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
Will Hill
June 14th, 2011
12:20 pm
RabidDawgFan was that as bad as losing to UCF?
JDawg1785
June 14th, 2011
12:21 pm
Good way to look at it, boots! The only game on this Dawg fan’s mind right now is on September 3rd.
Reality
June 14th, 2011
12:22 pm
uga is losing there “whole” offense AJ “Sell my jerseys” Green. We all saw how pathetic they were without him at the begining of the season. 3rd in the east behind SC and then FL
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
12:25 pm
Questions loom for the gators in 2011 as well
1.) Can Muschamp keep Weiss out of the luxury skyboxes and away from the AYCE Buffets during games?
2.) Will the Gainesville economy be able to handle the sudden surge in donut prices?
3.) Can Muschamp keep the gator players out of jail, especially Rainey who apparently was tight with the 4 b-ball players who got busted.
4.) Can Muschamp and Weiss decise on a QB between Murphy and Driscoll after Brantley loses at home to UT and gets booed into tears at home?
5.) Can Muschamp prevent Weiss from eating the spear that the FSU guy throws at the beginning of the game?
Serious questions that must be answered.
WDE
June 14th, 2011
12:25 pm
@SSIgator hey what is that new HC’s record in the SEC so far…you have a new unproven HC, the biggest destroyer of Buffets and college football programs in recent history as the OC..and your beating your chest…and your calling us koolaid drinkers…
truedawg
June 14th, 2011
12:26 pm
All the haters..lol Really? UGA lost alot of games, but if you look closer, it wasn’t like anyone blew them out. See the strength and conditioning program, see the improvement. I’ve talked to several players on this team. They have some hunger, and seems to have a tighter unti as far as being a team goes, this year. 10-2, 8-4, 12-2 14-0 I dunno..I kinda doubt 14-0 but I know we will have a team this year we can be proud of supporting.
Don’t be too tough on the chickens, i mean let them crow, they never had a chance to before, never won anything, never had any hope, let them hold on to it now, cause we all know it’ll be back to disappointment for them in Sept.
Joey
June 14th, 2011
12:27 pm
Did I miss something? Some of you are yapping at Bill like he predicted greatness for the ‘11 team.
Bill seems to be taking a cautious approach like most of us are. If the defense is a lot better, that will more than make up for losing 3 of our 4 top playmakers on offense from last season.
I don’t think we will be great, because of the lack of proven playmakers, other than Charles and Murray. If Marlon Brown or somebody steps up and becomes a big time WR, and on defense, the secondary is steady, UGA could be very good.
RabidDawgFan
June 14th, 2011
12:27 pm
We’ll see what happens come Sept 3rd. That’s when all this talking will come to an end.
LMAO at the Hopeful (again) Humper Nation
June 14th, 2011
12:29 pm
WDE he has no record but I bet he goes for it on 4th and inches inside the 5 on the first drive of the game. DumbinLex that is the only stat you have to worry about. Charlie Weis forgot more about offense than Bobo the Clown ever new.
hounddawg
June 14th, 2011
12:29 pm
Can South Carolina keep their QB sober???
Reality
June 14th, 2011
12:30 pm
UGA doesnt have a running game at all. You cant rely on a true freshman to come in and carry the load from day one. Lattimore is the exception not the rule. Murray is going to have a lot of work to do because teams will not have to respect the running game. With no AJ green they are in big trouble.
W.I.N.
June 14th, 2011
12:31 pm
Offense, against WINNING TEAMS, has a few things to work on too:
10th in scoring, SC 2nd
11th in rush off, SC 5th
TO Margin 12th, SC 5th
3rd down conv, 7th, SC 2nd
Red zone td’s, 10th, 7 td’s, SC 1st, 24 td’s
GoDawg.Real
June 14th, 2011
12:33 pm
SORRY TO HAVE TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH!
I’ve been a dawg all my life, but if any of you really think UGA has a chance against Boise you’re delusional homer fans. Last time Boise came UGA was ranked higher and Boise was barely 1-A. SO QUIT THINKING THAT’S SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT ON!!
Last time Their QB had the flu and gave 6 turnovers in the first half. It wasn’t UGA that caused that, it was Boise imploding.
THIS TIME, they have the best QB in the country, not to mention one that has broken several NCAA records. Not to mention they have beaten Oregon twice, TCU, and VT all on the road. That is 4 conference champs all top 5-15 ranked, all were 1-2 loss teams.
Boise this time has a QB and defensive line that will pound the dawgs into submission unless MR does something drastic. I have a bad feeling about this game. Also, if you listen to any blog where people have to use real accounts and names, 95% are not optimistic, they realize what were up against.
Try to be more humble UGA fans, we have not earned the right to talk big. It will only be more embarrassing when Boise does beat us.
Comment
June 14th, 2011
12:34 pm
This place is drinking the Hatoraide. I don’t see anyone challenging the DAWGS this year. Maybe Bama in the title game but that’s about it.
Pago Pago Dawg
June 14th, 2011
12:35 pm
Peach pie in the sky….
RabidDawgFan
June 14th, 2011
12:35 pm
If Lattimore can do it, why can’t Crowell? How do you know that Crowell won’t perform better than Lattimore did? I know that’s asking a lot but how do we know how an athlete is going to perform? Because he plays for Georgia? What does that mean? We have a very good program. Granted we didn’t have our usual great seasons the past two seasons but we’re changing so that we can get back to that. Crowell can do it if he works hard.
WDE
June 14th, 2011
12:35 pm
@LMAO at the Hopeful (again) Humper Nation really with all that offensive know how Weiss destroyed Notre Dame… here’s hope he can recreate that at UF. How many years as a college HC did Ol’Charlie win 10 or more? Before you anoint yourselves NC’s you might want to get your HC at least ONE win…
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
12:37 pm
LMAO at the Hopeful (again) Humper Nation
June 14th, 2011
12:29 pm
WDE he has no record but I bet he goes for it on 4th and inches inside the 5 on the first drive of the game. DumbinLex that is the only stat you have to worry about. Charlie Weis forgot more about offense than Bobo the Clown ever new.
********************************************************
dumbinlex? That’s the best you have.
The TROLL Power Ratings won’t rate you very high for creativity.
I’d give it a 3 out of 10.
Try harder. Read more. Do more research.
RabidDawgFan
June 14th, 2011
12:37 pm
Boise better play mighty, mighty hard if they want to beat our hungry, in shape, ready to go and prove their worth team. I’m serious. This team has a different feel about it.
SSIgator
June 14th, 2011
12:38 pm
WDE -
“and your beating your chest…and your calling us koolaid drinkers”
I am not into self-abuse like the UGA fans are. Bartender Richt is serving right now. The line forms to the right.
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
12:39 pm
ssigator,
Weiss is off to the left but he never serves, he only consumes.
WDE
June 14th, 2011
12:40 pm
@GoDawg.Real let’s review Boise has never beaten a SEC team…they will be 30-40lb lighter on both lines..they have never played a team with SEC team speed…and won.It will be a close game but your a Bug if you think we have no chance…I doubt with the guys that left Boise last year that they will be better than USCe was last year and we nearly beat them with a QB playing his 1st game without his best weapon and a new D scheme and DC.
SSIgator
June 14th, 2011
12:42 pm
DawginLex -
Just keep your fingers away from him and you will be fine.
WDE
June 14th, 2011
12:43 pm
@SSIgator and yet here you are…no pithy rebuttals , no talk of how your reptile plagued program will succeed, how is the OL looking the D etc..just your mindless envy of all things UGA..your dismissed..
RabidDawgFan
June 14th, 2011
12:43 pm
Oh yeah, and the people that think UGA has NO chance against SC this season. We only lost 17-6 in their place last season. Ealey fumbled at the 1 and if that had never happened we take the lead in the 4th and maybe win. We were in the 1st year under the 3-4, had a freshman QB, no running game, no strength or conditioning, etc, etc. This time in 2011, we are in the 2nd year in the 3-4, have more typical 3-4 bodies, have a more experienced QB and we are in ATHENS. How do we not have a chance?
rabundog
June 14th, 2011
12:44 pm
Don’t expect much – we don’t seem to be able to make in-game adjustments on O or D to offset what the other team is doing – 8 wins
Travis
June 14th, 2011
12:45 pm
I think if we can ever get rid of doom and gloom people like you that can never seem to find anything GOOD to say- that will go a long way in helping the attitude and confidence of ANY team. You continually bash and neysay about everything. Why can we be positive for once- and as far as Jacksonville goes…yeah, the series has turned…..and it will turn back. Funny how UF has won 18 of 21- yet we still lead the series by 9-10 games……who has owned who??????
SSIgator
June 14th, 2011
12:47 pm
WDE -
“reptile plagued program”
That would make sense – they are the Florida Gators. Would you like to try for the bonus round?
Nomobama
June 14th, 2011
12:47 pm
No, nope, no way. Phil steele ranked uga’s offense # 3 in the nation last yr. How did that turn out? They will be worse this yr. D will be bettet but they wont score 3 td’s per game while the O gets one FG. Looks like 7-5 , 6-6.
DawginLex
June 14th, 2011
12:50 pm
Everyone missed their prediction on Georgia last year. All the major preseason publications had them going anywhere from 8-4 to 11-1.
All of them missed it.
WDE
June 14th, 2011
12:50 pm
@SSIgator that is the best you got…bad day, not sleeping well ??That’s weak even for you..who rarely brings anything save a snoot full of UGA envy.
Dawgs winning the East: Pie in the sky or realistic? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | USA Baseball America
June 14th, 2011
12:53 pm
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Blackberry Cobbler
June 14th, 2011
12:55 pm
If Crowell is the real deal and can overcome that questionable OL and UGA have a strong running game, then UGA doesn’t necessarily need another AJ Green.
The key to the passing game is the running game.
The reason we needed AJ last year and year before is because the running game sucked.
LMAO at the Hopeful (again) Humper Nation
June 14th, 2011
12:55 pm
RabidDawgFan
How do we not have a chance? The easiest Q I have read. The answer is easy; Richt quitting on his team by not going for it on 4th and inches against UCF!
GTBob
June 14th, 2011
12:58 pm
If Lattimore can do it, why can’t Crowell?
One huge difference is the offensive line. USCe returned 4 starters on their line for Lattimore to run behind. UGA is doing a little bit of patch work putting their line together, and the line really wasn’t that great last year anyways.
Greg
June 14th, 2011
12:58 pm
GoDawg.real, you are obviously a Boise fan because no SEC fan thinks Boise would ever do better than middle of the pack in the SEC. As far as the last game vs Boise goes, You Boise fans spin the truth to make yourselves feel better about the beatdown. Both teams were ranked in the top 25 and the line on the game was only 5-6 points. Boise sucked – they were like a high school team compared to UGA. Zabransky was scared for his life, but that was far from your only problem that day. The biggest problem was that UGA had vastly better football players at practically every position. The sad part is that Boise probably went on to win the rest of their games that year, which would have put the in the top 25 when they wouldn’t have been in the top 8 in the SEC.
Crimedog
June 14th, 2011
12:59 pm
When is Richt’s pool party?
SSIgator
June 14th, 2011
1:00 pm
WDE -
“a snoot full of UGA envy”
You are correct. I really wish we had a coach that could let the football program spiral downhill and yet con the fans into thinking that because “I know what the hell I am doing” is reason enough to let him keep ripping off the school to the tune of $3,000,000 a year. Yeah, I am real envious of that. Meanwhile, back in Athens, the KoolAid machine keeps humming along.
DawgnMD
June 14th, 2011
1:01 pm
@ JDawg1785…Amen Brother! One game at a time. GATA
GatorFan
June 14th, 2011
1:03 pm
The Dawgs have about the same chance to win the SEC East and the Gators do with Brantley at QB. NOT MUCH!
Gator Mike
June 14th, 2011
1:06 pm
An article in yesterday’s Gainesville Sun by writer Robbie Andreau predicted that UGA’s incomming freshman back will be this years major impact player on offense in the SEC. If so, the DAWGS will beat SoCar and win the East.
Gators are a year away from being dominant again, but they will be back.
Gator Mike
June 14th, 2011
1:07 pm
Forgot to mention the backs name – Isaih Crowell who looks to be like another Lattimore.
cursive
June 14th, 2011
1:12 pm
I’ve got to see before I believe. Coach Richt has lost the benefit of the doubt the past few seasons… If they come out strong and win the first 2 convincingly then yes. If they lose one, both or squeak by then probably not.
GTBob
June 14th, 2011
1:13 pm
The sad part is that Boise probably went on to win the rest of their games that year, which would have put the in the top 25 when they wouldn’t have been in the top 8 in the SEC.
Boise St went 9-4 that year. Their worst team in the last 10 years.
Choke Artist
June 14th, 2011
1:13 pm
Mark Richt will choke as usual and so its definitely a “Pie in the Sky thought. Reason 1. Not being able to convert on third and short. Reason 2. Bobo’s famous draw plays on third and long. Reason 3. Richt electing for field goals instead of TD’s. Reason 4. Offensive line which hasnt been able to run block through a wet paper bag. Reason 5. Jury still out on Todd Grantham’s D. Thanks Linda Lovelace……
truedawg
June 14th, 2011
1:18 pm
Boise is next. That’s all that matters. I don’t think they can hang with the size of our linemen. The speed of our linbackers or the size. I think they have a good passing game, and our secondary isn’t stellar. But if we can get the pass rush I see alot of sacks. Boise won’t be able to run the ball against UGA at all. Close game but UGA by 12
SC picked to win the EAST? They barely won last year vs the Dawgs in SC this year in Athens, LOST TO KY. IF SC is favored, then so is UGA and UF.
I see the UF HC and OC bumping heads soon after the first few games. I alos don’t see a pro style offense working without a good RB which UF doesn’t have a big powerful back to go through tackles. The players they have are made for the spread, fast but small. The question at QB is a big question. Also if UGA is so bad UF, then why did it take 2 OT to beat the dawgs????
I’m above bashing Charlie, not making jokes about his weight. I just hope he gets help for his eating disorder. Obesity is no laughing matter. When was the last time anyone here heard a funny fat joke?
RabidDawgFan
June 14th, 2011
1:18 pm
Look, our O-line might not look good on paper and it doesn’t have to. All that matters is how those guys work as a unit come September. I remember back in 08, our O-line was tabbed as one of the best and one of the most experienced in the nation. Didn’t work out too good so you can’t look at paper and say oh they’re gonna be good. We’ll see what happens and how they work together to get the job done.
Zoli
June 14th, 2011
1:19 pm
Our D WILL be improved. We have NFL size and speed. Our secondary will be just fine. Until S. Carolina beats us two years in a row, then I am not worried about them being the East powerhouse. How are you going to stop Caleb as tailback, Figgins at fullback, and a two tight end set with White and Charles? We can play small ball all year, dink and dunk teams to death…while setting up long balls to Tavarres. Murray is the best QB in the conference….if not someone tell me who is better. Can’t wait to wax Boise and send ‘em home bald and humbled by a SEC team!
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 14th, 2011
1:19 pm
This is the most talented UGA defense in 5-6 years.The front 7 should be exceptional and in the 1st game the major difference between the SEC and EVERBODY else will be clear…..speed and athleticism of the DL.I’m not really worried about the O…Richt has found a way to get it done on offense his entire tenure….I expect nothing less this year.Secondary issues?Get a better pass rush and all those “issues” will disappear.
Paul in RDU
June 14th, 2011
1:21 pm
Phil Steele has missed badly on UGA the last few years.
2008 Steele pre-season = 9, AP final ranking = 13
2009 Steele = 13, AP final = NR
2010 Steele = 19, AP final = NR
The only team he has been worse predicting is ND.