Mark Bradley

By country boy

December 31, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Nice subject Mark. All Dawg fans are a little down and with reason. Squandered season for the most part. I’m not a good predictor but I hope I’m right in thinking the Dawgs will win by about 2 or 3 points - kinda like too many games this year. Foolish journalist from Detriot as MOST ANY opponent can stay on the field with us.

By Gman

December 31, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

We have given up 40+ points to every team we played in the top 20. Look for Soft Willie to keep that streak alive.

So all MSU can do is run the ball? Sounds like Tech. And since the Tech game Soft Wille received a nice bonus!!! Clearly Richt is happy with the defense. He is happy with the coaching staff and as such, probably is telling the truth that he is happy to be in Orlando.

The coaches’ late season revelation that we have no talent on defense is/was pathetic. They recruited these players. They’ve coached them. If they can’t play-the coaches are ultimately responsible for this mess.

Les Miles (no great genius) when faced with a similar underachieving defense hires John Chavis to straighten things out. Soft Willie gets a bonus????

Believe it or not, fans actually understand that things do not always go as planned. When you put a happy face on failure, you’ve removed all hope of future improvement.

The bottom line: Since Richt is happy where the program is and will not only make no changes, he is rewarding failure. Expect the future to look much like the present. This is the greatest waste of assembled talent in Georgia history.

By WhySoSerious?

December 31, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Even decent Georgia defenses have trouble getting up for these games. I can’t wait to see how THIS one performs in another series of meaningless bowl games.

Let’s face it. Georgia has ceased to be a college football team. It’s now just a part of the NFL mill. Bulldog players just don’t want to have a career ending injury before moving on to the next level. Why should anyone expect them to sell out physically for Georgia? Nothing gets these guys excited!

Flash forward 4 years from now, when a half dozen players from this team are All-pro, we’ll be wondering how this team ever lost to anyone.

Hmmmm….Do Georgia fans really want to talk about that?

By Herschel Talker

December 31, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

We will never get over the top with Richt. Great human being, but he doesn’t have the moxie.

By BugKiller

December 31, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Mark, what you and Chip and everyone else at the AJC other than Bill King refuse to point out is that all of this Georgia going in the tank in big games, Georgia not having the resolve to put teams away on defense…

… NEVER occurred under Brian Van Gorder.

All of this just COINCIDENTALLY (according to Mark Richt) has happened under Willie Martinez’s Reign of Mediocrity.

Here’s the most damning stat against Martinez for me, that no one, not even the deluded fans like AltamahaDog can explain:

Brian Van Gorder’s defenses gave up 30 or more points one time in four years.

Willie Martinez’s defenses have given up 30 or more points ELEVEN TIMES in four years.

That’s the most in any era of Georgia football.

Willie Martinez also holds the dubious distinction of overseeing a defense that has given up 40 or more points THREE TIMES IN ONE YEAR!!!

Here’s the thing Mark (both Bradley and Richt), if the scheme is the same, and the talent of the players are fairly relative, and the players are the ones underperforming (because they have no discipline on or off the field, including things like tackling, taking ridiculously stupid penalties that are game killers, and you know, winding up in the holding tank over night)…

… you cannot continue to blame the players for all of that.

After four years of this stuff under Martinez, the blame needs to start falling on him.

Georgia should win this game handidly, but they won’t.

If we win this game, it won’t be by more than one score, because Javon Ringer is going to light up Willie’s defense.

And even if we win, that should be more than enough ammunition for Damon Evans to step in and do what Mark Richt refuses to do: the right thing, fire Willie Martinez.

The Dawgs will never win another SEC Championship, let alone an East title, not with Urban Liar and Lane Kiffin and his NFL Genius Coach Dad in Tennesssee, as long as Willie Martinez is allowed to continue to ruin this football team.

We saw it in FSU for years when Bobby Bowden was way too close to his offensive coordinator (because it was his son) to fire him when he should have.

Bowden let his son destroy his football program. I mean, DESTROY it, obliterate it, they’ve never been the same because he refused to do what needed to be done for the good of his program and fire his son who was way in over his head.

Mark Richt is making the same damn mistake. The same damn mistake.

Willie Martinez is so far in over his head against the elite (and sometimes not even elite) teams, it isn’t even funny.

Every huge game against a team of equal or better (or sometimes even lesser) talent, Willie Martinez has totally crapped the bed as a game planner, and as a play caller. No mid-quarter adjustments, no anything.

I mean, he has TWO WEEKS to prepare his defense for Tech.

TWO WEEKS!!!

Carolina beat Tech for God’s sake!!!

Damon Evans should have stepped in after that game and fired Martinez.

The Dawgs will never reach their potential as a team with Martinez running the defense, and unlike Bowden who was able to survive his selfish decision to refuse to fire his son because he had two MNC’s and double-digit conference championships, Mark Richt’s two little SEC Championships will not be enough to save him.

His refusal to fire Willie (unless Evans steps in this year to do it for him) might just be the stone around his neck that gets him fired. Because firing assistants who don’t perform their job up to expectations, which Willie certainly hasn’t, is something a head coach is expected to do, no matter how hard it is.

The status should not be quo here, because the status quo sucks.

Einstein would have a few choice words about Mark Richt if he were alive today, that’s for sure.

Bradley, it may be time for you to step into this arena, though, with your track record of being Bobby Cox’s biggest apologist, I’m not expecting much.

By djsthegreatesdawgofalltime

December 31, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

LOL…..What a column. But dead on. UGA is a joke this year. Mark can embrace every excuse he wants, the bottom line is he did a p** poor job this year. Maybe the money is getting to good to him.

By Now that's funny

December 31, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Ringer is going for 185yds and 3 tds on about 32 carries. I had a Dawg fan tell me “we should beat MSU, all they really have is that running back.” Really, like Tech? Our defense in terrible, and will continue to be terrible unless Mark Richt’s addresses the problem. Since CMR will not address the problem, he becomes the problem. There is absolutly no excuse in scoring 40 points on an ACC team and not winning the game. That’s incredible. I hope Stafford and Moreno stay in school so we can see them in Red for one more year. But, if they do, they best be prepared to post 50 pts a game because our defense will be worse next year.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Here’s my feeling about Martinez: He’s a good defensive coordinator — check the numbers over time — who for whatever reason couldn’t build a good defense in 2008. Was it injuries that prevented him from so doing? Did he not have enough players?

Me, I don’t think it was the latter.

By Sarcastic Dawg

December 31, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Very fresh and original Mark. I have only seen 1,084,983 AJC columns in the past 2 months reminding us how disappointing UGA’s season has been, as if we would forget. Thanks for yet another one. I was starting to get excited about tomorrow’s game, but you set me straight.

By DawgieStyle

December 31, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWELVE BOWL APPEARANCES, I’LL NOT BE THERE. IT ISN’T THE LOSSES THAT BOTHER ME; IT’S THE COMPLETE LACK OF LIFE OF THE DEFENSE, AND COACH RICHT THINKS EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE.

I’LL BE ATTENDING THE SUGAR BOWL TO WATCH ALABAMA. AT LEAST THAT TEAM SHOWS A PULSE.

By Steve Kersh

December 31, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Bradley also say UGA - National Champs, Tech 3 win season…….

By Ron Roberts

December 31, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

BugKiller…how many times did BVG beat Florida? Once.

How about the back-to-back defensive letdowns vs. LSU in the SEC Championship (34 pa) and against Purdue in what shouldn’t have been a nailbiter finish at the Outback Bowl (27 pa)?

Yeah, I liked BVG, as well, and I’m scratching my head a little at the sudden letdown that was Georgia’s defense, but what’s it gonna take to get you to understnad how banged up Georgia was???

Richt was on w/Colin Cowherd on ESPN radio the other day and made a dmmn-fine (and valid) point… when you lose guys on your 1st and 2nd string, your scout team players get called to duty, which limits your practice ability. Richt points this out and continued to say his squad lost valuable “contact drill” time and it also cost ‘em throughout the season with “game-speed” practice.

It makes perfect sense; we lacked the big hits wer’d been known for in seasons past, and always seemed a step off at key moments in games we were getting tested defensively.

The players are there, the scheme is sound; the health and depth will return and I think maintaining the staff on D will be a plus, not a negative for the ‘Dawgs in 2009, whether Moreno and/or Stafford return or not.

And if you’re not satisfied w/Martinez remaining, either deal with it or find another favorite team, ‘cause all the belly-aching in the world isn’t going to change it.

By Rick S

December 31, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I agree with the comments written about “Soft Willie” but I am even more disappointed that Georgia appears to be content with being a “Regional Program” vs. a “National Program”. Bottom line mediocrity, complacency, and hope for improvement do not win championships!

By Dawghead

December 31, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Willie Martinez is a good defensive coordinator and will fix what’s broken.

That said, it’s funny how many “fans,” are addicted to hyperventilation.

By BugKiller

December 31, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

But Mark… he isn’t a good defensive coordinator.

Any real success his defenses had were with the guys who played under Brian Van Gorder, and even then, because of his horrible preparation, game planning, and play calling, things like the 2005 Sugar Bowl and 2006, 2007 Tennessee Games happened.

Marcus Howard was the last Van Gorder guy left. Tough. Smart. Disciplined.

We see what Martinez guys are like. No fundamentals. No toughness. No intelligence. No discipline.

How can you say Willie Martinez is a good defensive coordinator, when over four years his defenses have given up 30 or more points ELEVEN TIMES, more than at any other time in Georgia’s history???

Again, in the same amount of years, Van Gorder’s tough, smart, and disciplined defenses only gave up 30 points one time.

How can you seriously sit there and defend Willie Martinez.

Again… after years of apologizing for Bobby Cox’s stupendous October failures where the blame ALWAYS seemed to fall on the players, I guess it just comes as second nature to anyone who works for the AJC to place any blame on Martinez.

He’s horrible, and the proof is in the pudding.

Willie Martinez equals Jeff Bowden.

By MountainDawg

December 31, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Martinez is a marginal DC at best & atrocious at worse. His schemes are soft, he doesn’t blitz enough (when the DL can’t apply QB pressure) & doesn’t make enough in-game adjustments. I think UGA has talent enough on defense to have not given up the # of points they have this season. The OL was riddled with injuries & has done a solid job…whereas the same can’t be said for the D. CWM needs to go (although it’s extremely doubtful CMR will drop the axe).

That being said, I’d love to see UGA man-up & lay a whoopin’ on MSU, but I’m inclined to believe that won’t happen. I’ve rarely seen a team with this much talent/potential underachieve to this degree. However, I’m still pullin’ for them! GO DAWGS!!!

By Huh?

December 31, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Typical media garbage. If they aren’t hyping someone up as a God they are tearing them down. Bradley has managed to do both this season to Georgia football.

This is a crap column and this topic has been beaten to death. You’re just rubbing salt in the wounds dude. And those wounds are not as deep as you would like everyone to believe. I don’t think this team cut and run from anything. In fact, it would have been real easy for them to fold up the tent after the Florida embarassment. I don’t think they did that. I think they showed alot of RESOLVE in winning hard fought games at Auburn and Kentucky on the road. If they don’t have resolve they don’t win those games. Its as simple as that.

By the way, hat in the hell does West Virginia have to do with the 2008 season Mark? That came out of left field.

By BugKiller

December 31, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Ummm, Ron, in all of those Florida games that Georgia lost when BVG was the coordinator, the defense did their jobs well.

Only an idiot would put that on BVG or the defense.

Again: four years, one game giving up 30 or more points.

-or-

four years, ELEVEN GAMES giving up 30 or more points.

Also, people want BVG. They want him to coach places.

No one comes calling for Willie Martinez.

I wonder why?

By SAV'H DAWG

December 31, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

I have been a UGA ticket holder and financial supporter for over 20 years. Going into this season, I predicted that this would be the best defense that UGA had ever put on the field. I said that in reference to players like Reshad Jones, Ellerbe, and Asher Allen. All three of these leaders on defense had sub par years. Lay off of Martinez! The players must perform on the field.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

To borrow Mark Richt’s protestation from today’s press conference: Come on. Martinez has a much better resume’ than Jeff Bowden.

And I predicted Georgia Tech would win seven games, not three.

By Missy Mahan, UGA Scholar

December 31, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Does GA playing in the Capital One Bowl mean they won’t win the national championship, like they promised me they would back in August?

By Mershon Dawg

December 31, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

The facts are very clear, Ga.’s defense shows signs of poor concentration and tackling. I’ve watched Georgia football for over 40 years and the defense simply looses its ability to do what it needs to do to win.The offensive line however, is the exception. Georgia is not playing as a team!!!Ga. needs to stop making stupid mistakes!!!!!!!!!!!Their suppose to be college students(maybe that’s a big part of the problem) and seasoned football players-Get it in gear and start WINNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By WildBill

December 31, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Mark, good article. This dawg will be watching the Clemson game tomorrow. Isn’t that a hoot?

By St. James

December 31, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I know alot of Georgia fans. Very few of them are this negative about their team and its season. You have to wonder about the total losers that post on blogs like this.

By georgiagirl

December 31, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

All you bandwagon fans really need to get a life, if you can do a better job then get on the field. The hell with all of you, some of us are true DAWG fans and will always be true, you all are just a bunch of arm chair want to be. My God you are terrible, I guess you all live in glass house. No wonder people think that Georgia fans are cry babies all they have to do is read your trash. The season did not go as plan so all of you throw this team under the bus. Please go find another team and go away, you make all of the fans look BAD. But if next season goes better you will be right back here loving the DAWGS. You all a bunch of traders. Don’t watch the game go put your head in a hole. Please excuse any mistakes but I had it with the bandwagon fans and all their trash talk, they make us look so bad. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT EVERYONE FEELS LIKE THESE FOOLS. RED AND BLACK SIC EM DAWGS

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

I won’t dispute that Les Miles, whom I’ve actually come to like, made a major upgrade with Chavis.

By wreckmaniac

December 31, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

How does UGA manage to get games against patsies like Mich State and Hiwaii ?

By DAWGFAN

December 31, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

“Entering the season with people saying you should be No. 1 makes it more of a topic of national discussion when you’re not,” Richt said. And then this: “I’d a lot more rather be No. 2 than No. 1.”

Did Richt actually say this??? What the hell kind of an attitude is that? If your goal is to be the number 1 team in country and this is your mentality, that what does that say for your chances? If Richt cant’ stand the pressure that comes along wih the ranking that how can we perceive him to be a championship coach? The Saban’s & Meyer’s of the world welcome the challenge and excell under the pressures of #1. We crumble, makes excuses, and do nothing to change that fact…really looking forward to next year with the same staff minus Moreno & Stafford.

By Tim Scott

December 31, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

HAPPY NEW YEAR BULLDOGS SAY HELLO TO MICKEY AND MINNE. BE HAPPY YOU ACTUALLY GOT BETTER THAN YOU DESERVE. AND WITH STAFFORD AND MORENO GONE NEXT YR MAYBE YOU CAN GET AN ALL EXPENSE TRIP TO IDAHO AND PLAY ON THE BLUE FIELD. AH LIFE IS GOOD…ITS GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR I SAY ITS GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR, COME ON SING ALONG. HAPPY NEW YR

By Dawg Fud

December 31, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

“Entering the season with people saying you should be No. 1 makes it more of a topic of national discussion when you’re not,” Richt said. And then this: “I’d a lot more rather be No. 2 than No. 1.”

this pretty much sums up Georgia and its season. Richt treated being #1 like a burden versus an opportunity.

By Dixie Dawg

December 31, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

The Dawgs are just exactly like the Braves are now…settling for mediocrity.

Dumb and Dumber: When Willie(Martinez) met Bobby(Cox)

By CMR deserves no respect

December 31, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Georgia had better enjoy this bowl game due to losing the two top offensive players, Moreno and Stafford. Next year it’ll probably be the blue carpet bowl, if any.

Richt can’t coach on game day, afraid to get rid of ineffective coaches and does not recruit enough depth.

By A Real Georgia Fan

December 31, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Should be a great game tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it. Its an excellent opportunity to build some momentum for next year, and I am also very excited about next year. I hope Stafford and Moreno come back, but if they don’t I think we will still field a solid team. I see no reason why Georgia shouldn’t be in the thick of the SEC race for years to come. Go Dawgs!!!

By Bill W.

December 31, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Mark, I agree with you somewhat on the Dawgs season. However, we can all beat up CMR, CWM, AD Evans, Uga VII, the cheerleaders, whoever but I suspect that maybe the fans, media, and others had the Dawgs up there too high to begin with. UGA beat a mediocre Hawaii team last year after a run at beating a below average Florida team (for UF’s standards), Kentucky, Auburn, and a bad GT team. Because of that we, including myself, had pipe dreams of the Dawgs winning it all this season. As I have heard before, “an expectation is a future resentment” and how true it is in this case. CMR is a good coach and CWM had a tough year but to do as Bugkiller suggests (Evans firing folks) shows knee jerk reactions and placing blame on one person. I can assure you this has been a lesson learned for everyone and I suspect the D will be much improved next season as we will see more consistency. Then again that is an expectation that I have which is a…..future resentment, ha.

GATA!!! GO DAWGS!!! BEAT MSU!!!

By Steve Superior

December 31, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Bugkiller, to bad you didn’t play against tech, maybe you could’ve made a few tackles. You crybaby puppy dogs with your selective stats make me smile. You didn’t beat one GOOD team & the Bugs came from 16 down at your place and ended up chasing you down the street with a rolled up newspaper. So talk the bs like a true puppy fan, about all the teams that spanked you this year. ps Garcia will win it for me in crytown next year.

By Ray

December 31, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Saw this MSU team twice this year and both times they got smoked.

There’s no way this team should be playing New Years Day and it is nothing short of sad that their opponent will be the Dawgs. That said, the only way we win a bowl this New Years is playing a crappy team like MSU.

Martinez stinks and we will never run with the big boys without a defense. There is no team in the top then that would upgrade their defense by bringing in Martinez - he is a handicap, out of his league.

And if he really is as good as you apologists say so, then how come nobody wants him as a head coach???????

Because he stinks.

By Dawg Lover

December 31, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I’m a DAWG through and through, but my goals weren’t set very high after seeing the failures of a team set at #1 at the beginning of the season. I love my BullDAWGS, but think we are right where we fought (or didn’t fight) to be! GO DAWGS!

By limpdickdawg

December 31, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Georgie will be 11-1 next year—-write it down. 13-1 if you count the SEC champship and the BS bowl.Who’ll beet us ? The Nerds ? Gaters ? Bamer? No way. With the talent returning plus some early release skill playas , we’ll score 40 a game! Who cares if we give up 35 a game. Screw the defense, recruit offense—-Mark my words, ya’ll will be kissing Pope Mark’s a* next year—-and how sweet it is !!!!

By limpdickdawg

December 31, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Georgie will be 11-1 next year—-write it down. 13-1 if you count the SEC champship and the BS bowl.Who’ll beet us ? The Nerds ? Gaters ? Bamer? No way. With the talent returning plus some early release skill playas , we’ll score 40 a game! Who cares if we give up 35 a game. Screw the defense, recruit offense—-Mark my words, ya’ll will be kissing Pope Mark’s a* next year—-and how sweet it is !!!!

By Sautee Dawg

December 31, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Just out of curiosity what was your question-s to CMR today at his press conference?

By PMC

December 31, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

no they aren’t. If the team were complete. Maybe. But the team hasn’t been at full compliment all year and we found out some things… like the defensive line can’t rush the passer and oh by the way the defense can’t stop the run and they are pourous against the pass. The DE’s are dreadful and no one could really fill Sturdivant or Jeff Owens shoes. The goals were pie in the sky. Nothing turned out the Dawgs way this year and they still make a pretty darn nice bowl game anyhow. The matchup is boring but hey, that’s modern college football. Solid year. Crappy Ending.

They are what they are. A team that was fairly thin and the depth we thought they had was overrated. They had a lot of guys fail to step up mostly on defense. They are what they are.

By Stan Gable

December 31, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

How can you think UGA is better than this bowl. they earned it. Like Richt complainig last year, if UGA wanted to go to a better bowl game, then they shouldnt have lost. They lost twice last season and thought cause they played a good last 4 games the they should be in the national championship. They lost more this year and Bradley thinks they should be in a better game than seeing if they can stop Ringer, which I doubt they can do. UGA has a better chance concentrating on the gymnastics season

By Ron Roberts

December 31, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Bug Killer your statistical analysis is flawed, at best. Subtracts points scored off turnovers from your heralded “30 points or more” statistic and get back to me, okay?

You cannot put the Florida thumping on the defense when Stafford throws picks like candy on Halloween and Moreno coughs up the ball, too.

It’s also unfair to whine about their performance against Kentucky. How many cough-ups and special teams flubs put the Wildcats in good/great field position in that game?

Again read what I said before… we were depleted at every level of the program… starters, backups, scout team… our defense didn’t get to practice “full-on” from August on; full-contact drills were minimal at best, and practicing at full-contact, full-speed was a rarity because CMR was worried about losing any more players. That lack of game-speed and full-on tackling practice showed most of the season.

Folks are real quick to point to the results of this season, when there ARE extenuating circumstances to validate the shortcomings on defense.

Willie’s defense was just fine in 2007 and I’m hedging my bets it’ll be fine again 2009 with healthy returning players and additions through recruiting.

Besides, comparing BVG to WM is like comparing the ‘84 Detroit Tigers to the ‘06 Boston Red Sox… different eras. SEC offenses weren’t nearly as dangerous and potent then as they are now.

By ratdog

December 31, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Georgia girl, BTW…its traitor not trader. The fans have good reason to be angry w/ grossly underachieving team. We were very lucky to come out of S.C., AU and KY. games w/ wins. Pre-season top 3 talented team and easily could have finished 6-6. That is unacceptable in my book. If you don’t want to read negative comments about the season, why are you always here?

By Class of '98

December 31, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

As a diehard UGA fan (and alum, believe it not Tech fans), I am worried about the direction of the program.

It reminds me WAY too much of the Tennessee program of the very late 90’s and early 00’s when it seemed most Vol players were more concerned about their draft status than winning in college.

Just my opinion.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

My question to Richt was something along these lines: Given that bowl games have a peculiar set of dynamics to them, and given the disappointment with which Georgia ended its regular season, was he ever concerned that his team wouldn’t take this game seriously?

He said no.

By DHD

December 31, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

What if they lose the game? Will you say that they played in a better bowl than them?

I don’t think it’s the bowl but the opponent. In a bowl game, you would prefer to play a team ranked ahead of you in order to move up in the polls. Tech has the same problem, although, LSU has a reputation that will help the situation.

By tcdawg

December 31, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I sure do hope Soft Willie can get Hard tomorrow….no pun intended! Cause if he can’t, Ringer is gonna LIGHT us up!

By DawgnDaytona

December 31, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Mark,

As I recall you had an article before the season defending Willie vs BVG and had some stats to compare the two. Can you repost a link to that? For the record I think Willie is a step down from Van Gorder but that’s more of praise for Van Gorder than a indictment of Willie.

By Dr. Sigmund Freud

December 31, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Hyperventilation overdoses the brain with oxygen, creating a false feeling of superintelligence. This, I believe explains all the posts excitedly attacking coaches Martinez and Richt, who are obviously very successful in their fields, while the delusional blog posters are not.

It’s either that, or methamphetamine.

By Why all the the fuss?

December 31, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

UGA is in a 2nd tier bowl because its a 2nd tier SEC team and has always been a 2nd tier team. Last year was a fluke year for UGA in receiving a #2 ranking. Losing to a pathetic SC team and getting blown out by Tennessee and Cutcliffe. Struggled with Vandy while giving up 30 points to Troy. UGA couldn’t put 50 points on a OVERRATED Hawaii team. UGA itself was way way way overrated!

By cotton dawg

December 31, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Did anybody get a look at that Oregon secondary last night,damn mean bunch.I saw more highlight shots out of that secondary last night than i have from the Dawgs all season.

By Dawgeatvol

December 31, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

I am so thrilled I came on this blog for the last time in 2008 to read the whining and bashing by bandwagon fringe fans. Get over yourselves. Georgia didn’t meet your expectations. Move on.

By doug

December 31, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

No only the perception was that we are better. This is an undisiplined football team.If you played this season over it probably end up about the same. Georgia is a complete 180 from Alabama. We have more talent at the moment but when you are playing at %70 it doesnt matter. Game over. When Alabama rolled into Athens we were focused on the Blackout and not that Alabama was here to actually play a game. Its all on CMR. He hires bad coaches minus Searls and he has the Bobby Cox mentality. We lost, lets go get a pizza. Even if we get a dynamite DC we will still have the CMR no accountability clause in affect.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe that was my article, DawgInDaytona, but here are some stats: Georgia is 28th in the nation in total defense and 63rd in scoring defense.

In 2007 it was 14th and 18th, respectively.

In 2006 it was 8th and 20th.

In 2005, Martinez’s first as DC, it was 18th and 8th.

In 2004, VanGorder’s last season, it was 8th and 9th.

In 2003, it was 4th and 3rd.

In 2002, it was 15th and 4th.

In 2001, it was 49th and 17th.

So, if you’re keeping score, that’s five top 10 finishes out of a possible eight for BVG against two of a possible eight for WM. So yes, there has been a dropoff — although it wasn’t really pronounced until 2008.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

And how’s that for customer service from your AJC.com? I spend 10 minutes of my New Year’s Eve looking up numbers.

(Actually, I’m sitting around the JW Marriott — nice hotel, by the way — doing nothing. Esteemed colleague Tim Tucker and I are going out for seafood in a bit. Esteemed colleague Chip Towers is dining with his daughter and her boyfriend. So you’re up to date on Team AJC.)

By Donny Ray

December 31, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

I think Richt will need to make some changes in his staff. His strength and conditioning coach needs to go along with Willie. That guy is resting on his Fla.St. laurels of the 1990s. It took him 8 years to break weight lifting records at Georgia and we still seem not as big and physical as other teams. Fabris is another joke too. He coached at loser programs. Richt needs to search out for inovative and proven coaches.

By georgiagirl

December 31, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Ratdog, So I misspelled a word sorry, my bad, that I am not as good as the rest of you. Oh and I am not always here, I do have a life. So say whatever you feel, red headed women just laughing at people like you.
Signing off now, going to have a good New Year.

To all Dawg fans Happy New Year. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Red and Black SIC’EM LOVE THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HEHE TO YOU RATDOG

By turkey

December 31, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

All is lost. The media apologizing for Martinez as well as CMR. Does this not sound a lot like Ray Goof again? I thought I would never see the Ga faithful divided again but it is happining.

By 87Otto

December 31, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

CWM is a great D cord…we will be fine…remember in 05 how great the D was except the 31 AU scored at our place and the 38 WVU scored in the the Sugar…its not like we had a month to prepare for WVU…or 2006 that was a great coaching job unless you count the 52 UT scored at our place, must have been all the injuries we probably had…..well at least 07’s D was awesome…unless you count UT rolling over us like we weren’t even on the field…..but 08 was all about injuries how could we compete? Injuries and turnovers…the other team started on our side of the 50 eighteen times and they only scored TD’s on 16 of those, that’s tightening up when we really need them right? Let’s keep Willie forever, sure we will get our pants pulled down 1,2,3 no more than 4 times a year…..I like it when we look like we haven’t even practiced for a game….31-0 at half, 26 3rd qtr points etc…that should always be expected…its not like the D cord make a lot of money or anything…I think maybe they volunteer for the job like pee wee coaches so there isn’t any reason to expect them to get more out their players….if our players are far superior to the other teams we will probably win..if they are the same or less talented we should just expect to lose right? and maybe even look totally inept while we are at it….

GOOO CWM!!!!

By Larry Munson

December 31, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Look at the bald headed buffons falling from the sky!

By DawgNDaytona

December 31, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Donny Ray,

Are you serious? Special Teams have been frustrating for sure and I have cringed at some of his decisions but Fabris is well respected in the coaching community.

If coach Fab is so bad at coaching why did Oklahoma hire him a couple of years ago as the defensive ends coach? You obviously are a better judge of coaching talent than Stoops, Venables, Martinez and Richt. That’s saying something given Stoops and Richts track record.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Let’s get serious. Mark Richt is not Ray Goff. The latter had one 10-win season. Richt will have had six in eight years if Georgia beats Michigan State.

By 74 Georgia grad

December 31, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Why exactly did the media geniuses responsible for picking Georgia as pre-season No. 1 do so? Because they were loaded at the skill positions. There were questions in the offensive line and the defense wasn’t that spectacular on paper, but so what. Georgia had Stafford, Moreno, MoMass and a hotshot freshman receiver.

There were maybe 3 or 4 first rate defenders, but other than Curran, who on the defense has played up to their rep? Answer: not a one. But nobody seems to want to entertain the possibility that this team, especially the defense, was overrated by the alleged experts who made a mistake selecting Georgia the pre-season No. 1 and won’t own up to their poor judgment.

How awful it is, playing in the No. 1 non-BCS bowl. Let’s pretend for a minute. Georgia falls behind early against Alabama (not quite that far behind) and rallies, but loses 31-24.

Stafford doesn’t play such a lousy game against Florida and the ‘Dogs don’t make quite so many mistakes, but still lose 24-17.

Some Georgia defenders actually make a key tackle or 2 against Tech, and the ‘Dogs win 42-31.

Where is Georgia playing tomorrow? Pasadena? Miami? New Orleans? Wherever it is the Fiesta Bowl is played? Nope, nope, nope & nope. The ‘Dogs are still in Orlando at 10-2.

If 3 or 4 years from now, a sizeable number of players from the Georgia defense are playing in the NFL, maybe the criticism of Martinez will be valid. But at this point, it’s more likely that this team simply wasn’t as good as the alleged experts thought, and whose fault is that?

By G Man

December 31, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Good article Mark. Although I’m not so sure that Georgia underachieved this year, and instead possibly overachieved in previous years. Stafford was never as good as advertised. He has a big time arm and a strong heart, but not the smarts (or perhaps the discipline) to avoid his inevitable let-downs. Too many interceptions for sure. Moreno was a solid player, but he too is now gone. While Richt is a good coach, this program has never been anything other than consistent top-20 from year to year. Not that that’s bad, it’s just not like USC, UT (Tx), Ok or Fla. or now Bama. Instead much like AU.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

About Georgia’s defense: Richt said today that the problem against Tech wasn’t one of scheme — remember, Martinez expressed the same sentiment after the game — but of a failure to tackle. And that Georgia hadn’t practiced much in full pads — meaning tackling — because of its many injuries.

Over the past month, Richt said Georgia has had at least five practices where it “tackled to the ground.” Make of that what you will.

By gwatl

December 31, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Hope that Richt will not swagger so much that he trips over himself as he swaggers onto the field. Just hope that they are all not as over confident as they were during the Tech game! Would be a double downer if Mich St cleans their clock — and it could happen folks! Any curfew tonight??????

By Georgiagirl r you in orlando

December 31, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

u said u were going to the game didn’t u?

By Where are all the UGA fans at

December 31, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Not too many Georgia fans in Orlando.Plenty tickets available. UGA fans can make the trip to AZ but not 7 hour drive/90 minute flight to Orlando.Georgia fans Jumping off the band? YEP

By AltamahaDawg

December 31, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

It is silly to blame BVG for the Fl losses. About as silly as blaming WM for the FL loss when the Starting Offence failed to score a single point, and turned the ball over 4 times.

Bradley, can you think of any preseason top ten team that could have had as many injuries and that schedule and still been a BCS team at worst? Or is that standard strickly for this UGA team? I take it as complimentary that you think this program should have been able to overcome, but who exactly would you use as an example. I’ve asked that a few times in the blogs with neer and answer. Surely there is ONE example of a team with this set of circumstances that meet its preseason expectations.

I picked apart Alabama yesterday with almost exact players/positions that we lost and frankly they didnt look so good. Would be pretty easy to start subtracting role players off of the gators and sooners and change thier fortunes way before 25.

By Gman

December 31, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

‘87 Otto - Your post is gold.

Mark Bradley - Thanks for the New Years Eve research. CWM defenses may be OK statistically from time to time but it cannot be denied that since he’s been DC we have been destroyed on defense increasingly until it became a weekly ritual this year.

The results on D over the course of CWM tenure simply do not pass the eye test.

To the CWM supporters: If you are OK with CWM, OK fine whatever. Many of us aren’t and we are not wildly delusional. Coaching makes a huge difference in college football and CWM doesn’t have it.

By Dr. Merkwurdigliebe

December 31, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

The sky is falling and I see the apocalypse just around the corner. Oh, the horror, the horror of being 9-3. Whatever shall we do? The program is in a shambles. Please people get real.

Mark you sound like a broken record. If you really want to discuss something important about the Georgia football program why not look at this year’s recruiting class. This is a pivotal year with a low number of scholarships and a defense in need. Might make for some juicy research.

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Chuck Dowdle told me this afternoon that there were more Michigan State fans at yesterday’s pep rally than Georgia backers.

By 84Dawg

December 31, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Dr. Merkwurdigliebe:

Recruiting is irrelevant. This staff will waste whatever talent is recruited on defense. They will then blame their own shortcomings on these players.

By ratdog

December 31, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Speak for yourself Larry. Get the picture, full head of hair here and it’s not red georgiagirl. My prediction for ‘09, team and coaches will be motivated by the dreadful outcome of the ‘08 campaign. To quote Jerry Garcia… “every silver linings got a touch of grey…we will get by”.

By DawgNDaytona

December 31, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

G Man

Top 20? Are you sure? We have finished #2 and #3. Let’s look at Richt, Meyers and Sabans 2nd yrs. Richt #3 13-1 and SEC champs. Saban for all the acclaim hasn’t accomplished the same at Bama in his second year. Meyer? Oh yeah the National Championship. Until Richt wins one he is a second tier SEC coach. Well, if you understand that Meyer went 13-1 in his second year(same as Richt) and was LUCKY enough to do it in a year where not going undefeated gets you a shot at the title then you see that it’s not as cut and dried is it? Does UGA need some things fixed? Sure, and I agree maybe we overachieved a little in the past but top 20? You might want to rethink that.

By TheAntiMe

December 31, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

It might not be such a bad thing for Stafford and Moreno to hit the road. I’m looking forward to seeing what Aaron Murray can do at QB. We know that he will have a very potent weapon in the person of A.J. Green.

Also, Georgia has never seemed to have a problem for as long as I can remember at finding good running backs to carry the ball. Now on defense, that appears to be an entirely different matter, unfortunately.

By Fla Dwag

December 31, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Altamaha: I appreciate your positive approach but I’d bet that if either Saban or Meyer were coaching UGA this year, those epic collapses on defense wouldn’t have continued. These guys do not accept failure and certainly do not reward it.

Mark: I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs as a Georgia fan of 30 years and this season was the most demoralizing of all. Most disappointing is the refusal of the coaching staff to acknowledge the systemic problems that are glaring to most fans. I love CMR but he is burning a ton of credibility by refusing to admit that we have a problem on D.

Over the years, I travel several times annually to see the dogs. This year I won’t bother driving the 30 short miles to Orlando to support my team. They don’t act like they care, why should anyone else?

This game is certain to be followed by the announcements that 2 of the best players we’ve ever had at UGA are turning pro early (Moreno could play 2 more years for craps sake). Who can blame them?

By Goldendawg

December 31, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Mark:

Glad to hear dog fans are staying away. Witholding our $$ is the only way to get through to CMR and Damon Evans that being humiliated on defense every week is too high a price to ensure that Soft Willie is happy.

They’ve put Soft Willie’s well-being ahead of the best interests of the program. They should pay a price for that.

By Billy

December 31, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Mark,

I’m certainly no Florida fan (except when they play the dawgs), but isn’t calling Meyer “Urban Crier” a little beneath you? I don’t even know where that comes from, but doesn’t every coach whine at some point?

By Sautee Dawg

December 31, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Mark

Thanks sounds like a good question to me, Mark why did you opt for the UGA game in Orlando when you could have stayed home and covered the Ga. Tech game? I know what my answer to that would be.

By Georgia fans jumping off the bandwagon

December 31, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

That don’t surprise anybody. HAHA

By DawgNDaytona

December 31, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Fla Dawg

I’ll take that bet. FLoridas defense sucked last year worse than we did this year and Meyer accepted it.

I’m not thrilled by this year by any means. What is most frustrating is the whiners who make statments like OBVIOUSLY the problem is fill in the blank and the solution is fill in the blank. You can use that for any number of complaints. So you’ve been to every practice and every meeting and you know exactly what Richt has said and done to the team about the issues we do have? Just like people who say we should have been more physical in practice even with the injuries. Richt has eluded to this himself. Fact is it isn’t obvious that going all out in practice would have been the thing to do. How do we know it wouldn’t have been worse? Let me answer for you we don’t. I understand that the undisciplined play is caused by SOMETHING but what? Did the coaches forget how to coach? How can you explain Mo Mass soph years and this year? All the terrible drops the WR’s KEPT making. Was Eason on extended leave until this year? My point is I’m just as frustrated as the rest but same as the rest of you if I knew the answers I would be coaching same as you.

By Fladawg U just like all UGA fans

December 31, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Only supports your mutts when they win,whine cry when they don’t. win or lose you should have your azz at the game loser. typical mutt fan

By Fla Dawg

December 31, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the problem at UGA is fans not supporting CWM??? You will rightfully get many more years of this slop. You go to the damn game - or go to hell, either is fine by me.

DawgNDaytona: I honestly belive that our defense is much worse the UF’s was last year. Regardless, they had an inexperienced defense. We brought back almost all the starters from the #2 team.

Regarding the premise, “Did CWM forget how to coach?” You are assuming that he once did know how to coach. Not sure that is an accurate assumption.

You can make the case re player execution for every coach who has ever been fired. If it were true that coaches can do nothing to influence on-field execution, then Goff and Donnan would still be coaching.

By DawgnDaytona

December 31, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Billy,

Mark didn’t invent the The Urban Crier name he’s just using is as a reference. In Meyer’s first season everyone questioned if his offense would work in the SEC. He struggles early on and after a loss( I think it was LSU) he already was in tears at the press conference after the game lamenting how tough the SEC defenses were. Now he didn’t break down and bawl his eyes out but he did shed a tear in frustration. Of course rival fans mocked him and thats where the name comes from.

By TW

December 31, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Fla Dawg - you speak the truth. There is NO other coach in the land of seiously persuing the National Championship that would not have replaced CWM years ago. Meyer or Saban would have fired him on the spot at the end of the 3rd against GT.

At the very least, CMR is going to have to bring in a LB coach with a big enough pair to make up for CWM lack thereof. As is, the LBs offer a perfect glimpse into everything that is whrong with the Def - they are in the wrong spot much of the time, they react poorly, their persuit is atrocious, and they drag tackle - ALL of which goes straight to coaching. Sadly, the limp wristed Dawg fans on this blog are not going to wake up to this until the recruits start going elsewhere, because sooner or later someobody is going to start asking ‘whatever happened to those def studs that went to Athens?’

Parents trust us to develop their sons’ talents and we are letting them down.

Not only that, but how can CMR expect the kids to put Team first when he himself puts his friendship with CWM above it?

By Douglas

December 31, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Mark: Most UGA fans can be patient if they see the team improving. We also know there will be more losses in some years than others when you lose certain players. However, many of us do work in jobs where we receive evaluations — if we don’t improve, there are consequences. I used to have confidence in Mark Richt and even hope, but seeing that he refuses to take any action against Martinez or any other coaches who fail to improve brings apathy. No, we are not football coaches but as one of the ESPN announcers told Lou Holtz who thought he knew more than anyone at ESPN because he was a coach: “You don’t have to be a weather-man to tell which way the wind is blowing.” I’ve lost faith in Mark Richt and so have many others.

By Acworth Dawg

December 31, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Mark are you and Chuck saying there are more Michigan State fans than Georgia fans at the bowl game?I know it’s not a sell out.

By Tdawg

December 31, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Acworth: Richt doesn’t care how many dawg fans are at the game as long as precious Willie is there. He’d rather play in an empty stadium than fire CWM.

By NukeDawg

December 31, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Show me one team with a better bowl than the DAWGS that has more enexperience in the trenches. There is none. We may have had a all SEC QB and RB but games are won in the trenches.

By monty

December 31, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am watching Ga Tech get their butts handed to them by LSU. I really expected Tech to come out and do what they did against us to LSU. Boy was I ever wrong! And so were alot of experts. To me it just says how far off we are defensively! CWM must GO!! Tech ran through us like a hot knife through warm butter. It’s a crying shame we have to put up with such inferiority!

By Bill

December 31, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Thank you LSU for restoring order. How bout those tech rings.Should have been practicing instead of measuring ring sizes. This debacle does show our problems with defensive game planning and coaching.

By El Norte

December 31, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Wow, the Chick Fil A bowl certianly vindicates Soft Willie. I had no idea Tech was that good. Let’s face it, nobody can stop that offense.

By AltamahaDawg

December 31, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Fla Dawg, just pure speculation, not backed up by by any sort of factual info. Saban or Meyers not losing “as bad” with 25 injuries is about as opinionated as it gets. I know this , and feel free to dispute it. IF the “magnitude” of the losses is the problem, (and I dont believe for a second that simply a close loss in those would have made anyone any less grumpy) a healthy UGA team would not have lost as bad, if at all? Is that wrong? Please tell me that is not dead on. If there is any doubt, see last year. Same coaches, same scheme, same program. You tell me what the difference is.

And even *if * they might not have been blown out, they certainly lost MORE games last year with way less injuried than we had this year. I’m sure their fans were pleased they only lost those 10 games between them by respectable margins.

BTW , No we did NOT return the defence from last years #2 team. Losing your All SEC DT, and his back up, our top returning tackler injured all year, our top returning D end, hobbled all year , as well as the top prospect at the other end, 6 linebacker. One armed safety a third of the year. Its not exactly all the starters from last year.

By Mershon Dawg

December 31, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Ga. Tech must have thought that since Ga. beat the crap out of LSU it going to be easy!-I wonder if Tech going to get a pinky ring for playing or forgetting to play against LSU.-Tech sucks tonight.-Go Dawgs

By Defense! Defense!

December 31, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

I agree wholeheartedly with Bugkiller’s comments about the downward spiral of the UGA defense since BVG departed. Anyone that can’t see the difference is not watching the same team that I have. Ask yourself this question. How confident do you feel with our defense since BVG left? I fully expect a collapse against good offenses. It first became apparent to most in the Sugar Bowl against WVU. Now that BVG is with the Falcons, it seems that the defense is able to do whatever it takes. Somehow, someway it works for the good coaches. Call it instinct, inspiration, practice habits, talent evaluation, whatever. He has it and Martinez… well, I’m just not getting that vibe. I say keep Martinez as the defensive backfield coach but bring in a new coordinator. Frankly, I don’t think we could do much worse. Personally, I wish Martinez could succeed in his current capacity. However, hindsight is 20/20 and I don’t like what I see.

By Sam

December 31, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year Uncle Mark!!!

By secondguesser

December 31, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Bugkilla, calm down and take a deep breath. What you need to realize is that your mutts are just a middle of the pack east division team, right up there with Vandy, UK, and the cocks! The sooner you realize this, then the sooner you will be less likely to have a stroke. One more thing, Urban Liar? What do you mean? He said he was gonna take care of the peewee dance and he did! IT’S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!! Be sure to tune in to the BCS National Championship game next thursday and watch us build on the dynasty of the decade!

By Jim

December 31, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Lsu couldn’t defend UGAs passing game but they sure spanked GTs running game that toasted Georgia.

By Needing Help!!!

December 31, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Guess the Techies were out ordering additional rings….Go SEC

By Mark Bradley

December 31, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Sam. Happy New Year to you, too.

By Ted Striker

December 31, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

An afternoon of tequila shots followed by an evening of champagne toasts is the formula for a bad azz hangover. And it’s not even midnight.

Esteemed Reader, Ted Striker, reporting half-live from Athens, Ga.

By Chris

December 31, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Urban Crier - 3 Mark Orange Glow - 1

By warhorse

December 31, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley discovered that the two teams he pimps for are both losers. KY is about to again go in the tank in basketball and UGA is enjoying playing in the Mickey Mouse Bowl. His two teams have fallen to the level of Bradley, at the bottom of the heap.

By BugKiller

January 1, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark, want some more proof of just how horrible a defensive coordinator Willie Martinez is???

Look no further than the final score of the LSU - Tech game in the Peach-Fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome.

And now, LSU’s defense is going to be far better than Georgia’s because they did the right thing in firing their defensive coordinator who didn’t have his defense prepared this year and brought in the far superior to Martinez John Chavis to coach ‘em up in Baton Rouge.

Mark Richt is going to pay a high price for his ridiculous loyalty to Martinez, who doesn’t deserve to be Georgia’s DC any more than Jeff Bowden deserved to be FSU’s OC.

And Mark, the situations are EXACTLY the same.

Head Coach is far too close to a vastly underperforming coordinator to make the correct decision to fire him for the good of the program, instead, putting the good of that person ahead of the good of his program because of their close personal relationship.

The constant fall-off under the four years of Martinez bear this out.

Also, again, no one can say anything against the fact that the bottom fell out this year when their were no players who were coached up by BVG left on the defense.

It’s called a freaking pattern of decreasing returns, people.

Willie Martinez is a train wreck, and he wasn’t all that good as a secondary coach to begin with.

If Mark Richt had done the right thing for his program and fired Martinez the second after the Tech debacle (of which Martinez had TWO WEEKS to prepare his guys and stress fundamentals, something that has fallen off quite steeply under his watch), then the Dawgs, not LSU, would have the superior Chavis right now.

Now, all we can hope for is that Damon Evans or Michael Adams steps in and does the right thing so our head coach won’t suffer the consequences of his misplaced loyalty.

By crack for lindsey

January 1, 2009 12:47 AM | Link to this

Urban Crier? I’m pretty sure he’s laughing at the dancing doggies and their Preseason National Championship. He accepted the weak defense of last year because he knew they’d be back this year with a vengeance. Most of the Gators that watched Richt’s end zone ballet were dancing on Knowshon Moreno this time. When he wasn’t running to the sideline, that is.

Try not to embarass the conference against MSU. Remember WVU - we all do!

We own you, and you know it!

By FRED

January 1, 2009 12:50 AM | Link to this

WE SHOULD WIN TOMORROW BY 14 POINTS BUT WE WILL LOOSE BY 7 BECAUSE WE HAVE NO COACHING. ALSO WAY TO GO GT YOU LOOKED GREAT AGAINST THE FIRST GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM YOU PLAYED ALL YEAR.GO LSU

By BAMA STAN

January 1, 2009 1:12 AM | Link to this

31-0 at the half?!!

WOW - after watching LSU whip TECH - and seeing how LSU’s defense played - it only confirms the fact that UGA totally, totally underachievd on defense.

After beating LSU - UGA got totally skunked by Florida - and was never the same.

KY and AUB - should have lost both those games - UGA was not good - they were lucky.

Then GT whipped that A$$

At the end of the day - UGA is a middle of the pack team that somehow hung on to win the mediocer competition - but playing against good teams - totally sucked.

Expect this game to me more of the same.

By NoSECTitles

January 1, 2009 1:54 AM | Link to this

Continue to hang your houndstooth hat on one game. Continue to have a disturbing obsession with UGA and troll our blogs. But remember this, you lost to Florida, it took you OT to beat LSU and you still have not won an SEC title this millennium. After all your bluster, after all your talk, you still are title free. You had your cinderella season (that’s right Bear died long ago and you inbred idiots weren’t satisfied with Stallings, it’s a cinderella season) and you came up empty. No title. No ring. Be sure to ping back with 31-0 at the half and be sure to type in bold. It’s good stuff. You should be proud.

By david

January 1, 2009 1:56 AM | Link to this

we beat lsu, tech beat us and lsu beat tech! just another year of college football. lets see what our hounds can do with everyone healthy,with the exception of the millions of guys who went out for season early. hey, lets ease off willie, its easy being an armchair coach; i think he did the best with what he had. anyone looking for another erk can forget it. we will never see the likes of ole baldy at uga again.

go dawgs

By SC Dawg

January 1, 2009 3:35 AM | Link to this

UGA Defensive stats are offensive!!Georgia scoring defense, allowed 214 points scored in 8 SEC games. 26.75 ppg 5th in the Eastern division SEC Games, Kentucky was the only team in the Eastern division with more points scored against its defense. 9th overall in the SEC conference games. 10th overall in the SEC all games played. Were it not for having such a good offense, the record would have easily been 7-5, or 6-6 with losses to Vandy, Kentucky and Auburn.

By SC Dawg

January 1, 2009 3:36 AM | Link to this

UGA Defensive stats are offensive!!Georgia scoring defense, allowed 214 points scored in 8 SEC games. 26.75 ppg 5th in the Eastern division SEC Games, Kentucky was the only team in the Eastern division with more points scored against its defense. 9th overall in the SEC conference games. 10th overall in the SEC all games played. Were it not for having such a good offense, the record would have easily been 7-5, or 6-6 with losses to Vandy, Kentucky and Auburn. If we’ve recruited so well the last few years, why the injury excuse??

By JERRY

January 1, 2009 6:34 AM | Link to this

calm down people one more game and this year will be over thank god.the dogs will make us proud next year if CWM is fired thats if.come on CMR do the right thing get a new DC so we can get back to playing GEORGIA BULLDOG FOOTBALL.

By jerry

January 1, 2009 7:39 AM | Link to this

A direct quote from Lane Kiffin on the hiring of Tampa Bay DC Monte Kiffin:

“The addition of Coach Kiffin not only puts us in the position to play great defense, but also gives us the ability to sign the best defensive players in the nation if they want to prepare for the NFL every year they are here.”

Monte was the Nebraska DC on two National Championship teams, was Super Bowl champ Tampa Bay DC. His defense intercepted five passes and returned three for tds in the Super Bowl. Needless to say he is regarded as one of the top DCs’ in all of football.

And just what were Willie’s credentiala when he was hired as UGA DC?

By Mike Bobo 17 INT

January 1, 2009 7:50 AM | Link to this

UGA Fans sure do waste alot of time discussing nothing on these AJC blogs.

UGA is nothing and will be nothing until CMR heads back to Miami and UGA rehires Goff or Donnan to bring back this stellar program.

Athens is still living in 1980..

By Irish

January 1, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this

Hey Gman – don’t be hatin’ on Les Miles. He just put a beat down on the team that gave you your last loss and oh yeah, he won a National Championship and has the #1 recruiting class in the country coming to LSU. The outlook is bright in Baton Rouge! Good luck to UGA and the rest of the SEC the rest of the way. Vandy and LSU set the stage!

By 77Dawg

January 1, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

GMAN Iagree with uyou. But I call him MF Wilow instead of soft Willy first and I will will behave from now on. This is the new year youknow! I am setting for 2nd to FU in the East (may be 3rd though) and 4th in SEC every year as long as MF Willow still here. Love CMR, and hope he pick a new roomate that know something called football. He will tell us that we win 10 games and 10 win is good enough for us fools and don’t know enough footall. If Willow let them score 4 TDs we will celebrate and raise more $$ for CMR’s roomate. I will go cause I promissed you guy to behave ths year. I will settle for SECOND to FU in the East and FORTH in SEC eery year. AND watch Willow get raise every year

By Joey

January 1, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Wreckmaniac - we already played your bowl opponent and put 52 points on them.

By vettedawg

January 1, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Mark - I realize you must write thing’s that will keep your job ( even when they mean nothing )This article I just had to respond to : I have been a season ticked holder to UGA since 1966 & graduated in 1978, so I have SEEN a lot more DAWG games than you will ever !!! My point is after watching the bee’s get there rear end handed to them last nite & AGAIN not winning a big game when it mattered ( They did beat us this year 45-42 - 2 plays & we win by 2 td’s / the media made that win sound like the bee’s won 45-3 BECAUSE they have not been there, heck they got so HAPPY they had ring’s made )Anyway - Mark Richt - The 2008 Football UGA football team & the UGA Fans DID NOT vote The DAWGS # 1 - YOU guys (the media) did. Even the smart people The SEC Coaches voted Florida the # 1 team in the East before the season started — My Point is, The DAWGS WILL Win there 10th game this afternoon for the 6th time out the past 8 years ( the bee’s have won 10 games in a season TWO times since I was Born in 1955 !!!!!!!!!! We did no show up in the 1st half against The Tide & the Gaturds took over after the interception in the 3rd quarter & the bee’s got lucky because we forgot how to tackle in the 3rd quarter —- The week before this season started after the rash of injury’s ( OVER 20 season ending )started I told every one if this team won 10 games it would a miracle & here we are about to do it - sure it would of looked better to show up vs Ala & the Gaturds, but THEY are the NUMBER 1 & 4 ranked teams in the country - and as far as the bee’s go / even a blind squirrel find’ a nut every now & then : So Mark - think about facts, most all DAWG fans know that with suspect defense - NO pass rush - patched up freshman O-Line - Injury’s - STUPID penalties & HERE WE ARE about to WIN a 10th Game & end up close if not in the TOP 10 AGAIN - I’ll take it - So Mark if you want to take the 1/2 empty glass theory take a look & write something stupid about your Kentucky Wildcat BB Team —————-

By ATMDOG

January 1, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

The Dogs will win the NC next year. This team reminds me of the Tenn team that won the NC the year after Payton left. #7 Is great and we will miss him, but he will be a better NFL qb than college. Good luck and thanks for everything. Go Dawgs!

By ATMDOG

January 1, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

The Dogs will win the NC next year. This team reminds me of the Tenn team that won the NC the year after Payton left. #7 Is great and we will miss him, but he will be a better NFL qb than college. Good luck and thanks for everything. Go Dawgs!

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 1, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

The proper terms is Dogs, not Dawgs. A Dawg is a homie-hip-hop Tupac-light Jamie-Kennedy gansta voguer, okay? (good description of the mascot, Uga, there).

It’s the Georgia Bulldogs. If they win all their games, then maybe if you were drunk, you could say Dawgs.

This is what’s wrong with Georgia football. People cant even spell the team right. Or pronounce it.

Go Bulldogs. Sic ‘em. Woof Woof.

No, UGA, dont lift your leg. Bad Dawg!

By Mark Bradley

January 1, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this

A word about Tech (and LSU). I told esteemed colleague Tim Tucker at dinner last night that I wouldn’t be surprised if LSU won. My thinking, such as it was: Tech had already won its big game of 2008 — and had ordered the rings to commemorate it. LSU hadn’t won much of anything and was hurting.

To me, 90 percent of the bowls — excluding the national championship game — can be traced to this: Which team needs it more? I mention this because you’d think Georgia would need the Capital One Bowl more than Michigan State. But sometimes it’s hard to tell how the mind of a college athlete is going to work.

By DawgBreath

January 1, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

“Urban Crier”…really?

Where is your professionalism? It is one thing for fans on a forum to use derogatory nicknames for rival coaches, but a professional journalist…seems inappropriate.

I guess what makes it funny though is that he is coaching his team in the National Championship game!

I guess if it makes you feel better, to sacrifice your professionalism for a chuckle,so be it.

Enjoy the laugh…people are laughing “at” you…

By ceph

January 1, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

There is one thing I don’t understand, the Georgia defensive players are saying that they are seeking redemption in the bowl game..Don’t they listen to their coach, he says there is nothing wrong with the defense! He and Willie went to the mountain, held hands , kneeled down and God said, Mark, Willie is a great defensive coach so don’t pay any attention to his statistics or any other criteria because he was the best man in your wedding so that qualifies him to be a great defensive coach. Plus the water girl approves of him also. So ignore the fans and both of you are going to wind up in a better place, UGANDA (which starts with UGA) as missionaries and won’t that be nice. This way you both can finally reach your ultimate calling, AMEN!!!!!

By Mark Bradley is an IDIOT!!

January 1, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

Urban “Crier” has his team in the 2nd National Championship game in 3 years, while that joke Mark “THE PRICHT” Richt has his team dancing in the Capital One bowl on New Year’s Day.

Losing bothers Meyer, and it really should.

Losing doesn’t bother RICHT, and the results speak for themselves.

The “Crier” is a better coach than PRICHT will ever be.

No go kiss Richt’s A$$ some more and tell him he’s doing a great job as usual!!!

By CarrolltonDAWG

January 1, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

I’m proud of a winning season. Love Mark Richt and the Bulldogs. Hope these young kids enjoy theirselves in the bowl game. GO DAWGS!

By CarrolltonDAWG

January 1, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

I’m proud of a winning season. Love Mark Richt and the Bulldogs. Hope these young kids enjoy themselves in the bowl game. GO DAWGS!

By CarrolltonDAWG

January 1, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

I’m proud of a winning season. Love Mark Richt and the Bulldogs. Hope these young kids enjoy themselves in the bowl game. GO DAWGS!

By Mark Bradley is an IDIOT!!

January 1, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this

Urban “Crier” has his team in the 2nd National Championship game in 3 years, while that joke Mark “THE PRICHT” Richt has his team dancing in the Capital One bowl on New Year’s Day.

Losing bothers Meyer, and it really should.

Losing doesn’t bother RICHT, and the results speak for themselves.

The “Crier” is a better coach than PRICHT will ever be.

No go kiss Richt’s A$$ some more and tell him he’s doing a great job as usual!!!

By 77DAWG

January 1, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

Ceph: Ditto, Amen

By Auburn Man

January 1, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

Heres to the mighty bulldogs wetting their pants again today. Oh wait, it’s not a big game, maybe they will be ok.

By TW

January 1, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

Even worse than CWM inability to teach defense is his willingness to allow his players to take the heat for his mistakes. Why should Rennie Curran be out front on any of this?

I can only imagine how good a defense with the likes of Ellerby, Curran, Byrd, Jones etc would have been had they had the leadership of ANY other DC in the SEC.

Fix the problem, CMR - put TEAM first and fix the problem.

By Mark Bradley

January 1, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

I call Urban Meyer the Urban Crier only out of affection, you should know.

By Mike

January 1, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Mark you need to get over the “Urban Crier” stuff.Of course as a Bulldog homer you hate all that is Gator because of what SOS Meyer and even Ron Zook has done to the dogs.BTW Florida has had more season ending injuries to starters then has georgia. Check it out and try and tell the FULL story for once!

By Mark Bradley

January 1, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

One other thing about the Tech-LSU game: Having seen the Tigers, I can tell you they are still massively talented. That’s why I got so giddy over Georgia winning in Baton Rouge. Because LSU didn’t seem a team in disarray at that moment; it seemed, at least to me, a really strong team in a rebuilding year.

By Katman

January 1, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt says “when you don’t reach your goals, it can be tough to motivate”. Mark Richt should have said…”when you don’t motivate, it can be tough to reach your goals”. Pure and simple…Mark Richt is a loser and the Georgia program will continue to be a loser until it employs a tier 1 head football coach……or else start scheduling some Division III schools. Mark Richt is a LOSER !!!….has been and will continue to be!!!

By BE#3

January 1, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

CMR said he’s never seen the guys in the tank. Was he not in the locker room at the half in Jax? Coaches, players and staff all said you could hear a pin drop in that locker room even though they were only down by a couple scores. Granted they fought back against UK, AU and even kept fighting against Tech but they were mentally out of the FLA game to begin the second half.

LSU is gonna be damn tough next year. Looks like they found their replacement at the QB position. And with Chavis becoming DC their D is going to be much improved over this season.

By BE#3

January 1, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

And Congrats to Vandy! Great win against BC yesterday!

By Pitbull

January 1, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

Mark, only losers ponder “woulda, coulda shoulda” so I am not surprised you are dwelling on them. Real winners in life accept what happens, deal with it and move on. You would have made a lousy coach and you chose your profession well.

By steve

January 1, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

Georia’s defence is fine and has always been good. It’s the turn overs and special teams play that sucks. Georgia’s defence can only do so much with bad field position all the time. And when the defence is winded the offence either scores to quick or turns it over. I think all schools are happy with their cordinators or they would fire them and then go looking for a replacement so to say no one else want’s him is just crazy.

If you look at the east Flordia is and will dominate for as long as they want it’s up to Meyer if he stays and wants to win they will stay on top. He teachs strong fundmentals and special teams which always helps your defence.

By D.N. Nation

January 1, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

Mark-

You will notice that Georgia (especially the D) got off the mat from a difficult season and posted a bowl victory, unlike the AJC-acclaimed Best! Team! Ever!, Florida, last year in the same bowl.

At least we didn’t embarass the conference. Seriously, Gators, Michigan? Really?

By SC Dawg

January 1, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this

Maybe Yech can get a peach-fil-a bowl ring with the 38-3 score or we lost by 35 etched into your we beat UGA rings!

By SC Dawg

January 1, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this

Maybe Yech can get a peach-fil-a bowl ring with the 38-3 score or we lost by 35 etched into your we beat UGA rings!

By DawgGirl32

January 1, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

Mark, don’t you think there’s been enough negativity on these blogs? We get it. We didn’t play up to expectations. It’s a dead horse. Quit beating it. I hope someone writes a nice article about how well our defense stepped up today. Probably the best defensive performance all season. I really hope people will shut up about Willie now. I think he and the rest of the defense proved a lot in this game.