Question marks temper season predictions for the Dawgs
How many times will we be able to say this during the 2012 season? (Photo by Olivia King)
Even though I know in advance what he’s going to say, I always get a kick out of asking my brother Jon for his prediction of what sort of season the football Dawgs will have.
Just about every year it’s the same answer: “Undefeated!”
This year, thanks to the amped up preseason ranking Mark Richt’s team is enjoying, Jon isn’t alone in seeing a chance for Georgia to win it all, but the expectations of most fans I’ve heard from are slightly more modest, with the vast majority predicting regular-season records of 11-1 or 10-2 and probably another SEC East title.
That’s the way it generally went when I asked Blawg friends on Facebook for their opinion, though there were a handful of doubters who saw a 9-3 record (or worse). But considering the favorable schedule and all the returning talent, I think anything less than a 10-win regular season would be viewed as a disappointment by many in the Bulldog Nation.
I’m generally pretty conservative in my annual venture out on a limb to make a season prediction. Last year, I went for 9-3 and said I couldn’t quite see the Dawgs getting 10 regular-season wins.
I love being wrong in those situations!
Anyway, in looking at the 2012 season, I’ve been fluctuating between 11-1 and 10-2. I think if they get past Missouri, 11-1 looks pretty reasonable. And if they get past Missouri and South Carolina, I think the odds increase dramatically that they’d enter the conference championship game undefeated.
But I finally decided 10-2 looks more likely, with the most probable losses being to South Carolina and either Mizzou or the Gators, though if the Dawgs don’t play their best they could come up short against a Brian Van Gorder Auburn defense, too. Depending on who the Gamecocks lose to, that still could be good enough to put Georgia back in the SEC championship game, though.
Here’s why I see Georgia with a couple of losses this season:
Aside from the possible impact of suspensions for the Missouri game, I think the team will be fine defensively, assuming the offense doesn’t sputter and keep the D out on the field too long, as it did in last year’s bowl game.
But like my son (who also sees the Dogs going 10-2), I’m concerned about the offense. The Dawgs have a young and not very deep offensive line combined with running backs who are either young or not super talented. So, running the ball could be hard against really good defenses and D-lines (as in the games against LSU and Michigan State last year).
Between the 20-yard lines, Mike Bobo is a master, but inside the red zone it gets trickier. That’s where the Georgia offense worries me, especially with Orson Charles gone as Aaron Murray’s safety valve.
And what worries me even more is special teams. We saw last year what a difference they can make. This season, not only do the Dawgs have an unproven freshman stepping in as placekicker, but I’m not convinced Richt has done enough to fix the problem. There’s still no one person in charge of the special teams. Also, reports from players are that more time has not been allotted to special teams in practices, though there’s been more talk about the need to get better and more starters are likely to play on coverage teams. Will that be enough? I’m skeptical.
Overall, the Dawgs are talented enough to beat every team on their schedule, but I believe the question marks about the OL and special teams loom large enough to derail brother Jon’s prediction.
How about you? What regular-season record do you see Georgia finishing with this year?
JUNKYARD MAIL CALL
Got something you want to discuss concerning UGA athletics? Or maybe a question you want the Junkyard Blawg to tackle? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
180 comments Add your comment
The Honest Truth
August 29th, 2012
10:53 am
Dawgs finish the regular season 11-1, with a loss to either Mizzou or dare I say Spurrier’s Gamecoks (no God spare us)!
FaithfulDawg86
August 29th, 2012
10:54 am
Kicking game will be fine; we’ve started plenty of true freshmen over the years… O-line might by tricky, but I think we’ve got the talent and they have at least one game (Buffalo) to start to gel as a unit. I love the enthusiasm I’m hearing from Athens, from the team and coahes. I don’t see SC or FL beating us this year, so I’m going to wear the rosy glasses and agree with your brother Jon
Cuz
August 29th, 2012
10:54 am
I just figure the loss is to the Gators. Tough voodoo to fight on that one.
Goldenrod
August 29th, 2012
11:00 am
FIRST!
THWG, Tech Runs This State!
SSIgator
August 29th, 2012
11:06 am
Bill King -
Not sure if I like the new layout for AJC-Sports, but it is a shame that your spot & picture have to share space with Twit Towers on the same page.
RAWDAWG
August 29th, 2012
11:06 am
I see the DAWGS losing one game in the regular season. Unlike most, however, I don’t think it will be in Columbia. Although their front 4 are pretty good, there are major question marks on both sides of the ball at the other positions. Outside of Lattimore, no big name play makers. With our full D back for that game, I think we get the W. I think we could slip up either at Missouri or in Jacksonville, or possibly against Auburn who is a very talented bunch. I would say 11-1 at best or 10-2…
RAWDAWG
August 29th, 2012
11:09 am
SSIgator-
Just curious… what makes Mr. Towers, “a twit” as you so eloquently state above?
SSIgator
August 29th, 2012
11:13 am
“Question marks temper season predictions for the Dawgs”
___________________________
Why? Aren’t St. Markus Rectumus and Booboo still there?
And isn’t Murray the Midget still the starting QB?
There should not be any questions. Class dismissed.
Frank Lane
August 29th, 2012
11:16 am
11-1 losing only to South Carolina.
chilidawg
August 29th, 2012
11:17 am
I see them going undefeated and meeting Bama in the SEC championship, where we get revenge for the 2008 blackout debacle. Then, according to the Mayans, the world will end on December 21st before we get to play for the BCS title.
AltamahaDawg
August 29th, 2012
11:17 am
Not worried about the kickers. As pointed out, we have done OK with freshman. And our seniors didn’t exactly have the best year. We are probabaly going to be wise and treat them as freshman, and not rely on them being great Seniors (and not). It’s the coverage team that had a bad year. They either fixed that or they didn’t. I believe they have, or should have. The question is, at what cost.
Rooster
August 29th, 2012
11:17 am
8-4. To much koolaid being passed around in Athens. Murray will have roughly 30 turnovers between interceptions and turnovers. Richt and Bobo are not championship caliber coaches period.
Moobs Johnson
August 29th, 2012
11:18 am
9-3 at best, Coach MediocRe is at the helm after all.
AltamahaDawg
August 29th, 2012
11:31 am
And really just the punt coverage was bad. UGA has also been at or near the top in that over the past few years, so obviously they KNOW what to do. They just did not put the right guys out there last year to do it.
Punt returns, we were pretty normal last year.around 10 ypp. Middle of the pack.
KO (both defense and return), there really isn’t that big of a spread between the top and bottom of the league. These new rules will probably narrow that even more.
sc fan
August 29th, 2012
11:36 am
UGA defense is overrated and offense is underrated. 9-3 losses to SC , fl, au. wins east
UGA Alumnus
August 29th, 2012
11:36 am
Take it w/ a grain of salt, but here’s my SEC 2012 prediction (11-1 for UGA with lone loss 24-23 to Florida):
1. Alabama (SEC’s most talented team w/ best O-line, defense, and coaching staff)
2. LSU: (SEC’s 4th most talented team…fwiw, I don’t like Coach Miles’ personality [comes across to me as a condescending jerk], but I think he consistently fields a quality, competitive team)
3. Georgia: (SEC’s 3rd most talented team, but I think our O-line, special teams, and lack of depth will conspire against us at some point)
4. Florida: (SEC’s 2nd most talented team, but I don’t think Muschamp is a great coach and the Gators have some depth problems; with that said, I think the Gators new offensive coordinator will help them move the ball)
5. S. Carolina: (SEC’s 7th most talented team…fwiw, I’m not a Spurrier fan [comes across to me as a jackass], but he’s clever and has adapted to the times….QB Connor Shaw, RB Marcus Lattimore, and DE Jadveon Clowney will keep them in the hunt)
6. Auburn: (SEC’s 5th most talented team…fwiw, I’m not sold on Coach Chizik, but I think Coach VanGorder is going to significantly improve the Tigers defense; still, they have some depth issues like UGA which will hurt them over a course of a season)
7. Tennessee: (SEC’s 6th most talented team….fwiw, I think Coach Dooley is a decent coach, but w/ 7 new assistant coaches and a new defense (3-4), I think they will be a middle-of-the-pack SEC team)
8. Texas A&M: (SEC’s 8th most talented team….fwiw, I like Coach Sumlin, but it’s very hard to win big your first year at a program…esp. w/ a frosh QB…given that, they have a good OL so I think they’ll be competitive but need to improve their defense)
9. Arkansas: (SEC’s 9th most talented team….fwiw, I think the Razorbacks are the most overrated team in the SEC…getting Knile Davis back will help their O, but I’m not impressed w/ their D)
10. Mississippi St: (SEC’s 10th most talented team…fwiw, I think Coach Mullen is a promising coach, but the Maroons lack elite offensive talent….btw, losing their WR coach and being investigated by the NCAA for a “recruiting irregularity” can only be a distraction)
11. Missouri: (SEC’s 11th most talented team…fwiw, I think Coach Pinkel is a good coach, but losing their top RB [Josey] and multiple injuries to their O-line will limit their spread offense…still, dual-threat QB James Franklin and talented WRs T.J. Moe & true frosh DGB will move the ball; unfortunately for the Tigers, they lack elite defensive players so I expect they’ll be in shootouts this season)
12. Vanderbilt: (SEC’s 13th most talented team…fwiw, I think Coach Franklin is doing a fine job w/ the Commodores and will improve their competitiveness and talent…but right now they just don’t have the talent to beat the big boys)
13. Kentucky: (SEC’s least talented team….fwiw, I think Joker Phillips hasn’t got much to work w/ and will compete w/ Ole Miss as the SEC’s worst team)
14. Ole Miss: (SEC’s 12th most talented team…new head coach, SEC’s worst defense last season….I think they’ll compete w/ Kentucky as the SEC’s bottom feeder)
zbulldawg
August 29th, 2012
11:39 am
Why is it every time I post some thing positive on here about the DAWGS ? IT doesn’t get posted
CHDawg
August 29th, 2012
11:39 am
A couple of intangibles: one is that this is a very mature group overall with great team chemistry (I believe). Team chemistry is hard to figure out, even for the coaches. We’ll have to see them play a few games to know for sure, but I think they have greatness written all over them. Even some of our second string guys are great players and leaders! You can go over just about every defensive player and say he is as good or better than any player we have had there in years. Two is that they played with some great teams last year, and stupid mistakes cost them a whole lot on the scoreboard and in momentum. They are hungry to right those mistakes. Bill is dead on with his concerns, and don’t forget injuries could cause real problems, too, but hallelujah–Jon may finally be right. This schedule gets tougher and tougher as the season goes on, so it gives the offense and special teams a chance to mature. One other point is reminding people that the year is yet to play out for other teams, too, and there are always surprises. I personally think the Gators are going to be much better than people expect. I think they may beat LSU and show up in Jax undefeated.
zbulldawg
August 29th, 2012
11:41 am
Be real DAWGS go UNDEFEATED !!
zbulldawg
August 29th, 2012
11:42 am
Hey Bill King where’s my comment ?
zbulldawg
August 29th, 2012
11:43 am
It was clean & to the point !
dawgdmd
August 29th, 2012
11:47 am
eh……RB’s not super talented?
Just Sayin
August 29th, 2012
11:52 am
I think we will knock-off Missouri and SC, but slip-up against FL, Auburn or Tenn…….and finish 11-1.
Desert Fox
August 29th, 2012
11:54 am
Cannot see GA’s offense as good as it was last season w/new and young OL, talented but unproven RB corps w/few exceptions, no Orson Charles, attrition on both sides of the ball, suspensions, et al. Games where losses are possible are MO, SC, and AU (Van Gorder as noted). SC will again take advantage of our special teams. Other opponents as well. That area is GA’s achilles heel. Best guess the dawgs will go (w/luck) 12-0 or more likely 9-3.
CHDawg
August 29th, 2012
11:54 am
One other interesting topic that I haven’t seen covered here on AJC. I read in the Charlotte Observer, of all places, an interesting discussion about this year’s play calling. Murray pointed out that we were going to do a lot more hurry-up/no huddle. The interesting thing about our receivers is that we have about eight guys who could play for most teams in America, but no real superstars at this point. We could run most teams to death with our depth if we can keep the ball and the line can execute. A heavy pass offense will likely fix our running game, too. I think we have had plenty of talent in the past. It is just that for the last few years, opposing DCs stack the box with 7-9 players, daring us to pass. This will be a much riskier proposition with Murray this year, and it could lead to a remarkable offense. We will see. You might google it and read it if you are down on Richt and Bobo’s play calling.
Just Sayin
August 29th, 2012
11:58 am
I agree with dawgdmd……..I sincerely believe we have very talented RBs and potentially the best group of RBs in UGa history. Not only are they big and fast, at least 3 are potential Phi Beta Kappas…….something we have never seen before. Only time will tell because we have historically had some great ones.
Huh?
August 29th, 2012
12:01 pm
The Dawgs go 9-3. I am not convinced that this team is a great team (the 10 wins last year came against un-ranked teams) yet. Protecting the quarterback, running the football, and the kicking game are hallmarks of great teams, and I agree with you Bill that those are big question marks.
I think UGA wins the Missouri game, splits between Florida and SC, then loses one game that it shouldn’t lose. Typically, UGA finds itself, inexplicably, under-performing in a game that it should win every season. So 9-3.
dale
August 29th, 2012
12:01 pm
AJC, worst new layout ever.
Dawg Bite
August 29th, 2012
12:03 pm
10-2, possibly 9-3 ? CMR’s teams have a tendency to lose one they shouldn’t, and there are several here that could play the “spoiler”. Auburn, UF, Mizzou, even Vandy, and Heaven forbid, GAT. I think it a given most think USCE is a loss. That being said, this team could just as well go 12-0, 11-1. O line and special teams may be the difference along with AM cutting down on his devastating turnovers. At any rate, can’t wait for the season to begin,as baseball, golf and now tennis are getting a bit boring on the tube. Go Dogs, and GATA!!
Huh?
August 29th, 2012
12:09 pm
Correction….I meant to lose in the Missouri game. Split between FL and SC, and one more loss that shouldn’t happen. 9-3
Bill King
August 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
I said the running backs are either young OR not super talented. Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall both appear to be very talented, but they are also very young and inexperienced. The backs with experience, Boo Malcome and Richard Samuel, probably can move the pile some, but neither is likely to draw “next Herschel” comparisons.
Lazarus
August 29th, 2012
12:26 pm
9-3.
O-LINE, O-LINE, O-LINE.
We are shaky there AT BEST and that is crazy scary if 1 of them goes down to injury. And they will. It is football. I am afraid we will see alot of #11 scrambling for his life without Orson to bail him out.
And running the ball?
Look at the scrimmage ’stats’ and when you take out the long runs, we averaged less than 3 ypc. And that was 1’s vs. 2’s.
Make your reservations for The ChickFilA Bowl.
Roll Tide ROLL!
August 29th, 2012
12:26 pm
No way you’re doggies win ten games. Saban would whup you if you were man enouagh to play him.
Old Dawg
August 29th, 2012
12:27 pm
Just win baby. Just win.
chazzo
August 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
12-0 is conceivable if two or three tight ones go the Dawgs way. For that to happen, UGA has to win the turnover ratio and watch the penalties. I honestly think the D can keep the Dawgs in a game with most anyone in the country for at least three quarters. The rest is up to the O and Specials not blowing it.
Just Sayin
August 29th, 2012
12:35 pm
Thanks Bill for the clarification……and you are correct about the RBs.
CHDawg
August 29th, 2012
12:38 pm
Malcome reminds me a little of Danny Ware, not Hershcel, and I think he has a chance to be better than Ware. I thought Ware was an excellent TB, and another of the UGA TBs who went on to have careers in the NFL even though they didn’t play much for Georgia–i.e. they rode the pine a lot. Obviously, I think Malcome has NFL potential. I think Samuel has a chance to play in the NFL, but more likely at FB than TB. Both should be great contributors. I was extremely impressed with Samuel against UF, and his runs on GDay. If he learns to lean behind his pads, he is going to be about as fun to tackle as a dump truck. Go Dawgs.
CHDawg
August 29th, 2012
12:47 pm
oops, Herschel
ARdawg
August 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
invariably, we’ll stumble and lose, get caught looking ahead. We’ll beat Mizzou and SC, we’ll lose to someone, TN, FL or AU in the coxky time of year while feeling entitled. Really, there is no reason why we lose to anyone on this schedule but, it’ll happen
BKbroila
August 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
First of all, I never saw Orson Charles as Aaron Murray’s “Safety Valve” at all….Murray feeling that 2-3 times/Game that he had to Force the ball to his Buddy in traffic caused 2 pick six’s last year and probably brought his Completion % down 4-5 points..Murray will do better now that OC is catching balls on Sunday….
SSIgator
August 29th, 2012
12:54 pm
ARdawg -
Coming down off of the Kool-Aid are we? Or has reality struck?
Randy Marsh
August 29th, 2012
12:56 pm
Your brother is delusional. I see 9-3 and with a little luck and staying healthy, maybe 10 or 11 wins. With the Jax jinx, I don’t see us beating FL 2 years in a row. Also, FL, TN and AU should all be better, so the schedule won’t be as easy as all the bashers on these blogs say. I’m counting on Murray to cost us 2 games with turnovers also.
CHDawg
August 29th, 2012
12:59 pm
BK, you remember the Gday when Mett hit Lynch for a lot of yards on a few plays? I was a huge fan of Charles, but honestly, Lynch reminds me of the monster pro TEs from the 70s. Hard to say from a few catches, but he seems to be a great runner after the catch, and very hard to bring down. He may end up being one of the top TEs in the country, imho. He can block, too.
Randy Marsh
August 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
Roll Tide Roll, get a spellchecker program on your computer! You’re an embarrassment to the school you cheer for. I’m surprised you have internet access in that double-wide.
ARdawg
August 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
SSI
If you think even for a second I have ever been a koolaid drinker, you’re drinking “that” koolaid yourself. I am not a homer, more of a realist. Besides the fact that going undefeated is a near impossible task, once a team hit’s double digit victories (any team) they get too full of themselves. It goes with the territory. But still, I am Bulldog born, Bulldog bred and when I die, I’ll be Bulldog dead
ARdawg
August 29th, 2012
1:10 pm
SSI
Besides the target on the backs of UGA “just because”, I do see an improved East this year along with AU. Your Gators are going to beat someone and TN will too. If Georgia gets two cocxky, we’ll lose either or both of those. Mizzou doesn’t have the horses and SC is a wilting flash in the pan. We win those
ARdawg
August 29th, 2012
1:14 pm
Bill King
BTW, I’m digging the new UGA sports landing page
ole yeller
August 29th, 2012
1:44 pm
The only way to shutup the doubters is for the season to unfold and watch the Dawgs roll. I not saying the Dawgs are the best in the country but I’m saying they cay play with anyone in the couintry. The Dawgs this season is a STUD TEAM. I feel they can get to the SEC Champinship game with out a loss. From there it will be a test of will. But with a bit of luck they could be National Champs.
Chris
August 29th, 2012
1:47 pm
9-3….We loose to Missouri, S.C., and Florida, and somehow Mike Bobo will be solely responsible for all three losses. It will be a down year, and S.C. will win the east. We will also continue to have huge problems with special teams since Richt has no desire to improve our special teams. That seat will start getting warm again, and maybe in another 2 or 3 years McGarity will see the writing on the wall, and find a coach that can make this team better.
I strongly disagree that Bobo is “Masterful” betwen the 20’s. The only thing he is “Masterful” at is popping out kids. He is for sure NOT masterful when it comes to calling plays.
441North
August 29th, 2012
1:56 pm
Bill, I think we have the talent to be extra special this year. No team is ever perfect entering the season, and we have a couple of possible weak links (special teams, OL), but we are LOADED on defense and have a seasoned QB and receivers,and a stable of running backs. If we don’t make it to the Dome and a BCS game, we need to consider a changing of the guard.
MA English 1975
August 29th, 2012
2:09 pm
Can we PLEASE stop talking about Herschel? He is not going to be reincarnated! Let the freshmen prove themselves without the spectre of Herschel over their shoulders.
All Roads go through Florida
August 29th, 2012
2:13 pm
It appears as though Georgia will be ready and hyped for Spurrier but is underestimating a Florida team that has persistently dominated them the past decade and an Auburn team with players that still remember how to win a National Championship. Georgia may beat Mizzou, SC, and get arrogant and get beat by FL and Auburn. Beware of Muschamp and Chizik.
LogicalUS
August 29th, 2012
2:18 pm
NO CHANCE AT ALL that UGA beats SC in Columbia…NONE. They also lose one or two others of Mizzou\UF\UT\AUB.
So they will again be rooting for the SEC West to knock off SC to back them into the SEC East again….
Hope they held on to their SEC WEST pom-poms…Geaux Tigers is the new UGA cheer.
bill arp
August 29th, 2012
2:42 pm
10-2. With one loss coming from a missed FG by the true freshman to win a game at the horn, and the other loss coming from A Murrays 4 turnovers(2 Int’s and 2 fumbles) in one game.
As far as which two games we lose, it could be anyone ranging from UT, UF, USC, Misery, or AU..
Mobile Dawg
August 29th, 2012
2:43 pm
We have the talent to go undefeated. What’s different about this team this year, they seem to be more cohesive. The wild card is are the coaches any better than the average group they’ve been? Time will tell. I’m not ready to make a prediction except we could be anywhere in the regular season from 8-4 to 12-0.
Nick
August 29th, 2012
2:50 pm
John Kasay, Billy Bennett & Blair Walsh all looked pretty good as freshmen kickers.
I’m just sayin’.
Also, I feel like with all the focus going toward Missouri & USC as far as losing, I think if they do lose one or two it will come from elsewhere, not even thought of now.
bill arp
August 29th, 2012
2:54 pm
Oh, the loss we get from Murray’s TO’s, it’ll be blamed on Coach Bobo though.
edumacated
August 29th, 2012
3:26 pm
Sorry, but they are going to have to show me something before I get on this crazy 11-1 and 10-2 bandwagon I see rolling out. Until then, I think 3 losses is more probable. If we had to play LSU or Bama, it would be 4.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
3:30 pm
Honestly, I never liked Orson Charles. He was a great tight end, don’t get me wrong, but he was great in the spread situation. He is best used split out, and as a recieving threat. He wasn’t really big enough to block the really good LB’s. Georgia has and will be the best out of the I formation. Aurthor Lynch is 270+ lbs. He is big enough to handle a lot of DE let alone LB’s. I think the addition of size at this position and a hard hitting fullback, causes UGA’s run game to skyrocket, which in turn will make the play action passing game unstoppable. With Murray’s experience, and a very tallented evenly distributed group of recievers, UGA’s going to be undefeated going into the SECCG. But thats only if we don’t have any injuries on the O-Line. I like this line better than last years. I think they all started about the same time, so they have some continuity, which is what you really want in a good line. That, andI think they have taken to the idea that people think they are the weak point on this team. They have something to prove, and will hit hard. They will make mistakes, but will be a very good tight nit group by the time we play SC. Look for the screen game to be effective early in the year and move away from it later.
truedawg
August 29th, 2012
3:32 pm
12-0 then drop the game to Bama but it’ll be close. Close enough to have some calling for a rematch. Dawgs will go one to destroy “choke-lahoma” and Bama will play USC. Dawgs will finish 2nd in the final polls. GATA!!!
A. Bishop
August 29th, 2012
4:09 pm
I really feel like everyone is giving mizzou too much credit. They are falling apart as we speak. I think we will squeak by in South carolina as well.
A. Bishop
August 29th, 2012
4:11 pm
I love all the trolls posing as UGA fans on this blog.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:18 pm
No kidding A. Bishop.They are mostly ignorant. I understand about tempering expectations, but most of their negativity is unwarranted.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:20 pm
Dawgs win all but maybe one. If we can get past the SC game, which I think will be really close, I think we have a 50/50 shot at winning the SECCG then the National Title.
SSIgator
August 29th, 2012
4:30 pm
Dawg for Life -
First post:
“I understand about tempering expectations”
Followed by:
“I think we have a 50/50 shot at winning the SECCG then the National Title”
_______________________
I don’t know which is funnier; that you truly believe what you wrote or that you truly did not understand the contradiction of your message. Anywa,y thanks for giving us a good laugh to end the day on.
G-Dawg
August 29th, 2012
4:49 pm
“Anyway thanks for giving us a good laugh to end the day on”
Feeling is mutual with your garbage as well!!
Angus
August 29th, 2012
4:50 pm
1. Talent
UGA is the only team in the nation to have all 6 units ranked in the top 5 nationally: QB, RB, WR, DLINE, LB, DB. This team is LOADED with talent everywhere. Only Oregon is close.
2. Schedule
UGA has the right schedule to win it all, facing only 1 top 10 team, where LSU, Bama, Ark, SC, UF all face 3 top 10 teams. Mizzou is the 2nd toughest game because it comes early, the suspensions and inexperience at oline and lack of production a te and rb.
3. Turnover Margin
This is where UGA drops out of the conversation. UGA has had a negative turnover magin against ranked teams in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. This is due to Murray’s poor decision making committing 8 turnovers in 4 games vs. ranekd teams in 2011 and the defense not forcing enough turnovers in big games. So since UGA can’t fix this issue, it will cost them a National Championship.
UGA will once again beat itself.
LSU, SC, Mich St, it happened all 3 games.
Angus
August 29th, 2012
4:53 pm
Bill, 10-2 is a fair assessment. Gonna lose 2 of 4 to Mizzou, SC, UF, or Auburn. And it will be due to the turnover margin AGAIN.
Same for post-season games, self destruction, and self sabotage is the UGA mantra.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
4:56 pm
I really wish people would stop coming on here talking about winning a national title
A coaching staff that cant beat a top 15 team in 4 years and doesnt have the belief in their team to go for it on 4th and inches against UCF; a team that has never done anything significant in Div I football is not coaching a team to a national title
Get a clue and lay of the bong
MoMo
August 29th, 2012
5:03 pm
Georgia will go 12-0, I dont see any team can beat us until the SEC championship game. look at last season, we opened with Boise and then we outplayed South Carolina in a loss(south carolina scored 24 points off turn overs). every team in the SEC has major peoblems, Georgia has its share however the odds are better this season. the toughest games will be against south carolina and Florida, but I think Georgia will be vectorious in both. go dawgs!!!!
CHDawg
August 29th, 2012
5:10 pm
Tire, I think you are discounting the players too much. Players and team chemistry are the key. Coaching is important, but great players make the difference. Look at Auburn in ‘09. I watched Joe Cox, King and Ealey whip Gene’s boys on CSS the other day. Cam shows up, along with the maturation of a few others, and almost the same staff whips us and everyone else they faced! Then last year, we blew them out. Players win championships. The coaches enable and empower them. BTW, I think our players are top-notch this year, but we’ll have to wait and see how top they are.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
5:11 pm
LOL
We played Boise
Wow we sure have fallen we say oooh we had to play Boise
Give me a break
UGA isnt going 12-0 with this coaching staff
ARdawg
August 29th, 2012
5:15 pm
Dawg for Life
It’s not going to take much for this OL to be better than last years
ARdawg
August 29th, 2012
5:17 pm
Flat Tire!!
Still your usual cheery, upbeat, positive self I see
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
5:19 pm
CHDawg
This coaching staff has had the talent since Richt has been here
More players have gone to the NFL than any other SEC school during Richts tenure
This coaching cannot make game winning decisions
Michigan St,, Aub during their championship run, Arkansas, Colorado, LSU games that these teams made adjustments that this coaching staff had no answer for
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
5:22 pm
ARDawg
You mean my realistic I live in the real world self and refuse to live in delusion land
Yep thats me
BYSTANDER
August 29th, 2012
5:22 pm
momo…..agree with you. As a person that studies football, i see these people on hear speaking from their heart or hatred for Georgia. I live in Texas and don’t read a lot on SEC football here naturally. I do however study all DIV 1 teams extensively. Georgia is set up to win it all. I think the deciding factor is team unity and determination. The Bulldogs will surprise a LOT of people, especially the pundits on ESPN, with their two darlings of USC and Alabama. The two coaches (Richt and Grantham) know exactly what they are doing and people who want them dismissed are really idiots, or simply jealous or looking for banter here on this blog. The Georgia team is more talented, physical and skilled than anyone on their schedule and do NOT expect slip ups or let downs from anyone. Hold your head BULLDOG fans, this is YOUR year….God luck to you!
441North
August 29th, 2012
5:24 pm
Have you been injured in an accident, and need legal help ?
SSIgator
August 29th, 2012
5:37 pm
BYSTANDER -
“The two coaches (Richt and Grantham) know exactly what they are doing”
___________________
Since you are a student, were you in the same “Cutting Edge Football” class that Richt was in? He has been at UGA eleven years now. Is this the year that he is going to show people that he “knows exactly” what he is doing. A while back he said “I know what the he!! I am doing” but that proved to be a false claim. Meanwhile, 1980 gets further and further in the rear view mirror.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
5:49 pm
BYSTANDER
Richt knows what he is doing?
You study teams extensively?
Really
LOL
Did you know UGA hasnt beaten a top 15 team since 2008
Hasnt beaten a top 10 team in 5 years
All while being in the top 5 in putting recruits in the NFL
My, my, my
August 29th, 2012
6:15 pm
UGA shall fair well…as long as they don’t by into alot of the negatives surrounding them…they know what time it is (look at the sacrifices made by some of them – by remaining one more)…win, lose, or draw – leave it ALL on the field…I for one do not look past any on our schedule, but I feel more concerned about Auburn the most (they are just a hard nosed team that matches up well with us) and Mizz (due to the unknown)…UF and UT will be better, but I believe we tip the balance with USC (in a favorable outcome)…Prediction = that the Dawgs come hungry and humble, giving it everything that they have…Let the Dawg Days Begin. Matthew 6:33
Juiceman
August 29th, 2012
7:15 pm
I’ll see all of you in Miami when the Dawgs run the table this year. Something very special is brewing in Athens. You better believe it.
Sgt Pepper
August 29th, 2012
7:45 pm
Let’s assume the best team we play this year is SCar. Would you rather have the Dawg’s defense or SCar’s defense? Would you trade the Dawg’s offense for SCar’s offense? UGA should be favored in every regular season game this year for a reason. This doesn’t mean they won’t hand over a game like they did to SCar last year but anything less than 11-1 should be a great disappointment to every fan. Looking at the Missouri game it’s hard to imagine them coming within 20 points. The two caveats to this optimism is our tendency to, at times, play down to the level of our competition (I put this on the coaches), and the lack of depth on the o-line. If we successfully manage these two challenges there is no reason we don’t go 12-0.
Pcola-dawg
August 29th, 2012
7:58 pm
Funny how florida fans have no insight regarding their own misery
Huh?
August 29th, 2012
7:59 pm
How long are UGA fans going to talk about the SC from last year? All I hear is “we beat ourselves.” and “we gave that game away” and “we gave them 24 points…” Of course, it’s not different than all the other times UGA loses I guess (same thing can be said for past losses to LSU, Mich St, etc.)
All teams occasionally win a game they should lose, and lose a game they should win. Get over it already. Listen up UGA fans…you can’t get into your “go back in time” machine and fix all of the mistakes that your team makes, then just change the score.
WestOfAthens
August 29th, 2012
9:06 pm
10~2 Loss to Carolina (3 straight?) Florida (Because it’s…well… Florida)
flGator
August 29th, 2012
9:06 pm
Florida will beat the brakeshoes off of georga this year, have no doubt. Your O-line will wilt in the face of our front 7, Murray may well complete more passes to Gators than dogs. I don’t blame you for dreaming about 11-1 or 12-0 but I would say 9-3 would be more realistic. georgia just ain’t that good.
ClockWerks
August 29th, 2012
10:09 pm
Maybe the defense will rise up against Mizzou, South Carolina, Florida and Auburn and hold them all under 30 points.
Fact is, when the opponent scored 33 or more, we went 0-4 in 2011, gave up 35, 45, 42, and 33 against Boise, South Carolina, LSU, and Mich St., when the opponent was held to 32 or less points, we went 10-0.
We need the red zone defense to show up this year. Need some big time stops at the end of games in big games. Need to hold opponents in big games to under 30 points.
The UGA defense will be measured by 4 games:
Mizzou
South Carolina
Florida
Auburn
Then the SEC Champ.
Then the Bowl game.
Nobody is impressed by shutting down Buffalo.
SSIgator
August 29th, 2012
10:15 pm
ARdawg -
August 29th, 2012 – 1:10 pm
SSI – “Besides the target on the backs of UGA “just because”,
_________________
Don’t know how I missed this earlier, but it is worth comment. You and I are not THAT much different in age. Don’t be too proud too have your eyes examined. Those are not “target” symbols on the backs of UGA – they are inmate numbers of the local correctional facility. A common error. We have the same problem at UF from time to time.
damngoodawg
August 29th, 2012
10:31 pm
Hey Roll Tide ROLL! I think Saban is ducking us. We’ve won 3 out off the last 4.
damngoodawg
August 29th, 2012
10:36 pm
Hey SSigator, don’t you think for a moment that Fla doesn’t have the same problems; Urban left a mess at your pristine school and a lot of stuff happened that never will see the light of day. The difference is that UGA has a much stricter set of policies/penalties than any other SEC school and YOU KNOW IT.
SSIgator
August 29th, 2012
10:39 pm
Hey GooGoo Dawg -
Obviously you only selectivly read my post. Nothing new there.
damngoodawg
August 29th, 2012
10:44 pm
GooGoo Dawg? Smile when you call me that, padna….you might hurt my feelings and I know you wouldn’t want that.
GB's Hamburgers
August 29th, 2012
11:21 pm
We’ll lose to Missouri, SC, Fla, Auburn and Tech. Ok maybe we’ll win one of those. So, 8-4. We will again have the players .. we always do. But special teams, conditioning, coaching will lead to the unnecessary losses.
Huh?
August 29th, 2012
11:47 pm
damngoodawg…UGA has a stricter set of policies/penalties than any other SEC school?
I am so sick of hearing that MYTH…UGA AND KY have the same policy regarding a 1 game suspension for the 1st use of drugs. Other schools have a 3 strikes and you’re out policy, others don’t. Other schools, further still, have tougher penalties for 2nd offense and so on. The point is this….it doesn’t matter WHAT your policy is, if the players won’t do drugs to begin with.
Last year Crowell failed a drug test, then surprisingly played in the FL game. Of course, we didn’t find out until after the fact. This year, Richt hasn’t even announced the suspensions of Rambo and Ogletree. Might want to hold the chest pounding until Richt decides. If those two play, then Richt and UGA are no better than anyone else….and worse than some.
sprouse27
August 30th, 2012
5:08 am
Love watching the games but don’t expect the Dawgs to do much better than 9-3. Too many loose ends to win more than that. By most accounts Florida and Tenn are improving and won’t be the weak SEC East sisters they were last year. This will tighten up the East again, but winning the East to get stomped in Atlanta is something akin to kissing your cousin. Fun to watch, but all the predictions of great things are just too much koolaid.
87dawg
August 30th, 2012
7:25 am
Honestly, I could see us going undefeated but I still expect 1 loss. We just find ways to do that for some reason.
And all this nonsense about florida beating us is, well, nonsense. Seems folks forget that we STILL own them in the overall. It has nothing to do with the school or the team, rather it has to do with who is at the head. I hate him, but spurrier is a great coach. And he loves nothing more than beating the Dawgs. That’s why they piled up wins; because he really, really wanted to beat us a lot more than our coaches wanted to beat them. Take him out of the mix and we’re pretty evenly matched on records since him.
Now that brings up Carolina, and yes, spurrier. Still think he’s a great coach (I hate saying that) but this time I don’t think it’s as focused. He still likes beating us but it just doesn’t feel the same as when he was at florida. It’s not HIS school so we play on talent, which I believe overall ours is better. He still plays to win, which I don’t believe Richt does as well, but we win on talent.
So, I see 11-1 but I have no prediction on who we lose to, just that we will lose one somewhere. Coach always fins a way.
old dog
August 30th, 2012
8:31 am
O-line steps up….we win. They don’t, we lose to the better teams. We’re about set everywhere else x-cept the o-line. Hopefully all the doubters inspire them.
damngoodawg
August 30th, 2012
9:00 am
Dear Huh, you don’t know what you’re talking about…respectively….
Smarticus
August 30th, 2012
9:21 am
Here are the biggest two reasons that the Dawgs will not meet expectations:
1. Mark Richt
2. Mike Bobo
Snoop Dawg
August 30th, 2012
9:26 am
Smarticus, you are on the money, my friend. All these loyal Dawgs are unfortunately inebriated with da Preacha Man’s powereful Koolade just like before every season.
Then reality hits. I was at the Georgia Dome last year when reality hit. Richt and Bobo had absolutely not prepared the team to play Boise State. That smackdown was not an enjoyable thing to behold, especially in those stupid uniforms knowing that half the people in the country were watching the spectacle.
The zombies will never place the blame on Richt because he has that Bible Belt teflon.
So just get ready for another year of the same dung that we have been seeing since Richt arrived in Athens.
old dog
August 30th, 2012
9:35 am
I do hope this is the year….if not, we need to take a long, hard look. That being said, I just saw the new helmets Tech is supposed to wear in the VT game. As we all know, new uniforms did not help us last year agains Boise State, as our o-line got man-handled. Tech’s helmets are uglier than Bruce willis’s daughter “Scout!”
old dog
August 30th, 2012
9:36 am
I guess I should retract that….even a Tech helmet could not be that ugly………
Joe
August 30th, 2012
9:40 am
Bobo????? a Master between the red zones????? Wow!!!! That is some real Cool Aid.
Jville Dawg
August 30th, 2012
10:18 am
I know that the past 20 yrs have been rough going against the gators, and trust me as a Dawg fan who’s lived in Jax, FL for the past 16yrs I understand the frustration and disapointment as well as any Dawg fan, but I just don’t get why everyone is so concerned with them this year. Granted they will field a very good defense, but their offense will be horrible. I think everyone needs to quit drinking the gator-ade ESPN included. They have a 2nd yr coach that’s an obvious head case, a new offensive coordinator and a bunch of Urban Meyer’s spread option leftovers that don’t fit the new offense. The other thing is enough with the in the players head stuff.. We rotate players every 4 years and the bulk of this team’s starters are 1-1 with the loss coming in overtime, so they’re not scared of the gators. Everything is cyclical and they are on the down turn. They were 6-6 last year (7-6 with the bowl win) and when you look at their schedule they’re staring down the barrel of another 5-6 loss season. Their defense will keep them in games, but they will lose a lot of close games in the 4th qtr because their offense is going to have a lot of 3 and outs which is going to tire the defense. They don’t have a qb that can throw the ball, they don’t have any prolific receivers, Jeff Demps is gone. Not to mention no bye week for them, and they will have to play a physical SC team the week before.
They will most likely lose @ Tex A&M, @ Tenn(which worries me much more than FL and will be better than people think), LSU, SC, UGA, and FSU, not to mention Vandy or Missouri could jump up and get them. Don’t get me wrong we have our own question marks but FL has WAY more than we do.
The reason UF has been so dominate is FSU and Miami have been down, and they’ve been able to have their pick of Florida talent, but FSU is back to beating out UF for some of the state’s more high profile players, and Miami finally has a decent coach in place so give them a yr or two and they’ll be back. The UF ride is over, and I predict Muschamp will be on the hotseat by mid-season and likely out of job by the end of 2013. Foley isn’t going to let that program slide too long.
Jville Dawg
August 30th, 2012
10:22 am
On the “no bye week” comment I meant no bye before they play us. Just wanted to get that out there before some poindexter points out the obvious fact they do have one.
GATiger
August 30th, 2012
11:01 am
J’ville, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the Gators. They have some pretty stout young studs on defense, especially up front. If their DBs can perform, I look for them to be much improved on that side of the ball. Offensively, I don’t know what to expect from them. They have good skill players, but lots of questions up front. The new OC, third in 3 years, could bring better performance or more confusion.
old dog
August 30th, 2012
11:02 am
@Jville Dawg,
I agree with you……we better not take the Tennessee game for granted. I think they are gonna suprise some folks this year.
Skokie Dog
August 30th, 2012
11:12 am
9-3: We’ll lose one game due to botched plays by special teams (do you REALLY believe that the coaches have “fixed” this problem again this offseason), one more when our team shows up unprepared or takes a quarter or half off, and a third to a team that outplays us. And no, I don’t expect any of these losses will be to the cupcakes on our nonconference schedule (including GT).
FLA DAWG
August 30th, 2012
11:18 am
My guess is 9 – 3 and if we get to the SECC Game we lose again.
Why you ask?
Cupcake opponent wins, legit opponent loses because of Richt and Bobo.
This is shaping up like last year. We were slaughtered in the SECC game.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
11:31 am
Damngoodawg….Yeah, I am dead on the money…respectFULLY
GR
August 30th, 2012
11:56 am
1st mountain- missou
if we win
2nd mountain- sc
if we win- great chance of 12-0 into sec title game. why? momentum takes over auburn has ability to win, but also enough problems not to win.
uf- a war, but they are not back yet.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
12:03 pm
So if its like last year, you will predict each SEC game as a loss, then deminish each victory as they happen?
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
12:08 pm
then diminish it.
UGA fan...not fanatic
August 30th, 2012
12:19 pm
Bill. young or not, you might be the only one outside of the coaches and haters who thinks they (Gurley and Marshall)are NOT super talented.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
12:25 pm
That’s not what he said. He already corrected the last guy.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
12:48 pm
UGA goes 9-3. They lose to Missouri…split the SC and FL games, and then lose 1 more that they probably shouldn’t. Will 9-3 get them back to Atlanta? Probably. SC’s SEC schedule is much tougher, so UGA probably backs in like last year.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
12:52 pm
What about Mizzou do you know about that leads you to think they beat the Dawgs?
Kyle
August 30th, 2012
1:24 pm
Let’s see….
Everyone stays healthy and Murray doesnt give points to opponents: 10-2 (24-20 UT, 17-14 Carolina)
Murray makes stupid decisions and give points: 9-3 (28-20 Auburn)
Murray makes stupid mistake/give points- special teams a disaster like last year 8-4 (eithir Miz or the Jackettes upset)
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
1:38 pm
Mizzou, Nothing? And you seems so sure of it.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
1:59 pm
AltamahaDawg…I guess you are referring to me.
What makes any football fan SURE about any prediction they make? Nobody has a crystal ball. And, I am not the only one saying that UGA could/should/will lost to Missouri. Could UGA win? sure….do I think they will? no. Reasons? Several…
1. The game is at Missouri…and to say that they will be motivated is an understatement. All they have heard is how hard it’s going to be playing big boy football in the SEC. They will be ready to go.
2. Suspensions…key players out for UGA (or so we think). Whether Richt suspends Rambo and Ogletree or not really doesn’t matter. If he does, it certainly will hurt UGA’s chances. If he doesn’t, then I think it will effect the team in other ways. Richt has a lot riding on this decision, including his principles.
3. UGA has big question marks on the offensive line, running back and in the kicking game….all three hallmarks of great teams. Fans love pass happy high scoring games, but real football fans understand where games are won and lost…in the ability to run, protect the quarterback, stopping the run, and in the kicking game. So far, UGA gets a high grade for only 1 of those 4.
4. UGA has a history of losing a game(s) that they should probably win. This game has all the ear-marks of that kind of game.
5. Lofty Expectations…When UGA is predicted to be an elite team, they have a history of under-achieving.
6. How good is UGA really? Last year, UGA won 10 games against poor teams. When they played good teams, they lost. I haven’t seen anything yet to convince me that this team has gone from average to great in one offseason.
DIT
August 30th, 2012
2:03 pm
10-2
O-Line will let us down against the better defenses. Don’t see us winning @ sc. Take your pick on the other loss(except GT) We will find a game that we should have won but did not.
However, prove me wrong Dawgs! My feelings would not be hurt if you are undefeated going into the SEC CG. Hey, one can dream!
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:15 pm
Thats not really an answer to what I asked. Other than its at thier stadium, you are listing things that have nothing to do with Mizzou? Just some generic preseason points, that would apply to any game.
BTW< the suspension are not a decision. Thsts been detemined al long time ago, just not released to the paper yet.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
2:22 pm
AltamahaDawg…the only points that I would consider to be somewhat generic might be # s 4 and 5. However, they still play a role in why I think UGA will lose to Missouri. You might not like what I said, but simply dismissing it shows that I probably did a better job at answering your question than you would have liked.
As far as suspension go…Several other media outles have reported that it appears as though the suspensions have not been decided yet. Even Bill King made the statement that the rumor is that Rambo and Ogletree might not be suspended after all (in one of his beloved Junkyard Dawg articles). Richt certainly has no problem announcing some suspensions and/or no-suspensions (Smith, etc.), so why is he being so tight-lipped about Rambo and Ogletree? You can say it’s to keep Missouri guessing, and you might even believe that. However, a lot of other people are questioning it.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:25 pm
But I would counter with :
1. Its also UGA first SEC game of the year, and I think the visitors get just as pumped up in the SEC. We have a lot more at stake than they do, and I think the effect of emotions of some novelty game is pretty much gone a few series into the game. Its can also work against them IF things don’t go well early.
2. The suspension are a done deal. the coaches and player already know. Its factored in. Rambo/Tree was not going to make or break this defense.We are pretty deep at both spots. We also have a decided advantage at the various other positions over Mizzou, IMO.
3. I actually do not think those things are “question marks”. I think we pretty much know what they are. The question is really, IF they are better than the tamped down expectations. I can’t see them being far worse than we think.I believe those elements are already factored in and yes the passing game WILL matter.
4, 5, and 6 are just banality and fluff.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:29 pm
NO, Nobody has reported that the suspension have not been decided. they ALL have reported that UGA is handling the reporting differntly. And there was direct quotes from McGarity why THESE are different than the otehr 2 guys. Obviously they know with 2 days left who is not going to play. or With 2 weeks. or With 2 months. Knew 6 months ago when the facts were in, is most likely when they knew.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
2:31 pm
AltamahaDawg…
1. We’ll call that one even. I think Missouri’s motivation of playing in their first SEC game will be more than UGA playing what they believe to be a second tier SEC West team. But oh well…
2. http://blogs.ajc.com/junkyard-blawg/2012/07/18/sounds-like-spurrier-might-be-a-little-scared-of-lsu/
That is the link to Bill King suggesting that the only player that will be suspended is Sanders Commings. To say that “the suspensions are a done deal” is disingenious at best. So, like you did me, where are your facts?
3. Even Bill King pointed out that the areas I mentioned were question marks. You can disagree, and that fine. However, again, I am not the only one suggesting it.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:35 pm
But, if you are offering the opinion that Rambo and Tree might actually play after all, HOW is that a negative for UGA’s chances of beating Mizzou?
DIT
August 30th, 2012
2:38 pm
“I don’t don’t the heavy stuff will come down for quite some time. I think we can still play.”
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:41 pm
he and otehr call (o-line, RB, Kickers) are “question marks” in the big picture of the season, as far as championship caliber team.
NOBODY expects the line to be outstanding the first part of the year, so going to Mizzou, they are not a question mark. Unless the guestion is, are they worse than expected. I seriously doubt that. if you want to say that UGA has a poor running game, or the kickers arent very good..fine. THATS a concern for Mizzou. fair enough. But don’t say you think we lose to them, because those elements might not be a lot better than what everybody(reasonably) knows them to be.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:47 pm
Bill was saying its not a done deal that they ARE. As in, they might be, they might not. WE don’t know. We think they are, but BILLsay’s that not a done deal, as far as WE know that that are. He’s not saying that nobody know one way or the other.
NOBODY think’s that it has not been decided at the institutional level.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:48 pm
And how again is it a negative if they DO play? Our coaches would have faked themselves out?
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
2:51 pm
If the oline, running game, and kicking game are question marks in the “big picture of the season,” then why doesn’t it apply to Missouri? Isn’t that part of the season? If it’s a question mark, then it’s a question mark for every game. You are really grasping at straws there.
AltmahaDawg…I know you to be smarter than your post. You say that “NOBODY expects the line to be outstanding the first part of the year, so going to Mizzou, they are not a question mark.” What? The Missouri game is the 2nd game of the year. You are trying to make the point that a question mark only comes in to play if a unit is better or worse than what people expect them to be. That is weak. You asked me why I thought UGA would lose, and I pointed to those things. BECAUSE, like others have pointed out, those are areas that people think could be of concern.
Come on…if you diagree with the reasons that I gave you for why I think UGA will lose, then fair enough. But trying to act like I didn’t give you any is weak.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
2:53 pm
AltamahaDawg….you said it was a done deal. You just admitted that Bill King said that nobody knows. So where is your facts? What proof do you have?
I said that they might be suspended, or might not. You said that it was a done deal. Prove it.
OldFan
August 30th, 2012
2:54 pm
8-4. Loses to SC and FL. One more loss for bad special teams play. Last loss an upset by well coached and prepared team that gets big lucky breaks. UGA still a couple years away from being a great team, but even then, not sure they’ll be an elite team.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:55 pm
Mizzou is a SEC East team, not West so its a division game, first of all. I think you are underestimating the Georgia players motivation and intelligence to say they would think of it as just another 2nd tier game. They see it as a must win, I am certain.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
2:55 pm
If Richt decides not to suspend Rambo and Ogletree, then he is sending a message to the rest of the team that he has different rules for different players. As many other UGA fans have pointed out on this site, team chemistry is HUGE. Division among players, or players to the coaching staff does not fly.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
2:57 pm
AltamahaDawg…sorry for the typo. Yes Missouri in the East. I am certain that UGA will be motiviated…but they have been playing in the SEC for decades. This is Missouri’s first game as a member of the SEC, so they want to prove to everybody that they belong. It is not a stretch to say that Missouri will have a little more motiviation.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:58 pm
NO, NO, NO.
I just said that Bill King did NOT say nobody knows. He said the fans don’t know.
Email Bill King and ask him if he actually thinks for one second that the coaching staff of Georgia does not know who is suspended yet for the SEC opener in 2 weeks.
Asked directly about a month ago Mark Richt said, and I quote “Do I know?” “yea, I know”.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
2:59 pm
I think its a stretch to think that will translate into anything the determines the outcome of the game.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:01 pm
And let me just put your point to rest. There is no way on God’s Green Earth, that Richt is going to make a decision on Rambo’s punishment that would remotely send the wrong signal to the rest of the team and destroy thier chemistry.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:03 pm
So you meant to say that you think Mizzou’s motivation will be more than Georgia’s just playing what they think is a second tier DIVISION game, that could end their stated goal for the year?
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
Bill King states:
“Rumors are circulating that Sanders Commings will be the only Bulldog suspended for Georgia’s game with Mizzou. Since the original report on impending multi-game suspensions for Bacarri Rambo and Alec Ogletree was itself little more than a rumor coming from a high school coach and was never confirmed by anyone at UGA, we’re now dealing with rumors about rumors. How about we wait until Mark Richt actually has something to say about this. ….”
ANYBODY reading that post understands what Bill is saying….that is, that NOBODY KNOWS! And Altamaha, you know it. Trying to turn it and twist it and somehow beyond hope make it sound like something else is a farce.
Does Bill think that a decision has been made? Probably…Does Mark Richt know the answer? I’m sure. The point is, we don’t know what the answer is. And if we don’t, you certainly don’t. Again, I simply said that they might play or might not play. You said FOR CERTAIN, that they won’t. Again, prove it.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
on motivation….
Yes. It always been understood, Altamaha, that often times a team that is predicted to win can have less motivation than the underdog. Since neither team has played a game yet, they both at least one of the same goals (since every team starts the year off with the goal of winning all of their games). So, both teams will be motivated to keep that goal in tact. Now, since Missouri is the underdog, and since it’s their first game in the SEC, then yes, I think they will be even more amped.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
BS. I NEVER said that. I said I know THEY KNOW. (so your thesis that the unknown was working against us)
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
AltamahaDawg….last year, as we now know, Crowell tested postive the week of the Florida game, but his suspension wasn’t announced until AFTER the Florida game. Now, I’m not saying Richt did anything crooked, but I am saying that it raised a bunch of eyebrows.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
3:15 pm
AltamahaDawg…
You said…”the suspensions are a done deal.”
Now, if you are not going to at least stand behind what you said, then I have inclination to continue this debate with you. I am okay with people having different opinions, but I am not going to waste my time with someone who lies about what they said.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:16 pm
Sure, and I can just as easily say that Mizzou is going to come out tight, and overly wound up, and more likely to panic when it goes poorly.
Bottom line: Georgia has more at stake, and everybody knows it. So if “motivation” is a factor, it’s a wash.
CHDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:16 pm
Huh?, where is the proof that Crowell tested positive before the game? You are saying that you know for a fact that the lab did the work, testing split samples on two separate occasions, and the coaches were officially notified of the results before the game? What is your source for that statement?
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
3:22 pm
CHDawg…I did’t say that “the coaches were officially notified before the game.” I even said that “I am not saying Richt did anything crooked…”
What I did say, is that it was reported that Crowell was tested the week of the Florida game and failed the test. The timing of the test, and the announcement raised eyebrows in the media. Dan Patrick talked about it, Paul Finebaum talked about it, as did ESPN. Nobody said that they had proof, they just said that it was a bit peculiar.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:26 pm
Good heavens man!
I love how you have morphed this very fine point.
Lets back up:
Did you or did you not say that the “suspensions” are going to hurt Georgia in that Mizzou game (no matter the outcome of the decision)?
Now, I will conceed that I needed to word my point more precisely: the suspension are a done deal (no matter the outcome of the decision) . That is more clear. I assumed that my explaination that the team had already factored it in made that clear, But I didnt use that wording.
At NO point did I ever argue with you that I personally know the decision. As if that’s not obvious.
CHDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:31 pm
Huh, I just found a story from on AJC that confirms the test notification didn’t come until *after* the game!! Drug tests take a while to run and process. Positive tests are usually retested with a split sample to protect the innocent. It takes time. AJC said UGA received notification on the Tuesday following the UF game.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
3:32 pm
I am not the one arguing that the decision has been made. My point has been, all along, that we don’t know. I guess one could split hairs and say that there is a big difference between a decision having been made vs. the public knowing about it. All I said was that we didn’t know.
You can say that the suspensions have “already been factored in” but the buzz amongst UGA fans and the media is that it will hurt UGA if those two don’t play. No way around that. Has it been “factored in”? I am sure UGA has a backup plan in case they don’t. Most teams would. However, Rabmo and Tree are starters for a reason…and if they don’t play, it will hurt UGA’s chances.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
3:50 pm
Well now we are geting somewhere.
So you could have said, If those particular players aren’t in the game, then that hurts Georgia. And left all that BS about “not knowing” out, which is irrelevant.
Great. Good point. So NOW I go back to the very first point I was making. What do you know about Mizzou that tells you that this will cause us to lose? I realize that it’s less than ideal, but how do you know our replacement (that I say have been expecting to start that gamefor quite a while now) aren;t plenty good enough to beat them anyway.
Very much like my point on “question mark”. That’s just a generic term. It doesnt mean anything. WHAT is your question about them? What do you know about MIzzou’s (defensive line and rush defense, special teams) that leads you to “question” our O-line, RB, and Kickers ability to still be good enough to win. I maintain that we pretty much know what they are right now. .
Tha’ts a lot different that if you were to say: your line is a “question mark” against the Alabama defense. We know what the question is. Can they hold up against what we know Bama’s D-line is.
Like I said, everything you gave me was what you thought were Georgia’s issues. WHAT do you know about Mizzou that makes you think any of that will matter? Do you not think Mizzou has some issues too? Why are those not enough to swing it Georgia’s way?
John
August 30th, 2012
4:00 pm
Has Murray beat anyone with a winning record yet?
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
4:23 pm
Mizzou is replacing pretty much thier D-line from last year (which I guess to not have been an SEC type line to begin with). Is that a “question mark”.
They are also replacing Both OGs, a LT, and a TE. on thier O-line. I have a very specific question about that as it relates to our D-line.
Great True freshman WR. But lost the rest of them I think.
FLA DAWG
August 30th, 2012
4:39 pm
Huh?
AltaDawg likes to pull people’s chains and run on to give the impression he knows more than everyone else.
This site is to express an opinion. Leave it to him to ALWAYS argue with someone about someone’s opinion.
Just ignore him. He doesn’t go away but ignore him anyway.
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
4:50 pm
Funny how if it’s your opinion, you call that “expressing”. But If I offer mine, you call that “arguing”.
Buy it’s true, I argue with opinions that I disagree with. Sort of the point of a sport banter blog.
do-do
August 30th, 2012
5:34 pm
Charles could not block worth a hoot, He had many holding calls against him that hurt drives.
Dawg Bite
August 30th, 2012
6:14 pm
Let the games begin!! Go DORES!!
AltamahaDawg
August 30th, 2012
6:28 pm
While we are offering, is it your opinion that Mizzou will beat Georgia? You seem pretty protective of a Bama fans prediction that they will.
Although, Mizzou will not be a top ten team, and you have said that is the criteria to be a legit opponent. They are more in the category of (or lesser than) UF, Auburn, or tech whom you repeatedly call “cupcakes”.
I promise not to argue. Or better yet, just “ignore” me rather than answer.
icedawg
August 30th, 2012
7:42 pm
I agree. Dawgs go 10-2. They’ll could lose two out of Mizz, SC, UF, AU. If the OL and RB’s get any consistent ground game going they could go 12-0. This is not a heavyweight schedule. A few years ago we had a killer. This one is pretty weak.
COACH B
August 30th, 2012
9:01 pm
Enter your comments here
FLA DAWG
August 30th, 2012
10:46 pm
Alta,
You’re a good sport – regardless of what everyone else says.
Mizzou……………ya know we ought to beat them by 10 or more.
I just have no confidence in Richt and Bobo. The ten win streak against lousy teams of last year was in between double losses against decent teams. Tells me they didn’t improve a bit. I could understand a loss against LSU but not the second half slaughter.
I cannot understand a loss against MSU.
There is no solid consistency in execution, in playcalling in game preparation.
We come back to coaching.
Sure, we should win it but I have no idea if we will. Frankly, I’m drained of energy dragging the anchors of Richt and Bobo as an alumn.
But GO DAWGS!
goat
August 30th, 2012
11:18 pm
if we lose to the lizards this year….I’m going to step calmly into the middle of I-295 in JAX and hope that Halle Berry picks me up and saves me from playing in traffic.
Mobile Dawg
August 30th, 2012
11:59 pm
Motivation lasts about 10 percent of the game. Preparation, conditioning, coaching and execution make up about 75 percent. Old fashioned luck usually makes up the other 15 percent. I’m not prepared to make a call other than if we show up at Mizzou like we did at the dome for Boise, totally unprepared and not knowing what we were up agaisnt, Richt should resign on the spot.
Huh?
August 31st, 2012
1:16 am
Thanks FLA Dawg….I could tell, pretty much right away, that Altamaha was going to argue with everything I said. He asked for reasons why I thought Missouri would beat UGA, and when I gave them to him, he said that the reasons I gave weren’t really reasons. Weird.
AltamahaDawg
August 31st, 2012
7:15 am
No, you gave me reasons that you didn’t like Georgia’s team, in vague and general terms, and thats not what I asked. I asked you what you knew about Mizzou that made you think they were better than (what you don’t like about Georgia).What about those 5 points is worse than some 5 points that apply to Mizzou. I gave you 3 very specific points about them. THAT’s match up points, . Thats game deciding points. I’m sorry, but they are (hypothetically) more motivated and yout think Georgia is an underacheiver is just pure hyperbole. I was looking for a bit more substance.
I repeated and clarified that 3 times. You dodged it 3 times.
Let me try once more: we have all those issue this week as well, and I assume you don’t think Buffalo matches up well enough that it matters What do you know about mizzou specifically that makes you think that is does.
AltamahaDawg
August 31st, 2012
7:20 am
Well actually, Fla dawg. “everybody says” I am a good sport. With some exception from a few folks who are , shall we say, ………..well, a few folks.
But yes Go Dawgs.
UGADawg83
August 31st, 2012
7:22 am
Bill-
Your brother’s opinion; your son’s opinion; how about the opinion of the bag boy at Publix.
FLA DAWG
August 31st, 2012
7:30 am
I believe Mizzou returns about half their players. Last season they were highly talented. This season they have a depth problem but no problem at RB. They are frothing at the mouth to play their first SEC Game so in this particular case motivation is more than 10%. They play hardnose, smashmouth football like we used to in the trench warfare days of run almost every play and pass when you have to.We no longer do that because Richt is an FSU OC passer and not a runner HC.
UGA special teams are highly suspect. D should be good enough to hold Mizzou. Our O Line has performed so poorly that it’s anyone’s guess as so how effective they will run block and pass protect. Last season we had the biggest O Line in all of college AND THE NFL and we stunk the place up.
Our fullbacks cannot run block and our tailbacks fall at the first touch.
Regardless of what others say about Murray I think he is highly talented and if he had a reliable O Line and better OC his numbers would be even better than they are – I assign most fault for the four losses to Richt and Bobo.
Bottomline our HC and OC performance has been less than adequate and in the SEC that means tragedy at best. Mizzou has the advantage in that category.
We’ll probably win the Mizzou game but I don’t think it will be the blowout so many are saying it will be. But we will get a glimpse of our Dawgs tomorrow v Buffalo. Of course that should be a blowout but I am going to look for play execution, how well the team begins the game and finishes the drill. How well are they prepared for this season? We’ll know something of that tomorrow.
LHarding Dawg
August 31st, 2012
8:31 am
Did Vandy get robbed by the great SEC officials or what. Our officials are the weakest part of the SEC.
AltamahaDawg
August 31st, 2012
9:22 am
Hey good job. I like how oyu actually mentioned Mizzou’s actual playing of football. (unlike ?huh).
I’ll phrase my response as simply expressing my opinion, and not argue with your.
My opinion is that “motivation” is at best a wash, and that is never a real factor in the outcomes of games at this level, IMO. Every team we face witll be motivated to beat us. I get that this is a novelty game for them, but I just don’t think that will be on thier minds past the first couple of minutes.
The half that they are returning is a very bif deal. they are basically replacing both lines. Our O-line may have some new faces, but it also has 3 returing guys that are previous starters. As far as we had the “biggest line” last year, I can tell oyu that nobody I even came into contact with considered that. Everybody I know, was more concerned that we had BIg Guard playing out of positions at Tackles. So smaller is not worse IMO. I am stating for the record that our line will be better this year, at least more athletic, and we have a position coach now, Not in his first year.
I think Mizzou was something lile 90th in the country last year in pass defense. I realize they were in a pass happy coference, but even IN that conf. they were average at best. Georgia was top 10 in the nation. We have a very desided advantage in that area, irrespective of suspension.
They were also not that highly ranked agains the run IN a passing conference. georgia was top 10 in the nation in pretty good rushing conference. I’d say as far as defense, georgia is head over heels better. BY far. In everything.
Our kicker is new, but one of the top prospects in the nation. Thier kicker is thier punbter, and he missed about 35% of his FG attempt last year. I’ll take our guys. Our struggles last year were in punt coverage. (KO coverage is a non-factor this year…..and we weren;t that bad last year anyway). ALl we have to do is put bigger, faster player in that they have, and thats taken care of. We HAVE bigger faster players than them.. LSU is a differnt story.
My opinion is that our TB do NOT fall down at first contact. This year. The guys who did do that are gone, or limited. We will see what the FB do, but I personally would wait to see them actually play before declaring that they can’t run block.
I just think some of our personel is different and better in the run game this year.
AltamahaDawg
August 31st, 2012
9:28 am
wow , that was some sloppy typing, even for me.
DrDawg
August 31st, 2012
9:43 am
It all comes down to SC.
CHDawg
August 31st, 2012
10:32 am
DrD, Don’t know if you saw the SC-Vandy game last night, but SC really struggled. I think UF will be our toughest game, by a very large margin. However, last night showed how dumb it is to get too dogmatic about rankings before the season. Maybe Vandy is much better this year, and maybe SC just played poorly. I’m really looking forward to the next two weeks for UGA. We should have a much better idea what we have…
CHDawg
August 31st, 2012
10:37 am
Alt, one other point on our O line. I was looking recently and we have a 5 star, two 4 stars, and two 3 stars starting. A good bit of raw talent out of HS. Theus is very green, but the rest of the line has been at UGA a while. We might be better than most fear….that would be a great surprise!
AltamahaDawg
August 31st, 2012
11:49 am
I don’t havea lot fear or expect a surprise. I just think we pretty much know what they are. As I recall, we were very unsettled on the line this time last year, and made some changes going well into the season………….eventually ended up just playing some guys out of position.
Some of that was brought on with circumstances, and IF we have some injuries , they are going to have to shuffle again. But as of today…..I think we have a better set lineup than we did headed into the Boise game.
PLUS more time with this position coach. PLUS more time in this conditioning program. PLUS more time in this brand new offensive style that took a couple of weeks to get comfortable playing last year.
FLA DAWG
August 31st, 2012
1:39 pm
Alta,
Stats that include the 10 win streak against cupcakes border on meaningless. We’re in agreement on the D. The emotion edge goes to Mizzou – they have to prove themselves in their new conference.
The O Line has performed dismally the last three years and I see nothing that will change so my opinion of our line is based on that.
Our Dawg Team was no better in their last two games than they were in their first two games and that is the bottomline for me. If I had seen improvement I’d write it. For what it’s worth, the D performed magnificently in the first half of the SECC Game. But I recall remarking to a buddy at the end of the second qtr that they were already getting tired and would get rolled in the second half. I had no idea how true my words were until that miserable slaughter began after halftime.
Coarch Ric
September 1st, 2012
11:19 am
Why do I have to use the search function to find this blawg?
Did you do something to someone’s cornflakes, Bill? Why did they take you off of the Sports Page?