Notebook: Dogs’ defense reshuffling lineup yet again
ATHENS – The Bulldogs found out on Wednesday they would be without two defensive starters for the Florida game on Oct. 29. They also added two more with the returns this week of Alec Ogletree and Cornelius Washington.
For defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and his staff, being able to mix and match the lineup is old hat at this point. Thanks to injuries and suspensions, Georgia has utilized seven different starting lineups in seven games this season.
There’s a 100 percent chance it will be 8-for-8 against Florida in Jacksonville on Oct. 29.
“I’ve always said you rank your players and figure out your best combination for that week,” Grantham said Wednesday. “That’s what we’ve done every week. Guys have been in and out. We really haven’t played a game yet with what started out as our first 11. That’s OK, too, because guys have worked hard and built a lot of mental toughness on our defense and are finding a way to finish.”
Despite losing Ogletree and fellow inside linebacker starter Christian Robinson for multiple games due to injuries in the season’s first two weeks, Georgia made it to the eighth week of the season ranked No. 8 nationally in total defense.
Now they’ll have to adjust yet again as noseguard Kwame Geathers and strong safety Shawn Williams – who have started 10 games between them this season – have been ordered by the SEC to sit out the first half versus the Gators due to unsportsmanlike infractions in the Vanderbilt game.
“I just told them whoever is going to play in their place needs to play hard enough to where when these guys get in during the second half we’re still in contention in the game,” Georgia head coach Mark Richt said. “Somebody’s going to have to step up.”
Grantham and Richt anticipate junior John Jenkins, who has started the last two games and alternates regularly with Geathers, to simply get more snaps at noseguard in the first half. Defensive end DeAngelo Tyson, who played noseguard last season, will slide inside when Jenkins needs a breather in the first half.
As for Williams’ strong safety position, there’s a good chance cornerback Sanders Commings will move there. Commings started at safety when Bacarri Rambo was out for the season opener against Boise State. Branden Smith and/or Damian Swann could fill in at the corner, where they already get a lot of snaps.
Getting Ogletree and Washington back softens the blow.
Starting “Mo” linebacker Ogletree missed the last five games with a broken bone in his right foot. He entered the season with a reputation as potentially Georgia’s most dynamic defensive player. Washington started the first five games at weakside outside linebacker before his Oct. 2 DUI arrest led to a two-game suspension. Robinson, the starting “Mike” linebacker, missed two games and parts of a third with an ankle injury.
Michael Gilliard, Amarlo Herrera, Chase Vasser and Ray Drew all have filled in admirably.
“Guys have stepped up and embraced their roles and some have taken advantage of their opportunities,” Grantham said. “Moving forward we’ll do the same thing, plug guys in and keep moving.”
One option that Grantham took off the table is moving Ogletree back to strong safety.
“I think we’re past that,” he said. “I think he has shown up as an inside linebacker. I think he’s really good there.”
Grantham on SEC decision
Grantham said he wasn’t sure what might happen as the SEC mulled his fate for last Saturday’s postgame confrontation with Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin. But he was clearly happy Wednesday to have it behind him.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure about anything,” Grantham said. “I’ve pretty much said what I’m going to say and moved forward. We’ve got an opportunity to get better this week. That’s what you use the open week for, to get better. We obviously have a big game next week so we’re preparing for that. I’ve moved on and we’re moving forward.”
Grantham did, however, express regret for his actions and said that his outburst is not a reflection of Georgia’s defense.
“I tell our guys you want to play hard from the snap of the ball to the end of the play,” he said. “After that, get back in the huddle. During that time you play hard, you play fast and you play physical. We’ve done that and had very few penalties on defense all year.”
Richt mum on video comments
A Nashville television station released Wednesday an unedited version of video that captured the postgame exchange between Richt and Vanderbilt coach James Franklin. Richt’s voice is nearly inaudible on the video but, according to an transcription being distributed on the Internet of that conversation, Richt uses an expletive to describe Williams, who is accused by Franklin of “rubbing our faces in it.”
Richt was asked after practice Wednesday whether that transcription was accurate.
“I don’t have a comment on that; I don’t think it’s worthy of a comment,” he said. “But I wasn’t happy after the game. I can say that. I wasn’t happy.”
Asked why he was upset, Richt said: “The thing I was bothered by mostly was, the game’s over, it was a great game, let’s all go shake hands and say good luck. Let’s do that. Can we do that? That’s my goal personally and that’s my goal for our football team and that’s how I want to operate from this point forward. Hopefully that will be the case.”
Stafford takes up for Richt
Former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is now starring for the Detroit Lions, was asked the “hot seat” question Richt on a teleconference call with reporters on Wednesday. Stafford’s Lions play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
“I’ve always been a huge Mark Richt fan,” Stafford said. “He’s one of the huge reasons I went to Georgia from Texas. I think he’s great for that program, he’s great for the community, he’s great for the kids in that program. They’ve really started stepping up and playing better these last couple of weeks. They lost to two really good football teams the first two weeks. They are a young team in many spots, still learning the defense and acclimating to some new players they are mixing in. I have total confidence that he will get the job done, for sure.”
Etc. . . .
Georgia cornerback/kick returner Brandon Boykin missed practice while undergoing a dental procedure on Wednesday. Boykin busted his mouth and several lower teeth on a kickoff return against Mississippi State on Oct. 1. . . . Bacarri Rambo also sat out portions of Wednesday’s full-contact workout due to a turf-toe injury. It’s not expected to limit his play against Florida. . . . Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell was on the field in a green jersey but did not dress out in full pads and did participate in most drills. . . . Tailback Carlton Thomas dressed out but remained in green with an undisclosed leg injury. . . . Former Bulldog A.J. Green attended Georgia’s practice Wednesday. The Cincinnati Bengals’ star receiver was in town on an off week.
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407 comments Add your comment
Silver Classic
October 20th, 2011
9:03 am
I can’t believe the whinning about calling Williams actions Dumba$$ as though you are shocked. I can easily use the term to describe many of you on this blog, judging from the comments you post. In fact I refer to myself as a dumba$$ fairly often. Best evidence is readinmg this stupid blog.
Toccoa Dawg
October 20th, 2011
9:03 am
True Dawg no one else can either. I have supported Richt threw thick and thin but this was the last straw, I can’t defend him any longer.
Toccoa Dawg
October 20th, 2011
9:04 am
Silver Classic I’m sure your mom called you much worse.
Evansdawg
October 20th, 2011
9:05 am
Richt is dealing with a DC that is the polar opposite of his own personality. Its going to cause some drama. Richt is the quintessential professional in every aspect of this life. CTG is the classic, typical, old-school football coach. Its going to cause some problems.
1953dawg
October 20th, 2011
9:08 am
sportsguru, you asked what UGA was before Richt got there. They were mediocre, my question to you is what is UGA now after 11 years of this wimpy ass head coach? They are mediocre. Your wonderful coach was fortunate that the SEC was down when he took over, and he was fortunate to have a D.C. that bailed his finesse offense out game after game. That is not the case anymore, the SEC isn’t down, and Saban, Myles, Spurrier, Petrino all have joined the conference, so Richt will get out coached every time he plays one of these teams. Plus, he doesn’t have a D.C. to bail out his pathetic O.C. Add that to the fact he doesn’t back his coaches or his players, and he calls them out in public. No leader of any business or team ever calls his coaches or his players out in public, he supports them, and then he calls them out in his office or behind closed doors. You know nothing about management,or football coaches obviously. Richt is a coward, and he has blamed everyone, his coaches, players, even the fans for his shortcomings. he is not a leader, he is a wimpy ass person, that needs to go. If a head coach can’t defend his players, no matter how bad they have acted in public, he is a joke and he should not be coaching. You can have this wimpy ass, arrogant, coach, and if you think UGA is on the rise, you must not have checked out this recruiting class. One class does not make a program, and he is failing farther and farther behind Bama, Auburn, LSU, and Florida in recruiting. UGA will never win another SECC with this guy as coach, you can take that to the bank!!
DJ Dawg
October 20th, 2011
9:08 am
You play like a dumbass you get called a dumbass!!! Bottom line.
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:09 am
But you can’t go back and erase what you said during the game – before you had time to spin up your talking points. Vandy didn’t play a dirty game against Georgia, any more than they did in their previous five games this season. Ever wonder why the Georgia fan-base is the only one complaining?
Here’s a sample post from the live blog of the Vandy vs. Georgia game:
“not a fan of williams…celebrates too much for me…just do your job and shut up…”
This is what you guys were saying about your player during the game. Now you tell a different story – but your words are recorded.
Here: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2011/10/15/live-another-win-keeps-georgia-in-sec-east-hunt/?cp=all#comments
Todd Grantham is an out-of-control nut-job in need of professional help. The Georgia Bulldog football team is on about the same level as the Vandy Commodores and will most likely lose to both Florida and Auburn.
Spaceman Spiff
October 20th, 2011
9:10 am
I see our resident short bus rider Thomas Brown is back in all his glory…it must be a sad existence when your team is OWNED by UGA…
@Thomas Brown
When are you going to admit to us that you are so in love with the real Thomas Brown that you must use his name as your handle?
KD
October 20th, 2011
9:11 am
If Williams got suspended for ” Taulting “, doesn’t this happen at every game on any given Saturday.
pcidoc
October 20th, 2011
9:12 am
Tenndawg, hope you change your mind before you check out, or it won’t be just the weed smoking. It’ll be you. CMR will be coaching a winning Georgia football team for many years to come. Most of us are glad we have a Godly man and a winning football coach all rolled up in one. Praying for you, sir.
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:16 am
@KD
Taulting is not a word. As to your question; no, it does not happen in every game. Change the channel and watch a real football team play the game now and then.
um.....right
October 20th, 2011
9:16 am
So if Richt and/or Grantham should be gone then why the heck is “Joe Pa” still in the game. He ran down and grabbed a ref after a game. I know, “but it’s Joe Pa”; “he’s a credit to the game”, and other such fabrications.
B
October 20th, 2011
9:18 am
I agree with Toccoa Dawg completely.
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:21 am
@um…..right
Neither Mark Richt nor Todd Grantham could land a job as an assistant coach at Penn State, or any other elite college football program. That’s why they’re working with Bobo at Georgia.
BRAD
October 20th, 2011
9:22 am
FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS WE HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF BEING SOFT…..COACH MR NEEDS TO STAND UP AND TELL THE SEC THAT THIS IS BULL….THEN HE MIGHT GET SOME RESPECT FOR STANDING UP FOR HIS PLAYERS
Arthur Redding, Jr.
October 20th, 2011
9:24 am
I’m really looking forward to getting Ogletree back on defense–others have filled in admirably, but he’s going to be the centerpiece for UGA’s defense for the next few seasons. He has great agility and can slide around blocks but still hit with a lot of force.
Cornelius Washington has become the team’s best pass rusher–losing him for those 2 games was a real blow. Washington can put himself into an opposing team’s backfield and disrupt plenty of plays.
Having all the pieces back will make a good defense a real force. Dawg fans have lots of reasons to feel good about the direction the defense is moving–Grantham is doing a heckuva job. Let the distractions go, Dawg fans, and enjoy the progress.
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:25 am
The only way to get respect in the SEC is to win ball games on a consistent basis. Don’t hold your breath waiting on that to happen Georgia fans.
um.....right
October 20th, 2011
9:26 am
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:21 am
I see you avoided my question.
If Richt and Grantham’s actions are unacceptable, then why is “Joe Pa” still the head coach at Penn State? Here’s a summary:
“Joe Paterno avoided trouble, probably because he is Joe Paterno. The Penn State coach escaped the wrath of the Big Ten Conference after chasing down officials at the end of last weekend’s loss to Iowa.
Upset about what he believed were two blown calls during overtime, Paterno grabbed the back of referee Dick Honig’s shirt. The incident was shown live on the Beaver Stadium scoreboard screens as well as on ESPN.
The league let Paterno slide.”
Georgia Nation!
October 20th, 2011
9:27 am
We beat Vandy!
We’re Back!!!
Truth
October 20th, 2011
9:29 am
It kills me how people sit behind a computer screen and be the judge and jury on these young men. But it’s no fault of your own, it’s the way the holier-than-thou CMR let’s these young men take the fall for him and his staff’s behavior. Should he cuss them out, throw something, no, but at least stand up for your players! It behooves me that the coaches involved in this mess suffer NO CONSEQUESES, when truth be told had Grantham not jumped bad or Franklin kept his crying to himself NO ONE WOULD BE ASSESING ANY TAPES! So how they try to teach these “boys” to be “men” when they have NO CONTROL over themselves or use derogatory language to belittle a player is comical.
One more thing, Williams was not taunting anyone. This bull he got pulled in is from a hit THAT NO PENALTY WAS CALLED FOR DURING THE GAME. Geathers had every right to defend himself after being CHOPPED BLOCKED by a player that then stands up and gives thumbs up to his coaches.
I can see that CMR has everyone fooled, but will the REAL CMR please stand up! The person who called Shawn Williams a “dumb ass” is the real MR. When you think the camera’s not rolling, then you show your true colors. They say when you always got some stuff going on around you, like players always jumping ship, it ain’t always other people, you need to start taking a look at yourself. Don’t be fooled, he is no different than the next coach, he will sell his soul or his players to keep his job, but repentance is golden.
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:30 am
@um…..right
If it’s not “woulda, shoulda, coulda”, then it’s denial, excuses and projection from this pathetic, delusional fan-base. Joe Paterno is not your problem. Richt, Bobo and Grantham are your problems.
Deny that at your own peril.
MarineDog
October 20th, 2011
9:32 am
Who on this blog clearly heard Richt demean his players and coach on that inaudible video?
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:33 am
@Truth(sic)
Unlike his delusional fan-base, Coach Richt understands just how bad the situation actually is in Athens. I expect him to resign at the end of this season. Any sane person would have had enough of this nonsense by now.
BMDPD
October 20th, 2011
9:35 am
Man, you people are idiots. If you expect young men, that play a physical sport where opposing teams knock the p!ss out of one another and continually talk trash to get into their opponents heads, to act like gentlemen all the time. You are a DUMB@$$!
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:36 am
How many of you posted on the live blog during the game?
How many of you have the guts and integrity to go back and look at what you had to say while this debacle was taking place?
It’s recorded for the whole world to see: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2011/10/15/live-another-win-keeps-georgia-in-sec-east-hunt/?cp=all#comments
Your post-game denials can’t change that fact.
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:38 am
@BMDPD
You’re right. Only championship caliber teams with class play the game that way – and we’re discussing the Georgia Bulldogs here.
GDAWG65
October 20th, 2011
9:41 am
Dap01 You said it best ‘CMR’s behavior by not taking up for his players is the most dissappointing thing that he has ever done. (Other than hire flag football Bobo)’.
CMR and Bobo the Dodo need to go. NOW! We’ve got the talent to win out but not the offensive coaching.
Georgia Nation!
October 20th, 2011
9:42 am
Alls I know is we beat Vandy, and now we’re gonna win the National Championship!
Yay!!!
BMDPD
October 20th, 2011
9:43 am
A Diff, you are wrong. All people lose their cool. I guess that you have never lost your temper and done something that you regret? Is your real name Jesus? These are young men playing a violent contact sport.
MarineDog
October 20th, 2011
9:44 am
Did anyone actually hear on that inaudible video what was actually said by Richt?
BMDPD
October 20th, 2011
9:44 am
Any of you that expect perfection from the team, coach, refs, league, then you are all delusional.
DJ Dawg
October 20th, 2011
9:44 am
@A Different Story Now
Just curios, so who is your team that plays with sooooo much class??
Georgia Nation!
October 20th, 2011
9:45 am
We’re #1!
In excuses and denials…
um.....right
October 20th, 2011
9:47 am
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:30 am
I’m denying nothing. I’m merely pointing out much of the hypocrisy on here. If the actions of Richt and Grantham are worthy of dismissal, then why is the beloved “Joe Pa” still at Penn State?
By the way, I’ve enjoyed the antics of “Joe Pa” over the years. Remember this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vHPh-CO8jM
BMDPD
October 20th, 2011
9:48 am
Also, you bunch of DA’s and Richt haters…How many times in history has a team started at finished ranked #1?
MarineDog
October 20th, 2011
9:49 am
Did anyone hear what was said on that video?
Destin Dawg
October 20th, 2011
9:49 am
it won’t take 3 years to recover from a coaching change…. Grantham for H.C… Chris Hatcher for O.C.
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:50 am
@DJ Dawg
Although you are merely a knick-knack, you know that I’m not a Georgia fan, don’t you?
The only way the word “class” applies to the UGA football team is when it is preceded by the word “cut”.
ugab
October 20th, 2011
9:50 am
MR is handling all this just fine. We have to have some class on and off the field. The players have to make the plays and get back on Offense or Defense. This is a distraction for an important game next weekend. We are going to miss Geathers and Williams in the 1st half of the Fl game. I hope we can keep the game close. MR is making sure these actions does not happen again during, before, or after a game. The Good News; Washington will be back. Ray Drew has stepped it up in Washington’s place. Tree will be back. Will Tree be to rusty? We can’t afford to be rusty against Fl.
JB
October 20th, 2011
9:51 am
@1953dawg:
“No leader of any business or team ever calls his coaches or his players out in public, he supports them, and then he calls them out in his office or behind closed doors.”
Where has he specifically called out a coach or player???????
You’re correct that a lot of things happen behind closed doors so it’s insanely stupid for you to assume that he doesn’t back his players when you’re not privy to what has been said ‘behind closed doors’.
I’d rather “drink the koolaid” than b$tch, moan and complain like you miserable, whiny a$$ed doomsday dawgs. Pathetic!
BTW CMR has a winning record vs Saban and Miles. Have a great day moron!
Mr. Bitter
October 20th, 2011
9:51 am
Just looking through UGA law school catalog. Naturally, there is a picture of the football stadium full of drunken idiots. Let’s face it, the football team is nothing but a money-making machine that is advertised everywhere. We can’t print a law school catalog touting its academic excellence without the &8!! football team. Oh well, maybe no football players will get arrested this weekend, including the coaches.
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
9:52 am
Marine Dawg – Here’s the link:
http://joaj34.blogspot.com/2011/10/mark-richt-says-dumbass-and-grantham-re.html
Silver Classic
October 20th, 2011
9:52 am
The CMR haters are suffering from envy and are obviously intimidated in the presence of real men. Men who risk it on the field of battle while you hide behind your computer screens and spout your vitriol as though are some sort of expert.
If you are so knowledgeable about coaching football and leading men why aren’t you the one in the arena?
DJ Dawg
October 20th, 2011
9:52 am
@A Different Story Now
Im glad you are not a Georia Fan, now can you answer the question?
A Different Story Now
October 20th, 2011
9:52 am
The Good News: The drunk driver will be back.
Sad… Just sad.
Delbert D.
October 20th, 2011
9:54 am
MarineDog – I apologize for misstating your handle. The Devil Dogs stand alone in history.
ugab
October 20th, 2011
9:54 am
Let’s Worry about the Gators and put this behind us, ok. Gooo Dawgs!!!!! MR is taking the right steps. The Georgia Way!!! I CAN LIVE WITH IT!! There are good things to come for our puppy dawgs/
bucket
October 20th, 2011
9:55 am
@ A Different Story Now – You mean the championship caliber teams like Florida, LSU, Alabama, Auburn, USC, etc. that routinely have the same kind of crap taking place with their players that UGA has?
JB
October 20th, 2011
9:56 am
CMR has everybody fooled except for ’smarter than thou’ TRUTH.
LOL!
Mr. Bitter
October 20th, 2011
9:56 am
You’re right ugab, I heard they’re lowering the academic requirements for players even further.