Georgia’s top five priorities heading into preseason football camp are . . .
Georgia coach Mark Richt, here flanked by All-Americans Bacarri Rambo (L) and Jarvis Jones at the Atlanta Sports Awards this past February, will be leaning hard on his defense in 2012.
ATHENS – The Georgia Bulldogs will take their first steps toward becoming the team they will be in 2012 when 105 players jog onto Woodruff Practice Fields on Thursday for the first of 28 practices.
Despite a tumultuous offseason, there is an underlying optimism. The Bulldogs, 10-4 last season, are favored to repeat as SEC Eastern Division champions largely because they return 15 of the top 17 tacklers from a top-5, nationally-ranked defense and an All-SEC quarterback in Aaron Murray.
But for Georgia to realize its goal of returning to the SEC Championship game — and winning it this time — several issues have to be resolved during preseason camp. Here are the top five priorities going in:
1. IDENTIFY OFFENSIVE LINE
Nothing is more crucial to the Bulldogs’ success this season than being able piece together a competitive offensive line. It’s hard enough to replace three starters that totaled 19 feet, 2 inches in height and 983 pounds of mass and will all play in the NFL this season. But then you add the uncertainty surrounding the lineup and therein lay the possibility of disaster.
Heading into Tuesday night’s team meeting, nobody was sure whether Kolton Houston was going to be available this season or not. That’s a big deal considering the Bulldogs determined in the spring he is their best option at right tackle. Houston was suspended for a year by the NCAA for violating one of their policies and must be cleared by the college football’s governing body for his eligibility to be restored.
Richt’s last word on the subject was, “I wish I had an answer for that. I still don’t have an answer on whether he’ll be eligible.”
With Houston, the Bulldogs appear set at right tackle and could possibly move an experienced player to center. Without Houston, undersized and rarely-used sophomore David Andrews will have to get the job done at center and true freshman John Theus may be the next best option at right tackle. Whatever combination Georgia goes with it needs to get established quickly and because continuity is often key to consistent offensive line play.
“They’re a little bit of a focal point as far as needing to prove they can do it,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “In offensive line play, just coordinating five guys to hit the right guy is big. But these guys are very sharp. If we can get five guys that will fight like mad and put the right hat on every guy we can function pretty well; if you have the right skill people at quarterback, which we do.”
2. ESTABLISH CHEMISTRY
Perhaps number 1-A as far priorities preseason camp is establishing good team chemistry and positive momentum for the season. The Bulldogs encountered a tumultuous offseason that saw players arrested, dismissed or suspended. Some transferred and some left and came back. As a result, the program has been questioned about the character of the players it recruits.
Such scrutiny can tear teams apart or it forge them together in an unbreakable bond. Obviously Georgia players believe the latter will be the case.
“As a team, we’re going to lose individuals,” All-American linebacker Jarvis Jones said. “But we’ve got to stay focused on what we have. We’ve got some leaders on this team, myself, Abry [Jones], Aaron [Murray], T.K. [Tavarres King]. All of us have stood up and had words. We told the guys, ‘y’all know what we have here; y’all know why we came back; y’all know what the goal is.’ We have one of the best [coaching] staffs in the nation and we’ve got the whole Bulldog Nation behind us. So the more we stick together and the more things we do right, the more we can pave our way to where we want to go.”
3. RESOLVE SECONDARY SITUATION
With the exception of announcing a two-game suspension for cornerback Sanders Commings, who pleaded guilty in a misdemeanor domestic violence case this past February, Georgia has never acknowledged reportedly-imminent suspensions for three other defensive starters. Two of those players – All-America free safety Bacarri Rambo and senior cornerback Branden Smith – also play in the defensive backfield.
Based on personnel moves made in the spring, the Bulldogs clearly expect something to come down. They moved Malcolm Mitchell, arguably their most explosive wide receiver, over to cornerback. And while he’s expected to eventually play both sides of the ball, he’ll be concentrating on defense in camp. That’s a risky proposition that has to work for Georgia to get past pass-happy Missouri in Game 2.
“The main reason for [moving Mitchell to defense full time] is we want him to be able to function on any given down, distance or situation,” Richt said. “I’m not saying he’s going to play every single down on defense. I don’t know if anybody plays every down any more. But I want him to be able to understand our scheme will enough where coach [Todd] Grantham will have every opportunity to do whatever what he might want to do or call in the game. So we’re getting him ready to play as much defense as he can.”
Less discussed and just as critical is having little-used sophomores Corey Moore and Connor Norman come through at safety.
4. DETERMINE PECKING ORDER IN BACKFIELD
Of course, the most publicized departure for Georgia in the offseason was the dismissal of tailback Isaiah Crowell after his summer arrest on weapons charges. All the talk of losing a bad apple aside, the fact is the Bulldogs lost their most talented and proven rushing threat. In fact, coupled with the transfer of rising senior Carlton Thomas, Georgia lost 1,221 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns off last year’s team.
The Bulldogs have somewhat of a known commodity in redshirt sophomore Ken Malcome, who enters camp as the No. 1 tailbacl. But to address depth concerns, they will again depend on Richard Samuel to ride to the rescue. The 6-foot-2, 243-pound senior was their best option at fullback before Crowell left. Now he’ll move back to tailback fulltime and, early on at least, be counted on as the dependable back who knows every assignment and can be on the field in any situation.
Meanwhile, Georgia inked a player in Keith Marshall that many recruiting services rated the No. 1 tailback prospect in America. The Bulldogs signed four-star back Todd Gurley, too. But since Marshall was able to enroll early and participate in spring practice, he stands as the most likely newcomer to be able to step in and contribute early. Georgia needs him to come through.
“Keith is the only one I could say how ready I think he’ll be,” Richt said. “He certainly has been diligent about learning what to do and that’s more than half the battle. He’s lived through a spring now, even though he had a hamstring injury. So he’s got a pretty good idea of what’s coming.”
That doesn’t even address the situation at fullback. Walk-on Merritt Hall enters camp atop the depth chart but everyone is eager to get a look at freshman Quayvon Hicks in action. He reportedly is a “rock-solid” physical specimen who now carries 265 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame.
5. DEVELOP THE KICKING GAME
Georgia was supposed to have one of the most formidable kicking games in the nation this past season with punter Drew Butler and place-kicker Blair Walsh at the helm. Though it didn’t actually materialize that way, both players were snapped up by NFL teams and are gone now.
The Bulldogs will learn their true worth quickly as they break in freshmen at those respective positions. Punter Collin Barber of Cartersville and place-kicker Marshall Morgan were both rated among the best in the nation in high school. But being able to come through before 90,000 fans and national-television cameras as NFL wannabes bear down at full speed is a proposition nobody can prepare them for until they go through it
“It’ll be interesting,” Richt said. “I’m sure they will be nervous. Kickers and punters, maybe more than any other position, the better fundamentals they have and the more reps they can accumulate will help them. . . . They have powerful legs. There’s no question in my mind they have all the tools to get it done. But the first time you do anything I’m sure they’ll be nervous. I’m sure they’ll be nervous in practice. Certainly they’ll be nervous in ballgames if in fact they win the jobs. They have a good chance.”
None of the walk-on candidates distinguished themselves in the spring, so the Bulldogs need the newbies to come through.
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155 comments Add your comment
McDawg
August 1st, 2012
11:44 am
OL and kicking game-i think the secondary will hold out thru suspensions-
Dawg Pound
August 1st, 2012
11:49 am
I’m really nervous about the Mizzou game, UGA always seems to be slow out of the gate.
Spike 80DF
August 1st, 2012
11:59 am
Agreed Dawg pound, Mizzou will be a huge test. I think their QB may still be hurt, anyone know if that’s the case?
Paddy
August 1st, 2012
12:00 pm
Chip……..Do you think that those suspensions will really happen?
Henne
August 1st, 2012
12:05 pm
I think they’ll do OK.
piermontdawgny
August 1st, 2012
12:06 pm
time to strap it on boys!
Ben
August 1st, 2012
12:10 pm
Chip, why do you use the adjective “little used” to describe sophomores?? Arent almost all sophomores little used? Doesnt this go without saying?
BankerDawg
August 1st, 2012
12:14 pm
Spike – I read somehwere that he had surgeryy in the offseason. But there are no reports that he wont be ready to go. I just dont see Missouri having an answer for our front 7. Yes, they are an explosive offense when given the time to throw it. But consider the fact that he is not going to have time and that he is depending on an incoming (highly touted) freshman to make plays. I say good luck with that. I dont think they score more than 20 on us and they dont have an answer for all of our offensive threats. The key is how much emphasis is on the running game. Yes, we can beat them by airing it out. But, it will let us know the offensive philosophy for the rest of the year. We will not beat SC. FLA, or even TN if we cant run the ball.
DGD!
August 1st, 2012
12:25 pm
Whats the deal with alexander ogletree. he seemed like he did a fair job a fb last year when called upon but has not been metioned and does not even appear on some depth charts. I think the sec will be fine. The o-line as is always is a huge concern. But i remember the last time the o-line was this big of a question mark they faired pretty well protecting DJ for the season and we won the SEC. Only time will tell. Get after it boys, its that time. yall shut these fools on these blogs the hell up!
Stiffneck
August 1st, 2012
12:33 pm
Mizzou’s dual threat QB should be at 100% for the game. He’s pretty good too. Got to keep him off the field with long drives and scores. Which means we have to have a running game. Forget the no huddle. Clock management is the key to the crowd and winning this thing.
Dawg-Gawn
August 1st, 2012
12:35 pm
Time to knock some heads… strap on the G. In the words of Raekwon McMillan… “down south Georgia Dawg’s baby, it’s how we get down”
Paddy
August 1st, 2012
12:40 pm
I guess I will have to admit it, I am the only Dawg fan that is not that concerned about our O-Line We had all those beefy stars the last 2 seasons and could not get it done I think this group will make us all proud with their consistent play.
Big Albany Dawg
August 1st, 2012
12:40 pm
GATA
@spencaman
August 1st, 2012
12:42 pm
Definitely weird that we have not heard any more info on the secondary suspensions at this point? I wonder hat they are?
David Granger
August 1st, 2012
12:45 pm
Georgia’s top 5 needs:
1. Stay out of legal trouble. Slap a damn curfew on the team, Coach Richt, if you have to. But we need you to ride herd on them, not be one of those “hands-off” coaches. Yes, I know they’re all over 18 and should be old enough to show some maturity…but they DON’T. So crack down…we need you to be a Charley Badass.
2. Have the team ready to play hard from the opening kickoff until the final gun. We’ve lost too many games over the past few years because it took us the entire first half to get going.
3. No STUPID penalties. There are always going to be some penalties if a team plays hard. But we’ve committed way too many dumbass penalties at critical moments of the game before. Let’s not help the other team keep a drive going.
4. Play to WIN the game…don’t just play not to lose. A draw play off-tackle on third and long is a smart call on occasion…but not five times in a row.
5. Continue to stress defense and kicking coverage.
It would be nice to see the team actually ACHIEVE to the level of its talent.
PMC
August 1st, 2012
12:45 pm
1 Health 2 Health 3 Staying Eligible 4 Protecting the Football 5 Scoring Enough Points
sic em DOODY
August 1st, 2012
12:50 pm
Whats the hold up on the new Uga? It’s kind of embarrassing! We need new BREEDERS!!!
Doobie Bros
August 1st, 2012
12:52 pm
1. No smokin weed. 2 Fire Bobo 3. the D needs to be nastier.
7576DAWG
August 1st, 2012
12:54 pm
The kicking game was a big problem for us last year but with the rule changes of kicking off at the 35 yard line I think most of our kick offs will be in the end zone. I also think most coaches will chose to down the ball and start on the 25 yard line instead of running it out. The extra five yards will allow our defense to get down the field faster and will make the 25 yard line look pretty good to our opponent.
Doobie Bros
August 1st, 2012
12:54 pm
4. beat gater 5. beat south carolina
Mark (another one)
August 1st, 2012
12:58 pm
1. Team first.
2. Ignore outsiders including bloggers and the press.
3. Learn to execute all assignments to the best of your abilities.
4. Attend all classes, tudoring sessions, and other academic or team appointments and functions.
5. Enjoy practicing, playing and representing the University of Georgia.
7576DAWG
August 1st, 2012
12:59 pm
The main priority will be to cut back on turnovers. Murray has got to limit big plays for the other teams defense.
The Offensive line is a concern but I think they will do better than everybody thinks. How quick our Tailbacks hit the line and Murray’s release will help more than anything.
chilidawg
August 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
The elusive “jelling of the offensive line” should be priority #1.
ARdawg
August 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
Chip
What is the deal on Zander Ogletree?
collegeballfan
August 1st, 2012
1:13 pm
The offense always depends on the OL.
Mobile Dawg
August 1st, 2012
1:16 pm
In no particular order, they are all equal ingredients IMO.
OL
Aaron Murray to develop into the reliable QB he’s “rated” to be.
Special Teams must improve
Improved game day coaching
Team Chemistry
Dawg Haus
August 1st, 2012
1:18 pm
Hurry up, September!!
Steamer Lane Bulldog
August 1st, 2012
1:22 pm
Glad we start out with Buffalo, so the kickers, young O line, and DB’s can get their feet wet.
idiotsavant
August 1st, 2012
1:29 pm
Wow. From the sound of this report, we’re going to lose every game. Buffalo is making me VERRRRRY nervous!
Grantham's The Man!
August 1st, 2012
1:31 pm
The NCAA needs to get off their whatchamacallit’s and clear Kolton Houston. It’s been a year! They really seem to like holding Ga hostage in these situations.
To bad they can’t treat Ga atleast as well as they do the teams that are really breaking the rules.
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
1:32 pm
Great blog so far, lots of very good insight. I have one that Mr. Granger touched on.
COACH MIKE BOBO IS THE KEY**** Making proper adjustments this year will keep UGA in all the games. He has to find ways to get the ball out on the edge better. Two tight-end sets, screens, swing passes, fullback out of the flats. These are the things that will “spread” the defense and open up the middle. Can Coach Bobo use his imagination this year? If the O-line is being manhandled, then bring in the T.E.s and fullbacks. Giving Murry time or not calling plays that take too long to develope. COACH BOBO MUST ADJUST TO KEEP THE DEFENSE OFF-BALANCE. If he does this and we can hold on to the ball, keeping turnovers to a min., then our Defense will take care of the rest…
north georgia fan
August 1st, 2012
1:34 pm
I’m surprised improvement of special teams play overall is not on the list, we are statistically on the bottom of the SEC and not so much punting and kicking as the poor coverage teams and being duped by trick plays.
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
1:41 pm
Special Teams learning to tackle and better communications with punter and gunners going after the right area’s and returners. No more kicking to anyone named Honey Badger or Jitter-Bug or Pocket-Rocket or Bottle-Rocket, lol…
Bubbatavious
August 1st, 2012
1:42 pm
1. Being outcoached, 2. getting burnt on trick plays.
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
1:44 pm
Kick it to Sweet-potato-pie or Pork-chop or anybody named after food…
Dawg Haus
August 1st, 2012
1:45 pm
Is Pocket-Rocket Mettenberger’s new name, kingdaddy?
BigdaddyJ
August 1st, 2012
1:48 pm
Let us pray…
RHall55
August 1st, 2012
1:49 pm
UGA has the Bobo Factor (poor play calling)….the Will Friend Factor (lack of OL depth)….the VanHalenger Factor (keeping players on the field)…..the Rodney Garner Factor (poor management of roster depth)…..the Joe Tereshinski Factor (lasting all four quarters)…..time will tell if these these issues can be turned around….if not, cut bait and find another….ie: Willie Martinez!!!
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
1:52 pm
Be prepared to ADJUST in the second-half!!!
Never, ever go into a prevent Defense our “Safe” offense, I keep hearing The Red-Hot Chilli Peppers sing “Give it away now”, lol…
Steveo
August 1st, 2012
1:54 pm
I think the offense will struggle the 1st 3 or 4 games….Big D gotta carry us……after that if the Oline isnt set and we can’t find a running game, it’s gonna be a tough season…..and keep your fingers crossed on those young kickers!!
Keith
August 1st, 2012
1:56 pm
2012……9-3 (Missouri, Carolina and Florida). Not down on this team- just have learned from the past not to have high expectations. I think there has been still way to much drama in Athens coupled with a QB that has a tendancy to play bad in big games and there you have it.
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
1:57 pm
We also have The RHall Factor (Fans that give up and do little but complain about pretty much everything everytime they post) You forgot that one 55…
dawgfan
August 1st, 2012
1:58 pm
According to Tech fans we UGA fans always predict national titles for ourselves every single year. Did you guys know that? It was news to me, but they’re the smart ones so I guess we have to take their word for it. It would seem then that we have no priorities or concerns for this coming season other than travel arrangements for the BCS Title Game. What a dumb blog Chip. Just go ask a Tech fan what UGA fans think of UGA football. They know better than we do.
Thanks.
Wayne
August 1st, 2012
2:01 pm
9-3 seems about right; but could easily go to 10-2 or 8-4. If Arron Murray plays like he has the past 2 years (8-4); if he shows improvement we could pull out 10-2. My gut tells me of the two it lands at 8-4
G-Dawg
August 1st, 2012
2:02 pm
Conditioning and Sense of Urgency!!
Keith
August 1st, 2012
2:05 pm
Kingdaddy……We also have The RHall Factor (Fans that give up and do little but complain about pretty much everything everytime they post) You forgot that one 55….
tell me kingdaddy….what in the past three years has there been to get giddy about. I am 100 percent Dawg but am becomming tired of the same old crap year in and year out. Maybe if we can find a way to be a team in the top 20????
Carew Rowell
August 1st, 2012
2:05 pm
How bout blocking and tackling better? That’s an idea.
Just my opinion…
mike addington
August 1st, 2012
2:06 pm
first it was time management, then QB choice, then defense,now special teams. guess I’m the old geezer but I’ve yet to see a MR team that is as fundamentally sound all the way around as a VD team. With the exception of HW years, we won by playing fundamentals better than the other guys
Delbert D.
August 1st, 2012
2:08 pm
Mizzou won’t depend entirely on new #1 recruit WR Dorial Green-Beckham. They have the outspoken Mr. Everything TJ Moe returning at H-back. He had over 1,000 yards receiving with Gabbert in 2010 and 649 yds on 54 catches from Franklin last year.
IC
August 1st, 2012
2:11 pm
Yo cuz, i jis wanna wish all my homeboyz good luck dis yar, and wit practif startin tomorow. I be at Bama state totin da rock fo my new coach. yall be good. I jes need to do goood so I can get to da leage and get paid $$$$! Peace!
Carew Rowell
August 1st, 2012
2:12 pm
How bout reduce stupid mistakes that take no talent at all? Here are a few that drive me crazy:
1. Protect the football
2. Stay in your lanes on kickoff coverage
3. Fall on fumbles, instead of trying to pick them up and run for a TD. If I was coaching, you would be sitting on the bench if saw you try this one.
4. Actually run a punt back instead of fair catching it inside our 10 yard line.
5. How bout trying to run a screen instead of a draw off tackle on 3rd and 15? That’s a novel idea!
Delbert D.
August 1st, 2012
2:13 pm
Also, Lucas, the X-guy for Mizzou had 23 catches, 649 yds, 4TD and the Z-guy had 20/364/3 TD. Franklin’s numbers at QB last year are 2,865 yards, 21 TD, 139.9% passer rating *plus* 981 yards rushing, 4.8 ypa with 15 TDs.
Those returning X and Z receivers are 6-5 215 and 6-4 195 respectively, and Green-Beckham is 6-6 220. It should be a test of Georgia’s pass defense even if the as-yet-not-suspended guys play.
Palmetto State Dawg
August 1st, 2012
2:13 pm
1. Cover a kick!!! Don’t fall for fake punts!!!
2. O Line needs to learn how to bust a grape.
I also go with Keith
August 1st, 2012
2:17 pm
Sitting out a game or 3 or 4 games, does not really affect the violators. Usually, they are really good, NFL bound players anyway, and so, when they sit out, they actually enjoy knowing that they are not risking their $$ futures. This IS the jock culture at UGA and it has been for at least 15 years.
I personally agree with Keith, that we will ( due to A Murray) throw some games away and it likely again will be SC and AU and maybe a Florida or a Mizzo. 9-3 is about right and that will place us in a bolwl like the Gator or the Sun or maybe Liberty again.
Our O lines have lacked depth almost the enite 10 year era of mark Richt, so it HAS to be his O scheme that must turn off the top caliber kids. We always seem to “go to war” with 6 or 7 in August and we are fatigued badly in the 3rd and 4th qtrs and we throw it away and fumble it away in desperation. See that last Outback Bowl. Awful that was and sort of the MARK of a CMR team.
UGA man since 1959, my first game in Athens
Class of 71 & 73
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
2:21 pm
Keith,
You may be spot on. People talking about our “easy” schedule have to consider an improved UF & Auburn with Van Gort, a James Franklin coached Vandy that will come to win not just play. Missouri on the road, the other Columbia ranked 8-9 in the country, and possibly a ranked, dangerous G.T. No, it won’t be cupcakes like the idiot haters want to joke about, lol. Just ask the Mighty Lame-Crows about what an “easy” game Auburn was, lmboff. Yeap Keith, you may be right, but we can afford to be optimistic at this time. Why be a Gloomy Gus until you have to be??? That’s for trolls…
Mike's Bobo
August 1st, 2012
2:22 pm
Top priority? Having Richt stop over ruling me when I call a pass play on 3rd and long.
Palm City Dawg
August 1st, 2012
2:23 pm
Top 5 priorities to winning period…
1. Aaron Murray does not turn the ball over from missed OL assignments or just plain bad judgement.
2. Aaron Murray does not turn the ball over.
3. Aaron Murray does not turn the ball over.
4. Aaron Murray does not turn the ball over.
5. Aaron Murray does not turn the ball over.
DIT
August 1st, 2012
2:28 pm
I believe we will have a good assessment of the team after the Mizzou game.
Our offense has to keep the throttle down for 4 quarters. Don’t get conservative. Again, let’s see how the O-Line does at Mizzou.
Keith
August 1st, 2012
2:31 pm
Thanks Kingdaddy…point well taken. Perhaps we will all be surprised this year! Like I said, I am 100 % Dawg- just very frustrated at times.
DIT
August 1st, 2012
2:33 pm
Frankly, I’m tired of hearing about the “easy schedule” as well kingdaddy. People that think UT, UF, Auburn won’t be much improved this year are only fooling themselves. By the end of the year this actually might turn out to be a fairly hard schedule. For you clowns, Iam not saying the toughest, just tougher than what is being said about it now.
I also have to throw in my bit about Murray as well. I agree, he needs to matures fastly this year for this team to get to the next level in the SEC.
Let’s line em up! Month away and I’m going crazy! Go dawgs!
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
2:47 pm
OMG !
How could I forget about my Vols. They have to be better. I pull for all the teams in the east to win except when they play us and EXCEPT S.C., I hope they lose every game this year and “reacquire” the humble nature they had before they won another N.C…..in baseball, lol…
Virginia Jim
August 1st, 2012
2:47 pm
Ga fans- The same thing will happen this year like last year. You will probably win the east, and then get smacked around by a west team in the SEC championship game. Hopefully this year, the team will not get physically whipped in the second half again by LSU or Bama.
1eyedJack
August 1st, 2012
3:00 pm
I’m thinking that the line could be a bit better than last year’s. Yeah, we lost 3 seniors off that line and a ton of weight, but we were also playing 4 guards on that line last year. This year Georgia will be leaner and more athletic on the OL which could open up our offense some.
Cordy Glenn was a gaurd playing tackle. “Bean” Anderson was a guard playing tackle.
This year we should have two tackles playing tackle. Glenn and Bean were plodders and Bean couldn’t stay on sides. Ben Jones will be the one sorely missed.
I don’t presume to know, and there are 28 practices to sort it out, but this is how I’d like to see them line up against Buffalo.
Left Tackle = John Theus
Left Gaurd = Ken Gates
Center = Chris Burnette
Right Gaurd = Dallas Lee
Right Tackle = Kolton Houston
Two cents.
Eric
August 1st, 2012
3:04 pm
Can Mark Richt coach, we know how good a recruiter he is one of the best I’ve seen. This team is loaded defensively, Jones and Rambo are All Americans and Ogletree might be one of the best players in the country. Coaching always seem to derail good Georgia teams, this one is good enough to compete for a National Title.
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
3:14 pm
Let me tell you all the deal with Houston. I would know because I know a guy, who knows a guy that told me this in complete confidence, which I will of cource, eagerly betray for some props. Also I have access to the internet.
The news is: not good, or maybe it will be.
Moneyball
August 1st, 2012
3:17 pm
In reverse order, here are the top 5 priorities for 2012:
5. offensive line
4. special teams
3. special teams
2. special teams
1. special teams
Dawglasville
August 1st, 2012
3:20 pm
All of the talk about the size of our line last year was just a waste of air space. If they were playing buck buck it may be important. A better question would be, “Can they block?”
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
3:21 pm
Georgia ran a pass play on 3rd down and long nearly every single time last year (when it was not sitting inside it’s own 20) . Just saying, that joke is getting old.
cdog
August 1st, 2012
3:34 pm
one area should be quarterback. get a quarterback who is a winner. aaron murray is not the answer. everyone will see before its over.get one ready who is more than one deminsional.murray is a loser.check his records in big ball games starting with LSU AND MICHIGAN STATE just to name a few.
bigwook
August 1st, 2012
3:36 pm
This article made me fairly certain we won’t win anything. First, the reason we are picked to win the east is because of scheduling. Second, the best pocket passer in the nation…but no pocket? Third, Mizz might be a top 5 passing offense… WTH.
Snoop Dawg
August 1st, 2012
3:43 pm
Missouri is this year’s Boise State and earlier Oklahoma State.
If you do the same thing over and over, only a fool expects different results.
Missouri will beat Georgia like a cheap rug…
It’s the coaching, stupid.
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
3:52 pm
Such as, posting the same thing over and over?
steve
August 1st, 2012
3:52 pm
With this schedule we should go 12 and 0, but coaching and QB play won’t let that happen!!!!
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
4:01 pm
The irony being that the Coach and the QB is why you consider this team better than the (other coaches and Qbs) on the schedule.
ARdawg
August 1st, 2012
4:18 pm
Altamaha – Excellent analysis on Houston
1eyedjack – Is it even possible that this years OL can be as bad and porous as last year’s? I wouldn’t think so
Dawg Tired
August 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
Is the NCAA a joke or what?! In less than three weeks after the Free Report, they basically stepped beyond their jurisdictional bounds and emasculated Penn State. However, they can’t seem to make a decision where they actually are authorized to do so when it comes to an individual player like Houston who has already been out for a whole season. Practice is about to begin and the NCAA can’t even tell UGA whether he will be available. That is inexcusable. If the NCAA would just do what it is supposed to do and stay out of things that are properly handled by our judicial system, they could have informed UGA of Houston’s status in a timely manner.
GATiger
August 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
Uh…anybody think punt and kick coverage needs to be on that list of priorities?
Champion Dawg
August 1st, 2012
4:40 pm
Coach Richt, Our Georgia Dawgs 105 lean, mean, powerful, fast, talented footballers have worked their butts off all year. They do the workout program year round to play maybe 14 games a year. On Saturdays, Coach and staff cut the leashes and let Our “G” be represented by Our great athletes. Let Them Play. Let them have fun. Just Do It. Win Baby. How many people would love to be head coach or asst. coach of Our “G”eorgia BullDawgs. Coach’em up, then let them play.
bitter vince dooley
August 1st, 2012
4:42 pm
1st need——Dont prepare for the 1st game like we did last year against
——————–BOISE ST————-THERE 2 @ 3 STAR PLAYA’S
———NOT only SPANK our A$$’s but OUT PLAYED OUT COACHED THOSE DAWGS
————–NO need for a REPEAT against BUFF—-HAHAHAH
Champion Dawg
August 1st, 2012
4:45 pm
“G”eorgia D be offensive. Coach Grantham let our D offend the heck out of the enemy. Coach Bobo put the Offensive in our Offense. Offend, humiliate the opposition defense. Cut our players loose. Let them perform to their capabilities. Offend All Comers. Go Dawgs. What the opposing team is going to need is a truck load of Body Bags. Yep. Tote’m off the field. Send in fresh meat. Let a Big Dawg Eat a Lot!!!
bitter Hillfolk
August 1st, 2012
4:47 pm
HICKS AND GURLEY WILL START IN THE BACKFIELD———INCREADABLE TALLENT
———-RUMOR has it that tyler BRAY was caught throwing rocks at the sherrif’s
office windows—–breaking three——–ANDDYYYYYYY////BARNEYYYYY
a country boy can survive
August 1st, 2012
4:47 pm
how about not embassassing the conference in your annual mid-tier bowl game…that’s a priority…
Champion Dawg
August 1st, 2012
4:52 pm
Its WAR. Let us drop some NUKES. Use our SMART BOMBS. Go through, over, around, under, and flank them. KICK BUTTS and write down the NAMES. Sorry, BE Christian in the world, on the field of BATTLE, HAVE NO MERCY. TAKE NO PRISONERS. LOVE THEIR WOMEN. REMOVE THEIR SPIRIT. RULE OVER THEM WITH AN IRON SCEPTOR.
bitter Hillfolk
August 1st, 2012
4:52 pm
Watched the SEC Championship game and relized that our Special Teams were
Horobile !!!!—-and were bringing in two new kickers———geezzzeeee
On a better note ——tenn–ur–say——is even with VANDY—-HAHAHAH
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 1st, 2012
5:14 pm
Top priorities
Beat FL for the 2nd year in a row
Beat a top 15 team for a change
Bob
August 1st, 2012
5:23 pm
Just read where FSU kicked Greg Reid off the team…hooray for ethics. Does the state of Georgia have a lock on morally bankrupt athletes? Seems like we have more than our share and is this a product of our screwed up public school system? Just asking.
DOGGIE IN NC
August 1st, 2012
5:37 pm
My 2 cents: Quarterback – Murray finally learns to eat it / throw it away when necessary – backups very successful. Off. Line – Young / faster – able to block for Keith, enabling him to be able to “turn the corner”. Secondary – due to the pressure the front 7 will provide, this group will do just fine. Kicking game – young, but talented kickers out-preform last year’s kickers – how can they be worse? Coaching – screw you Bobo haters – man knows what he is doing and knows how to develop a quarterback – Grammy is the next head coach at UGA! GO DOGGIES!
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
5:38 pm
Some folks just want to know the score. Sad way to enjoy a college football team imo.
Chip Towers
August 1st, 2012
5:45 pm
ARdawg: No deal with Zander. He’s undersized for a fullback and he wasn’t able to beat out walkon Merritt Hall during the spring. The competition is intense at SEC level.
Chip Towers
August 1st, 2012
5:47 pm
Ben: The reason for “little used” is implies a lack of game-day experience. That’s opposed to an experienced sophomore such as Malcolm Mitchell.
Chip Towers
August 1st, 2012
5:48 pm
Paddy: Good question. I think all of the players mentioned will be disciplined to some extent. But until Georgia announces — or we just see them sit out games — it’s all just speculation.
JB
August 1st, 2012
6:24 pm
Richt needs to quit taking the foot off the peddle in the middle of the second qtr. with a 10 point lead. Spurrier has a mind set to win by 30 40 points if he can.
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
Leading the league in sacks, no line, a freshman RB, and a QB throwing a few ints, will make a guy’s foot pretty light on the peddle I would imagine.
Holy Guacamole
August 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
I think that UGA gets worn down in the second half due to no depth (which is due to roster losses and conditioning). Most top teams win ballgames in the second half by wearing down their opponent with their superior depth.
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
6:33 pm
I think a middle of the 2nd quarter with a 10 point lead is a bit of an exageration too.
Holy Guacamole
August 1st, 2012
6:35 pm
AltamahaDawg – I agree. With the problems at tailback and the oline last year, CMR had to be careful what he called. And, when the oline got tired, Murray was running for his life and that is when mistakes were made trying to made lemonade out of lemons.
Woofy One
August 1st, 2012
6:36 pm
Open strong then play 4 quarters !
http://www.georgiadogs.com/widecontent/warrior.html
jonkdawg GarlicBreath
August 1st, 2012
6:53 pm
Got to be so careful about Mizzou game, can’t sleep on them or run out of gas in fourth quarter like they did with Michigan St game.
Aaron
August 1st, 2012
6:59 pm
6. KEEP PLAYERS OUT OF JAIL
59bulldawg
August 1st, 2012
7:03 pm
I’m looking forward to Quayvon getting loose in the flats and rolling downhill toward the goal line. Should be a thing of beauty to watch!
StackedDeck
August 1st, 2012
7:03 pm
This UGA Team will make it’s own name in the game…’get hungry and ‘nasty you young dawgs and make us proud. GO DAWGS!! Hooorah!!
UGA / ‘74
LogicalUS
August 1st, 2012
7:38 pm
“On a better note ——tenn–ur–say——is even with VANDY”
Hate to point out that UGA needed a desperation trip by their punter to stave off a loss to Vandy last season, so I wouldn’t crow too loudly.
Seriously, UGA has to somehow find an offense consistent enough to take all pressure off Murray. Unfortunately, the load of possession recievers and the state of the OL\RB situation means that the burden falls on Murray and that means more forced passes and more turnovers.
Defensively, will the defense figure out that a football game does not end at halftime. Grantham has been consistently out-adjusted by the better coaches in the league so that must improve to lessen the number of collapses.
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
7:44 pm
Reminds me of our ole buddy Hunk Erdown. Every now and then he posted.”adjustment” to make fun of guys like you.
GtDawg
August 1st, 2012
8:01 pm
Rock Solid 6-foot-2, 265 pounds??????? Good Gracious!!
Tampa Gator
August 1st, 2012
8:39 pm
Number one priority should be…….beat at least one team that ends up in the top 25 this year….not lose by more than 30 points in the SEC Championship game….and then beat a Big Ten team in a bowl game.
Tampa Gator
August 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
If you guys are worrying about beating Missouri…..then you should not even be talking about winning the SEC East….much less the SEC championship game….and certainly not even considering a trip to the national title game.
Game Changer
August 1st, 2012
8:52 pm
1. Beat a team that finishes the season in the top 25
2, Stop all drug testing during the season
3. Keep their mouth shut during the game and not taunt the opposing team during game
4. Act like a team and or player that has been on the field and competed before
5. Repeat 1 to 4
Game Changer
August 1st, 2012
8:54 pm
logicalus: AM sucks and is the reason UGA does not perform well on offense. We need a quality QB
dwagdawg
August 1st, 2012
8:56 pm
Game Changer,
shouldn’t #2 say “PASS all drug testing during the season” ?
Sheeple excuse # 21
August 1st, 2012
9:20 pm
AltamahaDawg
August 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
Leading the league in sacks, no line, a freshman RB, and a QB throwing a few ints, will make a guy’s foot pretty light on the peddle I would imagine. …..Have you ever imagine that its because CMR just cant put down the peddle and really never has except for maybe the cream puffs?
fencedawg
August 1st, 2012
9:23 pm
Dengue, You are an idiot and definitely not a Dawg, but you do live in a wonderful world.
Dawggrad85
August 1st, 2012
9:28 pm
No here’s the pecking order – play with heart – loads and loads of heart and passion – like there’s no tomorrow. Play off field like your Mama / Pops or Grandmother is with you and saying baby now don’t do that or I’m gonna whoop your behind with a hickory stick. Remember this is once in a lifetime experience – don’t blow it – bring your A game every game and remember this is no tomorrow. When all is said is done walk off the field saying I gave it my all and I didn’t embaress my family or name. Drop to a knee and thank the Almighty God for your good fortune and then say “Ain’t it Great to Be A Jawja Bulldog ! ” And don’t you ever forget it. There are a million guys who would want to be in your place. Thank your lucky stars and God you are there. Then kiss UGA and get a good education. Don’t give my university a bad name or Mikey B will come looking for you. You can count on it. Thank God I’m a Jawja Bulldog.
Mobile Dawg
August 1st, 2012
9:48 pm
Champion, please put down the kool aid before you hurt yourself. Why should we really be any more optimistic than we have been the last five years. Richt’s record has been abysmal, personnel attrition has been excessive, IMO the only positive thing that has happened in Athens has been Granthams defense, and that has been shadowed by poor decision making by those that should be among the team leaders, player wise.
Why is it that Alabama recruits the same players as UGA, yet they have “three” consensus first team All Americans on their OL. Ours is in shambles year after year. We have no plan, no leadership. Until Richt shows he deserves respect as a coach I will continue to petition for change. Of course this is JMO.
kingdaddy
August 1st, 2012
10:22 pm
#1. Stay out of trouble.
#2. Practice 1st team offense with 1st team defense.
#3. Give O-line help with fullback, two tight-end sets, don’t call plays that require Murray to hold the ball too long.
#4. Special teams, Special teams, Special teams.
#5. Make better adjustments for second-half on offense and defense…
Tampa Gator
August 1st, 2012
10:33 pm
Looks like a top priority for next year for Richt should be to learn how to recruit the state of Georgia….Brandon Langley committed to South Carolina. Wow.
PIERCE DAWG
August 1st, 2012
10:39 pm
QUAYVON HICKS IS THE MAN AND WILL CONTRIBUTE EARLY. I HATED LOSING HIM OFF OUR HIGH SCHOOL TEAM. HE WAS A MAN AMONG BOYS HIS SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL. I SEE HIM PLAYING EARLY. GO PIERCE COUNTY DAWG.
A guy that I can like is ............
August 1st, 2012
10:42 pm
UGA has a walk on fullback at 6′4″ and 255. He is from S Georgia?, smart, and tough as nails and loves to hit AND he can catch the ball. HE IS A WALK ON. The coaches say he is simply a tough, old time football player. I like it !!
He simply was over looked by big schools as a senior in HS and he says ‘it is fine, because I wanted UGA anyway”. He is smart, tough and will do what it takes to win and is not a heroin addict. I say he is ONE OF US> GO DOGS
He is like guys that I knew in the freaking 60s. Go Dog
UGA man 71 & 73
GATOR Slayor
August 1st, 2012
10:44 pm
TAMPA GATOR we beat you last year and will again this year. It was 2 or three years ago you lost to a bid ten team. You sure has a brain lapse. You did not beat a top ten team the last two years.
Tampa Gator
August 1st, 2012
11:10 pm
GatorSlayor…..
What does Florida have to do with the top 5 priorities for Georgia? Florida top priority every year is to win the National title. The Gator have not done that since 2008. Georgia has not done that since….well that is an old, old story. And what does Florida losing to a Big Ten team 2 or 3 years ago have to do with Georgia beating a Big Ten team this year in a bowl game? Florida did that last year….not 2 or 3 years ago….and every team in the country that played a Big Ten team in a bowl….won against that Big Ten team….except one….and that was….well, another old story.
William
August 1st, 2012
11:21 pm
Off season conditioning is important. But, you get in game shape by practicing football. Coach Richt has to practice them to get in game shape. It was obvious last year that we were not in “football” shape early in the season and never really caught up late in the year. I coached high school football for 25 years and if I learned one thing it’s important to get them in football shape while in practice.
Fair n Balanced
August 1st, 2012
11:50 pm
9-3.
dawghater
August 2nd, 2012
6:45 am
Top 5 Priorites
1. Drug Sweep of all players lockers
2. Gun Sweep of all player lockers
3. Book all players in class – Beat the Rap 101
4 Continue to try to steal some Penn St.players
5 Come up with some good excuses why you didn’t win the SEC again
dmr
August 2nd, 2012
8:30 am
Play as many young players as you can against Buffalo, especially in the mid-3rd and all of the 4th quarter. Georgia has the opportunity to build early and keep it rolling. You heard it here first. If Coach Bobo goes into happy pass mode against Missouri and Georgia throws the ball more than 25x’s and doesn’t manage the clock, Georgia gets beat due to suspensions in the secondary. Also, after watching replays of the South Carolina game from last year, Georgia has got to capitalize on opportunities, limit turnovers, and make sure we are sound in the kicking game.
Butter Bean Floyd
August 2nd, 2012
8:39 am
1. FIRE MARK RICHT 2.FIREMARK RICHT 3.FIRE MARK RICHT 4.FIRE MARK RICHT 5.FIRE MARK RICHT
bawbie
August 2nd, 2012
8:41 am
Fire Dave Perno!
00mpa L00mpa dawg
August 2nd, 2012
8:47 am
Better Qb play from our dwarf.
Joey
August 2nd, 2012
8:52 am
I remember what happened the last time we played without both Rambo and Ogletree – against a “pass-happy” team. Our worst defensive showing of the season vs Boise St.
We’re gonna miss those two at Mizzou. Our offense better be ready to put up about 35.
Sir Since Vince
August 2nd, 2012
9:00 am
test
Sir Since Vince
August 2nd, 2012
9:01 am
Beat the gaters and South Cackalacky or send Richt packing!
AltamahaDawg
August 2nd, 2012
9:20 am
No #21 I havent considered that because that seems pretty irrational to think that he invites mistakes by being conservative. (But I would be glad to listen you you explain that point.) Not to mention when playing “cream puff”, it’s certain that we will be seeing the deep reserves in fairly early and running pretty basic stuff, so not sure how you consider that a foot on the peddle.
AltamahaDawg
August 2nd, 2012
9:24 am
We are much more prepared at LB Now, (partly because of Tree going out in that game) than we were that day. And our pass rush is considerably more mature now.
And their QB ain’t K. Moore.
jerry
August 2nd, 2012
9:43 am
“The Bulldogs, 10-4 last season, are favored to repeat as SEC Eastern Division champions largely because they return 15 of the top 17 tacklers from a top-5, nationally-ranked defense and an All-SEC quarterback in Aaron Murray.”
Nah, it’s because the Gators and Vols are down.
Joey
August 2nd, 2012
9:44 am
K Moore ain’t James Franklin either. He put up a little less than Murray’s passing numbers, and rushed for almost 1000 yds also. Got about 400 yds rushing and passing vs Oklahoma.
He’s probably the best QB we will see this season.
MR
August 2nd, 2012
10:20 am
Georgia’s top five priorities heading into preseason football camp are . . .’
1. Make sure plenty of bail money is available.
2. Print and issue phony ID’s early.
3. Coordinate beer and alcohol deliveries directly to campus dorm rooms.
4. Store adequate supply of clean urine samples from Antartica in the lab.
5. Work with choreographer on new dance routine.
AltamahaDawg
August 2nd, 2012
10:36 am
But you made the comparison to Boise state and why we were vulnerable (at specific spots) in this game, just like that game. I am just saying, while he may be very good at any number of things, the specific things that Boise was able to do were different because the situation is different. With his style, and with our lineup ,then and now. Obvious a great QB (generally speaking) is always a challenge.
AltamahaDawg
August 2nd, 2012
11:09 am
Could we list, getting a much better class of trolls in here, as a priority? Somebody a little sharper than a 12 yr old.
Crack Dawg
August 2nd, 2012
11:09 am
This crack pipe is burning my fingers!
Joey
August 2nd, 2012
11:16 am
Yeah, that’s true. We are better off at LB than the start of ‘11 – not so sure at DB. They will get a workout.
Franklin’s in a tougher defensive league now so it will be interesting to see what numbers he puts up, but as a sophmore, his stats rival or exceed the last couple of dual-threat, college QBs, Cam Newton and RG3 at the same stage.
He will be fun to watch for the next couple seasons – at least against everybody else . . .
johnnygriffith
August 2nd, 2012
11:24 am
This year-another year with high football expectations. Enter Mark Richt-higher the expectations, the more Richt disappoints. Missouri game remind anyone of an inept Colorado team several years ago? Kicked Richt around like a ragdoll. Same old Richt, deja vu all over again. Against Spurrier, in Columbia, this year, same thing, the inept Richt disappoints again. He may not be done disappointing when Florida and Auburn come up later. Unless. and that’s a big unless, Auburn and Florida show up limping and Richt gets a virtual free pass. If either or both show up with a decent to date record, Richt won’t be able to compete, but UGA will continue to say, “that’s okay Mark, if you can just get a ten win cupcake record, that will be fine, and maybe we can line up a bowl even you can win against someone easier than Mighigan State this year”.
johnnygriffith
August 2nd, 2012
11:51 am
This is Mark Richt we are talking about here people. Richt is what he is. Not any where near one of the SEC best coaches Other schools, mainly Bama, LSU, Arkansas, S. Car., love him. You know, if Richt does get a free pass to the SEC Champ game this year, the opposite alumni is much more comfy against Richt as an opponent that against someone who can actually coach in a big game. It would be an SEC west team’s dream to draw Richt in the Champ game. You could smell a win a mile away against another underachieving Richt team.
l smith
August 2nd, 2012
12:08 pm
how many games have you naysayers won.go dawgs.
aprilglaspie
August 2nd, 2012
12:21 pm
“Dual -threat” QB generally indicates, boy can run but throwing? IC, smoove way to cover your own ineptitude. Racist nitwit.
simply the best
August 2nd, 2012
12:36 pm
Let’s get this season kicked off…..enough with the garbage vitriole of the haters. We’ll show up, will they?
Joey
August 2nd, 2012
12:45 pm
Dual threat: James Franklin
Passing: 238 of 376 for 2865 yds, 21 TDs, 140. passer rating
Rushing: 217 for 981 yds, 15 TDs
That work for ya, aprilglaspi?
Honky Talkin
August 2nd, 2012
1:39 pm
Does UGA have any players left that aren’t suspended for the first few games? Mizzou will be out for blood so be careful.
AltamahaDawg
August 2nd, 2012
3:19 pm
Out for blood. Thanks for that insightful warning.
as if: Tn will be just going through the motions, SC will be taking it easy, Uf is just going for the party, and AU is pretty much just coasting on thier trophy now. And tech really doesnt care much about Georgia.
Take a number and go stand in line, Mizzou.
FaithfulDawg86
August 2nd, 2012
4:06 pm
I LOVE Jarvis Jones!! What a DGD!
GATOR Slayor
August 2nd, 2012
4:44 pm
TAMPA GATOR THAT CHAMPIONSHIP IS IN THE PAST. WE WILL WHIP YOUR A$$ again this year and that is all that counts. Your head coach needs to be a defensive coordinator again. Gators going backwards. Remember i told you so. URBAN CRYER IS GONE.
Notebook: Georgia confirms Chase Vasser’s May DUI arrest | UGA sports blog
August 2nd, 2012
9:32 pm
[...] Bulldogs’ top five priorities heading into camp [...]
truedawg
August 3rd, 2012
5:01 pm
Bobo..He’s got to learn how to mix some plays AND use the players he has acording to their abilities. He knows the X’s and O’s but he has to see what is workign that day and change with the personel. I think the O line will be fine… Not great, but good enough. AM needs to learn to throw it away or slide. No turn overs. No pick’s . If we can protect the ball, we will be fine. GATA!!!
Notes: Dantzler, Theus battle at RT; Malcome missing Crowell | UGA sports blog
August 3rd, 2012
9:57 pm
[...] Bulldogs’ top five priorities heading into camp [...]
Invictus mon
August 4th, 2012
5:15 am
I would be ashamed to let this article be read in it’s current condition. Don’t you proof before you publish? Editor take a day off? Frought with grammatical errors and spelling mishaps. Let’s hope our season goes better than this train wreck of an article. You must have gone to the north avenue trade school for engineering. I know this didn’t come from someone who received a world class education at the University of Georgia. Must have spent too much time at the Library, and I don’t mean the one on campus.
Brayden Felan
August 5th, 2012
2:42 am
Nice blog! i am a a football aficionado.. keep writing!
Concussion sidelines Ray Drew from UGA practice (updated w/ practice notes) | UGA sports blog
August 7th, 2012
1:07 pm
[...] The top five priorities of preseason camp [...]
Jarvis Jones wants to ’seize the moment’ | UGA sports blog
August 8th, 2012
11:15 am
[...] The top five priorities of preseason camp [...]