Richt on DC hire: ‘I’ll let you know when it happens, I promise.’

Pugnacious Paul

January 10th, 2010
10:37 pm

The riots at the waffle house by fat girls have worked. Its a done deal Kirby Smart is coming to UGA…

CPJ IS IN SCHULTZIE'S HALL OF FAME

January 10th, 2010
10:54 pm

TO DAWGS Suck:
WAS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY TECH GOT THEIR 2010 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OFF TO A BLAZING START IN THE ORANGE BOWL GAME…I WOULD SAY WATCHING THE PASSING GAME AND THE AWSOME RUNNING ATTACK THAT YOU GUYS OUGHT TO BE RANKED #1 OR #2 GOING INTO NEXT YEAR…THAT FIASCO AGAINST IOWA REALLY IMPRESSED THE ENTIRE NATION, AND NOW THEY KNOW YOU ARE REALLY KNOCKING ON THAT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DOOR IN 2010….WHAT A JOKE, TO SAY THAT THE ORANGE BOWL GAME WAS A PRELUDE TO A RUN AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2010…THATS SOME DAMN STRONG KOOLADE YOU BOYS ARE DRINKING….

Reality

January 10th, 2010
11:02 pm

“Must be where all his bias came from in 2007 as he tried so hard to get Georgia demoted from #1 to #4, I remember that, it was really wierd considering 2 teams went to the National Championhip without winning their conference”

What are you talking about Ed? National Championship – LSU(SEC Champion) vs. Ohio State(Big 10 Champion)

Sugar Bowl – UGA(didn’t win the East, didn’t play in the SEC Title Game) vs. Hawaii

DAWGSSuck

January 10th, 2010
11:09 pm

Listen you iditiots, Ive been triyn to tell yall that Ga will nver beat the gators again. Much less Bama. The gators have whipped you all the most times in the history of the series. We own you all. So get used to it. It dodnt matter who yalls DC is gonna be he will still get his ass kicked by the Gaytors. Get used to it! Loosers!

Pitbull

January 10th, 2010
11:11 pm

Man, I think he had one too many!

Tim

January 10th, 2010
11:12 pm

Imagine if you started work at Shasta and then you moved to work for a guy at Coke. Then Shasta offer you a job for double your pay would you go? Only if Coke wouldnt pay to match…

Pitbull

January 10th, 2010
11:23 pm

GUYS WE BEEN HAD! Guys if you look at Smarts background record he has followed Saban from LSU to the pros back to Bama, hell they are tight! They have got together and are in the process of getting Smart a raise at Bama and Saban can say, “I didn’t have anything to do with it”. We have been screwed YET AGAIN!!!!!!!

Mike T.

January 10th, 2010
11:56 pm

47-39-2 Geprgia still owns the Gators.Recent series history fixing to make a major shift.

ThatGuy!

January 11th, 2010
12:18 am

SMART to UGA BABY!!!!!!!!!!!

superDawg

January 11th, 2010
1:00 am

Urban seeking UGA help,he wants to clone tebow so he can ease the water crisis in fl.His next step will be to clone spikes so he will have someone to plug the dyke.

superDawg

January 11th, 2010
1:02 am

stinger crying again boy.

Saint Augustine

January 11th, 2010
6:28 am

Georgia not in 2010 preseason top 25 after being number ONE 2 years ago. Hahahahahaha

1. Alabama
BUZZ: The Tide will return numerous key offensive players off this season’s title team, but coaches will need to replace seven defensive starters. Will there be a drop-off? And can the Tide make it two in a row?
2. Ohio State
BUZZ: The non-conference schedule isn’t that daunting, and if coach Jim Tressel loosens the reins on the offense – as he did in the Rose Bowl – the Buckeyes should cruise to the Big Ten title. DE Cameron Heyward’s decision to stay in school is an important one for Ohio State.
3. Oregon
BUZZ: QB Jeremiah Masoli and RB LaMichael James will return and they’ll get to run behind a veteran line. The defense should be better, too.
4. Boise State
BUZZ: The Broncos have key non-conference games against Oregon State and Virginia Tech. If they win both, they could return to Glendale, Ariz. – but this time for the national title game.
5. USC
BUZZ: Coaching rumors aside, the Trojans will have the talent to get back on top in the Pac-10. A young defense this season will be an experienced defense next season.
6. TCU
BUZZ: The Frogs must replace standout DE Jerry Hughes, star LB Daryl Washington and CBs Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders, but TCU always finds a way to put together a quality defense. That TCU returns the vast majority of its 2009 offense suggests the Frogs could sail through the regular season unbeaten again
7. Nebraska
BUZZ: Coach Bo Pelini has said he thinks the 2010 team will be better than the 2009 team. Given the state of the Big 12 next season, that means the Huskers easily could go into the season as the league favorite.
8. Texas
BUZZ: Replacing Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley is going to be impossible. But the defense should be stout, and perhaps McCoy’s departure will provide the impetus to establish a solid rushing attack.
9. Wisconsin
BUZZ: RB John Clay’s decision to remain in school was a boost to the Badgers’ Big Ten hopes in 2010. QB Scott Tolzien should be better, and the offensive line will be a team strength. The defense should be one of the best in the Big Ten.
10. Florida
BUZZ: Urban Meyer’s future remains up in the air. But even without Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden and the other departing stars, the Gators have a ton of talent. And who in the SEC is going to challenge them?
11. Virginia Tech
BUZZ: The presence of RBs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans and QB Tyrod Taylor in the backfield should give the Hokies one of the nation’s most fearsome rushing attacks. The loss of DE Jason Worilds from a defense that already had to fill plenty of holes is worrisome, but if the Hokies are unbeaten after knocking off Boise State on Oct. 2, they could jump into the national title picture.
12. Oklahoma
BUZZ: The Sooners suffered though Landry Jones learning on the job this season. They will benefit from that next season. Plus, the offensive line should be much improved.
13. Pittsburgh
BUZZ: Dave Wannstedt and Pittsburgh was a win away from a BCS bid in 2009. RB Dion Lewis will be a candidate to be the fourth consecutive sophomore to win the Heisman. The Panthers need to replace some key players on defense – both tackles, a couple of veteran linebackers and CB Aaron Berry – but the Panthers should be the preseason favorite in the conference.
14. Iowa
BUZZ: The Hawkeyes should be fine everywhere – except perhaps the offensive line, where four starters have to be replaced. QB Ricky Stanzi must curb his penchant for throwing interceptions. The defense will be strong again, especially if CB Amari Spievey stays for his senior season.
15. Georgia Tech
BUZZ: The Yellow Jackets won the ACC title with only six scholarship seniors, but WR Demaryius Thomas likely won’t be the only Georgia Tech underclassman to enter the draft. Paul Johnson faces a big hire as he attempts to replace fired defensive coordinator Dave Wommack because Georgia Tech won’t make a serious run at the national title until it upgrades its defense.
16. LSU
BUZZ: The coaching staff will be under the gun next season. The offense has a lot of room for growth, especially the offensive line, which was the biggest problem this season.
17. North Carolina
BUZZ: When six junior starters announced that they planned to return, it assured that the Tar Heels would head into 2010 as a popular sleeper pick for a BCS run. UNC should boast one of the nation’s top defenses next season, but the Tar Heels must make significant improvements to their dormant offense.
18. Miami
BUZZ: The Hurricanes were seen as a potential preseason top-10 team until they closed 2009 with a poor performance in a Champs Sports Bowl loss to Wisconsin. Miami’s chances of contending for an ACC title depend on whether Jacory Harris can reduce his interception total and the Hurricanes upgrade their offensive line.
19. Connecticut
BUZZ: The Huskies finished 8-5 for the second consecutive season, but they were awfully close to a major breakthrough. None of the losses were by more than four points. If the Huskies can turn those close losses into narrow victories, as they did over the last month of the season, Connecticut could contend for the Big East title in 2010. The Huskies must replace leading receiver Marcus Easley, Big East sack leader Lindsey Witten and two starting defensive backs.
20. Oregon State
BUZZ: The Rodgers brothers will be back and the offense will be a good one as long as the Beavers can find a competent quarterback. The defense should be one of the best in the Pac-10, as the Beavers lose just one starter.
21. Houston
BUZZ: QB Case Keenum and all his skill-position playmates will be back, which means averaging 50 points per game is a legit goal. But unless the defense makes massive improvement, scoring 50 points might be what it takes to win games.
22. Utah
BUZZ: The return of QB Jordan Wynn and 1,000-yard rusher Eddie Wide should give Utah a potent offense. A challenging non-conference schedule includes a home game with Pittsburgh and a trip to Notre Dame, but Utah does have the benefit of playing TCU and BYU at home next season.
23. Arkansas
BUZZ: Aside from Alabama, the SEC West looks to be wide-open. For the Hogs to take advantage, though, QB Ryan Mallett and the defense must improve.
24. Penn State
BUZZ: Replacing QB Daryll Clark will be Job One in spring practice. RB Evan Royster’s decision to stay in school is important, and there should be a nice receiving corps and an OK offensive line. The defense has some holes to fill, but it’s hard to imagine Penn State having a mediocre defense.
25. Cincinnati
BUZZ: Butch Jones succeeded Brian Kelly at Central Michigan and won two MAC championships in three years. Could the same happen here? Jones inherits backup QB Zach Collaros, who is a dual-threat similar to the Chippewas’ Dan LeFevour. The defense will have to rebuild again – Cincinnati loses six seniors, including FS Aaron Webster – but it can’t be much worse than it was in 2009.

Saint Augustine

January 11th, 2010
6:30 am

or

this MIGHT just be more unconfirmed rumor . . .

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha

BuLLdawg

January 11th, 2010
6:37 am

PRESEASON 2010 Top 25 :

Click on each team for breakdown

1. Alabama
2. Boise State
3. Oregon
4. Florida
5. Ohio State
6. TCU
7. Texas
8. Georgia Tech
9. Iowa
10. Miami FL
11. Penn State
12. Nebraska
13. Southern California
14. Cincinnati
15. North Carolina
16. Oklahoma
17. Oregon State
18. Virginia Tech
19. West Virginia
20. Houston
21. Louisiana State
22. Wisconsin
23. Georgia
24. Arkansas
25. Missouri

SEEMS UGA IS IN THE TOP 25 D.A.

.

Coach Richt Era compared to. Final AP Poll Top 25 teams :

LOST 2009 to Oklahoma State, UNRANKED Final AP Top 25.

LOST 2009 to LSU # 17, otherwise they aren’t ranked, LSU beat no one..

LOST 2009 to vols UNRANKED 7-6 team otherwise not winning record.

LOST 2009 to Florida, 2-7 vs. Florida who owns Coach Richt.

LOST 2009 to Kentucky UNRANKED 7-6 team otherwise not winning record.

LOST 2008 to Georgia tek # 22, otherwise they aren’t ranked.

LOST 2008 to Alabama, who has better coach too.

LOST 2008 to Florida, 2-7 vs. Florida who owns Coach Richt.

LOST 2007 to South Carolina UNRANKED 6-6 not even in bowl game.

LOST 2007 to vols, who therefore Won SEC East thanks to blowout.

LOST 2006 to vols, # 25 otherwise they aren’t ranked – obviously too.

LOST 2006 to Vandie UNRANKED a 4-8 team for God’s sake. B.S.

LOST 2006 to Florida, 2-7 vs. Florida who owns Coach Richt.

LOST 2006 to Kentucky UNRANKED Vandie and KY not good teams.

LOST 2005 to Florida, 2-7 vs. Florida who owns Coach Richt.

LOST 2005 to Auburn # 14.

LOST 2005 to West Virginia not ready to play Sugar Bowl I was at.

LOST 2004 to vols # 13. David Greene.

LOST 2004 to Auburn. David Greene.

LOST 2003 to LSU David Greene.

LOST 2003 to Florida 8-5, # 24 otherwise aren’t ranked. David Greene.

LOST 2003 to LSU again. David Greene.

LOST 2002 to Florida UNRANKED and still LOST. David Greene.

LOST 2001 to South Carolina # 13. David Greene.

LOST 2001 to Florida. David Greene.

LOST 2001 to Auburn UNRANKED 7-5 team. David Greene.

LOST 2001 to Boston College # 22 otherwise aren’t ranked David Greene.

.

HERE are the teams who have been BETTER in the Coach Richt Era :

101-16 Texas and 1 BCS NC 2 appearances.

102-15 Boise State DJ Shockley scored 6 TDs against.

97-19 USC Pete Carroll and a BCS NC & 1 AP Poll 2nd NC.

94-21 Ohio State and 1 BCS NC 3 appearances. Tressel.

97-24 Oklahoma 1 BCS NC (0 since 2001) 4 appearances. Stoops.

91-27 LSU and 2 BCS NC 2 appearances Saban & Miles.

90-27 Florida and 2 BCS NC 2 appearances Urban Meyer.
.

.
Frankly, Miami of Florida Won a BCS NC too and now Alabama is better than Coach Richt as well with their BCS NC, and both of those are in the Coach Richt Era.

So, who did Coach Richt beat ?

Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Who did David Greene beat ?

Ok, now Coach Richt has been 90-27 too, but he has 0 BCS NC Game appearances, 0 BCS NC, 0 AP NC, 8 LOSSES to UNRANKED teams in Final AP Poll in 9 years, a 2-7 record against Florida, a 0-2 record against The Big East, a 52-23 record against The SEC and it is against The SEC that Coach Richt has played his worst football.
.

.

Coach Richt Era LOST 8 games against teams UNRANKED in Final AP Poll Top 25.

Another 5 LOSSES to teams who if they hadn’t beat Coach Richt, none of those 5 teams would have been ranked in the Final AP Poll too.

13 LOSSES to teams otherwise UNRANKED Final AP Poll Top 25.

sc dawg those are 13 LOSSES you have SELECTIVE MEMORY about.

Address yourself to those 13 games.

No you cannot do it.

Go ahead.

Do it.
.

.

SEC Conference Record, 2001-2009 Coach Richt Era :

56-19 Florida. 2 BCS NC in Coach Richt Era Urban Myer.

53-23 LSU. 2 BCS NC in Coach Richt Era Saban & Miles.

52-23 UGA. Really hasn’t accomplished a damn thing sc dawg.

47-26 Auburn even had a 13-0 season fired that coach.

46-29 vols. GA higher ranked 8 years in row and LOST half the games.

44-30 Alabama. BCS NC. Saban better coach.

.

Let’s Look Head-to-Head, if you can bring yourself to sc dawg :

2-7 Florida.

3-3 :LSU.

5-4 vols.

6-3 Auburn.

3-1 Alabama.

19-18 record against just these 5 SEC teams Coach Richt Era.

.

sc dawg, how in the LIVING HELL is UGA the BEST in the Coach Richt Era ?

Play that back past me again son ?

sc dawg.

Hello ?

You said that Georgia has been the BEST in the Coach Richt Era.

NOT FREAKING HARDLY.

ALL of these 5 SEC teams have National Championships in the Coach Richt Era except for Auburn who had a 13-0 season and the vols who won their NC before the Coach Richt Era.

2 LOSSES to Kentucky, 2 losses to South Carolina and 1 LOSS to Vandie.

Average Number 7 Ranking in Recruiting in both Scout.com and Rivals all 10 years.

State of Georgia finds ONLY California, Florida and Texas with more high school players who go on to the NFL than the Sovereign State of Georgia.

19-18 record against 5 SEC teams Coach Richt Era.

Now, I am a Bulldog fan sc dawg. You make me do the research you are too damn lazy to do to refute your B.S. premise that UGA has been the BEST in the Coach Richt Era.

We HAVE NOT.

NOT CLOSE.

Moreover, we have not accomplished much.

We are NOT 1 in the Elite of College Football.

You lose credibility when you LIE sc dawg.

I am NOT satisfied.

I like Coach Richt. I don’t want Coach Richt fired. But, he hasn’t accomplished much unless you want to compare him to Ray Goof, who I didn’t like as our QB but instead Matt Robinson.
.

.

19-18 against the Best Top 5 SEC teams in the Coach Richt Era is not that great sc dawg.

The win against GA tek just 2 games ago was totally awesome, and I think 1 of the greatest wins we have had. Our coaching staff hired exclusively by Coach Richt including keeping Rodney Garner while he played Oklahoma after being hired December 20 at 2 am in 2000, has frankly SUCKED.

If you want me to say that we have FAILED, ok we have failed.

I liked beating the vols in 2001 in a great win by David Greene. Frankly, he never matched that again after that Freshman year, not a win like that.

2 of the Sugar Bowls, we got to play 5-Loss FSU B.S. and Hawaii for God’s sake. Those were afterthought games, not Elite College Football.

The other Sugar Bowl was in Atlanta and it was 0-28 just a few minutes after we sat in our seats. B.S. You sc dawg weren’t there either.

We had 1 win all season long last year over a Top 25 team, Michigan State, who DID NOT DESERVE TO BE RANKED WHATSOEVER.

.

Final AP Poll RANKED TEAMS Coach Richt beat :

2009-2010 we beat only GA tek Number 13 and that is a great win for us.

2008-2009 we beat really no one # 24 Michigan St no business being ranked.

2007-2008 we beat # 19 Hawaii oh that’s great, # 13 Florida, # 15 Auburn.

2006-2007 we beat # 19 Virginia Tech and # 9 Auburn.

2005-2006 we beat only # 6 LSU.

2004-2005 we beat # 16 LSU and # 17 Wisconsin.

2003-2004 we beat # 15 Tennessee # 18 Purdue.

2002-2003 we beat 5-Loss # 21 FSU, # 14 Auburn & # 11 Alabama.

2001-2002 we beat # 24 Georgia Tech and # 4 Tennessee vols.

Taken by itself, 17 wins over Final AP Poll Top 25 teams.

.

3 Final AP Poll Top 10 teams we beat # 9 Auburn 2006, # 6 LSU 2005 and # 4 vols 2001.
.

.

Certainly, # 13 GA tek this season is a great win, # 13 Florida 2007 is a great win, # 15 Auburn 2007 is a great win, # 9 Auburn 2006 is a great win, # 6 LSU 2005 is a great win, # 15 vols in 2003 is a great win David Greene, # 14 Auburn and # 11 Alabama 2002 are both great wins David Greene, and the 2001 David Greene win over the vols # 4 is a great win the win that knocked the cap off UGA’s program trying to repair ourselves after the Ray Goof Era still all those years later.

INCONSISTENT B.S.

17 WINS I love every 1 of over Final AP Poll Top 25 teams.

27 LOSSES to Final AP Poll Top 25 teams or teams UNRANKED.

19-18 vs. The Top 5 SEC teams in the Coach Richt Era.

Ray Goof would not have won those 17 against Final AP Poll Top 25, none of them.

But, that doesn’t mean that I have to sit here knock-kneed that I cannot say to you sc dawg that excuse me, I don’t compare Coach Richt to Ray Goof.

sc dawg sir, Coach Richt has not really accomplished what you say UGA has in the Coach Richt Era.

17 WINS I love every 1 of over Final AP Poll Top 25 teams.

27 LOSSES to Final AP Poll Top 25 teams or teams UNRANKED.

19-18 vs. The Top 5 SEC teams in the Coach Richt Era.

I am not saying fire Coach Richt. His entire coaching staff, is quite another matter – as I have detailed the lack of experience by each of them at the position they are coaching and their :

17 WINS I love every 1 of over Final AP Poll Top 25 teams.

27 LOSSES to Final AP Poll Top 25 teams or teams UNRANKED.

19-18 vs. The Top 5 SEC teams in the Coach Richt Era.

It’s a 14-game season and we average 10 wins.

Satisfied ? I’d rather Coach Richt than anyone else.

But, I don’t care for his coaching staff one damn bit.

If you can’t hear that, that sir, is your problem – not mine.

19-18 vs. The Top 5 SEC teams in the Coach Richt Era.

17-27 vs. Final AP Poll Top 25 teams or teams UNRANKED in Coach Richt Era.

God Almighty sc dawg, can’t I say I am NOT satisfied and you ARE ?

QUOTE :

by sc dawg January 9th, 2010 10:00 am

“Well BuLLdawg, I can’t for the life of me figure out why Damon Evans hasn’t contacted you to run the program. Seems you, and a few others on here, know much more about college football than Coach Richt. Why are we wasting our time with him when we could have you? Give me a break. I love UGA. It is not however, a top five program year in year out. It has finished six times in the top ten in the last nine years. Be proud of Richt has accomplished and look for a stable, consistent, and occasionally a championship program as long as we’re fortunate enough to have him here.”

#2 BAMA FAN

January 11th, 2010
6:41 am

If the dawgs get Kirby Smart that is great!! Saban will get somebody just as good or better!! I just hope that Mark Richt can turn the football program around and keep his job next year!! RTR

Saint Augustine

January 11th, 2010
6:54 am

buLLdawg

Maybe in the make believe world you all live in AH

Saint Augustine

January 11th, 2010
6:56 am

The ‘09 season is only a few hours hours old, which means it’s well past time to start looking ahead to 2010.

Here’s my annual early top-25 for next season.

A few notes on the rankings, which will be updated several times before next season:

* They are based on my best guess in regard to NFL Draft decisions.

For instance, Stanford running back/Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart has not declared, but I’m assuming he will — and thus have excluded Stanford from the list.

If Gerhart were to announce next week that he’s returning, Stanford would be included in a revised ranking later this month.

* With a few exceptions (Alabama and Boise State, to name two), I have not taken a detailed look at the ‘10 schedules — not only who plays who, but where and when they play.

* I’ll update the rankings after the NFL declaration deadline, after spring practice and probably again before the season (after I’ve examined the schedules).

* Teams ranked No. 1-12 are roughly expected to lose zero, one or two games, while teams ranked No. 13-25 are roughly expected to lose three or four games.

2009 record in parenthesis.

Just missed the cut (in no particular order): Penn State, BYU, Louisiana State, Cincinnati, Georgia, Utah, Pittsburgh and Auburn.

25. West Virginia (9-4): Tailback Noel Devine (1,465 yards) returns, but the Mountaineers must find a new quarterback and reload at receiver.

24. Michigan (5-7): Three RichRod recruiting classes, a veteran defense and quarterback Tate Forcier make the Wolverines my sleeper team for ’10. (And if they flop, forget what you just read.)

23. Arizona (8-5): As long as the rebuilt defense holds teams under 40, the Wildcats should win eight more with Nick Foles back under center.

22. North Carolina (8-5): The roster will, for the first time, be dominated by Butch Davis recruits, and that’s a good thing for the Tar Heels.

21. South Carolina (7-6): Spurrier always has a good defense. Next season, he should have the offense to match. (Of course, I’ve thought that before and been wrong.)

20. Missouri (8-5): Quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw 24 touchdown passes and only nine interceptions this season. He should be even better next fall — as a junior.

19. Oregon State (8-5): The Beavers lose all-conference quarterback Sean Canfield (and probably veteran backup Lyle Moevao) but return James and Jacquizz Rodgers and most of their defense.

18. Tennessee (7-6): A stretch? Perhaps. But quarterback Jonathan Crompton departs, and that’s a good thing for the Vols. Plus, defensive mastermind Monty Kiffin should have a first-class unit with seven starters back.

17. Oklahoma (8-5): Significant personnel losses on both sides of the ball should offset the maturation of QB Landry Jones and prevent the Sooners from contending for the BCS title.

16. Houston (10-4): The team that beat Texas Tech and Oklahoma State returns quarterback Case Keenum (44 touchdowns, 5,671 yards) and the bulk of its starting 22.

15. Florida (13-1): The guess here is that the post-Tebow world will be bumpy for the Gators, especially with Coach Urban Meyer’s medical condition. (Gators could lose more players to the NFL in the next eight days.)

14. Texas (13-1): If you have to replace Colt McCoy and the left side of the offensive line, it’s nice to have eight starters back on defense.

13. Wisconsin (10-3): The offense returns largely intact, which means loads of veteran support for 1,500-yard rusher John Clay.
12. Arkansas (8-5): Bobby Petrino plus 10 returning starters on offense (including quarterback Ryan Mallett) equal plenty of points and double-digits wins. A real threat to be the SEC’s second team in the BCS.

11. Georgia Tech (11-3): Reigning ACC champs will have a tough time with VaTech but should post another 10-win season behind quarterback Josh Nesbitt and tailback Jonathan Dwyer.

10. USC (9-4): If Matt Barkley develops, the playcalling improves and the Trojans are disciplined defensively, they’ll challenge Oregon for the Pac-10 title. The defensive line should be awesome, even with Everson Griffen departing.

9. Nebraska (10-4): Ndamukong Suh departs, to the relief of quarterbacks throughout the Big 12. But the Huskers should be very good defensively and much-improved on offense. The heavy favorite in the Big 12 North.

8. Iowa (11-2): The Hawkeyes might not need much luck in ’10 with quarterback Ricky Stanzi and nine defensive starters set to return. The top of the Big Ten should be a three-team, steel-cage match.

7. Texas Christian (12-1): Don’t expect much backsliding from the Horned Frogs, who are expected to return 16 starters, including quarterback Andy Dalton.

6. Virginia Tech (10-3): Quarterback Tyrod Taylor and tailback Ryan Williams lead a loaded offense. The defense might need a few games to get ramped up, which could be trouble given the Week One opponent schedule (see: No. 3, below).
5. Miami (9-4): Jacory Harris should be one of the top quarterbacks in the country (a potential Heisman Trophy candidate). All the Canes’ top running backs and receivers are expected to return.

4. Oregon (10-3): The likely Pac-10 preseason favorite with quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and tailback LaMichael James returning, along with the spread option, the starting OL and most of the defense.

3. Boise State (14-0): Should be even better next year with almost everyone back, including quarterback Kellen Moore. If the Broncos survive the season-opener early-October date with Virginia Tech (neutral field) and a home date with Oregon State, they’ll be in the championship discussion.

2. Ohio State (11-2): If quarterback Terrelle Pryor plays like he did in the Rose Bowl, which was a bit like Vince Young, the Buckeyes will play for the national championship. And maybe not get slaughtered.

1. Alabama (14-0): Combine what should be a powerhouse offense (quarterback Greg McElroy, Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Mark Ingram and uber-talented receiver Julio Jones) with several dynamite Saban recruiting classes, and the Tide should start the season on top.

Saint Augustine

January 11th, 2010
7:00 am

EVEN RIVALS.COM LEFT YOU OFF. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Rivals.com Staff

The 2009 season ended two days ago, which means it’s time to look ahead to 2010. Thus, our early, early top 25 for next season (did we mention it’s really early?).

This top 25 was put together on the assumption that underclassmen who haven’t declared for the draft will stay in school. That’s a dangerous assumption, of course, and we will revisit this early, early top 25 in about two weeks, when all the dust has settled in regard to the underclassmen.

Without further ado:

1. Alabama
BUZZ: The Tide will return numerous key offensive players off this season’s title team, but coaches will need to replace seven defensive starters. Will there be a drop-off? And can the Tide make it two in a row?
2. Ohio State
BUZZ: The non-conference schedule isn’t that daunting, and if coach Jim Tressel loosens the reins on the offense – as he did in the Rose Bowl – the Buckeyes should cruise to the Big Ten title. DE Cameron Heyward’s decision to stay in school is an important one for Ohio State.
3. Oregon
BUZZ: QB Jeremiah Masoli and RB LaMichael James will return and they’ll get to run behind a veteran line. The defense should be better, too.
4. Boise State
BUZZ: The Broncos have key non-conference games against Oregon State and Virginia Tech. If they win both, they could return to Glendale, Ariz. – but this time for the national title game.
5. USC
BUZZ: Coaching rumors aside, the Trojans will have the talent to get back on top in the Pac-10. A young defense this season will be an experienced defense next season.
6. TCU
BUZZ: The Frogs must replace standout DE Jerry Hughes, star LB Daryl Washington and CBs Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders, but TCU always finds a way to put together a quality defense. That TCU returns the vast majority of its 2009 offense suggests the Frogs could sail through the regular season unbeaten again
7. Nebraska
BUZZ: Coach Bo Pelini has said he thinks the 2010 team will be better than the 2009 team. Given the state of the Big 12 next season, that means the Huskers easily could go into the season as the league favorite.
8. Texas
BUZZ: Replacing Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley is going to be impossible. But the defense should be stout, and perhaps McCoy’s departure will provide the impetus to establish a solid rushing attack.
9. Wisconsin
BUZZ: RB John Clay’s decision to remain in school was a boost to the Badgers’ Big Ten hopes in 2010. QB Scott Tolzien should be better, and the offensive line will be a team strength. The defense should be one of the best in the Big Ten.
10. Florida
BUZZ: Urban Meyer’s future remains up in the air. But even without Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden and the other departing stars, the Gators have a ton of talent. And who in the SEC is going to challenge them?
11. Virginia Tech
BUZZ: The presence of RBs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans and QB Tyrod Taylor in the backfield should give the Hokies one of the nation’s most fearsome rushing attacks. The loss of DE Jason Worilds from a defense that already had to fill plenty of holes is worrisome, but if the Hokies are unbeaten after knocking off Boise State on Oct. 2, they could jump into the national title picture.
12. Oklahoma
BUZZ: The Sooners suffered though Landry Jones learning on the job this season. They will benefit from that next season. Plus, the offensive line should be much improved.
13. Pittsburgh
BUZZ: Dave Wannstedt and Pittsburgh was a win away from a BCS bid in 2009. RB Dion Lewis will be a candidate to be the fourth consecutive sophomore to win the Heisman. The Panthers need to replace some key players on defense – both tackles, a couple of veteran linebackers and CB Aaron Berry – but the Panthers should be the preseason favorite in the conference.
14. Iowa
BUZZ: The Hawkeyes should be fine everywhere – except perhaps the offensive line, where four starters have to be replaced. QB Ricky Stanzi must curb his penchant for throwing interceptions. The defense will be strong again, especially if CB Amari Spievey stays for his senior season.
15. Georgia Tech
BUZZ: The Yellow Jackets won the ACC title with only six scholarship seniors, but WR Demaryius Thomas likely won’t be the only Georgia Tech underclassman to enter the draft. Paul Johnson faces a big hire as he attempts to replace fired defensive coordinator Dave Wommack because Georgia Tech won’t make a serious run at the national title until it upgrades its defense.
16. LSU
BUZZ: The coaching staff will be under the gun next season. The offense has a lot of room for growth, especially the offensive line, which was the biggest problem this season.
17. North Carolina
BUZZ: When six junior starters announced that they planned to return, it assured that the Tar Heels would head into 2010 as a popular sleeper pick for a BCS run. UNC should boast one of the nation’s top defenses next season, but the Tar Heels must make significant improvements to their dormant offense.
18. Miami
BUZZ: The Hurricanes were seen as a potential preseason top-10 team until they closed 2009 with a poor performance in a Champs Sports Bowl loss to Wisconsin. Miami’s chances of contending for an ACC title depend on whether Jacory Harris can reduce his interception total and the Hurricanes upgrade their offensive line.
19. Connecticut
BUZZ: The Huskies finished 8-5 for the second consecutive season, but they were awfully close to a major breakthrough. None of the losses were by more than four points. If the Huskies can turn those close losses into narrow victories, as they did over the last month of the season, Connecticut could contend for the Big East title in 2010. The Huskies must replace leading receiver Marcus Easley, Big East sack leader Lindsey Witten and two starting defensive backs.
20. Oregon State
BUZZ: The Rodgers brothers will be back and the offense will be a good one as long as the Beavers can find a competent quarterback. The defense should be one of the best in the Pac-10, as the Beavers lose just one starter.
21. Houston
BUZZ: QB Case Keenum and all his skill-position playmates will be back, which means averaging 50 points per game is a legit goal. But unless the defense makes massive improvement, scoring 50 points might be what it takes to win games.
22. Utah
BUZZ: The return of QB Jordan Wynn and 1,000-yard rusher Eddie Wide should give Utah a potent offense. A challenging non-conference schedule includes a home game with Pittsburgh and a trip to Notre Dame, but Utah does have the benefit of playing TCU and BYU at home next season.
23. Arkansas
BUZZ: Aside from Alabama, the SEC West looks to be wide-open. For the Hogs to take advantage, though, QB Ryan Mallett and the defense must improve.
24. Penn State
BUZZ: Replacing QB Daryll Clark will be Job One in spring practice. RB Evan Royster’s decision to stay in school is important, and there should be a nice receiving corps and an OK offensive line. The defense has some holes to fill, but it’s hard to imagine Penn State having a mediocre defense.
25. Cincinnati
BUZZ: Butch Jones succeeded Brian Kelly at Central Michigan and won two MAC championships in three years. Could the same happen here? Jones inherits backup QB Zach Collaros, who is a dual-threat similar to the Chippewas’ Dan LeFevour. The defense will have to rebuild again – Cincinnati loses six seniors, including FS Aaron Webster – but it can’t be much worse than it was in 2009.

SickandTired

January 11th, 2010
7:05 am

Well BuLLdawg if more Georgia fans were as realistic as you, the fan base might be tolerable. I really cannot disagree with anything you said. The only thing in your diatribe I don’t understand is, why, after listing all those things that Mark Richt’s team hasnt done would you for even a millisecond, say that you don’t want Mark Richt fired? Isn’t his salary of millions supposed to at least have an expectation of winning championships? Does he not get held to a standard of something higher than just winning a lot of games? Perhaps the fan base should expect to have a record better than that 19-18 record against those SEC teams? Mark Richt IS the problem by extension if you think his staff sucks, he hired them, he keeps them and he is responsible for them. Keeping Rodney Garner is grounds for firing in itself. I hear the hold up on this Kirby Smart thing is RG. Kirby wants the bag Garner has with the money for recruits and Richt is reluctant to let Garner go because he’s afraid Garner will throw UGA in the river with the NCAA. Isn’t it curious that Garner survived the Donnan firing? The only one who did. But yet Garner stays and Mark Richt continues to be beloved and exhaulted by the Georgia fans…..good luck with that Kirby hire.

Saint Augustine

January 11th, 2010
7:11 am

BILLY JACK

January 10th, 2010
7:26 pm
KIRBY SMART WILL BE UGA DEF COORDINATOR-ANNOUNCEMENT TOMMOROW 3.1 MILLION FOR 4 YRS.HE IS BRINGING 1 COACH WITH HIM-THIS COULD AFFECT RODNEY GARNER.

This is an absolute classic! Nothing and I repeat nothing could be farther from the truth.

Saint Augustine

January 11th, 2010
7:14 am

“I hear the hold up on this Kirby Smart thing is RG. Kirby wants the bag Garner has with the money for recruits and Richt is reluctant to let Garner go because he’s afraid Garner will throw UGA in the river with the NCAA.

WHO THE HECK ARE YOUR SOURCES DUDE? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. CLASSIC GEORGIA JOURNALISM! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott Hall

January 11th, 2010
7:26 am

……Hey YO

sandman053

January 11th, 2010
7:32 am

I see no early word this morning from Tuscaloosa or the Classic City….come home Kirby!

GaGator

January 11th, 2010
8:03 am

Richt and you people need to quit obsessing over Smart, there are now many DC looking for work. Tell Richt that he could speak with the DC’s at Texas Tech, USC, Seattle Seahawks, South Florida, Washington Redskins, Kansas, Louisville,UNLV, ND,and the list goes on. Its sad Richt can’t hire somebody, anybody to come to UGA.

RedNeck Haiku

January 11th, 2010
8:19 am

Lets put an end to this now as it is confirmed !!!

January 10, 2010

Has Smart made a decision?

Anthony Dasher and Radi Nabulsi
UGASports.com

After weeks of speculation, it appears Georgia’s search for a new defensive coordinator has come to an end.

Multiple sources have told UGASports – which the website has independently confirmed – that Kirby Smart has accepted the Bulldogs’ offer to take over for Willie Martinez who was fired over a month ago.

UGA officials did not immediately return messages for comment and no formal announcement by the school has been made.

Sunday, head coach Mark Richt was asked during a teleconference to announce Rennie Curran’s decision to turn pro whether or not Smart had been hired.

“I’ll say what I’ve said all along, in that I won’t make any comment until I get my man,” Richt said.

When asked if a hiring was imminent, Richt responded, “I’ll let you know what that happens.”

Exact terms of Smart’s deal are not known, but sources told UGASports that the deal was for at least three years and expected to double the $369,350 he earned last season with the Crimson Tide.

Richt has said that his new defensive coordinator would be allowed to have control over who his remaining defensive assistants would be.

Sources say that one of the first coaches Smart will reach out to is former Bulldog defensive captain Travis Jones, currently the assistant defensive line coach with the New Orleans Saints.

The status of current defensive line coach Rodney Garner remains unclear, although indications are he will not be asked to return.

While Smart’s Georgia ties were an obvious asset, it’s what he did with the Crimson Tide’s defensive which made him such an attractive candidate for Richt.

Alabama is just days removed from a National Title win over Texas.

The Crimson Tide led the SEC in scoring defensive, surrendering just 11.1 points per game and held Florida to just 13 points in the SEC Championship Game.

The Crimson Tide also topped the league in total defense (241.7 points per game,) and rushing defense (77.9). Alabama was also second in the league in passing defense, giving up just 163.8 points per contest.

The 34-year-old Smart joined the program at Alabama after spending the 2006 season as safeties coach with head coach Nick Saban and the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

Before that, he spent six years on the collegiate level with Georgia (1999 and 2005), LSU (2004), Florida State (2002-03), and Valdosta State (2000-01).

As the running backs coach at Georgia in 2005, the Bulldogs averaged 162.2 yards per game, the third best mark in the SEC. Smart spent the 2004 season as defensive backs coach under Saban at LSU, where he tutored two NFL draft picks: Corey Webster (2nd round, New York Giants) and Travis Daniels (4th round, Miami Dolphins). That season, the Tigers allowed 157.2 passing yards per game, which ranked second in the SEC and fifth nationally.

Prior to going to LSU, Smart was a graduate assistant coach under Bobby Bowden at Florida State in 2002-03 and served as defensive coordinator (2001) and defensive backs (2000) coach at Valdosta State. He began his coaching career as an administrative assistant at Georgia in 1999.

As a player, Smart was four-year lettermen at defensive back for the Bulldogs, where he was a First-Team All-SEC pick as a senior. He finished his career with 13 interceptions, fourth in Georgia history, and led the Bulldogs with six interceptions in 1997 and five in 1998. A four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, Smart earned his undergraduate degree in finance from Georgia and his master’s degree from Florida State in 2003.

A native of Bainbridge, Smart is married to the former Mary Beth Lycett of McDonough, who played basketball for Andy Landers Lady Bulldogs.

RedNeck Haiku

January 11th, 2010
8:26 am

Here is the latest scoop to ease your minds fellas: