Fan talk: Which would you rather have, a win over Florida or the SEC East title?
Welcome to Saturday. Three weeks from today Mark Richt’s boys will tee it up in the Georgia Dome against the Broncos.
If you didn’t order tickets to that game before it sold out and didn’t sign up for the season tickets that arrived in mailboxes this week but you still hanker to see the Dawgs play this season, you’re in luck.
A limited number of tickets to three of Georgia’s home football games — Coastal Carolina on Sept. 17, New Mexico State on Nov. 5 and Kentucky on Nov. 19 — will go on sale to the general public beginning Monday, August 15, at 9 a.m. All tickets are $45 and can be purchased online or by calling the Athletic Association ticket office 1-877-542-1231.
All single-game tickets ordered will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and mailed within 10 days of the order being submitted, the athletic association says.
Meanwhile, I went to the funeral for a longtime dear friend’s mom in Athens Friday, and it was a lovely service. It was, of course, a typical Athens funeral in that the first words I heard from one of the surviving sons were … “What about Richt?”
You gotta love Athenians and their 24/7 devotion to UGA.
Speaking of Athens, I’ll be over there a couple of days while I’m off on vacation next week (with my fingers crossed in hopes that by the time I return Georgia will have a healthy tailback in good standing). But before I go let’s clear out some Junkyard Mail. …
Our old pal Cuz wants me to ask Bulldog fans which they’d rather have, a win over Florida or winning the SEC East. Says Cuz: “Tough one for me because I, like you, remember the total domination we used to have over the Gators. I went to maybe seven JAX games before Florida won one. We were dumbfounded, then just started laughing at the Florida fans who went out of their gourds. Now I understand. But to me, winning the East has got to be the most important step for this team and for Coach Richt. Both would be wonderful, but if I have to choose one, it will be winning the East.”
I have to agree, Cuz. As much as I would love for Georgia to beat Florida this season (and if not this year, when?), I’d much rather have the Bulldogs returning to the Georgia Dome on Dec. 3. I hated the losses to the Gators in 2002 and 2005, but I wouldn’t have traded winning the East for a win in Jacksonville either year.
Dawgtired writes: I’m sending this in hopes that you will unveil the scam Boise State is trying to pull on America. Their plight has been well documented regarding the “little man” being denied a chance to win the national championship in the current BCS system. I despise the BCS system not because it keeps the “little man” down, but because it doesn’t allow more teams to settle it on the field of play. This brings me to the Boise scam. No one argues that BS is a good team. I feel they are talented and extremely well coached. Much has been said about their success recently against the “big boys.” No dispute from me. However, while many naysayers point out that BS would struggle in a major conference, the grind of a long season is only part of the explanation. You see, BS’ success should be credited to the genuis athletic director for scheduling these games with the big boys. Nothing to lose and everything to gain for the program. Much has also been made about BS really only having to win ONE tough game to go undefeated each year. But let’s look closer. Yes, they have beaten Oregon twice, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and TCU. Each of those wins had the same thing in common. BS was smart enough to schedule these as opening games of the season or they were bowl wins. Each allowed at least 4 weeks to scheme and prepare. Some allowed 8 months prep time. This year UGA draws BS in the season opener. BS coaches and players know that their season and respectability depends on winning this game. Is there any doubt they have been preparing for 8 months? UGA on the other hand is more concerned about the SEC title. Please someone, ANYONE, schedule Boise in the middle of their season or late in the season when they can’t devote every hour of prep to you! May John Jenkins welcome Kellen Moore to his senior season. Thanks, Bill.
You make an interesting point, though I should note that Gene Bleymaier, Boise State’s “genius” athletic director and the father of the Smurf Turf, was fired this week in relation to the school’s NCAA troubles. But while I think, yes, Richt and his staff probably are (and should be) more concerned with the SEC schedule than anything else, UGA scheduled Boise State in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game for a reason … to regain the national football spotlight. I think the Dogs are taking the Broncos plenty seriously and certainly hope they’ve also put the past few months to good use.
Big Bad Brad writes: Bill, what’s your take on Texas A&M and SEC expansion? I don’t really see why everyone’s getting so excited about the prospect of the third- or fourth-best Texas program joining the best college football conference. I think the SEC is just fine as it is. You?
I think the SEC should add schools only if it can expand its footprint and add television markets and revenue. While the Aggies may not be the top program in their state, they’re the one that would fit best with the SEC West and adding A&M would get the conference into a key television market. So if they want to join up, I think the SEC should take them. Now, who else should be added to balance the league? A lot of folks like Florida State, and the Seminoles are certainly a marquee program, but I think a more valuable addition to the SEC would be Virginia Tech, which would get the conference into the D.C. TV market (where, my son notes, conference games currently aren’t available). I wrote about this subject last year when the SEC and A&M were flirting, and you can read those discussions here and here and here.
Got a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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375 comments Add your comment
DartGuy
August 13th, 2011
10:48 am
This guy has SEC East shaping up like:
SC, UGA, Kent, Tenn, Fla
Big on Boise, SC, Miss St, Auburn. Says all 4 are better than Georgia. Also says a Bowl game loss. So 8-5, with a win over Florida.
He says UGA defense is going to be excellent at #19, but offense will be the downfall at #44.
Ran 50,000 simulations on each game first. Has a Master’s in statistics. He won a contest with over 100 other sports writers/predictors.
http://predictionmachine.com/predictalator/predictions/2011collegefootballpreview.aspx
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
10:56 am
UF 31
UGA 17
Thomas Brown
August 13th, 2011
11:03 am
Vote
NONE
of the above
If we are to choose a team or more from the West saddling us with having them join – unable to win vs The SEC as they all have already proven forever – we get Alabama instead of Vandie
Yeah, we are going to man-up and vote like that
Do you take us for idiots like yourself for even proposing such a schedule
INBALANCE
DartGuy
August 13th, 2011
11:18 am
Bobo’s going up against some good defenses. Boise will be top 10, SC top 15, MSU top 20, Florida top 20. Kent top 30. How will Bobo score, Bobo’s offense finished averaging 15 a game agains tranked teams in 2010, with the losses of AJ, Durham, Ealey, there’s no scorers left. Gonna be tough scoring points against these 5 teams: Boise, SC, MSU, Fla, Kent. Luckily Fla/Kent’s offenses will be bad.
DartGuy
August 13th, 2011
11:21 am
6th tough game will be Grantham trying to stop Auburn’s offense. They’re going to score some points, luckily, their defense will be horrible.
Boise, SC, MSU, Fla, Kent, Aub.
6 games that will make or break the season.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 13th, 2011
11:28 am
Bill
I guess you have become like the rest of the UGA fanbase
Expecting small outcomes
Why not beat FL and win the East for the first time. What has happened to this fanbase
Since FSU is coming, why dont we just drop out and join the ACC with this thinking
DartGuy
August 13th, 2011
11:43 am
Boise will win by 21+. This is a statement game for them they have a history of jumping out to a big lead, and then running the clock out. I expect an early fumble or interception from Georgia and another slow start. Georgia will have a great 3rd quarter, and then fall apart in the 4th quarter. All that running won’t make up for bad play calling, poor execution & inexperience. Boise might get 10 sacks. Moore will crush Georgia with his 3rd down conversions, especially 3rd and long’s.
South Carolina, Spurrier’s content to get the win, so he won’t run up the score. He’ll get a lead, and then run out the clock. Also will rely on his front 7 on defense in the red zone to hold Georgia to field goals, just like last year. Look for Latitmore to top last year’s performance. As we saw on the last scrimmage, rb’s averaged 7-8 ypc against this defense and executed offense with ease in the red zone and on 3rd and long.
0-2 start.
no dog
August 13th, 2011
11:46 am
I was worried about you dogs before I read about your total loss at running back. I (kinda) feel sorry for you…lol
ARdawg
August 13th, 2011
11:49 am
Bitter Buckeye
Have you said hello to Brady Hogue yet? And goodbye to your lying cheating sweater vest?
OkieDawg
August 13th, 2011
11:52 am
I had rather beat Florida than win tonight’s Powerball Lottery. After all, it is only $20,000,000. And that’s the truth!
michael
August 13th, 2011
11:55 am
The Dawgs Are still beating the Gators in the overall series record by at least 6 games. This really shows you how much we dominated their ass through 1990.
Thomas Brown
August 13th, 2011
11:58 am
“Boise, SC, MSU, Fla, Kent, Aub. 6 games that will make or break the season.” by DartGuy
This is what we have come here at UGA anymore nowadays : Make or Break or Season in games against a
KENTUCKY
you have got to be kidding me that we have to get-up to beat Kentucky
Boise State
Oh wow they are great with the 2-Star players, 8 wins in 31 games vs BCS teams, and 1 player on the entire roster who will be drafted # 144 according to NFL experts
FLORIDA
another seriously DOWN team with a brand new head coach who has never ever had the job ever before
Missy State
Now even lowly Missy State with nowhere near our talent either, is supposed to be our MAKE or BREAK game for the entire season. Heaven help us all.
South Carolina, LOSERS of 5 games who backed into The SEC Championship Game and got CLOCKED, they are a make or break game for The UGA Bulldogs’ Football Program now ? Really ?
AUBURN
Whom everyone repeatedly has said is no good whatsoever, and this down team is the MAKE or BREAK for Georgia’s whole entire season ?
What has, indeed happened to this Football Program, # 11 All-Time in 1-A wins, now relegated to these CUPCAKES make or break our season.
If we beat them, we have beat no one.
If we lose to them, we have proven with each loss to ANY of them, that we are SETTLING for a Christian head coach’s hires on his “coaching staff” who have collectively
MISMANAGED
our talent, if we lose to any of those.
Those are not better than what we should be, averaging # 11 in the Scout.com Recruit Rankings these last 5 years now today. If they are, the staff has MISMANAGED our talent.
AsphaltWalt
August 13th, 2011
11:59 am
DartGuy,
Good analysis. Thanks for sharing the link. The math behind predictionmachine.com also powers Fox and Scout’s simulators, it’s the same guy. So unlike a lot of predictions, I do put a lot of stock in this site. I’ve found them to be accurate. I’d agree, Boise and Spurrier are both losses. Don’t see a lot of scoring from Mike Bobo in either game, two awesome defenses going up against a medicore offensive coach. Mullen is out of Richt’s league, look for another loss there, for sure, Miss St has a top 20 defense, and a top 20 offense. Florida is of course, the fourth loss, Richt’s record is 2-8, and he’s only had one win since 2002 against Florida. The way Georgia commits turonovers, averaged 4 a game last three games against Florida, look for a mediocre Florida team to once again beat Mark Richt. On Kentucky & Auburn, probably goes 1-1 there. Should win the rest. 8-5 or 9-4, either way, out of the top 25, and Richt gets booted.
LOLDude
August 13th, 2011
12:07 pm
UGA WINNING MORE THAN 7 GAMES. LOL. UGA SCORING MORE THAN 10 ON SOUTH CAROLINA. LOL. UGA HOLD BOISE TO LESS THAN 40 POINTS. LOL. UGA SCORING MROE THAN 14 N MISSISSIPPI STATE. LOL. UGA SCORING 40 ON AUBURN. LOL. UGA DIDN’T HAVE T KING/CHALRES/MITCHELL GO FOR MORE THAN 10 YARDS IN LAST SCRIMMAGE OFFENSE DIDN’T SCORE IN 1ST HALF ON 2ND STRNG DEFENSE. LOL.
"CaneDawg" : to all the weak links in the Dawg Nation , GET TOUGH or GET OUT !!
August 13th, 2011
12:09 pm
Why can’t Georgia be as bold and brave as LSU in aggressive scheduling? Because we is so scared we’s gonna lose our cupcake games versus Vandie, Kentuckie, and Coastal Carolinie. Get real and dump the loser mentality. We will never be considered for a National Title unless we start beating UF again and get up off our butts & beef up our schedule in the future.Unless we want to end up like 2004 Auburn (beat everybody on a borderline schedule and still get snubbed in the final rankings). Thomas Brown I bet you bought yourself a ring for UGa’s number 2 finish that year we whipped Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. Get Tough weakling and HunkerDown !!! Go Dawgs !! Welcome to the SEC Aggies !!
THOMAS BROWN: LSU will play Bama, UF, Arkansas , and highly rated OREGON this year, and I haven’t heard one complaint yet out of Les MIles or the LSU crowd about the schedule !!! And yes TB all those teams are ranked !!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 13th, 2011
12:10 pm
If we lose to Boise it will be time for a coaching change
Sorry, but 1 and 2 star recruits should not be beating a 3, 4, and 5 star recruit team period!!!
I dont care if Paula Dean, Barney Fife, or Gomer Pile is coaching UGA
ARdawg
August 13th, 2011
12:15 pm
Asphalt
Interesting, the problem with predictors playing and forecasting an entire season is they are usually 100% wrong. Rainman could predict Alabama and Oklahoma to be in the BCSNCG at this point before the season starts. Only once since the BCS began has the top two preseaon choices actually finished in the NCC, USC/TX. The main fallacy is that everything they use to supposedly predict changes from week to week. So basically, what I am saying is, I don’t buy it. Too many varibles for even a 50% prediction in college
Les Miles
August 13th, 2011
12:16 pm
re:canedawg post above.
LSU goes to Morgantown I believe in week 4 also. If you want to be somebody, ya gotta play somebody. At least Coastal Carolina is a home game.
Les Miles
August 13th, 2011
12:19 pm
question to the bloggers: if Georgia were going to play West Virginia in week 4, who would be favored?
Redder
August 13th, 2011
12:21 pm
Pretty sure a guy with a Master’s in Qunatitiave Analysis that work for Fox Sports knows a little more than we mere bloggin guys. At least it won’t be a 6-7 season, want to see 8 wins min., gettin sick of losin. Whoever schdled Boise outght to be fired.
Redder
August 13th, 2011
12:22 pm
Bill,
Can you ban the guy posing as Les Miles & Thomas Brown please?
mgdawg
August 13th, 2011
12:26 pm
I’m not a big fan of A&M joining, from what I’ve heard the goal is 16 teams. So for west teams I would much rather see Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Oklahoma is self explanatory, Oklahoma state I feel is a team on the rise with a booster putting a ton of money in their athletics. As far as East, I think Florida State and Virginia Tech would be nice, Clemson would be a good backup.
Redder
August 13th, 2011
12:27 pm
ARDawg,
Wrong. Go back and check Coaches Poll. No team that has been ranked pre season poll as #1 or #2 rarely finishes outside the top 5.
Ellijay dawgcatcher
August 13th, 2011
12:31 pm
come on Redder! Would you be happy with 10 wins if half were against SoCon teams and Sun Belt schools. Sorry pal, we need games like Boise. CMR has let us down the last couple of seasons. We are in a rut nationally and have to dig out of it. Coastal Carolina and NM State won’t cut it. Damon Evans had us going in the right direction schedule-wise. I know Florida doesn’t leave the state for OOC games, but, that being said, they have 3 NC’s in the last 15 or so years. They’ve earned their respect nationally. Sadly, we haven’t. But, Boise will be a start. If we lose that one, CMR may have to go.
Redder
August 13th, 2011
12:36 pm
@75% of the teams ranked pre seaosn in top 2, finish in top 5 going back 20 years. Florida had weak schedules compared to Georgia, no one remembers that.
bucket
August 13th, 2011
12:40 pm
I don’t think it can be either/or anymore. It’s time for it to be both/and for UGA. With new teams coming into the conference we have got to start proving that we can compete with everyone again.
Les Miles
August 13th, 2011
12:41 pm
hey redder; Ellijaydogcatcher didn’t agree with you…maybe Bill should ban him too!
Redder
August 13th, 2011
12:42 pm
Off under Bobo has struggled, esp against ranked teams. Scor gone dwn a little each year, at @27 pts a game 3 years ago, which is good, down to @22 2 years ago, down to @15 pts a game last year. Will be worse in 2011, @9 a game, that’s a 3 year trend.
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
12:42 pm
@ Thomas Brown ….. “seriously down”…..dream on Brown…the Gators are no where near as down as UGA
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
12:44 pm
I am pretty sure UGA will have a new coach next year as well…and CMR can take all the missions he wants to………
Thomas Brown
August 13th, 2011
12:47 pm
Get over the mentality of not wanting to give up our cupcakes games against
Kentucky
Central Florida – who lost to NC State, a 7-6 Kansas, and an 8-5 Southern Mississippi whatever that is too; give up these type WINS ? Excuse me, he lost to UCF. Did I say UCF right ? Is that their name ?
SOUTH CAROLINA – a 5-Loss team but they CLOCKED us anyway; give up these type WINS ? Excuse me, we lost to South Carolina anyway.
MISSY ST – relegated nowadays to this is a big game for Georgia with our far superior recruiting. What does that tell you ? Give up these type WINS ? Excuse me we lost to Missy St.
5-LOSS FLORIDA – supposed to be so DOWN, us with the better QB you all bragged pre-game. Give up these type WINS over a down program in a bad year ? Excuse me we lost to 5-Loss should have been 6-Loss Florida.
vols – so DOWN a 7-6 team 2009 and we LOST. Give up these type WINS over inferior football teams ? Excuse me, we lost to 6-LOSS vols 2009.
We LOST to 6-LOSS KENTUCKY 2009, too. Give up these type EASY WINS ? Excuse me we lost to 6-LOSS Kentucky 2009.
2007 – we LOST to South Carolina who ended the season without even a winning record, not even in a bowl game; but we lost to them too 2007. Give up these type EASY WINS ? Excuse me, we lost to non-bowl game South Carolina without even a winning record 2007.
2006, we TOPPED ALL THESE with a LOSS to Vandie. Vandie 2006 won all of 4 games all season long, including their win over Georgia. Give up these type EASY WINS ? Excuse me, 4-win Vandie BEAT us 2006.
5-LOSS KENTUCKY 2006 beat us. Give up these type EASY WINS ? Excuse me, we lost to should have been 6-loss Kentucky 2006.
5-LOSS FLORIDA 2003 Ron Zook fired, but he beat Mark Richt’s Coaching Staff, even with David Greene and David Pollack. Give up these type EASY WINS ? Excuse me, we lost to what should have been 6-Loss Florida 2003.
2002 FLORIDA should have been 6-LOSS Florida, who did not even finish in the Coaches’ Poll Top 25 Florida 2002, but Mark Richt’s Average # 52 Total Offense all 10 years to-date, converted 0 of 11 Third Down Conversions. Give up these type of EASY WINS ? Excuse me, we lost to should have been 6-LOSS 2002 FLORIDA.
2001 – Should have been 6-Loss Auburn 2001; but no, we lost that game too. Give up these type of EASY WINS with Mark Richt’s “coaching staff” here all 10 years like this ? Excuse me, we lost to should have been 6-loss Auburn 2001 too.
Okie State who did not even finish in the AP Poll Top 25; but they too beat us 2009. Give up these type of EASY WINS ? Excuse me, unranked Okie State in the final AP Poll Top 25 beat Mark Richt’s “coaching staff” too.
7-LOSS Colorado, should have been 8-LOSS Colorado. Give up these type of EASY WINS when they FIRED THEIR COACH TOO, LIKE RON ZOOK ? Excuse me, we lost to 7 should have been 8-loss Colorado too.
Then, there are the games against the Big East. Mark Richt is over-matched by the likes of the Big East, too. West Virginia beat us here in Atlanta and Boston College beat us in the Music City Bowl 2001.
Tell me how great we are again with Mark Richt’s “coaching staff” these 10 years ?
I am fed up with it.
Redder
August 13th, 2011
12:50 pm
Just e-mail Kevin, AJC Editor, about this “Les Miles’ imposter.
Ask for the guy posing as Coach Les Miles, at 12;41, August 13, on Bill King’s blog, to be permanently banned from all AJC sites.
kriley @ ajc.com
Precious Paul Ellering
August 13th, 2011
12:51 pm
I heard that! get down Thomas Brown!!!!!!!!!!!!
Les Miles
August 13th, 2011
12:53 pm
please do that before I blog again. Redder, you have to be a democrat.
Thomas Brown
August 13th, 2011
12:54 pm
If there is a weak link on this blog, have him explain these 16 losses ?
I’ll wait for that answer and reply to it, fair enough ?
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
12:54 pm
@Redder: He was fired you dummy!! For being an idiot………
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
12:57 pm
@ Redder: So you are saying that over the last 20 years FSU has been a weaker opponant than GT? If you can back up that statement that UF has had a weaker schedule than UGA I will never post on AJC again.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 13th, 2011
12:59 pm
Thomas Brown
How dare you bring up truthful facts that the poor kool-aid crowd cannot come back on
How dare you,
I drink kool-aid and you dont you must be a FL fan, or a troll, or a GT fan, someone please boot Thomas Brown off this blog.
How dare you spit in my kool-aid with these facts Thomas Brown
I’ll tell you how great UGA is
3-9 vs top 10 teams
13-12 in SEC east since 2005
2-9 vs FL
Loses to crap teams like Vandy KY, Miss ST, UCF
Cant win an SEC east title without the help of FL losing out
All while ranking 2nd in recruiting behind USC Trojans the last decade
Les Miles
August 13th, 2011
1:03 pm
@flat tire – I just sent that Kevin guy an e-mail about your post @ 12:59…you’ll never post on a blog in this town again.
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
1:08 pm
Can I be banned from ever posting in the south again please??
If @Redder can back up his BS (which I already know he can’t) I will ban myself
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
1:09 pm
See my post at 12:57 pm on 8/13/2011…..LMFAO
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 13th, 2011
1:20 pm
Les Miles
LOL!!!
How dare you act like a whine box UGA fan that drinks Kryptonite Kool-aid everyday and report people like a 3 yr old to the AJC editor because you dont like what I say.
Lets just raise the communist or socialist flag because we are not allowed to post the truth
Pass some kool-aid Im thirsty and reality is sinking in again
funny...
August 13th, 2011
1:35 pm
Have to beat Florida before you can win the SEC.
Florida finally realized in 1990 that they had to beat Georgia to win the SEC. Georgia is still stuck in Vince Dooleyland with Bobby Bowden’s underachieving assistant.
steph
August 13th, 2011
1:36 pm
Would You Rather — Um.. Florida for sure!
Nate Dawg
August 13th, 2011
1:40 pm
Both.
davsag8r
August 13th, 2011
1:47 pm
http://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/strength-of-schedule-by-team?rating_date=2008-01-08
@ Redder …. here is the SOS for the last 10 or so years……learn something you homer!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 13th, 2011
2:02 pm
funny…
Most UGA fans still havent figured that out yet
They still think beating GT is the path to a championship
FLA DAWG
August 13th, 2011
3:16 pm
How low have we sunk Bill?
I recall a time when The SEC Conference Title was the goal then we elevated ourselves to competing for the NC.
The goal every year should be a BCS Title – not a choice between a win over UF or winning The SEC East.
Columbus
August 13th, 2011
3:17 pm
SEC TITLE. DUH. YOU SENILE OR MORNIC? WE ARE GOING TO BEAT UF THIS YEAR ANYWAY AND EASILY.
Columbus
August 13th, 2011
3:18 pm
MORONIC!