D.J. Shockley says similarities are uncanny to ‘05 SEC game
Former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley thinks the 2011 SEC Championship game against LSU is setting up much like the 2005 title game did. (AJC photo)
Former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley looks at this year’s SEC Championship matchup and between the Bulldogs and No. 1 LSU and can’t help but think back to six years ago when he was getting ready for a similar game.
In 2005, as now, the Bulldogs were the SEC East champs and the underdog team (though not by two touchdowns like they are this year). Georgia was ranked No. 13 and the Tigers were No. 3 and everybody was talking about how an SEC championship victory might get LSU into the BCS national championship game against Southern Cal or Texas.
“It’s kind of strange it’s so much alike,” said Shockley, who’s living in Atlanta and still playing football. “LSU is so highly ranked right now; they’re supposed to be so much better than Georgia; Georgia’s not supposed to have a chance. It’s the same scenario, the same story we heard in ‘05. It’s very similar, and I think the outcome could be very similar, too.”
That would be quite the shocker. Thanks in no small part to Shockley — who came away with MVP honors — the Bulldogs hit LSU with two long touchdown passes early and never looked back en route to a 34-14 victory.
“We didn’t have much to lose at the time, but we had a lot to prove to ourselves,” Shockley said of the Bulldogs, who came into the ‘05 game 9-2. “We wanted to go out and play well and I think this Georgia team now is feeling the same way. Nobody is giving them any respect for winning the last 10 games and being in this game, period.”
LSU was led by quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who came into the game banged up, and a bevy of fleet-footed wide receivers. But the hallmark of that Tigers’ team was the defense, which was known for stuffing the run and playing facemask-to-facemask in the secondary.
Shockley said the Bulldogs’ plan coming into the game was to use LSU’s defensive aggressiveness against it.
“We were going to take a couple of shots deep to let them know that we weren’t afraid and we were going to push it down the field,” Shockley said. “We weren’t going to play a conservative game. All year long, whenever they saw us audible, we always audibled to a quick game. In this game, when we audibled we did the exact same thing except we sent somebody long, too. And they did exactly what we thought. They jumped our quick slants and quick outs and Sean Bailey ended up running free down the sideline.”
Shockley hit Bailey on touchdown passes of 45 and 29 yards in the first quarter to stake them to a 14-0 lead six minutes in and the Bulldogs never looked back. Russell was out of the game and Georgia was ahead 34-7 by the time LSU scored its last touchdown with five miutes to play.
It was an unforgettable day for Shockley, who also ran for a seven-yard touchdown in the game.
“It was just so satisfying,” Shockley recalled. “I’d waited all that time and we’d been in the SEC Championship game and I was part of the team, but it was a different scenario until that year. We had a lot of guys on our team who were in the same boat, finally getting a chance to play and a lot of people not giving them a chance because we lost so many great players.
“Just being in that game was huge because we were picked to finish third in the SEC that year. So everybody thought it was a great year that year just to make it that game. But we wanted to go a step further and just win the game because all year long nobody thought we could do it. We thought, if we win this game, what else could anybody say. So personally it was very satisfying.”
Shockley hasn’t been able to recapture the magic since that game. After being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, injuries detoured his NFL career. He played last season with the Omaha Nighthawks of the AFL. He’s holding out hope for an opening to return to the NFL but doesn’t know if that’s going to happen.
“I know I can play; I know I’ve got the talent,” Shockley said. “It just depends on getting the chance. It’s all about getting the opportunity. But it’s not always about what you want to do. If it happens, I’ll put my best foot forward. If it doesn’t, hey, you’ve got to move on some day. I’ve got a 20-month old daughter [Milan] with my wife [Portia] and we’ve got a little boy on the way, so my priorities are different now.”
But that 2005 SEC Championship, it will always be with him.
– Chip Towers
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158 comments Add your comment
red&black
December 2nd, 2011
7:03 pm
Cheer up Tech fans. It’s 359 days before you have to take another thrashing at the hands of the Dawgs. Now see there is a bright side to this rivalry thing.
BullDogMike
December 2nd, 2011
7:07 pm
D.J was one of the best to ever wear the red & black !
munsondawg
December 2nd, 2011
7:16 pm
sittin here at the holiday inn in downtown atl drinkin beer and partying. just a few steps from the dome.. I’ll be there tomorrow rooting for the DAWGS to upset the tiggers…..
Sam
December 2nd, 2011
7:27 pm
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team.
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
Mike Addington
December 2nd, 2011
7:41 pm
Have to admit, DJ surprised me with his play his senior year. Richt or somebody did an excellent job getting him ready to play and DJ took advantage of it. One of the Dawgs greatest seaasons. And a big reason was because of DJ. Talking about takin one for the team!! D. J. took 4. Four seasons. Best of luck and big respect for you DJ.
Mike Addington
December 2nd, 2011
7:42 pm
Crowell is a girl.
AltamahaDawg
December 2nd, 2011
7:45 pm
Anyone just see KCP do that? That kid is the real deal.
Buckhead Bulldog
December 2nd, 2011
8:21 pm
Gotta love DJ….winner!
Sic’ ‘em DOGS!
???
December 2nd, 2011
8:22 pm
Who is KCP? Sorry, but I must have missed something.
Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
8:28 pm
DGD
Eric C.
December 2nd, 2011
8:34 pm
Stephen…CMR is actually 2-1 vs Miles, hoping for 3-1 though
Michael
December 2nd, 2011
8:36 pm
UGA fans are about to see why LSU is the best team in the Nation!
BobDawg
December 2nd, 2011
8:36 pm
Like “Lex” said… Only need to go toe to toe with them for 60 minutes… not best of 3 or 5 games… Football is still oblong and can bounce alot of ways… I wouldn’t be surprised to see Samuel out there either tomorrow… I think Richt is pulling a “Vermeil” this week with the running backs…
BobDawg
December 2nd, 2011
8:39 pm
Michael, no doubt they are impressive… and Jefferson is this years “Cam” running the spread option…
ca dawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:05 pm
michael, you may be right. i think, however, that LSU fans are about to see why georgia is not far behind them. though i think LSU has too much for us, i’m betting against the spread.
441North
December 2nd, 2011
9:48 pm
Shock is a DGD and a class act for sure. Hope we have that ‘05 mojo tomorrow night.
WestOfAthens
December 2nd, 2011
10:24 pm
I was in Jacksonville. with my good friend, Dawgs were 7-0, the Landing was MAD.
Albeit DJ’s injury prevented an appearance, and ensured Meyer’s first win vs UGA, Oh what if….
The SEC Championship was a sweet cap, Thanks DJ
Troup Co. Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
10:32 pm
Shockley was one of the Greats at UGA, I wished he had not torn his ACL while with the Falcons, but Espn and all the rabid reporters now determine who plays and who doesn’t….it’s really sickening now days to sit and watch Sportscenter because they are like the Fed Reserve of Sports, it is truly amazing to hear (not all), but most of these journalists who never stepped on a field decide who is in and who is out in Sports. For example, last years NFL draft, the draft Expert ( I can’t remember the name ) got upset when the draft didn’t line up as he predicted! Anyway Good Luck Shockley and Go Dawgs !!! We can do this baby !!! LSU ain’t nothing but a word ! Hunker Down !!!
Mike
December 2nd, 2011
10:36 pm
Let’s hope history repeats itself,it very well could do so,Go Dawgs!
1969 Graduate
December 2nd, 2011
10:51 pm
DJS was a terrific UGA player, and a heck of a lot of fun to watch. Sounds like he’s still a smart, informed football player, and a good man. No surprise. He always seemed to have character, as well as talent.
Speaking of which, the current University football team looks to have developed a lot of character, smarts, and talent, and is a DGD team.
I’m looking forward to seeing the LSU fans with their mouths hanging open, gasping for air, in shock because they’ve discovered that any team can be beat. But even more than I’m going to enjoy that sight, I’m looking forward to all the backpedaling by the “experts” at ESPN.
Will we win? More and more, I think we will. Our team seems to have the stuff, and now looks like the time.
Go, Bulldogs!
Troup Co. Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
10:54 pm
Look who’s in the news Today…it ain’t the Auburn Tigers, it ain’t the Crimson Tide, all you tROLLS get to sit in the backseat today baby! HeHe it’s High Time for the G-E-O-R-G-I-A <<<>>> B-U-L-L-D-O-G-S !!!!!
oleballfan
December 2nd, 2011
11:18 pm
2005 ummm. The year of Katrina. LSU had to play 12 staright games in the aftermath of the greatest disaster in USA history. By the time the Tigers got to the SEC CG, they were completely wornout. And UGA went on to get blown out by WVU in the Sugar Bowl. No credit from me to the 05 Dawgs.
BTW. Remember what LSU did to Ga Tech in the Chik-fi-la Bowl. Absolutely destroyed the Jackets.
UGA still owns GT
December 2nd, 2011
11:25 pm
Crazier things have been said and crazier things have been done, but the one thing that LSU fans are overlooking. This game is a “must win” and “fairly easy win” in yals minds. This IS the national title for UGA. They have been quiet all year and playing UGA football while patiently waiting for a shot like this to leave it all on the field and to prove to the school, the coaches, the counrty and themselves that UGA football is back. A lot of Tigger fan’s jaws will be dropping tomorrow. The big dawg will show up and they smell blood! GO DAWGS.
UGA still owns GT
December 2nd, 2011
11:32 pm
Everyone stop living in the past. The game is less that 24 hours away in the future which will rapidly become the present. LSU has all the credentials and UGA is playing for national respect. LSU has A LOT to lose and UGA is playing with reckless abandon and NOTHING to lose. I’m glad LSU is becoming consistent over in the west because they were a BOTTOM FEEDER before Saban christened that program. Gonna be a TRUE dawg fight and best of luck to both squads considering the ENTIRE country will be tuned in.
What’s that comin down the track?
uga75
December 2nd, 2011
11:54 pm
UGA has just as good a chance as LSU does tomorrow . . . I am betting on my dawgs! Tech fans, sit at home tomorrow and watch tv . . . not playing . . . nothing else to do. Win or lose, UGA is much better than GA Tech! Love how you are coming on here talking smack . . . let’s talk smack about last weekend instead of a game that doesn’t involve you at all.
Dalton Dawg
December 3rd, 2011
12:13 am
Lets see who will be the true DAWG fans tomorrow night. If we lose we need to give full support to the team and coachs for a job well done. If we win more the better and the same applies. Either way we we will still secure a great bowl and most likely win and if so 11 – 3 record would still be great. This would propel us in the recruiting and the ranking for the start of next year. It’s always great to be a DAWG and let’s tame the LSU Tigers tomorrow! Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!
BipolarDawg
December 3rd, 2011
1:12 am
Don’t worry folks, DJ will play in Nfl again it’s just matter of time.
TampaDawg
December 3rd, 2011
1:28 am
oleballfan
December 2nd, 2011
11:18 pm
2005 ummm. The year of Katrina. LSU had to play 12 staright games in the aftermath of the greatest disaster in USA history. By the time the Tigers got to the SEC CG, they were completely wornout.
———————————
Ole Excuse Maker,
That LSU team was so talented they and never made an excuse about the situation. So I am pretty sure the likes of Dwayne Bowe and Jemarcus Russell won’t need you to do it for them.
Columbus
December 3rd, 2011
2:11 am
Love you DJ. You were a great unselfish team player who could have started every year for most schools. You had talent and were a great person. Glad you were and will always be a Bulldog.
I will be coming up from Columbus tomorrow for the game. Hoping for a close game, a few wrinkles in the offense that messes LSU up like in 05, a defense that keeps us in it all the way, an offense that does NOT turn the ball over, special teams that do NOT turn the ball over or give up a big play but CREATES big plays and turnovers for us. IF UGA can win the turnover game, we can win. LSU however leads the nations in this category so it will not be easy to win it, but if we do not turn it over, we just might! Sitting in 324 row 13 or 14. I am pumped and I believe in the guys and the coaches, just like I have all year and through the storm. Win or lose, I am with them all. The storm is over!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS! BEAT THEM TIGERS. EAT THEM BACKS FOR BREAKFAST!
Nub
December 3rd, 2011
5:18 am
DJ ……. DFD!!!! It’s going to be raining sUGAr all up in here ToNite….
DawgNation
December 3rd, 2011
7:09 am
Let’s hope ole Larry has a much sturdier metal chair in that Press Box In The Sky.
1962 Dawg
December 3rd, 2011
7:09 am
2days the day Dawgs. Play smart and good things will happen.
However things turn out against LSU this is a “Damn Good Bunch Of Dawgs” and I for one am very proud to be a Dawg fan, this 10 wins in a row in itself is just awesome!!
Go Dawgs and GATA!!
GeauxTiger
December 3rd, 2011
7:24 am
UGA did get the win in ‘05 but it’s really not that simular to this year’s match up. LSU was banged up more than just at qb. If I remember right, Joseph Adi did’nt even play in that game. This year LSU is healthy, talented, and deep. UGA is the one with questions about who will be able to go at running back. Actually, this game is a lot different and the outcome will be a lot different too.
Irony Escapes Me
December 3rd, 2011
7:37 am
The Penn State head coaching job is one of the most prestigious jobs in all of CFB. I am proud for Coach Richt that he is being considered for the position, but I’m not worried about him taking the job. From what I hear, he is only the fifth best candidate on PSU’s short list. It’s still a great honor simply to make it onto the list.
cloudodust
December 3rd, 2011
8:02 am
On paper, the Defenses match up quite nicely. Ditto Offenses. One plugs away, one wants to hit quick. I’m just a simply viewer here with no money on the line or a program of choice today, but if history is an indication of what is to repeat or not to repeat, then LSU is looking at the outcome from 2005 as one not to allow in 2011. Motivation is a factor for both sides, for both sides have alot to play for. Whichever team plays the most errorless ball for 60 minutes, plays their assignments, wins. The matchup outside the lines will be Chavis vs Bobo…Give us a good game and good luck to both. For the record, if I were to make a prediction, LSU wins unless they lay an egg they haven’t laid all year.
Irony Escapes Me
December 3rd, 2011
8:14 am
Both teams enter this game with the longest single season win streaks that either of them has seen in the modern era of football. There shouldn’t be a lack of motivation for either team. Therefore, I’d suspect that raw athletic talent, coaching and discipline will be the deciding factors in the outcome.
stat break down
December 3rd, 2011
8:26 am
http://thegeorgiasportsreport.blogspot.com/
Cherry Picker
December 3rd, 2011
8:40 am
I live for obscure statistical comparisons! Who cares about the final score? That’s just one data set out of many, after all.
Sam
December 3rd, 2011
9:18 am
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team. Wants to go to LSU or Georgia or Georgia Tech.
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
bitter dawgs fan
December 3rd, 2011
9:19 am
a real SHOCK JOCK——greatest arm on a georgia QB i every seen from roll 5–30 yrd line
———–shock can make all the throws including the elway –across the field down and out
—————–thanks for the great senior year and hope you make it in the NFL
———————-i suject work out in flower branch for free—-then they will have to watch that arm
DanTheDawgfan
December 3rd, 2011
9:28 am
GTBob! How as Tech dones against Georgia the past eleven years?
JDawg1785
December 3rd, 2011
9:59 am
Thanks for the memories, D.J.!
monty
December 3rd, 2011
10:28 am
So if I understand some of you guys(girls), if GA can pull off the upset today, it will be the greatest in modern school history, since it is “nothing like 05″. SWEET!!!!
monty
December 3rd, 2011
10:30 am
Stupidest sports column I read all week(ESPN writer) said Denver’s success has “nothing to do with Tebow!”
LogicalUS
December 3rd, 2011
10:44 am
“think its funny that people think that we are the same team that opened 0-2″
People are not blind, except for a horde of delusional UGA fans. They are NOT looking at the first two games but more likely that this is the same UGA offense that got stoned by UK two weeks ago at home and the UGA defense which got drug up and down the field against Vandy, having to rely on a tackle by the punter to salvage a meltdown.
It has been surreal watch the UGA fans swearing at their team as it struggles thru virtually every game then afterwards acting like it was a dominating performance against the 85 Bears.
You can’t hide the averageness forever, especially when you run into a team like LSU.
Crowell calls it a day midway in the 2nd Qtr and LSU rolls 38-13.
Vince
December 3rd, 2011
10:46 am
D.J.—–You are, and will always be, THE MAN.
i'm from Columbus, GA
December 3rd, 2011
10:53 am
we major in stupid down here. it’s a way of life, woven into the fabric of everyday life.
i'm from Columbus, GA
December 3rd, 2011
10:55 am
am I the only one noticing that Calhoun and Buford are in the championship game every year? think recruiting may be going on in those fine communities? just like Dalton and their recruiting mess, the state should be taking a look at Calhon and Buford; odds are against what’s going on there every year.
evil empire
December 3rd, 2011
10:58 am
you georgia fans are true time travelers…always living in the past…LSU 44 UGA 10…
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December 3rd, 2011
11:03 am
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