Why I believe UGA, Tech and the Falcons are bound for glory
`
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
Newspaperman
August 29th, 2012
12:46 pm
Furst?
HUH?????
August 29th, 2012
12:49 pm
Mark, I’m not sure if you’re brain is fried or perhaps you have an early case of alzheimer’s but every year you go and make predictions that never come true. Last year you made a statement that the Braves would make the playoffs. You made the statement that the Falcons would beat the Giants. You made the statement that the Bulldogs would win their bowl game.
In 2010 you made the statement that Auburn would lost to SC and Oregon.
See where I’m going here, Bradley?
Robert Pants
August 29th, 2012
12:51 pm
Division Championships •and• Led Zeppelin references.
At the very least, reading this column made me feel good.
Can’t wait til toe meets leather!
kerryb
August 29th, 2012
12:51 pm
Who is going to unseat a one loss SEC team from a BCS birth? A one loss ACC team? Get real. Besides that I don’t think at the end of the season UGA will have a loss.
FalconUGAFan
August 29th, 2012
12:52 pm
I like all 3 picks…Well to be honest, I don’t care about Tech.
K Conway
August 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
Georgia is the best shot. The other two have too many “if’s.”
Big Mone
August 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
I like the picks. I agree that Tech is toughest of the 3, but a win in Blacksburg should pave the way for the ACC Costal title. As a Falcons fan I hope you are correct about a trip to the big game. That would be great to see. And I don’t see the Dogs winning the SEC title. Give them the east, but not the title. If they do find a way to win the title, then you should pencil them in for the BCS Championship as well.
Paul in NH
August 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
Is the famous Bradley curse just reserved for the Braves or does it apply to all of the local teams?
WDE
August 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
Mark it could happen.I think the Tech pick is going to be he hardest given I see no way they beat VT at home Monday night, but I hope I’m wrong.
Columbus Dawg
August 29th, 2012
12:57 pm
If Tech wins, I will be the first to congrat. I hope you are right, Mark. I have always been a big pre season optimist as far as the Dawgs go, Falcons not so much. Georgia realistically has a chance to do something it has not done in decades, and I hope to goodness that the player’s talk meets their actions this time around. Murray’s interviews sounded as if he was playing off his turnovers at times, but as long as he corrects the problem I will give him some slack. For the record I ain’t skeered of Mizzou!
Goldenrod
August 29th, 2012
12:57 pm
Smart man, MB – Georgia Tech gonna win it all this season, kick the puppies rumps in November and head into Miami to shock Herbstreit and the world!
We WILL Run This State!
Steve
August 29th, 2012
12:59 pm
Goldenrod, you are kidding right???
Bobo is Not the Problem
August 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
Are you crazy? I see 8-4, 7-5, and 7-9 respectively. The Falcons have done zero to upgrade, other than Samuel, and have lost some players and stayed stagnant at key positions.
WDE
August 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
//
EDSBS
August 29th, 2012
1:04 pm
Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech: Fans are evacuated when an errant pass pierces Paul Johnson’s exoskeleton, releasing the flying ants which fill his body. Your bites will swell with Paul’s apathy, fools!!
@ Huh
August 29th, 2012
1:09 pm
It’s your brain is fried not you’re brain is fried…….That’s like saying you are brain is fried……Guess that makes you the one with the fried brain.
Golden Rod on Crack
August 29th, 2012
1:09 pm
Yes this is tech’s favorite time of year…undefeated for a few more days…..
robodawg
August 29th, 2012
1:13 pm
The division title picks look pretty good. Each race should come down to one key game. But my Dawgs 12-1 and headed for the BCS championship looks like a tall order to me. 11-2 but squeaking in to the SEC game is more likely, and then we’d need a huge upset to win.
One small point of clarification: our “bunny schedule” is relative. It’s an easy schedule for the SEC, but not a cupcake schedule compared to the wider world of college football.
TybeeDawg
August 29th, 2012
1:14 pm
Not sure which of the above post is more hysterical – Goldenrod’s or EDSBS’s! Either way tech is a loser!!!
Mark Bradley
August 29th, 2012
1:17 pm
Kudos, Newspaperman.
glacialspeed
August 29th, 2012
1:19 pm
Mark, come on, you do this every year for the local teams. I suppose no sportswriter ever went broke hyping the local side, but it’s like parents building up Santa Claus in December. Every. Year.
Mark Bradley
August 29th, 2012
1:20 pm
For the record, I never picked Oregon over Auburn. Never. If you’re going to list my bad picks, there are enough real ones. You don’t need to invent any.
Oh, and I compile a record of misses (and hits) at the end of every year. It’s called the Accountability Scoreboard.
Hillbilly D
August 29th, 2012
1:20 pm
One of these teams bound for glory? Maybe. All these teams bound for glory? Ain’t no way.
Greg
August 29th, 2012
1:22 pm
Mark’s good fan. Which means he has a blind spot about the Falcons. I’m a fan, too, but I’ve got my prescription glasses on today. Here’s my take: no dominant player on the O-line; no dominant player on the D-line; no dominant LB; no dominant RB. No arguments there, right? Might get some arguments here: no dominant player at any position except WR, where Julio is clearly going to be the next Megatron. So I don’t see us as a play-off team, without some real help from the teams in our division. I couldn’t disagree more about New Orleans…they have something to prove and they will bring it, just like they always do. And they have us beat both on talent and scheming (although the jury is out on our new coordinators). And given what I just saw in the Panthers a few days ago, they aren’t so far away from being really competitive. They are MUCH improved. Can we really say that about our Falcons? I don’t think so.
Paul
August 29th, 2012
1:22 pm
“Mark, I’m not sure if you’re brain is fried or perhaps you have an early case of alzheimer’s but every year you go and make predictions that never come true. Last year you made a statement that the Braves would make the playoffs. You made the statement that the Falcons would beat the Giants. You made the statement that the Bulldogs would win their bowl game.
In 2010 you made the statement that Auburn would lost to SC and Oregon.
See where I’m going here, Bradley?”
Sure, kick a man BEFORE he’s down.
john
August 29th, 2012
1:23 pm
whoa whoa whoa, Falcans have done plenty to upgrade, and are far from stagnant at any position. I think this will be the best falcons team to ever take the field come september. Falcons win it all, uga makes it to the sec champ game and gt wins the acc
dawgfan
August 29th, 2012
1:25 pm
9-3 season = “bound for glory”
I’m sorry. I’m just always amazed at what unbelievably low standards Georgia Tech is held to. I don’t necessarily disagree with the prediction (I’ve got them going 8-4 so obviously 9-3 is plausible), but there is absolutely nothing glorious about going 9-3 in the Mickey Mouse ACC. That’s just all there is to it.
Thanks.
Stinger 2
August 29th, 2012
1:29 pm
Mark: Agree wholeheartly about UGA. Should be no problem with their schedule. Falcons not so sure.
GT: Since I have been a fan since 1952, nothing much could be better
than to see them win the Costal. The big if is the VT game as everyone knows. I just hope they can play their best and we will see what happens.
ViningsDawg
August 29th, 2012
1:35 pm
Thoughts on the Alabama – Meeeeeeeechigan game? Will Big Al crush the little quarterback who thought he could worse than the whupping up of UGA on Blackout night?
Stinger 2
August 29th, 2012
1:39 pm
Mark: UGA: Yes without a doubt. Falcons: Maybe GT: I hold much hope.
Have to wait until Monday to agree or disagree.
TybeeDawg: Have a nice day.
JB
August 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
Lining up on Saturday’s against Mizzou, A Tenn. Team with 18 starters back and a real good QB, SC, and a top 10 team, Fla, a team loaded with 5 star players, AU, a roster full of pretty good SEC talent, and Finally Tech, who dreams of beating us and we have to have a perfect game to beat them……………………All that said, lot’s of toe’s that could be stumped. No that cupcake.
norman
August 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
Your “predictions” columns are always my favorite reads.
Bradley you bum...
August 29th, 2012
1:44 pm
Quick questions…
Didn’t the Colts make the Superbowl with 1 lame duck coach Jim Caldwell after Tony Dungy left? Didn’t the Cowboys win a 3rd Superbowl with another lame duck coach (Barry Switzer)? Is anyone going to really say George Seifert was the mastermind behind the 49ers last 2 Superbowls, oh that’s right it was that other guy Bill Walsh who built that team.
Now the circumstances behind the above reference coaches and Sean Payton leaving are completely different, but the point is still the same. A talented team can get by a season or 2 before cracks start to show from a turnover in the coaching. They didn’t win 37 regular season games and a Superbowl the past 3 seasons because Sean Payton was coaching up 5th graders. The Saints still have plenty of talent.
I am not saying the Saints will win the Superbowl, but they are a team that has lost very little to FA and they are going into this season with the same offensive coaching staff they have had the last 4 yrs. If you think the Saints are going to fall off a cliff, you are going to be sorely mistaken.
harold
August 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
UGA GOES 13-0 AND WINS THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR.
A CAKEWALK SCHEDULE.
Losersville
August 29th, 2012
1:46 pm
With those predictions looks like someone has been in the Kool-Aid again
GTBob
August 29th, 2012
1:51 pm
is there any way a 12-1 SEC champ wouldn’t play for the BCS title?
Lets say that USC, Oklahoma, and UGA are all 12-1 and won their conference. USC’s loss was to Oregon, Oklahoma lost to West Virginia, and UGA lost to South Carolina. Who plays in the BCS title game?
BobDawg
August 29th, 2012
1:51 pm
Like the picks…. I don’t know why I’m thinking this but me thinks Vandy is in position to make some noise this season?! If they beat Chick Fil-A Columbia in the first game… watch out!!!
Dawg Fan
August 29th, 2012
1:51 pm
I think the Dawgs are going to WIN it all! That’s right the National Championship! They will beat LSU in the SEC Championship and then beat USC in the National Championship! Let’s go Dawgs!
GIVE ME A BREAK
August 29th, 2012
1:51 pm
Couldn’t care less what overrated UGA does. GT is going to surprise everyone. Atlanta should be much improved.
GIVE ME A BREAK
August 29th, 2012
1:51 pm
Couldn’t care less what overrated UGA does. GT is going to surprise everyone. Atlanta should be much improved.
BobDawg
August 29th, 2012
1:54 pm
GTBOB… interesting scenario…. The SEC Chmpship game carries a lot of weight so the Dawgs would be in at the very least…
Jacket Fan
August 29th, 2012
1:54 pm
VT is replacing 4 O-line starters and most of its skill players. Our WRs are a big question mark, but otherwise our offense should be ready to go (hopefully with V. Lee ready to pass if needed). If we can not beat them, we obviously will not win the Coastal, and would not deserve to.
God Outdid Himself When He Creaetd the Mighty SEC
August 29th, 2012
1:55 pm
“It’s an easy schedule for the SEC, but not a cupcake schedule compared to the wider world of college football.”
Yes, it is.
GSU Panthers
August 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
Thanks for nothing, Mark.
juvenal
August 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
bound for glory, as in, going to die?
jobro
August 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
I think the dawgs and the birds will both have great years i predict georgia to go 12-0 in the regular season and to end up in the national championship game and to bring a championship back to athens as far as the birds go I think the birds will go 12-4 and win the south. the D should be much more improved under nolan and as far as tech goes I hope they go 0-12 hahahhahaha GO DAWGS AND GO BIRDS!
More like...
August 29th, 2012
1:58 pm
UGA goes 10-2, makes the SEC title game because the East is trash again this year, then all the fans will puff out their chest because they beat 10 high school teams and think they can win the SEC title. They will then have their dreams once again brought crashing back down to earth by getting embarrassed in the SEC title game and losing to Michigan (the Wolverines this time) in the Capital One bowl. As for 2013, rinse, wash, repeat… same nonsense next August from the same delusional fans
Starters returning or not, that didn’t look like a shutdown defense against Michigan St
Dawg Fan
August 29th, 2012
1:58 pm
I think the Dawgs could beat the Falcons this year!
BIG UGLIES
August 29th, 2012
2:00 pm
Paul Johnson will punch you in the face! AFTER he gets beat by the DAWGS again.
BIG UGLIES
August 29th, 2012
2:02 pm
Paul Johnson will punch you in the face!
dawggirl
August 29th, 2012
2:02 pm
If I’m not mistaken Mark, you ranked UGA #2 in the country. Now you’re either smoking something, or you really want this to backfire. Which is it? I’m all for being optimistic, but realism needs to set in somewhere. I think even #6 is a little high. Maybe #10-12.
Reality Check
August 29th, 2012
2:02 pm
IF I was a Dawg fan I would be the biggest GT fan on Monday. A GT team that has 8-10 wins going into Athens makes Georgia’s schedule look less weak at the end of the season and ya’ll would hate to become the next 2004 Auburn.
Dawg Realist
August 29th, 2012
2:03 pm
In response to GTBob, Georgia (unfortunately) would be out in the cold under that scenario. Everyone is tired of hearing about SEC dominance, and given the chance, the BCS would send OU and USC.
dubious
August 29th, 2012
2:06 pm
We’ll see if there’s a Bradley Bump.
Dawg Fan
August 29th, 2012
2:08 pm
I think the Dawgs can beat the Falcons AND Tech at the same time!
dawgfan
August 29th, 2012
2:10 pm
“GTBOB… interesting scenario…. The SEC Chmpship game carries a lot of weight so the Dawgs would be in at the very least…”
Not so fast my friend. A media darling USC or OU would get in over us. I think that’s what GTBob is probably getting at and I happen to agree with the moron for once. Look at last year. What if you took the “State” out of Oklahoma State and put OU uniforms on the 2011 Oklahoma State team? All you do is change the uniforms and call them the Oklahoma Sooners. That’s it. They play the same exact scheule with the same exact players with the same exact loss to Iowa State. Alabama wouldn’t be the national champion right now because they never would have been in the national title game. It would have been LSU v. OU in the national title game. There is no way in hell the media would let their precious OU get overlooked like that. They’d stomp their feet and pitch a fit until all the voters and computers bowed to their will.
True story. If we’re going to win the national title this year (we’re not) we better run the damn table and look damn good in the process or nothing will be guaranteed. We don’t have the pedigree of an LSU, Bama or Florida and we won’t have the same margin of error.
Thanks.
Sid
August 29th, 2012
2:14 pm
No matter your right or wrong…………it’s going to be a great football season in Georgia!
Rodster
August 29th, 2012
2:14 pm
“For myself I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use being anything else.” – Sir Winston Churchill
I’m with ya Mark. I hope you are right on all counts.
Dawg Fan
August 29th, 2012
2:39 pm
Dawgs beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Easy.
KR
August 29th, 2012
2:51 pm
Mark, optimism is a wonderful thing. The down side is when things don’t go accordingly. By my reckoning, your most likely correct is UGa, least likely is GT and the Falcons somewhere in the middle.
Don’t think a 12-1 SEC Champ can be left out of the BCS championship game? Tommy Tuberville says “hi.”
7576DAWG
August 29th, 2012
2:54 pm
I hope Georgia wins but they need to be undefeated because the media is trying to put two none SEC teams in the Championship game. They would like nothing better than to make sure the SEC is left out this year.
Southern Cal has a great chance of being one of the teams in the Championship game because their schedule may be the easiest they have ever had. The only thing that could hurt them is lack of depth.
Georgia needs to show no mercy to anyone this year just in case there are 4 or 5 teams who have only one lose. Can’t wait until the Missouri game which will answer a lot of questions.
lj
August 29th, 2012
2:57 pm
It ain’t going to happen.
jarvis
August 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
Putting Kris Medlen in the rotation was a mistake. Mark Bradley – August 2012.
Samuel
August 29th, 2012
3:00 pm
I’ll take ten and six and a first win in the playoffs. Go Falcons…..
Boobie Bowden
August 29th, 2012
3:07 pm
Death to dawg trolls
Football Guy
August 29th, 2012
3:12 pm
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
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jarvis
August 29th, 2012
3:15 pm
Pop Quiz:
Who said this, ” Medlen has made three strong starts, yes, but he’s not by trade a full-blooded starter. He’s a spot guy, and he has value as a reliever. It might not be fair — and I’m aware that Medlen is a fan favorite — but fairness shouldn’t be the first consideration with a playoff berth in play. Unless/until Hanson proves he can’t win games, Medlen should return to the bullpen.”
TechFalcon fan
August 29th, 2012
3:18 pm
Love the Picks Mark….except UGA. I hope they lose every single game, especially the last one
OkieDawg
August 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
The above UGA photo just ruined my day. The 2 dawgs making the tackle are facing multi-game suspensions. So if there is a photo this year of Mizzu’s Dorial Green-Beckham being takckled by 2 Georgia Bulldogs, those two Dawgs, Rambo and Commings, won’t be in the photo:(
That could hurt.
Dave
August 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
It all comes down to the UGA-USC game.
collegeballfan
August 29th, 2012
3:30 pm
“…the MB imprimatur a stairway to heaven.”
Don’t get modest on us Bradley.
BG
August 29th, 2012
3:31 pm
GO DAWGS!!!!!!
Jay
August 29th, 2012
3:31 pm
We didn’t need an entire essay to know why you think those teams are “bound for glory” when we already know the answer: you’re a homer.
Dave
August 29th, 2012
3:34 pm
As far as the Falcons and Tech….I don’t watch pro football and Blech just irritates me.
gbal
August 29th, 2012
3:35 pm
I love the optomism but I do have this hunch that UGA is being given quite a bit too much love at this point in the season with the glaring holes to fill. Agree that the schedule sets up well to get to the SEC game and getting there gives you a chance to win it and a chance at the NC…. My concern is
Inexperienced OL
QB has shown little poise in big games when the OL allows pressure. Again…
Inexperienced OL
No proved RB… Relying heavily on two freshmen.
Freshman kicker.
I think this is too much to overcome but Game 2 should give us a good indication.
what of it?
August 29th, 2012
3:37 pm
b/c it gets you page views?
909
August 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
No Bradley. You’re not insane.
Just duplicitous.
Blue Ridge Dawg
August 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
@GT Bob- Interesting point. I think you are a complete moron most of the time, but it would be a very interesting scenerio. I would love to see UGA in that situation, but I am afraid we lose 2.
ATLNative
August 29th, 2012
3:50 pm
And it’s whispered that soon if we all call the tune
Then the piper will lead us to reason
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long. GO DAWGS!
Will
August 29th, 2012
3:58 pm
Bless your heart Mark, your desire to see the best in all of our state’s teams is heartwarming.
Don’t forget, you also are on record for saying the Braves will be a playoff team (last year you also made this bold prediction WITH TWO GAMES remaining and still got it wrong!!).
Of course, your nationwide fame was bulit on your “Better than the 1927 Yankees” column just after the Braves opened the World Series with two wins in New York and just after they lost the next four!!!
How about Brian McCann, gonna turn it around and hit .300 by the end of the year? Georgia State, 9 or 10 wins? Let me guess, Grayson is the best high school football team in America!! Jason Heyward, Hall of Fame bound?
You just keep “root, root, rooting for the home team”!!
9 Losses in a Row to teams making any top 25 poll - after Georgie tek # 13 in 2009. 7 Losses in Row to teams making any Top 10 - not since beating Auburn # 9 in 2006. 9 Losses in a row to SEC teams who put up a winning SEC Record - starting with KY 2007
August 29th, 2012
3:59 pm
____________________________________________
“Big early game + big-game coach = ACC Coastal title.”
____________________________________________
But, out of the other side of the same mouth, you proclaim :
___________________________
“bunny schedule = SEC East title”
___________________________
So, I guess my question is, why the double-standard ?
(1) If big early game plus big-time coach is important for 1 team ?
(2) Why isn’t Mark Richt’s 3 wins in 16 games vs teams made Top 10 all 11 years, unimportant because he does not even have a game against any possible team who possibly could make the Top 10 ? You know, like you brag about Mark Richt making the AP Poll Top 10 in 5 of his now 12 seasons Saturday ? The last of which was once in the now current 7-year period Saturday has Mark Richt made the AP Poll Top 10.
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:07 pm
Oh my God. Mark actually thinks Georgia could hang with Alabama or LSU? Now THASS funny.
From the WSJ.
With all due respect to the 123 other schools that play major-college football, the sport’s foreseeable future boils down to one question: Can anyone stop Alabama? The Alabama Crimson Tide, college football’s defending national champion, has become the game’s “it” team, an all-powerful and impervious Death Star of a program. Alabama has won two of the last three national titles. Its coach, Nick Saban, won another one while he was at Louisiana State—meaning he has won the title in three of the past seven college seasons he has coached. The Tide is a 14-point favorite Saturday over No. 8 Michigan—repeat: a two-touchdown favorite against a top-10 team—in its season opener. The last time Alabama was an underdog was 28 games ago, against Tim Tebow and Florida in the 2009 Southeastern Conference championship game. Result: Bama 32, Florida 13. The stunning volume of victories and championships and NFL draft picks has Alabama redefining college-football success as we know it. How, exactly, does the Tide do it?
The process. That’s how Saban fields an army of 4 and 5 star guys disciplined both on the field and off the field. And then there are programs like Georgia….
Columbus
August 29th, 2012
4:07 pm
@greg@1:29 You made some points early but the players the Falcons have arent chopped liver at those positions and the defense IS improved and didnt need as MUCH as Carolina! Falcons arent a playoff team? Unless there are key injuries, this team will remind you a LOT of the Green Bay team 2 years ago….we are about to see the offense envisioned when Julio was drafted but did nto get due to the lockout and a coordinator that had brain cramps or something. He tried to fit them into his system instead of his system to the players and/or just wasnt competent enough to run a higly explosive offense. He was in his own box or had bad path to get there or something. Dont run a screen play neither(i.e. Mike Bobo). BETTER DC and OC and improved defense a la young guys have gotten reps and will contribute this year a la William Moore, improved secondary overall, Edwards healthy under a GREAT DC. STOP being scared Greg! Stop being SCARED of Carolina. They sucked so BADLY that their was room for MUCH improvement. Falcons not so much but they did improve. Primarily with new DC’s and good ones, new schemes that the rest of the division have to figure out, Samuel, young guys stepping up to add depth and a healthy Edwards. I see 30 points scored most games…hard to beat that huh Greg? Falcons dont have to nor had the room to be MUCH improved. Consistent playoff teams usually dont. They did have MUCH room to improve in the their schemes and they addressed that and that was the biggest thing holding them back. Thank you Dimitroff and Blank for getting new coaches. NOW other teams will have to stop Turner, Ryan, Jones, White, Gonzalez, Rodgers and ANY other receivers on the field….
Run the offense correctly and it can only stop itself with decent blocking! I.E. Green Bay…
Alphare
August 29th, 2012
4:09 pm
Mark, good picks. Great minds think alike.
Yes, Tech can beat VT.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:15 pm
I really don’t know why Alabama fans are so primed about their “going to beat UGA” and “UGA has NO chance agaist the rolling tampons”. Ala has to replace 7 important players on offense, including all of last years starting recievers and their back ups, Trent Richardson, and they lost a TON of talent on defense to the NFL! I doubt ALA will even go to the SECCG. I think it will probably be LSU, or maybe ARK if they can put that patrino crap behind them.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
August 29th, 2012
4:19 pm
Best of luck to all of you and your favorite teams in 2012.
Alabama will be tuff to beat and you will see real soon. Bring your lunch for you will need it!
Roll Tide
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:21 pm
I just don’t think so. Ala will lose 3 maybe 4 games. Too much talent gone on offense, and the defense has holes too.
I'm flying a Georgia Tech flag right now
August 29th, 2012
4:24 pm
`
Go Jackets
ChopChamps95
August 29th, 2012
4:26 pm
@Dawg for Life
Bama won’t miss a step with Eddie Lacey taking over for Richardson. He more than proved last year he was capable handling the load in TR’s absenses last year. He won’t be Heisman Trophy material but the dropoff between the two won’t be drastic either.
ChopChamps95
August 29th, 2012
4:27 pm
damn re-edit……fail on my part
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:30 pm
Dawg for Life,
Wrong. Bama really only replaces 4 defensive starters. And the guys replacing them are guys who’ve played extensively the last 2 years- Demarcus Milliner counts as a new starter at corner for example but has had 17 previous starts at corner. Vinnie Sunseri counts as a new starter at safety but he started the Bcs title game last year at safety. BTW we have 2 former 5 star safetys who are backups. Now THAT is depth.
The whole D-line and all the top backups return with us being 3 deep at defensive end. Jesse Williams is our preseason all American Nose tackle and the strongest man in college football with a 600 lb bench press.
On offense all 5 of our lineman will be in the pros. 2 are preseason all americans and a third -6′7 335 lb tackle DJ Fluker is projected as a 1st round draft pick along with the other 2 which includes Outland trophy winner Barrett Jones. 2 year starter Charlie Steen returns at guard and he will be in the pros for sure with 2 years left. Literally the only new starter on the O-line will be sophomore 6′6 325 lb Cyrus Kuandijo- a 5 star recruit and the no. 2 player in the nation coming out of high school 2 years ago. He will be a 1st round pro after his jr year. He is that good.
And our running backs go 4 deep. Eddie Lacy for the last 2 years had a higher ypc avg than Trent Richardson or Mark ingram @ an astounding 7.1 ypc. Behind him are 2 former 5 star recruits TJ Yeldon and Dee hart. And lets not forget 6′1 242 tailback Jalston Fowler.
As for wideouts our wideout corps is deeper and faster than its ever been. Our best receiver Marquis Maze didn’t even play in the bcs title game last year except for a punt return. His replacement Kevin Norwood took the Honey badger to school – 4 catches for 78 yards. We are loaded at wideout.
The talent all over the place is nothing short of obscene.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:33 pm
It’s ok on the fail, my computer screws up a lot! I don’t mind playing Al. Honestly, I pull for them out of the west, but you need more than one back. I know Lacey is great. No one can deny that, but he will get tired if no one else can establish themselves as an excellent runner. Teams that run power offenses can’t just rely on one back. You need at least two backs which can be rotated in at the one spot. If Lacey gets all the carries, Ala will loose 5 because by the end of the year, he will be exhausted if not hurt.
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:35 pm
“I just don’t think so. Ala will lose 3 maybe 4 games. Too much talent gone on offense, and the defense has holes too.”
Nope. The team has no holes. Depth and a ridiculous amount of talent is everywhere. We don’t rebuild at Alabama. We just reload.
And if you think Bama will lose 3 or 4 games this year you need to have your head examined. There is no serious person who knows football who thinks we could lose 3-4 games. We could lose to LSU and that’s about it. And even then we statistically dominated them in both games last year. They are the only team that has a chance against us.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:35 pm
It’s Tide rising that is pissing me off, he is obviously an idiot Chop Champs. He has no clue how this thing works. When you loose as much as you do on offense dumbass, you don’t win! END OF STORY! Look through history! It doesn’t matter how much talent you bring in, experience trumps it, and you have none on offense other than at QB! Georgia’s line is young, but they have seen game play, all except Theus!
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:36 pm
Dawg for life,
You think we could lose 3-4 games? There is no serious person in college football who believes that. Too much talent loaded up all over the field for us.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:37 pm
Tide rising, I never said bama didn’t have talent moron, I said they lost too much talent, and experience! Maybe if you had graduated elementary school before you married your sister, you would have cought that.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:38 pm
tide tampon, you are a fool and you will see.
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:38 pm
Dawg for life,
You’re not very bright are you? We return our 4 of 5 O line starters along with our tight end. Our wide receiver corps is the deepest and most talented its ever been. And we are 4 deep at tailback. Trent Richardson won’t even be missed. You don’t know much do you?
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:42 pm
I know enough to know that you suck balls and can’t admit it. Just take a look at your depth chart and you will see it too. You will loose against LSU, ARK, and SC, possibly another stumble in there too.
Tokyo jacket
August 29th, 2012
4:42 pm
Mark, while I think your results are about accurate, I thin you’re missing looking at the oponents. UGA does have as cupcake a schedule as you can get in the SEC. That’s the real reason they win so many games this year. Likewise, GT plays a VT team replacing 8 offensive starters in their first game with their defensive MVP out w/ injury. GT plays a down Miami team, a down UNC team, and a BYU team that got WHOOPED by a Utah team that Tech should have beaten. There are no unwinnable games on the GT schedule, even in the ACCCG like an LSU or Bama for UGA. I’d say GT has a better shot of going BCS – just because they wouldn’t hit as big of a speed bump in the CCG as UGA.
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:42 pm
Dawg for Life,
Doesn’t matter how much talent you lose if if you are replacing it with 4 and 5 star talent that’s been playing lots of snaps for the last couple of years. When Dee Milliner is considered a new starter but he has already started 17 games in his career then that’s your first clue. And degenerating into you married your sister comments doesn’t win you an argument. It just makes you look stupid. Besides gone with the wind with all the intermarrying cousins and Deliverance were based on Georgia inbreds.
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:46 pm
“Honestly, I pull for them out of the west, but you need more than one back.”
We’ve got 4 of them including 2 former 5 star tailbacks behind Lacy. TJ Yeldon is the next great bama back and had 179 total yards in the spring game. Dee hart when he was in high school set the Fla state record for tds with 50 in one season. He then rushed for over 100 yds in the us army all american game- the only rb to ever do so. He got mvp for that game too. He sat out last year with a knee injury but is back. And then we’ve got big, bad Jalston Fowler. We’re good to go at running back.
Tide Rising
August 29th, 2012
4:47 pm
“You will loose against LSU, ARK, and SC, possibly another stumble in there too.”
So you are admitting that we play SC in the sec title game? Cause we sure don’t play them in the regular season this year.
Peter
August 29th, 2012
4:47 pm
One thing about Mark….. he is always way too optimistic…then has to back track.
But hey how would you get in on the good side without a little butt kissing ?
JacketsWIN
August 29th, 2012
4:47 pm
blah blah blah haters gunna hate
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:48 pm
Actually yes it does moron. 5 star talent doesn’t really even matter. People don’t realize that it’s not the caliber necicarily. A 240lbs DT might be a 5 star, but UGA wouldn’t recruit him for DT because he is too small for a 3-4 scheme. They might pass on a 5 star for a 3 star who is well over 300 lbs and can be coached up.
GATiger
August 29th, 2012
4:49 pm
I just don’t see UGA getting past USC in Columbia. I also think they’ll lose another game somewhere – Mizzou, UF, UT or AU. They have a pretty good defense, but not great – at least not that I’ve seen. They didn’t stop a single good offense last year, and I don’t consider ours (LSU) a good offense in 2011. If they have a decen running game this year, it’ll be a surprise to me. They might have some good, young, albeit untested RBs, but the OL is highly suspect, so I have no confidence in their ability to control the ball, and we’ve seen what happens when they become one-dimensional.
In any case there’s no way they get by Bama, Arkansas or LSU in the SECCG.
Dawg for Life
August 29th, 2012
4:49 pm
I hate my computer sometimes…damn keyboard sticks
Tokyo jacket
August 29th, 2012
5:02 pm
@ Dawgforlife – you should stick to talking smack against GT. At least against us, you have a leg (or 3 in a row) to stand on. You should not talk smack to Bama. They would (and may come December) crush UGA. You can’t argue rising Tide’s point. They’ve got sick talent AND a coach that knows how to develop talent. This Bama team might actually be able to beat a really bad NFL team.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
5:03 pm
Tide Rising
UGA has the talent to hang with anyone just the coaching is Div II level
So there you have it UGA goes 10 wins again yippie cant wait until my 10 win season t-shirt comes in again
I have a dozen of them; I just love bragging about them
1971DAWG
August 29th, 2012
5:05 pm
All of this chatter is such B.S. Nobody knows or has a clue what each team will do until they put on the pads and actually play a decent team. But as they say, opinions are like as-holes, everybody has one. It’s just some people like to show theirs off more than others. Everyone come back in a few weeks and then we can all see who was right and who was wrong. Thank GOD the season starts tomorrow.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
5:08 pm
Dawg for Life
You seem to have forgotten what happened when played bama at home last time
I remember quite well
Yes I remember having 3 number one draft picks on offense and a good 2nd round wide reciever
Yes I remember Mark and Booboo couldnt even score a field goal with that talent in the first half
Yea I rember being down and embarrassed 31-0 at halftime
Get a clue bud
This coaching staff is not winning a national title
Old Gold
August 29th, 2012
5:22 pm
“Imprimatur?” You’ve got the be kidding. Unless Furman Bisher used that word, this could be the first time a sports writer has waxed so eloquent. Well done!
Dogs will win the East IF they don’t slip up at Mizzou. If that happens, and they follow with a loss in Columbia, forget it, season over in September. As for Georgia Tech, I don’t feel good about Monday night, but they could still win the division if they run the rest of the conference table and the Hokies fall twice, which could happen. As for the Falcons, can’t quite bring myself to seeing it happen.
Great column, hope you’re right about all three.
Pitbull
August 29th, 2012
5:30 pm
The only way Tech will be headed for glory this year is when they roll over and die each Saturday…or Thursday night,,, or Monday night.
They will schedule the game for when you can attend.
california dreaming
August 29th, 2012
5:40 pm
Hoping for a Vandy shocker against USCjr tomorrow night! Put the dawgs in the driver seat before they even play.
Clive
August 29th, 2012
5:54 pm
Tokyo, UNC down? They have the best Oline in the conference, the best RB, and a QB second to none. While not deep, they have talent on D as well. UNC is ranked in most polls. How do you figure they are “down”?
tony
August 29th, 2012
5:55 pm
The falcons will never make it back to the sb until they strenghten their DL and OL.
Ga Tech achilles heel has aways been their defense and will be the reason why they will have another subpar season in 2012.
I think the dawgs will win the sec this season because there won’t be any distractions on the team since most of the players that defy Mr Richt are gone. That means more carries for the rbs and less passing for Aaron Murray.
suwanee dawg
August 29th, 2012
5:55 pm
Va Tech will destroy Tech. CPJ is terrible in bowl games when opponents have time to prepare for his unusual offense. Va Tech has had a pre-season to prepare.
Nester
August 29th, 2012
6:02 pm
Tar Heels lost to both Techs by 6 and 7 pts respectively last yr on the road. Bernard did not play against VaTech in 2d half; his replacement fumbled late in game inside vaTech 5yrd line. Beware of playing between the pines this yr. Fedora can coach the spread and he has all the tools to win in his first yr.
1lovefalcons20
August 29th, 2012
6:04 pm
i hate overated uga//with thier faux christian coach and thier very racist university…BUT ATLANTA FALCONS AND GT I HOPE THEY SOAR…AND HAVE AN SHOCK THE WORLD SEASON..
realitycheck
August 29th, 2012
6:05 pm
I read a bunch of online news everyday, and without question Bradley is the biggest homer. UGA and Tech could win their divisions, but there is no certainty and neither is any real threat against top competition. Richt has proven that time and again over the past few years so why would that change now especially with the lack of depth they have. The Falcons may win their division but it isn’t likely. The Saints are the division favorite and should be, and the Panthers are rising. The Falcons lines, lb’s, and overall depth are average at best, and they are overdue for an injury riddled season, considering they’ve been one of the healthiest NFL teams the past four years. Nobody outside of Atlanta sees Richt or Smith outcoaching anyone if or when the stakes get really high. Anyone who really believes this Bradley garbage should purchase a tract of oceanfront property along the Kansas/Nebraska border!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
6:06 pm
A shock the world season for Tech is winning 9 games
Smoove Criminal
August 29th, 2012
6:08 pm
“I think the dawgs will win the sec this season”
I think you should change “will” to “would” and delete the rest the sentence and instead insert “if LSU, Bama, or Arkansas weren’t so much better.” Let’s face it, UGA will be good enough and has the talent to win the East this year, I don’t think there’s a question about that. But anyone who thinks this team can get by one of those 3, especially Bama, in the SECCG is terribly mistaken.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
6:10 pm
realitycheck
You might want to stay late tonight for your real estate business
Im projecting some huge profits for you with the amount of kool-aid bloggers on here willing to buy that ocean front property
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 29th, 2012
6:11 pm
We can beat Arkansas I dont worry about them
Hedgetrimmer
August 29th, 2012
6:30 pm
All you Chihuahuas out there in pre-season LALA land, here’s the scoop: you get your tails taken to the cleaners in Columbia I and Columbia II. Gators’ll get your grannies, too. And the coup de grace? November 24, Jackets roll 45-21. The rivalry begins anew. Enjoy the Music Bowl, Mutts! Arf, arf! Oh, and to continue on this realistic vent, Tech goes 8-4 (no delusions here). As for the Falcons, does anybody from Down Yonder really care? In the South, college football rules. Let the games begin.
Mikey D.
August 29th, 2012
6:34 pm
The football team in Georgia with the best shot at an ultimate championship (nat’l in college, SB in pro) is the bunch from GA Southern.
Whopper Dawg
August 29th, 2012
6:56 pm
UGA is a good pick to win the east, bad pick to win the SEC.
Falcons are a decent pick to win their division, but a very poor pick to win the conference.
Tech has a big game coach?? SInce when?? Check bowl game record please and playing in a generally woeful ACC, he really hasn’t done much at all and certainly doesn’t deserve the rep you guys have put on him.
Mike S.
August 29th, 2012
7:07 pm
I like the arguments, Mark, but I cant completely agree. There is a wait and see tag for me on the Dawgs and Falcons. I still see the Dawgs winning the East, but I’m not going to be convinced of winning the SEC until I see Bobo’s offense in play. If they continue the bumbling and botched play calling of the last three years, I cant pick them to beat Bama or LSU.
Falcons still need to prove they can win a playoff game to me before I give them the NFC
Mike S.
August 29th, 2012
7:15 pm
As for Tech, 9-3 is very generous to this team. They played poorly on the road last season, and have a much tougher road slate this year. Tech also has a very bad track record when teams have time to prepare for Johnson. The combination of the two says loss at Va Tech to open which will likely kill the Coastal chances.
I also am not convinced of the Miami game, especially the week after Virginia. Johnson hasnt come close to beating Miami since his first season. They have locked in on him, and until he beats them, thats a loss in my book.
Playing BYU, @Maryland, @UNC, Duke, and @UGA is a bad slate for them to end on which I expect will result in 2 losses.
Overall I predict 7-5 for Tech with losses to @Va Tech, Miami, @Clemson, @UGA, and one more in the final month @Maryland or @UNC.
GTBob
August 29th, 2012
7:31 pm
Overall I predict 7-5 for Tech with losses to @Va Tech, Miami, @Clemson, @UGA, and one more in the final month @Maryland or @UNC.
Tech went 8-4 last year with a worse team than they have now. You must think the ACC improved tremendously.
haha
August 29th, 2012
7:55 pm
good thing you don’t get paid for predictions. Something original would help. Is this one of your articles from the past with the date changed?
ha haha ha ha ha ha ha:)
joker
Huh?
August 29th, 2012
8:13 pm
UGA goes 9-3. They lose to Missouri, split with SC and FL, then lose one more game that they probably shouldn’t (which happens most years).
Headed to the SEC CG? Probably, because SC has a tougher SEC schedule. Dawgs probably back into the CG game again.
The Truth
August 29th, 2012
8:21 pm
M Go Blue Heisman qb could be up 21-0 end of 1st qtr.
Quinella
August 29th, 2012
8:24 pm
Darth Spurrier will stomp Richt’s neck with his hobnail boots.
37-21, South Carolina puts another beatdown on the bozos from Athens.
SportsTopFan
August 29th, 2012
8:34 pm
Sports Top Fan believe that the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Georgia
Bulldogs will have a great season.
Go Falcons !!! Go Yellow Jackets !!! Go Bulldogs !!!
SportsTopFan@Yahoo.com
The Truth
August 29th, 2012
8:36 pm
Actually, we’d like for gt to be undefeated so UGA can ruin their season.
Tim Scott
August 29th, 2012
9:37 pm
Mr Bradley I love the fact that you are a homer. I find it refreshing most sports writers on radio talk show host are so afraid of offending the other side. Now that being said they should win the east,they don’t play any of the three big dogs in the west,South Carolina is the only road block in the east. It pains me to say this because my beloved Gators are in rebuilding mode basically they suck.
Now all that being said they will not win the SEC because they don’t play anyone other than SC. Their defense may be one of the top 2 or 3 in the country,Murray is terrific but like they always do they will beat up the nobodies and when they play either LSU or Bama someone just as tough and physical on defense as they are,they will fold like a bad poker hand. I agree they will win the east if they don’t trip against one of the cellar dwellers. Beware of Columbia Missouri your dreams could be dashed real early. Go Gators
Rick James
August 29th, 2012
9:38 pm
@The Truth
Actually, we’d like for gt to be undefeated so UGA can ruin their season.
———————————————————————————————
That is nothing but the truth,,Unlike Tech fans who pull for Georgia to lose I’d love for them to go undefeated.
ClockWerks
August 29th, 2012
10:19 pm
Bradley,
Can you throw in the Braves to win their division?
DaTruthHurtz
August 29th, 2012
10:19 pm
Bradley, you are a fool. How many times have the Falcons disappointed their misguided fans? Preseason hype turns to downright failure and the whole cycle gets repeated. Geez, when will you people learn? The Lombardi Trophy is NOT coming to the ATL anytime soon. Go ahead, get hyped. A 10-6 season with a 1st round loss is in your immediate future…
3d
August 29th, 2012
10:29 pm
I love my Dawgs, but the operative words from MB are UGA should have led by 17 or 21 against LSU.
That has been the story of this program for quite awhile now. 16-0 lead against MSU in the bowl game. Should have. I could go on and on. It’s gotten old.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda. I’ll believe it when I see it. Talk is cheap.
2012 is it for me with this staff.
ATLien
August 29th, 2012
10:32 pm
As long as Richt is the coach UGA will underachieve. He’s scared, doesn’t take the necessary risk to take a team from good to great. Too loyal to underachieving staff members as well. He’s a great man and I respect him as an individual, but he’s not championship material. Sorry Dawg fans
SDawgU
August 29th, 2012
11:09 pm
The dogs win 11 and win the SEC—book it. This dog team is the real deal, better than alabama or lsu. Dogs v. usc for the title!!!
Flounder
August 29th, 2012
11:26 pm
@SDawgU … OK, I’ve booked it. It’s marked on page 69 of my Fairy Tale collection.
JASon
August 29th, 2012
11:26 pm
There are so many holes in this article that I don’t know where to begin. Bottom line is that bradley is a local team booster and rally leader and not a credible source for discussion of sports.
realitycheck
August 29th, 2012
11:35 pm
JASon………..You are correct!
9 Losses in a Row to teams making any top 25 poll - after Georgie tek # 13 in 2009. 7 Losses in Row to teams making any Top 10 - not since beating Auburn # 9 in 2006. 9 Losses in a row to SEC teams who put up a winning SEC Record - starting with KY 2007
August 29th, 2012
11:41 pm
SDawgU August 29th, 2012 11:09 pm
____________________________________________________________________
“This dog team is the real deal, better than alabama or lsu. Dogs v. usc for the title!!!”
____________________________________________________________________
dinopolis
August 29th, 2012
11:45 pm
falcons: 12-4, lose in nfc title game
uga: 10-2, lose in minor bowl
tech: 8-4, lose in minor bowl
9 Losses in a Row to teams making any top 25 poll - after Georgie tek # 13 in 2009. 7 Losses in Row to teams making any Top 10 - not since beating Auburn # 9 in 2006. 9 Losses in a row to SEC teams who put up a winning SEC Record - starting with KY 2007
August 29th, 2012
11:46 pm
That’s about it.
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.
realdog
August 30th, 2012
12:24 pm
ga has the best running game in the SEC with all these top recruits. with grantham’s D, the dogs should win the east easily and play alabama. The dogs can pull the upset since alabama lost a lot of talent.
GTgold
August 30th, 2012
1:03 pm
UGA is the one SEC team that is consistently overhyped in preseason year after year, only to come out early in the season and lose to less than stellar opponents (Boise, Mississippi State, Colorado, Okalahoma State in recent years). Maybe its because UGA is more of a fashion statement in the south rather than a sports program with a legitimate fan base (I’m guessing over half of so-called UGA fans couldn’t even tell you their starting roster)? Or maybe its because UGA players and fans start celebrating 2 months before the season starts and are hungover the first few games……..In any case Mark I hope you are right about the falcons and GT although I have my doubts………….UGA fans, enjoy your three week season.
GATiger
August 30th, 2012
1:31 pm
Best running game in the SEC? Are we still talking football here? I’d love to know what evidence you have for that claim. Don’t tell me about incoming freshman – they’re unproven. How many yards did your returning RBs gain last year. What’s your OL shown us?
I’m no Bama fan, but you shouldn’t rely on the “Alabama lost a lot of talent” idea. Programs like Alabama just reload.
pt pt pt tp tp porky pig......
August 30th, 2012
1:37 pm
Porker 97 you are clear for take off on runway 7-6er-9er……once your porcine fuselage is airborne, head for vector 9er-5er-7er…..crusie your bacon at 35,000 feet…..in other words…”when pigs fly……”
snydlee dishrag
August 30th, 2012
1:40 pm
real (dumb) dog, there, i added your middle name
GTgold
August 30th, 2012
1:42 pm
Enter your comments here
snydlee dishrag
August 30th, 2012
1:46 pm
The falcons have stated that they want to go further than the first round of playoffs…so i guess they are content to not say we want the super bowl trophy……..plan your work, work your plan, measure twice, cut once, pull for GA and uh….uh…well……
CocktailDundeed
August 30th, 2012
1:47 pm
Take this to the bank—this Ga team may be the best in athens in 20 years—they are loaded on O and D. The only teams in the SEC with Ga’s talent are lsu and alabama. Ga can upset either one in the sec champ. game this year with their talent.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 30th, 2012
1:58 pm
Bradley vs Peter King
Bradley a small time newspaper columnist says superbowl
vs
King a prime time national sports writer says 1 & done again
Hmmmm who do I believe?
Ed
August 30th, 2012
1:58 pm
“…and is there any way a 12-1 SEC champ wouldn’t play for the BCS title?”
Sadly, yes. See the 2002 Georgia Bulldogs.
But is it likely? Probably not. There’s always a chance that two other BCS teams, like USC and someone else, will be undefeated champs of their conferences.
Back to Reality
August 30th, 2012
2:05 pm
The Falcons definitely have a legitimate shot at making it to the NFC title game this year with the revamped pass heavy offense we have seen in the preseason. Yes it is the preseason but we have never seen Matt Ryan look as studly as he has thus far. As for the Jackets, if they can make it by VT then they will win the conference, not just the division. The Jackets are always a big mystery until they face a high caliber opponent and this year we will see it in week one instead of waiting the usual 4-6 weeks. They did not lose any big pieces other than Stephen Hill who will be remembered more for his big drops than his big catches. Even with a loss to VT, it could still end up a 9-3 or 10-2 season for the ramblin wreck.
As for the Bulldogs, it will most likely end the same way it did last year with high hopes crushed into pieces with the reality of the sec championship game, which UGA stands no chance. The coaching staff can’t mold the majority of the top recruits it gets every year into great student-athletes. The biggest problem is the “student” part. Academics is a lost cause at UGA and has been for decades as the majority of student choose to attend the school do so solely for the chance to tailgate next to Samford stadium a few days out of the year. The only school related award UGA has won in the past few years has been the # 1 Party School. I have been to a few UGA games and can say with confidence that 90% of the fans in attendance consist of obliterated students and old red-neck alumni that gladly spend 5% of their annual income on tickets. An average of $200 per game with 7 home games a year; I’ll let you do the math… although I don’t expect you to be able to if you are a graduate of UGA. The city of Atlanta will always belong to the ramblin wreck!
P.S. The average UGA graduate pumps my gas.
Rick James
August 30th, 2012
2:14 pm
@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
——————————————————————————————————–
Now tell us what Tech will do against Georgia in Athens..Other than the fact that you’re a Tech fan that likes to hide behind other teams Georgia plays tell us why we can “book it” as a loss.
Trueblueeagle
August 30th, 2012
2:36 pm
UGA 9-3
GT 10-2
Bout time
August 30th, 2012
2:38 pm
Football is back. Hooray !!
Go Dogs. I see a 10-2 thing. It is UGA with CMR, afterall. I see Cap One Bowl.
Love seeing GT get whupped up on by the middle weights in the ACC
Falcons? Gave up on them back when they fired Leeman Bennet.
UGA man
class of 71 & 73
Mike 'WEED' Vick
August 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
@ Matt ‘Choke’ Ryan:
You should listen to your mother and move out of the basement.
Matt
August 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
If you wanna see a “bunny schedule” take a look at USC’s. Seriously?? They should roll through that schedule with their backups! And why is everyone so high up on Oregon? If USC is healthy when those 2 play USC will beat them by 3 TDs or more.
FROM THE OUTSIDE
August 30th, 2012
3:43 pm
TECH AND THEIR JOKE OF A COACH,KNOWS THE DAWGS OWN THIS STATE. DREAM ON YOU YELLOW FLIES WITH YOUR YELLOW PANTIES
dinopolis
August 30th, 2012
4:22 pm
I never got my red panties back!
—damon’s atlanta girlfriend
Doug Hutch
August 30th, 2012
4:22 pm
Courtney Stodden
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 30th, 2012
4:28 pm
Wake me up when we beat a team who makes the Top 10, something we’ve done once now in the current today 7 years and counting. And, it was 7 years’ ago.
Falconhater
August 30th, 2012
6:24 pm
Still laughing at the comments above from this Bradley guy…..what a joke….Falcants are forever SB RINGLESS!
Bradley Curse
August 30th, 2012
7:17 pm
“and is there any way a 12-1 SEC champ wouldn’t play for the BCS title?”
you must have missed the part where you wrote, “bunny schedule”. If UGA does win the SEC this might be a year in which the SEC Champ does NOT get an “automatic” BCS Championship bid. Some of the other conferences who played a undefeated tougher schedule? I could see the analysts supporting them over “bunny schedule” UGA.
*heck if UGA won the SEC Championship game, I could see the loser of that game getting the nod over UGA thanks to the “bunny schedule”
Of course this all assumes UGA plays good this year, we’ve seen the high expectation seasons come crashing down before
Sine Die
August 30th, 2012
8:30 pm
@@huh. Huh?
Dr. Warren
August 30th, 2012
9:47 pm
14 years since the Super Bowl season. It’s about time. Go you big red/black birds!
t2go
August 30th, 2012
11:17 pm
So many people are worried about Mizzou!!!! Today and yesterday everyone was saying Vandy was going to beat SC…South Carolina did not look great and there was a missed call at the end..BUT IT DID NOT HAPPEN! Missouri didnt have a great record last year…everyone loves the underdog and wants the guys to win who want it more. Yes the game is potentially dangerous…mainly if someone walked in the expecting a win…dont think the Dawgs will be feeling that way….they have something to prove as well…WELCOME to the SEC Missouri!!!! I see the Dawgs pounding the Tigers…leaving that stadium a crumbled mess!!!
Reality
August 30th, 2012
11:18 pm
At least you’re a positive thinker. I would agree with you on U.G.A. The Falcons, you never know. Tech? who the hell knows. I just don’t have alot of faith in that offense. I have watched alot of football over the past years and it always seems to me the team with the biggest strongest, hardest running backs, fastest, hardest hitting defense dominates. But we’ll see.
Flappin' Falcon
August 30th, 2012
11:24 pm
The newly designed AJC websites SUCKS! Incredibly slow, crowed with ads no one wants to see, hard to read, page loads are painful and frankly not worth the wait. BYE BYE AJC!
Observer
August 31st, 2012
12:02 am
If you vote for Obama again, you are an idiot. Period.
Observer
August 31st, 2012
12:04 am
If you vote for Obama again, you are an idiot.
Flounder
August 31st, 2012
12:57 am
‘Dwags” … giggle, giggle [snort]
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 31st, 2012
2:01 am
Where are the South Carolina fans now ?
Like I said South Carolina is never negotiating Georgia, LSU, Clemson and Arkansas while we play only them.
I’m not convinced they even deserved to win
How could the officials not call that pass interference ?
No one can comment on the horrible call not over-turned upstairs, either ?
I can.
South Carolina drops out of the top 10 with that “performance”
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 31st, 2012
2:02 am
Vandie was robbed by replay booth
JB Wengie
August 31st, 2012
6:44 am
UGA Will be 6-6 at best!
Reality
August 31st, 2012
7:54 am
UGA has such an easy schedule it is pitiful. If strength-of-schedule was still a primary consideration for rankings, UGA won’t be in the top 20 even if they went undefeated!
GT
August 31st, 2012
8:15 am
GT
August 31st, 2012
8:14 am
Georgia has to run to be the team they should be. Watch how they play Tech and play that way every game they can beat anybody. Their defense has got to cut down on penalties. Cheap shotting only gives them poor field position, makes their offense one dimensional and that is when they lose to a sub par team, which their whole schedule is.
Tech may get undressed Monday. Frank Beamer use to be one of the top five coaches in the game and he is not bad now. Playing him the first game of the season when he knows exactly what we are doing and we haven’t a clue what he is doing is poison, then add being up there it could be a shipwreck waiting to happen. I remember us losing to a Kansas team two years ago away, first game, one of the worse loses to a bad team in Johnson’s career.
Link Report this comment
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 31st, 2012
9:06 am
Listening to Georgie tek fans is such a joke. Not 1 of them has a clue about college football. Yet, yap-away they go. Typically, about how getting your hats handed to you by UGA forever, means nothing to you – like water off the back of ducks.
Our Defense doesn’t have to do NOTHING :
# 5 in the nation NCAA Total Defense, UGA
# 44 in the nation NCAA Total Defense, Georgie tek
7 teams we played last season scored fewer points against us than you did. We didn’t particularly play well on defense against you.
Our Defense is one of the very best in the nation, and your defense is one of the very worst in the nation.
And, you run in here telling everyone how great a football fan you are in saying our defense needs to do this or that, and look how we played you and do that against everyone else and we would be good in your eyes then.
Shut up
Jim Mora Sr
August 31st, 2012
9:08 am
UGA is a realistic pick. I like Paul Johnson, but their defense is not up to par. Plus, opening at Va Tech when they’ve had plenty of time to prepare for our offense is not good. Falcons won’t do it because of their lack of a pass rush, and a mediocre offensive line.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 31st, 2012
9:12 am
UGA is a realistic pick because we play no one
SameSh!tDifferentYear
August 31st, 2012
10:13 am
Every year we hear the same old same, this is the Falcons Year, every year we get eliminated in the 1st round, Time for some new coaching!!!!!!
elroy
August 31st, 2012
10:51 am
I amreally hoping there is no Mark Bradly curse for our football teams. Bradly’s picks in past have been a jinx for ga teams.
GT
August 31st, 2012
11:41 am
You know this is not the same Falcon organization that we hear every year, it actually gets to a lot of playoffs, and seems to improve every year. The problem with the pros is parity. Who would have picked the Giants even at the end of the year last year. I think college is a lot more certain than pros, I think there are too many colleges to keep up with so you may know more about your school than the “expect” and northerners know next to nothing about this sport. These radio guys locally are comical, they keep trying to throw a out of region team into the mix because they know more about them than a southern school. They do know pro sports better than us. You can take your kids to a college game not sure I want them going to a pro sports atmosphere.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
August 31st, 2012
11:52 am
_____________________________
“The problem with the pros is parity.”
_____________________________
The NFL teams who did best last year, play the best teams this season. The NFL teams who did poorly last year, play the worst teams this season.
In college, you can have a team like UGA 2012 who is ranked # 6 and plays absolutely no one to prove nothing.
If we win the games 2012, sooner-or-later, we will have to play at least 1 top team at the end of the season – and, that is our season then – just that.
South Carolina what a joke of a team who cannot possibly win their games vs Georgia, Arkansas, LSU and Clemson while all we play is South Carolina.
GT
August 31st, 2012
12:17 pm
The east got weak over night outside Ga. This hurts Georgia in more than power ratings. It give them nothing to measure their team until it is too late and they are in a blood bath with LSU. LSU lost to Alabama, corrected a few things and were loaded for bear against Ga. Good competition makes football teams better.
Alphare
August 31st, 2012
12:51 pm
watching last night’s game seems to tell me the old man still got it. I am afraid he will be undefeated again in the EAST 3 years in a row.
georgia guy
August 31st, 2012
12:58 pm
Huh??? you are an idiot and a jerk. Read the column again. Try to comprehend.
North Georgia Dawg
August 31st, 2012
1:11 pm
I think the Yellow Jackets have a legitimate shot of winning the coastal, but only if their defense has improved a good bit. Georgia should win the East, but the Dawgs always lose one game they should have won. Florida always plays us tough and so does South Carolina. I’m much less worried about Missouri than I am those two, especially with Missouri’s injuries mounting.
North Georgia Dawg
August 31st, 2012
1:18 pm
I think Georgia has high expectations this season, because the defense has much more depth. Guys like Ray Drew, Garrison Smith, Ramik Wilson, Josh Harvey-Clemons and Damian Swann will if nothing else not provide a significant drop-off when the starters come off the field. We won’t know for sure until the guys prove it on the field, but we seem to have a lot more bodies to put out there this year in our front seven. The secondary is still something to keep on eye on.
Batter up!
August 31st, 2012
1:50 pm
Is the rumor true about Richt hiring Kyle Carter and his baseball bat to assist Grantham on the sidelines during games? You know, to keep the opposing coaches from beating the crap out of loudmouth Grantham.
North Georgia Dawg
August 31st, 2012
2:26 pm
Batter Up, how did you know? The rumor has been confirmed. Javarris Crittenton or whatever his name is will also provide protection to Georgia Tech.
GB
August 31st, 2012
3:01 pm
What would Larry say….”Do you see what’s going on here?”
had enough
August 31st, 2012
4:51 pm
11-1 in the sec championship game again.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can stop it
August 31st, 2012
6:48 pm
But these are all teams from Georgia?
The penal colony and honey boo boo don’t field disciplined teams that win championships.
Richts waterloo
August 31st, 2012
10:21 pm
After watching Vandy – SC game last night UGA will lose to both….. Bank on it….
Dog Tall
August 31st, 2012
11:19 pm
the dogs—class of the SEC east! Ga will blow out fl and ut and beat sc by 7. Dogs v. Alabama for the title!!!
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
September 1st, 2012
1:13 am
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012 who even then will not have beat a single team making any top 10 poll, again.
Mark Richt lost to a Mountain West Conference team, who last night lost to Michigan State, who Mark Richt lost to as well.
Mark Richt lost to an unranked at game time Boston College team in 2001 in Music City Bowl.
Mark Richt in his 7th season here at UGA, lost at home to a 2-win only Vandie team whose only 2 wins were over 0-12 Duke and 1-11 Temple yet they beat Mark Richt.
Mark Richt lost to an unranked 5-7 Colorado team who fired their coach the year before last.
Mark Richt lost 3 years ago to a team who did not make the AP Poll Top 25 even, even with their win over Mark Richt when Okie State beat us with Zach Mettenberger not even getting a single snap at QB despite chronic sore shoulder of Joe Cox keeping him out of practice at least once a week his entire career here who in addition had to fly to the game on a charter flight because of the flu.
Mark Richt lost in 2002 to a team who did not make either the Coaches’ or the AP Top 25 polls, and went 0-11 on 3rd down conversions for the entire game against Ron Zook’s Florida “team” 2002.
Mark Richt lost to 5-loss Kentucky in 2006, too.
2007, Mark Richt lost to a mediocre 4-Loss vols team in a blow-out of Biblical Proportions 14-35.
2007 in addition Mark Richt lost to a team who did not make any Top 25 poll, who ended up 6-6 and not in a bowl game, South Carolina.
3 years ago at Home again, a 7-6 team who obviously also did not make any poll, came in and beat Mark Richt here at Sanford Stadium, hapless Kentucky.
Same year for that feat, 7-6 also vols hapless team beat Mark Richt 19-45 in another blow-out of Biblical Proportions to an absolute cupcake. Again.
2 seasons’ ago against an unranked in any poll obviously 8-5 team, lost to Florida.
2 seasons’ ago against an unranked in any poll South Carolina a 5-Loss team, Mark Richt again lost to an abject powderpuff football team, 6-17.
2 seasons’ ago against an unranked at game time Conference USA team for Heavens’ Sake U Central Florida, Mark Richt again lost 6-10.
2008, a 4-Loss, should have been 5-Loss Georgie tek team beat Mark Richt 42-45 at our House.
There is just no way, to run in here and attempt to paint Mark Richt as a coach who doesn’t lose to absolute cupcakes in this his 12th year here, and moreover, it is his 3 wins in 16 games against teams who made the Top 10 in his now 12th season here too that defines Mark Richt as a coach with no control of his scholarship recruits all 12 years, who cannot beat the top teams and obviously has Lost these 15 games to cupcakes.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
September 1st, 2012
1:14 am
Mark Richt lost to a Mountain West Conference team, who last night lost to Michigan State, who Mark Richt lost to as well.
Mark Richt lost to an unranked at game time Boston College team in 2001 in Music City Bowl.
Mark Richt in his 7th season here at UGA, lost at home to a 2-win only Vandie team whose only 2 wins were over 0-12 Duke and 1-11 Temple yet they beat Mark Richt.
Mark Richt lost to an unranked 5-7 Colorado team who fired their coach the year before last.
Mark Richt lost 3 years ago to a team who did not make the AP Poll Top 25 even, even with their win over Mark Richt when Okie State beat us with Zach Mettenberger not even getting a single snap at QB despite chronic sore shoulder of Joe Cox keeping him out of practice at least once a week his entire career here who in addition had to fly to the game on a charter flight because of the flu.
Mark Richt lost in 2002 to a team who did not make either the Coaches’ or the AP Top 25 polls, and went 0-11 on 3rd down conversions for the entire game against Ron Zook’s Florida “team” 2002.
Mark Richt lost to 5-loss Kentucky in 2006, too.
2007, Mark Richt lost to a mediocre 4-Loss vols team in a blow-out of Biblical Proportions 14-35.
Really Bradley?
September 2nd, 2012
9:50 pm
well, you are a glorified blogger who gives his bias thoughts and opinions…but can’t report facts because you are not a reporter…but these predictions are hilarious! falcons have the same players from last year with a questionable upgrade with Asante…Asante is a gambling cornerback who gets burned on simple double moves..Eagles always trade their worst players to desperate teams and laugh in the end…look at kolb in Arizona, he lost his starting job and eagles got a ransom from cards…you’re banking on Saints to fall apart, still a dangerous and talented team despite suspensions + coaching staff has been together longer than majority of teams staff in nfl…there’s a foundation down there in bayou and they are not unorganized like most people may believe…Ga gave up 23pts to Buffalo..Ga should’ve demolished them…I know it’s only 1st game, but that would concern me a bit if improvements aren’t made
Live from Tech-Tech: Rain (and an upset) could be coming | Mark Bradley
September 3rd, 2012
5:16 pm
[...] game in what stands as a massive season for Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson. As previously mentioned, I like the Jackets to win. I have found absolutely no one else in the media who seconds that emotion, but I’m [...]
Susan Guru
September 4th, 2012
10:31 am
Mark If can remember correctly you’re pick from last season was the Falcon 12-4 and going to the superbowl.
12-4 you had them winning the division
Seem like a repeat from the last couple or years
Mark Bradley
September 4th, 2012
10:33 am
Nope, Susan Guru. Had the Falcons going 12-4 and winning the wild card. They went 10-6 and were a wild card qualifier. Never picked them to go to the Super Bowl last year.