Catching up with Bulldogs legend Larry Munson
Larry Munson misses fishing but still loves to talk about the Dogs. (Curtis Compton / AJC)
Mark Richt and his players have scattered for a rare weekend off. Richt is catching a football game involving one son and a musical performance involving another. Aaron Murray is attending the FSU game to watch some friends play. Most players have gone home for a visit.
Let’s hope that everyone makes it back to Athens safe and sound and without an arrest record.
In the meantime, while we can’t watch the Bulldogs play, we can still read about them, including one of the greatest Dawgs ever, though he never took a snap for UGA: Larry Munson.
Loran Smith checks in with the former voice of the Dogs in his latest column in the Athens Banner-Herald and it’s a sweet, if somewhat poignant, visit.
Munson laments no longer being able to indulge in one of his great loves. “It hurts like hell that I can’t fish anymore,” he says. Notes Smith: “It was sad, knowing that just talking about his deep love of the water and not being able to pick up a rod and reel anymore was painful. You could see it in his eyes as he talked.”
But Larry still likes to talk Dogs. “I didn’t like some of the stuff I saw out there, we almost gave it away,” Munson says of last week’s Vanderbilt game. “You think we are gonna beat Florida? Is this our year?”
“We reminisced about the past,” Smith writes.”We told him how much he was missed by the Bulldog Nation, which evoked a soft smile. He didn’t say so, but it was evident that he appreciates being remembered.”
Take a moment to catch up with a Bulldogs legend here.
And now for an off-week bonus batch of Junkyard Mail …
Barry Clinton writes: Hey Bill. Enjoy your writing, neighbor (I grew up just down the road from you on Milledge Terrace [in Athens] — Class of ‘69). So, this question is not as serious a most you get but I’m curious. Why doesn’t Russ get the attention he deserves? My wife is a HUGE Russ fan and wants to start a “Russ is for Us” campaign. She’s very sympathetic of his rise to fame. It’s like getting drafted in the 7th round and ending up in the pro bowl. He has risen from the ashes. He doesn’t get the attention on the field that the other “Ugas” get, which isn’t fair, I feel. I say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Let Russ have a long and appreciated career on the Georgia sidelines.
Go Five Points! I think a lot of fans have a soft spot for Russ, whose extended run as a fill-in mascot has gone on quite a bit longer than anyone at first thought it would. And you’re right, he hasn’t been accorded the full mascot attention. He may get the “Russ Cam” on the big screen at Sanford Stadium during games, but it’s costumed mascot Hairy Dawg who gets to hide behind the French fries in a weekly video screen spot. It’s expected that a new Uga will be introduced later this season, probably during either the Auburn or Kentucky game. And after that Russ will retire back to obscurity (and hopefully won’t be called on to fill in again for a short-lived mascot). Although he has never been named the official mascot and so probably won’t wind up joining the other mascots buried inside the stadium, it would be nice for the university to honor Russ with at least a special plaque or something noting his service, don’t you think?
OrlandoDawg writes: Junkyard, I have a question in regards to Isaiah Crowell. He has tremendous talent but it appears when he doesn’t have success running the ball in certain situations throughout the game he becomes easily agitated and his emotions are apparent by his demeanor and effort on the field. … Now there is word of his recent episode that caused him to sit out the first quarter of the Vandy game and played sparingly throughout the second half. Do you hear this is a ongoing issue or should we consider his recent ordeal as only a minor bump in the road and that attitude problems won’t be recurring in the future?
While sitting out the first quarter apparently was because of some sort of transgression, I think Crowell’s sporadic use in the second half was more due to that nagging wrist injury. I haven’t heard of any major attitude problems on his part, but obviously he’s young and immature and, like most kids, doesn’t hide his feelings. I imagine he’ll settle down as he matures.
Jared R. Shafer writes: Have you noticed that ever since the endzone celebration of 2007 that the SEC and officials, especially Penn Wagers, have seemed to have it out for Georgia? Georgia seems to get hit with the toughest penalties possible for infractions when other teams (Nick Fairley at Auburn really comes to mind) are not punished at all. We get called for the most questionable holds or late hits, etc. it seems. I bet if you researched into this the number of penalties have probably been 25% higher against UGA than other member schools. Any thoughts?
Like most UGA fans, I’ve wondered the same thing. Some write it off as just fan paranoia, but last Saturday night is a good example. Vandy got away with questionable blocks and on that kickoff return the officials failed to call at least one hold and a block in the back or two. Maybe they just weren’t very good officials, which is pretty much the norm in the SEC, unfortunately. Especially Wagers and his crew. Remember the 2008 game against Tennessee where a defensive holding call in the end zone should have resulted in a Georgia first down but didn’t? But, yes, I do think that after the end zone dance Georgia developed a “reputation” among the guys in stripes who officiate SEC games and perhaps they look more closely for infractions than with some other teams. I don’t think it rises to the level of conspiracy, like some fans do, but I don’t think it’s totally our imaginations, either.
Bryan Ingram writes from Des Moines: First, I’m an avid reader of your blog and the biggest Junkyard Blawg/Dawg fan in Iowa! Second, when was the last time that you remember the fan base as unstable as it is now? I’m a “glass-half-full” fan and I’m getting a little tired of the critical eye Georgia fans are casting on our Dawgs. We’ve won four SEC games in a row! Three of which were road games. So what if they weren’t “pretty”. I don’t remember too many pretty road-game wins. Additionally, let’s give Bobo a little bit of credit. I agree his playcalling can be suspect; most coordinators don’t call perfect games. However, he has drafted some great game plans and a lot of our red zone follies have been due to poor execution. Murray missing a wide open receiver, for example, at Vandy. I think doubting Dawg fans need to realize we have a tremendouslly talented young team and things are only going to get better. With the youth, injuries, and scheduling the coaches have dealt with this year, I think they’ve done a great job. I don’t think any other coaching staff could accomplish what we have with so much adversity. What do you think?
I think the biggest Dawg fan in Iowa makes a good point. Georgia has bounced back nicely from its 0-2 start this season and Bobo certainly doesn’t deserve all the blame when the Dogs’ offense misfires. And, yes, the influx of young talent should make all UGA fans optimistic about the future. I think the reason Georgia fans are perhaps a little harder on this team than normally might be expected is a result of the cumulative disappointment over the past three seasons. A win in Jacksonville would go a loooong way toward changing that mind-set.
Dean writes: Hi Bill, I’ve got a comment related to the big picture state of Georgia football. This has been an interesting few years with a lot of angst and optimism alike, but there is one thing that I’m feeling pretty good about: Greg McGarity. Here’s why. When I attempted in the past to imagine Mark Richt sitting across the table from Damon Evans, I had a hard time imagining Evans as “The Boss”. To me, in that hypothetical meeting, Richt is the adult in the room. That may or may not be true. But it’s my perception that come time to make The Big Decision, Evans would be out of his league (props for getting [Mark] Fox though). But for whatever reason, I feel that McGarity is in the right seat. So to the extent that Richt is in any kind of actual turning point at his career at UGA, I have a good feeling that McGarity has the right perspective to understand the situation and manage it in a manner that will deliver the best outcome for all parties. Let’s face it, Mark Richt is the current dean of SEC coaches and one of the winningest active coaches in the NCAA. This is a serious situation, and emotional calls for his ouster are short-sighted. I’m comfortable that McGarity will get Richt, the program and all of us through the turbulence. You have any thoughts on this? Go Dawgs!
I’m totally with you in feeling comfortable with having McGarity, an Athens native who grew up around the UGA sports program, in charge. I think he’ll give Richt every opportunity to turn things around and get the football program back at the top of the SEC East.
LA Dawg writes: Watched the Vanderbilt game and I was appalled at the Georgia players. It appears Richt has lost control of on field discipline. I thought [Shawn] Williams played a dirty game and should have been benched during the game. I thought the body slam tackle by [Bacarri] Rambo was over the top. I have no problem with the [Kwame] Geathers retaliation hit. If you look closely at the block on Geathers it was almost legal (defender’s head in front of player being blocked). However, Geathers didn’t know that and the guy needed to know Geathers wasn’t going to put up with that. There is a difference in being rough and mean and being dirty. I love Mark Richt but I don’t want him to sacrifice his integrity by lowering his standards. Go Dawgs but stay clean and don’t embarrass the Georgia faithful.
It was a very chippy game, as games against Vanderbilt tend to be, and it didn’t help that the Commodores were getting away with going for the Dogs’ legs on borderline chop blocks. But, yes, I do think the Georgia defense in particular lost some of its composure during the game. Maybe that shouldn’t be surprising considering the behavior after the game by their coach. I’m hopeful if the Dogs encounter another team that tries to get under their skin they’ll have learned the lesson and will ignore the provocations.
James writes: Regarding playing it safe in the 4th quarter, yes, we need to be less conservative. It’s good to be able to lean on your defense but we need to have the same amount of faith in the O as the D to get the job done. Eventually, the D will be placed in a no-win situation where we are trying not to lose as opposed to trying to win and we will, in fact, lose. On another point, Bobo’s playcalling inside the 20’s is even more predictable than Richt’s was — shocking I know. Also, although Bobo has averaged more points statistically, Richt’s offense consistently put up better numbers against better defenses as opposed to Bobo hanging 50+ on Coastal Carolina and Vandy and then fizzling against an underwhelming UT defense. My two cents. Go Dawgs!
You’re right. Bobo’s offensive numbers might be better than Richt’s overall, but Richt got the big wins and so far that’s been a rarity in the Bobo era. But like Bryan Ingram notes above, the shortcomings of the Georgia offense can’t be completely put on Bobo, although the preditability of his playcalling is a common complaint. The players have to start coming through in clutch situations. That’s one area where I certainly feel better about this year’s team than last year’s. I think last year’s team would have lost that game to Vanderbilt.
That’s it for now. I’ll answer more Junkyard Mail later in the week, so if you’ve got a question or want to raise an issue, send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
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
104 comments Add your comment
GrAnThAm
October 22nd, 2011
11:27 am
First! GATA Dawgs. Beat those slumping Gators!
JAWJeRDAWG
October 22nd, 2011
11:30 am
Good post, Bill, and thanks for the Larry Munson update! .. Go Dawgs!
teewest
October 22nd, 2011
11:55 am
Munson report was much appreciated!!! He is definitely a state treasure!!
Voyager Dawg
October 22nd, 2011
11:58 am
Gotta disagree with LA Dawg. The Bulldawgs responded to Coach Franklin’s strategy of convincing his team they can play with the big boys (the little engine that could). Franklin said that they wouldn’t back down from anyone, so they came in with a chip on their shoulder. The helmet to the back of Geathers’ knee is not the way to carry out that strategy and there were several other cheap shots in the game (not close to being legal play – that’s why the penalty was called and the player was suspended). Geathers, Williams, and Coach Granthem responded to a strategy that included a lot of chippy play on Vanderbilt’s behalf. Coach Franklin pointed the first finger after the game and CTG responded to it. UGA let down on a weaker opponent but broke Vandy’s heart in the end. I think if Franklin expects to hang with the big boys, he needs to take the losses like a big boy as well. The Dawgs need to play with a chip on their shoulder and not take anyone for granted. Go Junk Yard Dawgs – Finish the Drill!
1+2=4
October 22nd, 2011
12:07 pm
The comment about Rambo’s tackle being over the top is absolutely stupid. It was a legal/legit tackle. Georgia’s problem with its defense (since Willie Martinez) was that it did not scare anyone… it was soft. These boys want to hit you and hurt you… that’s football. This also provides Georgia’s D with a swagger. And believe it or not, top level d recruits look at how aggressive a defense plays. So get out of here with Rambo’s tackle being over the top.
In regards to Shawn Williams, he violated a rule and should be suspended. The same goes for Geathers… although I do understand Geathers reaction.
Jack Flash
October 22nd, 2011
12:19 pm
Showa little class and sportsmanship.
Jablonski
October 22nd, 2011
12:29 pm
Lose to Florida and it’s over. All that good will BS will be gone. If he can’t beat Fl more we will never be at the top. He makes too much money for mediocre records.
Dawg48
October 22nd, 2011
12:31 pm
Why are you so negative bill?! Why bring up the arrest subject some one who clams to be a dawg but try in every way to throw a jab! Stopped reading your article after that! Any way glory glory to ole GEORGIA!
Red Scarlett
October 22nd, 2011
1:21 pm
Hate to point this out but the Geathers clip was just barely if at all. The Vandy guy took his legs out from under him but at best it was from the side if not slightly in front. I doubt the clip would have been called if not for the retaliation punch. Kind of like saying you shouldn’t have done that… but I understand.
As to Shawn Williams I seriously doubt anyone would be looking at suspensions if he hadn’t been running his mouth during and after the game. I loved it when someone on one of the other blogs brought up Sampson being able to bring down an army with only the jawbone of an ass. I don’t want to be too rough on the kid as boys will be boys but I would expect his coach not to act as childish in his defense. He should have pulled him off of the field during the game and adjusted his attitude and we would have a full deck to face the gators.
dawgfan
October 22nd, 2011
1:26 pm
Did it ever occur to OrlandoDawg that maybe Crowell gets frustrated when he isn’t doing well because he’s a relentless competitor that wants to help his team win? I’m just saying. I would be more concerned if he was on the sidelines laughing like a moron after a two yard loss. THAT would be immature. Maybe the guy just wants to win really really badly. Nobody says Will Muschamp has an attitude problem when he cusses out a ref and is slobbering like a rabid dog in the middle of a game.
Dumb question.
Athens-Clarke County Jail welcomes you
October 22nd, 2011
2:00 pm
Let’s hope that everyone makes it back to Athens safe and sound and without an arrest record.
There aren’t many schools that a sports writer would make that comment about. It’s an acknowledgement that Bill King knows what a bunch of drunks and scofflaws are at UGA.
ARdawg
October 22nd, 2011
3:29 pm
Williams and Geathers were flagged on the field for their violations. It’s BS the SEC decided to flag them for 1/2 of a game while others get not even a mention from the league office
Radio Daze
October 22nd, 2011
4:49 pm
The only thing I liked about Munson was listening to his pathetic whining in the closing minutes of a game that Georgia was losing. That was quite enjoyable.
joe suggs
October 22nd, 2011
5:26 pm
Radio Daze : move to California and hang out with the sissy boys !!!
1969 Graduate
October 22nd, 2011
6:03 pm
Larry Munson’s voice is very much missed. Glad to hear he’s still involved as a fan.
What’s the Over/Under on the number of Georgia players who will be arrested during the off weekend?
What are the Florida players and coaches doing this weekend while ours are relaxing, traveling, and visiting family and friends?
{We may be beat up, and we may need a break, but we certainly haven’t earned any bragging rights. I hope our guys aren’t strutting around like football heroes.}
you morons
October 22nd, 2011
6:10 pm
First off, Russ is a dog. I like dogs, mind you. But it’s a dog. It doesn’t care about the game. Not to sound like those crazy PETA morons, but live animals really shouldn’t be on a field. No matter how cute you think they are. Sorry.
Second, leave it to Georgia fans to whine about the refs. Maybe if they didn’t commit all of those penalties, they wouldn’t have anything to whine about.
ca dawg
October 22nd, 2011
6:59 pm
joe suggs: we don’t want radio daze out here, either. fwiw there are a lot of good dawgs in CA. and i’d be surprised if you’ve ever even been to CA. hell, you probably haven’t even left your home state.
Producer
October 22nd, 2011
8:12 pm
There are very few names that will get us all on the same sheet of music, one is Munson and the other is Grizzard. Amen!
GOB BLEUTH
October 22nd, 2011
8:34 pm
LA sucks, unless you love smog and STDs.
dogdawg
October 22nd, 2011
8:48 pm
Bama 6 Tenn 6 at the half GO VOLS LOL.
Stay off the roads if you value your life!
October 22nd, 2011
8:52 pm
“Most players have gone home for a visit.”
Is Cornelius Washington driving?
dixie dawg
October 22nd, 2011
8:55 pm
hey ladawg vandy coach was the one with no class they took cheap shots all game its refs resposnibilty to control the game and they did not and it came to a head at the end a true dawg will suport the team no matter what save the critisim till the end of the season
guy
October 22nd, 2011
9:13 pm
UGA better beat UF,especially this year,or CMR is out.The end!!! I hope not.
Archie@Arkham Asylum
October 22nd, 2011
9:16 pm
I will remember the play in the early 1980’s where Lindsay Scott caught the touchdown pass from Buck Belue to my dying day! I thought Larry Munson was going to swallow his microphone at any moment!
UGA '79
October 22nd, 2011
9:19 pm
Another loss @ Florida should seal Richt’s fate. Beating a paid patsy and squeaking by Vandy count for naught.
Gainesville DAWG
October 22nd, 2011
9:19 pm
Bill, your comment about the players returning from the weekend was totally unnecessary. I won’t even repeat it. What is it with you, Bill????? You are not someone to read anymore. You choose questions from readers, when all we have to do is read comments after columns. Just leave UGA and go elsewhere.
Idiot Dawg
October 22nd, 2011
9:33 pm
I sure do miss Larry Munson. He is one of a kind and I didn’t even realize it until he no longer called the games. I thought most broadcasters were similar to him. Man what an Idiot!
Good Luck Larry!!!
terry harrell
October 22nd, 2011
9:56 pm
45 L S U 10 Auburn got tails whipped bad ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Nub
October 22nd, 2011
10:20 pm
Muson is priceless ….. God Bless Larry!!!
Dawg48
October 22nd, 2011
10:20 pm
I’m with gainesville DAWG on that one!
kybodawg
October 22nd, 2011
10:22 pm
hey tech how many points a game are u averaging now. dont worry, with that bone crushing defense you play and the development of an awsome passing game now things couldnt look brighter.
Georgia Nation!
October 22nd, 2011
10:22 pm
We just need to stop all of the whining about the Vandy boys being mean to us.
Larry would want it that way.
Dawg48
October 22nd, 2011
10:26 pm
Our d looked as good against teen as bama’s did, I hope we get some rest and come back strong against the gators!
Georgia Nation!
October 22nd, 2011
10:36 pm
If our defense is as good as we think it is, then we have nothing to worry about!
William
October 22nd, 2011
10:42 pm
Comment about arrests was uncalled for. You are the most negative Bulldog supporter there is. You need to find a new line of work or another team to support. Write about the positives not the negatives. There are to many good things going on to be so negative.
Georgia Nation!
October 22nd, 2011
10:46 pm
Write about happy birthdays!
jack bull
October 22nd, 2011
10:51 pm
A few observations and reminders for everyone…First, it is SO apparent to me and to most people who know a little about the game of football, that Coach Bobo and Coach Richt have very little confidence in A Murray. And after throwing a pick at the end of the Vandy game, which I thought was a very poor pass, I can see why. That’s the EXACT reason why he/they get so conservative at the end of games. They’re just plain scared he’s going to make a mistake, just like he did. Secondly, I think everyone needs a reminder that the University of Georgia has so many tough opponents because the state of Georgia puts so many players in different programs around the Southeast. And it’s that reason why teams like Vandy seems to play Georgia tougher than anybody else in the conference. A lot of these guys know and play against each other there whole lives and the ‘less known’ at Vandy and UK and such, sometimes want to make a point…Anyway, sorry to be so long, just wanted to point a few things out….Go Dawgs..
UGA-27 UF-23
Georgia Nation!
October 22nd, 2011
10:53 pm
I just want to remind everyone that we didn’t lose today!
Yay!!!
doggie
October 22nd, 2011
10:58 pm
Hey.. Tech sucks
Live From New York
October 22nd, 2011
11:32 pm
What I remember most about Larry Munson was the humor that infused his play-by-play. Underneath the mix of zest, anxiety and colorful phases was a sometimes subtle, sometimes uproarious thread of comedy. In a long-ago Georgia-Florida game in the old Gator Bowl stadium, after the Dawgs scored a decisive, go-ahead TD, Muson immortally declared, “The girders are bending now!” Then there was “Look at the sugar falling from the sky!” How could you not chuckle at so many of his ad libs?
Like Vince Dooley, Munson fretted that nearly every opponent was the biggest, toughest team Georgia had faced in ages. That act had a special tinge of hilarity. Even in games when Georgia didn’t win, Munson voiced his melancholy in a way that let the audience know that he realized that all was not lost, because better days on the gridiron would come. You could sense that he had an inward smile and wanted his listeners to share that optimism.
It was always a pleasure to be in Munson’s company, whether via a transistor radio at a stadium or a radio at home while the TV broadcast of a Georgia game was muted. Munson was sui generis, his own special creation.
Hairy Perry
October 23rd, 2011
12:31 am
To all the Tech fans on here,
It’s not UGA’s fault you don’t have the team you thought you did. We tried to tell you. Maaaaannnn.
jojo
October 23rd, 2011
12:56 am
Would it just be GREAT if Larry Munson could do a little bit of a home game again? I’d give all the sugar falling from the sky to hear that!
legionaire
October 23rd, 2011
6:54 am
Hope Munson continues to enjoy his Dawgs and wish him the best. It appears that the SEC officials do have an agenda against UGA and that should be addressed by McGarity with the League. The problem I see with Bobo is that he doesn’t take what is given. Why attempt to run the 5′7′ 175 pound scatback up the middle if the D is throwing 8 up front? Why go for a + 20 yard pass on a 3rd and short if the running game is clicking? Why not throw down and outs of 4 to 8 yards to loosen up linebackers and cut short some of the blitzs we are seeing? Just wondering.
old time dog
October 23rd, 2011
8:01 am
legionaire…….. Why??? Because he is out of his league as an OC.
Pago Pago Dawg
October 23rd, 2011
8:51 am
Did UGA name the broadcast booth after Larry yet!!!!! Come on UGA……
GATA
October 23rd, 2011
9:30 am
Agree with Dawg48 at 12:31
claytondawg
October 23rd, 2011
9:32 am
As a die-hard ‘Dog fan, I’m a pessimist when it comes to our coaching staff. We all know Richt has done fairly well in the past. But, the past IS the past. We need to look toward to the future of this program: a new direction, some new and different ideas to move our ‘Dogs to a more stable and hardnose program. AND, gain back some national respect. I miss Larry Munson.
Dawg_Mike
October 23rd, 2011
9:49 am
As I watched the LSU / AU game yesterday I tried to imagine what we would look like if we had some offensive imagination like they exhibited. True, Auburn got hammered, but at least they were not predictable in their playcalling. LSU ran all kinds of misdirections/pitchouts, etc… and it got me to wondering why we dont. I came to the conclusion that its all on Bobo.
I would love to see us run a non predictable offense, so until we jettison Bobo and hire someone with imagination we will be easy to prepare for and game plan against.
Want proof?
Here are our first 3 offensive plays against FL:
Crowell run into the line for 1-2 yards.
Incomplete pass on 2nd down bringing up 3rd and 8.
On 3rd down we throw a 30 yard pattern. Whether or not we complete it is beside the point.
I just made the call- lets see if it comes to pass.
out…
1969 Graduate
October 23rd, 2011
10:11 am
Some of our OC’s play calling is – I hope – based on the talents and limits of the players on our team. Our coaches simply shouldn’t call plays that they know our guys are very unlikely to execute.
That’s not really giving any point to the coaches, as the limitations of the players are due either to bad coaching, or poor selection of players chosen to be on our team.
Much of our OC’s play calling is – I fear – based on his lack of talent, imagination, competence, and ability to properly analyze, study, and understand the game. He does not seem able to copy (steal) from the playbooks of other teams, nor does he seem to recognize which of his own plays are working, and which are not.
Watching the Dawg play calling makes me wonder if our coaches are diabetic.
tech fans are virgins
October 23rd, 2011
10:26 am
Not by choice
cliff from waleska
October 23rd, 2011
10:26 am
just how badly would LSU beat the dogs?? 20..30..more…it would get ugly…
Delusion
October 23rd, 2011
11:39 am
I still rule this state – for at least 6 more days.
Hey, dog dawg...
October 23rd, 2011
11:58 am
…what was the final score of that UT v AL game that was tied 6-6 at the half?
CFB_Fan
October 23rd, 2011
12:03 pm
The final was 38-7, wasn’t it? No, wait… That was LSU’s final score vs. Tennessee. Bama won 37-6.
UGADawg83
October 23rd, 2011
2:22 pm
Great Bill, now you are simply rewriting Loran’s stuff from the ABH. Keep Mark Richt–FIRE BILL KING!
Lowell
October 23rd, 2011
3:28 pm
1. I don’t agree on McGarity. I feel he’s been the worst AD in 25 years at UGA. 6-5 last season, really? With all that money? Seems cheap too when it comes to hiring staff/coaches. Also, not good at getting guys suspensions lifted. Shouldn’t have kept the UF game in Fla. Didn’t like him scheduling Boise in a year set up for a run with no LSU/Bama or Ark—have to know when it’s the year to make your move–he did Richt no favors. In hindsight, McGarity’s decision to have the players working out, from trailers, in 2010, was poor and incorrect. I hope he gets fired very soon.
2. This year’s 0-2 record vs. ranked teams, and last year’s 0-5 record vs. ranked teams, shows no improvement. Sure, we can beat up on the unranked teams, but Richt can’t beat a ranked team anymore. And won’t get another chance in 2011 unless he gets to the SEC Championship since Florida, Auburn, and Tech are all unranked in 2011. And we know Richt has no chance vs. LSU or Bama, so he’ll finish WINLESS vs. ranekd teams AGAIN.
3. Bobo’s a good OC, very successful with QB’s until Murray. Murray is 0-7 vs. ranked teams. Bobo isn’t the reason sacks, interceptions, inaccuracy, lousy in red zone accuracy, and lousy on 3rd down conversions, and losses to ranked teams are going on. Bobo succeedded with evry other QB except MURRAY.
Atticus
October 23rd, 2011
5:12 pm
Georgia is 2-10 versus ranked teams. Nothing else matters. This program is caught in mediocrity. Beat Florida and start playing full throttle and stop making excuses.
Atticus
October 23rd, 2011
5:15 pm
Lowell is an idiot. McGarity has been there a year. And how many SEC titles did Bobo win as a coordinator, how about 0, is that successful. And that was with Stafford, AJ Green and Moreno included. How can a QB be 0-7 when 22 players are on the team? No defense.
tim scott
October 23rd, 2011
5:39 pm
This coming from a die hard Gator. Larry Munson is the BEST, many times win,lose or draw rather than have UF play by play on in the stadium I would switch my radio to hear Mr Munson call the game. Mr. Munson is a true legend and I would like to thank him for many years of enjoyment. As much as it pains me to write this here goes…..Lindsay Scott ! Lindsay Scott ! Lindsay Scott ! Welcome back to Jax, Dawg fans and Go Gators !!!!!
Mobile Dawg
October 23rd, 2011
6:25 pm
Reading about Larry and his inabilty to do the things he loved so much is sad on one hand, inspiring on the other. If it doesn’t inspire you to make the most out of what life gives you then you’re not truly alive.
JB
October 23rd, 2011
6:42 pm
Dawgs just not a very good team the last 2 years. 5-2 in due to our schedule, not our play. The 4 wins before the Vandy games were against teams 1-13 in total. Not very impressice. Vandy, no power house, had 349 yards ans 21 second half points. We are still pretty sloppy. I would like to get back to beating good, ranked teams, but we are along way from that. Florida and Auburn as is Tach are horrible and so Mark could beat all three, thus an illusion of a good team. Love the wins, but we are a very average team. If we see LSU in the dome, You will see a repeat of what they did to Auburn this weekend I’m afraid. Not bashing, just a realist.
Mobile Dawg
October 23rd, 2011
6:49 pm
Hey JB, do you know how tough it’s going to be to fire Mark Richt if it happens? I respect anyone’s opinion but I don’t understand how you can be disillusioned enough to really believe we’re on the right track.
kybodawg
October 23rd, 2011
7:26 pm
looks like auburn has gone from war damn eagle last year to kill a mocking bird this year
Dawg48
October 23rd, 2011
7:35 pm
I think LSU will beat bama, both deffenses are great but LSU has the better offense, it will be tough for bama to have to rely on the passing game.it will be tough even for Richardson to run on that LSU front four. They are massive and fast!
DawgNation
October 23rd, 2011
7:38 pm
@tim scott.
Finaly a civil gator fan. Thanks and don’t worry the pain will subside.
Dawg48
October 23rd, 2011
7:48 pm
Has any one heard about Mitchell and his hamstring? How he may be running?
G8torOne
October 23rd, 2011
7:54 pm
Gators by a landslide.
Dawg48
October 23rd, 2011
7:56 pm
Gators what by a landslide?
Lane
October 23rd, 2011
7:57 pm
The best words I can find to describe the Athens goons are “roaches” and “rats.”
Dawg48
October 23rd, 2011
8:00 pm
Wow good one lane that’s the besti have ever heard on here! Hey guys let’s give ole lane some props on here!
Dawgma
October 23rd, 2011
11:05 pm
Dawg fans,
It’s time to put the negativity and all differences aside. It will all play out at season’s end. We need to support this team 100% and stop coach or player hating and this week become the GATOR HATERS that we all are. It’s time for Dawg fans to unite and be DAWG NATION. Let’s get behind this team and we CAN win out!!! GATA!!! GO DAWGS!!!
IsTheNewFloridaTheSameOldFlorida?
October 23rd, 2011
11:31 pm
Reporter:”Steve, what do you think about Urban Meyer’s decision to leave Florida after a horrible season just one year after Tim Tebow left the program?”
SteveSpurrier:”Now what the h#ll does that have to do with the price of tea in China? I told you I won’t TALK IF HE’S IN HERE. GET HIM THE H#LL OUT!
Reporter:”Steve, we just want some of your sagelike wisdom, an Ol’ Ball Coaches point of view on the subject. C’mon Steve, gimme a nugget here?”
SteveSpurrier:”Well, you know I always love you guys. Its just I don’t express my emotions with anything but rage and bitterness. Even my grin is bitter. I’d say he found out that his team was a balloon of inflation, much like the economy, inflated and waiting to pop. That rat jumped ship.”
Reporter:”What do you say to the comments that you did the same thing to Ron Zook in…”
SS:”I TOLD YOU I WON’T TALK WITH HIM IN THE ROOM (Throws Visor Angrily) DADGUMMIT!!! GOOF, WUERFFEL, DOOLEY!!! BENCHED!!!
Reporter:”There you have it. Steve Spurrier predicts an aneurysm with a slight chace of tourette’s for Muschamp and a 55% chance of a boiling point pressure for Coach Grantham’s blood and a 99% chance of choke sign action/reference at multiple points in the game. Back to you, Lou.”
IsTheNewFloridaTheSameOldFlorida?
October 23rd, 2011
11:38 pm
UGA scores a forgiving 77 points, Florida scores 7 pts on a special teams gimme.
IsTheNewFloridaTheSameOldFlorida?
October 23rd, 2011
11:40 pm
Enter your comments here
Long Time DAWG Lover
October 24th, 2011
12:39 am
JB says he is a realist, that we are a very mediocre team. Should he and I ever go to Athens again, we would be unwelcome by those who revel in illusion while we’re stuck with reality. And half-arsed scribes egg them on by saying things like “Georgia has blistered its foes” since the first two games. Blistered Coastal Carolina, the two Missisloppys, Tennessee and Vandy? Those SEC teams have mustered one win and thirteen losses amongst them in conference play. And with that
“blistering” we are the 22nd team in the AP poll. What’s that old saying: liars figure and figures lie?
The truth be known is that we revel in mediocrity because Magarity will retain Richt whose teams have not beaten a ranked team in eons. But we blistered those others by golly. He might get there someday. At 80 years, I probably won’t live to see it. But Richt will be there because he is a fine man. Unfortunately, he is not a fine coach.
Texas Dawg
October 24th, 2011
2:14 am
My biggest problem with this column is not the (hopefully) joking reference to Dawgs coming back from the bye week with police records, because let’s be honest, they have a history. And I’m not upset about Crowell because, again, let’s be honest SOMETHING happened to keep him on the sidelines at the start of the game. My displeasure — and it stems to the AJC staff — is that it never truly brings the insight that it could. I am a working print journalists and Bill doesn’t have to guess or surmise about whether UGA is being disproportionately penalized since the 2007 Florida game. He can get that information from the SEC office, compare it to the other SEC teams and at least show us where UGA falls since then, and if the personal fouls are out of balance against the Dawgs. And back to Crowell for a moment. It’s maddening to me that AJC staffers, in all the years of covering Georgia football, don’t have a source SOMEWHERE at UGA or in Athens that can tell them what really happened with the kid, arguably the team’s best player this year. I mean, that’s why reporters build sources. Instead, they do a good job of telling us what Richt said (or didn’t say), or what some other coach said is going on. That’s all well and good. That must be reported. But the real work and test of their skill is going behind the plastic quotes and letting us know what’s really happening when a kid doesn’t play, or when a coach is disciplined. I just think Bill — and the AJC sports staff in general — takes the easy way out when it comes to reporting.
SuperB
October 24th, 2011
7:41 am
Bob’s Play Calling: If the Bulldawg Nation knows whqt’s coming on 2nd and 10 (straight dive play,) then so does the opponent’s coaches.
Thinking of Al
October 24th, 2011
8:53 am
Munson was always second fiddle compared to Al Ciraldo.
Charlotte Gator
October 24th, 2011
9:01 am
The Dawgs are not nearly as talented as the Gators and will not beat them for at least the next two to three years. Gators will absolutely win if Brantley is back but probably even if one of the freshmen QBs starts.
It’s really hard, trying to be somewhat objective, to see what the problem is with Richt when looking at recent seasons versus his more successful earlier seasons. The most likely probability is that the rest of the division and the league around him raised the caliber of competition, through coaching hires (Saban, Miles, Meyer, Spurrier at SC, Petrino, etc.) Not incidentally, this also made recruiting a lot tougher.
Georgia is in a transition year with young players and a fantastic 2011 recruiting class. They should be much better the next two seasons, Richt or no Richt. But beating Alabama and Florida is going to remain a taller order because of the recruiting machines at those schools.
DAWGMAN
October 24th, 2011
10:16 am
Not beating Flawduh this year will confirm for all eternity that coach richt is, and has been, in the pay of certain UF alumni for the last ten years.
Y’all quit blaming boogie for the offense; it’s all on the hc. If the hc don’t like it; it gets changed.
Got it? Good. Now get it.
Y’all see the fire in Dabo Sweenie’s eyes? Y’all see the calm certainty in Miles eyes? Y’all see the determination in Sabin’s eyes?
How does that compare to the serenity in the eyes of our hc on the sidelines during the games?
I think he’s listening to elevator music.
AceDawg
October 24th, 2011
12:38 pm
Mike Bozo is and will always be a problem for the UGA offense. If or when UGA ever plays awesome on the offensive side, it will be solely based on good recruiting overcoming limited coaching. Bozo, er Bobo, may know how to develop players five times as good as I do, but he sure seems to do worse than many of his competitors. When the UGA defense and special teams aren’t in on the action of scoring, the UGA offense has rarely controlled a game and completely lacks the killer touch in the red zone. I think it is telling when freshmen like Malcom Mitchell are able to step up and immiediately serve as our best performers even though the “veterans” were big recruits and have had time to be mentored by Bobo. Ask yourself – How many UGA offensive players have gotten a lot better year over year with Bobo running the show? Sure they learn the system better, but most players perform near peak level right away and then never grow.
AltamahaDawg
October 24th, 2011
12:56 pm
The folks arguing against the calculated route to the winning margin by being conservative when the game is in hand just need to go ahead and be honest. Fans don’t like it when we don’t continue to score more, and often. It’s just that simple, and who can disagree? To try and disguise that with the ole’….one day in a hypothetical situation in game played at some undisclosed later date, that “might” not work, just doesn’t fly. I guess that could be true, but so could any number of things happens, since we aguessing. It’s just as easy to (realistically)argue that in not doing so, it “might” have caused us to lose one of the ACTUAL games we did play.
I think UGA fans can much more easily name real occurrences of giving away ballgames on TO and previously unimagined circumstances than any examples case where we had a comfortable lead and just didn’t beat the clock to a win by being too conservative against a team that had not moved the ball all day.
Charlotte Gator
October 24th, 2011
12:59 pm
What you guys really need to look at is the number of UGA players in the NFL from the last five seasons or so, then compare that number to Alabama, LSU and Florida. Speaks for itself. You can knock the coaching all you want, but the root of the problem is a talent differential.
Bobo’s play-calling wouldn’t matter much with better talent. How innovative is Alabama’s play-calling? Not very, but it doesn’t have to be. The 2011 recruiting class is a step in the right direction, but probably not sustainable every year in the current competitive recruiting environment.
AltamahaDawg
October 24th, 2011
1:13 pm
I have been saying for the past 2 years now that Alabama has one of the most predictable and boring play-calling in the league. (of which nobody argues, but still chooses to ignore) Not real sure LSU is all that much of a mystery. Could darn sure tell you what UF was going to do on 3rd down every single time in it’s previous run.
Not sure talent differential is the entire story though, although that is undeniable. I think (given what good talent we do have) there is still an issue with preparation in the offseason. AS you rightfully point out, Coach Bobo would look like a heckuva OC if his guys could simply DO what he calls. It’s not the calls, its the product on the field that he puts out there.
Rick S
October 24th, 2011
1:13 pm
I hope that the Georgia Fans are preparing to give Will MUSCHUMP “Traitor” as much grief as the law allows for his comments about “Having A Brain Cramp” regarding his playing College Football for the University of Georgia. This is absolutely the most dissrespectful comments I have ever heard anyone make about their Alma Mater and this is totally unacceptable! So, the best way to deal with this lousy Head Coach of the Florida Gators is make sure he hears the dissatisfaction from the Georgia Fans before, during, and after. MUSCHUMP WILL NEVER BE WELCOME BACK AT UGA! EVER! Give him Hell!
Birmingham Jacket
October 24th, 2011
1:58 pm
Thanks for taking the time from farming the peanuts and fussin’ with the mule to give us a report.
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 24th, 2011
2:56 pm
“looks like auburn has gone from war damn eagle last year to kill a mocking bird this year”
Yep, that’s what happens when you lose over 30 players due to graduation and the NFL draft. But guess what, it’s been 32 years since UGA won the championship.
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 24th, 2011
2:57 pm
The SEC West should just split off and start it’s own conference.
My suggestion for a name would be the BCS Championship division.
Smart like a fox
October 24th, 2011
3:18 pm
count down to the beat down….Fla. will look like world beaters this week….and Uga will still look like losers
J.T. Keene
October 24th, 2011
3:28 pm
I thought this blog was about Larry Munson? I am a fla.gator and I think Larry Munson was one of the best announcers I ever heard. Jack Chrystal at Ms.State was another. They both called the game like it was and you felt like you were there. No excuses, no whining about the refs etc. They gave the other team credit when credit was due. Georgia fans probably do not appreciate enough what they have lost now that his health has failed and his career had to end. Thanks for the memories Larry.
Harry the Hat
October 24th, 2011
3:31 pm
“But guess what, it’s been 32 years since UGA won the championship.”
What? That’s outrageous. Then why are they paying Mark Richt almost $4 million a year if he can’t win a national championship?
Are they stupid or what???
2010 BCS CHAMPS
October 24th, 2011
3:52 pm
Harry the Hat
Very funny!
aps
October 24th, 2011
4:01 pm
Love Munson, but please don’t do a Dick Clark with him. Exit gracefully please.
Lulub
October 24th, 2011
4:41 pm
I think they should give Russ the UGA title and let him continue to be on the sidelines. He’s done a great job!
Big Dog 98
October 24th, 2011
5:12 pm
Why no mention of his movie group and his ramblings about the latest movie. The old guy lost it about 10 years before UGA showed him the door.
Dawgmess
October 24th, 2011
5:52 pm
Enjoy your post, Bill, but it would’ve been just as good without that one little dig, “Let’s hope that everyone makes it back to Athens safe and sound and without an arrest record.” It served no purpose whatsoever except to stir the pot.
ckgator
October 24th, 2011
6:31 pm
Brantley is probable, Dawg fans. The Gators may show up after all.
Denverdawg
October 24th, 2011
7:16 pm
The Gators best bet is that Bobo is there calling the plays for UGA. If he is home with the kids we have a chance.
no dog
October 24th, 2011
8:16 pm
Too bad Mister Munson can no longer fish. I’m old but not too old to fish thankfully. Old enough to remember Ed T as the dog announcer. I cannot remember dog fans then hating other teams as much as they do today.
Delarue
October 25th, 2011
8:10 am
Munson was always second fiddle to the late great Al Ciraldo.
Cullowheedawg
October 25th, 2011
8:26 am
I have been one questioning Bobo but the person that noted that the execution of the play has a lot to do with the outcome. We complain about the pllay calling predictability, well I remember complaining about Dooley’s predictable play calling, but the difference is that the players executed. Should we be putting all the blame on Bobo and other coaches or is some of it on the players and their discipline.
Rationalizations
October 25th, 2011
8:29 am
If the team can’t put points on the board in the second half? “Conservative Play Calling”
If the team is winning games against unranked teams with no SEC victories in spite of a lack of offensive production? “This Defense is Awesome!”
If the team loses (again) to the hapless Florida Gators? “Location, Location, Location”
Dr. Morpheus
October 25th, 2011
9:06 am
“Get the picture…” There will never be another Larry Munson. And he demonstrated that he is a Dawg to the core when he asked about beating Florida, “ls this our year?” Let’s do it, Dawgs!
@Barry Clinton- Tell your better half to keep making a fuss about Russ. Your guitar-playing pal from two doors down.
Bill King
October 25th, 2011
7:44 pm
Texas Dawg:
I’m not on the sports staff. I don’t cover the Dogs as a beat reporter. I write strictly as a fan.