Outside linebackers: Rising star Houston leads Grantham’s group
6:00 am June 23, 2010, by Tim Tucker
(Eighth in a summer series looking at Georgia’s football team by position.)
TODAY: OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
- Returning starters: In last season’s 4-3 alignment, Justin Houston started 10 games at defensive end and Darryl Gamble 11 games at middle linebacker.
- Depth chart: In the new 3-4 defense, there are two outside-linebacker positions — the “Will” and “Sam” linebackers. Houston, a junior, and Cornelius Washington, a redshirt sophomore, will enter preseason practice as the first-teamers. Reuben Faloughi, a former walk-on who was put on scholarship this spring, is No. 2 behind Houston at “Will.” Gamble, a senior who moved from inside linebacker to outside late in spring practice, is No. 2 and Chase Vasser No. 3 behind Washington at “Sam.”
- Key facts: Houston has the credentials of an ascendant star –- second-team All-SEC last season; the SEC’s top returning player in tackles for loss (15 last season) and sacks (7.5); on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s best defensive player each season; Georgia’s defensive MVP in spring practice. You get the idea.
- Key questions: Will Houston be the dominant player the Dogs expect him to be in new defensive coordinator (and OLB coach) Todd Grantham’s pressure-the-QB 3-4 scheme? Will Washington, who seems to be a good fit for the 3-4, thrive in his first shot as a starter? And will lack of experienced depth at the position prove problematic?
- Recent developments: The move of Gamble from ILB was a response to the OLB depth concerns, which were exacerbated when Montez Robinson was kicked off the team during the spring. Three incoming freshmen who arrived this summer –- Brandon Burrows, Dexter Morant and T.J. Stripling –- eventually will help. “Those guys are the body types we think will fit into that role,” said Mark Richt, adding: “I hope we don’t have to rely on [them] as they’re trying to figure it out. Some of them have to grow a little bit physically.”
- Outlook: Promising … provided Houston, Washington and Gamble stay healthy.
- Your turn: What say you about the outside linebackers?
————
Links to previous entries in this series:
Inside linebackers.
Defensive line.
Quarterbacks.
Running backs.
Tight ends.
Wide receivers.
Offensive line.
Tomorrow: Defensive backs.
———-
Please follow @ajcuga on Twitter for the latest on the Bulldogs.
125 comments Add your comment
Frank Lane
June 23rd, 2010
6:08 am
The linebackers will be critical to this defense, but the meat is there and they can move. Totally up to coaching now and keeping them healthy. I feel pretty good about inside and outside. It’s the down line that concerns me.
Unfettered autonomy
June 23rd, 2010
6:25 am
If Paulie-Girl Johnson would let the backers trapped into playing at Tech transfer, plenty of help would be on the way. Those poor Tech kids all want to escape the violence and mendacity of The North Avenue Trade School.
What a sad waste of young lives.
destin dawg
June 23rd, 2010
6:36 am
We have the talent.. I’m excited with 3 new & improved coaching talents for a much more aggressive defense… Grantham,. Belin, and Lagatos… the goal as stated ” make UGA a team opponents hate to play” will cause turnovers and it will be nice to have good field position more often
Dawg4life
June 23rd, 2010
7:13 am
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/amp-top-10-camp-performances-at-qb-81187
Here is the link for the info I posted on the QB review blog. UGA has top 2 spots, Stafford & Murray.
OLBs are going to be the key to this defense. They have to put pressure on the QB. If not, it could be a long year. I think they will be ok though. The one game that worries me at the beginning of the year is the Arkansas game. That is going to be the first true test.
JB
June 23rd, 2010
7:22 am
Key facts: Houston has the credentials of an ascendant star –- second-team All-SEC last season; the SEC’s top returning player in tackles for loss (15 last season) and sacks (7.5); on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s best defensive player each season; Georgia’s defensive MVP in spring practice. You get the idea.
One has to like that. Especially that he will now be an even better position to wreak havoc.
HBTD!!!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 23rd, 2010
7:23 am
i think Houston is our key this year- we’ve seen his stuff in the past. Washington should be good- didn’t he do pretty good @ TX A&M?? Congrats to Reuben for getting a scholarship and #2 on the depth chart, the kid has earned it. Let’s hope for an injury free year!!!
south
June 23rd, 2010
7:26 am
Where will Jarvis Jones fit into the picture? or does he have to sit out a year?
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 23rd, 2010
7:30 am
Tim- what about Alec Ogletree?? He’s listed as a OLB but i know he can play DB as well. Any chance to on him seeing some playing time?
topdawg70
June 23rd, 2010
7:54 am
South Jarvis has said he is choosing to sit out a year, his neck injury seems to have scared him and rightly so. I think you may see Nick Williams in a Hybrid role a safety who can move up and rush the passer. He will be in the nickel or dime package but really be an OLB who reads keys like a backer and can cover, blitz and tackle. I also believe C Washington is a beast and will be causing teams fits. DB speed DE body playing linebacker!!!
Moosh
June 23rd, 2010
8:01 am
south – topdawg70 is correct. Jarvis could have applied for a waiver to be eligible this year. Not sure if it would have went through or not though. He chose to sit out a year, to let his body fully heal, learn the new 3-4 defense, and get acclimated to athens. He could be used this year, but I think it’s a smart move. He was a huge pickup.
Noisewater – I believe right now Alec is working with the secondary. Many believe he will grow into an LB though.
Moosh
June 23rd, 2010
8:05 am
Houston will be key . I think Washington will have a huge year. People will be focusing on Houston, and with the speed Washington brings, I think he’s primed for a breakout year. He had a few games where he looked great last year, and now that he’s got another year of experience under his belt should be able to be more consistent.
However, I believe the overall key is how quickly the players pickup the 3-4. I think with the new staff will do a much better job with this (and fundamentals) than the previous staff. Can’t wait…
Bremen Dawg
June 23rd, 2010
8:13 am
Enter your comments here
Bremen Dawg
June 23rd, 2010
8:15 am
OLB’s will be great this year. I just think the new staff will have them boys aggressive and tackling machines.
redeployed dawg
June 23rd, 2010
8:19 am
I think Washington will have a breakout year. He is crazy fast and put on a lot of muscle the past couple years.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
June 23rd, 2010
8:20 am
what about Samuel is he anywhere in the linebacker discussion ?
poopdawg
June 23rd, 2010
8:22 am
He was moved to inside LB in spring South GA DAWG.
jason
June 23rd, 2010
8:29 am
Alot of DEs at OLB, alot of speed there also. Is UGA running a 3-4 or
jason
June 23rd, 2010
8:32 am
a 5-3? From a talent stand point LB looks good, but they still have to learn the new defense. LA Tech will be all about winning from pure talent. We all know what USCe brings to the table. As someone mentioned earlier, I am nervous about Arkansas and Ryan Mallet. We will know early on what the defense had learned concerning the new 3-4 defense.
RxDawg
June 23rd, 2010
8:34 am
They should be fine, but injuries could quickly take it’s toll on this group. As people said yesterday, I’m surprised Samuel isn’t listed as an OLB (vs ILB). He’s got to be the fasted LB on the team. I wonder if they try to have taller LB’s in the outside slot. Richt said TJ Stripling was the “body type” for OLB. If I remember correctly, he is pretty tall (6′7ish or something).
Valley Forge mentality is needed
June 23rd, 2010
8:36 am
I have a gut feeling that UGA will need quickly, due to injuries,etc. to have to go with an “us against the world” mentality on Defense and play above and beyond the call of duty. They will be walking wounded all year, I suspect.
With coaching and a positive attitude and a general macho toughness however, they can get it done, until the baby pups can add some bulk and learn the system. All schools now are faced with low numbers at some or many positions.
At UGA, like most schools ………….. you have to go with what you have.
Coach em up ……….new D guys.
Go Dogs.
1eyedJack
June 23rd, 2010
8:38 am
Of course Houston will be very important in the overall success of this new defense, however I believe that Reuben Faloughi will come up big this year as his backup. That boy’s got “want to”.
JMLDawg
June 23rd, 2010
8:48 am
Tim:
Whatever happened to Charles White, a linebacker from Augusta who was recruited about 3 years ago? I know he had some injury problems in the past, but I never see his name mentioned anywhere. He seemed to be a pretty good kid coming out of high school. Any insight?
1eyedJack
June 23rd, 2010
8:51 am
Charles White, I think, is the 3rd or 4th Fullback.
Paddy
June 23rd, 2010
8:58 am
So Ga Dawg….Samuel moved to inside and at last report is not in the top 1-2 rotation. But he will be sooner than later.
Our LB group looks strong to me. Good year to go to the 3-4.
Von Van Halanger is a clown.
June 23rd, 2010
9:12 am
UGA players need to be more athletic to win championships , As Pat Dye once said ” Dawgs need to man up ! ” .
Tom
June 23rd, 2010
9:22 am
Demetre Baker was ranked top 25 OLB in country. Great Sr. year, 1000 yards rushing, 70 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions. 15 TD’s. He’s a great athlete, small at 6 0, but fast and great athlete.
ARdawg
June 23rd, 2010
9:29 am
I think it’s a hellva line-up and finally a defense we can look forward to watching. The new coaching blood (not to mention Grantham is a name all his own), the new scheme with the attack mentality, the added linebackers and solid guys guys in the positions. Yes injuries could be a problem but, they can be a problem to any team at any time.
I feel good about these Dawgs and I feel good about Murray at the helm. He’s got some learning to do and it’s going to come with mistakes. Hopefully, none to cost us a game but it is likely. He’s going to be a fine QB and I really look forward to watching this defense mature in the heat of battle.
GO DAWGS
Tom
June 23rd, 2010
9:31 am
Like the size/speed of the the guys coming in. Any of thes guys could play OLB. You got:
Jalen Fields, 6 5, 250, ranked #18 OLB in country
Dexter Morant, 6 5, 240, Fla & Tenn wanted him bad
TJ Stripling, 6 6, 215, #4 ranked DE in country
AltamahaDawg
June 23rd, 2010
9:34 am
Being more athletic is always a good ideas when participating in sports.
Tim Tucker
June 23rd, 2010
9:36 am
Answering some of the questions above: Alec Ogletree is working this summer at safety, although LB is considered a possibility down the road. Samuel moved from OLB to ILB early in spring practice. Baker is working at ILB. White is No. 4 on the depth chart at fullback. Jarvis Jones has said he’ll sit out this season.
Tom
June 23rd, 2010
9:41 am
Houston’s a lock at one OLB with his 15 TFL’s and 7.5 sacks in 10 games. Might be the best in the SEC this year.
I’d love to see Alec Ogletree get in there and mix it up on the other side of Houston. Alec was the #1 ranked defensive player in the nation last year. Although he likely wants to stay at safety, Georgia is pretty solid at safety right now, and needs another speed rusher and cover guy to compliment Houston. If Ogletree’s willing to play OLB this year, he’ll shoot up the depth chart and will get a chance to see what he can do on the field. We can’t red-shirt the #1 defensive player in the country–let’s use him NOW.
Tom
June 23rd, 2010
9:44 am
I guess Georgia could put Ogletree at safety, and move one of the safeties over to OLB. This guy needs to be on the field, immediately. He’s the best safety Georgia’s brought in, in a while, I’m sure Lakatos is eager to see him in his secondary and doesn’t want to lose him to OLB.
Tom
June 23rd, 2010
9:56 am
I don’t get the whole Cornelius Washington thing. He was in 13 games last ya,r had 4 sacks and a few QB hurries. He was one of the stars of Georgia Spring combine, fast, strong, could be why Georgia’s so high on him:
http://ugadogsblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/georgia-spring-combine-results.html
Demetre Baker had 100 yards rushing and 15 td’s on about 120 carries. Not many LB’s are that kind of athlete.
Tom
June 23rd, 2010
9:57 am
1000 yards on 120 carries, 15 TD’s (not 100 yards).
Tom
June 23rd, 2010
10:09 am
Phil Steele has Georgia LB as #11 LB unit and he’s big on Gamble, Steele has Gamble ranked as his top 30 LB. Gamble’s had 100 tackles in the last 2 years at Georgia. Gamble blocked 6 kicks his Sr. year in High School. You’d have to think Houston will have an All-American year, the question is who will be on the other side, and be just as feared. Georgia has experience at OLB, so should be a stellar year for this unit.
BG
June 23rd, 2010
10:14 am
Those guys are all beasts!!
destin dawg
June 23rd, 2010
10:20 am
Zander Ogletree is a football player… he’s small but… i think like Curran ??? he”ll surprise as LB and special teams.. where we need to improve.. Kick coverage this year please !!!!!
Dawg fan
June 23rd, 2010
10:20 am
PREDICTION….This edition of UGA football will catch the eye of every national sports reporter, coach, and team. The reporters will be amazed at their play and the coaches and teams will fear what they see.
Sid
June 23rd, 2010
10:23 am
Tim-
Do we know yet where Morant, Fields & Stripling will be practicing? DE or OLB?
My guess is Stripling’s too small to play this year, 215 lbs, I’d think Morant & Fields might get a shot.
Heard anything yet?
Sid
June 23rd, 2010
10:28 am
Faloughi’s 6′ 5”, and has a 35 inch vertical. You have to like that.
AltamahaDawg
June 23rd, 2010
10:31 am
From what I’ve seen of Grantham’s system, Safety (Ogletree) will be no stranger to the grass stains normally associated with an OLB anyway.
BigCaliDawg
June 23rd, 2010
10:31 am
Faloughi is huge.
We might have to play a couple of those Freshman OLB’s and just shirt ‘em next year. Depth won’t be bad, but we have parts that fit this year that didn’t last year. New names for sure
It’s a good time to be a 1st, or 2nd year player for the DAWGS, and Lord do we have talent.
GATA
Tim Tucker
June 23rd, 2010
10:33 am
Sid: Morant and Stripling are working at OLB. Fields didn’t qualify academically; he hopes to transfer to UGA after two seasons at Georgia Military College.
BigCaliDawg
June 23rd, 2010
10:34 am
Oh yeah…..there are 2 Ogletree’s. One is a DB and one is an LB, but are they the same year, or a year apart?
Are we gettin’ em mixed up?
BigCaliDawg
June 23rd, 2010
10:36 am
HBTD!!!
HAHA! Yessir!
gdawginkalamazoo
June 23rd, 2010
10:43 am
BigCali, not one is Alec and the other is Zander. Both great athletes bit Zander is about 5′9″ or 5′10″ tall. People knock his height but not his heart.
Sid
June 23rd, 2010
10:44 am
Thanks Tim. Too bad about Fields.
Great news that Morant & Stripling are both working at OLB. Stripling has 21 sacks–at his weight, kind of light right now, probably going to be red-shirted. Like to see Morant get in there and give it a go.
Morant & Stripling probably means Georgia’s feeling solid about DE, also probably means Ogletree will be staying at Safety.
Sid
June 23rd, 2010
10:49 am
Dexter Morant is impressive.
6′ 7”, 240 pounds.
180 tackles in last 2 years, 45 for loss, 19 sacks.
The guy had 80 tackles as a Soph in High school, 17 for loss.
Sid
June 23rd, 2010
10:54 am
TJ Stripling, how did we get this guy?
6′ 6”, 215.
In last 2 years, 200 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 36 sacks.
Ranked #3 pass rusher in country.
How2fish
June 23rd, 2010
10:56 am
Von Van Halanger is a clown when Dye uttered those words we went out and blew up Bama that week..wish we could get him to talk all the time.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 23rd, 2010
11:03 am
I can’t believe Morant would be placed at LB. 6′7″ LB. I don’t recall seeing one that tall. Might want to nickname him Jaws. Reminds of the “You’re going to need a bigger boat” line from the movie. Hopefully he will also eat up a few QB’s too.
Lars
June 23rd, 2010
11:25 am
Newnan went 37-4, 3 seasons, Ogletree brothers leading the defense.
HOUDAWG
June 23rd, 2010
11:38 am
Valley Forge …… think that will be true. Flying around is great …… but won’t mean beans if a guy busts a 50-yd run. It will take some time to gain experience in this D …… hopefully it proves to give more T/O’s early on. Do believe we have the right coaches to get this done & ( finally ) have teams fearing this D again.
fan
June 23rd, 2010
11:47 am
mark it down, Washington and Houston will be our MVP’s of the Defense.
POAD
June 23rd, 2010
12:20 pm
in the 3-4 it is all about the line freeing up the LBs to make plays. Speed is a key but reading the line play to fight off blocks is the most important thing the ILB will have to do. Shed off the bump block of follow the TE cutting in the middle. That is a hard read if you are not looking in the backfeild. UGA has some great speed and power inside. they just have to make the reads.
1eyedJack
June 23rd, 2010
12:20 pm
gdawginkalamazoo
Do you remember Ted “The Stork” Hendricks?
dawgfan
June 23rd, 2010
12:35 pm
I am still trying to pick my jaw up off of the floor over Washington’s 4.3 forty. That’s something I would probably prefer not to know. If our defense gets burned this season, things like that make it all the more painful.
Help is on the way
June 23rd, 2010
12:49 pm
Just to let you all know, Zander will be a FB, not a LB.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 23rd, 2010
12:57 pm
1eyedjack, with the Raiders? I do. I didn’t realize he was that tall.
MaconKnight
June 23rd, 2010
12:57 pm
Chip,
Is Akeem Dent in the mix to start? I really think this kid can be a star..Played extremely well aganist Tech and A&M
MaconKnight
June 23rd, 2010
1:00 pm
Chip one more question whatever happen to The kid from Bainbridge, Nick Williams didnt he get moved to LB
OEJ
June 23rd, 2010
1:01 pm
MaconKnight..Dent is listed #1 on the depth chart right now at ILB
Physicality is a must in Big Boy ball
June 23rd, 2010
1:07 pm
With some of the 6′6″ heights that I am seeing and 6′7″ stuff ……….maybe last year’s comments from Kevin Butler on his Bulldog past game radio show that “when I walk on the field with an Alabama or a UT or a Florida or a LSU …………UGA has smaller guys. The other teams look bulky and beefyier” he said.
Now, when these young men add some bulk and dine on some fine vittles in Athens, maybe we will be bigger. Do not want to lose speed, however.
With the D names posted here, I am very impressed as I know severalof these guys can run and they are very athletic. We have lacked this excellent physicality for some time now.
Go Dogs.
Delusions of granduer
June 23rd, 2010
1:16 pm
How2fish,
I remember that game. Pat Dye called out Georgia as not being man enough to beat Bama and as you put it the dawgs “blew up” the Bammers. Beat em by a whole 2 pts with a last minute field goal. Typical of dawg fans where you think a 2 pt win is a blowout but a 49-10 loss was somehow a close game.
SEC lunchtime links | Hog Country Online
June 23rd, 2010
1:21 pm
[...] A facilities upgrade should help Georgia recruiting. A look at the Bulldogs outside linebackers. [...]
Top Dawg
June 23rd, 2010
1:23 pm
Are you guys literally copying and pasting the articles you find on Rivals?
DawginLex
June 23rd, 2010
1:26 pm
delusions of being a moron,(which you are)
Considering that no UGA team had ever gone to tuscaloosa and won, it required a lot of “manning up” to pull it off.
PowerDawg
June 23rd, 2010
1:52 pm
Don’t think CTG’s defenses require big, beefy DE’s like you would need in the 4-3. The OLB’s are the pass rushers. That’s why you see more 6-4 to 6-6 guys playing there. In the old system, 6-2 would have been tall for a backer. Not anymore.
Stripling will need to bulk up, no doubt. He is up to almost 225, now. But if he plays DE, he only needs to add 25 lbs or so. And with his frame, he could easily carry another 60 lbs and be an absolute monster.
With no major injuries, he could probably red-shirt. But don’t count on it. He is too gifted athletically to sit. He’ll at least play on special teams. Don’t know his VJ numbers but I could see him on the PAT block team for sure.
SEC lunchtime links | theSPORTSpage Arkansas
June 23rd, 2010
1:52 pm
[...] A facilities upgrade should help Georgia recruiting. A look at the Bulldogs outside linebackers. [...]
BurningRedBleedingBlack
June 23rd, 2010
2:04 pm
Outside LB’s will really get at it this year. I see this part of the defense really getting some turnovers. I think who we have really fits coach Granthams mold. Houston has alot of speed and is smart, washington and faloughi seem to be stars on the Rise!!!! Go DAWGS!!!!!
KeithB
June 23rd, 2010
2:07 pm
Houston is a beast. If he makes a smooth transition, that LB group will be just fine. Look for teams to run away from him and test Washington. They may also run a lot of play action to test both of their cover skills.
Moss
June 23rd, 2010
2:15 pm
Burrows is stout. Gators and Tide went after him. 6′ 3”, 240. He’s a flash on the edge.
AltamahaDawg
June 23rd, 2010
2:39 pm
delusions, I take it you were not pulling for UGA that night. You need to learn a little about modern day sports lingo before you go popping off. “blowing up” is not even close to “blow out”. Ask your buddies who follow sports what the difference is.
Dye said what he said becasue Alabama was a very good team defending the run in 2002. Evidenced by only giving up 80 yrd/game on the ground, by far the best in the SEC that year. UGA had not been particularly impressing going into that game. Hince, not “man enough to line it up and run the ball”. Musa Smith had 126 yrd, and UGA gained almost 200 against them that night. That’s what we call “blowing somebody up”.
And I would be willing to bet you that if I polled 10 of my UGA buddies, not a single one would call a 2 pt victory a “blow-out” or claim that 49-10 is a close game. Are you sure your didn’t mean to say imaginary rather that typical?
gdawginkalamazoo
June 23rd, 2010
2:42 pm
Hopefully the days of redshirting the talent are behind us. Get the kids on the field who can make a difference. BTW, where does Branden Smith play on this defense?
B Ville' Dog
June 23rd, 2010
2:56 pm
How bout’ dat strength & conditioning program? I’d put the Spring numbers against anybody in the SEC. Anybody know why both Florida & Alabama didn’t release their Spring combine numbers? Bet I know why. Georgia put up some NFL type numbers.
Momentum has shifted from Florida to Georgia in the SEC East, gonna be a long time before Gators make noise again.
You can see it in recruiting, Spring combine numbers, and even experts like Steele picking the Dogs to go all the way as a surprise team.
Florida doesn’t have any stars anymore. They all went to Georgia.
Can’t wait to sic the 3-4 on the Gators and let the dogs loose.
See these combine results:
http://ugadogsblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/georgia-spring-combine-results.html
Florida won’t be putting their combine numbersd up anytime soon, they don’t want any of that.
B Ville' Dog
June 23rd, 2010
3:00 pm
PS. Gonna be fun watching Meyer meltdown for a few years, trying to explain why his team keeps losing so many games. Meyer’s about to expeosed now that his superstars and Charlie Strong is gone. Get ready for the meltdown of all meltdowns after Oct. 30. Can’t wait!
B Ville' Dog
June 23rd, 2010
3:08 pm
Like to watch the Georgia end zone celebration after dominating Florida in the 1st quarter?
Meyer had nightmares about this for 12 months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj_yqJtmE2w
Pago Pago Dawg
June 23rd, 2010
3:16 pm
With all these “dream” recruits…we’re looking at a 2011 pre-season #1 ranking. Not so sure charlie strong was the reason UF won all their games?
Tuck Fech
June 23rd, 2010
3:22 pm
Pago pago Dawg…..I have to give Charlie Strong credit for running Fabris off his staff in Louisville the first week. It took us a few years to figure out he couldn’t coach!
Man Up
June 23rd, 2010
3:35 pm
Meyer hasn’t won a National Championship without Strong. Well see this year if it was Meyer or Strong. Let’s put it this way, Florida ain’t #1 on anybody’s pre-season list in 2010, know what I’m sayin’?
Hunker Down
June 23rd, 2010
3:41 pm
Like the article reads, we should be good at outside lb if we stay healthy. If I am a top hs lb recruit I would be licking my chops to commit to the dawgs right now. Good opportunity to come on board and get playing time.
Phins
June 23rd, 2010
3:45 pm
Oscar Meyer usually has a marshmellow “FOR WIMPS ONLY” schedule, he’s still scheduling cream puffs for the 1st 3 games to try and build his boys confidence up, still scheduling Georgia on his 2 week bye, still refuses to play Georgia in Athens. This year Oscar Meyer gets a SEMI-MANWICH schedule we’ll call ‘Almost Mark Richt Like’. Oscar Meyer gets Alabama, LSU, & Georgia. Yippeee. Let’s see what Oscar Meyer can do against the big boys without his blanket and pacifier (aka Tebow & Strong).
#1 BAMA FAN
June 23rd, 2010
3:53 pm
B’ville Dawg….BAMA released pictures of their three diamond encrusted Championship rings.RTR
Big Boy Ball and NCs
June 23rd, 2010
3:53 pm
UGA in my mind needs to handle Florida, if only by one point per game, with 3 wins over the next 5 years to be on par with the best in the SEC. I would consider 3 wins over 6 years as very decent. With LSU and Alabama, we have taken care of biz about 50% of the time and that is fabulous. We need to get on the Gators over the next two or three years.
Frankly, UGA has won two or three now over Florida in 7 years and that may not seem great and it really is nothing to be proud of, but what SEC school as done better vs Florida over the same period? This is not a trick question ………….. is there anybody doing better in this same period?
Mark Richt would have been ( coulda, woulda, shoulda ) about even with Meyer but the Dogs laid down in 08 vs. Florida with Stafford’s DUMB THROWS and No Shows DUMB FUMBLE in the back field and one or two other goofy things. They jumped us in 09 and we laid down again. Also, should have won one or two others lately in the last 4 – 6 years. We did not and congrats to the Gators. I am a Dog but father’s side are all sad Gators.
UGA has done deecently enough to be the ONLY TEAM to win 8 or more games over 13 years in a row. At the end of the day ………………. 100% of all schools would love to be in that company. They are not and UGA is there alone and admittedly w.o. a NC but we are doing fairly well and when 10-11-12 go by, UGA will also have that NC.
Go Dogs
Go Post
June 23rd, 2010
3:58 pm
Woof! Looked this team up and down looking for a weak unit. Can’t find one. Offense, check. Special teams, check. Defense, check. Coaching staff best in the country–offense & defense. Best team & coaches Richt’s come up with at Georgia. This year, and next year too, is going to be real fun to watch.
Phil Steele’s magazine says the Georgia offense will put up 37 points a game, agree, says the defense will give up 22 a game, disagree, try 16.
Go Post
June 23rd, 2010
4:10 pm
Bet ya’ didn’t know Georgia’s special teams have finished in top 25 2001-2008. With Butler, Walsh & Boykin, Georgia has the best special teams in the country, and if Richt will play some starters on special teams, like Meyer, you might see AJ Green or Vance Cuff returning punts, and Alec Ogletree on special teams.
Phins
June 23rd, 2010
4:23 pm
Oscar Meyer gets a kick off of pulling the wool over ESPN’s eyes. He schedules teams for his 1st 2 games, like Charleston Southern and Troy, then puts up 56-62 points on them, moving him up the polls due to scoring margin. UF = For Wimps Only.
UGADAWG
June 23rd, 2010
5:07 pm
What is the word on Richard Samuels?
shane#1
June 23rd, 2010
5:35 pm
Let me explain the OL posistion in CTG’s offense to you guys. The OLB plays like a DE in that he is the key pass rusher, except when they blitz an ILB or safety or somebody else. So you have a DE that plays like a LB, except when he lines up as a DE in a three point stance. Then the 3-4 becomes a 4-3, except not really, because it is a 3-4. Got it?
AltamahaDawg
June 23rd, 2010
5:37 pm
Thes words is thats Samuel is doings goods.
shane#1
June 23rd, 2010
5:38 pm
Oh, CTG likes tall OLBs because they are the main pass rushers and, unlike Willie, he thinks batting down a pass could be a good idea.
Tim Tucker
June 23rd, 2010
6:05 pm
MaconKnight: Akeem Dent is a starter at inside linebacker. Nick Williams currently is No. 1 on the depth chart at strong safety. Williams has moved back and forth between LB and safety, but seems settled at safety now.
Tim Tucker
June 23rd, 2010
6:05 pm
gdawginkalamazoo: Branden Smith is in competition for a starting job at cornerback.
Tim Tucker
June 23rd, 2010
6:08 pm
UGADAWG: Samuel is at inside linebacker. There’s at least a possibility of him redshirting this year, but that will depend on the progress he makes in preseason practice.
SEC lunchtime links | GameDay Weekly
June 23rd, 2010
7:42 pm
[...] A facilities upgrade should help Georgia recruiting. A look at the Bulldogs outside linebackers. [...]
BobDog
June 23rd, 2010
8:07 pm
MaconKnight, they moved Nick Williams back to Safety this year. He’s mentioned in the blog.
Big Al
June 23rd, 2010
8:33 pm
President Obama, an amateur on military matters, today relieved embattled Gen. Stanley McChrystal, a professional on military matters, from his position as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan for his remarks belittling administration officials. I suppose it is true, OBAMA is an acronym for “One Big A$$ Mistake America”.
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
8:39 pm
Key will be having a balanced team, good offense, good defense.
Hutson Mason is at the top of the list for many of the state of Georgia records for QB:
#1, by a mile, for most passing TD’s in a season:
http://ghsfha.org/records.php?gRecID=16
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
8:40 pm
Mason tied for 2nd for most td passes in a game:
http://ghsfha.org/records.php?gRecID=15
This is in the history of Georgia high school football.
Bulldog59
June 23rd, 2010
8:41 pm
Von Van Halanger….clown, actually in 2002 Pat Dye said, “I don’t believe Georgia is man enough to beat Alabama” not once but twice during a radio interview. Of course, UGA beat Alabama 27-25, won the SEC, and finished the season with a Sugar Bowl win. (13-1)
Everyone is counting us out, calling us overrated, etc. in 2010. Again, we have an offense that lead the SEC in scoring (in SEC games) in 2009 with 234 points. With 10 returning starters and the right coaching of a new QB, the O should be fine.
As for the D, we were worst in the SEC (in SEC games) last year surrendering 252 points. CTG and Co. have their work cut out, hopefully it’s not a long learning curve. The keys are (1) the subject of Tim’s series this week – fitting the existing personnel, (2) teaching the system, and (3) re-teaching fundamentals (”who taught you guys how to tackle the last 5 years?”)
We’ll experience some bumps along the road in 2010 but should see a better product on the field each week.
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
8:42 pm
Mason’s 4th all-time for most TD passes in high school career;
http://ghsfha.org/records.php?gRecID=17
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
8:43 pm
Ealey holds state record for td’s in a season at 58.
http://ghsfha.org/records.php?gRecID=3
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
8:45 pm
Ealey holds the state record for most career td’s at 133:
http://ghsfha.org/records.php?gRecID=4
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
8:47 pm
Ealey’s on the all-time list rushing record for 7 td’s in 1 game:
http://ghsfha.org/records.php?gRecID=1
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
8:49 pm
This one blows me away.
Mason holds 4 of the top 12 single game passing yardage records in high school history in Georgia:
http://ghsfha.org/records.php?gRecID=12
harold
June 23rd, 2010
9:12 pm
CAUTION:YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER THE NO SPIN ZONE. SO SIT BACK SHUT UP AND GET READY FOR THE FACTS!
FACT:GEORGIA WAS 4-4 IN THE SEC LAST YEAR.
FACT:GEORGIA IS AVERAGE COMPARED TO ALABAMA AND FLORIDA-THEY DON’T DREAM
FACT:RICHT IS AVERAGE COMPARED TO SABAN AND MEYER–20-12 LAST 4 YEARS!
FACT:GEORGIA WENT TO THE INDEPENDENCE BOWL LAST YEAR.
FACT:4 DEFENSIVE COORDINATORS “REJECTED” THE CHANCE TO BE D COORDINATOR!
FACT:GEORGIA’S OWN—KIRBY SMART REJECTED IT TO STAY AT ALABAMA!
FACT:GRANTHAM WAS FIRED FROM THE CLEVELAND BROWNS—LOL!
FACT:THAT DREAM THINGY IS THE JOKE OF THE SEC. WAKE-UP&SMELL THE COFFEE!
FACT:GEORGIA IS NOT A CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM! ONLY IN A DREAM–LOL!
FACT:GEORGIA HAS NOT BEEN TO THE SEC TITLE GAME IN 5 YEARS!
FACT:GEORGIA HAS NOT WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 30 YEARS!
FACT:GEORGIA TECH WILL WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE GEORGIA!
FACT:SO HOW DO YOU LIKE “THE FACTS”? NO DREAMS! NO SPIN! JUST THE FACTS!
guy
June 23rd, 2010
9:33 pm
Uga will be strong at linebacker.Defensive line and defensive backfield??????
harold's mom
June 23rd, 2010
9:48 pm
FACT: HAROLD STILL LIVES WITH ME
FACT: HAROLD NEEDS TO GET HIS OWN COMPUTER
FACT: HAROLD SCARES LITTLE KIDS
FACT: HAROLD’S IDEA OF A BIG NIGHT OUT IS WATCHING RERUNS OF THE GOLDEN GIRLS
FACT: HAROLD REALLY NEEDS A GIRLFRIEND….BUT REALLY WANTS A BOYFRIEND
FACT: HAROLD WISHES MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE HIS FRIEND ON MYSPACE
FACT: HAROLD ALWAYS GOT PICKED LAST FOR FOOTBALL AND WANTED TO BE A CHEERLEADER
K-Town Dawg
June 23rd, 2010
9:48 pm
Nice “facts” harold.
Here’s another one for you, 8 out of 9.
Willis
June 23rd, 2010
9:56 pm
Ok, not me saying it, but Philsteele.com
Georgia will ascend past Florida, Meyer’s reign is over!!
Why?
1) No Charlie Strong
2) No Tim Tebow
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/Individual_Team_blogs/Georgia_Blog.html
1980 Dawg
June 23rd, 2010
10:09 pm
Hey Willis…Nice job making your point, and providing supporting documentation.
harold
June 23rd, 2010
10:20 pm
HI EVERYONE—–IT’S HAROLD AGAIN. JUST THE FACTS ABOVE. THE NO SPIN ZONE LIKES DREAMS. SO WAKE UP AND GET OVER THAT NIGHTMARE GEORGIA IS HAVING. READ THE FACTS!
Kasey
June 23rd, 2010
10:45 pm
MEYER IS DEFINATELY DONE.
IT’S MROE BECAUSE STRONG & NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR PERCY HARVIN GONE, THAN TEBOW.
PRE-PERCY, POST PERCY, BIG DIFFERENCE.
ONCE IN A LIFETIME ATHLETE, LIKE GEORGIA GETTING HERSCHEL WALKER.
Russel
June 23rd, 2010
10:48 pm
Wouldn’t want Florida’s October schedule for 2010/2011:
Oct 2010
Georgia, Miss St., Bama, LSU
Oct 2011
Auburn, Georgia, Alabama, LSU
Too funny, Georgia doesn’t play Bama or LSU in 2010 or 2011.
bkbroila4224
June 24th, 2010
12:39 am
Yeah, Russel…UGA had them 07 thru 09…went 2-2 against them…Hopefully, Florida won’t fare as well…LOL
bkbroila4224
June 24th, 2010
12:43 am
BTW…for those of you all wondering why UGA is recuiting and getting these tall, rangy guys to play OLB in Grantham’s new system, it is because he likes these guys to be able to contort around would be blockers and have outlandish reach advantages…UGA’s OLBs are all going to be MONSTERS…trust me, it will be fun to watch…
Defensive backs: Will three new starters and new coach spell new results? | UGA sports blog
June 24th, 2010
6:02 am
[...] Outside linebackers. [...]
How2fish
June 24th, 2010
9:36 am
Delusions of granduer I remember that game and we did blow up Bama that day..2 points and a whole wagon load of butt kicking we ran the ball down the mighty tide’s throat that day. This win was IMHO only surpassed by the 2007 win in O.T.
Ditto
June 24th, 2010
10:22 am
I love you big al.
Go Dogs
Hi Harold
June 24th, 2010
10:28 am
When you wake up in the morning, do you ask what if I get hit in a car wreck or what if my coffee tastes awful or what if my boss yells at me or what if I ask that gal out or what do I do when I view UGA on Fall TV and they are winning, like they always have.
Alabama? They have had how many coaches in the last 15 years???? ONe SEC title over 15?
UGA, as “bad” as you portray US, is the only school to win 8 or more over 13 and soon to be 14 years. Alabama and Florida have FAILED In that endeavor.
Now ……….when your boss yells at you ( if you even have a job ) walk out and get another one, if you are man enough.
Go Dogs
Hi Harold .......... here is what matters
June 24th, 2010
10:34 am
Um, ah, Harold ………….. I am retired and I did so at age 56 …….. 5 years ago. Life is so good.
My point? I graduated ( something that you have never accomplished ) in 1971 and emarked on a career that my FINE UGA education allowed me to do and my ship came in, as they say. See? It is not about how many nat’l titles that your alma mater has ( they are nice ) it is about a job, a career and living a good life. UGA provided me with all the tools, baby !!!
HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS, HAROLD???
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooo Dogs. Sic em, woof, woof, woof.
POAD
June 26th, 2010
1:30 pm
Can we just get to the games? TV sucks without Live College Football.
Tech Buzz
June 26th, 2010
11:15 pm
Georgia: another 5 loss season in 2010–take it to the bank. But, they can still play old larry munson tapes from the 1980s to feel good!!!
harold
June 28th, 2010
12:12 pm
A LITTLE INFO ABOUT ME AS YOU WIMP GA FANS THINK YOU KNOW SO MUCH. I WAS BORN IN CELL BLOCK E IN REIDSVILLE PRISON IN GA. I AM A RESULT OF THE UNION BETWEEN CEDRIC AND A GREASY PLATE OF SARDINES. MY FIRST MEMORIES WERE SWIRLING AROUND IN A STAINLESS STEEL BOWL BETWEEN THE BUNKS. SO THERE!
Kickoff/punt returners: A new role for A.J. Green? | UGA sports blog
June 29th, 2010
6:02 am
[...] Outside linebackers. [...]