Notebook: Open competition for starting spots on offensive line
ATHENS – Technically it’s just bowl practice. But for Georgia’s offensive lineman, the month of December may seem more like preseason camp.
The Bulldogs’ offensive coaches made a pronouncement regarding the line almost as soon as the SEC Championship game ended: Every position is up for grabs and the starting lineup will be determined during the 15 practices leading up to the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl.
“That’s how we put it to those guys,” Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “The five that are going to play, we’ll figure out between now and the bowl who’s going to be where. I do think the line played extremely well this year and got better. But there’s always room for improvement, and any time there’s competition that’s good for the group.”
The Bulldogs were seemed stable up front this season. They played just three different starting lineups – including the same for the first nine games – and shuffled it around only because of injuries. The primary lineup included sophomore David Andrews at center, juniors Dallas Lee and Chris Burnette at the guards and junior Kenarious Gates and freshman John Theus at left and right tackle, respectively.n But the Bulldogs began to rotate in sophomore Mark Beard at left tackle increasingly toward the end of the season and would slide Gates inside to left guard.
Line coach Will Friend also said he’s giving a hard look to players who didn’t get a lot of game-action during the season. Before wet weather impeded practices Sunday and Monday, the Bulldogs full-contact, graded scrimmages featuring mainly non-starters. Austin Long, Watts Dantzler, Greg Pyke and Xzavier Ward that have reportedly stood out in those sessions.
“They were told when they came back from finals that .the people that perform the best would play and have a chance to start,” Friend said. “So we’ve mixed some guys in at some different spots just to look at some better combinations, things you probably wouldn’t be able to do in a (game) week.
“Like we said from Day One, our goal is to play with the best five. So maybe (experimenting with) a couple of different lineups will provide a chance to do that.”
While some of the experimentation is for the bowl matchup with Nebraska, the Bulldogs are also looking ahead to next season. Georgia will return its entire corps of offensive linemen, but it’s also recruiting several blue-chip prospects, including five-star left tackle prospect Laremy Tunsil of Lake City, Fla. Friend indicated that he would prefer to keep Theus at right tackle, meaning any changes will likely come on the left side.
“Obviously, Ken can play (left tackle) and we can play at a good level with Ken,” Friend said. “Now is Ken suited better for guard if somebody’s a better left tackle? Maybe. Mark Beard has improved some and done some good things athletically, but he’s got a ways to go. Maybe he’s more of a guard of somebody’s better at left tackle.
“But we’ll play the best five. Our best tackle will probably be the left tackle, whoever it is.”
Bobo aspires to be head coach
Bobo tends to be very evasive will talk turns to his interest in any other job than the one he currently has. But his name surfaced in several head coaching searching this winter and he admitted Monday that his ambition is to one day become a head coach.
“I think we all aspire to run your own program one day,” said Bobo, who has been Georgia’s offensive coordinator since 2007 and quarterbacks coach since 2001. “But I’m just constantly trying to learn and get better. If stuff like that happens, it happens. If not, not. I’m just really worried about what I can control and that’s coaching here right now.”
Bobo bristled when asked specifically if he interviewed for any positions this year. “I’m not going to comment on anything other than that,” he said.
Prove it on practice field
Redshirt sophomore tailback Ken Malcome recently expressed discontent over his role as a backup to freshmen Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Bobo had some advice for him on Monday.
“If he wants more playing time, he’s got to prove it on the practice field,” he said. “He’s given opportunities every day. He’s got a great chance, like we talked about with the offensive line, to earn some playing time in this bowl practice. But the best guys are going to play regardless of age.”
Etc. . . .
Inclement weather forced the Bulldogs indoors on Monday. The offensive and defensive units alternated utilizing the Nalley Multipurpose Room, which is not large enough to accommodate the entire team. It’s the second day in a row wet weather altered Georgia’s practice plans. Storms canceled Sunday’s practice and the Bulldogs ended up playing whiffle ball instead. . . . Linebacker Ryne Rankin, an early enrollee from Orlando, went through his first practices with the team over the weekend. “He’s only been here one official practice,” defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “He ran around like a freshman, but he did a good job.”
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116 comments Add your comment
DOGGIE IN NC
December 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
FIRST!
DawgFan
December 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
This is good stuff. I think Will Friend has been outstanding as line coach these past 2 yrs.
Bradley G
December 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
Will there ever be a Kolton Houston sighting on the field?
Bernie Matt
December 17th, 2012
8:37 pm
This staff is full of it! All of a sudden the best 5 will play? Burnett’s been the best center on campus for the last 2 years, but they wanted the private school wonder boy on the field. Causing the guards to have to hesitate to make sure he (andrews) wasn’t beat before they could get out and pull going full speed. Well at least CMR is willing to learn after seeing Bama move Barrett around to wherever they needed him for 4 seasons and he do a heck of a job. Or maybe it watching Bama run for 300 plus yards on them. Well whatever it was, I’m just glad they are acknowledging it. But CMR has been here over 10 years, this sounds like a statement that maybe the new coach at AUB or UT might make, not a program that’s had the same man at the top for better than 10 years. GEEZ!
tenn.DAWG
December 17th, 2012
8:37 pm
It’s BS that they don’t have an indoor practice facility in this day and age.
bubba4dawgs
December 17th, 2012
8:43 pm
Hope Grantham will get as busy with the “D” line as Friend is with the “O” line! Proud of the “O” line for the way they played against Aluhbamuh! If only the “D” line had done as well, the DAWGS would be playing in Miami in January. Perhaps rebuilding is in order, particularly considering they had to be challenged by a teammate to get moving.
Macclenny_dawg
December 17th, 2012
8:57 pm
Better start signing some beef on both lines!!! We sign enough playmakers we just need trench players. Got to get stronger on both lines!!! Go Dawgs!!!
Max Sizemore
December 17th, 2012
9:00 pm
I finally got around to watching the Alabama game again, and the guys on the defensive front — Jenkins, Geathers, Smith, and Washington — did a better job than most people think. The big problem, IMO, was that the inside linebackers — Ogletree and Gilliard — were obliterated. Ogletree, for all his great ability to pursue, was running around blocks and trying to rip the ball out instead of trying to make the tackle. (It’s one thing to treat a 170-pound Georgia Tech runningback like a sack of wheat, and another trying to handle Eddie Lacy.) I think it highlights the problem of having to face a real football team whose offensive line can kick your ass after playing most of the season against spread teams where it’s better to have linebackers who can run, like Ogletree. And, BTW, Williams and Rambo weren’t all that great in run support, either.
The Truth
December 17th, 2012
9:06 pm
Even University of Toledo and Boise State have indoor practice facilities.
JB
December 17th, 2012
9:16 pm
Max, good observation. The theme all year year with this front seven has been sacks and strips, thus good ole fashion tackling was absent most of the time. Lot’s of average teams ran for a lot of yards this year……as far as this topic of all positions open on the OL, wonder if they ran that by Richt. That’s not Richt’s MO. Example. Brice Ramsey from Camden County is enrolling in January at QB. If Murray leaves and Brice out performs Mason in spring and summer camp, who on here thinks Richt would start Brice over Mason. I would bet the farm Richt wouldn’t start Brice.
JB
December 17th, 2012
9:21 pm
Most of these Georgia defensive players will get a lot better in the pros with some real coaching. The raw talent is there.
JB
December 17th, 2012
9:22 pm
Who of these defensive players would you like to see the Falcons draft. I like Rambo or Olgetree.
tgbeazy
December 17th, 2012
9:29 pm
@JB I don’t see Brice outperforming Mason. He’s pretty sr and solid. Plus, Brice would probably do great redshirting. I’m praying Murray comes back. Offense going to be sick next year.
dewey
December 17th, 2012
9:39 pm
coach richt needs to stop trying to find the best athletes for each position and start recruiting football players. having a couple of athletes is great, dont need them at every position. ogletree is a perfect example…he can run all over the field, great reach and leaping ability, but an inside linebacker needs to be able to stuff the fullback or lineman in the hole. at that point, the play is blown up and someone will make the tackle for little or no gain. ogletree would have been a much better outside backer than inside. to the best of my knowlege, we dont have any true inside backers, just athletic outside backers playing out of position.
GTDog
December 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
I seem to recall Richt started RS Freshman over a returning starting QB in 2001? And I believe the freshman Stafford beat out a senior also.
Do we really want to continue to believe that after 12 seasons and 100+ wins, the staff prefers to play favorites rather than win ballgames?
GTDog
December 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
I’ve never been sold on Ogletree as an ILB. It just seems to me like he’s weak straight up and tends to wiff on too many tackles. I thought he was horrible in his first few games this year, and was a little concerned about all the neat looking “ride ‘em cowboy” tackles late in the year….
kral
December 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
gosh knows if CMR would just let dewey..hope you are not a duck..set in a few meetings..we would be..we would be..I’M sorry I am not sure
Lakedawg
December 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
Eleven guys that can play OL coming back plus hopefully Kolton. Add in 4 recruits, 2 which are of caliber that could contribute fitst year will give most depth on OL in many, many years in Athens.
Dl was to big and slow and inside linebackers were to small and constantly got blocked and knocked backeards by big backs. New crop of backers coming in will be young, but in 230-240 range which is sorely needed ina 3-4 scheme.
GTDog
December 17th, 2012
9:56 pm
I agree LAKEDOG, with the exception of Herrera, I like him in the middle…
clutch
December 17th, 2012
9:56 pm
The d-line played good against Alabama, the linebackers did as well. The issue was that Alabama switched to a two tightend set and we didnt adjust. We were out numbered and out flanked which is why we couldn’t stop the run. All that we had to do is bring in an extra lineman or bring shaun Williams down to be extra man. That didnt happen until the last defensive series
Rik Smits
December 17th, 2012
10:06 pm
Proof read your article. Jeebus
kral
December 17th, 2012
10:06 pm
let’s see..I sure leave it to the blogging offensive coordinators and defensive coordinator bloggers..far more know it all than I will ever be..gosh if they were on the staff just think how excited I would be right now….fixing to ND for the NC
kral
December 17th, 2012
10:07 pm
left out play..
Uncle Kirk
December 17th, 2012
10:13 pm
DI’d you people not see ogletree meet lacy at the goal line? He definitely can stuff the run with the best of them.
GTDog
December 17th, 2012
10:50 pm
I missed that one Kirk, but I seem to recall a good GL stuff. Was that Tree?
Cp
December 17th, 2012
11:05 pm
Most of you guys are nitwits. You are smarter, wiser and all much better coaches than our current staff. The brightest and best minds have assembled a staff of coaches that earn anywhere from $200k-$2,500,000 per year. All while the you guys are out there for a fraction of the cost. Wow, now that’s amazing!!! It’s a shame some of you aren’t tapped for you valuable insight.
This best five will play, all spots are open for 2013, etc email is for the recruits. It says “Tunsil, see we told you that you can come in and earn your spot at left tackle next year”. The same thing all recruits are told. But this was brilliant! Tunsil is reading this presser to his family and friends tonight. Let’s just hope it works! Go Dawgs!
BigDawg
December 17th, 2012
11:08 pm
We should have stuffed the box earlier!!
Cp
December 17th, 2012
11:10 pm
PS…Tree is a Stud! Sideline to sideline he impacted or was in on damn near every single play. Not to mention the bone crushers that fire up the players and fans alike! Like it or not, it gets UGA on the highlights clips…and guess who watches these over and over and over!
Confounded
December 18th, 2012
12:41 am
Tree is a stud sideline to sideline, but you can run right at him. He may go in the first round because of his athletic ability, but he may not really be NFL ready yet. That said, I’d draft him in a heartbeat.
Columbus
December 18th, 2012
4:23 am
It will be the 1st time in years wwe have had an OL that has had several guys together for a couple years. This has been the weak link the last 4-5 years, even Stafford and Moreno’s last year. That is a primary reason why that preseason #1 ranking was a joke. UGA should be able t run all over the SEC next year if they have a decent passing game if Murray leaves…
The next few years the OL should be strength instead of the weakness it has been the last 4-5 years and that is going to be a very nice change…..now if we can just get a few guys on defense to stay for their senior years….!
Columbus
December 18th, 2012
4:28 am
The main issue was UGA had no depth on the DL….3 guys played the whole game in the middle against that great bama OL, Jones was out too. They were sucking wind midway 3rd quarter and Bama was running hurry up. Depth killed UGA more than speed on the DL and their OL and receivers blocked the LB’s VERY well. Depth. Bama wore down the DL too soon with only 3 guys playing the whole game….
Columbus
December 18th, 2012
4:31 am
UGA needs MORE OL and DL. That needs to be the foundation of any great team. Makes EVERYBODY better on both sides the ball. Start in the trenches because no matter how good your skill is, you arent going to be nearly what you could be if your trenches are not studs….
blackshirtslive!
December 18th, 2012
5:01 am
As a Husker fan, I like you guys. Not too many trolling. It could be a good game. You catch us on a good day, you will have your hands full. I was with a girl from Georgia for three years and all I will say is “Damn, you’re the best in the SEC”.
dewnsav
December 18th, 2012
6:01 am
I think Bobo needs to consult Tide Roll on any O-Line issues…go dogs
Just Asking?
December 18th, 2012
7:36 am
Can Linebacker Ryne Rankin be eligible to play in the Bowl game? Are redshirt guys able to play in the Bowl game since it’s played on 01/01/2013? I don’t believe so but am curious.
Hail Varsity Magazine: Hot Reads: A national perspective on the program
December 18th, 2012
7:45 am
[...] line for the Capital One Bowl. OL coach Mike Bobo told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that every position is up for grabs. Strange approach for an offense that is averaging 6.98 yards per play (fourth [...]
dap01
December 18th, 2012
8:18 am
Our middle linebackers were our weakest link at the championship game. Gilliard was lost and weak.
RP
December 18th, 2012
8:22 am
We definitely need Tide Roll for this OL debate. Bet he wants to bench Andrews and Theus, put in Ward and sign Tunsil. Guess we dont need him anymore since i just provided the comment for him.
RP
December 18th, 2012
8:23 am
I was really shocked that Herrera didnt play more. Does anyone know why he didnt?
Dawggie
December 18th, 2012
8:28 am
In SEC CG what I saw our largest poblem was Gillard. Every big hole ran was at Gilliard. So many mistackles and just generally out of position. As for Ogltree be to small and not stepping into the line, I cry foul. Eddy Lacy was stopped midstride and a fumble forced at the 2 yd line by #9.
mgdawg
December 18th, 2012
8:35 am
UGA really needs to build a real in door practice facility. I know there is not much room around the butts-mehre building, but there should be room somewhere 10-15 min away. The place they have now is barely big enough for a walk through. UGA athletics is one of the most profitable in the nation, they can afford it.
RxDawg
December 18th, 2012
8:44 am
“If Murray leaves and Brice out performs Mason in spring and summer camp, who on here thinks Richt would start Brice over Mason. I would bet the farm Richt wouldn’t start Brice.”
JB, Richt started Stafford over some upper classmen in that exact same setting. But I bet the farm that Brice won’t out perform Mason.
RxDawg
December 18th, 2012
8:45 am
And he might not out perform Faton Bauta (spelling?) from what I’m hearing.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
8:47 am
Hey pups,
Should Amari Cooper be suspended for abusing your backfield?
What he did was worse that Dial’s hit on Murray if you ask me.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
8:48 am
An SEC Championship record for rushing, with 9 future NFL players on your team.
Yea, you have a great d-coordinator.
Idiots.
BTW, all that oversigning whining and you’re over 30 players.
Hypocrits.
32 years….
robodawg
December 18th, 2012
9:03 am
Looking to next season, we should finally have an OL that’s one of the team’s strengths. It’s been too long. If we had any depth to our defensive front, I’d be really optimistic.
dawgman
December 18th, 2012
9:10 am
TIDE IS TROLLING- CALM DOWN ELEPHANT BOY AND GET ME A PEPSI
dawgfan
December 18th, 2012
9:13 am
FINALLY some football talk instead of a bunch of soap opera crap about players whining over playing time and who’s declaring for the draft.
Max Sizemore hit the nail on the head about our defense. Nobody wanted any part of Eddie Lacy and I’m afraid it cost us a shot at a national title.
I know this sounds like total homer crap, and maybe it is, but losing all that “NFL talent” on defense might not be such a bad thing. We need a more blue collar attitude on defense with guys that are hungry to prove themselves and are willing to stick their nose in there and hit people. We didn’t have that this year.
Thanks.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
9:17 am
The state of Georgia, with all of it’s corrupt school systems, drunk ADs, and 1 in 4 people on food stamps, doesn’t have the toughness to field a championship football program.
Dawgwood
December 18th, 2012
9:24 am
Tide idiot, we only signed 18 last year. So, we can sign them and they will have scholarships.
Lonnie
December 18th, 2012
9:28 am
Columbus you are right. Depth was the key in the game and I think we are recovering from some bad recruiting years and some philosophical changes in #’s of linemen!
AltamahaDawg
December 18th, 2012
9:34 am
JB, given that there has never been a case where Richt (or any other coach that I can think of), not starting a QB that “outperformed” the other guys on the team, not sure why that’s even a concern. Not to mention the situation that you set up to worry about is highly unlikely in the first place.
hangman
December 18th, 2012
9:50 am
Why take ol players like Watts when you’re not going to use them. Watts is big and talented.
Palm Springs Dawg
December 18th, 2012
9:56 am
As long as the attitude at UGA is that we concede that Alabama is going to be there every year and we’ll be there once in a while, we’re going to be the also rans. That’s defeatist and an unwillingness to deal with reality. We haven’t recruited the best people. Alabama has. In the mock draft published just recently, Alabama has six in the first round! SIX.
We’re never going to dominate like Bama has with that attitude. Never. No matter who’s coaching, if that’s the attitude “well, we tried, but you know, but you know, it’s Alabama after all” is the plaint. Apologize for mediocrity. It has been as long as I can remember and I go back a right smart number of years.
Wake up DAWG fans. This is a once in a while program like we’ve always had, even under Dooley. We had three shots at it when Herschel was playing and won the first one and came close in the other two. But, as like this year, you don’t win no prize for coming close. Now you go to Orlando and play the dregs of the dreg Big 10 conference.
Like it or not, and I don’t, everybody makes excuses for us losing. Even after that fantastic game, Florida was chosen over us for the Sugar Bowl. Florida has more cache than us (won two NCs in the last few years under Meyer). Zero for us.
We lost because the other team has the better players and better coaching. And that, dear fellow DAWGS, is the responsibility of CMR, the velcro coach.
I don’t care what the writers here said, I watched the game again this week too and Bama beat the stuffing out of our defense. Beat ‘em up! We were out of gas in the third quarter. How long is this going to keep going on? Third year under Grantham and we still have no depth? When is this going to change?
By the time we get depth, we won’t have the players on offense and when we have the players on offense, we won’t have the players on defense. Example: If Murray opts out this season, who is the seasoned QB to step in? There ain’t none. We have good prospects. Alabama has new QBs and don’t miss a beat. We miss the beats. That’s Georgia football, like it or not. I don’t like it! A lot of you do because you’re willing to settle for this. Settling has been the case over the years. Was then, is now!
RATS!
LawDawg
December 18th, 2012
10:07 am
I have to assume that even though Gilliard was probably the weak link against bama in the second half (though tree, williams, and rambo all seemed like they only wanted to arm tackle or strip the ball, which does not work against Lacy and Yeldon), Herrerra must be atrocious in run defense.
He did not play much at all against GSU or GT and was mostly absent against the Bama run. Unless he has been hurt, I have to assume Grantham was not impressed with his Run D in practice.
LawDawg
December 18th, 2012
10:08 am
Palm Springs Dawg – Its never a good sign for a comment when your first sentence is a straw man.
e burrell
December 18th, 2012
10:09 am
To bad your running back coach dosen’t have the same toughness. OPEN UP THE COMPETION AT FB.
slydog
December 18th, 2012
10:32 am
Don’t worry, the “pros” will put Ogletree at OLB. A. Herrera should have started at one of the ILB spots full time, not part time. He attacks the ball carrier, not the ball. Just watch the tape. As far as the other ILB spot, I don’t know if that person is currently on the roster. Ray Drew? All he would have to do is shed blockers and attack ball carriers, minus the power moves that DE’s have to use. Gilliard, Vasser, Robinson, Stripling, Wilson, and Ogletree are OLB all day. The lack the girth and grit it requires to play ILB in a 3-4. They would all make excellent MLB in a 4-3, where pass coverage ability and running sideline to sideline are a must. But let’s not forget: it was Grantham who changed the scheme, and therefore it is his and Richt’s fault for placing square pegs in round holes. But the newer players that have came on board the past 2 seasons are better suited for this purpose, hence, the huge interest in Foster, and not Nkemdiche, a pure 4-3 DE. I also would not be surprised if they groom Montravius Adams as a DE, if he signs with the Dawgs. Just my opinion.
monty
December 18th, 2012
10:45 am
Not sure what game some of you were watching , but the one I saw, had Bama backs taking 3-4 of our guys down the field with them on practically every run. Arm tackling or “trying” to arm tackle and as some said “strip the ball” seemed to be the order of the day. DIdn’t see penetration into the backfield or any of our backers going low. THey someties just tried to deliver a knock down blow with their shoulders and the Bama backs were too strong. Reminded me of that 1st meeting with South Carolina against Lattimore, where he looked stronger and more determined than our defense.
bubba4dawgs
December 18th, 2012
11:15 am
It seems to me that this is something that should have been addressed in Spring Training! Has the defense (Grantham) considered this? Get some beef on that line! My goodness, the linebackers didn’t even stick their hands out to shake the hands of Yeldon and Lacy as they ran by them with reckless abandon! Maybe Shawn Williams needed to call them out, evidently Grantham wasn’t about to.
Let’s face it, Alabama’s “O” line took UGA’s “D” line behind the woodshed! Talk about a butt whoopin, they ate their lunch as well!! This was the whole reason for the outcome of the game!!
P_The_Ricker
December 18th, 2012
11:18 am
Agree with the sentiment that the defense was very aggressive and sometimes over-aggressive in attempting to force turnovers this year. I believe that was a product of the talent UGA had on the field and likely “pass” given by Granthem for them to go after it. Grantham had the cushion of having so many great athletes on the field that he could afford the tactic with less exposure of a HUGE play than say the average defense.
With less proven talent returning, I expect Grantham to force more fundamentals onto the defense this year, as he won’t have the liberty of freaks like ogeltree, jones, etc running around the field.
The defense will certainly take a step back, but hardly a big drop off as the critics are claiming.
azdawg
December 18th, 2012
11:52 am
Dawgs made the most $$ in 2012 profits in the SEC. Build an indoor facility even if its off campus. Will help recruiting. Cheap sob’s.
BigDawg
December 18th, 2012
11:58 am
Fellow Dawgs with all due respect how many of you actually pay attention to the action in the trenches, because if you had you would have seen that after the third series Alabama’s offensive line was not blocking anymore but grabbing on every play, plus the officials were spotting the ball forward for Bama. If the officials had called an even game Bama’s numbers running would have been less than 200 for the game and the Dawgs would be in Miami for the MNC against Norte Dame. Most of the Tide fans have been quiet because they know they were handed this gift opportunity by bad officiating. The SEC should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to EVER happen.
SimpleDawg
December 18th, 2012
12:05 pm
Tree got trucked more than a couple times by #7 for Ga. Southern.
He’s an outside LB….better in pursuit than as a stopper. Can’t handle the straight on tackle.
JayD
December 18th, 2012
12:14 pm
dap01 is correct. I don’t think people here really understand the 3-4. The middle backers were weak in the Championship game – especially Gilliard. Since S. Williams had his say – Herrera seemed to play less, which is the exact opposite of what he said was needed???
Troll Tide Dawg
December 18th, 2012
12:20 pm
I heard J’acquevious Jenkins from Snellville was getting a long look from CMR!
AltamahahahaDawg
December 18th, 2012
12:30 pm
@Troll Tide Dawg-
I have heard about J’acquevious being a beast, any word on Chanterelle “Mushroom Head” Davis or La’Quinsh’an “the truth” Williams from Sprayberry? GO Dawgs!
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
12:32 pm
Your “defense” was embarrassed by Bama.
Your offense kept you in the game.
You want to fire Bobo, and you just gave Grantham a raise.
This is why it’s 32 years…
Hypocrital (31 signees), idiots…
Matt
December 18th, 2012
12:49 pm
Ogletree led the team in tackles and he missed the first 4 games. He would’ve had 120 tackles. I know that this stat can be skewed sometimes (evey tackle is after a 5 yard gain) but still. They lined up and ran it right down our throats for 300 yards. That can’t happen. Plain and simple.
If you are a fan of this state’s sports teams then you are used to being dissappointed by now.
DawginLex
December 18th, 2012
12:51 pm
The offensive line depth for 2013 with the incoming recruits is going to cause a domino of OL transferring out because of no playing time
These same kids are kids that we were praying would come to UGA 3 years ago. Now they are being left on the sideline by more talented players.
Our OL is going to be the strength of next year’s team
Madison Dawgs
December 18th, 2012
12:58 pm
Put a bubble over one of the synthetic turf fields in order to have somewhat of a full size indoor practice facility. What good is the current multi purpose indoor facility if it isn’t even large enough to accomodate the entire team. Even the Jackets from the trade school on North Avenue have a full size indoor facility! C’mon man!!!
Rick James
December 18th, 2012
1:03 pm
Why does one of the nation’s most profitable athletic programs not have an indoor practice facility for football? I guess that project ended when Damon Evans left.
Rick James
December 18th, 2012
1:08 pm
Your “defense” was embarrassed by Bama.
Your offense kept you in the game.
Last season Alabama’s defense gave up 425 rushing yards to Georgia Southern..Thats right folks Georgia Southern,But the offense was able to out score them.What’s the saying about people in glass houses not throwing stones?
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:14 pm
Last season Alabama’s defense gave up 425 rushing yards to Georgia Southern..Thats right folks Georgia Southern,But the offense was able to out score them.What’s the saying about people in glass houses not throwing stones?
Last season = National Championship
Psst: You can’t top that…
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:15 pm
It sure is nice, being able to put a FB status about winning a championship, isn’t dawgs….oh wait.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:31 pm
Dentists are overrated
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:31 pm
Teeth are overrated
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:32 pm
My sister loves me. So does my cousin
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:34 pm
I have a toothbrush
All the other poeple have a teethbrush
Cow tipping should be in the Olympics
Family trees don’t have to fork
Single wide is good enough for me. I’m not a snob
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:35 pm
Only thing that can stop me is my probation officer
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:36 pm
top five food groups in Alabamy
Salt
Fat
Grease
fried chicken
beer
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
Went to the beach once
Got shot by a fisher man with one of them harpoons
Thought I was a whale
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:39 pm
Harvey Updyke signed my t-shirt at Walmart
wde
December 18th, 2012
1:39 pm
Bama got 350 yards rushing..so what they were still on their knees praying on the last play of the game, their D also gave up over a hundred yards rushing to a back for the first time all years and I don’t hear a lot about how bad they are…I hope they kill the Irish and I hope we get a shot at them next year.
Dawggoner
December 18th, 2012
1:42 pm
Hey Chip or anyone out there, I am not hearing anything about the OL Houston who was out this year. Where would he fit in all of this? Especially if Tunisil comes in.
DawginLex
December 18th, 2012
1:46 pm
Houston is done short of the NCAA changing its mind.
Our OL is going to see some guys leave. We should be able to redshirt several of the incoming freshmen because of the returning depth.
Will Friend has done light years better than Searles
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:46 pm
Ah, Alabama redneck jokes…
It’s one reason you get so mad about the Tide winning.
For some reason, you think you’re better. Alabama residents don’t make Mississippi jokes like this. They have more class.
Remember, Honey Boo Boo is your typical Georgian.
DP
December 18th, 2012
1:46 pm
Big Dawg, you’re an idiot.
To the others here who are discussing the Georgia defense in the Alabama-Georgia game instead of spewing idiotic conspiracy theories, I agree with your observations about the linebackers getting manhandled, but notice that you seem to be giving Jarvis Jones a pass. After Jones pressured McCarron 2 or 3 times early in the game, it seemed pretty clear to me that Alabama decided to negate his pass rush skills by running the ball right at him and wearing him out. They ran a lot of big plays right through where he was positioned and in most cases the Alabama offensive linemen blew him completely out of the play. On one big run by Lacy, Jones and another Georgia defender both tried to hit Lacy down as if they didn’t have any arms. Lacy bounced off, spun to the outside and ran for another 20 yards or so. Danielson commented on the telecast that you can’t hit Lacy and Yeldon down, you’ve got to use your arms and wrap them up.
Another issue is what constitutes good defensive line play in the 3-4. The front 3 typically aren’t expected to make a lot of tackles, but ideally they are supposed to command some double teams, particularly the nose guard, and tie up the offensive line enough to keep them off the linebackers. I don’t think the Georgia front 3 did that very often.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:47 pm
Harvey Updyke signed my t-shirt at Walmart
This one is actually pretty good. The rest might as well be Georgia jokes.
1 in 4 on food stamps. Honey Boo Boo. Cheating school districts. Corrupt city goverments.
These aren’t even jokes…
DP
December 18th, 2012
1:49 pm
wde, surely you’re not equating Alabama giving up 120 yards to one back who got virtually all of Georgia’s carries with Georgia’s defense giving up 350 yards on the ground?
DawginLex
December 18th, 2012
1:55 pm
Don’t forget that T-Town now proudly has a TV station that advertised:
Broadcasting day AND NIGHT!
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:56 pm
Don’t forget that T-Town now proudly has a TV station that advertised:
Broadcasting day AND NIGHT!
Also, not bad…Dawginlex
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing Can Stop It
December 18th, 2012
1:56 pm
I think Albany just got running water activated.
DawginLex
December 18th, 2012
1:58 pm
DP
We got our yards and points a different way than Bama did. In the end, 1 more throw and we win and the 350 yards wouldn’t have been that big a deal. Since we lost, it gets magnified.
I expect a rematch in Dec 2013. IF Murray returns, we only lose T King and we get Bennett back at WR. Our offense will be really good.
Don’t sleep on our defense either. The suspensions put this group in catch up mode from fall practice on. We have talent and they all have been recruited by Grantham. If we can survive early, we will be really good by November.
DP
December 18th, 2012
2:06 pm
DawginLex, I wouldn’t be nearly as sanguine as you if Alabama gave up 350 yards rushing. You can be glass half full and say Georgia had a chance to win the game anyway, I would be glass half empty and say when you get beaten up physically like that you’re going to lose at least 9 out of 10 times. Look what it took to give Georgia a chance to steal the game at the end: a blocked field goal return for a TD and a couple of great throws and catches on the last drive.
wde
December 18th, 2012
2:16 pm
DP I do indeed Bama has the best OL in the nation and two of the best running backs, they couldn’t pass as Saban admitted because their OL couldn’t stop us rushing off the edge..so they had to run, the worst part of their success to me was too many times we hit the back on the line or behind it and did not tackle well and that showed, the tackling was worst than the Bama OL was good. vaunted . And Bama is not beating us 9 out of 10 DP they just aren’t.
DawginLex
December 18th, 2012
2:19 pm
DP
I agree. I wasn’t happy watching it. It was like a movie you have seen and you know the ending and it is a bad one.
That’s why I don’t think our defense was anything special in 2012. Yes, it is loaded with NFL talent but, the secret to a GREAT defense is playing together as a unit. We lost that with the offseason stupidity. Watch Rambo against SC versus Rambo against Florida. It’s night and day.
We lost the ability to have continuity all through spring and fall and through the season because we were filling gaps with freshmen early on.
We have to stop the stupidity in the offseason. It is highly important this year. We don’t have to be the 1985 Bears with the offense we have.
dawglova
December 18th, 2012
2:23 pm
Ramsey WILL NOT start over mason if Murray leaves. I coached in a game against this kid a year ago and worked a football at a camp that he attended in central Ga as well. He has tons of talent but is very raw. His mechanics are not the best on his drops and he tends to over throw. But as I said the physical tools are all there. He did trow on one dropback about 65 yards in the air during a deep ball competition but missed the receiver by about 6 yards. In his defense the kid was a back with not very good speed. In watching some tape of him from this year he did show some improved mechanics and I think a redshirt year with some coaching from Bobo and Richt will do this kid wonders.
DP
December 18th, 2012
2:28 pm
wde, I didn’t say Alabama would beat Georgia 9 out of 10 times, I said when your defense gets manhandled and gives up 350 yards rushing (to a team that also throws the ball well, not to a Tech or other option team) you’ll get beat 9 out of 10.
If I was Richt and Grantham, I’d be saying that even though we’ve been in the SEC championship game 2 years in a row, the way our defense was beaten up physically by LSU in the second half in 2011 and Alabama the whole game in 2012 says the first priority is to get tougher physically on defense and stop the run. That might mean more emphasis on strength and conditioning, bigger inside linebackers, better schemes and execution or all of the above.
DawginLex
December 18th, 2012
2:32 pm
DP
We are in year 2 of a revamped S&C program. I said when we made the changes that it would take until at least year 2 to see results. We saw some of it but the best is yet to come.
We were also hampered by a lack of DL depth and the loss of Abry Jones. The scholarships left on the table hurt us depth wise. We needed more big bodies to rotate in during the 2nd half
dawglova
December 18th, 2012
2:36 pm
And once again for all of you bashing Murray and saying good riddance to Murray, I will say this…be careful what you wish for. He already is the best QB in UGA history statistically speaking. I know stats dont win games but if you look at some of the losses during his carrer they didnt happen because of Murray. Yes he had some key turnovers but I think the inability of the D to come up with stops, poor blocking both run and pass, poor blocking by backs and yes some poor play calling on occasion. And in the past four years really I have seen more wrong routes run by receivers than I can ever recall. I know it sounds like excuses excuses and it is a little as he has absolutley contributed to some losses with some poor play but i think it was more an overall team failure. You put this kid at Alabama where he is surrounde by teamates that dont have “mental” breakdowns and a dominant line and this kid would be unstoppable. I think he will get a chance in the nfl and will surprise alot of people. He has the work ethic, great mechanics and is tough as hell.
dawglova
December 18th, 2012
2:44 pm
But all that being said no QB will have success unless the line performs better and is able to build more depth. We saw glimpses of what they could do agaist bama and fla but we also saw the same group let Murray get kille against USC and ole Miss for god sakes. If I had one major criticism of the UGA staff it would be their ability to develop dominant lineman. Every year it seems like the preseason predictions always depend on the performance of the line. they are never a strength and always a question mark.
Drew
December 18th, 2012
2:54 pm
How about a big enough and quality enough indoor practice facility you stupid in football university. Kind of like the ones Alabama, tennessee, and Florida have.
GTDog
December 18th, 2012
3:27 pm
Gotta admit the t-shirt at Walmart thing was lever……
wde
December 18th, 2012
3:27 pm
DP sorry I’m confused I didn’t see us getting beat up in the first half..and we did stop Bama when we had to to get the ball back at the end of the game..if Bama picks up that first down its over, but the defense never gave up or quit fighting, and really we come within one play of beating the best team in the nation and your telling me there is some team out there that would beat us 9 out of 10….who?
DP
December 18th, 2012
3:36 pm
wde, you gave up 150 yards rushing in the first half. Georgia rushed for 113 in the entire game and you suggested earlier that Alabama’s defense wasn’t getting enough heat for that.
No, I didn’t say there was some team who would beat you 9 of 10, I said when you give up 350 yards rushing you’ll probably lose out of 10. Giving up 350 to a one dimensional team like Tech would be the exception to the rule.
The Tide is Trolling and Soap and Deodorant Can Stop the Smell
December 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
We got close to shutting them up. Next year, we kick the door in
rpollardrealtor
December 18th, 2012
3:42 pm
I’m getting tired of “Boo” the guy feels like he is entitled to playing time? You win playing time by beating out your competition at your position. I as a fan want the best players out there especially carrying the ball and staying in for pass protection. Put up or shut up “Boo”
wde
December 18th, 2012
3:56 pm
DP sorry I got it and yeah if a team gets 350 yard rushing a game they do probably win 9- of 10…however last I saw Gurley had 122 yards himself rushing so it was closer than that.
AltamahaDawg
December 18th, 2012
4:05 pm
Drew, what is the name of that UF indoor practice field?
AltamahaDawg
December 18th, 2012
4:09 pm
Very open air feel to it, I am told.
Boom Boom
December 18th, 2012
4:14 pm
Did Ken Malcome just stick his foot in his mouth?
Terrible Truth
December 18th, 2012
4:53 pm
Went to Lexington back in October. Kentucky, KENTUCKY has an indoor practice facility. Geez, it’s basically just a large, open air building with turf in it! Two-three million dollars, tops? It could be built in a location where the rest of the student body could use it for intra-mural activities during off peek times. There is no excuse, NO EXCUSE for UGA not having one.
D-MAN
December 18th, 2012
7:03 pm
Anybody that is hoping Murray is coming back is crazy.What makes you think he’s gonna make a difference in 2013,haven’t you seen enough!
preferredduck
December 23rd, 2012
11:15 am
Wow you supposive UGA fans sure do comolain a lot. Yes we had a tired D line in the 2nd half. We had a couple of injured guys who we couldnt rotate in sadly. We are about to see the recruits Grantham is bringing in for his 3-4 D. Also remember bama had sn o line who were almost all seniors and we had a true freshman on out O line. They should be stout next year for sure. Throw is gurley and Marshall and Boo and we have a running game. To all those who think murray should go I disagree. If he comes back the offense will be stellar. He carved up bama and our I line was good enoigh for gurley to rush for 123 yards vs a bama D who didnt give up 100 yards all year lol. We have several of granthams recruits ready to olay next yesr. If geathers stays and we get the JUCO NT we will have a good D line. Remember the NFL doesn’t pay like it used ti si a few juniors may stay and get their degree. Geathers older brothers are probably telling him to stay. Jarvis is also concerned with his degree. He knkws if hegets hurt in the NFL then a degree would come in handy. If a few key cogs stay in defense and some of these recruits enroll early we will be fine.
Also to all of those who think Murray should fo are crazy. He proved to be an accurate passer. He played well against bama when it counted. So logically I would say we have a chance to win the SEC with him and out better O line and the two headed monster we call running backs. So if the D does well which I think will be with a few surprise our offense will put ul evsn .ore points. Esp with some of the WR coming in.
preferredduck
December 23rd, 2012
12:33 pm
@DP (doggie peanutbutter) bama had no choice but to run the ball becajse the UGA pass rush was roo much for bamas amazing O line to handle. They also had ro move barrett jones around because he was having trouble with jenkins or geathers lined up over him. The UGA D line win the 1st half. But not having depth killed them in the 2nd half. If we had 1 maybe 2 more big bodies to rotate in things might be different. Also if the OC would have kept his foot on the gas in the 3rd quarter and not had a few 3 and outs to let the D rest they may be playing in miami. Also keep in mind the missed field goal in the 1st quarter. If thst were made then a field goal would hsve sesled the game with 5 seconds left. They may have lost but recruits across the country saw UGA go toe to toe with big bad bama and they see the need for good olayers to come in and play now. We had a frosh RB tandem, swann, jordan jenkins, and a frosh OL play in the SECCG. I bet the house this will help us really get over the top. It speaks volumes they made it to the SECCG 2 years in a row and was 5 yards away from going all the way. Isnt that what recruits want. To play as fast as they can and to be on a team with an outstanding track record.