Why Georgia is nicely positioned to make real hay in 2012
Orson Charles won't have any part in the next UGA-LSU game. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
It now appears that Orson Charles could be the only Georgia player who’ll leave early for the NFL. If that is indeed the case, the Bulldogs will be positioned nicely for 2012.
They could have lost Jarvis Jones, who’s their best player, and also Bacarri Rambo, who’s one of their five best, but both have said they’ll return to school. And coordinator Todd Grantham, whose name has already surfaced as an Atlanta Falcons’ possibility, e-mailed esteemed colleague Chip Towers and confessed a desire “to be at UGA for a very long time.”
(For the record, I’m not sure Grantham is a fit in Flowery Branch for a rather basic reason: He runs the 3-4, and the Falcons, as Mike Smith noted Monday, have spent four seasons drafting for the 4-3.)
We say again: If Georgia enters the 2012 season with 15 starters returning — including nine on defense — the Bulldogs should and will be a Top 10 team.
Others say so, too. Esteemed former colleague Mark Schlabach ranks Georgia No. 6 in his ESPN lookahead. Andy Staples of SI.com slots the Bulldogs at No. 9. And Brett McMurphy of CBS Sports has the Bulldogs ranked third, behind only LSU and Southern Cal.
I’m on record as picking the Bulldogs to go 11-1 in the 2012 regular season and to win the SEC — and not just the SEC East. The Outback Bowl loss, bad as it was, didn’t change that belief. I should, however, note that a post-Outback post to that effect met with scorn from many of you who claim to be Georgia fans. My point, then as now, was: Nine months from now, who’s going to care about what happened in Tampa on Jan. 2?
And why, since you asked, would I pick Georgia to win the SEC championship game when it just lost the SEC championship game by 32 points? Because seasons change, and so do results. Did not Alabama lose to Florida in the Georgia Dome in 2008, Tim Tebow’s junior season? Did not the Tide beat Tebow and his Gators under the same roof the very next year? (And if Georgia should happen to play LSU again, we’ve just been handed evidence that the Tigers are not invincible.)
Seasons change, I say again. Georgia was lousy in 2010 and got good again in 2011. It will be even better in 2012. Carp over the Bulldogs’ schedule all you want, but things don’t appear much different for 2012. If they won 10 games this time, they should win more next season. So say I.
By Mark Bradley
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631 comments Add your comment
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:05 pm
better watch out nerds, word on the block is that good ole willie is out at oklahoma and could be headed your way……. hahahahahahahahaaha
ramblingbuzz
January 12th, 2012
1:06 pm
Didn’t Bradley make a similiar prediction in 2008? How did that work out for the Dawgs?
Yellow Fuzz
January 12th, 2012
1:08 pm
Same prediction another story on the field as always.
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
1:09 pm
I say that MSU was better than Nebraska at the end of the year by my eyeball test.
I watched all of the MSU – Nebraska game and Nebraska completely dominated them. I’m not sure what your eyeballs see that can look past that.
Mike Bobo
January 12th, 2012
1:11 pm
Yeah the O-Line is in great shape but “QB competition needs to open up”?? If the offensive line could create a run game and pass protect Murray would be an even better quarterback than he is now. Even with 5 matadors up front he will be 2nd team preseason all American. You guys are a bunch of clowns.
Giddie Up!
January 12th, 2012
1:12 pm
Mark,
Which game do you predict Georgia loses next season. Below is the schedule with my picks for W or L, and the score, just for fun.
Georgia’s Schedule for 2012 More Realistic
Sept. 1 – Buffalo W 48-14 40-9
Sept. 8 – at Missouri W 28-14 35-31- Loss
Sept. 15 – Florida Atlantic W 56-7 49-10
Sept. 22 – Vanderbilt W 24-17 27-24
Sept. 29 – Tennessee W 31-17 35-21
Oct. 6 – at South Carolina W 35-30 31-24 Loss
Oct. 13 – Open
Oct. 20 – at Kentucky W 28-10 35-20
Oct. 27 – Florida (Jacksonville) W 24-20 27-24 Loss
Nov. 3 – Ole Miss W 35-17 35-34
Nov. 10 – at Auburn W 28-20 30-27 Loss
Nov. 17 – Georgia Southern W 42-17 42-28
Nov. 24 – Georgia Tech W 24-14 40-35
Dec. 1 – SEC Championship (No Pick)
First of all, playing in Columbia Missouri is not going to be easy and Missouri’s first home SEC game with a very very good offense, an a decent defense is not an automatic, and it looks like it is a tougher test than most think.
USC in Columbia, and Steve Spurrier realizes he needs to win the SEC East in Lattimore’s last season before he turns pro. Spurrier does not let them lose in Columbia.
Florida and Muschamp have a big chip on their shoulders and will make it a long day for UGA.
Auburn will have a new OC/DC and The Chiz needs to bounce back and in front of a very loud crowd will make that game more of a toss up. The qb play on both sides will decide that game.
All in All, we know that if you make UGA throw the ball they will turn it over, and most teams do not have the athletes to play good man to man, but the ones who can force the ball in the air and shut down the run with a new O-Line at UGA will cause major problems for CMR and staff.
UGA’s defense will help win most games, but turnovers and no ground game in the big games like this past season will lead to losses. Once that happens you can take all of those 15 to 20 pages of comments after the Outback bowl loss -rinse and repeat. The hot seat will be hot again and Todd Grantham will see life elsewhere may have been better.
The easiest schedule among all BCS Automatic Qualifiers. The Easiest..
Spurrier
January 12th, 2012
1:12 pm
Dantonio wasn’t good enough to beat Pelini on the field (only in DawginLex’s head!), but he was able to notch his first ever bowl win at Michigan State against Georgia. Congratulations, on bowl win numero uno, Coach Dantonio!
npgator
January 12th, 2012
1:14 pm
As long as Richt is the head coach they will never accomplish anything more than winning the SEC East and that requires Florida to have a down year.
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
1:15 pm
If Bobo is running for president, I am sure he will get lots of support from Dawg fans. (so that he won’t be the dawg oc)
Red Stick
January 12th, 2012
1:15 pm
Rick James
January 12th, 2012
12:43 pm
“I think the Georgia’s first half against LSU exposed a lot about them to Saban and Alabama had the depth and talent to expliot.Georgia had the talent But LSU had depth and talent.I agree that next year could be special.”
You left out the main reason Alabama beat LSU and Georgia didn’t: Nick Saban.
Nick is a better coach than Richt.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
DawginLex
January 12th, 2012
1:16 pm
Nick is a better coach than Miles too
Red Stick
January 12th, 2012
1:16 pm
Rick James,
I just reread your post and I believe you did acknowledge Saban. My bad.
However I still stand behind my statement that Saban is a better coach.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
1:17 pm
Mark Bradley
As the old saying goes I will believe it when I see it.
All I have seen from this coaching staff is lose to top 20 teams the last 3 years and cant beat a good team in 6 years
Matt
January 12th, 2012
1:18 pm
What’s the point? If they lose to the only good teams they play (SC and whoever in the SEC championship game and then in the bowl game), how are they better than this year?
Gator Mike
January 12th, 2012
1:21 pm
Good luck to the DAWGS next year. Your schedule is manageable, but the games must be played. A lot can happen between now and September. I believe the Gators will be better offensivley next year, and our defense is close to being very good. UT is due to rise again. Spurrier will continue to be a nemesis for all of us, but he will probably move to his home in Crescent Beach in a couple of years and SC will slip back in the pack.
Next season should be interesting with TX A&M and Mizzou in the mix.
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
1:21 pm
It’s not UGA exposed LSU’s weakness. You guys give too much credit to UGA.
Actually LSU played flat in the 1st half with all its last 3 opponents. Then those opponents couldn’t hang with LSU in the 2nd half.
Actually no team in the entire USA could hang with them in the 2nd half.
Except BAMA, which is why I liked the NC match.
FLA DAWG.
January 12th, 2012
1:23 pm
GEAUX TIGERS
21 – 0
LSU set two records in their last two games.
LSU was held to ZERO FIRST DOWNS in the first half in the SECC Game – a record.
LSU was the first team be be shutout in a BCS.
21 – 0
burmashave
January 12th, 2012
1:24 pm
Dawgs will be champions, well positioned says he,
To make a run as a national championship team.
Bradley sees no problems, he likes rosy predictions,
Who can argue with his victorious visions?
Not Dawg fans no, they’re just happy to fantasize,
About those championships seen through Bradley’s eyes.
Red Stick
January 12th, 2012
1:24 pm
Mark,
Yes as Bama proved LSU is beatable.
I’ve been saying since the regular season has been over that I am so glad that the BCS game would be Jefferson’s last game. Jefferson is just not a very good QB.
Mike Gundy said the other day that the QB is the most important player and the one position that can make a difference. He said a good QB gives you a chance. Saban had the time to dissect our offense and came up with a game plan that stifled us. Kudos to him and Kirby Smart.
LSU has been struggling on offense for several seasons because of issues at QB. Personally I don’t see how in the hell we went 13-0 in the regular season.
I think LSU is a going to be a much better team on offense with Mettenberger and perhaps Gunner Kiel. We know how good the defense is and we have most of those guys back as well as 4 offensive line starters and all 4 running backs.
LSU is going to be dominant again in 2012 but I expect Bama and Arkansas to be right there too. I just don’t see Georgia at that level.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
DocDawg
January 12th, 2012
1:24 pm
Undefeated until losing a close one to Tech (Johnson is on the hot seat), and blown out in the SEC championship game. Lose to Michigan in the Capital One bowl. Richt gives everybody a stern lecture and receives a contract extension. We don’t sniff a SEC championship, let alone a national championship for the next five years.
PonGT
January 12th, 2012
1:28 pm
Won’t happen… UGA has to rebuild the OLine … and RICHT/BOBO cannot out coach VanGorder. Besides, Aaron Murray hasn’t proved that he can win the big one. Sorry to say, Murray continues to misfire on the big stage. Hope you right… but don’t think it’ll happen.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
1:29 pm
George Jefferson caused Miles trouble at the begining of the season, was never good in the seasons before, and cost Miles a National Championship.
Miles was insistent on him playing so I hope it was worth it
Whopper Dawg
January 12th, 2012
1:30 pm
Mark, 2012 could very well be a repeat of 2011 as neither SC or UGA play any OCC of note, and SC plays LSU (away) and Arkansas, while UGA gets Ole Miss and Auburn.
That being said the offensive line will be even worse, and that means the usual, no running game and poor pass blocking. But given the schedule, UGA could get to the SECCG again, but to forecast a win there against Bama, LSU or even Arkansas is just delusional. This coaching stafff gives no indications they can win a big time game against a big time opponent.
collegeballfan
January 12th, 2012
1:30 pm
Georgia should be favored in every game they play in 2012. But do not count on them winning a BCS National title. Since Richt has been at Georgia 7 SEC teams have won national titles. And Georgia has out recruited every one of the National Champions. But have nothing to show for it.
As long as Georgia has the Georgia Tech game as its Number One game of the year, they are doomed. The Georgia team is trapped by the Georgia fans. So priorities are all wrong.
The two most important games for Georgia next season are at Missouri and at Carolina.
Georgia Tech is no more important than Buffalo, Fla Atlantic, or GSU for next season. But the UGA coaches and fans will have GT at the Number One game.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:33 pm
USC in Columbia, and Steve Spurrier realizes he needs to win the SEC East in Lattimore’s last season before he turns pro. Spurrier does not let them lose in Columbia.
Hahahaha then why do they have a history of falling apart at the end of the year??????
Lattimore wont be the same back he was.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:35 pm
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
1:21 pm
It’s not UGA exposed LSU’s weakness. You guys give too much credit to UGA.
Then why did Les Miles himself say that we dominated them in the first half and his guys were hurting???
Credit is given where it should be on this one sorry. We gave the blue print to bama.
Technically Correct
January 12th, 2012
1:36 pm
With the annual influx of top talent, UGA should win 10 games EVERY year – even in the SEC. Say what you will about CMR as a coach, the man and his staff sure can recruit!
Red Stick
January 12th, 2012
1:37 pm
DawginLex
January 12th, 2012
1:16 pm
“Nick is a better coach than Miles too”
I agree with that but the disparity Saban has over Richt is much greater.
LSU has the best record in the SEC since Miles arrived 7 seasons ago and has finished 5th, 3rd, 1st, 26th, 17th, 8th and 2nd (2011) in those seasons.
LSU finished 26th in 2008 primarily because Miles dismissed Perrilloux, a 5 star QB in the offseason.
Would Ok St or Stanford been as good this season without Weeden and Luck? I don’t think so.
Is anyone in college football better than Saban? I think most would agree that noone is.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
Joey
January 12th, 2012
1:37 pm
I’d take GTBob’s posts anyday over True Dawg Idiot’s. I was willing ignore the dumbass, but he jumped on me for whatever reason. No matter, I skip his idiocy anyway unless I see my name.
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
1:38 pm
What’s the point? If they lose to the only good teams they play (SC and whoever in the SEC championship game and then in the bowl game), how are they better than this year?
That brings up a good point. If UGA goes 10-2, loses in the SEC championship game and goes to the Capital One Bowl, will UGA fans be happy with that? Will they continue to excuse the underachievement and hide behind the 10 win argument?
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:38 pm
LSU is going to be dominant again in 2012 but I expect Bama and Arkansas to be right there too. I just don’t see Georgia at that level.
Bama will be fighting for 3rd place next year. Arknasas has no defense
UGA will be a force next year regardless of schedule. Too many coming back, and too many good ones coming in.
We will be in the dome next year will 1 or 0 losses.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
Joey
January 12th, 2012
1:37 pm
Its because you only sit here and cry like a little girl. Man up kid and stop crying
SEC
January 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
Dear Georgia – please just focus on winning your !@#$@# bowl game so that you don’t embarass the conference further before you start thinking about national championships. The road to the national title does NOT run through UCF and MSU.
realitycheck
January 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
DawginLex……….Has Murray beaten a top 20 team yet? Another meaningless 10 win season ahead in Athens. The SEC schools that are/have been winning NATIONAL Championships will be celebrating in the streets when that”take a 2 yard loss on 2nd down to bring the kicker out” coach gets that big raise and extention. The stategy he used must have been learned in one of those sessions in Honduras. LOL!
Joey
January 12th, 2012
1:41 pm
I agree Red Stick – I also think Saban is one of the hardest working coaches in the country.
burmashave
January 12th, 2012
1:41 pm
Bobo’s returning, Todd Grantham will stay,
There’s absolutely nothing can stand in our way.
Not Mizzou, Carolina, or Florida,
In our own minds, there will be no barriers,
To returning to the glory that was so fleeting,
Could it be 30 years since Ol’ Herschel’s leaving?
Never mind Crowell, got another RB on the way,
A 5 star named Marshall, will sure save the day.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:41 pm
SEC
January 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
Another techie nerd. How about you stop embrassing this state with pathetic football play. 0-7 in bowls and 1 win against UGA in over a decade.
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
1:42 pm
True Dawg Fan,
“We gave the blue print to bama.”
Wait, Saban mentioned what led him to play the way they did against LSU. He never mentioned UGA.
Blame it on the moonshine
January 12th, 2012
1:42 pm
How many other fan bases would end one season on a two game losing skid and then spend the offseason beating their chests about how great they’re going to be the next year? Only the leghumpers…
1eyedJack
January 12th, 2012
1:44 pm
My initial projection for the Sept. 1 Buffalo game:
LT – Kenarious Gates
LG – Chris Burnette
C – David Andrews
RG – Dallas Lee
RT – John Theus/Watts Dantzler/Austin Long
Have at it turd roll.
The stache'
January 12th, 2012
1:44 pm
Uga will lose to the auburn tigers next year. AU will be very improved next year and Uga will slip up a game or two.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:44 pm
realitycheck
January 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
Another uninformed techie loser.
Raise is minimal and extension is for recruiting purposes. Had to catch up from the crap that kirby, satan, and muschump were spewing in the recruits ears. Its called strategy!
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
1:45 pm
UGA will be a force next year regardless of schedule.
No, if they played South Carolina’s schedule they would be looking at a minimum of 3 losses. Probably 4 as they would drop another one somewhere else. That’s not exactly a force.
The Factor
January 12th, 2012
1:45 pm
The reason there are so many who post on every UGA article is UGA is relevant. Our coach is the #3 winningest active coach, Div 1, with 100+ games under his belt. Tech and SC only wished they had our problems. Not Bama, not LSU, not Texas has more top 10 finishes than UGA over the last 15 years. Only S Cal can match.
SEC
January 12th, 2012
1:45 pm
Nice try, Poodle. I bring up UGA’s recent bowl failures and you try to shift the discussion to Georgia’s record against Tech? I’m an SEC fan – I’m happy when UGA beats Tech.
We could’ve had a clean sweep against the Big 10 on Jan. 2, but unfortunately, UGA couldn’t get it done. Again.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
1:42 pm
Ahahahahahha you expect Satan to give anyone but himself credit????? ahahahahhaha he doesnt even give the other coaches or his players that why would he do that for a rival??????
Its clear that their def watched the film on how to shut them down and went out there and did so. Why do you think teams spend so much time in the film room??? And out of all the games played who was the only team, to shut them down that hard for that long??????? hmmmm……. use some logic it will help you appear smarter!
UGAXXXX
January 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
I don’t think you can gloss over the loss to Mich. State. Look at what Bama did to essentially the same team in last year’s bowl game. The difference between UGA and LSU, Bama, and even Arkansas is huge. I hate to say it but we are closer to being Miss. State than Bama or LSU.
The Factor
January 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
Many a NC have been won on favorable schedules. No apologies here. We pay our dues in the SEC as it all rotates.
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
SEC,
you don’t mean UGA is the weakest link, do you?
Joey
January 12th, 2012
1:48 pm
True Dawg Idiot = another interrnet bad ass, and football expert.
The closest you’ve probably ever come to football was when the players at your school gave you wedgies in the hall.