Dogs seem to be picking up some fans in Vegas
Are the Dogs a good bet in 2011?
We’ve talked a lot here about the positives the Dogs have approaching the coming season (Aaron Murray, the tight ends and special teams, the arrival of big John Jenkins and the infusion of Dream Team freshman talent, especially at tailback) and the question marks (the offensive line, the safety position, conditioning, the future of the head coach).
And none of that really has changed since spring practice. But what does appear to have changed perceptibly is the view from outside the Bulldog Nation of just what sort of season Georgia is likely to have. As we’ve discussed here recently, we’re starting to see some preseason prognosticators picking the Dogs to stage a big turnaround from a losing season and win the SEC East.
The handicappers in Las Vegas are coming around, too. As Phil Steele noted in a recent post, Georgia is viewed as a favorite in all of its big games after the first two, and while they’re still rated underdogs against Boise State and South Carolina, the line has tightened considerably. Originally the Broncos were a 6-point favorite over Georgia, but now it’s down to just over 1 point. And the Gamecocks, formerly favored by 3 points, are now just a 1-point favorite.
All this is encouraging, but I’m still trying to keep my expectations for this season in check. How about you?
Got a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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
134 comments Add your comment
BG
June 21st, 2011
12:25 pm
The DAWGS will win the first 2 games with ease.
dawg fans = cubs fans
June 21st, 2011
12:29 pm
sounds like a bunch of chicago cub fans in march…..
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
12:30 pm
BG
ain’t nuthin’ gonna be easy in those 1st 2 games
Richt`s Hammer
June 21st, 2011
12:50 pm
The odds look better because I am in Honduras looking for the elves that inhabit the rain forest. Once we catch a few and return with our trophies the odds will go back up.
We lost Choakdawg yesterday. A python wanted a krispy kreme and he and choakdawg were last seen in a battle to the death.
McDawg
June 21st, 2011
12:50 pm
not a betting guy but i bet you you can’t win in the SEC w/o a really really good Offensive Line
Richt`s Hammer
June 21st, 2011
12:51 pm
Can`t see us winning either game. Who cares as long as my check doesn`t bounce.
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
1:00 pm
Richt and your hammer need to get some new material.
Even the TROLLS are complaining
2 out of 10 on the TROLL POWER RANKINGS
Top Dawg
June 21st, 2011
1:07 pm
The offensive line is in tatters. The offensive and defensive lines are the two most basic building blocks of a football team. Our defensive line figures to be a strength of the team this year, but the offensive line apparently will not be. I see no reason to be very optimistic about this team this year.
SCDAWG
June 21st, 2011
1:08 pm
We still have a young team butwe are better this year I think we should at least get 10 wins but if we beat both BSU and USC wecan go all the way to the SEC. GO DAWGS.
SCDAWG
June 21st, 2011
1:09 pm
And maybe the NCAA
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
1:13 pm
top Dawg
The first group of OL is solid and experienced. The next group is where the issue is. no experience and some are true freshmen and there are a couple recovering from injuries.
Coach Friend has quite a challenge in keeping these guys healthy. Look for one or two of the true freshmen to have to provide depth.
2002 team had a similar group. Experienced 1st team and a bunch of freshmen backups. that team was 9th in the SEC in rushing. The defense only gave up 14 PPG
That is what is going to have to happen in 2011.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
June 21st, 2011
1:13 pm
GULP GULP GULP GULP GULP
AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Boy thats some refreshing Kool-aid
Now I really believe the national title will be hoisted in Athens this year
Dawg in Malta
June 21st, 2011
1:13 pm
@math lesson
You obviously didn’t go to class!
If the line starts @ 6 and goes to 1 then everybody is betting on UGA!
All Vegas is trying to do is get people to bet 50-50 on both teams
so they get the juice…and that’s not cool-aid.
All this pre-season hype…I’m not drinking the cool-aid yet?
Show me on the field Sept. 3rd in the Dome & I’ll be there!!
Go Dawgs!!
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
1:24 pm
Flat tire,
You talking to me?
Where was the kool aid in my post?
I listed facts
Experienced front line on OL
no depth or experience in backups
Challenge for Coach friend
2002 team was similar makeup
Need serious defensive improvement in 2011 in PPG allowed
??????????????????
Chris
June 21st, 2011
1:24 pm
Until the clock hits “Zero” on Sept 3rd and the Bulldogs are ahead on the scoreboard against Boise, I am not buying into the hype. The Dawgs have alot of question marks and the first two games are brutal.
SSIgator
June 21st, 2011
1:29 pm
DawginLex -
Stop with the facts. You are starting to sound like Patrick.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
June 21st, 2011
1:38 pm
DawginLex
when I have something to say to someone I put their name first I dont hide
The kool-aid I mention is from this article
like Chris above just said is where I stand
When this coaching staff cannot come up with something to score against UCF and cannot score in the first half against Alabama with Stafford Moreno, Greene, and Maseqoi on the sideline
Sorry I refuse to drink any kool-aid from this bunch of coachs including this dream team crap
JM
June 21st, 2011
1:38 pm
Why is the only ones ranking Georgia high are the ones that want people to buy their pre seaosn college football magazines like Phil Steele and Athlon?
Steele’s even coming out now, today, saying UGA could go UNDEFEATED????
Sorry, he lost me there.
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2011/Jun11/DBJune21.html
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
1:41 pm
SSI,
Since Richt isn’t commited enough i guess Will and Charlie watch film 24/7 looking for a film clip where Brantley actually does something right while Will throws up in his mouth a little and Charlie eats everything not nailed down?
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
1:43 pm
Sorry, he lost me there
*************************************
What an irony……..
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
1:50 pm
flat tire,
The Dawgs from 2006-2009 could have had joe Montana and Jerry rice and as long as Sweet Willie was coaching the defense we were going to underachieve.
2010 wasn’t great but at least Grantham has a plan and now has players more suited for the scheme. Whether or not he can get us back to allowing 14 PPG will be the difference in this staff staying or going because Richt/bobo are not going to change the offensive playcalling.
JM
June 21st, 2011
1:59 pm
I’m a moron 97% of the time and 100% of my blog posts are inane drivel.
Talking about cherry picking statistics....
June 21st, 2011
2:06 pm
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
11:49 am
Why only 8 seasons?
Convenient for your troll stats?
2001-8 wins
2002-13 wins
kinda wrecks your stat doesn’t it?
2003-11 wins(played 14 because won the East, got to ATL)
2004-10 wins(only an 11 game schedule, 1 less than prior year)
2005-10 wins(again only an 11 game schedule)
Figures don’t lie but liars figure
———————-
In 2004 UGA’s 10th win was in its 12th (bowl) game. They finished 10-2
In 2005 UGA’s 10th win was in its 12th game (SECCG). They lost in the Sugar Bowl to go 10-3
I agree with DawginLex – figures don’t lie but liars figure.
RxDawg
June 21st, 2011
2:09 pm
I’d bet on UGA during the Boise game, and on USC during that game.
Now let me put my red and black glasses back on… NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 2011 BABY! WOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooo
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
June 21st, 2011
2:10 pm
DawginLex
I agree about Sweet Willie but I am almost certainly convinced we need another offensive coordinator and let Bobo go coach QB’s
I was right about Fabris whom Richt also wanted to defend and was recently fired at Louisville
Im hoping Grantham can do it and we will see just how good our secondary is the first game
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
2:14 pm
I just wish Richt would go back to calling plays.
Another OC means a huge change in offensive philosophy (ie, spread, zone read, triple option).
Short of the whole staff getting run, I don’t see that happening.
Spike 80DF
June 21st, 2011
2:14 pm
@nostrodamus, my thoughts exactly. Spurrier will reinstate Garcia for what his 8th time before the season only to lose to the Dawgs and then kick him off the team for good for “violation of team rules” when he realizes Shaw is a better QB. I called this one last week, haha.
I also like the people that say “Spurrier is building a program” over in SC. Really? He’s been there for about 7 years and has been to the Dome only once and lost.
7576DAWG
June 21st, 2011
2:18 pm
Things to watch for in the Boise State and South Carolina games:
1- Can our offensive line make a hole for our running backs well into the fourth quarter ?
2- Have the defensive back’s learned the 3-4. Are there any missed assignments between the defensive backs and the linebackers?
3- Does Murray hesitate to run if he can get 5 or more yards?
4-With an All American field goal kicker are we going to use him more than we did last year?
5- When we march down the field and score does Bobo decide a try something different the next time we have the ball or will he finally develop the philosophy ” If IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT ”
6- Will Bobo seem lost when a critical decision has to be made?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
June 21st, 2011
2:19 pm
DawginLex
Im fine with that
I would just like to see something a little different than the 3 plays we run, they are
Sideline pass 30 or so times a game
Run up the middle 30 or so times a game
and the dump pass over the middle or dump pass to the fullback
Just something different that keeps every good defensive coordinator we face from looking like the greatest DC ever
Pago Pago Dawg
June 21st, 2011
2:28 pm
UGA should always be favored to win, after all, UGA has had a top ten recruiting class for the past10 years.
funny...
June 21st, 2011
2:30 pm
Nothing has changed since the first lines opened, too many people were taking Georgia to cover 6 and 3, they’re just evening out the money.
You have no idea how Vegas works.
Whopper Dawg
June 21st, 2011
2:31 pm
Hmmm, let’s see, 2010 record 6 – 7, bowl game UCF 10 UGA 6. Same head coach, same offensive coordinator, same defensive coordinator, loss of best offensive weapon (maybe only) and loss of only pass rusher.
Yeah, I’d say my expectations are in check.
JM
June 21st, 2011
2:36 pm
National Champs or SEC Champs?
Ok, turn it down.
Try beating a winning team, just 1, out of the 12 games this season.
That means beat EITHER:
Boise, South Carolina, Miss State, Florida or Auburn.
A novel idea.
Since Richt went 0-6 vs. winning teams last season.
DawginLex
June 21st, 2011
2:40 pm
Hey JM
Try getting some new material and posting under the same blog handle for more than one day.
Maybe you wouldn’t be so hated on these blogs.
Vance Duly
June 21st, 2011
2:40 pm
My 2 biggest concerns for 2011 would be the health/depth of the offensive line, and Coach Bobo’s approach to play-calling over the past 2-3 years. In close games, we can’t afford the predictable, and sometimes nonsensical, plays that Bobo calls. He lacks the killer instinct, it seems.
Specifically, at key times he will stop something that is working in favor of a feeble attempt to establish some other part of our offense that has NOT worked consistently. So, we waste drives and come up short. IF we are playing a game in 2011, and the passing game just happens to be clicking on all cylinders, does Coach Bobo have the willingness to keep throwing it, even if we ended the game with 48 passes and 15 runs — and 48 points!? Based on his recent tendencies, I say NO. (the most obvious example of this is the 2010 GA Tech game, where Tech could not come close to stop our passing game during the first half (11-14 for 220 yds and 3 TDs). So, in the 2nd half we throw only 5 times (completing 4 for 51 yds), keep trying to run the ball — losing 2 fumbles, and barely hold on to win the game.)
Brent Benedict and Austin Long may be surprise keys to this season. If these highly touted, but significantly injured offensive linemen can contribute, we may have the depth to survive on the OL. Hope so……. GO Dawgs!!! (Just try not to run up the middle on almost every 2nd & 10 following a 1st down incomplete pass, OK!?!?! It’s just not a running down unless we have the return of Herschel…) With OL depth and better play-calling, we could go 10-2 or 11-1. My prediction is that the defense will be surprisingly good……and hard-hitting. Woof!!!
UGA Insider
June 21st, 2011
2:45 pm
From what I hear IC and Boo… the two most are counting on have come into camp in poor shape. Both have been throwing up and not able to complete the work-outs with other team members. Word is John Jenkins is the man everyone thought and will soon be working out with the veterans.
Is there any Auburn fans out there that can tell me what’s going on with Russell Wilson? If you guys get him combined with your coaching staff look out.
Richt`s Hammer
June 21st, 2011
2:48 pm
It`s been raining here all day. Glad we brought Russ along. I am afraid the local`s may want to eat him thought.
vegas guy
June 21st, 2011
2:59 pm
Good points Vance Duly
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
June 21st, 2011
3:02 pm
Vance Duly
Thats why I quit drinking the positive kool-aid a long time ago
markei mark
June 21st, 2011
3:09 pm
I am in wait and see mode this year….
D Town Dawg
June 21st, 2011
3:24 pm
“Math Lesson”…. LOL! Obviously you didn’t call yourself “Gambling Lesson” for a reason! Another disgusted Tech fan i assume?
Boise in ATL
June 21st, 2011
3:48 pm
Been in ATL for 3 years – best place in the country to argue college football.
During my time here – I have dived deep into SEC culture – and kept an eye on the ACC.
Even made it to games at UGA, Auburn, Tennessee and Alabama.
I look forward to visiting the Swamp, tailgate at Ole Miss and visit Death Valley.
Personnally – could care less about visiting Vandy, Miss. State, Arkansas or KY(except for basketball).
Now about UGA.
Moved here – and later that year – UGA preseason #1 – Stafford and Moreno.
I knew UGA was overated as they had such a young O-Line – which is too much to ask for.
Team went 10-3 – and found ways to win some tight games.
2009 – 8-5 little bit of a rebuild year – UGA was hurt by Stafford and Moreno leaving.
J.Cox was a good QB – but not a feature player. He needed a better team around him – no running game and defense was iffy. If he was at Alabama – he could have won a National Title.
2010 – 6-7 – Really thought UGA would be better – but hindsight – all those arrests and FULMER CUP champions tell you all you need to know. The inmates were running the asylum. Leadership from Authority was lacking – players were entitled – took the lumps this year to learn 3-4 defense. Inconsistency in skill positions due to suspensions – arrests – hurting team continuity. O-Line very inconsistent – as been the last few years. Just a bad year for UGA football – and the UCF game was icing on the cake.
NOW – what about 2011???????
1. 3-4 defense will better for several reasons:
– LB Corp is upgrades
– Real NT’s
– People criticize DB play – but if D-Line and OLB’s not pressuing QB – and NFL secondary would have been toast. UGA has very good DB’s.
2. Negative Influence players gone. No arrests this year?
3. Revamped S& C program – fixing what was broken.
4. Staff is on the hot seat – should rebound as this is a very proud program.
All of this is on paper – Dogs could implode, lay eggs, you never know – but I will tell this to the Mark Richt Haters out there. This guy has been successful – and made the changes needed.
O-Line coach is gone to Texas (this is a good thing)
New S&C program complete with Nutrition
Upgraded Defense players that fit the system
Now it comes down to developing on field knowledge, understanding the game – team chemistry on the field (and off the field), leadership from players, unity and cohessiveness on the field – and being consistent.
I am cautiously optimistic about Boise’s chances in the Dome – we have been there before – and this giam is our season. Give Coach Peterson time to prepare – and we will be ready to play with anyone. UGA is on the rebound – but has a ways to go.
I thing UGA will get beat by Boise – but will improve greatly during the year.
The SCaroline game is 50/50 – S. Carolina plays great early and mid season – but sucks at the end of the season (at least the last 3 years) DANGEROUS GAME for both teams.
Other potential losses are Mississippi State (overachiving and well coached team) and FLORIDA.
Florida is probably more talented and deeper than UGA – it comes down to coaching and execution.
UGA goes 8-4 to 10-2.
W
June 21st, 2011
3:48 pm
D Town Dawg sorry you have to be wrong Math Lesson can’t be a Bug you need balls to gamble and well we know there is a shortage of those in Bugville.
chazzo
June 21st, 2011
4:06 pm
Sounds like Vegas is trying to hard sell the first two games. Boo to that. If the rankings mean anything (and I am prone to think they don’t) BSU should clearly be favored. The avg. rankings have BSU somewhere around #5-10 vs. UGA at #19-unranked. BSU may be over ranked, but they are good. And, they are coming to ATL to prove something. I hope our Dawgs are ready to fight for four quarters. USC is probably the most under ranked team in the nation, and Spurier is tickled pink about it. SC is always a fight. This year it is a bloodbath. This year it decides the East. UF is also under rated, but that is one heck of tough schedule for a first year coach and a new scheme. I look for it to be a three way tie settled by extraneous factors.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 21st, 2011
4:32 pm
I Have two big reasons to feel good about this season.Kwame and Big John…the twin towers of DOOM!!Check em out.
http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Boards/153/71153/156212.jpg
http://www.myrecordjournal.com…age&photo=0
http://georgia.scout.com/2/1065233.html
Kwame-http://georgia.scout.com/2/1060983.html
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 21st, 2011
4:35 pm
My comments are awaiting moderation.
D Bag Trolls!
June 21st, 2011
4:37 pm
THANKS TO ALL HATERS FOR HAVING DAWGS ENVY!!!!!!! WE APPRECIATE YOU SPENDING YOUR DAY TALKING ABOUT THE DAWGS! I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO HAVE THE DAWGS ON THE BRAIN. HAPPENS DAILY! WE ARE THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS THIS YEAR AND HISTORY SAYS THAT WE WILL BITE YOUR HEAD OFF.
UGA WILL START OUT 2-0 AND CMR IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE. CMB IS ANOTHER STORY.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANKS FOR HAVING THE DAWGS ON YOU BRAIN. I HAVE TO ADMIT I COULD NOT SPEND A NANOSECOND ON ANOTHER BLOG ABOUT ANY RIVAL THAT WOULD BE CONSIDER BAD TIME SPENT AND THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY SECONDS IN A LIFETIME!
THANKS AGAIN FOR HAVING DAWGS ENVY!!!!!!!!!!!!
math lesson
June 21st, 2011
4:49 pm
derp. screwed up the initial post this morning, as has been pointed out. the point remains that vegas odds dont have squat to do with the odds makers believing in uga and everything to do with evening out the bets and making $$. this year is totally the year, right?
Boise in ATL
June 21st, 2011
4:52 pm
Question – with ATL being the true captial of all things college football and IMHO -the best crossroads of all thing college football:
Why is GT in the ACC?
What happened?
Imagine if Tennessee, Florida, Auburn, Alabama and LSU were rotating in for games!
All these fans that live in the Atlanta area!!!
This city would buzz even more than it does now!
ESPN would have to set up a permanent studio
– crossroads of the SEC
– College football classic
– Chick-fil-A bowl
- UGA 90 minutes, Auburn 2 hours, USCe 3 hours, Alabama 3 hours, Tennessee 3 hours,
- College football Hall of Fame relocating to ATL
GT right in the middle – has 4 NT.s Bobby Dodd and John Heisman.
Holy cow – should’nt GT be in the SEC????
What the heck happened?
Patsy
June 21st, 2011
4:53 pm
It may be too late in the season (third game) before you guys come calling…
if so there will be so much crying/barking about personal changes/mascot changes/blog generator changes (lookout BillK)…