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.”

190 comments Add your comment

reservoirDAWG

September 8th, 2009
10:58 am

The DAWGS better get to work. I think my daughter is more mad than me and she is two. She got us out of bed yesterday morning by slamming a toy into our LCD. Thank goodness for the Labor Day sales.

ForTheRecordDawg

September 8th, 2009
11:01 am

THE GOOD: As the announcers kept pointing out on Saturday…Richt has only lost 4 non-conference games at UGA!!!

THE BAD: He has never beaten any non-conference opponent that finished the year above #18. Hawaii and FSU both finished #18. He has won 5 non-conference ranked teams between #18 and #25 and lost to two teams ranked #18 – #25 (GT last year, and BC back in 2001). He also lost to #6 WVU and now #8 OSU.

THE UGLY: The fan base keeps complaining about wanting us to toughen up our non-conference schedule…so what do you think now? We generally play a guarnateed win (Boise State, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State) and you can bet this was seen as a warm up game 6 years ago when it was announced and the Cowboys were losing 7 to 8 games per year. But man this hurt! We lose to South Carolina and we actually could lose 7 or 8 games this year! Arkansas, UT, Ky, and Vandy all played well this weekend and could conceivably give us a challenge. LSU and UF do not look good at all. And of course Auburn and GT will be the usual slugfest.

KNelson

September 8th, 2009
11:07 am

Fortherecorddawg, Good points! UF looked like typical UF Tebow didnt even play the 2nd half. WKY complained about Tennessee leaving starters in yet they had 10 freshman on the field.Look out Ga its going to be a LONg season !

Island Dawg

September 8th, 2009
11:18 am

We are done and will be lucky to be bowl-eligible. I am so tired of the good Christian BS. Cox had the f’ing flu and still played because of Richt’s loyalty. The guy completely lacks the killer instinct to compete with Bama, UF, LSU, maybe Ut and their a$$hole coaches. Grow a set, bench Cox and get rid of Willie and Bobo.

Island Dawg

September 8th, 2009
11:19 am

Also, KNelson, you mentioned we are visiting Tenn Tech. How psychotic can you get?

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
11:20 am

“ForTheRecordDawg”…..your sentence “Arkansas, UT, Ky, and Vandy all played well this weekend and could conceivably give us a challenge” is pure comic genius. Do you write for Jay Leno or David Letterman? Now that quip is some funny stuff. Newsflash Brainiac….they all will give you a challenge. Arkansas and UT will beat you like a rented mule. KY will more than likely come away with a “W” and Vandy will make you work extra hard for a win. UGA fans have always been delusional for some odd reason. I will admit UT sucked like a cheap Hoover last year as well as 2005. I am glad Fulmer is gone. Lane Kiffin has breathed new life into the UT team. CMR is a good man but so was Fulmer. Being a good man does not win games! I hope UT and UGA both stomp Flora-duhh this year just to wipe that smug “sh!t-eating” look off of Urban Crier’s face!!!

Denver Dog

September 8th, 2009
11:30 am

I don’t know who this Knelson character might be, but he has way too much time on his hands. Maybe if he would go read a book on football, it would be helpful before you enter your comments on a blog. Dogs will stomp your little bee hive this year, the Tech fans will truly make it Grunt Field, and the team will make sure that it is Dudd stadium.

This is a UGA blog, and everyone is welcome, I’m sure. I don’t think there are any Tech blogs because accroding to the statistics recently released by the AJC, the bloggers on UGA blogs were 47% Ga Tech entries. Go Figure.

Dogs win this weekend by 2 TD’s and Spurrier leaves Sanford Stadium for the last time as a head coach.

big dawg 89

September 8th, 2009
11:30 am

we are obviously not good enough to win games with A) bad coaching, i truly think CMB and CWM get bored with what is working and say to themselves,”well, that is working, lets try another aspect of our game and see if will work too” B) bad refereeing, not to say that beat us, but we really can’t overcome bad calls. good teams can.. C)samuel at running back, guy just runs too upright, he’s gonna get hurt, you watch. he may be fast, but one guy can tackle him because of the way he runs. hope king can make a difference there. and D) turnovers, or lack thereof. all this talk in camp about the secondary making plays, don’t believe it. the ole saying of “don’t believe everything you hear and only half of what you see” comes to mind…and we’ve got to protect the ball to have a chance. E) bad QB play, if COX is going to play like a freshman, i say put a freshman in and get him some experience..he can’t be running out of bounds and losing fumbles.

lets see what happens saturday before we start to panic..

jack oliver

September 8th, 2009
11:31 am

I was listening to the call-in show last nite, and all I got was our new basketball coach being asked questions. Have we given up? I suppose so.

Denver Dog

September 8th, 2009
11:31 am

Large Orange, based on your schools recent hiring practices, I’d assume that you define a good coach as someone who is a punk. Run off your own coaches, we will handle ours.

Truman08

September 8th, 2009
11:39 am

How is it that a head coach does not know how his starting quarterback feels? I see Ritch acting like his mentor Bobby Bowden just pacing the sidelines at least Bobby does not were a headset most of the game. It is very frustrating to see a team of good kids with talent wasted week after week, when does it stop?

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
11:42 am

Hey Denver Dog…why don’t you STFU? I do not recall yanking on your chain Bozo. Of course I have read some of your posts and its obvious you are not the brighest bulb in the chandelier. We did “run off” our coach…remember Fulmer? Lane Kiffin is the real deal and a gigantic Azz-Whoopin is waiting on the mangy Bullpups in Neyland Stadium on Oct. 10th. The “Lane Train” will flatten CMR’s Gospel Choirboys. Did you get the name Denver Dog from making Denver omelets down at the IHOP, Stooge?

BullDawgs Best

September 8th, 2009
11:47 am

My take…..
UGA is, has and will ALWAYS be my team with Florida State 2nd. When the announcement came that CMR was taking over i was extremely pleased. Since that time CMR has turned out NOT to be the coach for UGA. I played 4 years of D1 ball and NOTHING matters other than National Championships, Conference Championships and beating your rivals. What we continue to see is a mediocure product on the field with little to no emotion and lesser creativity. I have 100% confidence in our recruiting but if we cannot Coach these kids up it mean nothing. Winning 9 & 10 games a season without anything to show for it is good for the Admins only to obtain more booster money but true fans wasnt and deserve more. What is better out there at this point than CMR you ask?? Who knows but standing pat and not being agressive on Coach selections is exactly like the product we see on the field. Non agressive and just going thru the motions. On Saturdays game i will say this….I am NOT a CWM fan by any stetch but you CANNOT hang this one on the Defense. When we are still into having 20-30 SCRIPTED plays called BEFORE the game even begins and are to stubborn to change then the offense will continue to stagnate. Yes we scored on our 1st drive but what did Ok State do after they adjusted, they adapted. What did we do?? We kept to our pregame plans of running these scripted plays regardless of what their defense was doing. You can say its BoBo but CMR is the head coach and at anytime can VETO decisions and change the way the game is called. These are still kids and they take their lead from their coaches. When was the last time you saw CMR lose his mind on a bad call or play?? ……….my point exactly. Vangorder had his defenses fired up because he satyed that way and they on field play shown as a result. I am a DAWG thru & thru and i will not excuse poor coaching. The talent is on the field we just dont know how to use or inspire it.
DAWG for Life

Dawg Reflections

September 8th, 2009
11:58 am

Unlike some, I am not down on Bobo and Martinez. All in all I thought the defense did a fairly good job keeping us in the game despite the short fields, bad calls, etc. Dez Bryant made one play (he is a big time player) on long pass. The second touchdown was a gift from the refs on a bad call (totally bad and subjective rule that will affect the outcome of many D1 games this year)that resulted in a deflated defense. There are 2 primary issues I would like Coach Richt to address AND fix. First, the kickoff situation is still a problem. Walsh nailed a nice kick for 3 when we needed it, but how we have not solved the kickoff issue at this point is beyond me. Puts way too much stress on the defense. Second and more pressing issue, the QB. Sick or not, I don’t think Joe Cox can lead this program to a winning season. He is a great guy, loyal to the program, and I really hoped I would feel differently after the first game, but I don’t. I saw enough in the Spring to lead me to this conclusion before the season even started. The arm’s just not there. Ok. St. made one simple adjustment post our first drive, bringing the safety up to stop the run and that was that. Think SEC DC’s won’t take this to heart?? Once we were forced to make plays in the passing game we were sunk. 11 possessions with nothing??? I appreciate Coach’s loyalty to Joe Cox, but the hard truth is he is probably a serviceable #2 at best. Though I would be happy to see Gray get a shot, the future of the program is on Aaron Murray’s arm (and it’s a great arm). I would rather see us lose with a freshman playmaker at QB making some poor decisions, than sit back and see us go down 10 points in a game and know that we are finished b/c we can’t make plays in the passing game. All the receiver talent in the world makes no difference if you can’t get the ball to them consistently and down the field. I would be happier building for the future losing 7 games this year with a true freshman QB, than accepting a SURE 5 or more loss season playing a QB simply out of loyalty. Do you think Saben, Spurrier, Miles, Meyer, etc. would do this? I don’t…

reservoirDAWG

September 8th, 2009
12:14 pm

Fans of other teams on this board talking smack are nothing but complete losers.

Denver Dog

September 8th, 2009
12:23 pm

Large Orange, how are those Orange Jump suits working out for you. I don’t think I said anything personal except that you define a good coach as a punk a/k./a Kiffin. His father got in a fist fight with Danny Ford after a game at NC STATE. He couldn’t even manage being the head coach of the Raiders. That is what those comments relate too!

After reading your insult again, . You obviously have not read many of my comments, By the way, your Vols did look good, Phil didn’t leave a bare cabinet.

Otto

September 8th, 2009
12:26 pm

How long did it take Miles to pull the red shirt of his Freshman QB last year? I agree with the other coaches.

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
12:30 pm

Denver Dog….talk about my wife but don’t talk about my coach. The only thing Kiffin is guilty of is maybe running his mouth a little too much. However, what team did you hear the most about in the spring and summer? What team signed the #1 running back in the country ( Bryce Brown ) who said he had never considered UT before Kiffin got there. The #1 kicker for 2010 has already committed to UT for next year because of Lane Kiffin. So if thats your definition of a punk..then so be it. We will see who is flapping gums on October 10th.

Hale

September 8th, 2009
12:34 pm

Please Fire Willie Martinez…….Enough is enough…….

KNelson

September 8th, 2009
12:38 pm

Denver Dog , I never said visiting Tennessee Tech, I said playing TT. Second, Im not a Techie. Apparently you may not need to read a book but other peoples post a little closer.Your pups are only a 7 point favorite over a team that only scored 7 last week. UT is an 8 point favorite over UCLA. Teams are passing UGA by over night. All that are stated in my post are facts but to you blind dogs FACTS are NOt relevant!

Johnson D.

September 8th, 2009
12:38 pm

It’s the time to fire Willie Martinez. He has been wasting a lot of talents. He doesn’t know how to handle all the defensive talents.
Please fire him.

sec

September 8th, 2009
12:55 pm

i dont think anyone is off the “fire WM” bandwagon. Im not thats for sure. That was pathetic. When they were on the goal line, he could not get the play in on time. Our players were standing there with their arms up in the air waiting on the calls. They quick snapped and we had no chance……maybe cause we didnt have a play. The talent at UGA has not gone down… the coaching has. No excuses

Island Dawg

September 8th, 2009
12:58 pm

KNelson at 8:57 AM. Here for posterity so don’t try to delete

“Who will the rest of the SEC be playing the weekend you visit Tennessee Tech?”

Yeah, you never said a thing about us visiting Tenn Tech. You’re a moron to think we would go on the road for 1-AA and you’re a liar.

shards1967

September 8th, 2009
1:07 pm

Richt has replicated in his UGA era, a team that generally would compete at the highest levels of the ACC. He gets athletic D players BUT the UGA O lines lack the genuine physicality of the LSU,BAMA or U of F or U of T teams. This is true year in and out.

I viewed the VA Tech game w/ Bama and that game fully illustrated what I am saying. Va Tech is a fine ACC D team but they were simply worn down by the grinding that the Bama O did on them, play after play. Even at the halftime break Sabin said to the TV interviewer, that “we will grind on them” in the second half and they did. Bama looks to me like the old Penn State teams of the 70s and 80s with huge players ( UGA vs. Penn State Sugar Bowl in 81) that can run and block. Strong they looked vs. Va Tech. Physical.

UGA will not win more than 5 or 6 games this year. Even KY is very, very physical, because their coach Brooks knows what is needed to try to compete and win in the SEC on D and with his mediocre recruiting, almost get it done for KY standards. They are also physical.

Richt’s era has demonstrated that our teams are athletic and our linemen are fair but not great per SEC standards. Losing TS is no more of an issue than last year. Line Coach Searels is the ONE BRIGHT SPOT on the UGA staff. He will leave, I suspect after this soon to be dismal season.

Cox cannot play big time SEC QB
UGA has norreal brutish running game and RS and CK are only decent back ups and both over rated as SEC backs go.
We have some decent receivers BUT NO NONE to throw them the skin. The other UGA bright spot and we have no one to throw them the ball. Logan will have to emerge and throw on the run for us to have a chance.Cox can cheer them on. Logan and Aaron Murray apparently.
D is always suspect with CWM.
Kicking and specaia teams are very, very spotty.
UGA possess a general apathtitic attitude toward WINNING.
We have developed a star system and that is what the players seek ………..notoriety for the NFL.

UGA will be 5-7 or 6-6. Tough to admit coming from a UGA grad.

Changes, they are a coming.

Shards 1967
class of 73 UGA

dawgie doo

September 8th, 2009
1:09 pm

Karma coming back to the Dawgs.. red and black yelling at OSU fans Saturday, “enjoy being in the top ten for another 3 hours”
OSU now ranked 5th, Dawgs 21st!

Dude

September 8th, 2009
1:13 pm

I like how tech struggles against Jacksonville State and then talks smack about us. Oregon was the only other team to play on the road against a Top 25 team. UGA will be fine. We’re not a NC caliber team. SEC every four years. I wish we played in the ACC…we would win every year.

KNelson

September 8th, 2009
1:14 pm

Island Dawg , mistake made. Hell you guys may not want to visit a1-AA team on their field at this point. Liar???? It was a mistake. If that is what makes you happy to argue about then I can see why you’re in the dumps besides not having any bragging rights this week to back up all you did the past 6 months.

KNelson

September 8th, 2009
1:17 pm

Dude – If you were in the ACC you sure as hell wouldnt win it this year. FSU, Miami, VT, GT all would beat you like the Dog you are !

Newnan dawg

September 8th, 2009
1:32 pm

If we lose to Carolina, then I’ll join the rest of
the panic attack posters.
Have to concede sat was embarrasing, ugh

Bans Baby

September 8th, 2009
1:35 pm

Dawgies are toast! No passion on the field, VT
would eat the puppies 4 lunch, Miami and FSU as well.
Looking at 7-8 wins if lucky.

2nd in GA

September 8th, 2009
1:37 pm

By the time the tech game arrives the dawgs
won’t even put up a fight. Can u say an 0 and 3 start? Ouch!!

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
1:38 pm

Read it and weep Doggies…..Tyler Bray ( 4 Star ) QB from California just committed to UT for 2010. He had given a soft verbal to San Diego State but withdrew that after watching the UT game this past weekend. He will be wearing the orange next year and helping to apply a beatdown to UGA for many years to come!!! Rocky Top Baby!!!!! Woooooooooo!!!!

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
1:40 pm

Has anyone seen my dildo?

Sec sux

September 8th, 2009
1:42 pm

No worries, we have Joe Cox baby!! Heisman
here we come.

Otto

September 8th, 2009
1:43 pm

UT bragging about taking a QB from SDSU lol.

reservoirDAWG

September 8th, 2009
1:49 pm

Otto, I had mthe same thought.

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
2:00 pm

Just found my dildo. Otto’s Mom had it. Just wish she had not worn the batteries out.

wolfdawg

September 8th, 2009
2:00 pm

knelson you talk alot s#*T on this here blog. PRICK

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
2:02 pm

Newsflash for you pot-bellied rednecks ( Otto and reservoirDawgturd ) Bray is not from SDSU, morons. He is from California and still in High School. I understand that neither of you graduated from High School but most people do. Get off the library computer. Other people need to use it.

SWBUZZMAN

September 8th, 2009
2:08 pm

DirtyPuppy, no one is afraid of you or your toothless hounds!

SWBUZZMAN

September 8th, 2009
2:12 pm

Dude, just how did we struggle against JaxST? Up 31-7 at half time, and the some of the second string and mostly 3rd string played the second half. We could have won 60-7, but why risk hurting the starters, especially when you have a game Thursday against Clemson. Moron! Thats why you have CMR, and we have the man, CPJ!

reservoirDAWG

September 8th, 2009
2:12 pm

Large Orange, I believe we were referring to his verbal commitment. You need some help with reading comprehension. That means understanding what you’re reading.

Island Dawg

September 8th, 2009
2:17 pm

OK, KNelson. You ARE a liar since you said something that is blatantly false and then denied doing so with it right there on display. Also you are a prick as wolfdawg pointed out. To suggest we should be visiting 1-AA stadiums with a completely sold-out 93K stadium all season is beyond stupid. Why are you on a blog about an injured UGA player to start with?

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
2:27 pm

reservoirDAWGturd….Isn’t it almost time for your Mommy to get home from work? You better get your room cleaned up and get off her computer. Otherwise she might spank you…but you would probably like that wouldn’t you? Get used to getting your ass spanked…a BIG one is coming for the Bullpups on October 10th up in beautiful Neyland Stadium.

reservoirDAWG

September 8th, 2009
2:33 pm

Large Orange, you are so clever. Tell me are you a fat UT fan or do you just like bigger oranges?

Large Orange

September 8th, 2009
2:42 pm

reservoirDAWGturd….you are dismissed. Now go play with yourself. I will be looking for you posts after Spurrier waxes UGA on Saturday. I cannot wait to hear your excuses and whining…it will be fun.

reservoirDAWG

September 8th, 2009
2:44 pm

I don’t make excuses nor resort to childish name calling, so much cannot be said for you LO.

Gdawg

September 8th, 2009
2:53 pm

Dear CMR,

Please untie Richard Samuels shoes so he can run.
Please speak to Bobo about running the ball on 3rd and long.
Please speak with Cox about standing in the pocket and taking the hit.
Please start Aaron Murray this week.
Please play Ealy this week.
Please instruct CWM to blitz and stunt more.
Please get after a ref’s a%$ when he misses a call.
Please throw your red flag and challenge a bad spot.
Please stand up for your team during trying times.
Please play the best player no matter what year they are in.
Please attend some motivational classes, so you fire your team up.
Please focus next year’s recruiting class on OF and DF lineman.
Please stick to whatever is working during a game.
Please call the NCAA about the home cooking this past weekend.
Please stand up for your team!
Please stand up for your team!
Please stand up for UGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Gdawg

KNelson

September 8th, 2009
3:02 pm

wolfdawg – I see that the truth HURTS !!!!!!!!!!!

KNelson

September 8th, 2009
3:06 pm

Here is the skinny on what you guys fing laughable about UT new commitment @ QB.
This guy could be one of the biggest sleepers this class has to offer and it may not be long until others start catching on. Bray reminds us of what stage Matt Leinart was at coming out of high school only right handed. He has prototypical height and his frame development upside is off the charts once he hits a college weight program. Looks like a Drew Bledsoe build. Is long and lanky, but not uncoordinated like most would be in his frame. As a result, the thing that stands out about Bray is his release– quick, compact, not elongated and whip-like which is what we see a lot of from tall skinny kids.