Heat Check: Was cutting Ray Edwards a message sent?
"So, former colleague Brian VanGorder, how's this Auburn gig working out?" (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Our weekly Heat Check appears a day late but, one hopes, not quite a dollar short.
FALCONS: Lost for the first time this season against the rival that has become an abject nemesis and, in losing, saw their biggest weaknesses – can’t run the ball, can’t stop the run — exposed. And what were the two things Mike Smith, after taking this job in January 2008, said a good team had to do? Run the ball and stop the run. Barometric reading: Barely 24 hours later, the Falcons cut defensive end Ray Edwards, who had little to do with Sunday’s loss but who did little after signing as a big-ticket free agent. Students of Falcons history will note that, after the first loss of the 1998 season, Dan Reeves cut cornerback Juran Bolden for messing up a coverage in San Francisco. Those Falcons would go 14-2 and make the Super Bowl.
(Please see my video chat with Brian Clark of CineSport, included below, for more on Edwards.)
GEORGIA: Beat Auburn the way a good team should beat Auburn. Will play Alabama — presuming Alabama beats Auburn — for the SEC title. Barometric reading: A week ago, almost nobody thought Georgia would have a chance against the Tide. That tide, so to speak, is turning. Brad Edwards of ESPN now projects Georgia over Alabama, and Mr. Edwards isn’t known for flights of fancy. And there’s still a real chance the SEC champ will play for the BCS title.
GEORGIA TECH: Played in Chapel Hill. Gave up 50 points. Won by 18. That’s Georgia Tech football. Barometric reading: The Jackets could well play for the ACC championship. When was the last time Georgia and Tech won divisions in the same year? Why, never.
HAWKS: They’re 3-3. Given that they’re in major flux and that they’ve had a frightful early schedule, that’s quite good. Barometric reading: Because this team was so structurally different from its predecessors, it was hard to know if it would fall into the lottery or make the playoffs. We’ve seen enough already to know that this is a playoff-caliber team.
GEORGIA STATE: Lost Bill Curry’s final game by 44 points to finish 1-10. Barometric reading: The next coach, whoever he is, won’t exactly have a tough act to follow.
GEORGIA TECH HOOPS: Opened the new McCamish Pavilion and won big. Barometric reading: The Jackets seem to have twice as many real players as they did last season, and they’re set to get one more when Stacey Poole, a Kentucky transfer, becomes eligible next month.
GEORGIA HOOPS: Scored three first-half baskets in losing to Youngstown State, which is known mostly for its nickname (Penguins) and being the place Jim Tressel coached before he landed at Ohio State. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 27 of the Bulldogs’ 56 points, which means his teammates managed 29. Barometric pressure: A program working in its fourth year under a demonstrably skilled coach shouldn’t be losing anywhere to Youngstown State, let alone at home.
GEORGIA STATE HOOPS: Lost its opener at Duke. Big upset there, huh? Barometric reading: In his first collegiate game, freshman R.J. Hunter scored 14 points and took 10 rebounds. Ron Hunter, who coaches the Panthers, has always said his son could really play.
KENNESAW STATE HOOPS: Markeith Cummings hit with 0.8 seconds left in overtime to lift the Owls past South Carolina State last night. This marked KSU’s first victory of calendar 2012. The Owls had last won by beating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Dec. 23, 2011. They’d since lost 20 in row. Barometric reading: KSU isn’t apt to go 3-28 again. Its competitive opening loss at Tennessee was a good sign, and winning three nights later on the road is an even better one.
BRAVES: Lost backup catcher David Ross to the Boston Red Sox, who can, as we know, outspend anyone save the Yankees. Barometric reading: Given that he’s the best No. 2 catcher in the game, and given that the Braves aren’t sure when the surgically repaired Brian McCann will be ready, Ross is a major loss.
By Mark Bradley
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210 comments Add your comment
ARdawg
November 13th, 2012
4:30 pm
GTBoob
Who said teams do not improve as the seasons goes on? Why would A&M improve and FL not?
If Georgia and SC played now on a neutral site, would UGA lose by 28? IMO, no Would the outcome be any different? It’s a moot point, who cares. Columbia was a tough place for Georgia to win on that night in that scenario. Could Georgia beat them now? Likely, SC is not the same team they were a month ago. They’ve gone one way and UGA the other. Not exactly the case with A&M and FL, is it?
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:31 pm
Danny Ferry doesnt tip his cap either
He gets rid of the dead weight
Frank Wren needs to take notice on how to get rid of unproductive players.
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:32 pm
We need Ovie back now.
Bradley have you talked to him lately?
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:34 pm
26 million dollars spent on 2 players that couldnt hit .220
Bradley lets discuss this topic
ARdawg
November 13th, 2012
4:34 pm
GTBoob
Who said teams don’t improve as the season goes on? Why would A&M improve and FL didn’t?
PMC
November 13th, 2012
4:34 pm
A message sent? Not sure, The message is that guys who don’t care about being here aren’t welcome.
There are guys who are humble and hungry who actually want the job.
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:34 pm
sorry .230
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
4:37 pm
Who said teams do not improve as the seasons goes on? Why would A&M improve and FL not?
There isn’t any evidence that Florida is getting better though. Since the SC game they had 6 turnovers against UGA and completely gave the game away. They barely beat a 5-5 Missouri team at home by a touch down, and they needed late second heroics to beat an awful sun belt team. They aren’t playing good football at all.
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 13th, 2012
4:39 pm
GTBob
Texas A&M had a new coach last year plus they didnt have a difference maker at QB
You are grabbing at straws and looking stupid doing so talking about their record last year
The SEC has been more talented since the the late 50’s and consistently puts more players in the NFL wins more bowl games and National Titles
Sure a team comes in and beats an SEC team wow thats news??? Really that is so shocking that an SEC team loses to an out of conference opponent; I mean doesnt Tech beat UGA every decade or so
Its the big picture Bob something you dont want to admit and the big picture is the SEC is the best in football and has been for decades
Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2012
4:39 pm
Let me note that it is much easier to cut a player in the NFL than in baseball. The difference being that almost all baseball contracts are guaranteed for their duration.
If the Braves were to cut Uggla, they’d owe him $45 million.
Buckeye
November 13th, 2012
4:42 pm
Don’t the Lady Gym dogs deserve a check too?
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:43 pm
Well at this point it would be better to eat that salary and pay Uggla $45 million than to play him and have him to bat around the Mendoza line. Play Prado at 2nd Base and keep Francisco at 3rd and move Gattis to Left and play Constanza at Center. That line up would be more productive than any with Uggla in it. But why sign McCann to a 13 million dollar contract when he wont be back until May and is declining sharply and will need to be a 1st baseman and/or DH to perserve his career. This is a mid-maret team and 13 million is a heck of a lot to throw around. It just seems that the Braves are not fiscally responsible.
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:48 pm
But here are many players that just dont play the same ater they get their contrat.
I call it the Albert syndrome……named after Albert Bell and Albrt Hainsworth.
And Albert Pujols almost became another static but thankfully he was so talented that he bucked that trend in the 2nd half of the season.
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:49 pm
But here are many players that just dont play the same ater they get their contract.
I call it the Albert syndrome……named after Albert Bell and Albrt Hainsworth.
And Albert Pujols almost became another static but thankfully he was so talented that he bucked that trend in the 2nd half of the season.
But you look at Ugglas 2 seasons here he has been struck with the Albert syndrome
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
4:51 pm
Its the big picture Bob something you dont want to admit and the big picture is the SEC is the best in football and has been for decades
I think the SEC is a great conference. It just isn’t anywhere near as good as its fans and ESPN commentators think it is. Its a lot of smoke and mirrors. Here are facts. Texas A&M is a better team in the SEC then they were in the Big 12. They are about to have their best record since 1998. Missouri is about the same as last year and they lost most of their starters from last year. Shouldn’t teams struggle when they move to the SEC?
jerry
November 13th, 2012
4:53 pm
“If the Braves were to cut Uggly, they’d owe him $45 million”
That’s what I call job security.
Discount DoubleDawg
November 13th, 2012
4:56 pm
The SEC is so talented that a 6-6 team from the Big 12 can come in, beat the best team in the conference at their place, and go 8-2 in their first 10 games.
Bob- you can’t be serious with this one can you? A&M has a new coach (up for National Coach of Year), a new offense, a new QB (arguably the most exciting/dangerous QB in football)… and you are comparing them to last years team which resulted in Sherman’s firing? Good grief…
jerry
November 13th, 2012
4:57 pm
GTBob’s comments @ 4:51 definetly overshadow 6 consecutive National Championships.
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
4:59 pm
Well if we are stuck on the hook for $45 million and he isnt producing then send him down like we did to McClouth and Kawakami. I’m sorry but hitting around the Mendoza line for most of the year is unacceptable.
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
4:59 pm
Texas A&M in the Big 12: 7th in total offense, 490 yards a game.
Texas A&M in the SEC: 5th in total offense, 545 yards a game.
Boy, adding LSU, Bama, and Florida to the schedule really slowed them down.
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
5:01 pm
GTBob’s comments @ 4:51 definetly overshadow 6 consecutive National Championships.
Here is today’s college football lesson. National Championships are won by teams, not conferences.
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 13th, 2012
5:03 pm
GT Bob
A&M has probably the best OL in the nation but guess what they were pushed around by 2 of the only 3 top D-lines they played
Next year A&M’s OL is not going be as good next year wait till next year before you start saying A&M is all world in the SEC plus with Arkansas debacle and Aub being horrific it just happened that A&M is having a 2 loss season
Again Bob you can say what you want but the SEC smoke and mirrors LOL facts are facts Bob and you have none Bob
THE SEC has won more National Championships since the late 50’s
The SEC has won more bowl games during that time
THe SEC has put more players in the NFL
Those are facts Bobby sorry you cant handle the truth about SEC football
Spanky
November 13th, 2012
5:05 pm
Bob, yes. A&M is new to the conference and they outlasted Bama….What’s your point?! You don’t think they’d fare that well if they were still back in the Big 12?! Come off it, bra!
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
5:06 pm
For those of you who argue the SEC is the best conference because of its National Championships, are you willing to publicly say that the SEC is not the best conference this year if they don’t win the National Championship which is likely? Has the Pac 12 or the Big 12 overtaken the SEC now?
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
5:07 pm
I hate to tell all you SEC bashers thsi but Texas will beat K-State and USC will beat ND
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
5:08 pm
You don’t think they’d fare that well if they were still back in the Big 12?! Come off it, bra!
History tells me no, they wouldn’t.
ARdawg
November 13th, 2012
5:12 pm
GTBob
Florida is 9-1. That’s one win better than A&M. How can you logically argue FL isn’t progressing the year as much or possibly more than A&M?
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 13th, 2012
5:13 pm
GT Bob
Lets see what the SEC’s bowl record is this year before we say that
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
5:14 pm
The SEC is still the best conference:
South Carolina
UF
UGA
LSU
Alabama
Texas A&M
Beast from the East
November 13th, 2012
5:14 pm
GTBob,
Manziel and Texas A&M had a distinct advantage against UF in that we had ZERO game film on what to expect from them. They dominated the first half, as we had no idea how good that kid was. He continuously converted third downs by running. At halftime, Muschamp basically told the defensive front that if they continued to rush up the field and not play in their lanes he would bench their butts. They listened and the defense shut them out in the second half. UF’s defense can handle any team in the country. 20 points is the most they have allowed and they have faced some pretty good offensive teams. Our offense is hit and miss and seems to play to the level of their competition. Bottom line is that UF has beaten 3 top 10 teams…something no one else in the country can say.
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
5:20 pm
Our offense is hit and miss and seems to play to the level of their competition.
You are raked 107th in the country in total offense. It is pretty much just a miss offense.
Beast from the East
November 13th, 2012
5:28 pm
GTBob
November 13th, 2012
5:20 pm
Our offense is hit and miss and seems to play to the level of their competition.
You are raked 107th in the country in total offense. It is pretty much just a miss offense.
———————
Fair statement. The o-line is poor in pass protection and no playmakers at WR. Pretty good running game and a mobile QB. They have only been asked to do enough to win…which they have done 9 out of 10 times this year. You ACC guys can continue to run up the scores on each other. We’ll just have to be content with the W’s.
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 13th, 2012
5:32 pm
Oh Bob
A&M is really great sure I would say again they caught Bama down after an emotional win why??
after the 1st qtr debacle Bama scored 24 points to their 9 after the 1st qtr
Sorry A&M won but they arent coming into the SEC and winning any Conference titles anytime soon
Kiss it
November 13th, 2012
5:49 pm
The SEC has the best football money can buy. Ask Cam Newton and his dad.
Cdpridg
November 13th, 2012
6:00 pm
gt bob…we go over this daily. Are you retarded…..the SEC is is college football and its cyborg players from another planet are untouchable…
Paul in NH
November 13th, 2012
6:22 pm
“But that number reflects what they’ve accomplished, not how good we really think they are”
Only a gas bag like Kiper could come up with a statement like that . Why bother playing the games – it’s not winning that counts.
Steve
November 13th, 2012
6:31 pm
Why do you people reply to GTBob? He obviously has no life and simply comes on here to comment on peoples comments. Just ignore the little boy. You will never win when someone is as stupid as him. If UGA beats Bama, he will say that Bama stinks and lost at home to A&M. If Bama beats UGA, he will tell you how overrated UGA was. Can’t win.
C from Marietta
November 13th, 2012
6:36 pm
First,
Matt Ryan sucks and can’t throw a deep ball.
Mike Smith needs to GO!
Dunta Robinson is a bust. Cut him!
Second,
Coach Richt needs to go! He can’t win the NC.
He can only beat weak teams.
Third,
Every other school but mine is a cesspool of rude fans.
Fourth,
Your a complete idiot if you don’t agree with me.
I hope I didn’t leave anything out.
C from Marietta
November 13th, 2012
6:40 pm
@ GTBob
Flordia would whip GT easily.
Red Stick
November 13th, 2012
7:18 pm
Current strength of schedule:
http://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/strength-of-schedule-by-team
SEC notables: 1) LSU, 2) A&M, 6) Bama, 11) Fl, 14) SC, 15) Mizz, 19) Ms St 25) UK, 26) UGA
For GTBob: Va Tech has the strongest strength of schedule in the ACC at 42.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
Rick James
November 13th, 2012
7:39 pm
@GTBob
What has Van Gorder done lately that would make us want to bring him in? Personally I think the guy is way past his prime.
—————————————————————————————————————————–
That didnt seem t be a problem with Al Groh..There’s not much talent at Auburn Bob no coach in his prime or not can change that..And unlike CPJ when Van Gorder leaves Auburn he’ll get a job at a major program.
Beast from the East
November 13th, 2012
7:49 pm
Rick James,
I will have to disagree with you on that one. According to Scout, Auburn had the #6 ranked class in 2010, #2 in 2011 and #8 in 2012. That team is loaded with raw talent. I would say the coaching is not there.
Douglas
November 13th, 2012
7:52 pm
Maybe Fox can coach but he cannot recruit the talent he has in the state of Georgia. It’s amazing that McGarity says he likes where the program is going with Fox — hard to believe he served under Jeremy Foley — doesn’t look like he learned a darn thing. Foley would have already fired Fox.
dan
November 13th, 2012
8:16 pm
Mark,
1. In regards to the Saints game: We can’t be too surprised that a division foe who is familiar with our style of play ended our streak. The Saints despite their record are talented on offense, and the Falcons are undermanned of defense. It wasn’t surprising that Brees and company were able to move the ball. But when it comes to goal line offense, it is 10% execution and 90% about just whipping the guy in front of you. I need Matty Ice and Co. to punch each other in the chest in those situations and say ” We are an elite offense!! We’re going to stick it in the endzone vs. these SOB’s and put a dagger in this place!!!” It’s a “take no prisoners” mentality that is lacking there. The Saints were begging for the Birds to beat them, and Mike Smith and Co didn’t take advantage of it. Hey a Little Brother is as a Little Brother does.
2. In regards to the Dawgs: I don’t care what Bama does or doesn’t do. UGA has to show me something. Bama has proven they can take a punch in the mouth and fight back. When UGA gets punched in the mouth, they fall apart. That is what soft second tier football teams do, and that isn’t good enough. The only way you beat a team like Bama is to take the fight right to them. That is what LSU and A&M did. If the Dawgs fight like hell for 60 mintutes, they have a shot. But if they come out flat and tepid like they did vs. South Carolina, I will 100% guarantee that Bama will beat the ever living Dawg Crap out of UGA.
Joe Dirte
November 13th, 2012
8:58 pm
Aaron Murry reminds me of Tony Romo as a guy that puts up great stats but never wins a clutch game and makes dumb turnovers. Ok Bradley do you feel this assessment is accurate.
GT Girl
November 13th, 2012
8:59 pm
I like Mark ’smart as a Fox’. I hope the dwags keep him, especially if they only score 6 points in a first half! BTW, who is Youngstown State? Never heard of ‘em. Go Jackets! Looking forward to beating dwags again in roundball-and yes-hopefully in football too!
kral
November 13th, 2012
10:07 pm
well gtgirl they are not Kennesaw ST..remember them
Paul in NH
November 13th, 2012
10:30 pm
Youngstown State may be better than Kennesaw State but I am pretty sure that the losing coach against KSU is no longer at GT.
Barkley
November 13th, 2012
10:41 pm
Van Wussiestein- wha a joke. You will soon hear he is suspended for threatening a mascot.
Watching the Kentucky Duke.game Hate them both but if you cheer for Kentucky you most likely cheered for the women’s East German swim team in the 80s. I think 3 of their players are being investigated for off shore accounts.
Yep
November 13th, 2012
11:06 pm
I can see how UGA is predicted to beat bama after big wins over KENTUCKY OLE MISS and AUBURN.