Why I believe UGA, Tech and the Falcons are bound for glory
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When next these two collide, both will be division champs. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
As best I recall, I’ve never picked Georgia, Georgia Tech and the Falcons to win their respective divisions in the same season. As some might have noted, I’ve done so this time. In the attempt to disprove the notion that I’ve gone completely (as opposed to partially) insane, I’d like to offer a few words in the defense of my mental health.
There was no grand design to my three-fer. I didn’t sit down and say, “Boy, wouldn’t it be neat to pick everybody to win something?” For the record, Georgia was the easiest choice and Tech the hardest. For the record, I would not have picked the Bulldogs to win the SEC West or Tech to take the ACC Atlantic, but at last check neither is switching divisions anytime soon.
Not to get all grandiose about it, but I’d like to think there’s a method to my madness. Why do I think these three locals — sorry, Georgia State, but I couldn’t stretch my bound-for-glory theme quite that far — will do what I foresee them doing? Here goes.
Good team + bunny schedule = SEC East title. If you’re looking for a team that has a real chance to do something, you start with one that has either a seasoned quarterback or a shutdown defense. Georgia has both. And it did win its division last season, and with an even easier schedule I see no reason why it can’t again.
The reach is in picking Georgia to win not just the East but the whole SEC. Memories of the Bulldogs’ 42-10 loss to LSU in the 2011 SEC title game are fresh and raw, but for 24 minutes the Tigers seemed the side more apt to be routed. Georgia held LSU to no first downs in the first half and should have led by 17 or even 21 points. There’s no reason a more experienced band of Bulldogs can’t upset LSU or Alabama this December, and is there any way a 12-1 SEC champ wouldn’t play for the BCS title? Confidence level: I’m comfortable with all aspects of this pick.
Big early game + big-game coach = ACC Coastal title. I’d be lying if I said I think Georgia Tech will be a great team. I see it going 9-3, which falls under the heading of “pretty good.” But it also has a kind conference schedule — it doesn’t play Florida State or North Carolina State — and its chance to win the division will hinge on what happens Labor Day night.
Beating Virginia Tech in Blacksburg isn’t easy, but the Yellow Jackets under Paul Johnson have come close twice. I see these Jackets as a team with a point to prove. Georgia Tech had a losing season in 2010 and lost five of their final seven games last season. Being so-so is not what Johnson has in mind, and he’s among the best tacticians extant. If Virginia Tech expects to win simply because it’s playing at home, it won’t win at all. Confidence level: This pick could look silly come 11 p.m. Monday, but I’ll take that risk.
In 2012, the Falcons will scramble ahead of their rival. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Rebooted team + retreating rival = NFC South title. I’d have liked the Falcons’ chances even if Sean Payton hadn’t been suspended for the season, but I can see no way in which the Saints will be nearly as good without one of the two men (Drew Brees being the other) who made them what they are, or at least were until Roger Goodell got hold of them. The Saints are so messed up they’ll need an interim coach for interim coach Joe Vitt, who’s suspended for four games himself.
Loading ...It isn’t quite now-or-never for Dimitroff/Smith/Ryan, but the Falcons will never have a better chance than this. Their schedule is tough but not oppressive. Their new offensive and defensive coordinators surely will be more adventurous. Like you, I wonder about the offensive and defensive lines, but I see few teams than can match the Falcons at the skill positions. I like them to go 12-4, win their division and then take the NFC title. Confidence level: Very high.
Oh, and before you say, “Way to go, Wrong-Way Bradley — dooming three teams in one fell swoop” … please note the following. When last I picked Georgia to win its division, it did. (Last year, it was.) When last I picked Tech to win its division, it did. (In 2009.) When last I picked the Falcons to win their division, they did. (In 2010.) Far from being a jinx, I consider the MB imprimatur a stairway to heaven.
By Mark Bradley
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260 comments Add your comment
I am reminded that Mark Richt in all 12 seasons here now day after tomorrow, has 3 wins in 16 games against teams who made the top 10. You know like you brag about him having made AP Poll Top 10 five times.
August 30th, 2012
12:05 am
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville, I don’t see where Dawg for Life said we’ll win the national championship on this blog; but, I do see where others have.
Your consistent point is spot-on with this football program of mine nowadays. I read a blog today which attempts to paint all the truths about this program at this time today, as history – like it is all behind us now.
Now, because he has clearly the easiest schedule in The SEC, he will have a great season 2012. Excuse me, until he beats a team who makes the top 10, he will remain 3 wins out of 16 games against the top teams.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 30th, 2012
12:25 am
Death, taxes, and the Bradley Curse.
The Falcons have a good chance of making the playoffs but Carolina is winning the NFC South this year.
FORMATION 4 SUCCESS
August 30th, 2012
12:34 am
8/29/2012 Success Tip 7: Remember the Basics Defense: 1. Get to the Ball and Tackle. Get to the ball and intercept it. Get to the ball and knock it down. Simply get to the ball. Relentless pursuit to the ball yields tremendous results in your favor. 2. Get your head in the game. A smart defensive players is the most aggressive and effective. You must understand your opponent better then they know themselves.Instincts are predicated on intelligence. 3. Understand your advantages. Defense has 13 players and Offense has 11. Did you know this? if not. you are not taking time to understand your advantages. The offense can only advance the ball in-bounds. Using the sidelines as your 12th and 13th man can be quite beneficial. 4. Your plan B should be better than your A plan. This has been labelled as Technique or the RB button in XBOX, or what makes you the difference maker. The chance to make a play only ends once the whistle blows. 5. When you have a chance to intercept the ball or recover a fumble. Do it. Drives end with turnovers. But, games have been won on second chances. Don’t give the offense a second chance to beat you. 6. Never underestimate your opponent. Play at the same level of intensity always. What difference does it make whether they are FCS or #1 in the country. Kick their butts. 7. Forgive but never forget. Forgive yourself for mistakes but never make the same mistake twice. 8. Work on your weaknesses as much as your strengths, balance is key. Can’t be balances with the same number of weaknesses as strengths. Weaknesses don’t counter your strengths they make your strengths weaker. ie. A QB that never looks off the receiver becomes a great armed QB with a ton of interceptions. What good is that?
9. Stay emotional stable. Proving your right may be wrong for the team and your championship aspirations. 10. Most Important!!! Play every down like its your last. It just may be.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 30th, 2012
12:59 am
The Davis era has begun
GT Dan
August 30th, 2012
1:06 am
UGA fans ! Don’t worry about the SEC champ game or national title game . You will be back in the Outhouse bowl or the Capital one !
Yes , THE TIGERS WILL TAKE YOU DOWN IN cOLUMBIA IN WEEK 2 !
Book it !
I Believe : The Latest Fuzz
August 30th, 2012
2:19 am
[...] Why I believe UGA, Tech and the Falcons are bound for glory – Atlanta Journal Constitution (bl… [...]
Buzz2011
August 30th, 2012
4:26 am
Dawgs play no real SEC power teams, again…..They still have a big season and go 6 and 6 easy.. Go Dawgs…
7576DAWG
August 30th, 2012
4:47 am
McGarity’s just had his second years anniversary. The first year he didn’t do much because he wanted to observe. He made a lot of changes in his second year and if that doesn’t help Georgia improve then he will change a lot more. I think the past is the past because you didn’t have McGarity watching everything. I think you will see a huge difference in Georgia’s play this year because of the emphasis on Strength and Conditioning and nutrition that McGarity brought in. I just have to believe that McGarity wants championships and will stay on Right until we get them. I feel things are changing in Athens for the better and we will see that this year.
I am reminded that Mark Richt in all 12 seasons here now day after tomorrow, has 3 wins in 16 games against teams who made the top 10. You know like you brag about him having made AP Poll Top 10 five times.
August 30th, 2012
6:29 am
7576DAWG,
So, what team who makes the Top 10 do we beat 2012, then ?
With the entire defense gone after this season, and facing Alabama 2013.
kingdaddy
August 30th, 2012
6:40 am
UGA can’t be Missouri’s first SEC win. UGA can’t allow lil stevie a third win in a row. Whatever it takes, Richt must get that monkey off his back to be a legitimate SECe Champion. UGA must win the games they are susposed to win and a couple that they aren’t suspose to win. If they can win at S.C., & the SEC Championship game, there’s no reason to doubt that they can go to and win another N.C.
Falcons need a better LT, but can be very good this year…
The state of Georgia will be pulling for Tech Labor Day Night. Go Jackets…
Bradley isn’t insane, they had him tested, lol…
Good Call M.B…
kingdaddy
August 30th, 2012
6:44 am
MB
No reason to filter my last post, none at all…
kingdaddy
August 30th, 2012
6:47 am
Reminded
put a binky in it…
ForReal
August 30th, 2012
7:18 am
GT leaves Blacksburg with their tail between their legs. Tech’s defense is pitiful and will prove it time and time again. Blame Pau Johnson’s ego. It’s all about him and his offense. And his offense will get stoned several times this year. Whether one wants to admit it or not the talent on this Tech team to include the offense is not capable of running with the big dogs.
I am reminded that Mark Richt in all 12 seasons here now day after tomorrow, has 3 wins in 16 games against teams who made the top 10. You know like you brag about him having made AP Poll Top 10 five times.
August 30th, 2012
7:34 am
13-1 is what we better do, and even then that means beating zero teams who make AP Poll Top 10, since the only 1 we will play will be SEC West in SEC Championship Game, having our hats handed to us with our lousy offense, no special teams, no strength and conditioning, and 67 scholarship recruits plus a transfer-in while they suit up 85 scholarship recruits, a self-imposed NCAA Probation of 17 Lost Scholarship Recruits signed for 2012. I could care less about 2013 without entire defense and facing Alabama. My interest is this 1-year window of us facing only South Carolina while South Carolina faces LSU, Arkansas, Clemson and Georgia.
Not Disappointed!
August 30th, 2012
7:34 am
I like it! I believe it’s going to be a great year for the Home Team!
Ramblin Wreck yall!
The Truth
August 30th, 2012
7:43 am
Mark – what about Georgia Southern? I think this could be the year that we see 2 national champions from the state of Georgia!
Piney Woods Pete
August 30th, 2012
8:04 am
As with every year, the dawgs are all pumped up for another run at the SEC and a national championship. The Kool-Aid is flowing in copious amounts as they make ready to mow down their cupcake opposition.
.
.
.
Wait, haven’t we heard this before… as in every year?
.
.
.
And before long the dreams will be just shattered illusions, victim to 3rd rate coaching, failed drug tests, DUIs, girlfriends beaten up, academic failures, and a half-dozen other reasons.
.
.
.
So let me be the first to say so long, farewell, ciao, adios, sayonara, and adieu to the whimpering puppies, whose only hope is… are you ready for this…
.
.
WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!
I am reminded that Mark Richt in all 12 seasons here now day after tomorrow, has 3 wins in 16 games against teams who made the top 10. You know like you brag about him having made AP Poll Top 10 five times.
August 30th, 2012
8:09 am
The Truth August 30th, 2012 7:43 am
“Mark – what about Georgia Southern? I think this could be the year that we see 2 national champions from the state of Georgia!”
__________________________________________________
Who in the blazes is the other 1 ?
I am reminded that Mark Richt in all 12 seasons here now day after tomorrow, has 3 wins in 16 games against teams who made the top 10. You know like you brag about him having made AP Poll Top 10 five times.
August 30th, 2012
8:10 am
NEXT YEAR is a huge – 0 – with Alabama on the schedule and us losing our entire defense.
I am reminded that Mark Richt in all 12 seasons here now day after tomorrow, has 3 wins in 16 games against teams who made the top 10. You know like you brag about him having made AP Poll Top 10 five times.
August 30th, 2012
8:14 am
Of the 5 times Mark Richt made the AP Poll Top 10, only once did he beat a team making the Top 10, and that was in 2005, eight seasons ago when we ended up the # 3 team in The SEC in every poll.
yearofthedawg
August 30th, 2012
8:14 am
I hope Tech makes a good showing Monday. I think it will either be a close GT win or a VT rout, and hoping for the former. I do think Johnson has to be able to recruit more top caliber athletes to make it work long term. Not an accident his best success was with Chan’s players.
The NFL is so quarterback dependent that one injury can change a whole season, but every team has to deal with that. I think were a long way from now or never status with the current brass, since we gave the first regime over 30 years to make it work and this crew has already done more than they did.
I think going to Mizzou with half the defense on probation is a loss for the Dawgs. That makes the rest of the SEC slate must-win… we’ll see.
14 Titles
August 30th, 2012
8:29 am
Alabama’s winning the SEC again—mark it down. This Bama team may be better than last year! Ga or south carolina should win the east, but will get a beatdown by the Tide in the sec title game. Bama plays southern cal for the title—Bama by 7–title #15!!! RTR!!!
Jake
August 30th, 2012
9:10 am
GA. has a high school schedule, they should win many games.
7576DAWG
August 30th, 2012
9:12 am
I am reminded .+++++etc.
One of the main goals of Grantham has been to establish a two deep defense with the third team not far behind. That is why LSU beat us like a rented mule last year in the second half. When the entire defense decided to stay an extra year instead of going pro , that gave Grantham the two deep he needs to compete with the Alabama’s and LSU power houses. The suspensions will hurt Georgia in the Missouri game but there is an lot of talent with the second team who’s main goal will be to just get the job done. We are losing only 4 players at most for that game. Our entire offense will be there. They averaged 400 yard last year. So we win 37 to 17 instead of 37 to 7.
The big difference that we have this year is a great running game. That will eat up the clock and will negate Missouri’s Big-12 offense.
The Illuminati
August 30th, 2012
9:14 am
I used to like UGA, but the UGA fan base has caused to me to hate UGA. Worst fan base ever.
BTW: A. Murray is a punk.
ARdawg
August 30th, 2012
9:25 am
Bama will beat eating @zz this year. Mark it Down
Flo- Ri- Duh
August 30th, 2012
9:36 am
Georgia takes the SEC title beating LSU and plays for the BCS championship against Lame Kitten. Tech loses to Va Tech and 3 others. Falcons have no pass rush and a weak OL along with average RB’s at best. I s the Birds losing 6 games.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 30th, 2012
9:40 am
7576DAWG,
I agree with you about the running backs 2012; I guess the question is in this pass-happy offense, will there be any dedication to the running game, or only on 3rd and 10 with Sprint Draws, again ?
As for the offense, I firmly believe that we do not have the best players starting AT ALL.
ARdawg
August 30th, 2012
9:40 am
The larger question this year is “Will GT win 6 games?”
The Illuminati
August 30th, 2012
9:42 am
Georgia Bulldogs are so AWESOME!! In all of their AWESOMENESS!!!! Wow…..GEORGIA IS SOOOOOOOO AWESOME!
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 30th, 2012
9:48 am
I don’t know about that, but there certainly are no losses on the seasons’ schedule with the only game there South Carolina who will NEVER make it past Georgia, Clemson, Arkansas and LSU, while we play only them.
Dirty Half Dozen
August 30th, 2012
10:03 am
You win football games on the line of scrimmage. Dumbitroff hasn’t figured that one out yet. Falcons will have a losing season.
Top Recruit
August 30th, 2012
10:07 am
As a UGA alum, I like this kind of article. About time the AJC started being “homers”. I like all three teams to do very well. The state of Georgia deserves that. Good luck and fun times for all three teams. Time the press in this state pulls in all phases for these three teams. If I’m a writer I’d want to cover and write about championship teams and games.
Ghost
August 30th, 2012
10:11 am
Paul Johnson , “Big game Coach” LOL 1-3 vs, Georgia, 1-3 vs VT, 1-3 vs Miami 0-4 in bowls , since when does coming close (moral victories )elevate someone into being a big game coach?
Champ Dawg
August 30th, 2012
10:14 am
We will have a great team if we can keep the players out of jail and suspenions. I just wish the players had better respect for the state of Georgia and the school. It is really getting old see the players becoming thugs and inmates. UGA really makes the state look bad a loot of the time. Dawgs need to get their heads out of their butts and take responsibility for their actions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
harold
August 30th, 2012
10:20 am
UGA GOES UNDEFEATED—-13-0 AND WILL PLAY USC FOR THE BCS TITLE!
RICHT HAS TONS OF TALENT. GREAT D AND AARON MURRAY!
kimmer
August 30th, 2012
10:46 am
Bound for glory? Does that mean they’re going to get killed?
UGA win the SEC???
August 30th, 2012
10:51 am
UGA will not win the SEC…in fact, they won’t win the East. Heisman Hype aside, Aaron Murray is 2-7 vs ranked teams.
UGA will lose on the road to Spurrier & the Gamecocks, perhaps on the road to Mizzou (remember Colorado) and if UF is half-decent, they will continue their ownership of the Dawgs (UGA has only won 4 of the last 22).
10-2 is reasonable & realistic given their cupcake schedule but 9-3 is also a possibility, as well.
Heisman
zbulldawg
August 30th, 2012
10:53 am
Way to go Mark ! Not fan nor foe Just stating the Facts !! Last I heard that’s what reporters do ! NOW Mark Bradley help me us DAWG fans who want to keep Russ as the mascot for the whole year. Let’s have a vote for this poor pup who can’t help it cuz he has a little brown on him ! Besides we claim the Junkyard DAWGS are back, Well Russ looks like a BIG MEAN JUNKYARD DAWG to ME ! Let’s vote. LET THE BIG DAWG EAT
zeke
August 30th, 2012
10:54 am
UGA may do fine, but, Missouri will not by a lock, and, even after they get back all those on suspension, when they visit “THE BRICE” in Columbia, they will return to Athens with their bob tails between their leg!!! USC, South Carolina WILL kick their butts back to reality!!
Dog2012
August 30th, 2012
10:58 am
Dogs win 10 or 11, win the east but lose to lsu in the title game. Tech–wins 7 or 8. Falcons, win 10-11, get a wildcard slot and go out in round 1 again.
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
August 30th, 2012
11:09 am
Any more dawgs arrested today?
GATiger
August 30th, 2012
11:10 am
7576Dawg, are you basing your expectations for UGA’s running game on facts or hope? What has happened in Athens that would lead you to believe they’ll run the ball effectively? I know they have a couple of hot-shot freshmen, but I see nothing in the OL or Richt’s past that would suggest an emphasis on running.
officer doofy
August 30th, 2012
11:18 am
National Championship game: S. CAL 3 UGA 47. Bourbon street goes crazy.
Huh?
August 30th, 2012
11:42 am
It’s so funny to hear UGA fans yet AGAIN thinking they are going to win the NC THIS YEAR…I’m hearing about the strenght and conditioning program…team chemistry…how McGarity is now in his second year and has his thumb on the pulse of the football team…nutrition (really?)…and how UGA fans just KNOW that this is the year…
UGA fans…I love your optimism…but there is a difference between being excited about the start of college football and loft expectations for your team….hope does not equal success.
Football games are won by having a solid line of scrimmage…by being able to run the ball when you want or need…defense…and in the kicking game. Now, UGA certainly appears to have a good defense, but the other 3 are big question marks. So…be a bit more realistic UGA fans…that way, you won’t be so disappointed when the games are actually played.
dan
August 30th, 2012
11:59 am
Smoking that pipe again!
dan
August 30th, 2012
12:00 pm
Officer Doofy is doofy.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 30th, 2012
12:04 pm
harold,
harold, you did fine until you got down to Aaron Murray 0-9 vs teams made any top 25
At best, he has 1 legitimate opponent all season, and while they play Georgia, Arkansas, LSU and Clemson, we play only them – South Carolina.
South Carolina fans who hope for a great season, are wasting their time with that schedule.
South Carolina cannot possibly end up in the Top 10 for 2012. No way. That’s even if you do beat us. You see ? We don’t even attempt around here any longer to even try to beat the top teams. We are more than satisfied beating the cupcakes.
kingdaddy
August 30th, 2012
12:20 pm
The passing game UGA will unleash, will assure the field is spread enabling even a mediocre running game to gash-it for big chunks. UGAs running game is much better than mediocre as you will see Sat. Our offense will be one of the countrys best and so will the defense. All you trolls worrying about UGA, need to worry about your own teams. Your whineing and crying on this blog reminds me of picking my kids up at the day-care, lol…
GT Rich
August 30th, 2012
12:24 pm
No way USC makes the BCS title game. Their 1st sting is great but they have no depth due to the NCAA schollie limit. So. Cal loses 2 this year because of depth. UGA has a chance and if they do, they’ll play a 1-loss team from one of the big conferences.