Bulldog Nation turns up its nose at Shreveport
(Independence Bowl)
Admittedly, most UGA fans aren’t too thrilled about the Dogs spending the postseason in Shreveport, but I’m thinking this is probably the least enthused I’ve ever seen the Georgia fan base about a bowl game.
The latest indication is the wince-inducing report in the Athens Banner-Herald that not only does UGA still have about 5,000 unsold tickets to the Independence Bowl, but some of the nearly 6,900 that have been sold so far have gone to Texas A&M fans. The paper reports that after the Aggies sold out their allotment of 12,000 tickets, the school’s athletics Web site encouraged A&M fans to buy tickets at Georgiadogs.com. “Let’s MAROON out the Georgia allotment,” is how they put it.
Tim Cearley, UGA’s director of ticket operations, confirms to the ABH that “a lot of the stuff that we’ve mailed out in the past few days has had Texas mailing addresses on them,” though he makes an attempt to save face by adding: “but we do have a lot of alums out there, too.”
Of course, travel time for Aggies fans to Shreveport is a lot less than for Dogs fans. And it doesn’t help that the game is on the Monday after Christmas; a weekend date probably would be selling a bit better among the UGA faithful.
Still, there’s no denying the malaise in the Bulldog Nation concerning this game. The years when any bowl was considered a reward at season’s end are long gone in these parts. We’ve frankly become spoiled by all those New Year’s Day games Mark Richt’s teams have played in. So any minor bowl would be a disappointment. And the fact that it’s the former “Weedeater Bowl” in the nonexciting location of Shreveport just makes it worse.
There’s no doubt that just about any of the other bowls parceled out to 7-5 SEC teams this year would be selling better among those in red and black. But when you lose to Kentucky at home, this is what you get.
Some have expressed concern that a weak showing of Georgia fans at the game in Shreveport will hurt UGA in future years when it comes to bowl selection. In other words, that it will indicate we don’t “travel” well.
But I wouldn’t worry too much about that. I think bowl officials are savvy enough to know that Georgia fans view the Independence Bowl differently from other bowls. The fact that Florida is having trouble selling out its allotment for the Sugar Bowl looks a lot worse in comparison.
And Dogs fans can take comfort in the fact that at least this game isn’t played on blue turf.
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355 comments Add your comment
We pulled your stinger out and stomped it flat,again!
December 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
North AVe, you can’t even sell out your championship game, and the ACC orange bowl is the least viewed of al the major BCS bowls, the ACC balked on Boise or TCU, and the OBOWL is going to have twice as many Iowans from three times the distance. You losers were on these UGA blogs, and you still are on these blogs crowing about your 3 point win last year.
Mark Crimson, you were in this bowl 2 years ago, Sabans first year. So don’t crow too much about it. By the way, will you red necks be ready for Texas, or will we have another UTAH on our hands. Maybe this year you can show the conference well, or maybe not.
Knelson
December 22nd, 2009
12:08 pm
Hey Chuck, Tennessee will be better in 2010 with Simms at QB and Eric Berry returning. Dont forget they (Tennessee) spanked Uga starting 8 freshmen!
We pulled your stinger out and stomped it flat,again!
December 22nd, 2009
12:10 pm
Knelson, check your stats idiot.
A loyal Dawg fan
December 22nd, 2009
12:10 pm
I bought two tickets right after they went on sale. I have followed the dawgs to whatever bowl game they go to. Just one more game to cheer on the dawgs to victory. I look at it as another road trip. I’m driving not flying. I am hopeful that there will be a good showing of red and black at the game. No matter what, I will be there cheering my dawgs to victory. Am I happy about where we are going no, but we are in a bowl game. Go dawgs!
Dave In Tampa
December 22nd, 2009
12:11 pm
Let’s face it gang, beating Tech should not be a big deal for UGA on an average year. We stunk the place up for the most part this year. A bad year happens. I hate the fact that we have to measure the tech game as a good win this year because it normally is a game we are expected to win.
We have the bowl we deserve this year. However, myself and my son will be there pulling for our Dawgs! We will be much better next year. The Nerd Herd knows that and that’s why they are on here running their mouths. I find it hysterical! They hate the fact that when something is broke at UGA, ie Willie, we get rid of the problem and get a solution. The ever fear of impending doom the nerds are feeling….. I love it. It stinks to be a jacket.
Sanford Drive
December 22nd, 2009
12:12 pm
7-5 in the SEC = 12-1 in the ACC.
Knelson
December 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
Who gave stats. The score says it all Tennessee and Florida blew you out ………Tennessee is making a tradition of putting up nearly 50 on you ! Florida owns you. Are those the stats you’re crying about?
Sam
December 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
June, I am not clear on how the Gator taking FSU altered UGA’s bowl.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
7-5 in the SEC = Weedeater Bowl
Eric
December 22nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Fair weather fans! You could all be bammers.
Sanford Drive
December 22nd, 2009
12:15 pm
Weedeater Bowl contenders beat the OBowl contenders.
hahahahahaha!
North Avenue Trade School
December 22nd, 2009
12:16 pm
Mr King
I concede. Tech fans have been known to fixate on victory over GA, as well. But dont lump me in with the rest; I pull for Georgia and GT, unless forced to choose. If so, it will always be Tech; Alma mater.
UGA is making the necessary changes based on lessons learned, and should be back strong next year. i look forward to watching both teams next season.
Sam
December 22nd, 2009
12:17 pm
Knelson, no way Berry returns. See Bradford for a reason why. Berry is predicted to be a top 5 pick (some of that depends on the 5 teams of course). He needs to take the money now. His draft stock will not get higher and the potential risk is too great both in terms of injury and his “stock” dropping. Also, he will never get that money back. I also suspect the talk of a rookie salary cap is going to pick up.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:17 pm
Dave in Tampa: Much better next year? GT scared?!?! LOL. We were favored by 7.5 points this year, and we’ll be favored by at least 3 in YOUR house next year. Book it.
Aaron Murray wasn’t even good enough to beat out Cox for the job. UGA could have un-redshirted Murray at any point during the season if they thought he could give them a better chance. Apparently, Richt thought he wasn’t any better than Cox.
And you’ll be BETTER next year? Unproved, untested QB? Just like Cox this year.
UA Alum92
December 22nd, 2009
12:17 pm
Joe, the Mark Ingram poster isn’t a Bama fan. He’s most likely an Auburn or Florida fan poking fun at a 20-year old kid overcome by emotion during his Heisman acceptance speech. In other words, he’s the standard bearer for what’s wrong with a vocal minority of sports lunatics.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:18 pm
Sanford Drive: There are no “contenders” in the weedeater bowl. Let’s just get that straight. You’re playing a 6-6 team for Christ’s sake!
GT STILL IS A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
December 22nd, 2009
12:18 pm
HEY YELLOW TICKS HAVE YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO USE THE WATERLESS URINALS OF THE CALLAWAY GARDENS. THAT OUGHT TO TELL YOU YOUR PALCE IN THE ORDER OF THE UNIVERSE.—–AT THE END OF YOUR STREAM. —-SEE THE YELLOW JACKET AT THE BOTTOM OF THE URINAL, JUST AT THE END OF YOUR STREAM. HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA AND MORE HAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHA. EVEN SANTA SAYS HOHOHOHHOOHOHOHOOHOHOHO AND MORE HOHOHOOHOHOHOOHOHOHOOHOOHOHOHO FOREVER AND EVER.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:19 pm
“Contenders” don’t play their bowl game on ESPN TWO!
Sanford Drive
December 22nd, 2009
12:19 pm
UGA’s unproven QB still managed to beat your veteran team. 30-24. I’m sure you remember.
North Avenue Trade School
December 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
GT Still is…
Great representation.
Dave In Tampa
December 22nd, 2009
12:21 pm
L.O.L. Not a single Clue GT Joe. To make the reasoning about Joe Cox vs Murray tells me you are totally clueless about College Footbal all together, but hey your a Techie so no explaination is needed. “Book It” Funny, that’s what you and your Nerd Herd said about the game this year. What happened….. Oh I know 30-24. Don’r be so clueless GT Joe. You hate the fact that we do and always will OWN TECH! GO DAWGS!
Sanford Drive
December 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
Exactly. UGA is terrible and they still be a top ten Tech team.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
Sanford: It’s funny, now the Tech game is your most important of the season. Sadly, it ranks about #4 in our season.
My, how times have changed.
Cuz
December 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
They do have casinos.
Dave In Tampa
December 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Yes have fun with the 2 typos
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
“Book it” comes from you country a$$ rednecks on this blog. Same with “GATA” and any sentence with the word “tote” in it.
Just trying to speak your language…
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Yes, you dogs beat us. Even the sun shines on a dog’s a$$.
Sanford Drive
December 22nd, 2009
12:24 pm
Good point. Last year it was the #1 game of your season. You made rings. This year you guys claim it doesn’t matter. How convenient considering you lost.
Dave In Tampa
December 22nd, 2009
12:25 pm
Gt Joe – please re-read your posts. I thank you, they are so comical. So now UGA is #4 on your list…. Then why are you on this blog. You crack me up! You Nerds live to beat UGA every year and hate it when you can’t. Let the excuses begin. “Book it”! ha ha ha
WonderDawg
December 22nd, 2009
12:25 pm
Go ahead and laugh, nerds. We deserve it after our sorry season. We’ll be much better in ‘10, even if Richt hires a high school DC, and you nerds will be planning another trip to the blue field…
Cuz
December 22nd, 2009
12:25 pm
I agree GT, it is sad that beating Tech was our most important game of the season. Thank God we did though. It ranks probably lower than #4 in Tech’s season. I would say #12 or #11. Hard for me to believe that the loss was your #4 favorite game.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:26 pm
Last year it WAS the #1 game of our season. It was our #1 goal.
2009 is a different year with different goals. We got the monkey off our back last year, now it’s time for bigger goals, like the conference title and a BCS bowl.
In 2010, there is only goal, and here’s a hint: it’s not “Beat UGA”
WonderDawg
December 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
When it comes to playing Tech, our a$$ has a perpetual sunburn, GT Joe Blow!
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
WonderDawg: If they decide to host the BCS Championship on the blue field, then we’ll be happy to go.
Cuz
December 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
“Contenders” don’t play on Thursday night.
jim
December 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
the only way we are ever going to get a football playoff is if we stop going and watching the “JOKE” that is the current bowl season.
North Avenue Trade School
December 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
Any Bowl predictions?
Sam
December 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
GT Joe, seriously do you think the UGA game is #4? If so, then why not start talking about dropping UGA?
There seemed to be a lot of excitement over that lonely win last year for it to be #4.
I can accept that winning your conference is a bigger deal. I can buy that argument for UGA as well. However, I still take joy in beating Tech although Tech has to win every now and then or else it becomes a bit like the roadrunner and Mr. Coyote.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
Cuz: I think you misunderstand me. It wasn’t our #4 favorite game, it was our #4 most important game. After Clemson (twice), VT game (when they were #4), and Iowa in the BCS bowl game.
We pulled your stinger out and stomped it flat,again!
December 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
Knelson, you did beat UGA pretty handily this year, but we are not tied for 3rd in the east, and we did beat a top 10 team. So with our 17 starters returning, it should be a great game between the dogs and the hillbillies next year. I just hope that the joke Kiffen doesn’t get us embarassed in the Peach Bowl. I think that the conference lined up all the bowls in terrible match ups for the SEC, and a 3 -7 SeC bowl record would not surprise me.
Just remember 4 players off of UGA 2008 team are starting in the NFL, so UGA did take some hits and your good def coordinator did a great job exploiting that this past October. Good luck in the Peach Bowl, and the stat that you should worry about is the one SMU learned so well. Death Penalty for cheaters.
Where there is smoke, there is fire. Living around the Smokeys you should know that well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Sanford Drive
December 22nd, 2009
12:29 pm
Contenders don’t make rings when they win by 3
ACCsucks
December 22nd, 2009
12:29 pm
(((((((((((((((((((30-24)))))))))))))))))))))))
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:30 pm
Thursday night, prime time, ESPN is better than your BOWL game on Monday afternoon at 430 PM on ESPN TWO.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:31 pm
Exactly what is UGA contending for this year? A year’s supply of Advocare V100 (whatever that is)?
We pulled your stinger out and stomped it flat,again!
December 22nd, 2009
12:31 pm
Hey Techies, since that game is so unimportant why are you nerds on this blog talking about it? The only thing 4th is Techs current academic rating in the State of Ga, and apparently that is the rank of Tech in the State in Football too! I think Caleb King just scored again, oh no that was just Joe Hamilton selling some crack to your current players on the sidelines.
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:33 pm
I hear that instead of making rings with 45-42 on it, we are making toilet paper with 30-24 on it.
We pulled your stinger out and stomped it flat,again!
December 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
This year the Techies are getting the Wake Forest overtime victory score put on the rings.
OUT & PROUD!!!
December 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
Puppies, face the facts. Paul “I’m too sexy for my shirt” Johnson is more of a man, and a coach, than Mark “I need tanning beds” Richt. All my fraternity brothers agree CPJ is far more sexy and manly than little boy Mark!!! Not only is our team more manly, but so is our coach!!!
THWG!!!!
GT Joe
December 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
GT 4th in academic ratings in GA?!?!? LOL. We might be 4th in the state when it comes to number of cavities/missing teeth/gum disease, but not academics homeboy.
Sanford Drive
December 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
Better make it double-ply for when you’re on the rag.