No regrets for Todd Grantham: Vandy game ‘was heated, but no big deal’
Georgia defensive end Ray Drew (47) holds back defensive coordinator Todd Grantham from going after Vanderbilt coach James Franklin at the end of last year's game in Nashville.
GEORGIA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
ATHENS -- Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on Tuesday expressed no remorse over his actions at the end of last year’s Vanderbilt game, nor is he dreading how those events might affect this year’s contest at Sanford Stadium.
“No,” Grantham stated flatly when asked if he regretted his actions. “I understood what all was happening. Like I said, everybody’s competitive, it’s heated out there. It’s really not a big deal. I guess that’s football.”
Grantham and Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin had to be separated by players and referees as they engaged in a nose-to-nose shouting match shortly after the Bulldogs’ 33-28 win in Nashville last October. The two teams meet for the first time since on Saturday at 7:50 p.m.
Grantham said that it’s important that the Bulldogs focus on their assignments for stopping Vanderbilt’s offense and not get caught up in any kind of emotional retaliation.
“It’s us against them,” Grantham said. “It’s an SEC game. You know, anytime you play at home in the SEC you need to win those games to get where we want to go and do what we want to do. It’s the most important game because it’s the next game. That’s the focus you need to take because each week is tough. There are good teams in this league and you have to make sure you’re prepared every week. So we’ve got to be prepared.”
Grantham said he didn’t apologize to Franklin or Vanderbilt after last year’s game and he doesn’t plan to before Saturday’s contest. He plans to conduct himself as he always does.
“To be honest, I haven’t thought about it or worried about it,” he said. “I know our players work really hard and they prepare. I want to make sure they succeed. We’re going to work hard to make sure we’re prepared every Saturday we go on the field.
“We’re all competitive people. Things happen and you learn from it and move on. We want to make sure we keep the focus on the game and play a game on Saturday.”
Grantham said he hasn’t crossed paths with Franklin anywhere since last year’s game. But he insisted he doesn’t have a problem with the Commodores’ coach.
“Hey, he’s a good coach, he’s done a good job,” Grantham said. “They’re working hard to be competitive. They had a big game on Saturday. It’s an SEC game so it’s a big game for us, a big game for them. So we’ve got to make sure we prepare to get ready to win a physical game.”
As for Franklin’s joke that they’d vacationed together and drank Mai-Tais in the pool, Grantham indicated he likely wouldn’t be drinking a Mai-Tai.
“But I’m flexible,” he said with a grin.
Jarvis Jones says he’ll play
Jarvis Jones said he’s still bothered by the groin injury that kept him out of the Florida Atlantic game this past Saturday and he’s listed on Georgia’s daily injury-illness report as “limited.” But you wouldn’t know it on the practice field as Jones is not dressed in the traditional green jersey signifying a players’ injured status and he said you definitely won’t know it on Saturday as he intends to start at outside linebacker and play against Vanderbilt.
“I don’t want that green jersey; they can’t make me wear it,” Jones joked following the Bulldogs’ practice Tuesday night. “I’m fine. I’ve been treating it ever since it happened. I’m just getting back in the groove.”
Of course, that’s what he said last week. Asked again if there was a chance he might not play Saturday, Jones reiterated, “I’m gonna play this week.”
More offense ahead for Mitchell
Malcolm Mitchell, perhaps Georgia’s most explosive offensive threat as a freshman last season, has been almost exclusively a defensive player since the spring. Look for that to change, coach Mark Richt said Tuesday.
Mitchell, who played his first two offensive snaps of the season in last week’s victory over Florida Atlantic, catching a 49-yard pass on the first, will remain available at cornerback but reengage at wide receiver, Richt said.
“Malcolm will definitely stay with the defense as far as being ready to play. I imagine he will still play [defense],” Richt said. “His offensive reps will increase, and he’ll probably start to spend some meeting time with the offense as well.
“I’m thinking about trying to find a way to split time with him if he can manage it. We think it can work for us. He’s a guy who I think is in good enough condition. I know he’s smart enough to understand what’s going on on both sides of the ball with the experience he’s had.”
The return of cornerback-safety Sanders Commings from suspension last week and the return of suspended safety Bacarri Rambo by next week will somewhat alleviate depth concerns in the secondary.
Offense and defense aren’t the extent of Georgia’s plans for Mitchell.
“We need him on special teams, too,” Richt said. “He’s going to play offense, defense and special teams off and on for the rest of the year, I would think.”
Vandy QB situation
Vandy’s Franklin called it “a huge advantage” that Georgia has only one game of tape on which to watch quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels direct the Vandy offense. Franklin hasn’t committed publicly on a QB starter against Georgia, but Carta-Samuels — a transfer from Wyoming — is No. 1 on the depth chart after surprisingly starting ahead of Jordan Rodgers in last week’s 58-0 win over Presbyterian.
“He played well,” Richt said. “He didn’t have to really run the ball that often and wasn’t pressured much. He did drop back and throw the ball well. It looked like he ran the system well. … They didn’t change what they would have been doing schematically a lot.”
Richt said he “can only assume” Carta-Samuels will start Saturday.
Etc… .
Offensive linemen Dallas Lee and Watts Dantzler, both of whom have left ankle sprains, ran on the sidelines in green jerseys as their teammates practiced Tuesday. Their status remains questionable. In the meantime, the Bulldogs continued to work with Mark Beard at left tackle and regular left tackle Kenarious Gates at Lee’s left-guard position. . . . . Quarterback Aaron Murray became the 14th Georgia player — the most in Division I — to be nominated to the Allstate/AFCA Good Works team. Murray was one of 11 players in this year’s group. They are chosen by a national panel to based on their service to others and “off-the-field positive impact.”
Staff writer Tim Tucker contributed to this report.
MORE ON GEORGIA FOOTBALL
- Georgia LB Amarlo Herrera proving to be more than a fill-in
- A look at Georgia’s next opponent: Vanderbilt
- Quotes & highlights from Tuesday’s news conference
- Bulldogs’ Cornelius Washington likes ‘a good confrontation’
- Vandy’s James Franklin jokes of vacationing with Todd Grantham
- ‘Salary restructuring’ means base-pay increases for 6 asst. coaches
- Georgia-Tennessee game time set to accommodate TV broadcast
- Bulldogs climb to No. 5 in AP poll, No. 6 in coaches
- Notebook: Richt says focus this week on football, ‘not the extracurricular’
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225 comments Add your comment
Cdpridg
September 19th, 2012
1:58 pm
Postmaster….good…very good son! You are opening up and this is what I am here for. Let your frustrations out about how you loathe the winning ways of Georgia football. On to question 2. How do you feel as a fan of a team that cannot beat UGA?
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
1:58 pm
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
1:40 pm
Not Negative at all, just a realist. Pretty darn Happy person who enjoys college football. I actually get to go to quite a few games as a guest of my boss, who works as an official throughout the league as a play clock operator.
I just see things that as they are, no sugar coating, no pampering, no homerism.
Grantham was wrong for what he did, he stepped over the line on both occasions and his attitude is reflective of his players and their on and off the field issues. He bullied Bobo to get one of his best players on defense and he is a constant bully who has not beaten anyone during his tenure as DC who ended the season ranked.
Not saying UGA is not good, I think they are. Probably better than 95% of the teams in the country, but they always seems to play down to other teams level and cannot play up to the level of the great teams when the pressure is on. They have some very self centered players who do not know what the word “Team” means. If they had a few more Jarvis Jones attitude players they would be unstoppable on defense but they do not and UGA fans have to live with the fact Dumb players and dumb coaches make dumb mistakes.
Just to make sure you read it correctly , I Reposted it for you….
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:02 pm
Cdpridg
September 19th, 2012
1:58 pm
Postmaster….good…very good son! You are opening up and this is what I am here for. Let your frustrations out about how you loathe the winning ways of Georgia football. On to question 2. How do you feel as a fan of a team that cannot beat UGA?
LOL! When you get to my two team’s level is more like the question I should be asking you.
Oklahoma, and Alabama…..and yes I hold degrees from both schools. How is that winning percentage and relevance play into your post now?
I am sure you will take the conversation off the field of play and make some snark remark about Stoops and Saban and they both have histories of beating UGA while at UF, LSU, and Alabama.
dawgfan
September 19th, 2012
2:03 pm
“It is not a hard penalty to spot”
That’s not true at all. Its very easy for the officials to miss all of your team’s cowardly blocks. They missed the one on Deangelo. You can’t take a guy’s legs out from behind like that but your guy got away with it. As for chop blocks in the interior of the line, that would be very easy to miss. Its very crowded and things are happening very quickly. I don’t even think Georgia Tech intentionally chop blocks necessarily. I think its simply a by product of all the legal cut blocking and CPJ simply doesn’t care as long as flags aren’t getting thrown.
Gotta love that. Its not cheating if you don’t get caught. And these clowns have the nerve to lecture everyone else about class and integrity. Unbelievable.
Show Me Your TDs
September 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
Vandy may have improved in attitude…but not in talent!!
USCe has a ton of issues..and dont know why ppl are giving them all the hype. Their front seven is a beast, but their oline, secondary, and QB are completely suspect.
Tenn has show flashes of potential, but half time adjustments, defensive gaps, and no running game will be issues.
UF has been the only team to show some improvement in areas.
Dawgs are still starting off slow in games. But we’re finally seeing in-game adjustments and new formations with the talent.
Mizzou is underrated..and is going to shock a few teams.
Everyone can complain about schedule, but thats not our fault other programs have fallen off the past few years. Remember, the SEC commission makes the schedule!! Blame them. Its not like the SEC west much better. LSU still a good team, but havent proven anything yet. Bama only team playing solid ball, but still looking beatable. The rest have shown nothing!!!
dawgfan
September 19th, 2012
2:05 pm
“Once again dawgfan, if UGA can’t physically handle cut blocks then they should stop playing teams that cut block. They should also consider having their players wear skirts for the game.”
It wasn’t a cut block Bob. It was an illegal clip to the back of his legs. He didn’t see it coming and had no way to defend himself. It was straight up bush league. Your guy got away with it but that doesn’t make it right. Stay classy GTBob.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:06 pm
Cdpridg
September 19th, 2012
1:58 pm
Postmaster….good…very good son! You are opening up and this is what I am here for. Let your frustrations out about how you loathe the winning ways of Georgia football. On to question 2. How do you feel as a fan of a team that cannot beat UGA
As for the “SON” comment…you only wish you old enough to call me son. I heard “son’ from my coach for 3 years while at Oklahoma, and he earned that right…..and he can call me ’son ” today if he wanted to because I respect him…..Coach Switzer. As for you I respect you but NOT to that level.
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
2:07 pm
Speaking of sweat; here’s a little known fact: Women have fewer sweat glands than men, but they’re larger and more active…
…consequently they sweat more.
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
Post Master, please return my coach Switzer blow up doll. At least have the common decency to patch the holes you make..
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
I am Coach Switzer’s teddy bear.
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
As for chop blocks in the interior of the line, that would be very easy to miss. Its very crowded and things are happening very quickly.
Sorry, I disagree. It is extremely easy to spot a defensive lineman who is being blocked by two players, one of which is diving at his knees. If a ref misses that call then they aren’t paying attention. Even with the griping from Beamer and others, GT rarely gets called for chop blocks.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:20 pm
GTBob, will you be so kindly as to inform us as to why GT feels the need to chop block? If so, then I will kindly return your blow up doll.
Next Question
September 19th, 2012
2:22 pm
It looks like Post Master shut up some overzealous, obnoxious UGA fans who just got slapped around.
This stuff is funnier than some of the new comedies in television.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:25 pm
Next Question, do you just say stupid sh*t?
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
2:27 pm
With the recent strides in genetic engineering, we’ll soon be faced with the possibility of producing enormous farm animals to feed the hungry millions. Now imagine one cow to feed an entire city, one egg making an omelette for an entire family. With the advances we’re making today, the future is unlimited.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:39 pm
There are good trolls, and there are bad trolls. This GTBob character is one of the worst. What an idiot. He calls others out about cut blocking but won’t explain why GT needs to do it. Is it because of inferior athletes? I guess I would also be bitter about the fact that GT is no better than second rate in the state. Hell, I doubt they could be Georgia Southern.
This guy is priceless.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:40 pm
*beat
WDE
September 19th, 2012
2:40 pm
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
2:07 pm
Speaking of sweat; here’s a little known fact: Women have fewer sweat glands than men, but they’re larger and more active……consequently they sweat more. And some folks wonder why the boys of the Bug village have a hard time attracting the ladies….you can’t make this stuff up !
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
2:49 pm
I have a question that begs to be asked: Why is it that the nerd fanbase is always so butthurt? Look at GTBob…such a crybaby, much like ken over on the GT blogs. Why is that?
gt4ever
September 19th, 2012
2:52 pm
I cannot answer for GTBob, but I am not butthurt. I don’t let anyone near my butt.
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
2:59 pm
He calls others out about cut blocking but won’t explain why GT needs to do it. Is it because of inferior athletes?
I wasn’t asked, but yes it is partially because of inferior athletes but mostly it is because of the style of our offense. There is also the undeniable fact that it is legal and effective and we would probably still do it if we had the most talented offensive linemen in the country.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:04 pm
Wow, what an answer GTBob. One thing you left out is the fact that it is dangerous and potentially career-ending. But, then again, I guess you have to do what it takes, eh? Is this some of the effective coaching that Turkey Neck is known for? This does shed some light on GT’s thinking. Screwing another man’s wife isn’t illegal, but does that make it right?
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
3:07 pm
Did you know that buttons on a man’s jacket sleeve have absolutely no purpose. They originated on the uniforms of Napoleon’s army when he discovered that his soldiers were using their sleeves to wipe their noses.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:11 pm
GTBob, will you stop with these facts you are spewing? It’s no wonder that the nerds don’t know what to do with a coochie…
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
3:12 pm
Wow, what an answer GTBob. One thing you left out is the fact that it is dangerous and potentially career-ending.
Plenty of things in football are dangerous. That is the nature of the sport. It is still a legal blocking technique that is used often in college and the NFL. If you are that upset about it then write a strongly worded letter to the NCAA and to Roger Goodell. Maybe they will listen to you. I doubt it though.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:21 pm
GTBob, not upset about it at all. You have excused underhanded play in the form of plenty of things being dangerous. To that extent, you are right. But, why must you defend such low-brow tactics? We know your team is inferior in every way, but I guess you do what you have to. Your line of thinking seems to be that everything that isn’t illegal is ok. So, let’s say you had a wife – you wouldn’t have any problem with someone else tapping it since that activity isn’t illegal, would you? Low-brow tactics are still low-brow, no matter how you paint them.
Nomination of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray to Allstate AFCA Good Works team is a big deal | UGA sports blog
September 19th, 2012
3:28 pm
[...] you were reading Tuesday’s football notebook closely — and all the way to the end — you may have noticed that Georgia quarterback [...]
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
3:29 pm
Low-brow tactics are still low-brow, no matter how you paint them.
What exactly makes cut blocking low brow? Just because you don’t like it?
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
3:32 pm
So, let’s say you had a wife – you wouldn’t have any problem with someone else tapping it since that activity isn’t illegal, would you?
Also, lol at equating cheating on your spouse to cut blocking.
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
GTBob, so diving at someone’s knees isn’t low-brow? Interesting train of thought. But, since it isn’t illegal it must be ok. Much like in the old west shooting a villian in the back because you can’t beat him.
honey boo boo
September 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
aw, paw-paw dawgfan didn’t take his geritol. mama says his doctor also gave him some medicine called prozac but he won’t take that either. the window unit air conditioner in his trailer went out too. no wonder he’s so grumpy all the time.
dawgfan
September 19th, 2012
3:42 pm
anyone else notice how I tell bob to stay classy but I do stuff like troll the Tech blogs, b1tch moan and whine about my own team and generally cuss like a sailor?
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
3:43 pm
Hey honey boo boo, please learn a little grammar.
Scooter Crone of Cayman (dawg on a hawg)
September 19th, 2012
3:44 pm
Uga is more than a mascot. Uga is more than a dawg. Uga is more than a brand. Uga is more than a concept.
Uga is, existentially, a positive force in the universe permeating the ether into dimensions yet to be discovered and infinitely more sophisticated, in a metaphysique, than anything our primitive minds can currently fathom. In short, Uga is the synthesis of brute force and unconditional love.
Uga Loves You!
woof!
dawgfan
September 19th, 2012
3:44 pm
i love to whine about GT’s blocking techniques, but I look away when Ben Jones punches somebody in the nads in a pileup……
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:45 pm
Sounds like someone is a little butthurt…
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:45 pm
And I also look away when attache case punches someone…
dawgfan
September 19th, 2012
3:46 pm
Guess I’m just a moron.
Thanks
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
3:46 pm
GTBob, so diving at someone’s knees isn’t low-brow? Interesting train of thought.
I tell you what. If you are willing to harshly condemn your team every time they block below the waste for the rest of the season then I will join you in your crusade to demonize cut blocking. Sound good?
vandyMan
September 19th, 2012
3:46 pm
I am amazed at the arrogance of all the UGA homers not giving Vandy a chance on Saturday ? The Vandy offense will be able to score on this UGA defense; a good but not great defense. Vandy new starting QB Carta-Samuels has a stronger and more accurate arm that Jordan Rogers; don’t underestimate Zack Stacy at running back and their 2 main WR options Chris Boyd and Jordan Mathews are both very solid SEC wide-outs who can play for any SEC team. If Vandy O-line plays well and UGA has a few turnovers or mental mistakes, it will be close late into the 4th qtr with the possibility of an upset. Go Dores !
The Real Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:47 pm
Some decided to steal my handle! Any post after 2:06 is from a UGA troll imposter.
Whoever you are you are a loser
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:47 pm
Demonize chop blocking? Wow, how would your team survive?
Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:48 pm
Whoever the one is that calls himself “The Real Post Master,” please stop stealing my handle.
The Real Post Master
September 19th, 2012
3:49 pm
I am so butthurt now.
GTBob
September 19th, 2012
3:52 pm
Some decided to steal my handle! Any post after 2:06 is from a UGA troll imposter.
Whoever you are you are a loser
Embrace it. When you start having your handle stolen, it means you are really getting to them. If I don’t have my handle stolen 3-4 times a blog then I feel like im not trying hard enough.
beanster
September 19th, 2012
3:58 pm
vandyMan — what happened in that Northwestern game? Are they that good?
Vince Doodley
September 19th, 2012
4:27 pm
Grantham = Douche bags gonna douche.
The Real Post Master
September 19th, 2012
4:57 pm
When UGA fans steal your handle they have lost the argument.
That butthurt comment says it all!
7576DAWG
September 19th, 2012
5:03 pm
Rambo and Ogletree have missed 3 games now. It will not even phase either one to make them sit out one more game if they plan on leaving for Pro ball after this year. By keeping them out all it will do is hurt the team, it will not hurt them, any. They will not play any better when they come back. It will not teach them any additional lesson since this is their last year. They will be gone in March 2013, 5 to 6 months from now. How will either learn more of a lesson by not letting them play this week.
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life/J.Jpnes for Heisman))
September 19th, 2012
5:11 pm
@ Post Master:
Hang on to that blow up doll!!!!!! It may be mine!
When I was in college I bought one of the best blow up dolls on the market, She was unforgetable!!!!!!!!!!
Problem is she and I were having a go at it and I got carried away and bit her on her a$$. She farted in my face an flew out the window!!!!!!!!!!! That was the last time I saw her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!