10 Things to Know from Preseason Week 4
Athens — Game week! Finally!
Georgia essentially wrapped up preseason practice on Saturday and now moves into a regular week of game prep for the opener at Oklahoma State.
In keeping with our Monday-morning habit this month, let’s rewind last week to find 10 Things Worth Noticing and Noting from Preseason Week 4:
1. The week ended with two starting offensive linemen out with sprained ankles — No. 1 left guard Chris Davis joining No. 1 center Ben Jones on the sidelines. “It’s a concern,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “. . . Getting those guys healthy and ready to play the first game is definitely a concern.” Having both Davis and Jones sidelined is particularly problematic, because Davis had been taking reps at center in Jones’ absence. Head coach Mark Richt said he expects both to be back at practice early this week and to be ready to play Saturday in Stillwater.
2. Much has made made — and rightfully so, it appears — about the improved leadership from the veteran players on this team. This strong comment from Richt late last week underscored the point: “This year, maybe more than any year that I can remember, if the young guys watch the old guys and say that’s the way to do it, we’ll continue to have a great culture on this team.”
3. While Richard Samuel is the No. 1 tailback, Bobo seems to like the idea of mixing the 6-foot-2, 224-pound Samuel and the 5-foot-7, 180-pound Carlton Thomas in the game plan. “You see a lot of good teams across the country — college and pro — and a lot of them have two backs,” Bobo said. “One’s a changeup guy, and one’s more a powerful, move-the-chains guy. I think it’s a great asset for us to have those two guys who are a little bit different styles.” It’ll be interesting to see how this combo plays out Saturday and beyond.
4. Interesting comment from Samuel, a cerebral player, on how he was able to use spring practice, when he was sidelined with an injured wrist, to his advantage: “I was able to sit back and watch practice, watch why our offense does certain things, read the defense, learn more about the game. Just because I wasn’t able to get out there and play and perform, I used that as basically learning time — [time to] learn all the fundamentals of the whole offense, not just being a running back.”
5. Another week went by without tailback Caleb King on the practice field, raising the question of whether he’ll even be on the plane to Oklahoma. King has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury 19 days ago and probably will need to practice Monday or Tuesday at the latest, Bobo said, to figure in this week’s game plan. Said Richt: “We’re not taking anybody on the plane unless we think they can play that game and help us win. If we don’t think he has any chance of playing, he won’t go. If we think he’s got a chance of playing, he’ll be on the plane, and if we need him we’ll put him in.”
6. Richt wasn’t thrilled with a mid-week scrimmage, particularly on offense, but otherwise seemed pleased with how things went in practice last week. In fact, with the exception of three or four days, he has seemed pleased with a month’s worth of practices.
7. Sounds like freshman Branden Smith is going to get some immediate playing time at cornerback, as well as remaining in the running to return kickoffs.
8. Georgia’s need for offensive playmakers means that freshmen wide receivers Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten and freshman tight end Orson Charles likely will be called on right away, even if they’re not fully ready. “I’m not going to lie to you and say I am 100 percent comfortable they are going to be able to go out and execute everything we want to do, but they are going to have to play because of the need offensively at those positions,” Bobo said Friday night. “Will we be at full potential Game 1? Probably not. But I think they’ve got talent that will help them survive early on, and hopefully [they'll] keep getting better mentally and understand what we’re trying to do throughout the season.”
9. Coaches named captains for the first game: Joe Cox on offense, Rennie Curran and Jeff Owens on defense and Demarcus Dobbs on special teams. Richt said so many players have emerged as leaders that there were numerous other deserving candidates
10. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy spent about 15 minutes on the phone with Georgia-based reporters Friday. He made it clear he’s “not really buying” talk of Georgia rebuilding and said he thinks the Cowboys’ defense will be improved. “How much better, I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll find out. We’ve got a tough test in the first game.”
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60 comments Add your comment
lamar
August 31st, 2009
12:18 am
FIRST!!! SHUTR UP YOU STUPID SAINT SIMONS & STICK GT WHERE THE SUN DONT SHINE!! GT IS A PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A FOOTBALL TEAM!! GA WINS SATURDAY 34-21. GO DAWGS!
Pecan
August 31st, 2009
12:23 am
Can’t wait!!!
Saint Simons
August 31st, 2009
12:27 am
(((((45-42)))))hahaha and we then had a Tickle Pile on your campus!!!!!!!
He Hate Gator
August 31st, 2009
12:52 am
Raise your hand if you’re sick and tired of offensive line injuries….what the Heck is going on?!
merbertmoover
August 31st, 2009
12:53 am
man im hungry for some football, dang! im hungrier than a hedgehog in a hotdog factory, you know what im sayin? im hungrier than a tuna in a tub, you know what im sayin? richy samz gonna run over osu like a bulldozer through a pumpkin patch, you know what im sayin????
macrotech
August 31st, 2009
2:35 am
merbertmoover, what are you sayin? (Sorry, I couldn’t resist)
He Hate Gator, I hear ya….here’s to a healthy season!
Pecan, I’m with ya! Let the games begin!!!
lamar, congrats on being first! Go get yourself a cookie! That pathetic excuse for a team beat the pups last season and has 4 national championships. I’ll agree that the dawgs should beat Ok. St.
Blindhawg
August 31st, 2009
5:28 am
Ball control offense and a defense with attitude.Is all I am asking to come out of summer practice.
69 Dawg
August 31st, 2009
5:38 am
Georgia 31 … OSU 24 … defense rules … offense explodes.
Go Dawgs.
Alabamadawg
August 31st, 2009
5:38 am
And PLEASE kick it deep !!!!
dawgvent.blogspot.com
August 31st, 2009
5:54 am
Let’s keep the fingers crossed we don’t lose any linemen this week, and that WM has used his invaluable Miami education to brew up something that might come close to stopping the potent OSU offensive triumvirate. I honestly don’t see us stopping them, but, then again, I honestly don’t see them stopping our “rebuilt” offense either. Lots of points, close game, hope it’s a short flight home. GO DAWGS!!!
pokesfan
August 31st, 2009
6:22 am
42-21 Cowboys, the puppies have no one to cover dez
Big time?? Not
August 31st, 2009
6:54 am
Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes……losers
dawgvent.blogspot.com
August 31st, 2009
7:10 am
While I will definitely agree with poke, we most likely don’t have anyone that can cover Dez, I’m not too sure the ‘Boys have anyone that can cover a pretty good receiver we have wearing number 8. I will be the first to admit that the Pokes will hang their fair share of points on our vulnerable D, but, I don’t see a defense that gave up 37 to Houston, 28 to A&M, and 56, 61, and 42 to TT, OK, and Oregon respectively, stopping our offense: rebuilding or not. I understand those were some VERY potent offenses, but touchdowns are touchdowns. Like I said, lots of points, and I hope it comes out in our favor. Either way, should be a great game. GO DAWGS!
Hungry Dawg
August 31st, 2009
7:37 am
Cowpoker no one needs to cover Dez if Zac is flat on his back or running for his life. The last time the Cowgirls played a defense as stout as UGA’s was two years ago in Athens and we all know how that turned out. Expect more of the same this year, but with more attitude.
Dawgs 38 Cowgirls 24
Go Dawgs, Sic em Woof Woof Woof!!!
PWillie
August 31st, 2009
7:39 am
Oh, the Dawgs will put somebody out there to cover Bryant. I love how all these guys take on a legend of their own before the season. You know, they have the guy no team has an answer for. He’ll get about 5-6 touches in the game………. just tackle him when he catches it.
The way everyone talks about Bryant, I figured they had moved him to quarterback or something. Maybe quarterback and running back. Maybe he’ll throw it to himself.
Hey, it will be a good game, but there is not a guy on either side that will dominate the game.
Tech sucks
August 31st, 2009
7:49 am
UGA 42 – Oklahoma State – 24
Cowboys have one of the worst defenses in the country, they didn’t beat one good team last year. Put up incredible stats against a bunch of cupcakes. Lost to every decent team they played.
Alabamadawg
August 31st, 2009
7:56 am
Their defense was bad last year…but I think they return nine starters off that defense from a year ago…so, it makes sense they’ll be somewhat better this year…and lets not forget our defense gave up a few points last year too…
thom
August 31st, 2009
9:00 am
THANKS FOR THESE WEEKLY WRAP-UPS – THEY’VE BEEN GREAT! http://www.wedgeorgia.com
superDawg
August 31st, 2009
9:00 am
Gundy is right we don’t rebuild we reload.With that said the D line will be key to this win.GATA,GO DAWGS!
Georgia News – 8/31/09 | MrSEC.com
August 31st, 2009
9:12 am
[...] got to turn it loose.”Tim Tucker of the AJC catches you up on everything that was learned during the Bulldogs’ practice sessions last week. (The top news: Two starting offensive linemen are dealing with sprained ankles.) Join [...]
superDawg
August 31st, 2009
9:14 am
MACRO I think tek should beat jax st.It’s the dawgs you guys will have trouble with.
superDawg
August 31st, 2009
9:18 am
I’m concerned with Davis and Jones situation however UGA has dealt with worse injuries than this and worked around them pretty well.DAWGS WIN.
Cuz
August 31st, 2009
9:19 am
Are you ready for some football??????
DawginLex
August 31st, 2009
9:38 am
I’m excited about getting started. I don’t believe for one second that our D can completely shut down a veteran QB, a good OL, a good RB and a stud wideout.
I believe this will be a blood pressure rising, heart attack inducing nail-biter. Remember 2002 opener with Clemson? Something like that.
36-35 Dawgs
Rashad Jones
August 31st, 2009
9:45 am
bump
AltamahaDawg
August 31st, 2009
9:52 am
Alabamadawg, OSU returning 9 starters is the good news or the bad news?
vicsagator
August 31st, 2009
9:53 am
hey puppies………….reload? what a crock! You”ve been rebiulding for the last 10 years to no avail. Go Gators! See you puppies Oct.31.
Jaybo
August 31st, 2009
10:01 am
Heck, I could throw for three touchdowns and run for two against either of those two sorry defenses!
Willie for President!
superDawg
August 31st, 2009
10:30 am
Jaybo trow a nickle in the fountain and make a wish.yea I know your praying your #1 qb stays healthy.
reservoirDAWG
August 31st, 2009
10:35 am
Hey Vic, will you be the one in jean shorts? Oh wait, nevermind.
jaxdawg
August 31st, 2009
10:44 am
vicsagator- why don’t you go look up who the winningest SEC program is in the last ten years and let me know what you find out. It’s the DAWGS. Go play some real teams…that schedule is a freakin joke! And why are you on a GA blog anyways?
murfdawg
August 31st, 2009
10:49 am
Jaybo,
The last time I saw you, Kade Weston power slammed you with one hand and you had to leave the game. Fortunately, for you and GT, Nesbit came in and executed a perfect play for the winning td. Stay home with your broken collarbone and stfu.
Oledawg
August 31st, 2009
10:49 am
So if Caleb goes he will play? Just when they shelved their D vs Caleb and switched to a runner like Samuel? Meaning the week before playing UGA something sneaky could be going on? Whose running style do they practice against? Gundy scouted and recruited King in high school and was impressed. Where would he get info on Samuel? Boy, if Caleb plays I would laugh most of the game. A deceitful plan from UGA to keep Okie St off balance? Maybe my mind is too devious, but just asking.
Oledawg
August 31st, 2009
10:52 am
They should announce today that Caleb is probably going so that Gundy’s prep plan leaves him unsure.
sisterdawg
August 31st, 2009
10:56 am
vicsagator i see you losing to UGA.
sistergator
August 31st, 2009
10:58 am
i’m blind but now i see,your right.
Oledawg
August 31st, 2009
11:04 am
Has anyone noticed or remembered how the injuries were downplayed last year during the season? That’s why many didn’t buy the injury bit at the end of the season. They didn’t know. Is this “de ja vu all over again”?
macrotech
August 31st, 2009
11:09 am
superDawg, well…..i HOPE so!!! You DO know that it’s Tech and not tek, right? We’ll be worried about the dawgs when the time comes….time will tell! Hope to play em one game at a time.
Cuz, I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
dap01
August 31st, 2009
12:40 pm
You know that you pull for a mid level program when your whole day is spent on someone else’s blog.
GA Tech: Average is good. Don’t feel so bad.
Avery
August 31st, 2009
12:55 pm
im not concerned with the injuries to our O-line for this game because their D sucks. I would be more concerned if it was to our D-line. Its not like we are goin against an SEC D with the likes of Spikes or Berry. This will be a really good game though
William
August 31st, 2009
1:16 pm
I remember all the hype about Hawaii and all that offense. I know what conference Ok St plays in. A mediocre UGA would have a terrific season in that conference and maybe a shot a the B&llSh*t Championship Series (BCS). However with Willie Martinez as DC, Voldosta State may beat UGA.
Porty
August 31st, 2009
1:36 pm
Must breathe………must stop laughing so hard…….must breathe…….Samuel….described as……..cerebral. Oh it hurts to laugh this hard……must breathe……what a riot.
superDawg
August 31st, 2009
2:25 pm
No it’s tek.tek people always worry about the dogs,thats why you are on this blog macrotek.
superDawg
August 31st, 2009
2:27 pm
But your ok for a tekie.
BR
August 31st, 2009
3:57 pm
Nerds are always on our blogs because in order to have a football blog, you have to have a football team… oh, and some FANS. Wonder if they’ll fill their tiny stadium on Saturday… I mean, with Tech fans, not Jax State fans…….
Flyin' Dawg
August 31st, 2009
7:37 pm
Porty- Were you in college at 16 like Samuel? Oh you didn’t know that? Research before you speak.
DawgNation
August 31st, 2009
8:19 pm
Beat me to it Flying Dawg.
dawg man
August 31st, 2009
9:33 pm
Jacksonville State 24 gt scum 17!!!hahahahaha
pmc
August 31st, 2009
10:22 pm
This game sounds a lot like the Hawaii game, a lot of hype to a team that ain’t beat nobody.. They lost 4 of their last 6 games. DAWGS roll. 45-21
Savy Steve
August 31st, 2009
10:25 pm
Jax st will jax them !!!!!!
Cuz
August 31st, 2009
10:26 pm
Nah, Jackets win the opener by three touchdowns and rest the starters except Dwyer in the second half. Gotta get some numbers up for the Heisman stats. Tebow gets to throw on three directional schools. You have to keep pace.
Denver Dog
August 31st, 2009
11:00 pm
Vics Gator Nice Mullet.
McDonger
August 31st, 2009
11:29 pm
UGA is going to roll.
macrotech
September 1st, 2009
12:22 am
superDog, got ya! Does that explain your regular visits to blogs about Tech? I try to be an okey “tekie”, thanks!
dap01, OR it could have something to do with keeping up with ‘the other guy’. Perhaps, we’re just so pumped up over the upcoming season and ANYTHING related to college football draws our attention…. mid level team? The pups lost to a ‘mid level’ team?! No wonder they can’t win national championships. Got to get past those ‘mid level’ teams!
BR, why would Tech take tips from a team that boast so many 10 win seasons without the benefit of a national championship? Tech has four and uga has one…see?! Size doesn’t always matter!
superDawg
September 1st, 2009
5:31 am
macro go ncaa national championships and count total for UGA and gt and get back to us.Also I go on tek sites to reiterate the nerd herd.
Tuesday Notes- It’s Almost Here!!!edition « Football on the Brain
September 1st, 2009
7:33 am
[...] The AJC’s Tim Tucker has a post summerizing preseason week 4, list of 10- chalk full of information and definitely worth your time- including possibility of Branden Smith getting early playing time; throwing freshmen receivers Marlon Brown, Rantavious Wooten, and Orson Charles right into the fire whether they are completely ready or not; and Richard Samuel telling how he used his time on the injured reserve to learn on how to read the offense. [...]
macrotech
September 1st, 2009
11:32 am
superDawg, are you referring to the GT (6) and uga (5) numbers? Good luck with THAT argument! What does it mean to ‘reiterate’ the nerd herd in regards to why you’re on the blogs about Tech?
JDawg
September 1st, 2009
9:22 pm
Remember when Colt Brennan got up off the ground crying in the 4th qtr of the Sugar Bowl?? This might be even better…I hope our D brings it to ‘em. There’s no crying in football.
Porty
September 2nd, 2009
8:10 pm
Flyin’ Dog and DogNation, what does having to be on a college campus at 16 have to do with being intelligent when you are on the UGa football team? Everyone knows that 98% of your football players wouldn’t dare get into school if it weren’t for football and taking crip, weak arsed degrees. You two only step foot on a campus to get the grass and rake leaves anyway. Brain dead.
Porty
September 2nd, 2009
8:14 pm
And just as I suspected he was 17 when he started on campus and his degree is Arts & Sciences. Woo hoo. Joe College.