All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia

Mrs. Chanandler Bong

July 24th, 2009
10:33 am

Yes, little Rennie is the best. What he lacks in talent, he makes up for in determination. It’s easy to see how he pumps up the team and staff.

gatorman770

July 24th, 2009
10:35 am

….these and many more questions will be answered in the next episode of “SOAP”!

Otto

July 24th, 2009
10:36 am

J Cox will not be the next DJ but he will not be Joe T either. Cox is much more like JP Wilson over at Bama. he is a solid game manager that does not cost you the game. He also has a better arm than Wilson (Bama fans that is not a shot at JP)

The DL and OL will be vastly improved assuming injuries do not mount like last year.

The area that concerns me most is the secondary. Everyone talks about Stafford and Moreno but the 2 guys that will be missed most lined up in the secondary.

LSU? the QB has looked shaky even after the Jefferson stepped in. LSU also has tough schedule and UGA has a great record against them. If UGA gels enough in time to get past Okie Lite it could be a very good year in Athens. Owens and Atkins will help shut down GT.

I have said it before last year UGA had question marks in key areas especially after Sturdivant went down. I am liking UGA’s team better this year.

mcdawg

July 24th, 2009
10:38 am

Logan Gray looked good to me in spring ball

we will beat both OSU & Tech

both our O-Line and D-line will be great

Secondary concerns me espically the first game

11-2 see you in Orlando

Kendawg

July 24th, 2009
10:42 am

My biggest concern is injuries. They took us down last year. If we can avoid injuries, we could have a really good team.

Cincinatti Bowtie

July 24th, 2009
10:44 am

UNDEFEATED SEASON, you know nothing MB.

HH

July 24th, 2009
10:47 am

If your prediction does come true and Georgia loses 4, with one to GIT, it will indeed be interesting to see what kind of excuses Richt & his loving admirers make this year as to why. And no, Joe Cox is no D.J. Schockley.

PT

July 24th, 2009
10:49 am

Crested, are you kidding me. We did not recruit very well in 03, 04, and 05. Since 06 and on we have recruited better every year with 2010 shaping up to be the best. Bottom line is the Talent is just now starting to peak with the Lines as the foundation. We have the best WR we have ever had for 2 more years. Winning titles or competing for titles is about 1 thing when you have the top 10 talent, Confidence as the year goes and that can be increased by a few early wins or derailed by a loss or injuries. 10-2

One Game At A Time

July 24th, 2009
10:53 am

Just focus on one game at a time and nothing else.

HUNKER DOWN!!!!!!!

LSU

July 24th, 2009
10:55 am

Your record against LSU is good, but not in the ones that count. Play hard in the big games and achieve, then someone will take the dawgs seriously.

MattyB

July 24th, 2009
10:55 am

You forgot the misplaced Vandy prediction from the GT blog. I’ll correct it for you, UGA 8 and 5 in 2009

RAMBLE ON!!!

July 24th, 2009
10:56 am

Lets see.

Joe T.

Hell no

Hell no.

PT

July 24th, 2009
10:56 am

Hey LSU did the 05 title not count. Stupid post

PMC

July 24th, 2009
10:58 am

How can you underachieve when 2 of the best players on your team (Sturdivant,Owens) didn’t play in any of the loseable games.

Joshhh...

July 24th, 2009
10:59 am

Can you change the Tereshinski question from “little avail” to “NO avail” haha…
I don’t MB I don’t see us losing to OKState, that one is a little hard for me to grasp…
Lets hope these are too many questions!…

Bryan G.

July 24th, 2009
11:00 am

I think article illustrates a great point: UGA has a lot of questions going into this season.

I think par is more like 9-3. The whole season swings on how we play in Stillwater. Another “W” out of conference, and we may have a great 10 or 11 win season. A loss on the road, and Mark Bradley may be right…

PT

July 24th, 2009
11:00 am

Agreed PMC. Then throw on top of that 17 other season ending injuries. We did not even have contact in practice after the Bama game. That is the reason for the tackling issues.

PMC

July 24th, 2009
11:01 am

If they don’t win 10 or 11 this year they should really be thinking about making a change at DC. Even with the tough schedule.

They should be expecting to beat Oklahoma State. Good offense sure…defense? What defense?

LSU

July 24th, 2009
11:01 am

It counted, but did it lead to the ultimate prize, National Championship. Stupid post maybe, but accurate. See how well you did last year with your heightened expectations. Geaux Dawgs…

Bob

July 24th, 2009
11:03 am

LSU,
Not in the ones that count? What was the score in the last SEC Championship game we played? Duh. We are 1-1 under Richt in the games that “count” and 1-0 in the most recent one. The real question is for you guys is do you have the ability to keep Georgia from winning by 2 TDs or more. Or maybe keep Georgia below their 40+ point scoring average against you guys the last three times we have met.

PT

July 24th, 2009
11:03 am

The questions going into the season kills me. Every one has questions even Fla. How can you not question losing P Harvin and 2 starting tackles. USC lost 8 on defense. Its all about chemistry.

Long Dawg

July 24th, 2009
11:05 am

Lots of questions… Cox is no DJ but is no Joe T., Logan Grey will be in the mix to take some of the pressure off Cox. Odds are one of the three backs will emerge and suported by the best offensive line since Richt has been at Georgia the running game should be solid. Coach Searels is as good as advertised. The defense can only get better. Great interior line, experienced linebackers and I think we will see significantly more emphasis on getting to the quarterback any way we can. If Reshad Jones plays up to his potential and Braden Smith is as good as advertised the defensive backfield should be better, lots better.
Georgia will not lose to Oklahoma St. or Tech or LSU.

PT

July 24th, 2009
11:05 am

LSU, its about luck too. UGA could have easily been in the same situation as LSU or Fla in atleast 2 seasons this decade. That goes back to the things you cant control.

PMC

July 24th, 2009
11:05 am

I don’t think Georgia is bested in talent except for one game this year and that’s Florida.

They should feel are better than Oklahoma State, they get LSU at home and that worked out nicely the last time besides they stomped them last year and if they aren’t ready to absolutly wreck Georgia Tech by November with all the 45-42 getting rings minted and stuff…I think I’m ready to question thier manhood. They should absolutely destroy Georgia Tech this year… about like Florida put it on them last year.

LSU

July 24th, 2009
11:06 am

Bob,

Good point. You scoring machine. Last time I checked you do not get more wins for avg score. Of course you would know that, an over hyped program like Georgia. I bet you do not get 40+ this year in your own joint. Good luck.

Long Dawg

July 24th, 2009
11:07 am

LSU- our record against LSU is good but not in the games that count? I thought they all counted. You been eating to much boudain boy.

Class of '98

July 24th, 2009
11:09 am

Hey LSU, once in a century (at most) can a team LOSE when it counts and still win the national championship.

Just like LSU did in 2007. Never again will a team lose it’s last regular season game, at home, to an unranked opponent, and still play for the national championship.

Worst “national champion” ever.

PT

July 24th, 2009
11:10 am

The good news is Mark has never been right. He just is very good at his job an creates paper circulation

PT

July 24th, 2009
11:11 am

Class of 98, 2nd worst. Thech in 90 was worst

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:13 am

Is Joe Cox the next D.J. Shockley, who led Georgia to an SEC title after waiting his turn, or the next Joe Tereshinski III, who waited to little avail?

He isn’t the next DJ Shockley because he doesn’t run and doesn’t have as strong of an arm. He is very good though and will put to rest all questions early in the season. This guy hasn’t lost a game since little league. He broke all of Chris Leak’s records in North Carolina. Last time I checked Chris Leak was good enough to win a National Championship.

Can Cox make the throws Richt requires of his quarterback?

Yes. Cox can make all the throws he will be asked to make. Now, he might not be asked to throw a 20-yard deep out like Stafford did. But, there is a lot of starting QBs in the NFL that can’t make that throw. Graham Harrell had a pretty good career throwing the ball all over the field. Cox has a stronger arm than him. Matt Ryan’s arm probably isn’t one of the top fifteen strongest in the NFL. It is all about timing and anticipation, and being smart with the football of course.

Can Cox maximize the talents of A.J. Green and freshman Marlon Brown?

Cox can absolutely maximize the talents of AJ Green. Cox is more accurate than Stafford. He can hit AJ in stride to where AJ can pile up the YAC. Marlon Brown is very raw and is a redshirt candidate.

Since Green is the Bulldogs’ most gifted player, isn’t it mandatory that Georgia’s quarterback is more than just a game manager?

Cox will be asked to manage the game. Stafford was as well, and Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady, and Ben Roethlisberger. Cox will also be asked to win us a game. The media pegged him as a game manager, not our coaching staff. 4-star QB recruits who hold all of the passing records in North Carolina aren’t usually recruited to be “game managers,” you dig?

Who takes over if Cox can’t move the team — true freshman Aaron Murray?

Logan Gray will be the second team QB. Aaron Murray has the leadership and smarts to be a better true freshman QB than Stafford, but Logan throws and pretty ball and knows the offense.

RobertNAtl

July 24th, 2009
11:13 am

My guess (and I am a Vols fan) is that the Bulldogs will go 9-3. I can’t see them losing to Okla, State, Florida, LSU, *and* Tech. Richt will find a way to win at least one of those games — maybe two.

Mike the Tiger

July 24th, 2009
11:20 am

Georgia will win seven games. His Holiness will congratulate himself and his coaches and give everyone a raise.

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:20 am

Is Caleb King, of whom Bulldog Nation expects so much, really a first-string SEC tailback?

Yes, Caleb King is a 1st-string SEC tailback. He has been really putting in the effort to get better and to stay focused. Reports are that the LIGHT has definitely come on. It is amazing when playing time is to be had what it can do to one’s work ethic.

Is Richard Samuel better than King?

This remains to be seen. He has a lot of potential, but offers a little different style than Caleb. He has only played the position for three years, so he will continue to get better and better. He will start as second-string imo.

Is Carlton Thomas better than either?

No. But, he offers a totally different package as well. He is more of an outside, shiftier runner. He will see plenty of action on screens and flares out of the backfield. He will also see time on special teams. He will be more of a change of pace back. He is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it though.

In his absence, are we about to see how good Knowshon Moreno really was?

Knowshon Moreno is really good, hence the 12th pick of the first round selection. But, our running game will not miss a beat. What we will miss the most is the energy that Knowshon brought to the table. That type of energy is infectious and really makes the offensive line want to block for you.

Herschel Talker

July 24th, 2009
11:21 am

Mark – do you think I’m going to agree with you or disagree with you? What about Lars Tainted?

Stephen Dysart

July 24th, 2009
11:21 am

Mark,

My answers:

Joe won’t be either DJ or JT 3, but he will get to taste immediate success with a victory over OK State on a national stage that could motivate him all the way to a BCS bowl appearance. Cox has already proven he can make the throws in tough situations, and with Marlon and AJ there to catch balls, he could potentially look as poised as David Greene was. I don’t like the term “game manager”. Please tell me the last UGA QB that wasn’t anything more than a “manager.” Staff, DJ, and Greene were all centerpieces in the offense in one way or another in more than a managerial role. IF, God forbid, Cox doesn’t show up, I think Logan gets the first shot at taking over.

Caleb is talented enough to start at tailback, but he won’t face the pressure of carrying 90%, 80%, or even 75% of the time. I think we’ll see a similar situation to Thomas Brown/Knowshon sharing time in 2007 (Brown rushed for 800 to Knowshon’s 1300 yards). Either Richard Samuel or Carlton Thomas will show up to be the second back in the tandem (my money is on Carlton).
The improved O-line won’t help create the next Knowshon but it will be one of the best in the SEC, allowing our tandem (trio?) of backs to get the job done and take some pressure off of Cox. Searels is a magician considering what he accomplished last year doing the lineman shuffle. Trinton Sturdivant will show up in a big way this year. If it stays healthy, Georgia’s line will be SCARY next year and yes, considered the foundation of the team (although the running game will get the spotlight).

John Jancek’s promotion suggests less of Richt’s displeasure with Willie, and more of him feeling public pressure to make such a move. Willie couldn’t handle all of the pressure, so Richt either had to let him go or get him some help. Face saved. Pass rush will be good, not great. Geno and Big Jeff Owens will lead the rush at first, creating some opportunities for our DEs to have some fun in the backfield. Enter: Justin Houston.

For other playmakers on D besides Rennie, look no farther than Reshad Jones and Jeff Owens. I see some of the younger guys stepping up as well (Nick Williams, Marcus Dowtin). Rennie has a chance to stake his claim to Pollack fame this season if he shows up in a big way to anchor the D and make clutch plays like he did last season with the forced goal-line fumble against South Carolina. Curran can’t make every tackle, but if he makes 100+ we’ll be fine (but my guess is he won’t need to).

Branden Smith is ridiculously fast and talented. He will develop into the next Asher Allen. He may or may not start at first, but by the end of the season he will be. With his blazing speed, Smith should return kicks.

The 3 losses will serve as nothing but motivation for the coaching staff to prepare the players better both in practice and conditioning. You can’t say UGA has crested because Richt, the players, and the student body are still hungry for a national title. With Richt at the helm, I think it is inevitable that UGA will at least get a shot at hoisting the crystal football. Fewer penalties are a must and Richt knows that. He won’t allow our players to keep hurting themselves with penalties to that degree. Communal urgency seems to be one of the themes of this preseason. Guys have to step up and take on a greater sense of personal responsibility. Leaders like Rennie and Jeff Owens have to make guys self govern and keep their conduct and work ethic appropriate. Let’s hope Georgia walks the walk, we had enough talk last preseason.

It’s a proven fact that Richt is most dangerous with Georgia is overlooked. Like it or not, it provides some fun road games and big victories. 2005 has nothing to do with now, the national and SEC football scene has changed and so has Georgia. It was a nice surprise, but the current players have to work to earn themselves some more national respect and respect around the SEC. Richt has proven himself as an excellent coach, now he has to prove that he has the stuff it takes to get to the next level. My modest prediction: SEC title in the next 2 or 3 years, national title in the next 4 or 5.
8-4 is too pessimistic, but I’m glad to see that you know your UGA stuff Mark. I’m very impressed with your questions.

Stephen Dysart

July 24th, 2009
11:25 am

Mark,

My answers:

Joe won’t be either DJ or JT 3, but he will get to taste immediate success with a victory over OK State on a national stage that could motivate him all the way to a BCS bowl appearance. Cox has already proven he can make the throws in tough situations, and with Marlon and AJ there to catch balls, he could potentially look as poised as David Greene was. I don’t like the term “game manager”. Please tell me the last UGA QB that wasn’t anything more than a “manager.” Staff, DJ, and Greene were all centerpieces in the offense in one way or another in more than a managerial role. IF, God forbid, Cox doesn’t show up, I think Logan gets the first shot at taking over.

Caleb is talented enough to start at tailback, but he won’t face the pressure of carrying 90%, 80%, or even 75% of the time. I think we’ll see a similar situation to Thomas Brown/Knowshon sharing time in 2007 (Brown rushed for 800 to Knowshon’s 1300 yards). Either Richard Samuel or Carlton Thomas will show up to be the second back in the tandem (my money is on Carlton).
The improved O-line won’t help create the next Knowshon but it will be one of the best in the SEC, allowing our tandem (trio?) of backs to get the job done and take some pressure off of Cox. Searels is a magician considering what he accomplished last year doing the lineman shuffle. Trinton Sturdivant will show up in a big way this year. If it stays healthy, Georgia’s line will be SCARY next year and yes, considered the foundation of the team (although the running game will get the spotlight).

John Jancek’s promotion suggests less of Richt’s displeasure with Willie, and more of him feeling public pressure to make such a move. Willie couldn’t handle all of the pressure, so Richt either had to let him go or get him some help. Face saved. Pass rush will be good, not great. Geno and Big Jeff Owens will lead the rush at first, creating some opportunities for our DEs to have some fun in the backfield. Enter: Justin Houston.

RAMBLE ON!!!

July 24th, 2009
11:25 am

Herschel Talker likes men.

wes stansbury

July 24th, 2009
11:25 am

Does Bradley ever do his homework?

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:26 am

Can an improved offensive line make lesser backs look like Moreno?

None of our backs will look like Moreno because well…they aren’t Moreno. Caleb is similar and faster, but still different. Samuel is more of a power back with good straight line speed. Thomas is a quick, shifty, electric change of pace back. Jackson is more of a power back. Our O-Line will be a strength and our running game will be really good.

Is Stacy Searels as good an O-line coach as his reputation suggests?

Yes. See 2007 and 2008. See also All-Americans produced at LSU.

Is Trinton Sturdivant, back from injury, ready to become the SEC’s best left tackle?

ACL injuries are really two-year injuries. One year to come back and play, another year to get full strength and range of motion back. He will be very solid and much needed, but I am not ready to anoint him the best in the SEC yet.

Is Georgia’s line, which lists no seniors among its starters, poised to be the new foundation of the program, as opposed to the annual question mark?

Yes, as long as Searels stays. We have 8 guys with starting experience. We should be able to withstand some injuries. We may rotate guys in and out more than we ever have, and not miss a beat.

Stephen Dysart

July 24th, 2009
11:27 am

Mark,

My answers:

Joe won’t be either DJ or JT 3, but he will get to taste immediate success with a victory over OK State on a national stage that could motivate him all the way to a BCS bowl appearance. Cox has already proven he can make the throws in tough situations, and with Marlon and AJ there to catch balls, he could potentially look as poised as David Greene was. I don’t like the term “game manager”. Please tell me the last UGA QB that wasn’t anything more than a “manager.” Staff, DJ, and Greene were all centerpieces in the offense in one way or another in more than a managerial role. IF, God forbid, Cox doesn’t show up, I think Logan gets the first shot at taking over.

Caleb is talented enough to start at tailback, but he won’t face the pressure of carrying 90%, 80%, or even 75% of the time. I think we’ll see a similar situation to Thomas Brown/Knowshon sharing time in 2007 (Brown rushed for 800 to Knowshon’s 1300 yards). Either Richard Samuel or Carlton Thomas will show up to be the second back in the tandem (my money is on Carlton).

Stephen Dysart

July 24th, 2009
11:27 am

(cont.)…

The improved O-line won’t help create the next Knowshon but it will be one of the best in the SEC, allowing our tandem (trio?) of backs to get the job done and take some pressure off of Cox. Searels is a magician considering what he accomplished last year doing the lineman shuffle. Trinton Sturdivant will show up in a big way this year. If it stays healthy, Georgia’s line will be SCARY next year and yes, considered the foundation of the team (although the running game will get the spotlight).
John Jancek’s promotion suggests less of Richt’s displeasure with Willie, and more of him feeling public pressure to make such a move. Willie couldn’t handle all of the pressure, so Richt either had to let him go or get him some help. Face saved. Pass rush will be good, not great. Geno and Big Jeff Owens will lead the rush at first, creating some opportunities for our DEs to have some fun in the backfield. Enter: Justin Houston.

Will

July 24th, 2009
11:28 am

You underestimate my UGA defense with lots of fresh talent that were NOT there last season! Marcus Washington, Jeff Owens, Sanders Commings, Branden Smith, etc. No way we lost to OSU. Did you not see the freakin Holiday Bowl last year? Okie State has the worst defense in the nation and they lost several seniors on that pathetic team. UGA turns a pile of heads in the first game of the season.

Also, no way we lost to Tech. Way too much talking smack from the dorks during the off-season and UGA will go into hotlanta and the dawgs will put Tech back in their place.

If we stay healthy and get some breaks UGA can be a 1-loss team this season.

KR

July 24th, 2009
11:28 am

10-2 with no losses out of conference. They will have a win against LSU or Florida, but suffer a loss to another SEC team.

Will

July 24th, 2009
11:29 am

lose, sorry guys

Herschel Talker

July 24th, 2009
11:29 am

RAMBLE ON!!! likes men who like men

r

July 24th, 2009
11:31 am

go dawgs

Stephen Dysart

July 24th, 2009
11:31 am

(cont.)

For other playmakers on D besides Rennie, look no farther than Reshad Jones and Jeff Owens. I see some of the younger guys stepping up as well (Nick Williams, Marcus Dowtin). Rennie has a chance to stake his claim to Pollack fame this season if he shows up in a big way to anchor the D and make clutch plays like he did last season with the forced goal-line fumble against South Carolina. Curran can’t make every tackle, but if he makes 100+ we’ll be fine (but my guess is he won’t need to).

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:32 am

Does bumping up John Jancek to co-defensive coordinator suggest Richt is displeased with Willie Martinez, with whom Richt insists he’s never displeased?

No, it does not suggest he is displeased with Willie Martinez. It suggest that he is pleased with Jancek and that he wants Jancek to stay in the program. Therefore, he added another title to his name so we could pay him more. I am sure he will help Willie, but Willie will still be the main man.

Can the team that managed only 24 sacks in 13 games last season find a pass rush?

Yes. More than a DE not emerging, losing Jeff Owens hurt the pass rush. Not having him anchoring the middle and drawing double teams, which frees up Geno to collapse the pocket from the middle, and funnel the QB into the arms of the DEs really hurt us last year. Plus, Kade Weston wasn’t fully healthy. Everyone double teamed Geno and made it even harder for unproven ends to make an impact. That will change with the return of Owens and a healthy Weston, plus B Wood and an older D Tyson. That DT rotation combined with more healthy DEs will significantly increase the sack total this year.

Can Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens mount a push as defensive tackles?

See above. Also, see 2007.

Wouldn’t it work even better if Justin Houston, who had three sacks on G-Day, turned into a real edge rusher?

Already has. We just have to get him back from suspension and turn him loose.

AC

July 24th, 2009
11:32 am

How long did it take you to write this article Mark Bradley?
How much research did you have to put in?
How much longer will you continue to write lame articles?
When will the AJC get a real writer who writes?

Ken

July 24th, 2009
11:33 am

Anyone who compares Cox to Joe T is plain Silly….

r

July 24th, 2009
11:33 am

DAWGS

T3

July 24th, 2009
11:34 am

If UGA has all the talent back and no/few injuires….and still ummm…under-performs and chokes…against OKST, Ark, Tenn, FL, and GT…..then what?

The property that gets destroyed wont be…in St. Simons.

It’ll be in Athens.

Stephen D

July 24th, 2009
11:35 am

Branden Smith is ridiculously fast and talented. He will develop into the next Asher Allen. He may or may not start at first, but by the end of the season he will be. With his blazing speed, Smith should return kicks.
The 3 losses will serve as nothing but motivation for the coaching staff to prepare the players better both in practice and conditioning. You can’t say UGA has crested because Richt, the players, and the student body are still hungry for a national title. With Richt at the helm, I think it is inevitable that UGA will at least get a shot at hoisting the crystal football. Fewer penalties are a must and Richt knows that. He won’t allow our players to keep hurting themselves with penalties to that degree..

true fan

July 24th, 2009
11:36 am

Well I m glad MB is NEVER right, MB how many predictions have you actually gotten right? Ok st will be tough but I m sure we can win, remember we are the best on the road. Lsu has lost a lot more than people realize. Their QB has had what two good games against two not so good secondaries and they lost one of those games. He hasn’t gone into a hostile environment yet, arkansas isn’t hostile. Fla is a given but we will make them earn it. Tech has a good offense but no defense. no line, average LBs, and one good safety. I know my team and we can beat any of those teams but Fla is prob a lost. The others are winnable. GO Dawgs!!!

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:36 am

Is there a playmaker on D other than Rennie Curran?

I seem to remember Daryl Gamble returning a INT for a TD against LSU last year. I seem to remember Demarcus Dobbs intercepting a pass to seal a victory against Kentucky last year from his DE position. Just because Rennie is ALL over the place piling up tackles, doesn’t mean other people weren’t performing.

Is Curran the best Georgia defender since David Pollack?

I don’t know if he is the best, arguably so. He is definitely th emost consistent, maybe even more than Pollack was.

Can Curran make every single tackle? If not, why not?

No he can’t make every tackle. He plays WLB, if they run to the strong side just by playing odds someone else can steal one or two.

Stephen D

July 24th, 2009
11:36 am

Branden Smith is ridiculously fast and talented. He will develop into the next Asher Allen. He may or may not start at first, but by the end of the season he will be. With his blazing speed, Smith should return kicks.
The 3 losses will serve as nothing but motivation for the coaching staff to prepare the players better both in practice and conditioning. You can’t say UGA has crested because Richt, the players, and the student body are still hungry for a national title. With Richt at the helm, I think it is inevitable that UGA will at least get a shot at hoisting the crystal football. Fewer penalties are a must and Richt knows that. He won’t allow our players to keep hurting themselves with penalties to that degree…

Stephen D

July 24th, 2009
11:37 am

It’s a proven fact that Richt is most dangerous with Georgia is overlooked. Like it or not, it provides some fun road games and big victories. 2005 has nothing to do with now, the national and SEC football scene has changed and so has Georgia. It was a nice surprise, but the current players have to work to earn themselves some more national respect and respect around the SEC. Richt has proven himself as an excellent coach, now he has to prove that he has the stuff it takes to get to the next level. My modest prediction: SEC title in the next 2 or 3 years, national title in the next 4 or 5.
8-4 is too pessimistic, but I’m glad to see that you know your UGA stuff Mark. I’m very impressed with your questions.

Stephen D

July 24th, 2009
11:37 am

It’s a proven fact that Richt is most dangerous when Georgia is overlooked. Like it or not, it provides some fun road games and big victories. 2005 has nothing to do with now, the national and SEC football scene has changed and so has Georgia. It was a nice surprise, but the current players have to work to earn themselves some more national respect and respect around the SEC. Richt has proven himself as an excellent coach, now he has to prove that he has the stuff it takes to get to the next level. My modest prediction: SEC title in the next 2 or 3 years, national title in the next 4 or 5.
8-4 is too pessimistic, but I’m glad to see that you know your UGA stuff Mark. I’m very impressed with your questions.

Yes Sir!

July 24th, 2009
11:37 am

LSU- I guess the SEC Chipper is a game that doesn’t count huh?

MattDawg

July 24th, 2009
11:38 am

Bradley you are crazy. No way we lose to the soft defense of the Big12. No way we lose to the Jackets this year. Their fans have pissed us all off enough to warrant a major beat down. LSU comes to Georgia but still have a shot of beating us, and I dont think the UF game will go down like last year. We may still lose that one but not like last year. I am most worried about playing Arkansas because of where it falls on the schedule and because it is Petrino’s magical second year.

DirtyDawg

July 24th, 2009
11:38 am

Tell me Mark, if Georgia goes out to wherever in Oklahoma T Bone (or is it Boone) Pickens has decided that the school should be, and beats the snot out of that ‘pre-season’, top-ten rated, team, will your predictions for the rest of the season – like LSU, Tech and, yes UF – change? Too bad, you’ve made your choices and you’ll have to live with them. Of course you could always talk about the Oh Kay State program the way you do about Georgia’s and claim that they were overrated all along, but we’ll all know. Georgia has an excellent chance of having dominating lines of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Given that, for them or any football team, they’ll have a damn good chance of winning every game they play.

Of course what’s really gonna be fun is to see how you handle the the act of ‘easing off the Tech bandwagon’ after they’ve lost a game or two to, supposed, inferior teams by, say, mid-October. Trust me, there are plenty of us that won’t allow you to go ‘peacefully into the night’…we’re gonna be right here rubbing your nose in it.

Stephen D

July 24th, 2009
11:38 am

The 3 losses will serve as nothing but motivation for the coaching staff to prepare the players better both in practice and conditioning. You can’t say UGA has crested because Richt, the players, and the student body are still hungry for a national title. With Richt at the helm, I think it is inevitable that UGA will at least get a shot at hoisting the crystal football. Fewer penalties are a must and Richt knows that. He won’t allow our players to keep hurting themselves with penalties to that degree. Communal urgency seems to be one of the themes of this preseason. Guys have to step up and take on a greater sense of personal responsibility. Leaders like Rennie and Jeff Owens have to make guys self govern and keep their conduct and work ethic appropriate. Let’s hope Georgia walks the walk, we had enough talk last preseason.

Ready to get started

July 24th, 2009
11:39 am

Mark, you’re right about all the questions. But I do not remember Richt ever saying that he and his staff did a masterful job last year. In fact, he took some of the blame and said he didn’t work the team hard enough.
And the Bulldogs may go 8-4, but one of the losses will not be to Ga. Tech. Could we at least wait until they actually have a good season before we annoint the Jackets. Georgia played a horrible game and still almost won.

MattInSTL

July 24th, 2009
11:40 am

Mark, 12-1 – loss to UF in Jax.

double g

July 24th, 2009
11:40 am

What Georgia lacked last year was leadership. Joe Cox and Rennie Curran bring to the table those exact attributes. Witness the lack of headlines coming from Athens (knock on wood) on youthful indiscretions. Cox=more DJ.

With that being said, I’m not a believer in the O-line yet. Knowshon was such a gifted runner, that many times the first missed tackler he evaded was in the backfield. Knowshon just made the line look good. Maybe with Trinton back, and another year of seasoning, the line will give some payback, and make a runner look good. Yet to be seen, though.

Secondary will be the make-or-break for the defense. The front 7 should be at least solid, especially if a DE steps up. With pressure, the opposing QBs might be forced to throw earlier, supporting the corners and safeties.

I believe a better season is at hand this year, as opposed to last.

And in the words of that famous American…Selah.

MattInSTL

July 24th, 2009
11:41 am

12-1 with the Sugar Bowl win while UF plays for the NC.

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:43 am

Will Branden Smith, the defensive back from Atlanta’s Washington High, start as a true freshman?

He will start at some point in the season. My guess is as a nickleback.

Is he the best Bulldog DB since Champ Bailey?

Only time will tell. He certainly has the potential and skill set. My guess is yes.

Will Richt, as he has hinted, let Smith return kicks and even play offense?

Richt is a man of his word. He has stated several times that he would allow him to do so. He even showed some plans to Branden when we were recruiting him. Cosnidering all of that, I have to say yes. Maybe not right away, but probably by the end of the season. Maybe against Florida.

GreggJ

July 24th, 2009
11:47 am

Georgia will NOT get beat by those low down Tech insects from Atlanta two years in a row-No way! GTs offense does not win championships!

Ed

July 24th, 2009
11:50 am

Back-to-back losses against Tech? Highly unlikely.

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:50 am

Were the three losses last season, each featuring a shocking breakdown, a sign that Georgia’s program, thought for so long to be on the rise, has crested?

No. First of all, a program who views 9-3 as a disappointment is in a very good place. To win a national championship, even a SEC championship, you have to stay healthy and catch some breaks (see LSU 2007, first ever two loss national champion). Neither happened last year. The uneducated will think regression. The educated will know that lessons will be learned and progress will be made.

Will a tougher offseason approach yield fewer penalties?

Yes. As will the fact that they have such a big game the first game. Everyone will be really focused through fall practice, as they have been all summer. As will the fact that everyone is healthy (or close to it) so we can practice the way we always have with live tackling and intesne srimmages.

Will the realization that Moreno and Matthew Stafford are no longer around engender more of a communal urgency?

Already has. All the reports are that the chemistry is already better than is was last year. There will be much more leadership and accountability as well. Instead of waiting around for Stafford or Moreno make a play, everyone will be looking to contribute.

Will Georgia walk the walk this season, as opposed to talking the talk?

I don’t really remember Georgia talking the talking. They weren’t the ones who ranked themselves number one. The media is the one who ranked them. The media is the one who did all of the talking for them. Now, Georgia certainly did not walk the walk though. I think they will this year fwiw.

Dawg Foot

July 24th, 2009
11:52 am

Tech sucks. And the DAWGS’ uniforms in that picture up top look cool as hell.

IRISH25

July 24th, 2009
11:53 am

OSU WIN, NADA!!!

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:55 am

Is Richt really at his most dangerous when less is expected?

Richt is at his most dangerous when his teams are at their most dangerous. We had stars last year, but I wouldn’t say that our team was one of the best we had. Maybe it could have been if it weren’t for all of the injuries. Maybe if we were healthy last year we could have been at our most dangerous. Certainly, it is easier to operate with less expectations.

Was the surprise 2005 conference title, achieved against an unassuming-by-SEC-standards schedule, the guidepost for this team or a false clue?

Well, if it was an un-assuming by SEC standards schedule, then no it isn’t a guide. We don’t have one of those. We lose Alabama, but still have to play LSU. Arkansas is no push over either, or Auburn.

Does Richt himself have something to prove after being ranked No. 1 in preseason and finishing out of the Associated Press Top 10?

Richt doesn’t have anything left to prove, expet win a national championship.

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:58 am

Georgia will go 8-4, losing at Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech, losing to LSU at home and to Florida in Jacksonville.

Richt is incredible on the road and we have had all summer to prepare for OSU. OSU is good, really good. But, our D-Line and O-Line will win us that game, in a statement way. We will lose to either LSU or Florida, not both. My guess is Florida. LSU has to come to Athens, replacing their whole DL. GT has to replace 3/4 of their DL as well. No way we let them beat us two years in a row.

Cameron

July 24th, 2009
11:59 am

There you go Mark. I have written your column for you. Feel free to copy and paste.

dan

July 24th, 2009
11:59 am

Well 1.)I don’t think UGA can ever be considered “under the radar” after being preseason 1# last year. Sorry folks, but teams won’t be overlooking them.They will still be the hunted! And 2.) I don’t like this mentality of “well less is expected of us, so that means we’ll automatically do better this year”. That’s a recipe for disaster.

The truth of the matter is every season is different and while there are some parallels to this team and the one in 2005, there are also plenty of differences(most notably 2005 had a better/more talented defense,better play from it’s special teams, and more overall experience).

I’d rather see the Dawgs take matters into their own hands and correct their weaknesses. They MUST force more turnovers on defense and get better play from their special teams then they did last year. Those are two areas that the Dawgs can work on right now that will improve their football season this year. And that’s a much more proactive approach then hoping that the Florida’s and LSU’s will over look them.

Bottom Line: the dawgs need to focus on the process of getting better and the results will take care of themselves.

TC Dawg

July 24th, 2009
12:00 pm

Mark, weren’t you the same guy that ssid UGA would go undefeated last year?!! Are there ANY predictions that you’ve come close to being right on so far? Actually, this column has made me feel much better about our chances this year. It’s more about team chemistry and desire and then the talent. This team has a chip on its shoulder and that will make a difference. Weren’t David Green and David Pollack only rated as three star prospects coming out of high school?

ovadatop 34

July 24th, 2009
12:14 pm

BOB, all games count in college football!!

Cox will make the offense look better…much better. Cox…AJ…YAC!!
Running Backs? Looking for the thunder but found the lightening in the Spring. Defense? Should spend less time on the field and will get more pressure on the QB’s this year. One to two losses but you just never know in the SEC. I am sure that we will find out how good we are by week one and should build week to week.

Tim

July 24th, 2009
12:14 pm

I already posted the results on another blog for those who want to make money in Vegas.

UGA 27 Ok State 33

UGA 24 USC 14

UGA 20 Ark 24

UGA 31 Az State 20

UGA 17 LSU 20

UGA 20 Tenn 7

UGA 21 Vandy 10

UGA 16 UF 38

UGA 42 Tenn tech 10

UGA 17 Auburn 14

UGA 27 Ky 20

and finally what you’ve all been waiting for …..

UGA 23 TECH 37

7-5. go dawgs. lol

reebok

July 24th, 2009
12:16 pm

Tech fan here. The UGA vs OSU game is one I’m really lloking forward to watching…and no, not because I think the Dogs will get flattened…I think it’s a compelling matchup, and I love to see good programs from different conferences collide.

I expect Georgia to be 9-2 when we see you on the Flats in November. Happy Friday to all…

reebok

July 24th, 2009
12:17 pm

‘Looking,’ not ‘lloking…’ Yeesh.

third quarter fan

July 24th, 2009
12:19 pm

If the dogs could not tackle the perfect option in it first year (at Woofstock), what will happen this fall in BigA in the second year? 500+ yards? MB has it about right.

tech hater

July 24th, 2009
12:23 pm

Oh how I hope we go into the Tech game as underdogs and bring them back to reality; although Im not sure what it says about our season if we go into that game as underdogs, maybe I should rethink that one.

Michael Stipe

July 24th, 2009
12:28 pm

I think the Dogs, er, Dawgs, will go 9-3. They will lose to Florida and LSU and someone they shouldn’t — like Auburn or Tennessee.

I talked to Patti Smith about this and she said she not into competitive sports.

‘Lindsey Scott!’ ‘Lindsey Scott!’

big dawg 89

July 24th, 2009
12:29 pm

just a question for ya mark, what happens when/if the UGA defense shuts down OSU. do you think that’ll get some people’s attention? i really look for that to happen, keep them under 20 pts.

and there’s no way we lose to tech this year. sorry, it’s just not going to happen.

Smashmouth-question for MARK B

July 24th, 2009
12:30 pm

Mark, what can you find out about DE Cornelius Washington??? Not much has been said about him becuase he was injured and missed the spring game. He redshirted last year. They have him listed as 6′4″ 243lbs. He was pretty good in HS. I have a hunch that he’s gonna be a starter… and if he’s not… why? He’s got the size and speed… does he have the talent???

Long Dawg

July 24th, 2009
12:31 pm

Tiny Tim, please give us the Tech scores for 2009.

Chris Broe

July 24th, 2009
12:38 pm

Mark Bradley is the roster-child of sports news. You can’t tell the players without a program, (or a Bradley piece). What the hell is all this “who’s better than whom” crap? Who cares. Lets win some football games. Monday morning quarterbacking is good. I’ll say it again. Monday morning quarterbacking, for lack of a better word, is good. It’s a great way to find out what went wrong, and how it could have gone right. Try to share more of your insight into the proper play mix and let the fans buy the posters with the posers and numbered jerseys.

Who’s better? Schultz or Bradley? Vote with a creme pie. Click here to see results.

Cuz

July 24th, 2009
12:43 pm

Hey Bradley, I have a layover in Detroit on August 2nd for an hour and a half. Can you get me Matt Stafford’s number? I want to check on him to see how he is doing. Thanks.

Gator Rob

July 24th, 2009
12:43 pm

8-4 is a reasonable prediction given the schedule. I think UGA is a very talented team and probably better than the national media think they are. But @ Ok St, LSU, UF, and @ GT are very tough games for anyone. Even if UGA splits those, and that’s a big IF, there’s 3 more road games against decent teams – Ark, Vandy, and UT. Say they lose 1 of those. There’s still loseable games against SC, Auburn, and UK
A 3 loss regular season is a best case scenario. 5 losses is wost case.

Maxwell Snark

July 24th, 2009
12:45 pm

He’ll not be a Joe T. That guy was not an SEC quarterback, but a snapper. Cox would have to be really darn bad to be another Joe T. Hopefully, he’ll be another D.J., or a John Lastinger, or a Bobo.

Jeff

July 24th, 2009
12:48 pm

I would had probably been upset at the 8-4 losing to OSU, LSU, UF and Yech but then I realized it was a sportswriter from the AJC….nuff said.

JB

July 24th, 2009
12:48 pm

Dawgs will run the ball down Okie St throat with 7-8 min drives. They won’t be able to stop us. They have a pretty sorry D. We will win the time of possession battle big time and the score. Dawgs win 35-17……book it. we will have to beat florida to get ANY respect. We will be underdogs in 6-7 games this year…..and win them all……….florida can be had. how sweet would that be, knocking them out of NC game…….

Joe

July 24th, 2009
12:49 pm

Tech finds a gift from UGA last year and all the AJC sportswriters jump in bed with them. What a bunch of losers who call themselves sportswriters. All you guys do is bash bash and lick your chops waiting for UGA to fail. LOSERS!

rhynster

July 24th, 2009
12:57 pm

Everyone is piling on the Tech bandwagon, but I believe they’re in for a rude awakening.

Nothing against Tech, as I have family that graduated there, and I think Paul Johnson is a great coach.

But teams will defend against them better in year 2.

Tim

July 24th, 2009
1:03 pm

You asked you shall receive–

GT 40 Jax St 14
GT 17 Clempson 9
GT 30 Miami 24
GT 28 UNC 14
GT 26 Miss St 14
GT 24 FSU 35
GT 37 VT 28
GT 21 UVA 13
GT 30 Vandy 19
GT 41 Wake 27
GT 52 Duke 10
and finally…. for the requester..

GT 37 UGA 24…I gave you one more point. LOL

And at the end of the game, uga fans will be singing to themselves the song 40 from u2…how long to sing this song.

athensdawg

July 24th, 2009
1:05 pm

mark, your article needed some cheezy organ music and it would have been perfect……

the key to this year is simple

Defense / Ball control.

if we have it, we will play in tampa or orlando on new years day.

without it, we are destined for shreveport…

fortunately for us, the question will be answered in stillwater.

Another Dawg

July 24th, 2009
1:07 pm

Someone back there called Cox a 4-star recruit, but in reality he was a 3-star and the #7 Pro Style QB in 2005. Those ratings are really a measure of readiness-to-play, though, so after so much time holding the clipboard, you can’t really evaluate Cox on that scale. (Consider: Nebraska’s run in the 90s was mostly based on developing 2-, 3-, and 4-star recruits; I don’t think they had a single 5-star on their NC team.)

I also have to wonder why we have all of these “questions” while Tech has the best talent “in the land.” We’re still returning the majority of starters from an injury-decimated 10-win team.

JB

July 24th, 2009
1:08 pm

Tim, how much in your 401 k and are you willing to risk it all and give it to a third party to hold and pay….. Use your head , not your heart……your D can’t give you that dream……Answer, and we’ll arrange to deposit the cash……

chazzo

July 24th, 2009
1:13 pm

Bradley,
I thought it was your job to go and find the answers. We already know the questions. Wish I could make a living just listing questions that everyone already knows. Here’s my op ed piece on the economy: “Will the housing market improve next year?” Look out NY Times.

All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia | Mark Bradley | Football Life

July 24th, 2009
1:14 pm

[...] All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia | Mark Bradley Footballfabulous, fantasy, georgia, head-as-part, lists-the-questions, piaa, strategic, will-face [...]

PT=Stoopid

July 24th, 2009
1:15 pm

You Said July 24th, 2009
10:49 am
Crested, are you kidding me. We did not recruit very well in 03, 04, and 05. Since 06 and on we have recruited better every year with 2010 shaping up to be the best. Bottom line is the Talent is just now starting to peak with the Lines as the foundation. We have the best WR we have ever had for 2 more years. Winning titles or competing for titles is about 1 thing when you have the top 10 talent, Confidence as the year goes and that can be increased by a few early wins or derailed by a loss or injuries. 10-2

Recruiting results for UGA (Source Rivals.com)
2009 6 Georgia
2008 7 Georgia
2007 9 Georgia
2006 4 Georgia
2005 10 Georgia
2004 6 Georgia
2003 6 Georgia
2002 3 Georgia

Looks Pretty good at Recruiting all along……You are really STOOPID!!!!!! Dont have a battle of wits when you are unarmed are Stoopid!!!!! And just like most Uga fans Delussional!!!!! Great recruiting classes and NO NC since 1980. What is the excuse for this????? Best conference in America The SEC?????? Hasn’t other teams like LSU, UF and Tennessee won NC since your last one????? And even more recently hasn’t the Gators(or as Uga fans say “Gaytors”) Won 2 NC in the last 3 yrs???? Are you puppies in denial or just plain envy???? You claim that your biggest rivalry is with the Gators but constantly on the GT blogs making bold predictions. Better hope that you are ready for OkSt then UF and dont forget Spurrier…..and LSWho also the game in Nov without a week off this year? Looks like maybe 4 possibly 5 losses…..

Billy B

July 24th, 2009
1:16 pm

And the redneck georgia fan says what happened to our D
Willie Martinez you stink get someone who can pressure the qb

And the drunk georgia fan says i paid how much to see this team
i want my money back please, i got to pay title max back for my chevy

UGA still a ways away…sung to rem driver 8. HAHA

EW

July 24th, 2009
1:16 pm

MB- When’s your next smokin’ session, I got something you need to try.

Sanford Drive

July 24th, 2009
1:19 pm

Whoa, all I saw in that post was “?????” and “!!!!!” or “…….”

TampaGator

July 24th, 2009
1:20 pm

Oklahoma State is a good challenge for Georgia in game one. I hope they represent the SEC well with a surprise win (Georgia will be the underdog). The SEC has some very good teams and each team better be prepared to battle the other each week or any team can pull off an upset on any given weekend. That is why getting to Atlanta is a bigger goal for most teams than winning the national championship. The second will probably come naturally if you win in Atlanta in December, no matter if you have one loss or not.

EW

July 24th, 2009
1:22 pm

MB- this article would have been more interesting if you gave your answers and then let the debate commence.

Gator Hater

July 24th, 2009
1:27 pm

I believe in Joe Cox. Our D will be sick son. We’re going back to the RB by committee and someone will step up as always. We will not lose to Tech, OSU, or ASU. As for them Gators… well all i have to say is this: What’s That Coming Down The Track!!!?!!

Sanford Drive

July 24th, 2009
1:31 pm

Gator Hater,

Love the enthusiasm. However, I think the only way to beat UF is if miracles happen and the stars align.

Burdell

July 24th, 2009
1:33 pm

I love all this talk about Tech’s defense being the deal breaker for the game on The Flats this November. Did Tech even play D in Athens last year (gave up 42 points)? Tech will score points this year…lots of ‘em. No way the Dogs can outscore Tech, I just don’t see Cox throwing for 400+ yds like Stafford did.

Augusta Jacket

July 24th, 2009
1:40 pm

Have fun losing to ok state, carolina, arkansas, florida, lsu, and the jackets. Enjoy going 6-6 and say goodbye to Richt after he will be booted after a pathetic 2009 season!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dawg4life

July 24th, 2009
1:42 pm

You are pathetic Disgusta Jacket…
UGA doesn’t got less than 8-4 with Richt at the helm.
We will go 11-2, with loses to FLA and anyone other than OSU and Yech.
Write it down!

Sorry Tim But

July 24th, 2009
1:44 pm

UGA 27 OK ST 17 UGA 24 USC 10 UGA 31 ARK 21 UGA 38 AR ST 21 UGA 21 TENN 10 UGA30 VANDY 14 UGA 21 UF 24 UGA 35 TENN TECH 7 UGA 28 AUBURN 17 UGA 31 KY 10 AND THEN UGA 34 TECH 14

T3

July 24th, 2009
1:47 pm

I would think that CMR announcing a new “Co-Defensive Corrdinator” pretty much guarantees CMW is canned after this year.

Tim

July 24th, 2009
1:56 pm

What happened to the LSU game? lol

Im sure you have that as a win too. I’ll be willing to wager my home 401k and autos that UGA doesn’t go 11-1.

dawes

July 24th, 2009
1:59 pm

mark bradley say georgia bulldogs are going 8 and 4 he need head check by a doctor

Tim

July 24th, 2009
2:00 pm

Dawes

and you need spell check. ROFL

MiltonDawg

July 24th, 2009
2:06 pm

Cox will be Cox. Not going to compare him to other QBs. He’s going to fill in nicely and make a name for himself. He’s a proven leader, and UGA will surprise a lot of people this year…starting with a road win @ OK ST!!! GO DAWGS!!!

All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia | Mark Bradley | Georgia Today

July 24th, 2009
2:19 pm

[...] Read the original here: All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia | Mark Bradley [...]

JaxDawg

July 24th, 2009
2:19 pm

Joe Cox will play more like D.Greene. Heady, good reads on defense, and accurate passes. He has plenty of weapons, and between Moore,Wooten, Brown, King, & Troupe one of them will step up. O.Charles will be a big factor in the passing game as well.

The running game will be fine. Ealy & Jackson are x-factors who could either get in the mix or one of them could wind up being the one that seperates themselves from the pack. Unless someone seperates themselves in the up coming practices, I think we’ll see a 3-headed attack with King/Samuel/Thomas to start the season.

Defense will be much better. Two of the main players from the 07 defense are back in Owens & Washington. They will make it tough on teams to run against us, provided they return to form which I think they will. Having Owens, Atkins, Weston, & Tyson in the DT rotation will provide pressure up the middle, and allow the DEs a greater chance to make plays and disrupt the backfield. Pressure from the front 4 will take a lot of pressure of the secondary and they (secondary) will play much better because of it. The LBs are solid.

If Logan Gray is going to be used in a “wild-dawg” type formation, then he must be allowed to pass from it, otherwise it gives the opposing D an upper hand if they are expecting a running play whenever he’s in the game. If he’s allowed to pass and does so successfully, it should give d-coordinators headaches

One of the biggest questions no one (media) seems to be asking is about Special Teams. Field position was a major source of our defensive woes at times last year. Having B.Smith, C.Thomas & hopefully P.Miller returning kickoffs and punts should help, and hopefully the new kicker will be able to get kickoffs in the endzone.

Most of the questions surrounding the 09 Dawgs have a lot to do with how players returning from injury or newcomers to the starting roles will do. We have a ton of talent and these types of questions have come up in the past and for the most part players have either met or exceeded expectations, and with the talent we have I expect no less this season. I just hope that SP Teams issues are being thoroughly addressed.
I love the fact that we’ve had a pretty quiet offseason, and players & coaches are focusing on hard work and this year’s star being the team. Hopefully it’s more than just “lip service”.

Go Dawgs!

Andy

July 24th, 2009
2:23 pm

The only thing for sure is that Mark Bradley’s predictions, as is so often the case, will be proven wrong. The only question is how. That’s not to say that I do not appreciate Mr. Bradley’s columns and insights. But the dude really chugged the kool-aid last year when everyone decided to make UGA the preseason #1. Personally, I was very surprised when that happened, given the loss of some key players like Marcus Howard, Kelin Johnson, and Brandon Coutu, etc. At any rate, I think this year’s squad will surprise some people–in a good way. If we stay reasonably healthy, we will have a solid season.

Blackberry Cobbler

July 24th, 2009
2:54 pm

AJ Green is already better than MoMass ever was.

The D and OL should be better.

Joe Cox is not Stafford. But a team is more than a QB.

I never thought Stafford was even the best QB is the SEC. Best arm, yes. Best QB, no.

Moreno was a 1-man show. I’d like to see 2-3 RB’s each get a lot of carries.

8-4 may be about right. But I think 9-3 more likely.

Sanford Drive

July 24th, 2009
2:56 pm

I’m more worried about special teams than defense. They were pure garbage last year.

chazzo

July 24th, 2009
3:06 pm

All jabs at M. Bradley’s reporting aside, Georgia will do better than 8-4. They will win at least 9. I’m thinking 10, with at least on of the two losses coming from an unexpected team. Cox is Cox. Another issue with the Shockley/Cox comparison, though, is that Shockley’s senior year, the Dawgs had a weak schedule (not taking anything away from DJ). I predicted them to win the NC that year because of the schedule. They came close. This schedule is more difficult. There is only one gimme, but it is not as tough as some people are making it out to be. You never know at this point how the teams are going to be. Look at UT last year. I don’t agree with some of the blowout predictions, though. Expect a few squeakers, and that is why having a good manager will outweigh arm strength. It should be an exciting season. PS. Joe T. has more heart than the entire city of Atlanta combined. You have to love that kid. He played a big part of all those teams. And, who knows, maybe without the ankle sprain, he could have managed a descent senior year.

Rick S

July 24th, 2009
3:08 pm

Mark Bradley’s questions facing the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs Football team are all very legitimate but one important detail not mentioned enough is the impact four in-coming Freshmen can have on Georgia being the “surprise” team in the SEC: Marlon Brown, Wide receiver, Orson Charles, Tight End or Defensive End, Waushan Ealey, Running Back, and Brandon Smith, Defensive Back. One other “key” is having minimal injuries especially to starters as 2008 was a disaster!

45-42, bleah

July 24th, 2009
3:14 pm

I know I’m a homer, but I’m hoping Tavaras King steps up and is able to produce as a wide receiver this year. The extremely limited number of times he touched the ball last year gave the hint that he might be a big play type of receiver.

UGASlobberknocker

July 24th, 2009
3:18 pm

Mark youve got it backwards…Tech will go 8-4..Ga 10-2.

I predict Ga loses to Ok St and Fla. We will run right thru LSU’s “vaunted” D line just like we did last year. That blind squirrel named Tech will not find an acorn two years in a row. If we can get by Ok State we should be undefeated going into Jax.

the game that worries me the most besides those 2 is the Ark game.

UGASlobberknocker

July 24th, 2009
3:20 pm

45-42 hahahahahahaha

Beat you to it St Simons

Ok state fan

July 24th, 2009
3:23 pm

You think we are some pansy team? You’re in for a rude awakening. It will be a good game but we will win. See you in September.

One More Media Days Grab Bag | MrSEC.com

July 24th, 2009
3:25 pm

[...] you read that right.Jeff Schultz of The AJC doesn’t buy what Steve Spurrier’s selling.What are the biggest questions facing the Georgia football team?Here’s a notebook on the South Carolina Gamecock news that [...]

gomdawg

July 24th, 2009
3:31 pm

Joe Cox just remember that Name after this season is over everybody is going to be saying where in the hell has he been. A GREAT QB. Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TechsNightmare

July 24th, 2009
3:38 pm

HAHAHAHAH UGA WILL KILL THE NERDS

GO DAWGS

Ok state fan

July 24th, 2009
3:38 pm

One last thing. Dez Bryant is the best receiver in the country. You will hear his name a lot when you play us.

Okefenokee Dawg

July 24th, 2009
3:43 pm

Mark – If there was an SEC allstar game between the SEC East and the SEC West, who would start and who would win?

Paddy

July 24th, 2009
3:49 pm

Cameron you are correct. The OK St game will be decided by the line play. We are not only very talented but can go deep with our reserves. That kind of pounding always has won for the dawgs. It should be a great game,we 35-25.

murfdawg

July 24th, 2009
3:58 pm

how about 3-9? Win at OKST, then start preparing for the gators. We will run a blitzing defense every week and will finally get it perfected by Halloween. Also we have a week off before fl.Then we will spend the next three weeks running a defense to stop gt and finally shut them up.

since the whole world seemed to dwell on our three losses last year, let them dwell on our three wins this year!!

Coach T

July 24th, 2009
4:04 pm

Hello Dogs. I’m an OSU homer, but I try to be realistic. I think that some of you must think that the O State offensive line is weak. Some folks had the O line rated as the # 1 line in the country last year. In fact Russell Okung, OT, is rated as the # 1 O- lineman in the country by rivals. Don’t look for the Georgia defense to dominate. O State scored over 40 points on the Sooners last year. The only school on OU’s Schedule to acomplish that. Arguably the OU defensive front seven was the best in college football last year. No question our defense is the unknown the upcoming season. With a new, but respected defenseive coordinator in Bill Young we Cowboy fans are hoping for at least an average defense. If the O State defense is average to good look for Georgia to lose by two touchdowns. If the defense is bad like last years, it will be a toss up barn-burner with both teams scoring in the 40’s. As the Cowboys found out a couple of years ago in Athens, it’s not easy going on the road beating tought team.

Ok state fan

July 24th, 2009
4:20 pm

Coach T. I agree completely. I think these fans think this will be a cakewalk. It will come down to turnovers and whos’ def is more stingy and home field. I think we pull it off 40-30

G2Rhett (Colorado Springs, CO)

July 24th, 2009
4:38 pm

Enter your comments here

Michael

July 24th, 2009
4:43 pm

I’m going with 9-3. We won’t lose to Tech. The rest, I agree with you Mark.

Cuz

July 24th, 2009
4:46 pm

It all starts with OSU. A big win and we could come out flat against the Gamehens again. A win by less than two touchdowns, will probably keep our heads on straight. A win by a field goal, heck I don’t know. A loss, I don’t even want to play with that scenario.

Jarvis

July 24th, 2009
4:50 pm

During Ray Goff’s 7 seasons, the Dawgs went to 4 bowl games winning only 2 (and one of those was the Independence Bowl). They finished higher than 3rd (in the East or whole confernce before expansion) once.
Georiga finished the season ranked only twice.

In total we won 57.5% of our games during his regime.

We’ve come a long ways. Let’s lay off of Richt for a while.

Jarvis

July 24th, 2009
5:09 pm

Why hasn’t this blog updated in 20 minutes?

Go Gator

July 24th, 2009
5:14 pm

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_uf/2009/07/breaking-dustin-doe-arrested-for-driving-charge.html

southgadawg88

July 24th, 2009
5:19 pm

I actually like a tough schedule..we had a lot of injuries last year for sure but the flipside of that is a lot of kids got their teeth cut against top notch competition.It makes your players better.We start out the season with some decent opponents so I expect the intensity of camp will be very high.Some of you guys will be surprised at the level of play from our team this year.I don’t think Mark Richt has ever coached on a team in his career that had a top 10 recruiting class and won less than 10 games…UGA or FSU.That tells me the the man knows a thing or to about utilizing his talent.

Jarvis

July 24th, 2009
5:19 pm

Well Go Gator, we’re not ones to cast stones….but that’s 25 arrests in 3 years.
That’s outpacing the Dawgs by a bit.

chuck

July 24th, 2009
5:33 pm

There’s no way Georgia loses to Tech two years in a row. The might lose to either Oklahoma State or LSU but not both. Florida will be a close but tough loss. 9-2 and on to Orlando.

Gen Neyland

July 24th, 2009
5:40 pm

Nobody wants to recall the two season spread that saw UGA lose, what, 5 or 6 straight to SEC East opponents (Hint : Wasn’t that long ago). I’d say 8-4 won’t happen but I’d have figured we would have found the remains of Amelia Earhart by now, too. So MB, after this prediction, have you taken out ‘brick insurance’ from Bill Curry’s insurance agent..?

NORRIS

July 24th, 2009
5:50 pm

Ga tech is way over rated. There is no way tech wins more than 9 games this year. They are a good team but not great. the option offense has to many dangers to run the table. The chances of playing the whole season without any rain is way to high. On rainy days the option is pittiful.
paul johnson doesnt have a good history with his teams in the rain. When the option is on its on but when its not. Your in for a long day of fumbles.

Mystank E. Turban

July 24th, 2009
6:05 pm

My English is no so good, but me talked to Ali Akbar Laden and dis is wat we up come with:

GT 12 Jax St 14
GT 6 Clempson 21
GT 10 Miami 31
GT 7 UNC 16
GT 13 Miss St 28
GT 3 FSU 35
GT 0 VT 31
GT 9 UVA 18
GT 16 Vandy 24
GT 3 Wake 27
GT 17 Duke 33
GT 0 UGA 52

Glenn

July 24th, 2009
6:42 pm

Bradley you need to just go suck up to gatech your not a DAWG at heart and are a negative person.

George Castanza

July 24th, 2009
6:48 pm

With a Cox like that, it’s gonna be a “short” season!

P. Johnson

July 24th, 2009
6:50 pm

NORRIS, we kicked your ass all over sanford and son stadium last november in the rain.

DirtyDawg

July 24th, 2009
7:05 pm

Hey Coach T, if Georgia should happen beat OK State – by a little or a lot – will T. Boone have the football field plowed under or just fire the coaches? You still got that ‘I’m a Man’ guy as Head Football Coach? We’ll find out in a few weeks since disappointment and criticism doesn’t seem to sit well with him.

LOL

July 24th, 2009
7:54 pm

Were the three losses last season, each featuring a shocking breakdown, a sign that Georgia’s program, thought for so long to be on the rise, has crested?

DaaaaahhhhHHHHH!

Will Georgia walk the walk this season, as opposed to talking the talk?

uhhHHHHHH, pretty sure they will talk the talk like they have every year since 1985 or whatever year they rode Hershals coat tail and were selected number one in one of the polls.

get REAL.

shortcircuit

July 24th, 2009
8:30 pm

You can bet your sweet a– that Ga will not lose 4 games. What have you been smoking. Are you forgetting about Logan Gray as qb if Cox does not pan out. Ga tech lucked out last year and will not beat UGA in 2010. Let’s bet a Coke . Ga will win at least 10 games again.

TechDan

July 24th, 2009
8:56 pm

I’d bet a Coke that UGA loses four games.

Actually, I’m so confident, I’d bet 2 Cokes.

yellow fuzz

July 24th, 2009
9:13 pm

shortcircuit,

You have absolutely lost 100% of your mind! I’ll bet my car that Georgia wins exactly 7 games (can anyone say Music City Bowl?). And bet my left nut they don’t win 10. And, I’d bet both nuts and a piece of meat that most men would struggle to carry around that Georgia doesn’t win them all. Because they plau Florida and Tech.

Seriously?

July 24th, 2009
9:25 pm

Our ONLY chance against Florida is that the boys in Gainesville find it’s hard to live with the target on your back. Hate to say it, but Tebow is the man. But…OK State? Did you watch their Bowl Game? Seriously overrated team will have trouble staying on the field with us, IMO. LSU will struggle with their losses, and qb play. Arkansas not ready yet…but they best hurry as Petrino will probably leave to take the Florida job after Meyer goes to ND.
11 wins. Tech won’t do it twice in a row. 8 of 9 over the nerds.

Recruitnik

July 24th, 2009
9:26 pm

F you bradley. Go to hell you pencil neck POS. Chip towers could kick your butt.

Recruitnik

July 24th, 2009
9:29 pm

BTW bradley i was kidding on everything above except Chip Towers can kick your butt. He is the terminator and you are the puny human.

murfdawg

July 24th, 2009
9:42 pm

Yellow fuzz,
so what if UGA only wins 7 games and goes to the Music City Bowl.Too bad we won’t have a chance to go to the Big Blue Rug Duck Suicide Bowl in Idaho in December. Or how about the Emerald Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut Bowl? GT’s recent history is really haard to compete with!!!!

coolaid drinker

July 24th, 2009
10:14 pm

UGA beat Ky by 4 points, lost the stat battle to USC but won by 7. Lost by 39 to UF, split LSU and Alabama. They should never had been ranked #1. To be honest, they overachived…. and you think that UGA will be better with Cox and with out Moreno?
The question I ask you Mark is what if UGA starts 0-2?

Rick

July 24th, 2009
10:33 pm

Mark, is that all you got. Way to play it safe with your preditcion of who they will lose to. You should have just said 8-4 and not said who they will lose to. It would be less embarrsing if you had done that. Why don’t you look at each game and do some real work. UGA will win the east when they upset Flordia this year. Les miles will not have his team ready for Athens and we will out play them and it will be over by the end of the 3rd quarter. But it’s not all rosey for the Dawgs. They will probably lose to Oaklahoma St. and Ga Tech as bad as I hate to say it. We beat Alabama in the S.E.C championship and go to the sugar bowl, to probably face another whining non-bcs conference team that is crying because their undefeated season was overlooked. But unlike Alabama we win the game in a blowout proving that the non-bcs team played a bunch of nobodys in the reg. season.

honest_abe

July 24th, 2009
10:36 pm

coolaid drinker = another uninformed nerd talking out of his A**…

all american left tackles doesn’t play a game. the offensive line decimated by injuries. starting defensive tackles lost for the season…just about every single defensive end hurt. and yet the dawgs still found a way to win 10 games. anybody that knows anything about football knows the games are won in the trenches. this year uga is stacked on both lines. i see them suprising everyone early on with a blowout win at okie state.

82dawg

July 24th, 2009
10:47 pm

7-5. No reason to believe that the defense under Soft Willie will be any better in 2009. The offense will not be able to score over 45 points every game to make up for the defense’s “bend and break” style of play.

BugKiller

July 24th, 2009
10:50 pm

Mark,

If the Dawgs DO go 8-4, and I believe with all my heart they will, and not because of offense, but because of Willie Martinez’s continued inept handling of his duties.

Martinez’s horrible job over the last four years has been documented by me and others. In the two most important statistical categories, yards allowed per game and points allowed per game, the defense has gotten worse EVERY year under Martinez. That’s a four year trend of bad coaching that cannot be explained away by one year of injuries.

Also, the most damning stat is that under Martinez, Georgia has given up more points EVER.

He is the worst defensive coordinator in Georgia’s history. The proof is in the numbers, and these numbers don’t lie.

Numbers like 11. That’s the number of times a Martinez defense has given up 30 or more points in his four years.

That’s the most in Georgia’s history over a four year span. By comparison, Van Gorder had ONE game where his defense gave up 30 or more points.

The there’s 3. That’s the number of times Georgia gave up 40 or more points last year alone.

That is also a Georgia record.

Then there are the far more troubling trends. The absolute embarrassing performances where the defense was obviously not prepared to play by their coach.

WVU in 2006 Sugar Bowl. Tennessee in 2006 and 2007. Florida in 2008. Alabama in 2008. Tech in 2008.

There were times when the defense couldn’t make a stop to save their lives when they needed one, something they always could do with BVG as the coach.

Vandy and Kentucky in 2006. South Carolina in 2008. Tech in 2009.

There were all the maddening times where Martinez sat his defense in a zone and refused to change up his gameplan as senior QBs picked his secondary apart while his DEs couldn’t get pressure. Just absolutely refusing to bring pressure on the QBs by somewhere else besides his line.

Tennessee in 2006 and 2007. Florida in 2005 and 2006. Bama in 2008.

Then, there is absolute breakdown in smart play and on the field discipline under Martinez since BVG left.

The tackling is poor, and that’s been that way for four years, not just last year, Coach Richt.

Also, the stupid, MeAngelo Hall-like play from our defenders. All of the personal fouls, except when Penn Wages calls our games, were avoidable if our Defensive Coordinator actually knew what he was doing and taught his players correctly.

Mark, the big question is, when this team does go 8-4, finishing outside the top-25 for the first time ever under Richt, will that FINALLY be enough for Damon Evans to step in and fire Martinez.

We already know that Richt will never fire his incompetent best friend and former college roommate.

Just like his mentor, Bobby Bowden, refused to fire his incompetent son.

So will this year FINALLY be enough.

Because anymore Martinez, and Georgia will become what Bowden let FSU become… an also ran for YEARS down the road.

And that’s what truly scares me.

BruffDawg

July 24th, 2009
10:52 pm

Teams do better in college football than star driven squads. Last year we had the star driven squad and nobody to lead them. When your superstars don’t assume leadership roles your team will suffer. That will not be the case this year. We are loaded in the trenches and have the skill players to get it done. Don’t overlook us or we will beat you. Sept 5 @ okst. UGA 35 OKST 17. Write it down.

BugKiller

July 24th, 2009
10:53 pm

That should obviously read the defense couldn’t make a stop against… South Carolina in 2007 and Tech in 2008.

Sorry.

BruffDawg

July 24th, 2009
10:56 pm

Willie does get this last year, and if he doesn’t get it done he is gone. Staying with willie and not having success will put richt on the hot seat for next year (hate to say it i love the man). Last chance willie let’s see what you do.

AltamahaDawg

July 24th, 2009
11:22 pm

techdan, can we conclude that a 2 coke bet means you plan on attending 2 tech home games?

real

July 24th, 2009
11:57 pm

11-2, sec champs

real

July 25th, 2009
12:02 am

lose to SC and LSU, win the rest and play for NC…OK, wake me up now

real

July 25th, 2009
12:09 am

8-4 is 1 short, UGA will go 9-3 with losses to OK ST, UF, LSU. We will kill GT in the season finale as usual…45-42 was a gift and a joke.

coolaid drinker

July 25th, 2009
12:25 am

Abe, be honest. Injuries are part of the game?

UGA is in the top 5 in recruiting almost every year??

Abe, SC started the season with Tommy Betcher and the back-up was Chris Smelley with no offensive line!!!! And a white running back that averaged about 2 yards a carry!!!! Sorry, can’t think of his name.

Be honest and tell what you think the Las Vegas line will be in the 2 games. I think Okie will be 5 point under and SC 5.5 under……but that is way to close.

Oh, I said UGA overachived and you a said that we won 10 games in spite of the injury bug. SO UGA OVERACHIVED! But, you are a dang lier if you are saying UGA will win the same with Cox and without N. Moreno.

All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia | Mark Bradley | Betting FBCC: Atlanta Falcons

July 25th, 2009
7:08 am

[...] All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia | Mark BradleyThey should feel are better than Oklahoma State, they get LSU at home and that worked out nicely the last time besides they stomped them last year and if they aren’t ready to absolutly wreck Georgia Tech by November with all the 45-42 … [...]

Gator Mike

July 25th, 2009
7:41 am

I realize this is a DAWG blog today, but I simply want to say that I firmly believe that UGA will be much better than most folks predict. The will be a team this year vice a 2 man show, and they have a very good coach. I advise my Gator Brethren to quit yapping at the Dawgs. It could backfire like all of the barking by the Dawgs did last year.
I am concerned about the UGA Game, and all UF fans should feel the same.
Go Gators.

dawggone

July 25th, 2009
8:31 am

A Perfect season this year is 5 and 5 for us. Lets get real.
Our best year was last year with the best we had.

chazzo

July 25th, 2009
9:23 am

Ironically, UGA’s big problem last year was they didn’t finish the drill. They would think they had things won (or lost) at half time. Stafford was developing his pro career. I liked him and defended him. (Look at his stats). Ultimately, however, there were guys on last years squad who seemed much more concerned about their personal stats and potential to turn pro than their team or school. In defense of Willie, the D dealt with poor field position and had to stay on the field all the time because Stafford would either throw a pick or UGA would score quick and kick off, giving the other team the ball on the fifty. I think Stafford came in cocky and took away from the team from day one. No matter what the record says at the end, this will be a better team than last year. Once again, I will say expect close games and some last minute squeakers.

null

July 25th, 2009
9:38 am

Joe Cox couldn’t hold Shockley’s jock strap. Joe Cox doesn’t even NEED a jock strap apparently…..he doesn’t have anything to protect.
http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20090723/?pg=3&pm=1&u1=friend

Diamond Dog's Parole Officer

July 25th, 2009
10:46 am

It will be curious to see how Joe Cox, aka “The Sherminator” performs this year as a starter. Also, how will he be psychologically without his spooning buddy, Matthew Stafford.

heeldawg

July 25th, 2009
12:27 pm

Tim:

If these two sets of predictions are what you plan to bet with, keep some money buried in a mason jar in the back yard so that you’ll have some to run away with when the Vegas bookies send their goons after you.

You seriously think that Georgia’s going to go 7-5? For the first time in the Mark Richt era? And Tech’s going to lose ONE game? CPJ is a good coach, but it was his defense that won most of his games last season (that and a few timely turnovers by Georgia and FSU). The core of that D is gone, and the novelty of CPJ’s offense is gone, as well. People will find ways to stop it, like LSU did.

I don’t think Tech will beat Georgia, nor do I think that they will beat FSU. Both are revenge games for proud programs that Tech ambushed last season courtesy of sloppy play by the Jackets’ opponent. There will not be a lack of attention to that game next year. And Tech will probably lose to either Va Tech or North Carolina–and maybe both.

9-3 for Tech looks about right.

Georgia will go 10-2; odds are they will lose to Florida (who won’t?) and some other SEC team. My money is on either South Carolina (with the Dawgs coming off of the upset road win at Okie State) or Arkansas on the road (an easy game to overlook, but a tough road game in between the Gamecocks and Arizona State). LSU’s not had a lot of success against Georgia since Saban left, especially not inside the state of Georgia, and I’m not sold on their QB yet. Tennessee is going to learn just how nice it was to have Phat Phil this season, when their team becomes as big an embarassment as their coach. UK will be OK, but they are still UK. Vandy will try really, really hard and lose to Georgia anyway. Auburn’s rebuilding–and with Gene Chizik, to boot. Okie State has no defense, and is not used to playing against a team with one. And ASU was supposed to be good last season, until Georgia showed them that Rudy Carpenter’s first name was appropriate for his QB skills (I wonder what football film they watched for motivation?). They don’t have any marquee players this season, and the same tired cast of journeymen will not be able to win in Athens.

And Tech?

Come on, give me a break.

The Dawgs started thinking about that game on the Monday after Thanksgivng. The Jackets are in the crosshairs already.

Your year-long “we’re not losers after all!” party is just about over.

Get ready for consignment back to the relative oblivion of the ACC.

Denver Dog

July 25th, 2009
12:29 pm

Joe Cox has been called upon on a couple of occasions, and he has come through. Remember Colorado 3 years ago. I think we will be really surprised at how this team turns out. If he doesn’t turn out to be that all star that I think that he is, there are 3 capable players right behind him. He reminds me alot of Matt Robinson coming in to replace the coaches favorite. We will just have to see how he does, but his history is good.

I see the potential for the dogs to be 8-4 upwards. They go to Ok state with nothing to lose, Ok State has to win to prove themselves. LSU will be having to prove it’s lofty rankings, and the gamecocks will be the usually tough battle with ” Mr. I don’t even respect Tebow \” as the skipper.

Tech will not be as good as they were last year, Auburn will be better, Vandy better, UT better, and Fla should move on up to the NFL. We all know how great they are, and it will take a great team and a lot of luck for someone to beat them this year. They are similar to UGA 1982 team. Loaded at each position. Weak at none.

Basically I think UGA will beat Tech, and LSU, but the potential for losses comes from USC, UT, and Auburn. 8-4 on up.

Mark Richt’s best coaching job was last year. Nobody wants to give him credit for it, but if you think about it, he had 3 superstars, and 27 season ending injuries. Time will Tell how good of a job this year will be, but he will beat one team he is not supposed to beat. GO Dogs

Denver Dog

July 25th, 2009
12:47 pm

By the way, I think that it is hilarious that Techies are on the blog speaking condescendingly of any bowl. Which bowl game did you go to last year, and how many have you been to in the last 10 years? Which time did you play in a BCS bowl? Answer that you terrorist, parking garage builders!

Denver Dog

July 25th, 2009
12:51 pm

Tech Dan, you’d have better odds betting on another Techie being found guilty of terrorism, or another Techie built parking garage falling down.

AC

July 25th, 2009
1:36 pm

I do not know what’s worse, this article or the idiots who support it by responding to these worthless questions.

74 Dawg

July 25th, 2009
3:11 pm

Mark, I thought you vowed to stop making predictions months ago, because you were always wrong. let’s hope you keep up the streak. Tech will lose 3 games. Va tech, Vandy, and Ga if the Dawgs can out score them this time. And I am not implying the Ga offense will be that great, but the Tech defense will be that poor. Not championship caliber. Maybe close in the (weak) Acc.

G2Rhett (Colorado Springs, CO)

July 25th, 2009
7:53 pm

Q: Is Joe Cox the next D.J. Shockley, who led Georgia to an SEC title after waiting his turn, or the next Joe Tereshinski III, who waited to little avail?

A: He’s Joe Cox and he’ll make his own stamp on Georgia football.

Q: Can Cox make the throws Richt requires of his quarterback?

A: I know it isn’t college football or the SEC for that matter, but here are Joe’s high school passing stats:

Year G PA PC Pct Yds TD Int
2003 (Jr.) 16 373 237 63.0 3,983 43 11
2004 (Sr.) 11 363 240 66.0 4,509 66 5

By the way Chris Leak came out of Independence High School (Charlotte) as well and he knew a little something about the passing game. Joe will be just fine!

Q: Can Cox maximize the talents of A.J. Green and freshman Marlon Brown?

A: We don’t know anything about Marlon Brown other that he’s supposed to be a stud. Let’s leave him out of the picture until the season starts and he’s able to show us what he’s got on the field. As for Joe maximizing the talent of A.J., there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll get the ball to A.J. as much as humanly possible.

Q: Since Green is the Bulldogs’ most gifted player, isn’t it mandatory that Georgia’s quarterback is more than just a game manager?

A: It’s Joe’s job to lead and to manage the game more so than anything. He doesn’t have to be superman. As for the Bulldogs offense, they’re not built around A.J.; they’re built around balance. Coach Bobo will call A.J.’s number when he feels it’s right and when Joe throws the ball up, it’s A.J.’s job to be the playmaker. By the way, A.J. will be an even bigger playmaker this year after putting on 20 more pounds of muscle!!! According to Head Coach Mark Richt, A.J. is now up to 207 pounds. “He’s faster and more explosive.” said Richt.

Q: Who takes over if Cox can’t move the team — true freshman Aaron Murray?

A: That’s a big IF! I see Joe being our QB for the entire season unless he gets injured. To answer the question though, I would say Logan because he’s earned the right to at least have a shot at the starting position. After that, I would say Aaron.

Q: Is Caleb King, of whom Bulldog Nation expects so much, really a first-string SEC tailback?

A: Anybody in their right mind and anyone that knows college football will tell you emphatically that Caleb is a first-string caliber back. Will he live up to his potential? That’s a different question.

Q: Is Richard Samuel better than King? Is Carlton Thomas better than either?

A: I can’t honestly say who’s better. All of Georgia’s backs bring something different to the game. At this point, it’s just a question of who will step up and be more productive at that position.

Q: In his absence, are we about to see how good Knowshon Moreno really was?

A: Knowshon’s the man! Everyone knows that, but you can’t compare him to the Dogs current crop of backs. It’s just not fair. Like I said above, each back is going to bring something different to the game and Knowshon certainly brought his own unique style. But so did Walker, Worley, Hampton, and Hearst. The thing is that the young men we have in the backfield now will etch their own name in Georgia football history and they’ll do it on their own terms.

Q: Can an improved offensive line make lesser backs look like Moreno?

A: Moreno’s gone and Georgia’s current backs, to be repetitive, will play the position their own way. Caleb will look like Caleb, Samuel like Samuel, Thomas like Thomas…you get the picture! Does it help that the O-line is solid? Most definitely.

Q: Is Stacy Searels as good an O-line coach as his reputation suggests?

A: Let’s see, during his four year coaching stint at LSU, the Tigers won a national championship, an SEC championship, and two SEC East titles. In each of his first two seasons at Georgia, he took offensive lines with three freshman starters and molded them into formidable units that were instrumental in the Dogs’ back-to-back 11-2 and 10-3 seasons. Coach Searels did an especially amazing job last year considering the fact that he had to work with an inexperienced and injury plagued line. Given the above facts, I would say that Coach Searels is pretty damn good. In my opinion, he’s one of college football’s top 10 offensive line coaches in the nation.

Q: Is Trinton Sturdivant, back from injury, ready to become the SEC’s best left tackle?

A: Sturdivant definitely has the potential to be one of the best left tackle in the SEC, but right now that honor belongs to Ciron Black out of LSU.

Q: Is Georgia’s line, which lists no seniors among its starters, poised to be the new foundation of the program, as opposed to the annual question mark?

A: Yes.

Q: Does bumping up John Jancek to co-defensive coordinator suggest Richt is displeased with Willie Martinez, with whom Richt insists he’s never displeased?

A: No, not at all. In my opinion, Coach Richt’s promotion of Coach Jancek was more of a political maneuver and a rather intelligent maneuver at that. First of all, the promotion keeps Jancek content, puts him in position for a hefty pay raise, and ensures his stay at Georgia for a few more years. Second of all, the promotion takes some heat off of Coach Martinez. Follow my logic here; when the ‘08 season ended the Bulldog Nation was incredibly displeased with Coach Martinez’s inability to consistently put together dominant defensive game plans throughout the year. Well, a lot of Bulldog faithful were calling for Martinez to be fired. Coach Richt obviously didn’t want to fire the man, but knew he had to make a move that would appease the Georgia fan base. Hence, the promotion of Jancek to Co-Defensive Coordinator. Long story short, Coach Richt bought Martinez one more season to turn things around on the defensive side of the ball.

Q: Can the team that managed only 24 sacks in 13 games last season find a pass rush?

A: Yes and I’ll give you three reasons why: Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens, and Kade Weston. Opposing offensive lines MUST double team these guys. And by drawing doubling teams on the interior line, Atkins, Owens, and Weston allow our defensive ends to get a good rush off the edge. Having Owens back from injury this year is huge!

Q: Can Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens mount a push as defensive tackles?

A: Does a bear $hit in the woods?

Q: Wouldn’t it work even better if Justin Houston, who had three sacks on G-Day, turned into a real edge rusher?

A: Of course. That was a stupid question…next!

Q: Is there a playmaker on D other than Rennie Curran?

A: Are you smoking dope or what? Of course there are other playmakers on D other than Rennie! Another stupid question…next!!!

Q: Is Curran the best Georgia defender since David Pollack?

A: Since Pollack’s last season in ‘04, Georgia has and had some absolute studs on the defensive side of the ball. In all honesty, I don’t think it would be fair to say that Rennie’s the best defender since Pollack. I think that he’s up there with the best, but there are too many others to consider. Check out the following list of Georgia defenders that are playing or have played since Pollack: Kedric Golston, Greg Blue, Quentin Moses, Tim Jennings, DeMario Minter, Charles Johnson, Tra Battle, Tony Taylor, Jarvis Jackson, Marcus Howard, Kelin Johnson, Jeff Owens, Geno Atkins, Kade Weston, Dannell Ellerbe, Asher Allen, and Corvey Irvin. No a bad group, huh? And don’t forget about the hardest hitting free safety in Georgia history; Thomas Davis. Yeah, I know he played his last year alongside Pollack, but he was a stud too.

Q: Can Curran make every single tackle? If not, why not?

A: Once again Mr. Bradley, are you smoking dope? These are some of the dumbest questions ever. Of course Rennie can’t make every tackle. The guy’s not superman for God’s sake!!! There are ten other players on that side of the ball that’ll make plays and are very capable of tackling a ball carrier.

Q: Will Branden Smith, the defensive back from Atlanta’s Washington High, start as a true freshman? Is he the best Bulldog DB since Champ Bailey? Will Richt, as he has hinted, let Smith return kicks and even play offense?

A: Yes, Branden will eventually start, but not right at the beginning of the season. I believe he’ll earn a starting spot by the fourth game. As for the Champ Bailey question, we don’t even know what Branden can do on the field yet. Give the kid some time to get into the system, let him play a few games, and then maybe ask that question. Remember Champ was a consensus All-American, earned first team All-Southeastern Conference honors, won the 1998 Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player, was a first round NFL draft pick, and is an eight-time NFL Pro Bowler. Branden’s going to be stud for the Bulldogs on the field, but he’s got some work to do in order to reach the level of a Champ Bailey. As for Branden returning kicks and possibly playing some offense, I’m sure that Coach Richt meant what he said. Richt will most definitely utilize Branden as a return man (both kickoff and punt return) and will probably have a small package specifically designed for Branden inserted into the offense. But asking the young freshman to learn the entire playbook for both sides of the ball while having to maintain his grades is too much.

Q: Were the three losses last season, each featuring a shocking breakdown, a sign that Georgia’s program, thought for so long to be on the rise, has crested?

A: No, not at all. You can go ahead and send the following comment to the press, “Within the next five years Georgia will win the National Championship and two SEC titles under Coach Richt.” The football program will continue to rise as long as Georgia has Mark Richt as its head coach!

Q: Will a tougher off-season approach yield fewer penalties?

A: I sincerely hope so.

Q: Will the realization that Moreno and Matthew Stafford are no longer around engender more of a communal urgency?

A: Most definitely. Georgia, as a matter fact, will be a better team in terms of unity without Stafford and Moreno. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want Stafford and Moreno back because I definitely would. However, without their two big stars, the Dogs are forced even more so to rely upon one another. Mark my words; this TEAM will do great things this year!

Q: Will Georgia walk the walk this season, as opposed to talking the talk?

A: Georgia always walks the walk. Coach Richt, his staff, and the team have never been big talkers.

Q: Is Richt really at his most dangerous when less is expected?

A: A team coached by Mark Richt is dangerous every season!

Q: Was the surprise 2005 conference title, achieved against an unassuming-by-SEC-standards schedule, the guidepost for this team or a false clue?

A: The ‘05 Shockley led team has nothing to do with this upcoming season. People can draw comparisons all they want, but the 2009 Dogs are their own team and they’ll create their own identity throughout the upcoming season.

Q: Does Richt himself have something to prove after being ranked No. 1 in preseason and finishing out of the Associated Press Top 10?

A: No. We, as Georgia fans, all know that Coach Richt is a great coach and an even better man. If he were to retire today, he would go down as one of the greatest coaches in Georgia history.

Mr. Bradley,

In response to your prediction that Georgia will go 8-4, losing to Oklahoma State, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Florida, I say you don’t know a damn thing about Georgia football whatsoever! Of course that was clearly evident by your writing of an article full of some of the stupidest questions ever! I predict Georgia will go 11-1 with a loss to the Gators. GO DAWGS!!!

G2Rhett (Colorado Springs, CO)

July 25th, 2009
8:04 pm