Deciding who’s the ‘real’ Bulldogs in the SEC
Russ will play host to the "other" Bulldogs Saturday. (University of Georgia)
My friend Harvey Parson and I have this (relatively) good-natured thing going where we joke about which of our teams is the “real” Bulldogs.
Of course, outside of the state of Mississippi, there’s no real bone of contention there, so to speak, but whenever UGA plays Mississippi State you hear the yipping of Maroon Bulldog fans (along with lots of bad doggy wordplay).
Speaking of which, I miss the old big red fireplug that the Georgia cheerleaders used to pull out on the field for Uga, don’t you?
Anyway, with interim Georgia mascot Russ playing host to pretender Bully this week, I asked Harvey whether he’s optimistic about Saturday’s game Between the Hedges, and he said he’s “feeling pretty good about the ‘real’ dawgs.”
OK, that could be read two ways, but Harvey made clear that he thinks MSU, which won 24-12 last year in Starkville in one of UGA’s worst games, can do it again.
His take: “I think our D-line and corners give us the edge on defense. And I like the changes [Dan] Mullen is making on our O-line; should restart our offense. Moving our center back to his natural position and taking our big ole left tackle and moving him to the right guard position should create some push for us. My biggest concern is our safeties and linebackers against your passing game.”
"Bully" will find out who's top dawg in Athens. (MSU)
Care to make a prediction, Harvey?
“Sure. MSU 27, UGA 17.”
The oddsmakers in Vegas don’t quite see it that way, installing Georgia as a 7-point favorite, at least in part because MSU had to go to overtime last week to take care of lightweight Louisiana Tech.
Last year, Georgia moved the ball pretty well against MSU between the 20-yard lines and had 100 yards more offense, but made key mistakes (a Washaun Ealey fumble on the goal line), drew a shower of penalty flags and in the second half got just plain whipped on both lines of scrimmage. The Georgia defense just couldn’t seem to get off the field as MSU continually ran it up the gut.
This year, Georgia looks much stouter against the run up the middle, but Mark Richt has openly expressed concern about what Mullen’s spread option attack could do with sweeps and reverses on the outside, where the Red and Black Bulldogs have been vulnerable.
MSU’s offense is led by big QB Chris Relf, who on his better days looks almost like a Tim Tebow wannabe, and tailback Vick Ballard, who’s averaging 7 yards a clip. But the Maroon Dogs have struggled on third-down conversions lately (while Georgia’s defense, conversely, has been much better this season at stopping opponents on third down). Last week against Louisiana Tech, Relf was 2-for-9 passing with one conversion on third-down attempts.
But while running is the main thrust of the MSU attack, Georgia’s secondary needs to keep speedy receiving threat Chad Bumphis in check, even though State also has been struggling lately in the passing game. I was encouraged by the way the UGA defenders were breaking up passes against Ole Miss last week.
Bumphis also is a threat as a punt returner, though, which concerns me considering Georgia’s recent struggles on special teams.
But MSU has had to reshuffle its injury-depleted offensive line and the front seven of its defense hasn’t been all that impressive to date, while Georgia’s Isaiah Crowell is coming into his own.
Bottom line: I think Georgia is still smarting from last year’s loss in Starkville and will be out to prove something against the other Bulldogs. As long as they don’t get flag-happy like last year or give up points on special teams, I think the “real” Bulldogs win by at least a touchdown.
And, oh yeah, Harvey, that means the Dawgs in red. Woof!
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198 comments Add your comment
Half Century Dawg
September 30th, 2011
12:21 pm
1
JB
September 30th, 2011
12:23 pm
The key for MSU is to put pressure on Murray. Bobo will quit running even if it’s working pretty quick. Even the guy last week on TV, who knew nothing about us, ask, why did they stop running the ball?.
Eat lots of clock and score. ???? Our line does not pass block well with ANY pressure and I think MSU is physical enough not to let us run all over them. I look for this game to be close. Maybe Walsh is the difference.
SSIgator
September 30th, 2011
12:26 pm
“Russ playing host to pretender Bully”
At least Bully looks awake and alert. Poor old Russ looks like he is coming down off of his meds. If UGA football doesn’t start to improve soon, Russ will be looking for the anti-freeze.
ARdawg
September 30th, 2011
12:27 pm
JB
I tend to think MSU defense isn’t as good as advertised. They’re coordinator is gone from last year and they have really struggled against team who have a relatively “okay” passing game. They fared a bit better against LSU but, LSU didn’t try much through the air. A balanced offense should eat Missy’s lunch. Georgia should win this one and cover the spread.
rick
September 30th, 2011
12:29 pm
anyone know for sure if is christian robinson is going to play?
LawDawg
September 30th, 2011
12:30 pm
The SiSsIgaytor that copies and pastes and then has a little 2 bit kindergarten comment is the one evryone would love to pummel. I can’t wait to get home in time to see Bama shut your pie hole!
ga gator
September 30th, 2011
12:31 pm
Agreed ARdawg, my only concern is Richt will not lower the hammer on MSU and keep them in the game somehow.
WDE
September 30th, 2011
12:36 pm
@SSIgator I hope your commitment service is the most enjoyment you have all day….congrats by the way….Bama will be by in the evening enjoy !
War Dang Dawg
September 30th, 2011
12:37 pm
We still have the same coaching staff, so I think it’s about 50/50. Otherwise, I’d say that the Vegas line has it about right.
Dave
September 30th, 2011
12:38 pm
Crowell got tired in the second half against ole Miss and wasn’t the same runner after halftime. Plus, we need to get the ball to Boykin, Smith a Thomas in space (even I winced at “getting the ball to Thomas”), so they can make a play. We run it between the tackles way too much. I’d like to see weeps out of the “I”. Anything to break something lose for a big gain.
Desert Fox
September 30th, 2011
12:39 pm
Historically, the dawgs have had problems stopping the spread offense that MSU runs especially if the QB and RB have size and speed. MSU has both. It’ll be up to the DC, Grantham, to stop the run up the middle and force MSU to pass more or go outside the tackles. take their running game away and GA has a chance to win. GA will score points and if the running game is working can keep MSU offense on the bench. Since GA hardly runs any trick plays and most often gets caught w/their pants down when opponents run them its going to take mistake free football to beat MSU.
Lindsey
September 30th, 2011
12:40 pm
The bells from last years game in Starkville are still ringing in my ears. This year I only want to hear the Chapel Bell for a win, GO DAWGS!!!!
gomdawg
September 30th, 2011
12:42 pm
THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE WORSE NEWSPAPER IN THE WORLD ALL THEY WANT TO DO IS BAD MOUTH MY COACH . WHEN CMR GETS THE DAWGS BACK ON TRACK I HOPE THIS SO CALL PAPER CAN FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO WRITE ABOUT. UNTIL THEN HOW ABOUT KISSING MY —–
reebok
September 30th, 2011
12:43 pm
UGA has more talent, but is not a physically or mentally tough team. I’ll take Miss State in a mild upset.
gomdawg
September 30th, 2011
12:45 pm
FOOT, WHAT WAS YOU THINKING UMMMMMMMMMMMM
ARdawg
September 30th, 2011
12:46 pm
ga gator
Richt has two mindsets. One with the lead is to go crazy conservative and protect it forgetting to build on it. The other is while behind, forget quick strike and chip away with FGs. There was a time several years ago he had a quick strike, quick score mindset. It has completely disappeared
Desert Fox
I believe the Dawg D has improved enough the hamper that spread run offense this year and I am confident in our DBs to shut down their poor passing attack. I think UGA gets it done against Missy this year
Dawgs ahoy
September 30th, 2011
12:46 pm
Israel Troupe doesn’t need the fireplug. The hedges are his preferred urination target.
Will Russ be wearing his Nike clown costume for the game?
gomdawg
September 30th, 2011
12:47 pm
reebok , call vegas they will take your money
ga gator
September 30th, 2011
12:51 pm
ARdawg, it is almost like Richt has assumed Bowdens later years coaching philosophy. Ms State has a poor passing game and I am sure that Grantham will crowd the line of scrimmage and make them beat UGA with the pass.
Coach BooBoo
September 30th, 2011
12:55 pm
Fire up your laptops for an early game of football on ESPN3
ARdawg
September 30th, 2011
12:56 pm
ga gator
I see that as a good strategy for the defense. We finally have enough speed and talent on the corners and Missy only has to date, one real threat down field. Stopping the run and pressuring Relf should pay off
Southside Jacket
September 30th, 2011
1:12 pm
Inbreeding is a itch aint it?? Oh wait y’all are talking about the mascot and not the fans….never mind…
harold
September 30th, 2011
1:16 pm
UGA WINS IN A CAKEWALK TOMORROW!
UGA HAS THREE CUPCAKES IN A ROW IN OLE MISS…MISSISSIPPI STATE & TENNESSEE!
LA.TECH SHOULD HAVE BEAT MSU LAST WEEKEND! UGA 42 BULLIES 13!
old time dog
September 30th, 2011
1:17 pm
After the first 4 games I would have to say we have a lot of room for improvement. Special teams, OL, QB, and secondary have all looked questionable a great deal of the time. This team could get stronger as a unit the next 3 weeks and develop into a relatively good team. The defense has played fairly well for the most part and our kickoffs and kickoff coverage has been good. I don’t think Richt or anyone connected with the program should have the audacity to open their mouths regarding their opinions of the fanbase. They should have enough sense and reasoning to realize support has to be earned. Taking things for granted is one of the major reasons we are struggling to maintain a toehold in being competitive. I don’t think Richt and his staff can or will do what this program could be capable of. The vast majority of UGA fans I have spoken with feel the same way. Things have been broken for some time now and it is under their watch it has been allowed to happen.
tampaBIGdawg
September 30th, 2011
1:21 pm
ARdawg-
I know that Richt has been farely conservative over the years, but after the Ole Miss game he expressed his concerns about finishing a team when we have them on the ropes. I am still a firm believer that Bobo is the main problem on the actual play calling, and Murray on audiables. I think Murray is full of talent and a great leader, but sometimes faults under pressure and is too worried about making a big error, which often leads to him making a big error.
We can’t blame it all on one player either though. The team as a whole must continue to drive and not relax when we have the lead. Just throwing a figure out there, but I would say that on 60 % of our plays that bust, there is an opportunity there that is not taken for some reason, i.e. players are tired, missed block, poor route running, poor through, etc.
Our D has shown great improvement from last year. Should have won against SC because of outstanding defense, except against Lattimore in the 4th quarter, but he is a beast. And we actually didn’t do horrible against Boise St. Regardless of pure talent and size matchup, Boise is a very well coached team and those guys play hard, and Moore is a very smart and accurate QB.
I am not completely optimistic about UGA but we are constantly improving. Bobo needs to either get more creative and and use the players skill sets more adequately or go back to QB coach, because like it or not, he is good at that. I don’t disagree totally with you ARdawg, but we have to look at the big picture. I am more worried about recruiting right now, especially O-line (and possibly a O-coordinator).
SSIgator
September 30th, 2011
1:31 pm
The only thing UGA is good at is putting good looking guys into tight silver pants. That is it!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 30th, 2011
1:32 pm
What have we improved on concerning the offense
I can say we have improved defensively but offense nope still the same conservativism as usual
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 30th, 2011
1:34 pm
SSIgator
We are good at losing to FL every year and blaming player execution and where the game is played
And we are good at putting players in the NFL but somehow cannot put a team together with those same players
Delbert D.
September 30th, 2011
1:37 pm
I’ve seen Miss. St. twice, Auburn and LSU. The game against LSU was tough going for both teams. LSU’s talent and depth won out with 10 points in the 4th.
I’ll say Georgia, 31-27.
Ken Malcome
September 30th, 2011
1:39 pm
I quit
From Where I Sit
September 30th, 2011
1:39 pm
Hey Hahahahahahaha,
To answer your question, no that would be you and Hershel Walker.
Gators or SC win the East in 2011!
Enough Said!!!!
Ken Malcome
September 30th, 2011
1:40 pm
I’m back……did I move up on the depth chart?
SSI ????
September 30th, 2011
2:07 pm
hey SSI enjoy bama this weekend D-BAG. AND LSU NEXT WEEKEND. before you know it we will have the SAME RECORD!!!!
Alphare
September 30th, 2011
2:12 pm
I don’t think UGA can beat MSU. MSU is better than their record tells you. They are a solid team.
On the other hand, UGA’s QB play is mediocre, Crowell will be tired in the 2nd half. Overall, MSU defense is better than UGA’s. Their offense is not as potent as UGA’s, but they don’t volunteer points to your opponent as the UDawgs either.
Most importantly, never listen to the UGA fans. That’s what I did last year and I bet against MSU.
Alphare
September 30th, 2011
2:15 pm
Hi, I just invented a new word “udawg”. Should I file a patent and collect money from udawg fans?
Jack
September 30th, 2011
2:23 pm
“Who is the real Bulldogs?” The Bulldogs IS? This is on the Newsy-paper’s website?
Anyway, the real Bulldogs are the Yale ones, the ones UGA ripped off (prior to ripping off Green Bay).
harold
September 30th, 2011
2:28 pm
GEORGIA DEFEATS MSU ( who is horrible) IN A CAKE WALK!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 30th, 2011
2:31 pm
Jack
Dont worry
UGA will rip off a bunch of TD’s on route to another victory over Tech from another sorry, middle of the road UGA team.
whatacrew
September 30th, 2011
2:39 pm
I guarantee you that the Bulldogs will win tomorrow. I would place my house on it.
ARdawg
September 30th, 2011
2:43 pm
TampaBIGdawg
Agreed for the most part. However, I think you are giving Richt too much of a free pass on this one. Do you doubt he and Bobo are not conferring on what plays need to be run or you believe Bobo handles play calling all part and parcel? The most likely scenario is Bobo is calling them and Richt interjects where ever he sees fit. The thrust of my point is, Bobo is calling Richt’s game. If he wasn’t, he would not be there. They’ve formulated a scripted game plan for offense earlier in the week or just prior to the game.
I don’t believe Bobo deserves the blame (as well as little else). I fully believe he is calling Richt’s game. Rather it is series by series or perhaps but probably not, play by play based on info from the assistants in the both.
It’s easy enough to point and place blame on the coordinators but really, do you think they act alone?
timthebrave
September 30th, 2011
2:43 pm
My prediction
UGA 31 Miss State 21
Mark (another one)
September 30th, 2011
2:47 pm
UGA better be respecting Miss. St. They’re an SEC team and they will be ready to jump on every mistake. If you need proof that any team can beat any other team, look over at Tech and their record. I believe the odds for tomorrow’s game are just about right but not if the UGA players take the other bulldogs lightly.
Bully
September 30th, 2011
2:49 pm
That ain’t no dog. That’s an old white toe sack full of lard.
Ain’t you guys ever heard of euthanasia? Put that inbred lump out of it’s misery already!
MSU 21-13
Dr. Morpheus
September 30th, 2011
3:03 pm
Last year’s game set the tone for an awful season. While I respect MSU and their coach is doing an outstanding job with a tough mission (recruiting blue chippers to spend 3 or 4 years in Starkville), we’re playing better each week now and the Real Dawgs should win handily against the Maroonies. That said, Bully is a pretty sharp looking dog, though no match for an all-white UGA…
Thomas Brown
September 30th, 2011
3:11 pm
Yeah, but we don’t have an all-white UGA
DIT
September 30th, 2011
3:20 pm
Match talent up against talent with the two schools and the score should be:
UGA 48 MSU 10
Heart on the field for the full 4 quarters:
MSU 17 UGA 14
The cellar is here if ............. if .........
September 30th, 2011
3:27 pm
I say that a pattern has emerged for UGA football fortunes over the last 2.3 years. I say now that mabe KY and SC and MSU have eclipsed UGA as the middle level in the SEC and now, UGA is where , UT and Ole Miss and Vandy and KY will be at year end. It is what it is and if that takes place ……………
ABSOLUTELY CMR should be fired by Sunday morning at 10AM.
Go Gawga Dogs.
UGA class of 71 & 73
CGA
September 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
I totally agree with comments regarding the bulldog mascots. The most recent bulldogs look like they are the results of too much inbreeding and too much emphasis on an all white bulldog at the expense of other good traits. I guess it’s a fitting mascot regarding the current state of the UGA football program. The MSU bulldog looks stronger and healthier even if it’s not pure white.
I predict MSU will win. This is a team that could have beaten Auburn and played LSU close and held them to only 19 points.
MSU Bulldogs 31 UGA 17
U(sic)GAly
September 30th, 2011
3:42 pm
I hope you all have been practicing when to cheer like ole coach Richt told you to! lol What a buffoon. Great truck commercial though…”I can call my wife from my truck” Geez…
coachx
September 30th, 2011
3:54 pm
I’m a UGA dawg all the way.
However, Miss St. “Bully” bulldog is fine looking dog with much better genetics then our deformed bulldogs.
We need to thank the family in Savannah but move on. I’m a proud bulldog owner who raises my bulldog right. Bulldogs are not supposed to look like UGA with excess facial wrinkles making it hard to breath and 30 pounds of excess fat.
Lets get a “UGA” that will represent the universirty and the bulldog breed better.
Oh ya…………Go DAWGS !