Report from a Dawg behind enemy lines: LSU fans ‘feeling cocky’
LSU fans are feeling good about their team and the Mad Hatter. (Associated Press)
For a view from Tiger land on how our opposing fandom is approaching Saturday’s SEC Championship game against Georgia, I checked in with my old friend Owen Scott, who grew up with me in Athens (where his mom still lives), graduated from UGA and has been a clinical psychologist in Baton Rouge for many years.
Owen’s wife is an LSU prof, his oldest daughter in a huge Tiger fan and his youngest daughter graduated from UGA last December but is “a Tiger first, Dawg second,” he admitted.
However, Owen, who’s been following the Dawgs all his life, has remained true to the red and black and posts comments on the Blawg under the name Dr. Morpheus.
“I’ve attended most of the LSU-UGA games in Baton Rouge and seen some great wins (2008) and tough losses (2003) here,” he said. He just lucked into two tickets to the Georgia Dome game at face value and will be in attendance Saturday.
The buzz in Baton Rouge, Owen said, has the locals “feeling cocky.”
Typical of the attitude, Owen said, was the discussion Tuesday on a Baton Rouge sports radio show where the host, former LSU basketball player turned football sideline reporter Jordy Hultberg, thought the Tigers being favored by 13 points was right on the mark.
Said Hultberg: “You gotta be loving what’s going on!”
LSU has seldom trailed, Hultberg said, and even when they were down by 14 points to Arkansas the Tigers had no problem quickly scoring 21 points. “They feed off of big plays, whether it be a big return, a turnover, a breakthrough run. … It was over at halftime.”
Owen Scott lives in Baton Rouge but has stayed true to UGA.
The host asked an on-air guest (a local insurance exec) for a prediction on the game with the Dogs and the response was, “I don’t want to be overconfident, but this team has taken care of everyone. It will be worse for Georgia than Arkansas,” which lost to the Tigers 41-17.
In an exchange with a caller, Hultberg said the LSU defense “is smothering. It just makes life miserable for the opposing quarterbacks. And I don’t see any difference with this coming Saturday. We’re coming to win. There’s no back door, we’re coming through the front door.”
Summing up the mood in Baton Rouge, Owen said: “The LSU base is not taking Georgia seriously. They expect to come into the Dome and blow the Dawgs out with their overwhelming defense and pounding rushing attack. It’s up to our guys now to show LSU and the sports world we belong on the same field with the best of the SEC West and consensus No. 1 team in the nation.”
But Owen, at least, is optimistic. “If the LSU players are drinking the fans’ Kool-Aid,” he said, “they will be in for a surprise when they see that, unlike Arkansas, Georgia can stuff the run and pressure the QB. Go Dawgs! GATA!”
Trust him, he’s a doctor.
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397 comments Add your comment
Dog Father
December 1st, 2011
9:33 am
I keep seeing GATA at the end of posts. Sorry, but could someone define for me? I know what THWGT means…
DawginLex
December 1st, 2011
10:13 am
Dogs smell
What does being in Athens on a weekday have to do with anything?
Give it a rest.
Just because you deem it to be a requirement to support the Dawgs doesn’t make it so.
Go back to Floppy Top and see if Matt Roark is still banging your girlfriend
DogFace Blues
December 1st, 2011
10:35 am
The sweetness of it all is that UGA has nothing to lose which can be VERY dangerous. LSU has everything to lose. If we can eek this one out, just look what it would do for confidence and recruiting knowing you beat one of the best teams in years. LSU will go on and probably win NC but UGA can say we were the only team to beat the National Champions.
Light em up Dawgs!
tee
December 1st, 2011
10:40 am
I can’t wait…yes, I truly respect LSU, but not afraid…don’t care about the experts. With some more RB’s, linemen, and keeping GA’s best HS players in recruiting, this is a tuneup for a serious run in 2012. Win or lose,these same experts know what’s happening in Athens. The reality is it’s going to happen,it’s just a matter of time. Sophomore QB,Freshman RB’sand WR’s and most of the defense coming back…look out!!!
Bali
December 1st, 2011
10:50 am
No matter what happens in this game, ESPN, just like Barry O’s media, will spin it. LSU wins big, they were supposed to. LSU wins a squeaker, they were looking ahead. Georgia wins big or small, LSU was looking ahead and just not focused. LSU should and will play in the NC, but outside of the south, what impact will this game have for us this year?
Disoriented Dawg
December 1st, 2011
11:02 am
I agree. Arky has no Defense like the Junkyard Dawgs D.
That’s why we whupped up on ‘em so bad – just like we’re gonna whup up on some Tiggers.
GATA!!!.
Snoop Dawg
December 1st, 2011
11:24 am
Well, folks, this game should put to rest once and for all whether Richt and Bobo are incompetent or underappreciated and misunderstood.
There are no excuses.
The Koolaid Klub keeps yelling to give these two contract extensions now that we have recovered from the embarrassments of losing to Boise State in those stupid uniforms and then to South Carolina with an unbelievably stupid game plan.
The others take Richt’s word that he is the CEO, not the head coach. They (and I) think that he and Bobo are totally incompetent as coaches but are good recruiters. I will also grudgingly acknowledge that Richt is adaptive by hiring Grantham and Friend. But, he is no head ball coach. We think that we should let his contract expire at the end of its period and hire a better head football coach and offensive coordinator.
So, let the games begin! We will get to see the game plan, the play calling, the conditioning, the execution, and the intangibles of whether the coaches are inspiring and energizing their players from the sidelines.
The final score will tell all.
Maybe then the Bulldog Nation can reach consensus about the future of its storied football program.
UGA Alumnus
December 1st, 2011
11:27 am
OK. LSU is far superior to UGA. There is ZERO chance that they will be upset by UGA. Why? Everyone says so. ESPN, the fans, the armchair quarterbacks, etc.
Fine. If UGA is so terrible and LSU is so superior, this means that LSU doesn’t deserve to go to the NC game if UGA beats them. For that matter, with all the hype everyone is putting on LSU as being the “best team” and “unbeatable,” UGA deserved to go to the NC game if they pull off a stunning defeat of the unbeatable.
The problem…. You won’t ever get an LSU fan or the talking heads to admit that. In their mind, LSU is perfection and unbeatable… but if they lose, the excuses and the justification to leave LSU in the NC game will start flying.
DawginLex
December 1st, 2011
11:47 am
snoop
The future of the UGA football program is bright win or lose this game.
Richt got bashed and rightfully so by me and others but he did the toughest thing in college football:
Change and keep his job.
I give him credit for doing it and I give bigger props to Greg McGarity.
UGA Insider
December 1st, 2011
11:47 am
I see Matt Barkley of SC on ESPN everyday. Someone from that channel tells me constantly how great he and the SC team is and how Barkley is moving up the Heisman charts. Am I correct when I say UGA has the same record as SC and A. Murray has the same stats as Barkley? Why isn’t Murray on ESPN? SC is banned from post season play so who really gives damn about them? UGA is the team playing for a championship. I’m starting to see the negativity of ESPN many of you post about.
UTA
December 1st, 2011
11:54 am
most of the Ga fans comments on here thank god only represent the dumb hick portion of UGA others know it will be hard to beat a talented prepared Miles team. However the game will be close and upset possible, like when LSU stunned TN years ago in SEC ruining their chance for natl championship. LSU might be on the other end this time but i doubt it cause BSU had no problem in the Dome against us.
Snoop Dawg
December 1st, 2011
11:55 am
Dawginlex,
I can find common ground with you as I agree that we look good going into next year. With better prep during the offiseason, though, and with better coaching, we should really be undefeated right now going into this game, or at the worst one loss. Then all the arguments about bowls etc would be trivial.
As I said, I do give Richt credit for being adaptable when his job was at stake. The sad part is why didn’t he take action when the problems first were obvious to all but the most inebriated?
I could probably live with Richt if his adaptablility continues and he replaces Bobo after the season. But when his arse is not hot on the grill, he has demonstrated no incination to make such moves on his own.
Otherwise, I hate to say it, but the fact is that in spite of all the talent on the teams of today and the future, we will be looking forward to Outback Bowls or worse as long as Richt is pulling down his $3M per year in Athens.
My hope is that the fan base and alumni have higher expectations than that.
TigerMike
December 1st, 2011
12:12 pm
Let’s just hope that the Georgia fans will be diplomatic and respectful to the LSU fans as well will be to the Georgia fans. It really stinks when you go to a game, and “Gator behavior” breaks out all over the place. I am looking forward to enjoying good times, good food, good friends, and a good game in a great city. That’s my challenge to the Bulldog fans. Bring your manners.
JUST BEAT LS-WHO RICHT
December 1st, 2011
12:33 pm
YOU SUCK BILL KING
phil
December 1st, 2011
1:24 pm
Problem…
The fans won’t be taking the field to play the game on Saturday.
We’re in big trouble unless the D shows up and plays in every one of the 60 minutes in which it’s on the field.
End of story.
DawginLex
December 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
snoop
As long as McGarity is around, richt won’t ever be allowed to be comfortable
phil
December 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
Fire FG!
phil
December 1st, 2011
1:36 pm
We don’t want comfort…
We want championships won the right way, without cheating.
Period.
Can’t deliver? start packing…
DocDawg
December 1st, 2011
1:36 pm
Let the tiger fans bray, they`ve earned that with the season the team has put together. They`re in for a surprise on sat, they haven`t encountered 2 nose tackles close to Jenkins and Geathers this year, maybe ever. 2 fresh guys like that keep each other fresh and the linebackers are stout and hit. The option schemes that worked marginally for LSU against ALA are in for a tough afternoon, Ga as advertised is very fast and deep at LB too. Jefferson will be rocked and pressured, and his passing ability is marginal at best, especially with someone in his face. Ga`s receivers match up better than any team they`ve played this year, because Ga`s deep, big fast and can make the tough catch. They all can, and they`ll knock you back or down blocking, all of them. If the line can open a few creases and the Dawgs backs pop a couple bursts, LSU won`t bray in the end. Should be fun, they can look forward to Mardi Gras and the replay with Ala. WHoopee!!, bring a cot. BTW DR Morpheus has had some good comments in the past, enjoy the game Doc!
Smokewagon
December 1st, 2011
2:04 pm
Great article Bill and thanks to Dr. Morpheus for the scoop behind enemy lines. I know the LSU fans are beating their chest and rightfully so. It is up to our Dawgs to put them in their place.
Tiger Mike – Enjoy your time in Atl. and hope all goes well for you except for the game on the field.
bruce mac
December 1st, 2011
2:16 pm
You LSU fans sure are spending a lot of time convincing yourselves this game is no big deal. Well, it will be a big deal, the DAWGS will show up, believe me. GATA
GoodLuckDawgs
December 1st, 2011
2:39 pm
As a Gator fan who has seen both LSU and Georgia up close and personal, about the only positive thing I can say is, at least Iowa State, Baylor and USC make a good case for playing the game to see how it turns out.
However, my guess is 40-something to 10, LSU.
The big problem with LSU this year is that they basically have 44 starters. They rotate their twos in continuously the whole game, which is why the few teams (except Alabama) that have looked competitive against them in the first quarter end up getting blown out in the second half. Even if your ones match up well, they can’t help but get worn down by LSU’s depth.
TRUTH DAWG
December 1st, 2011
2:53 pm
LSU fans keep talking about putting up 50 points. Big talk for a team that could only score 19 on Miss State and 9 on Alabama. Georgia had Miss State 24-3 at the half.
Riddle me this: How can it be that a team loses to an 8-5 Arkansas team with 4 SEC losses on the last game of the regular season but some how claims to 2007 NC. LSU so called 2007 NC is a joke.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 1st, 2011
3:24 pm
Well I have just made sure UGA will win. I just finished a UGA football Helmet design Bird House. If this TECH fan did that it must mean UGA will win right? I am finishing up a HOUSE DIVIDED Bird House too. It has 2 helmets colliding and the person can order the teams on the helmets. I have a a friend with a website and I am trying to convince him to advertise my bird houses on one of his web pages. If he will let me I will post that info later and maybe some of you football fans might be interested in some of My designs.
I can say I am pulling for the Dawgs or against them. I just think from what I have seen LSU is just too Strong. The UGA running game is the key, but Bama couldn’t run on LSU. I fear UGA can’t either. If MURRAY is left to win it with his passing I don’t think UGA can win.
LSU+SAINTFAN
December 1st, 2011
3:47 pm
Boy you Ga fans sound bitter and lack respect for champions, you remind me of some failcant fans…..I wonder why,lol…….
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 1st, 2011
3:55 pm
LSU+SAINTFAN……………..So the NFL feels SORRY for the Toilet that in NoLa and gives you a Super Bowl Champ and now you are something special? WHY WHY didn’t all the CRAP that floated out of the Louisiana Toilet after Katrina find it’s way back to that crap hole?
LSU+SAINTFAN
December 1st, 2011
4:04 pm
Koolaid guy, i feel your fustration, but i thought this was about football.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 1st, 2011
4:06 pm
It is and NoLa-Baton Bums need to move back to the Toilet that they came from if they are SO PROUD of the True TOILET of the South.
Disoriented Dawg
December 1st, 2011
4:07 pm
I’m not gonna whine about not being given a National Championship until the season is officially over. Besides, I’m still busy right now whining about 2007.
Otis My Man
December 1st, 2011
5:19 pm
After we beat the future National Champs does that make us “CO-NATIONAL CHAMPS”?
Nova Roars
December 1st, 2011
7:22 pm
LSU/Saints has a point…GA fans NEVER show respect for OTHER champions but 30 years is a long time of pent up bitterness.
Mott deWitt
December 1st, 2011
8:26 pm
13 points is not nearly enough. UGA has played NOONE. LSU will be up by at least 10 at half and 21 by the end of the third quarter. They may give up a touchdown late in the 4th after they’ve started celebrating, but only after the game is over. If UGA had played LSU’s schedule they’d by, at best, 7-4, probably 6-5. If LSU had played UGA’s schedule they’d still be undefeated only the stats would have been obscene.
krazydawg
December 1st, 2011
9:29 pm
Bobby Booshey might come in the second half and open a can of whoop a@@ so the Mudhens can win the bourbon bowl.
krazydawg
December 1st, 2011
9:39 pm
Why should we kiss thier Arse?LSU is a very good football team,but past that what does it have to offer we do not have in Georgia.But in the number of teeth per person i say we win.Maybe
HunkerdownDawg1
December 1st, 2011
11:55 pm
For all you Dawg fans if Larry Munson was still with us & calling the SEC CG he might say something like this about 2:30 PM this Saturday afternoon…
“You know we have no chance you guys…absolutely no chance…No one, and I mean no one expects us to even be able to stay on the field with these guys…I mean just look at ‘em!…their just too big! Too strong! Too fast! Their undefeated you know…12-0 and nobody expected us to be here. Their guys go 3 and 4 deep at every position this LSU team. They’ve played the best teams in the world and destroyed everyone one of ‘em…look at all those ranked teams they’ve beaten. And here we are, ‘lil ole Georgia trying to stay on the field with these guys. How are we going to run or throw or do anything against this defense? And you know we can’t stop ‘em….nobody has…my God they’re 12-0! They have too much talent. Too much speed…and we have no running backs…none who are healthy and you know we can’t block ‘em! Loran whataya got?
God please rest Munson’s soul & go Dawgs!
Hobnail Boot
December 2nd, 2011
6:44 am
I love being the underdawg. Nobody gives us a chance. I really think we match up well against LSU and expect a great game. Coach TG has our defense playing hard right now. LSU really does not throw the ball that well and we are good against the run. If Murray takes care of the ball and special teams play well we have a chance. Go Dawgs!!!!
Woofy One
December 2nd, 2011
7:17 am
The GA Dome management has ordered two large tubs of grass for Les to eat. Might be too high to call the plays.
Sugar Free Diet
December 2nd, 2011
7:45 am
I don’t love being the underdawg.
I don’t love complaining about getting no respect when we play a team that’s ranked more than 10 spots above us.
I don’t love hoping that we spoil someone else’s season.
I don’t love complaining about the media, the NCAA, the SEC and any other possible excuse for our lack of success.
I don’t love bragging about upset wins that happened so long ago that nobody remembers them.
I don’t love backing into a Championship playoff when we’re the 5th best team in the league.
I don’t love seeing our fans leave the stadium in the 3rd quarter.
And most of all… I don’t love getting a beat-down from LSU after bragging for weeks about how they’ve never faced an underdawg team quite like the Dawgs.
Does that make me an Energy Vampire?
gtfanfrom1951
December 2nd, 2011
8:39 am
LSU 52
UGA 14
Georgie is going down big time
gtfanfrom1951
December 2nd, 2011
8:41 am
True TOILET of the South = Athens Ga
Tech Sucks
December 2nd, 2011
9:32 am
LSU should be the favorite, they’ve done nothing to not deserve that.
But we are a lot better than Arkansas. Top 5 defense vs. Arkansas 51st ranked defense in the country. If LSU fans think they are going to run the ball down UGA’s throat, they are going to be in for a big freakin surprise.
Snake Doc
December 2nd, 2011
9:33 am
Wouldn’t you be cocky if you were LSU? UGA has not played and beat a team with a winning record in the SEC east. UGA has beaten only one team with a winning record and that team is highly suspect, no matter how good that victory felt from a fans point of view.
LSU is far superior to a team that has played a weak, cupcake schedule, LSU is far superior to a team that did not even play any of the three top teams in the SEC.
The CEO’s teams are good at beating inferior opponents, When it comes to being even competitive against far superior opponents, eh, not so much.
Unfortunately, do to the weak schedule UGA played this year, we will now be subjected to at least another 3 years of the CEO’s ineffective leadership of our no longer relevant and beloved Bulldogs!
Bama in Atlanta
December 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
This is in response to the implied question permeating the blogs of why even play the game if LSU is so highly favored.
Just a couple of games into the regular season in 1986 an average, unranked team from Miami (the one in Ohio, not Florida) made the trip down to Baton Rouge to play the #8 LSU tigers. This was supposed to be an easy win and tune-up game for LSU before they started their SEC play. The problem was, somebody forgot to tell Miami they had no chance because five fumbles, two intercepted passes and a blocked punt later the average, unranked team from Ohio walked off the field with a 21-12 upset of the mighty LSU tigers.
If we take all the college football games that have ever been played where one team has been favored to win over another then the majority of the time the favored team won. But it’s that minority set of games where the underdog has triumphed that makes you realize…..that’s why they play the game.
Snake Doc
December 2nd, 2011
9:39 am
testing the waters of irrelevance thy name is CEO
Snake Doc
December 2nd, 2011
9:40 am
5th best team in the conference. Bwa-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha
Terry
December 2nd, 2011
10:35 am
Bama in Atlanta, I Agree with you, even Bama should have beat LSU, Bama had beat LSU on the field, just not on the score broad. If not for your Kicker missing those Kicks, Bama would have won.
Tech Sucks
December 2nd, 2011
11:54 am
UGA is at the very least the 3rd best team in the conference. They would destroy South Carolina if they played right now. And their defense is so much better than Arkansas it’s not even funny.
UGA would be the top 5 teams in the ACC though.
JOKE BY COKE! NERDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
10-1