Should Georgia and Clemson play a spring football game?
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney would like a spring exhibition game. (Associated Press)
Whenever talk of Georgia’s traditional football rivals comes up, I like to point out that there was a time not so long ago when the rivalry with the Clemson Tigers was as big as, if not bigger than, the annual game in Jacksonville or even the in-state battle with the Yellow Jackets. Then conference scheduling difficulties made it no longer possible for the Dogs and Tigers to meet every year — a definite loss for the two fan bases of the neighboring schools.
When Georgia and Clemson do play, it’s more than just your typical nonconference game. So as a longtime proponent of playing Clemson more than just a couple of times per decade, I was pleased to be tipped off by the Senator to an idea Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has about livening up spring practice by emulating the NFL and having Georgia and Clemson play an exhibition game.
Talking with the Charleston Post and Courier, Swinney noted that in spring practice players “get tired of going against each other” and suggested, “Let’s go play Georgia. Don’t you think that could generate some good money with all the Clemson fans and Georgia fans? Let’s split the gate down the middle.”
Loading ...I like the concept of a spring exhibition game. A lot. In fact, I’d like it even if it weren’t Clemson, but considering the two schools’ athletic history and close proximity to each other, I think the Tigers would be the perfect opponent for such a game.
Of course, it should be noted that Swinney may not be all that serious about this. And the money angle probably has more appeal to Clemson, which is currently running athletic deficits, than to UGA, which sits atop a fat $60 million surplus. But the Dogs could always make their side of the game a charity thing.
The likelihood of injuries wouldn’t seem to be much greater than in an intrasquad game. In fact, just about the only downside I can think of to an exhibition like this is that even agreeing ahead of time to play second- and third-stringers, the full roster wouldn’t get as much playing time as it does when you divide up the Dogs into the Red and Black teams.
But the excitement generated by playing another team would certainly get the players revved up more. And such a match would more closely resemble the pressures of a real game and perhaps provide a more accurate picture who which players are really ready for prime time.
Where to play such a game? I suppose the easiest thing would be to make it at least a two-year deal and play home-and-home in Athens and Clemson. Or maybe this would be a good opportunity for the two programs to play a game in Atlanta other than in a Chick-fil-A bowl.
Speaking of Georgia-Clemson, the two schools next are scheduled to play each other in 2013 in Clemson and 2014 in Athens, and T Kyle King believes the week before the Dogs play South Carolina would be the perfect spot on the schedule. As he points out, back in the Vince Dooley days, Georgia routinely played the Tigers and Gamecocks back-to-back. T Kyle likes the idea of a “throwback” schedule like that. Sounds good to me.
But back to the spring. What do you think about Georgia playing a spring exhibition game, against Clemson or anyone else? Are there compelling reasons not to do something along those lines? Feel free to comment, vote in the poll or do both.
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173 comments Add your comment
TulsaDawg
March 11th, 2010
11:03 am
First (maybe)
Marvin
March 11th, 2010
11:05 am
Sounds like a good way to get somebody hurt before the season starts..
Dawg Stephen
March 11th, 2010
11:08 am
I personally like the idea. The schools are so close together, it would be fun.
http://dawgstephen.blogspot.com/
TulsaDawg
March 11th, 2010
11:09 am
Now that that is out of the way, yes. As a UGA grad from the 80’s, I remember how important the annual Clemson rivalry was. Remember how huge that first nighttime game was back in ‘82 or the kicking duel when Butler won it in ‘84 (I think)? I LOVE the idea. Scheduling as it is, it would be a whole lot of fun to find a way to mix it up with Clem and his son (who remembers that poster?) as often as possible. Call me “All In.”
Robbie Murray
March 11th, 2010
11:13 am
Awesome idea!! Lets do it this year!!!
HanDAWG
March 11th, 2010
11:13 am
Some of my fondest memories are of beating CLEMSON. Great one! See http://www.bighairyblawg.com for those memories.
Matt
March 11th, 2010
11:13 am
The NFL does it, so does high school, so why not college. The schools are so close together and were once and still could be great rivals. The players would be more excited to play another team and the coaches would be able to make better better assessments of their teams if you have a spring game that more closely simulates a real game.
OEJ
March 11th, 2010
11:16 am
I wish Clemson could join the SEC and we give the ACC Kentucky. That would be a fair trade, and we could play them every year. As for a spring game i personally dont see anything wrong with it
That is
March 11th, 2010
11:19 am
a great idea!
kb
March 11th, 2010
11:22 am
Enter your comments here
gator mike
March 11th, 2010
11:24 am
Good idea. Coach Dabo said that it should be against teams which one would not play during the regular season for many reasons which makes sense. UF could then possible scrimmage GA Tech or Miami. A scrimmage in April against the Canes in Orlando would be a huge draw.
I am sure that UGA vs CLEMSON in a Spring Game would be a sell out.
NCDAWG
March 11th, 2010
11:39 am
UGA and Clemson should be playing EVERY YEAR. None of this “exibition” crap!
Tom
March 11th, 2010
11:43 am
I think it would be good to play another team in spring. The G day game is boring to me. Renewing a rivalry with Clemson is a great idea,
Idaho State comes all the way to Athens late in the season after playing Florida. Where’s the sense in that? Why pay a team a huge amount of money to come play us?
ludatripp
March 11th, 2010
11:44 am
I love the idea. If we were the first to do it it would generate a lot af attention nationally and no doubt be picked up on ESPN. It would help with recruiting and mean more money. The only thing that would concern me is that each coach may have specific position battles (like QB) that he would want to focus on durring the game that he would not be able to give enough time to if it were not an intra-squad game.
KeithB
March 11th, 2010
11:44 am
I think CFB should have a pre season game. They should do this in order to keep lower tier teams off of the schedule. Clemson is good, but if UGA decided to do this with Southern or State, that would be fine too. Then they could fill the rest of their schedule with formidable opponents. This really isn’t as much of an issue at UGA (although Idaho State comes in this season), but UF’s schedule last season was an absolute joke! Injury is no more likely in this case than in any other scenario. It is a part of the game. I guess what I am trying to say is tune up in the spring and make buying the tickets worthwhile during the season.
Andy
March 11th, 2010
11:49 am
I think it’s a great idea, though I would hesitate to play a Spring game against Clemson if we were going to play them during the season.
Dawg 39
March 11th, 2010
11:51 am
A spring scrimmage type game against Clemson would probably help the coaches see what is working & what needs to be worked on. The players say they get tired of hitting each other. I think that it is a sound idea for everyone.
Dawg'em out!
March 11th, 2010
11:56 am
no, thats garbage. nice thought, who wants to get players hurt before the season starts in a game that doesnt matter.
Dawg'em out!
March 11th, 2010
11:59 am
just put clemson on the schedule, and make a regular home and home.
Dan
March 11th, 2010
11:59 am
As a Dawg fan in SC, I would prefer to see them actually play each year, but a Spring game would be a good idea. and imagine the gate from it!
Gratefuldawghead
March 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
Would love to see this!
DawginLex
March 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
You could even expand it more than 2 teams. Play it like the old high school football jamborees and invite 3 other schools plus UGA. Play each team a quarter and agree on starters vs starters, backups vs backups etc.
Michael Scharff
March 11th, 2010
12:08 pm
I think it’s a great idea!
Gen Neyland
March 11th, 2010
12:10 pm
You can do it as Flag Football and raise money for PETA or some other worthy cause…Really, these kids are student-athletes and if it doesn’t count, don’t risk the injury…and please, don’t bring the Red & Black in as a comparison. Of course, you could always pay them legit dollars to run the risk if it is worth the possibility of losing someone for the regular season. Geez, makes me think of guys getting hurt off season playing a pickup game and blowing an ACL or worse…
DawginLex
March 11th, 2010
12:16 pm
General,
the players should be paid anyway considering how much $$$ they generate for the school.
Bradley G
March 11th, 2010
12:16 pm
Am I missing something? How is injury that much more prone if UGA played against Clemson rather than the Red playing the Black during the spring game? Same rules would apply, people are still being hit. Please explain…
CovingtonDawg
March 11th, 2010
12:18 pm
don’t know if its been thought of, but all you have to do is play a 6 quarter game to get everybody plenty of playing time.
russ' replacement
March 11th, 2010
12:20 pm
Is it legal per NCAA rules? If so I wonder why spring games haven’t always been against regional rivals that can’t be regularly scheduled, other than the obvious above mentioned reduction in team reps?
Captain
March 11th, 2010
12:22 pm
Georgia gains nothing, absolutely nothing, by playing Clempson. However, we stand to lose much. For one, playing Clempson elevates them within the state of Georgia and aids their recruiting efforts, a fact of which Dabo is keenly aware. Do any of you remember when we played Clempson annually the recruiting battles that were waged, many of which were very controversial such as John Johnson from LaGrange? Players from the state of Georgia were why Clempson was successful. We don’t need to do anything to elevate them within this state, nothing to give them credibility. To the suggestion we play them before the S Car game, you have no idea of what it takes to play back to back stressful tough games do you? This isn’t the 80’s S Car isn’t the S Car of 30 yrs ago. The SEC schedule is tough enough already without adding more stress to it. Why would we want to put ourselves at a disadvantage while Fla, Ala, Tenn play creampuffs? A few of you need to rethink your position and deal in some cold hard reality.
As an Alum of The Univ of Georgia and long time season ticketholder, I would hope we never play Clempson again, EVER, regular season or Spring, forget it!!!
SCTally1
March 11th, 2010
12:22 pm
I would prefer playing Clemson much more that the COOTS. Clemson would be a better fit in the SEC than those”goofy little chickens.”
Blue Max
March 11th, 2010
12:23 pm
I would say instead of teams doing that because it would limit your 3rd and 4th strings, have scrimmages like NFL teams do with other teams before the first actual preseason game. Or you could just schedule Charleston Southern like we did.
GTSteve
March 11th, 2010
12:23 pm
Sounds like a great idea, I remember that rivalry in the 80’s, it was strong
BMDPD
March 11th, 2010
12:26 pm
Captain, you have some very good points. Good job on devil’s advocate. You exposed some serious flaws in the idea.
Cuz
March 11th, 2010
12:29 pm
A Spring game would be as important to win as a regular game for bragging rights. It sounds great on paper but how can you convince rabid Dawg and Tigger fans that it really does not matter and that is why we put in X when Y was kicking butts. I was fired up at the start, but the reality might not be nearly as good as it sounds.
DB Cooper
March 11th, 2010
12:29 pm
I like the idea since the coaches could structure it anyway way they want,.Dont see why the NCAA would object either.
Amazed this idea came from Clemons
UGAnSFLA
March 11th, 2010
12:30 pm
Sound like a great idea on the surface, but how do you play a quasi-game without anyone playing full tilt and getting injured or how does a coaching staff evaluate the players with the current spring practice limits? As for Clemson, it was only a rivalry for about 4 or 5 years that we played them, during Ford and Pell. The rest of the series, UGA kicked their butts on a regular basis!
Undecided Dawg
March 11th, 2010
12:34 pm
I want another rivalry as a Georgia fan but this increase the risk of injury. Also does this really matter. Can we gloat that we won a spring game. Really come on!
Tiger88
March 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
What’s this excuse about conference-scheduling preventing these two schools from playing each other? It’s a 12-game schedule these days and both teams play FCS teams on Labor Day weekend of this year. This should be a no-brainer. D-1 college football fans continue to get ripped off these days with the scheduling of FCS teams, especially given the amount of money required for season tickets. I’d much rather see Clemson battle UGA than North Texas state, and I’m sure UGA fans would rather see UGA vs Clemson instead of Louisiana-Monroe. These AD’s need to put their money where their mouth is and stop scheduling these patsy teams. Oh, and Clemson plays Presbyterian the next week. That should be a real barn-burner.
copdawg
March 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
SOME OF THE BEST GAMES I HAVE SEEN IN OVER 45 YEARS OF WATCHING AND ATTENDING DAWG FOOTBALL HAVE BEEN BETWEEN CLEMSON AND SOUTH CAROLINA. WOULD LOVE TO BRING CLEMSON AND FSU OR USF INTO THE SEC, MAN OH MAN, ONLY WAR WOULD BE MORE EXCITING
SavTiger
March 11th, 2010
12:37 pm
i like this idea. i remember the great cu-uga games of the 80’s and if we can’t play every year why not meet in the spring.
Tiger in the ATL
March 11th, 2010
12:40 pm
Bring it on!
drew
March 11th, 2010
12:45 pm
im a huge georgia fan an would love to play clemson every year but not as an exibition. dont want anyone gettin hurt before we play a real game. make it a game that counts an im all for it
My Boston accent is so ugly
March 11th, 2010
12:46 pm
AS long as they keep to the rules hard especially hitting QB’s. No need to make it nasty, but I think it’s a good idea.
UGAX
March 11th, 2010
12:48 pm
Sorry, loved the rivalry but not worth risking the potential for injury. Our OLine and running backs are good as anyone’s in the nation right now; why risk the injury?. I want to see Murray and Zach go head to head this spring. If we do play one another in the Spring, the money should go towards keeping our profs and researchers at UGA.
ClemsonDude
March 11th, 2010
12:48 pm
A Great idea….But I think they should play in the regular season each season. These two schools are way too close not to play every year.
dsmytty
March 11th, 2010
12:48 pm
Great idea but, will the NCAA allow such a thing?
Blue Max
March 11th, 2010
12:51 pm
copdawg, I read a rumor last week that during a possible future realignment of conferences, the Big 12 would convince Arkansas to leave and we would replace them with 3 teams expanding to 14 with Clemson, FSU and USF. It would be awesome wouldn’t it?
UGAX
March 11th, 2010
12:52 pm
TIGER88- nice points. Let’s play each other every year! I was at the UGA -Clem game when Butler booted the 60 yard field goal; I thought he place was going to collapse. If Iguwebeke has 2 more seconds on the clock, he probably ties it up at the end of regulation. Those guys could kick!
Some Sense
March 11th, 2010
12:53 pm
Much ado about nothing. NCAA isn’t going to even consider this.
End of discussion.
Bubba
March 11th, 2010
12:54 pm
I’d be willing to bet there’s an NCAA rule against this. Anybody know?
Dawg Fud
March 11th, 2010
12:54 pm
Love the idea. A legitimate tailgate in the spring — awesome! I married into a Clemson family and this would be a great family gathering for me so I am biased.
UGAX – great point about putting the cash back into education
YoungDawg
March 11th, 2010
12:57 pm
Only if every D1 school does the same thing!
Daniel #12
March 11th, 2010
12:58 pm
C,mon Bill. It wasn’t conference scheduling difficulties that ended the annual rivalry. We have increased our schedule from 10 games to 12 per year and still only schedule Climpson every so often. UGA’s athletic dept. saw the game as a recuiting boon for Climpson and a no win for UGA. I am all for a Spring game. Is this allowed by the NCAA?
Billy Jack could fight
March 11th, 2010
12:59 pm
Awesome idea…I watched the replay of the 1983 game played in Death Valley on ESPN classic yesterday….it ended in a 16-16 tie….brought back memories…
Bubba
March 11th, 2010
1:03 pm
Found this posted today:
Tech head coach Frank Beamer took time out of his weekly news conference on Tuesday afternoon to lobby for an exhibition game for college football programs. Citing examples of the NFL and high schools, he’d like to see colleges be able to schedule one exhibition game in preparation for the season.
“It makes sense to me,” he said. “Here you’ve got the pros and they’ve got four and high school’s have scrimmages. In college, you play an opponent and that’s the first time you’re hitting someone besides your own teammates. I just think that [an exhibition] would be a good idea.
“Right now, I don’t know why we wouldn’t do something like that. It makes sense to me.”
When asked if he meant playing a FCS opponent such as a JMU or Richmond, Beamer said he wasn’t necessarily thinking that explicitly.
“I think people would have to work that out,” he said. “But whoever you play, at least you get some of the things out of the way that come up in that first game.”
At the moment, there hasn’t been much in the way of discussion on the topic. But Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez came out in support of the idea, saying that would be the one rule he would change.
“I don’t know how much there is,” Beamer said when asked about support for the idea. “But I’m going to see if there is any move in that direction. It makes sense to me.”
Chicken Dawg w/ Tail Between Legs
March 11th, 2010
1:05 pm
No way!
We play too tough a schedule all ready!
Waaaaaa! I’m a big chicken!!!
Dawg Olvinist
March 11th, 2010
1:10 pm
Ga-Clemson—tee it up baby!! A spring game is better than these boring intrasquad matches. Bring it on! Plus, it will a lot more fans out for the game and I can do real tailgate party!!!
ToccoaDawg
March 11th, 2010
1:16 pm
Clemson and Georgia should play every year in the regular season. clemson should play Furman and Georgia plays Georgia State in a spring game.
Blue Max
March 11th, 2010
1:19 pm
Toccoadawg, just play tech in the spring.
ToccoaDawg
March 11th, 2010
1:23 pm
we play yech at thanksgiving
ramseydawg
March 11th, 2010
1:25 pm
Why give Clemson any Georgia exposure. Let them play Furman. We have nothing to gain but recognition for them
ToccoaDawg
March 11th, 2010
1:27 pm
ramseydawg they would have to play Furman because Wofford would beat them.
Clemson possibly proposing a spring exhibition game against UGA - TideFans.com
March 11th, 2010
1:28 pm
[...] Should Georgia and Clemson play a spring football game? | The Junkyard Blawg "Talking with the Charleston Post and Courier, Swinney noted that in spring practice players [...]
dawgfan
March 11th, 2010
1:29 pm
Bad idea. The spring is for teaching and fundamentals. If you’re playing a real live opponent its putting the cart before the horse. The team may not be ready for that. This isn’t pick up basketball or flag football. You can’t just throw 22 guys together and decide to go play a tackle football game. You have to be ready. Our guys don’t need to worry about whether they can beat Clemson in the spring. They need to worry about whether they can block, tackle, and do their jobs. And what if we lose this exhibition game or just look like crap? Don’t think for a second that it wouldn’t be used against us come preseason poll time. Its hard enough to win a national championship as it is. Why make it even harder with some meaningless exhibition game that would drop you 5 spots in the preseason polls if it didn’t go well?
I see absolutely no point in this other than money. It might be good for the fans, but not good for the coaches and players. I think its a horrible idea.
38 Yardline Dawg
March 11th, 2010
1:29 pm
I don’t think we should pay Clemson $300,000 to play us! http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/9452/georgia-releases-future-nonconference-foes
Sanford Drive
March 11th, 2010
1:32 pm
A good idea in theory, but would we do a home-and-home every spring? I’m sure a lot of alumni don’t want to go to Clemson to watch a Gday game.
jacket3
March 11th, 2010
1:39 pm
Great Idea…been kicked around a long time. Your article mentioned money and such….”Georgia’s AD could donate their portion to charity”. Why not “donate everything to the students to keep tuition costs from tumbling out of control….and the kids are the real winners in all of this….besides it the students and the parents that pay most of the cost for school. What a wonderful way for UGA to give back to the kids and community.
DawgsForever
March 11th, 2010
1:40 pm
There really wasn’t a scheduling conflict…we simply stopped playing Clemson regularly so that we could play at least two Louisiana Tech’s, Furman’s, or Georgia Southern’s of the world. Coaches prefer playing patsies for job security reasons….see Richt’s future schedules! We do have Clemson and Oregon on future schedules so that means we actually risk losing a non-conference game 4 times in the next 8 years. But does anyone really consider Oregon and Clemson our equal???? Even these could be argued as playing down in competition! Where is Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Miami or anyone else of general high caliber???
Dawglasville
March 11th, 2010
1:43 pm
Clemson, Tech, and another game with national attention (Penn St., Oregan, Notre Dame)and then a patsy.
Dawg 39
March 11th, 2010
1:43 pm
We have too many teams now that consider the Dawgs to be 1 of their top 3 rivalry games. GTech, USC, UF, Tenn., Auburn, etc. We do not need to add Clemson to that list unless they join the SEC. A spring scrimmage type game would probablly benefit the Tigers more than the Dawgs. Still think it would be a good idea. Also I hate Orange, Tigers, & particularly Gators.
ozzfest
March 11th, 2010
1:44 pm
DAMON AND AURTHUR JOHNSON HAVE ALREADY WASTED THE 2013 AND 2014 NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE WITH CLEMSON.
NO MORE ACC OPPONENTS…UNLESS WE CAN SCHEDULE MIAMI OR FSU!!!
TEXAS, USC, MICHIGAN, NOTRE DAME….I MEAN, WE HAVE NOT PLAYED A SINGLE POWERHOUSE IN MY LIFETIME…AND I AM 41!!!
DAMON, WAKE UP!!!
Dawgonit
March 11th, 2010
1:45 pm
I agree with Kieth B. It would be better for UGA to play a Ga Southern or State. Smaller schools would be safer with injuries, no recruiting threats, UGA donates to charity, Smaller school still makes a little, and helps prove if players cant cut it against a D2 school then they obviously wont be ready for D1. Charge $3 or $4 for the game, make it fun. NOT A RIVALRY!
ozzfest
March 11th, 2010
1:46 pm
BY THE WAY, I STILL HAVE MY “CLEM” AND “CLEM’S SON” SHIRT!
AceDawg
March 11th, 2010
1:47 pm
Sounds good – Spring games are still helpful when it is only your team, but an opponent allows you to try play calling against an opponent that hasn’t trained for you. I will say – the one sad thing about no contact on QBs is that how do you know they can hold onto the ball if they are hit, and can they really, truly handle the pressure when its not a whistle but 300 pounds stopping them?
ozzfest
March 11th, 2010
1:48 pm
BY THE WAY, I STILL HAVE MY SIZE XL “CLEM” AND “CLEM’S SON” SHIRT FROM 1986…..ANYBODY INTERESTED IN BUYING IT?
waynester
March 11th, 2010
1:49 pm
Superb idea regardless of what other SEC teams opt to do. Some seem concerned about the hard hitting that would occur in such a game– after last year’s showcase of poor tackling I think it’s more worrisome going against our own guys and soft-pedalling during the spring tilt– let ‘em hit hard for goodness’ sake! To those concerned about other teams recruiting the Peach State– every program in the country is already looking our way–it’s a GOOD thing. More of our kids getting opportunities at a higher education when only a limited number of openings are available at UGA is good for competition (which is what I thought this was all about) The mighty Clemson recruiting juggernaut is a drop in the bucket compared to all the other schools seeking our homegrown talent. If we’re not getting the cream of the crop from our own state that ain’t Clemson’s fault. Finally, just because we’d rather play them in the regular season every year like we used to– don’t let the PERFECT become the enemy of the GOOD. A spring slobberknocker with the Tigers is a whole lot better than what we’re doing now, whether it was Dabo’s idea or Richt’s. If they’re able to whup us on the field or recruiting let the best men win, period.
VIVA COMPETITION!
zach
March 11th, 2010
1:50 pm
Oh Captain, my Captain… As a recent Georgia Alum, it really bothers me that you spell Clemson with a “p.” I think this would be an exciting sell to recruits as far as getting more national television exposure. How could ESPN not televise this scrimmage?
boston dawg
March 11th, 2010
1:51 pm
83% yes? are you guys high?
yes, the 2010 season is a long way off and we all miss it, but the red & black scrimmage is about getting players on the field and seeing how they hold up in hold up in game situations, not an “event.” as ‘captain’ said, nothing is to be gained by an exhibition, whereas more injury potential, less playing time for backups/underclassmen and recruiting damage could be done by giving clemson football a yearly, in-state platform. no worries though seeing as it would never happen anyway.
as far as the regular season goes, we played ‘em in ‘02/’03 and will play ‘em again in ‘13/’14. i’m comfortable with a home/home every ten years or so with them. we already play a tough enough acc opponent every year without adding another.
if that’s not enough for some of you “old school” dawg fans who “remember the 80’s” may i suggest hopping on your kid’s xbox sometime and playing uga/clemson every spring, fall, hell all year long.
PTC DAWG
March 11th, 2010
1:53 pm
I’d rather play Clemps son more in the regular season. Beating those jokers is always fun.
Yeah, I was in school in the early 80’s, and we had some great games with’em.
Belvedere
March 11th, 2010
1:55 pm
38 Yard Line, referencing the same article, I don’t think Clemson should pay $300,000 the previous year when Georgia visits. It’s a wash, moron.
Bring back the rivalry! The two schools are, what, 80 miles apart? And they’ve played four times in the past 20 years? What a crock of crap.
OrlG8r
March 11th, 2010
1:56 pm
As a Dawg fan, I think UGA should switch to the ACC permanently. They more closely match-up with the Dawg talent level over there anyway….:D
McDawg
March 11th, 2010
1:58 pm
i like it in theory but the pressure to win the game would throw the focus of spring which is to find out which guys fit where, building depth, and coaching fundamentals
schmeckdawg
March 11th, 2010
1:58 pm
OEJ let’s swap Clemson for Vandy. The Commode Huggers would seem to be a better fit for the acc. Plus Kentucky is a fun road trip with scorching hot women!
Charles Herty
March 11th, 2010
1:59 pm
Maybe put Ga Tech on the schedule so we can beat them twice a year.
Dumb idea
March 11th, 2010
2:02 pm
Why risk injury in a meaningless game? Keep the “rivalries” to the regular season….
schmeckdawg
March 11th, 2010
2:02 pm
Good call NCDAWG. I know we always have a tough schedule; however, I would rather play Clemson every year, than a lot of the teams we are playing now. I mean playing some of these out of conference school is pretty cool but who is going to get jacked up over UGA-colorado besides us and them. The whole South would be juiced if we could play the Tigers every season. GREAT rivalry!
EW
March 11th, 2010
2:04 pm
The NCAA probably has some lame rule against it. It’s not worth the CHANCE of someone getting hurt. It would be overhyped and under-enjoyed. It would help Clemson more than UGA. If we aren’t actually going to PLAY the other team why PRACTICE against them? This is NOT like an MLB exhibition where they actually play a real game with the same rules….I could go on forever….I’m in favor of playing them in the regular season but not a “scrimmage”
EW
March 11th, 2010
2:06 pm
ozzfest…try ebay. this ain’t craigslist, it’s a blog
Georgia-Clemson in the spring? « The next Lewis Grizzard
March 11th, 2010
2:11 pm
[...] Georgia-Clemson in the spring? AJC Junkyard Blawg here. [...]
Evansdawg
March 11th, 2010
2:24 pm
I miss playing the Tigers. It was my most fierce enemy back in the day living on the state line in Augusta. Bring it on. I the QBs can’t be hurt and its a true practice situation, so be it. Its a great way for the schools to generate excitement and money. It could be a great brand new tradition that pays tribute to the history of the rivalry between the two schools. Have the two schools spend a couple of days actually practicing WITH each other…then have an exhibition game celebrating the relationship and friendly rivalry. I would love it.
Dawg 3/20
March 11th, 2010
2:29 pm
Dawgs need to get their QB some PT in a real game against a legitimate team before they visit daddy Spurrier. Murray hasn’t played in a real game in almost two years come September…….against high schoolers and defenses where 90% of the players are now in the stands watching football and not playing it.
Froggy Dawgy
March 11th, 2010
2:32 pm
“I wish Clemson could join the SEC and we give the ACC Kentucky”
Why is that so you don’t have to play and lose to irrelevant Kentucky again?
buzz is wiser
March 11th, 2010
2:40 pm
First, I hate both of you but I think it would be a great idea. Yeah Clemson would reap the economic benefit from such a game but the only thing better than a $60 million surplus is a $61 million surplus. Imagine the buzz that would come from a game like this from a national perspective, not to mention you guys of bull”dawg” nation. You guys went crazy over a D-coordinator you would just love this. It’s probably not going to happen but I would like to see it.
SEC FAN
March 11th, 2010
2:41 pm
Dawgsforever,
Oregon and Clemson aren’t on Georgia’s level? Oregon is the pac 10 champion and Clemson is the ACC runner up while Georgia spent this last year in the sec’s bottom seeded bowl the Independence. I would hardly say they are not on Georgia’s level. Oregon is not only on Georgia’s level but at this point in time is superior. In historical terms they are not on Georgia’s level but in present day terms they are better. Clemson is debatable although overall I think Georgia is a bigger program in terms of historical accomplishment and in the last few years. But not so much better as to say Clemson is not on your or close to your level. Clemson is just behind Georgia.
As for where are Texas, Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, OU, Penn State, USC, Miami? Miami and Michigan have slipped a bit. Miami did have home and homes with UT a few years ago as did ND and UCLA. Texas played home and homes with Ohio State a few years ago. OU played a home and home with Bama in the early 2000s as did UCLA but OU has not picked up the sec again since then. Penn State plays at Alabama which is a bigger name than Georgia and Penn State has a storied history with Alabama. Like Penn St Nebraska and USC have played Bama several times over the years in big time intrastate rivalries. If these teams along with OU come back to the sec they would probably prefer to resume home and homes with Bama who they consider a name on par with their own. Ohio State also played a one game neutral site game against Bama similar to Bama’s game against VT but OSU hasn’t visited the sec since then in the regular season. Its doubtful they would step into the conference again unless they took on Bama in a big time traditional name matchup similar to their home and homes against Texas and USC.
UT is the 2nd biggest traditional name in the SEC and they have played a lot of home and homes throughout the last 1-15 years all over the country with Cal, ND, Miami, UCLA, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised to see UT pick up some more of these big time rivalries assuming Dooley can get the vols back to a competitive state again.
Texas and USC however have had home and homes with Auburn though so maybe they would also consider Georgia too.
A good realistic game for Georgia would be Nebraska. Nebraska has had big home and homes all over the country with programs like USC, VT, Penn state, Bama etc. If they played VT then they would certainly be willing to play Georgia which would also give the Huskers a great recruiting venue.
Tiger88
March 11th, 2010
2:42 pm
UGAX: I was at that one, too. …’tween the hedges. It was an incredible kick. The next two years were just as crazy or crazier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucxgIGhmwes Think this was ‘86 – Treadwell’s revenge Part II.
Gotta get this one going again – I miss those days.
DawnTiger
March 11th, 2010
2:49 pm
Captain, it is a shame that as a UGA grad they didn’t teach you how to spell CLEMSON. But you obviously learned how to hold a grudge.
I think this game is a fantastic idea…bring it on!
Allen
March 11th, 2010
2:49 pm
Seems like a good idea. Perhaps the athletic department could donate the proceeds to the academic operations of the university. Charity begins at home, after all.
EisenDawg
March 11th, 2010
2:56 pm
Bad idea! I don’t have a problem playing Clemson or anyone else DURING the season. Maybe baseball or some other sport, but not football. With the extra adrenaline flowing, there would be everything to lose and nothing to gain. It just would not be worth the risk. No,the spring G game is all about letting our own players get a chance to showcase what they can do. You put it into a “game” with another team, and then the coaches might be tempted to sacrifice teaching and grading our team, to “winning” the game. And if we blow someone’s knee out, it will go from bad idea, to a really stupid idea. And, heck, if you lost this meaningless fiasco, it might even adversely affect the BCS voters.
Stinger
March 11th, 2010
2:57 pm
Looks like many of you are skeerd of the tigers.
ChamDawg
March 11th, 2010
2:58 pm
Great idea — I love it. Same chance of injury either way (in theory).
As for the naysayers (e.g. Captain) who say “No” we don’t want to play Clemson ever again (spring or fall), we don’t want to make our season tougher, legitimize them in any way, or elevate Clemson’s recruiting abilities inside the state of Georgia — your position is a dubious one at best.
Using that line of reasoning, we ought to drop Ga Tech from the schedule and swap Auburn for Miss State (or Ole’ Miss) as our permanent SEC West opponent, right? Who cares about the rivalry, when you can make your schedule easier and make recruiting tougher for another school? Why not leave the SEC altogether and play an easier conference? [See how silly this sounds]
I say ink Clemson for a spring deal and try to work them in semi-regularly in the Fall (every other or every third season, alternating sites)
Robert Edwards
March 11th, 2010
3:05 pm
I say if doesn’t count for anything other than fun then DON’T DO IT. I speak from experience, remember that time I made it to the Pro Bowl and went out to have a little fun playing beach football? Really man, if doesn’t count, DON’T DO IT!
SockDawg
March 11th, 2010
3:05 pm
Awesome idea…and Let’s play it at the Dome, so they can serve alcohol.
anotherdawg
March 11th, 2010
3:05 pm
Stinger, Why would we be skeered of the Tigers? Didn’t Tech beat them twice last year?
SEC FAN
March 11th, 2010
3:09 pm
Captain,
You made the comment that Alabama and Tennessee play cream puffs while Georgia plays the tough ones. Are you serious? Bama played no. 1 OU in the early 2000s, UCLA when they were good in the early 2000s, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and now Penn State this coming year.
Tennessee has played a really tough slate in the 2000s with Cal, Miami when they were good, ND when they were decent, UCLA, I think I also left out one or 2 good teams that UT played also.
Buzzsaw
March 11th, 2010
3:11 pm
Are there any NCAA rules that would prohibit this? If not then I say go for it. Injuries are a part of football and the spring games will have them anyway. Altough I went to Tech (later in life), I was a Dawg fan in the 80’s and remember what a great rivalry it was. Tough games in 80 and 81 with the winner becoming the eventual National Champion. Dabo is definitely an “Oou of the Box” thinker. Set the new standard for college Spring Football.
RJ
March 11th, 2010
3:18 pm
Absolutely! That is so much better than a red/black, oraange/white, pink/yellow, or whatever game.
Otto
March 11th, 2010
3:30 pm
Bad Idea.
As others have said Clemson stnad to gain more from recruiting Georgia than UGA stand to gain. Spring game why risk the injuries? One more rival? I like the current format of GT and one respectable OOC team from a BCS conf. or a BCS buster team. Cleamson should stay as it a home and away game a decade.
Yes I remember and was there for UGA/Clemson before it was put on hold.
Dave
March 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
Just for the record. . . . . .Clemson Athletics is not running at a deficit. Game is a great idea!
http://www.thestate.com/2010/02/05/1142890/tigers-boost-cost-of-season-tickets.html
bank walker
March 11th, 2010
3:41 pm
Bad Idea! We don’t gain anything from it and Clemson does. Let’s go ahead and nip this little idea in the bud as of today! Go Dawgs!!
HawaiiDAWG
March 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
Just Do It! Great Idea.
Bizzaroneck
March 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
GREATEST IDEA EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bacchus
March 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
Absolutely. If the teams want to, let them. Would be nice to pack in 92,000+ for a spring game. If Bama can do it, so can others.
Bluegrass Bronson
March 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
OEJ
March 11th, 2010
11:16 am
I wish Clemson could join the SEC and we give the ACC Kentucky. That would be a fair trade, and we could play them every year. As for a spring game i personally dont see anything wrong with it
- – - – -
So I suppose if you can’t beat them just kick them out of the league
lowcountrydawg
March 11th, 2010
4:01 pm
Screw that…I want to see Clemson and UGA EVERY FALL! Both schools are closer to each other than their instate rivals…this was and is a great rivalry…
CLEMSON vs UGA EVERY YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
superDawg
March 11th, 2010
4:05 pm
No lets put clemson on the schedule and beat the snot out of them when it counts.If we can play preseason games then add them in the end.That is called playoff for the NC.
UGADawg83
March 11th, 2010
4:05 pm
I recall the games in the eighties. Beating Clemson was a bigger priority than beating Tech, Florida or Auburn. Spring game? I don’t think so. I am afraid these game with incomplete teams would have an adverse effect on the polls.
J Dawg
March 11th, 2010
4:08 pm
It would be better than playing against ourselves at the G day game, I dont think the guys really get up for a game against the 2nd string. But it would have to be a home and home series right, and I dont think either fan base would like that.
Maybe I missed something are they talking in addition to the G day game if so Im all for it.
trevor
March 11th, 2010
4:17 pm
love it.. They do it in high school and nfl.. no one says a thing. It would be great..have it all over( as long as they are not on the schedule) unc vs usc… TN vs ga tech, Auburn vs Fla st, LSu vs So miss, Fla vs NC st., etc,
Otto
March 11th, 2010
4:47 pm
I want to see Clemson and UGA every fall when scholarships go back to 105 from the current 85.
MariettaDawg
March 11th, 2010
4:48 pm
We should play them first of the season I would love to see another 30-0 win we got the last time we played them
hop
March 11th, 2010
5:18 pm
IT is past time that the schools begin to play the players; when coaches are making millions of dollars and schools continue to rival the NFL in profits made.
then, it is high time to do more for the players since they are doing all of the work and making it all happen for the colleges.
Debose
March 11th, 2010
5:43 pm
“I recall the games in the eighties”
Oh goodie, you have seen the last 20 games against Florida as a fan and were old enough to know what was going on. Bad times.
superDawg
March 11th, 2010
5:48 pm
I say play tek and get the spring game off right.It would shut the nerds up early and maybe we could twist a few necks in the process.
GaDawg
March 11th, 2010
6:22 pm
Captain
March 11th, 2010
12:22 pm
Georgia gains nothing, absolutely nothing, by playing Clempson. However, we stand to lose much. For one, playing Clempson elevates them within the state of Georgia and aids their recruiting efforts, a fact of which Dabo is keenly aware. Do any of you remember when we played Clempson annually the recruiting battles that were waged, many of which were very controversial such as John Johnson from LaGrange? Players from the state of Georgia were why Clempson was successful. We don’t need to do anything to elevate them within this state, nothing to give them credibility. To the suggestion we play them before the S Car game, you have no idea of what it takes to play back to back stressful tough games do you? This isn’t the 80’s S Car isn’t the S Car of 30 yrs ago. The SEC schedule is tough enough already without adding more stress to it. Why would we want to put ourselves at a disadvantage while Fla, Ala, Tenn play creampuffs? A few of you need to rethink your position and deal in some cold hard reality.
As an Alum of The Univ of Georgia and long time season ticketholder, I would hope we never play Clempson again, EVER, regular season or Spring, forget it!!!
BMDPD
March 11th, 2010
12:26 pm
Captain, you have some very good points. Good job on devil’s advocate. You exposed some serious flaws in the idea.
GaDawg
On the surface it sounds great, and I miss the rivalry we once shared with Clemson; however, I must agree with the Captain because we are working on keeping our best recruits at home in Georgia. Now is not the time to open the door to more poaching of our best high school players.
superDawg
March 11th, 2010
7:00 pm
If clemson wants to play preseason let them play sc.
AltamahaDawg
March 11th, 2010
7:13 pm
Do NCAA rules even permit this? I doubt that there is any one rule that says “no interschool scrimage games” but surely as regulated as spring practice is, this would cross some line, as far as competition, travel, expence. Recruiting could play in there someplace. Plus I want every last second of our time working on exactly what we want to work on and not putting together some kind of a game plan, however staged and controlled it might be.
I don’t see the upside beside pure theatrics.
Spanky
March 11th, 2010
7:46 pm
I like the idea, but not Clemson. The G-Day game absolutely needs to be at Sanford Stadium/Dooley Field (how it should be). Have the dawgs play a Georgia Southern type team, where it will always be at home! There’s always gonna be a G-Day game, and someone is gonna have an injury…happens every year! This way, however, it DECREASES the chance of our guys getting hurt, because we’re not hitting our own team! Think about that, fellas!
Bill King
March 11th, 2010
7:48 pm
Dave:
USA Today reports: In filings to the NCAA, Clemson’s athletic department reported annual budget deficits in 2008 and ‘09.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2010-03-09-coaches-salaries_N.htm
Buckhead Bulldog
March 11th, 2010
7:54 pm
I’m with the Clemson every Fall crowd….AWESOME rivalry. Some damn good football is played when these two pop pads. One of my all time favorite series….love going to Clemson, and love having them come to Athens.
jimmy
March 11th, 2010
8:04 pm
there is no next lewis grizzard .play two 2 spring practice games
Win P.
March 11th, 2010
8:30 pm
Excellent idea, play the game. It would give coaches & players an opportunity to experiment. The Red & Black game last year was a bore. Rules should cover player participation and protection. As far as injuries, what happened two years ago at UGA was some kind of record. Conditioning is importment and should include monitoring.
Several years ago I took a State sponsored motorcycle safety course. It was based on a study of 1700 motorcycle accidents involving fatalities in California. It emphasised the mental side of motorcycle riding as being 90% and stressed defensive strategy. How to recognized and anticipate potential dangerous situations and have a response in mind. IT WORKED (for motorcycle riding).
FL Dawg
March 11th, 2010
8:58 pm
I like the idea. As Dabo said, don’t hit the QBs, set some ground rules like 1s vs 1s or 1s vs 2s, play 15 minute Quarters like a real game (to provide plenty of reps for all players) etc. I would also suggest 20% of the proceeds go to a charity of the home teams choice and split the remaining 80%. Charge $10-$15 per ticket and schedule it on a weekend other than the Masters. Home and Home series, split the tickets.
UGA VIII
March 11th, 2010
9:36 pm
It will never happen. So, why bother writing about it?
AltamahaDawg
March 11th, 2010
10:41 pm
Spanky long time no see. Thats a good point about injuries. You would have less guys playing at any point in time . But doesnt that really defeat the purpose of having a spring game in the first place?
buzz
March 11th, 2010
10:42 pm
No upside to this for UGA . . . not to mention the injuries.
Potatodawg
March 12th, 2010
12:17 am
Great idea, Dabo! It would add to the preseason excitement, and would probAbly lead into most other programs following our lead. We could play the nerds, georgia southern, Ga. State, and other out of conference programs close to Athens. It would be fun and help with recruitng.
Tiger '12
March 12th, 2010
1:31 am
I’m all about a spring matchup. It would be the same contact rules as a Red vs. Black or Orange vs. White spring game, just with better competition. With both schools having some early tests this year, what a great way to see where your starters need improvement this summer.
nub
March 12th, 2010
6:39 am
Great idea …. only upside potential ……. those that wine about some one getting hurt….. man up….might be a good idea for some of our beloved dawgs to do the same…… WOoF!
AltamahaDawg
March 12th, 2010
7:06 am
Injuries are not the concern. Injuries happen in drills too, and lifting weights. I just have not heard a convincing argument yet as to what’s in it for the UGA football program. The fans like it but that’s not the purpose of the game.
Greg Cody
March 12th, 2010
7:43 am
Clemson use to be the biggest game of the year by far and Jacks was just a reason to party. Heck with the Spring game they should be played every year.
Coach Cool
March 12th, 2010
8:01 am
Coach Willie getting rave reviews in Norman.
From the Daily Oklahoman:
New secondary coach Willie Martinez is already receiving rave reviews. Safety/cornerback Jonathan Nelson called Martinez an extension of Venables.
Said Trice: “He’s a great coach. He really preaches fundamentals and technique. If you’re not on top of those two then he’ll let you know it. He’ll get in your face but then he’ll let up on you too. He’s not a coach that has nothing but negative things to say. We were on the field the other day and he ripped me. Then I came back and made a good play and he gave me praise. I like that about him. But he’s real fiery, real enthusiastic.”
Coach Cool
March 12th, 2010
8:03 am
Coach Martinez Q&A (also from the Oklahoman)
The new addition to the OU staff this off-season was Willie Martinez, who comes to Norman after being let go as the defensive coordinator at Georgia.
Martinez answered a few questions after his second spring practice coaching the Sooners:
How is it going after a couple practices with your new program?
It’s been going good. The opportunity to be here is great. Getting the opportunity to coach and get back on the field, we’re like the players. Excited to get back on the field and do what we love to do.
Seems like you’ve inherited a lot of young talent, especially at the safety position?
I don’t know. It’s kind of a learning progress here. We have some experience, but a lot of inexperience too. The goal this spring is trying to develop that two deep, develop that consistency, playmaking ability, and playmaking. We need more on a consistent basis. We’re a long way away. But it is spring ball and we’ve only had two practices.
How much was it evaluating those guys on tape?
That was important, a key for me, getting myself to understand what was returning, the talent and skill level at the corner or safety position, who was returning at starter. That’s part of the progress.
How long does it take to get a feel?
It’s going to take some time. You come in here as a new coach, you really don’t know the entire history, all the reps the players had for three years, whether it’s good or bad, as you progress, obviously it’s a great staff, they’ve communicated that to me about certain guys who have progressed, some guys who haven’t. Some guys that haven’t done a good job, then maybe during the bowl practices had. So I have some kind of a starting point. But going through spring will help in understanding what kind of depth we have and what kind of abilities we have.
Anyone stood out so far?
Not really, other than the tempo of practice. there’s mistakes out there, good things too, but I’m very impressed with the pace of practice. Guys have been around and for the most part doing what we ask them to do.
Does it help having coach Stoops with his DB background?
Absolutely, anytime you have a head football coach that’s an ex-secondary coach and d-coordinator, that’s great because you get the attention at the position right away. That’s one of the things I love about this situation. The head coach that’s what he coached. Guys want to compete. They know coach has coached that position. It’s nothing but positive.
Do you approach guys as a blank slate?
I just coach. Get them to prepare and compete at the highest level. Our expectation is high. We expect them to meet those. If they don’t, it’s no different than from the former coach. This is Oklahoma and we expect to be the best.
Is Jonathan Nelson working at corner at all?
Very limited, more safety. He finished strong last year at that position. You can see that with Quinton Carter, they are our most experienced guys. You can see that in practice.
How do you balance what you like to do vs. what they’ve done here in the past?
We’re not going to do anything different. This is about Oklahoma. I’m going to coach the way I know how to coach, but I’m going to coach within the system. There’s differences in fundamentals, techniques, but really at the end of the day, this is Oklahoma and I’m going to coach the Oklahoma way.
Innocent Bystander
March 12th, 2010
8:36 am
Just an observation from a neutral observer. Willie coached no different when Van Gorder was here. Richt didn’t like Van Gorder, his style, personality, etc. Willie would have coached differently if Richt had wanted. Richt fired Willie because it was him or Willie. He coached like Richt wanted, just like Bobo does. The sooner (no pun) the Dawgs realize that you have got as far as your gonna go with CMR, the sooner you stop the bleeding. If your happy with all of your 10 win seasons, thats ok, but he will NEVER win the SEC again.
Don
March 12th, 2010
8:43 am
Not in favor of it. On the surface it looks great, but the purpose of the spring game is not to win or lose, but try new things, players in new positions to see if a switch is in order. Playing a “game” takes a lot of that away as the fans will immediately want a “win” when one isn’t really important.
Homer
March 12th, 2010
8:43 am
that is why u are u g a y.
robodawg
March 12th, 2010
9:14 am
Not a bad idea. Do other programs play a spring game against a rival?
When you’re not really ready to name a starter, as at the QB position, the current setup allows you to name two and wait until the fall to establish a pecking order on your roster.
I wouldn’t want to play them every year in the fall. Honestly, what did Clemson ever do until they started playing us every year? It made their program. When we stopped playing them, we started playing Tennessee on a regular basis, and that game has just as much competitive spirit. Plus we play Bama and LSU in the west more frequently.
bruce mac
March 12th, 2010
9:58 am
Does the NCAA allow such a game? I doubt it.
Innocent, thanks for your ignorant observation based on nothing.
Will Dawg
March 12th, 2010
10:05 am
I don’t care when we play them, but we need to renew this Rivalry.
IF there is a conference shuffle, such as Mizzou going to big 10 to make them a 12 team league(haha Screw Notre Dame), the rumor is Arkansas would wanna move to Big 12. IF, admitted a big if, that happens we need to add Clem and his son to the SEC. Their nickname is Auburn with a lake afterall.
Kevin
March 12th, 2010
10:07 am
I like it. If we are worried about not enough playing time for both teams, then why not during red-zone situational plays utilize both ends. Basically have two teams running plays on opposite ends of the field at the same time.
RxDawg
March 12th, 2010
10:35 am
Love this idea.
But why do I get the feeling the NCAA would step in and say NO WAY?
dawgfan
March 12th, 2010
10:57 am
This would be an event that would overshadow what spring football is supposed to be about. We already have spring scrimmages that are nationally televised on ESPN. That should be enough. That is a lot more that we used to have. But college football fams always want more. An exhibition game would solely serve the entertainment interests of the fans and do little for the team. It isn’t about us folks.
HORRIBLE idea.
Tailack U
March 12th, 2010
11:25 am
I’m all in some arguments especially regarding injury make no
sense. We lose a player or 2 in G day games fairly common.
You are always going to get a better sense of yourself after
a spring game against different personel than with the familiar
competetion faced every day during the spring.
You face a variety of skills and technique during the season.
The more you are exposed to it the more you learn about yourself.
Hope that the powers to be will make it happen.
38 Yardline Dawg
March 12th, 2010
12:55 pm
FYI Belvedere, you’re the moron. We will pay Clemson $300 in BOTH 2013 AND 2014. Doesn’t matter where the game is played.
38 Yardline Dawg
March 12th, 2010
12:56 pm
BTW that’d be $300,000.
MississippiDawg
March 12th, 2010
2:05 pm
Want to generate more revenue AND renew a rivalry? Play one more game…not an exhibition but a real game. Even the NFL has talked of shortening the exhibition season and adding more REAL games…anyone ever get excited over watching Pre-season anything?? MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL…serioulsy? Its like watching paint dry….
tony
March 12th, 2010
4:35 pm
It would have to have NCAA approval,and by the time that happens there would not be enough handicap parking for all our wheel chairs or scooters.
A_Rabid_Dawg
March 12th, 2010
5:04 pm
Great idea! If you thing players would be at any more risk in this game – you’re crazy! Same old spring game rules, plus a little less playing time per player (less chance of injury).
The BIGGEST ADVANTAGE: NATIONWIDE PRESS that could help either team (or both) in the polls, or in recruiting. Play would be so much more realistic, and the money could always be put to good use.
Kyle Gets Contrary: Why the Georgia Bulldogs Should Not Play an Exhibition Game Against the Clemson Tigers « MrSEC.com
March 12th, 2010
6:23 pm
[...] from Team Speed Kills, David Hale, Senator Blutarsky, The Grit Tree, The Leather Helmet Blog, Bill King, and the aforementioned Paul Westerdawg. The consensus in “The Dawgosphere” has been [...]
tigersrus
March 12th, 2010
6:46 pm
Bring it on! Let’s see if the Big Dawg can eat like it used to!! I think it will choke now!!
icedawg
March 12th, 2010
7:41 pm
It won’t happen but a novel idea. The UGA-Clemson series in the 60’s to early 80’s was always a classic. Too bad we had to drop the game but we picked up South Carolina which is turning into a pretty good series of its own, especially since the “ole ball coach” has taken over. But it would be fun if UGA and Clemson took it up again.
RED DOG 77
March 12th, 2010
11:10 pm
I want to see Clemson on the schedule for a home and home regular season thing. I remember as a kid sitting on the “hill” next to the bridge, with my Pop Warner team watching the DOGS whoop some Tiger Butt !!Don’t like the idea of any game if it is not for real !!!
AltamahaDawg
March 12th, 2010
11:23 pm
So we Give our guys half the point of having a spring game to give Clemson some exposure.
Dawgfan17
March 13th, 2010
5:59 am
You could get the players just as much PT by extending the game to closer to a real game, adding extra periods/not using a running clock etc. Plus I think you’d find out a lot more about which players truly look good and which guys are just practice guys or only look good because who they lined up against. I love the idea and think it should not just happy at UGA but across the country. It won’t because of the “what ifs” of someone getting hurt but I think it would be great.
Boca Baby
March 13th, 2010
10:21 am
Not a good idea. As in the past, when UGA played Clemson annually, the only benefactor in the series was the Tigers. Check the chronology. When UGA stopped playing Clemson on a regular basis the Tiger program started going downhill and has not recovered since. Clemson fed on the series by using success in the rivalry as a tool to come into Georgia and get recruits. Let’s face it, the city of Atlanta has a greater population than the entire State of SC. Clemson has no natural recruiting base. It is already enough to have to deal with the entire SEC coming into the state (Georgia has more total players on SEC squads than any other state in the conference). And Georgia is rated the #4 ranked recruiting base in the nation behind CA, TX and FL. By not playing Clemson on a regular basis we let them continue to wallow in the mire of mediocrity. If you do not believe me check the roster of the Clemson ‘81 NC team. Yes, more starters on the team from Georgia than any other state including SC. It could be said that Georgia won back-to-back national championships in ‘80 and ‘81, but the two teams wore different color uniforms. Isn’t the orange that UGA has to look at from year-to-year enough?
mike
March 14th, 2010
10:01 am
I suspect every NCAA team would like to do this, but did the original poster do any research? Many schools could have been making money a long time ago. Not a bad idea, but check with the NCAA first before throwing something like this out.
DawgVoiceofReason
March 14th, 2010
9:26 pm
Bill,
No, but thanks for asking. Why would anyone get excited over a scrimmage that means NOTHING and that might lead to injuries for either or both teams? I’m well aware of the great games that have been played between the two teams over the years but this would NOT be a game. I like seeing our players show their stuff at the Red & Black “game”. It is an opportunity for the upcoming stars to shine a little before their time and the current stars to show us what we might expect in the upcoming season.
Clem Dawgson
March 14th, 2010
11:53 pm
64 miles between schools … a great idea
airpanther
March 15th, 2010
7:01 am
I Believe, as the huge tiger fan that i am, that this game would be an excellent game for not only the players, but to see if Dabo Swinney is ready to take on such a strong and titan like opponent such as Mike Richt himself……
bank walker
March 15th, 2010
1:20 pm
No way! Clemson is the only one to gain from this and we all know it. We already play them in a couple of years. I did grow up watching this series and when Clemson was successful, they had the majority of Georgia kids. We need to be stingy when we can! Go Dawgs!!
UGA Grad 09
March 16th, 2010
9:17 am
I think it is a great idea and it would give both teams an advantage as far as tuning up before the regular season starts. UGA has been devistated by injuries the past few off/on seasons and im starting to believe this may be caused by a ineffective strength and conditioning program. That was a bit off topic! If the schools do manage to carry out this idea, I suggest the revenue gained from the game be donated to acedemic needs because most schools are strapped for cash right now.
UGA Grad 09
March 16th, 2010
9:19 am
For those of you asking why anyone would get excited over a scrimmage game that doesn’t matter, I ask you why do 40,000 people show up for the Red and Black game every year? Only in the SEC can a team on team scrimmage game bring in more fans than GT can get to come to a regular season home game!
dagnabit
April 10th, 2010
6:27 am
I still like Coach Dodd’s idea that Tech and Georgia play the first game and the last game of the season. National publicity each year would be great!
Tiger Fan
April 10th, 2010
4:37 pm
I think this is a FANTASTIC idea. I remember back when the Clemson/UGA game was THE rivalry for both teams because both of our in-state rivals were basically jokes at that time (Through the late 70s and early 90s). To bring back this rivalry would be a great idea, especially if our teams were to be the first college teams to do this. Heck, maybe the game could even be extended to showcase all talent and give the players more playing time. As for where it should be, undoubtidly this should be in Atlanta, since both schools are about the same distance away, and although it does not hold as many fans as either school’s stadium, it would still make a great profit every year.