UGA fans fired up? Worried? Yeah, we’re all that
Should Dawgs fans be concerned about Aaron Murray's practice stats? (Johnny Crawford / AJC)
Nine days and counting, and from what I’m hearing and seeing the UGA fan base is alternating between sky-high optimism and nervous fretting.
Take my friend Dan, who I was chatting with earlier this week. “Do you realize,” he said, “that we were three or four plays from finishing 10-and-2 last season?”
Dan put the onus for the Dogs’ disappointing 2009 showing squarely on the defense, and more specifically Willie Martinez. Which is why he’s so high on Georgia’s prospects this season. “We were that close last year and yet our defense was terrible.”
He believes that even with the Dogs having to learn the new 3-4 defensive scheme installed by Todd Grantham, “there’s no way the defense won’t be better this year.” And that means a better record, he believes, because Grantham’s more aggressive style should produce more turnovers than Martinez’s read-and-react scheme did.
Of course, quarterback play was also a problem at times last year. (I still wince thinking about that Kentucky game.) And with Aaron Murray starting out with no experience, some fans are feeling kind of anxious.
Like my friend JP. I got an e-mail from him the other day. The subject line: “I’m worried.”
What he was worried about was Murray’s showing in the scrimmages up to that point (not including Wednesday’s). Said JP: “Aaron Murray has now played 3 ‘games’ at UGA. In the G-Day game he was the third-best QB on the field and threw a terrible interception. In the first scrimmage he was so bad that Bobo publicly criticized him, and in the second scrimmage he was 8 for 20 with no touchdowns, and the offense was totally inept. The best thing Richt could say about him was he didn’t throw any interceptions. I hate to sound like Munson, but I sure wish he would show some progress. I’m afraid he might be one of those players who looks great in practice but can’t produce when it counts.”
In my reply, I tried talking JP down off the ledge a bit by pointing out that in the recent scrimmages Murray has been working behind a patchwork offensive line because of injuries and illness.
That was still pretty much the case Wednesday, when Murray had another OK showing, going 9-for-17 for 127 yards and no interceptions but chalking up a demerit from Mark Richt for getting sacked on a play when he should have thrown the ball away.
“He’s still learning. He’s still a freshman,” Richt noted.
But legendary Dogs QB Buck Belue offers a perspective that fans fretting about Murray’s practice stats probably ought to keep in mind. In his blog, he writes: “Get ready to hear all about Aaron Murray’s stats this season. I can hear some of these knuckleheads already, ‘Murray only completed 7 of 16 passes.’ What does it matter, if two go for TDs and they win?”
The bottom line on the quarterback, according to Belue: “What’s important is making plays that help the offense score points, which in turn helps the team win games. No one should expect Murray — in his first season as the starter — to go out there and complete 65 percent of his throws for 3,000 yards. This isn’t [Eric] Zeier in his senior season. This young man is just getting started. Aaron needs to focus on managing the offense, making good decisions, and hitting on some big plays that help them score points and win.”
Thanks, Buck. We needed that.
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139 comments Add your comment
DawginLex
August 26th, 2010
10:53 am
We have beat this to death today on the other blogs.
I can’t wait for a real game so we know more about what we have.
Fleming Island Dog
August 26th, 2010
10:57 am
First and Thanks Buck
Fleming Island Dog
August 26th, 2010
10:58 am
Not!
CTDawg
August 26th, 2010
10:58 am
2nd
Shreveport Bowl Champs baby!!!
August 26th, 2010
11:00 am
I am worried that we will go 5-7 and lose to Tech 223-0.
Just a fan
August 26th, 2010
11:01 am
I totally agree with Buck all he has to do is mange the game there is no need to throw it 30 times a game this year we have two great backs that should get a ton of carries
SupaE2009
August 26th, 2010
11:18 am
I’ve been counting down since day 75!! Ready 2 see the South Car game & wat our dfense really has 2 offer!! I think Murray will be ok with Green, King, Gray & Brown to throw 2!! See u guys in Athens next wknd!! DAWGS!! follow meon twitter @SUPAE2009!!!
UGA insider
August 26th, 2010
11:27 am
sssshhhhhhh! This article simply proves what I have seen with my own eyes and what others on the staff have privately told me. The defense Murray is practicing against is sick with talent, great coaching and depth! AJ struggles everyday against our athletic db’s and the rest of the receivers are scared to death of our safeties. The defense has kicked the #1 offense in the ass all preseason, so get ready for a very nasty UGA defense this year folks. As long as we can control the clock and run the ball we should win every game except UF, and that one will be a toss up. By the way, Justin Houston will outplay Bama’s lb and be defensive SEC player of the year barring injury. The JYD defense will be back on 9-11 baby!!!!
DCJohn
August 26th, 2010
11:30 am
Anxious. The defense can only get better. The offense has the ability to shoot itself in the foot or to play lights out. So long as the defense and the offense do not pick the same game (or half thinking back to 2008) to go kill itself with mistakes, I think we can hang with anyone on our schedule.
dawgs01
August 26th, 2010
11:31 am
He will be fine. The people that get on here and criticize him never played football and usually have no clue what they are talking about.
doug dawg
August 26th, 2010
11:31 am
look, every team in the sec and in the country has issues. we are just closer to our own issues, and don’t hear so much about others’. all we fans and alumni (like myself) can do now is trust our coaches and players to make the best decisions they can and play and coach to the max. as the old song goes, ‘win or lose, the other fellow knows, georgia fights until the whistle blows.’ i think if we ‘fight until the whistle blows,’ we’ll be ok. sometimes, rarely, in the past i wondered if we did that; and that includes the fans. ref. kentucky, 2009.
RunningDog
August 26th, 2010
11:44 am
Of course, I’m worried when South Carolina, Arkansas and MSU are back-to-back-to-back. If we sweep those games, I’ll sleep a lot easier until the Kentucky/Florida games, not that I’m taking Tennessee lightly.
AnonymousDawg23
August 26th, 2010
12:03 pm
“I’m afraid he might be one of those players who looks great in practice but can’t produce when it counts” Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the GDay game still practice and aren’t scrimmages still practice? AM hasn’t had a chance to produce when it counts. Bill, maybe your friend should be more optimistic. Maybe AM is one of those players that looks terrible in practice and lights it up when it really counts.
here we go again....
August 26th, 2010
12:13 pm
offensive line is hurt again…..no depth…..
untested quarterback…..
rookie d-coordinator
mike bobo still calling plays.
let’s pray that we can win 8 games this year. i don’t see it much better than that.
SSIgator
August 26th, 2010
12:17 pm
“UGA fans fired up? Worried? Yeah, we’re all that.”
Fired Up – Yeah, all of the bars in Athens are going 2-1 happy hours all day long on game days.
Worried – Yeah, worried that UGA will be 1-2 after three games and the tough games still lie ahead.
Yeah we are all of that – as in after going 7-5 again it is always the same each year – pre-season #1 in 2011 – 1980 so long ago.
how2fish
August 26th, 2010
12:18 pm
Shreveport Bowl Champs baby!!! You just rest easy little fella that is not going to happen…we the Bull Dog Nation promise.
Boy, it's a good thing...
August 26th, 2010
12:19 pm
…we always have “next year” to which we can look forward…
Chris
August 26th, 2010
12:19 pm
He should be fine. You don’t get invited to the elite 11 camp if you don’t have serious skills. He just needs repetition under live bullets so I’m hoping Spurrier is so upset with Garcia, he plays his freshman qb the second game.
You played this game before Bill. We could have been 10-2 last year, we also could have been 6-6 (see SC, Ark and Auburn). Bill Parcells said it best ‘in football, you are what your record says you are’. No ‘but what about this’ (celebration penalty)….’if only this or that happened’ doesn’t play. We were a mediocre team last year that improved at the very end of the year. It was one bad year people. I could see 10-2 this year which would be wonderful but 9-3 more likely. What if Brantley goes down? I can see something weird like beating Florida and losing to Auburn, SC and maybe Arkansas. 10-2 sure sounds better
how2fish
August 26th, 2010
12:20 pm
SSIgator got any advice on where I can pick up some AK-47 ammo or a dead girls credit card? Hoping Brantley stays healthy or you are going to be in a world of hurt,well truth is if CUM goes off his meds you may anyway …nice talking to you.
HOUDAWG
August 26th, 2010
12:20 pm
Hey SSIgator …… here’s your teet again ….. boy.
CHDawg
August 26th, 2010
12:22 pm
Don’t forget that coaches use scrimmages to work on weak areas–they aren’t trying to crush the scout team so the stats look good on the AJC chat boards. If Murray needs practice stepping up in the pocket they might make him do that repeatedly–his weakest point. Murray is going to be great, I believe, but he is young and he is going to have a very steep learning curve this year. The key is, as Buck states, does he do what it takes to win. He should continue to improve at a steep rate all year long. Just getting the reps as #1 appears to have made a difference. Second, I’m starting to think our defense might be very good this year. We wil soon know.
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
August 26th, 2010
12:25 pm
God at the hand wringing going on. Munson would be proud. This should be a fun team to watch. Wins will come and losses will as well, but being a Bulldawg is forever. as to you ” here we go again”, there isn’t a better o-line in the conference, maybe the country. The d-coordinator has more experience than the last 2 we had. Bobo got 25 td passes out of JOE COX. And every quarterback is “untested” at this point in their careers. So, in other words………the sky ain’t falling, actually, things are looking pretty good in Athens. Cheer up, at least you ‘re not a bug….or are you?
Applingshire Dawg
August 26th, 2010
12:26 pm
Screw the naysayers. I’ll be in Athens in 9 days and can’t wait to see the debut of our new QB and defensive scheme. With our weak schedule I’m projecting at max 2 losses (Auburn and Florida). However, with decent QB play and offensive play calling we should make it to the Dome to knock off Bama or LSU.
Also SSIgator, how does supposedly living in the “reddest” locale south of Athens going for you? Yes, I have a condo on the beach there and think I’ve seen your 4Runner on the causeway. Get off our blog, troll.
TheItalianDawg
August 26th, 2010
12:28 pm
first I agree with your friend JP , I think we should all be worried! Murray should be way better than this. and I think it is the fault of the coaching staff, they should have played Murray last year when Cox was struggling. beside from what I read and hear he get sacked a lot, is it because our D is really good or he is a laying duck! another reason why we should be worried is that our coaching staff get delusional, remember last year how they were talking about Cox, I thought he will win the Heisman! based on the coaches assessments but we all know how it turned out. I hope I’m wrong! go Dawgs
Chris
August 26th, 2010
12:34 pm
There’s a very simple solution to Murray’s inconsitency. RUN THE BALL!!! My worries aren’t with Murray or the defense. It is with Bobo and Richt’s horrible play calling. Getting away from the run, and relying heavely on a young QB just because you only picked up 3 yards on 1st down has been one of trade marks of Rich’ts teams.
The play calling has GOT to get better. Bobo has very little room to cirticize the QB’s mistakes when he makes soooo many bone headed calls.
Chris
August 26th, 2010
12:36 pm
UGA Insider,,,I like that theory; that our first string defense is blowing up the backfield. People on this thing who refer to his performance in the spring game are obtuse. Did anyone see Stafford’s first G-day game? He wasn’t named the starter until the fourth or fifth game of his first year and then came Auburn, GT and VT when the lights all came on.
Mr. Dawg
August 26th, 2010
12:38 pm
When Herschel Walker was less than great during his first summer training camp with the Bulldogs Vince Dooley fretted that “what I may have here is nothing more than a big stiff fullback”. As it turns out what he had was a suprisingly big stiff defense that could stop a future All-American. There is reason to be optimistic that Georgia wil have a very good defense this year. Perhaps Murray is the first one to find that out.
tbone
August 26th, 2010
12:38 pm
The O line is getting healthy & we have quality depth. Bobo & CMR do a good job of developing QBs, installing an offensive game plan. & calling plays (thats right: he does a very good job of calling plays). An elite 11 QB who is practicing against a very good, aggressive Defense installed by a DC who knows what he is doing. My optimism is at an all time high even though I believe that USCe, ARK., MSU, & Auburn will all have the best team that they have had in several years. The Dawgs will be tested early & often because they will be playing against some top tier teams.
Old Dawg
August 26th, 2010
12:39 pm
As difficult as it is for many folks, Murray has a lot more help around him than most QBs with more experience. That will help a ton. The kicking game is a big plus, as is the improved defense.
All of us have to remember that CMR and Bobo have developed some pretty good QBs, including a Heisman Trophy winner at FSU, Greene, Shockley and a first round pick. Some folks will point out that none of them have made it at the next level, but I’m not writing about the next level, simply college football.
With the talent base around him Murray should do well. We need to be patient, let him grow into the role and enjoy his progress as his career develops.
In other words, relax and enjoy the games.
blah blah blah
August 26th, 2010
12:42 pm
go ahead and panic know ugag fans
avoid the rush later
'94 UGA Grad
August 26th, 2010
12:45 pm
Well said AnonymousDawg23. I was thinking the same thing.
Gratefuldawghead
August 26th, 2010
12:48 pm
Ready for Murray to shut the Haters up!
Junkyard Steve
August 26th, 2010
12:49 pm
@SSIgaytor……..You are a pathetic cheat with no guts ! I was watching a replay of the UF-LSU
game 09′, when I noticed once again Riley Pooper pulling the jersey of the DB to pull himself forward and get open. Another example of just how low down UF football has become. Another example is how many BS calls your team gets in most games especially on critical downs. A program that is so F’N overrated, and proof of that is the number of NFL bust you produce. Urban Meyer Ain’t DooDoo! Utah is just as good now as when he was their. But the biased media constantly influences young football players into thinking this is and has been some kind of dynasty forever. You can continue to make these clownish comments, but you’ll shut your mouth soon I promise.
Nooga' Dawg
August 26th, 2010
12:51 pm
The G-FENSE will be very nasty this year.
Murray you don’t have to win the game,just don’t lose it.
Time to GATA !! GO DAWGS !!!!
robodawg
August 26th, 2010
12:53 pm
I think Murray will be fine once he grows into the position. Right now he admits to the jitters of playing on this stage. Once he settles in, he’ll be dangerous. And Grantham’s D will I think be pretty good. But both of these are gonna take some time.
So yeah, I’ve got worries. We heard in preseason last year how we’d be able to run the ball at will and Cox’s experience wouldn’t matter. But as it turned out, we couldn’t run the ball so well, games were put on Cox’s shoulders (often facing 3rd and long in a critical series) and the results were interceptions and bad field position all day. At the end of the season things finally clicked, the OL found its best personnel arrangement, and we had a pretty good running game that opened up everything else. (But, uh, let’s forget the 2nd half against Kentucky.) The problem was NOT that Bobo wasn’t running the ball, there were plenty of rushing plays; it was that we weren’t getting yards out of running the ball.
Now we’re saying again that we can rely on a strong running game. With a more experienced line returning with last season’s lessons under its belt, you gotta hope that’s true. But which defenses will successfully load up against the run and put the pressure on Murray? And how many injuries are we from looking for the right combination on the OL again?
Delbert D.
August 26th, 2010
1:12 pm
Of equal concern is the loss of nearly 1,000 pounds of defensive tackles to the NFL.
Better Perspective
August 26th, 2010
1:17 pm
The “stats” were “officially unofficial”. There is no way that these stats are close to being accurate. If they are… then they are not very smart for sharing them with the world. These are mock stats… just to give everyone something to talk about. The “Georgia” team scored 38 points in one half. If you watch the video of coach Richt… you can see the smerk on his face when he talked about the “officially unofficial” results and the “score”. Come on people.
UGA insider
August 26th, 2010
1:18 pm
Oh, I forgot to mention that Justin Houston did not play much yesterday because Bobo wanted to have a scrimmage without Houston blowing up evey play from scrimmage. That’s the truth. Houston has been unblockable and nasty this pre-season. The weak point as it was this spring is the offensive line. I’m starting to wonder about Searles.
Scott W.
August 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
I am worried until proved wrong.
ca dawg
August 26th, 2010
1:31 pm
i’m more fired up than worried. i’m interested to see what kind of team we’ve got this year, and i’m pretty confident we’re a better team than we were last year. i guess the question is how much better, and that’s hard to know right now. i think murray is going to be fine — one thing his numbers suggest (the high YPC and a little lower comp %) is that he’s throwing the ball down the field a lot, which is great. hitting a few down the field will help keep defenses honest even if the comp % is a little lower than we’d like. he’s gonna make some mistakes, but all that means is that our running game and defense will need to be improved from last year. i believe that they will be, and that we’re going to have a season to be proud of. GO DAWGS!
Jay
August 26th, 2010
1:43 pm
I’m no worried about th schedule. I’m worried about being one qb injury away from disaster.
POSER
August 26th, 2010
1:48 pm
UGA is always dangerous the lower they are ranked. They just can’t handle being rated high. Most times they are rated high early they are a big letdown that season. USC, Ohio State, Bama, Flordia, seem to be able to cope with the high rankings. Maybe its coaching, ya think?
Dogit
August 26th, 2010
1:49 pm
Is Murray’s height still in question??
saban
August 26th, 2010
1:50 pm
Don`t worry puppies. You will get your 5 wins this year.
G'Vegas Dawg
August 26th, 2010
1:50 pm
Cautiously optomistic is the best way to describe the fan base. I don’t think it really matters this season who the QB is. CMR could put a cheerleader, his wife, the Clarke Central 10 and Under QB, or even Reggie Ball behind center and toss left then toss right. If we can throw 6 times a game (5 times to AJ and once to Orson) or less we’ll be fine if we use our weapons like we should.
Lindsey
August 26th, 2010
1:51 pm
When you mentioned the Kentucky game my stomach turned, but I am looking forward to a great season for UGA, GO DAWGS!!!
Billy Ray Valentine
August 26th, 2010
1:54 pm
Run the ball. It ain’t that heavy.
G'Vegas Dawg
August 26th, 2010
1:56 pm
Trivia Question: When was the last time UGA only won 5 games? How many wins did UA have in the 2000 season?
Bud Kilmer
August 26th, 2010
1:56 pm
Lance Harbor would eat Aaron Murray’s lunch, and Jon Moxon would steal his girlfriend.
Given
August 26th, 2010
2:03 pm
one thing is a given…we beat Gtu again. I’m not guaranteeing to be ACC Champs again this year like last but we do beat Gtu.
DawginLex
August 26th, 2010
2:03 pm
whipped cream bikini???
Pago Pago DAWG
August 26th, 2010
2:05 pm
And we can’t even “sell out” the home opener!
Billy Ray Valentine
August 26th, 2010
2:06 pm
G’Vegas Dawg, what in the world does the 1996 season and a 3-8 2000 season have to do with anything regarding the 2010 season?
Are any of those people still playing for either university?
WIth all due respect, that ain’t worth a velvet painting of a whale and a dolphin gettin’ it on.
FORTY ONE POINTS to your seventeen points
August 26th, 2010
2:15 pm
I’m excited!
(((((((((((((((((((41-17))))))))))))))
G'Vegas Dawg
August 26th, 2010
2:16 pm
BR – Check out Saban’s post. I agree with you 100%. You should google sarcasm.
Fred
August 26th, 2010
2:27 pm
I saw earlier in the blog where someone said they had been counting days since day 75. Hell, I’ve been counting days since December 28th, 2009 lol.
I’m neither worried nor optimistic. It will be what it is. I’m anticipating. Anticipating what some might ask. I’m anticipating another year of College Football where those young men go out there and give it their all. You can analyze all you want, but those games aren’t played on paper, they are played on the field.
GO DAWGS.
dawgfacedboy
August 26th, 2010
2:41 pm
This is what has me worried; teams know that UGA is going to come out running the ball. Therefore they will load the box with as many people as they can and force Murray to make some plays. If the running game becomes ineffective and it’s on Murray’s shoulders we are most likely screwed. However, if he shows that he can make a play or two just to keep the D honest then I think we will be fine.
Will
August 26th, 2010
2:50 pm
What is there to be worried about?
Ten of 11 starters returning with the only new face being the mostly highly recruited quarterback in America two years ago.
New and improved defensive scheme but, more importantly, new and improved defensive coaches.
MUCH easier schedule
Boatloads of top ten recruits on defense and quality depth on both sides of the ball.
If Coach Richt cannot win ten or 11 games this year and play in a BCS bowl, what will it take?
3DawgKnight
August 26th, 2010
2:51 pm
Give it to Washaun
Give it to Washaun
Give it to Washaun
Throw it to AJ
Give it to Caleb
Give it to Caleb
Give it to Caleb
Throw it to AJ
Repeat !!!
Destin Dawg
August 26th, 2010
2:53 pm
Our guys are fired up about Grantham’s aggressive attitude… hit ‘em early and often !!! Martinez had the D backs and L backers playing so “Soft”… in order to get a hit in or be physical… they had to make a late hit = penalty… NOT this year.. play’em tight !!! GOOOO Dawgs !!!!
Mr. Reality Calling
August 26th, 2010
2:55 pm
I’m worried until the O-line shows they can perform early in the season like other teams do, Murray shows his talents in public and not just in closed practices, the secondary stops getting burned every series, Bobo committs to the run when it is obviously working, Richt shows some emotion, and we don’t get skunked by Florida, yet again.
Destin Dawg
August 26th, 2010
3:01 pm
we’ll have a balanced attack… Man look around… several very good WR’s besides AJ… Great TE’s… experienced O line”… 2 awesome RB’s plus Malcome.. 2 awesome FB’s Plus Ogletree… Murray plus Mason…. Great kickers… no weak area.. we”ll be better on special teams too !!! we’ll be underdawgs wich can be a good thing… Go Dawgs !! take ‘em one at a time…
jaglaw
August 26th, 2010
3:05 pm
Alabama had only 11 pass attempts in the SEC or BCS CG last year( cant remember which). McElroy was 5-11.
Murray can go 2-5 and I am happy. If he has less than 10 passes per game and we still win, that means we are running that rock…..UGA style!!!!
Dont get sought up with the numbers……some of the misses are likely long bombs which are harder to complete and meant to stretch the defense.
go dawgs
76-DAWG
August 26th, 2010
3:07 pm
One of the main reasons that I am concerned about this season doesn’t have any thing to do with the players, It’s Bobo’s inconsistencies . UGA would move down the field like world beaters last year and then in the next series they would try something different and be 3 and out. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. You keep doing what works until it doesn’t work any longer.Bobo would out think himself last year and think that he had to keep ahead of the other team with changes and a lot of times the other team doesn’t have an answer to what you are doing and hope that you change. The main person on the field that needs to be reigned in and put under control is BOBO. CMR needs to do a lot of personal management of Bobo this year and hopefully he will finally realize that all coaches can’t be coordinators.
DawginLex
August 26th, 2010
3:10 pm
I’ve got a feeling that Richt is going to be calling the plays more this year than previous. He won’t throw Bobo under the bus but I bet he is much more involved.
jaglaw
August 26th, 2010
3:15 pm
76-DAWG.
I dont mean to come to Bobo’s defense, some games he did good, others still have me scratching my head. I think he is gettting better, lets hope.
But the real problem was the penalties. Penalties killed a lot of drives last year. Bobo was not about to put it in Cox’s hands when its 3rd and long. I a replay of the UGA -UF game last year. Three key drives were stopped on penalties. Doesnt sound like much, but if we but 7 on the board in each drive, that game is completely different. Just saying.
jaglaw
August 26th, 2010
3:22 pm
Good teams dont beat themselves with penallties. I bet you that Grantham cleans up the Defensive penalties. Warren B. will clean up the Special Teams penalties.
SO WHO WILL CLEAN UP THE OFFENSIVE PENALTIES? CMR and Bobo may be jobless and TG the new head coach if the offense cant get themselves better disciplined.
JR
August 26th, 2010
3:22 pm
Rember all of Zier’s great stats and then look at his won-loss record. You want a qb that will not get you beat.
nadawg
August 26th, 2010
3:24 pm
He might be a freshman guys but I promise he can do nothing but improve over the clown we had taking snaps last year!!!!!
Dawgfan
August 26th, 2010
3:35 pm
Please remind your buddy Dan that even in Saban’s first year at Alabama, his new vaunted Defense lost to Louisiana Monroe. He’s crazy to expect big improvements this year on Defense especially without the big guys to run the scheme.
Gary
August 26th, 2010
3:40 pm
Maybe so, but we were also a few plays away from going 4&8. We won 4 games by a touchdown or less with last minute heroics on offense or D. We did not play well enough to beat Auburn but still managed too even though it got rwal close at the end. We dominated Tech but that game got too close for comfort at the end. The South Carolina game was a toss up. Either team should have won that shoot out. Don’t forget Arizona State where last minute heroics got us the W. You can talk about the close ones we lost but lets not loose perspective. We came up on the W side of the close ones 4 times last year. COmpare that with Florida who only lost 1 game and won all others by a 10 point margin or better (except Ark 3pts) and it makes you realize we stil have a lot of work to do. I am sure we will have some very close games again this year. If they adjust the turnover and penalty margin the ball may role our way. Can only wait and see.
LHardingDawg
August 26th, 2010
3:53 pm
I read earlier in the blog a Georgia fan predicting loses to Auburn and Florida. Why Auburn, have we not beat them 4 years in a row?
As far as quarterbacks, I’m not too worried. I believe Coach Richt and Coach Bobo knows the postion well. We’ll be ready.
Dont worry, be happy.
bjohndawg
August 26th, 2010
4:04 pm
Murray will be fine. The offense will be a monster this year.
That line needs to just go out there and slobber knocker some folks, and give King and Ealey the rock 35 times. Occasionally through a screen pass or a short slant to a TE or Green. Murray does not have to throw it 60 yards every play or scramble every play.Just trust that line. Plus our kicking game is the best in the country. That will be worth 2 extra wins right there.
If the defense player above average and they end the stupid penalties….and da creek dont rise, this will be a special year. I see a date with BAMA in this years future.
Go Dawgs
Droppin like flies
August 26th, 2010
4:09 pm
AM has been in the system 2 years now and he is making bad decisions against our scrubs. Doesn’t sound too promising. When teams stack the line and stuff Bozo the clowns running game the dawgs will be in big trouble.
Nick Rails
August 26th, 2010
4:24 pm
What else is Buck gonna say? Hell, the
guy never has anything critical to say
about the Dawgs. He loved JTIII as a QB
and said Donnan was an “excellent coach”
Kirk
August 26th, 2010
4:29 pm
Real Georgia fans arn’t worried.
You got a guy, Richt, who’s 1st 9 years as a head coach have blown away Nich Saban’s 1st 9 years.
Richt, 6 top 10 finishes, Saban, 0.
Also, Richt respond to adversity, 2002 & 2007, finished #2 & #3 after adverse seasons.
Looking for a HUGE Georgia season. 14-0 baby, gauranteed.
papadawg
August 26th, 2010
5:16 pm
The Dawgs are coming back. This will be the worse season we’re gonna have for a long time and I’m looking for a 10-2 at least
GaTruth
August 26th, 2010
5:23 pm
HEY Tech fans who troll the UGA comments and say, “UGA is irrelevant”…
you love quantifiable? you want reality? unbiased reporting?
UGA is #7 in top PROGRAMS over the last five years
http://cfn.scout.com/2/995889.html
The bees were somewhere in the top 30 (but not close enough to UGA to sniff the top 10)
Enjoy the chip on your shoulder
GaTruth
August 26th, 2010
5:25 pm
Oh and we had a better APR (Academic Performance Rating) than GT.
Enjoy the chip on your shoulder
saban
August 26th, 2010
5:26 pm
Richt has changed hairdressers. Make that 4 wins instead of 5.
papadawg
August 26th, 2010
5:27 pm
GT fans don’t know what to think, they can’t even decide on a mascot. Ramblin Wreck, Jackets, Engineers or what
Delbert D.
August 26th, 2010
5:29 pm
Y’all will have to excuse me, because attempts to post material with certain key words on an ajc.com Georgia Tech blog has been blocked. Other stuff goes through automatically. I wonder if posts are being routed through China. Here we go, in code:
The web site of the big apple’s leading rag has an article on Urban Meyer’s recovery. They also have a quick analysis of their #11 pick, Georgia Tech.
Another one that didn’t get through: Yesterday the assoc. you-know-who had a good article on Cooper Taylor’s return from heart surgery. You will have to use the magic search thingy to find that one.
Please excuse me, Georgia brethren in my attempt to provide meaningful content to all fans.
Thanks, Delbert D.
Delbert D.
August 26th, 2010
5:30 pm
Yea! It made it through. Thanks, Bill.
g........a
August 26th, 2010
5:42 pm
Yes we’re worried. We are worried a lot lately. That doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to look forward to. It doesn’t mean all is lost. Its not the end of the world. The season is not lost.
Because at the end of September may not have our dignity, but we will be able to say GO SEC. It works for Mississippi State, and it now works for me. Try it. Its not so bad when you get used to it.
GO SEC!!!!!!!!!
1eyedJack
August 26th, 2010
5:56 pm
No worries mate.
Delbert D.
August 26th, 2010
6:02 pm
FYI, I finally got this through the NSA/Georgia Tech security/Peoples Republic of China/CIA censors on the Tech blog:
“More key words, coded: knew yawk tymes collage futbawl, and asoshayted pres.”
A big win for College Football fans!
Delbert D.
August 26th, 2010
6:05 pm
Jack – Thanks for your support. I have to warn you that you may be under surveillance by unknown and potentially dangerous secret organizations.
1eyedJack
August 26th, 2010
6:14 pm
Delbert, I hope it’s not the Secret Order of the Water Buffaloes…,them guys have been on my trail for years.
Cindy Hendrix
August 26th, 2010
6:17 pm
Concerning Eric Ziers stats & his win loss record s when he played. He played his heart out he gave it his all Garrison Hearst leaving early for the draft hurt he was one of his best recievers he could only do so much the rest of the players & coaches also had to do their best with other good recievers & maybe some changes on the coaching staff his win loss record would have been much better. But he is still one of UGA”S best QB”s about 8 of his records still have not been beaten! He was a great QB & we recall started throwing more with him. He is still my all time favorite QB I loved watching him play his skill, poise & arm strengh along with his toughness makes players like him one in a million & I am glad he was one of ours! I’m also glad he is with our radio staff doing color he was & still is devoted to UGA AS ALWAYS GO DAWGS SIC EM WOOF WOOF GATA!!!!!! He was not called Air Zier without a good reason & Iron Man you can’t shake him you can’t rattle him he has ice water in his viens!
My View
August 26th, 2010
6:28 pm
I agree that the defense will be improved even though they are learning a new system. I also feel that some of Murrays problems may stem from the fact that in practice, Grantham uses the same scheme that we plan to use in games, which may confuse Murray and our offense the way we plan to confuse our opposition this season. If that is the case, this will be a special season.
AltamahaDawg
August 26th, 2010
7:12 pm
Bill, your pal Dan is right about the defense having no where to go but up. However, I bet if he had 4 magic do-overs to change last years record, none of them get used when they were on the field.
Ed
August 26th, 2010
7:19 pm
Belue knows what he’s talking about – his career stats weren’t all that flashy, partly because of Georgia’s run-first offense and the fact that he normally threw the ball only in obvious passing situations, and partly because while he was a talented athlete, no one ever mistook Belue for John Elway. But he did have a knack for making the big play when needed. He was 1 for 13 in the national championship game against Notre Dame, but that one completion was for a crucial first down that allowed Georgia to run out the clock.
And regardless of whether a Gator slipped on “The Play” allowing Lindsay Scott to go the distance, Belue’s pass was right on the money and would have been a big first down even if Scott had been tackled on the spot. And of course, there was his play as a freshman in a comeback win over Tech in ‘78.
If Murray is anything like Buck Belue, then Georgia is in good hands for the next few years.
$750K
August 26th, 2010
7:19 pm
Academics are being shredded everyday, but we still have money to pay some football coach $750K: shame on us.
There is one thing I do like about Dawg fans.
Dawgtime
August 26th, 2010
7:23 pm
Excited, nervous, and worried all wrapped up into one beautiful ball. Fllip the coin, line it up, kick it off, and it’s time play between the hedges! One way or the other, I can’t wait.
Mr. Georgia Football Returns
August 26th, 2010
8:33 pm
Ok, let’s face it! Buck Belue is a Mark Richt Apologist. He apologizes for the quarterback the same way he did Joe Cox and to quote Senator Blutarsky, “Joe Cox was a turnover machine” turning the ball over 15 times last season. Time will tell about Errorn Intercept-a-Murray.
There is a lot of hype on the defensive secondary, but not a lot of interceptions. Buck Belue trivializes the importance of interceptions. Scot Lakatos was brought in to improve the interceptions at a salary of $180K. The Dawg Nation expects big numbers from Lakatos.
GT Man
August 26th, 2010
9:50 pm
Just wait until you play BUFFALO in 2012. Then, you need to worry. Your school is a JOKE and your fans are rednecks, your coaches are losers and your academics are weak. THWG! Go BILLS! LMFAO
GT Man
August 26th, 2010
9:52 pm
papadawg
At least we don’t kill ours from crappy play that gave your ugly mutt a heart attack.
sooo....
August 26th, 2010
11:44 pm
ALL YOU UGA FANS READ WHAT BUCK BELUE just SAID…. and stop talking smack on NESBITT… so what if we win???
sooo....
August 26th, 2010
11:47 pm
Your guy just said exactly what we say about NESBITTS passing… Ummm i think we are winning 20 – 7 in 2 years with new coach and scheme isnt bad… and all of you go well Nesbitt is A GAILEY recruit… Even More of a point… HE WAS IN A SHOTGUN IS WHOLE CAREER UNTIL PJ ARRIVED … duh
SickandTired
August 27th, 2010
12:28 am
Just follow the teachings of Mark Richt blindly and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Just take comfort that you’ll always have a good solid program, but never a championship program. He’ll take your money for his salary and promise to always to the right thing and the right thing is to take your money and deliver nothing. Good man, clean program with nothing but stellar players that mingle in the community.
12-2
August 27th, 2010
2:30 am
God Almighty
Now, according to Bill King today, we were 10-2 last season in a 14-game season.
Then, Bill King, gets his EXCUSES warmed up for this season, 10-10 vs SEC East last 4 years, with only 1 Team we played in SEC East ANY of the last 4 years.
EXCUSES Bill King.
Can we have an ENTIRE BLOG on JUST ONLY EXCUSES PLEASE Bill King ?
You, Altamahawdawg and RED DOG 77 are the Kings of EXCUSES.
And, you didn’t EVEN MENTION Bill King his INJURIES and SIZE and STRENGTH/ENDURANCE – not EXACTLY his STRENGTHS, you know ?
Thanks Bill King, as Mike Bobo and Coach Richt NEED THAT.
This is YEAR TEN (10) of Mike Bobo and Coach Richt and they are AVERAGING the # 52 NCAA Rank in Total Offense, ALL entire Coach Richt Era.
This is WHAT WE HAVE. That Buck Belue in his BLOG YESTERDAY said that Hutson Mason True Freshman has to play EARLY and OFTEN against Louisiana Lafayette.
You know why Bill King ?
Because if oft-injured Aaron Murray gets injured again, THIS SEASON IS SHOT. And, YOU could not even MUSTER the point.
You know Bill King ?
The reason we all are concerned.
12-2
August 27th, 2010
2:45 am
Chris
August 26th, 2010 12:34 pm
“It is Bobo and Richt’s horrible play calling. Getting away from the run, and relying heavely on a young QB just because you only picked up 3 yards on 1st down has been one of trade marks of Rich’ts teams. The play calling has GOT to get better. Bobo has very little room to cirticize the QB’s mistakes when he makes soooo many bone headed calls.”
12-2
August 27th, 2010
2:53 am
76-DAWG
August 26th, 2010 3:07 pm
“One of the main reasons that I am concerned about this season It’s Bobo’s inconsistencies . UGA would move down the field like world beaters last year and then in the next series they would try something different and be 3 and out. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. You keep doing what works until it doesn’t work any longer.Bobo would out think himself last year and think that he had to keep ahead of the other team with changes and a lot of times the other team doesn’t have an answer to what you are doing and hope that you change. The main person on the field that needs to be reigned in and put under control is BOBO. CMR needs to do a lot of personal management of Bobo this year and hopefully he will finally realize that all coaches can’t be coordinators.”
12-2
August 27th, 2010
3:11 am
jaglaw
August 26th, 2010 3:22 pm
“Good teams dont beat themselves with penallties. SO WHO WILL CLEAN UP THE OFFENSIVE PENALTIES? CMR and Bobo may be jobless and TG the new head coach if the offense cant get themselves better disciplined.”
LHardingDawg
August 26th, 2010 3:53 pm
“As far as quarterbacks, I’m not too worried. I believe Coach Richt and Coach Bobo knows the postion well. We’ll be ready. Dont worry, be happy.”
Hobnail Boot
August 27th, 2010
7:12 am
Seven yards and a cloud of dust. As long as we can run the football young Murray just has to manage the game. If we put him in situations that we have to pass more than expected he will struggle like most young QB’s. The O line is our strength so we must run the ball and protect Murray in passing situations.
AltamahaDawg
August 27th, 2010
7:16 am
Really? What excuses? Excuses for what. I suspect you have no better clarification for that than the other haters who use that term when they don’t really have any point to make.
AltamahaDawg
August 27th, 2010
7:19 am
“Bill, if you check back around 2:30am, it will be revealed to you what you thought and really meant to say about that.”
Did I nail that or what?
Tom
August 27th, 2010
8:46 am
Note: You should be required to be able to SPELL “c-a-r” before you’re allowed to drive one. Just sayin’.
UGA Prisoners
August 27th, 2010
8:52 am
Ho hum… another arrest…Ealeys is in Jail. What a horrible program.
Red Panties
August 27th, 2010
8:52 am
Here we go again, what in the h3ll is he doing out at 4am? Richt, the disciplinarian.
It will be a long year if Richt doesn’t demand some discipline
Breaking NewsUGA star running back Washaun Ealey arrested .UGA sports blog Washaun Ealey arrested
8:30 am August 27, 2010, by Tim Tucker
University of Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey was arrested early today on misdemeanor charges of driving with a suspended license and hit-and-run of a parked vehicle, according to Clarke County Jail records and UGA Police.
Ealey, 21, was booked into the jail at 5:22 a.m. and remains there in lieu of $3,000 bond.
More to come.
CLARK CO. PD
August 27th, 2010
8:54 am
Ealey arrested!!!!!
BBBWWWWWWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAAHAAAAHA!!!!!!!! Please explain this one. Its one thing to get arrested b/c of a suspended licence its another to be involved in a hit and run!! Good Job!! BWWWHAHAHAHAHA!!!
UGA Prisoners
August 27th, 2010
8:54 am
Richt is such a wuss. I bet Ealey gets suspended for the LA Lafayette game only.
RAMBLE ON!!!
August 27th, 2010
8:58 am
Well, it’s Friday. You know, when another Georgia Boozedawg gets arrested.
St. Richt
August 27th, 2010
9:00 am
Yep, you guessed it. Ealey will be handed a one half game suspension against La-Laf. The heavy handed disciplinarian that CMR is…
Tom
August 27th, 2010
9:00 am
Wait….a 21-yr-old TRUE SOPHOMORE?!?! Wow……just……wow.
Red Panties
August 27th, 2010
9:03 am
Tom
Good pick up—–I wonder how many grades he failed and that is
very hard to do these days—-they pass,em all
SKB
August 27th, 2010
9:08 am
hmm.. Are all you guys the same person? You see a string of similar negative comments one after another, maybe you should spread them around so it would seem more realistic.
RAMBLE ON!!!
August 27th, 2010
9:10 am
He was probably distracted by some red panties in his lap.
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!
August 27th, 2010
9:11 am
“I run…from the cops!”
“I hit & run in this state!”
“I run…from the state police!”
“See Ealey. See Ealey run. See Ealey run from the cops. Run Ealey Run!!!”
SKB
August 27th, 2010
9:12 am
Yes, I very much agree CMR does not discipline his players, so many arrests is inexcusable.
How Low Can You Go? (I Bet Lower)
August 27th, 2010
9:13 am
3 yards and a cloud of handcuffs!
jerry
August 27th, 2010
9:27 am
Does anyone in this program have any sense?
St. Richt
August 27th, 2010
9:30 am
We run from this state’s patrol.
St. Richt
August 27th, 2010
9:32 am
Will the Dawgs start to put their booking or inmate # from their mugshot in the black tape under their eyes this year?
UGAG is gitting the ncaa death penalty, he he ha ha
August 27th, 2010
9:37 am
Did the cops cuff and perp walk Mr. Earley? Another step toward the ncaa death penalty relating to a lack of institutional controls on the athletic department!
Washaun Ealy
August 27th, 2010
9:49 am
We hit and run this state
UGA Prisoners
August 27th, 2010
9:54 am
Good one Washaun.
Dawg Fud
August 27th, 2010
9:57 am
“We hit and run this state”….i have to admit that is pretty darn funny.
Buckhead Dawg
August 27th, 2010
10:06 am
The parked car was in the way. I blame George W. Bush.
Go Dawgs! Richt, please provide bike’s to anyone else on the team with suspended license.
Minnesota Dawg
August 27th, 2010
10:08 am
If our defense can hold off opponents enough so that our quarterback can mature, then we will be alright. Running game is important to establishing the passing game. The unseen factor is the offensive line holding off those sackers on defense so Murray can have time to throw.
Recruited by Richt
August 27th, 2010
11:07 am
Ealey is the eighth UGA football player to be arrested this year.
Three were subsequently kicked off the team: outside linebacker Montez Robinson, who was charged with simple battery/family violence; quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery; and backup punter Trent Dittmer, who was charged with public intoxication.
Backup running back Dontavius Jackson decided to transfer to another school after being suspended for six games following an arrest on charges of DUI, underage possession of alcohol, following too closely, leaving the scene of an accident, violation of the move-over law and violation of the learner’s permit law.
Wide receiver Tavarres King is suspended for the opening game because of an underage possession of alcohol charge.
The other UGA players who have been arrested this year are walk-on offensive lineman Josh Parrish, who was charged with underage possession of alcohol and possession of false identification, and backup cornerback Jordan Love, who was charged with obstruction for not providing his full name to police.
- – - – -
UGA89
August 27th, 2010
11:09 am
Arrests = another reason I support my school from an academic standpoint only. The athletic association has been an embarrassment; before I entered college, during my years there and after my graduation.
Too Easy
August 27th, 2010
11:10 am
You UGA idiots just make it too easy…
Red Panties…DUI…Hit and Run…
randyman
August 27th, 2010
11:14 am
Well folks. The bottom line is WHO KNOWS whats going to happen. There are way too many variables to figure how good we will be. How good our opp will be, some luck, fair ref’s, good coaching, fumbles, penalties, etc. We may loose 5 games or win them all. Heck our last SEC championship team wasnt really much better than what we got now. Heck we didnt play that well with a #1 in the nation quaterback(IMO). We played great ball under shockley who hasnt amounted to much im NFL. So who knows what will happen this yr. Like what was said before, we were a few good plays from a great seasom last yr. (not to mention a few bad calls from refs)
David
August 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
Buck doesn’t want any QB to be succesful. That would take away from his glory. Buck still takes bows for something that happened 30 years ago. The same with Vince Dooley, he doesn’t want GA to win anything.
74 Dawg
August 28th, 2010
3:21 pm
Uga insider, it is my understanding the first team offense has been scrimmaging the scout team defense and vice versa. Just saying
74 Dawg
August 28th, 2010
3:29 pm
Buckhead dawg, that would be a NCAA violation. Although that’s a nice try.
renegade#1
August 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
I’ve got a great idea. Lets start the season and see what happens. Check back with me Jan. 3rd and I’ll let ya’ll know how it turned out.
renegade#1
August 28th, 2010
8:33 pm
I think the Athens police dept are all exTech football players the only way they are able to catch a Ga. player is with a blue light and a siren and thats only if they decide to stop.