March Madness at UGA means spring football!
It's a big spring for Caleb King. (Photo by Jason Getz, AJC)
Ladies and gentlemen, March Madness has officially arrived and that can mean only one thing at Georgia — time for spring football practice!
That’s right. While all those other fools pour over brackets trying to figure out if Sienna has a backcourt that can hang with Ohio State’s, we’ll be finding out where Clint Boling might line up on the O-line, whether Caleb King has, uh, moxie, and if there is a Division I defensive end somewhere in Athens-Clarke County. And some other stuff.
The Bulldogs trot out onto the Woodruff Practice Fields for the first of 15 practices — including the April 11 G-Day Game — on Tuesday afternoon. Fittingly on St. Patrick’s Day, there will be a bunch of players in green jerseys, which also signifies they’re injured.
Actually these players never really stopped practicing. Football is truly year-round these days and, other than spring break and a brief respite after the Capital One Bowl, these players have been running, passing or kicking on those fields every day. But now the coaches join them and the early competition for playing time will heat up. And we’ll be there to chronicle every minute! Well, at least whatever minutes they let us come out and see. But the post-practice interviews, we’ll be all over those. Woo-hoo!
As you might be able to tell, I’m a little jaded about spring football practice. Other than the occasional injury — OK, in the case of Georgia, daily injury — I’ve never found them particularly newsworthy. Especially now that they allow us to actually observe for only a short while each day. Used to be we would watch intently all day every day and form our own opinions about who might be able to do what. Now we watch them stretch, run a couple of drills and maybe do a little kicking. Then we’re ushered out like school children when recess is over. That’s somewhat understandable in the fall when the coaches hide under the paranoid possibility that plays will be leaked to opponents. Doesn’t carry much weight in March.
But I digress. Tim Tucker and I will do our very best to provide as much insight and commentary as we can under the circumstances. The tentative schedule calls for the Dogs to be on the field Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of this week. They go only three times the next week (3/24, 3/26, 3/27).
So in order of importance, here’s what I think are the three priorities:
(1) Find a killer defensive end if you have to create one out of a wideout;
(2) With all due respect to the other tailbacks, find out what Caleb King is made of;
(3) Determine who is your backup quarterback (Joe Cox is “Da Man,” as you all well know).
But that’s just me. What do you guys think?
Some links:
No. 1-ranked Diamond Dogs avoid sweep.
Here’s the AJC’s Georgia football spring practice preview by Tim Tucker. . . .
Wouldn’t be a blog without something from UT’s wacky Lane Kiffin, right? Big surprise here but the Knowville News Sentinel got to the bottom of it and Kiffin denies the “go to South Carolina and pump gas” comment. We know because Ed Orgeron says so,.
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137 comments Add your comment
RAMBLE ON!!!
March 16th, 2009
8:43 am
Is it true the diamond dawgs were number one and got beat by Bama, JUST LIKE FOOTBALL? Maybe ya’ll have BLACKED THAT OUT.
Wait till the Jackets beat the diamond Dawgs, JUST LIKE FOOTBALL 45-42.
Atlanta Jackets
March 16th, 2009
8:52 am
We own this place! LOL! Ramble just burned you if you didn’t notice. Ramble on, Ramble On!!! ROTFLMAO!! LOL!
I hear the Robot just scored again!
Bama Man
March 16th, 2009
8:53 am
Your little pups played a real team and showed just how weak your schedule before SEC play really was. Congrats on your baseball folding like a lawn chair just like your football team.
MiltonJeff
March 16th, 2009
9:04 am
RambleOn & Atlanta Jackets: you guys are so cute together. Do you both of you log on at the same time and discuss what your going to post on a Dawg Blog? Please remind all of us what GT did last year in baseball. Anybody? Didn’t think so. 38-3 LSU wins in your own backyard. PATHETIC!!
Boston Williams
March 16th, 2009
9:12 am
I always snicker when UGA fans start stroking their egos at the beginning of the season for BB, BskB, and FB. Each time the first two fall on their face, the fans immediately fast forward to “talking” about how great the FB team is going to be, alas, only to witness the FB team suffer the same fate as the other two sports. Go UGA girls gymnastics!
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
9:33 am
How about hearing from some UGA fans?
Bulldawg Billy
March 16th, 2009
9:36 am
looks like lots of schools would kill for uga’s fan base.
2N4YEARS
March 16th, 2009
9:45 am
Series Originated 1893
Overall Record Georgia leads, 59-39-5, including 33 of the last 44 games. Go Buzz that.
Atlanta Jackets
March 16th, 2009
9:45 am
Dawg Fan, you can’t envy what you don’t have!! Burn!!! LOL!
Atlanta Jackets
March 16th, 2009
9:46 am
[Private Message] Chip, how do I edit a comment?
AceDawg
March 16th, 2009
9:46 am
GTech fans pride themselves in basketball yet were just as bad as UGA this year despite far greater recruits on paper. I’ll take being a UGA fan having to deal with one year of Tech winning in football over the totality of what GTech sports is any day. The LSU drubbing you took in the bowl game took the polish off that victory in the big picture, although you have indeed earned the right to brag for a year.
Anyhow, Chip – I agree with all three of your concerns, although part of me actually thinks that Richard Samuel could be the more gifted between he and King. I wish both could be out there. Getting some great D-Line play is key though since Martinez won’t blitz and create a pass rush through schemes himself. Don’t we recruit speed and talent at D-Back so they can cover downfield while we blitz? Prove me wrong Martinez! Dawgs fans don’t have any personal grudges with you as a person, so we hope you prove us wrong with on the field results.
what?
March 16th, 2009
9:49 am
we were actually number 2 when alabama beat us in football. what were yu guys ranked when lsu beat you by 35?
what?
March 16th, 2009
9:51 am
can’t envy what you don’t have?? Actually, why would you envy what you do have? moron. no burn, sorry!
GeoffDawg
March 16th, 2009
9:57 am
That would be a heck of a baseball score rambler. Lol at BF Dawg Fan’s comment.
I agree about the need to produce more pressure on the QB with our down linemen. Figuring that out is hopefully a top priority for CWM and his staff this spring.
Also, IMO, Caleb King can separate himself as the premiere back if he can only demonstrate consistency in his blocking. Until then, CMR will probably give Samuel the most carries (assuming he doesn’t fumble) and I can’t say I blame him.
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
10:04 am
Let’s try to stick to the topic and not play “my team will beat up your team” today children. What do you think are the priorities for Georgia football this spring? Practice begins Tuesday.
GeoffDawg
March 16th, 2009
10:13 am
Obviously, staying healthy is vitally important for the team this spring but that being said, you don’t want to practice with less intensity either. Figuring out how to do that? I’ll leave that up to the guys making a lot more money than me.
Also, somebody has got to yank a knot in the tail of the defense to eliminate all the stupid, drive saving penalties committed last year. That ridiculous hand to the QB facemask which continued an early Alabama drive last year comes to mind. In my mind, that set the tone for the whole first half debacle. That kind of thing cannot be allowed to happen again this Fall.
DawginLex
March 16th, 2009
10:25 am
I want to see if Logan Gray can be a solid backup and if he is close to Cox in ability. If not, Murray or Zac Met are going to have to lose the redshirt like MS did. I would like to see Logan be able to get some packages built into the offense but if he doesn’t have the arm strength and is run only, forget it.
I want a solid OL set heading into the fall. No shifting players and making them learn new positions. I want a DE that can GET SACKS. No mor of this finesse crapola. I want to see if Jeff Owens has a backup to run stuff the middle. Jeff will be fine but obviously after last year, you need more than one.
Somebody needs to step up and be the #1 running back, heads and shoulders above the rest. Is Caleb that guy?
To Rambler, are you really predicting that the nerd herd will beat UGA in baseball? How many choke jobs does it take?
reservoirDAWG
March 16th, 2009
10:35 am
Chip, I think you nailed it with the DE comment. Cox will be fine and the other skill positions are looking good as well.
FalconDawg
March 16th, 2009
10:41 am
Chip dog fan checking in ilove how these losers have nothing better to do except patrol are blog i wonder why? (they have nothing to talk about on there own) I really love how the haters keep showing how pathetic they are. Yes UGA is number one in baseball that rocks. Chip, i really feel are defense will be night and day when compared to last year. The depth we have this year is unreal. Cox’s backup has to be logan gray, what about john delureal is he still in the mix? One thing that was good about last year, we still remember and Coach Richt knows how to rebound from a bad season!
DawgGirl32
March 16th, 2009
10:41 am
Priorities? I think you hit all of them. We definitely need more of a pass rush. I think the bowl game showed promise of that, though.
We definitely need to figure out this tailback situation. My personal opinion is that Caleb King will have a great year. I’m actually interested to see how Carlton Thomas will do and if Waushaun Ealy will get a redshirt. I would think that after redshirting Knowshon and seeing how that played out Mark Richt might be pretty hesitant to do the same to Ealy. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
I can see any one of the 4 great QBs we have step up this year. The question will be: who’s getting redshirted between the 2 freshmen?
I agree with GeoffDawg that the absolute main priority, though, is getting everyone healthy without losing intensity. That’s a tough one.
dude
March 16th, 2009
10:43 am
I’ve got a few questions. Has Orson Charles startes taking classes? Is he looking to play TE, or reciever? With his size, speed, & hands wouldn’t he be another weapon at reciever since we also recruited another top TE from Mass.? Does anyone know who are the top prospective DE’s going into spring?
rickyt
March 16th, 2009
10:55 am
I agree with the ends and the runningbacks. as far as the backup qb i think we redshirt the freshmen. we can always take a shirt off. i’m interested in logan grey. can the dawgs use him to losen up the offense. i heard he was going to play receiver. can they get him the ball in motion, use him behind center on some plays?
RedGADawg
March 16th, 2009
11:02 am
You hit the hot spots, need rush from ends, who can carry load from backfield, Cox is fine, Gray needs to step up and prove he can relieve if needed, not sure it is bad if one of freshmen QB’s sees some action, give some space for eligibility, DAWGS have four good ones to work with, ATTITUDE and DEFINITON of FALL GOAL will be critical coming out of SPRING! Last year there were to many lapses when attitude was UGA talent would win, saw in AL, TECH, FL games that team can not relax, Richt has to build “Killer” attitude, take no prisoners, put game away. Quality of individuals on team is outstanding, can coaches motivate to reach a higher level. It doesn’t take a Heisman Trophy candidate on team, it takes a team playing together for the same goal!
nola dawg
March 16th, 2009
11:04 am
did anybody hear colid cowheard’s (ESPN radio) rant last week about being a real man? one example he used on “not being a real man” is posting on your rival’s msg board. It was prefect Ramble On, that’s you sparky. Go away loser.
Chip – really like your 3 thoughts going into spring.
#1 has to be the DE. I said all year that was the “thing that was missing”.
#2 – a safty that wants to hit. Is Q. Banks finally healthy? I thought he was supposed to be that G. Blue type safety.
#3 – the TBs that red-shirted, are they ready?
Good topic Chipster… keep em coming this week!
GeoffDawg
March 16th, 2009
11:05 am
Dude – I doubt Orson Charles is attending classes at UGA yet. He didn’t decide between UGA and USC until long after the semester would’ve started.
SOUTHGADAWG88
March 16th, 2009
11:14 am
Chip I’m sure you have seen these kids in practice more than any of us ever will.Who do you expect to have a break out year?
DawgOnTOUR
March 16th, 2009
11:20 am
Boston Williams, the comment you made earlier about UGA Gymnastics is way off base and you should check yourself before you go barking and nipping at our heels…4 NATIONAL CHMAPIONSHIPS IN A ROW and undefeated so far this season!!! I put that up against ANY team in ANY sport ANYTIME. Coach Yoculan has built the program to become the elite of the elite…I don’t care what you think or what sport you play, these girls are athletes at the highest level and deserve any and all of attention that they garner. The sport of girls collegiate gymnastics is losing one of if not the greatest coach in the history of the sport. Her record makes the almighty Bear Bryant look like a Pop Warner coach. Dog fans everywhere should have enough respect for her and the program to defend her…but why the hell should we have to defend her on our blog anyway? Go back to the beehive and worship your queen…
As for football, CHip you are right…we have to find a stud at DE this year. The only other thing I would add is to continue to do the little things right. No penalties, tackle at the first point of contact, win the turnover battle, and all of these start with the mat drills. CMR will have them ready to invade Stillwater in the fall!!! GO DAWGS!!! Sic ‘Em!!!
Right On Time
March 16th, 2009
11:21 am
Priority #1: Evaluate frosh QB’s for backup role. If Logan Gray had
any shot at being a quality backup would he be returning punts?
Pririty #2: Anything and everything is open on the “D”. Make every single player (other than Curran) earn or re-earn PT, then do it again in the fall.
Priority #3: Put King in a batting cage ala Happy Gilmore to toughen up. If that does not work it has to be Samuel…who is his backup, Carlton Thomas?
Priority #4: Threaten them so badly that no player even thinks about getting in trouble this summer. Maybe put players with an accountability partner.
Prority #5: Can special teams be special again?
Coach S will take care of the O-Line, no worries there.
Bill W.
March 16th, 2009
11:22 am
Hey Chip. Thank you for the article and topic. AT DE I’m anxious to see Kiante Tripp in the position and how Neland Ball has improved. I think for next fall if we can have a healthy Cornelius Washington and maybe the new kid coming in, Montez Robinson maybe one of those two can emerge. We’ll see. IMO Caleb will step it up. Two years ago Thomas Brown said that King seemed more elusive than Knowshown. I think he will prove to himself he can handle the position. Samuel right behind him and maybe Ealy surprising some folks. I think Cox will be like David Greene in a sense. Smart, calm, clutch and a leader. Looking forward to G-day.
PTC DAWG
March 16th, 2009
11:28 am
I agree about finding a DE. It’s a MUST.
And I want to sincerely thank all the GT fans who keep the comedy coming. It’s really nice that we were able to do so much for your ego.
What's the scoop on Moody
March 16th, 2009
11:40 am
Anybody heard about incoming frosh Moody getting his scholly yanked? What’s the story?
innocent bystander
March 16th, 2009
11:46 am
I know I should be worried about losing 70% of our offense with Stafford, Knowshon and MoMass but I’m not. I feel Joe Cox can have a DJ Shockley year at a minimum and our improving situation with a recovering and maturing offensive line is going to make those young tailbacks look really good. It’s been often remarked that the Alabama meltdown after losing Andre Smith corresponds to the magnitude of our injury problems on the offensive line last year.I think the analogy is apt.We will be healthier and older.I feel great that Coach Ball is going back to the position he feels most comfprtable with and where he achieved at a high level at Virginia Tech.I think we’ll put up lots of points. And I fear we may need to.
Our long term defensive trending is no reason for optimism. But returning Jeff Owens and having Geno Atkins and Kade Weston as seniors is a really positive prospect.It was not a normal year for Coach Fabris who’s worked miracles with d-ends in the past. I think he will be back on form next year. He was working with the young the raw and the hurt last year. Our linebackers will be very very solid. Remember Marcus Washington was starting two years ago. And Rennie Curran is a still developing phenomenon. It’s cornerback and safety which provide the question marks. Reshad Jones has all the physical tools but has yet to prove himself consistent.Asher Allen had a sub-par year partially due to injuries. Two interceptions against Hawaii and 0 for 2008 in interceptions for Asher. And we have to assume that his replacement will not be able to perform to the level where Asher would have been. CJ Byrd is gone. The secondary is the one place where we can be burned for points in a hurry.That’s what gives us worries in the Spring–defense and especially the secondary.
Tech Fan Here
March 16th, 2009
11:50 am
What’s the general feeling about Joe Cox? Are you guys excited about him or would you rather see one of the up and coming guys take over? Just sort of curious who y’all think will be leading the team throughout the year.
Bill W.
March 16th, 2009
11:57 am
Moody get scholarship pulled by CMR-
http://www.sicemdawgs.com/2009/03/georgia-bulldogs-rescind-dexter-moodys-scholarship/
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
11:59 am
dude: As an alert blogger pointed out, Orson Charles won’t start taking classes until this summer at the earliest. And personally I wouldn’t be looking for a lot out of him this first season. Georgia’s pretty well set with Bruce Figgins and Aron White and several others at that position. . . .
SOUTHGADAWG: As for potential breakout years, I’d say LB Nick Williams, S Quintin Banks, WR Michael Moore, TE Aron White, TB/KR Carlton Thomas and OL Justin Anderson.
Feverdawg
March 16th, 2009
11:59 am
(1) After last season, defensive end is maybe the position I have the most Questions about. Can Rod Battle stay healthy all year, and progress on the form he showed as a sophmore. What will D. Dobbs and Justin Houston be able to do with the experience they gained last year, can they take that next step to being a consistant force on the outside. Can Neland Ball, Cornelius Washington or Jeremy Longo be that disruptive factor our defence needs at the D end position. And will this move back to the position prove to be the answer for Kiante Tripp.
(2) At tailback I am confident that we have talent, alot of talent. What I wonder about is can C. King be more aggressive blocking and hitting the hole. R. Samuel looks the part, with his speed, size and power, but will his vision of the field improve. I’m exited to see C. Thomas this spring. His skill set could bring alot to our offence. Don’t forget about D. Jackson, he drew alot of praise from coaches last spring. So it’s unfortunate he will be out this spring. All in all I am confident in our backfield.
(3) Chip you’re right Joe Cox is Da Man, and I can’t wait to see him in control of our offence. I have complete confidence in his ability on the field and in the locker room. The Question really is how much did it hurt Logan Gray’s progress at the position by working so much on special teams last season. Will he be able to lock down the back up spot, and maybe even play a little in some special packages. Logan looked really good in last years sring game, and if he can continue to grow as a Quaterback, maybe we will not have to force one of our outstanding incoming freshmen into early duty.
GO DAWGS
Mike
March 16th, 2009
12:01 pm
Hey Chip …. yep, it’s that time of the year. At least for some ” semi ” football. You listed some sound priorities to follow during the spring. One thought …. what is the approach regarding ” revamping ” the Defense ? Certainly injuries ; critical penalties, etc., played a huge role last season. But the ‘08 D was one of the worst tackling defenses I’ve ever seen at UGA. Just food for thought …… keep up the good work !
getthepicturenow
March 16th, 2009
12:03 pm
Well Chip, I’m eager to see these guys attitude’s for spring ball. Are our defensive lineman hungry? Can Justin Houston and Demarcus Dobbs play every snap the way they showed flashes of at times last year? I want to see Joe Cox take this Qb spot by the throat. He needs to have no confusion on sets or personel or formations. I want to see AJ Harmon compete. I want to see Caleb compete. And I really want Reshad to prove he can lead. I think the biggest question for me is..Are our guys satisfied with last year? And i don’t think they are!! I hope we can stay healthy. Great Blog Chip, read it as often as i can.
WePeeYellow2
March 16th, 2009
12:20 pm
1) The offensive line, yea uga is supposed to have a healthy bunch of linemen this year, but will the play improve, Searels, is good coach, but will the team chemistry be there?
2) The D, change the scheme or get more aggressive. Do what you have to do to get to the QB, stop relying on excellent DE play for pressure, teach the DB’s to cover and the safeties to tackle, and then bring the kitchen sink! I hate watching the D give up drive after drive after drive against good teams, UA, UF, GT in the second half, heck even UK was driving in the closing min until the turnover saved us.
3) Find a feature back, even if you have to convert a player, remember Verron Haynes, the converted LB that played FB?
4) Will the kicking game be better or more of the same, it seems more and more teams are putting a premium on special teams, will UGA have better special teams play or will it just continue to be acceptable?
go DAWGS! GT = Georgia Toilets, and you know what you do in toilets…
David
March 16th, 2009
12:25 pm
Chip, I agree with your assesment. Defensive end is the #1 priority. I also think LEADERSHIP and how they address special teams is important too. We were horrible in special teams last year, especially kick return and kickoff coverage. Another question is Blair Walsh. And yet another is the TE.
DEFENSE needs to be much improved or the question of Martinez will get even more traction.
lawzoo
March 16th, 2009
12:42 pm
Dude, Orson Charles didn’t decide between ga. and UCF until recently. So, he can’t be in “classes”.
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
12:42 pm
Looking into the Moody scholarship yanked thing. Nothing so far.
GeoffDawg
March 16th, 2009
12:48 pm
lawzoo – you’re thinking of Kwame Geathers. Charles was down to Georgia and Southern Cal.
Huh?
March 16th, 2009
12:53 pm
1) The defense needs to grow a pair. Priority #1 is to have a physical spring with an emphasis on fundamentals and plenty of contact. If they all get injured then so be it. They won’t do the team much good healthy if they whiff on tackles, can’t get off blocks, and play with absolutely no sense of urgency whatsoever like last year. This is the first priority by a long shot. Nothing else will matter if this is not corrected. We will not have a snowball’s chance in hell at beating Florida or any other top SEC team if the defense does not improve in a big way. Thanks.
mcdawg
March 16th, 2009
1:00 pm
Leadership is huge and was sorely lacking
with all due repects to the talents of Stafford i never got the sense that he took ownership of the team and w/ J. Owens and Marcus Washington out-there was something missing in that regards on the D
i think Cox can answer that question on Offense
this is R. Jones year to really step up and be the ALL-SEC (American?) he is capable of being
A. Allen’s departure will hurt so corners a big question-ilike B. Evans at Safety
looking forward to what K. Tripp can do at DE
really like how C. King ran with the ball towards the end of the year-powerful runner -i think we will be fine at TB
kw
March 16th, 2009
1:01 pm
1 – toughness & depth on o-line
2 – cox’s leadership on o
3 – curran’s leadship on d
4 – coaching & consistency on d (i.e., stop the trend of having one or two games a year where the d gets figured out or folds)
5 – catching passes by receivers
6 – developing depth at qb & rb
Fletch
March 16th, 2009
1:01 pm
Moody’s scholarship yanked bc of “behavioral issues”…don’t know what that means. Now on with the jokes from the techies.
Mort Merkel
March 16th, 2009
1:04 pm
File an opening meetings law violation complaint. It’s a public school team practicing on public property.
haney
March 16th, 2009
1:05 pm
As for what UGA needs to be working on this spring, I say tackling drills should be a top priority on the defense. Back to the basics of football boys. As for the offense, obviously we need someone-Caleb King-to step up at the RB position. I have watched him play HS many times, watched him in limited action last fall, the kid has outstanding ability. What he needs is to get his confidence back while also realizing his time is now. With Knowshon around, he just didn’t get a chance to do much. That changes now and with Samuel out, as well as DJackson, Caleb has a chance to shine and I am hoping he will.
One thing I firmly believe when it comes to QB and RB this season in Athens, sure, those guys are replacing 1st round NFL picks BUT, the OL they will be playing with should be so much better than what those two guys had in front of them, they don’t have to be as much a superstar as just solid.
I also hope the kicking team gets in a lot of work. Our defense had problems last year but I honestly believe if we could find a kicker that could boom the ball into the zone every kick, forcing teams to start at the 20 instead of the 40 is a BIG deal.
kauai dawg
March 16th, 2009
1:15 pm
I think the biggest issue is the pressure from the DE and the hard hitting safety. We always had the reputation of an attacking D and last year, due to injuries we were soft. Without the pressure our DBs looked vulnerable. So pick up the pressure and have a head hunting safety for over the middle patterns and that will be solved. Owen back in the middle will help tremendously as well to clogg it up. The LBs concern me a little. Go DAWGS!
dude
March 16th, 2009
1:16 pm
I hope to see the incoming freshman Brandon Smith contribute to special teams. This kid is fast.
GeoffDawg
March 16th, 2009
1:24 pm
kauai dawg – what are your concerns with the LBs? In my opinion, that’s one of if not the strongest unit we have going into next season.
SomewhereinGA
March 16th, 2009
1:25 pm
Two months ago the rumor was that a certain recruit slept with one of his coach’s wife.
GaDawgs
March 16th, 2009
1:35 pm
According to published reports, Georgia football coach Mark Richt has rescinded a scholarship offer to Emanuel County Institute’s Dexter Moody.
UGAsports.com is reporting that Richt will hold a press conference later this afternoon to announce that the Bulldogs will not take Moody, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker, due to behavioral issues.
Moody was one of two ECI players to sign with Georgia on National Signing Day (Feb. 4), the other being highly-regarded running back Washaun Ealey.
The Bulldogs begin spring practice on Tuesday and will hold 15 sessions, culminating with the annual spring “G-day” game scrimmage in Sanford Stadium on April 11.
Huh?
March 16th, 2009
1:41 pm
Agree on the safeties. Boy do I miss Greg Blue and Thomas Davis. Just go youtube these guys and relive the good ole days. It was a foregone conclusion that someone would get their clock cleaned every single game. There is no stat that accounts for all passes that were dropped because the reciever heard these guy’s footsteps, but I’m sure the number is up there. Nobody is afraid of our defense anymore. NOBODY.
JB
March 16th, 2009
1:44 pm
Roster loaded with 4 and 5 star players. we need an attitude , some swagger and coaching !!!!!!
GaDawgs
March 16th, 2009
1:55 pm
I have heard that he got caught having sex with the Coaches Wife
stevedawg
March 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
recalled one of richt comments were he might go to poland to find a kicker who could boot it in the end zone, definate need, i recall logan gray moving up ladder to be staffords back up over cox last fall, taking nothing away from cox, gray is a great ath, we will see in spring game,samuel was dogs fastest back last year, with 2 redshirts coming in that could change, samuel will play loads next year, he has complete pkg, too bad he just got out of hospital month ago
for real
March 16th, 2009
2:08 pm
man, i hate that about the moody kid, i saw him play and trust me, he was better than good. he’ll probably end up in starkville, they seem to like the ones we have issues with. on to this spring, sure do wish we could see djackson at tailback,he is another good one,and a good kid at that..one player not mentioned yet that is going to have a break out year is vance cuff..the dude is big,fast and very physical. he’ll be a lot like paul oliver was,not the fastest but knows where to be to make a play..our secondary will be fine..it’s like everyone else has said here, DE, that’s the position we need to make leaps forward at..dobbs is like a pollack,makes plays with mediocre skills,but we need a serious pass rusher..here’s the big,bold prediction, georgia,with one loss, playing texas for the national champiohnship, i love that we’ll be flying under the radar this year…what do ya think chip?
Music City Dawg
March 16th, 2009
2:25 pm
I’m really glad you posted this article. I’m not much of a basketball fan. That being said, I’m real excited about the 2009 dawgs. I don’t expect an NC but I think it will be a great season nonetheless. The TB position interests me the most, since King hasn’t really panned out the way we had hoped. I really want Georgia to find their running game next year since this is, often-times, the cornerstone of our program. But with Bryce Brown going to Tennessee, I’m sure they will be no joke either. And of course, defense will get better. It certainly isn’t possible for it to get any worse.
Music City Dawg
March 16th, 2009
2:31 pm
What’s the deal with kicking? I mean, Blair Walsh pretty much blows. Do we have anyone else that can make it from inside the 10? Does Billy Bennett have a younger brother?
GEORGE MCKEEHAN
March 16th, 2009
2:36 pm
HEY BULLDOG NATION: LET ME MAKE YOUR DAY. BRYCE BROWN, RIVALS NO.1 PLAYER, PUT ON AN ORANGE CAP WITH A BIG T ON IT. GO VOLS,GO KIFFIN,AND GO SMOKEY
DeployedDawg
March 16th, 2009
2:40 pm
Moody getting caught having sex with a coach’s wife is almost too unbelievable to be made up. Scary that it is possible.
I am concerned with the pressure from the ends (as is everyone else), but my biggest question is what our starting O-Line will be. I may be wrong, but I think we have 6 O-linemen who have been on an all-SEC freshman team, and at least 7 that have started. Jones is a lock for center and Sturdy should be the starting L Tackle if he is healthy, but who else starts where? Vance, Bean, Glenn, C Davis, J Davis? Searels (I know, I probably mispelled it) has done such a good job, our offense should be fantastic.
JB
March 16th, 2009
2:40 pm
Hey Mr. Mckeehan, let me make your day…………..Who cares. That is what got Fulmer fired. No team, all individuals.
What the Heck
March 16th, 2009
2:40 pm
I saw where Moody has been released from his scholly. Did he not qualify or what?
DeployedDawg
March 16th, 2009
2:41 pm
Oh, and Boling will start somewhere. Who knows where, but somewhere.
GEORGE MCKEEHAN
March 16th, 2009
2:44 pm
REMEMBER COBB/WEBB, CAN YOU SAY OKU/BROWN. THIS IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A VOL
georgia87
March 16th, 2009
2:46 pm
I ran into Stafford, Cox, and Gray in Athens last year. Both Cox and Stafford were very high on Gray as the QB of the future. I think the special teams work was a good idea, letting him get used to the speed of the game.
The kids really played tentative ball last year, as if the pressure of that number one ranking weighed too heavily on them. Compare the video of the Auburn blackout game in 07 to any game in 08. Even while the game was still tight, the kids were playing loose. They need to get that swagger/looseness/aggressiveness back.
The silly penalties have to be addressed but someone in the SEC office needs to call the refs off of Georgia. Ever since the Florida incident, Georgia gets an inordinate amount of silly calls or no calls that are game changing. I just saw the 08 Florida game at the gym the other day and found myself screaming at the officials after a couple of no calls, especially the long TD pass early in the second half where the FL receiver pulled the GA defender by the jersey. No doubt Florida was better that day, but that was brutal officiating.
No one is talking about how hard our schedule is this year. Much worse than last year, with only one patsy on the schedule, and that won’t happen until November. If we go 11-1 against that sched we deserve a trip to the BCS championship.
Cameron
March 16th, 2009
2:50 pm
Priorities:
1) Look for a DE to emerge – Unfortunately, a lot of them still aren’t healthy. I think Neland Ball and Cornelius Washingotn are the sleepers here though. They both have tremendous speed to be used to get to the QB. However, I think Justin Houston and Rod Battle will win the starting jobs. Backed-up by DeMarcus Dobbs and whoever emerges next. Wathc out for Longo, he could be a workmen type like Pollack.
2)Find a Kick-off man – I think Blair Walsh can handle this. No reason why you can kick 60-yard FGs, but can’t kick off. I think he will take control of the KO position.
3)See what Caleb King and Carlton Thomas can provide – I think Caleb is the best RB we have right now. I think he can be REALLY BIG for us. I am interested to see how we can work in Carlton Thomas in the running game and special teams. Since they will be the only two healthy RBs, we will get to see a lot of them.
4)Find a CB to start opposite Prince Miller – I expect it to be Boykin. I think he is an exceptional athlete that can be a shut down corner. Sanders Commings is one to watch though, with his physical nature.
5)Stay healthy
thomas johnson
March 16th, 2009
2:51 pm
Awesome, Chip. Can’t wait for your updates. Who cares about the final 4. GO DAWGS!
Cameron
March 16th, 2009
2:53 pm
Starting O-Line:
Sturdivant at LT (if healthy, Boling if not), Glenn/Boling at LG, Jones at Center, Boling/Chris Davis at RG, Anderson at RT. Wild cards: Harmon, Strickland, Vance
update from DawgDad
March 16th, 2009
2:53 pm
Bryce Brown signs with Tennessee. Rats.
Scuttlebutt
March 16th, 2009
2:55 pm
Another sports board had a guy that said he went to school with Moody and he had been told (by Moody, apparently) that he was going to try to walk on to a baseball team somewhere. He also said that his scholarship being pulled was the result of a fight with a teacher.
DawgGirl32
March 16th, 2009
2:59 pm
George McKeehan- Isn’t that the same guy who up and moved somewhere to like Nebraska to be close to a girlfriend that he had met on his recruiting trip?? Yeah have fun with that drama queen.
Music City Dawg
March 16th, 2009
3:04 pm
Special teams need help. Badly.
NRBQ
March 16th, 2009
3:07 pm
From Dexter Moody’s coach, according to the ABH:
“They kind of had a plan for him to finish up the year as far as eligibility and schoolwork and behavior,” Turner said. “He’s kind of gotten off track there, and I think they felt it was best to give him an unconditional release and let him kind of decide what he wants to do.”
Turner said he was unsure whether the university made the decision or if it was made independently by the football program. Turner said Moody had no legal issues that were a factor.
“I think there’s some disappointment there, but he’s a senior in high school, and when they give you a plan to follow and you don’t follow it, you kind of reap what you sow,” Turner said.
Turner said Georgia had a weekly plan for Moody to follow in hopes of showing progress academically.
“It had to do with grades and test taking,” Turner said. “I just don’t think he was following the plan that was set up for him.”
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Moody played in the Under Armour All-American game and was rated No. 101 on the ESPNU150 rankings.
Moody also considered Florida and LSU.
“I’m sure there will be other folks interested,” Turner said.
dawgrific
March 16th, 2009
3:12 pm
The one thing my friends and I have been talking about is the steady decline of the defense. I will NEVER take a great defense for granted again, and I really hope that Willie can get the kids to learn/buy into his system, each and every game, again. It just seemed like last year there were WAY too many games/posessions where we ran around like chickens with our heads cut off, in true fire drill fashion. I know we need some REAL leadership on defense (Jeff Owens could be the man there, but who else), and we need to pay serious atention to detail and positioning play after play. I pride myself in not being a pile-it-on type of fan, but Coach Martinez really needs to prove himself this year, and I hope the bowl game was a taste of what we will see this entire year. The Tech game was inexcusable, but at least we can start a new streak this year, as winning 8-9 of every ten or so is pretty strong. Thanks for the article, and I look forward to the Spring updates.
dawgrific
March 16th, 2009
3:21 pm
By the way, I couldn’t agree more with the commentary on avoiding bad penalties and on the bad officiating we faced often this past year (not crying here, but watch the Florida game again-and I am NOT saying we would have won if zebras hadn’t stunk) . It was SO bad that I expected a flag on every play our defense made, and that has GOT to be an awful feeling for kids trying their best to make big plays.
alabamadawg
March 16th, 2009
3:25 pm
D-FENSE!!! If we stay healthy, the Offense will be top notch!! I long for the days of Jimmy Gilbert and Freddy Payne the bookends at Defensive end on a true Junkyard Dawg Defense…or Erk Russell head butting the defense until his forehead is bleeding!! We need some attitude on Defense this year!!! Who is going to step up?? and Martinez, can we say BLITZ!!!! Rennie can be on the QB every play, dammitt….Go DAwgs
Steve in Buford
March 16th, 2009
3:27 pm
Hey Bama man… and your team is 0 and 1 for 2009? Dawgs!!! 1 and 0! Way to start the year tide! loser
uga_b
March 16th, 2009
3:42 pm
I think I can boil it down to what is not a priority: Starting QB, FB, and number 1 receiver; DTs, one LB, and one corner; punter.
I like our line, but figuring out how they are going to be deployed is still a priority.
I just want them to get through the Spring healthy and ready to go with some intensitvy and love for the game.
dan
March 16th, 2009
3:48 pm
Hey,
what does GA Tech, Alabama, and a pound of weed all have in common? They all get smoked in BOWLS! LOL BURN!
ceph
March 16th, 2009
3:58 pm
Cox needs to shut up about what he is going to do. Spring practice is starting so he can show what he can do or cannot do. I think the competition should be thrown open and may the best man win (ala Searles with the lineman and McClendon with the backs) I don’t see why the QB position should be any different, as Pete Carroll said,”I will take talent over experience any day.”
griffdawg1
March 16th, 2009
3:58 pm
I look for big things out of dontavious jackson. they need everyone to stay healthy on the O-line. Defensive end and safety have to be priorities. they haven’t had an impact safety since blue. the back-up linebackers have to get alot bigger and everyone on defense needs to get an attitude including willie martinez.
griffdawg1
March 16th, 2009
4:01 pm
I also think you will see kiante tripp do some special things at DE
stevedawg
March 16th, 2009
4:09 pm
i hope i am wrong about reshad jones and he turns out to be a huge factor next year for the dawgs winning, i got so upset watching him miss tackles and pics last year, coach richt wants him so thats enough for me
YoungDawg
March 16th, 2009
4:10 pm
George Mckeehan, You know whose going? The NCAA straight to Knoxville! Lame Kitten hasn’t figured out that this is not the PAC10! This is the SEC where the other schools will not let anything slide & will force the issue. You’d better hope everything is above board if not the Vols might be on probation before Kiffin coaches his first game! One thing led to Foolmer’s demise was having some ME first NFL minded kids. It’s already been documented that Brown’s advisor told him to take it easy in HS games & to pull himself out to avoid injury. His HS coach said things like that prevented the team from coming together & brown was a ME 1st guy thus the team was mediocre. How will he handle it if he doesn’t win or get handed the starting RB job? If the kids understands he has to EARN respect & playing time things may be OK but if not he could be a TO type cancer. Like Tony said in his blog whoever signed Brown had best know what all there getting into BUT wait Lame Kitten doesn’t seem to get what the SEC is about yet but he’ll soon find out!
Brock
March 16th, 2009
4:11 pm
Behavioral Issues? Maybe he was moody.
boodawg14
March 16th, 2009
4:12 pm
griffdawg, where you from? And I agree Tripp could make a difference at DE
law dawg
March 16th, 2009
4:19 pm
Personally, I think we desperately need to fix our kick off and kick return deficiencies. We had to be among the country’s worst in these categories. I can’t remember the number of times we put our defense in terrible field position. It seemed like everytime we scored to take the momentum, we would immediately turn around and put the opponant on their 40, including the Tech game. (BTW Tech fans, congratulations on your victory. However, I would like to point out that the margin of victory was 3. Every Tech fan I hear from seems to remember the game as a blowout. A blowout is what LSU did to you.) But I digress. I love Coach Fab, but those stupid directional kick offs are killing us. If we can’t find somebody to kick to the endzone, let’s at least put some air under the ball and cover. Richard Samuel is not a kick off return guy. I know we’re not coaching him to step back as he fields the kick, so he just must not judge the trajectory of the ball very well. He also can’t make anybody miss. We need to put a fast, shifty db or rb back there. Also,
I’ve heard that Caleb was a real disappointment to the coaches last year. Something about work ethic. They pushed him hard in mat drills and reports are pretty good. However, if he doesn’t man up in spring, he may find himself buried.
gdawginkalamazoo
March 16th, 2009
4:22 pm
Congrats to to UT on signing Maurice Clarett. Even though his bro plays at The U, he probably shouldn’t have dissed them with the hat trick.
AltamahaDawg
March 16th, 2009
4:28 pm
Steve, the boy was among the SEC leaders in ints, and tackles, last year. I’d say that wasn’t too bad for a sophomore in his first year starting.
Oledawg
March 16th, 2009
4:33 pm
If the Bryce Brown rumor is true, I predict that the NCAA will investigate his recruitment. I admire Shannon for his stand in not offering another scholarship when the first offer expired. The situation at Miami would have worked well for them both before the interference by the jerk in Kansas. So let’s see- we have progressed from services that charge membership to get info on our own recruits to the point that “agents” will represent them in the future. You can pay the “agent” for your info in the future. “No thanks” to both of you. You have worn my curiosity out boys. If it isn’t public knowledge from AJC, The Banner Herald, The Red and Black or other public media, I ain’t curious. So the hell with you jerks who don’t respect the amateur athletic programs. If you have a college alma mater or respect for a highschool team, then how could you cheer for a kid on your team that allows exploitation of his achievements that were done as a team? Why would he strike you as a great team player you would want? Since he won’t be blocking as a team member, then why do you not consider that your QB and other running backs won’t be on their butts on each play when he doesn’t get the ball? And defenses can key on him as the only offensive weapon on your “team”. I would have felt the same way if he had gone to LSU. Warning: this issue will heat up and take other antiamateur turns in the near future. The risk for cheating has grown larger with the saga of Bryce Brown.
Chip- How do you rate players after a good G-Day Game? Let’s see; Caleb King had a great day running against the D-line. Would this mean that we could expect him to continue against other teams in the fall or that our D is no good? Conversely, if he has a bad day does that mean that he is not our #1 running back or that our D is great? How do you writers distinguish between these two issues when it is an intrasquad game? Was this what you were alluding to when you mentioned you were jaded on spring ball? Maybe we have two great DEs and that’s why Caleb can’t run well. My point is that we shouldn’t put any importance to the spring practice that should affect position players or their success. We won’t give a crap what is printed until August because then it is for keeps. So Caleb not showing his stuff until fall would be understandable and the same goes for the DEs , the D-line, etc. Making such a decision from Spring Ball would be silly. I’m just traveling to see my Dawgs play (and galoot all over the field for that matter) while keeping in shape for the fall. It has nothing to do with who will play what position. If in the G-Day Game a receiver has a great game and long passes prevail, what does this say about our pass D? For every positive there is a negative to infer so it is not a sporting event per se. It’s our guys letting us watch them practice. To infer more is to take away from us watching the joy of amateur athletics.
Oledawg
March 16th, 2009
4:40 pm
Chip-Forgot to thank you for the article . My pleasure comes from the other Dawg fans writing here. It’s beginning to feel a lot like a nice big year and it’s Fall already.
monty
March 16th, 2009
4:47 pm
Coaching is as important if not more so than talent.(See Utah). 7-8 SEC teams had top 25 recruiting.Now it’s up to the coaches. Top priorities are stop dumb penalties that end drives or prolong opponents drives. Play with some intensity. Coaches look at replay of Texas Tech-Texas game to see what real intensity looks like by Texas Tech.
LSU
March 16th, 2009
4:50 pm
I am curious to see what Cox does. I wonder if it will be like the JoeT situation. When JoeT started to struggle as a 5th year senior, Richt pulled him for the freshman Stafford and let Stafford take his lumps for a year.
Chip do you think this is possible to happen again with UGA’s Murray and Metenberg (pretty sure I didn’t spell his name right) if Cox starts getting in trouble this season.
Joel in ATL
March 16th, 2009
4:55 pm
I’m just glad the jackets are a factor now I was thinking about contacting Damon Evans to see if we could sxcheulde them for homecoming since it was beginning to become a traditon if kicking their tails. Outside of that people there is a lot to fret about over in Athens. We need manpower in more ways than one. The big name freshmen surley will not redshirt as much and and the training staff is the most important part of the team. With all due respect can we please get the Pheonix Suns on the line for some advice. Looking forward to the over hyoed strech sessions but the real fun starts in Augustr but at UGA with the basketball team routinely ended prior to Spring football (by dessign I may add) it’s something to to get pumped about it you like vanilla play calling and walkons getting the most time.
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
5:02 pm
UGA confirmed Dexter Moody has been released from his scholarship. In so doing, UGA claims Moody is now a “recruitable athlete” under NCAA rules and can’t comment on him. Neither ECI coach Milan Turner nor principal Boyd English have returned my calls so you’re left to your own devices why he wasa released. The Chief of Police in Twin Cities said Moody has not been arrested. It’s not because he was doing what he’s supposed to.
Roddy Jones
March 16th, 2009
5:12 pm
Recruit more backs like that Rasheed guy!
Auggie Doggie
March 16th, 2009
5:21 pm
Sleeping with the coach’s wife? You got to be kiddin’. This would normally only merit a one down suspension VS. Central Northern Michigan. Don’t tell me UGA is trying to clean up it’s image!
Paddy
March 16th, 2009
5:22 pm
Bryce Brown… does any one really think we will be talking about this young man when it comes to playing football? Same old story just a different name. My guess he will have no chance of making a name for himself other than off field or locker room problems.
SECFootballRocks
March 16th, 2009
5:23 pm
Did it ever occur to you guys that she was simply trying to teach him to try out several different positions.
Cuz
March 16th, 2009
5:29 pm
First Alabamadawg, it was Freddie Gilbert and Jimmy Payne. Just got the first and last names mixed up. And yes both were awesome players. Too bad Jimmy blew his knee his senior year and was never able to come back from that injury. Freddie “Spiderman” Gilbert was one of the hero’s of the “Look at the Sugar falling from the sky!!”, Auburn game.
I want to see Caleb live up to the rep that preceded him and many of us Dawg fans have been waiting to see since he was at Parkview High, before Atlanta Christian.
I want to see Logan Gray or one of the two freshmen pull away and take that second string spot. Joe Cox until he is dethroned is “Da Man”.
Get a pass rush. Get a pass rush. Get a pass rush.
Get AJ healthy and keep him that way.
FLDAWG
March 16th, 2009
5:35 pm
UGA lacked leadership on the field. There really was no one on the offense or defense that made their respecitve teams come together as one cohesive unit. Curran’s play was great but, he did not lead the team. Owens was out. Hopefully Owens will be back and Curran will take another step in the right direction. On offense, Sturdivant, Boling and Jones all have the opportunity to step up for the O-line as a leader, actually anyone on the O-line has the same opportunity. Cox will need to be more of a leader than anything else. His play will have to be good enough to instill confidence in the rest of the Offense but, he will have to take the bull by the horns and get the entire unit working together. Last years injuries were a factor in the lack of on field leadership but, not the only one.
In the spring I would like to see Logan Gray get an opportunity at QB as he looked very good in last years spring game. He is definetly an athlete. RB’s should be very solid as I think we will see a trio of them in the backfield this year. WR’s look to be very promising with Green, Brown, Durham and Moore. UGA needs a TE to step up. OL should be solid with a bunch of experience.
On D as everyone has said, UGA needs to be more physical. We need to be able to hit and hit hard. That’s more than my two cents worth. GO DAWGS!!!
Oledawg
March 16th, 2009
5:36 pm
Many of you write about coaches or players that didn’t make your list for what you expect in a Dawg. I fight to stay away from the negative approach, but dawggone, my revenge blood has boiled all year. We can’t make up for what just happened, but we sure can have a modicom of revenge if the team comes out angry this fall. Can you coach anger or meanness into a team? Can you whip them with an alligator belt and make them revenge minded? “No!” to both questions. Can anyone suggest a way to make young men vengeful as a team and thereby make us old farts happy? If you can, I’d like to hear it. Alabamadawg sets my tone for those halcyon days of our youth with the Dawgs. A Sports Illustrated cover photo of our fullback in the late 60s taken from the end zone is a good example of the fight we need. His hand with the football inches off the ground with opposing players legs in the foreground. He is coming toward the camera low to the ground and then you see it- blood on his hand, a small smear on the ball and blood and gouges on his helmet. That’s what we mean! No stopping and no mercy revenge! Of course on the next play he fumbled the ball at the one yd line and it went through the end zone for a touchback. We lost to Arkansas and Lou Holtz in that Sugar Bowl. But the photo said wonders of how we played. I don’t ever recall having vengeful thoughts about that and other games during those years. Of course, FU was something of a doormat then. Ten straight wins over the teams we lost to last year won’t assuage my feelings of revenge, but it would keep me hummin’ going into my grave. Why don’t we try for ten years instead of one?
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
5:52 pm
FWIW, the Georgia baseball team remained ranked in the Top 5 of three of the four college baseball polls released Monday after dropping two of three at Bama this past weekend. They are No. 3 by USA Today/Coaches, and National College Baseball Writers Association and four by Collegiate Baseball. They’re still No. 8 per Baseball America.
gatorlady
March 16th, 2009
6:04 pm
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/031609/foo_410216576.shtml
Football signee Moody dropped from Georgia: ‘I’m not upset about it’
What kid wouldn’t be upset? Bet his parents are.
BILLY JACK
March 16th, 2009
6:13 pm
HEY MR MCKEEHAN-LET ME MAKE YOUR DAY-2009 TENNESEE VOLS 5-7-BIG TIME PROBATION BY THE YEAR 2011-YOU CAN BET YOUR LIFE ON IT.
CapeCodDAWG
March 16th, 2009
6:18 pm
My biggest concern with the Bulldogs is can they stay healthy?…Caleb King in my opinion ran scared last year.I dont want to disparage him,but I gotta call it as i see it.He looked as though someone had laid the wood to him and he was tramatized by it. Carlton Thomas is very exciting,but can he take the pounding?….Will Washaun Ealy pick up the playbook fast enough?….Richard Samuel is a powerful runner,but he has to get his pads lower or he’s gonna lose some teeth.
And Oh GOD PLEASE can we get (LB) Jeff Luc next year.He is the most devastating hitter I’ve seen in a looooong time!…
stevedawg
March 16th, 2009
6:26 pm
altadawg, reshaD has the numbers and twice i recall him making the game ending pic, maybe more i miss but when it counts he missed plays, tackles and pics when we needed them the most, he was in a position to make some huge game changing plays and didnt, i know you cant get them all, but he was touted a superstar, you must have been a safety, i was a backer, so asher allan had a broken hand as his excuse for dropped pics
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
6:33 pm
Word is basketball players Zac Swansey and Troy Brewer have requested releases from their scholarships. I’ll check on it later, possibly tomorrow.
Hunk Erdown
March 16th, 2009
6:35 pm
The biggest thing I want to see out of Athens is some discipline… On and off the field. As far as Off the field goes; I know That CMR and all the coaches preach to these players a lot about behaviour and conduct issues, but its going to take parents, friends, coaches, and team-mates all coming together to get it through these guys’ heads that discipline and sacrifice are the beginning ingredients to becoming champions. You can cop out by saying that “they’re just kids” and all the excuses we hear every year, and that’s fine if you just want to be like the average kid, but to be a winner you’ve got to be better than the average kid. It takes dedication and pride, but the payoff is well worth it.
The Tech game was a shining example of on the field lack of discipline. Not just penalties; but carrying out your assignments, staying in your lanes, not over-pursuing, containment, open field tackling, etc.
Tech RBs got a lot of big plays from our corners not containing the outside lanes. Swarm tackling is great but if you commit to the inside and the back bounces out around you its a 50 yard gain.
Discipline seems to be the hardest thing for our Coaches to teach, and all UGA fans will spend the next several months seeing what Chip and Tim can find on the Police Blotter… hoping and praying that we don’t lose too many guys to the annual stupidity of atheletes and alcohol. Before a player breaks the law, he needs to understand that when he does, he is turning his back on his team-mates and his own future.
stevedawg
March 16th, 2009
6:40 pm
altadawg, #9 was a step slow it has been mentioned, every pic is a game changing play i know, jones should have had a lot more, he dropped them, missed too many tackles and played avg for a 5 star recruit
Canis Athenas
March 16th, 2009
7:07 pm
Chip, why do the members of the team continually fall into the trap of saying “we need more swagger” or “more passion” to cure their ills. See Jeff Owens recent comments as an example. As a 5th year senior he should know better. The coaches nip that in the bud? I’ve never seen a Sports Center clip where the announcer says “Look at the turning point of the game, just watch this swagger!”. Its about execution. Period.
TW
March 16th, 2009
7:29 pm
An absolute sin that Jancek was actually elevated to the level of co-DC. Makes the bonuses being paid to the AIG execs look good. Our LB’s have been God awful since Van G left – they don’t read/react worth a crap, they don’t tackle, and they don’t persue. We’re gonna have to score forty a game. Bad, bad move by CMR.
AltamahaDawg
March 16th, 2009
7:43 pm
Not sure why he gets so much blame and critisism, when plenty of other folks made just as many mistakes, including future NFL 1st rounders.
He did do many things correctly, including recording more tackles than Erik Berry, and (except that he dropped 2), could have lead the SEC in Ints. Not sure a guy does that being one step slow or always out of position, as I have heard categorized. If so, imagine how good he can be.
I think like all 5 star and 2 star players, he can and will get a lot better in his second year starting.
Boston Williams
March 16th, 2009
8:33 pm
Will the loss of Moody drop UGA in the recruiting rankings?
stevedawg
March 16th, 2009
9:06 pm
It is difficult to follow this “blog” The conversation is all over the place. What is the topic anyway?
Chip Towers
March 16th, 2009
9:28 pm
Yeah, Swansey confirmed to me that he and Troy Brewer have filed paperwork for release. Wonder who might be next.
S.E. Dawg
March 16th, 2009
9:35 pm
My biggest worry is punting. Unless Butler improves this will be a big weakness. I’ve watched him in pregame warm-up and I haven’t been impressed.
FLDAWG
March 16th, 2009
9:44 pm
Chip, I’m not real worried, if they leave. That just gives more scholorships to the new coach. If they don’t want to be a Dawg then they need to go and the sooner the better. I wish them the best and hope they find a place to fit in. I also hope UGA finds the coach that can get things going and I hope he wants to be a DAWG for a long long time.
FLDAWG
March 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
Any word on how much Gray will compete for starting QB? The kid is the best athlete at QB since Shockley.
Dawgfan8694
March 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
Moody WAS NOT sleeping with a coaches wife. Please don’t spread the gossip. I am sure you would not want the same said about your wife or lies spread that would hurt your family. As for why he was released from UGA, I am sure that will come to light soon enough. It’s like someone else said – it wasn’t because he was doing he RIGHT thing……Thanks.
stevedawg
March 16th, 2009
10:25 pm
you are right alta, #9 played a good game against mich st,and should be better as he gets expirence, man eric berry needs to exit the sec before he kills someone, he may be #1 pick
JMO
March 17th, 2009
12:17 am
That two basketball players would request transfer before even knowing who the new coach will be says more about them than the program. Have they realized they cannot compete or don’t wish to put forth the effort?
When I played if you were benched it was your place to ask the coach if you could talk with him and what would it take to earn your spot back. This guy is blaming the coach for not initiating the dialogue. Obviously they are talented and hate to see them leave…but not sure I understand.
gdawginkalamazoo
March 17th, 2009
11:05 am
I agree with the people calling for a kicking game. It kills momentum to kick the ball out of bounds or not deep enough. There has to be some kids out there that can do it. Having the other team start at the 40 doesn’t help our defense one bit. Too bad about the Moody kid but why would you allegedly act that way when your future is set. Or should I say possibly set if you do the work required.
Hope the two BB players find a good place. Don’t know why they would want to drop from a D-1 program (okay don’t laugh it is still D-1 technically speaking). I am sure they would have just as good of a chance to earn their starting spots back with the new coach. I would hope the new coach wouldn’t quit on the kids already in the program.
Rick
March 17th, 2009
4:20 pm
All this interest in football in March is nice and all. Unfortunately, it also says a lot about why the Dawg’s basketball program is in such disarray.
Pitbull
March 17th, 2009
4:43 pm
Questions for spring practice:
1 Will the defense players learn to wrap when they tackle or will they just bump off of runners like last year.
2 Will Claeb King man up and punish tacklers this year or be a bust? He reminds me of Musa Smith who did not become a punishing running back until his senior year when we played and beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
3 Will the players continue to make stupid penalties such as illegal procedure and personal fouls that screw up drives and ruin scoring opportunities?
4 Will Georgia kick off into the other teams’ end zones and force them to run it back or will they bounce it out of bounds and consistantly give the team the ball at the 40 yard line?
5 Will the receivers look the ball into their hands for a completion, or will they be so focused on YAC that they turn their heads prior to the ball arriving resulting in an incompletion?
6 Will Georgia’s OL allow them to run and pound the ball in the second half when they have the lead and eat the clock, or will the defense stay on the field for 35+ minutes each game?
If the coaching team just addresses these issues, UGA should be an even better team this year.
Columbus Dawg
March 17th, 2009
5:56 pm
I agree with everything Pitbull says, and the only other thing that I would add is KEEP OUT OF TROUBLE THIS SUMMER! Go Dawgs!
Cuz
March 17th, 2009
6:26 pm
I agree with everything Pitbull says except about Musa Smith. It was his junior year, he went early to the NFL.
Chaka John
March 17th, 2009
6:33 pm
I really don’t feel like seeing football practice pictures online right now, let alone – talking about football. Can’t we all just give this a rest until August ?
chuck allison
March 17th, 2009
6:36 pm
I think Dexter Moody is our best recruit and I am looking forward to seeing him break into the starting lineup. Also, Knowshon and Matt have one more year of eligibility, so they should really come on strong. I am glad to see this article, because sometimes I do get a little behind on the football news out of Athens. YeeHaw! Hunker down, you silver britches! Don’t pay no attention to the nerds and serious students who look down on us and mock us for being a football factory. Dawgs is just as inteligant as thay is.
Jimmy
March 17th, 2009
7:16 pm
Chaka, Chaka, Chaka John, I said Chaka John,
If you don’t like hearing(or reading) about foozball, then your excused until August. IE, hit the road jack! This blog is catered to what us, Dog fans, want to read about-and that’s foozball! Chip thanks for the updates.
simplythetruth
March 17th, 2009
8:48 pm
It is so comical to see vols posting on a Dawg blog. ut fans(you stay small case letters until you actually accomplish something) think that they have recruited the Messiah. Imagine that, ut has a #1 pick according to all of the know it alls. Can you think of a ut player since Peyton that has amounted to anything? When I think about recent ut players, all I can imagine is a drunken punter(Colquitt) and a quarterback(Clausen) that fumbled 9 times during a rainstorm at home against Fla. Match that with a coaching staff comprised of recently fired coaches and yeeehhhaaawww we have the makings of another bowl-less ut football team.
John Waynesworld
March 19th, 2009
10:06 am
Chip, is it a good possibility that Marlon Brown will play this year, or will he be redshirted like Knowshon was when he came in? I remember what Coach Richt said in retrospect that he wished he had used Moreno sooner.
adawgfan
March 19th, 2009
5:41 pm
This Dawg fan is glad to see UGA cut a potential trouble maker loose early so as not to infect other athletes. They always travel in groups as they should (to help each other avoid trouble) but the trouble makers always seem to drag a couple of loyal teammates down with them.
DawgMom
March 23rd, 2009
3:31 pm
2009 or 2010 Brandon Boykin will step up to be the leader UGA needs. The season will be tough but he will be the breakout player of the year. (My prediction). Next year will be yet another building year for the Dawgs but by 2010 they shoudl have everything together. Although I am a dawg and a fball fan first, Ga Tech WILL come out on top this year and you can bet that but that is all they will be on top of. As for Dexter Moody nobody but the coaches and the player know the exact situation with the teacher or the extent of his troublemaking; therefore, I suggest we leave it alone before we regret the words we speak.