Fan talk: Toughest defense UGA faces, Richt’s reversal, running game concerns and more!
The Georgia Bulldogs will meet the fans again at the annual Picture Day. (Brant Sanderlin/ AJC)
UGA’s annual Picture Day for fans will be held Aug. 18 in the Reed Plaza area of Sanford Stadium, with Mark Richt, his players, other Bulldog athletes and “interim” mascot Russ on hand.
Special ticket coupons will be required for access to Russ and Richt. Those tickets will be distributed to the first 150 fans lining up at 8 a.m. at the East End ticket windows on East Campus Road.
The UGA cheerleaders and Hairy Dawg will be available from 1 to 5 p.m. Russ and other University of Georgia sports teams will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. Georgia football players will be on hand for photos and autographs from 3 to 5 p.m. in Reed Plaza on the north side of the stadium between Gates 2 and 4. Richt will also be available from 3 to 5 p.m. for those with ticket coupons.
Fans will be able to enter Reed Plaza through Gate 2 across from the Tate Student Center and Gate 4 through the East Campus Road entrance into the plaza. Both gates open at 1 p.m. Parking is available to the general public in all campus lots surrounding the stadium. Handicapped parking will be available in the Tate Center lots.
Concessions will be available in the plaza. Fans can purchase UGA merchandise at the UGA Bookstore located next to the Tate Center. The bookstore will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Because of problems surrounding student-athlete autographs across the country, no outside items may be brought to Picture Day. The UGA Athletic Association will provide each fan with two free schedule posters to be signed by the players and head coach. No other items will be permitted.
Now, let’s get to some of this week’s Junkyard Mail. …
Bubba King (no relation that I know of) writes: Bill, I am an avid reader and lifetime Dawg fan. … I know this time of the year, everyone is channeling his/her inner Munson, dwelling on upcoming opponents and missing pieces of what would otherwise be a perfect puzzle. I am no different. Who will pose a bigger problem for the UGA offense this year, South Carolina’s defense or Florida’s? I know South Carolina has a couple stud DE’s, but UGA had no problem moving the ball on them last year and they are missing some key players from that unit. Florida, however, returns just about everyone from a team that held Murray to 40 percent passing, and if not for a couple miracle 4th down receptions and Richard Samuel IV’s heroic 4th quarter effort, UGA would have once again been trucking back home with the loss. What are we gonna do to move the chains on those guys this year?
Both teams should have tough defenses this season. The Gamecocks had the nation’s third-best defense last year and are expected to be pretty good again this season despite losing several starters to the NFL and graduation as well as longtime defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, now coaching Southern Miss. They have pretty stellar returning talent, including Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor and D.J. Swearinger. They should be stout as usual against the run, and while the linebacking corps and secondary will be a bit inexperienced, their pass rush will be awesome, which is a big concern for Georgia with its green offensive line and a quarterback sometimes prone to turning it over under pressure. The Gators’ D, which ranked eighth nationally last season, is again expected to carry the team much of this season, as it returns 15 of its top 16 tacklers. One caveat is that star defensive end Ronald Powell tore his ACL in the spring and while Will Muschamp expects him to play this year, it’s questionable whether he’ll be 100 percent. Florida’s run defense was rather porous last year (just ask Samuel) and the Gators may have depth problems. It’s hard to predict this early, but my inclination is to say that the Gamecocks’ defense might be a tougher nut for the Dawgs to crack than the Gators’.
Andy Simmons writes: Bill, what was up with Mark Richt this week? First he announces at UGA Day in Atlanta that he’s going after some Penn State players, which made sense considering Georgia’s depleted roster, and then a few days later he issues a mysterious statement that he’s not going after any of Penn State’s players. Hard to believe he pulled a 180 like that in such a public way. Any idea what was behind it?
The most surprising thing about it all wasn’t that Richt considered going after some of the Penn State players once they were declared available, or that he has backed off now that it seems few of them are of a mind to transfer. What opened many eyes wide was Richt telling fans and press about Georgia coaches going over the PSU depth chart only hours after the NCAA sanctions were announced. Normally he plays things much closer to the vest, but maybe he was caught up in the momentary excitement of the hunt. In reality, this situation has developed so suddenly and so close to the beginning of preseason practice that few of the Nittany Lions are likely to move — at least, not at this time. My guess is that whatever direct contacts UGA may have made produced little interest. Then, Friday, when the Dawgs247.com Website obtained a copy of the initial list of 19 Penn State players Georgia told the school it was interested in, I’m guessing Richt concluded that was only going to fan the flames and it would be better to publicly put the whole story to rest. So he issued his statement that, “Currently, Georgia is not pursuing any of Penn State’s football players. We wish Coach O’Brien and the players the best.” You’ll notice that doesn’t close the door if any PSU players look Georgia’s way in the future.
Tony Piska writes: Hi Bill, I attended the UGA Day fan gathering on Monday, and while Coach Richt received a well-deserved standing ovation, Coaches [David] Perno and [Mark] Fox were not afforded the same treatment. Football has always had top priority in Athens, of course, but I felt that our outstanding baseball and basketball coaches were slighted in this case. What are your thoughts?
I don’t think it was an intentional slight and I doubt they took it that way. The football coach usually gets a standing ovation at those affairs, whether he’s had a great season and is to be congratulated or has had a disappointing one and the fans want to show they’re still on board. But historically the same doesn’t apply to other sports at UGA, and Perno and Fox had teams that went through mediocre seasons last year.
Keith Marshall might provide the breakway threat Georgia's running game needs. (Curtis Compton / AJC)
Low Country Captive writes: Hey Bill, Love your blog, brother! Thanks for all the insights of a rabid yet objective fan. Wondering how you feel about our running game this year. Yes, Crowell was a knucklehead and, while talented, nobody needs more distractions and suspensions. Goodnight, dumb prince. That being said, I can’t buy the hype of “we’ll be OK without him.” The guy had moves and speed. O-line is a huge concern. If we are lucky enough to have 5 solid guys performing, we have no depth. Yes, we have talent in the backfield but it’s all a big mystery as to what that talent might do. If it were so solid why in the world would we move the man without a country, Richard “Selfless” Samuel, back to TB? Wondering what your honest assessment and concerns are about our running game. Everything else about our team sure looks good in ‘012! Go Dawgs!
You touched on my biggest concern when it comes to our running game: the offensive line. If the line can block adequately, I think Boo Malcome and Richard Samuel will be steady, if unspectacular, ball carriers and freshmen Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley have breakaway, star potential, though it might take a while to develop. Early in the season, I think Mike Bobo will be inclined to depend more on his quarterback and talented receiving corps. But, even there, the play of the OL will be crucial.
Brannon Nealy in Richmond writes: Bill, My question/comment centers around special teams. I am a lifelong Bulldog fan living in Virginia now and I have seen Frank Beamer’s teams win many games on their special teams play. With the competitiveness of the SEC, I am surprised UGA has not hired a special teams coach or put more emphasis in that area of the team. In my opinion, it can make the difference on whether or not UGA goes 10-2 or 12-0 this season. Would love to hear your thoughts.
You’re preaching to the choir on that subject, Brannon. I wrote a Blawg on Georgia’s special teams situation a few weeks back that you can check out here, but essentially I’m taking a wait-and-see attitude despite Richt’s statements that the Dogs will spend more time in practice on live kicks and will get more starters out on the field for kick coverage. We have a pair of true freshmen as placekicker and punter, as well, so that’s a big unknown. Beyond on that, though, as I said in the earlier piece, I’d like to see a heightened sense of awareness on the part of both the special teams players and the coaching staff. Last year Georgia was a sucker for a fake punt (not for the first time under Richt). And against LSU you watched the Dawgs punt with a true sense of foreboding because they didn’t seem to know how to counter the Tigers’ return game. That’s got to change.
David Rosenberg writes: Bill, Love your column. I have been a Georgia fan all my life. I cannot imagine how I would feel about my university had it been embroiled in the type of situation in which Penn State finds Itself. Penn State grew to greatness under Joe Paterno. Unfortunately, it appears that as his power grew, so did his need to be held accountable, which the university failed to do. This is a tragedy for the victims, the families, the students, the athletes and the university. We all want to win. Mark Richt has done everything at Georgia one could ask with the exception of that elusive “title.” I know that sticks in the craw of many Georgia fans, as does the appearance of having a “discipline” problem at Georgia. But Richt made the correct point, that the reason it appears there is a discipline problem is because Georgia actually disciplines their athletes for poor behavior. Richt has been and continues to be a very good coach; but more importantly, a very good man. No hero worship, but could you ever imagine a man of Richt’s character even being on the fringe of something so heinous?
Mark Richt acted forthrightly in the case of Zach Mettenberger. (Associated Press)
No, I can’t. And Richt’s record shows he wouldn’t likely tolerate such behavior. Take the case of Zach Mettenberger, for example. As Richt said at SEC Media Days, he’d known Zach “since he was a little peanut” and Mettenberger’s mom has worked in the football office ever since the head coach has been at Georgia. But when Mettenberger got hit with two counts of sexual battery stemming from an incident in which he grabbed the breasts and touched the buttocks of a woman in a bar, he was kicked off the team, even though it meant he’d likely wind up at another SEC program (LSU, as it turned out). If Richt was inclined to cover for anyone, you’d have thought it might be Mettenberger, but the coach acted forthrightly. I have no doubt he’d do the same again if circumstances like those in Happy Valley were to occur in Athens.
Serotta writes: I read your long-winded response [in last week's Junkyard Mail] about Richt’s constant problem recruits. You seem to avoid the point most are making. Yes, many schools recruited your RB [Isaiah] Crowell. However it’s doubtful he would’ve strayed under [Nick] Saban or many other programs given their leadership and track record. However under the Richt regime it’s the same ole rotten tune every year. He has a consistent track record of not having disciplined players OFF the field. You can twist the story all you want but these are the facts. And many would make the case his players have trouble being disciplined ON the field during critical times. See Bama, SC, Fla, Colorado & Boise games as examples. Richt fielded loaded teams during the years Matt Stafford played for example but how many times did those teams underachieve? At some point the coach leading the program has to be held accountable. The national press will continue to hold Richt accountable for his undisciplined program no matter how many folks in Athens hide their heads in the sand.
It’s tough to discern exactly what point you’re making other than you don’t like Richt. You maintain he doesn’t discipline his players, but that’s inaccurate. He’s kicked players off the team and suspends them too frequently for many folks’ liking. Clearly, he does discipline his players. Now, maybe you’re making the point that if players need dismissing or suspending, that reflects an overall failure on the coach’s part. Since that’s the way you think, I hope if one of your kids ever gets in trouble, you step up and shoulder the blame since you don’t appear to think these young men are responsible for their own actions. You also seem to have an idea that players at UGA get into trouble because Richt is soft on them. It sounds like you’ve bought into the myth that players at some schools, including Alabama, don’t break the rules because they’re scared of their head coach. Of course, it’s also possible that at those schools the discipline issues haven’t been as high-profile as Georgia’s not because their players are more likely to toe the line but because the program isn’t as up-front about dealing with misbehavior. Certainly, schools such as Alabama and LSU don’t have a drug policy as tough as Georgia’s. As for on-field discipline, again, I’m not sure what you have in mind. In certain games against some of the teams you cite, Georgia in recent years had breakdowns in execution that resulted in a loss. At other times, they simply got outplayed by better teams. And in some instances they beat those teams. Yes, ultimately, when the team loses the blame falls on the head coach, but I don’t see how what you cite points to a lack of discipline on Richt’s part.
Jim Parry writes: Bill, Non-Bulldog question: If NCAA police are vacating Penn State wins since ’98, will that make Bobby Bowden all-time leader? I believe his ego really wants to be #1. He didn’t publicly mention that it mattered to him, but I think he was trying to hang on for that as much as anything in the end.
As a result of the wins vacated by the NCAA action against Penn State, Joe Paterno’s former total of 409 victories now stands at 298. Ex-FSU coach Bowden is indeed now the all-time winningest FBS coach, with 377 wins. It would have been more but he also had victories vacated from his record after the 2009 NCAA sanctions levied on the Seminoles. Eddie Robinson of Grambling is now the all-time winningest coach in Division I history with 408 wins. The most wins at any level is held by John Gagliardi of St. Johns University, a Division III program in Minnesota, with 484 victories. Bowden’s response to becoming the all-time wins leader: “The thing is, what happened is so bad, is so drastic, that it overcomes anything that’s happened to me. There’ll be no rejoicing in the Bowden household, I’ll tell you that. … I’m saddened by what happened at Penn State.”
Jay Johnson, assistant principal at Rockmart High School, writes: Bill, I had the opportunity to hear [Richard] Samuel speak to 60-plus kids this morning at Cass High School. Head football coach Rick Casko asked him to speak at his “young kids” camp. Samuel told his story of switching positions multiple times quickly, but focused on 3 things for the kids: 1. Academics come first. It was revealed the he only made 2 B’s in his undergraduate studies, one an 89, and that his mother threatened to pull him off the team. 2. Respect your parents/teachers/coaches. He told kids he wouldn’t have his degree or future if it weren’t for these people. 3. Work ethic. He told them that “hard work pays off.” You may already know all of this, but if not, as much bad publicity as UGA has earned, I think other Dawg fans would enjoy hearing about our players that are doing things the right way.
Samuel may not be the most talented back at UGA, but he’s the kind of player coaches love because he puts the team first and is smart and a hard-worker. I’m glad the kids at Cass got a chance to be exposed to the best kind of Georgia Bulldog. Thanks for sharing.
I’ll answer more Junkyard Mail next week, so if you have something you want to discuss concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg, send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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283 comments Add your comment
Scambledog
July 28th, 2012
10:52 pm
I just hope we can keep it together for four quarters………..GATA, Go Dogs……..Sic ‘em !!!!~
Resident Georgia Fan @ Freddo
July 28th, 2012
11:18 pm
Third!!!
I'm an idiot
July 29th, 2012
12:09 am
First!
Pj
July 29th, 2012
12:14 am
Richard Samuel might be one of my top 10 favorite uga players in the 28 years since my family moved to Athens. He literally does everything he is asked to do for the team, speaks with maturity and intelligence, makes incredible grades – and despite not having any big stat years (yet) he has made a few game winning runs in key games. He’s definitely my favorite player on the 2012 squad. Jarvis is my #2 and Malcolm Mitchell is my 3. 11-1 and another game in the dome!
satxdawg
July 29th, 2012
12:18 am
I just hope going up against our defense all spring/summer toughens up our oline. I hope we come out and hit people in the mouth for a change . Go dawgs
coondawg69
July 29th, 2012
12:23 am
Wow, how bad is UGA mens hoops program when winning 5 regular season conference games is considered mediocre. dont get me started on baseball. You have wood and pal at the top of the rotation and go 2&cue in Hoover plus have a conference team batting of what .147 with runners on scoring position… Impressive.
Loves me some Richard Samuel
July 29th, 2012
12:29 am
He’s a true dawg! We need more guys like him. He’ll be remembered forever for his true dedication to UGA, his players, and himself.
He’s my favorite because he never quit.
RED DOG 77
July 29th, 2012
12:43 am
Georgia BULLOGS 34 ………..Florida 19………….Georgia BULLDOGS 42 South Carolina 12……………………2012 is lookin’ pretty sweet……………..RED
RED DOG 77
July 29th, 2012
12:45 am
Yea, Yea, Yea…………..correction: BULLDOGS…………not………. BULLOGS
Natureboy809
July 29th, 2012
12:50 am
Why couldn’t Crowell have had Richard Samuel’s brain/attitude/upbringing?
chuck
July 29th, 2012
1:13 am
Richard Samuel is a role model for all Dawg fans. I urge all fans to join me in giving him a LONG standing ovation on Sept. 1st.
Hugh
July 29th, 2012
1:33 am
a good guy – no doubt (as he likes
to say), but he’s neither brilliant nor disciplined. It’s tough to ask
How do you expect Richt to teach players to be disciplined when he lacks discipline himself. Self discipline and attention to detail are not Richt’s strong suits. The
“missing man” stunt with Crowell’s recruitment was a violation – plain and simple. Richt should have known better. Opening his mouth prematurely about the Harvey-Clemons signing also showed poor self discipline. And how many times have we heard Richt say, he’s not sure about a rule. Isn’t he paid to know the rules? Again, good good guy, but I sure as he’ll wouldn’t want him doing my taxes, defending me in court, or doing anything else for me that requires even an ounce of selff discipline. And as for Bobo- he’s good enough for Richt. He sure as
he’ll wouldn’t be good enough for me. Bobo, like most of the players, is
Mark’s buddy, and you just don’t fire your buddy. As UGA fans, we must
take the bad with the good. Saban is smart and disciplined, but I’m not
sure I would want him as my coach or my buddy.
Hugh
Hugh
July 29th, 2012
1:54 am
Oh – and don’t forget the impulsive statement about going after PSU players. That’s just who Richt is – lovable but not disciplined. In light of the PSU situation, I guess integrity trumps self discipline.
ghDOG
July 29th, 2012
3:38 am
The Dogs D—best in the SEC in 2012. Look for an easy SEC east title, then a huge upset over lsu! the dogs are back!!
SSI
July 29th, 2012
7:39 am
I hope the Dawg fans in Sanford Stadium give Richard Samuels IV a standing ovation each time he’s introduced at a home game! He deserves it!
We Run the East
July 29th, 2012
7:41 am
R!ed Dog and ghDOG are in dream land. Your team has struggled in last few years beating East opponents and now your calling for big blowouts against your two best East rivals? Just whistling pass the graveyard. Dawgs will NOT blowout SC in Columbia. Dawgs may win a close one, but if its a blowout UGA will be on the receiving end of the blowout
tech fan
July 29th, 2012
7:53 am
Who cares? Let me know when DragonCon is in town. Until then, I’ll keep posing as a bama fan, and sometimes a S.C. fan.
cleveland ave. dawg
July 29th, 2012
7:59 am
It’s kind of hard to fire CMB when he’s married to a legend Vincent Dooley daughter! Plus they have 5 kids. CMR doesn’t have that type of heart to do that! That’s why in MY OPINION, he’s still there. Ijs!
loyaldawg
July 29th, 2012
8:00 am
At all the games, lets just cheer Lets Go Richard
Ringleader
July 29th, 2012
8:03 am
Bill, what you do not see is that we have lost to too many teams who were inferior. Look at the Colorao, Oklahoma State, Central Florida, etc games. In 25 years, Coach Dooley lost two times to inferior teams, Virginia and Miami of Ohio.
That is clearly the problem of the coaching staff, not being prepared and not adjusting during the games. The work effort does not appear to be there for every game.
Joey
July 29th, 2012
8:04 am
The Gator D will be the toughest we face this season. Look for Auburn to be very much improved with BVG in charge.
I think with the exception of KY, the East will be the toughest and most improved division this season. The West will basically be a 2-team race, with the rest struggling in their East matchups.
We Run the East is correct – no blowouts in East vs East games.
Law & Order
July 29th, 2012
8:05 am
Fans should not be alarmed when they see the Athens-Clarke County Police at Picture Day. They’re just taking pre-arrest photos and fingerprints of the players to save time later when they’re arrested and booked into the jail.
Beast from the East
July 29th, 2012
8:14 am
Joey,
I think you’re correct in that the East will be much improved. My Gators should be tough on defense and the offense HAS to be better than last year. UT will be better. SC will be really tough to beat. I know this by the swagger that SOS has shown about his team this year. UGA has the easiest road to Atlanta due to the luck of the draw on their West opponents, but it still won’t be a cakewalk to get there.
Joey
July 29th, 2012
8:22 am
Ringleader, it has been a staple of Richt teams to lose a game or two, every year, that they shouldn’t lose. In the first half of Richt’s tenure, it cost UGA a shot at the Big Game. In the past few years, those type losses put us in mediocre bowl games.
My reason for optimism this season is that this will the be Grantham’s 3rd season, and everbody should know their responsibilities. Even so, with Richt’s habit of getting a small lead, then starting his endless, 3-and-out offense, our D has to stay on the field the entire 2nd half, and I don’t know if Grantham has the depth to prevent exhaustion in the 4th quarter.
I believe the reason for Richt’s new philosophy on offense comes from he and Bobo not trusting Murray and the O-line. His penchant for turnovers-for-scores, I think is why they put games in the D’s hands, instead of his.
Will Cobb
July 29th, 2012
8:37 am
Bill, your response to Serrota was perfectly worded! Excellent response! Too many fans out there do not deal in reality when it comes to our coaches and their support of who ever their favorite teams are. I can’t imagine what kind of world’s some of these bloggers live in, we are very fortunate to have Mark Richt as our coach for so many reasons beyond the fact he is an excellent football coach.
Joey
July 29th, 2012
8:46 am
Beast, I look for Vandy to do big things also. A little slip by SC, UF, or UGA and Vandy may take their place in the top 3 in the East. And don’t forget Mizzou – they have a great QB. You should look up his numbers.
We Run the East
July 29th, 2012
8:56 am
Yea, Vandy scares me, but I am optimistic SC with Lattimore and company can beat Vandy that first Thursday night in Commodore stadium. If SC loses that first game, huge shakeup in East to follow. Key is Lattimore- if he is back and is the best back in the league (entire USA) then SC will take care of business.
Bama Dawg
July 29th, 2012
8:57 am
Hey Ringleader,
Revisionist history? I watched GA lose to Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, and Miami of Ohio among others during the Dooley years. Heck the was 6-5 the year before he won the National Championship in 1980. I’m a big Dooley fan, but he wouldn’t have last five years in today’s environment. If you have the current coaching staff so much, why not go cheer for Bama until you can get behind the Dogs?
hornblowermg
July 29th, 2012
9:19 am
Boo Malcome & Hutson Mason. come on down.
Holy Guacamole
July 29th, 2012
9:20 am
Yeah, SEC east brethern. Everybody in the SEC east is better than UGA, including the periennial doormats. What a bunch of haters.
Joey
July 29th, 2012
9:32 am
A Dawg fan can be a Dawg fan without being a Richt fan . . .
Joey
July 29th, 2012
9:35 am
We Run the East, better wait and see Latimore tote the ball this year – he WAS great, but not all backs are the same after reconstructive surgery on the knee.
I hope he still is.
Beast from the East
July 29th, 2012
9:50 am
Joey,
Vandy may upset a team or two but as always, they will lack the quality depth it takes to win consistently. That may change in the next few years, but they aren’t there yet. I wonder how long they’ll be able to hang onto their HC if they are able to put together a couple of 8-4 type years.
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
July 29th, 2012
9:55 am
Why are people mad that CMR/staff were looking at PSU players. There are a lot of schools checking out players at “unHappy Valley”!
Vampire Bill
July 29th, 2012
9:57 am
I really hope Samuel has the break out year he deserves. Hopefully a shot at the NFL if that’s what he wants?
DawgGrad85
July 29th, 2012
9:59 am
Bill you’re right on about Georgia and how they discipline their athletes. Georgia and Kentucky have the toughest discipline programs in the SEC. I do believe like you alot of the other programs cover up alot of their violations. However, where Richt fails is with the culture and attitude that permeates the team. Richt loves his players but he’s too much on forgiveness than tough love. Their has to be a firmness, a resolve and a strong message that DUIs, arrests, drugs and all the other stupid acts will not be tolerated. This has to be installed throughout the team and enforced by the Administration, the coaches and players. A total culture of discipline and consequences would pay dividends on and off the field.
SugarHillDawg
July 29th, 2012
10:04 am
Hutson Mason WILL play this year! Murray won’t make it through the season with that o-line.
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:05 am
a) Samuel is a nice kid, who had a 2.9 yard per carry average
b) Special teams are a joke at Georgia, Tenn/Tech/SC, all have full time ST Coaches, Vanderbilt executed in 1 game: fake punt, blocked punt, ko ret for td. UF had 2 60+ yard ko ret’s. We lost our punter, field goal kicker, and return man. this will once again be the achilles hill
c) Murray averages 5 turnover per season against the 2 biggest games SC/UF
d) rtrn rb’s, 2 td’s combined. No passblk expr. No tight ends have exp, lost 3 ol to NFL. Lost best wr mitchell to def. Off will struggle.
harold
July 29th, 2012
10:13 am
NO CONCERNS FOR UGA. THEY ONLY PLAY TWO TEAMS IN THE TOP 25.
IF RICHT CAN’T GO 13-0 WITH THIS “CAKEWALK” SCHEDULE HE SHOULD BE FIRED!
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:15 am
Richt messed up giving Samuel more carries than Thomas, Thomas was at 5 yards per carry, Samuel at 3 ypc. Since Richt wasn’t fair, Thomas transferred. This shouldn’t be so hard to figure out:
Back A averages 5 yards per carry, Back B averages 3 yards per carry
Give MANY more carries ot back B.
But, no, not at Georgia.
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:18 am
Only 1 team in the top 25, SC, and 0-2 there over last 23 years. Richt has never beat UF 2 in a row. Get Mizzou’s spread offense on road with depleted secondary. Van Gorder is now at Auburn and he knows this offense inside out, he was hired to beat Georgia. GT, Tenn, SC, all have full time Sp Teams coach, look for 2 losses because of that.
Destin Dawg
July 29th, 2012
10:20 am
Missouri game at Columbia is HUGE .. it will define our season .. one month.. Can’t wait !!!! go Dawgs win the sec champs THIS year !!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 29th, 2012
10:20 am
Bill
Can you cut down on so many topics for one article and spread it out through the week?
Were still in the dry season you know; those were good questions; thought you could have spread those out more to have more blog postings
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:21 am
Mizzou, UF, GT & Auburn are not top 25 but will have winning records, Richt is 4-10 against teams with winning records.
60% chance he loses all 4 games.
SC is a top 20 team. Richt is 0-9 vs. top 20 teams since 2009.
100% chance that’s another loss.
Bowl game? richt is 0-2 there. Mark up another loss.
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:23 am
Yeah Bill, let 1 fan dicate all your articles for the week by spreading out your answers????? What a lame suggestion.
Neutral
July 29th, 2012
10:23 am
Ringleader,
I was not the least bit surprised when we lost to OK State. They had a QB, RB and WR all in the top 8 on the Heisman watch list. In addition they were at home and in their new stadium for the inaugural game, we were without our superstar WR and our QB was receiving IVs before the game due to a GI bug…….not to mention that OK State was a very good team.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 29th, 2012
10:24 am
DR
Be careful with telling the truth on these blogs
The 10 Win Season National Champion kool-aid club is on here you know
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:27 am
Offense lost:
a) No 1 & No 2 starters at tight end
b) No 1 & No 2 starters at running back
c) No 1 starter at fullback
d) No 1 WR
e) No 1, No 2 & No 3 offen lineman
Working with 2nd or 3rd string at OL, RB, FB, TE, WR
Ghost
July 29th, 2012
10:33 am
DR, I don’t like feeding trolls but.0-2 vs SC in Columbia over the past 23 years? last time I looked SC hadn’t beaten Georgia 3 times in a row ever.Thomas transferred because he would have gotten zero carries this year it was mutual. Murray s thrown for 9 tds vs Florida and SC the past 2 seasons.
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:35 am
fEEDING WHAT? I have no idea what you’re talking about. Richt is 0-2 vs. SC over the past 2 years, Thomas EARNED 2X more carries than Samule and got less. Murray has averaged 5 to’s per season in 2 biggest games SC/UF, and is 1-3 in those 2 games.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 29th, 2012
10:38 am
Ghost
I wouldnt hang on to that hope bud
Richt is well versed in setting UGA records for negativity
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:42 am
Richt overreacted to Mettenberger. Should have been suspended for a few games, it was a first offence, Alabama & LSU went after him, proving Richt’s judgment about Mettenberger’s leadership abilities and skills assessment about Mettenberger was about as wrong as you could be.
I hope Richt has to face Mettenberger again, but I don’t see how Richt gets back to the SEC Championship in 2012. I’d like a more competitive one, no more 42-10 blowouts, SC, Auburn or Mizzou would put up a better fight than 42-10.
DR
July 29th, 2012
10:45 am
Stafford & Murray both got away with underage drinking at UGA, both were photographed doing it. Must be nice to be exempt from rules, unfortunately, Mettenberger didn’t get the same treatment from Mark Richt, likely because he beat out richt’s favorite QB, 0-9 vs. top 20 teams Aaron “Interception King” Murray.
Joey
July 29th, 2012
11:21 am
DR, 2nd degree Sexual Assault is hardly the same as underage drinking, which neither Stafford nor Murray ever got charged with. That being said, I can’t figure out why nobody criticizes Les Miles for signing Mett, but if Richt was playing Mett this season, his felony would be brought up over and over.
It is a moot point anyway, because Mett would be assisting Hutson Mason with holding the clipboard, and being a cheerleader, even if he was still with UGA. Aaron Murray is Richt’s guy for whatever the reason, and that’s that. Murray has made lots of big plays, and has made lots of boneheaded plays, but Richt apparently has amnesia about the latter.
chazzo
July 29th, 2012
11:51 am
As far as tough Ds go, don’t rule out AU with Vangoiter and Martinfez. They know the UGA schemes and be a little vindictive. I have never been the VanGorder nut like some, but he knows what he is doing. He is also a great motivator.
UT, too, will have some hosses on D. Everyone talks about the easy schedule. I hope the players don’t think that. There are several teams capable of beating anyone in the league, including St. Nick, that takes them too lightly.
chazzo
July 29th, 2012
11:56 am
Joey, Amen to that.
Randy Moss… That kid at Oregon…. That kid at Oregon that ended up at ol’ Miss… Cameron at UF then AU…. a bunch of foolishness at UF… There are a bevy of star players all around the NCAA who have encountered legal troubles and made bad decisions. It is just the nature of the beast. I am sure that Bama has its issues, too. Nick just keeps everything under wraps, and the Tuscaloosa police and press are willing to help with that.
RxDawg
July 29th, 2012
12:04 pm
Serrota = moron
Way to take em to school Bill.
Debo
July 29th, 2012
12:16 pm
Richard Samuel only scored 4 td’s in 3 years, and averaged under 3 yards per carry, which means, he’s the type of back Richt loves, and he’ll get most of the reps in 2012, because he has the most experience PASSBLOCKING.
Anytime Marshall and Gurley come in on passing downs, teams will blitz the inexperienced backs.
Sad Richards
July 29th, 2012
12:22 pm
Im expecting another ho hum year. Our Defense couldnt stop the big boys last year while also struggling with likes of MSU, Vandy and Kentucky. Richt’s dream team mantra is now a joke and this program cant even land the big time recruits. WE NEED BIG CHANGES AT UGA!
ARdawg
July 29th, 2012
12:28 pm
chazzo
BVG hasn’t had any success since he left UGA. Maybe he finds it in Auburn, maybe not. He did a good job at UGA but, it wasn’t all Van Gorder either. The defensive talent on that team was over the top. I expect AU to be improved (probably more next year) over Root but BVG isn’t the second coming
Debo
July 29th, 2012
12:32 pm
David Pollock really wanted Richt to pick Brian Van Gorder for def coordinator, Pollack went on and on about how great the guy was. Van Gorder also is very familiar with the Pro Style offense we run here, so is Willie Martinez, they were both terrific when Van Gorder was DC here. Auburn will probably win that game, plus their special teams coach is great too.
Sad Richards
July 29th, 2012
12:34 pm
Vangorder will do well at Auburn so bank on it! Todd Granthams D hasnt made the big stops in the big games. The jury is still out on this Grantham clown too.
Destin Dawg
July 29th, 2012
12:36 pm
no easy schedule… with Missouri, S.C. Auburn, Fla. all road games ! Go Dawgs !!
Debo
July 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
Zach Mettenberger had a great year at Butler, something like 11-1, got his team all the way to the National Championship in his first season starting QB, very poised, only threw 4 interceptions, and had 32 touchdowns. Just a terrific leader and winner.
Murray went 6-7 in his first season, leading his team to a 10-6 loss against a Conference USA team.
Jury ain’t out on who’s the better QB anymore. Mettenberger.
Debo
July 29th, 2012
12:57 pm
We’ll face 8 tough defenses, as far as pass defense go, as 8 finished in the top 30 in pass defenses nationally last season.
As far as run defenses, we’ll only face one who finished top 30, so Missourri will be the toughest defense we face.
ARdawg
July 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
Sad Richards
So “bank on it” BVG but Grantham is an unproven clown? What a dou!che
Ghost
July 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
Flat tire Richts just full of negatives for Georgia football. Like winning the most games of any coach in Georgia history over his first 11 years.
Bristol Va Dawg
July 29th, 2012
1:13 pm
Every Bulldog Fan should wear a Number 22 jersey. I know I am.
The Professor®
July 29th, 2012
1:17 pm
Here’s your Bulldog Math Problem of the Week
f(x,y,z) = 14x + √(3y) + z²÷18
Solve for f(x, y, z), given:
X = the number of national championships UGA has won in the last six years, during which time four other SEC teams have won it
Y = the realistic possibility that UGA will win both games in Columbia this year
Z = the chances that Isaiah Crowell was the only bad apple on this team who will be dismissed
Congratulations if you came up with the correct answer, which is ZERO
A fact and hall of fame type of kid
July 29th, 2012
1:20 pm
football players usually think n terms of fat records, # TDs, etc. to be remembered FOREVER by the fans and the alumni, whether at UGA, GT or LSU,etc. Not always the case, fans.
Richard Samuel will be forever remembered because he MANNED UP vs Florida last year. Was Florida the usual Florida? no. Was UGA an all world team? no. Richard Samuel just understood the gravity OF THAT GAME and took it upon himself to MAN UP and he did.
End of story.
Go Dogs
Send in the Clowns
July 29th, 2012
1:24 pm
Grantham is an unproven clown?
Grantham’s nickname is “Bozo.” Comprehensive studies of his behavior have all concluded decisively that Grantham is a clown. A grotesquely overpaid jerkoff, too, and a huge embarrassment to the people of this state.
Dawg Bite
July 29th, 2012
1:29 pm
Someone said it earlier that just maybe one can love the Dogs without having to be crazy about the coaches. CMR comes across as being a very good person, but that doesn’t mean that I have to like him as the head coach of my favorite team. Many of you will pose the question about just who would you want. I am sure that there are several out there that could do just as good or a heck of a lot better than CMR has done with the talent that has come through Athens the past years. This is a defining year for UGA, mediocrity has run its course, and with the schedule UGA was dealt for 2012, well, mediocrity should not be acceptable! Anything less than 10 wins would be probably be considered unacceptable, and at that not win the SEC East. And, as we all too well know, we have the penchant for losing a game or two that we shouldn’t. It is now or never for CMR, JMHO!
BLT
July 29th, 2012
1:29 pm
I do hope Richard Samuel has a great year for the dogs. He defines “team player”.
ARdawg
July 29th, 2012
1:39 pm
Send Clowns
You are a GT troll and a dou!che
Joey
July 29th, 2012
1:39 pm
ARdawg, BVG has had no success?
The Falcons’ record and defensive ranking for the 4 years prior – 30-34, 19th.
The Falcons’ record for the 4 years of BVG – 43-21, 12th.
If those improvements aren’t “success,” Mike White wouldn’t have a job right now . . .
GATiger
July 29th, 2012
1:44 pm
“Certainly, schools such as Alabama and LSU don’t have a drug policy as tough as Georgia’s.”
I’m wondering…just how do you know that? Do you have access to other shool’s policies?
Are we to assume that every player who fails a drug test in Athens is suspended? Surely, Saint Mark wouldn’t fail to disclose any such incident.
ARdawg
July 29th, 2012
1:44 pm
Dawg Bite
I’ll be the first to admit I am not a big Richt fan. A great guy no doubt but has deficiencies as a head football coach. Mostly from an X’s and O’s, gameday preparation aspect. Like it or not he is the coach we have now so, there’s no point in bad mouthing him or the staff. It only causes drag on the program. We still have free speech in this country so I don’t fault those that do but, I have to wonder about their loyalties
ARdawg
July 29th, 2012
1:46 pm
Joey
Then why isn’t he still in ATL?
Joey
July 29th, 2012
2:15 pm
“Then why isn’t he still in ATL?”
******************************
Because of the 60’s syle offense the Falcons run. He’s done his job vs the Super Bowl winning teams the Falcons have faced. But, once in the playoffs, where the best D’s are, even Tom Caughlin has learned to trash the run-first offense, and open the play-book. Smith is this era’s Marty Shottenheimer – wins lots of regular season games, get embarrassed in the playoffs.
This is just my opinion, ARdawg. I just think deep down, Richt knows if he would have paid, and kept BVG as DC, Richt would have already gotten that crystal trophy – probably about 2007.
White is trying the oldest trick in the book – when you are failing, fire everybody else to save your own skin . . .
bkbroila
July 29th, 2012
2:35 pm
DR…AKA…D-bag Retard….carlton thomas was suspended 3 times last season….he did not “deserve” to play more than anyone, troll!
kerryb
July 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
I love it when the Bama fans come on a UGA blog and start their Saban worship and down CMR. I guarantee you one thing. You will never hear a sports agent accusing CMR of cheating like this one accusing Saban of it.
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/07/pittsburgh_sports_agent_accuse.html
ARdawg
July 29th, 2012
3:48 pm
Joey
It broke my heart when BVG left UGA. The change in the UGA defense was almost immediate but, I don’t credit VG with all of that. Yeah he was a good coach. I’m not sure it was as much about the money as it was him riding his star as the Frank B award winner. He got a bit too big for his britches. Don’t get me wrong, I like him. I always have but, I wouldn’t trade Grantham for him.
WallE
July 29th, 2012
4:11 pm
Look, 4.95 yards per carry Carlton Thomas didn’t get more carries than 2.9 yards per carry Richard Samuel. Nor did 8.5 yards per pass Mason get more snaps than 7.8 yards per pass Murray. Nor did 4.95 yards per carry Thomas get more carries than 4.55 yards per carry Crowell.
UGA doesn’t run a meritocracy, come on guys, the leading rusher at UGA transfers out the next year becase of this–Ealey, Thomas, etc.
UGA runs a CULTURE OF ENTITLEMENT based program.
WallE
July 29th, 2012
4:13 pm
Mark Richt Math:
3 > 5
3 yards per carry Samuel got more carries than 4.95 yards per carry Thomas.
It’s “The Georgia Way”.
WallE
July 29th, 2012
4:15 pm
Did Mark Richt flunk Math?
2 > 11
King’s 2 td’s, better than Ealey’s 11 td’s, so rotate them?”{?
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
July 29th, 2012
4:16 pm
Any UGA players arrested today?
WallE
July 29th, 2012
4:25 pm
Did Mark Richt flunk Math?
Player #1 153, 60, 8.5, 0, 0
Player #2 146, 59, 7.8, 32, 14
Categories are:
pass effic, completion rate, and yards per pass.
Player #1 had 0 sacks, and 0 interceptions in 2011.
Player #2 had 32 sacks & 14 interceptions in 2011.
Hutson Mason is player #1.
Aaron Murray is player #2.
WallE
July 29th, 2012
4:30 pm
Did Mark Richt flunk Math?
1.5 > 4
Thomas got 4 yards per carry against LSU
Crowell got 1.5 yards per carry against LSU.
Give Crowell more carries.
Thomas requests transfer.
GB's Hamburgers
July 29th, 2012
4:53 pm
1. UGA coaches need to monitor the activities of the players … try to prevent problems instead of always resorting to punishment (for Rich gets praise) Why was Cowell and a car full of freshmen out clubing at 3AM? Can’t there be some supervision?
2. Samuel is a nice person. He had a long run against Arknasas and a very good quarter against Fla. We see what he is capable of. So, where’s that been? Why is he our hero?
3. Georgia gets beat by poor special teams play …. that’s never fixed.
4. Georgia usually loses to good teams – got to be the coaches fault
5. Georgia is invaribly outcoached — out adjusted in the course of a game … especialy the 2nd half.
6. Georgia is always undermaned on the offensisve line .. a critical problem that is perpetual.
7. Georgia recruits very well but, year in and year out, plays below expectations.
Dawg Bite
July 29th, 2012
4:54 pm
ARdawg, you are probably right about the loyalty thing. Mine is just getting a little thin year after year from frustration. That being said, this just may be the year we all have been waiting for! I hope so, as my years are running out…..class of ‘59. GATA!
ARdawg
July 29th, 2012
5:02 pm
Dawg Bite
A lot of the loyalties are thin and rightfully so. Hopefully, this is the breakout year that puts much of it to rest. The offense is going to be the lynch pin I suspect GATA!!
Dawg Bite
July 29th, 2012
5:03 pm
GB’sburgers, your #6 is on thing that I have never understood. We are always rebuilding the “O” line. Just why is that? I am no football genius, but to me that appears to be one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.It does drive the offense, does it not? Someone fill me in as to why this situation occurs every year, rebuilding the O line that is.
Bouncer
July 29th, 2012
5:28 pm
WallE- so true, ENTITLEMENT CULTURE.
VWing
July 29th, 2012
5:29 pm
Got to agree with WALL E, best poste ron this board today. Good stuff WallE, keep up the good writing. Very insightful.
17TW
July 29th, 2012
5:31 pm
While I don’t agree with hardly any of the posts here, I do find the posts by WALLE as closest to my own feelings on our Dawgs.
This will be a rebuilding year, like 2010, sorry folks, but as WALLE has posted, for all those reasons, it’s in the cards.
17TW
July 29th, 2012
5:34 pm
DR, also enjoyed your posts. You are obviously in your own league on theswe blogs, along with WALLE.
Bouncer
July 29th, 2012
5:36 pm
DR, you are right about 8-5. And for the reasons you cite.
Cindy Hendrix
July 29th, 2012
5:45 pm
VG was a good D coach but he could not make it as a head coach he lasted 1 yr at GSU I live in Statesboro he was almost ran out of town on a rail ask GSU AD how good of a HC he was ask the fans my cousin works for GSU”s coach
he is a flip flop he never stays put for too long a better job offer or money & tell him bye! I would rather have Grantham I see a fire & an intensity not seen in a long time Auburn vs UGA will be a great game with VG Richt & Bobo all coaching aganist each other & with TG & VG both being hotheads lookout for fireworks also Vandy has to come to our backyard to play this year JF bring you some extra bodyguards you might need them not just from MR & TG but the fans espcaily will not need protecition from Richt but Grantham watch your back in his backyard with his D players they know he’s got their backs & they have his. GO DAWGS SIC EM WOOF WOOF GATA!!
rugbydawg79
July 29th, 2012
5:47 pm
Bill-kudos on how you handled Serrotta letter—very well done–and this old Dog thanks you for your response—GO DAWGS
kingdaddy
July 29th, 2012
7:40 pm
Bill, very nice article. Too bad the AJC has been over-run by juviniles. Still waiting for some meat and potatoes on the Special Teams and Offensive Lines developement. Good job…
Sad Richards
July 29th, 2012
7:42 pm
Richts waterloo game…… Vandy at UGA… upset special buh bye Coach CMR!
Busy Bee
July 29th, 2012
8:06 pm
I wish I could go to Picture Day, but I’m rewinding my DVDs that day.
(Mark) another one
July 29th, 2012
8:57 pm
Why are we always rebuilding the o-line? What a question. Every college team (and pro) is always rebuilding the line. The effort is to put the best five on the line every game. I expect Coach Friend, in his second year at UGA, and his line to make great strides this year. Especially in run blocking.
As for Thomas having a higher average than Samuel, and not getting credit for it. Most quitters fail to get credit. Samuel puts his heart into his team and frequently is called to run up the middle for tough yards. Thomas couldn’t move the pile and was more effective as a scat back. Running 10 yards on 3rd and 15 looks good in the stats but is really more of a kicking game aid.
UB50
July 29th, 2012
9:05 pm
Thomas averaged 8.6 yards per carry against Auburn.
Crowell averaged 5.5 yards per carry against Auburn.
Crowell got 75% more carries against Auburn than Thomas.
So, Thomas transferred.
Can’t blame him.
UB50
July 29th, 2012
9:11 pm
Thomas led the team on 3rd down average at 8 yards per carry.
Samuel got 2.3 yards per carry on 3rd down.
Samuel got more carries.
So Thomas transferred.
Don’t blame him.
bill
July 29th, 2012
9:13 pm
The earth will end sooner than the Mayan calendar has predicted. The supreme being came down and read a few blogs on UGA football sites. Decided that the time has come to end it all. enjoy those last few rants.
UB50
July 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
Auburn will be the toughest team to face. Auburn hired 2 former UGA defensive coaches that know this offense well, NFL VanGorder and Oklahoma’s Martinez.
uncledaddy
July 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
South Carolina 28 – Georgia 10
UB50
July 29th, 2012
9:21 pm
Tenn will be a tough run defense to face with the new defensive coach from Bama.
Florida’s pass defense will be tough
South Carolina’s defense will be good against the run.
Tech’s pass defense was good last year.
Miss St was pretty good against the pass
Ole Miss pretty good against pass.
Vanderbilt good against pass.
Missourri was tough against the run.
Several teams will have a special teams advantage against us:
Tennessee (New ex=NFL Sp Teams coach)
South Carolina (hired ex-LSU Spec Teams Coach of Year)
Florida (returned 3 kicks against us for over 50 yards last year)
Georgia Tech (new full time Special Teams Coach)
Vanderbilt (blocked a punt, converted a fake punt, returned a kick for td)
CarolinaCarl
July 29th, 2012
9:26 pm
Please don’t change one thing.
UGA is perfect on offense, defense, and special teams.
UGA win the East, beat Alabama in the SEC Championship, and win the National Championship.
Mobile Dawg
July 29th, 2012
9:54 pm
My predition is a 9-4, possibly 8-5 record this year. Richt will retire or be fired at the end of 2012. If I’m wrong I will gladly clean, cook, and eat the crow. Mark it down. Richt just comes up short as a Leader IMO.
What Mett did was wrong, but his dismissal worked to Richts advantage in awarding the position to AM. He may or may not be better than others on the roster, only way we will find out is if Murray misses playing time.
Gater Hater
July 29th, 2012
10:10 pm
A lot of expert predictions on here today…….
Seth
July 29th, 2012
10:42 pm
I predict Aaron Murray will finally get his first win against a team that finishes in the top 25 due to his experience, Murray went 0-5 in 2010, and 0-4 in 2011 against teams that finish top 25.
I predict Murray will throw less interceptions this year due to experience. I predicted that pre-season 2011. Oops, wrong again. Murray’s interceptions actually went UP in 2011 to 14, from 8 in 2010.
I was wrong both times. I thought guys were supposed to get BETTER with experience???
SSIgator
July 29th, 2012
10:43 pm
“Richt will also be available from 3 to 5 p.m. for those with ticket coupons”
This is really taking the “Good Christian” thing way too far. The Pope has a larger audience every weekday (and he doesn’t ask to see their coupons) than St. Markus Rectumus. Or is he just bucking for Archbishop?
Seth
July 29th, 2012
10:46 pm
I predicted Jan 1, 2012, Murray would have some great Spring games, due to working on specific areas like his footwork. Oops, Murray had the worst Spring of any SeC QB, went 50% accuracy on his throws, and only 2 td’s, in the total of 3 Spring scrimmages.
Heck, Hutson Mason threw 2x more td’s, and hit on 60% of his throws in the 3 Spring scrimmages.
Man, I thought people were supposed to get BETTER after 2 years of starting QB?
SSIgator
July 29th, 2012
10:52 pm
“The football coach usually gets a standing ovation at those affairs”
Guess they skipped that exercise in 2011 after the 2010 season.
Gov Bluto
July 29th, 2012
10:56 pm
Murray threw 5 td’s vs. New Mexico.
So
Murray will go 14-0.
SSIgator
July 29th, 2012
10:56 pm
David Rosenberg -
“the appearance of having a “discipline” problem at Georgia”
You are kidding, right?
SSIgator
July 29th, 2012
11:02 pm
Serotta -
“I read your long-winded response”
Sorry. That killed your chance at another pair of rose-colored galsses for good. Sad, but true.
Berniesdog
July 29th, 2012
11:06 pm
Guys, I am as optimistic as ever, after all, I usually am in July. It’s September when my depression starts. But I am as hopeful as EVER!!!!
We should go 14-0. Here’s how I figure it.
1) We open up with Mizzou instead of Boise as our toughest early test. Even with our suspensions, we shoud be able to slide by with a big “W”, as they are not as talented as Boise was in 2011, we win by 7. Mizzou will be held to under 30 points.
2) South Carolina, lost it by 3 last year, they got us early with all our suspensions and it showed, not so lucky this year, we’ll be 100% on personel, and I can’t see another perfect storm of Murray gifting 14 points, and a fake punt return for td, we win by 4, hold them to under 30 points.
3) LSU, guys won’;t drop those td passes this time, that’s 14 points, kicker will hit the field goal, that’s 17 points, no punts returned as new punter has amazing hang time, that’s 14 more points, no Murray turnover gifts for 21 points like last time. Grantham will also hold to under 30 points. Win by 1 in a nailbiter. We had them in the first half, just need to finish well.
4) Bowl game–Murray won’t turnover 2 times that led to 14 points, and kicker will hit field goal, 17 points total, and Grantham will hold under 30 points. We win the National Championship 31-28.
Remember in 2011, we went 10-0 when Grantham held teams to less than 30 points. All 4 losses were when Grantham’s defenses gave up 30 or more points.
SSIgator
July 29th, 2012
11:10 pm
Jim Parry -
“will that make Bobby Bowden all-time leader? I believe his ego really wants to be #1″
Spot on with that comment. How fitting that St. Mark’s mentor still doesn’t get what he sought for so many years (no matter how he had to twist things to try to obtain it) and in the end, lose out to Eddie Robinson. I believe they call that Poetic Justice. The grinding noise you hear in the background are Boobie Bowden’s dentures.
O Dog
July 29th, 2012
11:11 pm
The Ga D will be the best in the league. Ga wins 10 games again and goes to a good bowl—take it to the bank.
LadySportsJournalist
July 29th, 2012
11:11 pm
Richt has beat Derek Dooley, twice.
Therefore,
Richt will win the National Championship in 2012.
SSIgator
July 29th, 2012
11:27 pm
LadySportsJournalist -
“Richt has beat Derek Dooley, twice. Therefore, Richt will win the National Championship in 2012″
And on the Seventh Day He Rested
DaveDawg
July 30th, 2012
1:17 am
Just got back from the new Batman movie. I swear I saw a glimse of Hines Ward as one of the football players. I wonder if any teams will boycott the Chik-Fil-A bowl. The Olympics sure took the CFA bucks.
7576DAWG
July 30th, 2012
1:40 am
I think the Defense will be much better than last year and it will be hard to hold onto Grantham for 2013 because of the Head Coaching job offers he will be getting.
Bernie's Dog knows naught
July 30th, 2012
5:33 am
Yo, Bern. Let’s look at the SC game. Granthams D did NOT give up 30. You can’t blame pick six touchdown returns and fake punt touchdown runs on the defense, dude! Because a team has points scored against them doesn’t mean the defense gave them up!
Keith
July 30th, 2012
7:23 am
You also seem to have an idea that players at UGA get into trouble because Richt is soft on them. It sounds like you’ve bought into the myth that players at some schools, including Alabama, don’t break the rules because they’re scared of their head coach.
Bill- for your next article, could you please give us the stats of players arrested/suspended for the last 3 seasons for Bama, LSU, Arkansas……..I think you will see its not anything about no liking the head ball coach- its FACTS. I am a Richt fan myself, but am geting sick and tired of the same crap year in and year out. At UGA- there ALWAYS seems to be an excuse
Mark Richt is a 3rd rate coach... at best
July 30th, 2012
7:33 am
“Man, I thought people were supposed to get BETTER after 2 years of starting QB?”
—————————————–
They’re supposed to, but Aaron Murray is another Reggie Ball.
Columbus Dawg
July 30th, 2012
7:51 am
It is great to be talking football instead of beating down trolls. I just read Scout.com’s copy and pasted Georgia preview. It read exactly like all the articles written months ago. On and on about how lucky the Dawgs will be to beat Mizzou. The Missouri people will be so glad to see the Bulldog Nation exit it’s little stadium it won’t be funny. They will wonder what in the world they have gotten themselves into entering the nation’s premier football conference. All of you people expecting to see more of the same out of this year’s Georgia team will be shocked at the improvements. Everyone who knows quarterbacks (and I mean NFL folks) are raving about Aaron Murray, including Peyton Manning. His accuracy has increased immensely, and his footwork as well. ESPN was analyzing Murray’s faults as pressure in the pocket mounted in last years games, and they are saying that Murray has done well to adjust this part of his game. There won’t be many quarterbacks better than Murray this year, just wait. Richt is smiling and is much more comfortable this preseason, and his comments about the new place kicker and punter were great to hear. The kickoffs will be high and long, in the end zone, while giving ample time for our players to get down the field for coverage. Will be about time.
The Dawgs WILL run the ball with authority this year as well. I do believe that Richt will line them up against first team D this camp, as I believe he has learned his lesson about soft practices. One of the things I see is Richard Samuel, with some blocking, will do some damage. His unexpected entry at the end of the G Day game shows the fire in his belly, the same fire he displayed in the 2011 Florida game. Along with the other talented options and an improved, yes I said IMPROVED OL, Georgia will look like Georgia again running the rock.
takeowndawg
July 30th, 2012
8:19 am
The ability of the UGA OL to provide holes for our running backs greatly concerns me. OL Coach Will Friend is the foundation of the success, or lack of success, of this offensive line. The size is there, we are tall and huge, but is the proper training there and the intelligence there? Smart offensive linemen make adjustments against across- the- line opponents. Last year our backs made most of their yds. on their own, not, because significant running lanes being provided for them. ?Will UGA have a dominant running game this season provided by Will Friend and his offensive line? I, for one, certainly hope so. We can not only”throw our way” to victory over teams like SC and Florida. At times, we need to control the clock. A outsstanding game helps do just that.
Columbus Dawg
July 30th, 2012
8:31 am
Addition by subtraction on OL. I have watched too many plays from 2011 season on DVR where Bean Anderson and C. Glenn were standing around with hands on hips while Murray was being demolished. Like Richt said in recent interview, new, athletic, hungry players on OL will make a huge difference in both passing and running game. Every post that is comparing or predicting outcomes based on last two years is moot. I am here to tell you Georgia will be back with a new attitude in 2012, team will closely resemble 2002 team.
no dog D
July 30th, 2012
8:41 am
grantham’s D—got dominated by boise state, blown out by lsu and choked on the last drive against a mediocre mich state team—he’s overrated, and not worth all that money. SC will light up that D for big points in columbia–book it.
DouglasDawg95
July 30th, 2012
8:42 am
Richard Samuel is a dgd! Give me a lot more of that kid!
Columbus Dawg
July 30th, 2012
8:42 am
Have not heard too much from the “Trolls from Alabammy”, since the articles late last week about Tide defense being depleted. All we have heard from Bama fans is how they have so many players to plug back in that they will not miss a beat, blah, blah, but it seems that the pundits see it differently, saying that it looks a lot more like 2010 every day for Bama’s D. Bama loses two, maybe three, and while it won’t be good for the conference, they may drop the Michigan game.
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
July 30th, 2012
8:58 am
Enter your comments here
DawginLex
July 30th, 2012
8:59 am
SSIGator
I see that Richt still owns you.
You wake up, decide to troll the UGA blog and post another crap filled post about Richt.
Richt owns you Elvira
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
July 30th, 2012
8:59 am
Somebody told us UGA will beat Southern Cal for the NC. That doesn’t sound right?
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
9:01 am
Columbus Dawg
Did you see how that huge OL last year was able to pull Guards out to help on sweeps? No you didn’t because they were too slow and out of shape. Yeah maybe they could lift weights, but they could not run and they ran out of gas before the game was over. This new line is athletic and I’m excited about 2012. If we see more pulling and less trapping in the very first game, I will be encouraged about our direction with the line. Missouri, will be a great test for these young Doggies…
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
9:06 am
Morning Lex…
DawginLex
July 30th, 2012
9:25 am
kingdaddy
Did you see where Bolden the PSU QB is off the team and headed to LSU?
Maybe Miles isn’t so sold on Mett? I know they need experience at backup but is Rob bolden willing to ride the pines for 2 years?
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
9:44 am
Lex
I wonder if Mett is enjoying himself a little to much for Coach Miles? Also where are the posters calling CLM a vulture???
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
9:49 am
Lex,
BTW, Cry-velle gave me no warning, but he’s blocking my post for criticizing his lame article Friday. Can’t help you with the trolls, pretty sickning…
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
9:57 am
That mediocre Michigan St. team finished in the Top 10-11 in the COUNTRY, LOL. SOUNDS PRETTY MEDIOCRE TO ME…
Joey
July 30th, 2012
10:02 am
“but, I wouldn’t trade Grantham for him.”
************************************
Me neither, ARdawg.
tony
July 30th, 2012
10:07 am
As long as Mr Richt is the hc and Aaron Murray is the qb, I will never again say how this team will fare. I’m sure Mizzou feel very confident about getting their 1st sec win against us. If they do, the state of ga will erupt!
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
10:16 am
Tony
You’re free to be a fan of any school you want. Either GET ON THE BUS, GUS—OR MAKE A NEW PLAN, STAN. UGA will be the best school in Ga. with or without you…
Columbus Dawg
July 30th, 2012
10:24 am
tony, you are not the first idiot to post on this blog, but you are one of the biggest.
DIT
July 30th, 2012
10:27 am
I remember reading from people that UGA was in the running for a couple of the big O-linemen and that after Dawg Night there was a good chance they would commit. I hope that is the case. However, some of the names have yet to sign. What’s up!
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
10:33 am
CDawg
I can see it now, “UGA has the worst UNDEFEATED team in the history of football! “Haters going to hate, bro…
LawDawg
July 30th, 2012
10:36 am
Richard Samuel is just an all-around class act. He is deserving of tremendous respect, and I hope an NFL team gives him a shot, even though he has sacrificed any consistent production at one position or national attention for the good of the team.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
10:36 am
DIT
I think some of the best recruits like the dramma of waiting till NSD. That hurt us last year, hope CMRs not repeating the same mistake…
tony
July 30th, 2012
10:50 am
Columbus Dawg
July 30th, 2012
10:24 am
_________________________
Idiot? Young man, I’ve been very generous not responding to your bad posts so plz start showing some class by ignoring comments your can’t handle respectfully.
___________________________________
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
10:16 am
___________________________________
LIKEWISE
James Ainsworth
July 30th, 2012
11:04 am
Let’s play the game since opinons mean as much as a ” Hill of beans” when it comes to football and the SEC…..
The SEC Championship game will tell if Georgia has it or not. But first they have to get there. GO DAWGS !!!!
GATiger
July 30th, 2012
11:05 am
Lex and kingdaddy, Bolden merely visited LSU. There’s nothing official there. Mettenberger has been a model citizen since he arrived in BR, and he will be our starter. His backups inlude RSFR Steven Rivers (Phillip’s little brother) and FR Jarrard Randall. Our other QB recruit, Jeremy Liggins didn’t make grades. We have two great commitments for 2013, including Jennings from Marietta, but the position need some depth and Bolden would have 3 years to play. Mettenberger will be a JR, and might be gone after this year if he performs well.
GATiger
July 30th, 2012
11:11 am
One more thing on the subject of depth at the QB position. After winning an average of 11 games over the last 4 seasons, 13 last year, with arguably the worst QB tandem in the history of the game, some depth at QB will be a welcome relief.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
11:13 am
Thanks GaTiger, Mett really let UGA down. Hope he stays out of trouble but history shows sometimes a tiger can’t change his stripes…
old dog
July 30th, 2012
11:17 am
@kingdaddy and columbus dawg,
Hope our o-line is a little hungrier and more athletic. I don’t care if they ALL got drafted, there was too much standing around last year, and not enough good old-fashioned nose bustin’. You have to have a good o-line to win (against the better teams, especially.) Hopefully we now see that. Our o-line (draft choices or not) got physically man-handled by LSU, Boise State, and Michigan State last year. I’ve heard a few folks with different opinions about last year, and yeah others made mistakes. But anybody who did not see us get overpowered last year by the above mentioned three teams either has never played the game, or didn’t WATCH the games, or both. Maybe we will see a great improvement this year…Go Dawgs!
DawginLex
July 30th, 2012
11:20 am
I thought Bolden is a junior in 2012?
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
11:26 am
Tony,
You question UGA under CMR and I responed reasonably, not personally. You don’t want to be a fan then feel free to pull for another team. Did that hurt your feelings? I called you no names. I just defended Coach Richt from another cheap-shot taken at him, this time by you Tony. You can’t handle that, then don’t attack my coach…
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
11:35 am
Old dog
Our new line will be able to pull and lead block for Boo and Richard. When Marshall and Gurly finally get in the game, the O-line should be fireing on all cylinders. With a fullback and two tight-end sets, we should be running wild this year. This offense will not resemble last years. I’m excited…
DocDawg
July 30th, 2012
12:02 pm
Richard Samuel is a class act and is an example of positive character development that UGA has in place in their coaches and program under Mark and staff. Wining is always the goal but in the long run the players futures are influenced by the type of men they become. When they reflect in their years at school I believe they will recall more than stats. Life is a learning curve for all of us, and we all hopefully learn accountability and the golden rule along the journey, and schools that cover discipline issues up for eligibility and another W do the athlete a disservice.Personally I admire this staff as it reflects the university in a good light with integrity. I guarantee that Penn State wishes that were the case now.
GATiger
July 30th, 2012
12:02 pm
Lex, I don’t know what academic class he’s in. All I do know is that he has 3 years to play. That’s what The Advocate (BR) reported, and they cited the NCAA ruling in the Sandusky case.
Kingdady, you’re right about history and tigers not changing their stripes. But sometimes they do. Mett has had counseling and he’s been on a tight leash since his arrival in BR. Miles agreed to pursue him only after speaking with Danny Abramowicz, former Saints WR who does some Christian counseling for athletes, who had met with Zach. I think Mett has turned things around in his life, and I don’t think Miles would have taken him to Birmingham for Media Days if there were any concerns about his behavior in BR. Hopefully, this will be a story of redemption and not one of disappointment. I say that not as an LSU alum, but as a father.
UGA fan...not fanatic
July 30th, 2012
12:14 pm
That was Hines Ward…# 86….he ran the kickoff back….in the Batman movie…i hope you are not calling yourself a UGA fan.
Joey
July 30th, 2012
12:30 pm
Good gosh, kingdaddy, if I’m not mistaken, this space is for everyone’s opinions. Tony didn’t attack Richt, just gave his opinion. Ease up, we don’t have to be cheerleaders of our HC, just cheerleaders of UGA.
There isn’t a bigger, better or more loyal UGA fan than me, and I think Richt is great, great guy, but in my opinion, he is not a top-tier head coach.
Like I say all the time, I hope this year, Richt gets paid for every one of those performance bonuses in that new contract – every one.
That will mean he will have lead UGA to the promised land.
Go Dawgs!
Columbus Dawg
July 30th, 2012
12:32 pm
GATiger, What the are you basing “Mettenberger may not be here next year” on? The boy has not even played a down of SEC Football, and what, you got him in the NFL next year? If you coon asses are putting your resurgence on his back, then good luck. I am still struggling with whether I would rather face you dips again in Atlanta or the toothless wonders, either way it will be satisfying for sure.
The more disrespect the Dawgs get now, the sweeter it will be in December. Yeah, keep on dissing the Dawgs. I also have not seen too many Bama mouthers on here since the articles about the Tide’s depleted defense came out late last week. What a joke, they now say that Bama’s O will be better than it’s D, without Richardson or the receivers from 2011. CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!
GG
July 30th, 2012
12:40 pm
Point 1: Richt’s on a downward slide
Mark Richt is 4-10 in his last 14 games vs. winning teams, 0-9 in last 9 games vs teams that finish in the the AP Poll top 25
Point 2: Rushing game is on a downward slide
Rush game has finished somewhere between 7 & 10 in the SEC in the last 4 years running. Nothing is going to fix that except new coaches.
Point 3: Turnover margin vs. ranked teams
This has been negative the last 4 years, and was terrible in 2011. No one on this staff can fix it, or they owuld have.
Point 4: 2nd Half troubles
UGA was in the game at halftime vs. Boise, S Carolina, LSU, and Mich St. Then fell apart in the 2nd half. Conditioning? Depth? Scheme? Halftime adjustments? Who knows, but it’s been a problem for many years, and no staff member can fix it.
Point 5: Catastrophic Turnovers
When Murray commits a catastrophic turnover in 2011, lost 100% of the games. Murray threw pick 6’s against SC & Mich St—lost both games by 3 points. Murray had a sack fumble for td against SC. Murray had a pick 6 against LSU and a fumble in the red zone that urned into 7 points. Demonstrates a lack of poise, even after 3 years in the program, committed catastrophic turnovers in last 2 games.
Point 6: Sacks allowed are at an all time high on offense
Consider the team who wins the battle for sacks allowed + turnover margin + rushing margin, wins every game in 2011. UGA is on an unprecendented sacks allowed clip, balooning from 10-12 sacks per season under Stafford and Cox, to a staggering 25-32 sacks per season under Murray. Is it the o-line? No, 3 were drafted by the NFL. Poor passblocking from backs? Possible. Slow decision making by Murray? Definately.
Point 7: Defense is coughing up points and giving up td’s in red zone
Defense is averaging 39 points a game allowed against ranked teams, and was last in the SEC in red zone td’s allowed. Both were also poor in 2010. Why didn’t Grantham fix this, if he could?
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
12:59 pm
Joey
Read Tony@10:07
“I’m sure Mizzou feel very confident about getting their first SEC win.”
You criticize me for telling him nobodys making him be a UGA fan? REALLY? Criticizing “Mr.Richt” and making snarky comments about Missouri beating us and you want to come after me for taking exception to his comments. You’ve got to be kidding. What kind of fan makes fun of his on school and trys to make Missouri’s confidence justified??? Who the heck are you to question my analysis of Tony trashing UGA? If you’re a fan, then be a fan. Too many posters pretending to be UGA fans, then trash team. Grow up…
Old Dawg
July 30th, 2012
1:05 pm
One thing many people forget it that the disciplinary actions carried out with athletes are from the University, not the football program. UGA and Kentucky has the most strict guidelines in the conference, and the school follows them.
It’s very interesting to me that UT QB Tyler Bray was caught throwing objects at cars and the woman who filed the complaint wouldn’t press charges. I’m sure Dooley will have some internal discipline for Bray, but he was still breaking the law. To later claim that he was trying to throw the bottles into a trash can is a VERY lame excuse.
Also, three Arkansas players were caught stealing. Instead of being kicked off the team, they received a one-year suspension. That’s lame.
I understand everyone being upset with the number of incidents with UGA football players. Hell, I get upset too. But the school has rules and the players have to abide by them. If they don’t, then they suffer the consequences. I would like the SEC to have a rule book for all of schools, but that will obviously never happen.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:19 pm
Old dog
What’s the legal drinkink age in Tn.? I think it’s 21. Tyler Bray was born Dec. 27, 1991. He won’t turn 21 till Dec. 27, 2012 I think…
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:19 pm
We don’t need “fans” like kingdaddy, likely an South Carolina fan, just hopes we makes no changes, acts like everything’s perfect, never points out areas that need to be fixed.
Hey Kingdaddy bigmouth, we don’t need “fans’ like you, that choose to tell us there’s nothing but rainbows when a train is heading down the track.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:20 pm
Drinking, sorry…
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:22 pm
kingdaddy, In the SEC, we finished 12th in punt return, 12th in kick return, 12th in field goal %, 12th in points allowed vs. ranked team, 12th in pass interceptions, 12th in sacks, yet nothing but rainbows and blue skies.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:23 pm
Gigi
Go back to the tech blog nerd boy. You can criticize UGA there and I won’t bash you. Loser…
CarolinaCarl
July 30th, 2012
1:26 pm
I agree with KingDaddy, no changes are necessary on offense, defense, or special teams. UGA is as perfect as a team can be All UGA fans should be like KingDaddy, and just build up UGA players and coaches to realize how things are already perfect, and a 14-0 season is in the bag.
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:28 pm
Me, a Tech fan, for pointing out how UGA can get better, oh sure, and you’re not an SC fan by hoping nothing changes, and we go to 0-3 against your team, I’m sure we ALL believe that.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:29 pm
Gigi
Even though we finished 12th in everything and were the worst team in the country according to you, we still won the SECe which you leave out and we are picked to be even better this year. But you just want to cry me a river about how awful we are, lol. Go back to your “bug-blog” nerd. I believe in my team. You aren’t even a UGA fan. You’re pathetic…
Nick
July 30th, 2012
1:31 pm
How long will the Richard Samuel love affair continue? I’m guessing after the first three to four carries!
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:31 pm
Good one Cici…
CarolinaCarl
July 30th, 2012
1:34 pm
Yes, that’s right, you guys won the SEC East, so no need to change anything. Great job, why fix something that’s not broken? Just keep doing what you did last year.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:35 pm
Nick, did you watch R.S. in the UF game before he hurt his ankel? Did you watch him in the Spring-game? Why can’t you give him a chance. He’s earned it…
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:37 pm
kingdaddy wants us to think the LSU 42-10 beatdown never happened. according to kingdaddy, since we’re so great, we won that game.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:39 pm
Cici,
if S.C. had of taken care of Auburn, you wouldn’t have to blame UGA for your own failures. Grow-up and stop crying, loser…
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:41 pm
ok, quick, let’s test kingdaddy’s theory out…
kingdaddy will test his blue sky thinking, by showing what is possible, he will post 55 posts in the next 5 seconds.
Ok, kingdaddy, think blue skies, if you dream it, you can do it…ready…go
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Ok, let’s see if kingdaddy’s theory works.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:42 pm
Gigi
LSU ended the year ranked #2 in the country, lol. They would have hung 70 on your team…
WDE
July 30th, 2012
1:42 pm
@GG who is your team and how bad did UGA beat your bunch by?@CarolinaCarl just keep remembering the last two years and forget all those decades of being a SEC bottom feeder…
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:43 pm
Wonder why Mark Richt didn’t get a raise if he did such a good job in 2011? Guess his own AD kind of disagrees with kingdaddy.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:45 pm
Gigi
What excatly are you trying to accomplish on a UGA blog, nerd-boy???
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:47 pm
If UGA’s is as great as kingdaddy thinks, why arn’t they pre-seaosn #1?
GATiger
July 30th, 2012
1:47 pm
Columbus Dawg, I don’t know whose post you were reading, but I didn’t “dis” any Dawgs. I merely suggested the possibility that Mettenberger might enter the draft after this year. I hope he doesn’t. I hope he has a great year and comes back for his senior year. I’m sure you hope Murray does the same.
And what’s with the name calling? If you are a graduate of UGA, which I doubt – my Georgia friends are civil – you are no credit to your school. In any case, I suggest you consider anger management counseling.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:51 pm
WDE
They never want to talk about their loser schools, lol. UGA will take care of business this year and will not let up on schools as he has in the past…
Jimmy
July 30th, 2012
1:51 pm
El Cathedral dawg, I’m not sure I was insulting you.
GALion
July 30th, 2012
1:54 pm
MillegeDawg, keep on thinking that. It’s nto what I meant at all.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
1:59 pm
GaTiger is a classy poster who adds insight to our blogs. I didn’t see a problem with his post CDawg. He seems like a really nice person…
GG
July 30th, 2012
1:59 pm
kingdaddy is the type of person who doesn’t go to auto mechanics because he doesn’t like to hear what’s wrong. so he never fixes his problems. isn’t kingdaddy smart?
GG
July 30th, 2012
2:02 pm
using kingdaddy’s theory, if he saw your house on fire, he would choose to not warn you, and tell you how nice your lawn looked instead. my kingdaddy, your theory makes a lot of sense.
Joey
July 30th, 2012
2:02 pm
“What kind of fan makes fun of his on school and trys to make Missouri’s confidence justified??? ”
*****************************************
Mizzou is reading this? You are a doofus. Like I said, a Dawg fan can be a Dawg fan, and not be a Richt fan.
LHarding Dawg
July 30th, 2012
2:10 pm
Hey guys, I got my season tickets over the weekend. Earliest ever! Now we can really get ready for some football.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
2:12 pm
Joey
Tony was talking trash about UGA, obviously you agree with him. Remember this when we beat Missouri this year.
BTW, if you are a Dawg fan, you will let it go…
Joey
July 30th, 2012
2:24 pm
I’m a Dawg fan. Therefore, obviously, I wish Richt nothing but success. I’m just not blind to the job he has done the past 3 or 4 years.
And I hope beyond hope we beat Mizzou. That game will set the tone for the season – win it and we get momentum, and confidence for playing at the other Columbia.
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
2:24 pm
Joey
yes Missouri does read our blogs now…
tony
July 30th, 2012
2:33 pm
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
2:12 pm
_______________________________
I’m srry but I wasn’t trash talking – I just don’t have confident in Mr Richt and Aaron Murray anymore. I can assure you that Mizzou fans don’t need me to boost their confidence. Losing to Colorado and OSU is all the confidence they need.
Bama in Atlanta
July 30th, 2012
2:52 pm
I’m just generally looking forward to college football season but wanted to get the opinions of dawg fans on something. I was listening to a couple of UGA grads debate the number of losses it would take this season for Richt to be let go.
One interesting point was if Richt ran the table in the regular season but lost badly in the SECCG and then lost a bowl game to a team that they should have beaten. My question to UGA fans is, would this be a scenario in which you think Richt should be:
(A) Let go
(B) Put back on the proverbial Hot Seat
(C) Say it was a good season and let’s see what happens next year
(D) Extend his contract
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
2:56 pm
Tony
No big deal, just wanted you to know I never called you a name. Constructive criticism is healthy. Condescension pikes my interest. If we get out of Columbia, Missouri with our skins, then we should have a springboard effect for the good. If we lose, I will say you told me so…
Joey
July 30th, 2012
2:59 pm
Colorado was the low point of Richt’s tenure here, Tony. Central Florida was bad enough, but Colorado was such a horrible team, they fired their coach before the season was over, AFTER they beat UGA.
I’m hoping the road wins last season vs Vandy, UT and UF in Jax will give the Dawgs some confidence in becoming a good road team again.
Hoping . . .
kingdaddy
July 30th, 2012
3:02 pm
Joey,
Fist-bump bro…
Joey
July 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
(A) 8-5 and bowl loss
(B) 9-4 and bowl win
(C) See (B)
(D) 10-4 and SEC East Champ and bowl loss (extension happened after last season, right?)
DIT
July 30th, 2012
4:15 pm
For me, I think the season will hinge on the Mizzou game. Not so much if UGA wins, what the score is, but more of how UGA wins. If the win is a dominating win with tough “D” and UGA rushing for more than 150 yards, how Murray handles pressure(hopefully different than last year) and how the special teams look.
Just me, but speaking by Mizzou in a sloppy win will not be a confidence builder for the team. Again, I’m just one sitting on the sides as a spectator. I’m ready for kick-off!
DIT
July 30th, 2012
4:16 pm
Sorry I meant to say “Squeaking” not speaking.
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
July 30th, 2012
4:38 pm
Any more dawgs arrested today?
Faddunk
July 30th, 2012
4:42 pm
chest bump matey.
m1
July 30th, 2012
4:43 pm
any bad news today?
Harold
July 30th, 2012
4:45 pm
a-2-3
b- 6-7
c- see f below
d- 12-9
Pearl
July 30th, 2012
4:46 pm
Yes RT, Steve Spurrier reads my comments, here on the blog, and develops game plans around them.
FSUAthens
July 30th, 2012
4:51 pm
I don’t feel either way about the games this season.
Miss, 3 pt game, sc, 2 pt, lsu 90 pt, miss st 7 pt, miss 1 pt, tenn 18 pts, aub 6 pts, kent 0 pt, gt 99 pts, bama 16 pts, arkansas 2 pts.
hope that clears it all up.
Joey
July 30th, 2012
4:57 pm
Truce kingdaddy. I have no desire to fight with a fellow Dawg.
Vot
July 30th, 2012
4:59 pm
Touche FSUAthens, I gave mine the same grade, except for gt, I gave it 88 pts
Vot
July 30th, 2012
5:00 pm
Harold, 12-9 for d, try 33-8.
Joey
July 30th, 2012
5:01 pm
DIT (4:15) just give me a W at Mizzou, and I’ll be tickled. They’re gonna try to make history – 1st SEC game and all, and if our D is able to shut Franklin down, we will see “fake” plays of every sort.
This game will set the tone for the season.
Just get a W . . .
Vot
July 30th, 2012
5:01 pm
Joey, kingdaddy left an hour ago, I’m sure you didn’t notice.
BD
July 30th, 2012
5:03 pm
Vot, I got it at 16-9, like ESPN had it, it was cool thing huh?
H2P
July 30th, 2012
5:06 pm
I caught the T44 on ESPN about the RPI, I had mine at 66pts per team, on av, but had 1 team higher than lower.
H2P
July 30th, 2012
5:16 pm
The missourri game doesn’t matter, i’d rest the starters, a loss there means nothing, still win east if you win out the next 11 games. what happens after missourri is all that matters.
Vot
July 30th, 2012
5:18 pm
H2P, Right on, finally someone with college football expertise, these uninformed bloggers come on here acting like 1 loss on the schedule derails the season, hello, 11-1 gets you into the SEC Championship. 1 loss to Missouri is a blip on the radar.
BD
July 30th, 2012
5:20 pm
H2P, +1,000,000, best post of the week.
BD
July 30th, 2012
5:24 pm
sure, the loss to Boise doomed the season last year too….not! finished 10-2. Boise game didn’t matter, all the blog fellas posted all pre-seaosn how it “set the tone” for the season.
Didn’t have any effect on the season, nor did losing to South Carolina. Still won the East, got a chance against LSU, win that, and the Bowl game, and you finish in the top 5 in the country.
I’d say 2012 is very similar, loss to Missouri and South Carolina won’t even matter. Will win the other 10, so who cares?
BD
July 30th, 2012
5:44 pm
Missouri will lose at least 2 games, 1 to Alabama, then another one to either South Carolina—Florida or Texas A & M, so at best they finish 10-2, so even if we lose to them but go 11-1, we win the East.
South Carolina & Florida both get LSU, so even if they go 10-2 both losing to UGA, they won’t win the East.
UGA could actually lose to Missouri and Auburn, and still go 10-2 and win the East with wins over South Carolina and Florida.
BD
July 30th, 2012
5:53 pm
I see no way Spurrier’s porous pass defense has any answers for Arkansas’ air assault, Ark will win that one, going away. And LSU will also beat South Carolina. That means, they really start the season 10-2, and they’d need to win out, and have Georgia and Florida both go 10-2 to have any chance.
Bottom line, if UGA splits the SC/UF, goes 1-1, they win the East. Because they’ll finish 11-1, and UF & SC will finish 10-2, at best.
ugab
July 30th, 2012
6:03 pm
Uga barely beat Vandy. Uga barely beat Kentucky. Uga barely beat Fla. Uga barely beat Tennessee.(Bray got hurt) SC beat Uga. Special teams coverage will be better. Kicking game will be a big ???.. OL will be a big???? TEs are a ??? Cbs are a ?? due to suspensions.. It is a good thing the dawgs are starting out with a mediocre team.. Missouri will give the dawgs a tough time due to suspended players. This is going to be a tough season with an easy schedule.. CMR could lose 5 to 6 games easy. CMR and staff has to coach like they have never coached before..I just don’t see the dawgs winning the East with no OL, no proven Kicking game, and suspensions … Then again, every uga fan know that CMR can not put a solid team together.. good luck
ugab
July 30th, 2012
6:05 pm
Samuel is a DGD….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
ugab
July 30th, 2012
6:08 pm
Oh yeh, Auburn will be ready.. There new DCs will have Bobos #. Its the same ole Offense we have ran. Every opposing team know when uga is going to run the ball.
Old Dog Class of 80
July 30th, 2012
7:32 pm
“In the past few years, those type losses put us in mediocre bowl games.”
Wher we lost.
AltamahaDawg
July 30th, 2012
11:17 pm
Beating Mizzou will hardly take , hope beyond hope.
AltamahaDawg
July 30th, 2012
11:20 pm
Every opposing team knows when every team they play is going to run the ball, so?
14 Titles
July 31st, 2012
7:34 am
Ga wins the east, bama wins the west
Bama blows out Ga in the title game–another bcs bowl game!!!
Old Dog Class of 1980
July 31st, 2012
7:51 am
When you have an o-line like we had last year, EVERY defense is one we worry about.
Old Dog Class of 1980
July 31st, 2012
7:55 am
First it was a team that could not tackle. Then it was problems with penalties. Then comes an o-line that cannot block. Add in a QB that won’t take a sack and would rather trow a pick-six and a place kicker that goes from first to worst. At some point you have to quit saying it is a problem with the players and face the fact that it is a problem with the coaches. No let me rephrase that, a problem with the COACH.
Old Dog Class of 1980
July 31st, 2012
7:57 am
“I’d say 2012 is very similar, loss to Missouri and South Carolina won’t even matter. Will win the other 10, so who cares?”
Then lose the SEC Chamionship game and the bowl game against a mediocre opponent?
AltamahaDawg
July 31st, 2012
8:08 am
No need to even follow along now.
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
July 31st, 2012
8:21 am
Any more dawg players arrested today?
Columbus Dawg
July 31st, 2012
8:48 am
Sorry I jumped the gun on you GATiger, I just get sick and tired of the UGA blogs being mostly posts by trolls of other teams, mostly Bama folks that think their program is the only successful football program in history. We expect Tech folks, an in state rival, to come on here in the Atlanta paper to talk trash, but the chest beating Saban worship is hard to take. I know he was at LSU as well, but EVERYONE I know no matter what school they support,(I am not talking about the obvious-Auburn folks), believe that Saban’s success at Bama is due to under handed practices, not only in recruiting, but his roster management, his total control of the whole Tuscaloosa area, and his general cheating on the field,(SPYING), there are many articles on this from his NFL days. I do not know how you folks at LSU view Saban. I realize that he won a title at your school as well, but I have never heard from any LSU folks on whether they felt he tried to gain unfair advantages in doing so while at LSU. He may not have while at LSU for that matter. Saban was not looked at very hard in those days, but when it came time for Bama to “pony up” enough to finally, after months of Saban toying with them, people started to take notice of his practices. Every one I know who follows college football closely thinks that Julio Jones was compensated outside of NCAA rules. Jones was not a man of means, by any means, but lived like a king with many expensive material possessions while at Bama. I have heard that Saban has control over the police dept. in that area over there as well, but Bama folks would have you believe that their players do not do not engage in illegal acts, but to the contrary there have been cover ups of player’s law breaking since Saban arrived. The bottom line is, if you support a program that is successful due to purposely bending or breaking rules to gain an unfair advantage, and you want to come on here an thump your chests about your success, then I am going to call you out on it. The president of the NCAA did NOT call the Alabama Football Program’s NCAA probation record abysmal because he did not feel it was. The University of Alabama, and Auburn University are PROVEN to be two of the TOP cheating programs in the history of the game. I just do not consider a MNC with an * beside it very respectable. kingdaddy is correct, your post was not inflammatory towards UGA, and I apologize to you sir. I also have never had a reason to believe that LSU has cheated to gain unfair advantages over other teams. I will not, however apologize to anyone beating their chests over a MNC that looks and feels tainted, such as Alabama’s and Auburn’s.
Columbus Dawg
July 31st, 2012
9:12 am
How many titles? I would not bet my trailer, or even the cinder blocks holding it up if I were you.
AJ
July 31st, 2012
9:30 am
East teams are so weak, 10-2 wins it. Then they get blown out in the SEC Championship every year and finish 11-3 or 10-4.
serotta can shoveita
July 31st, 2012
9:32 am
Bill you are a better man than me for answering that idiot
DawginLex
July 31st, 2012
9:39 am
AJ
The SEC has been around longer than the last 3 years where the west has won the title
SEC Champions
2002-Georgia
2003-LSU
2004-Auburn
2005-Georgia
2006-Florida
2007-LSU
2008-florida
2009-Bama
2010-Auburn
2011-LSU
4 of the last 10 are from the East. Kinda throws your statement out the window
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
10:27 am
Dawgin
Give him a break, he probably didn’t know what a football was 4 years ago…
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
10:33 am
CDawg
Good call bro. GaTiger obviously isn’t a Doggie but has good post and never trolls. He’s also a proud Dad. Glad you reread his post, you’re a DGD…
TS
July 31st, 2012
10:42 am
Considering UF’s schedule last year, holding on to the #8 spot with a bunch of Sophomores and Juniors was commendable. The UF offense is still in limbo but I’d much rather line up with the ball against SC than Florida.
Chris Mike
July 31st, 2012
10:54 am
If we play like we everybody thinks, then Ga will be okay. Our o-line is average simply because our blocking sceme is soft. Our o-line coach is the problem. We had the biggest line in football last year and rarely ran power plays where the o-line just fire off and hit somebody. I go back to the boise state game every time slow looking bo bo ran the power Crowell was sucessful. And we killed SC on the power play to with Crowell. Fl game Sameul did most of his damage up the middle. So why every year people down grade our blocking. Now against LSU that was a different story, but FL and SC, child please! Go Dawgs!
AUTiger
July 31st, 2012
11:22 am
georgia has the easiest schedule in the SEC and should win the east easily. lsu wins the west. If GA’s D is a lot better they can pull the upset in the sEC title game. LSUs O will be decent, not great.
SSIgator
July 31st, 2012
11:41 am
“The SEC has been around longer than the last 3 years where the west has won the title”
_________________________________________
Gotta give Nancy credit for trying to put UGA in a positive light. The last ten years are the only ones that UGA even shows up on the radar in a SEC Championship Game discussion. Poor darlin’ – don’t be late for your lunch with the girls today.
TigerinGA
July 31st, 2012
11:57 am
Huge upset over LSU in championship game?? LMAO, someone is hitting the booze early this morning! UGA plays no one other than South Carolina which will give them a false sense of worth, just like last year.
Wutehvah
July 31st, 2012
12:02 pm
It’s like a Rubefest up in here
V1J
July 31st, 2012
12:14 pm
LSU’s offense was terrible last year, and they still won 42-10, taking advantage of Georgia’s pathetic special teams for 14 points on Tyrone’s 2 punt returns, and Murray’s tendancy to commit turnovers and throw pick 6’s in big games resulting in an easy 21 points.
Columbus Dawg
July 31st, 2012
12:18 pm
So, Bill is it your opinion that Greg McGarity, or Mark Richt is making the decision not to announce players that will not be eligible for play due to suspension, NCAA issues, or academic reasons? I do not for the life of me understand what they hope to gain by keeping the bad news to themselves. Seems it would be better to get it out now than waiting until closer to the opener. It may be McGarity just trying to protect Richt from all the deserved scrutiny he will face. I agree somewhat with folks who say Richt is not responsible for players illegal acts while not in class, but the constant academic eligibility issues I will lie at Richt’s feet. There is so much good tutoring available to students at UGA, and mandatory participation is supposed to be followed by players with classroom problems. AJC writers should pound down the door until Richt comes clean about ineligible players!
Yup
July 31st, 2012
12:48 pm
Richt keeps some things private to make it harder for their opponents to figure out who’s out and who’s not, doesn’t matter how much AJC asks, Richt’s not telling and he isn’t required to.
The Georgia Poetaster
July 31st, 2012
12:51 pm
Who is suspended
And who will play
We’d all like to know
Why Richt won’t say
harold
July 31st, 2012
12:56 pm
UGA ONLY PLAYS TWO TEAMS IN THE TOP 25——A CAKEWALK SCHEDULE.
Columbus Dawg
July 31st, 2012
12:57 pm
Bottom line is there SHOULD NOT be so many ineligible players at Georgia, year, after year, after year.
At least not for academic reasons.
DetroitDawg
July 31st, 2012
2:02 pm
We play 2 top ranked teams. Richt’s 0-9 or 0 win % vs. teams that finish top 25, so you figure 2 losses right off the bat.
Then we play 4 teams that will end up with at least 7 wins in Mizzou, Auburn, GaTech, Vanderbilt/Tenn. Richt’s won 40%, or 4-10 in the last 2 years against teams with 7 wins or more. So you figure he improves and wins 50% of those 4 games, there’s your other 2 losses.
Then you get to the Bowl game, which Richt used to be good at Bowls, but since 2009, he’s 0-2 or 0% wins, so you might figure 1 more loss.
So, 8-5, with 6 wins over teams with losing records, and 2 more wins against teams with winning records like Vanderbilt and GaTech, and 0 wins against teams that finish top 25,
In other words, if Richt goes 50% against the 4 winning teams, and 0% against teams that finish top 25, including the Bowl game, you’re looking at 8-5.
Richt went in 2010:
0% wins against teams that finished top 25
0% wins against teams that finished with a winning record
0% win in Bowl game
Richt went in 2011:
0% in Bowl game win
0% against teams that finished top 25
50% against teams that finished with a winning record.
If Richt repeats 2011 %’s, he’ll finish 8-5.
Tech Sucks
July 31st, 2012
2:31 pm
Serotta is a Tech fan. His opinion doesn’t count.
Tech Sucks
July 31st, 2012
2:33 pm
0% in a bowl game win? Are you serious? That might be the most idiotic stat I’ve ever seen…. Also for your 2011 stats RICHT had a hand in making those teams not finish in the top 25… Ever think of that genius?
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
2:38 pm
The Georgia Poetaster is a class-act indeed.
When he speaks to the masses, his words they should heed.
Richt’s silence is golden, his words seal their fate.
to find who’s suspended, I guess we must wait, lol…
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
2:42 pm
Tech sucks
How many times has UGA knocked a ranked GT team out of the top 25???
84
July 31st, 2012
2:52 pm
Easiest games:
Buff, Flo Atl, Kent, Ole Miss, Georgia Southern
5-0?
Medium difficulty games:
Vanderbilt, Tennessee (great special teams coaches)
1-1?
Tough games:
GTech, Auburn, Mizzou, Florida, South Carolina
2-3?
8-4 finish?
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
3:26 pm
84= YOUR FOOTBALL IQ
84
July 31st, 2012
5:35 pm
Oh really smart guy? 8-4 is based off of looking at Mark Richt’s 2010 & 2011 ACTUAL winning percentage against:
a) losing teams
b) winning teams
c) top 25 teams
Mark Richt’s percentage 2010 & 2011 combined has been he wins 96% of the losing teams, 40% for the teams with winning records, and 0% against top 20 calibre teams.
The percentages Richt’s 2 year averages are:
losing teams: 96 win % (play 5 teams like that)= 5 wins
wining teams: 40 win % (play 5 teams like that) = 2 wins
top 20 teams: 0 win % (play 2 teams like that) = 0 wins
You’re looking at 7 wins, unless Tenneesee and Vanderbilt both don’t win at least 7 games, to where the 7 wins go up to 9 wins, as Richt’s team play better against teams with poor win records.
Pretty hard to imagine the Big 5 on the 2012 schedule having losing seasons:
GTech, Auburn, Mizzou, Florida, South Carolina
Pretty hard to imagine UGA making it through a season without playing at least 2 teams that end up in the top 20. Most likely, South Carolina & Florida both will.
This is Richt’s 2 year average, his highest of the 2 years was 2011 where he went 100% against losing teams, 50% against winning teams, and 0% against top 20 teams. That’s still a 7 win season.
84
July 31st, 2012
5:40 pm
Mizzou is a very well coached team. They have 48 wins in the last 5 years, which averages out to almost 10 wins per season, worst season was 8 wins. Best was 12 wins.
84
July 31st, 2012
5:47 pm
UGA averages 3 games a year against teams that finish in the top 20. Only exception was 2008 when UGA got 2 of those. Last year was 4 top 20 teams.
So UGA will, on the average, play 3 teams in 2012, that somehow end up in the top 20. And if 2010 & 2011 is any indication, will lose all 3.
SSIgator
July 31st, 2012
6:54 pm
Richt -
Make sure that the Sony BetaMax machine still works before you try to play the tape. Either that or just set up a shrine of Walker.
Bill King
July 31st, 2012
6:59 pm
Columbus Dawg:
I don’t know why they choose not to release the info on who’s suspended and who’s not, but I’d say a good guess might be that they’d like to keep Missouri from knowing exactly what players they’re facing until the last minute. I don’t know if that really helps or not, but if there’s a chance it impacts Mizzou’s planning, so much the better.
kingdaddy
July 31st, 2012
8:48 pm
84
Guess you’re smarter than the “experts”, lol. You wouldn’t happen to work at 84 Lumber would you???
Rossville Bulldog
July 31st, 2012
9:16 pm
The Athens PD is a bigger obstacle than Florida or South Carolina.
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
July 31st, 2012
9:18 pm
Any more of Richt’s players arrested today?
The endless argument...
July 31st, 2012
9:21 pm
“Make sure that the Sony BetaMax machine still works before you try to play the tape.”
You know, BetaMax really was superior to VHS.
UGAGOLFER
July 31st, 2012
9:23 pm
Picture Day is DEAD. Why bother.
Fair n Balanced
July 31st, 2012
11:57 pm
Who thinks basketball and baseball coaches deserve standing O’s? I’m sorry but Fox has produced nothing at Ga yet and baseball is way down…….yeah, it was intention. We would not boo them but how do we applaud seasons like we just had? Duh?
boykin
August 1st, 2012
1:03 am
84: Who cares? RICHT and DAWGS are on a mission to win the SEC CHAMP….They r going to throttle Mizzou by 21 plus pts to welcome u and them into the SEC.
boykin
August 1st, 2012
1:08 am
84: Gabbert is gone!!!!!!!!! Deal with it….Murray will be your buddy this yr!
Hugh D
August 1st, 2012
1:10 am
Fair: Fox will be the best UGA BBall coach ever. Placate yourself. He deserves kudos.
caino2
August 1st, 2012
6:35 am
Im still trying to figure out why Mr. Mitchell is in the secondary …
Columbus Dawg
August 1st, 2012
8:03 am
Bill, I know you are spot on about suspensions, it is just frustrating. As far as M. Mitchell goes, he will be on O when needed. When he enters the game teams will key on him, even double team him, but this will only leave another capable receiver wide open. MM will often beat the coverage as well, as he did in 2011. UGA probably has the best receiving corps as a whole than it has ever had as far as having so many good receivers. Bennett, Conley, King, Marlon Brown,(Brown will contribute more this season), and Mitchell when needed gives the Dawgs five very capable receivers, Scott-Wesley would make six if he shows up. The Dawgs in the past have had some great combos in MoMass and A.J., Sean Bailey and MoMass, Terrance Edwards and Fred Gibson, ect., but the receivers farther down the depth charts on those teams were good for a play here and there, but were not as dependable as the first five UGA will field this season. If Stafford would have had five receivers as capable as the ones on the depth chart today, he could have really spread it around. That being said, I really think that the light will come on for Murray as far as finding second and third receiving options this time around. The Dawgs WILL NOT be denied on the ground this year, mark it down. Running game returns this season, play action will be as prevalent as when David Greene was QB.
The Georgia Bulldogs have a better chance to make a run at the natty than they have in thirty years, much better than 2008, so everyone needs to get on board, and get ready for a sweet ride, naysayers and haters will eat me alive for this post, but they will see the truth in time.
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
8:51 am
C-Dawg
We don’t care what the trolls think. We will never impress them. All we can do is win and take care of business on the field and off the field. Even if we go undefeated, the haters will still find something to cry about…