACC championship. That High school offense has produced a ton of national championships.
Starring Peter Graves as Capt. Clarence Over
November 10th, 2009
12:04 am
eric dawg: That “high school” team you play the Saturday after Thanksgiving put 45 on you last year.
Look at the bright side. Playing at night allows you to get that much more likkered up. Why would you want to play early games. 12:30 games are too early because you’re still hung over. 3:30 games are reserved for good teams or when you’re playing good teams. The only way you get a 3:30 game in Athens is when you play an LSU or Alabama. Besides, night games boost the local economy. All the south Georgia necks will spend the night instead of making a day trip with a 12:30 or 3:30 kickoff.
Championships Seasons
November 10th, 2009
12:33 am
Georgia to the InDuncePendunce Bowl
Dawgsruletech
November 10th, 2009
2:35 am
Saint Simons needs a life for real!!!! Thats all he can say!! How bout 7 in a row!!!!!!!! DORK!!!!
Dawgsruletech
November 10th, 2009
2:36 am
The whole BCS world knows that they don’t want anything to do with tech in the championship game!!!!! Get a live Bumblebee fans!!! You have sucked for many years and many to come!!!
Dawgsruletech
November 10th, 2009
2:38 am
How bout the head of the SEC ref crew is a TECH grad!!! figures!!! Thats why they can’t get S*&% right!!!!!
Dawgsruletech
November 10th, 2009
2:42 am
THUGS on scooters said STREAK!!!! That means UGA did something for may years right??? and TECH has done what for many years???? let me help you!!!!!!! They BLOW!!!!!! Thats why they named the toilet bowl!! so Tech would have somewhere to play!!!!!
Quincy Carter handoff to Jasper Sanks
November 10th, 2009
4:08 am
Bill King- I’m just curious….if we can use instant replay to review plays on the field, why can’t the officials use replays on themselves to review penalties, especially subjective calls i.e. “celebration penalties”. They established replay to get it right, why can’t they use it on their officiating crew to get it right. (Yes I know the replay officials have missed calls this year which is beside my point)
Spike
November 10th, 2009
6:42 am
The SEC is the best football conference with the worst officials in the country. Oh, no.. Don’t fine me Slive!
Saint Simons
November 10th, 2009
7:26 am
I’m sorry that I won’t be around to keep posting my “45-42″ comment but I’m needed at the NAMBLA convention on North Avenue.
barneyb
November 10th, 2009
8:49 am
The SEC officiating has sunk to a new low this year. Bad calls abound. Whether it’s corruption or incompetence, who know? The end result is the same.
cb@cb.com
November 10th, 2009
9:27 am
I hope the Dawgs can get a Thurday night game on ESPN in 2010. Those are great for exposure!
BufordDawg
November 10th, 2009
9:47 am
Wow, Buck Belue really is an idiot. I guess he has been watching a different team than I have this year. I guess I better shut up or I’ll be labeled a 6 pack drinking fairweather fan apparently incapable of individual and analytical thought.
The cupcake (TennTech) has been served – it’s back to being carved up by better opponents. Maybe we can stuff Ben Tate at the line… Ah wait, I forgot for second there who our DC was – another mediocre QB will just 8 yard pass us to death. Chizik better not outcoach Richt and crew or I am never going to hear the end of it from my AU friends.
gt
November 10th, 2009
9:59 am
SEC ZEBRAS STRUCK AGAIN , THIS TIME WITH 2 PLAYS AGAINST LSU. WHAT GOES AROUND COMOES AROUND , DEAR TIGER FANS.EVERYONE NEEDS TO UNITE AGAINST THE SEC ATTITUDE REGARDING THE REFS. THEY MAKE NO PUBLIC COMMENTS, THEY SAID. EVERY SCHOOL AND THE PUBLIC NEED TO KNOW WHEN THERE ARE MAJOR PROBLEMS. HOW IRONIC THAT A UNIVERSITY-ORIENTED OUTFIT- THE SEC- TOTALLY SUPPRESSES THE TRUTH. WAS THAT NOT WHAT UNIVERSITIES WERE SUPPOSED TO SEEK?
THE BIG PROBLEM IS THE IMAGE CONSCIOUS COLLEGE PRESIDENTS. ALUMNI, BRING THE HEAT ON THEM! WOULD THE HEAD REF KEEP A BUSINESS OR COACHING JOB LONG IF HIS HIRES MADE THIS MANY HUGE ERRORS?
DawgVoiceofReason
November 10th, 2009
2:00 pm
I think the real reason SEC officiating has gotten so much negative publicity is because they have blown so many calls in major games at key points in the game. It’s as simple as that, Mr. Redding. I don’t know about any conspiracy but I do know a terrible call when I see one (or many in this season!).
As far as the night home games go, one or two a year makes for an exciting, special atmosphere. When almost every game is a night game, it loses it’s magic and the traffic and bitter cold (for Georgia) late in the season start to overcome the fun. Of course, the guys who paint themselves in Red & Black and don’t wear shirts, don’t seem to mind!!! On the other hand, as long as we win, I won’t mind either!
As for “bowling”, I want to see us keep the streak going. All things considered, this could turn out to be a pretty good season, with a very good ending if we win out.
Dawg Tired
November 11th, 2009
10:42 am
Rodgers Redding can not really be a Tech graduate. I just can’t believe someone who actually graduated from any college or university could be so stupid as to beleive the SEC’s officiating this year is no worse than normal. His Tech degree may be like O’Leary’s football career – fake. He’s obviously brain dead.
Bill King
November 11th, 2009
3:35 pm
I say “unfortunately” because while I enjoy the occasional night game, I think college football is best played on a fall Saturday afternoon. It’s just my preference as a fan going to the games.