No way Georgia can lose four games? Sure about that?
I understand the process. I get paid to give an opinion, and you’re welcome — encouraged, even — to respond. Usually you tend to agree if I say something nice about a team you like and disagree if I don’t. I grasp that part. But here’s something I don’t get:
The widespread assertion that there’s no way — no way! — Georgia can lose four regular-season games this fall.
I picked Georgia to lose four games. I didn’t do it for shock value. I did it because I looked at the composition of the 2009 Bulldogs and their schedule. You might view well the team more highly, and that’s your prerogative. But to say I’m absolutely crazy — and one or two of you did — for daring to suggest as much made me think, “Am I really so nuts?”
So I thought some more, and here’s what I decided: Not nuts, at least not on this topic.
The day after writing my little forecast, I picked up the Sporting News college yearbook at Borders. I noted that the magazine — the best of its kind, in my longstanding estimation — had Georgia ranked 15th in the nation. (I think that’s a tad high, but not unreasonable.) And then I noticed this:
Florida is ranked No. 1; LSU is ranked No. 8; Oklahoma State is ranked No. 10; Georgia Tech is ranked No. 11. That makes four teams on Georgia’s schedule rated ahead of Georgia and, just as an aside, those were the four games I picked the Bulldogs to lose. Silly me!
Could Georgia win one or two of those? Sure it could. It could also lose all four. I’d also note this is the first time since 2006 Georgia has entered a season with a new quarterback, and how many regular-season games did those Bulldogs lose? Why, four. (Vanderbilt and Kentucky included.)
Do I think Joe Cox is better than Joe Tereshinski III? Yes, I do. But I also think it’s a tough task for a quarterback to make his first start in almost three years on the road against a Top 10 opponent. (FYI, this is only the second time since 1992 the Bulldogs have opened anywhere but Sanford Stadium.)
Loading ...I hold Mark Richt in high esteem, and it wouldn’t shock me if he got more from this team. (After the G-Day game I wrote that Georgia would go 9-3, which I rethought after looking harder at the schedule.) I don’t believe the 2009 Bulldogs will be an embarrassment — indeed, I expect them to play harder than the 2008 team did — and in 2010 Georgia should be outstanding.
But this year I look at the Bulldogs and think, “Good but not great. Good but maybe overscheduled. Good enough to win eight.” And lose four. I could well be wrong. (I often am, as you know.) But I don’t think I’m insane.
Then again, if you are crazy, aren’t you usually the last to know?
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197 comments Add your comment
The Dust
June 2nd, 2009
3:04 pm
The pups in Athens will be lucky to win 6 games. GOOOO JACKETS!!!
Bernie
June 2nd, 2009
3:30 pm
When “the dust” settles….he’ll realize his algorithms are off. Probably one of those geeks driving around with a “Year One” window decal….
Dawgs win three of those four, but lose one more.
Gotta go finalize travel plans to Stillwater…while “the dust” decides which four game package to buy at historic Grant Field. It comes with free hot dogs! Woohoo!
Capt Caveman
June 2nd, 2009
3:42 pm
I saw where Foxsports has a top 10 list of teams that wont win the BCS and Georgia was ranked number 2 on the list due to it’s schedule. Oklahoma was the only team ranked higher. (If indeed it was done in order) I want my Dawgs to win but cold hard facts say that a 9-3 record would be a good season for them at this point.
They could surprise the nation and win the division with a shot at the SEC and BCS if they play lights out. And you never know, don’t they usually beat Florida in the years when they aren’t supposed to have a chance??
Well, anyway, here’s to me DAWGS !!
Go Georgia !!!!!!!
Rambling Wreck
June 2nd, 2009
3:42 pm
Not only CAN UGA lose four games. They WILL lose five. I bet they lose two out of the first three, regroup, get their annual spanking in Jacksonville and last but not least, surrender 500 yards rushing and lose 45-22 to Tech! Can anyone say Music City?
Rabnnod
June 2nd, 2009
3:50 pm
GA is going to be lucky to even be in 3/4 games. They simply out scored people last year while giving up an average of 25.6 points per game. With the departure of the starting QB/RB do you really think they can repeat that performance? Is their D that much better? No and No. They lose 4 easy. If not more. First year starting for your QB + questionable D = recipe for disaster. They should spend more time worrying about next years in state recruits that are slipping away.
1eyedJack
June 2nd, 2009
3:52 pm
I’m a ramblin’ wreck from Georgia Tech, and a helluva yellow queer.
Ted Striker
June 2nd, 2009
3:56 pm
I don’t know how many games UGA will win or lose but I hereby pledge to tailgate with maximum intensity — regardless of final score.
All Dawgs Are Butt Lickers
June 2nd, 2009
3:59 pm
I’m a butt licker! Woof! Woof! Woof! Go Dawgs!
CKDawg65
June 2nd, 2009
4:02 pm
If history is a precedent, those calling for the 5, 6, and 7 losses for UGA may better break out their history books and put away the paraphernalia. Last time UGA lost more than 4 games in a season? 1996…with Jim Donnan coaching a cast of Ray Goff leftovers. As for 4 losses? Yes I think that is a possibility, but then again so is 1 or 2. 10-3 is the probability…and those in gold better enjoy the first 11 months of 2009, because order WILL be restored at Historic Grant bandbox on Thanksgiving weekend. You better worry about your defense that gave up 80 points in the last two games (with a bunch of so-called NFL caliber studs) before focusing on our issues.
Saint Simons
June 2nd, 2009
4:04 pm
45-42!!!!!!!! hahhahhahahahahahahahaha
Ben
June 2nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Seriously, Tech fans, shut the hell up. You guys have won exactly 1 game in 8 friggin years against us. Win your conference just one time for a change, hell, just be relevant for once. You can hate us all you want and make all the outlandish, BS predictions your little hearts desire but in the end you are still inferior. And we’ll prove that once again by beating the piss out of your urine stained uniforms in that toilet you call a stadium in 2009. Cheers bugs, enjoy your victory, savor it.
Captain
June 2nd, 2009
4:06 pm
It is simply amazing what crawls out from under rocks following a win by GT over Georgia. The GT supporters, who never attend games unless of course there are only 22,000 of you, win one game in 7 years you pull the old hats and shirts out of storage, put the stickers on the car, declare yourselves a factor in the world of big time football, and start running your mouths. Christmas came early for you geeks in 2008, Sat following Thanksgiving. The game was more of a gift than an earned win, nonetheless it was a win. The gift we gave you was quickly forgotten by that Chick fil a Bowl vs LSU when the REAL GT re-surfaced. Keep it up boys, I understand, you only get to do this 3 or 4 times every 25 yrs, about as often as you build snowmen in January in Atlanta.
d
June 2nd, 2009
4:12 pm
Its all about winning the battle in the trenches, which we will do better than in ‘08
RxDawg
June 2nd, 2009
4:13 pm
Of course it’s possible. But history, and thats Mark Richt history, says no way Jose’.
Plus, we should have one heck of a line. Whats else can you ask for?
wawel78
June 2nd, 2009
4:15 pm
I’m a UGA fan. I don’t think 4 losses is unreasonable. I’m hoping it won’t happen especially since Richt has done such a good job but it wouldn’t surprise me. My biased thought is this team will be better than next year because of expectation and finish 10-2 or 9-3 but 4 or 5 losses could very well prove to be a more accurate number. Sorry guys, you can now get back to funny gay comments.
Jeff
June 2nd, 2009
4:18 pm
No way Tech is a top 15 team. UGA can easily lose 4 next year. In fact, in the SEC ANY team could easily lose 4 in a year. Its going to come down to 3 things:
1. Joe Cox
2. Pass rush
3. Running back production
If we get these 3 things to perform well, we could very well only lose 1 game. If not, we will definetly lose at least 4. We will see. OK ST is not a guaranteed loss. Dawgs will be up and healthy. Its going to be fun though.
38-3 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RxDawg
June 2nd, 2009
4:18 pm
The Dust said “The pups in Athens will be lucky to win 6 games. GOOOO JACKETS!!!”
Haha, so you agree we will be undefeated in our home games this year. It’s good to see your coming to your senses.
voIman
June 2nd, 2009
4:24 pm
I have condos for sale if anyone is interested.
Mark Bradley
June 2nd, 2009
4:27 pm
OK, Volman, I confess. I laughed.
PMC
June 2nd, 2009
4:32 pm
Oklahoma State is overrated. We’ve seen this game before Mark.. If Georgia is healthy Georgia is a better team…they just are. Much of any season depends on health preseason rankings are largely based on last year and with LSU I’d imaging getting rid of that guy they had under center last season. Florida is the only team on the schedule I don’t think Georgia has more than a good chance to beat.
They smashed LSU last year with a wounded team… we should worry why? Georgia Tech was beaten 7 years in a row and they won by 3 pts last year and they lost 3 tremendous players on thier defensive front…. again… the worry because of what?
Florida is the only probable L on that schedule if they are healthy and play to their talent level. Period.
They are more talented than every other team you are projecting as a loss except LSU.
PMC
June 2nd, 2009
4:33 pm
I think Georgia Tech could win the ACC this year. I’m still not concerned if I’m a Georgia fan… I’d expect to win that every year.
PMC
June 2nd, 2009
4:36 pm
How many times under Mark Richt have they lost 4 games?
Mark Bradley
June 2nd, 2009
4:38 pm
They lost four games in 2001 counting the Music City Bowl to Boston College, and they lost four regular-season games in 2006.
give me a break
June 2nd, 2009
4:42 pm
I like being in more of an under dog role than a high expectations position like last year. We seem to do better.
I know that expectations are high every year but we seem to do best when least expected.
With all of our losses to graduation and early exits we still do have much talent left on the roster.
Granted many have to step up or mature but still it could be an interesting year. I like how one commentor put it. We have all those high school all american rbs but maybe not one start college one. Hopefully by committee works. Another point is just getting the injured players back is like another recruiting bonanza. Go Dawgs!
TybeeDawg
June 2nd, 2009
4:43 pm
The triple option will not be nearly as effective the second time around the ACC and against UGA.
wawel78
June 2nd, 2009
4:43 pm
I will say that I expect the loss of Stafford and Moreno to help them because they won’t be a distraction and they can focus on being a team.
Mark Bradley
June 2nd, 2009
4:45 pm
I kind of agree about the team-building part, Wawel. But clearly the Bulldogs won’t be as talented without those two. How could they?
RAMBLE ON!!!
June 2nd, 2009
4:49 pm
Mark, most of the UGA fans are idiots. You have lived here long enough to know that.
They will have 4 loses by the time GT beats them down again.
That’s why they pay 1 million dollars to the cupcakes they schedule every year. Got to get those easy wins. They thought they were getting another cupcake with OSU when they scheduled them.
wawel78
June 2nd, 2009
4:50 pm
Right on, Ramble On. Maybe one day Gardner Webb will answer the call for a date with the lowly bulldawgs.
Chop Suey
June 2nd, 2009
4:50 pm
The title of this blog, “No way Georgia can lose four games? Sure about that?” is reminiscent of a favorite Chop Chick blog from way back in April . . . but still posted.
Chop Chick – A Fan’s View of the Atlanta Braves Can one disastrous inning overshadow two great games?
1:04 pm April 9, 2009, by Chop Chick
Throw some color on the page and maybe it will pass. Did Chop Chick not survive the cuts? Did her editor get the axe, too? Do you clowns ever look at how dated the pages have become? The answer is a new Chop Suey blog. I will replace Chop Chick and will post relevant blogs daily. If I were posting today the topic would be, “will the Braves still be in it when the AJC folds?” Oh, the print edition comes folded, right? Never mind.
Mac
June 2nd, 2009
4:52 pm
Joe Cox’s Bulldogs could be like John Lastinger’s. That’s what I’m going to hope for anyway.
CHOKE...THE DRINK OF THE UGA DAWGS
June 2nd, 2009
4:54 pm
It’s a known fact that UGA Mutts always choke!
Mac
June 2nd, 2009
4:54 pm
There are a lot of Chinese dishes I like, but I hate chop suey.
Chop Suey
June 2nd, 2009
4:58 pm
Mark, I mostly post with Jeff but I thought I’d pay you a visit. I am looking to replace Chop Chick. It will be less costly to use me (only have to change Chick to Suey) than to hire a real journalist. Do you think Kovach might take over for Chop Chick? I heard he’s back in town. If not, I stand ready. Julia is on board but I want approval from my peers – and that would be you and Jeff. We can be the three musketeers. Bradley, Schultz, and Suey. Might even open a law office. If things go like I expect it will soon be Suey and (take your pick). Have a nice day.
Sanford Drive
June 2nd, 2009
5:10 pm
The Dawgs could absolutely lose 4 games next year. I have to admit, I’ll be happy with only 3 losses this year. I think OK State and UF will beat us, and we will also lose to another SEC team. Of course, we could lose to Tech as well, though for some reason, we tend to play better on the road.
Cap
June 2nd, 2009
5:12 pm
I think the team will play harder this year than last but Willie Martinez will find a way to lose at least two games on his own. Georgia gives up 45 to Tech who then gets shut down by LSU in the bowl game and what happens? Let’s see, Willie keeps his job and LSU says goodbye to their entire defensive staff. Until he is gone, UGA will be a second tier team in the ultra competitive SEC. Four losses is certainly not out of the question.
Tech75
June 2nd, 2009
5:23 pm
Mark, you got it right. Can’t refute the logic.
And heaven help them if Cox or Green get injured.
I would also remind all those who think that seeing the GT offense last year will help its opponents this year – last year we were just learning it, we were slow and uncertain in executing it, and basically ran only a few plays – and it still was highly successful.
This year, it will be executed faster and more crisply, with much better A-back blocking, and CPJ will be able to open up the playbook a little more.
How long did he run that offense at Ga Southern? How many people stopped it, regardless of how many times they saw it, saw films of it, etc.?
Do your homework. This is a great offense, and by the time you hit Atlanta you won’t be sleeping at night….you will be quivering Chihuahuas…then what will your excuse be when we run up 600 yds in offense on you? Your only hope is that we have poor ball security, or that you score a touchdown every possession….because we just might!
But, that’s why they play the games, right? I can’t wait!
I presume that if you’ve already lost 3 or 4 games by that time you will already have fired Martinez…
Jeff
June 2nd, 2009
5:30 pm
How many teams did CPJ play that played the same defenses that GT has to play every year? 38-3! Thats what could happen any game GT steps on the field with that offense. 7-8 wins a year just like every other Tech team. Along with a loss to UGA.
Tech75
June 2nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Jeff, you don’t get it. At all.
CPJ had good but not superior talent at Ga Southern and beat all types of defenses with equivalent talent. Beat them like a drum. At Navy, he beat ND. With INFERIOR talent.
With well-executed blocking technique, even average talent can get superior athleticism on the ground, and that’s why this offense works.
GT has enough equivalent talent. You saw it last year. You’ll see it again this year. No one stopped the offense unless the offense stopped itself through bad execution, penalties, or poor ball security.
Da King
June 2nd, 2009
5:52 pm
We schedule cupcakes. Who da hell is Jacksonville State look at ur own schedule before criticizing ours. And Georgia will win 9 games at least and maybe 10 if we’re not bitten by the injury bug. With Trinton Sturdivant coming back we will control da line of scrimmage better and watch out for Carlton Thomas and Wayshaun Ealey at the runningbacks. And defense will be way better with Jeff Owens and Marcus Washington coming back.It going to be a normal good season ending with a bug stomping to finish the year off. Go Dawgs !!
Tech75
June 2nd, 2009
5:58 pm
Bug stomping, Duh King?
45-42.
And last year, we weren’t totally comfortable running the offense, still picking it up, still executing it too slowly.
It’ll be worse this year now that 90% of your last year’s offense is in the NFL…
Then what will you say? “We were hurt…” “The refs stole it…” “The dawg ate my playbook” “It’s Martinez’s fault”
“Waaaa”
Beat the rush! – start making your excuses now.
Sanford Drive
June 2nd, 2009
5:58 pm
Tech75,
Maybe your offense was awesome. Or maybe our defense was terrible. Or perhaps it was a little of both. It can easily be argued either way. I guess we’ll know for sure after a handful of games under CPJ.
Gravy Train
June 2nd, 2009
6:00 pm
Mark,
I don’t think you’re crazy. Most of your projections are logical to some degree. The thing is, and any engineer knows this, there are always unknown and random variables that go into the equation. For example: Does Jeff Owens provide enough force in the middle of the line to free up the ends? If he does than Georgia’s defense will be much better. Second example: Does Joe Cox’s patience result in fewer offensive turnovers? If so, then Georgia will greatly improve time of possession and field position ratios. That last stat increases even more by being able to force touch-backs on kick-offs.
Just curious as to if any of this has been noted by you before making predictions.
Bob
June 2nd, 2009
6:22 pm
Mark: Everybody wants to talk about MS and KM but let’s talk about where things really get done… The offensive line. UGA will have Sturdy back and lots of experience. They will give Cox time to throw and open running lanes for whoever is back there. Similar to Bama last year. And please, Oklahoma State has no defense. The DAWGS will run all over them, book it. And back to the UGA O-line… doesn’t Tech have to replace most of the D-line this year? Tech can run if they don’t have the ball.
Houdawg
June 2nd, 2009
6:25 pm
Could we lose four ? Yep, it could happen ….. or we might win 9 – 10. The whole key starts in Stillwater ….. if we get to 4 – 0 , it could be a great season. If not , all bets are off.
You Tech fans are absolutely pathetic ….. if we could switch SEC & ACC schedules …. you’d only WIN 4 games, MAYBE. With your little ACC sched, we’d win 10(or more) … guaranteed.
DirtyDawg
June 2nd, 2009
6:47 pm
I am genuinely amazed…well maybe not amazed but amused that Bradley would have fallen for the hype of Paul Johnson and climbed aboard the GT bandwagon. True to form, Paul’s offense will become less and less effective as teams decide they have to take the time to practice against it often enough – even in pre-season – in order to employ the discipline and athleticism to stop it. It can be done, and I’m told easily by folks that should know, and as demonstrated by LSU in last year’s Peach Bowl (they don’t pay me any money so I’ll call it what I want).
True, we could lose four, or maybe more, but Tech won’t be one of ‘em. Shoot, by the end of that game next November, the West Stands will be back to saying ‘I told you so about this gimmick offense’…
larryhmunsonthe3rd
June 2nd, 2009
6:51 pm
I thinhk your still crazy and you drink to much
Mac
June 2nd, 2009
6:56 pm
How naive. Did practice help the foes of Alabama, Nebraska or Oklahoma in the days of Bryant, Osborne and Switzer? No. Those were great football coaches who won running the offense they wanted to. Paul Johnson is a dang good coach and he’s going to beat people – a lot of them – running whatever he wants to.
He’s one of those who could take the other coaches players and beat him with them.
TechDan
June 2nd, 2009
7:04 pm
“True to form, Paul’s offense will become less and less effective as teams decide they have to take the time to practice against it often enough – even in pre-season – in order to employ the discipline and athleticism to stop it.”
Congratulations. You have somehow managed to completely disregard all of the historical stats surround Paul Johnson and his preferred offense.
Really. Good job.
Ken
June 2nd, 2009
7:04 pm
This schedule is downright scary! There isn’t a single layup in the first 8 games. I can’t remember ever seeing one through eight being tougher.
Ringleader
June 2nd, 2009
7:30 pm
Yep, I think it all starts with Stillwater, especially for the defense.
I still have not seen any explanation or reasoning that we only receive 5,000 tickets at a hundred bucks each for that game. Where was the AD when this deal was made…….
Dorsey Hill
June 2nd, 2009
7:45 pm
DirtyDawg,
I’m sorry, but I have to disagree with your assessment. The novelty offenses like Tech’s and Florida’s do not necessarily lose effectiveness because they have been seen before by their opponents. The effectiveness of the offense will depend on the quality of players that they have running it. If you have Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow the spread will work forever…against anybody. If you have Chris Todd and a bunch of rejects like Auburn, well, not so much.
The key for Tech isn’t going to be whether or not teams “figure them out” on offense, the key will be whether they can maintain a quality defense. One of the limitations of Tech’s offense is the sheer number of scholarships that must be dedicated to offense because you have three backs on the field at all times and a QB subject to being hit alot. This means that you’d better have 8-10 RB’s and 4-5 QB’s in the program at all times. Some of those scholarships could have gone to DT’s or corner’s etc… In addition, you would expect that because Tech will be unable to replicate a pro-style offense, their defense will be weaker against the pass then otherwise. So Tech’s downfall will not be that they are limited to scoring under 25 points per game, it will because they are giving up 28 or more. Against an ACC schedule, not exactly a bastion of explosive offenses right now, Tech is in a pretty good position to do well in the near future.
Of course, we’ll kick the hell out of ‘em.
2010!!!!!
June 2nd, 2009
7:45 pm
Mark,
Aren’t you starting the our “next year” chant a bit early? You are a genius, we will be Preseason #1 for 2 full seasons!
btw… have you seen Tech’s 2010 roaster? they get everyone back….scary….
WATERDONZI
June 2nd, 2009
7:59 pm
PLEASE ST. SIMONS –DONT OPEN YOUR MOUTH, YOU MAKE US LOOK DUMB DOWN HERE–WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE , LET SOMEONE ELSE COMMENT FOR YOU.
Dawgman566
June 2nd, 2009
8:01 pm
DAWGS ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring em on.
WinderDawg
June 2nd, 2009
8:06 pm
I know Tech fans are excited about finally beating us,congrats, as you well know, it is a new year and while i’m sure CPJ offense makes everyone shake in their boots, facts are facts, we have much better athletes, and quite frankly, better facilities, more of a fan base.But!!!, I will give you this, you have I-75 right next to your dorms!! Thats worth at least a three star recruit! 4 wins in the last 18 years does not a dynasty make! See you at historic crap field in November! SIC ‘EM !!!
WinderDawg
June 2nd, 2009
8:20 pm
RAMBLE ON!!!,
for someone to be a tech fan as yourself, you dont seem very bright.most tech fans are idiots to believe that tech has turned into some kind of major football program.WHAT A JOKE!!!!by the end of this year you will be covering up your tech t-shirt with a braves sweatshirt so that nobody knows your a tech fan.go back to talknig abot what you know best-engineering.
BS Patrol
June 2nd, 2009
8:21 pm
Very amusing, Dirty Dawg. By your logic, UF’s offensive weaknesses were exposed by Ole Miss. Now it’s a piece of cake. Everyone will beat UF. Brilliant! The Jackets are flattered that everyone will be spending the preseason preparing for them as you say. Even Dorsey Hill knows you are full of BS! Idiot!
dan
June 2nd, 2009
8:43 pm
Mark it down right now! UGA vs. FLA will be close this year! Might even go into overtime. And you Yellow Jackets are going to shut the hell up when UGA holds your offense to 13-14 points this year. Richt is 30-4 on the road including 4-0 at Boddy Dodd. You Jackets wanna put that road record to the test? In fact you wanna know how many times Tech has beaten UGA in Atlanta the last 2 years? Twice!( and really once since 1999 was a fluke). Last year’s win was a fluke, and last year’s blowout loss to Florida was misleading. Thank God we don’t have to worry about Stafford throwing INT’s to the other team this year.
Mark Bradley
June 2nd, 2009
9:27 pm
Let me make sure I have this right: Whenever Tech beats Georgia, it’s a fluke; whenever Georgia beats GT, it’s because the Bulldogs have the better team. Is that about the size of it?
Gator Growl
June 2nd, 2009
9:30 pm
EARLY predictions (includes Bowl games): Florida ends 13-1 National champs LSU 11-3 SEC runner up, wins Sugar Bowl Bama 10-3, wins in Cap One (Orlando) bowl, Ole Miss 10-3 goes back to win Cotton again, UGA 9-4 wins Outback, SC, Tenn also in bowl games. I guess I’m a real SEC homer in bowl games, although I’ll predict losses for Cocks and Vols…
Smellslikeacesspool=Grant Field
June 2nd, 2009
9:31 pm
Bradley’s comments are confusing to a knowledgeable fan. If UGA plays better than it did last year with all the talent it has, they will have a BETTER record than last year—-too much talent!
Smellslikeacesspool=Grant Field
June 2nd, 2009
9:33 pm
WinderDog, the only thing RambleOn knows is the whole cast of all the Star Wars movies. He is truly a walking reason for retroactive abortions.
Tom
June 2nd, 2009
10:00 pm
How come Tech is scared to schedule Georgia Southern? I’ve noticed they have never played.
That's correct, Mark
June 2nd, 2009
10:14 pm
Yes Mark, when you blow a huge lead by lots of turnovers, gimme points and poor tackling in one quarter and still lose by only a field goal, that my friend is luck. And when you beat a team 7 years out of 8, that is domination. I don’t see the argument, there.
We should know….ahem, Florida? We can totally admit to that.
People say, “this Tech offense is really going to open it up now.” Really? Did you ever watch Paul Johnson at GSU and Navy? Same thing every time. Up the middle or pitch. Everytime. Throw in 3 passes and there’s your offense. Granted, those backs have great numbers. But, when you rush 60 times a game as a team, how could you not?
Hey, we’ll see. No one knows. But, I know where my money’s going….and that’s some SWEEEEET action!
NorthGADawg
June 2nd, 2009
10:19 pm
I believe Mr. Bradley has decided to take a page from T.Moore and berate the local FAVORITE and by doing so drum up enough pissed off bandwagon UGA fans to make his status more well known. Doing all of this in hopes to get picked up by a major network because he now is considered controversial and able to attract a large audience. All the while Tech gets their hopes up because they think people in Georgia actually care about thier team again. Hats off to you Mark for trying to better your career but think of Tech and the terror bombings that will ensue once they figure out going to Tech doesn’t change your lowly social status with the women, thats a cruel joke.
DirtyDawg
June 2nd, 2009
10:42 pm
Well I’m proud to see that one of my comments elicited such reactions…but regardless of the ‘idiot’, and naive, and amusing logic, I stand by my observation. I’ve been watching and admiring this offense ever since Erk decided to use it at Georgia Southern – and if they had a Tracy Hamm running it, I’d be very afraid…but they don’t. By the way, this ain’t the offense that Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas ran all those years back – which, by the way if it were so unbeatable, then why did they quit it? And nothing is novel about the offense Florida runs – it balances running and throwing and features superior athletes on both sides of the ball. Besides, I wasn’t talking about UF, I was talking about Tech and I stand by my words. LSU showed everybody that it can be stopped, and so will we.
wawel78
June 2nd, 2009
10:44 pm
UGA won’t be within 20 of Florida. I think Florida slips up somewhere but it will be a small hiccup and they’ll be in the NC game. That team is way too stacked.
Mark – I think the focus will be off Stafford and Moreno and it will be more of a conscious team effort. It probably sounds a bit forced but I’m more excited about this UGA team than last. UGA was #1 but I don’t think any fan that isn’t a blind loyalist actually thought they were the best. I don’t think they’re close to this one but have a feeling they’ll be more fun to watch. If I’m predicting, I’m saying 9-3 with one let down and an upset thrown in there that plays itself out during the season. Maybe LSU?
Sanford Drive
June 2nd, 2009
11:00 pm
Dorsey Hill,
You really shouldn’t mention UF and Tech in the same sentence. Tebow and Harvin you have not.
ButlerDawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:03 pm
The only prediction that I will make at this point in time is that all of the Losers from North Avenue will again have to box up those “GT” tags that they dusted off and placed on the front of their vehicles. Football is not your sport, Techies. Never was, never will be!
12-V MAN
June 2nd, 2009
11:08 pm
MAKE THAT 5 LOSSES….Leg humpers go down to the Gamecocks in Athens as well…
BugKiller
June 2nd, 2009
11:10 pm
Mark,
Georgia’s gonna lose FIVE games this year.
And at least three of the those loses will be due to Willie Martinez’s abject incompetence as the defensive coordinator of this team.
The offense is gonna be fine.
The defense is going to underachieve because Willie Martinez is the worst defensive coordinator in the SEC, but since he and the HC are best friends and former college roommates, well, he gets to stick around.
Kind of reminds me of the Little Jimmy Mora and Greg “Take A” Knapp relationship, with more “bro” in their bromance.
DirtyDawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:20 pm
Hey bugkiller, you been drinking your diazinon again. Get off Willie’s back cause it’ll only make it that much more harder to eat those big words. Fact is, we’re gonna be better on both sides of the ball with the potential to dominate the lines of scrimmage in, potentially, every game we play. When you can do that, you can win, and usually do.
BS Patrol
June 2nd, 2009
11:23 pm
Funny to me how even with a neutral topic like this the doggie fans always seem to eventually focus on Tech who at the same time is “irrelevant, small stadium, high school gimmick offense, not a rival(just in case dogs lose)etc. etc. I can easily see 5 losses for the pups this year. Unfortunately it will take away some of the luster when Tech tramples the dogs again this year.
JDH GT
June 2nd, 2009
11:34 pm
HAHAHAHAHA. It’s funny how quickly these folks forget how our (Tech) went into half time, made adjustments, and completely dismantled them (UGA) in the second half. Now, we have better athletes. Coming out of high school, Dwyer > than any UGA running back; Nesbitt > Cox; our line ?> more experience than your line. You MAY have better receivers, but you have no QB to throw to them. The “Dawg” fans are hilarious. Year after year, they pretend to be relevant on the national level, but they aren’t. Their hopes are usually crushed by the 5th week of the year. 1980 was a LONG time ago. In fact, it was 10 years before 1990 (just an engineer here helping you out).
JDH GT
June 2nd, 2009
11:35 pm
sorry…was supposed to say “our coach”…we also have a better coach…Thanks for listening…
Rebel Rouser
June 2nd, 2009
11:36 pm
Mark, Once again you have shown that you don’t know anything about the teams and coaches in the state you live in. You base your predictions on what people outside the state say about a team they don’t even closely cover or have any knowledge of the atheletes on the roster. You are supposed to better than that…if you look closely Georgia has been stockpiling athletes for the past six years….Joe Cox is more than capable to lead the Dawgs. Did you forget that he did not lose a game he started throughout his high school playing days…and has already proven that he can carry a team on his back when the chips are down… and win games in college (see come back win against Colorado in 06′). The dawgs are loaded with atheletes at every position. They don’t have to play a gimmic offense like Tech to win games. The only reason UGA lost to Tech last year was due to eight starters being unable to play due to injuries.
I can’t wait for them to make you eat your words and show your boss how incompetent you are at your job.Every time you open your mouth you continue to show the majority of the football fans in this state how much you don’t know. If you are supposed to cover the teams in the state of Georgia you should do your homework about each one.
The Dawgs will beat Ok.State to open the season. They will probably lose two games this year but one of their loses won’t be to Tech…count on it! Mark Richt won’t let that happen and neither will the members of the team…they can’t wait for the rematch…Tech’s going to be beatdown on the Flats in their cracker box stadium sixty percent full of dawg fans.
Mark do us all a favor…go start covering highschool teams and leave the college beat to professional sports writers….we deserve better than what you’ve been dishing out over the years.
SamoanDawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:37 pm
Dawgs will not lose 4 games. First of all, we will destroy the Pokies.. they have no D. Ducks ran all over them. It’ll be a long day for Zac Robinson, after we shut their run.
O-line will carry the O. Joe will have plenty of time to dissect Ds. Entire o-line return, some from major injuries: Sturdinvant and Vance and emergence of young frosh pups: Ben Jones aka “BigNasty”, Cordy Glenn and Bean Anderson.
D-line will be anchor the D. With the return of Jeff Owen to take double team off of Geno Atkins. These two bad dawgs will free up our DEs.. Demarcus Dobbs, Roderick Battle and Cornelius Washington. Not to mention big Kade Weston and a young talented DeAngelo Tyson. Also, a true blue collar walkon DT, Brandon Wheeler will open up some eyes in the rotation. These interiors guys will control the trenches.
Can’t wait to see both lines bullied the Pokies.
Mark Bradley
June 2nd, 2009
11:37 pm
I don’t think this Georgia team will squander talent the way last season’s did. I think this year’s team will perform more or less to its capacity. I just happen to think that capacity isn’t as great as in past seasons. I mean, Georgia did just lose two first-round NFL talents, did it not?
bigdawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:42 pm
I think you are absolutely right, Mark. UGA will lose at least 4 games with a better team than last year. The schedule is just brutal and too many positions are unsettled. But overall I think we will see a better effort. Go Dawgs!
BugKiller
June 2nd, 2009
11:44 pm
I have no allusions, or in your case, DirtyDawg, DELUSIONS, about my team this year.
Willie Martinez is a horrible coach. His teams have gotten worse, EVERY YEAR, in the defensive stats that matter most: Points Per Game Allowed and Total Yards Allowed.
Look it up for yourself. Every year under Willie Martinez as the DC, the Dawgs have progressively, without platuae or without reversal, given up more yards per game and more points per game.
Under Martinez, the defense has gotten progressively worse in fundamentals as well.
Under Martinez, the defense has become the most penalized defense in the SEC, and one of the most penalized units in all of college football.
Under Martinez, the defense plays lazy and they play stupid.
Under Martinez, the defense has given up 30 or more points in a game ELEVEN TIMES.
Eleven times in four years. The is the most times EVER, in the same period, that any Georgia team has given up that many points.
Last year, for the first time EVER in Georgia’s football history, which is well over 100 years old, the Dawgs defense, under Martinez, gave up 40 or more points THREE TIMES.
40 or more points given up THREE TIMES IN ONE SEASON!!!
Do you know how many times the Georgia defense gave up 40 or more points under BVG during his four years?
NEVER.
Do you know how many times the Georgia defense gave up 30 or more points under BVG during his four years?
ONCE.
And don’t give me injuries or any other excuse. BVG’s defenses has injuries.
And Martinez’s defenses have been made up of a higher caliber of recruit.
Martinez is setting all kinds of records as the Georgia DC, just too bad they’re negative records.
The facts are clear. BVG is able to get more with less. Just look at the Falcons’ defense last year. If it weren’t for BVG, they wouldn’t have even come close the making the playoffs.
Whereas in the last four years, we can point to breakdowns in defense as the reason for all of the Dawgs losses save two.
Martinez doesn’t prepare his players.
Martinez doesn’t prepare a gameplan that stands a chance of beating a decent team, let alone an elite SEC foe.
Martinez hasn’t yet met an in-game adjustment he understands how to make.
He’s a horrible DC, and again, the ONLY reason why he still has a job, under the mounting evidence of fact for his incompetence, is because he and the HC are great friends, who went to college together, who were roommates together, etc, etc.
And because of Martinez, this team stands no chance… NO CHANCE of contending in the SEC for real.
Book it.
southgadawg88
June 2nd, 2009
11:45 pm
The thing here is for some reason most people just discount losing so many good players to injury last season.Jeff Owens was a preseason All SEC,considered a 1st rd caliber draft pick,Sturdivant was an All-American as a freshman,maybe some forget Marcus Washington has been on the field making plays since he was a freshman you know that guy who was crushing FLA players in that victory?None of these kids played a single down..No I take that back Owens played 2 snaps of the 1st series in the opener,Battle (2nd year starter by the way who was also injured)played what 20 snaps?I don’t count the young DE’s because they have yet to proved that they are playmakers …injuries do happen it’s part of the game…BUT it is a big difference between losing depth and losing starters some ALL SEC caliber players for the whole season.If these kids earned those accolades by their play on the field why wouldn’t miss them?And why wont we be better with them back?We lost Knowshon and Stafford true… losing good players to the pro’s is part of the game too.You replace them with top recruiting classes.I know the replacements may not be as good this year but it is a team game ,other parts of the team are better this year.I don’t know about the lack of “leadership” stuff you got to have PLAYERS period.Tim Tebow couldn’t “Lead” Mississippi State to squat!!!USC loses 10 starters yet they are a top 5 team?Why?”Pete Carrol can recruit?Hell so can Mark Richt!!!If USC can lose Bush,White and Leinart and keep on trucking why cant UGA keep it moving?Let’s peek at some records.OKSU 9-4-lost to the last 3 teams with winning records they played.Im not sold on Big 12 teams.. when was the last time a good Big 12 team beat a good SEC team period?LSU 8-5 Maybe folks feel like their talent is better than ours or something I don’t see any advantage they have..their offense is going to overpower our D?Or their D is going to shut us down?Really?somebody point out how they see that happening?What Chavis has our number or something?GT 9-4 When you look at Tech’s season it was their defense that allowed them to win games except of course for the last two.Anytime you give up 40 pts in a game win or lose you can draw nothing from that encounter other than you are lucky if you won.They lose the defensive rocks of their team and now they are supposed to be better?Is their OL are DL better than ours?WR’s going to dominate our DB’s or something?What gives them the edge?Now THE game is those lizards!!!!Funny thing that chip on your shoulder can do for you!Urban ought to think Mark for that stunt in the endzone.. now it swings back..CMR threw down the gauntlet and Meyer responded to the challenge.You can’t slap a man and then turn your back when he put his dukes up!!!!Mark Richt beat FLA at FSU I don’t really think there is any “shook factor” with the coaching staff in regards to FLA.There is a couple of interesting things going on this year.We have the bye week….. a whole extra week to stew on getting smacked up last year.Second thing is Trinton,Jeff and Marcus played great in that victory…two things stood out to me in that game…we didn’t block very well and our D couldn’t force a punt or hold em to a fg when needed.Turnovers where there too but the aforementioned factors were the killers.I think those kids coupled with what we have coming back will speak to those issues.Lastly that chip is firmly on OUR shoulders…..WM sucks,CMR has lost touch,Bobo don’t have a clue,FLA has better players,FLA is inside UGA’s head,on and on…you better believe the hate is already brewing in Athens for that game.Tell you the truth if UGA loses 1 game this year I would be shocked if THAT was the 1.Now for some reason AUB and Tenn worry me the most.Tenn-I do know the Monte Kiffen is a good coach and Tenn has some talent.I’m not so sure FLA is going to crush Tenn regardless of what you think of Lane Kiffen.AUB-It’s AUB this series is strange… a 2-8 AUB is capable of beating UGA and vice versa.They are due.
Terrible Truth
June 2nd, 2009
11:45 pm
You know the economy is bad when a company agrees to try to sell Ga. Yech tickets. Dogs lose three in a “down” year. Logan Gray’s playing time will increase as the season progresses. Tech loses five, teams will study the LSU tapes and deploy their team speed (provided they have any) to stifle PJ’s 19th century offense. PJ will start buying Tum’s and Pepto by the case. Developers will offer Tech two billion dollars for the land the campus sits on, contingent on whether or not they can get the smell out.
RedandBlack
June 2nd, 2009
11:48 pm
The Dogs will start the 2009 season with a big win on the road. They will end the season winning at least the last three games including their bowl game. Logan Gray will play a significant role at QB this year as will Joe Cox. The defense will be the major factor in providing the Bulldogs with a record at the end of the season that will be the same or better than the 2008 season. Four to six freshmen will make significant contributions to the stellar season. Jacksonville will be a taser party to remember. We all will enjoy 2009. Let the Big Dogs Eat. Woof, Baby, Woof!! Go Dogs!!!
82dawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:49 pm
Mark, I think losing four games is optimistic. I predict this team to go 7-5. There is nothing to base any belief that the defense will be any better this year with Soft Willie leading the way. We are simply not going to be talented enough on offense to outscore the points our defense surrenders. I am just trying to keep it real here, I am sorry if I offend anyone. I said three losses last year and was lambasted. So, live with it everyone.
82dawg
June 2nd, 2009
11:54 pm
If you can’t fire Soft Willie, promote him! Associate Athletics Director for Cheese Doodles.
bill
June 2nd, 2009
11:57 pm
Sorry to all you haters but this team reminds me alot of a certain team from Tenn. that lost the best QB they ever had and then won a national title. As great as MS & KM were I think UGA will be better this year for the following reasons, a veteren OL so JC and the RBs will not have to carry the O, and trust me the D will not let themselves get embarrassed again b/c CMR will not put up with it a second year in a row and DCWM knows it and will be on some asses if they start missing tackles again. I dont know if UGA can win it all but never underestimate a team returning that much talent on the OL, or a D that feels disrespected the UGAS will. And to all you GT fans when you come on these blogs bragging about your win last year you show just how stupid you are in sports knowledge. Stick with the nerdy things you know something about.
SamoanDawg
June 3rd, 2009
12:18 am
BugKiller, this will be Willie’s best year. Why? Jeff Owen.. vocal leaser, Geno Atkins.. strong hardnose, Kade Weston.. big agile.. and an unknown true blue collar Brandon Wheeler.. 4 interior seniors.
DE: Roderick Battle-Sr.. played well til injury bug bit.
Rennie Curran.. on/off the field leader.
Darryl Gamble.. will be in the 5 package at stand up DE.
Bryan Evans.. will be my surprise dark horse. don’t be surprised if he leads the team in ints.. yes, Jeff Owen and the front 4 will make life easier for our 2nd/3rd level guys.
We don’t need to free Willie!
DrinkMyWhiskeyClear
June 3rd, 2009
12:29 am
Bill, I will most certainly stick to nerdy things I know about. In fact the world would be a substantially better place to live if there were more nerds and less mullets. That said, this blog exhibits the degeneracy of U[sic]GA fans in their static mindedness. They think that every team will watch and mimic the LSU approach last year while completely abstracting from the fact that CPJ has evolved his offense *every year* as coach, adding new dimensions, variants, and wrinkles to his offense. The world is dynamic, and I suggest you put the uzi away, finish your moonshine, kiss your wife (which is multitasking as she is also your sister) and retire for the evening… big shift at Wal-Mart tomorrow.
bill
June 3rd, 2009
12:39 am
Your a funny man whiskey, but I dont think I said anything about LSUs D approach.And CPJ is a great coach but he still doesnt have the talent CMR does. And if Ellerbee wasnt such a showboat and makes that sideline tackle in the 3rd qtr. it would be 8 in a row.
bill
June 3rd, 2009
12:41 am
Oh and Whiskey I forgot to tell you to tell your “life partner AKA your brother” I said hello.
Saint Simons
June 3rd, 2009
12:59 am
waterdonzi you don’t know jack!!!
Whopper Dawg
June 3rd, 2009
1:11 am
Mark,
They may lose four, but not one to OK State. Cox will be better than folks think and both lines will be fine. But could lose three to four in the SEC and Tech is really going to be a problem – and all that is due to Willie M. Georgia will not beat Tech again until Willie is gone – Reason? Excellent execution, game plan and discipline vs whatever the hell WM is doing which is a mystery.
Expect Richt to be under extreme pressure to make a move there after this year as the D will not be better in spite of the talent under WM.
Atlanta Journal Constitution » Blog Archive » No way Georgia can lose four games? Sure about that?
June 3rd, 2009
2:01 am
[...] Mark Bradley | ajc.com – [...]
BarkingBulldawg
June 3rd, 2009
2:08 am
Bradley, it’s definitely plausible that the Dawgs could lose four games this season. Of course you have to know there are some wacko’s out here in cyberspace. Why are you acting so surprised that “one or two” people disagreed with you (or was this a number an attempt at hyperbole?)
But, it’s also not entirely implausible that the Dawgs win 11. Or beat the Gators. Or both. After all, that’s why we watch right?
GURU
June 3rd, 2009
2:31 am
I know one thing, Georgia better not have a losing season, because Rocky Top will be rolling up the recruits.
Braindawg
June 3rd, 2009
3:46 am
Get real M. Bradley, are you takeing writing notes from T. Moore!!! Sorry i couldnt pass a chance to take a shot at T. Moore, although I hope his negative self is doing well in his new job. Really I do!!!
The Dawgs will improve on their short comings that plagued them last year and will lose only two maybe only one this year. They always play better when no one thinks they can….Maybe they will win them all…Well I can dream cant I!!! Hey its not as big a dream as GT dreaming of winning two in a row over the Dawgs!!! And thats a fact, later losers from downtown Atlanta, and no im not talking about a pro team, im talking about the Ga. Tech Yellow Fa_gots!
tony
June 3rd, 2009
4:52 am
If Aaron Murray is the starting QB and if Jeff Owens come back 100% we might lose 1 game this season.
Ed
June 3rd, 2009
5:11 am
UGA has two big things going for it this year. Joe Cox’s leadership & fire and Sturdivant back at LT where he will make all-conference.
» SEC links: UT’s Tyler Smith considering overseas John Clay’s Sidelines
June 3rd, 2009
6:05 am
[...] Mark Bradley of the AJC writes that Georgia football will have its hands full thanks to a difficult schedule. [...]