Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > September > 20 > Entry

Bulldogs’ victory convincing

By Mark Bradley | Saturday, September 20, 2008, 11:53 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tempe, Ariz. — You wanted a Statement Game? Here it was. Two thousands miles from home, working in 99-degree heat, facing a team once considered second-best in the Pac-10, the Georgia Bulldogs cleared their collective throat and didn’t just bark. They howled at the desert moon.

You wanted some assurance that the Bulldogs belong in the upper tier of the rankings? Here it was. It was 21-3 at halftime and 27-10 at the end, and it coulda/shoulda been worse. “We were not here to make a statement,” Mark Richt would say, but his team made one anyway.

You wanted some indication that Georgia isn’t just Knowshon Moreno? Here it was. Matthew Stafford threw for 285 yards, 159 of them to the outrageous freshman A.J. Green, who looked like Lynn Swann in the Super Bowl this steamy night.

“So many playmakers on both sides of the ball” — that had been receiver Mohamed Massaquoi’s description of his team this week, and three time zones away we saw what he meant. Maybe there’s a better collegiate linebacker than Rennie Curran. Maybe not. The one time Arizona State threatened early, the peripatetic Curran threw Dimitri Nance for no gain on third-and-1 to force a field goal.

And Knowshon? He gained 149 yards, and his first touchdown was culled from the Reggie Bush highlight reel. He went airborne at the ASU 4, and by the time Moreno landed — for the record, two yards deep in the end zone — the game had changed not just in score but in tone. Seeing such a breathtaking maneuver, the gold-clad Sun Devil fans had to be thinking, “We’re in trouble.”

And they were. Georgia made the Sun Devils seem smaller and slower and weaker by comparison. If it wasn’t perfection — and it wasn’t, not with all those penalties yet again — it was powerful enough for a hot night in September in a foreign stadium ringed by cacti.

This was Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson, who won two national titles at Miami, on the Bulldogs afterward: “They’ve got great speed on both sides of the ball.” We saw Georgia’s defense rise up after Arizona State scored its touchdown and limit the Sun Devils to a total of one first down over the next three series, that on a penalty that nullified Asher Allen’s interception.

Justin Houston, a third-string defensive end, had a sack to blunt one drive, and Darryl Gamble and Andrew Gully shared another sack to quash another. And then CJ Byrd broke up a third-down pass, and then it was 27-10 with six minutes left and the gold shirts were filing out and the stadium was left to those 20,000 Georgia fans who’d made the trek West.

Those hardy travelers had gotten what they’d wanted — Georgia’s first really impressive effort of the 2008 season. Anyone doubting the defense after Georgia Southern or the offense after South Carolina can stand down now. This team was not overhyped. This team is loaded. This team, with a little more attention to detail, can play for the national championship.

Yes, Georgia again left some points on the field, and yes, 12 penalties is seven too many, but those flaws can be corrected. What cannot be discounted is the talent and the will of this team, which has spent the season’s first month mostly being criticized and has clearly ignored all the negative.

This doesn’t mean Georgia will roll over Alabama next week. The Tide will be the best team the Bulldogs have seen. But what we can say is that Georgia came to the desert and left with a 17-point victory. What we can say is that a really swift team is gathering speed.

Permalink | Comments (173) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA/SEC

Comments

By SickandTired

September 21, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Gee whiz….Statement game? What was the statement again? Team lost to UNLV one short week ago I think? Statement game? They got down deep twice in the 4th quarter and KICKED two field goals. The only statement made tonight was that this team is not ready for the schedule ahead. Strap in this fall is gonna be a steep one soon. Cling to the thought of what a fine Christian man Mark Richt is. It will get you through.

By MaximusDawg

September 21, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Word up. This game wasn’t nearly as close as the final score. Terrible officiating kept this game closer then it should have been, plus if Richt was like the slimy POS that Meyer is we would of been going all out at the goal line on the last series instead of trying to let our 2nd string fullback score a TD.

By TakingupforRicht

September 21, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Hey SickandTired. Maybe you disagree with the article but why take a cheap shot at Richt’s religion? Ga. did get down deep and kick field goals. They ran vanilla runs up the middle and the 6 points still count.

By SickandTired is a douchebag

September 21, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

You’re such a sorry loser that you can’t wait to post an anti-UGA post. Get a new act you basement dwelling virgin. Paul “Cro-magnon Man” Johnson will get his teeth kicked in with that gimmick offense when they meet the dawgs at the end of the year.

By Paul Johnson

September 21, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Hey SickandTired—

How does my a$$ taste? You did a good job once again. I feel really fresh and clean.

By Phillip

September 21, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

sickandtired must be a tech fan with an inferiority complex - LOL! Georgia looked impressive but who really looked impressive was AJ Green. This guy reminds me a lot of Calvin Johnson athletically - only difference is CJ had the pathetic Reggie Ball throwing to him while AJ Green has Matthew Stafford…..

By Phillip

September 21, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

sickandtired must be a tech fan with an inferiority complex - LOL! Georgia looked impressive but who really looked impressive was AJ Green. This guy reminds me a lot of Calvin Johnson athletically - only difference is CJ had the pathetic Reggie Ball throwing to him while AJ Green has Matthew Stafford…..

By Weatherman

September 21, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Bradley, Steamy night??? The relative humity in Tempe tonight was 33%. More like a suana than a steam bath. Better check your adjectives. I am sure it was hot but as they say it is a “dry heat”.

By The Grinch

September 21, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Ugly first quarter aside, the Dawgs are starting to come together. The game was not as close as the score suggests, agreed with MaximusDawg that if we’d wanted to run up the score like Cryer we certainly could have. And the officiating was indeed biased. The offensive line is starting to jell but they still have a long way to go. The Alabama game is going to be intense; we’ll start to see if luck is going to play a factor or not. Thank god it’s in Athens and we’ll get Southerland back soon. I think his absence is totally underrated. I still think we’re a 10-2 Sugar Bowl team but who knows; there could be magic in the air.

By Dan

September 21, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

This was an interesting Saturday. Florida routed a terrible Tennessee team 30-6 but their offense only put up 23 points. So they have some work to do. LSU pulled one out against Auburn, but both of those teams looked vunerable against the run. Alabama looked strong against a weak Arkansas team. They are big a physical and will be a tough test for the Dawgs, but I don’t think their secondary has been tested yet, nor do I think they particularly have great team speed. UGA is weak up front and that is going to be a problem next week against Bama, but I was very impressed with the passing game tonight. The Dawgs certainly have some work do to in order to win the SEC, but then again, so does everyone else. It’s going to be a fun race to watch! GOOO DAWGS and GOOO SEC FOOTBALL.

By stonecolddawg

September 21, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

I’m thrilled with the outcome of this game. We opened up the offense, the defense made plays, and we still have work to do to be ready for Bama.

I only wish we put more points on the board as UF will jump us in the next polls.

By MDAWG24

September 21, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Sick and tired - you must be sick in the head and tired of Georgia winning games that you think we should lose. Two field goals in the 4th? Yeah, it could have been worse. Keep in mind my PAC 10 friend, that A: We traveled to Tempe. B: We knocked your 2nd rated PAC 10 head off. Unless you missed my Brookwood HS standout ( Curen) Please refer to the higlights that are on College Football Final right now. Take your thoughts and perspectives to the west coast papers. We, ( Dawgs) usually overlook such garbage from folks like you. Statement? Yeah, here’s your statement: Georgia 27- Arizona State 10.

By GATADawgs!

September 21, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

How bout them Dawgs! They had a rough start and ended up imposing their will despite all the penalties, several that were very questionable. Defense looked great again, and A.J., WOW. The Gators have to be happy with the gifts that the vols kept giving them turning over the ball. The LSU game was also thrilling. SEC football is unparalleled! Can’t wait for next weekend.

By BullDawg Rick

September 21, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Rudy Carpenter is soon to be the Pac 10 all time leading passing QB in all categories??? That says a lot about the Pac 10!! LOL.. He’s a mid level QB in the SEC!!

The Dawgs left 10 -14 points on the field. That’s the way CRM is… Class, but kicks booty!!…

Tha Gawgs were slow to start but took over & by half it was over baby!!!!..

The Bummer fanz coming to the Classic City will feel the wrath of the Dawg!!! Then.. (thankfully) the off week to ready for the Vols!!!

I have been saying all season….”Just Win Baby” & we’ll take care of b usiness!!!

Go Dawgs,,!!!

By Rabun Dawg

September 21, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Hey Sick and Tired, too bad that you are not in the same league as The CHRISTIAN Mark Richt. You are a pathetic individual.

By BuzzFan1936

September 21, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Impressive win, Dawgs. I would like to see you move up in the polls. It looks as though the state of Georgia has another very good football team this year. I hope you win the rest of your games - except against Tech. Beware of the Yellow Jackets. They may give you closer game than you think.

By SE GA LADY

September 21, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Sick and Tired had better go to the first church service open tomorrow and ask for forgiveness. He should only wish to be as together in his religion, job, and family as Richt.

By Mark Bradley

September 21, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

It will be interesting to see if Florida jumps Georgia. I don’t think the Gators will, but I am, as you know, often wrong. I was, for example, wrong about Tennessee beating Florida.

By MaximusDawg

September 21, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Buzzfan- You are a classy Tech fan. That’s a breath of fresh air. I grew up in this town and actually rooted for both teams before I ended up going to UGA. I hope tech wins all their games except for the last one of the year. It makes the rivalry a hell of a lot more fun and meaningful. You guys had a very impressive win today. You may be in the contention for the conference title this year.

By Montana Dawg

September 21, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

I was fairly impressed with the Dawgs performance but there are glaring issues that need immediate attention: 1) Penalties, penalties, penalties…a tougher team will exploit those and could easily cost us the game….it’s all about discipline. 2) Where is the pass rush? We’ve got to find a pass rush. 3) Offensive line ‘shuffle’ has got to come to a halt. We didn’t consistently dominate on the O line like we should have and will have to come the BIG games. The only way we can win consistently is to keep the players playing in the same position as a UNIT. Practice and play the same positions… 4) Our secondary will be vulnerable to better passing attack teams. A statement? No, I don’t really think so. If we beat Bama by at least a couple of touchdowns I would say THAT would be a statement. But, definitely a good game played on the road.

By homefry

September 21, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

Nicely done Dawgs! Bama scored a lot of points on defense against a weak team. I’m pumped and ready for (o)bama! Woof!

By Mark Bradley

September 21, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

No offense, Montana Dawg, but Georgia had four sacks tonight.

By uga500

September 21, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

weatherman….. I was at the game and it WAS “steamy”. Know what u r talking about before u put it in writing. Very Humid! Just like Athens in the summer.

By Dr. Morpheus

September 21, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Matt Stafford is the man. What an arm, what a cool customer under fire, what a team player, what a future Super Bowl winning NFL Hall of Fame stud. And humble, to boot. Hey, AJ is one wise freshman, picking the team with the QB who can get the ball to him faster than FedEx. And Knowshon. And Mohammed. And the dynamic LB duo, Ellerbe and Curren, OMG, and we’re just getting warmed up, go ahead voters, put OU and USC ahead of us, pas de problem, we’ll just keep on keepin’ on and see what the Fates have in store. Peace, Dawgs, we are the stuff, fo’ real.

By homefry

September 21, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark< any early predictions for next Sat.?

By lawton

September 21, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

The BLATANT calls against Georgia should merit some type of letter to the Pac 10. I mean, anybody who saw the game saw the referees trying to keep Arizona State in the Game. Georgia had to battle thru the heat, Arizona and the refs and they did it.

By Montana Dawg

September 21, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

4 QB sacks? Really? OK, I must have missed 2 of those sacks…are you sure Carpenter wasn’t just triping over his shoelaces??…ha…good to hear.

By Mark Bradley

September 21, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

Georgia 21, Alabama 17.

By Mike

September 21, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

The reality is that this UGA team is loaded and if a team is going to knock them off, they better do it very early in the season. As the team starts to gel, they are going to be juggernauts. If you think back to last season, once they began to “click”, they couldn’t be stopped. Speaking of the Pac-10, do you realize that when the Rose bowl passed on UGA-USC, they passed on the preseason 1-2 teams. Still sort of hard to believe. Anyway, it was good to see a pass rush tonight, Stafford continues to improve (still no interceptions), and Knowshon is Knowshon. All in all, a very good game. We will have our hands full with Bama, but remember it’s “between the hedges”. That will be worth something.

By homrefry

September 21, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

Sweet! Thanks Mark. See you in Jax.

By Montana Dawg

September 21, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Mike, I agree, good point about the loss of the UGA-USC game last season…let’s hope the ENTIRE TEAM ‘gels’ this week before Bama and then a much needed week off…like someone else has said earlier, we aren’t getting much respect right now as a top team and that’s ok…we just need to focus on the task at hand…one game at a time. That’s it.

By homefry

September 21, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

Montana Dawg… Ditto, one at a time.

By Denver Dawg

September 21, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this

Mark:

With all due respect, you sound like an idiot. Yes, I would love a statment game, but this wasn’t even close it being one. Are you smokin’ crack?

Frustration for me and my fellow fan gatherers reigned supreme as we, time and again, watched the Dawgs fail to score TDs in the red zone, commit one penalty after another and let Arizona State toss the ball dwn the field like Willie told the defense to lay off a bit.

When you can’t punch it from inside the ASU 5 yard line more than once, there’s a real problem.

It was a nice win, but why can’t this team put together a complete game?

By MaximusDawg

September 21, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

BRADLEY—

How is UK going to do this year in your opinion? Another 7 to 8 win type year and a bowl game?

Also, once old Rich steps aside, which I believe I heard this is his last year, how do you see the program adjusting to that?

By Johnny Danger Dawg

September 21, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

ASU is not half as tough in the trenches as Alabama’s going to be. GA’s linemen need to get a lot better in a hurry to have any chance against Bama.

By Montana Dawg

September 21, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

Good points Denver Dawg…I feel your frustration…a good win but not really a truly SATISFYING WIN…most of the same GLARING problems I saw as well…where is that COMPLETE GAME? We’ll have to figure that out soon to come close to running the table…maybe it won’t happen…but I pray it will. We’ve certainly got the talent on board to make it happen.

By BuzzFan1936

September 21, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the comments, MaximusDawg. Beat Bama!

By Dawgone

September 21, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

Bulldawg Rick,

I think you completely give Carpenter too much credit. He would have been a second rate qb in the SEC 15 years ago. Now… He wouldn’t start for any team outside of ole miss and maybe miss state and he would be lucky to do so there.

By hop

September 21, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this

arkansas is not very good so we really do not know how good alabama is,but next saturday’s game with the dawgs should answer many questions about both teams.

i think it is safe to say that once again the SEC is loaded with some very gifted teams.

it will be a great race to see how each one will finish!

georgia is still a very young football team, who will get stronger eack week. will it be enough to win the SEC? only time will tell, if they will.

By Van Brocklin

September 21, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this

Bama is not very good, average at best. UGA wins.

By Snoop DAWG

September 21, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this

Last year, the stupid BCS had Illinois in the Rose Bowl and Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. That was ridiculous.

By Starkville Dog Pound

September 21, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this

PREDICTION- DAWGS 3— TIDE 2

By heeldawg

September 21, 2008 5:08 AM | Link to this

A few observations:

  • OL looked okay, but few running lanes for Moreno early, and Stafford sacked a couple of times when the pocket collapsed. It’s not like ASU has any all-world players on the DL. Alabama does. Here’s hoping that Coach Searels gets this relatively green lines a bit more solid in their play in the next week, or it could be along night next Saturday.

  • AJ Green was amazing. He makes Stafford a better QB. He’s a starter from here on out.

  • The interior defensive line was very solid. Kade Weston had a big night.

  • Georgia needs to be able to punch it in inside the five. It will be good to have Brannen Southerland back—he’s supposed to play next week. He would have gotten the call on third and short had he played. And he would have scored.

  • Yes, Alabama really is that good. They may, in fact, end up as SEC West Champions. That being said, Arkansas really is that bad—the worst in the SEC. Casey Dick is a FCS QB playing in a FBS league.

  • Congrats to Tech. They are better now than at any time last year during the Gailey era. I knew PJ would have them ready to play eventually; I just didn’t expect it to be this early. That game in Athens will be a war.

    • By CFan

    September 21, 2008 5:33 AM | Link to this

    Georgia looked pretty good against ASU, but those UGA fans that think the Alabama game is an easy/given win are delirious. ‘Bama is much a stronger team than ASU. ASU looks more like Clemson (enough said).

    By SavannahDeWitt

    September 21, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this

    Guys, Its early. Read your history books. Richt always squeeks out the SC game, generally he takes a month to fine tune things as a good coach does. Richt’s teams unlike Donnan teams are always much better as the season goes on.

    They’ll be uphill tests…but we’re mentally ready. They’ve been preparing for them for over a year. Vamous Aver - “We’ll see”…soon enough.

    This is why we love our Dawgs. We’ve had faith in them in the past and more often than not they’ve exceeded our Dooley trained low expectations. ;)

    By CFan

    September 21, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this

    Georgia looked pretty good against ASU, but those UGA fans that think the Alabama game is an easy/given win are delirious. ‘Bama is a much stronger team than ASU. ASU looks more on the level of Clemson (enough said).

    By G

    September 21, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this

    Yo Dawgs, quit your barking and howling until you play a team in the top 25.

    By 59bulldawg

    September 21, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this

    I’m happy with the win but am concerned with Bama coming into town next week. We’re definitely going to have to be at our best to win. I think this team can do it though!

    Does anybody know what was up with all the Georgia slips and falls tonight? Was the turf that bad or what? We just seemed to have an awful lot of people falling down!

    I also thought the coaches did a good job of substitution tonight and would like to see that carried through the rest of the season. I can only dream of the day when we’ll have enough numbers to keep fresh big men on the O-line for most of the game. Just like last season we have a number of young guys getting experience at a variety of positions. I think that’s good in the long run and if we can stay healthy and plug in the young studs coming in next year along with those on the team now, the future looks extremely bright. For now our big guys will only get better the more they play together. At the moment it’s a work in progress but progress is evident.

    By Coastalwoofer

    September 21, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this

    Hey uga500,

    Get a clue. If you think Tempe is ‘steamy’ at 33% relative humidity, you should come to Savannah in August when the temperature is 105 and the relative humidity is 100%. That, my boy, is steamy. You are the one who shouldn’t post when they don’t know what they are talking about. Sic em Dogs, beat Bama.

    By Virgin islands Dawg

    September 21, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

    Did anyone listen to the TV broadcast last night? They couldn’t have been more complimentary; I was a little embarassed considering it was NOT a STATEMENT game.

    By Big Dawg

    September 21, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

    Montana Dawg and Mark,

    2) Where is the pass rush? We’ve got to find a pass rush.

    We actually would have had 6 sacks but a couple of them got negated by phantom penalties. Even without those bogus penalties we still had too many. As you pointed out this is a mental thing- lack of discipline. We are 4 games into the season these guys aren’t freshmen anymore and they have played against a really good defensive line in South Carolina and a pretty good one last night in Arizona State. They must keep improving and they will.

    Go Dawgs “EARN IT”

    By Rosezee

    September 21, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

    Nice win, but we still have holes to plug.

    Punt team errors and penalities are inexcusable. Wasting time outs every game is unacceptable.

    O line still needs to find a way to run block, especially up the middle.

    Go Dawgs

    By NationalChamps

    September 21, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

    Mark, Impressive for UGA yes- Arizona State is an UNRANKED TEAM. Let’s put it in perspective. Now that Emmanuel Moody is playing, there isn’t much hope for UGA to even win a conference championship. Looks like Oklahoma, USC and the Gators will battle for the national championship. Kinda getting old. Starting to look like the recent Billy Donovan era of National Championships. Yawn. Change National Championship License Plate Frame to 2008 etc. Poor Puppies.

    By Mike

    September 21, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

    LSU away in Baton Rouge the week before the gator game in Jax. What are the chances of winning at LSU and then beat Florida the next week? Very bad scheduling by UGA athletic dept.

    By FLA DAWG

    September 21, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

    Domination on both sides of the ball by The Dawgs. Congratulations and welcome home. The score does not begin to reflect how well The Dawgs dominated.

    Inspite of multiple hometown ref calls and a slow first quarter start, Chandler problems (again) The Dawgs really bit the pants off those Sun Devils.

    A great win. Get some rest guys then begin preparing for your biggest test - Bama. Stay juiced for 4 qtrs with home fan support and win and you earn a No. 1 Ranking in my book. You’ll then get a much deserved two week rest.

    Thanks Again Dawgs for a great display of SEC dominance over a west coastie team.

    By Roll Tide

    September 21, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

    Mark, Picking UT over the Gators continues to show how much you dislike the gators. Either that or you don’t know very much about college football. They looked like a high school team against the gators. Can’t wait to read your column next week after the Tide ruins all of UGA’s national championship aspirations. Hope you are working on the article now. Should be interesting.

    By Chapdawg

    September 21, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

    This was a good win. Offense loked inmproved and defense was great. But can somone tell me why we are burnning time outs to get are punting team on the field. The dawgs have got to get better in this phase of the game or it will cost us aginst better teams. That said this is still a good win. GO DAWGS!! FINISH THE DRILL!!!

    By KonaBuzz

    September 21, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

    Statement game? Georgia’s last two ‘impressive wins’? ASU lost to UNLV just a week ago. South Carolina just beat a 1-AA team by 10.

    Georgia wins a beauty contest with the voters but the computers aren’t going to be impressed.

    By KonaBuzz

    September 21, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

    Statement game? Georgia’s last two ‘impressive wins’? ASU lost to UNLV just a week ago. South Carolina just beat a 1-AA team by 10.

    Georgia wins a beauty contest with the voters but the computers aren’t going to be impressed.

    By Lowcountry Dawg

    September 21, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

    To “Sickandtired” I am getting sick and tired of people like you poking fun at Mark Richt’s Christianity. What, you have a problem with that??? What do you base your life on-yourself????? Yes, Christianity is about more than just superficial wins- it’s about life change-something you obviously don’t know much about. Oh, and about his wins- check it out-Idon’t believe it’s too shabby. You’re trying to tag Mark Richt as a loser because he is a Christian.No, the reality is-you, unfortunately will be the ultimate loser.

    By Ron Roberts

    September 21, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

    Thank goodness for HDTV… somebody asked about all the slips and falls by the Dawgs… that turf looked hard; knowing that, in the past, they’ve had all they could handle just getting grass to grow in that stadium, I, too, noticed Georgia’s footing issues.

    I’m betting we were using different shoes (or needed to) because of teh turf. Back when the NFL’s Cardinals would play their games at Sun Devil Stadium, too, you cuold see where all that was left between the hases was, in essence, hard earth and sand.

    By P Dawg

    September 21, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

    If uf jumps UGA in the polls, there should be a riot in the streets! UGA will destroy both UT and uf this year. Hope Tebow doesn’t get too banged up before UGA because he sure as hell will at the game in Jax. Looking forward to some more gator meat, b***! Can’t wait to hear this year’s excuses(Tebow was hurt or UGA celebrates too much, LOL).

    By Biggest Dawg

    September 21, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

    It’s good to be a Dawg! Our team is the best! Only to be followed by the best fans. Our coach is admired by all. Our school is extremely well ranked. I know everyone wants to be a Dawg. But, if you’re not, don’t loose your mind writing stupid comments…

    By Long-of-tooth

    September 21, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

    I’m sick and tired of SickandTired. As usual, in his doom and gloom predictions, he frequently forgets former ones that went awry. Like last week when he “forecast” that the dawgs would lose to ASU. Besides, what does he do? Sit in front of his monitor 24/7 so he can be First!!

    By jim

    September 21, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

    Hey sickandtired. Nobody runs on Georgia. Nobody. ‘Bama will have to pass and we are starting to get our pass rush together. Wonder what that means? What game were you watching?

    By TheAntiMe

    September 21, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

    I had written a long admonishment about the perils of the penalty crisis the Dawgs are inflicting on themselves but after further review I can see that this topic has been well-covered so I’ll just add this one observation:

    While it’s quite true that a couple of those penalties were lamer than lame (we all know the 2 calls that were total horse manure), the BS calls are going to be even more of a problem for the Dawgs as the season progresses.

    As was pathetically obvious in tonight’s game, the officiating crews are only all too aware that they are working a prime-time national telecast and they simply cannot resist the urge to be a big part of the game to maximize their face-time on national TV.

    Being that this is certain to become a bigger problem in all of the high-profile games, this makes it imperative that the Dawgs commit fewer penalties to minimize the damage of prime-time officials with a desire to shine.

    By Dogbyte

    September 21, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

    “Nice Guy” CMR needs to have a George Patton-type “discussion” with the special team’s coach. Tell him to either get the coverage and line-up mess corrected or he(CMR)is going to put someone in there that can and will get it corrected. And quickly!

    By TankDawg

    September 21, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

    Great game DAWGS! 4 down and 8[or 9] to go. Now the REAL season starts. GO DAWGS!!!!!

    By Gatorbait

    September 21, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

    UGA has split the last 4 games with Florida. Something to brag about. Not much else has been accomplished with UGA athletics since the early 80’s

    By MaximusDawg is an Idiot

    September 21, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

    The only POS coach I saw yesterday was that F* RICHT. Meyer didn’t run up the score on a team that UGAY Leghumpers can’t beat. SO you’re whimpy gimmicky Helen HUNT looking cocksucking coach barely beat a team that lost to UNLV (ASU), a team that almost lost to Wofford (SC), and two over rated high school teams. Ga with out a doubt the most over-rated team besides OHIO STATE. I bet Stafford was blowing RICHT on the way home.

    By TheAntiMe

    September 21, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

    Thanks a lot, Mark. lol - Thanks to your reference to the Tempe climate you’ve transformed this game from the Bulldogs vs. Sun Devils in the Sun Bowl, into Glenn Burns vs. Ken Cook (two appropriately scorching names, I must admit) in the Weather Bowl

    We can only hope that ESPN College GameDay* isn’t replaced next Saturday by The Weather Channel!

    By THE WILLSTER

    September 21, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

    Good win for the Dawgs. Expected win for the Dawgs. Now on to next week. And as far as Sick and tired and Roll Tide goes, just another couple of b*** running their damn mouths…Anyway, good job and GO DAWGS. Also, you dont diss a man’s religion..

    By Harleyman

    September 21, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

    Hey Mark. Was that a Pac 10 officiating crew last night? It almost seemed like there was an agenda to make sure an SEC school wasn’t gonna go out there and embarrass a Pac 10 school. As everyone is aware, the score could have been much worse without a couple of bs calls on UGA and non calls against ASU.

    By FLA DAWG

    September 21, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

    The Dawgs won against a popular non conference team - that will count big in the ratings. This affects ranking voters outside the SEC bigtime.

    UGA will not drop in the polls and may even get a pop to No.2.

    By Unreal

    September 21, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

    RICHT trying to run up the score on ASU to get the lowlife KNOWSHON (What a ghetto name!!!) his third touchdown. NOW THAT IS A POS!!!!! Mullin pretty much calling running plays for the entire 4th quarter and didn’t try to score. DAWG fans are dillusional, but will come down to earth when BAMA kicks that OVERRATED a* of the F* RICHT.

    Can’t spell GAY without UGAY!!!!!

    By P.Dawg

    September 21, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

    P.Dawg,

    You’re a completed dumbass!!! You haven’t played against a real team yet. Two high school teams, a sorry SC team, and ASU who lost to UNLV. Don’t worry, we’ll beat that team of f* that’s called the Dawgs. Ga needed a fumble at the goal line to beat SC that almost lost to Wofford last night. Ga had 2 kick 2 field goals to a team that lost to UNLV last week. I’m not worried about Ga one bit. You f* only manage to beat us every blue moon. I will enjoy watching UGAY Balllickers get their asses kicked by BAMA next week. The country will see what posers UGAY is!!!

    By Hal

    September 21, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

    Mark- do you think UGA would beat UNLV? If so do you think it would be as convincing as the ASU victory?

    By Tater

    September 21, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

    AJ GREEN IS A STUD!!!!!!!

    www.thedawgsden.com

    By FLA DAWG

    September 21, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

    ASU a popular non-conference team. A team that lost last week to UNLV. ASU who’s previous two wins were against Northern Illinois and Stanford. I will give them credit, they didn’t play two Division 1-AA patsies like GA did. They lost their third game against a team that needed overtime to beat Iowa State. LMAO!!! FLA DAWG, you’re an idiot. The pollsters will realize like they are now that GA hasn’t done anything yet, and it’s all smoke and mirrors. Ga will lose 3 or 4 games this year. But hell, Isn’t Ga over-rated every year. What has Ga done the last 5 years? Not a thing

    By Lane

    September 21, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

    AJC is pathetic, NOT ONE WORD ABOUT THE OL. Jones and Anderson each started their 1st game. Tripp, played very little. Vance started @ left tackle and was close to dominant.

    AJC is as pathetic as Musberger, who cares about Barry Bonds and ASU baseball - what a joke.

    By Vince

    September 21, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

    Richt not going for the touchdown when UGA was 2 inches from the goal line in the 4th is exactly the type of mindset that keeps Georgia sinking in the polls. You have to go for that touchdown to make a statement and get style ponts! If you don’t make it, then you don’t deserve to be in the top 5 anyway.

    By jake

    September 21, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

    Mark, You can’t get to the NC game by feeling sorry for the other team.

    By Hey Jim

    September 21, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

    Hey Jim,

    I saw SC and ASU run on GAG’s defense.

    By TheAntiMe

    September 21, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

    I usually ignore the ignorant posters, Unreal, but in your case, this time I’ll make an exception.

    The only reason Georgia did not score touchdowns on both of those 4th quarter drives at the ASU 5 yard line was Coach Mark Richt’s aversion to giving the appearance of running up the score on ASU due to the obvious (at least, to anyone with a brain) respect that he has for Coach Dennis Erickson and his Sun Devils.

    You really should get a clue before you open that yap of yours, you total loser. You give trailer trash all over the world a bad name.

    By ncdawg

    September 21, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

    How about a black-out Saturday against Alabama? Perfect setting… night game against a top 10 team on ESPN with Gameday (possibly) in town. Against Auburn, the players asked CMR to do a black-out. This time, maybe the fans can lead the uprising. All in favor…..

    By Joe

    September 21, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

    This was a prime example of how weak the PAC-10 is. It’s a complete joke that USC is #1 and sadly they will go undefeated and stay that way becuase they play a pathetic schedule. It’s a real shame that we don’t have a playoff system. I guess if we did the SEC would win year in and year out because those teams are use to a tough game every week…

    By JackSheet

    September 21, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

    Not going for it at the end of the game is called class. Coaches get to vote, too. They know a good sport when they see one.

    By Mike Stuart

    September 21, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

    UNLV would beat UGA.

    By oh paaaleeesse

    September 21, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

    God what part of ASU lost to UNLV the week before do you idiots not understand. Maybe you can understand this.

    Before the UNLV loss, ASU had won it previous 8 games by 3 points or fewer.

    UNLV had not won more than 2 games in its last four seasons. After beating ASU they were 2-1. First winning record since 2003.

    UNLV’s coach had a 1-17 road record going into the ASU game.

    and blah, blah, blah.

    And Bradley, you have absolutely no credibility pandering to the GA faithful like you do.

    By TimTeabagger

    September 21, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

    Gosh, the gaytors looked really scary today. Their overrated quarterback put up all of 96 yards passing and they ran for 147. Tennessee had more total yards than the gaytors.

    By BigDawg

    September 21, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

    Were those refs from the Pac10 or the SEC?. I know that most inter-conference games use the refs from the visting team’s conference but I seem to remember that the Pac10 always uses their own officials. I couldn’t believe some of those calls.

    By Still no proof

    September 21, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

    Statement??? Statement?? Wow, playing one of the worst teams in a bad conference is a statement?? Delusions will be continued until the real challenge is faced and these Dawgs are run over.

    Who have you beaten? A team that was beaten by UNLV? A SC team that barely beat Wofford?…there are highschools in SC that are stronger than Wofford….Ga Southern…hahahahahahaha

    This section of the paper is now funnier than the comics.

    The beauty of this is that the fall for the blithering Dawg fans will be that much greater.

    By Big John

    September 21, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

    Great game Dawgs!!!!!!! O-line still worries me but this team is coming together. Get rid of the penalties and the Dawgs could very well be playing for the National Championship this year. As far as leaving points on the field every true Dawgs fan know Richt is NOT going to run up the score.Am I the only one who thinks the Dawgs are still holding back a bit,not wanting to show all their cards just yet? I think Georgia beats Bamma by at least 10. GOOOOO Dawgs!!!!!

    By Bradleys a joke

    September 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

    Bradley,

    You are such a pathetic homer its not even funny.. Georgia is a great team but this game didn’t make any sort of statement. Yes they have talent, yes they have speed, but no they still haven’t played anybody worth a damn. You are calling National Championship AGAIN after beating a team that lost to UNLV. Why don’t you hold your horses until after the Alabama game to declare that this team has finally arrived? We all know they are capable, and yes, even us Tech fans. And I will admit that this game would have been more of a rout if it weren’t for the worthless officials.(I didn’t know landing on the offense when trying to block a punt was even a penalty!)

    I don’t doubt this team has the potential to do great things- Moreno and Green are special. But don’t get ahead of yourself after this game that you clearly were supposed to win.

    By Bobo is a BooBoo

    September 21, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

    What is wrong with Mike Bobo? His play calling resulted in the complete waste of a 45 kick return. What is his infatuation with throwing the bomb on the first play in a series? It’s a very low percentage play that always leaves the Dogs with 2nd and long. Can someone give me an example of when that has worked for the Dogs?

    By conclusive proof

    September 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

    the obsession with the officials for Dawg fans is clearly an obsession…. Even when you win, you talk about it?

    Get some therapy.

    Although I must confess to pulling for your wonderful Dawgs defeat inorder to keep your arrogance at an almost tolerable level. Love the team, hate the fans.

    By Kevin

    September 21, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

    Mark:

    I’m curious as to why Richt/Bobo have not improved upon the running game inside the five. If you remember in the GA Southern game, we tried 2-3 times to run it up the middle at the goal without success. We could not open up a hole against GA Sou, so you can predict our future success against LSU, Auburn and Alabama. It was de ja vu “all over again” with ASU inside the 5.

    Please pass along this novel approach…How about a spread offense at the goal line? Do you think that Moreno might be able to find the crease?? Come on, you have a back with arguably the best cutting ability in college football. Creating a log-jam in the middle is not the answer for him.

    Point number two…the kick-offs were better, but now the coverage was poor. We still have work to do.

    Penalties. Nothing more to say here. (were the refs on the payroll?)

    Overall, a better game, but still not a complete game.

    Many positives, too.

    Go Dawgs!

    By oh paaaleeesse

    September 21, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

    Check that

    The 8 games by 3 points or few is WRONG. I got it off a blog and I thought it seemed funny. Was not even close, but they did lose 3 out of their last 5 games in 2007 including a bowl loss to TX 52-34.

    By longtimeSEC FAN

    September 21, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

    UGA has one of the better teams and some of the sickest fans writing in this and other AJC blogs. Other teams have some also but as a reader of many I think UGA wins the championship in this contest hands down. My grandaughter just graduated from UGA so I pull for dawgs for her sake but you rednecks make it difficult.

    By Vince

    September 21, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

    Class does not get you a higher poll ranking, and that’s what all of the UGA fans have been crying about the past few weeks. And by the way, scoring a touchdown from the 2 inch line in the 4th, or making a field goal, makes it a three possession lead either way. 31 - 10 looks a lot better.

    By NikkiFree

    September 21, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

    Glad to see the Dawgs FEED THE GREEN. The play-by-play almost sounded like Matt Stafford’s NFL Combine was going on. He’s gonna be a wonderful NFL QB.

    By Keeping It Real

    September 21, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

    I do not like Jawja, the SEC or the NCAA because they rip off the players by keeping them housed and fed on the plantation under the ruse of a student athlete. However, I am a fan of the players and Jawja has some very good ones. I hope Stafford, Moreno and Currin go pro after the season and not risk getting hurt and losing some money so that the Jawja alumni can keep going around barking insults. I am not a Tech fan either for the same reasons. Have a good day.

    By stendec

    September 21, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

    This was a prime example of how weak the PAC-10 is. It’s a complete joke that USC is #1 and sadly they will go undefeated and stay that way becuase they play a pathetic schedule. It’s a real shame that we don’t have a playoff system. I guess if we did the SEC would win year in and year out because those teams are use to a tough game every week

    Thanks Joe. I have been preaching this same philosophy for decades.

    That is why so many title games are total busts. Such as when a P+++Y team from Ohio (which shall remain nameless) waltzes through a schedule of nobodies then faces a REAL football team. Outcome all too predictable!

    Referees had to gift-wrap national title for these gutless wonders years ago. True football fans know full well what I am talking about.

    Thanks again for such a factual post.

    GO DAWGS!

    By Reality Man

    September 21, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

    Now I know why the business failing AJC keeps Bradley around? Just to keep your DOG fans hopes up! You would think you just won a game against a good team, a Ranked team, a winning team! DUH! AZ was medicore at best! Next week will be the beginning of your season’s reality. Pay attention. You are hardly the #3 team in the country……let along your illusions of being #1. Wake up guys and gals! Keep up the good work Bradley…..that way you will keep your job.

    By I-DOG

    September 21, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

    I think “sick and Tired” is sick and tired of watching UGA win game after game after game. I believe that was the eleventh straight victory for UGA.

    His definition of a weak team is any team that Georgia just defeated. If we get by Alabama next week for #12… we will have either been lucky or Alabama will be a terrible team for whatever reason he creates.

    By wow Dawg fans are pathetic

    September 21, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

    Ga fans talking about the Gators, when you haven’t played anyone yet. When was the last time Ga beat Tennessee? LMAO. Now STFU you over-rated inbred f*.

    By