Dawgs winning the East: Pie in the sky or realistic?
Catching up on my Bulldogs reading after a few days off and away from the blogosphere, I came across the roundtable discussion of UGA football posted at College Football Zealots.
We’ve actually already dealt here in the Blawg with several of the questions posted, including which game is more critical for Georgia to win: Boise State or South Carolina? (To recap: While the Boise game is an opportunity for Mark Richt’s program to get back on the national radar, the South Carolina game a week later looms much bigger for the Dogs in terms of their SEC East hopes.)
But the last question in the roundtable is something I’ve actually been pondering lately as I play out in my head just how likely the more optimistic scenarios are for the 2011 Dogs.
The question: Athlon Sports has rated the Dawgs at #14 and Phil Steele has them at #9 in their pre-season polls. Both have Georgia winning the SEC East and playing in the Capital One Bowl. What needs to happen for Georgia to live up to these lofty expectations?
Well, in terms of wins and losses, obviously, beating South Carolina would be a big step in that direction. You can draw up various scenarios in which Georgia could win the SEC East after losing to the Gamecocks (all of which would require the Dogs to win in Jacksonville), but that definitely would be doing it the hard way.
Are the elements in place for such a season? That’s tougher to gauge. Aaron Murray certainly looks like the class of the conference when it comes to quarterback, the schedule is pretty favorable once you get past those first two games, and Isaiah Crowell has a lot of folks excited. But he still has to run behind a questionable offensive line. And while the arrival of John Jenkins should make Georgia’s defense tougher up front, the secondary still has me worried. And then there are the questions about who steps up at wide receiver to replace A.J. Green and Kris Durham.
Plus, of course, whether the team is going to be able to rise to the occasion in the fourth quarter in big games, something that all too often hasn’t happened recently.
A little luck wouldn’t hurt, either.
So what do you think has to happen for Georgia to live up to those “lofty expectations”? Is this pie-in-the-sky thinking, or do Richt’s 2011 Dogs really have what it takes to be a contender?
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370 comments Add your comment
BIG JOE
June 14th, 2011
11:43 am
SSIgator
Seems to me you have plenty to be concerned about in Gainsville. You do realize you have a DAWG as a coach?? Hhhmmm… So when UGA starts winning these games again you will have bad thoughts swirling around in your mind…
That Guy
June 14th, 2011
11:44 am
W.I.N. – thanks for the lesson Coach! Where do you Coach at? .
Will Hill
June 14th, 2011
11:45 am
Good Point! so you are happy with losses to Colorado, Miss St, UCF, and among others the worst UF team since 1990? Dude cannot see over the Oline, it was the reason for all of his interceptions in Jax and he aint growin anymore!
BIG JOE
June 14th, 2011
11:45 am
SoCarBravesFan
If you seriously believe that, you are an idiot.
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
11:45 am
Others who don’t drink the UGA kool aid think Murray is pretty good.
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/43023/sec-position-rankings-quarterbacks-2
Old Old Dawg
June 14th, 2011
11:46 am
Blog and brag and project all you want. This program is second tier and will remain so until it decides to win. I want to win it as much as the next person, but I don’t see it. Of course, I didn’t see it for the 07 group either, and they made a decision to excell. Just maybe………
Will Hill
June 14th, 2011
11:46 am
BIG JOE, you and your buddies have been predicting another NC since 1980 so who now is the idiot?
The Voice
June 14th, 2011
11:47 am
Sorry TechGuy…typo…UGA will kill Gt just like usual.
Will Hill
June 14th, 2011
11:48 am
DawginLex that would be Chris Low of ESPN and he predicted UGA would finish 10-2 and second in the East last year. How did that prediction work out?
BIG JOE
June 14th, 2011
11:48 am
That Guy
W.I.N is correct. These are areas that UGA has lacked –you don’t have to be a coach to realize that –any 5th grader can tell you–just go to any area elementary school & ask for yourself. Basic common sense, which you obviously have none of.
SoCarBravesFan
June 14th, 2011
11:48 am
The only post I made was the 1st one, someone else put in SoCarBravesFan and wrote the others. Obviously I believe that a defense can play better, but the point I was making is that UGA doesn’t match up well with SC talent wise.
thUGA
June 14th, 2011
11:50 am
I think as long as we can keep em out of jail, we gots a shot!
That Guy
June 14th, 2011
11:50 am
Will Hill – I am happy with Murray’s performance last year but not the team. If the team around him plays better than they win those games. Btw the fact that he is only 6′1 had nothing to do with the int’s. Please go back and watch them again and then comment on here. I assume you played sports as a kid? You do realize that football is a team game correct?
SSIgator
June 14th, 2011
11:51 am
Bill King –
And you did not even address the coaching staff in your article which appears to be the root of the problem at UGA. That tells me you either forgot to do that, or more likely, you want to keep your head in the sand and keep telling yourself that everything will be fine.
Toto, we are not in 1980 any more. Take me back to 1980 Auntie Em, I want to go home.
That Guy
June 14th, 2011
11:52 am
BIG JOE – Where do you Coach at?
Virginia DAWG
June 14th, 2011
11:53 am
Made me feel good to see Aaron Murray in the picture with Hershel Walker when he visited the school and worked out with the team. Aaron was looking buff and very comparable in size to Hershel. I am aware that Hershel is literally at his “fighting weight” which is probably smaller than when he was running over defensive backs, but the picture was still very encouraging about Aaron’s ability to withstand any pounding coming his way.
BIG JOE
June 14th, 2011
11:53 am
SoCarBravesFan
apologizes. I would like to point out that almost always, the 2nd year into a defense is better. And don’t forget that GA has a BIG nose-guard that they recruited from a JC. Their LB will be bigger this yr too thanks to some reshuffling. I’m more concerned about Jefferys and the SCar passing game than the RB.
ARdawg
June 14th, 2011
11:53 am
Well the UGA haters are making it to the blogs earlier each time.
It is realistic. The Dawgs have as much chance of anyone in the East. The first two games are the hump with one connected at the hip to the other. If we start 2-0 winning the East will likely happen but I am afraid 1-1 won’t get it done.
The bigger question isn’t “can they” but “can he” meaning can Richt pull a successful season out of his butt? He has the talent but, he’s had it for the last several years. Yes they can, will they? Thats the $64K question.
Stranger things have happened. The East appears weak in 2011. Carolina will be the answer to that question for Georgia. The winner of that game should have the upper hand into the SEC CG
That Guy
June 14th, 2011
11:53 am
Small Joe – I was mocking him due to an earlier post. But thanks for chiming in.
2012 FEAR THE END
June 14th, 2011
11:54 am
HOW TALL IS DREW BREE”S
solja
June 14th, 2011
11:54 am
One of the most fun things about college football is watching the annual, downward spiral of THuga every year and the priceless expressions of dogpoop fans as their fantasies and dreams are crushed yet again. this year will be monumental!!! Can’t wait!!!
Carlton
June 14th, 2011
11:55 am
How about we aim to win both games instead of discussing which is more important to win?
solja
June 14th, 2011
11:55 am
oh and Go Tech!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG JOE
June 14th, 2011
11:56 am
That Guy
I coach but that’s none of your concern. Check back once you’ve visited your local Elem School.
CFBFan
June 14th, 2011
11:57 am
Every year this question comes from Bulldog nation. Can we win and then there are all of these reasons why UGA should win. However, they just don’t win.
UGA pretty much sucks at winning championships.
1eyedJack
June 14th, 2011
11:57 am
I like pie and the GnaTs suck.
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
11:58 am
Will hill,
We get it. you hate UGA.
You didn’t go to Georgia so you are smarter than all of us trailer trash in breeding rednecks who graduated from there. I’ll be right back, I’m on onion rings today and the grease is getting too hot.
We look forward to more of your thrilling insight.
The Voice
June 14th, 2011
11:58 am
2012…why don’t you compare Murray to Unitas or Montana…what a joke..
GTBob
June 14th, 2011
11:58 am
I personally think it’s pie in the sky, but i’m obviously biased. I just don’t see how a team can go 6-7, lose a lot of their best players, and then win their division. Then again though, the SEC east is a bit of a joke outside of South Carolina. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kentucky won it.
2012 FEAR THE END
June 14th, 2011
12:04 pm
I Didn’t compare, it was a question
ARdawg
June 14th, 2011
12:05 pm
GTBob, for a tech fan you usually keep it somewhat realistic. Why are you speaking from your brown hole now like most all other Tech fans?
BIG JOE
June 14th, 2011
12:05 pm
That Guy
All this W.I.N mentioned was the following:
W.I.N.
June 14th, 2011
11:43 am
A lot of games can be won, if you’ll do well in 3 areas AGAINST WINNING TEAMS:
1- 4th Quarter
2- 3rd down
3- Red zone
These are all areas which UGA lagged in… The last few yrs they have lost games in the 4th qtr. UGA’s 3rd down conversion rate has been terrible –near last in the conference. The Red Zone has also been awful. And you disagree that improvement in these areas will not produce wins??? To enlighten you, anyone with common sense that knows the game of football can see this. You obviously do not.
Good day.
CSA
June 14th, 2011
12:05 pm
Depends on which team shows up. Hopefully it won’t be the same team that couldn’t score a single touchdown against Central Florida. I pray to God this team has changed for the better.
CEPH
June 14th, 2011
12:07 pm
PIE IN THE SKY!!!! With Richt and BooBoo at the helm they need to worry about just having a winning record!
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
12:07 pm
solja
June 14th, 2011
11:54 am
One of the most fun things about college football is watching the annual, downward spiral of THuga every year and the priceless expressions of dogpoop fans as their fantasies and dreams are crushed yet again. this year will be monumental!!! Can’t wait!!!
********************************************************
Waiting on another team to lose so you can be happy?
Waht a sad pathetic existence.
Will you admit to us who your team is or do you just pull for whoever is winning the most each year?
Beast from the East
June 14th, 2011
12:08 pm
“Then again though, the SEC east is a bit of a joke outside of South Carolina. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kentucky won it.”
From an ACC fan and a Techie? Really? Are you serious?
SSIgator
June 14th, 2011
12:08 pm
DawginLex -
Your onion rings are burning.
Richt`s Hammer
June 14th, 2011
12:09 pm
We have no chance. But get the fanbase fired up for another national championship season.
This is all Jan Kemp`s fault. I have to recruit the Florida Penal System Better.
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
12:09 pm
I spit in yours ssigator.
Enjoy
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
12:10 pm
Richt`s Hammer
June 14th, 2011
12:09 pm
We have no chance. But get the fanbase fired up for another national championship season.
This is all Jan Kemp`s fault. I have to recruit the Florida Penal System Better.
*************************************************************
Is that where you are doing your time?
Are you the team manager for the “Mean Machine”
Mean Machine
Mean Machine
Mean Machine
Mean Machine
italian_29
June 14th, 2011
12:11 pm
Big Dawg Fan since 1974, but considering the disappointments of the last 2 seasons, they are going to have to SHOW me on the field. Until then, I say NO SEC East championship, not drinking any Kool-aid this year until the Dawgs and Coach Richt show me. I learned my lesson from last year when I thought that we were going to have a pretty good season.
CFBFan
June 14th, 2011
12:11 pm
GTBob makes a good point.
It doesn’t make sense that a 6-7 team with so many draft picks would win their division next year.
Pie in the Sky. Look at UF after losing their superstars. UGA will finish 8-4 losing to Boise, USCe, UF, and Kentucky. USCe will finish 9-3 and go to the SECCG.
boots
June 14th, 2011
12:11 pm
I love the Dawgs, and my four years in Athens were some of the greatest of my life. But after we failed to score a touchdown against Central Florida in our last time on the field, I think focusing on anything short of our next game is foolish. Let’s win in the Dome and then talk about the “future” (which would be game #2) when it is appropriate.
W.I.N.
June 14th, 2011
12:13 pm
Defense stunk last season AGAINST WINNING TEAMS.
Fumbles forced, 3, 11th in SEC, SC had 10
Funbles recovered, 1, 12th in SEC, SC had 10
Sacks, 10, 7th in SEC, SC had 17
tfl’S, 33, 10TH IN SEC, SC had 43
3rd down conv, 12th in sec,
rush def, 8th in sec, sc 143 yard
red zone conv, 8th in sec, sc ranked 2nd
Greg
June 14th, 2011
12:13 pm
Boise fans are the most delusional on earth. ESPN will continue to hype them because they need something to show on Wednesday nights other than spelling bee replays.
I remember talking to a couple of Boise dorks in an Athens bar before the last game between the two teams. They were entirely convinced that UGA had never seen the likes of their all-world players. The game could have easily been 70-0 if Richt wanted it to be. Men versus boys. It’ll be closer this time, but the result will be the same. Then Boise State can crawl back to their hole and look forward to their rightful place in college football…in the Humanitarian/Toilet Bowl.
Will Hill
June 14th, 2011
12:13 pm
BIG JOE
June 14th, 2011
12:05 pm
That Guy
All this W.I.N mentioned was the following:
W.I.N.
June 14th, 2011
11:43 am
A lot of games can be won, if you’ll do well in 3 areas AGAINST WINNING TEAMS:
1- 4th Quarter
2- 3rd down
3- Red zone
These are all areas which UGA lagged in… The last few yrs they have lost games in the 4th qtr. UGA’s 3rd down conversion rate has been terrible –near last in the conference. The Red Zone has also been awful. And you disagree that improvement in these areas will not produce wins??? To enlighten you, anyone with common sense that knows the game of football can see this. You obviously do not.
You forgot about having a HC who didn’t have the Nads to go for it on 4th and inches inside the UCF 5 on the first drive of a meaningless bowl game. But hey every other team in the SEC is hoping that McGarrity gives him a lifetime contract because of all of his adopting work.
RabidDawgFan
June 14th, 2011
12:16 pm
Georgia Tech fans, before you talk junk, beat us twice in a row. When is the last time Georgia Tech did that? Ok that settles that. Now shutup. You couldn’t beat our 6-7 team last season.
Now, the last time we won an SEC title we didn’t have one stellar WR like A.J. Green. They worked together as a unit. We also used our TEs a lot with Leonard Pope (who saved a boy from drowning btw), and Martrez Milner. Well we have one of the best TEs in the country in Orson Charles and a good one in Aron White. Maybe Jay Rome can get some playing time. What I’m saying is, you don’t have to have a spectacular WR to win the SEC championship. I don’t think Auburn did last season. Use what you have and make the best of it. Just score.
RabidDawgFan
June 14th, 2011
12:18 pm
And SC fans, win an SEC title before you pop off. Getting there and losing 56-17 goes against everything you worked for the entire season. Even UGA didn’t lose that bad to Auburn.
McDawg
June 14th, 2011
12:19 pm
the secondary and the offensive line have me worried not so much w/ the receivers-i see alot more leadership on the D
GTBob
June 14th, 2011
12:20 pm
From an ACC fan and a Techie? Really? Are you serious?
A 4 loss ACC team who got destroyed by Oklahoma didn’t have much of a problem beating the top 2 teams from the SEC east last year. Maybe the east will be alot better this year but you are pretty much going to have to prove it first.