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
2:29 pm
Bobo for Attorney General
January 12th, 2012
2:27 pm
” We gave the blue print to bama.”
I love this blog!
Anyone who doesnt thihnk Satan watched the film is a moron plain and simple. No coach is that irresponsible.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:31 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
2:28 pm
McGarity is changing that. so stop crying about it. He got the bye for last year and had it for this year but the SEC office changed that but changed it for both teams. Instead of crying so hard how about you have some faith that the AD we brought in to turn it around will continue to do so.
The Factor
January 12th, 2012
2:31 pm
Enjoyed. Fingers getting tired with no “auto” spell check………
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
2:34 pm
True Dawg Fan
You call Saban watching UGA film and statements like who shut down LSU for so long rufuting the trolls
LOL
You do realize LSU scored 9 total points on Bama in 2 games while LSU scored 40 on UGA
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
2:34 pm
we could end up playing 6 ranked teams (Mizzou, SC, UF, AU, SECCG, Bowl Game)
Mizzou – not a chance
SC – definitely
UF – not a chance
AU – Slim chance
SECCG – definitely
Bowl game – maybe
So at most 4 ranked games but probably 3. Same as this season when you went 0-4. Maybe you guys can shoot for 1-3 next year. It would be progress.
Stewart Mandel
January 12th, 2012
2:35 pm
I see the most delusional fan base is out of control as usual in January.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:37 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
2:34 pm
True Dawg Fan
You call Saban watching UGA film and statements like who shut down LSU for so long rufuting the trolls
LOL
You do realize LSU scored 9 total points on Bama in 2 games while LSU scored 40 on UGA
Actually I use logic and facts. Anyone who thinks that Satan didnt watch the game film to see how we were able to shut LSU down completely for an entire half is insane. that would be irresponsible not to watch it and see if we were doing different things than them.
Did I even come close to saying I dont remember the scores (42 by LSU by the way) ????? Nope just stating some logic and facts that easily refute these crappy arguements
Destin Dawg
January 12th, 2012
2:38 pm
Murray is a proven QB.. proven he will choke in big games.. he should be used as a roll out passer not a pocket passer.. throw 10 yard 1st down passes to the great TE;s..etc.. poor coaching !!
Joey
January 12th, 2012
2:38 pm
You are right. I am not equipped to debate a half-wit. I just can’t tie half my brain behind my back to make it fair . . .
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
2:38 pm
True Dawg Fan
Have faith in Mcgarity…. Really?
I dont think the AD at BAMA or FL would be signing Richt to another contract extension after losing to every top 20 team the last 3 years
Oh and Im still waiting on as you said a week or two ago that Bobo would be demoted in 2012
Han
January 12th, 2012
2:40 pm
Where was Orson in the Bowl game? Where was Tony G in the falcons game? Same crappy coordinators. Time for bozo to gozo.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:41 pm
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
2:34 pm
After Mizzou put that pounding on UNC it isnt out of the question that they will start the season ranked. AU will be better this year and will be ranked all year long, UF cant be any worse surely and has a shot at being ranked by the time we play.
This year we played the number 1,5,10,12, 22 so thats 5 we played last year that were ranked at the time we played.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:44 pm
Joey
January 12th, 2012
2:38 pm
You are right. I am not equipped to debate a half-wit. I just can’t tie half my brain behind my back to make it fair . . .
hahahahahaha hard to argue with a cry baby bc all they do is pi$$ and moan about every little detail. Maybe you should go out there and be the coach since you think it is so easy. You go see if you can gain the respect of 85 teens and young adults, see if they will rally behind you and play for you.
You dont know anything about what goes on there, all you do is come here and cry about the results and pose stupid questions. You have no clue what you are talking about over half the time.
If you hate them that much then cheer for a different team its not that hard.
reality Gator
January 12th, 2012
2:46 pm
Here we go again Mark B, tooting the puppies horn again this what 31 years in a row,without a Nat, they were in a nice position with Matthew Satfford and those all stars.
Mark B and Mark R. would be out of work by now in the state of Florida, I never seen a sports writer go sweet on a coach who has been at UGA 11 years and never came close to playing for NAT.
Hey Mark when they get pounded in the SEC NAT I am sure you are going to be the first to hold Mark R. hand again, talking about loser Journalist ”””’
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
2:49 pm
After Mizzou put that pounding on UNC it isnt out of the question that they will start the season ranked.
So Missouri who was 8-5 this year, lost 4 of their 5 starting offensive linemen, 3 of 4 starting defensive linemen, 3 key receivers, their TE who was their second best receiver, a starting line backer, and a starting safety is going to be ranked? Is the SEC that much easier then the Big 12?
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:50 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
2:38 pm
hahahahahaha showing how dumb you are here. So you dont think that UF or Bama would be smart enough to give an extension to their HC to secure recruits????? thats all the extension is for. Have you seriously not read anything McGarity has said???? and then you dare to come on here and cry about it without knowing anything as usual???? im shocked!!!
Go do some HW, we were only getting out recruited here bc of negative recruiting by all of our rivals (mainly Smart and Chump at UF and clemson). So McGarity did what was needed to get us back in the race with these kids and did a great job at it, bc we landed JJ (Who almost cancelled his visit bc of job uncertainty) these kids want to come here and play for UGA. All the players are recruiting the best in state talent to stay in state and play for Richt. WO Richt we are a 8-4 or 9-3 team every year, bc we dont have the recruits to reload fast enough (We might have signed some top classses before but the old Head recruiter fell way behind, hence why he was fired and it has taken us since then to catch up and finally build some depth) and remember one of your idols les miles even said that we just need depth.
Bulldog "Brain Trust"
January 12th, 2012
2:50 pm
Dang it Bobo, why did our blueprint work for Bammer and not for us?
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:50 pm
Bulldog “Brain Trust”
January 12th, 2012
2:50 pm
Dang it Bobo, why did our blueprint work for Bammer and not for us?
Def blue print dummy
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
2:50 pm
AU will be better this year and will be ranked all year long
I should have commented on this gem also. Auburn, who plays Clemson, UGA, Bama, Arkansas, and LSU is going to be ranked all season? That is some wishful thinking if I ever saw it.
East Repeat
January 12th, 2012
2:51 pm
Yep, Bradley is getting the homers all stirred up about next year, because even with an SEC East title this year, things just don’t feel right. 2 losses to end year, SC winning bowl game and finishing WAY ahead of Dawgs. I bet the Dawgs take a step back next year (just a feeling, considering UGA’s coaches). Better enjoy your present success. Mark, tell us how great Clemson will be next year also! That is something all SEC fans can laugh at, Clemson!
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:52 pm
Han
January 12th, 2012
2:40 pm
Charles was to busy refusing to block on running plays and letting our RB get flattened to catch the ball. He screwed our run game up bad this year, but was the best pass catching TE we had so he kida had to play. Not to mention fan favorite and Richt would have been chewed out for not playing him.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:53 pm
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
2:49 pm
After Mizzou put that pounding on UNC it isnt out of the question that they will start the season ranked.
So Missouri who was 8-5 this year, lost 4 of their 5 starting offensive linemen, 3 of 4 starting defensive linemen, 3 key receivers, their TE who was their second best receiver, a starting line backer, and a starting safety is going to be ranked? Is the SEC that much easier then the Big 12?
They finished with a big win and pollsters like that when looking to rank teams for the following year. any more education you need clown???
Your last question doesnt deserve an answer bc its as dumb as you are.
DocDawg
January 12th, 2012
2:55 pm
Anybody who thinks Missouri is going to be ranked at any point next season needs to come by my office and have their medication adjusted, because they are delusional.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
2:56 pm
DocDawg
January 12th, 2012
2:55 pm
Didnt say they would 100% just said its a possibility thanks for playing!
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
2:57 pm
Your last question doesnt deserve an answer bc its as dumb as you are.
So you think Auburn will win 2-3 of the games against LSU, Bama, UGA, Clemson, and Arkansas and win every other game they have?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
2:59 pm
True Dawg Fan
Do my homework????
How about doing you’re homework and get a clue
We dont need Mark Richt for recruiting.
The State of Georgia has been a top 5 recruiting state for over 2 decades.
These kids are going to play for winners no programs that cant win big.
When UGA finds a coach that knows how to utilize talent then UGA will be a force to recon with
And again Bama would not put up with nor FL, just ask Zook, and Shula if BAMA and FL was worried about recruiting.
Recruiting will come win you win
reality check
January 12th, 2012
3:00 pm
Mark let’s face it…. anytime you have something positive to say about Georgia is has a negative result.
PLEASE be more negative….. go DAWGS!
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:03 pm
I’ll pull for who I want to, sissy. How about that? And I’m not wasting my time debating football with a sissy who played trumpet in the hs band.
OldFan
January 12th, 2012
3:03 pm
I can’t figure out if this 11-1 prediction is because we play the weakest schedule in the SEC or because the 2012 team is really going to be special? The other columnists who pick UGA high say its mostly the schedule. So if SC becomes the only ranked team we play, and our one loss should be to them, what on earth will we have proven? I don’t believe we’ll really know anything for sure about this team until the SEC Championship game.
2010 BCS Champs
January 12th, 2012
3:04 pm
“AU will be better this year and will be ranked all year long”
Auburn just landed a big time LSU recruit this morning. Auburn will end up back in the top ten in recruiting once they land their new offensive coordinator.
2010 BCS Champs
January 12th, 2012
3:05 pm
“Auburn, who plays Clemson, UGA, Bama, Arkansas, and LSU is going to be ranked all season? ”
Don’t underestimate the Chiz. The Chiz will have AU back on top soon.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:06 pm
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
2:57 pm
Your last question doesnt deserve an answer bc its as dumb as you are.
So you think Auburn will win 2-3 of the games against LSU, Bama, UGA, Clemson, and Arkansas and win every other game they have?
Next year out of that group I see them losing to UGA of course and LSU. They can beat Ark is BVG gets their Def ready early, Clemson showed how awful their Def can be a week ago, and Bama bc they will lose to many juniors and I pedict them to battle AU for third in the west will it all coming down to the Iron bowl. So 2 losses there and I wouldnt put it past them to slip on one of the other in that group so max 3. dont know the other teams on their schedule but Im assuming cup cake OOC and a kentucky or vandy.
So yes I see them finishing with 2-3 losses and being ranked high teens low 20s at years end.
Hoopster
January 12th, 2012
3:07 pm
Georgia will be fat and happy off that cupcake schedule and roll into the Dome and get absolutely drilled by anyone from the West. OLine is soft, QB is up and down (see bowl game), running game has no big boy back to pound it between the tackles. Will stay true to form on the defensive side of the ball and be undisciplined. Status quo in Athens. Lots of talent, no coaching, no between the tackles, no discipline, presason National Champ, year end National Chump.
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:07 pm
True Dawg Idiot makes me wish for the days of RambleOn!!! and Yellow Fuzz.
Maybe his computer gets a virus soon.
UGA= 10 Win Season Losers
January 12th, 2012
3:07 pm
Can I donate to the True Dawg Fan Im a typical lackluster loving fan
UGA needs more fans like him
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:10 pm
Don’t underestimate the Chiz. The Chiz will have AU back on top soon.
I actually like Auburn but they play a brutal schedule, are replacing two coordinators, and lost their best player. If they are ranked all year long then I will certainly tip my cap to them.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:11 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
2:59 pm
Really you think????? Like I said go do your homework, just bc they were top classes doesnt mean that they were in the right spots. Who was the DC before Grnatham????? Had BVG stayed we would have won a title a lot earlier, but he left and we had to deal with Willie, who no matter how much talent he had couldnt do a dang thing with it bc he stunk. Now we have CTG, who IMO is better than BVG.
You do know the saying defense wins championships right??? Well now we have a great DC and the players to win the title.
Dawg Balzz
January 12th, 2012
3:11 pm
After leading at halftime of the SEC championship game and taking Michigan State to the wire in the Outback Bowl, it sounds like Georgia is pretty content and self-satisfied these days. Given all of their “achievements” in 2011, how on earth will the coaching staff keep this team motivated for 2012??
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:13 pm
True Dawg Fan, you really think Auburn is going to beat Alabama, Arkansas, and Clemson, all three of which beat them by double digits this year? You are really grasping for straws at this point.
The hits keep a comin'!
January 12th, 2012
3:13 pm
“Had BVG stayed we would have won a title a lot earlier”
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:15 pm
The poster @ 3:07 is number 7.
Keep it up, True Dawg Idiot. You’re on pace for a personal best.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:15 pm
sissy for not wanting to lie to recruits??? ahahhahaha good one little joe
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:16 pm
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:07 pm
why bc u could actually beat them in a battle of whits??? sorry im not that easy!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
3:17 pm
True Dawg Fan
Ive done my homework bud
Who was it that could see that Willie Martinez couldnt get it done
Who was it that wasnt going to fire Willie Martinez
Mark Richt
Hey still waiting to hear when Richt is demoting Bobo…. Mr. I do my homework
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:17 pm
UGA= 10 Win Season Losers
January 12th, 2012
3:07 pm
Yes we need more like me and less cry babies like Joey and Flat
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:19 pm
“Had BVG stayed we would have won a title a lot earlier”
*****************************************
Earlier than what?
Did I miss something?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
GTBob
If you look out your window you will see True Dawg Fan right now walking down North Ave with his brand new “UGA 2012 National Champions” T-shirt
2010 BCS Champs
January 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
“I actually like Auburn but they play a brutal schedule, are replacing two coordinators, and lost their best player. If they are ranked all year long then I will certainly tip my cap to them.”
Their schedule is easier than last years because they play most of their tough teams at home. I’m not worried about Clempson because of our new defensive coordinator. Auburn is landing some big time recruits and everyone will return from last year. We’ll have 2 good qbs battling it out and hopefully Chiz will land that offensive coord from Jacksonville.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:22 pm
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:13 pm
True Dawg Fan, you really think Auburn is going to beat Alabama, Arkansas, and Clemson, all three of which beat them by double digits this year? You are really grasping for straws at this point.
Bama will lose too much talent and AU should be able to beat them this year and regain the Iron Bowl trophy. If richardson goes bama is done for and will have to live on FGs to win against good teams.
Ark has no defense so I dont count anyone out against them, buyt I expect BVG to have the Def ready for this game.
Clemson just got blasted by a big east team badly. I would pick tech over clemson right now too!
Its just simple logic and making a guess as to the outcome.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:15 pm
The poster @ 3:07 is number 7.
Keep it up, True Dawg Idiot. You’re on pace for a personal best.
Considering thqats a made up handel by another poster. Cant believe you still fall for the troll tricks.