Dogs’ offense looks more versatile this year
Whether rolling out or taking off running, Aaron Murray should bring added versatility to the QB position. (AJC staff)
Despite the uncertainty over who’ll be the Dogs’ quarterback, most fans I’ve been talking with this spring feel pretty good about the offense because of the returning experience on the offensive line and at tailback, and, of course, A.J. Green.
But the Macon Telegraph’s spring practice coverage has touched on a couple of other reasons to be optimistic about UGA’s offensive prospects.
One is the likelihood of additional mobility at QB if either Aaron Murray or Logan Gray is behind center. While Mark Richt’s teams haven’t generally been known for a dual-threat QB except during 2005 with D.J. Shockley — and last year that really wasn’t part of the offense with Joe Cox — Georgia’s coaches think Murray and Gray have that potential. (Zach Mettenberger, not so much, but he’s pretty much taken himself out of the starter’s race at this point with a suspension hanging over his head.)
Speaking of Murray and Gray, Mark Richt said, “I believe those guys are athlete enough to add a little bit of quarterback run, run a little zone read, run a little quarterback draw. I don’t see us running a true option, but … we’ll have quarterback run gamed for them, and you would expect them to make plays either crossing the line of scrimmage or scrambling right, left, buying time and finding someone downfield.”
We’re not talking about the Dogs relying on their quarterback to run extensively. But instead of just sailing the ball out of bounds when everyone’s covered, Richt said, the quarterback can move up in the pocket and maybe have room to gain 4 or 5 yards. “If two times a game the quarterback can cross the line of scrimmage and get the first down when it wasn’t designed for it to happen that way, that’s huge, and I think those guys can do that.”
And if that proves to be the case, it can help the passing game, Richt notes. “Defenders respect a guy who can run and sometimes will come off a coverage to come get him, and all of a sudden they can flip it to a guy who’s open.”
A more mobile quarterback also allows you to move the pocket while he searches for an open receiver, like Matthew Stafford did against Kentucky a couple of years ago. Cox really wasn’t able to do that, which resulted in quite a few of his inteceptions.
The other plus for the Dogs’ offense highlighted by the Telegraph is the potential mismatch with the defense that tight ends Aron White and Orson Charles offer since both are athletic enough to split out at receiver, especially if a linebacker is trying to cover them.
As Murray noted, “It’s going to be good to have those guys just to confuse the defense, not knowing if we’re in a two-tight formation, or spread, or three receiver look.”
“It’s going to pose a great threat,” Murray said. “It’s going to be pretty hard for the defense … we come out with two tight ends, and they think we’re going to be in a two-tight formation and we split one out, or we split two out and they’re in a base defense. They’re not ready to handle four receivers. It causes it a lot of confusion just because of their athleticism.”
Yes, the Dogs will have an inexperienced quarterback this season. But barring any key injuries to the line, I’m still feeling really good about Georgia’s ability to move the ball and score.
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118 comments Add your comment
Go Dawgs!
March 23rd, 2010
11:10 am
I think this year is going to be a great improvement over last year, on both sides of the ball. I can’t wait till the season starts!!! Go Dawgs!!!!!!! first?
Bulldog
March 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
We’ll see how Bobo drives this bus…
Hot Mic
March 23rd, 2010
11:27 am
Lots of weapons, indeed! I’d really like to see 3 & 4 each rock out 1,000 yards…and have each of them hit the mark against Tech ‘tween the hedges.
DawgBuzz
March 23rd, 2010
11:29 am
Hope CMR takes more command of the offense and let’s Bobo handle the QB’s.
Hot Mic
March 23rd, 2010
11:31 am
BTW Bill, nice post.
11Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
11:33 am
Offense will not be a problem this year. If only I were that confident about the defense…
AceDawg
March 23rd, 2010
11:33 am
Bobo’s playcalling and the ability of the offense to stop penalizing itself is still a factor, but there are plenty of reasons to expect solid production. EVERY position will be better this year on paper, so how can that not be an excellent reason to be optimistic? I got the feeling that Murray is a “winner” with a competitive edge, but Gray looked good last Spring, and maybe just maybe he didn’t look good in a few game situations because he was so limited in opportunities.
dbc
March 23rd, 2010
11:39 am
UGA will be back in the SEC hunt this year. What worries me is, where in the he!! am I going to tailgate?
dawgs01
March 23rd, 2010
12:02 pm
Orson Charles was a beast last year and I think he has a great future ahead of him at UGA and in the NFL. Can’t wait till Fall, but spring is almost hear and i cant wait for the bikini’s. GOOOO DAWGS
bigdawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:04 pm
ive been saying this for about two months now. The offense has the potential to be the best its been in five years (with the exception of 2008).
tony
March 23rd, 2010
12:06 pm
I’m very excited about that Murray kid. I’ve been saying since last season that I think he is the best qb on that team. I really believe if Mr.Richt doesn’t try to play both qbs that Aaron Murray will flourish and lead the dawgs to an sec championship. If the defense is half as good as it was last season, I see no reason why they couldn’t win it all in 2010.
Scout Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:21 pm
Yeah, I think we are going to be highly competitive on both sides of the ball. I am just praying that the dreaded injury “bug” flies on by Athens this year!
PeachJam
March 23rd, 2010
12:24 pm
Most excited I’ve been about UGA football since…in a long time.
Cuz
March 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
Give us some offensive fireworks and a lights out defense.
Brandon Spikes
March 23rd, 2010
12:29 pm
Please let them run CMR.
Hope Floats
March 23rd, 2010
12:30 pm
I’m very excited about that Murray kid. I’ve been saying since last season that I think he is the best qb on that team. I really believe if Mr.Richt doesn’t try to play both qbs that Aaron Murray will flourish and lead the dawgs to an sec championship. If the defense is half as good as it was last season, I see no reason why they couldn’t win it all in 2010.
I love the idiots on this blog!
ESPN College Football
March 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
UGA Crowned Spring Football National Champs Once Again!!!!
bigdawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:34 pm
@ESPN College Football yeah last year Florida won that award and this year its us
ESPN College Football
March 23rd, 2010
12:36 pm
No bigdawg, UGA wins it every year, since 1980.
SEC East Headlines – 3/23/10 « MrSEC.com
March 23rd, 2010
12:36 pm
[...] “a lot to grasp.”9. This writer believes the silver britches’ offense will be more versatile in 2010.10. Thanks to yesterday’s ruling by the NCAA, John Calipari is no longer the only Division I [...]
unweaned lil pup
March 23rd, 2010
12:36 pm
Tony … if the d is half as good as last year, we gonna stink up the sec east big time.
Success in 2010 rides on a much improved D more than any other facet.
jack bull
March 23rd, 2010
12:37 pm
asked the nephew over the weekend to give me a couple of guys flying under the radar who are looking good so far, he said, other than it still being really too early to say, but, Artie is looking real good at TE, DJ(Dontavious Jackson), looks pretty good a TB,(but Washaun looks REAL good), on D, he said Jordan Love looks good and has really good size to go with his speed, he also said himself, with a chuckle… i’ll talk to him again this weekend. i try not to bother him too much..
bigdawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:38 pm
well at least your not calling it delusion like most other SEC fans call us. We’re not delusional or dreaming. its called optimism and faith in your team to improve year-to-year regardless of ONE bad year in ten…
Just Sayin
March 23rd, 2010
12:38 pm
Tony, if the D is half as good then it will be the worst in the country. If you mean twice as good then you will be around # 40 in the country.
Dawg 39
March 23rd, 2010
12:41 pm
I am trying to find a reason not to be excited about the Dawg’s offense for the next 3/4 years. I Can’t find one. Check the HT. of our WRs & TEs, depth on the OL, quality & quantity everywhere.
CMR will still be working with the QBs & checking on CMB. I am in the minority that believe that CMB is an excellent QB coach & an excellent OC. I see No major problems for the offense .
ESPN College Football
March 23rd, 2010
12:41 pm
bigdawg, UGA gets the all time award for optimism. Do you think Murray will be better than Stafford his first year starting? Remember, you still have Bobo the clown calling plays.
jack bull
March 23rd, 2010
12:43 pm
oh yeah, i asked him about Murray and the glove thing and if he thought he was too short to play QB, and he wouldn’t comment on it. he’s the kind of kid that don’t say anything bad about anyone, so i’m not really sure how to take him not commenting on it..
LADawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:45 pm
I love the way Murray seems to be able to express himself and apparently has football knowledge that is beyond a redshirt freshman. The SEC East is going to be fun to watch. Where last year we had a chance of losing on any given weekend, this year will be just the opposite.
bigdawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:47 pm
did anyone ever say that ANY of UGA’s current QBs will be better than Stafford in their SENIOR years! Stafford was a dang gunslinger that I don’t see UGA gettin one like him for the next 4 or 5 classes. Bobo the clown? really?? this is an offense that ran ALL OVER tech, A&M, Auburn, SC, and Ark. i don’t see people pickin on Miss. St fans, Vandy fans, Ark fans, etc. their teams were just as bad, heck worse than UGA and their fans are just as optimist. the only difference is that UGA actually has a tradition of success under their current coach (not knockin miss st, vandy, and arkansas, I think they all have talent but lets face it their program is not UGAs) go troll them for a change…
bigdawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:48 pm
OK now that im off my soapbox… whats up everyone
LADawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:51 pm
ESPN College Football, will Murray be better the Stafford in his first year? I wouldn’t think so. But I do think he will get better results. Stafford was behind a make-shift line, had a not-so-good running game, and middle of the road receivers. You can’t judge a team just based on the QB position!
Clemson Rules!
March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
HAHA even Florida players are glad Tebow is gone so they will have a “real QB”. And Alabama just vacated a ton of wins for cheating. What a couple of scum bag filled programs. LOL
run the ball
March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
CMB must establish a power running game and control the clock. What’s CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yds? Really, Bobo, let the offensive line and our fullbacks control the game. Play to our strengths instead of asking an inexperienced QB to throw for 300 a game and getting killed in time of possession.
If we beat TN and Fla this year we could play for the NC. I’m just sayin.
GATA Dawgs!
March 23rd, 2010
12:54 pm
Here’s my biggest fear: that Richt doesn’t make up his mind about who starts and we end up going back and forth between two or three guys and it takes 3 or 4 games for him to finally make up his mind.
I’m also beginning to wonder if the injury “bug” isn’t more about bad conditioning rather than bad luck.
Hairy Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
12:57 pm
Stafford came in as a true freshman and didn’t have the talent surrounding him like Murray has. Murray will have 2 spring practices and an entire season of practice and bowl practice under his belt. I say Murray has a much better freshman season than Stafford. Add a more experience OC in Bobo and I just don’t see how you could even think that Murray won’t be able to perform better that Stafford this season. I’d venture to say that Murray could possibly even outplay Stafford in Stafford’s junior season this year.
bigdawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:01 pm
I agree. better than Stafford in MS’ junior year probably not. better than MS’ FRESHMAN year. probably yeah. not that hard really considering stafford had twice the ints to tds (even cox had more tds than ints) lol
ESPN College Football
March 23rd, 2010
1:02 pm
run the ball, and when was the last time you beat Tenn and UF the same year?
Hope Floats
March 23rd, 2010
1:04 pm
You guys crack me up. Has any actually seen Murray perform in game conditions?
Hairy Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:06 pm
Not exactly necessary to beat UF and UT in the same season. It would help, but history for the SEC and national champ hasn’t shown that it’s necessary. That’s the SEC. If you’re a Nerd fan, then you better run the table since you don’t play anybody in your conference worth claiming you beat.
Hairy Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:08 pm
Hope Floats is the type that sees the results of a game and says “I knew they’d win” or looks at the lottery results and says “I was going to play those numbers.”
Alabama Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:16 pm
Murray play better than Stafford in his Junior season? Maybe. Playing better than Stafford in his Sophomore season? I doubt it! Here’s hoping the Dawgs have a memorable season this year, whoever the QB is!
Hope Floats
March 23rd, 2010
1:21 pm
Hope floats see’s Dawg Fans as hilarious. See’s Dawg fans as wanting to win a NC so bad that they are still stuck in 1980.
james
March 23rd, 2010
1:22 pm
how is this guy still writing for the AJC? its just sad. NO insightful opinions offered, beyond “hey! we might have a mobile qb this year – that’s what we’ve been missing.” For that level of analysis, I’ll just talk to another fan…wait, that’s exactly what this sham of a “blog” is.
Team Doctor
March 23rd, 2010
1:22 pm
What happens to your hope when Murray starts missing games because of injuries?
ESPN College Football
March 23rd, 2010
1:24 pm
Hairy, if you would have beat Tenn and Florida in 2007 you would have won the SEC East and not left whining how you were cheated out of the BCS.
Hairy Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:32 pm
As usual ESPN… you don’t read very well.
jzdawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:33 pm
Any of these guys will be better than an non-mobile Cox. Cox had his flashes of being a good QB last year against Ark. and a few other games but when pressured he panicked and either got sacked or threw a INT because he couldn’t run.
Brandon Spikes
March 23rd, 2010
1:39 pm
jzdawg, Logan Gray didnt set the world on fire either.
ESPN College Football
March 23rd, 2010
1:40 pm
No, Hairy what I said is you MUST win the East to have a shot. Jawja didnt win the East in 07.
Lizard King
March 23rd, 2010
1:40 pm
We’ll have Aaron Murray dancin’ back there in the pocket like Arthur Murray…
RxDawg
March 23rd, 2010
1:51 pm
They might as well cancel the season and deem us national champions of 2010.
UGAgrad04
March 23rd, 2010
1:54 pm
ESPN College Football
“if you would have beat Tenn and Florida in 2007 you would have won the SEC East and not left whining how you were cheated out of the BCS.”
No doubt. But winning the conference title did not keep previous teams out of the BCS title game and was not a provision in the BCS by laws. Nebraska got hammered by Colorado in 2001, yet got to play Miami in the title game, where they of course got killed. And Oklahoma got destroyed in their title game in 2003 yet got to play LSU for a shot at the BCS title. In 2003, LSU and USC were declared co-champions which is ironic when you consider that the whole point of the BCS is to ELIMINATE co-champions, which is failed to do. So if there is no clear cut National Champion( like there was in 2007), then the BCS title game is a sham. So it should have been LSU vs. Ohio State and USC vs. UGA, with the winners being co-champions. Since there is no playoff or plus 1 format, that is how that scenario should have played out.
I agree with you in that the Dawgs couldn’t complain too much, because they did get absolutely drilled in their game vs. Tennessee and were terrible in an early season loss to South Carolina. But there is also something to be said for late season momentum. Pro teams get on these kind of rolls all of the time, and sometimes it carries them to a championship. I believe that if the Dawgs played South Carolina or Tennessee later in the season, they would have beaten those teams in a rematch.
baddog
March 23rd, 2010
1:55 pm
Brandon Spikes – didn’t Tebow have more yardage running than passing as a Fullback/QB his freshman year when he was a backup? Other than Tenn. Tech (where Gray was 4 for 5 passing) how many games did Gray get to play in last year besides coming in late in an already losing effort to UF and UT? http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=240874
tony
March 23rd, 2010
1:58 pm
Just Sayin, I appreciate you correcting me on my post. I really meant to say if our defense is 50% better than they were last season and the Murray has a breakout season, I think we can win the sec. Hope Floats, there’s no hope for you evil kid.
Gator Fan
March 23rd, 2010
2:05 pm
Cant wait til fall, new players and stars on just about every team. The SEC should be a dog (no pun) fight this year.
HOUDAWG
March 23rd, 2010
2:08 pm
The key is how the OL starts out ……. if they can dominate some teams early on & have a solid running game ( especially against those SEC defenses ) , it’ll let Murray grow into the position. And , it should help the D as it transitions to the 3 – 4. Not to mention more turnovers needed from the D ……
A fair comparison tween QBs MS and AM
March 23rd, 2010
2:17 pm
We can talk about one’s size or the other’s ability to hum the ball though a car wash tunnel w.o. it even getting wet and blah, blah, blah. All are important elements but they do not necessarily convert into NCs and SEC C’s. Buck Belue and David Green, DJ.Shockely, Ray Goff, Andy Johnson and Mike Cavan and even MIKE BOBO and a few other great UGA QBs wanted to be in Athens, at UGA and to WIN …period.
The ONLY comparsion between Stafford and Murray is attitude or the “do I really want to be here in this school, named UGA” ??? THAT IS THE MAJOR difference. Aaron Murray has that and he is now a leader. MS was NEVER connected to anyone on that team. He was aloof, and physically there but was not EVER a part of the team. This fact is why UGA was close but no cigars under MS.
Time will tell. We ought to win TWO SEC titles or ONE and maybe another SEC East in the next couple of years IF AM pans out.
Go Dogs.
how2fish
March 23rd, 2010
2:34 pm
Gator Fan couldn’t agree more it should be a joy to watch it all unfold!
RxDawg
March 23rd, 2010
2:46 pm
Gator Fan
March 23rd, 2010
2:05 pm
I agree.
Spike
March 23rd, 2010
2:57 pm
Throw the damn ball to Kris Durham!!
Craig
March 23rd, 2010
3:11 pm
I love that Vandy had a 2 game win streak over the Blama. I love that Blama had to forfeit those games. In fact, Blama is reminding us of how much they take after Florida- Fla used to get caught cheatin all the time. Now it’s Blama
LeeDawg
March 23rd, 2010
3:22 pm
All depends on Bobo. He just can’t seem to develop any rhythm with his play-calling.
Done Deal
March 23rd, 2010
3:55 pm
Go ahead and chalk it up; 2010 SEC and National Chumps. I mean Champs. No need to even play the schedule, soft though it is. I mean, who do we play that’ll be any good ? And, like, we’ll be AWESOME !!!!
RxDawg
March 23rd, 2010
4:13 pm
That’s the spirit Done Deal.
JC in Powder Springs
March 23rd, 2010
4:24 pm
The Dawgs have a lot of talent and depth. If they can reduce the stupid penalties and overcome Bobo’s poor playcalling, they should return to the top 10 and challenge for the SEC championship. The D will be much better this year mostly because of the emphasis on fundamentals, like tackling.
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
4:39 pm
UGA > GT, With that said, Murray is the next qb at UGA. Gray is a good athlete but cannot throw a football. He struggles with accuracy and would make a descent receiver. However, I really respect gray for not transferring and wanting to remain a bulldog
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
4:40 pm
not transfering when stafford became the starter. Go Dawgs!
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
4:50 pm
Not knowing whether UGA is in 2 TE, 1 wide, 3 WR set, or spread, will create lots of mismatches.
Look for Georgia to move to a possession style of offense–heavy run–lots of short passes.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
4:52 pm
We need 225-240 rushing yards a game to win the SEC:
125 from Ealey
75 from King
25 from QB
25 from Wooten/Smith/Green
I-DOG
March 23rd, 2010
4:55 pm
Agree about the weapons, but if we are one of the worst teams in the country in terms of turnovers and penalties, then it will be hard to keep the drives going, score points, and win games.
At this point I would institute a program (WELL BEFORE the season starts) where if a player turns the ball over they know they are going to be sitting for about a quarter or if a player commits a penalty they will be sitting for a series or two depending on the “dumbness” of the penalty.
I would let the team know that the QBS are EXCLUDED from this, but make it known to Murray who I assume will win the job… that he needs to value posession of the ball and keep turnovers to a minimum and let the playmakers make most of the plays. Otherwise the other guy is getting a chance.
If an OL holds, he sits the next series. If he commits a false start at the other teams 3 yard line, he sits for 2-3. If a defender gets called for a late hit, he can think about how that extended a scoring drive by sitting on the bench for a couple of series. If a running back or return guy fumbles you let him know that he can make up for it in the 2nd half or in the next game.
We can’t win the way we want to with the way we turn the ball over and are penalized. It just gives too much away to the opponent.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
4:59 pm
Richt thrives on being versatile ideally. Ideal play-mix is 50/50 run/pass, won’t happen in 2010 due to inexperienced QB.
But having a dual threat QB adds to having more things to prepare for, for the defense. Florida won a LOT of games by Tebow running for 5 or 6 yards when the D dropped too deep. a running QB also opens up the deep ball. Tebow proved EXTREMELY DURABLE, so it’s not that risky to have your QB run if he’s in good condition, Gray is in excellent condition. Murray is injury prone.
Also like having a thrower like Mett and Mason on the bench if needed, in case of injury.
Lots of options.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:00 pm
Branden Smith can get 50-75 yards a game rushing, if he’ll just protect the ball. He averages 12.2 ypc.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:01 pm
I’d say if a QB throws 2 INT’s in 1 game, bench him for the next game. 2 int’s in one game, is unforgivable.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:03 pm
If you fumble, unless a QB, you sit the rest of the game.
If QB fumbles more than 1x in a game, he sits for the rest of the game.
Mike Dog
March 23rd, 2010
5:23 pm
gRAY WAS eLITE 11 qb. rATED #5 DUAL-THREAT qb NATIONALLY. HAD A GREAT SRPING IN 2009, SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE STARTER.
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
5:31 pm
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTIONS?
Bug Spray!
March 23rd, 2010
5:32 pm
MINE WOULD BE UGA VS BAMA. UGA WINNING
Big D Dawg
March 23rd, 2010
5:37 pm
hope floats must be fuzzy bee, reality or even st simpleton from st simons
still trying to hide after the 30-24 run down
DawginLex
March 23rd, 2010
7:08 pm
All I can say is I’m gonna be po’d if anyone other than Murray is the starting QB. Logan Gray is not the answer, God love him. Mett is gonna sit at least 2 games. Murray has gotta start.
DawginLex
March 23rd, 2010
7:11 pm
Hope Floats can’t see his own private parts because of his belly.
Of course, he went to Tech so he doesn’t use them anyway.
blow up dolls don’t count……………………….
Small Johnson
March 23rd, 2010
7:26 pm
Here’s a thought
Stop the conservative play calling and we will win
Especially when we play FL
SOUTHGADAWG88
March 23rd, 2010
7:27 pm
I just hope the OL comes out of summer camp healthy.I’d love to hear that Sturdivant and Harmon are ready to provide some quality back up minutes.Cox had more TO’s than the rest of the team combined so if the starting QB can limit mistakes the Offense should be potent,CMR has had us near the top of the SEC on Offense for most of his tenure and I don’t expect that to change.If we can shave 6-7 points off of last year’s defensive points allowed number this is a 10-11 win team.
Edman
March 23rd, 2010
7:33 pm
Does Charlie Daniels play a mean fiddle?
Tiger
March 23rd, 2010
7:37 pm
Can I come watch a game dawg fans?
Pago Flyer
March 23rd, 2010
7:52 pm
Great…can we just beat UF/UT/ and UK this year??
All Cupcakes Conference
March 23rd, 2010
8:12 pm
Tiger, given the abundance of trim in Athens on gameday, I doubt you’d be watching the game.
The Eternal Pessimist
March 23rd, 2010
8:24 pm
When I hear “option” I think “turnovers.”
Brainiac(Dawg for life)
March 23rd, 2010
8:26 pm
What in the hell is wrong with you people? You sound like a bunch of children or hungover tailgaters talking about benching guys for holding, interceptions, etc., etc., etc. A hold has saved a QB’s life many times and I have seen several tipped balls that turned into interceptions. God help us if our coaches take any of this BS serious(which I am sure they won’t).
Murray is not injury prone...
March 23rd, 2010
10:51 pm
Saw Murray play a team nationally ranked by he name of Armwood down here in Florida…Armwood was so good that they could probably beat some college teams…Armwood had a college coach draft something like 20 some different defensive “look” to use just against him to stop him…Armwood was a football factory for Div 1 recruits…saw Murray’s over-matched offensive line get beat on almost every play and saw him get hit hard on every play…Murray would hang in there delivering the ball, get up, and do it all over again…took some of the worst beatings that I’ve ever seen by a QB against any team…he would get up, dust himself off, and give encouragement to his offensive line…never once did I see him loose his cool and start screaming at his linemen, but I sure could understand if he did…the kid is a natural born leader and UGA is damn lucky to have him…so all of you so called fans, get off of this injury prone BS, anyone can break a bone…why play AJ, didn’t he go out with an injury last year…the kid is a gamer…
AltamahaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:11 am
I think the continuing improvement of the RBs and finally having a mature, big, capable O-line will be the magic pill that somehow makes Coach Bobo smarter.
AltamahaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:15 am
As yes, Murray is completely more qualified in the system than Stafford was his freshman year.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:21 am
run the ball
March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
CMB must establish a power running game and control the clock. What’s CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yds? Really, Bobo, let the offensive line and our fullbacks control the game. Play to our strengths instead of asking an inexperienced QB to throw for 300 a game and getting killed in time of possession.
If we beat TN and Fla this year we could play for the NC. I’m just sayin.
JB
March 24th, 2010
7:27 am
The defense can’t do anything but get better……I’m so sick of WR’s catching the ball against us without a Georgia DB within 10-15 yards. Willie played prevent the whole game. This new guy from UCONN, after watching some youtube of their bowl against Carolina, looks like the real deal. Garcia had to eat the ball a lot due to his receivers in lockdown. Also, Grantham doesn’t look like the type who will let someone sit in a pocket play after play and just pick us a part.
If the three new Defensive coach’s can coach this talent up, I think this year will a lot better.
JB
March 24th, 2010
7:32 am
I’m hearing that this little Jackson kid at RB ( Dontavious I think) is lighting it up. He’s 4.3 and there in 1 or 2 steps with vision and moves. I hope they come up with some plays to get him in space, not run him off tackle.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:33 am
run the ball March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
CMB must establish a power running game and control the clock. What’s CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yds? Really, Bobo, let the offensive line and our fullbacks control the game. Play to our strengths instead of asking an inexperienced QB to throw for 300 a game and getting killed in time of possession.
If we beat TN and Fla this year we could play for the NC. I’m just sayin.
AltamahaDawg
March 24th, 2010
7:34 am
What game last year was our offensive line our strength? Or we owned a power running game? There is a reason we needed a lot of yards from the QB to win.
Everybody keeps pointing out to Bobo the need to run the ball…..do you really think he doesnt know that?
Wouldn’t actually being able to do it be a much larger component of that equation than just wanting to do it.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
8:03 am
run the ball
March 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
CMB must establish a power running game and control the clock. What’s CMR’s record when we have a back go over 100 yds? Really, Bobo, let the offensive line and our fullbacks control the game. Play to our strengths instead of asking an inexperienced QB to throw for 300 a game and getting killed in time of possession.
If we beat TN and Fla this year we could play for the NC. I’m just sayin.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
8:05 am
Thank you, run the ball, my sentiments exactly!
RRRRRRRRRRRRRUN THE DAMN’ BALL!!! (It controls the clock, and time of possession; it OPENS UP the passing game.) Please let me repeat that! (IT OPENS UP THE PASSING GAME!!!!!!)
Check out the history of UGA championship teams, every one of them was headed up by a sound, effective RUNNING GAME!
JB
March 24th, 2010
8:07 am
Here’s what I’m also hope changes with these three new coach’s. We come into some games in a “fog”. What happened to us at Tenn. last year was ALL coaching and having the team ready to play. Does anyone on here believe Tenn has talent that’s 40 points better than us. No.
We need to come ready to play, and the last 2-3 years, that’s been questionable.
HD
March 24th, 2010
8:12 am
BOBO falls asleep at the wheel. Our offense does fine, but goes through long periods of time when BOBO does nothing useful: OK State after first drive, LSU first half, Auburn beginning of game, KY after halftime, Tenn, TX A&M first half. The offense ends up racking up decent numbers, but there’s no consistency in terms of the quality of playcalling. I want to see a complete game from Bobo.
Call It Like It Is
March 24th, 2010
8:16 am
Hey Pago Flyer,
The answer is NO!
Gators win the East again 2010!
Enough Said!
SOUTHGADAWG88
March 24th, 2010
8:26 am
HD sometimes the other teams had something to do with our poor play on offense.We are not playing the scout team on Saturdays.
Bean Counter
March 24th, 2010
8:30 am
dbc was wondering where to tailgate. Why not start with President Adams’ house since he is the one that issued the order. After all his house is owned by the University.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
8:35 am
That is exactly the point that I’m trying to drive home! (RECRUITING) We’ve GOT TO BE ABLE to field an offensive team that can control the ball on the ground FIRST, and until we can do that, I just don’t see any National Titles coming our way. I would sincerely love to eat those words, but I don’t believe that reality will allow to savor them.
GaDawg
March 24th, 2010
8:39 am
My previous comment was directed to AltamahaDawg
Just messin wit you
March 24th, 2010
8:53 am
More versatile this year? Try winning games you should win; like Kentucky and Vandy and Tenn for starters.
noah
March 24th, 2010
9:34 am
First!!!
Brian in Athens
March 24th, 2010
9:51 am
A freshman QB has NEVER let his team to a National Championship. RB’s yes, never at QB. This year should be fun, Murray and Mett may be better than Gray, but at some point in some game they will make a mistake and we will lose. 9-10 wins would be nice, and gear up for the next season when all things are possible. I would like to eat my words and have one of those Frosh lead us to the promised land, but it would be a first.
Otto
March 24th, 2010
9:55 am
What games was the OL the strength?
They were the entire season. UGA was #6 in sacks allowed.
Bobo’s lame play calling allowed for WRs to be covered. UGA’s best pass play was a jump ball to AJ which he won because of his talent and being tall.
Samuel and King are mediocre RBs at best. Ealey came in and ran 5 yards a carry as a true freshman. Granted that was against easier competition.
The blame is not on the OL it is on the play calling 1st and RBs 2nd.
Just messin wit you
March 24th, 2010
10:03 am
Try winning the East first Brian. I think that was the problem in 07.
I-DOG
March 24th, 2010
10:45 am
Braniac,
I’m not sayin to sit a guy on the bench for 3 games if he holds. However, what we have done in terms of ball security and turnovers the last two years is unnacceptable. How many times have we seen a false start goal to go and have to settle for a field goal? How many roughing the passer or late hits out of bounds on a 3rd and 12 to give the other team a first down.
I wish I were hearing from the coaches that they were making ball security and penalities their top two priorities, but I have heard very little and am afraid that we are in for a 3rd consecutive year at the bottom of the heap in these important areas. Hope I am dead wrong
AltamahaDawg
March 24th, 2010
12:42 pm
Otto, my response was to the guy saying the O-line was our strength as far as a power running game. Sacks allowed has zero to do with that. I’ll have to admit, I don’t have the expertise to determine if the playcalling ensured WR were covered. I would say, the good news is that there couldn’t be an easier problem to fix than that. Just don’t call those plays anymore.
I don’t want to get into a whole big back and forth about this because its getting old now,but I will say this: If you really think we had the ability able to run the ball effectively ealier last season and the only reason we didn’t was play calling, That the line blocked well in the rushing game the entire time, I could not disagree more.
I think you and I am everybody else will all be very please how Coach Bobo is going to all of a sudden “get it” this year about running the football.
Brainiac(Dawg for life)
March 24th, 2010
3:04 pm
I-DOG: I fully agree that some things are inexcusale like jumping offsides(all one has to do is watch the ball out of the corner of one’s eyes and don’t move until the snap), false starts;unnecessary roughness, personal fouls, etc. are certainly things that should not be tolerated on a continual basis. I just don’t think you can throw blanket applications on ALL violations. Most should be determined by the players intent or just making a Stupid decision. Sorry if I caused any heartburn.
shane#1
March 24th, 2010
5:43 pm
Running the ball will depend on the strenght of the offensive line. Period. You will not make a living running the ball against ‘Bama, yoiu have to mix it up. Otherwise the opposistion just loads the box. A good team that puts more men on the line than you can block will stop the run every time.
Murray's picture...
March 24th, 2010
7:12 pm
I asked this before…anyone know why players only wear on long sleve…I believe Stafford previously had did so, and Orson Charles along w/ Murray has done such…curious only, as it matters as little to me as the glove wearing thing…tks
GaDawg
March 25th, 2010
4:21 pm
shane#1
March 24th, 2010
5:43 pm
That is what an effective running game is intended to do. Force the defense to load the box to stop the run. That opens up the passing game where your quarterback and great receivers have a chance to shine. When the defense has to back off to slow down the passing game, you go back to the running game. They call it “taking what the defense is giving you”, but you must BE ABLE to take it when you get it. Without an EFFECTIVE running game you cannot dictate what the defense has to do in order to stop you!
shane#1
March 25th, 2010
5:24 pm
GaDawg, I agree, an effective running game is a valuable asset. The key word is effective! I am hoping an established O line and experenced backs will better the 2ypc that the running game showed early last season. I think you have to run the ball some even when it ain’t working just to keep the D honest.
joe
April 1st, 2010
8:32 am
if CMR keeps complaining about the lack of WR dept why not cross train Orson Charles out there. Seems his size ( and build) is very similiar to that of some of the dominating WR’s in the NFL 6′ 3′ – 235. He seems fast enough and atheletic enough to be able to split out sometimes. Any thoughts ?