Mark Bradley

By 1eyedJack

January 7, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

Amen!

By Class of '98

January 7, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

I am as diehard UGA as they come, but I agree with you and Richt. If there heart wasn’t at UGA, they needed to leave.

I’ve often seen Stafford try to force a laser between 3 defenders and wondered if he was more concerned with winning the game or showing off his arm. Just my opinion.

Sic em.

By Austin

January 7, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this

with you on this one mark…I loved watching stafford and moreno play. But that never amounted to championships. Cox never lost a game as a starter in high school. Gotta love a winning persona. Were Gonna be alright. Only worry i do have is say we come into 09 ranked #15-20 range. then we go undefeated(unlikely, but still) but get the 04’ Auburn treatment. that would suck

By jimmyingainesville

January 7, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this

Talent don’t always produce winners. I like to see good players play great. I hate to see great players just play good.

I like to see fire and passion and a strong will to win. I like to see Junkyard Dawgs who will jump up and go for your throat. I like to see competition dread to look acorss the line and see red and black. Fire, passion, leave it on the field … I want to see this team on the field in 2009.

It’s got to start with Richt and BoBo and Martinez and Garner … fire, passion, guts, fiercenss … never say die .. let’s step on their faces. That’s the Dawg team I’d like to see in 2009.

It’s been finess and dress … let’s get down in the trenches … blood and guts … get it done and have some fun.

Talent may be lessened but maybe, just maybe … fire and passion and desire will replace lost talent and the will to win will return to the Georgia Bulldogs. Glory, glory to Old Georgia …

By KLG

January 7, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this

Nota bene: Basketball Dawgs didn’t make it to the Final Four until AFTER Dominique left for the NBA.

By savannah dawg

January 7, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

Joe Cox is going to surprise a lot of people. He is a winner and the ultimate team guy. I think the DAWGS will play with a lot more passion and excitement. Matter of fact, I’m excited right now! GO DAWGS!!!!!

By Good grief

January 7, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

So does this mean you won’t break your preseason tradition of claiming UGA will win it all and beat UF?

By Late

January 7, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

This is a belated message. GA students, please Do Not come dowm to St. Simons for the UF game this year. You shamed yourself in Nov. beyond reaproach. Keep ypur trailer trash in Athens where apparently Adams and Richt don’t mind. This is from a UGA graduate, and no, we’ll do just fine without your dirty money!

By JR

January 7, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this

As in all team sports there is no “I” in team. Next year we should have a team that blocks and tackles and doesn’t read all the press clippings. JR

By Desert Dawg

January 7, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

Stafford and Moreno were good Dawgs and we wish them well. They will be great representatives for UGA and the athletic program.

But, the 2009 Dawgs will much better than the 2008 edition for many of the reasons discussed here. Joe Cox will lead this team to Atlanta and beyond. Dawgs will make it to the BCS under his leadership on the field and the stable of young talent anxious to play.

It is definitely a proud day to be a Ga Bulldog…both for Stafford and Moreno as they go to the next level and the promise of the 2009 season.

By 1eyedJack

January 7, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this

Gotta have kids who have to answer to Mama and Grandma.

By TURTSNAP

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

I’ll say this…… Tennessee won their National Championship the year after Peyton Manning graduated….. I’m just sayin’……

By D-ville Dawg Fan

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

Good article Mark! I could not agree more.

By GW

January 7, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

I’m not crazy enough to let wishful thinking drown the truth. UGA just lost two dam good players who could not play linebacker and safety and offense too. At least one of them back would have been nice but life goes on. Bradley makes some good points but Stafford and Moreno both busted their tails for UGA whether some want to admit it today or not. This is not a case of good riddance.

By Eric C.

January 7, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this

I feel pretty good about Joe Cox as well. That comeback win he completed for the Dawgs against Colorado a few years ago was impressive. Look for a good solid season from Cox in 2009 behind what should be a great OL.

By The Fight Realtor

January 7, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Stafford needs to work very hard on his work ethic to excel in the NFL. Colin Cowherd raised some very qood questions the other day about how pudgy and undisciplined Matthew Stafford appears to be. In once sense, It bothers me that these guys are leaving, because I feel like we are loading up on “me” guys, and not necessarily “team” guys.

By Drew

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

I had the luck of enjoying 2 (06-07) seasons of 24/7 while still in school. Although it sucks they’re leaving and hurts our chances of being ranked “preseason #1”, I feel like we have certainly reloaded for the next few years.

Personally, I’d like to see a home-grown kid take the snaps for Georgia. This way they have more incentive to stay and graduate. Last time that happened, Shock and Greeney both won SEC championships…..just a thought..

Seeya in 09 Dawggies

By bigcalidawg

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

I actually wanted to see Stafford return, but Knowshon leave.

Knowshon didn’t hop up and sprint back to the huddle the way he did as a Frosh. You could tell that he lost some fire.

I believe Stafford was light years ahead of his recievers. If he can get our immensely talented wideouts to catch the dadgum ball, we might not need Caleb, Richard, or Washaun ;).

By Utah is Better

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

4 losses

By Tech Fan in Dawg Country

January 7, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this

From everything I’ve read, Aaron Murray is the real deal. I expect him to beat out Cox by the 3rd game.

By DawginLex

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

A lot can be done with quality lines of scrimmage, just ask Alabama. Do we all believe JPW was a great QB? No and it caught up with Bama in the bowl game along with finding out that we weren’t making excuses about injuries hurting your game preparation.

Despite the bowl game, Bama did win 12 games by having a solid defense, a great OL(when healthy) and a QB and running game that didn’t give the game away.

I’m not convinced that Joe Cox or Logan Gray can’t lead us to an SEC title by limiting mistakes. Joe, if you want to be a leader and get some fire in the bellies of the linemen, have at it !!!

Get ready for a comment from the nerd herd king of the trailer park about how the nerd institute is going to win again and we will always be 2nd place……

1 out of 8 by 3 points and they make rings

KINDA “RINGS” HOLLOW AFTER 38-3 ??????

By coxdawg

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

I’ve watched Joe practice a few times here at UGA, believe me folks he is every bit as accurate as Stafford ever was. Maybe he can’t throw the ball 80 yards, but that just means that we won’t waste plays trying to throw 60 yard passes that were mostly overthrown or underthrown anyway. Joe was heavily recruited out of high school, and considered somewhat of a coup when UGA signed him.
Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.

By Bow wow

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

If Cox is beaten out by game 3 2009 will look like 2006 at best.

By dawginduluth

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

Uno problemo:

Richt’s still here.

By Godogs57

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

Absolutely, positively, 100% agree with you Mark….you hit the nail on the head. Best of luck to MS and KM in the future and I can’t wait to see the 09 Dawgs…they should be much more blue collar, hungrier, and have more heart. It did, indeed, seem that the team did not give 110%, came out flat, etc…because they felt that “our two superstars will bail us out of this mess…just wait and see”. Betcha we see a more focused, intense team next year…I can hardly wait.

By Class of '98

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

Regarding Moreno hopping back up fast… I recently saw an interview with Jim Brown where he said he did the exact opposite… he would take his sweet time getting up and preparing for the next play. He would act tired and worn out when he wasn’t.

He said he did it because the defense would never know when he was REALLY tired and worn out, they would relax, and it would surprise them when he ran them over.

By John

January 7, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this

Could have come back on a team that was deeper and more experienced than this year’s pre-season #1. Could have come back determined to show the Dawg Nation you’re a winner. Could have come back to try and etch your names in Bulldog lore. Oh well.

Stafford just cemented his legacy as the UGA QB who didn’t come close to the hype. His numbers are pretty good and he won lots of games, but the only time you’ll be hearing his name again in Athens is when his records are broken by another really good QB. No banners were hung during his tenure, not even a division title. Pitiful. DJ Shockley started only one year and got and SEC title. He’ll always be more fondly remembered than Stafford. Good reason; he had much more heart and he was a winner. David Greene’s pro career may not have gone far, but he won more games than any college QB and brought ole UGA back to SEC glory. And he got to go to the Super Bowl in his first year. Hope Matthew enjoys all those W’s will he can, because he is about to get drafted by a team that got none this year. That will suck.

Knowshon could have put his name just one tier below Herschel’s in the all-timer category. His moves will be played over and over until the next “Herschel designate” comes to town. I’ll miss his fire, and excitement for sure. But with that veteran line returning (assuming they can stay healthy) any back with good talent should suffice.

Here’s hoping Joe Cox is our Tee Martin.

By spcmoney

January 7, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this

Last time I checked. If Cox was all that then he might have been the starter the last two years. I think there was a reason why was the back up.

By CharlestonDAWG

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

Cox has never lost a game! Dawgs will be in great shape next year!

By chazz

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

If I am not mistaken, Cox broke all of Chris Leak’s high school records. Who can forget Colorado? I am ready to see a team with something to prove play like a team.

By country boy

January 7, 2009 8:05 PM | Link to this

Regardless of Cox’s super attitude the fact is he has very little experience the last 4 years. This is CMR’s fault - not QB Cox. Richt’s good sportsmanship attitude ( unlike UF, USC, Okla. ) is not to humiliate an opponent. Not that we could anyway as we were not overwhelming against even Ga. So. or Central Michigan. Since we don’t distance ourselves from opponents we not only lose respect from poll voters but also, players like Cox fail to get much needed game experience.

By Know Mo

January 7, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait to see Knowmo, get hit in the NFL and try that schoolboy getting up fast crap going to the huddle stuff. THEM DAYS are OVER BUD!!! I am sure the vets will tell him cut that crap out up here with the big boys because he will get LAID OUT quick!

By mackdawg

January 7, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this

PEOPLE!!! Get a GRIP!! I’ve been a real football fan since my freshman year (1976). CMR has has done better than Vince did over the same number of years…When I lived in Florida (1990’s) all 3 schools never had to change their system, they didn’t change, they just re-loaded. CMR brought that philosophy to UGA..We are not Changing..WE are just re-loading!

By Transplated Yankee

January 7, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this

“jimmy” nailed it. Dogs will be fine on offense. in fact, the o-line with another year will be very good. Defense is still the issue.

Moreno needed to go: he’s ready and his shelf life is short. Stafford needed to go, too: he’d be the 4th QB taken in the draft in 2 years behind a couple of Heisman winners +. This next year, he’s #1 - no matter how badly he needs more seasoning.

By Bradley

January 7, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

Bradley, you could find a lump of gold in a pile of dog crap if it served your infinite amounts of unfounded optimism.

You suck.

By 2N4YEARS

January 7, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

From what I’ve read here, you guys are right-on, including you Mark. Class of ‘98, I’ve seen the same thing in Stafford being more concerned about showing off his arm strenth than completing passes (lasers,over-throwing receivers). Heck, Ole Miss played well enough to beat FLA this year, which is more that I can saw of our DAWGS. I can’t wait for ‘09!! If we play as a ‘TEAM’ we will be fine. GO DAWGS!!!

By darb

January 7, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

Im not surprised a good black athelete goes pro early in order to bring in the big money, and then carry a gun to shoot himself or another, but the white boy should have been smart enough to stay in school another year, and graduate with his team. Lets see where they both are in a year or two.

By gdawginkalamazoo

January 7, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Joe Cox is ready to be the new leader on the field. Hey Joe what time was that fan meet & greet at Talladega this year? And what part of the infield do we need to have the kegs delivered to? Good luck to Moreno and Stafford you guys played great for us and made us proud to have you guys as part of the Bulldog program. I was impressed with the press conference too! 2 great athletes and fewer “you know” and “umms” than a Caroline Kennedy interview.

By Mark Bradley

January 7, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Please understand: I’m not trying to say Stafford or Moreno are bad people or bad teammates. But sometimes a team sits around and waits on its stars to make plays, rather than making them itself. And sometimes a team starts to believe its stars will extricate it from any hole, no matter how sloppy that team might be playing.

By OZZFEST

January 7, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

SOMEBODY LOOK AT THE TAPES AND TELL ME WHAT STAFFORD’S “DOWNFIELD THROWS” COMPLETION PERCENTAGE WAS THIS YEAR. I ATTENDED 12 OF THE 13 UGA GAMES THIS YEAR AND I SWEAR THE DUDE MISSED 60% OF THE LONG YARDAGE PASSES HE ATTEMPTED.

By Dawgs2008

January 7, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this

Stafford is just like Jeff George. He has a rocket arm and could make some awesome throws, but could also amaze with his stupity.

He was capable of doing some of the dumbest things on the field and never showed any emotion.

Losing Stafford is addition by subtraction. He is going to get killed in the NFL.

I will miss Knowshon. He had the fire and emotion that Stafford lacked.

Stafford can now focus on making new “Free Credit Report.Com” commercials.

By Dav-o

January 7, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

I feel great about 09. Being a Dawg Fan all my life, i usually do my homework on every recruit. When Joe Cox was signed, he had phenomonal numbers coming out of a 5A program that had just won a state title with him at QB. If I remember right, he threw 66 TD passes and only 5 Int’s JUST IN HIS SENIOR YEAR ALONE. Staffords dad made the comment, that if Mathew wasn’t going to be the Starter, he might need to transfer. Guess what happened next. True MS has lots of skills and gifts. But many of you never did your homework on Joe. Joe will get the job done!

By Mark Bradley

January 7, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this

Having met Jeff George, I can tell you there’s a different vibe altogether with Matt Stafford. The latter appears to be a good teammate, and Mark Richt praised both him and Moreno in the highest possible terms.

By Michael

January 7, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

Neither Staffod nor Moreno played defense. If Georgia had a halfway decent defense this year, the Bulldogs would’ve probably been 11-1 and made a BCS bowl — that loss to Florida stunk all over. Cox, King and Samuel aren’t as talented as Stafford and Moreno, but there should be enough talent (hello, O-line) to win 10 games or more again.

It will all come down to defense and finding a kicker not named Blair “duck and cover!” Walsh. A lot of championship football teams won with absolutely horrible offenses. Alabama made a dynasty out of doing that.

By Mannie

January 7, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this

Comparing the career of Matthew Stafford to that of Peyton Manning is the funniest joke I’ve ever heard. He wouldn’t even be the 4th best QB ever at UT. His college numbers are astounding at UGA, but don’t even compare to Casey Clausen’s UT career.

Let’s not forget that no single UT quarterback has ever lost to every other team in the SEC east with Stafford managed to do. (UT 1-2, UF 1-2, USC 2-1, UK 2-1, Vandy 2-1) And he’s the best UGA QB ever…..what a joke.

By Maryland Dawg

January 7, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

Matt Flynn. He waited until his senior year, you see how that turned out. All I’m saying is that we are about to hand over the keys to a guy who has been in the system for over 4 years now. If he spent as much time in the film room as Stafford, which he probably has then he will be okay against all these defenses we will face. I will miss these 2 but I’m ready to focus on tommorow. Good luck guys, we’ll miss you, but we’ll be between the hedges this fall!

By Joe

January 7, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

I have NO problem with Moreno and Stafford making the decision to leave, BUT I find it strange they chose to hold a huge grandious press conference to announce it. The HUGE press conference would have made sense if they were announcing they were staying, but was not even neccesary to choose to leave. Their “grand standing” to announce what was disappointing to a lot of Bulldog fans makes no sense. They could have made an announcement with out all that. I guess they wanted 1 more time in the spotlight. Strange.

Best of luck to them, but my guess is both will be a BUST.

Matt Leinart, a BUST Jamarcus Russell, a BUST Vince Young, a BUST (but jury still out since he doesnt even get to play.

Reggie BUSH, has impressed really and Moreno is NO Reggie BUSH.

Best of luck to both of them!

Matt Stafford may even get to throw passes to an old tech rival in Detroit. Ahh the irony of it all.

By David H.

January 7, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

I hate to see either of them go but for a very different reason. I know both of them have a lot of talent but I don’t believe they are mature enough as players to cut it in the pros. Stafford still makes a lot of dumb mistakes that an additional year in college football might help. I believe that had a lot to do with Peyton Manning’s success in the pros. How many quarterbacks come out early and excell?? Not many. As for Moreno, he was a great college back and I loved to watch him play. I really don’t think he is big enough, fast enough, or tough enough for the pros. It’s just a whole different level. I am an avid Dawg fan and I wish them the best in the pros. I believe they both gave their very best in every game they played at UGA and will always be remembered as great Georgia players that left too early.

By Mannie

January 7, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

Also, I find it absolutely hilarious and so predictable that all the UGA fans are so ready to write off the loss of Stafford and Moreno. Predicted that the “addition by subtraction” comments would come early this morning on the Volnation board. So predictable from the drama queens of the SEC.

By bjohnDawg

January 7, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this

I said it last week.The Dominque Wilkins Factor

Addition by subtraction. Now the whole team has to play well. Not just the Stafford and Moreno show.

Good luck to both of them. Now the rest of the Dawgs. Step it up next year. And prove the critics wrong.

By The Truth

January 7, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

no more pick 6’es?

By BCS CHAMPS

January 7, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

Difference between Tebow and Stafford is Tebow is a winner and a leader. Stafford’s arm stregnth will take him only so far- it sure didn’t do too much for him playing college football- was bascially just another QB on a typical 4 loss UGA team.

By Charles

January 7, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

Puhleeze! There are probably 6 quarterbacks better than Stafford so jumpimg right now is a bad move. Stay in school fool. To “no brains” Noshown, who you kidding? Stay in school fool. You ain’t that great yet. Can’t both of you fools wait another year? Neither one of you can make an instant impact so stop fooling yourselves and stay in school another year.

By John B

January 7, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this

Good article. I predict fewer drops from A.J., Moore, King etc. not having to catch Stafford’s point blank bullets. Cox is a winner, C King or Samuel can only get better, strong and healthy O-line, Curran led defense with something to prove and no over-hyped expectations…..2009 is looking very interesting.

Optimism is a good thing…GO DAWGS!!!

By Ben H.

January 7, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this

I feel confident about the 2009 season. I don’t know what it is but Georgia thrives as the underdog. Just when everyone writes us off we show up and play our best. Joe knows the offense, is a fiery compettitor, and should help rally the team. Our TB’s will split the load(like lumpkin and brown) and be productive behind our beefed up line. I wish Stafford and Knowshon the very best in the NFL, but if you think Georgia is going to fall off the face of the earth without them, lookout.

By DawgFan24

January 7, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this

I for one am a sad Dawg. Just won’t feel the same w/o watching #24 duck and dart his way out of trouble and into the endzone on Saturdays. That guy was a treat to watch and has talents that you can’t coach. He will make an impact in the NFL, mark it down.

Stafford I’m a little worried about and I do think would have benefitted from another year in college. But who can blame the kid for taking the payday? Anyone else in this forum would have done it. Only time will tell if it was the best move for him.

By LawDawg

January 7, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this

Mannie,

You sure are sour grapes and a pathetic loser for trolling on this blog to talk about Stafford and Moreno. You are SO bright with your “prediction” on the Vowel board this morning. What bowl game did ya’ll play in this year? Wyoming? Lane Kiffin? Your future looks bright in Jailer Orange land! Clausen? Are you kidding? Yeah, he had GREAT numbers..wink, wink.

By gdawginkalamazoo

January 7, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

BCS CHAMPS, Stafford has won more games than Tebow? Trying to make a point. Head to head they are 1-1. Staffs going pro because he feels like he is ready. Tebow will stay to try and rush for 5 TD’s from 5 yards out against Vandy so that he can pad some stats to get that Heisman again. Good luck Thursday night even though you won’t need it. The Big 12 proved everybody wrong on how good they thought they were. Texas can’t beat OSU by more than 3 and damned near lost. TT got whipped by Ole Miss. And OK will get whipped by UF. If UF wins will Urban be off to Notre Dame. You know they only told Charlie he could stay there until Urban decided he wants to move to South BEnd.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

January 7, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

neither of these guys will last longer than three years in the NFL. They’re just not very good!

By heeldawg

January 7, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

Mannie:

Stupid comments.

Casey Clausen? Are you joking? What bean plant is he working as a janitor in now, (beause he sure ain’t playing football anywhere)? Last time I saw him, he was flat on his back with a Georgia defensive lineman in his face.

Stafford is not Georgia’s “best QB ever.” That honor would arguably belong to either Eric Zeier (my pick) or David Greene (only the all-time winningest QB in NCAA history). DJ Shockley was a gamebreaker in ways that Stafford was not. And Fran Tarkenton was a pretty fair QB, as well. Any of those guys would stand toe-to-toe with the best QBs in UT history—including Manning, who only broke Zeier’s career SEC passing record by a few yards because he played in more games.

Stafford will someday be a great NFL QB. He won’t be next year, but what rookie ever is? There aren’t many Matt Ryans out there.

Clausen never even got drafted. Clearly, the NFL scouts were impressed.

By Snewo DAWG

January 7, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the hard work, fellas. It has been exciting watching you two compete for the University. Knowshon, you were something else. Good luck at the next level to both of you…just not when you’re playing against the Falcons.

Go Dawgs!

By LawDawg

January 7, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

BS Champs,

“Typical 4 loss Georgia team”? Try the team with the MOST wins of any in the SEC over the last 10 years with 10 wins or more in 6 of 7. Can your team say that? Don’t give me any crap about playing for a NC because frankly, UGA should have played for 2 also during that span. Now go back to blowing your Teabag doll.

By Icouldcareless

January 7, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

Oh well….what has Georgia done in the last 30 years the NATION cares about?

By D3

January 7, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

Best to both of them and, assuming they go to the right situation, they both should be excellent NFL players. Stafford to KC? Could you imagine if Moreno went to Denver? Absolute best of luck to both of them.

But frankly, I’m happy that someone like Joe Cox gets a shot to see what he can do. He’s a winner and I love that mentality coming in.

I’m a little less sure of RB. Maybe Caleb King will return to his Parkview form. Maybe Richard Samuel will use that speed and power tp become another Musa. A lot of people have forgotten about Dontavious Jackson and Carlton Thomas, who redshirted. Is Jonathan Davis still available? The competition should be fierce in mat drills and spring.

This should do wonders for our recruiting, but Stafford always seemed to be in a daze. Honestly, I’m excited about what 2009 holds.

By BAMA STAN

January 7, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

31-0 at the half?!!

The most important tangible about the QB position is leadership. It sounds like this Joe Cox kid wants to be the guy. But his skills are not that great. Average arm with no zip - not fast - but appears to play with passion.

Cox will benenfit from an improved OL - but I think the Dogs will struggle as the defense is just not that good.

Running backs behind Moreno not impressive. King and S. Jackson are stiff. W. Ealey is a waste of a scholarship - not very fast - thick - and a head case.

I personally think that the Dogs will get beat by OK State, LSU, Florida and GTech.

I think that Auburn, Tennessee, South Carolina and Arkansas will be 50/50.

And I think that the Dogs will beat AZ State, Vandy, Kentucky, Tn Tech.

Mark my words - Dogs will be lucky to 8 games next year.

By Brian B.

January 7, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

There is an even better example at UGA if you go a little further back … After Dominique Wilkins left for the NBA in 1983, the remaining starters - role players mostly, wound up in the Final Four in Albequerque, knocking off UNC, and the Beast of the East, St. John’s in the process. It is a tired cliche in sports, and it’s mostly applied to bad apples (see Marbury, Stephon) but in this case you may actually see addition by subtraction. Some of the marvelous talent that Mark Richt has assembled may finally have to step up and play, rather than wait for Stafford and Moreno to make a play. It’s neither of their faults that they did that often enough to make Georgia a Top 10 team.

By Burroughston Broch

January 7, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

Is anyone surprised that they went pro? Before the UGA-Tech game an UGA coach said that neither scholar-athlete had been to class since early October. Want to check their grades this semester? The whole thing was orchestrated and UGA is trying to put on a game face. Where is Jan Kemp now that we need her?

By Brian B.

January 7, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

There is an even better example at UGA if you go a little further back … After Dominique Wilkins left for the NBA in 1983, the remaining starters - role players mostly, wound up in the Final Four in Albequerque, knocking off UNC, and the Beast of the East, St. John’s in the process. It is a tired cliche in sports, and it’s mostly applied to bad apples (see Marbury, Stephon) but in this case you may actually see addition by subtraction. Some of the marvelous talent that Mark Richt has assembled may finally have to step up and play, rather than wait for Stafford and Moreno to make a play. It’s neither of their faults that they did that often enough to make Georgia a Top 10 team.

By TripDawg

January 7, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

I missed Trippi and Sinkwich by a few years, but UGA still managed to field a team after they left. The same thing applies for ‘09. One thing’s for sure, it won’t cost $10,675 for the right to buy a season ticket! Thx for the memories, Matthew and Knowshon. Guys with your kind of talent don’t come around very often. We’ll miss you, but we’ll be OK.

By Colorado Hero

January 7, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

National Champs with Cox leading the way??? Wake Up people there are reasons why he has been a 3 year bench warmer!! He didnt start because Staff is BETTER period. Matt couldn’t do Joe won’t either. Maybe one the freshmen coming in might one day. Not preaching doom and gloom but get real people. Oh by the way that wonderful rally to beat Colorado would have been something if the Buffs had at least WON a game before then.

By ballen12

January 7, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

Mannie, you were probably one of those TN fans that predicted an SEC championship this year. You’re program isn’t relevant. Go back to the Volnation board.

By dd

January 7, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

If Moreno & Stafford don’t cut it in the pros, at least they will have the cash.

Doubt they will be blogging.

Think about it.

By Buzz

January 7, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

Well said LawDawg. Icouldcareless, you oxyMORON, why are you on this blog?

By LawDawg

January 7, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

Broch,

Please tell us all what coach said that neither MS or KM had been to class since early October. That simply is NOT true and you know it. CMR and UGA suspend players for missing ONE class. Also, the semester grades came out before the bowl game and both would have been suspended had they had failing grades. Please, do us all a favor and think and do your homework before spewing obvious fallacies. Bama Stan: and John Parker Peter Paul Mary Wilson has a strong arm with lots of zip? Ealey, ” awaste of a scholarship”? Why, because he spurned Bama’s offer early? Dawgs will have the most improved Defense in the SEC next year as everyone returns including Owens and Washington. So Roll on Back to Tusky Stan with that 2 game losing streak- hell, even the Dawgs didn’t have that this year!

By Icouldcareless

January 7, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

Knowhown scares me more than Stafford. He’s no Matt Ryan and will wind up w/KC or somebody’s #2. He’s not that great a QB anyway. This state goes on and on WAY to much about the puppies. Really, what has UGA done since 1980 that the NATION cares about in 30 years? Hawaii? Yeah, you should’ve played USC (you woulda gotten routed, BAD) You lost to Tennessee that year and you still went to the Sugar. Tech will win back to back this year against UGA. When you get a team that can COMPETE against Florida, CONSISTANTLY, let me know. Oh, yeah, y’al still would whine about going to the BCS in ‘07.

By Sam

January 7, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

OK here’ my take….Stafford and Mmoreno cash in and you can’t blame them… Lordy I can’t wait to see Knowshon’s ear rings…Here’s the deal on the DAWGS that we want to see in 2009…Players don’t get drunk and in fights and go by the rules so you can help the TEAM when spring gets here and also in the fall…Also take some courses in how to keep your head in a game so we cut our penalties in half….And play hard every play…And WE will thank you for it…WE have plenty of talent and more coming as freshmen…Beleive me it will make you proud…..

By Care More

January 7, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

If you could care less, then why are you here? Please go back to Velvetta Cheese land (Gainesville) and stay off our board. If you want to talk about ‘07, didn’t we stomp your arse and didn’t you play in the Outback bowl, and didn’t you get destroyed by Michigan? Yeah, something to be proud of in the Gayturd annuls!

By La Jolla Dawg

January 7, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

I agree with you 100% Mark and appreciate the optimistic tone of your column.

As Joe Cox has been quoted saying, there has been, at times, a tendency for this team to come out flat, to play uninspired and when that happened Stafford (who in my opinion was not a vocal leader) did not appear to do anything to motivate or engage his teammates. Joe Cox has described himself as demonstrative and emotional and I for one welcome that in a QB. He needs to keep his cool obviously, but we also need someone who plays with a passion that is palpable.

Mark Richt has been quoted as having told Garner that it was time to, “Get after it” and I think having new blood on the field might help them do just that.

One final observation, I thought Mark Richt handled the press conference extremely well. If I were in his shoes I don’t think I would have been quite as gracious—even if I had reason to be, as he did. I don’t always think he expresses his sense of urgency well, but I do think he represented himself and the University quite well this afternoon.

By 65 dawg

January 7, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

Good riddanc to them both. UGA will be better off and more of a team.

By 3 BAD LOSSES

January 7, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

OVER-RATED!!!!

By Dawgforlife57

January 7, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

But for the Destiny-Bound Wolfpack of Jimmy V. and Lo Charles, the Dawgs behind Vern Fleming would have played for the national championship the season AFTER ‘Nique turned pro. I am definitely looking forward to 2009, and to turning these Dawgs loose on Oklahoma State in Stillwater!! Go Dawgs!

By What?

January 7, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

Try not to sugar coat a disappointing 08 season Mark. They will be dearly missed next year; Cox is not the answer.

By gator country

January 7, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo… your hoping Urban leaves is wishful thinking. Your comments about Tebow who is one of the best kids in college football are pitiful. Word is Tebow as well as Harvin are coming back, that is from a very very reliable source. Sorry bud but get ready I’m just telling you the facts.

By joke

January 7, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

You dawg fans and dawg beat writers are so transparent! If Stafford and Moreno would have stayed it would have been, preseason #1 blah, blah, blah. 09 Will be our year blah, blah, blah. Stafford and Moreno go and it’s I’m excited. We’ll have fire and we’ll be even better. Dessert Dawg already said Cox has you in Atlanta and the BCS. Ridiculous! It is so fun watching y’all wash that egg off your faces year after year with the next round of excuses.

By UGAforever

January 7, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

My Bulldogs will get pounded by at least 4 teams next season. We will miss Stafford and Moreno immeasurably. its going to be a very long 2009 tween the hedges. All this Joe Cox loving is bulldog crap. He couldn’t throw Stafford’s jockstrap and our backup running backs are pussys.

By Very Very Reliable Source

January 7, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

Heblow and Harvin are announcing after the Game Thursday that they are lovers and will be moving in with each other this summer while working the “back” door at the Purple Porpoise

By Jay

January 7, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

Its hilarious that you people think Stafford or Moreno is worthy of being compared to Manning.

By Vance Leavy

January 7, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Well done. Your wisdom is what good dawgs always need to hear. Loved hearing Richt mention being more conservative next year, before correcting his QBminded-self. Look forward to writing my own take in the morning.

Vance Leavy www.bulldawgillustrated.com

By GoGaBulldawgs

January 7, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

GO SOONERS TOMORROW NIGHT!

By 3 BAD LOSSES

January 7, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

KICKED STAFFORD’S BUTT!

By Mark Bradley

January 7, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Vance. Although I’m not so sure my brand of “wisdom” is all that wise.

By stupid stoopes.sissy

January 7, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

Sooners lost to 12-1 TEXAS by 10 points, what a joke!

By joe taxpayer

January 7, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

The question is who will play and coach defense and who will call the offensive plays. Fla. brings back almost everybody. This coaching staff gets less from their talent and whats the over and under on off season arrests. Why am I being so negative; we won 10 games.

By Icouldcareless

January 7, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

2009 is going to be so funny…and btw care more, I am not in Florida. Boohoo, I guess it’ll be another 20 years b4 you get to where ya got in 07. And while I’m at it…the college game needs a playoff system, comparable to the NFL.

By Its all about the benjamins

January 7, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

Can”t you just see what happens when Ray Lewis gets a clean hit on Knowshon? I doubt he bounces up real fast from that one.

By RED AND BLACK gets BETTER

January 7, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

… Stafford will not be missed!

By QuePsiPhi

January 7, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this

You got to love this time of year. You guys are acting like Matthew is leaving with a couple of SEC championships and a National Title under his belt. The guy came in with all that hype like another QB that took snaps between the Hedges, Quincy Carter. Its not a love fest with Joe Cox, it is an opportunity for a real emotional leader to take the snaps. No Joe does not possess the rocket arm that Matthew had but im sure he will make up for that with fire and energy. Your QB has to be the heartbeat of the team and Joe will definitely be that. You guys will be singing his praises come October and ole Matthew will be charting plays, dreaming about being back in Athens!!!!! GO DAWGS

By Mark Bradley

January 7, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

I thought Stafford was a very good college quarterback. That said, I often went away wanting more from him. That wasn’t necessarily his fault, but that’s sometimes what happens when the hype that precedes you is so immense.

By Bull Gator

January 7, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this

very very reliable source, thats Tebow and Harvin and you are a very sick person. We will all say a prayer for you, sorry your so sick.

By Larry

January 7, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

And just what does Stafford, Cox or Moreno have to do with a defense giving up over 40 points 4 times?

By QuePsiPhi

January 7, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Mark. I think we have to let these guys get on campus, settle in, and stop giving them praises before they take snaps. All kids react differently once you get them into new settings. David Greene wasn’t a blue chip prospect but he fared pretty good in college. We need to stop buying into these Rivals.com and Scout.com assessments. Let the kids develop. Its all a crap shoot anyway.

By jackson

January 7, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this

DEfense wins championships! Can hardly wait for the 2009 season!

By YellowDawg Dem

January 7, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

Let’s be real Dawg fans and just regular folks………….

Who among us would turn down millions of dollars to leave our current jobs, or more in perspective, if someone offered any serious college fan $3,000,000 never to watch his team again, who among us wouldn’t take it in a heart beat? I’ve sent 3 kids through UGA, and I love all the programs there including golf, cross country, and women’s softball. Offer me $3,000,000 or for that matter $1,000,000 and I’d learn to be a fan of Ball State or SMU, whatever!

These young men gave we fans a lot of thrills and pleasure. We have no right to criticize their decisions simply because no one would pay us to change our state of residence. We also shouldn’t be tearing down young men who played for us. What about the recuits reading this column who think the UGA fans will turn on them for doing what is best for them and their families? Is what the Yeck fans say about UGA fans having no class that close to true?

We as a group of fans need to say well done Matt and Knowshon, thanks for the memories and effort you gave UGA, we’ll be pulling for you both in the NFL..

Signed a real UGA Fan.

By joegadogs

January 7, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this

Joe will be find this year i saw joe throw a pass to aj green across the field this pass year in one of the early games. It was a good fast pass in the corner. GO DAWGS

By Potato Dawg

January 7, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

We all did alot of talking last year.Lets wait and see. Once again everything is in place for the dawgs. Time will tell. It’s always great to be a DAWG

By tt44

January 8, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this

WHy is it the Dawgs get all these fine players that leave the university early. I do wish MS and KM well in the NFL. However, they both may enjoy the financial aspects (I would too) of pro career, but, I am a little concerned they both left a little early football skills wise….good luck fellas and GO DAWGS!

By SC Dawg

January 8, 2009 12:19 AM | Link to this

bama stan

what’s a ute? 21 -0 at the half, it was Utah for goodness sakes!! did that one lineman suspension make that big of a difference?

By turkey

January 8, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this

Now that all that firepower is gone, the ability to simply score more points than the opposition is the defense able to rise to the challenge?

By OneMoreDawg

January 8, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this

The reason the Dawgs are going to be okay is that each player—no matter how talented—is just a cog in the program. Richt has built a steady machine that has depth of talent, a winning tradition that attracts recruits, and a style that retains coaches.

Passion and fire are needed ingredients on every football team, and I love the analogies to the Peyton-less Vols and the 2005 Dawgs team. But let’s not panic. I am not throwing up my hands worried next year will be terrible. College football—Georgia football under Richt—is about program consistency.

By Matt the Brave

January 8, 2009 1:26 AM | Link to this

I liken Matt Stafford with Jeff George. Huge arm, was thought to be the next great NFL QB. I honestly have to wonder if he truly has the work ethic to make it in the NFL. He’s gotten by on a lot of natural talent to this point, and also has been the beneficiary of a great running attack with Moreno and Southerland (who is a highly underrated fullback).

I think that they made the right decision, especially right now with how the collective bargaining agreement is up for the NFL after next season. I think that it’s going to be much harder for players who make the jump to get the kind of money that they would this coming year.

This coming year I think will be exciting. I’m hoping that Joe Cox is the second coming of Tee Martin! UGA National Champs in 2009-2010! ;)

By p

January 8, 2009 6:16 AM | Link to this

talent doesn’t win championships? well it does at University of Florida.

poor coaching doesn’t win championships.

By TripleDawg

January 8, 2009 6:54 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mark. I was a freshman during the 2002 season when we won the SEC, and I was a senior in 2005 when we won the SEC with DJ, and without all the stars that were so adored. Still here for grad school, I think the Dawgs can definitely get it done in 09. We saw that our defense actually does know how to execute in the Capital One bowl, and hopefully, Willie Martinez will keep the fire lit under their bellies. Think about it…in the Dawgs’ recent history, when has the offense been what kept us in games? Hasn’t the most commonly heard phrase been “The offense will sputter, but the defense will keep them in it”? I think the play of MS and KM may have something to do with why the defense played so shaky.

I’m glad Stafford and Knowshon are going to the NFL. School will always be here. Champ Bailey was back here my first two years of school finishing up his degree.

I think 2009 will be a much better year for the Dawgs for several reasons, including the lack of MS and KM and expectations that are not neaerly as lofty. Here’s so 2009!

By English Teacher

January 8, 2009 7:09 AM | Link to this

Maybe they should teach grammar at UGA. From the first three posts:

“Talent don’t always produce winners.” “If there heart wasn’t at UGA, they needed to leave.” “Were Gonna be alright”

By Steve

January 8, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

Stafford came here because of Coach Richt the pro style offense & the best way to the NFL. He got what he was looking for. I wish him the best & look forward to seeing what Joe Cox can do as the starter GO DAWGS!!!!!!

By GA70

January 8, 2009 7:32 AM | Link to this

Well, Bradley, you didn’t say anything about Bobo & Martinez still being there. I guess for most fans, the old saying still applies: “Hope Springs Eternal”.

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 7:36 AM | Link to this

I didn’t say Georgia was going to win the national championship in 2009. (I said it was going to win the national championship in 2008, as you’ll recall.) I just believe that a team pulling together — which the 2009 team will need to do if it’s to succeed — can never be dismissed out of hand.

By GA70

January 8, 2009 7:56 AM | Link to this

You will notice, Bradley, that I didn’t say anything about UGA winning a national championship in 2009, or, for that matter, one in 2008 either. Go back and reread the first sentence. That was the point.

By 82DAWG

January 8, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this

Let’s not forget Logan Gray in this either. This guy was a phenom in high school and ranked way higher than Cox ever was. He was the number 2 player in the state of Missouri and can run and throw like no one we have ever had. I am afraid Cox is like JT III. Remember the last time we had a 5th year sr QB that we were handing the job to was not Shockley. And we all know how that turned out. I say give Gray a shot. As for running back, either I am hearing the cleaning crew or that is the sound of a huge vacuum. No one, including Samuel or King did anything to make me believe we have a an answer at RB. And guess what, those aren’t even the biggest questions we have to answer! The defense is still led by Soft Willie and has gotten progressively worse every year in terms of points allowed since he took over from VanGorder.

By Go Dawgs

January 8, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

Good luck tonight in the BCS title game. Oh, what;s that ..you’re not in the BCS title game.

Well …never mind then.

By JoeD

January 8, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

I am very excited that they both are gone! They were never truely Georgia Bulldogs and their hearts were never in it. Joe Cox is a true hearted bulldog and although he may not have the natural ability as Stafford - He will be better for our team. I believe Georgia will be better next year because they will have more passion and more heart - something Stafford and Knowshon never had.

By Reality

January 8, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

Preseason #1! Dawg geniuses never learn

By HotDawgette

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

I’ve seen Joe Cox play and I’ve seen his intensity on the sideline and in the game. He is a quality player with the heart of a Bulldog! I’m not sorry to see Stafford go, he never exhibited the leadership and heart he should have and I am sorry to see Knowshon go, he could have been the all time great (but not as great as Herschel). As soon as we get some team players, like Jeff Owens, back in the game and we start actually hitting hard in practice on defense, we will become the UGA team of old - the Junkyard Dawgs are coming back. We need intensity and focus not showboating and highlighting the individuals. Let’s go Dawgs - Sic em!

By Rock Preston

January 8, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

To all you Stafford and Moreno haters…stop hating! You guys sound like scorned women trying to make yourselves feel good after they have been dumped for the prettier girl. Sour grapes. Get over it and stop obsessing yourselves with college kids. Its truly disturbing to read what some of you have said about these guys.

By g boy

January 8, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this

i have no problem stafford leaving. stafford is the most talented quarterback georgia has ever had. but he is not the best. david green had good skills. but his skills did not compare to stafford. but david green was a winner and he wanted to win. david green had several come from behind wins in the last 2 mins of games. i think joe cox will take more pride in winning at uga. i think caleb king has been holding back a little. not wanting to get injured. he knew his time would be coming this year.

By ShupeDawg

January 8, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

I love the comments by Joe Cox! From strictly a FAN perspective nothing beats the OVERACHIEVER! I too enjoyed Stafford but probably Moreno more, due to his passionate running style…I will hate to see them both go. However, even though I did not hear the entire press conference, I don’t think I heard either young man say ANYTHING about the ONE thing that in my opinion should be a critical component of any decision to leave for the NFL…..WINNING A NATIONAL TITLE! No doubt MONEY is king but neither guy even mentioned the thought of missing out on a Championship! I find that a bit disturbing! Almost as if that was not even part of any personal goals for either of them!!! When you hear some of these other franchise names pledging themselves to come back to WIN A TITLE, it just makes this member of the DAWG NATION a bit envious to say the least!

By Dixie Dog

January 8, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

Good Article. Hard to say good riddance to superstars like that but this is a team sport and we need the team to play super vs. just a couple of players. Now I believe they will not only feel the need to step up their game but will probably feel that if they do step it up they’ll get the chance to do something.

GO Dawgs!!

By MudPuppy

January 8, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

Teams with good coaches don’t get called for as many penalties as the Dawgs did.

By Jerry

January 8, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

No way you take two guys with that much talent off of a team and expect a better result. If Cox was that good he would have been starting the past year. Georgia will still be a solid team with the potential to win 8 or 9 games but they have lost their two biggest weapons and will be hard pressed to reproduce the output that those two guys generated.

By geezusDawg

January 8, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

Wish them the best in the NFL. I think Cox will do well, I just worry about South Carolina and Ok State so early next year. The big question for me will be if King has finally figured out how to block (specifically on the blitzes). If he matches last years efforts then we will likely see a lot more of Logan Gray.

By Clamor

January 8, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

Hey, desert dawg, the only game UGA will be playing in Atlanta in 2009 is the UGA/GT game. However, they will be going beyond Atlanta to Stillwater, OK, when they play the Okie State Cowboys. Great expectation on your part!

By ThaMan

January 8, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

If Cox is so great, why wasn’t he playing? Sounds like all he’s done so far is to make a good cheerleader. meanwhile, Caleb King is riding up a one way street on a motorscooter.

By stevetheolddawg

January 8, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this

I agree with Jimmyingainesville;junkyard dawgs have been absent since ERK was here. been a fan since ‘66. We got beat 3 times real bad this year with a lackluster defense. bring back the fire and passion and hitting on defense. if martinez doesn’t have it, move on. we can always score points, but we can’t STOP anyone when the game is on the line. GO DAWGS!

By Dawg92

January 8, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

My biggest concern is at RB. I feel like there was a considerable drop off when Knowshon came out of the game. Mark talks about 4 RB’s. I know Caleb & Samuel but who are the others? I know Ealy may come in with a lot of hype, but watching him a couple of times on TV, I don’t see him playing as a freshman.

Gators should win big tonight. That’s about all I got to say about that.

By dawginduluth

January 8, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

Stafford had to go. Richt couldn’t take him any farther.

Cowherd and Corso were both disappointed where Stafford was after three years. Cowherd said he was an unreliable passer and poor decision maker. Corso said he was disappointed with Richt for not improving Stafford beyond where he was today.

Hopefully, a pro coach will hone his potential talent.

By jake

January 8, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

Get those 23 injured players back on the field. Conversation over.

By Mike T.

January 8, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Mark my words - Dogs will be lucky to 8 games next year.

We hear this same trash every year.somehow Mark Richt keeps having ten win seasons.

By Ike Clanton

January 8, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Mannie, who cares what anybody in “Volnation” says? You guys were the worst team in the SEC this year, and quite frankly, don’t look to be much better next year, unless all your new high dollar coaches can PLAY.

By David

January 8, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

Joe Cox is going to be a great QB and even though Stafford and Moreno are gone i am so pumped for next season, that O-line is gunna be great and there will be plenty of receivers for Cox to throw to and we have plenty of good young RB’s like Caleb King, Richard Samuel, and Washaun Ealey. The defense will be much improved with recruit Branden Smith in the secondary, next season is going to be great!!!

GO DAWGS!!!!!

By David

January 8, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this

Joe Cox is going to be a great QB and even though Stafford and Moreno are gone i am so pumped for next season, that O-line is gunna be great and there will be plenty of receivers for Cox to throw to and we have plenty of good young RB’s like Caleb King, Richard Samuel, and Washaun Ealey. The defense will be much improved with recruit Branden Smith in the secondary, next season is going to be great!!!

GO DAWGS!!!!!

By Mike T.

January 8, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

I tell you man, some of ya’ll are real scary. It’s a pure shame what some of ya’ll are saying about Stafford,no heart, not a true Dawg,unreliable,last year(SEASON 07) after beating Florida 42-30,and beating Alabama in OT he was one step away from walking on water.Give the kid a break,he played on team that had 19 season ending injuries, a line that had different personal every week, a defense that was constantly giving up thirty points or more a game, and still managed to have a ten win season.He may not remove Herschel as the face of Georgia football, but I do know he’s as true a Georgia Bulldog as they will ever be. I wish him the best.

By george

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

you are a flipping idiot. Any team that loses 85% of its offense and has an average at best qb coming in will win 8 games at most with that schedule. The pups will lose two of the first three games. One thing will remain the same though. The pups will remain number one in the country in # of arrests.

By george

January 8, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

you are a flipping idiot. Any team that loses 85% of its offense and has an average at best qb coming in will win 8 games at most with that schedule. The pups will lose two of the first three games. One thing will remain the same though. The pups will remain number one in the country in # of arrests.

By Mike T.

January 8, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

By george

How do you know,Cox is average? Same thing was said about Shockley. I was one of them, and I was wrong. Cox does have a game, where he brought us from behind to win.(vs Colorado).Thats more the Shockley had coming in.All he had was a pick against Florida,who returned it for a TD.Cox against Florida brought us down the field and threw a pass for our only TD in that game.

By Doublewide

January 8, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

Making my reseverations for St. Simon’s right now. Taking my sister too.

By Jim

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

Who really cares?! And why do these two kids with over-inflated egos think they should be holding a news conference as if they are newsworthy?! Just make the decision and go do it quietly. Did they really need their ego stroked like that?!

By jlock42

January 8, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Mannie Is there still a Volnation?

By TyroneDawg

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

I hate to see them go but we’ll be OK. Georgia will work hard to establish an identity since the big names are gone. Good Luck MS and KM..Damn Good Dawgs!

By animaldr

January 8, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

We will win 10-11 games in 2009. The games will be won in the trenches. We will be back to run by commitee. Joe Cox will surprise folks. I remember alot of talk during his redshirt year about how awesome he was. Then came Stafford. Everyone can remember the Colorado game and his speech in the huddle. The result? 2 4th qtr touchdowns and a win to save Stafford’s rear.

GO DAWGS!

By animaldr

January 8, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

One other thought- It will be interesting to see if we mix in Logan Gray for some run options, like say the Leak/Tebow combo of UF in 2006. Did they win it all that year? Don’t you love college football!

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

Dontavius Jackson and Carlton Thomas are the other two running backs, I believe.

By mikey

January 8, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

If we start ‘09 ranked out of the top 15 and then go undefeated and get left out of the title game I’m going to be p**.

By AVikingFan

January 8, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

A great as Stafford was, in my mind he was an underachiever. Moreno played great. We will miss him.

Stafford may get the big bucks, but in my own humble opinion he won’t start in the pros for several years. He’s just not polished on technique. Maybe that’s Bobo’s fault?!

By Denver dog

January 8, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this

You know, we will just have to see what they do on the field. Sometimes chemistry on a team flows for a superstar, and sometimes it gels when there are a lot of great players, but superstars that need others to make them that way. That is where we are now, and we will just have to see how they do. This may be the best unknown offense in the NCAA, and they just might surprise us all.

GO DAWGS

By T

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

Georgia will be 8-5 this year. (I predicted them to be 10-3 this past August)

By dawg4life

January 8, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

i’m just about a big of dawg fan as they come…actually made a pic sportin my know mo? shirt on the ajc this year. but i definately am agreeing to the thought of bringin back the “team” mentality to the dawgs! awesome line returning and D looks better….let’s bring back the junkyard dawg defense! i think we will be just fine come next year without the hype!

all i got to say is come sept. 12th i will be hunkering it down between the hedges when we tee it up against south carolina! stick together boys…gonna be a fun ride! GO DAWGS

By todd

January 8, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this

100% agree

By dennis

January 9, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this

Cox is a proven winner. Hide and watch. Mark this down in your daybook. Cox will be another David Green. Stafford couldn’t wear Green’s jock strap.

By bearcasey

January 9, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

TWO THOUGHTS:

By That explains a lot...

January 9, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this

Roddy Jones is still running somewhere in Athens, huh? Probably explains why Tech only scored 3 points against LSU…maybe he should have traveled back the Chick-fil-a Bowl…

By bearcasey

January 9, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this

Well, could be, but nobody in Red & Black came close to stopping him. Maybe you should become a LSU fan.

By Ed

January 9, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

I like Cox’s cryptic comments about the team being flat and having no fire - it’s obvious he has no use for Stafford’s leadership skills, but is too polite to point to MS directly. Maybe he can bring some passion and leadership to the team in ‘09 like he did in leading a comeback over Colorado in ‘06.

By dean

January 9, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

“I don’t care who you play”..(Jim Mora); it will not matter until this coaching staff gets control of the team and gets some grit in its craw…excuses will become even more creative at the end of the seasons if they do not.

By Hugh Nash

January 9, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

For obvious reasons (championships) the Moreno/Stafford legacy will not measure up to the Greene/Pollack legacy or even the legacies of Musa Smith and D J Shockley. And comparing Moreno to Walker is laughable. Stafford was no better than the 5th best college QB this year, and personally, I think Greene and Eric Zeier were better. Georgia is earning a reputation for placing stars in the NFL, but most are players that never won a championship at Georgia (Bailey, Seymour, Stroud, Ward, etc.). Unfortunately, if Stafford and Moreno succeed in the NFL, they will only add to this dubious legacy.I’m not an NFL fan. I’m a college fan. I’m a Georgia fan. I’ll take Greene, Pollack, Smith, and Shockley any day.

By Don in DC

January 9, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

Dominique Wilkins was the greatest basketball player in UGA history. His is the only GA basketball jersey to be retired. But, it was the year AFTER he left that GA went to the final four.

By BE#3

January 9, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

Knowshon, he was fun to watch except when you saw him on the sideline while the Dawgs were in the red zone and not scoring TD’s. I’d take someone with the heart of Thomas Brown or Kreig Lumpkin over the talent of Moreno anyday. TB or Lump would not take themselves out of the game. Looks like Samuel is that kind of back — has heart and won’t go down without a fight.

Stafford, great at throwing up prayers. He might make it in the NFL but he will not go down as one of the best QB’s at Georgia. Joe Cox has better touch throwing the ball and is more mobile than Stafford. He’s going to be a 5th year kid so he knows the system pretty darn well. All the kid ever did at the top level in the state of NC was win.

If the team can stay healthy, they’ll put it together next season. Look at the defensive performance against MSU and they way they shut down ringer and were all over the QB. They were actually practicing with contact prior to the bowl. They had not had much contact in practice all season b/c of the injury situation. You play like you practice.

Dawgs might not have 2 top 20 first round draft picks on offense next year, but I bet they play harder and more as a team than they did this season. GO DAWGS!!!!!

By SOUTHGADAWG88

January 9, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this

Everybody looking for cwm’s scalp are in for a rude awakening..2009 might be the best year ever under his watch.I know other than AJ. that the best players on the the team will be on defense…Allen,owens,washington,curran,gamble,jones,atkins all potential nfl draft picks IF we get some DE and CB upgrades on the field this will be a dominating unit.As for cox..I mean he will be a sr so regardless of how well he may do he’s still gonna split time with SOMEBODY…If gray doesn’t stand out in the spring one of the freshman WILL play this year and may start by the end of the season.Maybe it’s just me but QB returning punts don’t inspire a lot of confidence that this is the guy…cox could be a good story but maybe not…we have to be prepared.

By Mark Bradley

January 9, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

For the record, Joe Cox said he and Matthew Stafford are good friends.

By catlady

January 11, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Why do we recuit players who have a hard time qualifying academically? Wouldn’t it be nice for Coach Richt to NOT HAVE to meet with students who are top recruits but have not yet qualified? Perhaps the qualifying should come FIRST.

By catlady

January 11, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

In fact, why doesn’t the NCAA require students to qualify BEFORE they can be offered the letter of intent?

It’s embarrassing.

When I was a grad student at FSU, one of my colleagues ran the tutoring program for the athletic department. There was one kid who had to have paid notetakers go with him TO EVERY CLASS. He was supposedly dislexsic and disgraphic. But he could run like h3ll!

By PayMeToCare

January 11, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

How many times will everyone be fooled by articles such as these? It is not just Georgia, but every school. Even Florida newspapers, with Tebow coming back, are replete with such articles. Then, of course, are the people who write “Amen!” or “That’s right UGADawg” to some post. Not to mention the UF, GT, or AU fans who hurl insults at whatever program they dislike. Here are the facts for UGA to win in it all: perfect execution, few penalties, fewer turnovers, no injuries and luck. That is, and what has, won it for Florida, LSU, and everyone else who has won in the BCS.

By UF= No Class

January 11, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

Take a nice warm turd and wrap it up in a nice box with pretty wrapping paper. It is still a turd. Thats the impression of UF I get. Win National Championship and still a group of turds. Anyone see Spikes after the game? Was he trying to be Little John or what?

By ugasuxdik

January 13, 2009 1:07 AM | Link to this

TURDS athens ahs all the turds you could wrap. Mark my words TURDS is what you will have come next year. GO GA TURD DAWGS!!!

By Long time dawg fan

January 13, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

Guys lay of these two. I bet most of you are the same ones begging them to stay. If you had the chance to make millions you would take it to. The dawgs will be alright. A good solid year in 2009 and be ready to fly high in 2010 when Tebo and all them thugs are gone.

By AFDawg

January 13, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this

Mark, Just to keep the record straight — UGA shared the SEC East title last year, so both players did win a division title. Georgia lost the tie breaker to TN which eliminated them from playing in the conference championship game, but that still doesn’t take away from the fact that they tied for first in the SEC East. Read the SEC rules and look at the SEC East Champion plaque if you don’t believe me.

By williebkind

January 13, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

I have always liked Joe Cox and always wanted to FIRE MARTINEZ…HE IS AND IDIOT!

By williebkind

January 13, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

I have always liked Joe Cox! And CMR better get a QB that can work outside the pocket. A QB must be a threat to run or pass. The professional teams are leaning that way too. However CMR can not coach that way and he will always have the idiot Matinez. Uga will have another 9 & 3 season if they are lucky. There is no heart in UGA! No intensity! No hunger! That is the coaching we have. BUT we pay CMR 4.5 million to be a loser!

By shankit

January 13, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

Manning never beat Florida. Stafford beat Florida as a sophomore. The Mannings and Vol fans make me tired.

By CapeCodDAWG

January 13, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this

While I was watching the Bowl game I noticed something i had never seen before. Knowshon Moreno get frustrated with his line and the way the game was unfolding. Right then I called a friend and said Moreno is mad because he’s leaving and wants to go out with a bang.It was a gut feeling,he just wasn’t acting like the Knowshon I watched the last two years. I think the line issues this year really contributed to his leaving and i fell the same about Stafford-they both didn’t seem willing to come back behind that “experienced” line we’ll have next year when it was measured against the NFL money and the possibility of the collective bargaining agreement…which probably wouldn’t be resolved before the draft of 2010. It was time for them to go follow their dream. I’m surprised by Asher Allen leaving,I think he may be a good DB,but the NFL is a HUGE jump in talent. All three will have some serious improving to make. Knowshon may end up being the next back to make a splash in the NFL and Allen can get lucky in getting drafted by a good team……Stafford will wish he was behind the UGA line next year,cuz if he ends up in Detroit? He’ll have a lacerated liver by week 4…..good luck though. As for the old argument as to who is better (Stafford,Tebow and the Arkansas kid now at USC) you got your answer. Tebow is FAR superior as a leader and he seemed to fully understand the nuances of his offense. That kid is great regardless of who you root for. GO DAWGS

By LifelongDawg

January 13, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this

UGA will win 10 or more games in 2009. I’ve posted that elsewhere and I’m convinced that’s what will happen. There’s no reason to believe otherwise.

By Big MIKE

January 13, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

Good time for Allen to leave, He saw the Brandon[I mean writing on the wall]Smith train coming!