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
UGA= 10 Win Season Losers
January 12th, 2012
3:25 pm
True Dawg Fan
If UGA had more fans like “Joey” Bag of Donuts and “Flat” foot tire boy. UGA would have 3 National titles in the past 20 years
But its fans like you who have UGA stuck in the mud of mediocrity.
So enjoy you’re 10 win seasons and my coach has won 100 games garbage.
Because no one cares.
People talk about championship schools not 10 win season losers
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:26 pm
I can’t leave my screen. True Dawg Idiot is on a roll . . .
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:26 pm
The hits keep a comin’!
January 12th, 2012
3:13 pm
“Had BVG stayed we would have won a title a lot earlier”
Think through it DA. When he left we were at the top and then we got stuck with the worst DC in UGA history and we fell apart. Had he stayed there is no doubt we would have a NC in that case. But we cant do anything about it. We got CTG now and I think he is even better.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:29 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
3:17 pm
Would you want to fire one of your close buddies if you were him??? First time he had ever fired anyone cut the guy some slack. He realized it needed to be done and did so.
Well learn to read bc I said that would be the only thing that would happen to Bobo if anything.
gdawginkalamazoo
January 12th, 2012
3:30 pm
IF we sit on our arses the entire second half of games like we did this year we won’t win a damn thing. I swear our offense played half a game the entire season. In turn that hurts the defense by not giving them the rest they need.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:31 pm
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:19 pm
How do you not understand???? had BVG stayed we would have a crystal ball in our trophy already
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:32 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
hahahahahaha if any teckie were to see me near GT all they would see is my middle finger while I drive by.
Didnt predict a NC either actually, but good try. all I have said is that we will be a force.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:35 pm
UGA= 10 Win Season Losers
January 12th, 2012
3:25 pm
hahahahaha if we had more fans like them then we wouldnt have anything, ) titles bc they would have ran every coach off before he had a chance to do anything. Richt got screwed with losing BVG right as we were becoming a power house again and crippled our defense. WO def you dont win anything hence why we didnt win anything when Willie was DC.
But keep crying about it bc that will always make eveerything all better!!
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:36 pm
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:26 pm
I can’t leave my screen. True Dawg Idiot is on a roll . . .
Well its easy to own you clowns when you dont know anything about football. Keep crying thats the best way to get results!!
BG
January 12th, 2012
3:36 pm
GO DAWGS!!!!!
Swamp Thing
January 12th, 2012
3:37 pm
It’s the schedule, Stupid..If you have the cojones, please explain how BAMA was dropped instead of OLE MISS in favor or Missouri – and then explain how they haven’t played BAMA or LSU for 3 years, and ARKANSAS for 2. Also, post the W-L records of the SEC teams (in the SEC) when they played them last year.Another thing for you to contemplate is, how many “ranked” teams did UGA beat last year? Win the SEC East this year? Grantham will make the “choke” sign again, and will lose when his own defense does that – just as they did in the Outback Bowl. And the Gators return to their old form and beat the Dogs in Jax..
no dog
January 12th, 2012
3:38 pm
If LSU now had Mett as QB, bama would be the one crying.
That was the most ugly option pitches ever played.
Mett next year will not need that non option.
gdawginkalamazoo
January 12th, 2012
3:40 pm
While I am very optimistic about next year due to the schedule I still see the same old lame playcalling that held us back most of the year. I still recall how dynamic and powerful Richt’s offenses were at FSU in the 90’s when he was one of the best OC’s in the country. I wish he would
focus a little more on the offense and mix things up a bit. The five plays we have going now have been exposed.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
3:41 pm
True Dawg Fan
I can read; this is what you said
“The real fans know that McGarity has it under control and that he a plan to fix the OC crap and special teams. I have a very hard time believeing that the extension doesnt come with clauses for those two areas and then clauses to fire Bmac and demote Bobo”
Again
Im waiting to hear the announcement of the demotion of Bobo
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:41 pm
Clemson just got blasted by a big east team badly.
They did, and they also beat Auburn earlier in the season without much of a problem. It should also be noted that Clemson has reportedly fired their DC. They will be a pretty good team next year, especially with Ellington back. They are too talented not to be.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:45 pm
Swamp Thing
January 12th, 2012
3:37 pm
Wow you need a lot of help dont you???? the SEC makes the schedule. Ole miss was kept bc the owe us a home game. Mizzou was added bc they are in the east. We dont play 9 sec games so Bama has to wait to come on the schedule till 2013. Then LSU or Ark will follow them. AU is our Automatic West opponent bc of the history. every team got to keep their traditional east/west rival from the other division.
Anything else to clear up fpr you little guy???
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:47 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 12th, 2012
3:41 pm
Clearly says “Have a hard time believeing” doesn mean its set in stone. Many ppl thought it would until McGarity came out and said he wouldnt do that. And if you scroll a page over from where you found this you will see where I say that McGarity said that and say hopefully he will at least get them to open up the playbook and get more aggressive.
So im still waiting to you to learn to read.
robodawg
January 12th, 2012
3:48 pm
Definitely optimistic. The LSU game showed me we’re not far off. Drill ball security into Murray, build depth this offseason, and prioritize special teams, and we’re legit contenders. Our defense will keep us in games.
My biggest concern is whether the offensive line will get any better. I’d love to be able to rotate tailbacks and plow over people. Too much we were having to throw just to open up some space for the running game.
WDE
January 12th, 2012
3:49 pm
@Swamp Thing …really what makes you think UGA dropped UGA? Since CMR has a winning record vs Bama that would make zero sense..the SEC made the schedule but thanks for playing.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:51 pm
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:41 pm
Like yo usaid just fired their DC. What happens if they get a new DC that runs a diff system like CTG did with the 3-4 compared to years past we ran a 4-3. What if clemson doesnt get a top DC like AU did with BVG???
Clemson is always a tough team to read bc they play in the ACC. (clemson also might be soon under NCAA investigation for the new Car one of thier signed recruits was seen driving, also widely known they buy out stores of visa gift cards and hand them out to players and recruits) So clemson could be in a huge mess before next year ends.
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:52 pm
“They are too talented not to be.”
*********************************
Right, GTBob, but that doesn’t make success at Clemson a given. We Dawg fans are well acquainted with that theory . . .
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:53 pm
robodawg
January 12th, 2012
3:48 pm
I think we will see lots of improvement there this year. We will have a TE in that can actually block on run plays. also some of the guys we are signing this year like Beard and Theus could come in immediately and compete for a starting job. Also if we land a DT then Atkins will move to OL (Supposed to be a beast on the O line) which will give us some more depth, and I fully expect us to land Avery Young who can also compete for early playing time.
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:53 pm
The LSU game showed me we’re not far off.
Wha? You lost by 32 points. For reference, Western Kentucky lost to them by 33.
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:54 pm
robodawg, regarding the running game, did we ever hand any fullback the ball – all season? We used to run at least a half-dozen fullback dives a game.
DP
January 12th, 2012
3:55 pm
This True Dawg Fan is the poster child for Delusional Dawgs. Nick Saban doesn’t need to study Mark Richt to figure out how to prepare a game plan. He’s won 3 national titles in the last 9 years even though he spent 2 of those years in the NFL. Alabama held LSU to 2 field goals in regulation the first time they played, Richt and Grantham held them to 42 points.
Saban and McElwain realized they had to throw on first down more because LSU was putting 8 and 9 in the box against them the first time. How LSU defended Georgia is irrelevant because Georgia’s #1 running back was 165 pounds and the #2 running back took himself out of the game after every hit he took so LSU didn’t need to respect the running game. Also, Les Miles had to plan differently knowing that Alabama wouldn’t lay down and quit in the second half like Georgia did.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
3:55 pm
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:53 pm
Once again you still dont get it. Regardless of how bad we got beat, we stomped them in the first half which is what led to Miles sayiing we arent far off just need to add depth to keep fresh guys out there.
And no for the 100th time this is no moral victory, its taken only asa sign that we arent far off.
2010 BCS Champs
January 12th, 2012
3:57 pm
Anyone else see where an ex-Ohio State coach went off on the SEC calling us a bunch of cheaters etc?
Called the ENTIRE SEC a bunch of cheaters.
2010 BCS Champs
January 12th, 2012
3:57 pm
“They did, and they also beat Auburn earlier in the season without much of a problem.”
Yeah, they beat a bunch of freshmen. Congrats to them.
Joey
January 12th, 2012
3:58 pm
Tressell? What a lying dirt bag.
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:59 pm
And no for the 100th time this is no moral victory, its taken only asa sign that we arent far off.
Sorry, but claiming greatness because you played one good half of football is absurd. The same team I referenced above (Western Kentucky) was only down by 7 at half time to LSU. Maybe they should be in the top 10 to start next season.
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
4:00 pm
True,
after battling so many enemy head-on for the whole day, you must be tired and thirsty, why cannot you go take a break and drink some cool-aid?
Joey
January 12th, 2012
4:03 pm
DP makes it 8, True Dawg Idiot. 8 unsolicited posters who think you are a half-wit.
4 more to tie your personal best. Keep the insanity coming!
Congrats in advance.
Joey
January 12th, 2012
4:03 pm
Alphare makes 9!
MJ6
January 12th, 2012
4:04 pm
GTBob
Georgia Tech LOST to Virginia Tech who LOST to Clemson who LOST to WVU 70-33. Maybe GT should show up in the bottom 10 to start next season.
Dawg Balzz
January 12th, 2012
4:04 pm
Les Miles felt badly after blowing Georgia out of the Dome, so he patted ya’ll on the head and effectively said, “Nice first half.” He was just being polite. It was “coachspeak.” Inside he was laughing at the massive gap between the SEC East and West.
DP
January 12th, 2012
4:08 pm
From “college football fan”, another Delusional Dawg who creates his own reality:
“Since Richt has been at Georgia 7 SEC teams have won national titles. And Georgia has out recruited every one of the National Champions.”
ESPN has ranked Alabama’s recruiting classes ahead of Georgia’s every year from 2008 up to the 2012 class that will be signed next month. And that would include Alabama’s class from 2011 being rated higher than the fabled “Dream Team” even though Alabama didn’t give its class a nickname.
RedandBlackDAWG
January 12th, 2012
4:08 pm
GTBob,
At least we played one good half of a game against a quality team. Against us, your team as usual didn’t even show up for the game. I have a feeling you aren’t even a tech. fan. Go home to mommy and she will give you some cookies and milk. This is a big peoples blog, not really suitable for nerds like yourself.
It must be hell to know your team will still be poor this year and UGA will stomp you once again after thanksgiving.
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
4:10 pm
It must be hell to know your team will still be poor this year and UGA will stomp you once again after thanksgiving.
Nah, after a few years you get used to it and laugh about it.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
4:11 pm
DP
January 12th, 2012
3:55 pm
Wow you are wrong here in so many ways its not even funny.
First off what i have explained 5 times now (and will again since you cant read) is that every coach watches game film of games past, and he most certainly watched our game. Any coach out there would tell you that he most def did, it would have been irresponsible not to. Did I say the copied the exact style we used??? Nope, prob gave ol Satan some ideas though.
CTG gave up 42??? better check that again, pick 6, fumble in our own redzone, punt return TD and a garbage time TD. Loss is a loss but it wasnt as bad as the score indicated.
G-Dawg
January 12th, 2012
4:12 pm
Until we can prove to finish games, and be consistent on both sides of the ball…all outlooks should be tempered.
This year our strengths were our weakness…and vice versa.
Have come to accept whats looks good on paper, never pans out for that season!!
Regardless GATA!!!
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
4:12 pm
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
3:59 pm
Never claimed greatness either. So youre saying that you are right and that Les Miles is wrong???? hahahahahahahahaha
G-Dawg
January 12th, 2012
4:13 pm
“Nah, after a few years you get used to it and laugh about it.”
The sound of a true Dawg fan!! haha
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
4:13 pm
Alphare
January 12th, 2012
4:00 pm
Typical lame joke. Yawn let me know when you have something good.
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
4:14 pm
Joey
January 12th, 2012
4:03 pm
hahahahaha I love how you include retards like yourself hahahahahahahaha. Hmmmmm…… wonder if I care what a bunch of retards on a blog think of me????
True Dawg Fan
January 12th, 2012
4:15 pm
Dawg Balzz
January 12th, 2012
4:04 pm
hahahahahahahahaha nice wild @$$ assumption. But not even close. Credit was given bc it was earned sorry try again later
GTBob
January 12th, 2012
4:15 pm
So youre saying that you are right and that Les Miles is wrong?
Yes I am. What did you expect Les Miles to say? That UGA was pathetic and will never win another SEC title as long as Richt is there? That wouldn’t be nice. Coaches have to praise the teams they beat. It’s part of the job.
Hay No!
January 12th, 2012
4:16 pm
The Bulldogs will make Hay cause the only way they can move up and down the field is with a tractor!
Hey Boy
January 12th, 2012
4:18 pm
Have Gun(Murray) Will Travel to another SEC Championship!
DP
January 12th, 2012
4:19 pm
From Georgia gave Saban “the blueprint” to probably gave him some ideas. Now we’re backpedaling. Of course Saban and his staff watched the tape of LSU-Georgia, but they clearly didn’t put too much stock in it or having witnessed that second half massacre they would have declared LSU unbeatable and forfeited the game.
Dawg Balzz
January 12th, 2012
4:19 pm
True Dawg Fan understands Les Miles’ words the same way he understands what a girl says when she lets him down easy.
She says: “Look, you’re a nice enough guy, but you honestly are very creepy, and if you ever call me again, I’m getting a restraining order.”
All he hears is the part about being a nice enough guy.