Mark Bradley

By Charles Pledger

January 1, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

Dawgs played in the right bowl for their talent. Overated as usual and were blown out by Florida and Bama. Get use to playing in bowls in December and Jan 1st. They will never win their 2nd national championship with those coaches.

By STLMatt

January 1, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

A disappointing season, but a fine effort from the defense - best since the South Carolina game. Matthew may be missed, but his maddening mental mistakes won’t be. Knowshon will be missed more, much more. Here’s to them both staying.

By T Dawg

January 1, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

Watching last night’s game and this game, how did we not beat Tech and how did we ever beat LSU??

By Bowl game Nut

January 1, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

Great Win Dawgies! 10 wins is not too shabby. Some things learned thus far: Tech didn’t beat Georgia, UGA just had too many breakdowns, The ACC sux, The Big East plays nobody, The Big Ten is a bunch of slow meandering oafs who can sneak up on you every once in a while but must have turnovers to win, Spurrier needs to go, The trojans, longhorns, and Tide were jobbed. I typed that last one before they even finished their bowl games.

By STLMatt

January 1, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

Mr. Pledger, at least we won the Capital One Bowl - look at Florida last year losing to UM - and going 9-4, only to be playing for it all this year. It’s idiocy to say this coaching staff couldn’t lead UGA to its 2nd National Championship. UGA could play for it all in 2009-10, particularly if KM stays.

By RevLr

January 1, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

I’m glad this year is over, but not for the reasons many are expressing. The Dawgs might not have reached their potential and disappointed many. I’m not one of the disappointed ones. Would I have liked to have played in Miami? Of course. Did I like losing to Tech? Of course not! But I am satisfied that this team gave it their best. They had plenty of injuries and who knows what that meant for the leadership of the team and the nuances that separate good teams from great teams? Here’s wishing the Dawgs a good and hardworking off season, a good spring practice and a great attitude for next year. Thanks for a successful year!

By GaDawg

January 1, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this

it’s great to be a GA BULLDAWG!!!!!!!

By Mike in Marietta

January 1, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

STL MATT: KM is gone get used to it.

CHARLES: Really sorry UGA did not accept your Application….NOT… ha ha ha he he he.

By Thom Brooks

January 1, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

I love Stafford and Moreno, but let them go. Money is importatnt. They could get hurt and miss out on millions. But, the Dawgs have many incoming Freshman that will likely mesh as a better unit and have a better chance of winning the Title game. I thank the players for their efforts and for the victories they gave Georgia. Even if Matthew sits on a bench in K.C. or Cincy for two years, he will gain a lot of knowledge and his financial life will be set up nicely. Moreno is terrific but his enthusiastic play is one moment away from wrecking his knees. I hope they both have long and successfull careers, and not like the short one that Bo Jackson enjoyed.

God Bless the USA and the Savannah Bombers Men’s Baseball team, champions in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Savannah Adult Baseball League!

By Guy

January 1, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

UGA will survive without Stafford and Moreno.Time will tell who will fill their shoes.There’s always someone to replace those who move on.Nothing ever stays the same and change is inevitable. That’s life!!

By check your facts charlie

January 1, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

The 2nd was secured in 1980.

By topaz49

January 1, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

To pledger, If you don’t have anything nice to say, then say nothing. Obviously, you don’t care for the Dawgs. But, who is it that you like so much? Are you a Techie?

By ubmacon

January 1, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this

nice win but matthew and km are both gone good luck to them future is very bright for dawgs.

By BugKiller

January 1, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. We beat Michigan State. They’re NOBODY. They’re ASU.

Willie Martinez NEVER has his defenses prepared to beat teams we actually need to beat.

WVU in the 2005 Sugar Bowl. Tenn in 2006 and 2007. Florida, Bama, & Tech this year.

Here’s the most important stat:

Under BVG’s four years as DC, the Georgia defense gave up 30 or more points only ONE TIME.

Under Willie, our defense has given up 30 or more points ELEVEN TIMES in the same amount of years!!!

ELEVEN TIMES!!!

This year alone, we gave up 40 or more points THREE TIMES!!!

In our last five games, we gave up 38 or more points.

The bottom fell out this year because all of the players who BVG coached were gone. Marcus Howard was the last guy.

The players don’t fear and respect Martinez like they did BVG.

His defenses play stupid, they play undisciplined, and they sorely lack in fundamentals.

Not to mention he’s a terrible game planner, play caller, and he’s never met an in-game adjustment he’s willing to make.

Willie Martinez is a terrible DC, and he wasn’t all that good a secondary coach, either.

The only reason he’s in his position is the same reason why Jeff Bowden was FSU’s OC though he never deserved it: because of his personal relationship with the head coach.

Georgia is going to lose to LSU (who had the cajones to fire their DC and hire Chavis) and Florida next year, and probably to Tech again.

You want proof of how bad a DC Martinez is? Look at what LSU did to Tech.

By reality check

January 1, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to do as good as we did with 10 wins with all the injuries we endured. That is not an excuse but a reality. If we didn’t have so much talent we could have easily been only a 6 win team. No team can sustain the injuries we did and stay at a high level. We will be fine next year with our without 24/7. No one wants to hear it but the coaches did a great job to shuffle and shift and keep some what continuity and keep winning. If we would have been able to pressure all year like we did today the year would have been much different. The coaches had to hold back with tackling due to injuries and we see they had their hunger back today and toughness. GO DAWGS! God Bless and Happy New Year!

By Mark Bradley

January 1, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Michigan State gained 236 yards. Michigan State scored six points in a half in which the Spartans ran 32 plays in Bulldog territory.

Pretty hard to indict Willie Martinez for this one.

By reality check

January 1, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to do as good as we did with 10 wins with all the injuries we endured. That is not an excuse but a reality. If we didn’t have so much talent we could have easily been only a 6 win team. No team can sustain the injuries we did and stay at a high level. We will be fine next year with our without 24/7. No one wants to hear it but the coaches did a great job to shuffle and shift and keep some what continuity and keep winning. If we would have been able to pressure all year like we did today the year would have been much different. The coaches had to hold back with tackling due to injuries and we see they had their hunger back today and toughness. GO DAWGS! God Bless and Happy New Year!

By goober

January 1, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this

Stafford and Moreno will go pro. First because of the money. Second, neither have any emotional or family ties or roots in or to Georgia (the state), so neither can be swayed to “stay in your home state to win a title. Third, and so ironic, they both know that if they hang around UGA another year, the expectations and pressure from fans and the media to “win it all” will be even worse than it was this past year. And both of them know that UGA will not win it all because of their own and their coaches’ inconsistencies.

Martinez’s defensive troops had a good day but it was against an average offense. Bobo’s play calling is laconic and far too benign and lackluster. And Richt’s bone-headed decision to lay on the ball and run out the clock with 2:00 left in the first half was a rookie error that showed a decided lack of wisdom and aggression. There is something missing here.

By Peach of a gal

January 1, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

I’m still giggling at the incredible fact that GA tech actually had rings made up for their team to forever emblemize their win of GEORGIA! That has got to be about the saddest story in 2008 college football. It’s really not that big of a deal to a GEORGIA fan, trust me. If tech wins or GEORGIA wins, that game is just a piddly acc game to the REAL fans of football. Those rings scream inferiority complex and now I finding myself feeling sorry for the bee following.

By Munson

January 1, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

So where are all the Tech fans? I thought they were all going to be here rubbing our noses in the big blowout loss they were all predicting?

m, RAMBLE ON!!!, where are two morons now with your asinine comments?

By Rod

January 1, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this

It is amazing how much these dawgs OVERACHEIVED this year by winning 10 games with all the season ending injuries. Sounds like Bradley is trying run the best coach off UGA has ever had to Miami or FSU. Bradley, just go play in traffic on I285.

By c robinson

January 1, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this

Before the 2008 season many of us predicted 2009 rather than 08 would be UGA”s best opportunity to win the National Championship. Wishing Matt and Knowshow return.

By RTDawg

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

This team actually did OK. I know that the papers and ESPN would have you believe that a football team is made up of its stars, but that is simply not the case. My point being, for UGA to overcome the injuries (17 from the 2-deep roster by my count) to win 10 games is quite remarkable. Obviously, they didn’t accomplish the championships that seemed possible in August, and no, they didn’t always play with the fire we wanted to see out of them, but they did better than most teams would have under the circumstances.

By RTDawg

January 1, 2009 7:51 PM | Link to this

This team actually did OK. I know that the papers and ESPN would have you believe that a football team is made up of its stars, but that is simply not the case. My point being, for UGA to overcome the injuries (17 from the 2-deep roster by my count) to win 10 games is quite remarkable. Obviously, they didn’t accomplish the championships that seemed possible in August, and no, they didn’t always play with the fire we wanted to see out of them, but they did better than most teams would have under the circumstances.

By hop

January 1, 2009 7:51 PM | Link to this

it was an amazing feat for the dawgs to win ten games with all the injuries and yes, they do make a difference, just look at the falcons how they win with little or no injuries!

By hop

January 1, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this

it was an amazing feat for the dawgs to win ten games with all the injuries and yes, they do make a difference, just look at the falcons how they won with little or no injuries!

By RTDawg

January 1, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this

This team actually did OK. I know that the papers and ESPN would have you believe that a football team is made up of its stars, but that is simply not the case. My point being, for UGA to overcome the injuries (17 from the 2-deep roster by my count) to win 10 games is quite remarkable. Obviously, they didn’t accomplish the championships that seemed possible in August, and no, they didn’t always play with the fire we wanted to see out of them, but they did better than most teams would have under the circumstances.

By Steve in Buford

January 1, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

Dawgs win. It should have been a sure thing. But no, another 30 minute daze of an ofense truley performing way below ability. Maybe the contract these super dogs sign only requires 20-30 minutes of effort. Give me a bunch of mutts though, any day of the week, compared to this group of blue bloods. Still glad to see a junk yard dog finally showed on the D side of the ball. Stafford, Moreno, stay or you will begin a steady downgrade of fan involvement. I hate to see you both wind up at low end to mediocre pro teams when you could make a name for yourselves and increase your value with another year of growth.

By Joel K. Jones

January 1, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

My thoughts on the game was that in the first half, I really thought that DoDo was calling all of the offensive plays. But somehow, BoBo showed up in the second half and started to call some decent plays. Or, perhaps, after the halftime intermission, the players decided to take it in their on hands and be the offense they were meant to be.

By Joel K. Jones

January 1, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

My thoughts on the game was that in the first half, I really thought that DoDo was calling all of the offensive plays. But somehow, BoBo showed up in the second half and started to call some decent plays. Or, perhaps after the halftime intermission, the players decided to take it in their own hands and be the offense they were meant to be.

By tbone

January 1, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

Charles Pledger…. Please tell me this was not the real Charles Pledger that posted first on this blog. The fact that UGA does not still recruit avg. high school athletes such as yourself is the reason they have won under Richt. 10 wins almost every year is a testament to his leadership/coaching/recruiting. I had to go to UGA in the Ray Golf / Charles Pledger / Chris McRanie days. Thank goodness we have moved on from that.

By Steve in Buford

January 1, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this

and about the coaching before half time… prevent offence??? 2:06 and 3 timeouts and we don’t play a 2 minute drill? Where is the killer instinct? All out go for it is what strikes fear into the opponent not the kind of coaching it is going to take for us to bring home a championship… in my humble opinion.

By yellowblood

January 1, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this

You may have won your bowl game but you will never have the Tickle Piles we have. THWG!!!!!!

By Mark Bradley

January 1, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this

First of all, Mark Richt is not yet the greatest coach Georgia has ever had. Secondly, I’m not trying to run him off. Georgia would be nuts to fire him, and there’s no chance — zero — that will ever happen.

By Denver dog

January 1, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this

Mark, Thanks for the insight! I suggest that we see how Willie’s Guys do next year and then we make s decsion. Otherwise, 125 other teams wanted to be in a different game also. We won the one which we were in. We lost 3 games to top 15 teams. We had a good year. We played in the toughest division of the toughest conference in the country. We are having a good recruiting year. We will be good again next year and we will see who the final two are in the MNC called the BCS championship game.

Go Dawgs

By Ron Roberts

January 1, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this

Amazing what a healthy roster on defense can do, eh?

Willie’s not going anywhere, and shouldn’t, anyhow. Get used to it.

I believe Moreno’s definitely a goner, and he has little to prove to NFL scouts. I don’t see him as an every-down back, but more fitting in a Jerious Norwood/Reggie Bush/DeAngelo Williams sort of role (which is going to be the en vogue style of offense next season, I think, given the 2-back “thunder and lightning” style success (and the NFL’s penchant for being a copycat league.

Stafford, though, needs another year at Georgia, and there’s no finer example of a 4th year in college being valuable than in Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco - both 4th (actually Flacco was a 5th, right?) year QB who immediately shined in the NFL. Stafford is blessed with the physique and arm, but lacks (sometimes) the decision-making ability when pressed by a pursuing defense.

Besides, does he want to play for Detroit, Seattle or St. Lousy?

By Danny G

January 1, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this

Yea, take care of your family. Simply put, why should a young man be responsible for taking care of his family? The “family” should take care of itself. If the family is solvent, then they should want their children to get a college education and when the time comes, which is one more year, he can give them money they did not earn. Otherwise, this player is just “using” the University of Georgia, that gave him an opportunity to get a free education. In return, he should perform as an athlete. What’s best for the family is to let their child get the benefit of an education, not get paid when their child turns pro.

By Bow Wow

January 1, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this

Richt is a girly guy!

By tom

January 1, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this

Love the Dawgs and Coach Richt!

By Ron Roberts

January 1, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

Hey BugKIller… who would you say has the better defense…

A.Georgia, or

B.Penn State, or

C. Iowa

Michigan State scored 13 on Iowa, 18 on Penn State and 12 on Georgia.

Keep lobbing out that ELEVEN!!!! argument; keep neglecting to take into account points off turnovers and special teams flubs; keep counting this season’s games with a severely short-handed squad…

HE’S COMING BACK.

Deal.

By Ted Striker

January 1, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

It’s the opinion here that Stafford is UGA’s most “skilled” QB — ever. Yes, some will cite the lack of a collegiate championship but to them I say this: Stafford’s talents will be recognized for years to come in the NFL, barring injury.

It would be nice to see him hoist a championship trophy or perhaps the Heisman, but greater things are to come for him. And for many Heisman winning quarterbacks, their better playing days were behind them once they left college.

As for Moreno, it’s likely to think he might have surpassed some very hallowed records held by a native son of Wrightsville, Ga. He won’t, probably, be cause he too should (and probably will) head to NFL riches while the checkbook is open and injuries have not occurred.

All those things said, there’s no reason for gloom in Athens. It’s perfectly logical to think that as valuable as Stafford and Moreno were in 2008, a returning Rennie Curran might be just as valuable to the team as either (while probably not both) player(s).

Defense wins games, as evidenced by the season — and by the outcome today. Willie Martinez would never please some UGA fans, even if his units led the nation in all defensive categories. However, his unit gave an excellent account of itself today. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Curran-led defense isn’t a strong point of the team in 2009.

And this is off topic, but when was the last time a Chan Gailey / Jon Tenuta coached Ga Tech team lost by five touchdowns when being favored by 4 points? It might have happened during their tenure in Atlanta, but I’m not sure it did.

By Truman08

January 1, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

Stafford is at best ordinary. Check the completion rate for this years QB’s (Tebow, Bradford, McCoy,Daniels) He could be great but Bobo will never get him their. Good luck in the Pro’s if you every get to play a full season. He will be another Jeff George, great arm but not a QB.

By Sincityq

January 1, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

Anything short of a national title would have been a let-down this year. There’s no denying it.

The dawgs have far more talent than some entire conferences. The ACC could stock its shelves from this one, single SEC team. But there was an is a problem… my opinion is that it is squarely with the DC. Others will have their own opinions… but no one can deny that this was THE season that never happened.

By He Hate Gator

January 1, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

Hey, good effort today by the Defense especially with all the play in Georgia’s half of the field…good one Willie.

Hopefully Matt and Knowshon come back. Matt needs another year to cut down on mistakes and read defenses. Knowshon is probably NFL ready now as he will ever be so coming back would be just for another year with Matt & Co to see if they can be better next year. Good luck to both whatever decision they make.

Ga win plus a Tech destruction…nice new year so far!

By Herschel Talker

January 1, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

Charles Pledger is right. Richt doesn’t have the moxie. We can never live up to high expectations, only when we fly under the radar. And Richt’s stubborn refusal to evaluate the staff means that now we’re stuck with Willie. We’re screwed. This win was like a 3-12 team winning its last NFL game and dropping 3 spots in the draft because of it. I’d have preferred our defense give up another 50. 51-50 Dawg win would have been perfect. Would have been better for us in the long run. Now we’re really stuck with that bozo.

By free credit report.com

January 1, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

DAWGS 10-4 ..Yellow Jackets 9-5

By william cranman

January 1, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

Here’s what sucks…..Georgia does not play another game for 8 months. 8 months!

By Knowshon Hauls

January 1, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this

You must be kidding with this “good defense” crap. Remember, we played a Big Ten team. That conference is a complete joke, and we all know it.

By Dawgtime

January 1, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Leave it to the AJC to try and tarnish the DAWGS. We won the right bowl in which we were invited to play in. To say wrong bowl implies a negative thought. Our players went out and took care of business unlike the bugs from TECH. GT was the wrong team for any bowl. We won and they lost; great day. Should LSU have rings made?

By BIG 11

January 1, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

Quit complaining.

By joe_h

January 1, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this

Stafford is at best ordinary. Check the completion rate for this years QB’s (Tebow, Bradford, McCoy,Daniels) He could be great but Bobo will never get him their. Good luck in the Pro’s if you every get to play a full season. He will be another Jeff George, great arm but not a QB.

Please do me a favor and shut the hell up. You haven’t a clue what you’re talking about. Stafford will be an All-Pro.

Hopefully Matt and Knowshon come back. Matt needs another year to cut down on mistakes and read defenses.

Another clueless idiot. Stafford is ready. He already reads defenses as well as anyone in college today and he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.

By He Hate Gator

January 1, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

“Another clueless idiot. Stafford is ready. He already reads defenses as well as anyone in college today and he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.”

OK, professor, how many times did Matt throw into double and triple team coverage and ignore the wide open receiver on another part of the field? He’s a good college QB, but you have no foreknowledge of how good a QB he will be in pros…just ask Pat Sullivan and Steve Spurrier….

But, again, if he does turn pro, I wish him the best and hope he does become an all-pro…

By reason to turn pro

January 1, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

won’t get beat by Tech…again.

By athensdawg

January 1, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this

i didn’t think we would win. but we did. willie pulled one out of his backside.

i think we are undefeated vs. the overrated 10 +1. We have beaten michigan, wisconsin, ohio state, purdue, michigan state and notre dame. that is the best the midwest has to offer. time for those folks to shut up about who plays the best football.

college football season is now officially over. who cares about the rest of the games…..we ain’t in em.

By Swampdawg

January 1, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this

HERE IS WHY THE DAWGS DIDN’T WIN THE BIG GAMES 1. NO 1ST DOWN PRODUCTION, THINK OF HOW MANY TIMES MATTHEW STAFFORD HAD TO PULL THE RABBIT OUT OF THE HAT ON 3RD AND LONG. * AND HE DID MOST OF THE TIME. *2. NO PASS RUSH, NO ROCKET SPEED FROM THE OUTSIDE LIKE LAST YEAR. JPWILSON HAD ALL DAY AND TOOK US APART AND SO DID TEBOW. UNLIKE LAST YEAR WHEN THEY SACKED TEBOW 5 TIMES. 3. POOR KICKOFFS, TOO MANY SHORT FIELDS FOR THE OPPONETS. DON’T KICK THE BALL OUT OF BOUNDS AND DON’T KICK IT STRAIGHT UP! COACHES! CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS AND YOU WILL AGAIN WIN THE BIG ONES!

By onedawg

January 1, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

What separates Stafford from other pro prospects? It’s the arm people it’s the arm. He can make throws between defenders other quarterbacks won’t attempt. Sure he’s unpolished, but it’s not like he will go to the NFL and not get coached up. However, the one thing NFL coaches can’t coach up is arm strength, he has it in spades. The scouts recognize the raw talent.

By wallace

January 1, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

I TRULY WOULD LIKE FOR THE DOGS TO BE A GREAT TEAM IN 2009, ONE OF THE THINGS THEY NEED TO IMPROVE ON IS THEIR OFF THE FIELD ACTIVITIES. TOO MUCH PARTYING. EVERY TEAM HAS INJURIES, BUT WHEN I SEE THE THINGS THAT THEY DO IN ATHENS IT HURTS. CMR NEEDS TO CRACK THE WHIP. LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT 2009 WITH OR WITHOUT STAFFORD AND MORENO

By Joe Hendrix

January 1, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the memories of this past year i will take the good with the bad. GO DAWGS

By Joe Hendrix

January 1, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the memories of this past year i will take the good with the bad. GO DAWGS

By Mikey

January 1, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

They are both long gone…

Next years backfield will be Joe Cox and Caleb King/Richard Samuel. Unless…Washaun Ealey pushes one aside for some playing time.

By D.N. Nation

January 1, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

Again, it should be noted…Florida came into the Cap One last year and embarassed the conference. Credit the Dawgs for hunkering down after a difficult season.

By dawgoneit

January 1, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

I think both Moreno and Stafford played their last football games wearing red and black, that is unless they end up with the Falcons one day down the road. I, too, was just a little disappointed by the DAWGS’ season, but a ten win year is not bad at all. I still think we were overrated at the beginning of the year, and all that hype with ESPN and SI was a bit much. Going back over the season, there is really only one game that we lost, that I feel we should have won, and that was Georgia Tech. In my honest opinion, Georgia should have gone 11-2 on the regular season and been in the Capital One Bowl as they were today, and won. So, really and truly, the only thing I did NOT expect from our season was the Tech loss. Everything else happened as it should, with the possible exception of us scoring a few more points, yet still losing, against Florida.

By Jack Kennedy

January 1, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this

These coaches need to be replaced. We keep losing games we should win. It’s always next year we should……..

By JF31707

January 1, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice that Matthew kept the ball at the end of the game? A sure sign it goes into his trophy case as his last TD throw for UGA.

By LifelongDawg

January 1, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

If these guys go pro it’s not going to be a huge loss. They’ve been part of an under-achieving team, and there is no reason to believe that next year will be any different. I’ll take lowered expectations and greater performances over what the 2008 edition of the Bulldogs delivered, which was the exact opposite.

And despite what the defense showed today, I still think Willie Martinez is the wrong person to be DC. Even a blind sqirrel finds an acorn now and then.

By reality check

January 1, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this

JF31707 The game ball for Stafford was for his record breaking touchdown moving ahead of DJ and Zeier with 25 I believe. With that said I still think he goes pro.

By william cranman

January 1, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

I did notice that JF. He is long gone.

By Hairy Dawg

January 1, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

Michigan State has one offensive player worth a damn (Javon Ringer). If the D had been destroyed today, Martinez would have deserved being fired on the spot.

The team didn’t do much today. It’s nice to get the win. That’s about it.

By dawg4lyf

January 1, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this

COngrads to the Dawgs..10 wins are not bad overall. I had hoped for a better year but I think the injuries just piled up too high overall. Has anyone else in the country been hit this hard with the bug…19 season-enders? And we only had 2 last year. People can say that is an excuse but it is legitimate…imagine having our best OL and DL players instead of losing the best we have before halftime of the first game of the year. Most of the country sees the big four (Stafford, Moreno, Green and Mass) on the field and think the injuries aren’t important. If Staff and Moreno come back, next year could be pretty special as well…

By Mark Bradley

January 1, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

Stafford had a bad first half and a great second half. I think he’ll be a good pro quarterback. That said, I don’t feel as strongly about him as I did about Matt Ryan.

By AltamahaDawg

January 1, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

Good lordy Bug Killer, are we going to have to read that same cut and paste crap every day for the next 6 months? Grow up, deal with reality, stop acting like a spoiled child that isnt getting what its wants, and can’t get any big people to listen.

By AltamahaDawg

January 1, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

I’ll rephrase the question, which team playing that schedule with that many injuries DID land in the “right” bowl? One name? ever?

By BILLY JACK

January 1, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

Bug Killer-you probably wont even be alive the next time tech beats UGA.It wont be before 2016,so stick to subjects you know something about like GAY RIGHTS.Nice game last night LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mark Bradley

January 1, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I tried to get Doug Williams, who won a Super Bowl MVP award and who’s now a personnel executive with the Tampa Bay Bucs, to talk about Stafford at halftime. He wouldn’t. (Not because Doug Williams is a bad guy, but because Stafford is still a junior.)

By Obeone

January 1, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this

Who is the idiot that called in the radio post game and said over and over I’m glad the Defense got to show the Bulldawg Nation that they were wrong about them and Willie Martinez. Hey fellow, M. States offensive line averaged 250lbs. We don’t play in the Big Ten, we play in the SEC. Speak for yourself next time Jerk!

By wdawg

January 1, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

Most of you are idiots.While we didn’t have the season we all wanted, to say that it was bad is silly. We won 10 games, won our bowl, period. I hope MS and KM stay but if not we will still be OK. Thanks CMR. and the rest of the staff for all you do.

By lovingthosedawgs

January 1, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks for a great year! Also, thanks techies for a laugh at the end of the year. Let’s all get rings! That is so funny! No bowl ring for techies but they order their own. Good God, if we had ring for every year that we bet tech … do we have enough fingers? Are you out there tonitonetine? You tool?

By Crewser

January 1, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this

What i find amazing is that when the Dawgs win say by 45-42 u never hear of finger pointing about the DC but if they lose 45-42 u do. Lets face it, it doesnt matter how they win or lose, we will never be satisfied with it. Look, these are real people that have a job to do and sometimes it doesnt turn out the way we want it to. You think these guys like to give up 50 points, knowing that they are doing there best not to. Just give it a rest and stop ur blabbering about WM. The point is, we listen to alot of hype about how good we are and we should win this, but nothing is ever said about injuries, turnovers, or coaching when it comes to establishing predictions. I am just glad to be able to watch college football (My Dawgs), live in a free society, and give my opinions (not that i really know that much). Hopefully the best is yet to come in Dawg Nation.

By AltamahaDawg

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

Crewster, how well put. I said yesterday that I dont buy for one second the whole “oh its not that they lost ,its how they lost” BS.

I remember when we lost to Fl 14-10 points and some folks said it was all WM fault then too.

By Obeone

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

wdawg, we won ten games. What does that get you. Nothing, that’s what. We have the 3rd best or so recruiting area in the country. That’s why we can and should strive for a top five team and the championships that go with them. A coach with our recruiting classes should not win the average 10 games a year with the top 5th class each year. Simple math, don’t you think. The reason you play a game is to WIN!! Not for “we done pretty good”! Richt cashes his check to win, not to do pretty good. I guess you forgot about the BLOWOUTS! “to be the best expect the best”, said by the gators.

By Ted Striker

January 1, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

I feel stronger about Stafford as a pro than I originally did about Ryan, meaning I’d have selected him above Ryan — if the two were on the draft board at the same time in their collegiate careers. That said, I vastly underestimated how good Ryan would be, especially this early. Ryan isn’t the second coming of anyone. He’s “the first coming of Matt Ryan” — the guy has set a new standard for rookie QB’s.

Back to Stafford. Here’s why he succeeds:

A) He’s excellent at reading defenses and knows the appropriate plays to make. There is always a learning curve in the pro’s but those who have experience under center in a pro-style offense and have demonstrated the tools have a leg up. B) Stafford has a unique ability to make every difficult (and easy) throw required — be it with velocity, placement, or touch. C) Confidence, calm, and that Brett Favre/Matt Ryan ability to be having fun during a game, when bodies are flying around and the fray is heavy.

Stafford’s weakness? See “C” above. His confidence is so high that he believes he can make those gunslinger throws on every play. He’ll learn that sometimes even Wyatt Earp needed to squeeze off a few rounds from behind the hitching post.

By monty

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

We’ll be told soon what a fine class of recruits we’ve got, top 5 or 10 at least in the nation, everyone will get all excited and next year we’ll dream big again, only to go to Jacksonville and get blown out again. If next year we fair a little better with the injuries what will our excuse be then? This one sounds good it’s been used before, “We just didn’t get the breaks.”

By booby dead dodd

January 1, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Good game to end the year. As for the Yellow f*, Looks like Paul Johnson is the new Tommy Bowden! SEC kicked you A*.

By dawginduluth

January 1, 2009 11:23 PM | Link to this

Monty you are using that “we” pretty loosely.

By tjs

January 1, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Moreno and Stafford would be fools to stay, with NFL’s proposed salary cap for 2010-11.Bite on this uga nation, OSU and PSU beat MSU by large margins, you didn’t. Excuses about injuries, bad defensive coordinator, etc don’t wash. You should be happy to be 10-3, and cherish that. I doubt you will have a record that good any time soon.

By DenverDawg

January 1, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

Been a huge Dawgs fan since the rainy Tech game in 1974, but this team made me want to pull my hair out all season with its undisciplined play. Is it possible for real Dawg fans to say such things? You bet it is. Good hard-nosed, tough, coachable, smart football players are what we need. Those bright & flashy phenoms who come for only two full seasons and “whooosh”, they’re gone? SEE YA!!! Find some players who want to come here, get an education, honor this school, this state, and this program with their play for FOUR YEARS, and worry about their millions AFTER they graduate…. You think I’m gonna pull for Stafford the Detroit Lion????

By BAMA STAN

January 1, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this

31-0 at the half?!!

Congrats UGA - I knew this game was going to be close.

Couple of thoughts:

Did this game remind anyone of a typical ugly So Carolina / UGA game?

UGA was lucky it did not get blown out in the first half - the defense played very hard.

for 2008 - this team just never came together - put themselves in bad situations - made things hard on themselves. Some talent - but not enough to compete with the Elites.

Go Ole Miss, Go Cats, Go Gators, Roll Tide

By Red Elephant

January 1, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to UGA and may God bless Vandy!

By heeldawg

January 1, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

BAMA STAN:

Nicest and most accurate thing you’ve ever posted about Georgia. All comments true—no arguments from me here.

Good luck representing the Conference against the Utes!

By Ed

January 2, 2009 12:28 AM | Link to this

Good job, Dawgs. Now let’s pull for Bama and root against the Gators (sorry, but my SEC loyalty only goes so far).

Is Steve Spurrier made of Teflon? How is he not on the hotseat at SC?

By Crewser

January 2, 2009 12:39 AM | Link to this

Ed, he is known as the Ole Ball Coach… or should that be “OLD” now ? I agree with the only go so far. I would never pull for the Gators in any game no matter what, especially after the classless timeout episode Cryer pulled !!! Go Sooners and Roll Tide…

By C from Marietta

January 2, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this

To Mark:

Give it a rest. We all know you thought they should be the National Champions. They have a solid year. That is what UGA is a solid team nothing more nothing less. Last year they finished #2. This year around 10. I will take a top ten finish anyday of the year. Stop being so negative.

By CPJ

January 2, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this

Great game for the SEC. Oh, did Tech lose last night? Surely not against the SEC. They are so almighty, so powerful, so wonderful. And oh, the coach they have, he is so smart, great personality and a good cook!

By Ed

January 2, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

Bama Stan - the real humiliation is not the 31-0 halftime score, but the fact that we lost at all to a team that lost at home last year to Louisiana-Monroe.

Picture Jim Mora saying LOUISIANA-MONROE? LOUISIANA-MONROE?

By cpj

January 2, 2009 12:51 AM | Link to this

SEC SEC SEC SEC SEC SEC … OH, BY THE WAY. DID TECH GET CREAMED ON NATIONAL TV? JUST ASKING. WHAT A BUNCH OF WHINERS. GREAT FIELD GOAL.

By SAMJONES

January 2, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this

WHERE IS TONITONETONI TONIGHT? HE IS SO SMARTL HEY, TONY, I GOT MY PHONICS. I READ IN THE PAPER … TASTE LIKE CHICKEN, LOOKED LIKE A RAMBLIN WRECK!

By dan

January 2, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this

It’s refreshing to see the majority of the Dawg nation disappointed with an 10-3 season. 10 years ago this would have been considered a great season. But now most fans are getting tired of the mediocrity and I think that’s a good thing. With that being said I’m glad the Dawgs won. This win is further prove of hoe bipolar this team is. One game they hang up 42 points, the next barely 20. One game they give up 45 points, the next they play great. It’s unfortunate that this team could never put it all together this year because if they could play a complete game I think they would be pretty dominant. I thought Willie called a great game today. I’ll never understand his play calling for the life of me. When his defenses blitz they are great, why doesn’t he do more of it? Bobo is another awful play caller. I felt him and Richt gave MSU WAY too much respect by playing conservative in the first half. That team really wasn’t very good. But I’ll take the victory, it made for a good new year so far.

By Kernal

January 2, 2009 2:30 AM | Link to this

From a Spartan Fan: First. Congratulations to the Georgia Bulldogs on a great second half. I’m very proud of my Michigan State Spartans. Picked to finish seventh in the Big Ten we were very honored to play such a fine SEC team (preseason #1) in the Capitol One Bowl. I hope you’ll come to East Lansing sometime in the future (November, Ha, just kidding ) for a re-match. Congratulations on a great season. Wishing great success in the future. Spartan Fan.

By He Hate Gator

January 2, 2009 2:47 AM | Link to this

Thanks Spartan Fan, hope you guys continue to improve and get to Rose Bowl next year…or in a BCS bowl against us!

By Jacket

January 2, 2009 2:57 AM | Link to this

All of you georgia fans can say all you want about winning against MSU. And you can say all you want about tech getting killed against LSU. Yes, we lost to LSU. Very bad…but guess what? We still beat you…IN ATHENS.

So say all you want, we won this year. You didn’t. Bottom Line. Get over it.

45-42 …enough said

By SickandTired

January 2, 2009 4:58 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Dawg Nation. Your season of torment is over. Michigan State was horrible but yet as usual your team played to the level of the opponent instead to the level of your talent. Stafford and Moreno sadly for you are so gone to the NFL. The ink is probably dry by sun up on Moreno’s agent contract and he’ll have a new Escalade by Saturday. Stafford will play it out a few days and will be in the Arizona desert training for the combine. Athens bars are going to take a hit on sales with the two of them gone and I’m sure Mark Richt can sleep better knowing that the two leaders of him team are no longer his responsibility. Now he can about the work of taking control of his team this off season with those two out of town. I predict a great season for the Dawgs next year if Mark Richt asserts control over the prison again and ceases to let the inmates run it. Better luck next season, Go Dawgs and good luck to Joe Cox, I expect great things from him.

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 5:50 AM | Link to this

Let’s say Moreno and Stafford return. Where would Georgia be in the preseason rankings? No. 5? No. 3? (Shudder) No. 1?

By WillieMustGoNOW

January 2, 2009 6:39 AM | Link to this

Everybody talks about the Dawgs winning ten games … who did they win those ten games against? Who did they lose to? Was it not the defensive unit’s undisciplined and penalty plagued effort that caused most of the losses? Does one game against a less than average team vindicate Willie Martinez? If Georgia had played anyone in the BCS games they would have teams scoring at least 30 points on them. If this was a great defensive effort by Martinez … why didn’t it happen more often during the season? The low level of the competition in this game made Martinez look favorable. Look at what LSU did to Tech … enough said. Willie still needs to go and the lack of action in this area will prove fatal to the 2009 Georgia team. Mark my word … we will see more of the same old same old with Martinez. Let your voice be heard … Willie needs to go … NOW!

By Ted Striker

January 2, 2009 7:10 AM | Link to this

MB -

At risk of being branded a heathen — only partially true — it’s more likely that Jesus will return to earth in 2009 than it is Stafford and Moreno will retain their amateur status in Athens.

Of course, I’m all for any of it happening. If Stafford and Moreno were to stick around, UGA would probably be ranked somewhere in the top 5. And if Jesus comes back in 2009, the AJC will have to replace Jim Wooten because he’ll be the first to be called into heaven along with Dick Cheney and W, and well, the rest of the righteous folk.

God bless us every one. And a very merry tequila sunrise to you all.

By FalconUGAFan

January 2, 2009 7:13 AM | Link to this

As for me, I hope we are never again preseason #1. Let Florida or Alabama have that honor. Give us something nice and comfy in the 4-6 range and let us move up slowly. Heck put us in the Top 10. Anyway, good season DAWGS. A NC would be nice, but 10 victories is a good total. Come back next year with fire and class (less penalties/more focus). Good luck Matt and Knowshawn, whatever you decide!

By dhj_1962

January 2, 2009 7:19 AM | Link to this

heel dog: the two what? did you say utes?

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

The end of the first half exposed Richt for the coach he truly is. He had two solid minutes to score, and chose to mark time. Imagine Georgia playing USC. The score? 99 to ZIP!

Georgia could have beaten a wheel chair team of senior senioritas and arthritic grandmas yesterday, but then enough about the calibre of the Spartans.

Falcons 45, Cards 31

By augustadog

January 2, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this

Mark if both stafford and Moreno stay, I say the Dawgs would have to be a preseason (shudder) number 1…… Whatever happens the Dawgs will be a contender and I for one will never cry in my towel over a 10 win season. Thanks for a great bowl win and a good year. I cannto believe that Tech bought rings for their players to commemorate their first win over the Dogs in 7 years. How ridiculous was that. HA Ha….

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

I wonder what my own preblog ranking is? I hope it’s number one. If I were the King of the Blo-hog, not prince, not duke, not earl. Well I would while away the hours, with chicks I’d take my showers, if I only were the kiiing. You know I’d be the biggest cog, I’d jump around just like a frog if I only were the kinng.

“But what if you met a troll?” I’d wrap him up in a roll.

“But what if you got flamed”? I’d soon have him tamed!

“But what if you met a RINO? I’d turn him into a wino.

“But what if you met a blog-hog?” I’d show him who’s king of the blog!

By Mikey

January 2, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

IMO, If 24 and 7 return, the preseason ranking would be somewhere between 5 and 10 but it’s a moot point. They both are long gone…

By AltamahaDawg

January 2, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this

Dan, do you really think this blog represents the majority of the Bulldog nation? Even if so, I’d say its at best 50/50 as to the comments that think that one of the most injured teams in the past 20 yrs could win 10 games. Being “satisfied” with 10 wins and having a grip on reality aren’t the same thing.

Also , what game did we blitz and play great? Not this one.

“Best of all, Georgia generated pressure (today)without blitzing. I love to get pressure without blitzing, baby,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “That’s what has made us tick for years.”

By swampjacket

January 2, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

IF UGA HAD PLAYED YESTERDAY’S FIRST HALF AGAINST LSU, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DOWN 300 TO NOTHING TOO. AS USUAL, UGA GETS TO PLAY A BIG, SLOW, SORRY BIG TEN TEAM TO PAD THEIR BOWL RECORDS. THE DAWGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLAYING TEXAS TECH IN THE COTTON, WHO WOULD BEAT THE BREAKS OFF OF WILLIE’S D!

By williebkind

January 2, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

With Willie Martinez remaining at Ga. I will submit knowing that GA will always be a team easy to beat. Willie will win over the mediocre teams and lose to the better teams. Mark is a politician and wants to keep his job! No one is so blind to accept Willie as a good DC—possibly a high school coach. Defense wins championships! Who ever said that did not have Martinez in mind as a coach….FIRE MARTINEZ.

By leland

January 2, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. MB—boy, am I relieved to see you didn’t go to Santa Fe. That would have been a mess, and I would have felt responsible. I watched the Georgia game on TV. They won. Your pal, Leland

By michael

January 2, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this

let’s mix it up….i am tired of played 2nd rate teams in 2nd rate bowls…..firemarkricht . net

By BLAZER

January 2, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this

45-42 still counts

By MoDawg

January 2, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

The first half was very confusing, especially the possession right before halftime and CMR’s explanation that he just didn’t want the defense to have to go back on the field again…he seemed more preturbed than anything. Apparently whatever he told Bobo and company at halftime worked. CMR needs to find a happy medium between where he is now and where he was before turning the offense over to Bobo. He went way too far on the “hands off” approach this year.

The defense played very well, but we need to realize that we were playing the 3rd/4th best team in the Big 10, a conference that has not shown up in the bowls, so far, so let’s get real. Holding Ringer to 1/3 of his normal yardage was SWEET!! Bama Stan UGA IS BETTER THAN MICHIGAN STATE, FOR YOUR INFORMATION!!

Still, I love a 10 win season over 9-4 and getting blown apart by the 6th best team in the SEC like the gnats!! That was beautiful!! 45-42…good 3 point win over an “overrated” (by the media) UGA team…38-3 GREAT LOSS to a middle-of-the-road (this year) LSU team!! What happened to all those nerds saying they were going to “hang 50” on the Tigers?!?!?!?!? Way to geaux, Tigers!!

Welcome to the real world, Jackets! Get back in line!! It looks like the final polls will show UGA ranked well above you AGAIN!

By dawginduluth

January 2, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

Regret. What could have been. Underachieved. Disappointed. Lead the SEC in penalties. On and off the field discipline problems. Diorganized on the sideline. Poor clock management.

Get used to it. It’s Richt ball.

No national championship with Richt. Never.

By Mac

January 2, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

It’s like this, Stafford can go now and wind up the next Rex Grossman … rich and underwhelming. Or, he can come back, build his leadership credentials by carrying the team on his back to the SEC title and wind up the next Matt Ryan … rich, accomplished and respected.

By goldarchie77

January 2, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

From a Tech fan, congrats on the win and the 10 win season. I would love and hate to see S&M leave, love to not have to worry so much about them, hate to not see them play again, even against the Jackets. Two fine players and I wish them the best in whatever they choose.

By Jborodawg

January 2, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

A good win, almost a great win. To all you MSU bashers, they were ranked #19. The D, and CWM, did a superb job, especially in the first half with MSU in our territory the whole time. And Stafford having a horrible first half. Considering the number of injuries, CWM did a credible job. Kudos also to coach Searels. A couple of us posted in August for Dawg fans not to drink the cool aid of being ranked #1. Overblown expectations only lead to disappointment. By some of the reasoning one sees here, there are about 100 Div 1 schools that should be firing their coaches; EG, every team not ranked in the top 10. Who knows what may have happened if we hadn’t lost so many starters to injury?

I only have two words for Stafford: Detroit Lions. Matt needs to come back for one more year to hone his skills; and perhaps get drafted by a better team. I’d like for Knowshon to return, but RBs have such short careers, in general.

Let’s hope for a preseason top 15 ranking; and work up toward the SEC championship. Winning the SEC should be our goal every year. Win the SEC and we’ll be playing after Jan 1st.

Gooooo Dawgs! Sic em! Woof! Woof! Woof! (H*ll with Tech!)

By savanadawg

January 2, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

C’mone guy’s lets really face reallity. The defense did play well. The offense sucked with the exception of the third qtr. It was like (bing bang boom) I guess we better wake up and play a little bit so we don’t lose. CMR’s words going into half. “If u like defense I guess u like this game.” I think they didn’t score points on purpose just so He and CWM could show off the “D” a little bit against a “slower team” ahh “BIG Ten” Call them in when your feeling down and out. It will really lift your spirits to beat one of those teams. JOKE. Coach Richt, you really need to watch what you say! And you really need to listen too others sometime. You better go back over and evaluate this past year because something is missing. I for one have know idea what it is. But all I can go on is that u keep saying were going to be “all right” yet some of what i saw yesterday was not “all right”. I was down right awful. The game should have “NEVER” been close. PERIOD. No i’m not showing MSU any love. They don’t deserve it. I want to “beat the crap out of EVERYONE” WHY? Because we can. That’s why. Stop fiddle farting around and get your act together.

By George

January 2, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this

If the pro teams were fined by the NCAA, on behalf of the college, by the amount of the players salary, you would find alot of kids staying and playing the 4 years they committed to the college’s when they were high school seniors. They went to college for an education, not just a 2-3 year stint. Kids that jump should have a minimum number of hours, The NCAA should put requirements on these kids before they are allowed to committ to the draft… just a thought for more discussion.

By 1eyedJack

January 2, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

First of all thank you to Georgia’s seniors who stuck around 4-5 years and won 40 games for the ol’ Red & Black.

I beleive the biggest weakness this year was leadership. Not necessarily from the coaches. Coach Richt should have learned some things about high expectations and how to deal with them from his days at FSU. I think there were some mistakes made by the coaching staff in their approach to this season that won’t be made again in the future. You play the way you practice and if you don’t practice full speed and practice tackling you will sleepwalk through the first half of games and you won’t tackle well. Georgia lacked good leadership from the players, especially on the defensive side of the ball. You need a strong leader on both sides of the ball, someone the other players can look to for strength when things are not going as planned. Can any of you out there tell me who those guys were this year? Nobody stands out to me. I think this lack of peer leadership as well as the lack of full speed practice led to some of our penalty problems, especially the late hit and interference penalties.

Which brings me to my next point, injuries. Not to make excuses, everybody has to deal with injuries, but come on!! Those 20+ players back healthy in 2009 will make a Huge difference.

Personally I want both Stafford and Moreno as well as Asher Allen back for next year. Their return along with Trinton Sturdivant and Vince Vance on the offensive side and Jeff Owens and Marcus Washington and a host of others on the defensive side of the ball should ensure Georgia another 10+ win season as well as a chance to compete for the SEC Championship and BCS beauty pagent.

Of those thinking of leaving which would have the biggest impact? I think Knowshon. He is a special player that only comes along once in a generation. Stafford leaving would hurt a great deal but remember, Peyton Manning didn’t win the National Championship for Tennessee, Tee Martin did, the year after Peyton left.

We will be preseason top 10 again next year. Here’s hoping that karma and team chemistry are better in ‘09 than ‘08.

Go DAWGS!!!

Whoops. Almost forgot.

LSU 38 Georgia Tech 3!!! HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa

By Frank

January 2, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

Go Gators!

By dandawg

January 2, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

I had rather take my chances with UGA’s Coaching Staff than any other in the country. Our Coaching staff has Integrity and that’s a rare find in the Business. GO DAWGS!

By Dave In Tampa

January 2, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

I don’t think we will be as bad off as people think next year with Stafford & Moreno leaving. We have a couple good quality QB’s coming in and a couple good RB’s. I still have lot’s of confidence in King. I think he will bust his can to improve. That guy wants to play. He knows that the O-Line will get better.

The dead give away about Stafford leaving was the way he grabbed the football with 30 seconds left and would not let go. He’s gone. Moreno I think should stay one more year, but what do I know.

I hope that we are a pre-season 15 or 16. Let someone else deal with the hype. Next season will be the biggest test for the entire coaching staff to see how they respond from this season and get the players ready to prove themselves in 09. The entire coaching staff better find some fire in their bellies and get the players ready to play EVERY Saturday. Next years schedule is another tough one. Now, before you nerds come on and knock the schedule please take a look to see. Only one patsy on the schedule. Other non-conference games include: @ Oklahoma St. Arizona State and of course Tech. 2 of 3 are away though Tech is almost like a home game because we always have about a 50/50 slit of fans. Kind of like the Florida game.

I wish everyone a prosperous 2009 and look forward to the next season.

God Bless

By DawginLex

January 2, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this

Mark, I can tell you are from KY. You complain about UGA winning the wrong bowl. Yet, somehow, they won it, won their 10th game, have a shot at finishing in the top 10 and have a chance to be really good in 2009.

You sound like a KY basketball fan complaining because KY only beat so and so by 20 instead of 40.

Stafford needs to come back and Moreno needs to go. Stafford needs to remember that jumping to the pros will guarantee playing behind another patchwork OL. Stay one more year and play behind what will be one of the top 3 OL in the SEC.

Moreno should go because the shelf life of an NFL running back is limited. He should thank CMR for redshirting him and saving his knees for an extra year.

Either way with both of them, stay or go, UGA will be fine because of the lines of scrimmage returnng.

By gtrules

January 2, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

All I have to say to you leghumpers is 45-42!!! Keep talking the national championship stuff up since it worked so well for you this year. I hear the malls still have the ugag preseason national championship t-shirts on sale for you.

As for Bradley, where would ugag be if ms and km come back…..well I would say there is as much chance of that as there was ugag winning the NC this year….ZERO. And regardless, they are still #2 in the state.

By benadawg

January 2, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

The coaching in the last 2minutes of the half was so bad, i am sitting home knowing that if we go for it on 4th down and did not get it MS would take a knee and run the clock out. My god someone please use some damn sense and run this team. The penalties were there again and i am afraid its gonna get so out of hand that only a change at the top will cure this. I am a fan of CMR but he is not the greatest tactition on the field at all times, but he is paid as such.

By dogoneit

January 2, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

Let’s be honest. If Richt can’t win a NC with this team, he NEVER will. We must accept 9-3 or 10-2 seasons for the forseable future. And in the meantime, UF will have their 3rd NC. HoHumm.

By DT

January 2, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

gtrules: …..NOT!

Go back to your own blog. Your a joke! Your Trade School fans are a joke! I feel for your team having to put up with so many idiot backers, about 90% of you. Keep bragging about your 1 victory in 8 games over an average team. Your best Offense in years beat our worst Defense in years by only 3. You can have it. We will be next year and beat you in Athens South. The streak will begin again.

How did you like that beat down the other night. I loved it! The only thing GT Rules at is an ignorant fan base like yourself. Now, go and crawl back under your sisters skirt where you came from.

By BullDawg Rick

January 2, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Mark..

If 24/7 return, UGA will (& should) be preseason Top 5..

The POSITIVE taken out of this season is with all the injuries UGA sustained this season - MANY players were thrust into starting or alos of PT roles. That’s goint to help us whether KM/MS return or not.

Personally I believe they will NOT return. I wish them the best in whatever decision they make..

Joe Cox/Logan Gray will be just fine & I believe C King & Co will be good too..

Get Well & Go Dawgs!!

By lipo1975

January 2, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

check your facts Charlie - you must be getting your facts from that math class uga athletic pupils attend where they have quiz with the question on “how many points are made on a 3 pt shot?”, because uga has only been recognize as national football champions once, uno, one time, 29 years ago. check out ncaa.org

By Jborodawg

January 2, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

I totally agree, a lack of leadership on the D side. But, that might also be due to so many injuries and having to plug somebody in every week. One thing we never got all season was pressure from the outside. In defense of CWM, CVG usually had a good, if not fierce, DE. Nobody stepped up this year. A Pollock (or Tardits) is hard to come by. And a fierce pass rusher isn’t usually ‘brought in’; it’s almost always just a development; out of the blue thing. And, in every level of football, ya gotta stop the run and be able to run. IMHO a great D will win more games than a great O. Not only was Owens loss pretty big, but we had injuries to LBs all year. Finally, our tackling looked pretty good against MSU. Holding Ringer to low yards was pretty cool.

“…Moreno’s response to the chants: “It was cool. It really meant a lot….” Great stuff! Glad the fans showed that support.

Tech should fire their DC; we ran up 42 on em and LSU ran up 38. Their D just fell apart the last two games. Then they only scored 3 in their last game; barely beat Gardner Webb; fire the OC too.

By wreckmaniac

January 2, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

Too bad college teams aren’t ranked on how good their players were in high school or how good they will be in the NFL. If so, UGA would be nat champs every year. NFL prospect talk isn’t relevant. You can bet that Florida and Oklahoma aren’t obsessing today over how good their players are going to be in the NFL. Joe Hamilton was 2nd in Heisman voting and was never heard from again as far as being a player. Thats the most likely future for most of these kids.

By savannadawg

January 2, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

Ooop’s I left one thing off during my rant. What ever happened to “FINISH THE DRILL”? Lets go back to basics and kick some A@@. Motivate, motivate, motivate! never ever forget Erk Russell screw BVG. BVG nearly destroyed in one year the dynasty and legacy that Erk Russell created in the Boro’. enough said about BVG. stay in the pro’s.

By office space

January 2, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

As a fan you can’t help but want Stafford and Moreno back but it’s their choice to make. Stafford in my mind could use another year to hone his skills and perfect his game. Knowshon’s ready to learn the pro playbook and move on if he wants to.Wish he’d stay though. Looking ahead to next year will have to wait a couple of weeks to see which way they go but Yesterday was a good way to get some confidence back with the team. Especially after getting stung by the Jackets. After a lot of trash talk by all the SEC bloggers this year the bottom line for me is it’s all family squabble.When it’s all said and done I hope Florida and Alabama kick some BCS a*.Way to go Vanderbilt, great game! And oh yeah Go Dawgs!!

By Congrats!

January 2, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

UGA will finish the season ranked in the Top 10. Just want to say congrats to the players and coaches for staying together and finishing! With all of the injuries, especially on the D, and a tough SEC schedule, it could have turned ugly but didn’t. Have a safe and healthy off-season and stay out of trouble and the Doggies will be just fine in ‘09.

GO DAWGS!!!

By gtrules

January 2, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

DT - now settle down and crawl back into your trailer with the rest of your little redneck fans.

I admit that our team did not show up to play in the Chicken Bowl, and thus got taken to the woodshed. But, fact still remains…..45-42!!! And with CPJ around for many years to come, this game is back to being a rivalry year in and year out. THWG

By monty

January 2, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

Lets face reality I don’t care what MSU was rated, they played on our half of the field the entire 1st half and only scored 6 points! ASk yourself why? DId the defense play inspired? Yes, one of the few times this year.

But let’s be honest, MSU had few if any offensive weapons to hurt us with. THeir QB? He’s no TIM Tebow or JP Wilson, he wasn’t going to create anything on his own like a KEntucky, Auburn,or Tech QB.

Look at their running back, who couldn’t name a half dozen SEC backs that would have struck fear in our hearts, but not this kid.(I wish him well)but he had nowhere to run all day. He looked undersized and slow.

Now look at their receivers. THeir best receiver was some slow white kid.I’m sure he has good hands and plays tough football in his own conference but our corners cover the best receivers in college week in and week out,-just not enough weapons.Our defence. while looking good, did what they should have done.

WE manged to bungle through the game with mistake after mistake , stupid penalties, poor coaching, and Staffords worst half of the year and still win handily. THat wouldn’t of happenend against VAndy, Alabama, Florida, TEnnessee, Ole Miss, LSU, GT, Auburn, South Carolina,,,,,do you get the point?

By sportsmedicine

January 2, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Can we say “From Preseason #1 to Most Injured Team”? This injury BS is a crock. UGA of all teams should have 3 top notch reserves at every position. What are these recruiting stories about anyway ? What type of player is sitting on the sideline for UGA ? Are they disabled ? If a freshman can’t play and perform your recruiting program stinks. If you can’t substitute and win, your program is junk.

By SEC fan

January 2, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Please don’t ever join the ranks of media personnel that seem to believe the Pac 10 and the Big 10 are the epitome of football conferences. I thought I was going to puke last night as Brent Musberger went on and on about USC being the best team in the country. Most of his rationale seemed to be they beat up on Ohio State and Penn State. Big deal, who did those teams beat this year? Wonder if Brent has noticed that every time a team from outside the Pac 10 or Big 10 was in the Rose Bowl the outside team won? Nope, all he could rant about was how USC always wins and by big margins. Last time USC played a non-Big 10 patsy in the ‘cutesie bowl’ was 2006 when Texas won. In fact, since the Rose Bowl started going outside the Pac 10 or Big 10 for participants, these two conferences have never produced a winner of the Rose Bowl! Yet, you watch, USC/Ohio State/and PSU most likely will all be in the pre-season top 10 rankings for next year. They will all lose 1 or more games next year to nothing teams and 2 of them will end up in the Rose Bowl again and thus many pundits will be yelling ‘best team in the country’ for whoever wins. Please don’t allow yourself Mark, to be sucked into that dream world.

By SEC fan

January 2, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Please don’t ever join the ranks of media personnel that seem to believe the Pac 10 and the Big 10 are the epitome of football conferences. I thought I was going to puke last night as Brent Musberger went on and on about USC being the best team in the country. Most of his rationale seemed to be they beat up on Ohio State and Penn State. Big deal, who did those teams beat this year? Wonder if Brent has noticed that every time a team from outside the Pac 10 or Big 10 was in the Rose Bowl the outside team won? Nope, all he could rant about was how USC always wins and by big margins. Last time USC played a non-Big 10 patsy in the ‘cutesie bowl’ was 2006 when Texas won. In fact, since the Rose Bowl started going outside the Pac 10 or Big 10 for participants, these two conferences have never produced a winner of the Rose Bowl! Yet, you watch, USC/Ohio State/and PSU most likely will all be in the pre-season top 10 rankings for next year. They will all lose 1 or more games next year to nothing teams and 2 of them will end up in the Rose Bowl again and thus many pundits will be yelling ‘best team in the country’ for whoever wins. Please don’t allow yourself Mark, to be sucked into that dream world.

By SEC fan

January 2, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

Hey “sportsmedicine”, so injuries are a crock. Next time you look in your medical books, check out why you are seeing bars in front of your eyes. You will find out what we all know, those bars are your ribs. Figure it out .

By Mike T.

January 2, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

45-42 eh Tech?

You lost to a team we hung 52 on. 45-42 a fluke. how bout 51-7.

By Preston

January 2, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

Well said SEC fan, but don’t hold your breath until the media ends it’s love affair with the Pac 10 and Big Ten. It’s killing them that the SEC and Big 12 are playing for it this year. Anyone that understands football knows that the real national championship has already been played at the Georgia Dome by the best two teams in the country.

By He Hate Gator

January 2, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

Wow, look at the Utes, BCS breaker…bring on a playoff system…

…yes, Techhies you guys eaked out a win this year but we killed the team that killed you. Rings?…even the Michigan State fans I sat next to at the Ga-MSU game were snickering over that…

By He Hate Gator

January 2, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

Why Matt needs to stay another year:

“Stafford has a rifle for an arm and is very accurate WHEN his footwork is correct. His inconsistency and lapses in judgment are concerning also…” By Todd McShay, NFL Scouts Inc.

By Big Dawg

January 3, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

I guess people tend to forget the Dawgs had 19 season ending injuries,That would explain the poor secondary that was our biggest weakness all year,and thshould make it pretty clear that those freshmen stepped up to a level they were not use to. All I can say is “We killed LSU,It’s a shame that the only game Tech prepares for is UGA,at least we do win 10 to 11 games EVERY YEAR ,Not to mention in 2002 should have been national champs with a 13 and 1 record and the SEC title.Lsu lost to freakin Arkansas the fina l game of their season and won it with a 11 and 2 record, what a joke that was! we should have also been in the big game last year but f@#k uga right? When are these people gonna see that Ohio st. is a f@#king joke and Oklahoma is next on the Florida hit list! this will make 5 losses in a row for them. Hell, With wins from Vandy, Kentucky,and old Miss spanking an overrated big twelve joke like Texas tech It should be obvious that Florida will not only win, but demolish Oklahoma for their 5th straight bowl loss. the big twelve sports no deffense at all, there will be no 60 point scoring against the gators,instead another ridiculous Florida victory over another Media favorite. I can promise everyone this will be Oklahoma’s lowest scoring game of the year,and I hope Florida’s deffense puts bradfords smart a* on the stretcher early,Tim Tebow should have won that trophy,that Fu@#er dont stand a chance against Florida!! and his attitude stinks!! he’s a stuck up little bratt who needs his nose broke in the first half! In my opinion this year was another fine example of the BCS keeping a great team out of the championship game again, utah should be in that game not oklahoma. Utah killed Bama and thats proof enough for me that they should be there. this will be anther Florida murder of a inconsistent oklahoma joke.

By Dee-J-Lee

January 4, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this

Georgia’s seniors won 40 games in thier four years, I would like to thank those seniors for thier hard work and leadership this season. we played a very tuff schedule all but three went to bowl games I don’t think anyone else can say they played that many bowl teams this year. Mark Ritch is to be thanked by all of us in the Dog Nation for a top winning program in the SEC, we have won double digit games year after year under his leadership. Mark Ritch wins with class and we lose with class. he points no fingers he accepts full responsibilty for his program, he should he built it and he will maintain it. Georgia will win double digits next year with who ever shows up to play, the bench is loaded. Thanks Mark Ritch

By dean

January 5, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

reflecting on the bowl games… there is no telling how well the Dawgs would have been this season without coaching interference. Those talanted athletes could have done much better making dicision and playing on the field than what the coaches did. all the coaching did was mess up and frustrate the player. never did ANY coach have control of any phase of the game. what a disasterious coaching group. and we are paying those guys??!! way to go Ray Goof

By B-Rad

January 6, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

Let us not forget that when Georgia started worrying about the penalties we began to lose. I believe that focusing on penalties to the aggresivness out of our players. Nobody cares about penalties as long as W’s follow.