Is swing from pessimism to optimism justified for 2011 Dogs?
Will Aaron Murray make great strides in his second season as starter? (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Maybe it’s the Dream Team, maybe it’s just the natural swinging of the pendulum, but some of the national media pessimism about Mark Richt’s program is starting to lift, just a little.
Take College Football News’ Brian Harbach, who earlier picked Georgia to finish ninth in the SEC in the coming season.
Now Harbach is taking another look and writes: “The more I pay attention to what Mark Richt has done this offseason, the more intrigued I become with their chances to jump up from a year of disappointment to an SEC East title.”
Harbach acknowledges that Georgia’s decline from preseason No. 1 over the past three seasons has been “clouding the perception of the program,” but putting that aside, he says, “there are more than a few reasons to be excited about UGA’s opportunity this fall and it is only fair to look at the other side of the coin to see the full picture of this Georgia team.”
One big factor in thinking the Dogs might bounce back, Harbach says, is the schedule. While a lot of folks think opening with what likely will be two Top 10 teams in Boise State and South Carolina looks pretty daunting, Harbach says “the SEC isn’t a mediocre ACC team and this isn’t some meaningless bowl game” so “you won’t see me picking Boise to beat Georgia in Georgia.”
He goes on to note that the Dogs play the Gamecocks at home and get “what most feel are the three worst teams in the SEC West (Auburn, MSU and Ole Miss).” Plus Florida has changed coaches “and Kentucky/Vanderbilt are still in the East. That looks like a pretty manageable SEC slate of games.”
Beyond the schedule, Harbach notes Aaron Murray will be back at quarterback “and while the term Sophomore Slump does exist, most players make the most improvement in their second year. Having Aaron Murray as the returning starter and in his third season at UGA is a huge plus for the Dawgs.”
Harbach takes a remarkably positive view of the Dogs on the other side of the ball, saying “the Georgia defense was actually pretty good last year … with a brand new scheme UGA had the fourth rated total defense and the fifth rated scoring defense in the SEC.” He thinks the “secondary should be very strong” and overall feels “one huge advantage Richt has going into this season is that he doesn’t need to worry about the defense.”
The offense needs attention, Harbach says, “but for some reason I am more confident about the offensive line than in past seasons” thanks to the departure of Stacy Searels, who “just wasn’t getting the job done.”
Harbach isn’t yet ready to revise his preseason estimation of where the Dogs will finish, but says, “The SEC East is wide open, any of four teams can win the division and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if any of the four do win it. When you actually break down the Georgia team it isn’t out of the question to see them having a big year.”
Overall, a pretty fair assessment of Richt’s team, though I’m not sure I’m quite as sold on the Dogs’ secondary as Harbach is.
So what do you think? Was Harbach closer to the mark picking the Dogs ninth in the conference, or is this newfound optimism justified?
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
576 comments Add your comment
Polka
February 15th, 2011
4:42 pm
Selzter/WDE= SAME EPRSON, TALKING TO HIMSELF
ClinchCountyDawg
February 15th, 2011
4:42 pm
Is it just me? Or does everybody else also believe that that moron that goes by the handle WDE is as dumb as a croakersack of Alabama rocks?
Polka
February 15th, 2011
4:43 pm
Bill,
You may as well shut this one down, WDE has hi-jacked your blog and won’t shut up.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:44 pm
“Selzter/WDE= SAME EPRSON, TALKING TO HIMSELF”
Prove it.
Hobnail Boot
February 15th, 2011
4:44 pm
My major concern is at WR. Who will step up and be the go to guy? King has showed at times he can do it but has not sustained it. Brown not enough reps to classify him as the man. We are strong at TE but we did not throw to them much last year. Who will it be?
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:44 pm
ClinchCountyDawg
Were you just released from prison?
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:45 pm
“You may as well shut this one down, WDE has hi-jacked your blog and won’t shut up.”
Looks like someone needs her diaper changed.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:46 pm
“Or does everybody else also believe that that moron that goes by the handle WDE is as dumb as a croakersack of Alabama rocks?’
You must be under the false impression that I care what you think. Go sell stupid somewhere else.
WIN WITH RICHT
February 15th, 2011
4:48 pm
Wimpy Delusional Eggsucker
You are dumb as a croakersack of Alabama rocks.
Hairy Perry
February 15th, 2011
4:48 pm
I don’t care if we had Hershel Walker at 20 years old again, if our line does not improve Mr Crowell will be an after thought along with our “Dream Team” .
Seltzer
February 15th, 2011
4:50 pm
Oh no, don’t mention Jasper Sanks…. That name is forbidden on this blog!
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:50 pm
“You are dumb as a croakersack of Alabama rocks.”
Did they teach you that in special ed?
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:51 pm
WIN WITH RICHT
Do you think you’ll have enough money to bail out UGA from jail this year?
Seltzer
February 15th, 2011
4:53 pm
Hairy Perry
What do you think about the decision to move that Tight End to Fullback. I thought it was a great idea. Having a 6′4″ Fullback should help to open up a few holes.
Hairy Perry
February 15th, 2011
4:53 pm
Guys WDE is very sad and on his own, don’t pick on him. Let him spell check all day and live through the success of a college football program. We’re here for you WDE don’t give up.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:54 pm
Hairy Perry
You didn’t go to UGA did you.
WIN WITH RICHT
February 15th, 2011
4:56 pm
Wimpy Delusional Eggsucker
Awbarn is the one with the FBI circling. So, don’t be talking about Bail money to Dawg Fans.
Hairy Perry
February 15th, 2011
4:56 pm
We will see Mr. Seltzer, I agree that I think we need to try alot of new things. What we’ve been doing has not been working.
Polka
February 15th, 2011
4:56 pm
WDE CAN YOU POST 100 POSTS IN ONLY 10 MINUTES, READY, GO….
WIN WITH WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:57 pm
Fire Mark Richt
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:57 pm
“Awbarn is the one with the FBI circling.’
Where’s your proof?
“So, don’t be talking about Bail money to Dawg Fans.’
Watch me.
Seltzer
February 15th, 2011
4:57 pm
“We will see Mr. Seltzer, I agree that I think we need to try alot of new things. What we’ve been doing has not been working.”
And CMR calling the plays would be a good start!
WDE
February 15th, 2011
4:57 pm
Polka
Do you play with sharp objects?
DawginWDE
February 15th, 2011
4:58 pm
“Where’s your proof?
the 40, 80 or 100?
WIN WITH RICHT
February 15th, 2011
4:58 pm
Wimpy Delusional Eggsucker
Do you know how to get a degree at Awbarn? Drive through with your window down.
Hairy Perry
February 15th, 2011
4:59 pm
WDE, You have never had a date, have you?
Hairy Perry
February 15th, 2011
5:01 pm
Next time guys, be nice to “lil” WDE he needs you.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
5:01 pm
“Do you know how to get a degree at Awbarn? Drive through with your window down.”
Wow, what a comeback. I mean, how many times has that joke been told using different universities? Then again, you didn’t go to college.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
5:02 pm
“WDE, You have never had a date, have you?”
Well, I wouldn’t count your sister since she was easy.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
5:02 pm
“Next time guys, be nice to “lil” WDE he needs you.”
Insult fail.
Polka
February 15th, 2011
5:08 pm
wde, come on, only a few posts, show these people what you can do, try for 100 in 10 minutes, impress us…
Averyboy
February 15th, 2011
5:09 pm
Georgia…..the most exciting football program in the OFF season!!! LMAO!
Polka
February 15th, 2011
5:09 pm
WDE averages a post per minute, he’s been posting all day, 300+ here on this blog.
wde thanks for your insights, you seem so smart.
Polka ain't right
February 15th, 2011
5:16 pm
Polka hasn’t written one coherent thought all day yet chastises other bloggers. Polka needs to get a life.
dawg85
February 15th, 2011
5:19 pm
I am cautiously optimistic. Despite the poser trolls who come on here there is still plenty of talent. AM can play. I think the defense will continue to improve. If they do the Dawgs will be fine. You still win with defense.
Polka ain't right
February 15th, 2011
5:19 pm
Polka eats out of trash cans and plays with dolls in the back of bowling alleys.
JJ
February 15th, 2011
5:19 pm
Grantham close to hiring NC St. DE coach, also interested in Troy DE.
JJ
February 15th, 2011
5:22 pm
This the guy Grantham wants:
http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/willis_keith00.html
Carlton
February 15th, 2011
5:30 pm
Best line? “Three worst teams in the west (Auburn..)
WDE
February 15th, 2011
5:33 pm
“Best line? “Three worst teams in the west (Auburn..)”
Then again, predictions rarely ever come true.
Carlton
February 15th, 2011
5:43 pm
I’m not getting into it today WDE-you know I liked Auburn continuing the SEC’s streak this year.
But the facts are pointing to a down year. Have to replace a Heisman winner, basically the entire offensive line, your workhorse in Fairley, a couple linebackers, two DB’s (and the secondary wasn’t that great last year..)
I’m not going to Homer about UGA and what they can do with the recruiting class they got-but John Jenkins and Crowell/Malcolme will really help. New strength and conditioning coordinator helps majorly also (I’m also one of the few saying AJ Green leaving is actually a good thing-our offense won’t rely solely on him now).
It will be an interesting season. I really think LSU/Alabama will be at the top of the West and UGA/SC will fight for the East. I don’t think UF is going to be immediately great by changing their entire offensive system. Plus, Charlie Weis is still better at finding a doughnut than finding a way to use all those speedy backs and receivers Meyer recruited.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
5:47 pm
“But the facts are pointing to a down year. ‘
That’s what they said last year about Auburn. Fact is, no one knows anything.
WDE
February 15th, 2011
5:48 pm
“I’m not getting into it today”
Never said you were, but from reading your comments, it sounds like you want to debate. Nothing wrong with that.
Finebaum attracts hillbillies
February 15th, 2011
5:52 pm
Anyone ever listen to that show? It’s like listening to Deliverance.
Winston Wolfe
February 15th, 2011
5:59 pm
WDE….come on man…….you’re shootin over a baited field.
THE CORK
February 15th, 2011
5:59 pm
George and Jerry are either Jockitch sympathizers or extreme pessimists.
BJohnDawg
February 15th, 2011
6:10 pm
14-0 and SEC champs and NC.
Hell why not?
It pre season…you are suppose to be Mr. Sunshine.
Go Dawgs
PS. Or I can just wait for the arrests.
Nope not going to do it 14-0 it is.
Beast from the East
February 15th, 2011
6:28 pm
Gator fan here. I say you have to go into the season being cautiously optimistic. Otherwise, why go to the games or even watch them?
Richt seems to have a renewed focus and some great momentum after signing a top notch class. They have the talent to play with anyone. If the coaching improves from the last two years then they’ll be a force to be reckoned with. If not, then it’ll be more of the same. He’s your coach for at least one more year, so get behind him and see if he can right the ship. I hope you win ‘em all except for the last Saturday in October.
Best of luck, Dawgs and as always……Go Gators!
chazzo
February 15th, 2011
6:41 pm
Willfully Dense Egoist.
chazzo
February 15th, 2011
6:45 pm
Witless and Dirty Eunuch