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
how2fish
December 22nd, 2009
2:44 pm
Alabama Jack maybe you Bugs can hire the Aggies next year to play us in your place…we can’t beat a bigger mudhole in their asses than we did yours..
FinanceBuzz
December 22nd, 2009
2:45 pm
But I thought UGA had the Greatest Fans in All of College Football (TM)! *GASP* You mean they don’t and won’t travel to support their team! Nice to see there is not a ounce of difference in UGA fan support and any other school.
VolNation
December 22nd, 2009
2:47 pm
Dawg fans must be disappointed with Sheveport because they found out there weren’t any Waffle Houses. Not to worry….you guys will look right at home at Denny’s.
Wayne
December 22nd, 2009
2:49 pm
We will be there cheering the DAWGS just like we have every game this year. If you don’t want to attend the game, don’t, just quit complaining about it. The REAL DAWG FANS will always be there.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
30-24 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Bama bs
December 22nd, 2009
2:50 pm
Dan – You guys suck!
dawgfan
December 22nd, 2009
2:50 pm
7-5 SEC teams also beat the everloving crap out of Georgia Tech teams coached by the great Paul Johnson.
LSU 38 Georgia Tech 3. Total humiliation on national prime time television. Tech fans were pitching one of their usual hissy fits and throwing things on the field like the trash that they are. Cry babies cry…
Georgia 30 Georgia Tech 24. Georgia punches Tech’s candy azz defense directly in the face to the tune of 300+ rushing yards. The overrated offense, accustomed to steamrolling 1 star prospects at Wake Forest and Duke, didn’t fare much better against a determined Georgia defense. Down by 6 with plenty of time left on the clock and the ball, the great Paul Johnson panics and hurls the ball downfield in desperation, essentially admitting defeat. So much for “playing to win.” What a puzzbag. Afterward, emotionally fragile Tech fans unravel at the seams. Their first knee jerk reaction is to accuse UGA of cheating because their QB misses a whopping two series of play. Then when they realize absolutely no one is buying that line of cowdung, the cowards claim that the game never really even mattered to them. ESPN’s coverage of the game tells a different story. Their shots of Tech fans after every Georgia big play was classic. They looked like they were at a funeral. Maybe, in a sense, they were…
Does any other Techie have a stupid comment for me to address? I can expose you idiots all day long. Just let me know…
VolNation
December 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
dawgfan – I thought this blog was about your team going to a crappy city/bowl, not GT????
Bama bs
December 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
A – Jack = Just keep pounding yourself
Bama bs
December 22nd, 2009
2:53 pm
Don’t recall this being a Vol blog. Go back and crawl back under your sisters skirt VowlNotion
Voice of Reason
December 22nd, 2009
2:55 pm
The irony of Yech fans is hilarious. Here they are mocking our bowl game, as though UGA fans have been guaranteeing a New Years Day Bowl from the word go. UGA fans expected a bowl as lowly as this because it’s what the team earned (or didn’t) on the field. The only people that should be ashamed and eating crow are the arrogant Yech fans with their overrated team, and coach, who for 365 days guaranteed UGA would get taken behind the woodshed down on the flats, only to have the Dawgs win another one on Historic Mark Richt Field.
Independence Bowl Is Sold Out...
December 22nd, 2009
2:58 pm
This game is sold out. Georgia has a national following, people appreciate the brand of Georgia football, they know a winner when they see one. The game is sold out. Bama could NOT sell their Independence Shreveport game out back in 2007. This one is sold out for the 1st time since 2003.
http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=11676687
VolNation
December 22nd, 2009
2:58 pm
bama bs – I’d prefer to hang around and talk about your losses to KY, FL and of course UT. We’ll use the chicken bowl as an opportunity to wrap up some final details on all those georgia recruits we’re bringing in while you guys are on the bus to S’Port.
Alabama Jack
December 22nd, 2009
2:59 pm
Not to change the subject, but quick question. Do any of yall use those ExtenZe pills? I think they are actually making it smaller……
Bama bs
December 22nd, 2009
3:00 pm
You mean until you get the “Death Penalty” because of Lame Kitten.
tito
December 22nd, 2009
3:00 pm
VolNation,
Why don’t you tools recruit kids out of your own God forsaken state?
VolNation
December 22nd, 2009
3:02 pm
bs – we’ll get a slap on the hand – not enough to keep us from beating down your team again next year.
VolNation
December 22nd, 2009
3:04 pm
tito – its so much easier to lure the georgia boys to UT with a pretty gal.
Bama bs
December 22nd, 2009
3:04 pm
No, Vowelnotion, you’ll just have to keep beating yourself!
VolNation
December 22nd, 2009
3:08 pm
what a profound comeback, bs
Bama bs
December 22nd, 2009
3:08 pm
Caddyshack, come on now
Pugnacious Paul
December 22nd, 2009
3:14 pm
Poor Dawg fans Your 2007 season was a Fluke season and it reared its ugly head this past season. Next year get ready for the smurf bowl ! Bwahhhhhh Bwahhhhh Bwahhhhhh…
Independence Bowl Is Sold Out...
December 22nd, 2009
3:16 pm
Bama did the Shreveport Independence Bowl in 2006 & 2007. Bama played Ok St. in 2006, both programs are in top shape in 2009. Grerat ot have a sell out in 7 days. Way to go Georgia football fans.
DawginLex
December 22nd, 2009
3:16 pm
Who is gonna play QB for UT next year, Matt Sims? LOL
I’ll take Aaron Murray any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Gilda the Gatorette Gatorade Drinker
December 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
Georgia beat the Gators in 2007, we must give credit where credit’s due.
Dawg Fan
December 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
All good points, but my son and I, both UGA grads, are going to Shreveport. Yes we should have gotten the Outback Bowl, but “it is what it is.” Auburn guaranteed 30,000 tickets sold and bought their way in. CMR has shown he will do what’s necessary to get us back on top. Expect a big hire around 1/8. In the meantime, I understand and share everyone’s disappointment, but want to show my support.
FLA DAWG
December 22nd, 2009
3:23 pm
Perhaps Richt now has a complete idea of what happens when he supports losing assistant coaches.
I hope this experience will allow him to grow into the role of Head Coach the way Dooley did (I remember the Dump Dooley signs) and stop being friends with The Players.
This is business – and unsold tickets to a lousey bowl game costs UGA much more than a short term monetary gain. The impact of Richt’s poor decision making ability extends far beyond one bowl game. Recruiting, inability to train talented players, poor gameday playcalling, poor player execution, penalties, etc.
We’ll all see if a real change is in the works based on who comes onboard as DC. I am concerned that Bobo was not released – aren’t you? Richt used to call O Plays for a living. He should go back to doing just that.
dawg attitude
December 22nd, 2009
3:36 pm
the players attitude will mirror the fans. Dawgs wil not get 8 wins this seanson folks.
dawgfan
December 22nd, 2009
3:39 pm
One would think VolNation, but you must have missed the part where Techies came on here talking about Shreveport. Techies run their mouths and they will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. That’s just the way it is.
I’d bet a decent sum of money that you are in fact a Techie yourself. Tech fans are cowards and always disguise themselves as fans of teams that beat Georgia more than once in a blue moon. Its just pitiful. Anyway, I can’t prove it but you’re probably a Techie.
Mr. Thomas Anthony "The Taxman Cometh: Jones, SR (Waf-SS, ret.)
December 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm
The Bulldog nation should be ashamed of itself for not But=ying tickets to the bowl. The season UGA has sunk to a new low. Fans criticized Joe Cox who had better stats than Dan marino as a senior at Pitt. They they fire three men with families right before the Christmas Hollidays. They will all burn for that sin, iguarantee you of that. Now they turn their noses up at the Independence Bowl. weel lets tell the truth. No other Bowl wanted UGA. So get a life and get over it. Maybe nest year Lane Kiffin will not out recruit so much. Kiffin knows how to recruit young men. We need to research and imitate his recruiting procedures and recruiting techniques. Never point a finger at someone else is what Jesus said to his followers!
5th in a row for the Bees!!!
December 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
Once all of Gailey’s All ACC everything players leave at the end of the season, the two year fluke for the bees will be OVA!!!!!!
FREE UT ADVERTISEMENT
December 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
Come watch the Vols!!! Where else could you experience the joys of being mugged by the local football team, LITERALLY!!!
jawga boy
December 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
Vol Nation , ya’ll enjoy de chicken bowl. Why I remember when you JAMAL LEWIS ,when ya’ll wrapped him up. He say ” I’m gwine to UT cauz I doan want to play in no Peach Bowl. But he did, 3 times. Ya’ll have fun now, ya heah?
Diamond Dawg
December 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Attn Ben In Albany:
Although the announced attendance was a sell out, there’s no way even 85,000 walked thru the gates… I would guess around 82-83K
jawga boy
December 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
Vol Nation….. ya’ll will wrap up a bunch of recruits on yo visit. Bunch of those been stabbing Tech students and stealin’ their laptops. sounds like first round draft choices for UT?
VININGS Dawg
December 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
Quit whining about Auburn. They beat UT at UT where we got throttled and beat the crap out of Ole Miss. Two bigger wins than we had all year. Their fans are showing excitement and we are being totally negative. The Outback saw it too. Face it CMR has to make some changes to get the program refocused and build momentum. Complain all you want but bowl selections are about business and our negative attitude did not help with bowl selections.
VININGS Dawg
December 22nd, 2009
4:35 pm
Hey Ben In Albany…..Put down whatever you were smoking at the TennTech game because there was not even close to 90,000 at the game, maybe 81-82000. There is a huge difference between the way teams reprot attendance. Tickets sold vs. fans thru the gates. No way 90,000 was there.
Blackberry Cobbler
December 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
elvisaintdead
December 22nd, 2009
10:32 am
“When you lose to Kentucky at home, this is what you get.”
Bill, you just nailed the season.
This should be TATTOOED across every player (and coach)’s forehead, etched into CWM’s resume and all over the Dawg Majal.
It should be tattooed on Joe’s Cox. He single handed lost that game.
Tom
December 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
How pathetic that A&M people are buying tickets from us. I’d rather not even go to a bowl than this crap! I hope our COACHES and PLAYERS remember this. If you play crappy, you get rewarded crappy. If we had only beaten Kentucky we’d be playing in Nashville on the the weekend.
Happy to be Bowling
December 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
I am happy the Dawgs are going to a Bowl. Go Dawgs! Beat A&M! I will be home supporting our pups. The Dawgs Play here! haha
Happy to be Bowling
December 22nd, 2009
4:51 pm
I don’t have the money to travel. Alot of people do not have the funds to go bowling. TIMES ARE HARD!
DRC
December 22nd, 2009
4:58 pm
Excuses, excuses, excuses. All year long hear how the dawg fans crow about supporting their team. Now hear every excuse in the world why their not supporting their team. LMAO.
Bill ...
December 22nd, 2009
4:58 pm
I dont think the color of the turf matters… Georgia is in a crappy bowl !!!
Jim
December 22nd, 2009
5:00 pm
Enter your comments here
Happy to be Bowling
December 22nd, 2009
5:01 pm
This is the game of football. It was a long season. Finish the Drill. Win the bowl game. Get a DC.
hotbobby
December 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm
Well, what do you expect? This program is in the gutter. No DC is going to touch it with a key lime pie thrown in! The fans have deserted it, and the SEC is laughing all the way to the signing table. We’ll be lucky to have six wins next year-
Soulja Boy
December 22nd, 2009
5:12 pm
This bowl game will allow the Dogs to show what they are made of. If they give a good account of themselves, it will carry over into next season. If they roll over and die for TX A&M, as I expect them to do, it will certainly bode badly for the future. Is no defensive coordinator better than Willie? Stay tuned.
Joe
December 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
Road Scholar….keep up with your bashing…just remember this….WE OWN YOU! 30-24….14-7….51-7….whatever the score…
hotbobby
December 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
It’s bad enough we have the only game on that day, and they play at 5:30 on ESPN2!
Henry History
December 22nd, 2009
5:22 pm
Kirk ESPN idiot says —- ” OKLAHOMA LOST the BIG 12 Champ in 2003, 35-7 to Kansas St., and got an invite to the Natl Champ. They LOST their cxonference, and got an invite. Georgia didn’t win the SEC in 2007, and did NOT get the invite. Human bias.”
You are exactly right except for one thing, Oklahoma WON THE BIG 12 SOUTH and at least played in the BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME that year.
Dawggies didn’t win the East in 2007, they were tied with Tennessee and the Vols had beaten them down earlier in the season so they won the tie breaker. NO SEC EAST TITLE, NO SEC TITLE GAME…………………..No BCS TITLE GAME.
MOVE ON………………………………………………..
Reality
December 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
News Flash – There is no such thing as the “bulldog nation.”