Mark Bradley

By Nurlman

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

Huh? Seems like a bizarre proposition to me. Dogs have many questions. They’ll be good no matter what happens, but those offseason polls are typically settled by who has the least questions.

Florida is in the BCS MNC Game and will lose Harvin and Spikes and two off the line, Watkins and Trautwein, but they’re three deep. Harvin and Spikes are singular talents, but everybody has to reload as guys move on. I would think Florida would be a bit easier to rank #1. Or Texas, USC or Oklahoma.

By PTC DAWG

January 2, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

I just hope the O’line comes back intact.

By raymond

January 2, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

Don’t start that crap again!!!! I don’t care if they do come back I want to go into the season ranked between 10 and 15 so the expectations are reasonable.

By Mac

January 2, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

Stafford can leave now and be the next Rex Grossman, or he can come back, bolster his leadership credentials by carrying the team on his shoulders to the SEC title, a la Tebow and be the next Matt Ryan.

By TYLER

January 2, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Are you kidding me? The dawgs would be a JOKE again if they were preseason # 1. Richt showed yesterday he’s not the brightest. Georgia should be about 10th preseason

By Shanfran

January 2, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

Georgia will never be #1 as long as Bobo and Martinez are our Coordinators. Bobo is to predictable and Martinez lacks fire in our defense.

By Dick Hertz

January 2, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

You have to be kidding me! UGA ranked #1? What a joke. They won’t be ranked #1 in the SEC East!

By jarvis

January 2, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

No. Won’t be #21 either. That’s just stupid.

By j

January 2, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

They should not even be a top 25 team. They barely beat a bad Michigan state team. As we all know, the big 10 is weak. That game showed how weak Ga was this year. USC would have beat them by 100!

By ScottInJaxBeach

January 2, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this

The comments CMR made at halftime concerning the offense not being in a hurry up offense just floored me! To say the reason they didn’t try and score was that he had too much respect for MSU’s defense. You are kidding me CMR? I truly believe that after this years coaching and record CMR is at the crossroads of where UGA is going to be in the next 5-10 years.

My prediction is that one of the two comes back. More than likely Dawgfans have seen KM place his last game in a UGA uniform.

By Fine in 2009

January 2, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this

The new lords of the ring were struck down by a sub=par LSU team that had time to study this one dimensional offense. Next year the newbies will be 8 - 4 at best because the offense will not be new and most DCs will know that this offense is easly contained by clogging the middle to contain the FB and QB and by placing two men wide to meet the pitch man in the backfield (again ref LSU stomping). Before you newbies point to the UGA game I said most DCs. Let us hope WM was watching the game and learned something. Mark, your journalist forecasters were burned on the Auburn prediction and they will be toasted on predicting UGA at 21 without MS and KM for without them UGA will be a top 10 team at season’s end. Happy 2009 to all the bloggers - good and bad.

By Georgia Fan

January 2, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

YAWN. Man, you’re really on a losing streak Bradley. This column sucks.

By Joe

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

Let’s be honest. Stafford is simply not a championship QB, and will be much better in the NFL than he has been at UGA. He is not a great leader, and his blase attitude has filtered throughout the entire program and has been one of the big problems this season.

Joe Cox will be living his dream next year. He does not have the arm strength of Stafford, but he will also make fewer of the mind-numbingly stupid plays that Stafford did, even in his 3rd year of starting.

Make no mistake, Knowshon is much more crucial as a returner, because Caleb King has been a monumental disappointment.

By BR

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

What a stupid article. This from one of the same people that hyped up Tech and preached about how great and unstoppable their offense is. Good prediction… 38-3 versus LSU.

By CollegeFan

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

The dawgs should not be ranked #1, too much pressure. However, after new years eve night, we all know that The North Ave Trade School would be lucky to even be in the top 15.

By mcdawg

January 2, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

Absolutely-we will be #1- STAYSTAYSTAYSTAYSTAYSTAY

By Brooks

January 2, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

Tech is losing most of their D line which was their “strength”. Their defense was once again average and given too much hype but nothing is new there. You look at the defensive numbers over the past few years and they haven’t been all that. The offense will be good but they were exposed against LSU. Coaches everywhere will use that film as a “how to” video. I see Tech being top-25 but nothing special. The Dawgs have alot of talent on defense coming back and A.J. Green, Caleb King, the enitre O-line, and a solid recruiting class coming in. Don’t see a whole lot of difference in both teams next year. We’ll find out what we got early with the trip to Oklahoma State. GO DAWGS!!

By Joe

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

Not anytime soon. Georgia has problems with coaching credibility, discipline,etc. The remaining players will be moreseasoned-yes!, buy injuries are part of the sport and Georgia has had a tremendous ammount of pre-season injuries for the past 5 years that puts into question the pre-season training program. Georgia’s best bet to be No. 1 will by achieving it, no matter where it starts in the pre-season. Then,it will be a legitimate contender for the MNC match. Happy and Healthy New Yearto for evyone.

By dawgsuck

January 2, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe you are starting this crap again. There is no low you won’t reach for is there. What a joke.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

January 2, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

UGAg is pathetic, noboby in the Nation will be fool again by these underachivers, even if Fatt Matt, Noshow, and Mo Muslim were coming back.

Congrats on the victory over a medicore Basketball School. Maybe ya’ll can get some more Hawaii next year.

45-42

By Wally Butts

January 2, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

Your talent as a journalist is severely lacking. I am trying to remember the last time you had an original thought.

How about writing about something meaningful for a change. This is crap!

By brewdawg

January 2, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

21 way too low mark, even without both of them. UGA is to the point now that they can plug in recruits without that much of a dropoff. I’m thinking top 15 if they both leave.

By Fletchdawg

January 2, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

Folks,

You can rank our Dawgs wherever you want … we have talent … BUT … our coaching HAS to step up! There are too many miscues and lack of execution: penalties (personal fouls), inability to tackle, dropped passes, poor play calling at crucial times during the game … and the list goes on.

Remember: CMR was a player at Miami when they were “Thug University” … a team that won championships … but was heavily penalized and undisciplined. Then he was the OC for FL ST … same MO!! That style of football does NOT win anymore … especially in the SEC! CMR is the coach he is … because he knows no differently! I have NEVER called for his head … and his supporters will point out (as they do every season) that 9-3 and 10-2 and even 8-4 ain’t that bad. But it becomes bad when you begin to lose recruiting ground to surrounding universities … especially your in-state rival. And that will happen, unless the coaching staff gets back to fundamentals. You can’t blame the whole season on Martinez … it HAS to fall on CMR’s shoulders.

By Tom Davis

January 2, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

LOL…Please no. CMR may nut up again.

By Dennis G. Berdanis

January 2, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

The funniest thing in this article is that you think the team that got run out playing in their home town by a weak LSU squad should be #9 next year.

By Joe

January 2, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

LOL. What a stupid article.

By JB

January 2, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

No………National press won’t allow any of it. If they both come back, pre-season 7-10 or so and Second in the SEC East. The Media Luvvvvvvvvv’s Urban and Gators. PS: Did the coach’s have a mental block when we got the kick off in the first half with 2:11 to go and ALL our time outs. The offense was lurking around, killing the clock, and then get’s to mid field with 31 seconds to go and then in a hurry up ? WHO IS MANAGING THE GAME AND SIDELINE ! THAT SUCKED. BEST ARM IN THE NATION AND WE’RE KILLING THE CLOCK…..IN A BOWL GAME….WTF.

By ugapip

January 2, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

If they leave, we will just reload. All of you nay sayers will eat your words. Joe Cox is not bad. He won the Colorado game 2 years ago in Athens. At rb, we have Samuel and King coming back plus the recruit, Ealey. He is a beast! O-line will be better and older. OL coach will be back.

Defense is what I am worried about. Any word on Jeff Owens? I hope he is coming back. He was a Senior. I am pretty sure he played as a Freshman so he has not used a red-shirt yet. He would probably get a medical redshirt anyway. I hope Asher Allen comes back but I bet he doesn’t. OUR BIGGEST NEED IS PASH RUSHING ENDS!

We are not losing many seniors. Muhammad will be the biggest loss among the seniors. Michael Moore will replace him nicely though.

I would rather have Richt as my coach than anybody. Not only does he win but is a good influence on our boys and is a good representative for the university. He will find the right formula one day soon. The end of the first half did confuse me though!

By the way,I think Spurrier will go looking else where very soon. His team South Carolina) was awful yesterday. Has his name been linked to any openings yet?What do ya’ll think? I bet he was livid after the SC/Iowa game!

By ATL GATOR

January 2, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

Lol!!! They aren’t even #1 in the state!!!

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

I absolutely didn’t understand what Richt did at the end of the first half, and I said so to everyone who would listen in the press box. You’ve got Stafford and Green and Massaquoi and Moreno and two minutes left and three timeouts. You’ve started the day in a hurry-up. And now you’re going to slow down?

I remember Billy Payne saying to Richt at a Greater Atlanta Bulldog Club meeting in 2003: “I thought you’d gotten those clock management problems ironed out.” Payne was kidding, but still …

By grey dog

January 2, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

Incredible call #1: pooch ko near end of game with msu still threatening. For what? To ensure better field position for MSU than the usual 40 yard line we allow?? Result: MSU gets ball at FIFTY!!! Incredible call #2: Bobo or CMR instruct Stafford to hold ball and let time run out with 2 minutes left and Dogs 1 or 2 plays away from getting in position for a tying FG.

By JOE HENDRIX

January 2, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

“LORD OF THE RINGS” BRADLEY YOU MUST BE A NUT WITH OUR TALENT COMING BACK EVEN IF THE TWO GO TO THE NFL WE WILL BEAT TECH AT THERE HOME I WILL GO OUT AND JUST SAY THAT NOW.

By rojah1

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

CMR lost a lot of respect for his time management yesterday, reminded me of Coach Stewart of WVU. And thats a slap in the face. UGA has been an underachieving team for how many years now? We need to be more aggressive in play calling on both sides of the ball. We were somewhat more aggressive against MSU which doesn’t scare anyone in their passing game. Glad we won…

By GatorGuy

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

Way to go out on a limb Mark… UGA will not be preseason #1. This kind of insight is why you have your own column!

By BLAZER

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

#1 again Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Hawks

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

lol, Lords of the ring. You put Tech at number 9 in the country to start the season next year after they were exposed by the worst LSU team we’ve seen since most of us can remember?

They got slaughtered at home by a middle of the road SEC team.

When people have time to prepare for that gimmicky offense and they catch up to it, which they will next season Tech is going to fail as usual.

By techsters jealous

January 2, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

Wow, look at all the Tech fans who couldn’t even score a touchdown on LSU, way to come cry about it to the UGA fans just cause you won one game against an extremely injured UGA def.

Look at what UGA’s def did when healthy. Anyways, Knowshon should go, as a UGA fan I’d love to have him back, but all football fans know runningbacks only have so many carries before they are done, and he is just as ready now as he would be after next year.

Stafford on the other hand needs to work on his decision making. He has superb physical tools, but will probably bust if he goes into the NFL and ends up starting.

UGA should be a top 15 team regardless of who comes back, lets not forget the ELite QB competition winner Mr. Murray that is coming in next year.

By Blackberry Cobbler

January 2, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

CMR has lost all confidence from me. I’ve always tried to be positive with him, but no more.

CMR is a girly man!!!

The way he chose to just lay down and roll over with 2 minutes left in the half yesterday is unbelievable. His reasoning was he didn’t want the UGA defense (having already spent much of the half on the field) to have to go back out there again………. in other words, he had no confidence in a QB and RB that’s about ready to go to the NFL…………. and, even if the offense faltered and the defense had to go back out there gain………. there would have been very little time left on the clock anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, what’s the big deal.

CMR has lost my confidence.

And as far as the game goes, I’m glad UGA won. But all it ONCE AGAIN proves as it has been the case all season, is that this team and these coaches are good enough to struggle but yet still win again mediocre teams but get their @$$es kicked against anybody really decent.

By st simons

January 2, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

45 to 42 hahahaha! go TECH

By Vdawg

January 2, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

I hope they stay. If they don’t, Georgia STILL has as much or more talent that ANYONE in the nation. It’s up to the coaches to get it done. There is NOTHING wrong with our play book. Our problem is lack of emotion and motivation. Richt said last year after we lost to a horrible TN team that went to the SEC championship that we would never walk on the field cold again. Well, we have almost every game this year. The results are three losses. I admit our defense is not as stout as we have had in the last 7-8 years. However, they lack slobber more than anything. “Slobber” you ask??? Yes - Slobber and snot bubbles and teeth knashing as you walk on the feild with an uncontrolable urge to knock the crap out of someone. It’s a unbridled rage coupled with a controlled dicipline which allows for an unstoppable force and would probably cut down on the darn penalties. In my dictionary there would be a picture of David Polock right next to the word slobber. Knowshon knows about slobber. The whole team needs to know about it.

Go back to the blacked out Alabama game. The fans were rabid. The stadium was full of electicity. The dogs jogged out on the field like they were about to tee off for a round of golf. I’m sick of having this much talent on our team and not being fired up. In the SEC you must play with discipline And you must play with raw emotion to win.

Stafford and Moreno, I want you to stay badly. But if we can’t offer you a 2009 full of slobber, I say go with the money. Nothing but love for ya baby.

By Fletchdawg

January 2, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

ugapip … *he win but is a good influence on our boys *

Are you serious??? Is there a stat out there that tells how many player arrests we have per season???

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

No. 21 is way too low for a Georgia team with a new quarterback and a new tailback? For a team that went into its bowl game ranked No. 16 with Stafford and Moreno?

By hotrod

January 2, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

hey ramble on how can you show your face after that arss whipping your boys took? please, we will end up higher in the last pole and the world will be back to normal,U.G.A. ahead of the dirt dawbers as usual,kinda makes up for the game huh??

By boots

January 2, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

Mark, clean up that crystal ball of yours. It hasn’t worked so well as of late. Tech got throttled too badly to be ranked so high in ‘09, so I have them about 18th. Without KM and MS, Dawgs will be about the same - 15th or so, maybe a bit higher.

Point is, talk of polls in January is about as pointless as talk of polls in September.

By DawgNirvana

January 2, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Must be a slow day and Bradley is looking for anything to make people jump…..Article has big bold letters asking if UGA would be preseason #1 then uses article to refute it. Can’t you do better than this, Bradley?

By impartial

January 2, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

What? This is the most ridiculous waste of internet space I’ve ever read. Tech a preseason top 10 team? Maybe top 10 in the ACC. They got drilled by a 8-5 LSU team and the novelty of their offense is no more. The Dogs will likely be in the teens depending on who stays or goes but USC, OK, Texas, UF, and Bama all have staying power at the top regardless of who they lose. Get real man, Tech had some fortunate bounces, a novelty offense in a weak conference, and they beat their state rival for the first time in 8 years. UGA has to start dominating weak teams and winning big games before anyone even starts thinking championship again. You must be hanging around Lou Holtz in your down time. I’m sure your next article will have ND in the top 10.

By Fire Richt Now

January 2, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

GA NUMBER 1, GA NUMBER 1

We just kicked the crap out of Michigan State. Say what! OSU beat MSU by 38, PSU beat MSU by 31 and GA beats MSU by 12.

*Hey, we finished with a 10 win season. Say What! GA surrenders 25.6 points per game – their worst mark since 1990 – and have allowed at least 38 points five times. Georgia gave up at least 41 points in each of the losses. *

They beat SC by 7. Spurrier has 3rd worst loss of his 15 bowls yesterday,

Total unprepared against Bama. Didn’t Richt do the same d-amn thing again West Virginia. Has he learned?

Total embarrassment against FL

Beat a fired Fulmer by 12. TN lost 7 games Beat a fired Tuberville by 4. AU lost 7 games After getting trounced by FL beat KY by 4. Are you kidding me Lose to a VERY SUSPECT GT team. BTW, I have never seen such a poor call as the fake punt by GT at their 20 yd line against LSU.

By dawgforlife

January 2, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

REALITY CHECK!

See what happened to the Trade School’s triple option when it ran into a good SEC defense that knew how to play with discipline and how to tackle?

Tech’s showing in the bowl was just plain pathetic.

By oldschoolfootball

January 2, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

Stafford did look good with A J Green making him look good during the season and against zone defenses. He had better return and get some more rep’s. UGA has produced two qb’s that actaully have started or played in a regular season NFL football game in recent years……Fran Tarkenton and Quincy Carter. The other uga great qb’s E. Zier (who AJC thought was better than a REAL QB out of Alcorn A&M named Steve McNair because of whom McNair played against) is calling plays in Larry Munson’s absence could not even play Arena football, and D. Green, his NFL (bench) career is done.

By PMC

January 2, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

No, because the preseason rankings are generally based on opinions of the finish in the last season.

Essentially preseason rankings should be treated like Power Rankings.

The coaches poll shouldn’t put out an official poll until the BCS puts up it’s initial tally in October.

That and 1AA teams should never be on ANY teams schedule that feels they should compete for a title.

Preseason rankings are always crap.

By Fletchdawg

January 2, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

Hey go easy on Mark! What if this was a Terrence Moore column? Think about it …

By MJ

January 2, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

What’s the point of this article again? Shouldn’t you rename this article “Could Dogs be #7?” since that is the highest ranking you give them? This is why sportswriters get criticized so much, due to the idiotic rankings they come up with in their heads “with or without” certain players returning. And haven’t we learned that these preseason rankings mean little to nothing? So many questions, with so few answers. At least the Dogs won their bowl game and boomer sooner!

By BUZZZZZ

January 2, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

45-42

By Rufus

January 2, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

I thought this blog was about UGA. How did Tech get into it. I don’t remember Mark even bringing up Tech which has absolutely nothing to do with where UGA is rated next pre-season. You middle school grads need to pay attention.

By Nick

January 2, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

The Gators even with the loss of Harvin would still have a better backfield than the Dawgs.

Stafford has not even come close to winning a Hiesman, so you cant really say he would be the best QB.

The Gators are better any way you look at it.

By pffft

January 2, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

pre-season #1 is cool. mid-season #1 is nice. but shouldnt the dawgs concentrate on being end of season #1? they look good on paper, but paper doesnt win games. learn some dicipline and handle bussiness on the field. and you can bash the jackets all you want, but they did beat you now, didnt they?

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

Apparently not.

And I don’t think it’s a such a terrible discussion for a cloudy day in January: If Georgia was considered good enough to be No. 1 in August 2008, why wouldn’t pretty much the same team (only a year older and with a softer schedule) receive some consideration next time?

Again, I cite the Auburn precedent of 2003/4. Disappointing season followed by 13-0.

By leland

January 2, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Mr. MB—I don’t see how you could put Georgia at #21 without what’s his name and the other one. They would be #22. You’re starting off wrong again. Your pal, Leland

By jarvis

January 2, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

A fifth year Senior that has a little in-game experience including a game-winning drive aginst Colorado throwing to a still extremely solid group of receivers should tune down some of the drop-off with Stafford leaving. Unless Georgia has another rash of off-season injuries, the O-Line should be extremely deep and talented, and God knows the Defense has nowhere to go but up. Owens’ return should help shore up the greatest glaring weekness a bit. Even if the Dawgs are predicted to finish 3rd in the East, it would be extremely unusual for that position to be ranked out of the mid-teens to start the season. Worst-case scenario, 16th to start the campaign.

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

Might want to check, MJ. I believe I had Georgia at No. 5 with both Stafford and Moreno back, No. 7 with Stafford only.

By bank walker

January 2, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

Yes, the Dawgs should be #1, and then win the national championship!!

By Dirt Dobber

January 2, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

JB——If you dont like the way GA runs thier team.Find your self another team to root for pe.A win over a subpar MS team should be good enough for you.Do you want some whine to go with that cheese.

By Florida Dawg

January 2, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

I hope our POOR clock management does not come back next year….what in the world was Richt thinking the last two minutes of the first half of yesterday’s Bowl game? Everyone around me in the stadium and now that I’ve seen the tape is baffled????

By Voice of Reason

January 2, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

For all of you who are saying how stupid Mark is for saying UGA would be #1, go back and actually read the article. He says that even with both players returning they would be #5. Reading Comprehension not a strong suit for you guys huh?

By Jim

January 2, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

Dogs No. 1? WHO CARES!!! I’m so sick of tuning in to the sports news and having it lead with what the Dogs are wearing to practice! Let’s see: shorts today, short and pads tomorrow. Oh, the anticipation of the day after tomorrow! Attention Dogs fans: there is a whole world outside of Athens. You might want to check it out.

By SEC fan

January 2, 2009 11:44 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. 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 Hillary C.

January 2, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Stafford will surely return and win the Heisman next year along with a national championship. There is absolutely no doubt about it. It is all about entitlement and not performance.

By DJ

January 2, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

Hey Hotrod,

No, it doesn’t make up for the game…..losers. You’re not LSU fans, so don’t try to bandwagon that one.

16 point lead, at home, “Year of the Dawg” and a loss to the trade school. OUCH!!!!

By some sense

January 2, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

Good God, Mark…you’ve turned loose the Techmites and the rednecks again.

By David T

January 2, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

UGA Preseason #1 Only if Florida, Alabama, USC, Texas and Oklahoma decide to cancel their seasons next year. Do your homework…..Ga’s not the only team with returning stars next year…..

By EdDAWG

January 2, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

Please no, I would rather be 3,4,5 but please not No. 1.

By john

January 2, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

Did anyone predict that UT would win a national title the year after Peyton left?

I’m excited about our team next year, regardless of what Stafford and Moreno decide.

With regards to sports writers worrying about ‘getting burned’ so to speak, cry me a river. You guys are a bunch of lemmings anyway.

By Jared

January 2, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

Yeah, this is something of an odd question. No. 1 is out of the question right now.

As others have said, coaching is the problem here for this team. I love Mark Richt as a person. But this coaching staff is schizo.

Richt is like Cam Cameron. Brilliant, brilliant offensive mind, but like Cameron did last year with the Dolphins, Richt gets in a game and dictating the big decisions seems to pressure him to the point where he over-thinks or under-thinks everything.

Richt went from aloof to being the players best buddy a few years back, and that kind of shift is just another example of his confusion and struggle to find a niche. His coaching will probably always be the same.

When you match him against the brilliant minds of college football … Saban, Carroll, etc. … he will always get outsmarted.

Unless the Dawgs have a brilliant field general (please be great, Aaron Murray), they won’t be able to compensate for Richt’s coaching deficiencies and win the big one.

I think that’s the sad truth.

By AltamahaDawg

January 2, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

I think what Richt said was that his defense had been on the field way too long and he didnt want any time left to put them back out there. Did anything in the first half (offensively) lead you to believe he was incorrect in the assumption that it would have happened? Why would you want to use our TOs to simple give the ball back to MSU with a minute left. Did anyone see the next bowl game where there were 2 ints with less than a minute in the first half? Stuff does happen. Can you imagine giving up a late score on a mistake in that case? “thats fine coach, don’t worry , we won’t trash you for giving that up since you were showing a lot of Guts there” rrrrright. OH wave your flag about confidence and the NFL. Thats prettty easy to do from the livingroom. Unfortunetely the guy who has to actually run the show was saddled with reality. He ran the risk-reward and made a decision with no regard to the “loss of respect” from somebody who guite frankly has yet to say anything positive this year, and likely never will. When exactly were you always trying to be postive? I’ve never read a word of it. You don’t undertsnd it or agree and it makes no difference. HE did with HIS team, what HE thought HIS teams best option was. Maybe he had just a tad more insight as to what the offence had at that point in time, seeing as how he was standing there talking directly to them.

By No Dawgs allowed

January 2, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this

UGA pre-season number 1…..whatever, what a great New Years joke, Remember, the dawggies have the Gators and Ga Tech to play. UGA bites.

By LSU fan

January 2, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

Hey DJ, ya gonna put 38 to 3 on the other side of those dumb rings?

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

I think Southern Cal has been the most talented team in the country these past two seasons, but it keeps losing to terrible teams. At least Georgia lost to good teams.

And the difference in skill in the Capital One was palpable. Michigan State played hard and smart and all that, and it managed 236 total yards and one touchdown. In the first half it ran 32 plays beyond midfield and netted two field goals.

By J.

January 2, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

Richt will never win a national championship at UGA. He can recruit, but is obviously not able to discipline that talent and coach it.

By Rolltide23

January 2, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

NO! NO! UGA should not be preseason nothing. UGA’s defense and defensive coordinator sucks per the Bulldog Nation. They cannot win a championship if their defense cannot stop their opponent.

By 82DAWG

January 2, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

Irrelivant, Stafford and Moreno will not both return.

IF they did, no way. The defense has to prove itself all over again. Right now Soft Willie does not inspire a great deal of confidence.

By JD of ATL

January 2, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

What is this question…January/April fools day? You have got to be kidding. Even if these two key players stayed there’s still too many thugs and semi-stupid coaches (including Richt) to bring them down within even the top 10. aka Note: Remember the on-side kick before halftime during GA-FLA game? GA gives Fla the ball on their own 37 yeard line with 12 minutes remining? Or all the “really stupid” penalties? I’m sorry but stupid coaching and stupid players do not win big games or titles against worthy opponents. Prediction? GA. 2009 season 8-4.
JD @ Covington

By CommonSense

January 2, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

Whether they stay or go is ok with me. The dawgs problems go deeper than those two. Look at the coaches. Look at yesterday’s game. A punter that misses the ball. The kicker who still kicks out of bounds and pooches one. Confusion in the huddle before the half. Confusion in substituting on defense. Continued poor tackling. Special teams in general still below par. Much work to be done. I’d be fine with a preseason rating of 15th, at least there the dawgs wouldn’t get the bighead that would last all season. Finally, would somebody sit down with the AD really soon and see if he knows what is going on? Seems to me he is operating in lala land.

By Jim

January 2, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Interesting article. I don’t think they will be #1 but look at UT after Peyton Manning went pro…the next yr they won it all with Tee Martin.

By TD

January 2, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Please name the 20 teams that will be ranked ahead of the UGA team without Stafford/Moreno.

Even being conservative, I can’t find any more than 12.

By jarvis

January 2, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

Just as an FYI, Richt is .500 against Nick Saban. (2-2)

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

OK, I’m asking for input here. Who will be the preseason top five?

By TD

January 2, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

Richt is 2-3 vs. Saban. 2 losses to LSU ‘03.

By DawgsStink

January 2, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

After all the whining in Summer of 08 about the mutts being dissed by the sports writers in preseason polls, reality showed the sports writers were correct, the mutts were just a third rate Division I program….Now the whining starts again…ha ha ha….The mutts do best in PR and whining…reality is something else…

By BUZZFAN1936

January 2, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the Bulldogs on your bowl win. Too bad the Yellow Jackets couldn’t make it a sweep for the state. Both teams should be good next year so the rivalry game should be as exciting as this year’s which is the way it should be.

By jarvis

January 2, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing Tebow returns and Sam B. does not.

By G8TR

January 2, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

Having talked up UGA to No. 1 last pre-season, based on NOT winning the SEC East and beating Hawaii (!), why not go ahead and talk them up again this pre-season? After all, they got blown out by the respective SEC division winners, ALA and UF, plus dropped a game — at home — to their in-state rival. All with Stafford and Moreno. Sure sounds like NC credentials to me. You people (and sports writers) are hilarious. Try winning the SEC East as a “puppy” step before you learn to walk (or talk).

By Chris

January 2, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

how bout this - how bout no rankings until like week 8. Rankings handicap a team - be ranked high to start the year and one loss (even to a crappy team) and you aren’t hurt by it - see Florida. If you start the year ranked low and lose one late well then you’re left out of the good bowl picture all together - see Texas Tech. We need to turn this thing into a tournament based on the winners from each conference, BCS or otherwise - if the NFL used the BCS system the Falcons would be sitting at home today and the Patriots would be getting ready to play.

One final rant - the Big East should be stripped of their automatic big - are you trying to tell me that Cincinnati was more deserving of a BCS, multi million dollar payout than Texas Tech, or any of the other top 15 teams out there? Ridiculous. They were given a spot cause they had Miami and VA Tech - now they have who? Rutgers?

By Hampton

January 2, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

Well, Stafford just declared. I guess we won’t start in the top 10 next year…

By DoseOfReality

January 2, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

One thing’s for certain. They shouldn’t be.

Otherwise we go through the same exercise as this year all over again.

By Cowboy

January 2, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

Dawgs will do very well in 2009. Just sit back and watch.

Oh and those rings that GT got makes me think about “wonder twin powers… activate” which as we all saw on NATIONAL TV, did not work!

By DawgsStink

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

From the Grave, Jan has filed another NCAA complaint against the Mutts fer cheating…Ah vote fer the Death Penalty…

By G8TR

January 2, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this

Chris: Please see said “crappy team” (Ole Miss) play today in a better bowl than most programs (e.g. Cotton). As for other one-loss teams, see USC — deservedly sidelined to their usual post-Rose Bowl whining. Other than that, you’re right about the need to delay pre-season and early-season rankings (which the BCS does). The problem is that the Mark Bradleys of the world cannot resist.

By Zack

January 2, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this

You know it sure would be nice for knowshon and stafford to stay but I doubt they will. Even if they did I would rather not be preseason number 1. All the expectations from earlier in the season did the dawgs in

By dan

January 2, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

Jared

Mark Richt is a brilliant coaching mind. All coaches have rough seasons( and when 10-3 is considered a tough season then times are good for your program). Nick Saban was 6-6 last year. He went 8-5 in 2002 before going 13-1 and winning the National Title in 2003. Then he went right back to being 9-3 in 2004. Saban’s a good coach, but to say Richt gets outsmarted by him every time isn’t accurate. As for having success against Pete Carroll, we’ll never know how Richt would do against USC because the Rose Bowl committee is a bunch of scared politicians. They know UGA would have been a tough match up for their media darling USC, so they selected Illinois because of “tradition”. To call Pete Carroll and “X’s and O’s” genius is also inaccurate. However, what DOES make Saban and Carroll great head coaches at the College level is their ability to hire great assistants. If you work for either of these guys as an assistant, you will have a shot at being a head coach somewhere. And if they’re not great assistants coaches then they are great recruiters. That is what UGA lacks. Richt’s assistants would never be great head coaches and their mediocre recruiters. Look at it this way: Bobby Bowden made Richt his offensive coordinator and Mickey Andrews his defensive coordinator. And look at the success FSU had in the late 90’s. That’s what Richt needs.

By Rich

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

They are so over rated. Why don’t they concentrate on education instead. Thank God I went to school up North.

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking Texas will be preseason No. 1. But I’m also the person who believes Texas should be playing Florida for the BCS title.

By LoyalDawg

January 2, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

There is no scenario where UGA does not start off in the top 20. There is also no scenario where Tech starts in the top 10 after the beatdown that LSU gave them. I don’t think you believe it either.

By BT

January 2, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

As you can see, it’s really easy to beat Tech:

1) Recruit mammoth defensive lineman with speed, and hope they don’t miss a tackle 2) Make virtually no mistakes on offense 3) Execute an onsides kick in the first half 4) Hope Tech can’t catch the ball 5) Hope Tech muffs a punt 6) Hope to get every single break go your way.

See it’s as easy as that. Just watch the LSU tape and then execute the plan. It’s so simple.

By Rob

January 2, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Stafford makes poor decisions. The offensive line is offensive and the defensive line is no threat. Can we hire Thomas Dimitroff @ Georiga to perform a miracle?

By bigdawg

January 2, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

How can any Yellow Jackets be talking any trash here. Was GT on the field with LSU?? Just goes to show that beating UGA made the yella-terds season. A ring with the freakin score, are you kidding me?? Play in the SEC week in and week out and GT would see more beat downs like the one New Years Eve!! Any person with any sense knew #1 was to high this year. Always said the dawgs would lose 2 or 3 games with freshman on the line. Ain’t it great that UGA fans get p** at a 10 win season, and GT is ecstatic with 9 or less. That states volumes about how much better the UGA program is at this time!!!!

By Doug

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

I agree that the strong teams this year will be strong again next year. I personally think Joe Cox is a better QB than Stafford. If Moreno stays, w/Cox at QB (5th yr senior) I think we would be 7-10 which would be OK. We could work our way up w/o the brutal schedule we had this yr. There is enough parity to ensure everyone will lose at least one game. It is all about the timing…If you start number 1…there is only one way to go…down!

By Travis

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

Florida will be the preseason #1 win or lose, since Tebow will undoubtedly come back.

My Preseason 10: 1. Florida 2. Alabama 3. USC 4. Oklahoma 5. Texas 6. Oklahoma State 7. Ohio State 8. Penn State 9. Virginia Tech 10. Ole Miss

As for the locals -

By BT?

January 2, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

BT, is that the blueprint North Carolina used to roll as well?

By G8TR

January 2, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

Actually, it’s Richt who needs to be the offensive coordinator, with someone else head-coaching. It’s only the Peter Principle that caused him to become a head coach in the first place. (Maybe it’s the Vince Dooley principle.) He’s clearly risen to his level of incompetence, i.e. his record “in opposing teams’ stadiums, which enables UGA to downplay the continued losses to UF on his watch. Oh well. At least there are a lot more Capital One bowl trophies in the future….

By Travis

January 2, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

Argh, site ate it

I think Georgia will be 12th and GT 14th

By Tony

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

First of all, Georgia is definitely not a preseason or postseason number 1 team. Be serious! That is to overlook Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Southern Cal, and even a GaTech team that muzzled them. For one thing, in Georgia there is a sort of favoritism toward the Bulldogs as if they are the only team in the world. Wake up. If anyone was really serious, including the BCS BSers, the real number one team in the country is Southern Cal. If they played any team in the country they would beat them more often than not. Stop being so biased!

By Ain'tNothinLikeAGthingBaby

January 2, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

Good Article Mark, All you Dawg Fans needs to ease up on the bone you are chewing. IF LSU, THE DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMPIONS is the middle of road of the SEC, then you guys are smoking puppy chow. Go ahead and give the dawgs the #1 ranking for the paper chumps (champs). They can dance to SOLDIER BOY beat and get beat by the YELLOW JACKETS. It’s all earned on the football field baby!!! See FLA, OKLAHOMA,TEXAS,USC.

By BT

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

Actually, yeah it was now that I think about it. My point being, it is easier said than done. I think the LSU loss will be more of an exception and not very common as we look back on it years from now. Oklahoma got blown out in a bowl game last year and I think they are doing ok now.

By AltamahaDawg

January 2, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

It wasn’t expectations that did them in. It was that the expected players didn’t play.

The question is where would the preseason prognosticators have ranked UGA if they had known that. Right around where they are going to be ranked coming into next year I would guess. 10-13ish.

My specualtion is that without both, UGA is still a better team next year that it turned out this year. not because they left, just despite that. With one or the other, or both they might be to what we thought this year, which was by most rational fans mind, a team capabale of winning the SEC.

It amazes me now the standard that they didn’t live up to is so much higher than most of us really thought to begin with.

BTW, I am still holding the fabulous prize for the first person to give me ONE name of a team ever, that had as many injuries and met or exceeded preseason expectations. One team. How hard could it be to come up with one team.

By DJ

January 2, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

BigDawg,

You lost to us. That speaks volumes. Repeat after me: 16-point halftime lead, between the hallowed hedges, couldn’t stop the option the entire 2nd half, 4 & 5 star recruits knew what was coming at them and NOTHING they could do about it, period. That speaks volumes.

As for the “LSU Fan” that stopped by, maybe I should change my screen name to “Bama Jammer” or “Gator Man” just to be able to say something clever about Tech losing. Oh wait, I don’t have to change my screen name, we beat your A$$ on your home field in the “year of the Dawg.” Remember it, there’s still 300+ days left for you to deal with it. Woof woof Big Putz, um I mean Big Dawg.

By Dorsey Hill

January 2, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

The idea that a team that got beat 38-3, and it wasn’t even that close, by a 7-5 team would open the pre-season at No. 9 is laughable. I expect Tech to be ranked certainly but not nearly that high. They will probably be ranked about where they finish this year 16-19. Further, all appearences are that the ACC will be a much better conference next year, making a 9-3 regular season unlikely at best for Tech.

Tech’s mediocrity was matched by their opponents for much of the year in 2008 as the ACC had a bunch of decent teams but no really good ones and UGA struggled to the point that they really only played one complete game against anyone of significance and that was a fair, at best, ASU team.

6 to 8 of Tech’s opponents will be better next year than in 2008, what suggests any significant improvement from Tech? The 2009 version will be, at best, a .500 football team. 2010 and beyond, however, can be promising for the North Avenue Nerds if Johnson can recruit in-state with success.

By dean

January 2, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

CMR will go down in flames (and carry the dawgs with him) before he will fire Soft Willie..they are too good of friends and CMR has got more money than he ever dreamed about having. Consider his life style and family….he does not have the zeal for coaching that is needed for a championship..honorable though is his desire for lay ministery work and a lot less income and hassle.

By DawgsRule

January 2, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

If Moreno and Stafford come back, which is likely, the Dawgs will definitely be #1. No team in the country can match UGA’s returning talent. This year, the dawgs had a bunch of fluke injuries and got hosed by the refs in the bama and florida games. After that statement win yesterday, UGA is back baby!!! If UgA played florida or bama now, the results would be different. UGA wins it all next year—mark it down!

By GatorUfl

January 2, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this

I watched the game only to watch Stafford..I am really impressed with his throws and arm strength…he makes it look so easy..Definitely the best in CFB

Stafford is going to be pursued by so many NFL teams…

On the other hand, I am tired to Moreno trying to get up after every run like a small kid..what the hell is all that about? Hasn’t the coaches asked him to relax a little bit after being crushed by ten guys? Is he trying not to get hurt by getting up in a hurry?

By GatorGuy

January 2, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

DawgsRule You just won the “Most Delusional Poster of the Day” award!

Injuries, wa wa wa, the refs hosed us, wa wa wa.

You are right, if uga played UF or Bama now, the results would be different. UGA would get pounded HARDER!

By Dawgingatorville

January 2, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Ramble on, Ya, you guys looked real good in the Chiken bowl against LSU.
You won for the 1st time in 8 trys against UGA by 3 points. We beat a 9-3 MS team by two TD’s. You know as well as I do that it was a fluke that Tech beat UGA this year. And I doubt it will happen again…

By Football is Offense AND Defense

January 2, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this

No, UGA would not and should not be number 1 no matter who is coming back or not. Their D is highly suspect at this point. The would have to prove they can get stops in crucial times when they are playing top-flight teams. That is something they rarely did this season, although the Capital One Bowl was a nice performance.

USC - Mark, have you seen them play? Their D is crazy good, but they lose almost everyone on that side. They will not be as good as they are this season (I actually think they are the best team in college football right now).

By A-ville Ranger

January 2, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Some seem to fear a high ranking..kind of wussy IMO.That said,the team won’t deserve a top 5 preseason rank regardless of who returns.If both come back I’d say around 7th would be right.

The biggest questions will be on defense anyway.Can Martinez coach the defense to play with the balls the showed yesterday on a consistent basis ? If so we’re a top 5 program If not we’re top 15..perhaps top 10.

By LMAO

January 2, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah….UGAY NO. 1? hahahaha….Why don’t you put them on SI again so Tech can beat the s* out of them next year?

Tech may have lost bad in the Chick Fil A bowl but at least we beat UGAG! If Michigan State could have scored a little…UGAG would have lost to them too! Tech beat UGAG with all their weapons in their house!!!….No 1 wont happen anytime soon for the pups! Trust me!

UGAG being No. 1??? Dont bet on it! THWG

By ThaMan

January 2, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

Rufus is a dumass and obviously can’t read.

By Hello

January 2, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

I guess I wonder about the new “lords of the ring.” I didn’t get to see how the “coach of the year” got outcoached by Les Miles. Did I read this right? The great new spread option scored only 3 points against the 10th best defense in the SEC? Wow! I must be missing something.

By Top Dawg

January 2, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

Mark: I think UGA’s schedule next year will be tougher, not softer. (We open at Oklahoma State, for crying out loud, and have only one snoozer, Tennessee Tech.)

By anotherdawg

January 2, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

If we would just schedule Hawaii, Memphis, Minnesota, and maybe -say- Nevada, then -maybe- we might have a chance.

By Missionairy Positions In Uzbekistan

January 2, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

There is ONLY ONE question to consider. Where are Mark’s missionairy positions going to take him this year? I wonder if he has ever run into Ali G??

Also do any of you HONESTLY think that Stafford and his AGENT couldn’t make it perfectly clear to the Lions that if they drafted him #1 he would create a PR nightmare by denigrating the team, the city, the state and the automobile industry?? The Lions would NEVER draft Stafford #1 IF he had any kind of an agent.

By BravesFan

January 2, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding me?!? UGA #1?!?! What a freakin’ joke!! When UGA plays anyone that is half way decent, they get beat!!! GET OVER IT! One stupid bowl win does NOT make you national champs!

By EJ

January 2, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

You should be working for Treasurer Paulson. You seem to have as much understanding about how things work as he does.

Fortunately, he will be gone in a few weeks.

By Top Dawg

January 2, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

LSU has just scored AGAIN!!!

By Florida Dawg

January 2, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

UGA FANS: Mark Richt’s record in 8 years: 8-4 once 9-4 once 10-3 four times 11-2 once 13-1 once Best overall record in SEC in last 8 years. Period. UF 2nd. LSU 3rd. UT 3rd. Auburn 4th. Remeber it took Tom Osborne, Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno well over a decade to win a NC despite having multiple 10+ winning years. Mark Richt is not going anywhere…as it stipulates in his $8,000,000. buyout clause.

UF FANS: Urban Meyer is a great coach. Period. Tim Teabow is the ingredient that comes along once in a lifetime. Period. But Urban Meyer is not dedicated to UF for the long haul and will be coaching somewhere else in due time. Enjoy it while you can. Try to be humble and appreciative. Some class here goes a long way when Urban leaves for Notre Dame, Ohio State or the NFL…just as he stipulates in his contract he can do without a buyout. Your next coach will possibly be another Ron Zook.

UGA FANS: It is great to have a coach that has taken us to this level. We have never been higher over any 8 year period in UGA history. Remember our Ron Zooks…Ray Goff & Jim Donnan…we are in great shape for the near future and the long term…so support our Dawgs and quit being spoiled with success!!!

By MountainDawg

January 2, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

I think YOshown definitely bolts for the NFL & Stafford is leaning that way. I think the offense should be good next year irregardless (with a full strength OL, Green, Durham & Moore @ WR). I think the combo of King/Samuel/Ealey should be fine at TB.

Defense needs healthy players (starting with Owens) & pass rush improvement at DE. Even if YOshad/Stafford return, I doubt the Dawgs would be ranked higher than 6-10 (pre-season). If only leaves, they’ll probably be 10-12 & if both leave 12-15. I’m thinking 11-2 with BCS bowl (at best) & 9-4 (at worse). GO DAWGS!!!

By ex-texan

January 2, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Ahhhh yes…The University of Georgia, home to the most deluded fan base in the country. You haven’t won a national title in almost 30 years, yet you think you’re up there with Texas, Florida, and USC; in actuality you’re on the same level as OK State, TX Tech, Penn State, and Missouri.

If (and I admit it’s a big if) Colt McCoy comes back next year, the football team representing my alma mater, the TEXAS LONGHORNS, will be the preseason #1. With a roster consisting of 95% Texas players, and basically the first choice of every Texas 5-star recruit, we will be loaded for the next decade. The scary thing is we will be even better once the very average Mack Brown retires.

UGA can only dream of even thinking they’re on UT’s (the REAL UT, by the way) level.

By ThaMan

January 2, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

Stafford is fat and averages 14 interceptions a year for his 3 years at Ga. I hope he comes back. Just like Cowherd said, “He doesn’t pass the eye test”. So what if he has strong arm? He has no finesse. He’ll be another Jamarcus Russell.

By Tech has an Inferiority Complex

January 2, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

I see Ramble Psyco On and J showed their face again today after having nothing to say about the real Tech getting pounded by a five loss SEC team. Tech gets ready for 1 game a year- Georgia. They have such a complex about the history of the series beating Georgia is all that counts. They need therapy I see Ramble On didn’t mention how great the ACC is either. The ACC should drop football after this bowl showing. A mediocre Georgia team wins 10 games for the sixth time in 8 years. A good Tech Team gets hammered in their bowl game. Tech beats Georgia and that is their whole program. It is pitiful really. Otherwise you never hear from them.

By Bow wow

January 2, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

Wht does every one think Richt is “great”? Very good? Yes. But great? I think we’re being a little generous here. The guy has a 100 yard rusher, 2-1000 yard receivers, a top 5 NFL draft pick QB and still found a way to lose 3 games. The only times he’s won the conference he can’t beat Florida. Last season’s #2 final ranking was a total back in after OSU was embarrassed….. again. Good coach, nice guy. No passion, bad motivator. It should not take a black out, a white out or illegal on field celebration to get a bunch of college kids motivated. Those are just gimmicks to mask the bigger problem-no fire in the belly.

By UGA1962

January 2, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

Hey Yech, are you getting Chic-Fil-A Bowl rings with the score on it? You beat UGA once in 8 years and you want a ring with the score on it. How pathetic is that? You were exposed by LSU and will stink next year as usual. GO DAWGS!!!

By Tommy P.

January 2, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Not sure that anyone complaining about the final drive of the first half was paying attention to the game. CMR said that they huddled and ran the ball instead of going hurry-up to give the defense some rest. They had been on the field almost the entire first half and were sucking wind. If they went to hurry-up right away and failed to make a first down, which was entirely possible with the way they were playing in the first half, the defense would have been right back out there facing a MSU hurry-up offense with about 1:45 to play. Going in at half down by just three with a potentially explosive offense (I said potentially) is not that bad when faced with MSU possbily scoring again just prior to half against an exhausted defense. I wasn’t happy about it but it was a good move.

Worst part about getting through these blogs is that most of the people responding are idiots and/or Tech fans.

Pre-season rankings: UGA 12 (w/o MS) or 7 (with MS)…KM is gone for sure; Tech 22 (regardless who they have)

By FL Dawg

January 2, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

UGA lacked on field leadership this year. CWM needs to improve and quickly. The defense seems to be slipping each year. The O line needs improvement. Coach Seareles should have a better line next year with the a couple of players back and more experience. Until UGA plays better in the trenches then this is what we can expect.

UGA has plenty of QB talent in place and coming (based on early commitments). An improved O line will help make RB’s and give a new QB time to make decisions.

By MrMister

January 2, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

BigDawg is an idiot. He ain’t big but he smells like a dawg. Tech did play in the SEC this year and was 2 and 1. Flukes don’t get 409 yards on the ground and 45 points on the board. You need to finish high school. This being your 4th try, maybe you’ll make it.

By Vic Mackey

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

YO MARK

I will probably agree with most of your rankings for GA with/without MS and KM. But how do you come up with a ridiculous ranking of top 10 for Tech??

ARE YOU HIGH ??

Georgia has been a top 10-15 program with Mark Richt at the helm, and that comes from consistency. GT hasn’t been consistent at anything but 6-8 win seasons for the last decade.

AND they just got BLOWN OUT in what was basically a HOME FIELD BOWL GAME !! By an LSU team that was basically a 2nd tier SEC team this year.

Now that’s not to say I don’t think they wont crack the top 10 next year if they continue their progress. But they need to win some big games first - other than a state rivalry game that all schools get pumped up for.

Having a ring that signify’s that GA game win is just symbolic of have few wins they have in the last four years over big teams. The only rings the Dawgs wear are from some type of championship or Bowl Win. That’s a perfect example of the difference between these teams.

p.s.— now do me a favor and reach over and slap DOB on the back of the head when he finally gets back to work.

By ThaMan

January 2, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

UGA1962 - you are too old and way too stupid. 409 yds right through you bunch of losers. Here’s the official cheer of the fleabags,”wait til next year”. It’s official since you’ve been saying it for 28 years in a row.

By Chillymutt

January 2, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

I would think that it’s obvious now that Mark Richt is not the coach to bring us to the next level. Never been a fan of his but with all the talent and momentum he had going into this season it is glaringly apparent that he is not equipped to bring a championship to Athens. UGA started the season with a handful of sluggish and sloppy wins - under his leadership, there was no improvement. And sorry coach but ‘style points’ are important where polls are concerned.

By Dawg Fan

January 2, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Richt bowl record = 6 wins and 2 losses. Record agains Saban 3-3. (wins 2004, 2005 and 2007). Only a losing record against florida. We have had 19-20 players out for the year and it showed with the defense in ability to practice, live tackling, etc. Not many schools that have had six ten win seasons in eight years. Oh- tech fans maybe your players will have the peach bowl scored added since you thought the season was over after the Georgia game.

By REP

January 2, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

Bradley - Don’t underestimate the offensive line and over estimate QB, RB, WR. Look at Alabama- ok QB and RB’s, good WR’s, and a GREAT line. Stafford’s talent is amazing, but behind a solid offensive line, Cox and Caleb can be successful. UGA goes 11-2 next year with losses to Florida and one other road SEC team. All Cox needs to do is throw it high enough so the defender can’t get it, and AJ will get it.

By BigTimeGaTechFan

January 2, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

Both will leave early for NFL. UGA will be ranked 13th GT will be ranked 21st

Texas will be no. 1 USC no. 2 OK no 3 FLA no 4 Bama 5

By dougmo

January 2, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

Yes UGAy could be #1. And if my aunt had nads, she could be my uncle.

By dawg1992

January 2, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Every year we have a top five recruiting class in the country. What do we do with this talent???? We always have the excuse of injuries. Either the players we recruit already have minor injuries. It is very easy to have a major injury with a preexisting minor injury. Also, maybe Richt needs to reevaluate his practices. Play calling during the games is also horrendous!!! Execution is bad. Tackling is bad. Personal fouls are inexcusable!!!

By DJ

January 2, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

And now the “series record” comment finally comes out. I hope those wins in the past help you deal with the loss in 2008 and much of 2009 as state runner-up. LOSERS!!!!! Like I said, jump on the LSU bandwagon all you want, but you still got schooled on your home field in the season finale. By the way, yes, LSU did whip us and whipped us good. Now go back and look, VT/UNC/Gardner Webb all played the option almost that well….UNC best of all. That was something you just couldn’t do. Hurts doesn’t it? But go ahead, give me your LSU/CFA Bowl comments. Sad that you couldn’t get that job done, as the “L” stands in your underachieving w/l colunm for 2008 - the 28th consecutive pre-season national championship for the cesspool.

By dawger

January 2, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

All of us true blue blood Dawg fans know that GEORGIA is the greatest fotball team ever. CMR is head and shoulders above any coach of all time. If we lose 7 and 24 its ok, we turn out super players year in and year out. Texas, USC, Fla all wish that they were GEORGIA. The only time we lose a game is when the game is fixed ahead of time. We let other teams win so we don’t let on that we are Football GODS.

By Manny

January 2, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

If Stafford AND Moreno leaves Georgia, I would rank them within the Top 15. If they both stayed, I would rank them within the Top 5. But not #1. I was angry about that in the last preseason, and I would not like it in the next.

Being a Preseason #1 is just a bad omen.

By Big Ben

January 2, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

Here we go again, the Georgia Bulldog fans are dreaming. They were ranked #1 this preseason and as we all know, we knew that they would blow it.

Dream on Bulldog fans. They will NEVER be National Champs.

By TDone

January 2, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

To the Members of the Bulldog Nation…

SCOREBOARD!!!

Go Jackets!!!

By DJ

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

Hey Top Dawg,

I see where you posted LSU has scored again. So did Roddy Jones, still running wild from 11/29.

By TDone

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

By the way folks, the reason Tech lost its bowl game to LSU is that it suffered a letdown after winning its other bowl game.

Go Jackets!!!

By Jason

January 2, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this

right on dawger! I hope that UGA is preseason #1 again. If they are they will make total asses of themselves for the second year in a row

By Jason

January 2, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

right on dawger! I hope that UGA is preseason #1 again. If they are they will make total asses of themselves for the second year in a row

By tom

January 2, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

What a joke! Why doesn’t the Tech team put 38 - 3 on their pseudo National Championship rings?

By Vic Mackey

January 2, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

YO DAWGER

What are you doing??

You remember the rules don’t you —

1 — Never tell the world that we let people win on purpose

2 — Never talk about Fight Club

c’mon dude , get with the program

By 82DAWG

January 2, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

dawg1992, We do not have a top 5 recruiting class every year. According to Scout (I can’t get Rivals anymore),

2004 - 6

2005 - 4

2006 - 4

2007 - 17

2008 - 5

But, yea, you make your point. Anyone who says we didn’t have the talent this year is off kilter. We always have the talent, what we lack is fundamentals on defense, heart and discipline. One also makes the point about so many injuries. You have to do an analysis to see what the injuries were and how to prevent them in the future - better conditioning? Different techniques? Its terrible to be labeled an underachiever.

By Top Dawg

January 2, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

No, actually Roddy hasn’t scored a thing… unless he’s kicking field goals now. (3 points dude)

By Ted Striker

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

Tebow’s not going anywhere. (Arena Football league suspended operations, remember?)

By Booger eater

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

I’d rather be an end of year LOSER (38 - 3) on national TV to a 7 - 5 LSU team - Tech!

Than

10 - 3 probable Top 10 team AGAIN!!

That’s because I an an in the closet Jack-off fan..

Dawg Style - Baby!!

By Top Dawg

January 2, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

Tebow will never start as a QB in the NFL.

By uga1962

January 2, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Hey ThaMan. 1962 is a birth date. I’m not that old and am very smart. It should be DUH MAN. Hey DJ, Yes we will ride the LSU wagon just like you will ride the “beating UGA” wagon the rest of the year. You beat us once in 8 years. Even a scholar from Yech will say those odds are pathetic. But then again, he may not be able to count that high without a calculator. We lost and I’m big enough to admit it but you just got embarrassed 2 miles from your campus by an SEC team that was not that good this year. Look at Yech’s bowl record the last few years, also, not very impressive. Can I please get a Chic-Fil-A Bowl ring?

By Dawg Lover

January 2, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

RAMBLE ON…I laugh because your team (techie) beat us this year and you’re still a sore loser and you guys won 45-42. WOW, you guys really stomped us. LOL

By Daaaaaarrrr

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

Who cares?

By yellowblood

January 2, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

Just because we enjoy Tickle Piles does not make us Gay!

By Dawg fan = idiot

January 2, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Top Dawg,

Florida, Alabama and Tech just scored again!

UGA fans trash Tech for having the “guts” to come on here after losing 38-3. How do UGA fans have the guts to come on hear after being preseason #1 and losing to there 3 toughest opponents. (two of them in humiliating fashion)

By GeorgiaFan

January 2, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Where does Tech fall in the conversation? Besides rankings and thats it I think.

If both Stafford and Moreno stay- 5 at best. Stafford- probably 6-10 at best. Moreno- between 10-15 at best. Neither- 15 at best, 20 at worst. Tech- between 20 and 25. (baring season injuries and the whole line) I think the worst we go with both is 11-2, with Stafford 11-2 at best, with Moreno 10-3 at best, and with neither 8-5 at worst, 10-3 at best.

By CollegeFan

January 2, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this

There is only one question. Will the tech players put this score on their new rings?

By DJ

January 2, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this

Okay Pugs, I’ll talk/type slowly for you. No more of the 45-42 hit & run, Roddy is still running/scoring, you blew a 16-point lead…..since this is a column and blog about UGA possibly being #1 again I’ll try to stay on point:

Georgia finished 10-3, with losses to Alabama, Florida, and Tech. They were a preseason #1 team in all of the land and easily underachieved. Tech was picked by many to win anywhere from 3 - 6 games. After watching them play in the spring game I could have argued closer to the 3 number. However, Tech completely overachieved with 9 wins, running a brand new system with offensive line injuries (and honestly less talent than what’s over in Athens). Finally, sure it was the first time in 8 tries for Tech to beat Georgia. But can any of you Pug fans rationally make sense of the fact that you lost to Tech….in this of all years? Stafford and Moreno’s last home game likely and you lost to an upstart Tech team. No way this was supposed to happen this year. The streak was supposed to go to 8. But it didn’t. You lost. Yes, we lost to LSU and in bad fashion. In no way should that make you feel any better though, seriously. You lost to Tech in your big-time season. That’s just not supposed to happen, is it?

Finally, and with all due respect…..suck on that Pugs!

By geezusDawg

January 2, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

For those that think that the dawgs will be better with Cox, just remember that Cox had a shot at the starting job and lost it to true freshman Matt Stafford. College QB requires reading the defense, not just “winging” the ball around like at Independence High School in Charlotte. If Stafford goes, Cox and Gray split time at QB.

As King’s blocking improves, so will his carries and ultimately his numbers - should be fine or it will be Samuel.

With MS and KM coming back, UGA is at about No. 8 pre-season (about right IMO).

Pre-season Top 5: 1) Texas 2) USC 3) Florida 4) Ohio State 5) Oklahoma

By geezusDawg

January 2, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

… oh yeah, whatever happened to “all-world” D-line recruit DeAngelo Tyson? Is he in JuCo or was he red-shirted?

By oldawg

January 2, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

Wow. The press is amazing. They pick Ga at number 1 last year in spite of the nations toughest schedule. And with 19 season ending injuries they lose 3 games, two to the number 1 and 2 teams in the nation, and one on a fluke after 19 injuries and scoring 42. And the press vilifies them on a bad year at 10-3. Only a few, yet vocal, stupid Ga fans even bought into the hype last year and they think Ga will be number 1 ever year. But most of us are realistic. And now Mark BADLEY wants to start that crap again.

New Lord of the Rings, give me a break. One win in 8 years does not make one Lord of anything. This Tech team didn’t win its own Divisio. And the team that did lost to Vandy in a bowl. Some tough schedule. Tech has a nice team compared to its past ones. And Dwyer is the real deal. But Nesbit will never be a passer and I think teams will soon figure that offense out.

Ga will be fine next year either way. The cupboard is not bare.

By MountainDawg

January 2, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

82DAWG @ 14:44 - Good analysis regarding the talent not rising to their potential this season. The Dawgs perennially have top 5-10 level talent, so I believe it does boil down to discipline/execution, better play-calling & in-game adjustments (which CWM needs vast improvement on).

P.S. - To you Techies, it’s not so much that you won…as much as it is the Dawgs handed it to you. Much like the 1st half vs. Bama & 2nd vs. UF, the Dawgs didn’t show up for that 3rd quarter. Next season it’s back to the regular losses for you Fleas!

By robert hughes

January 2, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

Bradley, you are still an idiot!

By RAMBLE ON!!!

January 2, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

Man, if I could get some kind of commission every time a mutt say’s next year.

You fleabags crack me up.

By Desert Dawg

January 2, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

It really doesn’t matter where you begin the season, it’s where you END IT!

Both GA and Tech should be Top 15 teams. The Dawgs could actually be better without Stafford and Moreno. The offensive line will have matured and there is ample talent at both QB and RB to step up and fill the voids.

What the 2009 Dawgs need is some solid leadership on the field and some chemistry. You can bring in all the talent you want, but unless someone on the field steps up and takes charge, you will never take it all the way. TEBOW isn’t the greatest OB but his is the greatest LEADER. That is why Florida will win another national championship. Take a lesson from him. The best athletes don’t win championships…the BEST teams with the strongest LEADERSHIP are the real WINNERS!

By Desert Dawg

January 2, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

It really doesn’t matter where you begin the season, it’s where you END IT!

Both GA and Tech should be Top 15 teams. The Dawgs could actually be better without Stafford and Moreno. The offensive line will have matured and there is ample talent at both QB and RB to step up and fill the voids.

What the 2009 Dawgs need is some solid leadership on the field and some chemistry. You can bring in all the talent you want, but unless someone on the field steps up and takes charge, you will never take it all the way. TEBOW isn’t the greatest OB but his is the greatest LEADER. That is why Florida will win another national championship. Take a lesson from him. The best athletes don’t win championships…the BEST teams with the strongest LEADERSHIP are the real WINNERS!

By J McCarty

January 2, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

Please Mark let’s not start about how great we are going to be. Please make them earn a little before awarding them again.

Some of these people who continue to believe the only thing that separated us from the MNC was the injury situation have their head as buried in the sand as CMR. Admit there were other problems and move on. Show a little passion and tell me it will get better because we recognize we have problems and will fix them (not that everything is great).

Was impressed with CWM’s defense yesterday. Know he has been under stress.

Have to agree it does not seem to be a single coach but the philosophy in general. Kickoffs as bad as ever. Discipline a problem. Dancing certainly got us going in ‘07 but that was when it was the exception. Now as the rule it is a little much especially when we don’t look good.

Enjoy the victory but keep in perspective who the opponent was and realize what we did against the top programs and Tech (slight intended).

Go Dawgs!

By Josh

January 2, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

A preseason #1 is not really a possibility for UGA. Even though this season was disappointing by UGA standards, 100 of the 119 FBS schools would love to be 10-3. Stafford and Moreno were essential to winning those ten games no matter how many fair-weather fans bash them. Matt, stay one more year and show the BULLDOG NATION that you can lead and SEC team. Dawg fans should show great confidence in you after the Kentucky, Auburn, and Michigan State games. GO DAWGS!

By Josh

January 2, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

A preseason #1 is not really a possibility for UGA. Even though this season was disappointing by UGA standards, 100 of the 119 FBS schools would love to be 10-3. Stafford and Moreno were essential to winning those ten games no matter how many fair-weather fans bash them. Matt, stay one more year and show the BULLDOG NATION that you can lead and SEC team. Dawg fans should show great confidence in you after the Kentucky, Auburn, and Michigan State games. GO DAWGS!

By If I could get a commission...

January 2, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

…every time Tech loses a bowl game…

By dan

January 2, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this

Dawgs won’t be preseason 1# even if they both came back. I think Texas will probably be 1# then Florida 2#, USC 3#, Ohio State 4#, and Oklahoma 5#. I think Alabama and LSU will be in the top 10 and maybe the Dawgs if both Moreno and Stafford come back but it not then they won’t even be in the top 15.

By Top Dawg

January 2, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Deangelo Tyson is #94, and he has played a good bit as a freshman.

By MJ

January 2, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry Mr. Mark Bradley for the error in criticism. You still fail to answer the question yourself in wrongly naming this article. I’m again disappointed with the sports reporting of the AJC. If you’re going to name your article with “Dogs & #1” at least attempt to link them with that rank or else rename your article citing all of your ridiculous speculation. So Mark you might want to check, your article fails to accomplish its very own header.

By shane

January 2, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

Field Goal Jesus must go!

By over-rated dawgs

January 2, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

Can Georgia once again be preseason #1…

NOT IF STAFFORD & MARTINEZ RETURNS

Heard Colin CowTERDS show today, he was very critical of Stafford, recited statistics that does prove his argument.

Mentioned how his mechanics haven’t improved, decision making is horrible, & quoted the proverbial “un-named gm” who thinks he’s overweight, and does not have a strong work ethic…

Finally, the one thing CowTERD said, and I’ve never heard anyone from within the Bulldawg camp say, is that Stafford already has a reputation among NFL scouts as being uncoachable……

By ceph

January 2, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

UGA will never be ranked #1 at the beginning of the season or at the end of the season as long as Mark “the missionary” Richt is the head coach, as a matter of fact they will be lucky to be ranked in the top 10!!!!!

By ThaMan

January 2, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

MountainDawg - why did your team hand it to us? That’s pretty stupid. Guess that’s what you get when you play a pack of dumass losers!

By Fearless Forecaster

January 2, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Georgia Tech a pre-season no. 9? Have you lost the remainder of your marbles. Knowshown will go, Matthew will stay, and the Dawgs will be a Top Ten pre-season pick. As for the Jackets, the thrashing to LSU wasn’t a fluke.

By Okay, where to now ?

January 2, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

I have no idea about GA’s season next year but doubt it will be any better than this year because of probable offensive changes. I think reading too much of their own press releases in the AJC costs them at least one game per year. In the last four or five years at least one, sometimes two losses occurred from teams GA should have beaten (i.e. last three losses to TN, and loss this year to Tech).

One thing that CMR HAS to get better at is clock management. That last two minutes of the first half had a certain word I learned in the Army called cluster…(you fill out the rest) written all over it. No way to defend that game management at all. He has done that before.

By tony

January 2, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

please stay moreno! please leave overrated stafford! please hire dan reeves! i have had it with clueless mark richt! time for change. dan reeves next head coach at uga!

By clickdawg

January 2, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

ramble on, y are u on this site, doesn’t tech have their own, your comments are just plain stupid, just a typical jealous tech fan, y don’t u go out and try to find some more fans to fill that big 46,000 seat stadium. ha ha ha.

By jc_atl

January 2, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

What a stupid question. If Moreno and Stafford leave THUGA will be lucky to win 8.

By Grego

January 2, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Woo Hoo Dogs have already won next year National Championship!!!

Give me a Freaking break. UGAg or UGAg’d is not going anywhere but down with or without Matty or No Shawn.

Richt is worried about his look then he is with discipline with the ball team. What all ya’ll puppy fans should be worried about is how many end up in jail during the off season.

I say dock Richt pay 10% for ever puppy that gets arrested!!!!

Oh….GO GATORS!!!!!

By 74dawg

January 2, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

Didn’t take the nerds long to get over the embarassment of that a-whuppin from a 7-5 LSU team , did it? Of course,you guys are used to it,aren’t you? Glad to have you back as your usually obnoxious selves,guys,now bzzz off :)

By tony

January 2, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

jc atl, u express yourself like a racist red neck.

By tony

January 2, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

jc atl, u express yourself like a racist red neck.

By The BlogFather of Scroll

January 2, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

Ga needs a whole new program starting from the jock strap to the cheerleaders, and everything in between.

Richt is not the path.

By Mark Bradley

January 2, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this

Folks, let’s not sell Tech short because of one game. The Jackets were 9-4 in their first season under a new coach and tied for first in the ACC Coastal Division. They beat Georgia — I’m guessing you remember that part — and also Boston College, Clemson, Florida State and Miami. They have to rebuild their defensive front, but just about every other significant player should be back. They’ll be the chic choice to win the ACC next season. Why wouldn’t they be part of a preseason Top 10?

By BILLY JACK

January 2, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

HEY RAMBLE ON-IF YOU WANT TO SEE WHERE UGA ENDS UP IN THE FINAL RANKINGS ,FIRST FIND TECH ,THEN LOOK UP.YOU WILL FINISH SEVERAL SPOTS BEHIND UGA AGAIN.YOUR WIN IN ATHENS THIS YEAR BY 3 POINTS WAS A FLUKE AS EVERYONE WITH A BRAIN WILL AGREE.THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN EVERY SEVEN YEARS SO SEE YOU IN 2016-WE ONLY HEAR FROM YOU NERDS EVERY 7 YEARS.I GUESS WE WILL SEE YOU IN BASKETBALL…WAIT A MINUTE UGA WON SEC TOURNEY AND WE BEAT YOU IN BASKETBALL ABOUT HALF THE TIME.WE WILL SEE YOU IN BASEBALL…OH MY WE WERE ALSO IN THE WORLD SERIES LAST YEAR.WELL I GUESS IT JUST COMES DOWN TO THIS …TECH WILL ALWAYS BE INFERIOR TO UGA IN EVERY WAY,BY THE WAY NICE PEACH BOWL,YOU EMBARRASSED THE SCHOOL EVEN MORE THAN I THOUGHT WERE POSSIBLE.LOSERS

By jc_atl

January 2, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

tony,

I am neither a racist nor a redneck, I got my master’s degree in Athens. I am referring to the fact that UGA’s players are arrested almost weekly, and on an annual basis UGA is the most penalized team in the SEC. This is Mark Richt’s fault on top of the fact that he’s a very mediocre game day coach. I predict he’ll have one or two bad seasons and he’ll be gone. I thought he was the golden boy coming from FSU but he’s taken UGA as far as he can take them, and not with class (see blackout, full team stomping on the field, and other gimmicks used to cover for his average coaching and mediocre ability to motivate his team). If it weren’t for all the talent thUGA would be worse than South Carolina.

By dawg_fan

January 2, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

Actually most of UGA’s rivals had about the same number of arrests of their football players. Alabama much more! Some including Georgia Tech had players arrested for felonies. At least UGA had no felony arrests.

By Lance

January 2, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this

Mark— You have lost your mind. UGA will have two good backups at QB not to mention two top 5 rated Freshman QB’s on campus to push them. (BTW - 1st time that 2 top 5 QB have ever gone to the same school) Running backs are solid especially with Ealey coming on board. I was at the Tech game like a lot of other bulldog fans and the players, fans and even the coaches look like they could care less. Season was over after the Gator game. No excusses Tech won but UGA was flat and I do not think they cared. Pre-season 1 without Stafford / Moreno no- preseason number 21 probably too high. Tech 12 spots ahead of UGA with or withour is a Joke. Mark — Tech is really not that good and next year will prove it. They will lose 4-5 games because PJ teams can not pass and it will catch up to him in the big boy leagues. This is no GSU or Navy.

By JohnnyTide

January 2, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Georgia may be the no 1 team but will never finish 1st with the coaches they have. They are good but did you notice how the monkeys came out after a score. Scraching and jumping and turning sideways. They need to act like young men, not monkeys.

By Smeg958

January 2, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this

Sure put the dawgs back at #1, they could open the season with a scary blackout. While were at it put Ohio State in the championship game again since it’s been so long since the Big 10 is so underrepresented.

By Okay, where to now ?

January 2, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this

Not to get too far from the subject, but Ole Kiss is kicking Texas Techs backside. SEC IS the best and will prove it in just a few more days.

By Okay, where to now ?

January 2, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this

Meant “Ole Miss” not “ole Kiss”…can spell, but lousy typist. Sorry.

By Smeg958

January 2, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

Sure put the dawgs back at #1, they could open the season with a scary blackout. Hey while were at it put Ohio State in the championship game again. Oh, oh, we could also make the Heisman a Big XII only vote!

By Bradley Bites

January 2, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

FM is pandering to the fish wrapper. Couldn’t just say something intelligent without tossing in that tired old jacket line. But in this economy, supporting the Dogs, the better of the two in spite of that squeak by win, ruffling the sisters could lead to his dismissal.

By Carolina Jacket

January 2, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this

UGA may well be chosen as pre-season number one, and they certainly have a great deal of derisive things to say about LSU, but I predict now that the Tigers are going to be hard to handle next year and while they might not get the pre-season noise that UGA will get, they my just end up ranked higher. Have you noticed their incoming class?

By George

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

Number 1? Ha! Ha! Yea, right!!! They cant even beat Tech!!!!!

By DawgGirl32

January 2, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

Why would Tech not be a preseason #10?? They just lost to a 7-5 LSU team 35-3. As in, they didn’t score a single touchdown. They are not a top 10 team. They will be solid next year, but there are many other teams that are better. Georgia will at least be in the top 20 no matter who goes. I think any logical Georgia fan will never wish for another preseason #1 ranking again.

By Larry

January 2, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

It is true injuries hampered the Dawgs this season. However, if recruiting gurus know anything about their craft ( and that can be questioned), I think we are underacheiving and that is coaching…pure and simple

By Sautee Dawg

January 2, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

Mark

Surely your not dissing Ga. Tech’s ring too are you? Lords of the “ring”.

By Nishka

January 2, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

Matthew Stafford may have a strong arm but he has no heart, no passion and no leadership ability. One out of every 15-20 passes results in an interception. He needs to grow up, work on his accuracy and learn to be a leader before he decides to try the NFL.

By Ken

January 2, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, GA will not be ranked #1. I will take #10 at most. They shouldn’t even have been preseason #1 last year. No where to move but down…and you see what happened this year. Joe Cox is a good, strong QB. Wouldn’t mind seeing him start. Caleb King is the next best RB…and you certainly have enough TBs and RBs awaiting their turn. Martinez…he is good….likewise for Bobo. Let’s shoot for a 11-1 year next year shall we?

By Ken

January 2, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, GA will not be ranked #1. I will take #10 at most. They shouldn’t even have been preseason #1 last year. No where to move but down…and you see what happened this past year. Joe Cox is a good, strong QB. Wouldn’t mind seeing him start. Caleb King is the next best RB…and you certainly have enough TBs and RBs awaiting their turn. Martinez…he is good….likewise for Bobo. Let’s shoot for a 11-1 year next year shall we?

By DJ

January 2, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

What exactly constitutes a “fluke” when you come back from 16 down on the road and absolutely throttle the 4-5 star players on the defensive side of the ball? I wouldn’t suggest that LSU whipping us was a “fluke” either. Face it Pugs, you got beat on your home turf by (apparently) an inferior team. Deal with it, cope with it, live with it for another 300+ days. We’ll be better next year, and just maybe you’ll learn to tackle against us (like LSU, UNC, VT, Gardner Webb) or you’ll like you did this year (same as BC, Clemson, FSU, UM).

Tough pill to swallow isn’t it?

By MVP

January 2, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this

Ohhhhhh Nooooooo here we go again. The two @sswipes @The AJC thumping their chest again.Mark you are s dumb as you look.

CHOKE…..THE OFFICAL DRINK OF THE GEORGIA DAWGS!!

By simplythe truth

January 2, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

Saban,Nutt,Miles,and Meyer are the premier coaches of the SEC this year. If Stafford and Moreno return, do you really think that UGA is going to win the SEC championship next year? Do you think the current UGA coaching staff has the ability to accomplish this task? This includes HC as part of the mix.

By MiamiDawg

January 2, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

First of all it is beyond idiotic to speak of the Dawgs at No 1 again. The football world now knows that we dont have the coach to get us there or keep us there barring the place down below freezing over…

Second, so tech beat us, so what. The dawgs beat them seven yrs running and nothing, they beat us once and engrave it on rings.. enjoy it boys. Georgia will win national championships with CMR multiple times before the flies beating the Dawgs gets to to be less than a ‘lets put it on rings’ moment.

By the way, nice job LSU. Now the flies are property of GA and LSU

By c robinson

January 2, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

With MS and KM back for 09 UGA would have excellant shot at NC. As good as they are and extra year would be to their benefit. Wishing both to return.

By IceDawg

January 2, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

Definitely not #1 next year. Top 25 probably, Top 10 mmmm maybe. FL and Bama will be good again, Ole Miss and LSU could field pretty good teams too. The SEC will be very competitive. Nationally USC, OK and TX will be ranked along with FL near the top. Next year UGA should be pretty good offensively even loosing Stafford & Moreno. It will need more talent defensively. We are too small along the defensive line and two short in the secondary. We need the meat in the middle to defend the run, GT ate our lunch. The Ole Ball Coach’s big and tall TE ate our lunch in the secondary. Others did the same. Maybe our secondary should learn to run on stilts. UGA being ranked #1 would be a bad joke.

By Sautee Dawg

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

Mark

Not selling anybody short, Don’t care if Ga. Tech is picked to win the ACC in 2009, look how weak the ACC is and then you will see why a top 10 ranking will be hard to come up with. Look at how high Clemson was ranked and then 1st game of the year against Alabama? Reality!!!

By heeldawg

January 2, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

Mark:

I’m usually a fan, but this article is designed to get people to read it by virtue of a teaser headline. I guess that’s your job, but it’s a cheap trick (no, not the band).

No one—including yours truly—would rank Georgia preseason #1 even if they returned all 22 starters next year because of what happened this season. So don’t even start that. It ain’t happening.

Second, your pronouncement of Tech as the New Kings of the Whatever is amusing. Sure, Johnson did a great job this year. Sure, he beat Georgia (with the aid of a boatload of missed tackles and a couple of key turnovers that led directly to scores). And he does return most of the starters on offense. But to pronounce a great power shift in the football universe on the basis of one game is a bit premature. Georgia had a plethora of injuries and a gaggle of discipline problems on and off the field that hindered their progress this season, but they still finished 10-3 in a tougher conference than the ACC, beat the same LSU team that hammered Tech in Baton Rouge, and won a New Year’s Day Bowl game against a ranked opponent. And the Dawgs are also a young team—most of the starters return next season, even if Moreno and Stafford do not. You’d better bet that Georgia will spend every spare moment next season getting ready for Tech. It’s the one game that I’m most certain the Dawgs will win next season.

My preseason top 5: Florida, Texas, Alabama, Southern Cal, Oklahoma.

Tech and Georgia will both be around 14-15.

Tech will be the preseason ACC fave, but won’t win it.

Georgia will win 10 games and will beat Tech.

The Gators will repeat as National Champ (after winning it this year) and Urban Meyer will go to Notre Dame.

How’s that for a set of predictions? Remind you of Jeane Dixon?

By Heyberto

January 2, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

That’s a little bold about GT.. I’m sure they’ll be getting better, but if you want to see them fail, go ahead and set those high expectations…

By Drew

January 2, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

No.

By Southern Dawg

January 2, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this

56 years of Georgia football qualifies me to express this. Go Stafford and Moreno. Joe Cox is more than capable. Offensive line will be there. Defense is awesome. Georgia football, 10 wins, Bowl game, Athens Saturday afternoons, Punk A* Tech Fans, 2009 College Football at its best.

By LifelongDawg

January 2, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this

Mark,

It’s a good thing the AP poll counts for nothing, because if your colleagues are smoking the same stuff you are the college football world would be turned upside down. UGA has averaged 10+ wins for the past 8 years and lost once to GT, yet you’re ready to put the Jackets, who got stomped by the same LSU team the Dawgs trampled on, in the top 10 and would have UGA out of the top 20 because of 2 players leaving? Have you not seen the recruiting job that the Dawgs have been doing? Sounds to me like you’re punishing the UGA for not meeting your 2008 expectations. I know one sports writer I won’t be reading anymore. What tripe!

By Your Career is a RainBow

January 2, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

Bradley your career is like a rainbow on June Jones prostate.

By hardydawg

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

n.c.is possible tennesse won after manning in 98 cmr has won against miles myer saban & spurrier all with nc stafford & moreno have played behind young ol and they will go in 1 rd ga has as much talent as anyone in sec and will compete for championship

By monty

January 2, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this

I’m watching Utah manhandle Bama! Just goes to show you what a well coached team looks like and what they can accomplish even without superior athletes. Something GA knows nothing about!

By matthew

January 2, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this

some of you numb nuts need to read the actual post before you respond.

By Munson

January 2, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this

If only I had a nickel for everytime you say something stupid RAMBLE ON!!!, I would be f*** millionaire by now!

By DawginLex

January 2, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

BAMASTAN,

21-0 vs UTAH !!!!!!!!!

Karma is something else ain’t it ????

Hey Rambler nerd. I hope you didn’t bet your double wide on the nerd herd and the rest of the ACC.

38-3 ???

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHA

By PupTickler

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

When was the last time the UGAY dogs actually won a national championship??

Yeah…exactly!

THWG

By zone1atl/borngator

January 2, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this

GATORS 49 garbagedawgs 10. 10!

By gabriel

January 2, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

aa

By gabriel

January 2, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

aaaa

By the real OLD GOLD

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

Pre-season polls are for low IQ’s. How’d the one from August hold up this year?

By heeldawg

January 3, 2009 12:01 AM | Link to this

So, Alabama finds out tonight how difficult it is to play a game with key players missing and other players reading their own press clippings.

Sound familiar?

I always want the SEC to win, but there is some poetic justice to having the proverbial shoe on the other foot. See what we meant, Tide fans? Utah is the real national camp, no matter what happens Jan 8.

Also, the Big 12 is simply a league with no defense. No wonder the offensive numbers were so good all year. If the Ole Miss-Texas Tech game is any indication, Florida will destroy Oklahoma in the BCS Mythical Title Game.

Not that it should matter. There’s a pretty good unbeaten team out there…

By He Hate Gator

January 3, 2009 12:44 AM | 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 SC Dawg

January 3, 2009 1:44 AM | Link to this

come on Tony, tech a top 10 team to start 2009, voters will remember the beat down they received from LSU. Top 15 maybe, a young team gets the sophmorish jinx and a 7-5 record that should have been this year?? GT is not all that. Tech has no better recruits than Navy, now just when did Navy finish or start in the top 15???

By SC Dawg

January 3, 2009 1:50 AM | Link to this

to all the techmites…… yes, it is how you finish the year and where you are ranked. You will finish the year with a beat down and behind UGA in the rankings as always!!

By FLA DAWG

January 3, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this

Mark,

This site and that of Chip Towers’ would be much more informative if one of you could actually ASK and get an ANSWER from Richt as to what the heck he was trying to do at the end of the first half.

Not THAT is some information we would all like to read about.

Thanks!

By joe

January 3, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

I see rambleon the ramblewoman is still trolling the dawg boards ISO dawgs. Poor thang is still upset over the thumping her HS calibre team took in its bowl. After the dawgs won their game she went on suicide watch.

By dogs #1?

January 3, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

Is this the first of April?

Only thing dogs are first…flags! (and arrest)

Rankum #1 and let their fans heads bust again…and again!

By loyaldawg

January 3, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this

Mark: You asked why shouldn’t Tech be Top 10?

Tech barely beat one of the worst Georgia teams I have watched take the field in years. The UGA defense was at their all season low. LSU played basic assignment defense and easily handled the Tech gimmick offense. They showed why no top 20 programs or NFL programs use that offense.

Remember, Georgia handled LSU earlier. This is an LSU team that lost 5 games this year. Tech did not just lose to them but were thrashed. Tech will be respectable and mediocre with this offense. Nothing more.

Further, look at their recruiting classes for the last 3-4 years. The talent is not there to be top 10.

I wish they were a top 10 program. I grew up here and have been to dozens of Tech games pulling for Tech. I would love for the Georgia universities to be a showcase of Ga High School football talent. Many in my family hurt when they lose. I don’t like it when my family hurts.

Unfortunately, wishes don’t count.

By Preseason #1

January 3, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Along with the 2003/2004 Auburn analogy, how about Tennessee circa 1997/1998? Manning was a senior in ‘97 and it appeared it was then or never for the Vols that year. They disappointed and not as much was expected of them in 1998. Of course they won it all in ‘98 with a new qb and other fresh faces.

By UGA fans = idiots

January 3, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

I assuming all the UGA fans talking about how the “same” LSU team we beat killed the jackets 38 - 3 did not watch the game. Cause if you did and are still saying that you are truely an idiot. It was by no means the same team you guys played. Anyone with any football sense knows the only reason LSU was not a top 5 team was quarterback play. If Jefferson had a month to practice with the rest of LSU’s offense before they played UGA, the score would have been worse than 38 - 3.

I mean that “horrible program” from tech put 45 points on you in your own stadium.

By tony

January 3, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

if stafford stays, say good bye to any chance that we have to win a national championship next season. if he stays clueless mark richt will continue to let him change every play at the line of scrammage so he can show eveybody that his overrated qb can throw the football 65 yards down the field; this way he will continue to prove his case that his overrated qb is the best qb he has ever coached. yes, even better than charlie ward who won a heisman trophy and a national championship. are u kidding me! stafford wish he could be half the athlete that charlie ward was.

i’m convinced that aaron murray has a better chance of getting this team to a sec and national championship than mark richt’s overrated qb. aaron murray is another drew brees, chase daniel combo. this kid got it! watch this kid play on nbc today at 1pm today.

By Carbon Dates

January 3, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

Injuries? Did U say injuries? That’s the coache’s fault. You need 2 warm up an hour before a game or a practice with low impact stretches and walking around and then running easy like and other calisthetics. You have to take the time to warm up slowly. You also have to teach the players how to tackle and take a tackle and a fall and a crunch and a clobber and a smear the queer piling on, I mean, all that football science I learned on the sandlot. That’s why I’m the football savant, and Richt is the loser coach from hell.

These modern hi tech coaches. Fooey!

By james

January 3, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

If Stafford and Moreno both return UGA could be #1 again. Their O-line will be full of experience. Only reason they fell off this year was injuries at many, many key positions.

Go Dawgs in 2009.

By CHARLOTTE DAWG

January 3, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

We need Knowshon to stay. That won’t happen.

We need Stafford to leave. That also will not happen. Stafford is not a smart quarterback and not a leader. I just don’t see us being much better with him coming back. He’ll be good in the NFL where someone can actually properly teach him. Right now, he’s just a bunch of talent. His constant mistakes and trust in his arm completely kill Georgia at times.

But he’s coming back. Perhaps we can get one game better with him at just 2 losses.

I want Joe Cox to have a chance. And when Matthew comes back and starts having one of those brain fart games next year, COX SHOULD GET HIS CHANCE! He has a great attitude, never lost as a starter in his entire life, rescued us from Matt’s ineptness against Colorado, and genuinely looks like he’s happy to be a Bulldog when they show him on the sidelines with a headset. Cox will not be concerned about NFL scouts watching his good plays and watching the bad plays. He will be concerned with being a solid college QB. The man will go on to use his brains in the post-collegiate life, not his braun. And in my opinion, those are the best QB’s for Georgia. GIVE COX A CHANCE. PROVE ME WRONG! THEN I’LL SHUT UP.

But Moreno is gone and Caleb King needs to be moved to slot receiver I think. Look for Samuel to continue to fumble the ball and resemble Jasper Sanks. Samuel, I’ll never forgive you for that fumble sir. That hurt more than the usual Pick Six Stafford play.

So now we’ll have a quarterback that plays 3/4 of a game hungover and running backs that can’t hold Knowshon’s jock strap. Even if the defense improves, we might be in trouble.

But I haven’t lost hope on Dontavius Jackson or Carlton Thomas yet. Why is nobody talking about those guys? Forget about Ealey. Just forget it! He is not what the doctor ordered and he’ll probably flunk out anyway.

I would expect more of the same in 2009. But maybe we can at least beat the Techies.

By Tim

January 3, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

Has anyone heard from Jay? I guess he’s still licking his wounds from the other night. If you can’t hang with the BIG DAWGS….stay on the porch. Or better yet, you better hide in the DAWG HOUSE. You signed off in total humiliation before I could tell you my final thought. LOSERS like you call people like me…..BOSS. See you next year….LITTLE MAN.

By Dawgs Man

January 3, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

Is anyone watching the Dawgs playing Missouri on TV now? This is a terrible looking basketball team. We may not win a conference game this year. They have 17 turnovers in with 10 minutes left. Excuse me 18!

By Dawgs Man

January 3, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

Guess not. Cannot find a blog for Dawgs basketball. Anyway, just frustrated watching a bunch of goofs kick the basketball around. Coach Felton has a long way to go to get this bunch up to the level of play that won the SEC tournament last year.

By jeff

January 3, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

good boy mark. demand that raise!

By Tim

January 3, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

One more thing Jay…..NASCAR starts in February. That should keep you happy until football season starts. Make sure you keep your cell phone handy at all times. The UGA coaching staff may call you at anytime seeking your advice since you are such a “futbal” expert. Later…LITTLE MAN!

By sec wins bowel games

January 3, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

loyal dog, you feel better now?

ps…being in the top 10 does not seem to be a requirement to thrashing a dog.

By Loran

January 3, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

It’s January for gosh sakes. No way Georgia should be number 1. What does it matter? Only a few times has a team started number 1 and finished number 1.

By AZMike

January 3, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this

How do you feel now, Mark?

By the truth

January 3, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

WOW! If this year didn’t show everyone that UGA is a mid-level SEC team nothing else will. KEEP DREAMING BULLDOG FANS.

By Dr. Morpheus

January 3, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

UGA fans had a humbling experience this season after getting carried away by making the cover of SI. But seasons hinge on a few key twists of a knee or Fate (such as the roughing the passer call against Bama negating an early turnover) and the Dogs were not that far from being at the top. With the fans and the team being a year more mature, the return of #’s 7 and 24 would likely produce a very powerful team. Most UGA fans would love to get that chance- although I’m sure some will argue that we’re better off without them.

By GO JACKETS (45-42)

January 3, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

O.K. FOR ALL OF YOU DAWG FANS OUT THERE THAT ARE SAYING THAT GEORGIA TECH IS A ONE-DIMENSIONAL TEAM. PAUL JOHNSON GETS TO THE FLATS AND COACHES HIS TEAM TO ONE OF THE BEST SEASONS IN A WHILE FOR GEORGIA TECH IN HIS FIRST YEAR. HE HAS NOT EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO GET HIS OWN RECRUITS IN WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW. WHEN HE RECRUITS THE OFFENSIVE LINEMEN THAT HE WANTS, AND HE IS ABLE TO TRULY INSTALL THE TRIPLE-OPTION ATTACK (WITH THE RUN AND SHOOT, ETC.) THEY WILL NO LONGER BE A ONE-DIMENSIONAL TEAM. YOU DAWG FANS KNOW THIS IS TRUE AND YOU ARE EITHER BLIND TO THE FACT OR JUST DO NOT WANT TO ADMIT IT. JUST SIT BACK AND WATCH…..I PROMISE YOU THAT GAME AGAINST LSU WAS NOT PAUL JOHNSON/GEORGIA TECH FOOTBALL. LSU PLAYED A GREAT GAME AND HATS OFF TO THEM. BUT GEORGIA TECH GAVE THEM A LOT OF HELP ALONG THE WAY. WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT AND YOU DAWG FANS KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE…..I MEAN WE DID BEAT YOUR BELOVED DAWGS IN ATHENS ON NOVEMBER 29, 2008 DIDN’T WE OR WAS I JUST DREAMING? OKAY, OKAY IT WAS FOR REAL…..FINAL SCORE GEORGIA TECH-45, GEORGIA-42!!!!! SEE YA! GO JACKETS!!!!!

By Dawg1

January 4, 2009 5:02 AM | Link to this

Couple of quick thoughts.

To “The Truth” - until you identify yourself (meaning your University) you have no credibility. The word coward comes to mind. So, from now own, I’ll just ignore your blog. To the Jacket Backers. You won this year. Your kids deserved the game. Tech played nearly flawless football against Georgia, while UGA turned the ball over and made multiple mistakes. So what happen with LSU? A couple of things. One, like Georgia, you were playing a team that was much more talented. Two, your team had attained it’s goal for the year, which was beating their rivals, and then spent the next month hearing about how great they were. Three, LSU had a month to get ready for your offense. Your kids were out played and your coaching staff was out coached.
Georgia Alumni and Fans, I hope we are not ranked in the Top 10. Our kids spent the entire spring and summer being told how great they were. Then we lost our starting left corner, our starting left tackle and our starting nose guard before the season started, and did not see our starting fullback until the 6th game of the season. Then lost several lineman and players on the defensive side for multiple games. And still won 10 games this year. And we still have some very vocal supporters calling for CWM to be removed. He was a genius in 07 and an idiot in 08. I believe UGA will be right back in the hunt next year, with the Florida game deciding the East. Let’s not forget that this used to be decided between Florida and Tennessee every year.
To UT fans. Your new coach is putting together a fine coaching staff. You are going to be tough to deal with over the next few years, as is Florida. You have every reason to feel good about the new regime. To South Carolina fans, see my note to UT fans. The East just got even tougher for everyone. Spurrier will quit within two years. Skippy’s coming back to town – write it down. Okay, I feel better.
Go Dawgs!

By BRENT

January 4, 2009 6:56 AM | Link to this

I ATTENDED 12 OF UGA’S 13 GAMES THIS YEAR, AND I DO NOT CARE IF EITHER COMES BACK. NEITHER HAS THE GUTS OR THE PLAYERS I WANT TO SEE ON UGA’S TEAM.

By Tech beat dogs in 08

January 4, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this

Dog1…tell us something we do not already know (and is so evident)!

Every year is different, right? So no blogger knows what the future will bring….so Tech fans will bask in Victory land for a looooong time!

By phatt

January 4, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

You have to be kidding me. It doesn’t matter if Stafford AND Moreno come back, the coaches will do the team in.

Bradley, didn’t you predict a national championship this year for the Pups? You’ve still got egg on your face and you are still spouting out this garbage.

Sorry to inform you, but the Pups aren’t even the best team in the state.

I’m a Kennesaw State alum, so no I’m not a bug geek.

By Tedd

January 4, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

Players staying or going at UGA is irrelevant.

As long as UGA keeps its current coaching staff, they will continue to be a perennial mid-tier SEC team.

By gorgiafan

January 4, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

we ain’t gonna be no coton pickin’ number 1 again. we probalby ain’t even gonna be no top ten as long as martinerz gonna be on dem sidelinnes. i gues a lot of it be dependin’ on how many arests their are in this here off seeson as well as morono and stanford, but even in the bes case senareo and they come back to schol we ain’t got no mommentumms from this her pas year. oh well nascar seeson is gettin close.

By Dawgonit

January 4, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

I would pick Tech in the top 5, but they’ve still got to play Virginia next year. Does anyone know if Gardner Webb is still on the schedule? That will be a close one too. But someone in the ACC is bound to lose less than 4 games next year, right?

By DFG

January 4, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

UTAH will be the preseason Number 1.

By makeeazymoneytoday.com

January 4, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

Huh? Seems like a bizarre proposition to me. Dogs have many questions. They’ll be good no matter what happens, but those offseason polls are typically settled by who has the least questions.

Florida is in the BCS MNC Game and will lose Harvin and Spikes and two off the line, Watkins and Trautwein, but they’re three deep. Harvin and Spikes are singular talents, but everybody has to reload as guys move on. I would think Florida would be a bit easier to rank #1. Or Texas, USC or Oklahoma.

By bjohnDawg

January 4, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this

Dawgs are better in 09 due to the Dominque factor.

In 1982 Dominque Wilkins left for the nba. In 1983 Dawgs make it to the final four.

More talent without the one dimensional aspect.

09 Football Dawgs with have better O line, more depth, and softer schedule.

Top Six Texas USC Ohio State( weak schedule) Florida Oklahome Georgia

Tech not in the picture as usual.

By George A. Poulos

January 4, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

I hope that the DOGS will be rated as number ONE! Because the GATORS will swollow them WHOLE in 09.(They just chewed a little of the 16 to 3 dogs in 08.

By wreckmaniac

January 4, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

CMR has already given UGA more than it deserves. Donnan and Goff gave UGA what it does deserve. UGA fans always believe that top notch recruits assure a championship. This idea is obviously warped.

By wreckmaniac

January 4, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

I finally get it ! How silly of me. As soon as the Dawgs have no injuries and as soon as P Johnson, Meyer, and Saban leave the SEC the dawgs will be the new kings ! Why am I so slow.

By wreckmaniac

January 4, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

Okay dawgs, you gave Tech a win this year and next year I expect you to give us another one. Thank you for this one and thank you for the one you will give us in Atlanta in November.

By nextyear

January 4, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

Everybody know how next year is going to go if Stafford leaves. Cox will be another Terishinski, play 2-3 games and when UGA loses CMR will switch to Murray just as he switched to Staff as a freshman. If UGA plays LSU next year LSU will win because they have ironed out their QB problems. LSU is clearly a better team now than UGA. DO WE KNOW OUR DAWGS ? You bet we do and they’re uncommitted.

By Dawg Fud

January 5, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

i thought both would leave but after the cap one bowl i think stafford stays and knowshon leaves.

stafford has moments fo brilliance but has not performed with consistency. i don’t think the NFL is the easiest place to hone your confidence & consistency.

Georgia pre-season #14 with FLA, BAMA & LSU ahead of them. maybe even Ole Miss.

GO DAWGS!

By george

January 5, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this

yall didnt know that UGA has already won the national championship every year for the next four years????

By jeff

January 5, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this

ha ha ha UGA is i much bigger dud than Auburn was in 03. Getting blown out of the freaking stadium not once but twice and being the most hyped team preseason in probably 15 or 20 years. Plain and simple the dogs just s** the bed. But hey at least you finished the season number one in arrests and penalties dog fans.

By oledawg

January 5, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

Moreno is gone, but Stafford has some unfinished business. Don’t be surprised if he decides to avenge this year. He knows Tech’s win was an aberration,and will demonstrate all of his skills in a heisman type year.

By Chris

January 5, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

Stafford and Moreno are elite talents no doubt, but the primary factor in UGA not being among the elite 5-7 teams is not a lack of physically gifted playmakers. Our deficiency was between the ears; and defense. After all, we were just a few stops from being 12-1 and in the final top 5.

With an improved line next year a good QB with a solid winner attitude, we’ll be fine. And Moreno is a great RB, but how many times did he get us to the red zone and take a seat for a few plays?

I don’t at all want to diminish what these guys have done for the program, but them leaving early - i.m.o. - won’t be the main determinant in being a champion-caliber team next year.

By .....THE.....OHIO.....STATE.....BUCKEYE.....

January 5, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

“Could Dogs be preseason No. 1 again?”

LOL. You are joking right?

LOL. PLEASE tell me you are joking!

LOL. LOL.

Sportswriters are not the brightest stars in the universe but they do tend to learn from THEIR mistakes. You southerners NEVER do!

I don’t care how many players (or coaches) leave early. The Georgia Dogs are the most over rated, over hyped, over analized (LOL) act in the NATION. Everyone (and I repeat) EVERYONE……. (I hope you can hear me)……. EVERYONE in the entire nation is tired of hearing about them.

PuuaaaLEEEEEASE!!!!!

If you can’t run with the big dogs (like…THE…Ohio…State…Buckeyes….)then stay on the porch (and keep your mouths shut)!

LOL. Give me a break!!

By Go Gators

January 5, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

Ohio State kid your beat down is only hours away.

By THE Ohio State Buckeye

January 5, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

Speak for yourself Go Gators……THE…..OHIO…..STATE…..BUCKEYES….. will shock the world tonight and if we do come up short we will cover and I will be here next week unlike your slithery a* that hid in the trailer for 2 weeks after the Old Miss game.

How’s your wife?

By Go Gators

January 6, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this

Wow you except covering the line as a level of success, how sad…oh and no shocking the world either, I bet your poor little heart broke with 16 secs left. Scum…