Mr. College Football

By Dave

July 21, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Auburn/USF should be a much better game than MSU/WVU; the Mountaineers should roll over Mississippi State, while USF could surprise the Tigers.

By physicsDawg

July 21, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

WVU is a MUCH better team than USF, a joke in comparison. I believe the point of the list is the toughest teams the SEC faces, not the most entertaining matchups. I can see your distaining view of MSU’s chances against the Mountaineers

By tiger7_88

July 21, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Always gotta throw the dawgies at least one bone, eh, Tony? AJC’s gotta sell them papers.

OSU vs. UGa over FSU/Bama? Are you kidding me?

And NO game involving Mississippi State should even be anywhere close to a “best of” list! Holy crap!

How about Florida vs. Florida State?

If you MUST pick a UGa game, how about UGa vs. Ga Tech?

Kentucky had a decent team last year and Louisville will be in the pre-season Top Ten… how about Kentucky vs. Louisville?

How about a 9-win USF team at Auburn?

How about South Carolina vs. Clemson?

But you pick Oklahoma State vs. UGa and Mississippi State vs. WVU??!?!?!? C’mon Tony… ARE YOU FREAKIN’ KIDDING ME???!?!?!??

By tiger7_88

July 21, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

OK, I missed you comments about leaving out the traditional non-conference rivals. But still, no WAY MSU vs. WVU is a better non-conference matchup than USF vs. AU. Maybe you need a cup of coffee to wake you up.

By IceDawg

July 22, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

I would rather see USF vs. Auburn than the MSU game. I have no big beef w/anything else. USF was a bowl team last year and competed well in the big east - even beating upstart Rutgers. MSU has trouble competing in the SEC in most any game, so going to Morgantown and competing will be quite a tall order for them.

By JZ

July 22, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

God knows Tony had to get UGA in there…trash just like always Tony, Thanks for the wrong picks, terrible stories, and overall bad job that you do.

By Lane

July 22, 2007 4:28 AM | Link to this

Oklahoma State vs. Georgia Savage has 4.3 speed, gained 850 yards last year, while starting only 5 games. Reportedly, in better shape than last year after having played JC ball for 2 years.

The cowboys have 2/3 guys from georgia on their squad.

Savage should be exciting to watch.

By AL

July 22, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this

If someone doesn’t think UGA vs. OKST is not a good matchup simply doesn’t know football. Florida v Florida State is always a good game. I think the idea is some fresh games. However, thats hard to explain to some people. MSST VS WVU is interesting because Crooms needs to prove some stuff this year. That is an interesting game MSST speed on defense against WVU speed on offense. USC V Clms UGA vs Ga.Tech we always talk about there tiger 69_7 or whatever. But like I said it’s hard to explain to some people but I guess I will try one more time.

By Buck in the NW

July 22, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

Tony, still don’t “thunk it” but the Dawgs “O” win have to carry the “D” until they grow up a little. I really said that but I believe it’s true. Some of my Dawgs Nation friends think I’m wrong but Ican see the “Pokes” putting in the twenty’s on the board. Our “OL” will start out OK.and end up as very, very good. Dawgs 34-24.

By Bayou Tiger

July 22, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

Tony…

I think you do an outstanding job reporting on college football; however. labeling Virginia Tech as a team “quite capable of winning the ACC” is hardly a comment. LSU will destroy VT in Baton Rouge as its defense will maul that QB, whoever they trot out. Further, the ACC is a trash league compared to the SEC. Case in point: last game of ‘06 season: Georgia, in a down year, beats a GT team headed for a New Years Day bowl; secondly, South Carolina - SOUTH CAROLINA! - beats Clemson. ‘Nuff said. GEAUX TIGERS!

By Jimmy Patrick

July 22, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

Great article,no matter what some fans think. Anyway, just wanted to remind you and all the fans, that Alltel Stadium no longer exists. It is now Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. At least for now. Alltel had a good thing for a while, but actually didn’t want to pay the going rates for name recognition on a major stadium.

By Big Dawg

July 22, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

Tony great article and I think all of these games will be interesting. As for those who think differently that is your right to have a different opinion. BTW I think GA will surprise a lot of people this year on both offense and defense. As for Miss. ST. they will be a lot better this year as they improved during the season last year, will it show in the Win column only God knows that. AL vs FSU both of these teams have been down over the last several years but I expect them both to be a lot better and for this to be a close and hard fought game. As for LSU vs VT,this game reminds me of 2004 when VT traveled to LA and played the mighty USC Trojans. They came within an eyelash of beating them and in my opinion out played them. I believe LSU will win but they had not take VT lightly like some of their fans are. As for Tennessee vs. Cal this game like the GA. vs. OK ST game the so called experts are picking against the SEC and that is a BIG mistake. Go Dawgs and go SEC

By Greg

July 22, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

PhysicsDawg, WVU is a much better team than USF? You do realize USF whipped WVU in Morgantown last year and almost beat them the year before as well.

By Kent

July 22, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

I’m shocked georgia even put a game on their schedule they could lose. Not typical of georgia at all. Typically while Tennessee is playing Notre Dame or Miami georgia is playing Georgia Southern or some other patsy!

By kriddi

July 22, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

WVU is better than USF? Didn’t Usf beath WVU last season?

By Drew

July 22, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

I guess Kent (i.e. Mr. Tennessee Waterfall) must still be upset that his Vols weren’t even bowl elligible two years ago….must be tough sitting at home in December and January having to watch everyone else play huh?

By cdawg

July 22, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

hey kent you ignorant redneck 1)when has tenn hillbillies ever played miami????…2)boy u played notre dame they sure were tough werent they (not even ranked both years u played them..go crawl in your hillbilly hole and read your own paper and not one alooted for georgia fans

By Uga fan

July 22, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I know we’ve had a few discipline problems but at least we are not Georgia Tech. Can you believe this Tickle Pile controversy?

By Chris

July 22, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

cdawg do you read your comments before you post them? Can you spell, use punctuation, or grammer? Your UGA diploma must have been printed on a handicap parking sticker.

By TrueFan

July 22, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Just a few points to ANYONE that can read.. 1st the point of the aricle was about the SEC scheduling non-patsies (not which SEC team is less deserving) and the 5 teams TB mentioned certainly are not patsies .. 2nd EVERYONE in the SEC schedules patsies (no matter your team or year)and those who can go out and play someone of note are to be commended but those who do schedule less than a scrimmage opponent need not have to feel bad about doing so (hello pot…I’m kettle).. and last point is that sooner or later we ALL in the SEC will break out of our comfort zone soon..some already have like Vandy going to the Big House last season,Tenn going to Cal, MSU going to Morgantown this season and even my Dawgs opening the 2008 season in Tempe .. Great work TB and everyone KNOWS the SEC is King of the college football world!

By Micheal

July 22, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

cdawg, your English is atrocious. Tennessee played Miami in a home and home about 4 years ago. The second year we played Notre Dame in our last series they went to the Fiesta Bowl so they weren’t that bad. We are doing the Cal series now and we have future home and homes scheduled with Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA, and N.C. State. Plus, there is talk of assing USC (and I am not referring to South Carolina.) I don’t think you can criticize UT’s out of conference schedule as it is consistently the toughest in the SEC.

By SEC is Football

July 22, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

UGA Fan….I keep reading these tickle pile comments on these AJC blogs and I think it is almost comical since there were published pictures of your beloved Matthew “The Chosen One” Stafford spooning the back up QB. Seems that is a little more incriminating and embarrassing!!

By Sautee Dawg

July 22, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

How about Georgia-Ga Tech.

seems like this game should have chosen as a top game non-conference.

always a good game.

By austindog

July 22, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Kent, maybe if your AD had some brains you could win an SEC title sometime. There’s a strategy to scheduling non conference games that TN has yet to grasp. Florida played Southern Miss, UCF, and then Western Carolina, in late November, last year. No one remembers those games, but it got them the wins and the rest needed to play Ohio State.

But why am I even explaining this to you, TN is playing Arkansas State, Southern Miss, and Louisian Lafayette this year. Go get your shine box.

By joe

July 22, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Yes, Okey St. with their 400+ yards of offense will RUN all over Ugeehay with all those holes in the defense; and with the offensive line in bad shape, Stafford’s britches will be green by halftime. MARK IT DOWN!!!

By heeldawg

July 22, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

These are some good games, but Auburn vs USF is going to be a good one, as well—probably a much better game than West Va vs MSU. And Georgia-Okla State vs Alabama-FSU is a tossup. I’d pick the former only because I expect that Georgia and Oklahoma State will both win 9 or more games this season. With FSU, that number is attainable, but I’d be surprised if the Tide can muster even 8 wins this year. And both FSU and Alabama were mediocre last season. Georgia and Oklahoma State at least finished strong, winning their bowl games.

By NASCARfan

July 22, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

You wanna know how I know Georgia is going to win this game big? Because EVERYONE from the national media outlets (ESPN, SI, TSN, etc.) is picking them to lose.

Just like in 2003 against Clemson. Final Score? Georgia wins, 30 - 0!

Just like in 2005 against Boise State. Final Score? Georgia wins, 43 - 13!

Every two years, a the national media thinks Georgia will lose it’s first game to a non-conference opponent who’s going to beat Georgia to “prove” they’ve taken the next step into competing for BCS bowls. Amazing how it’s always against Georgia that these teams have to “prove” themselves. In these years, the national media outlets always tell us that Georgia will lose because of all they’ve lost to graduation and the draft. In 2003, it was the defense and the o-line. In 2005, it was the two David’s and their leadership. Now, once again, it’s the o-line and the front seven on defense. It is absolutely amazing how idiots like Ivan Maisel, Stew Mandel, and Kirk Herbstreit never learn from history.

What’s history tell us is going to happen? A 30-point BEATDOWN!!!

Well, it’s 2007. A team with a flashy offense and ABSOLUTELY NO DEFENSE is coming into Athens to “prove” it belongs with the big boys. Final Score? Georgia wins, 48 - 18.

BELIEVE BEE-YOTCHES!!! (and Pokies)

By Haze Gray

July 22, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Too bad half of the comments come from idiot’s that didn’t read the fore word. Must be playing with their foreskin. Roll Tide.

By physicsDawg

July 22, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

I retract my earlier statement about USF vs. WVU. I did not remember their game last year. However, keep in mind Tony’s statement about purposefull excluding traditional games like UGA-GT, USC-Clem, UF-FSU, etc. Those games are not subject to AD’s yearly scheduling choices. I will say, with no particular good will intended, That the Vols seem to me to schedule harder teams than many: ND, Cal, and others mentioned.

By Big Dawg

July 22, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Greg and kriddi,

USF did beat WV last year, but the Mountaineers were not at full strength due to injuries. Both Steve Slaton and White were hurt, Slaton missed the game altogether while White played hurt and thus wasn’t his explosive self.

By My View

July 22, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Some of you should do us all a favor and read the article before you submit a post. Tony clearly stated that he was going to leave out the traditional rivalries. I for one am looking forward to the MSSU vs WVU match up. I always like to see the SEC matched against some of the top teams. Just further solidifies us as the power conference when we win those games.

By My View

July 22, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Some of you should do us all a favor and read the article before you submit a post. Tony clearly stated that he was going to leave out the traditional rivalries. I for one am looking forward to the MSSU vs WVU match up. I always like to see the SEC matched against some of the top teams. Just further solidifies us as the power conference when we win those games. Even if it is those other Bulldogs.

By Bill

July 22, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Love reading what all you Bulldog fans think about the Dawgs….I think most of you are in LA LA LAND…..the Dawgs just can’t get it done,,,,have a good head coach but talent is always over—-rated…..just sit back and enjoy the season….fourth place is not that bad…

By Bill

July 22, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Love reading what all you Bulldog fans think about the Dawgs….I think most of you are in LA LA LAND…..the Dawgs just can’t get it done,,,,have a good head coach but talent is always over—-rated…..just sit back and enjoy the season….fourth place is not that bad…

By Bill

July 22, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Love reading what all you Bulldog fans think about the Dawgs….I think most of you are in LA LA LAND…..the Dawgs just can’t get it done,,,,have a good head coach but talent is always over—-rated…..just sit back and enjoy the season….fourth place is not that bad…

By masivatack

July 22, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Chris, next time you choose to insult someones intelligence, try to spell things correctly… Ist G-R-A-M-M-A-R, say it with me… GRAMMAR. Allright go home and practice that 50 times and then come back and critique other peoples intelligence. What is your diploma printed on, or did you get one. Retard.

By McDonoughDawg

July 22, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

I suppose you think that 3 SEC East Titles, and 2 SEC Titles in the Richt’s time at UGA isn’t “getting it done”.

Wow, I can’t wait until the real smart people start posting.

By Matt

July 22, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

LSU over VT Tenn over Cal Georgia over Okie State Bama over FSU WVU over Miss State

By SamoanDawg

July 22, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

These are all good games.

I’m pulling for all the SEC teams to win, until we scrap it up, of course.

LSU 34 VT 18

UT 35 Cal 30

GA 41 OSU 23

MSU 22 WV 20… yes, I’m pulling an upset here, if their QB stays healthy. WV lost too many on D and they have to replace some key guys on o-line. MSU will be much improved from last season.

By hamdawg

July 23, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

In case everyone’s forgotten, USF defeated WVU last year…in Morgantown! USF could do it on the Plains this year!

My, my…how soon we forget….

By DBW

July 23, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this

How about that Auburn Tiger’s non-conference matchups? Now that is some tough scheduling!

By Josh

July 23, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

I think Tennessee can handle Cal.

LSU and VT both feature incredible defenses. Even in the Georgia game last year, any defense is going to crumble when your offense turns the ball over 4 times in one half. I think it’ll be closer than people realize.

MSU does not beat West Virginia. The only way to beat West Virginia is to have your defense slow them down while having your offense perform at their peak. I can’t see MSU putting up a fight.

The key to Oklahoma State vs. UGA is how quickly UGA’s defense grows up. In an offensive shoot out, I think Oklahoma State will take it. Stafford did have an issue with interceptions last year and if he has to press he might make a mistake.

And honestly…I really dont know how to root for with Alabama vs. FSU.

By Bob

July 23, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Kent - BE SHOCKED. New A.D. - new gameplan. Be shocked when UGA travels to the West Coast next year to play Arizona State at home. Be shocked when UGA travels to OK State and plays Arizona State at home in 09 - thats right, Big 12, Pac 10, AND ACC (Ga Tech) in one year. Are you shocked? Want more? Be shocked when UGA travels to Colorado in 2010. Be shocked when UGA begins a home and home with Louisville in 2011. Answer the door Pac 10, Big 12, and Big East, its the SEC knocking …

By austindog

July 23, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Who is TN’s traditional non conference rivalry game against? There isn’t one. Georgia plays GT, Florida plays FSU, put TN has to scrounge up new prominent major conference teams to play, and then boast every time they come up with a home&home against a team we’ve heard of.

By Dawg19

July 23, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Well said austindog. UT fans need to get in touch with reality…one tough game and 3 cupcakes {SMiss, Ark St., LA Laf} does not make your schedule tougher.

Instead of criticizing other SEC teams out of conference schedules, we should be applauding teams that add foes from the pac10, big10, big12, acc, and big east. It gives the SEC a chance to once and for all prove its SUPERIORITY to the other mediocre conferences. I for one am rooting for all SEC teams to win their out of conference games against the big conferences this year.

By gdawginkalamazoo

July 23, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

austindog, doesn’t UT play Memphis on a yearly basis or did they drop them after they almost lost?

By austindog

July 23, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

The Vols only dare play Memphis once in a while. No game scheduled this year.

By Rusty Banks

July 24, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

There’s no way UGA/Ok St. is a better matchup than FSU/Bama. I can not wait to have a play on this game.

• Rusty

http://www.rustybanks.com

By mcdawg

July 24, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

i’m scared-that boise st. i mean that oklahoma state offense is going to run all over us-keep up the hype-have no fear the underdawgs are here!!!

By mdbatl

July 24, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Good post Bob- everyone forgets our future schedules. We also play series vs. Oregon in the future, as well as renewing the rivalry with Clemson for a few games in a few years (2011 and 2012?). And, in defense of the Colorado game last year, Georgia scheduled them when the were winning their division, not losing to Montana State.

By Buck in the NW

July 24, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Joch most of Staffords ints were from forcing the issue. The last 3 games showed that he knows it’s OK to punt. He was itercepted 1 time in the last 3 games so I don’t think that will be a big issue. He’ll throw some but not like last season. He’s the leader of the team and his team mates know what he wants because he’ll tell them. In spite of what others are saying, don’t be supprised if he’s not the QB of the year. He and Bobo are on the same page and the “O” has been built around him. Let others underestimate him because the other Coaches aren’t.

By gdawginkalamazoo

July 24, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

I would have to say that the best OC match up is the Bama/FSU game. That one will be big time.

By gdawginkalamazoo

July 24, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

BTW, IMO LSU rips VaTech. I don’t think MSU can stop Slaton and White if they are healthy. UT rips California. And if our defense can contain OSU at all we have a good shot of beating the Cowboys. Defense will win or lose this game for us.

By Big Dawg

July 24, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

IMO 1. In a very close game LSU will beat VT 2. TN will beat Cal who seems to find ways to lose the big games. 3. GA will beat OK St similar game as Boise State in 2005. 4. AL will beat FSU in a very close game, FSU has a very good defense but no offense. AL has a very good offense but won’t be as strong on defense as in past years. 5. WV will beat MSU but it won’t be a blowout like most people are thinking.

By Top Dawg

July 24, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Go Dawgs!!!

By john

July 25, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

ok state vs ga at # 3??????????????? That is a joke a and a disgrace. This paper is so biased it is utterly amazing.

By nolan

July 25, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

it is comical to have UGA- OK state at number three. What about AU vs a 9 win USF team. What about FL-FSU????????? And to have Ga-ok state about Bama-FSU??? Get a clue mr. Barnhart.

By austindog

July 25, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

john or nolan, whichever you are, your 2 posts in 3 minutes say the same things both with the multiple ??????s. Get a life with the multiple handles and read the article which specifically mentions FL-FSU.

By Matty P

July 25, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

I just had a moment of glee thinking about tailgating in Athens and it got me so excited about this season. Argue all you want but the beauty of it all is that football is almost here!!! My first season as a graduate will be memorable to say the least. I’m not scared of any cowboys, that’s for sure. Go DAWGS!!!!

By Charlie

July 25, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Nascar fan you are a complete moron. Even though you and the rest of the dawg nation consider yourself “experts” severly overrating the pups every year you should leave this one up to the real experts. There is a reason they are picking ok st to beat UGA. UGA IS GOING TO BE AN AVERAGE AT BEST TEAM THIS YEAR. Outside of the top 25 in one poll and barley in the other one at seasons end and not much will change this year. I wonder why the pups were one of the worst in the SEC in number of players on the presason 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams??? Ok state has a much better chance of blowing out the pups than vice versa. Will be a close game but 24-21 ok state. Then the pups will begin the season 0-2 when spurrier finally finishes against you idiots and beats the dawgs 21-17.

By RedDawg

July 25, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

to tiger_67, of course UGA-Okst is a better match up than FSU-ALA. First, UGA is way a better team than either FSU or Ala and OkSt is definitely a better team than Ala. The old days of ala and FSU are gone, dont u realize that they are average teams now!!!

By GloryGlory

July 25, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait until Charlie watches the dog crush the cowboys in Athens. It all sounds so familar. The Dogs will lose to Boise b/c the Dogs can not handle the Bronco’s offense. I hope we end this season in Atlanta as well.

By andrew

July 25, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Red dawg you are a complete joke. UGA is a better team than FSU or BAMA???? Please enlighten me. It is amazingly funny that you call those two average teams and think the dawgies are all that. Fact of the matter is FSU is going to be VERY good this year and should contend for the ACC. As for BAMA they will win at least eight games which is more than your convicts up in Athens will be able to say this year. You are a joke my friend and pretty much just sum up the stupidity of the dawg nation. I can not wait until September 1st to start hearing all the b*** and moaning from the dawg nation trying to explain another home loss to an average football team.

By Bill W.

July 25, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Charlie and Andrew, clearly you aren’t Dawg fans. As a Dawg fan I can appreciate talent. FSU hasn’t been the same since Richt left. What happened the last time UGA & FSU faced off by the way? Also, what happened the last two times time the Tide faced off with UGA? I am worried about OK State however there are pre season rankings for a reason. We shall see.

By Regan

July 25, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

there is no doubt that the dawgs will end up in Atl this year glory glory. After all the peach bowl is nothing to be ashamed of.

By Matt

July 25, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Didn’t the USF Blazers beat WVU last year?

By Gen Neyland

July 25, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

All UT’s rivalries are based in the SEC, East and West. The state of Tennessee borders many states that offer intrastate rivalries. UKY, UAL, UAR, UGA. In state, Vandy, which has the balls to remain SEC ( GT, you listening ? ). And if one wishes to dine on cupcakes, please refer yourselves to your own programs menu. Looked awfully sweet last year and this one too…Finally schedule a decent opener and you’d think this has been policy since Butts…

ZOO- Fulmer doesn’t wish to play MEM. Too much to lose and nothing to gain…That’s why CAL is on the menu and UCLA will be on next year’s. Win or lose or play close, you gain…Playing notable programs, ( see Arkansas—USC ) can only benefit.

By masivatack

July 25, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Andrew,

Georgia has been better that FSU & Alabama for the past several seasons. Even in a down year last year. Why not this year?

For your Enlightenment…

2006: UGA - 9-4 - AP#23 ALA - 7-6 - NR FSU - 7-6 - NR

2005: UGA - 10-3 - AP#10 ALA - 10-2 - AP#8 FSU - 8-5 - AP#23

2004: UGA - 10-2 - AP#7 ALA - 6-6 - NR FSU - 9-3 - AP#15

2003: UGA - 11-3 - AP#7 ALA - 4-9 - NR FSU - 10-3 - AP#11

2002: UGA - 12-1 - AP#3 ALA - 10-3 - AP#?? FSU - 9-4 - AP#?? (For some odd reason the rivals AP rankings page only showed the top 10 or so for this year)

So only once in the past 5 years have either of these teams had a better record & ranking (one loss and two spots on the AP poll) than georgia. So 9 out of ten times, Georgia was better. Now if you are talking about 50 years ago, I can see your point.

Georgia is the better team today. Period. And they are going to get even better with their solid recruiting and coaching.

By George

July 25, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Yea bill you are right UGA does have just LOADS of talent (what a joke). But you are right that the pre seaseon rankings are meant for something. Look at the first, second, and third team offense, defense, and special team rankings and look how few dogs are on the lists compared to other SEC schools. This is for one reason and one reason only. GEORGIA SIMPLY DOES NOT HAVE MUCH TALENT PERIOD. Cant despute the facts and the facts will be proven with 9 wins at most for the dawgs this season and just another average at best season.

By Bill W.

July 25, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

George, did you read masivatack’s stats the he listed-

2006: UGA - 9-4 - AP#23

2005: UGA - 10-3 - AP#10

2004: UGA - 10-2 - AP#7

2003: UGA - 11-3 - AP#7

2002: UGA - 12-1 - AP#3

Not sure what your definiton of mediocrity is but being ranked in the top 10 in the post season 4 out of the last 5 seasons doesn’t tell me that we have been low on talent. Your comment, “another average at best season.” Check the stats that I just cut/pasted and tell me how many “average at best” seasons we have had in the past 5 or 6 years. SEC Champs in ‘02 and ‘05 and East Champs in ‘04. Who is your team? The Indianapolis Colts?? By the way the Dawgs are pre season #16 according to Athlon and others.

By masivatack

July 25, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

George…

Experience and Talent are two separate things. Georgia Redshirted Like 15-20 players last year from a top 5 recruiting class. If we don’t have much talent, then why do we keep crankin out Pro-Bowl NFL Players.

The reason we do not have a ton of Pre-Season All americans is because we are so young. Generally these preseason rankings are taking the best players from a previous year and assuming they will be even better next year. With the talent we have had over the past 10 years or so on the defensive side of the ball (See Champ Bailey, Charles Grant, Richard Seymore, Marcus Stroud, David Pollack, Charles Johnson, Quentin Moses, Paul Oliver, Sean Jones, Thomas Davis, Boss Bailey, Greg Blue, Odell Thurman (all personality issues considered), etc, at least 2-3 of these TALENTED but INEXPERIENCED freshmen defensive players will mature into great players if not All-Americans.

I still need to see more from our offense before I start claiming any major accolades for them, but to be very honest and objective. The proof of our talent lies in the NFL. Only a very few teams can boast better….

By Tider

July 25, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Who would even suggest that GA vs GT would be a top non-conference game? As I am sure that it once was, but GA has more to worry about in its own conference. That rivalry to Ga has come and gone, but maybe not to GT fans. They have yet to find a way to beat GA in the last…..what is it? 6 years?

By austindog

July 25, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Neyland, but the point remains, Georgia has an annual out of conference game against a high profile, top 35 team every year in GT. Tenn does not. So scheduling one single interesting matchup a year against Cal or ND does not equate to beefing up the schedule. We all still get our 3 cupcakes to eat.

The only reason UT scheduled games in California this year and next was to entice Jimmy Clausen.

By RedDawg

July 25, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

to Andrew and the rest of retarded anti Georgia clowns. I really don’t feel the need to argue, and explain to you why Georgia is much much better team than FSU and Bama. However, I want to tell you one thing, if your home is made of glass don’t throw stones on the neighbors. wake up,I don’t know what you are smoking but the truth is FSU and BAMA are average teams at most. you are in denial and Georgia will prove it to you when visiting Bama this season. I expect Georgia to be very special this season

By Gen Neyland

July 25, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

austindog

With UT’s final schedule rank of 4th in the nation in 2006, I’d say we’re respectable above and beyond. UGA was at 24th…The point remains, last year’s regular season, we lost to UF ( NC ), LSU ( BCS contender and Notre pounder ) and Arkansas ( SEC West Champion )…and no, scheduling out west was not to entice Clausen the III… We’ve scheduled with UCLA off and on for years. I recall a match up home and home back in the 90’s…In 2008, we’ll open with UAB, then UCLA…

and please, austindog, I understand Tech gets up for UGA. I know all about the rich history of GT football, but high profile..? Maybe. On a national level, this is a good matchup. In state, it’s the only show in town. I see it as SEC vs ACC. To me, it’s GO SEC when those two meet. To you, it’s bigger…Actually, Tech should be better without Johnson and Ball…This year’s UGA—Tech game may have national implications, at least for UGA…

By JP

July 27, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

You nailed it- LSU vs. Va. Tech!