On Sturdivant’s injury, among other things
The bad news kept coming for the Bulldogs on Sunday.
It’s been a rough few days, starting with Joe Cox getting sick and continuing with a messy loss to Oklahoma State and culminating with word that Trinton Sturdivant will miss another season with a torn ACL.
You really gotta feel bad for Trinton. He worked so hard for so long in rehab to make it back from last year’s knee injury, only to be faced with doing it all over again after playing less than three quarters of one game.
Mark Richt predicted Sturdivant will be just as diligent in his rehab this time and be back playing in 2010.
Meanwhile, the 2009 Dogs are 0-1. It’s the first time Georgia has been 0-1 since 1996, when Jim Donnan’s first season as UGA coach started with an 11-7 loss to Southern Miss in Athens.
And if you’re wondering when was the last time the Dogs were 0-2, well, the answer is the same: 1996.
The loss to Southern Miss was followed by a 23-14 loss on the road to . . . South Carolina.
The Gamecocks again will be trying to drop the Dogs to 0-2 when they come to Athens on Saturday for Georgia’s home opener. Obviously, Georgia’s offense — now minus Sturdivant up front — is going to have to make some serious progress in a week’s time to do much against South Carolina’s stellar defense. Much more to come on that, I’m sure.
Meanwhile, a few quick notes from Richt’s teleconference Sunday:
– At least one offensive player helped himself on Saturday. “I think Tavarres King earned himself some more playing time,” Richt said. “He really got after it as a blocker and made one catch across the middle where he had to really extend; that took some bravery. We have gained some confidence in Tavarres’ ability to play more downs and get more opportunities.”
– If anyone thought Caleb King’s pulled hamstring had cost him his chance for a prominent role in Georgia’s offense this season, the Bulldogs’ mere 95 yards rushing against Oklahoma State corrected that notion. There’s still plenty of opportunity. Asked if he expects King back this week, Richt said: “I would love it. He’s a guy that we need to get healthy and get in there [to] compete and play.”
– Richt on Cox: “I really don’t know how he’s feeling, to be quite honest. He wasn’t going to miss that game.”
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190 comments Add your comment
Footballnut29
September 7th, 2009
7:19 pm
Hey dawggirl 9-3 last season and one win against you puppies. Just face the fact uga stinks this year. This blog will be filled with questions about quarterbacks with no arm. Here is a little insight if you can’t stretch the field, the safety will crowd the box. And with 8 men in the box you can’t run the ball either. In the SEC with their great defenses this applies even more. Oh yeah 45-42 state champs. That high school offense ran all over that middle school defense. HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS………..
Footballnut29
September 7th, 2009
7:21 pm
GO TECH
jason
September 7th, 2009
7:26 pm
I rewatched the game today. I saw alot more positives than when I watched SAT. One, Samuel did not look that bad. I think he will be better anbd better as the season goes. He will also be better by having King healthy to change the pace. Cox looked good on the underneath, kind of like a Chad Pennington type of QB. His problems came when he had to put some fire on the ball. That proposes a problem in SEC play with faster more athletic DBs. The drops were mostly by Frosh or first time players, understandable being away vs. top 10 team, in their first real playing time. White’s drop was a killer. However, I counted 3 drops by AJ (1 for a TD). The OL is what it is… versitle and experienced. They are not physical, more finesse. I don’t knpw how that is going to play in the SEC. It hasn’t faired well in the past. The defense looked lost at times. I thought OSU did a good job of changing the pace with quick counts and such. I thought the DBs did a good job on Bryant. They had him frustrated. He had like 5 penalties on his own. Listening to OSU coaches, they had good things to say about UGA and how we dictated the flow of the game. UGA did that, they just didn’t execute on some plays and still made stupid and untimely penalities. As far as the hit by Jones. I thought it was a hard clean hit. I slowed the game down and replayed that play over and over. What I came away from that hit (right or wrong) was that Jones didn’t just hit the WR, he drove his forearm and shoulder into the WR. It appeared to me that he went into the shoulder and came up into the helmet area. Like I said, right or wrong, but I am guessing that is why the call was made.
jason
September 7th, 2009
7:29 pm
Footballnut29, true statement on the ability to stretch the field. That is one problem UGA will have as long as Cox is QB. He is also very slow and deliberate to release the ball also.
Dennis G. Berdanis
September 7th, 2009
7:49 pm
One big thing that bothered me is even when time was running out and we should have been playing desperate we still attempted to block a punt. The guy could punt it a mile and high which gave them good coverage. You’d think we would have tried going all out for the block, if nothing else to make them think about it the next time he punted. I’m looking for the fight in my Dawgs.
Bobby
September 7th, 2009
8:48 pm
Hey KNelson, THose were not Sec refs. They were Big 12 Refs. Go look it up dummy. Please don’t speak unless you know what the hell you are talking about. What a moron. The refs did not cost us the game but they did make several bad calls that had a huge impact on the game and what do you know…….they were big 12 refs
gt
September 7th, 2009
9:56 pm
saint simons embarrasses me.Looks like GT fans are pretty lousy too. Best of luck to Trinton S.
dwg
September 7th, 2009
10:01 pm
Dawgs have had better games. Both teams looked rusty which is to be expected. Defense did a good job with what was handed to them. I realize OK st. had more penalties but the ones against the Dawgs hurt more. Phantom clipping call on the kick return and the hit over the middle near the end of the game hurt bad. Either way, tough loss, hope we can regroup and GATA against SC.
DamntheButcher
September 7th, 2009
10:24 pm
Why do some of you idiots keep talking about how good the Denfense played when they had NO sacks. No Pressure on the QB all day. All these top 10 recruiting classes and on gameday GA is shorthanded for tallent. FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ.
Johnny DangerDawg
September 7th, 2009
10:35 pm
Joe Cox, you still have my support. Get back on that field and show the fans that you deserve their respect.
FL Dawg
September 7th, 2009
10:54 pm
IMO the Dawgs as a whole did not GATA. That was the single biggest problem. The defense came closer than the offense by a long shot, but even then there were no sacks and little pressure on the qb. The secondary played very well with the exception of the 40+ yarder to Bryant. The O came out and dominated for exactly one series. They have to play for 60 minutes on both sides of the ball. Play calling on the O was lackluster. I said it a few times before that this would be the toughest year for Richt as a coach. He has had to be more involved with the D due to last years performance and he needed to be spending as much or more time with the O due to lack of skill players returning and helping Bobo becoming a better O coordinator.
Michael C
September 7th, 2009
10:54 pm
Joe Cox is a great story of a book we’ve read before, only this one won’t end with D.J. Shockley leading UGA to the promised land. Cox is the undenialable leader of the team, but lacks the big time arm that is necessary to run CMR’s Pro-Style Offense. There were multiple times in the game where Green and Charles were open and if the ball would have been on a line, like we have been used to seeing for the last three years, would have resulted in some game changing plays. I think another more concerning issue was that the offense lacked any creativity after the first series. There is a reason that first drive was so successful, after that nothing….Thankfully SC only scored 7 points in week one so we could win 10-7!!! GO DAWGS!!!
B Walsh
September 7th, 2009
10:56 pm
Any of you media guys got enough cohunas to ask CMR why he talks a good story, but still will not let us kick it deep into or out of the endzone? Don’t blame me when the kickoffs go out of bounds at the 5-10 or someone returns them 90 yards. I could put it where they would have to take it on the 20 every time. (and Bogotay could do the same)
Corey Evans
September 7th, 2009
11:03 pm
Don’t give up on the D yet. We did alright in this first game even though we all realize OSU did more to stop themselves with all their penalties than we did. I am not responsible for that touchdown. I know from last year that I am not a cover guy and that is why I was moved to safety so I can help closer to the line. Y’all saw me on Sat and know I am fearless and can deliver a heck of a hit. I am one of the fastest guys on the team, am willing to give it up for the team, but am not your cover guy.
Bogotay
September 7th, 2009
11:05 pm
Why am I here?
optionoffense
September 7th, 2009
11:17 pm
You guys are such nitwits. Dumb mutts.
dwg
September 7th, 2009
11:33 pm
I don’t know why I read these things. Nothing but idiots around here, for and against UGA. You can all just go to hell. Seriously, if you think Willie needs to be fired – Go to hell. If you want Bobo gone – go to hell. If you actually think our defense was not trying – go to hell. If you want a QB with more heart than Joe Cox, seriously, go to hell. If you think Mark Richt doesn’t want what’s best for the UGA program, go to hell. If your name is Saint Simons, go to hell.
BTW, Miami QB is incredible. And I hate Miami. Not as much as UF. Got to give credit to the kid. Playing a heck of a game tonight.
dwg
September 7th, 2009
11:44 pm
Did I say Miami QB was good? Reid for FSU is as good as advertised too. One other thing. UF with that sched. can go to hell too. Our loss to OK ST was not as embarrassing as their win against a BEACH SCHOOL!
dawg man
September 8th, 2009
12:34 am
just a reminder sanit simons and gt SCUM HAHAHA!!!!
optionoffense
September 8th, 2009
5:25 am
dwg,
you can go to hell too.
doug
September 8th, 2009
6:21 am
Hang tough Trint. You will be rewarded one day. NFL style.
Gator Mike
September 8th, 2009
6:32 am
I am a Gator, and I certainly hope the Dawg Fans do not take this the wrong way. I feel very bad for Trinton Sturdivant and his recent injury. I can personally relate to it. He is a class guy who has given everything to UGA to get back on the field with his teamates only to get hurt again. He did not deserve this misfortune nor do his teammates. I wanted him to be healthy for the game in Jax this year because he is a super player. I sincerelywish him the very best in his recovery.
Go Gators!
A
September 8th, 2009
7:04 am
Joe Cox = Reggie Ball
KNelson
September 8th, 2009
7:26 am
Bobby, No need to look it up. Before the game it was noted the traveling team provides the officiating . Noted it was officials from the SEC. The next time you make a childish comment make sure you have eaten all of your veggies and showered before going to bed.
jason
September 8th, 2009
8:00 am
He played better? Reid (FSU) or (Smith UGA)? Think we might have gotten the wrong Freshman. Thae Miami/ FSU game was a total display of speed. They looked and played alot faster than I have seen a UGA team play in a long while. I was saying that UGA played alot of Freshman on SAT. FSU did also, but the Seminole players did not look in awe. FSU’s Frosh acted and played like they had been there before, ala Reid.
Topp Dogg
September 8th, 2009
8:11 am
Joe sucks Cox !
m
September 8th, 2009
8:20 am
It is so funny how things change so quickly.
Before the game: okie st. is a pitiful big 12 team that plays no defense and couldn’t possibly beat a powerhouse team from the sec.
After the game: uga lost to a powerhouse big 12 team that is ranked in the TOP 10.
If you dawg fans weren’t such complete idiots and tools…you would be down right funny.
45-42…glad it still hurts so bad….and it is only the beginning.
WNC Dawg
September 8th, 2009
8:35 am
DawgGirl32, Jason and the ohter true dawg fans. Thanks for bringing some sanity to the blog. I’m sure CMR, Bobo, and WM saw the same game we did. We have some problems to work out for sure. I am not ready to give up on them after one game. I am also not going to get into a pi@@@@@ contest with any of the bloggers who would not have a place to blog if not for this one. You all know what opinions are like and everyone has one. I thought this year could be special and it still can be so don’t give up yet. And I am a UGA Alumni and like a lot of you on the blog undefeated as a coach. Don’t be goaded by a few jealous non UGA know-it-alls. Keep the faith and GO DAWGS!!!
WNC Dawg
September 8th, 2009
8:37 am
I know I misspelled other.
Taylor
September 8th, 2009
8:49 am
so much trash talk on here it’s almost unbearable. Tech fans would rather see Georgia lose than see Tech win. sad state of being
Stinger
September 8th, 2009
8:57 am
Please post your excuses here. We are running out of space so hurry up.
Dirty Dawg is really tough behind a computer. Most red necks talk tough but can’t back it up. Little man’s complex.
Jim n Buckhead
September 8th, 2009
8:58 am
It sure seems that fans of other schools spend a great deal of time watching and reading about UGA football…..and it doesn’t take a lot of guts to post on an internet board and not even name the school that you pull for
Jessi
September 8th, 2009
9:08 am
On Saturday when the refs would appear on the TV, it said Big 12 official underneath it. Actually, they were SEC refs, many of whom have called games for UGA before. I really don’t see why that’s relevant, but I figured I’d straighten it out for you boys anyway : )
Now I won’t blame our loss on the refs…we were rusty and sluggish on offense, too vanilla on ST (minus that awesome PR that was called back for a BS clipping call), but I was pleased with our defense other than their lack of penetration. They hustled well, tackled well, and really minimized OSU’s best players. But I do know that going into the 4th quarter it was a one score game. Having our PR called back, having OSU granted a first down on a fourth and one (or two) when even the announcers could see that he was stopped at the line of scrimmage, and that BS intentional roughness call really didn’t help matters at all. It went from us having a great chance, to us having no chance.
As for the fire Richt, Bobo, and Martinez calls…not gonna happen. Richt is one of the best coaches in the nation, and honestly who would we get to replace him that would be an upgrade? Bobo does call some plays that make me scream, but all in all he’s usually a very efficient play caller. Martinez has nothing to be ashamed of after Saturday, though I hope Rodney Garner is chewing some DL ass before the USCe game.
It’s the first game. Yeah we lost and it sucked hard, but it’s the first game and it’s OOC. We have several more weeks of football ahead of us, and we’re not going 2-10, regardless of what people think. Don’t let the Techies bother you. I personally have never cared whether or not Tech is having a good or bad season. The only time they are on my radar is that last game in November. I love that they care so damn much about us that they have to comment all offeseason, then every week whether we win or lose. Keep it coming, Techies.
I’d rather watch UGA lose than not watch them play at all. Pick your chins up boys…regardless of the record, it’s always great to be a Georgia Dawg!
Change It Up
September 8th, 2009
9:32 am
If Richt doesn’t hire a PROVEN OC and DC after this season, it’s time to let him go. How many more years on his contract?
Also, why didn’t UGA work Will Muschamp into the system? He coached well at AUB, LSU, and now is primed to take over TEX. His intensity reminds me of Erk! That’s a huge loss and frankly a huge error on the UGA’s part.
Johnboy
September 8th, 2009
9:34 am
As to the pass interference call in the 4th quarter, 4 flags flew similtaneously. TV commentators can color calls.
Decatur 4 Life
September 8th, 2009
9:34 am
Say what you want about the defense and WM but the offense lost that one. They scored seven on the opening drive and were hushed for the majority of the game. The best defense in the world will give up points regardless of who they’re playing if they’re on the field all day. Couldn’t sustain drives and give defense a breather, that’s why they lost. Also Joe Cox isn’t that good but Logan Gray isn’t any better. Taking Cox out will definitely forfeit the season.
stendec
September 8th, 2009
9:43 am
AN OPEN LETTER TO MARK RICHT
Calmed down enough to type coherently. I have been supporter of yours. That ended in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Now believe you are a liability to my beloved Bulldogs. See only downward trend, bitter losses and complete unaccountability. Know why loss in Oklahoma to overrated Cowpatties anguished Bulldog Nation so much? No, I did not think you did! These northern upstarts disrespected the Dawgs. Called them out! Mocked them by saying the point spread would be 300 plus points. Those 24 points seemed like 100! Know what would have happended had the loudmouths treated Alabama, Florida or LSU in such a manner? Their new fancy smancy stadium would have been broken in with a loss of no less than four touchdowns! Any SEC/Southern team with any pride or dignity whatsoever would have left that new stadium with a victory! The Dawgs should have been motivated enough to kick those upstart cowboy wannabes into Texas! The fact they were not exposes your skills as a motivator. The Dawgs did post a face-saving TD then went through the motions for the next three plus quarters. The field goal was an unanticipated plus which meant nothing in the big scheme. You appeared so uninterested that you failed to get your hair ruffled during an obviously biased fourth down mark against the Dawg defense which led to one Cowpatty TD plus a phantom personal foul penalty on Dawgs which led to another. I am hoping that a donation to your favorite charity was not made by that zillionaire in Oklahoma but I have ruled nothing out. It was a sad day for the Bulldog Nation, Southern football and all who believe loudmouth blowhards should get their comeuppance! The Dawg season is officially over. Even if you beat SC by 100 points. You would not if you could! Being a Christian is fine but a lying backstabber has the Crimson Tide in the hunt for a national championship! Will not mean anything in hereafter but fans in Alabama sure feel happier than members of Bulldog Nation in here and now! How deep is pain? Imagine a stranger having intimate relations with daughter/girlfriend/wife or son/boyfriend/husband in a tremendously expensive hotel room then you are required to pay the tab. Vile and nauseating. A bunch of Cowpatties abused the Bulldog Nation without consequence. That is something I will never forget! Nor forgive. Do the right thing. Said as simply and plainly as I could. A completely disillusioned Stendec.
Blindhawg
September 8th, 2009
9:50 am
This team just don’t have it.CMR teams always play with little emotion and there is no spark,they got no fire in their belly,they don’t want it.They played the whole game like a scimmage,by that it just looked like that if a play went wrong or OK they just went back to the huddle with an o’well we will get it right next time.
Bottom line this group of guys just aren’t WINNERS!!!
Decatur 4 Life
September 8th, 2009
9:54 am
Why are these UGA bloggers so angry about GT fans posting on their blog site. Who cares? I don’t represent either school and I’m on here blogging. The fact is you guys are a little sore about how things are going so far as well as losing last year’s rivalry game. Do you have to be an alumni to blog? Do you have to be an alumni to root for a team? No, of course not. That’s your choice and so is where you want to talk smack. In the years past I’ve seen UGA bloggers on GT sites, now its seems to matter now that they have the bragging rights. There’s no crying in football
mutts R Ugly
September 8th, 2009
9:59 am
Gee DirtyDawg, your threat of violence fairly puts any critic of ugay in fear for their life…thus justifying deadly force. Thanks…stupid
Sanford Drive
September 8th, 2009
9:59 am
Stendec, have a drink, you weirdo. I’m not a fan of Richt anymore either, but that post was just plain creepy.
mutts R Ugly
September 8th, 2009
10:04 am
I agree with stendec, UGAY was an embarrassment to the SEC this week, and most weeks for that matter.
CARTERSVILLE DAWG
September 8th, 2009
10:09 am
TO KNelson and God and Geyhound; you talk about how classless UGA is for jumping on the V in Vanderbilt, or storming the field against Florida in 2007… I do believe that I saw quite a few GT players leaving with pieces of the hedges surrounding the field in Athens last year. What is the difference? That act was just as classless.
Decatur 4 Life
September 8th, 2009
10:14 am
eddcunningham -I agree, the referees were horrible. That personal foul penalty is what sealed the fate of the DAWGS. It was clearly not a helmet to helmet hit and Jones’ reaction to the hit is probably what got him in trouble. My thing was it had been going on all game by both teams, why wait till the end of the game to call a big penalty like that. I think they call that a little home cooking
The Lone Trumpeter
September 8th, 2009
10:31 am
Wow people calm down. We lost the first game of the season to a good team, on the road with a bunch of inexperienced starters on offense in key positions. I don’t want to make excuses just point out that the sky is not falling and we still have alot of games to play. The defense looked good, the offense had its moments. Let’s not throw in the towel just yet.
Cowboys rule the plains!
September 8th, 2009
10:38 am
“I have never beaten a well man” famous Chess Grandmaster.
“I will always blame injuries instead of my coaching and will never ever give credit to the other team simply outplaying me”, Coach Mark Richt.
Matt
September 8th, 2009
10:42 am
Hey look everyone posting on here that is talking about they dont know how OSU got better if you look at Bill Young’s history as a D Coordinator he has been great every where he goes. So why would it be any different at OSU. As far as UGA goes it seems like we have a little work ahead of us but we will rebound we lost one game it is not the end of the year, Samuel is good and will be better when King is back there with him, the problem with Bobo is he tries to be too fancy Samuel had 87 yards on 20 carries not too bad for his first start.
how2fish
September 8th, 2009
10:49 am
Gator Mike..nice post..UGA fans won’t take it wrong but it will shock some of us to read a class post from a rival..thanks some of the bile on here can make one forget there is still some good sportsmanship out there.
Matt
September 8th, 2009
10:50 am
Also anyone saying CMR needs to go is crazy he is 4 wins short of having more than Donnan and Goff did combined in 11 years he is 3rd all time in wins at UGA. Also who is going to come here when fans want to runoff a coach that has the most wins in the SEC over the last 8 years and the 2nd most SEC championships during same time period. Sorry he hasnt gotten a MNC but luck goes along with that as much as anything else.
KNelson
September 8th, 2009
10:56 am
Cartersville dawg, Is that the best you have? Read my post and compare once again.