Fan talk: Burning questions for spring, ending the Dogs-Jackets rivalry and more!
Getting Isaiah Crowell back on track is a top priority for UGA. (Associated Press)
If your bracket’s already broken, perhaps some spring football is just what you need! Mark Richt’s Bulldogs begin practice Tuesday and will hold 15 practices over a four-week period, winding up with the annual intrasquad G-Day Game at 3 p.m. April 14 at Sanford Stadium. If you’d like to check out the 2012 roster and other tidbits about the team, you can find the 2012 Spring Media Guide online here.
Now, let’s dip into some of this week’s Junkyard Mail. …
Ricky Pepper writes: Bill, it’s that time when all the sportswriters are trotting out their “burning questions” for the spring, so what do you think are the burning questions facing Mark Richt and his team? Mine mainly concern the running game and depth in the secondary.
I think you’re on the mark, Ricky. Boosting the running game is indeed a major item on Richt’s 2012 to-do list, and that involves not just seeing whether the addition of competition from Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley (when he arrives in the fall) spurs some mental and physical toughness on the part of Isaiah Crowell, but also how good a job Will Friend does replacing three starters on what was already an inconsistent offensive line. If Friend’s able to get improved OL play, that’ll also help Aaron Murray. And with two starters likely out for the first couple of games, developing some depth in the secondary is definitely the biggest task awaiting Todd Grantham’s defensive staff. Along those lines, a lot will be riding on how well Malcolm Mitchell handles a potential two-way role. Plus, there’s interest in seeing how Christian LeMay looks at backup QB after his redshirt year. And then there’s the need to revamp special teams, which thankfully appears to be a high priority with Richt this year, and not just because Georgia has to replace the starting punter and placekicker. I was encouraged that the head coach said recently that he’d brought in several NFL coaches to talk about special teams strategies and practices and that the Dawgs will devote more time to that this spring. And I like that he’s talking about loading up special teams with starters, though I think (hope) he was joking when he said he even told Murray “he may be covering kicks.”
VidaliaDawg writes: I was interested to see a discussion on one of the Nerds’ bulletin boards about whether Georgia Tech would be better off ending its every-year series in football with UGA. It appears some of their fan base, mainly younger ones, thinks Georgia has too many advantages in recruiting and the Jackets will never be able to get the rivalry back on an even keel, while the older GT fans can’t imagine not playing Georgia. Others said they want to keep playing Georgia but would rather it not be at the end of the season. Labor Day was mentioned as a good time for the two schools to play. I mentioned this to some of my UGA friends and they surprised me by saying they don’t consider the in-state rivalry a must any more and would rather give up Tech as a yearly rival than Auburn. Georgia not play Tech? That makes no sense to me! What’s your take on this?
I’m with you. I know some fans of both schools think the rivalry is not what it used to be, but for the most part in recent years the games have been close, exciting affairs, even if Georgia has won most of them, and the rivalry between the two schools is one of the most storied in college athletics. On the subject of moving the game, I know that has come up occasionally in recent years with the rise of conference championship games, but I don’t think that’s really a major problem. I can see how having the two schools open their seasons against each other might please the TV folks, but I really prefer to keep it as the regular season finale. As for having to drop either the Georgia-Georgia Tech or Georgia-Auburn rivalry, that’s a tough choice I hope UGA never has to make.
Justin Cade writes: Bill, As we all know, Rodney Garner is Georgia’s recruiting coordinator. However, I’ve noticed that most signees cite their relationships with Coaches Bobo, Grantham and/or Richt as being instrumental in their decision to sign with the Dawgs. Coach Garner’s name is hardly ever brought up unless it’s by a defensive lineman. I’m not suggesting that Coach Garner is doing a bad job, but rather just wondering what exactly his position as recruiting coordinator entails. Any idea?
From what I understand, the assistant coaches are the primary recruiter in their own area and Garner, as the coordinator (since 1998), simply oversees it all. If one coach is going to be considered the “point man” overall in recruiting, it’s Richt. He’s generally the one who closes the deal with recruits’ families.
Michael Foster writes: Which Dream Team members who were freshmen last year do you think will have the biggest impacts? I know Ray Drew’s name has been completely drowned out by the success of Jarvis Jones and the emergence of Cornelius Washington as a sure starter. When and how often will we see Drew? And Artie Lynch is projected to start at tight end. Is it realistic to think Jay Rome won’t see more than 50-50 playing time this year?
I’ll be surprised if both Ray Drew and Jay Rome don’t see considerable playing time this year, though I think perhaps Drew stands to see more reps early on. Of the other second-year Dream Teamers, everyone, of course, is hoping Crowell matures into the superb, game-changing back he showed flashes of last season (and that he manages to stay on the field more than last year). John Jenkins should have a big year on the defensive line and on the OL David Andrews may wind up as the starting center and Watts Danztler likely will see quite a bit of playing time. Mitchell will be a big performer, splitting time between offense and defense, and with Malcolm playing two ways Chris Conley might see more balls thrown his way.
Steve in Roswell writes: If you haven’t already done it, rank the games this year in order of difficulty. Personally I’m thinking the Mizzou road game Sept. 8th may be the toughest this season, but it would be interesting to read your perspective.
It’s kind of early to be handicapping the season, but at this point I’d say South Carolina definitely looks like the toughest game. Because Missouri is the conference opener and Georgia will be missing a couple of starters, that road trip could be the next toughest game. Florida in Jacksonville is always a challenge. After that, I’d say Auburn, Tech and Vandy would be the next toughest remaining games, with Tennessee possibly creeping into that group depending on how they do early in the season.
Norman Jones writes: Bill; I sat down in front of you (Row 46) for 36 years till I gave them up last year. Having to park futher and futher away, expense, and other interests finally got me to reluctantly let them go. I’m about your age and wondered what you think about these young bloggers who demand we challenge for a national championship every year and want Mark’s head otherwise. I want to win as much as anybody, but at what cost? We saw Vince field a few weak teams, but he always got us back on top and did it the right way. I think we have a coach now that is probably the envy of 90 percent of D-1 programs. I feel so lucky to have a coach who is such a class act that good kids want to come to Athens to play for. The what-have-you done-for-me-lately crowd drive me nuts, especially when they don’t have nearly the financial investment in the program us old timers do. Thanks for letting me vent.
I think those who were calling for Richt to be replaced after a couple of disappointing seasons should look at what has happened in Knoxville since Phil Fulmer was deposed.
Got something on your mind concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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245 comments Add your comment
Dmack757
March 17th, 2012
10:49 pm
Don’t sleep on GT, if they ever learn how to throw the ball and get bigger on the Defensive Line the Bulldogs will have more than they can handle! A great rivalry that will Never Die!! They both give us more to cheer about than the Atlanta Falcons, Oh I meant to say the Jacksonville MudDucks!!
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 17th, 2012
11:07 pm
Hey, all you UGA fans are a bunch of boobs and you smell like old shoes. Tech is the bestest school ever and we could beat you ever year but we just let you win so you don’t feel so bad. And for Coach Richt, I wouldn’t want him as my coach cause I don’t like to win!!
CaliDawg
March 18th, 2012
2:44 am
We need to keep the Tech game on the schedule. It’s a guaranteed win and it causes Tech to have to play ineligible players to compete.
TheTruthHurts
March 18th, 2012
3:48 am
If Richt is the envy of 90% of D1 programs as Jones thinks, why haven’t a few gone after him? There have been plenty of head coach openings every year. Same for Bobo. Maybe most D1 schools don’t think Richt is so hot and maybe Jones is dead wrong. One last thing: UGA’s last national championship was 32 years ago. It’s about time for another. But don’t look for it while Richt is the head coach.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
March 18th, 2012
4:36 am
Phfat Fil,
by all means, bring that guy back to the vols, when of course, no one has shown any interest whatsoever in him even as an OL coach in high school.
Mark Richt has got to do something about his 11-year record 19-30 vs end season top 25 opponents. And, it would not hurt if he did something about his 140 arrested / suspended / kicked-off the team players he continues to recruit here at great fanfare.
November 2009 since he beat a top 25 season end team.
Widely criticized by 61 handles and no they are NOT all Georgia tek fans on Chip Towers’ latest blog alone, Mark Richt has many areas where he needs to improve – not the least of which is actually beating the top teams.
Doomsday prophecies such as what in the world would be the reason a true Bulldogs’ Football fan might want more ? Or, they are all Georgia tek fans. Or look at Phfat Fil and their struggles when really the
vols have not football since 2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012 obviously no different
If Phfat Fil is so much better for the vols, why has no high school hired him as even their OL coach ?
No, what we have around here is a lack of
EXPECTATIONS
Old Dawg.
March 18th, 2012
7:06 am
Enter your comments here
Old Dawg.
March 18th, 2012
7:22 am
Still@theKool: you keep talking about our record against teams like Fla,Bama, & LSU. I agree that it has not been so good the last few years but, where does that leave GT seeing that our record against them has been great. Think about what your saying. Your team would really stink against them. You remind me of a kid that says I can’t beat you but my big brother can. I suppose they are your big brother. Poor little fellow go home and cry to Mom.
Joey
March 18th, 2012
8:51 am
My burning question?
Will Richt/Bobo waste the speedy new offensive talent?
Some coaches (Myer, Petrino, Peterson, etc) have a talent for designing plays to get the ball to their “burners” in space or vs a mismatch.
Richt/Bobo just don’t have that skill – they just trot in their burner (usually Brandon Smith) for an end-around. I did like the quick pitch TD by Boykin this season, though.
I just remember Myer constantly pressuring our D with Harvin, Rainey, Demps, etc getting the ball with a LB (and sometimes nobody) trying to cover them. Not every coach has that creativity – our coaches definitely don’t.
We’ve got a couple of guys coming in here with world-class speed.
I just hope Richt/Bobo don’t waste them with the old, end-around play . . .
RHall55
March 18th, 2012
8:54 am
There were (5) burning questions recently published going into Spring Practice; each had the concern of depth!! My question, Coach Rodney Garner, Recruting Coordinator, how can you have a depth problem when you have eight more scholarships to give? When prospects are saying I would have committed but said I was offered too late? When prospects are saying I would have gone to UGA but other schools were in more contact w/ me? When your DC is mentioned 10 times more than your name from recruits? C’mon Man. do your job so UGA has a chance to win the big games!!! If doesn’t change, then Coach Mark Richt needs to do his job!! Remember Coach Willie Martinez? Coach Rodney Garner, you are in the same category!! Called INEPT!!
Joey
March 18th, 2012
8:59 am
“Boosting the running game is indeed a major item on Richt’s 2012 to-do list,…”
***********************************************
Bill, do you remember Richt’s 2011 to-do list?
Something about “studying football – cutting-edge football.”
Did you see anything like that in any game last season? Did you see cutting-edge football in the bowl game?
My point is, don’t get carried away with delicious thoughts of grand new schemes or a markedly different offense, nor a “boosted running game,” just because he may have mentioned it.
That new running game will probably go in the same trashcan that the “cutting edge football” went in . . .
Dap01
March 18th, 2012
9:09 am
The most BURNING questions for 2012: Will Bobo’s chaotic offensive coordination continue? Will UGA’s coaching staff continue to act like special teams have just been invented and they haven’t quite mastered them yet?
The problem with special teams could be linked to the thinking that is was ok to punt to the LSU return man last year.
The problem with the play calling could be linked to the thinking that Carlton Thomas can run up the middle with no blocking.
A Father
March 18th, 2012
9:51 am
NormanJones: Best wishes and glad you were a long time fan but lets look at ” Reality “. V Dooley was a very good coach, great is not the case when looking at results. Every so often he would put a great team on the field but only during the Herschel Walker period did GA rise to a 4 year national prominent team. The fact that we beat Florida every year with less talent is known by all the former players, Florida was stacked in the 70’s and 80’s, we won because of the terrible Head coaches of Florida and we had beter coaching, you see a pattern here, it is true, once Steve Spurrier changed the culture of Florida, we needed to raise our Head Coaching level, not happened yet.
As for the comment class act. I dont think that Mark Richt is a class act as a head coach. Any coach that makes back to back week statements of ” this is not a must win game ” should be fired immediately for insubordination to the very job and contract they have been hired to accomplish. At any time you except losing then you are not a bulldog, one thing for sure, Vince Dooley and Russell had instilled in the football team that regardless of the situation during a game, we would fight, get bloodied until you had to carry us off the field. I have not every seen this with a GA team under Mark Richt, it is also apparent by the lack of big wins against top 10 football teams in his career. Heck, even Dooley’s weaker teams would upset and beat top teams every year. You knew the GA team would fight anyone to the end under Dooley and Russell. Mark Richt will never understand what being a GA Bulldog demands.
Lets see, class act for players? We have the worse group of players over the last 6 years come to Athens, no character, discipline, desire to play at GA, be a student athlete. Mark Richt is allowing Brandon Smith who was one of many players to flunk the drug test before Florida game last year, got arrested this spring break for pot to stay on the team, WHY? is this the type GA Football Player you want representing UGA. What about the S Commings who assaulted a female, not the first time either, still on the team. I guess this stuff does not count against Mark Richt. CHARACTER SHOULD NEVER BE USED WITH THE NAME MARK RICHT AND GA FOOTBALL.
Using Tenn as a fear tactic against firing Mark Richt. We are the Tennessee of that period, bad kids, alot of arrest, not winning, just alot of TROUBLE. We do our share to win Fulmer Cup each year. Some have even suggested the renaming to Fulmer/Richt Cup, it would be fitting.
Norman Jones: the very fact that you gave of your life long season tickets tell us everything we need to know about VERY POOR LEADERSHIP TOP TO BOTTOM:
If Georgia Bulldog Football was WINNING, you would never have given up the tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey
March 18th, 2012
10:04 am
Father, how would UGA get it’s money back if they kicked those guys off the team?
Jacket99
March 18th, 2012
10:23 am
I think those who were calling for Richt to be replaced after a couple of disappointing seasons should look at what has happened in Knoxville since Phil Fulmer was deposed.
—————————————-
I think Bill is right and 13-1 and Father are wrong. A Tennessee fan at the time of Fulmer’s firing told me he supported the firing because the program had become stale and their record had not been consistently good since 2004. Then came Lane Kiffin and Derek Dooley. Now my Tennessee friends would be happy with a winning season. It’s a risk. Fire Richt and hire the next Saban or fire Richt and hire the next Kiffin. Is Jack Del Rio available?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
10:44 am
Old Dawg.
March 18th, 2012
7:22 am
Still@theKool: you keep talking about our record against teams like Fla,Bama, & LSU. I agree that it has not been so good the last few years but, where does that leave GT seeing that our record against them has been great. Think about what your saying. Your team would really stink against them. You remind me of a kid that says I can’t beat you but my big brother can. I suppose they are your big brother. Poor little fellow go home and cry to Mom.
Old Dwag I don’t have to compare Tech against those teams. Tech fans don’t use the “WE are Great because We play in the SEC” card. Saying UGa is great compared to the GREAT teams in the SEC UGa is average. The SEC teams are not our big brother because we don’t play them or are in their conference. I don’t hear Ole Miss running around flying the SEC banner like UGa fans do when the dawgs have a bad or average finish. UGa beating Tech, Kentucky, Vandy, Ole miss, Miss St, USC, UT, and the lil sisters of the poor is nothing to brag about. Tech beating the lil sisters of the poor, Duke, UVa, Maryland, Boston College, & NCSU shouldn’t be big bragging rights either.
Pago Pago DAWG
March 18th, 2012
10:48 am
At a party down here in Orange Beach, a Sparty told us they were shocked that UGA was out of gas late in 4th qtr..and shocked again that UGA didn’t have a field goal kicker.
A Father
March 18th, 2012
12:04 pm
Seeing it in person was worse, mich st beat GA like a child the whole second half. Starts with our continuing bad QB play and festers through the whole team. Our OL has not been bad the past 3 years, when you have poor QB’s it is easy for a defense to defend. If not for the defense in several games in 2011, ole miss, florida, kentucky, tennessee, miss st all could have been loses. QB play is what separates great teams from very good teams, very good teams from average teams and so on. Georgia is an average team unable to beat very good or great teams, BECAUSE OF QB PLAY!!!
Quit laying blame on other parts of the team, until we have a top notch QB or a Herschel Walker, expect more of the same each year at GA.
HOUDAWG
March 18th, 2012
12:14 pm
Please Tech , don’t leave ! It’s a guaranteed WIN for us every year ……… but, I do agree with you on one point. You CAN’T compete with UGA ……
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
1:10 pm
Still@theKool-
aidBAR
Dawg48
March 18th, 2012
1:14 pm
It’s time to put the mustard on the hotdog and go racing!
Anonymous 'Cos
March 18th, 2012
1:18 pm
WOW!!!!!…
…4 pages of comments and all i got out of them all is…
Still@theKool-aidBar (a.k.a. Saint Simons) really, really needs to get over it’s creepy infatuation for the Dawgs and the AJC/UGA website. It has become a pathetic addiction. This from a psychologist.
…And for the sake of everyone else’s sanity, i personally plead with you to “get a life, quickly!” This from a person who has a life…and a Dawg fan. That is all.
Dawg48
March 18th, 2012
1:22 pm
Anonymous ‘Cos
March 18th, 2012
1:18 pm
WOW!!!!!…
…4 pages of comments and all i got out of them all is…
Still@theKool-aidBar (a.k.a. Saint Simons) really, really needs to get over it’s creepy infatuation for the Dawgs and the AJC/UGA website. It has become a pathetic addiction. This from a psychologist.
…And for the sake of everyone else’s sanity, i personally plead with you to “get a life, quickly!” This from a person who has a life…and a Dawg fan. That is all.
Hey D.A. , you are telling people to get a life for posting on a blogg and spending time reading and posting. Isn’t that what your doing?
Jacket99
March 18th, 2012
1:30 pm
No snow angels for the winner today.
Dawg48
March 18th, 2012
1:30 pm
The 78 took out some good cars.
A Father
March 18th, 2012
1:34 pm
The red helmet of Georgia football in the articles picture is without a doubt unmatched by any college. Why anyone in power would allow the GA football team o wear anything other than the red halmet in a game should be fired.
Burma Shave
March 18th, 2012
2:29 pm
Dawg athletes are dummies
Who act like clowns
They use street drugs
And steal hashbrowns
BURMA SHAVE
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
3:32 pm
#4 lady DWAGS go down to a 3AAA MARIST basketball team. The Lady Jackets are Smoking(not like Crowell) Sacred Heart.
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
3:32 pm
Looks like it’s going to be a very, very interesting year. I’ts going one of two ways, we’ll go into the SEC championship game with a high ranking and a head of steam, or we’ll be looking for a new OC. If we get out of both Columbia’s with a win then we should run the table.lose either one or both,and we’ll get no respect from polls the rest of the year. If the OL gels early, look for the Doggies to have an AWESOME Year…
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
3:34 pm
48 you here? I am listening to the LADY JACKETS and putting up Fence. I will not be back for a few but i wanted to check in. I might take the Ltop to the pasture and see if i can type. LOL. Kiss the wife on the forehead and I send blessings on your up coming birth.
A Father
March 18th, 2012
3:46 pm
OL has been pretty good, QB play last 3 years has be god awful
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
3:49 pm
@A.Cos.
Blogging is a healthy social activity. Some anti-social people aren’t responsible enough to be on a blog. Try not to be so immuture. You might want to try a Disney blog…
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
3:58 pm
A. Father
I agree about the Red Helmets. I also perfer the traditional uniforms. Old School…
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
3:59 pm
KingDaddy R U Defending me? LOL. I can still get wifi this far from the house i am surprised.
Jacket99
March 18th, 2012
4:02 pm
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
3:58 pm
A. Father
I agree about the Red Helmets. I also perfer the traditional uniforms. Old School…
———————————-
Traditions are good. Keep the Tech/UGA game. Keep the UGA/Auburn game. Schedule the UGA/Clemson game. Schedule the Tech/Auburn game. Drop one or two cupcakes. The polls will like it and the fans will love it.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:04 pm
Anonymous ‘Cos………..I an WHO I am. I have never been St. Simons. I have names I use but that is not one. i use this name on this blog. I an not like WnE, 13-1, Thomas Brown, Headly Lemar, BuLLdawg and his other names. You will know me as this name on this blog. Thanks for caring.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:06 pm
99 is in the HOUSE………….LOL i like the Thur. Night OLD SCHOOL tech unis of the white helmet.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:07 pm
Anybody know where the Lady Dwags Bball team is?
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
4:07 pm
Dawg 48
I hope everything’s going smooth with your wife and am wishing for a easy and safe delivery…
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:11 pm
Lady Jackets tearing it up on the Worthy, Perkins, Jordan, Black, & Dougherty Court aka Carmichael Arena.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:13 pm
kingdaddy…………we are trying to get Lil Miss 48 to be a TECH FAN. LOL STOP trying to hone in with the Bama thing. LOL
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
4:15 pm
You guys may disagree with me,but I still wish Tech was still in the SEC. It would be a shame to cancel the Ga./G.T. rivalry. It’s Tradition…
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:21 pm
GT LJ 56 v SH LS 31…………..What happened to the Lady dWags?
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
4:21 pm
Koolade
Still hungover from St. Pats. In Sav. last night. Don’t get bamer thing? 48s ol ladies gonna drop a litter of PUPS, not hive of bees. LOL!
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:24 pm
kingdaddy………..if..IF BAMA—Bryant wasn’t such a D-bag—Dodd(GT) would never have left. What is an issue NOW with the over signing was Dodd’s issue 40 years ago. NOW the rest of the SEC has a complaint and never said a word back then.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:25 pm
King D did you do River St or Tybee thing?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:28 pm
GT 67 v SH 39………….What did the #4 lady Dwags do?
kingdaddy
March 18th, 2012
4:32 pm
You couldn’t pay me to get in that mess. Partied at the Dew Drop Inn till 3:00. Too many Po Po’s downtown and at the beach. Been there, done that. Too many damn people for me…
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:32 pm
WHY no Herschel Statue? That seems like a needed thing with Leebern’s money.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
March 18th, 2012
4:36 pm
HAHAHHAHAH…………..KING nice call……..Dew Drop i have never visited. I did get a ticket for letting my dog on the tybee beach when i didn’t know that was WRONG. Been to the CRAB SHACK on the beach. Not sure the real name, but it was a Party on the DECK.
A Father
March 18th, 2012
4:37 pm
Jacket99: The georgia vs clemson games were stopped because of the old GA bluehairs. When Clemson late 70’s early 80’s got so good the Oldies felt like Clemson could steal recruits because of the game against GA. By canceling the games with Clemson none of the kids in Atlanta would know about Clemson. It served its purpose but that is not the way things play out anymore as we know.