SI unveils its Top 25. A tip: Don’t bother looking for Georgia
Why, even South Carolina gets a regional cover shout-out. (Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)
Sports Illustrated’s college football issue should be arriving in your mailbox any moment. (I’d be out checking mine as we speak if, for the first time since 1968, I hadn’t let my subscription lapse.) But for those who can’t wait, here are the highlights:
Seven SEC teams are included in SI’s Top 25. Georgia isn’t among them.
Alabama and LSU are in the top three. (The Tide is SI’s No. 1 pick, which makes sense given that the magazine declared Alabama a dynasty back in January 2010, whereupon Bama went out and finished fourth in the SEC West.) South Carolina and Arkansas are in the top 10. Mississippi State, Auburn and Florida are ranked between 21st and 25th.
Georgia is nowhere, man.
I’m not trying to suggest I’m smarter than the folks at SI. (I’m not smarter than anyone anywhere.) But I should report that I’ve been asked to compile the Top 25 for the ol’ AJC’s college football preview, and – spoiler alert! – I can attest that the Bulldogs are included. (Auburn, FYI, is not.) I have an SEC team ranked No. 1, but it’s not Alabama.
I can understand why some publications – the Sporting News is another – don’t believe Georgia will be a Top 25 team. On Jan. 1, 2011, I wouldn’t have, either. But I believe the dynamics have changed. I believe the Bulldogs will have a very big year. And I’m never wrong. Except for all those times when I am.
By Mark Bradley
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
283 comments Add your comment
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:12 am
Who cares about a ranking now?
There should be no polls until the 1st week of October.
All I am waiting on is the opening games to tell us all where UGA is at that point. We will know a lot more about Georgia after 2 games than probably any other team will know about themselves simply because of who we will have played.
TROLLS smartalec responses in
3
2
1
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:14 am
And for the 1st time ever, I was first
GoldenRod
August 17th, 2011
10:15 am
Jackets should be ranked no lower than #17. Vad Lee is the next Joe Hamilton!
Mark Bradley
August 17th, 2011
10:16 am
Kudos, DawginLex.
Columbus Dawg
August 17th, 2011
10:19 am
There is a reason why SI’s poll is not used to determine BCS formula. What a joke of a publication…Except when it’s swimsuit time!
JackDennis
August 17th, 2011
10:21 am
SI has fallen prey to dawgs annual superior recruiting before. They’ve learned their lesson. Georgia: Where 5 stars come to be undeveloped.
Buckeye
August 17th, 2011
10:22 am
DawginLex,
You Da Man!
Steve
August 17th, 2011
10:22 am
First and foremost: preseason polls are nonsense.
With that said, if Auburn is going to be in the top-25, UGA should be as well. I understand the urge to have the defending national champions in the top-25, but the 2011 version of the Auburn Tigers will be a shell of the 2010 team.
But, again, refer to my first point. There should be no polls at all until the first week of October, at the earliest.
Buckeye
August 17th, 2011
10:23 am
Columbus dog,
Rarely do dogs and I see eye to eye but I’m rught there with you an the swimsuit issue.
Dave from Buford
August 17th, 2011
10:23 am
I’m good with it … they’re not particularly accurate most of the time and when they leave the Dogs off, we usually have a good season.
Buckeye
August 17th, 2011
10:24 am
Dawgin,
And where will the dogs fall on Oct 1 after an 0-2 start?
ATLSEC
August 17th, 2011
10:24 am
They finally relize Georgia has always been overrated in the past, they are probably ranked as they very well should be (between 25-35). Didnt have a good year last year and you cant rank on a thought that the team’s dynamics have changed? Are you kidding?
honest_abe
August 17th, 2011
10:24 am
sweet! no SI jinx. sorry cocks looks like you get it this year. heh
Remarkable
August 17th, 2011
10:24 am
Mark Bradly,
You Da Man!
ChopAttack
August 17th, 2011
10:26 am
Auburn being ranked is what is hilarious.
Murat
August 17th, 2011
10:26 am
Mark, Are you going to put UGA at their Customary #13 spot they seem to get every year. Regardless, we will find out after the first two games whether this Georgia Team is worthy of a Ranking.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:26 am
We will be 4-1 or 5-0 on Oct 1st
Buckeye
August 17th, 2011
10:27 am
It seems yahoo sports has decided it’s Miami’s turn. Appears far FAR more wide-spread than Tressel and Pryor’s antics.
Should be a good build up for the National game on ABC w/ Ohio State and Miami – the Coach cheats vs. the entire program over a decade cheats.
Perhap Polin could become the title sponsor again” The Polin Weed-Cheater Bowl.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:27 am
The Cocks are #7, baby. Read it and weep!
OzoraDawggie
August 17th, 2011
10:28 am
We going to take those Boise bizatches like UGA takes smokey’s gal.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:28 am
We are slowly getting to the point where Richt is going to win that elusive national title.
2002 title will be awarded to #3 UGA after Ohio state and Miami are ruled to be the cheatingest 2 programs ever assembled.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:28 am
The Gamecocks are #7, baby. Read it and weep!
Dawg Trainer
August 17th, 2011
10:28 am
SI should do something useful and put out their Top 25 swimsuit models. That would be a bit more credible than the football poll.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:30 am
Bow down to the ultra-talented Gamecocks, you fading dogs!
Dog Island Gator
August 17th, 2011
10:32 am
Mark,Your predictions are like GA FL football games, you win one every so often. Last year GA should have beat FL. This year even more so with a new coach and system. But they won’t. Fl will surprise everyone and play rough n tough even with the nations toughest sch.
Mtn Dawg
August 17th, 2011
10:32 am
What do they know. Auburn ahead of UGA is an indication that SI is not keeping up.
BRING ON THE SMURFS!!! GO DAWGS!!!
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:33 am
USC 31, UGA 10
Mark Bradley
August 17th, 2011
10:34 am
I don’t have Georgia No. 13. Close, though.
gallredsobgyn
August 17th, 2011
10:35 am
Lex – The UGA faithful have been saying this for a long time. Where’s the beef?
GTBob
August 17th, 2011
10:36 am
Auburn goes undefeated and wins the MNC and you don’t think they should be ranked. UGA has a losing season and loses a boat load of talent and they should be ranked. Do you realize just how homerish this blog is? The only evidence I have see for why UGA should be ranked is “I have a feeling about this team”.
Herschel Talker
August 17th, 2011
10:36 am
DawginLex:
Giving UGA the 2002 title is the only way Richt will get anywhere close to sniffing a title. He is a fool. I applaud his recruiting efforts for our future, but we need someone with braincells in the head coaching spot.
HT
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:36 am
The garnet god known as Jadeveon Clowney is gonna make that lil QB of yours moan.
Spanky
August 17th, 2011
10:37 am
Mark, why is it that you get all the cool stories? You rock, bro!
Spanky
August 17th, 2011
10:38 am
Did Alshon get fat?!
DC
August 17th, 2011
10:39 am
Mark do some investigation on AU and you’ll see that they are not in bad shape as you think…we have had several years of excellent recruiting…
Are we going to be dominant like last year? No…but don’t think we are some pushover…but you have a bias against AU so I would expect as much…
Should UGA be in the top 25? No. based on the past two years of how they performed…but don’t worry uga fans..they will be in the top 25 sooner rather than later…if they go 2-0..
MarkBradley'sRagingClue
August 17th, 2011
10:40 am
Mark, you serious about ranking LSU number one? Have you ever seen Jordan Jefferson play? Not only do they have the toughest schedule in the SEC this year, they also have MENSA member Les Miles as their coach.
Also, your note about Alabama finishing fourth in the West isnt all that telling given that they lost three hard fought games in what would be describe by anyone (non-media or extreme homer) as a rebuilding year.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:40 am
Alshon is 2011 version of Calvin Johnson.
Columbus Dawg
August 17th, 2011
10:41 am
These loudmouth chickens are a hoot. You all will be very unhappy in Athens this year. The Alabama folks are very confident that there is nothing to the suitgate thing, I guess we will see. Danny Sheridan is supposed to name the bagman on Finebaum show this afternoon, rumors are that the Yellawood man and Freddie Weygand are involved.
BullDogMike
August 17th, 2011
10:41 am
MB, we won’t know for sure if the dynamics have changed until after the smoke has cleared from the first two games……actually, the first game will tell us.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:42 am
HT
You could make a case that every year since 2001, an SEC team should have been national champions and that includes us twice
2005-If DJ doesn;t get injured, we go undefeated and we would have been left out of the Texas USC game. But since USC cheated, we could have played Texas instead of WV. We might not have won but it would have been a good game.
History also shows Auburn should have won the title in 2004
intheknow
August 17th, 2011
10:42 am
Everyone knows that having SI rank you high is the KISS OF DEATH. Just look at thier past history. Rankings don’t mean a thing until the end of the season.
Douglas Dawg
August 17th, 2011
10:42 am
Who cares about SI or any other pre season rankings….. Pumped about Septemeber 3rd! To me the smurf game is huge. After last years season, and all the hype about off season work outs and the team getting rid of “cancers” a loss to Boise will be hard for the guys to overcome mentally. We really need to start 1-0 and then see where we go!
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:43 am
Columbus
Freddie Weygand?
Has he got eligibility left?
I swear that boy played every year for 10 straight years
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:44 am
Alshon got fat from eating up SEC DBs last year. 1,517 yards in 2011.
DC
August 17th, 2011
10:44 am
i hate when stupid chat eats your post…
Columbus Dawg
August 17th, 2011
10:44 am
These loudmouth chickens are a hoot. You will not be happy in Athens this year. Alabama folks are convinced that suitgate is a non-story, I guess we will see. Danny Sheridan is supposed to play “Name the Bagman” on Finebaum show this afternoon. Rumors are that the Yellawood man and Freddie Weygand are involved.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:44 am
Alshon Jeffrey couldn’t hold Calvin Johnson or AJ Green’s jockstrap and he is nowhere close to Julio Jones either.
And you chickens call us delusional
BullDogMike
August 17th, 2011
10:46 am
SC fans, you need to win at least one SEC championship in your lifetime before you start telling everybody how great you are at football.
Norm Van Broccoli
August 17th, 2011
10:46 am
Alshon Jeffery looks like he’s about 40
WDE
August 17th, 2011
10:46 am
@Herschel Talker your 10:36 comment means you will never have a shot at HC at UGA..and Mark I don’t understand how Auburn can’t make the top 25 until they lose a game…heck they are as much as I hate to admit it defending champs…you have to let them defend IMHO before you strip them of the title…
DC
August 17th, 2011
10:47 am
Dawgin…he is still sick nasty Wide receiver…dont let your bias cloud your judgment..
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:48 am
He’s good but i just don’t see Calvin Johnson, AJ Green or Julio Jones good.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:48 am
He may be more like Larry Fitzgerald. 1,517 yards in 2011.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:51 am
Hey antoine
Are you Danny’s boy?
Herschel Talker
August 17th, 2011
10:52 am
WDE:
No one asked you. Enjoy your national title for a few years until they strip you of it, you clown.
HT
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
10:52 am
Receiving yards in 2010: AJ Green-848. Julio Jones-1,133. Alshon Jefferey-1,517. Any questions?
JJ
August 17th, 2011
10:54 am
Mark,
I hate to admit it, but I think SI got it right. With the problems at WR, RB, and O-Line, and a really inexperienced QB, I don’t know if this offense will score on some teams.
Herschel Talker
August 17th, 2011
10:54 am
DawginLex:
Your analysis is fair, throw in if the idiot UK kicker could have made a kick against UT in ‘07 or if Woodson hadn’t dropped the snap on the last play in regulation. But, alas, the big problem there was that Richt lost at home to a mediocre USC team.
HT
CFB Fan
August 17th, 2011
10:55 am
I don’t get it Mark?
Dawgs lose their top two WR’s, top two rushers, top defensive player, and they are in for a bigger year than last year? Sorry if I don’t see it? Many of these losses are being replaced by true freshman. Sorry, been there, done that.
UGA is NOT reloaded, you reload with reshirt players, you rebuild with true freshmen. That’s just he way I see it.
Herschel Talker
August 17th, 2011
10:55 am
MB:
Considering your high expectations for the Dawgs, do you finally believe that Richt should be fired should he (yet again) disappoint?
HT
DC
August 17th, 2011
10:57 am
I agree CFB fan…seems people are banking on UGA going 2-0 to make that kind of prediction…
IF they do go 2-0 then they will have a great chance at pushing for great things…if they go 1-1…dont think it will be as great..
Cobb Dawg
August 17th, 2011
10:58 am
Polls sell magazines, not much else. I wonder if SI would ever have the guts to compare the end-of-season AP/BCS numbers with their pre-season polls. Maybe I’ll do it after the NC game. I’m not saying that UGA will be there, but they’re a top 25 team.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
10:58 am
HT
I was at that UT/UK game. It was sickening.
Don’t forget the 28 yard chip shot FG that Vandy missed either versus UT
Joey
August 17th, 2011
10:58 am
Maybe 8-5 and 6-7 seasons matter to some pollsters. It would to me if I were a voter. Richt has only himself to blame for the lack of respect of our program right now.
He can put us back on the national sports media “spotlight” with a big turn-around, beginning about 17 days from now.
I’m pulling for him, and UGA
Go Dawgs!
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:00 am
Joey
I know Richt is a man of faith. I also know he is smart and competitive. He must be wondering if this season will tell him what he is supposed to be doing for the next 10 years.
Good season-Keep on coaching
Lousy season-Full time ministry
Playmakers!!
August 17th, 2011
11:01 am
73rd!!!
Steven B
August 17th, 2011
11:01 am
Why would I expect uga to be ranked? They were 6-7 last season, lost their bowl game to ucf, lost the best wide receiver in football and their second best receiver. Lost their top 2 running backs and are relying on a freshman, who’s hurt. Yeah sounds like a winning formula.
Brad O
August 17th, 2011
11:04 am
Re mark being wrong
I’d guess that half of your guesses are wrong. Probably higher. You say the same thing re uga every year and how’s that turned out? And I recall last years 8 reasons why the braves won’t squander their lead. Nice!
BigTimeTechFan
August 17th, 2011
11:04 am
Looks like it’s going to be good year if you wear red (or close to red), LSU aside
Oklahoma
Bama
Nebraska
FSU
USCe
maybe Tech should change uniform colors?
anotherdawg
August 17th, 2011
11:05 am
Actually, this is better than being ranked preseason number 1. Been there, done that.
CFB Fan
August 17th, 2011
11:06 am
Mark, not to mention that the true freshman that most UGA fans are relying on are missing reps in practice already. Crowell isn’t going full contact reps and now Ray Drew is out. Those were the two that were supposed to most heavily relied upon and they aren’t even practicing.
Again, I don’t see it.
When you end the season 7-6 with a bowl loss to UCF along with losing all those players, how can you think UGA at preseason is going to be top 25 team when at the end of the year last year, when you had AJ Green, Justin Houston, Kris Durham, King, Ealy, etc., you weren’t even in the “other receiving votes”.
BigTimeTechFan
August 17th, 2011
11:06 am
The Oklahoma FSU game is going to be a good one
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
11:06 am
Face it. The talent is gone. Bear Bryant couldn’t win 9 with this year’s Bulldog squad.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:06 am
That Mandel clown must have had his girlfriend taken by a UGA football player back in the day.
Back Room
August 17th, 2011
11:08 am
If UGA who plays the EASIEST schedule in the SEC does not compete( not win) in the conference then the entire system needs to be blown up.
In the old days, if we thought our team would be pretty good, we would keep the optimisim to the minimum and just play down the entire excitement building. But some bloggers on here just keep running their gums and bragging about our program that has not won the big game in over 30 years.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:08 am
Danny’s Boy
You don’t think UGA can win 9 games this year?
You don’t know too much do you
Of course I know your comments must be taken into perspective considering you are a Gamechicken and you throw parades in Columbia for 9 win seasons and bowl and SECCG beatdowns.
BigTimeTechFan
August 17th, 2011
11:09 am
Watch out for Oklahoma State, they are loaded
SSIgator
August 17th, 2011
11:09 am
As to the comments on here “pre-season polls don’t matter” – please. After beating that national powerhouse team Hawaii in 2007, the UGA fans were almost hysterical that they were pre-season #1 for 2008. Didn’t work out too well for them then. I seem to remember a school in Florida won it all that year. Poor puppies – 1980 was so long ago.
The Alpha Male
August 17th, 2011
11:10 am
Alshon Jeffrey looks like he’s sweating honey mustard……. he’s got to be 250 lbs.
Tub of goo….
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:10 am
We went 10-3 in 2008 and we were all mad
SC goes 10-3 and they throw a ticker tape parade
1eyedJack
August 17th, 2011
11:11 am
After the first two games the Dawgs will either be in the top 10 or fighting for their football lives.
FBFan
August 17th, 2011
11:11 am
As long as we lose 10 or so players in the offseason we will never have any depth. Lack of depth is a killer in the SEC. I believe we lost 13 players in the off season and I am not talking about graduation. We do not deserve a preseason ranking. Until attrition changes we will only get worse.
Dawglasville
August 17th, 2011
11:12 am
Who cares? I said the same thing when UGA was ranked #1 preseason years ago. Who cares? All of this is so damn cliche.
I’m fine with he USC chest thumping. You guys never have anything to crow about so enjoy it. Treat these next few weeks like it is Christmas Eve. This maybe the year you get over the hump.
BigTimeTechFan
August 17th, 2011
11:13 am
UGA should be in the battle for the east, they don’t have to play Bama, LSU, Arkansas, Miss St, also get USCe, Florida, Auburn at home, can beat that schedule.
Key will be the back to back games at UT & Vandy, they have to win both of those
Chi Town
August 17th, 2011
11:13 am
Saban owns Mark Bradley
David Granger
August 17th, 2011
11:13 am
GOOD! Best thing for us.
Preseason polls don’t mean bibbidy-squat…and you would THINK that knowledgeable football fans would know that. But when we were ranked number one a few years ago, I was about as ashamed of my fellow Dawg fans as I’ve ever been. People (who damn well should have KNOWN better) were smack-talking and running their mouths. Sounded like that damn FSU scum.
BigTimeTechFan
August 17th, 2011
11:13 am
sorry, Ol Miss not Miss st
HeeHawDawg
August 17th, 2011
11:14 am
Dawginlex, I likes me some dawgs and Hee Haw too, but 9 wins?!?! come on man. we lost to central florida WITH AJ Green…
Did someone say grits?
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:14 am
If all this stuff from the state of Alabama is true, Saban will be spraying fruit with Trooper Taylor at Walmart
HeeHawDawg
August 17th, 2011
11:15 am
Thank god we are in the SEC East, battling for tallest midget in the SEC! 3-16 vs. the West last year.
Hee HAW!
ItalianDawg
August 17th, 2011
11:16 am
What is a grit?
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
11:17 am
6 points, 11 first downs and 253 yards in loss to Gamecocks last year. Real powerhouse y’all got down there.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:18 am
We can win 9 games in 2011. Will we? No one knows but the good Lord above.
I’m just ready for the season to start.
Heehaw dude, you need to go back to singing “Gloom, despair and agony on me”
Columbus Dawg
August 17th, 2011
11:18 am
DawginLex, Yeah, now that is funny. He was Pat Dye’s boy alright.
notbspn
August 17th, 2011
11:19 am
Columbusdawg you are a fool. A bookie and Bama grad Danny Sheridan is just blowing smoke.
You honestly think the NCAA would not investigate a link between him and their office.
He has changed his story several times. You better worry about Orson Charles losing his eligibility.
HeeHawDawg
August 17th, 2011
11:19 am
Deep dark depression, excessive misery…
Explain to me how we will be better than last year?
STRETCH
August 17th, 2011
11:20 am
Cause SI knows UGA and Richt cant discipline his players! Every year they get hyped up and come in and get upset by a lesser team and lay down to Florida, like they will do again this year.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
11:20 am
That garnet god Clowney’s gonna take lil Murray and roll him like a blunt.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
11:21 am
6 points, 11 first downs and 253 yards for UGA in Columbia last year. Real explosive team y’all got down there.
5150 UOAD
August 17th, 2011
11:21 am
DILex
You worked hard for that one didn’t you?
Who is a TROLL on a Bradley blog?
I guess Schultz fans and poster or Trolls on Bradley’s Blog right?
5150 UOAD
August 17th, 2011
11:22 am
What?
Back Room
August 17th, 2011
11:23 am
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:10 am
We went 10-3 in 2008 and we were all mad
SC goes 10-3 and they throw a ticker tape parade
UGA was suppose to be 13 and 0, THAT is why folks were mad. More Excuses and comparisons
Still@theBAR
August 17th, 2011
11:23 am
What?
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:24 am
My point is that SC has ZERO history of any kind of success
9 wins to them is glory
9 wins to us is cause to fire the coach
Try to keep up
Back Room
August 17th, 2011
11:24 am
notbspn
August 17th, 2011
11:19 am
Columbusdawg you are a fool. A bookie and Bama grad Danny Sheridan is just blowing smoke.
You honestly think the NCAA would not investigate a link between him and their office.
He has changed his story several times. You better worry about Orson Charles losing his eligibility.
Never bet against a guy who sets the line for bookies, and by the way he is not a bookie, he sets the line based on facts and information that others do not have. BIG DIFFERENCE
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:26 am
If sheridan is naming the bag man he better have rock solid proof or he will get sued……or shot
Joey
August 17th, 2011
11:27 am
“Best Gamecocks Team Ever”
*******************************
Wouldn’t something like 10-4 cover that?
Okay, yeah! I believe!
Back Room
August 17th, 2011
11:28 am
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:24 am
My point is that SC has ZERO history of any kind of success
9 wins to them is glory
9 wins to us is cause to fire the coach
Try to keep up
Try to keep up!
You lost your point, argument and issue with your first two lines. No one has seen USC in the top 10 in recruiting for 8 out of the last 10 years. But we have with UGA. The talent and issues with UGA over the past 4 years is epic and the failures are becoming the norm.
Keep up with the REAL FACTS and stop spinning the story to fit your opinion, it is a loser mentality.
BFD
August 17th, 2011
11:28 am
Yawn. Preseason polls are a beauty contest. Same schools comprise the top 20 every year. A lot of media and readership bias reflected.
Joey
August 17th, 2011
11:28 am
“Best SC Team Ever”
***************************
Um, wouldn’t something like 10-4 cover that?
Okay, yeah! I believe!
ToccoaDawg
August 17th, 2011
11:29 am
Dawgs under the radar = good uhmmm kayyyyyyy. SI is a curse the Dawgs not being covered by SI is good.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
11:29 am
That’s why Richt’s job is on the line and he is coaching in desperation mode. I don’t deny that.
He might keep his job at 9-3 but I won’t like it. The teams from 2002-2005 would have gone 12-0 on this schedule
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
11:30 am
6 points, 11 first downs and 253 yards for UGA in Columbia last year. Real explosive team y’all got down there.
Richard
August 17th, 2011
11:31 am
MB,
Sorry, but anyone including any team that had a a losing record the previous year is completely insane. That includes Georgia and Texas.
Thanks for playing.
Dawglasville
August 17th, 2011
11:31 am
HeeHawDawg – Since Vandy, UF, and UGA are in the east, which one of the great western division schools wins the battle for mental midget?
If you are a Tech guy, I don’t blame you for using a fake name to poke fun at UGA football. If you went to one of the six western division schools you really have a lot of nerve placing a Hee Haw label on UGA.
Dawgboy
August 17th, 2011
11:33 am
SI is exactly right. As I’ve said all off-season, 7 SEC teams have passed us by. I am just laid back this season patiently waiting for the Kirby Smart era to begin in 2012.
*&*
August 17th, 2011
11:33 am
A FIVE LOSS south carolina team IS THEIR BEST TEAM EVER according to Sports Illustrated. WOW, just WOW. That is the saddest thing I’ve heard in a long time.
That’s kinda like saying she is sooooo pretty, but I have zero standards.
I really don’t think people are buying what Spurrier’s selling. Will the QB be sober enough to play?
@antoineford
August 17th, 2011
11:34 am
South Carolina will be south carolina again this year losing 5-6 games , they will not finish in top ten (never have in the history of college football) and will not play in a major bowl (again something they have never done in history) and they will not win the SEC (again something they’ve never done in their programs tradition less history) and the will be 15 -44-2 vs Uga. and spurrier will be 2-5 vs UGA while at the tradition less program.
Dawglasville
August 17th, 2011
11:36 am
ANTOINEFORD – crow away. Treat these next few weeks like Christmas Eve when hope springs eternal. You may have the better team again. You may actually win something at the end of the year, like a bowl game. History is not on your side.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
11:36 am
Spurrier = 2010 Coach of the Year, Richt = 2nd straight year on the hot seat. Any questions?
ToccoaDawg
August 17th, 2011
11:36 am
Mark its ok. We know where you went to school. It’s not like you went to Vandy. Just kidding Mark. Don’t get your blue panties in a wad. Seriously thanks for the info Mark. That being said, Its not like SI preseason predictions are like they have a crystal ball. Everyone is talking Bama, LSU, and Arkie in the west division. Don’t take MSU or mooooo (cowbell) State lightly. They have a coach and they WILL surprise some people in the west this year.
reality check
August 17th, 2011
11:37 am
This is GREAT news! I am a huge DAWGS fan and the reality is we don’t deserve the ranking with the year we had. We need to earn it on the field and that is just fine. I’m confident this is going to be a GREAT year… a DREAM year!
kb
August 17th, 2011
11:41 am
Jeffrey looks a little chubby, better keep the passes high anything low and his gut may prevent him from seeing the ball.
Big Ten Champs Nebraska
August 17th, 2011
11:47 am
Who needs a poll to verify that the UGA program is in the dumps. I feel bad for you guys, I really do, but it is true, UGA is in trouble.
t2go
August 17th, 2011
11:47 am
Anyone wanna talk about the Boise game? I love the Dawgs and have been a fan since I was a kid watching them win the National title on a black and white tv…I spent 4 of the best years of my life in Athens. I live for Georgia football. I have a lot of hope for this team, even after the past two years. I was one of those shouting that this team had no heart and that Richt had no control and could not inspire. I want these guys to represent and play hard and compete as much as anyone. I will be there in the stands at even the worst of the home games screaming until I loose my voice.
What I want to know is, realistically, what are are chances of whipping Boise? I don’t think these guys are push overs….I love to see and hear the confidence of many on these blogs…saying we are gonna blow them up. But Boise is a very talented and well coached team who has had this game in front of them for a long tome. This is their biggest hurdle to a BCS game….this is there playoff game!
Its all conjecture at the moment but would like to hear some intelligent and informed discussion on what the Dawgs are going to have to do to beat the potato pickers! Was watching some Boise highlights on you tube and Moore just gets rid of that ball so fast….for like 15-20 yards. I wonder if the Dawgs are gonna be able to get to this QB. I think our backs are going to be tested hard. I think it is up to them and hopefully a decent running game on our part to get through this one. Would love to see a good old fashioned beat down a la Hawaii…………but would be just as happy w a hard fought narrow win. Know the Dome will be rocking on the 3rd!!! GO DAWGS!!!!
kb
August 17th, 2011
11:48 am
@antoineford, the fact that SCarloina keeps a coach for 6 years that lose 5-6 games a year speaks volumes about the program. Spurrier 2-4 vs Richt any questions. UGA 12 SEC titles Carolina zero,
Uga 26 bowls wins 4 on all time list , south carolina 4 wins (not listed), Uga 6th all time in bowl appearances south carolina 83rd.
t2go
August 17th, 2011
11:49 am
yep
really???
August 17th, 2011
11:49 am
DawginLex -
I think the 1st of October is too early, considering only 4 or 5 games will have been played by then. I don’t think you should see a poll until the mid-point of the season. You’ll still have your marquee match-ups. People will watch Oregon-LSU or UGA-BoiseState, regardless of what preseason numbers any of these publications can put in front of their names.
Overrated
August 17th, 2011
11:50 am
UGA in the coaches poll the last 5 years.
2006: Started 14th Finished Unranked
2007: Started 13th Finished 3rd
2008: Started 1st Finished 13th
2009: Started 13th Finished Unranked
2010: Started 21st Finished Unranked(losing record)
Only once in the past 5 years has UGA lived up to it’s hype, yet the coaches, media and pollsters keep hyping them.
Joey
August 17th, 2011
11:50 am
Spurrier got Coach of the Year for going 9-5? LOL.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
11:51 am
Just reviewed the SI 2010 Poll. Don’t believe the hype. I remember fondly how high Auburn was ranked last year, what #2? #3? O thats right, they where hardly ranked. So Congrats to SC for being Preseason Champs of the East.
SAL
August 17th, 2011
11:53 am
Who cares??? When is the Swimsuit edition out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joey
August 17th, 2011
11:56 am
Overrated, and how many of those seasons did our underachieving team beat your’s?
That’s right 4 out of 5. And, oh, 9 out of 10!
Just shut up . . .
Dawg
August 17th, 2011
11:56 am
Buckeye?
Are you really a Buckeye fan?
I think I would not cast stones….
Back Room
August 17th, 2011
11:58 am
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
11:51 am
Just reviewed the SI 2010 Poll. Don’t believe the hype. I remember fondly how high Auburn was ranked last year, what #2? #3? O thats right, they where hardly ranked. So Congrats to SC for being Preseason Champs of the East.
_________
But Auburn had the best player in college football who touched the football on every offensive play,,,let me add the best player money could buy.
RTR22
August 17th, 2011
11:58 am
DawginLex, of course all the unranked teams do not care about the polls. You can only crawl up right? How long will it take Ga to catch the Tide in SEC Titles?? Here is the correct answer. NEVER
Old Dawg
August 17th, 2011
11:59 am
SC’s quarterback and QB coach have both been thrown into the drunk tank. That’s where SI’s ranking team has been living as well. How does any program maintain its sense of purpose with two key ingredients living like Otis on Andy Griffith?
UGA remains a mystery team until after the first two games of the season (with a start like that any team would be). Scooter issues have cropped up this summer for the Dawgs, but no arrests.
Like other folks have posted, I don’t pay attention to rankings until October. Doesn’t make much sense to tout a ranking until teams have actually played a few games.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
12:00 pm
Georgia hasn’t won anything since John Lennon was still alive.
1eyedJack
August 17th, 2011
12:04 pm
t2go, I think we are going to have to play some man-to-man, and effectively, and also bring the house on every down. Must introduce Kellen to the Ga. Dome turf.
On offense, of course, we’ll have to establish the running game to open up play-action.
Drew Butler, Blair Walsh, and Brandon Boykin could be the difference.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 17th, 2011
12:06 pm
Back Room,
Essentially the point. What do any of us know at this juncture? Look where SI had Texas last year!
Roll Tide
August 17th, 2011
12:07 pm
DON’T DOUBT THE TIDE BRADLEY…THEY AREN’T TRYING TO BE RELEVANT IN THE SEC – THEY ARE TRYING TO WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!
J
August 17th, 2011
12:08 pm
notice the entire western division is in the top 25 with the exception of 1
Captain Obvious
August 17th, 2011
12:08 pm
Typical homerism, Mark. I’d expect nothing less from you.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
12:09 pm
RTR
I never cared about polls. Even back in 2002-2005 when we were at the top and Bama was getting pounded
North Georgia Dawg
August 17th, 2011
12:11 pm
Alshon needs to do some sit ups…. Pathetic!
Columbus Dawg
August 17th, 2011
12:11 pm
Hey Auburn BOY, I am pretty sure that if Charles needs to sit, he will sit. UGA has more top notch tight ends than most NFL teams, so no worries, the Aubies on the other hand seem very, very thin at running back all of a sudden. What did the lying, cheating bunch over in Opelika say happened to Dyer again?
JTH
August 17th, 2011
12:11 pm
No ranking means UGA could fly under the radar and sneak up on a team they shouldn’t beat. I also wanted to say it means no pressure but Richt is on the hotseat so he’s got to win or else(maybe get fired). We’ll call it less pressure, with expectations.
Brave Hokie
August 17th, 2011
12:12 pm
This isn’t even blog worth at this point…
I believe UGa could have a very fulfilling 2011 season, but what about last year’s is going to give this impression to the national media???
Mike
August 17th, 2011
12:13 pm
I dont care if UGA is ranked preseason or not, so long as they have a good year. It just shows the bias in the polls and why this system is such a joke. Auburn loses almost literally their whole team (which many argue was just Fairly and Newton anyway), and can get a preseason ranking. UF turns over a whole coaching staff and begins running a pro-style system without proper personnel while coming off an 8 win season…and is still ranked. Alabama ranked in the top 5 without McElroy, Ingram, and Julio Jones plus other players. Fla St loses Ponder, Arkansas loses Mallet, Ohio St. loses tons of playmakers, and all are ranked. Why? Media hype which is 90% of the college game.
kb
August 17th, 2011
12:17 pm
@antoineford, UGA won 2 sec titles over past 10 years , South Carolina has never won anything ever.
How many SEC titles have the Gamecocks won? that = Zero, Since ohn Lennon died UGA is 20-9 vs South Carolina.
Mike
August 17th, 2011
12:18 pm
No one puts any stock into the accuracy of the early rankings – and for good reason – they are never correct at the end of the year. Never even close. Unfortunately they do mean something, in fact quite a bit. The lower the ranking, the further a break-out team ahs to climb the ladder to get to the BCS. Drop a game along the way and it can be impossible. Ranked teams are featured far more often in media than un-ranked teams – see S.I., The Sporting News, etc. In S.I., since UGA did not finish in the top 25, they were not featured at all in their “College Football Team Pages” displayed every day since the end of last season. This means no exposure. This means the top recruits could be looking elsewhere. No one likes it. Rankings mean little in terms of how good a team is this time of year, but exposure means a great deal.
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
August 17th, 2011
12:22 pm
SI, what a joke about pre-season polling. Exact reason I DO NOT have a subscription until February when the Swimsuit comes out!!! Ya’ll keep overlooking my defending NC Auburn Tigers. Where were they ranked in preseason polls this time last yr.?
Exactly, WDE nothing measn poop until Jan, 10 or if they keep pushing it back for more primetime revenues…
God Bless, WDE!
5150 UOAD
August 17th, 2011
12:25 pm
Play some games before the polls come out.
Bradley is a Bulldog Humper Homer
August 17th, 2011
12:26 pm
Hey Mark, you are a typical Thuga Homer who expects the Dawgs to win the National Championship every year. I guess Sports Illustrated thinks you are crazy.
TOM
August 17th, 2011
12:26 pm
preseason rankings are dumb. shouldn’t be one until week 3-4
2smartjones
August 17th, 2011
12:27 pm
Exclude Auburn at your own peril, Bradley!
Just sayin…
WDE!!!
BobDawg
August 17th, 2011
12:28 pm
I have no idea where or how good UGA will be this year… All I know is I’m ready to see the product on the field and the schedule will take care of itself… If I were a betting man I see us starting slow and coming on strong towards the end of the year….
Brett
August 17th, 2011
12:29 pm
Hey Mike, you idiot!
8 wins > 6
UF beat you. Get a clue.
cantondawg
August 17th, 2011
12:32 pm
Alabama will lose at least three games again this year. Saban’s demonic coaching ways will really start to wear on the players and continue their downward spiral into mediocrity. I said last year that they would lose 3 games when people predicted them to be #1.
Jeff T
August 17th, 2011
12:32 pm
Did Uga beat any of those “ranked” sec teams last year? Nope. So why should they be ranked? Uga has the dumbest fans on the planet.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
12:33 pm
I saw Alshon this summer at a pool party and his chest and abs looked carved from granite.
78 DAWG
August 17th, 2011
12:34 pm
Ranking don’t matter, unless were in em then they are really important and prove whose really good, like in 2008.
FireRicht
August 17th, 2011
12:34 pm
We got it, Georgia is a middle of the road team…thank you Richt for destroying a national prominent program.
Mac Daddy24
August 17th, 2011
12:35 pm
Every year, the only people who think UGA should be in the top 25 are people from Georgia. You guys haven’t been relevant since 1980- 30 years ago. Have a good 8-4 season.
Joe
August 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
ahahahahahhaha….Chickens on the cover…..the jinx will prevail…….who cares where UGA is pre-season……what matters is at the end……love being under the radar
jesus gave it all, mark richt cant give 4 quarters.
August 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
ranked #1 by SI “Yeah…we will run the table and play for the BCS Title”
not ranked by SI: “Those idiots don’t know what they are doing…we’re gonna win the SEC!”
the chicago cub fans of the SEC have spoken…..let’s go cubs!!!!!!!!
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
Also saw Clowney wearing a wife beater at a barbecue over the 4th, and yes, he is a physical specimen, every inch the garnet god we heard about.
The Best Team We've Beaten Since 2007?
August 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
The only win we’ve had since 2007 against any good team was Tech in 2009.
Bilbo
August 17th, 2011
12:37 pm
Haven’t read that fishwrapper since 1980 when they picked UGA sixth in the ten team SEC. Slightly underrated for a NC team. Same year SI predicted the Falcons to finish 4 and 12. They wound up 12 and 4 and should have made the Super Bowl. But my how we love to waste our time on these prediction amusements.
Joe
August 17th, 2011
12:38 pm
Mac Daddy……who would be your team???? Floriduh? they were not relivant for 50 years in the SEC…..Barn? HA! Bama? Louisiana Monroe? what was the record in early 2000… Please let us in?
The Best Team We've Beaten Since 2007?
August 17th, 2011
12:39 pm
Yes, Richt destroyed all Goff and Donnan built!?
2smartjones
August 17th, 2011
12:39 pm
Why are so many guys here gawking at teenage guys in wife beaters and barbeques this summer???
Joe
August 17th, 2011
12:41 pm
Mark is going to have Kentucky ranked number 1
joe
August 17th, 2011
12:42 pm
As usual, only UGA homers and people in this state think UGA has a good team. Everyone else takes a look and sees a team with no OL depth at all (and the starters are suspect), no RB’s at all, no WR’s with any decent experience…and a short QB. D will be ok, but not enough to carry a team who will lose 5 or 6 games and average under 20 pts per game by the end of the year.
Really Joe?
August 17th, 2011
12:43 pm
Ask anyone not a dog fan and they’ll tell you Florida, Alabama, LSU & Auburn are all more respected nationally than Georgia. They’ll also tell you Georgia is about on par with Tennessee and maybe SC.
Ask anyone that is not on this pathetic blog. Try Reality, football doesn’t have to be your entire life.
Joe
August 17th, 2011
12:46 pm
I am assuming that Mac Daddy wrote the Really Joe blog….again, Mac Daddy….WHO is your team?????
Back Room
August 17th, 2011
12:47 pm
cantondawg
August 17th, 2011
12:32 pm
Alabama will lose at least three games again this year. Saban’s demonic coaching ways will really start to wear on the players and continue their downward spiral into mediocrity. I said last year that they would lose 3 games when people predicted them to be #1.
the amazing Kreskin live in Canton. lol…need facts not baseless opinions and make a wish list.
chazzo
August 17th, 2011
12:48 pm
I’m not whining. It is factual. SI flat out never does UGA any favors. Phil Steele, on the other hand, may have a man crush on Richt. He always ranks the Dawgs high and usually lists them as a dark horse. One year he will be right and look brilliant. This year he has the Dawgs ranked 9th. I think I read that right. I guess USA has ‘em in the bottom ten? My magic eight ball says the Dawgs win 11 this year. My common sense says the Dawgs win 10. Where they end up ranked depends on the 10. My wounded heart tells me 9.
Really Mac Daddy......
August 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
Geez….funny you get on a UGA blog telling us how bad we are….yet you cant even man up and let us know what team you support…..must be ashamed of it??? loser
Gdawg
August 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
ANTOINEFORD, the only one weeping about the cocks are you morons. you have one 10 win season in your history. Win some games then come out of the woodwork. Enjoy another nice August day in Columbia! HEHE
Mac Daddy
August 17th, 2011
12:50 pm
Alright…alright…….Tech is my team. I am a die hard Jacket! What can you say about that????
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
12:51 pm
Seeing Clowney wearing that wifebeater was the most excited I’ve been since I gave Calvin Johnson a massage.
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
12:55 pm
Calvin was that rare breed of athlete that could have easily been a basketball player or male model.
cantondawg
August 17th, 2011
12:59 pm
Herschel Talker,
Talk about someone not having any brain cells. CMR has the fourth best winning % in college football. Has won 2 SECC and finished in the top 10 six years and you want to replace him with Kirby “Benedict”Smart who has won absolutely nothing and turned his back on the Dawgs a few years ago. It’s completely obvious that you are either:
1) A homosexual lover of Kirby “Benedict” Smart or have a mancrush on him
2) You are Kirby “Benedict” Smart himself
1eyedJack
August 17th, 2011
1:01 pm
ANTOINEFORD, were you looking at those guys from between your legs or theirs?
DublDawg
August 17th, 2011
1:03 pm
Who has the SI preseason poll from 2010?
How did the preseason poll match up against the final poll?
Ted M
August 17th, 2011
1:06 pm
I hadn’t let my subscription lapse. Thats like not paying your cable bill!
Anyway, Mark, tell me what you know and feel about UGA’s offensive line. I think it might stink but who am I to say.
cantondawg
August 17th, 2011
1:13 pm
Backroom,
Here are the facts why i think Alabama will lose at least three games.
1) No experience at QB
2) No depth at RB (TR is a stud but i think they wear him out and he gets injured)
3) Tough schedule ( Lose to LSU, Arkansas and Penn State) and maybe one more.
4) No proven big time playmakers at WR since JJ left.
Alabama’s defense will be good but not to overcome an average offense.
Tossed Salad
August 17th, 2011
1:13 pm
When is Alshon’s baby due? I had no idea. Maybe I can attend the shower. Congrats, Cocks. You all must be so proud…
frannie mae
August 17th, 2011
1:17 pm
UGA is in BIG BIG trouble……
Swami Sez
August 17th, 2011
1:20 pm
UGA now takes a back seat to the epitome of a mediocre football program in the South Carolina Gamechickens.
collegeballfan
August 17th, 2011
1:23 pm
” I have an SEC team ranked No. 1, but it’s not Alabama.”
The Volunteers?
Ron Smith
August 17th, 2011
1:24 pm
1. Alabama
2. FSU
3. Oklahoma
4. Oregon
5. LSU
6. Stanford
7. Boise State
8. TCU
9. Nebraska
10. Arkansas
11. Wisconsin
12. South Carolina
17. Michigan St
20. Florida
21. Mississippi St
25. Auburn
36. Georgia
Tide Rising
August 17th, 2011
1:25 pm
cantondawg,
You’re a funny guy.
1- Bama won the bcs title in 2009 with a 1st year starting qb. Secondly if AJ McCarron wins the starting job over 5 star Phillip Sims AJ brings plenty of reps into the season. It is after all his 3rd year in the program. No worries here.
2- No depth at rb. You haven’t watched much Bama football. Eddie Lacy led Bama last year in ypc avg. by averaging a whopping 7.2 yds a carry. He, not Richardson or Ingram, led the tide in rushing in the bowl game with 86 yards including a 62 yard bolt for a td and a 12 yard td run. Lacy is a star in the making and the 1-2 punch at Bama continues.
3- Tough schedule? Your ignorance precedes you. Penn State on the road is not a problem. LSU and Ark who will be our 2 biggest tasks, are both in Tuscaloosa this year.
4- No proven receivers? Surely you jest. Marquis Maze is the fastest player on the team and was just overshadowed by Julio. He would be the no. 1 on most teams if not for Julio. We also have our Darius Hanks back along with a bevy of top wrs who were warming the bench the last 2 years. Watch out for redshirt freshman DeAndrew White who has been lighting it up in practice. We’re stacked at wr.
5- An average offense? Uh-huh. With 4 of 5 offensive lineman returning and the top O-line prospect in the country possibly winning the lone open spot- 6′6 322 lb 5 star Cyrus Kuandjio. We’re loaded everywhere else on offense. Oh, one last thing. We won’t be playing 6 consecutive SEC opponents coming off bye weeks to play us with 2 weeks of preparation and practice.
Get ready. Its coming. Not only do you know it but you know you can’t stop this freight train.
Bob
August 17th, 2011
1:27 pm
Nice how SI air-brushed the work release ankle braclet from Garcia.
Will
August 17th, 2011
1:28 pm
Does anyone have any information on how badly our RB’s are hurt?? Folks, we are playing a game in 2 weeks and Samuel has a quad injury and Crowell has a groin. I would imagine those are bad for RB’s to come back from. Thomas is suspended so I guess that leaves us with Malcolm and Hartline.
I always thought getting rid of Ealey was a bad idea and that is going to be proven. Samuel cannot stay healthy and Crowell has had the same cronic groin that kept him out of AA HSF.
Surely this staff has moved some bodies around just to take reps????
Get Real
August 17th, 2011
1:30 pm
Yeah, I remember just a few years back when UGA was ranked #1 at the start of the season. We all know how that finished out. 31 years since a championship. Even GT has had one since then. Get real folks, you ain’t that good.
1eyedJack
August 17th, 2011
1:33 pm
GT had half a one.
1eyedJack
August 17th, 2011
1:34 pm
From a defunct organization.
Bard of Avon
August 17th, 2011
1:36 pm
I noticed that DawginLex was first on two blogs today. It must be nice to be laid off with nothing else to do.
Whatever. Boise State 37, Georgia 17. One week later, we’ll end the dream team crap when USC puts a huge beatdown on the hapless dumb dogs. They’ll be so demoralized that Israel Troupe will be peeing all over the place. Mark Richt will join him in his farewell to Athens.
Counting Your Chickens
August 17th, 2011
1:39 pm
Antonie:
Hope your going to be able to deal with the disappointment of the 2011 season. When ya’ll can win 9 games twice in a decade let us know. Act like you’ve been there before!!!!!!!
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
1:47 pm
Bard of Avon
Shouldn’t that be TARD OF AVON?
Laid off? Not quite. Try again.
Spurrier still a whiner
August 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Not sold on Eddie Lacy, he fumbles too much and he’d rather dance with his “spin-move” than just run the ball. Over-rated.
S GA AU FAN
August 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
The swimsuit models picked the teams for the cover and they just went with all red white teams so that they matched.
5150 UOAD
August 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
play a game before you rank any team.
a fan
August 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
what?
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
2:10 pm
Stephen Garcia could easily be a male model.
2smartjones
August 17th, 2011
2:10 pm
saban will wear the Clownsuit again this year!
Write it down!!!
ANTOINEFORD
August 17th, 2011
2:13 pm
Garcia is probably the most beautiful SEC QB since John Parker Wilson.
Alphare
August 17th, 2011
2:24 pm
Mark,
I cannot believe you have UGA ranked.
When you think of SCar, you think of Lattimore, Jeffrey, Clowney and Garcia.
Who does UGA have? Crowewll? Murray? Crowell is ranked behind BAMA’s Hart, while Murray couldn’t throw a TD against the 4th best football team in Florida.
NICK
August 17th, 2011
2:30 pm
Good. Let USC & OK have the SI Kiss of Death!
Go Dawgs!
Boise in ATL
August 17th, 2011
2:39 pm
These pre-season polls are good fodder. I think UGA is righting the ship – will be improved – but not sure how that will translate into wins.
Boise will be very good with Kellen Moore – and plays total team ball.
USCe – brings a lot back to the table
Mississippi State – was the Better team last year – no doubt about it – returning an awful lot
Florida- Like UGA – just hard to know about this team – this team was way off last year – but still better than UGA
Reports our of Athens are encouraging – new found discipline, Richt weeded the roster, new S&C, Kwame and Jenkins, athletic DB’s – second year in the system.
A hungry – and embarrased team from last year – think UGA is very very dangerous team this year.
If UGA starts out HOT – watch out – this could be one of those years where momentum just builds week to week.
If UGA losses some tough games early – this could be tough.
At minimum – UGA is 7-5 – but a much improved team – but – this team could have a monster of a year – really hard to predict UGA.
Bulldog Colonel
August 17th, 2011
2:39 pm
Great news. Nothing like “Flying under the Radar”. It does’t matter where you begin the year……it’s where you end it.
There is a different “Buzz” in Athens this year. This team seems to have some leadership, focus and HEART. The whiners are gone!
Dawgs beat Boise, SC and Florida………anything else is a bonus.
GT
August 17th, 2011
2:49 pm
No preseason polls! First rankings should come out week 5. Sorry UGA fans yall start out 0-2. There’s no way you beat Boise St.or SC. GT will beat you at the end of Nov. Start searching for a new coach
Da Truth
August 17th, 2011
2:52 pm
Polls might be junk but again if you’ve got 10 undefeated teams then whichever team is #1 usually keeps that ranking. Its good to be ranked high to start with. Rankings just don’t matter to Dawgs fans cuz they ain’t in them…
kevin
August 17th, 2011
2:53 pm
Alphare…when I think of Georgia I think of Aaron Murray, Jarvis Jones, Kwame Geathers, Alec Olgetree, brandon Smith, Dyangelo Tyson, Abry Jones, Cornelious Washington, Brandon Boykin, John Jenkins…The guys that actually win championships..Thats not including what players like damian swann and Ray Drew could bring to the table. Its all about defense…But eveyone please keep acting like our offense is crippled and will only score 3 pts a game.
Bama In Atlanta
August 17th, 2011
2:55 pm
Nice article on Murray in the Huntsville, AL newspaper. Looking forward to seeing him light it up in the dome against the Boise Blues.
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/sec_preview_tough_and_talented.html
Columbus
August 17th, 2011
2:55 pm
The “BEST” Gamecock team ever is going to lose to UGA between the hedges on Sept. 10th 2011.
Auburn is going to suck, Alabama is not going to be as good as the hype.
The Gators are going to have one of their worst years since the 1980’s unless they play very conservative but no matter what, they will not challenge for the East without a lot of help. Tennessee is going to be down again.
The UGA/USC game will decide the East barring significant injuries.
You can save this for the end of the year and see that I am the man.
Blackberry Cobbler
August 17th, 2011
3:01 pm
LISTEN UP FELLOW POSTERS:
I am truly excited about this year.
Either the Dawgs will win big this season or it will be CMR’s last year in Athens.
I feel good about either one. It’s a win-win.
When toe meets leather is when .............
August 17th, 2011
3:21 pm
Only when toe meets leather will any poll matter. By week # 1, we will see some movement up and down that scale. Period.
By week #2, it will continue up and down that scale.
Only around mid season do the polls matter.
ONly by bowls eason do they really matter………….conferneces are usually decided and utlitmate BCS situations. THEN, the pools matter and not until then.
As an example: If my alma mater were picked # 1 right now by 12 publications but by December picked only in the Top 25 at say, 24, what good was that slection way back in August?
I get interested by mid season usually but this one is different with BS first game in the Dome and then SC game upcoming in Athens and both supposedly, very good top 10 teams. We shall see.
UGA might open with two nice wins over BS and SC, then stumble with UT or Ole Miss and/or MSU, then win a couple, then stumble again. Polls do not matter UNTIL the end of the season.
Go Dogs.
Chili Dog
August 17th, 2011
3:26 pm
Mark,
You’re the best at playing to the dumba$$ locals.
stinger2
August 17th, 2011
3:27 pm
The SI or any other preseason poll means nothing. They are published to sell their product (magazines,newspaper,and andother media source) They also give a lot of fans something to keep themselves hyped up until the games start. If I were a UGA fan, I would care less that the Dawgs are not ranked. This will provide an incentive for the players to play smarter and harder. The Dawgs will be fine. I predict 10-2 regular season.
The FACTS
August 17th, 2011
3:33 pm
Enjoy all the jaw jacking, the UGA Football season ends, at 8:00 on 9/3, when the real football season starts for everyone else. Ya’ll win the off season every year. I just hope none of these posters went to UGA, that’d be sad.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
3:35 pm
Nah facts moron. The season starts at 8:00 pm on Sept 3rd.
Your troll season will end around midnight because you won’t have anything to say after we win the opener
UGA Grad 1982
OldFan
August 17th, 2011
3:36 pm
All the rankings playing down UGA are exactly what we should expect. The program’s been in a steady decline. We didn’t perform even when they had ranked us in the Top 10. Let’s earn it back on the field. There will be no greater delight than reminding these experts how badly they judged this team—-if and when these players and coaches make that happen.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
3:36 pm
FACTS-season starts September 3rd
Your troll life ends around midnight that same day as we win
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
3:37 pm
Enter your comments here
JB
August 17th, 2011
3:38 pm
Where was Tech on the list. Year four coming with HIS players in place should mean nothing but upside on the flats. I don’t believe it when I read pre season 64 th and 8th overall in the ACC. I’m not buying it. Somebody gonna get punched I’m telling you.
BIRDDAWGONE
August 17th, 2011
3:43 pm
This may be the best news yet, SSI is worse than Mark Bradley at predicting college football!
Nurlman from Accountemps
August 17th, 2011
3:46 pm
Bob says the Dawgs will run wild. He was just hired by Mr Fernwell.Dawginlexx is a closet Ga Southern fan that wears red panties given to him by Damon Evans house keeper.
DawginLex
August 17th, 2011
3:52 pm
Nurlman from Accountemps
************************************
Why do all you boys refer to closets all the time?
Coming out of one maybe?
And the red panties thing-Just because you have never had a girl offer to let you see hers, don’t take it out on us normal men. OK Elton?
heeldawg
August 17th, 2011
3:58 pm
@ANTOINEFORD: Good Lord, man–you even give the usual USC delusionary thought processes a bad name!
Carolina’s still Carolina. And they have to come to Athens.
Good thing we can put you out of your psychosis early.
Snoop Dawg
August 17th, 2011
4:03 pm
Can you blame SI for not including UGA in the Top 25? After the past two seasons and after connecting the dots for the past four?
SI got taken in by da Preacha Man for several years and has gotten burned now for four years in a row? Anyone remember 2009 when they were picked as the preseason #1 team with NFL all-star talent? Remember, “Who can catch the Dawgs?” Well, my wife constantly reminds me now that it became a joke. Yes, the Georgia State Patrol can catch the Dawgs. Also the Clark County Police.
The Koolaid kids say let’s wait, it’s too early. SI is going on what the know now. If UGA surprises and wins their first two games, then that’s a good thing and the first step on the long road of public rehab of our reputation.
Until then…
The FACTS
August 17th, 2011
4:04 pm
LOL, I forgot about the UGA AD driving around Atlanta drunk with his mistress, LOL AGAIN!
Q: what’s a bigger joke uga “football tradition” or academics?
A: BOTH, LOL YET AGAIN
FBFan
August 17th, 2011
4:09 pm
Ha! Flying under the radar?????
I guess CMR has been flying under the radar for two years now. Time to pull up on the stick there coach. Personally I don’t think CMR has any fuel left in the tanks.
Tenn Volunqueer
August 17th, 2011
4:15 pm
Hey Antoinetter Ford…let me introduced you to my cousin Joe Bob Cooter…he says you have a purty mouf!!
#1bamafan
August 17th, 2011
4:29 pm
Hey MB…where did you pick the DAWGS last year? year before? I would be willing to bet you have them in about the same position this year as last year. The year before you probably had them at #1. And about BAMA finishing fourth in the WEST, they did play hard and they beat Arkansas, barely lost to LSU and gave away the Auburn game. RTR
7576DAWG
August 17th, 2011
4:31 pm
South Carolina will have a very good team , at least through the first six games , then the question will be do they have enough depth to take them the rest of the way? Boise State will have a very good year because they have a top 5 draft player in their Quarterback and they don’t have much competition other than just a few games. If Georgia is good enough , players and especially our coaches, to beat both of them we will be top 10 by the 3rd game or should be. Then if we want take for granted the weaker team but very good teams like Mississippi State, Tennessee, Auburn,and Georgia Tech , the polls will take care of themselves. If we win the first two games, Staying focused will be the hardest thing . We were 6-7 last year and just as easily could have been 10-3.
The difference this year will be the attitude on the team. senior leadership, great talent throughout the entire team and a 3-4 defense in place. The biggest question of all do our coaches have what it takes to guide these kids to the next level.
What do you expect?
August 17th, 2011
4:31 pm
With a QB who cannot see over his line and no wins as a starter over a team with a winning record.
ga gator
August 17th, 2011
4:32 pm
I would rather not be ranked and end up a top 10 team than be ranked and end up out of the top 25.
Buckeye
August 17th, 2011
4:38 pm
dogs will start 0-2
boo hoo
boo hoo
Cocks will rock the SEC Least.
CHDawg
August 17th, 2011
4:38 pm
My two cents: the Dawgs will be very strong this year, but so will the Gators and SC! I think this will be one of the stronger SEC East years in memory. All contrary to popular opinion. Being unranked really motivates our players–they have had their faces slapped and they will be keen to change opinions starting Sep 3rd! (BSU is good, too). Should be a great year…Go Dawgs!
Delbert D.
August 17th, 2011
4:41 pm
The Coaches Poll has Georgia at #23. Just for fun, let’s look at where the rumored expansion candidates are ranked:
#1 Oklahoma
#5 FSU
#8 Oklahoma St.
#9 Texas A&M
#13 Va. Tech
#21 Missouri
West Virgina would be #27 with 149 votes.
Clemson got 7 votes.
Texas was very astute in not joining the SEC for 2011; they would have 8 SEC teams ranked ahead of them.
Delbert D.
August 17th, 2011
4:46 pm
@4:31 “With a QB who cannot see over his line…”
Kellen Moore is 6′ 0″. Looks like the game will be a bunch of batted-down passes, misfires and interceptions on both sides.
What do you expect?
August 17th, 2011
4:48 pm
Delbie how about the not winning against a winning team?
ga gator
August 17th, 2011
4:50 pm
CH Dawg, I agree. The whole conference will be tough. I even expect Vandy to win most of their out of conference games with James Frankin as the new coach.
Ramma Bama
August 17th, 2011
4:57 pm
Bama’s loaded again—going for title #14. Saban’s a master.
Delbert D.
August 17th, 2011
5:26 pm
“Delbie how about the not winning against a winning team?”
Well, the cause-and-affect is hard to figure out between both of those factors. I’ll just stick with the height parameter. Either of the QBs may suffer from facing tall, athletic defenders, but they also have the advantage of hiding behind those big OL bodies and sneaking around for a receiver target when least expected. Your typical Ben Roethlisberger or Peyton Manning don’t have that kind of invisibility cloaking.
Timbo
August 17th, 2011
5:28 pm
SI never gets it right, and I’m a big Bama fan… If UGA gets past the first 2 games then I expect them to go on a really good run. The schedule sets up nice for them after the first two games. Many opportunities for the Dawgs.
jay
August 17th, 2011
5:29 pm
Mark, you didn’t mention where GT WASN”T ranked.
Delbert D.
August 17th, 2011
5:36 pm
Drew Brees is 6′ 0″. Notice how he steps up in the pocket and hides from the pass rush, and then he pops out the front and zips the ball to a receiver.
smyrnabob
August 17th, 2011
5:44 pm
Only 17 days until Georgia starts out with back to back Top 10 challenges. We won’t need polls to evaluate the dogs after the scores go up, we will know by the results.
Delbert D.
August 17th, 2011
5:51 pm
smyrnabob, the whole purpose of inhabiting these blogs is to pretend that the real future won’t actually occur. Our posters are going to be so disillusioned when they realize the true meaning of your statement.
HawginLex
August 17th, 2011
5:59 pm
It’s kind of sad to see all the Dawg fans getting so excited this year (just like the year before, the year before that, etc.). How long is it going to take for UGA fans to realize that UGA is simply no longer relevant in the SEC? In the national picture, UGA isn’t even a blip on the radar, and hasn’t been since the preseason #1 ranking three years ago.
Sit back and be grateful for the six or seven wins you’ll get every year. Coaching genius Mark Richt may take you to 8-4 or even 9-3 occasionally, but Other schools will still win the SEC, meaning no BCS bowls and no top 10 final ranking. Most years, UGA will be very lucky to finish in the top 25, and only after a big bowl win over a nobody opponent.
It’s a different world now, and Dawg fans need to adjust their expectations downward to reflect reality.
Unfortunately nothing is going to change until UGA changes its mediocre coaching. That’s where the difference is, and that’s why everyone outside Dawgtard Nation just laughs at Dawg fans getting so excited year after year about what a great recruiting class UGA gets. It doesn’t matter how many blue chip high school players go to UGA, they simply don’t get the coaching they would get at Florida or Alabama or South Carolina or Arkansa, to name a few schools whose programs are far ahead of UGA. And that’s not going to change as long as Mark Richt is in Athens.
Get your heads out of the sand and face reality. And mediocrity and irrelevance.
GO RAZORBACKS!!!
Joe Bob Thibodaux
August 17th, 2011
6:04 pm
Mark, good programs like Alabama and LSU make the most out of playilng
in the Independence Bowl then go on to win national championships.
Quarterback Jefferson at LSU is the real question isn’t he? If he plays like a senior, then the sky is the limit. The man walks a fine line between ____________________________________________________________
being boooooooed out of the stadium to bowl game MVP.
On strength of schedule alone, I think LSU deserves pre-season top 5, but rank doesn’t mean anything till the end of November, does it?
It looks like a great season coming up with lots of surprises along the
way. No one eats turf grass like Les Miles.
Are you ready for some football?
JBT
gotta beat boise state in the GEORGIA dome
August 17th, 2011
6:04 pm
Sports Illustrated is always wrong, the jinx never quits.
An SI curse of misfortune and bad luck placed on a team.
Joey
August 17th, 2011
6:07 pm
You know, it’s not like Richt doesn’t know how to beat highly-rated teams. He’s had 2 bad years, but we’ve got to let by-gones be by-gones.
Think back to UT in ‘01.
I’m betting that Boise gets a big suprise in 2 weeks, 3 days.
And you Techies talking crap about UGA is just laughable. 9-1. Yeah. 9 out of 10. Go mash some zits . . .
buck Eye
August 17th, 2011
6:43 pm
Thank satan for miami. I shouldn’t thank him too much though. I kind of got short changed on that soul I sold him.
Easy
August 17th, 2011
7:00 pm
Hey Buckeye….you are 1-9 against the SEC in Bowls and 7-11-2 overall. You may want to restrict your comments to the minor wee ten blogs.
powerhouse?
August 17th, 2011
7:10 pm
Evidently many people think BS is better than the dogs based on ranking BS in the top 10. If these guys are knowledgeable at all, it seems fair to assume that BS will beat Ga. However, reading so many of the dog fans, you guys just do not believe in polls this year. Will it be a rocket ride or drop an anchor?
BiggdawgK
August 17th, 2011
7:11 pm
MB The ajc doesn’t think their reporters should make the news??!!! Someone should tell d o ledbetter, he of the starting a feud with Falcons wifes. Then again it’s obvious the ajc has seperate rules when it comes to dol. He is allowed to ban posters for pointing out what a crappy blogger he is. Also he can be scooped often and doesn’t even need to actually write (if you could call what he does writing) about the Falcons more than once a week.
In my opinion dol should be given the tech beat, no one reads that anyway. Let that Ken kid take a run at the Falcons blog he is pretty sharp. I am sure you will not reply and I am just as sure many of you on the sports team feel the same way but you can’t say anything.
If no one sees my name on MB’s blog for a while, rest assured he caved to pressure and I’ve been banned again for daring to speak out about dol.
BiggdawgK
August 17th, 2011
7:15 pm
Only a few weeks left before UGA starts what will be a great year for the Bulldogs and their fans. All you sad friendless haters better enjoy spewing your pathetic jealous comments while you can.
SEC1
August 17th, 2011
7:38 pm
Jakar Hamilton is out for the season.
Sure do hope our RB situation improves…
Get your Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
August 17th, 2011
8:54 pm
Joey
Richt really doesnt know how to beat top ranked teams
He’s 3-9 against top 10 teams
Buzz 2011
August 17th, 2011
10:20 pm
Dogs will be the #1 team in Athens, Georgia. No wait Clarke Central will win more games than UGA..
savannadawg
August 18th, 2011
7:09 am
Well. Well. Does it really matter? No. It should motivate UGA a little more. But then again doesn’t everyone think last year should be motivation enough. Good gosh lets get this thing started already!!!!!!
m
August 18th, 2011
7:12 am
“Georgia is nowhere, man”.
I’VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU THAT SINCE 2008 WHEN WE B SLAPPED YOU AND YOU’RE PRESEASON #1 RANKING. GLAD YOU ARE STARTING TO REALIZE THAT YOUR S DOES IN FACT STINK LIKE EVERYONE ELSE’S. WOOF, WOOF, WOOF, SMELL A TURD AND HIKE. HAHAHAHAHAHA.
WILLIE
August 18th, 2011
8:56 am
THIS TEAM GETS NO RESPECT!!!!!
GONNA TAKE OUT DISRESPECT ON BOISE & SC!!!!!
YOU DOUBT US???? 6 TOP 10 FINISHES IN 10 YEARS????
TIME TO PROVE THEM ALL WRONG!!!!
SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!
Mark Seminole
August 18th, 2011
8:58 am
@ANTOINEFORD – Garnet is strictly for Seminoles, you limp cocks should know that we own it…BTW, has Lattimore found all the teeth that Greg Reid knocked out of his mouth in the Chic-fil-A Bowl trashing the SEC runner ups took?
I heard a tooth was found in the vacuum cleaner they use to clean the turf.
202dawg
August 18th, 2011
9:03 am
A team coming off a 6-7 season, playing in the toughest conference in the land, not being ranked top 25 pre-season. GROUNDBREAKING journalism Bradley…
FRED
August 18th, 2011
9:16 am
SOME DAY IF I LIVE LONG ENOUGH WE WILL IN THE TOP 10 EVERY YEAR. WHEN THAT DAY COMES WE WILL HAVE A WINNER FOR A COACH AND HE WILL LOCK DOWN THE STATE OF GEORGIA TO ALL RECRUITING.THAT DAY WILL COME THE QUESTION IS AT 73 WILL I LIVE LONG ENOUGH
WILLIE
August 18th, 2011
9:16 am
GET OFF THE BUS SPORTS ILLUSTRATED & HITCH YOUR STAR TO SABAN!!!!
EVERYBODY WROTE US OFF IN 79!!!!
6-7 IN 79′, 12-0 & NATL CHAMPS IN 80′!!!
THIS AIN’T NO RINKY DINK HAS BEEN WANNA BE TEAM!!!!!!
THIS IS GEORGIA!!!!!
SIC EM’!!!!!!
WOOF!!!!!
BEWARE OF THE DOG!!!!
WILLIE
August 18th, 2011
9:26 am
ANDY STAPLES AIN’T NO GENIUS!!!!
STAPLES PICKED TEXAS #4 (5-7), FLA #10 (8-5), GA TECH #15 (6-7), AUB #25 (14-0)!!!!!!
THE DUDE’S PICKS WAS OFF!!!!!!
NO STREET CRED!!!!
SEC Fan
August 18th, 2011
9:49 am
HawginLex @ 5:59PM hit the nail on the head: head coach is the problem. Go out and get a coach who can compete in the SEC of today and things might change for the better. Stick with Richt and make your reservations in Shreveport.
CarolinaGal
August 18th, 2011
11:01 am
Dawgs, your NC was in 1980. Get over it, those days are OVER!!!!!!! Garnet & Black rules this year. Dawgs start bad – first Boise and then we whip your arse 2nd week. 2011 – SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT! GO COCKS!
Alabama | MrSEC.com
August 18th, 2011
12:02 pm
[...] at safety.5. Isaiah Crowell is closer to returning to action than Richard Samuel.6. Egads! UGA’s not in the Sports Illustrated’s preseason Top 25.More to [...]
CarefulNow
August 18th, 2011
12:11 pm
Why hell…if predictions are to be socially acceptable and nobody cares how ridiculous they sound, try this……….UGA 99…Boise 3…………………………UGA 72….South Carolina ….2.
UGA 14-0…………..See how easy ridiclous predictions are when there is so little basis for making them. After the second game …any prediction would remain a very tentative suggestion of what reality might be. The best time to make unimpeachable predictions ….for athletic contests is “after the game”……..Otherwise it’s merely……wild-ass guessing.
trey
August 18th, 2011
2:04 pm
SOUTH CAROLINA HAS 0, I SAID 0 TITLES-READ IT AND WEEP
sane dawg
August 18th, 2011
3:00 pm
The one calling himself “Herschel Talker” uses the word “we” when referring to his assertion that he’s a Bulldog. You’re not one of us, pal, so quit using “we” in any sense regarding the Georgia Bulldogs. And there’s nothing about South Carolina to which anyone has ever described as having class, and that starts with HC Spurrier. They just don’t know how to act like a winner, because they’re such losers. No class at all.
Thomas Brown
August 18th, 2011
5:51 pm
Mark Bradley,
Georgia tek is NOT LISTED.
Why is that not in the headlines for this blog, Mark Bradley, like I do not know.
It is because you PICK ON UGA Mark Bradley, sir, and always have and it is because you CODDLE Georgia tek and try to the best of your ability to hide everything beginning to be negative about Georgia tek and always have.
thomas carlyle
August 19th, 2011
12:32 pm
we are going to beat the living you know what out of boise. count on it.
auto pligg
August 22nd, 2011
2:58 pm
My thoughts about Wordpress cookie stuffing plug-ins http://ow.ly/69GLq?e=885l98
seo en espanol
August 22nd, 2011
9:18 pm
Sean Donahoe – Simple Cash Magnets http://ow.ly/69GLq?e=210l36