Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > August > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFriends Stafford, Moreno dismiss national hype
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush were partners in glitz, winning their Heismans and gadding about L.A. and being seen with women famous for being famous. The best collegiate backfield tandem since Leinart/Bush acts rather less impressed with itself. Indeed, Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno aren’t impressed by much of anything.
They sat side by side at Georgia’s media convocation Monday, facing separate semicircles of questioners. Every so often they’d glance over at one another, and Stafford would roll his eyes and Moreno would poke the quarterback’s arm, and on it went, two young men reluctantly stoking the star-making machinery while sharing a private joke.
They arrived in the same recruiting class, Stafford to considerably more acclaim, and they’ve been buddies ever since. Stafford was the center of attention as a true freshman and bore much criticism during Georgia’s worst month under Mark Richt. Moreno redshirted in 2006 and didn’t really arrive until the seventh game of last season, but now he’s the one reaping the publicity whirlwind, whose photo USA Today chose to illustrate Georgia’s selection as No. 1 in its coaches poll a week ago.
Not that the subject much cared. “I said, ‘Cool,’ and didn’t really think about it after that,” Moreno said. Nor did he rush out and buy five copies for his mother. “I’m broke,” he said, laughing. “I can’t spend 75 cents.”
A big-name quarterback who was a big-time recruit in a big market like Dallas, Stafford learned long ago to give polite and polished answers without volunteering anything more. Moreno regards the press with a skepticism bordering on disdain. (David Pollack had the same sort of attitude.) This isn’t the greatest news for those of us seeking pithy quotes, but it serves to further the concept of team harmony.
Both Stafford and Moreno take pains not to paint themselves as special. Given every opportunity to say, “Yeah, I’m the Big Dawg now,” Moreno spent media day dismissing the notion. “We have a lot of backs,” he said. “We have a lot of receivers. And Matt Stafford can throw the ball as well as anyone.”
Moreno enables Stafford, who threw 13 interceptions as a harried freshman, to work at a more measured pace. Stafford clears room for Moreno’s whirling excursions by stretching the field with deep throws. USC won two national championships with Leinart doing the same for Bush, and vice versa.
Georgia stands a good chance of winning this national championship because of this similarly symbiotic relationship.
Said Stafford, speaking to the AJC’s Chip Towers on Wednesday: “We have fun together. We don’t go out there thinking, ‘Ah, man — I’ve got to try to win this game.’ We know we have a ton of tools. It’s not just us two. There are guys all around us that can help us out.”
They get along famously off the field, and they augment one another on it. One’s from Texas and one’s from the Springsteen side of scenic New Jersey, and together they’re the most perfectly matched set of Bulldogs since Flatfoot Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi, two non-Georgians who in 1942 brought the Red & Black its first consensus national title.
Those hallowed names, you should know, aren’t apt to register with these latter-day touchdown twins. As Stafford told Towers: “As far as the history of Georgia football, I don’t know it and Knowshon doesn’t, either. We just sit there and nod our heads and smile.”
Permalink | Comments (150) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA/SEC
Comments
By skyler
August 7, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
first :)
By Oz
August 7, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
I admit the Dawgs have the talent on paper to go all the way. I dont like the coach. He’s a very engaging man, and he could be the CEO of any major corporation in the country and earn 400 million dollars a year, (plus a golden parachute, and all the cheerleaders he could…well, you get the idea),
BUT, I think when it comes to crunch time, he chokes, and blames others, and THAT I do not forgive.
We are about to cry over fumbles and missed field goals, blocked punts, and coaching gaffs from hell.
UGA: Lift leg.
By Woof
August 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Goooo Dogs
By Buford
August 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
What’s the over/under for Staff picks?
By Jim
August 7, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
“BUT, I think when it comes to crunch time, he chokes, and blames others, and THAT I do not forgive.”
That could possibly be the dumbest most ignorant thing I have ever heard. Congrats.
By Jeremy
August 7, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Just one question Oz…when has Mark Richt ever blamed a single loss on “others?” If you’re looking for things to knock about this UGA squad…the head coach simply isn’t one of them.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
August 7, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Oz,
You got a lot of nerve letting the “Dawgs” pee on you (lift leg) and then tell everyone.
Oh, and don’t you worry about coach cause ‘Oz didn’t give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t already have.”
We will be hoisting the crystal ball.
By uga's favorite tick
August 7, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
mark richt has never in his life blamed any human being for anything. you sure you got the right team/man, there oz?
By Obnoxious Georgia Fan
August 7, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Let the jealous bitter ramblings begin…
By wmd
August 7, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Oz???? What the F_ are you trying to pull with that mindless attempt at bashing CMR. You must’ve meant Urban “The god of football” Meyer, SOS, Phat Phil, or Less “Brains” Myles. When has CMR ever blamed anyone but himself for a poor performance?
IDIOT!!!!!!
By JB
August 7, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Skyler, That post is ridiculous. Talent on paper? Did you see any games last season or the year before? And calling Mark Richt a paper tiger is an asinine statement. Richt is in the elite pantheon of top active ncaa football coaches, easily in the top five.
By JB
August 7, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
oz, That post is ridiculous. Talent on paper? Did you see any games last season or the year before? And calling Mark Richt a paper tiger is an asinine statement. Richt is in the elite pantheon of top active ncaa football coaches, easily in the top five.
By Realist
August 7, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Oz…Congratulations, you just won the IDIOT award. Now go back to your imaginary land and continue your Dungeons & Dragons game
By DawgCrazy
August 7, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
The Dawgs backfield this year may be the best in college football in 20 years. No SEC defense will be able to slow down Stafford, Moreno and Caleb King. UGA’s D is one the SEC’s best also. I look for a 13-1 or 14-0 record, with an easy win over USC for the national title, with blowouts of florida, tennessee, south carolina and auburn along the way. LSU is the only tough game on paper.
By SWGADAWG
August 7, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
ill have to dissagree w/ you DawgCrazy….Florida is the toughest game on and off paper…lsu was untill QB problems kicked in…i will say that my blood runs RED AND BLACK but nov. 1 scares me
By SWGADAWG
August 7, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
ill have to dissagree w/ you DawgCrazy….Florida is the toughest game on and off paper…lsu was untill QB problems kicked in…i will say that my blood runs RED AND BLACK but nov. 1 scares me
By Maryland Dawg
August 7, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Oz,
Lay off the Urban-aid.
By SWGADAWG
August 7, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
I would never wish an injury but Ingram being lost for the season helped the Dawgs alot.
By Shocked
August 7, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me?! There is a difference between “could they be?” and “what have they done?” Stafford has not won and has awful stats. Moreno, let’s see him for a whole season… More Georgia Hype and Yap…
Leinart’s first two years 2004 - 255/402 3,556 yards 38 TDs 9 INTs 2005 - 269/412 3,322 yards 33 TDs 6 INTs
Stafford’s first two years 2006 - 135/256 1,749 yards 7 TDs 13 INTs 2007 - 194/348 2,523 yards 19 TDs 10 INTs
By Mark Bradley
August 7, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
“That I do not forgive”: If I’m not mistaken, that line is taken from “The Godfather.” It’s part of Don Corleone’s speech to the Five Families convocation; he warns that Michael better not suffer any untimely “accident” on his return from exile in Sicily.
By 98 Dawg
August 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Guys, DON’T let this mindless amateur get your focus off of what this blog is about. It is about the laid back attitude of winning CMR has instilled in these impressionable young men. After all, that is what it is all about. You find the right guys and make them believe that they have earned the right to where the red and black. Even the skeptics can’t deny the talent this team possesses. Come on ask yourself the question, anybody on the Dawgs schedule think that they match up position to position with Dawgs. If you say yes, only the games will decide. Dawg fans it is our time in the Spotlight. 2008 Dawgs show these clowns who the Georgia Bulldogs are. Never quit, never stop and never let the 2nd national championship get in the way of the 3rd. We are loaded nay sayers bring it on!!!!!!
By YOUGOOTTABKIDDIN
August 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Piling the crapon deep, eh Bark?
Stafford had a fair year at QB last year AT BEST. Moreno had a good year, but nothing to even compare with Reggie Bush’s accomplishments. Bush would run circles around Moreno. To compare them to Bush and Leinart is just stupid.
By Ryder
August 7, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Stafford and Moreno get it. They know there is a lot of pressure on CMR to lead UGA to the title, and in spite of all the suspensions these guys are the key to the championship!
The best thing is that they don’t have to rely on Stafford to throw for 300 yards the way Tim Teblow has to carry the Florida offense. Moreno and King, I’m excited about the potential havoc they will create.
By War Eagle
August 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Stafford will be overshadow with Tebow next two years probably will never be SEC QB unless injuries occur.
By B. Thenet
August 7, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Matt Leinart: 38 TDs 9 INTs, his freshman year
Matt Stafford: 19 TDs 10 INTs last year
To put even more perspective, Matt Stafford has already thrown more INTs than Leinart did in all 3 years he played college football..and he only needs 73 more TDs to catch Leinart.
And if you want to consider Moreno anything like Bush, can he at least return a kick or punt?
There are many ways to overrate the Bulldogs without insulting the talent of Leinart and Bush.
By Joe
August 7, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
I really don’t get the Florida love. They have a good QB, who has some tough games against the good teams they faced. That being said it is not their offense that is the problem, it is their D. They basically have the same players coming back this year that had so may issues, minus Derrick Harvey and I believe their starting safety is out for the season. They will be able to score, but they will not be able to stop anyone. If they can’t hold Hawaii to three scores in game one then they will have a terrible year.
By Steve
August 7, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
You remind of the bridge player who always “falls in love with his hand”, and never makes Game.
There is no sensible logic that would put Moreno and Stafford ahead of the production of Tebow and Harvin.
And like a bridge player, you need to “count your points”
By PTC DAWG
August 7, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I forget why a 9-4 FU team that UGA beat 42-30 keeps coming up in the conversation. A UGA team that Richt told everyone it may take half the season to gel (boy was he right). Myself, I think UT is MUCH more of a threat to challenge for the SECE.
Someone please enlighten me…..
By NCT
August 7, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley: A cocktail to you, sir, for slipping in a little Dr. Hook.
By jrmdvm1
August 7, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Mark is comparing stats, but rather leadership. It is impossible to compare stats since they play(ed) in different conferences. What would Leinhart and Bush ( or USC ) done playing regularly in the SEC? How would UGA ( or any SEC team ) fare playing a PAC-10 schedule? Leinhart and Bush were great players and great leaders. I am sure that had they played for a good SEC team they still would have been very successful, but I believe that their stats wouldn’t have been the same. Anyway, stats are not “everything”. Leadership ( which ALL of the mentioned players show ) is more important.
By alcoholic
August 7, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
leinart also only played 5 tough games in 3 years. Stafford plays 9 tough games a year. quality of opponents goes a long way.
By Yipe yipe
August 7, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Bradley will write anything to help sell a newspaper to the homers. And UGA fans will believe anything he writes.
Of course the Dawgs are going to win the National Title. Its August.
By alcoholic
August 7, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Leinert cant even beat out geriatrics kurt warner.
By Eric C.
August 7, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
*B. Thenet, Shocked *, you freaking idiots…and what defenses did Leinart and Bush have to play in the Pac 10!!! They wouldn’t have gotten half the stats they did if they played in the SEC!!! What a freaking joke!
By Shocked
August 7, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
“Mark Bradley says Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno (top right) and Matthew Stafford (bottom right) are the best college duo since USC’s Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.”
Caption sure makes a bold statement that you UGA fans keeping saying is not what “Bradley meant to say.” You UGA fans know there is no comparison so you measure how “nice they are.” C’mon!
Red and Black Garbage.
By Eric C.
August 7, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
B Thenet and Shocked, you freaking idiots…and what defenses did Leinart and Bush have to play in the Pac 10!!! They wouldn’t have gotten half the stats they did if they played in the SEC!!! What a freaking joke!
By Cody
August 7, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
I’ll take Harvin and Tebow every time. 65 combined touchdowns is a ton.
By B. Thenet
August 7, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Yes, we all saw how impressive those SEC defenses were at stopping Andre Woodson and Erik Ainge last season..heck even John Parker Wilson had similar numbers to Stafford.
You do realize that USC beat Arkansas by a total of 120-31 in 2005 and 2006, right? Beat Auburn by a total of 47-17 in 2002 and 2003, right?
In fact USC scored more points(70) vs. Arkansas in 2005 than any other opponent in the last 6 years….sounds like they are padding their stats vs. SEC teams to me.
By Shocked
August 7, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Take your Red and Black colored glasses off…Wuerffel and Manning got those stats in the SEC. And seems like a man named Andre Woodson threw 40 TD’s and only 11 INT’s while playing in the SEC last year.
UGA fans are next to Notre Dame and Alabama fans when it comes to naivety so you resort to name calling.
By B. Thenet
August 7, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
BTW, only two SEC teams have managed to score more than 50 points on Arkansas in the last 6 years(LSU and UK did it once each, though UK needed 7 OTs to get it done)…USC did in two years in a row.
I am not a USC fan, but you should show them some respect.
By Shocked
August 7, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Casey Dick had 18 TD’s and 10 INT’s last year…but Stafford should be proud of his 19 TD’s and 10 INT’s because he plays in the big bad SEC.
No doubt the SEC is the toughest conference in America but Stafford is not even close to being the best quarterback in the SEC!
By TD
August 7, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Don’t give me the old “they didn’t play in the SEC crap”
You SEC folks are a bunch of whiners. If Southern Cal was in the SEC, they’d be the class of the league, by far. Just look at what happened the last few times they played SEC teams, big SC blowouts - one against a team that played in the SEC championship.
By Mark Bradley
August 7, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe I insulted the talent of Bush and Leinart at all. They were great college players who deserved their many accolades. (And yes, I saw both play in person.) But Moreno and Stafford, it says here, are major talents themselves. (They’ll both be drafted rather highly, unless I miss my guess.) And I didn’t include Percy Harvin in this discussion because Florida lists him as a running back/wide receiver, and I was trying to compare a conventional QB/RB tandem to another conventional QB/RB tandem.
By Halsey
August 7, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
I’m a UGA fan and i’m not sure I buy into Moreno and Stafford being the best backfield combo since Leinart/Bush. I’m not even sure they’re the best in the SEC East. Tebow and Harvin(often lines up in backfield) could be argued for. Pat White and Noel Devine could end up having better combined years. What about Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart last year at Oregon. Chase Daniel and Tony Temple could be argued for. I might be able to think of some others that could make a case, but the bottom line is it’s very debateable.
By B. Thenet
August 7, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
What about Troy Smith and Pittman at OSU two years ago? Chris Perry and John Navarre at Michigan and Abdul Kaliq and Barber III and Maroney at Minnesota three years ago? And that is just looking at the Big Ten… McCoy and Charles for Texas last year, Vince Young and Charles the year before was even better.
My point being, Stafford is a good QB and Moreno is a very good RB. UGA is a strong team because it is balanced on O and D…not because they have superstars in the backfield. Their backfield is good, not great.
By diamond Dawg
August 7, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
I’m a HUGE dawg fan but this is getting ridiculous.
I can hear it now if this season goes south. “y’all said you wuz gonna win it all and stafford and noshaun is the secend comin of linert and bush!”
Thanks Mark.
By Shocked
August 8, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
Mark Bradley - if Moreno/Stafford = Leinart/Bush (draft status) then is Mark Richt an overrated underachiever?
By UGAFan
August 8, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Hasley, You put down moreno everytime you can and then you turn around and talk about stafford being a heisman winner in 2008. You really don’t have a clue and if you think chase and temple = stafford and moreno you are just showing your true hatred for moreno.
By DisneyDawg
August 8, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
I just wish the guys would at least try to learn a little bit about UGA’s traditions and history. It sounds mercenary the way Stafford explains it, like they’re hired guns to come rescue the program. I’m making too much of it, I’m sure, but it’s omny because there was never a doubt in my mind that I was going to UGA. Never. And I guess I expect that devotion from others, as well.
By alabamadawg
August 8, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
Excuse my interuption, but what is happening between the AJC and Mr College Football ?? Are they parting ways ??? Also, I do wish the players learned a little about the dawgs history… We better worry about Bama and Auburn both this year !!!
By handawg
August 8, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
yes
Tony is gone
By alabamadawg
August 8, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
Was it part of the AJC downsizing ??? I really enjoyed his work…
By GatorsNC06
August 8, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
For all the dogs saying they aren’t worried about a 9-4 UF team I would remind you that you went 9-4 in 2006, the year before you beat us. Also, Zook beat you with two 8-5 teams. Between 2002-2007 I would say that UF had a better team than UGA only in 2006, yet we won 4 of six. Win two in a row and then we can start talking about this series evening out.
By alabamadawg
August 8, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this
I think most dawg fans are concerned about the gators, they better be !! But, they should also be concerned with the Vols, Bama, and Auburn…I think too many fans are not too concerned with the last three I mentioned, and they should be…
By Steve
August 8, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this
Bradley is really stirring the Thuga Koolaid. Georgia will be lucky to win the SEC East. The Bulldog hype will be in full force until they lose to South Carolina. Saint Richt will have to come up with some other stunt to keep them from losing to Arizona State. I’m guessing he’ll revert to his Miami roots and have them wear army pants and stomp on the logo in the pre game warm ups. Richt and the thugs are overrated.
By SickandTired
August 8, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this
Good grief, this is getting rather bizarre with the praise for Stafford. Moreno is in my opinion not just the best running back since Hershel at UGA but the best football player at UGA since Hershel. Stafford is another kettle of fish. I just don’t get the hype for him at this time. He’s good, but my goodness. Should he not at least lead his team to an SEC Championship game before he’s annointed God’s gift to quarterbacking at UGA? He’s no better than Bobo was at this point. And he certainly can’t be mentioned in the same breath with David Greene and DJ Shockley in the Richt era yet. Wow, when people start getting on a band wagon they’d knock their grandmother down to get on.
By Joe
August 8, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this
OZ WHO R U KIDDING?
Mark Richt record speaks for itself. You know you really do not believe this. It’s called fear…face it.
By bill
August 8, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
Um,Tebow and Harvin?
One of them already has a Heisman/
By UGA'91
August 8, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
B.Thenet and Shocked, please stop lying. Matt Leinart started as a redshirt Sophomore!! That means his third year at USC was his first year as a starter. Those stats you liars relied on aren’t from his true freshman year nor his true sophomore year. This is Stafford’s 3rd year playing college football so any comparison should start now. Remember, figures lie and liars figure, but gators just suck. Source-Wikipedia.
By KC Kid
August 8, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Let’s not even fool with the season. Let’s just go ahead and schedule the National Championship parade!
I suggest from Athens to 316, down I-85 and then Peachtree Street in Atlanta. We can line the roads and throw confetti and rose pedals. Hosannah to Mark Richt, Matthew Stafford and Knowshon.
Pleeeeez. Give me a break from the frickin hype AJC. Let’s wait until the football’s been kicked off before we anoint a national champion.
Florida, Auburn, LSU, SC all voted, they decided to go ahead and play their games with the National Champions just to see what happens.
By Gadawg
August 8, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Fact, The DAWGS are the Number One Team in the Country, CMR is a hell of a coach, Stafford amd Moreno are ‘THE TRUTH and THE WAY” the rest of the team will make you glad to be a GEORGIA FAN, and oz, well oz IS AN IDIOT. GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By Mike
August 8, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
This has to be the funniest article I have ever read. I had no idea you had it in you, Mark.
Best duo since Bush and Leinart? Because Stafford is such a dominant QB (19TDs/10INTs)?
Please let me know what you are currently on because I want to be that out of touch with reality.
By Steve
August 8, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Gadawg. Get ready for the 5 loss season. South Carolina, LSU, Tenn, Florida, and Auburn will beat the thugs.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 8, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
Bradley you may be a little premature,but you are on to somehting. Stafford has shown enough progress each season to beleive that he will further that this year. It is reasonable to say that a 19/10 season last year, now with improved WR’s should translate into a 27/8 season this year.
In rationlizing those numbers you have to now give him a full season with Moreno and continued development of the receivers.
This is not drinking the UGA Kool-Aid just simple analysis of the UGA offense being together for multiple years with Bobo calling the plays.
Now to truly compare themselves to those at USC they must go win that elusive National Title.
GOOO DAWGS!!!
By Tony
August 8, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
2002 Lienharts Fresman year he did not play.
By Raid
August 8, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Oz takes Masterbaiter of the Thread over Steve. Oz shows some originality enabling him to stroke out more points over Steve’s too worn attempt to dis the Dawgs.
By vincedooley
August 8, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
I’m worried about Ga. Southern, they have a dynamic young coach and an outstanding program with several national championships. If we overlook them, then it could be a long season. Would anybody like an arrangement of hydrangeas, come see me?
By Gadawg
August 8, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Steve, your delusional. GO DAWGS!!! Number One Team in the Country
By D.Ellis
August 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
I’m a die hard UGA fan
But Mark-We can’t compare Stafford/Mareno to Lienert/Bush. No sir. No way. Not close……not yet.
You have 2 NC’s, and 2 Heisman back to back winners. So far to date as a tandem Stafford/Mareno don’t carry any hardware.
Now if we are basing our comparison on future careers then I can jump ship on the conversation….some.
Can Stafford/Mareno be better or just as good. Yes I think they can be. This year will be the beginning of that argument.
I like the comparison though Mark.
GO DAWGS!
By KC Kid
August 8, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
WOOOOHOOOO! We’re #1!!
Haven’t played a game yet, but let’s not split hairs.
Where do we pick up the crystal trophy? When’s the parade start?
What time should Stafford and Moreno be at the Downtown Athletic Club?
By TexasDawg
August 8, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
What is up with everyone on the King issue…let’s wait and see how good he is…he has not taken a snap yet in an SEC game…I hope the hype is true but don’t count your chickens before they hatch! Go Dawgs!
By hahaha
August 8, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
HAHAHA! Thanks Bradley, I needed a good laugh this morning!
By Gator-aide
August 8, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
I’m a Gator. And I will be the first to say that Moreno and Stafford have superstar talent. But saying they are the best duo since Bush and Leinart is inaccurate and a little unfair to them. Are you forgetting Pat White and Steve Slaton from West Va? Now you can throw Devine in there as well. I think Moreno is one of the top 4 backs in the country. Hopefully the Falcons get him when his time comes. I think Stafford has the talent to be mentioned in that class, but he hasn’t earned the right to be in that class. We’ll see after the season is over where he stands. That being said, Georgia will go as far as that D takes them. I think too many people put the hype on the offensive guys. But, as has been the case since Richt started, that defense is the true strength of their team. Just have to keep them out of downtown athens.
By Johnson
August 8, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Hey mike, you said:
“Please let me know what you are currently on because I want to be that out of touch with reality. “
And i almost peed in my pants laughing. This article, and these arguments, are hilarious.
Richt for King of the world!
By Tim
August 8, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
HUGE Dawgs fan here but comparing Leinart and Bush to Staff and Moreno is a bit premature. The #’s dont reflect it and Stafford played with more inconsistency last year than Leinart did at the same time of his career. Didnt they split the national title that year w/ LSU?
Lots of talent in Athens but there is lots of talent in g’ville, knoxville, auburn, lsu… i think you get the idea. Takes more than talent on paper to win in this league and UGA will have all the opportunity it needs to prove its worth.
Lets allow them the time to play their schedule and then make judgements on Staff and Moreno!
And the idiot that was talking about CMR blaming others??? LOL, you sir are an idiot!
Go Dawgs!
By The real Mr.CFB
August 8, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Is Mr. Moore writing this??? You must have over slept and had to come up with something fast. I agree that Moreno is an outstanding player. But for as Stafford no way. He will be the reason uga will not even get to the SEC CHAMP GAME. Mark this down and at the end of the year we can talk about it. uga 8-4
By jason
August 8, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Somebody please help me? How did Matt Leinert and Reggie Bush win 2 National Championships? Under this rationale, I guess Georgia has won 5 national championships. Mark please explain.
By BJohnDawg
August 8, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Looks guys. Moreno and Stafford may have two more years here. It is possible that they could put up crazy stats and I think that is what Bradley is getting to.Right now they appear to be the best combo. Tebow and Harvin are good. But Harvin has been bang up.
I dont agree that fla is the toughest game. Except for the fact UGA has to go there which is REALLY tough. Team wise…Florida has more talent and I fear them more.I would rather lose to LSU if a choice, because it is out of division. The whole darn schedule is tough. But I cannot wait till it starts. I am going to put on my old pads and do some tackling drills with the riding lawn mower.
Once I knock back a few more beers.
By Justin
August 8, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I just pray that CBS doesn’t pick up on their friendship and we become subject to another year of “best buddies” segments during their broadcasts a la Greene/Pollack. I’m a Georgia fan, but by the end of their run, I was sick of hearing about their childhood friendship…
By USC Homer
August 8, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Mark are you stupid!!! How can you compare these two kids who still use baby wipes to Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush. Let’s see.
1.Reggie and Matt Heisman winners. Matthew and Knowshow no individual awards.
2.Reggie and Matt 2 National Championships and played in a 3rd. Matthew and Knowshow a BCS game against Hawaii. Let’s get real.
3.Reggie and Matt 3 Conference Championships. Matt and Knowshow haven’t even won the SEC Eastern Division yet.
You people kill me with this undeserved hype. Until they accomplish one meaningful accomplishment please stop comparing these two infants to real men. I feel for the Bulldog Nation with idiots like Mark Bradley creating this hype machine. Championships are won on the field of play not in the newspaper.
By Jeff
August 8, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
BRADLEY you are INSANE. Leinhart and Bush are arguably two of the greatest college football players of all time. They won multiple championships and each took home a HEISMAN. Stafford and Moreno have won NOTHING.
By jason
August 8, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
USC won 1, count that, 1 national championship in 2004. Not 2, 1. Get a clue.
By Dawg Fud
August 8, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Look at all the haters on this blawg. I love it!
I think it is hilarious that detractors have nothing better to do other than to get on Georgia’s blawg. Georgia being ranked #1 has fired up the Dawg fanbase and sent the rivals into orbit. Although I do repsect opposing fans who actually offer something substantive to the conversation.
Florida may not be the toughest (although I believe it is) but it is definitely the biggest. Winner of that game takes all. Cannot go to the SECCG unless you beat Florida…and of course, everybody else in the East.
I am glad to hear Stafford say that they have fun together. It’s what it is all about so enjoy these times.
GO DAWGS! One day at a time…
By Dawg Fud
August 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
USC HOMER
with all due respect to Southern Cal, please help me out here. i only recall USC winning one national championship. LSU, USC, and Texas were champions in that order, correct?
By Richard
August 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
MB, your comparison is a complete joke. Bush and Leinart either won or played for the mythical national championship every year they were together. Also Leinart was unqestionably the best QB in the country when he was at USC while Stafford isn’t the best QB in his conference.
I beleive Leinart was able to complete more than 55% of his passes too. You can’t compare Stafford to Leinart at all. Leinart was the collegate version of Peyton Manning. He called his own offensive plays the same way Peyton does in the pros. Stafford isn’t half the QB Leinart was.
And for those of you idiots that think it was because Leinart didn’t play in the SEC, go look up what happened when USC opened their season against #1 Auburn.
By USC Homer
August 8, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Jason,
You are acting like I took your pacifier. You are an idiot just like Mark Bradley. I see your Georgia High School education is really paying off for you. If you can get a grasp of what I am talking about, I said, USC won two National titles which they did. I did not say two BCS Titles.
By Tulsa
August 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Wurd…www.thedawgsden.com
By J
August 8, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Bradley, as much as I like Georgia….
Let’s let them actually accomplish… you know… something an SEC title before we start annointing them as the best anything.
Let’s worry about South Carolina and Tennessee first. Stafford has been fairly better than average so far. He’s got a long way to go.
By USC Homer
August 8, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Dawg Fud,
Whatever that is? I think it is something that gets stuck on your shoe and smells like S$@! Read my post above I sent to Jason. I see your Georgia High School education is also paying off for you too.
By eddiedawg
August 8, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I am sick and tired of all these UGA haters saying things like UGA is overrated EVERY year……this is the FIRST time since ‘82 we have been ranked #1 preseason, and coming off last year with all returning starters, it is warranted…..Georgia has NOT been picked to win the NC in 26 years….HOW DOES THAT MAKE US OVERRATED EVERY YEAR?? 2 SEC CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THIS DECADE AND WE ARE OVERRATED?? GET A LIFE, HATERS…..HBTD!!
By Micah
August 8, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Leinart/Bush (USC)…White/Peterson (OU)…Young/Charles (Texas)…are the standard bearers for this category. Stafford and Moreno are a nice story, BUT THEY HAVEN’T WON OR EVEN PLAYED FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP YET! One good season doesn’t mean jack, they have to prove it again and again. Personally, I think the duo of Sam Bradford and DeMarco Murray will be a better duo this year.
By jason
August 8, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
USC homer,
BCS Title = National Title
Give back my pacifier now! Name-calling is for children, not for babies like me.
By Coach Spurrier
August 8, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Can’t wait to see you fellers in Columbia. Have the trainer pack lots of extra crying towels.
Love,
Steve
By USC Homer
August 8, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Jason,
This is the last time I am going to address this with you. USC won a National Championship in 2003 (THE AP) and a BCS Championship in 2004. So for what it is worth, I feel for all of you UGA fans since it has been 28 years since your last National Title. It will be 29 after this year.
By georgia blows
August 8, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
The dogs will blow it like they always do. And it will come down to their low rent fans again. Every year is going to be georgia’s year. Their fans put so much pressure on them that they inevitably choke year after year. The only thing the university of georgia has to offer is date rape and a new generation of loan officers after graduation.
By GATORZONE
August 8, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Who is going to kick the football?
That is the only weakness showing on this team, but it could prove substantial.
By JoeFann
August 8, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
I don’t know that I would compare Stafford/Moreno to Leinart/Bush. Different teams, different leagues, different offenses and different requirements. Leinart + Bush + great offensive line = total USC offense. UGA’s line is not yet there, but the offense has many more weapons, so not as much (statwise) is required from Stafford or Moreno. Other posters are correct regarding leadership, but that starts with CMR and the coaches, all of whom seem to be doing a good job of managing the national expectations. I like the way Stafford and Moreno are responding. As they said, they’re not from here and haven’t had the 40+ years of living and dying Red and Black that some of us have, so the history doesn’t weigh on them. I like the team, especially the D, but the jury’s still out on the O line, which will tell the offensive tale. I’m not thinking about Nov. 1 yet, and I’m glad they’re not either. The most important game on the schedule is the NEXT one, so let’s hope they all keep their heads screwed on straight. I’m still hopeful and more excited than I’ve been in 25 years, but let’s see how practice goes before we pass out the anointing oil. As I said last fall, 2008 COULD be the year, certainly the pieces are in place, but there’s a lot of ball to be played. Looking ahead to January, I gotta believe that Oklahoma is loving all the attention UGA, USC and OSU are getting. They’re as loaded as anyone and flying under the radar, which might be taken as disrespect in Norman. I stand by my prediction that it’s UGA vs OU in the NCG.
By Mark Bradley
August 8, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
I credit USC with back-to-back national championships, even though only one was of the BCS variety. That was the BCS’s fault, not USC’s.
By Ed
August 8, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hyperbole and hype galore, along with some key injuries and suspensions and a brutal schedule. I don’t have a good feeling about this year, but I hope Im wrong.
By Tom
August 8, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
*
*
GREAT SONG!!!
*
*
By Mark Bradley
August 8, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I also find it interesting, and a bit amusing, that I can return to being a raving Bulldog fan only four days after I was being accused of being a Georgia hater.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
August 8, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
GATORZONE,
WHY THAT FRESHMAN WE GOT FROM FLORIDA IS GOING TO KICK IT FOR US… AND SO IT GOES…FLA-21…GA-28
By Jason
August 8, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
USC Homer,
This is the last time I am going to address this with you. Congrats on your 1 national title in 2004. Thank you for caring about all the UGA fans and our feelings. By the way, the last “National title” you can claim before the BCS, was in 1979. That is if you count the CFRA, which I’m sure you do. So for what it is worth, I hope to see ya’ll(Georgia Education) in Miami.
By ron
August 8, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I guess you are forgetting about Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams in 04 for the Auburn Tigers huh? And oh yea they also got one of the worst screw jobs in the history of sprots and I am not even an Auburn fan. The most comical article the AJC has ever written in its history was last year saying and I quote,” Georgia not making it to the National championship this year is worse than Auburn not making it in 04” After reading that artile I lost every ounce of respect for the paper because no matter who you pull for that is to this day the most ridiculous statement I have ever heard in my entire life.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
August 8, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Mark you’r there to sell newspapers.
So what if you slant the truth a little, tell a few white lies , who you going hurt?
Certainly not your credibility
By Gadawg
August 8, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Steve, now thats taking care of your fans. Why shouldn’t the school provide crying towels for their fans, they’ll need them this year, especially when the DAWGS kick their A$$. GO DAWGS!!!!
By Jason
August 8, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
In that case Mark, I wouldn’t give USC a national championship in 2004. I’m a dawgfan, but I would give it to Auburn that year, not USC. That was the BCS’s fault, not Auburn.
By Mark Bradley
August 8, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Southern Cal was ranked No. 1 in both polls in 2003 but was barred from the BCS title game by the computers. Auburn never ranked above No. 3 in 2004 until No. 1 USC beat No. 2 Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. There’s a difference.
By Mark Bradley
August 8, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Oh, and thanks for noticing the Dr. Hook reference. I’m actually old enough to have bought the Rolling Stone where the Dr. and his Medicine Show indeed appeared on the cover. (The year was 1973. Yikes.)
By Dawg Fud
August 8, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
USC Homer
it was simple question - don’t get all defensive and cry. you’re acting like i unplugged your tanning bed and stole your hair gel.
Dawg Fud is a play on Gary Larson’s “The Far Side” comic strip but I would not expect you to understand.
I agree with Jason. I award Auburn that national championship. They deserved it.
By GeraldBall
August 8, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
You USC lovers on here are insane. Mark Bradley did not call Stafford and Moreno better than or as good as Leinart and Bush. He merely stated that they were the best QB/RB combo SINCE Leinart and Bush. News flash: Leinart and Bush left college in 2005. So, Stafford and Moreno would only have to be better than any QB/RB combo was in 2006 and 2007 and will be this year. And since there have not been that many great QB/RB combos, it is not such a crazy thing to say.
For the record, incidentally, Bradley is wrong. Pat White and Steve Slaton, who won 2 BCS Bowl games (and over much more substantial competition than Hawai’i), were much better. The QB/RB combo at Oklahoma is better also. Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart of Oregon would have qualified had Dixon not torn up his knee before his team clinched the conference title. Ditto with Brian Brohm and Michael Bush at Louisville. But that really is just about it.
Keep in mind: it is not because Moreno and Stafford are so great. Rather, it is because