AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia’s loss was no surprise
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five things we learned from the second weekend of the college football season.
1. Georgia’s loss was no surprise: We were all guilty of reading too much into the opening win over Oklahoma State. The fact is, the problems we thought Georgia would have this season are still there. The offensive line is young and if Matt Stafford spends a lot of time throwing off his back foot, the Bulldogs are simply not going to be that effective. The defensive front seven still has a lot of work to do. Steve Spurrier’s game plan had them off balance all night and in the fourth quarter the Georgia defense was gassed and Spurrier was able to burn some clock by running it up the gut. Georgia has a nice team, but they have to play really smart if they are going to win. They didn’t play smart on Saturday.
2. LSU is No. 1: When this season started, I was skeptical about LSU as a national championship contender. With the loss of four first-round draft choices, including the No. 1 overall pick in QB JaMarcus Russell, I didn’t believe LSU could navigate an SEC schedule that includes Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, and Virginia Tech. After watching LSU beat Virginia Tech 48-7, I now believe the Tigers are the best team in the country. If an undefeated LSU plays an undefeated Southern Cal for the national championship in New Orleans, it could be a game for the ages.
3. Lloyd Carr is done: I hate it when people throw a coach under the bus in September. But facts are facts. A coach knows he’s at the end of trail when his players fail to respond to him. And after Michigan’s players got their manhood challenged by Appalachian State on Sept. 1, they responded by laying an equally big egg against Oregon. Carr has to take the responsibility for this because his name is on the door where it says “Head Coach.” But it’s not all his fault. If I’m a player at Michigan, I’m having a hard time looking in the mirror this morning. Playing for Michigan is supposed to mean something. If Bo Schembechler were still here, he would be lighting a fire under some Wolverine butts this morning.
4. Auburn’s offense is just not very good: You keep thinking that sooner or later Auburn will finally figure out some things on offense. But apparently we just have to conclude that the Auburn attack is just not very good. It was bad enough when Auburn couldn’t score any points, but at least they protected the ball. Now they are turning the ball over. QB Brandon Cox is playing like a rookie instead of a fifth-year senior and that’s probably because he’s gun shy after getting beat up for two years. Auburn was lucky to get to overtime against South Florida. You just can’t turn the ball over five times and expect to win. Offensive coordinator Al Borges got a lot of credit when Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown were running all over the place in 2004 and deservedly so. But Borges needs to come up with some answers or make some changes in a hurry. The Tigers go to Florida on Sept. 29.
5. Clemson has a chance: In the final five games of last season Clemson’s opponents put eight in the box on defense because they believed quarterback Will Proctor could not throw the ball well enough to hurt them. They were right. Redshirt junior Cullen Harper showed things might be different this season as he threw five touchdown passes against Louisiana-Monroe. Yes, the competition wasn’t very good but it does show that Harper has some promise. And if Clemson just has an okay passing game, they will be in the ACC Atlantic race until the very end.
Comments
By The new old ball coach
September 10, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Advantage Carolina.
Saturdays game may be the beginning of a realignment in the SEC East that a lot of folks predicted when Steve Spurrier returned to college coaching.With Tennessee and Georgia returning to less than otherworldly status,there is an opening for the Gamecocks to move up the pecking order for better bowls,more TV exposure and (the lifeblood of any serious program) blue chip recruits.In fact,a case could be made that this was the biggest win for Carolina since Spurrier moved into Lou Holtz’s old office in late 2004.
This one felt different. It wasn’t trickery and plays drawn in the dirt that beat the Dogs,it was old fashioned smash mouth football with a punishing ground game (especially late in the 4th quarter) that showed just how well The Old Ball Coach has recruited since arriving in Columbia.I believe that this reinforces the notion that when he has a great ground game (noticeably lacking when he arrived),Spurrier can beat anybody.(For all of his Fun & Gun antics in Gainesville,Spurrier always had a near 50/50 run /pass ratio) .
As for the Dogs,everything we knew before the season was wrong.The SEC East is by no means out of reach,but the trip to Tuscaloosa in two weeks looms large.Lose that one and it’s going to be look out below.If the offensive line can’t protect MS and the receivers can’t catch and hold on to the ball,it’ll be a long season.Not to belabor the obvious,but not finding the goal line is a BIG problem.3’s won’t beat TD’s.Not in the SEC.
By Roswell Ed
September 10, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
Referees gave that game to South Florida. Now I know why the Bammers only gave 38 cents a person to the Minnesota bridge relief fund, they bought the refs in our game Saturday night!
By Jim
September 10, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Ed Loser-
I heard Lowder was fueling up the jet to go find another coach. What happened Saturday did you stop printing those Sociology diplomas?
Pretty funny comment about the referees…I thought you were going to say it was Bama’s fault. I’m sure it’s not just because you stink.
By joe
September 10, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
For those of you ready to write off UGA, don’t forget about last year losing 4 of 5, then rebounding to wind the last 3 over ranked teams to have a good year, so all is not lost. At the same time, one win over UGA does not move USC past TN, nor past UF in the east. Those two play this coming weekend and will show the rest of the SEC east who is best…the winner ends up in Atlanta. Lastly, Auburn was lucky to have even gotten to OT. If USF had a kicker, they would have lost by 12 in regulation…and the refs had nothing to do with that.
By David-ATL14
September 10, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
What a glorious weekend! A big boot of reality for both the whiners at UGA and Tubbyville.
Both schools lost with aplomb. Both are middling SEC teams.
By JB
September 10, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
The ole Ball coach just can’t win and go home. Most coach’s, not just Richt WOULD NOT go on TV the next day and say ” WE knew we would win, we didn’t expect much out of them. ETC ETC.” What is wrong with that classless B*******. His day will come, soon, and it will be dressed in Yellow with LSU on the helments. I hope he Doesn’t choke on that Tiger. Now, About our DAWGS, We are young and I will Agree with someone who said on a Blog Sunday the CMR is not a very good game day coach.We seem to stick with plays that don’t work to long, and we dropped another TD pass late in the game AGAIN ! PREDICTION: Falcons go 4-12 this year and 6-10 next year and ole Bobby will take whatever College job is open, Maybe Auburn.
By biggest patsy of the year
September 10, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
I thing uGA might “wind” (look Joe) against the western (NC) team! LOL!!!
By JB
September 10, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Well, Mr. David-ATL14, What loser program ( I bet TECH OR CAROLINA) did you just hurt yourself jumping on a bandwagon. I would bet all the money in the world that UGA AND AUBURN will be kicking BUTT again long after your little flirt with success is over. The SUN will shine on TECH this year,and then it will be back to 6-6, where you belong. But maybe since your New AD just redefined success for us, maybe 8-4 will be the target.
By Ed
September 10, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
The refs beat Auburn? How about 5 turnovers? The refs did not score any points or make any tackles. I am sure there are mistakes, however come on, 5 freaking turnovers!
By Eric
September 10, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
The Gamecocks eased the blow for me just a little. Thanks Spurrier. War Eagle!!!!! anyway. It’ll get better.
By Pat
September 10, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
It looks pretty clear that UGa, SC, Auburn, Tenn, Ark, Ky. Bama, etc. are playing for 3rd place in the SEC behind LSU and Florida.
By Todd
September 10, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
I think uga will put it together sept 22nd agains Alabama.We have some things to work on and they will get it done,nothing is never what it seems.OH!,And I predicted that auburn loss. South Florida is no joke.
By Wm .
September 10, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Auburn complaining about the refs? Did you watch either of Auburn’s first two games? They lost because they are not that good this year. The got lucky to beat K-State (with 2 minutes left, if K-State doesn’t rough the punter, they take the ball and the game) and the luck ran out against USF.
By Roswell Ed
September 10, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Bizzaro Roswell Ed that is actually a pretty good post and you got the BOLD right.
You are learning grasshopper.
I have no issue with Bammer. I’m an equal opportuniity blogger. I’m just as likely to make fun of the NERDs, the DAWGED nation, the JORT wearing Gators or the BAMMERS.
Truth be known I come from a mixed family. Half Bammer and half AU. I was born(Ga Bapt) and raised(Tucker) in Atl and so I never experienced the full AU/Bammer hate thing. My least favorite team is the Dawged Nation. Has one team ever gotten as much run out of one man(Walker) than the Dawged Nation?
That being said…. a wise man once said:
Not every Bammer is a redneck, but
every redneck is a Bammer.
Even you have to admit that the 92,000 raving idiots that showed up for the SPRING GAME and only raised $35,000 is pretty embarassing.
Collectors overwhelmed or not. Bammer fans were so intent on jock sniffing that day that nothing else in the world mattered.
“Look ma I think I see Satan over there on the sidelines.” Ain’t he prettty?
“I could be wrong but is that a halo over his head?”
AU:
Referees were not the problem Sat night.
Cox looks like a deer in headlights.
Fannin would drop a tar baby.
Our receivers couldn’t catch a cold.
It’s not pretty.
UGA:
You may want to wait another week or two before you anoint your savior Stafford.
Who is your receiver coach? Looks to me like he takes filet and turns it into cow $h]t.
USC:
Has there EVER been a better coach than Spurrier?
He can beat you with his team. You could switch sidelines with him and he could beat you with your team.
Hell I wouldn’t bet agianst him with my kid’s 5-6 yr old team.
By Chase
September 10, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
FLORIDA HAS PLAYED NOBODY!!!
And how in the Hell is VATECH a team that UGA beat last year, a team who barely beat ECU, a team who lost by 41 FREAKIN’ POINTS, and has the same 1-1 record as UGA be ranked 7 SPOTS AHEAD of them!
THE POLLS ARE RIDICULOUS!!!!!!
By Andy Patterson
September 10, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Tough loss for my Dawgs. I am still not sold on Willie Martinez. Is the word BLITZ even in his vocabulary?
By Cocky38
September 10, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Love him or hate him..he is dawggone gud!!This years surprise team USC Gamecocks!!!
By Ed
September 10, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
The head coach gets all the credit, but the fact is the Georgia defensive coordinator out-genuised the “Evil Genuis” 3 years running now, unless Spurrier is happy to be 1-2 against Georgia at SC and scoring a COMBINED 33 points in 3 games. This is the same guy who once bragged about hanging “half a hundred” on Georgia in a single game. Fact is, when our defense holds a team to 16 points, we should win. Period. The fact that we didn’t reflects favorably on the SC defense. From what I hear, Spurrier isn’t involved that much with the defensive side of things.
Spurrier, once again, has been humbled as a play caller. He ought to give his outstanding defensive coordinator all of the credit, because that’s the man who beat Georgia this year. That’s the man who has made life tough for Georgia the last three years, not Spurrier’s mediocre offense. His SC offense looks a lot more like his Redskins offense than his UF offense, at least against the Dawgs the past three years. Spurrier is still the man Georgia hung a “goose egg” on in Columbia last year, and this year wasn’t a whole lot better.
And he can talk smack all he wants, but don’t think deep down Spurrier doesn’t know this. I bet it kills him that he hasn’t been able to break 20 points in three games against Georgia. I bet that goose egg in Columbia will stick in his craw for the rest of his career.
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 10, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
new old ball coach, glad you like your chances. Out of the last 6 games you got one Saturday night. Now you guys win the SEC title because you beat us?
Tony, Les Miles will be in the maize and blue next year count on that. It is in his contract and this is Carr’s last year for sure.
By LB
September 10, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
If the past two weeks are not enough to prove just how worthless pre-season polls are, I don’t know what would do it! They’re a joke!!!
As a Bama fan, I have to agree with ol’ Tub - No polls until October!
Yeah, Bama beat Vandy better than most folks thought, but they’ve got a long way to go. Like Stafford and Cox, JPW had an awful day and he was able to get away with it, but he can’t afford it this week against the Hogs.
I’m encouraged with the improvement I’ve seen in the Tide so far. With two more years of vastly improved recruiting and coaching under Saban, I think we’ll be competing for the SEC title in 2009. And maybe the National title in 2010. (Hey, I’m a fan, I’m allowed to be optimistic.)
ROLL TIDE!
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 10, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Ed, that 66’ game against UGA still sticks in his craw! LMAO! And that goose egg sure as hell does. That’s why he has to come out and start talking smack like he is.
By Erk
September 10, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
gdawginkalamazoo, you’re exactly right. Spurrier will never get over that whipping he took from UGA when QB at Florida. Great game Carolina but you will not go through this conference undefeated, so don’t start getting all delusional.
By Ed
September 10, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
gdawg, I think the ‘66 game is still the reason why Spurrier - no matter what he does as a coach - will always have a bad taste in his mouth when it comes to UGA. No matter what he does as a coach, he’ll never have an SEC title as a player. I’ve heard it said that the loss to Georgia ruined Spurrier’s Heisman season, at least in his mind.
But really - if Spurrier had any class, he’d admit that the UGA defensive coordinators have outcoached him for three straight years, and that his d-coord., Tyrone Nix, is the REAL reason SC beat the Dawgs this year and made it tough for us the previous two. In fact, Georgia has never been able to figure out Nix’s defenses for some reason. He could coordinate Temple’s defense and still make Georgia look bad.
From what I’ve seen, Georgia solved Spurrier’s offense a long time ago. He didn’t exactly light it up against Georgia his last year at Florida, either. He didn’t do much against Louisiana-Lafayette in the first game of this season. He might want to get control of his side of the ball before he does too much trash talking, because there’s a lot more football to be played this season.
By Dennis G. Berdanis
September 10, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
I think it is funny Spurrier bragging when his offense sucked as bad as ours (UGAs) and it was his defence led by Nix that beat us. And everyone knows Spurrier stays out of the defence so he can’t take credit for that.
By Paul Hamilton
September 10, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Since when did one win move South Carolina to the top of the SEC East. I’m sick of hearing everyone talk trash (including spurrier) about Georgia being everyone’s lap dawg all of a sudden. Has South Carolina ever won an SEC Championship???? I’ll be more than happy to listen to it at the end of the season. I can’t stand Florida, but they at least have the hardware to back up the trash talk. Georgia has 2 SEC Championships since 2000, along with LSU and Florida. We just won the SEC Championship only 2 years ago. I know Georgia has some idiot fans, many who are simply bandwagon guys, but Georgia should be respected. The football season just started!
By GT
September 10, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Tony got a bull’s eye with App State. Whatever he says for the rest of the year I’m all ears. South Florida may need a little more credit and Auburn a little less blame but he makes some good points even there.
By THE SPUR
September 10, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
TO JB AND ED:YOU JUST CAN’T STAND THE FACT WE KICKED YOUR BUTT AND THE DOGS SUCK.I EXPECT AS MUCH KNOWING HOW DOG FANS ACT IN PUBLIC.WOOF,WOOF THIS PUPPY DOG
By G8TR
September 10, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Facts are difficult things, UGA’ers. The Ball Coach merely stated the truth.. You can delude yourself (and buy Richt’s line) about what a great season finish you had last year. But losing to Vandy, KY and now USC, much less the programs that give you tough matches annually (UF, UT) puts you below the middle rung of the SEC East. If this is where Richt is taking you…and you’re satisfied with that…so be it. But when UF lost to MSU three years ago, midseason, the head coach (Zook) was fired the following week. The rest is history (no home losses since, SEC title, National Championship). That’s what’s known as not accepting mediocrity.
By BigGCock
September 10, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
What a bunch of sorry losers! WAKE-UP!
For all of that arrogant trash-talking I heard all week, you come back w/ Spurrier was outcoached by the UGA D-coordinator? Tell me one thing, did USC or Ugay score more points? I think the answer to that fundamental question should quiet a lot of sad puppies. SCar manhandled Ugay on BOTH lines of scrimmage so this was by no means a fluke game chumps!
UGAy has lost 5 straight SEC East games in a row.
Keep getting your top 10 recruiting classes and make sure that AJ Green lines up against us next year. Cause he will get worked by our Dbs…the same (SCar) secondary that has produced the most DBs than anyone in the SEC over the past 5 YEARS.
…That is if AJ stays committed to a school that hasn’t been able to coach up a WR in years.
By Atlanta Gator
September 10, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
No, it was still a bit of surprise, but any intelligent observer of college sports expected this to happen eventually. Give the Devil, er, the Evil Genius his due.
Damn. The Tigers ARE good, and they seem to be VERY good on both sides of the ball. Not looking forward to the UF-LSU game this year; if the Gators win the East, they can look forward to playing LSU again. I don’t see this very talented, but very young Gators team beating LSU twice.
Yup. Coach Carr is gone at season’s end, unless he retires mid-season. The Wolverines are too dignified to can him in the middle of the season, but, in fairness to a good coach, his team tanked on him against Oregon.
I don’t want to contribute any “bulletin board material” before this year’s AU-UF game, but I will simply point out that the only team in the country to beat the Gators during their BCS championship season did so on the strength of their defense, not their offense.
ACC? Football? Glad to hear that they’re still fielding varsity teams. If I were a Clemson fan, player or coach, I would review last Saturday’s results from Athens and prepare accordingly. The Evil Genius is best when he has a chip on his shoulder (e.g. the ‘66 UF-UGA game), and he has inherited a big one from Gamecock fans regarding Clemson’s long history of domination and abuse of USC (substitute CU for UGA; you get the picture).
I feel badly for my Dawg buddies, but from the perspective of this Gator, it’s fun to have the Evil Genius back in the league, even if SOS is the Head ‘C** now.
By crs
September 10, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Just no energy coming out of the gate Sat night by the dogs, one play told me we were in for a long night, seeing Ellerbe get cut from behind and not one teammate knocking the sc wr on his a*. Guys like Pollack and Thomas Davis never would have let that bs fly. Dogs have some work to do or 6-6 is very possible.
By KR
September 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
It was a typical, infuriating game for us Auburn fans. Anyone could tell that Cox wasn’t getting it done, but Tuberville and Borges refused to pull him and give someone else a shot. The offense was almost useless and the mistakes were horrible. 5 turnovers???!!!
Our defense did pretty well, in spite of our incompetent defensive coordinator Muschamp. Why could I predict what USF was going to run and he couldn’t?
The final straw was Tuberville burning the clock to get into overtime. I don’t know what he’s been watching the last decade, but Auburn DOES NOT do well in overtime.
At this rate, it’s going to be a long season on the Plains. I might be willing to chip in some gas money for Lowder’s jet…
WAR EAGLE!
By Erk
September 10, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
G8TR, First off, USC’s team this year is 100 times better than the MSU team that beat you. Secondly, I don’t think Zook came anywhere close to 2 SEC championships within the first 5 years like Richt. Got to look at the whole picture.
By Reverend
September 10, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Ya’ll better get right with the lord b/c apparently he’s comin since SCU beat UGA.
By Chase
September 10, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
GEORGIA IS THE WINNINGEST PROGRAM in the ENTIRE SEC OVER the LAST FIVE YEARS!!!
2 SEC TITLES and 3 Appearances in the last 5 SEASONS!
NOBODY CAN MATCH THAT! NOT EVEN FLORIDA! yes they had one great year but let’s see it over several years!
By crs
September 10, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
kr, your biggest problem is two freshmen playing significant time on the o-line. Cox is clearly scared right now to get hit much like Leak at Fl was a couple years ago. Problem is if you bring in one of the young guys they too will get hit, alot, and it may ruin their career by freaking them out. It will a soso season on the plains, bottom line though, a bunch of us right now are in the same boat, AU, UT, UGA, ARK are all decent but not great and AL, KEN, VAND are just a step off so there will be weeks our teams look great and weeks we pull our hair out. LSU is clearly the creme of the conference right now with FL a half step behind. They both just have accumulated more playmakers than the rest of us in the conference have right now.
By polskidawg
September 10, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
1. Georgia’s loss was no surprise: Agreed. The offensive line will be a work in-progress all year, regardless of how poor or great they appear to be, game-to-game. Tyrone Nix should congratulate. The Dawg defense played well and should improve enough to keep the Dawgs in each game, provided that there are not too many turnovers.
2. LSU is No. 1: Perhaps. Mississippi State and Virginia Tech both have their owns issues on offense. Let’s give them a few more games before we decide that they are the Champs.
3. Lloyd Carr is done: Yep.
4. Auburn’s offense is just not very good: Agreed. Similar to UGA – poor/inconsistent line play, drops, inconsistent QB play. I actually think AU’s problems could be worse than UGA. The Dawg’s QB is still learning and hopefully improving as a sophomore, and turnovers haven’t been an issue so far.
5. Clemson has a chance: Maybe. Tommy always finds ways to lose momentum when the Tigers start strong. However, who is going to dominate the ACC this year?
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 10, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
crs, good take on the conference run down. I would like to see UF play somebody first before judging. Thye have looked good so far. LSU is definitely the team this year and Miles better make sure he backs up his mouth or we all look bad. Regardless, Miles is looking for real estate in Ann Arbor so that shake out will be very interesting next year.
By glenn
September 10, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Say what you will about South Carolina and Steve Spurrier. He has a better team imo, and he has gotten better recruits, however, when he goes to Baton Rouge next weekend, he will be heading back to Columbia missing some seat.
By Todd
September 10, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
hey spurr!your cocks got lucky.we will see who has the better record at the end of year,and as for coach cocks comments at his press conf.totally classless.
By jabster
September 10, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
PolskiDawg:
The ACC will come down to (GT vs VT) versus (Clempsun vs BC).
VT is down but not yet out. However, if they continue to stink it up the marquee game in the ACC will be BC vs. Auburn With A Lake and not GT versus the Hokies.
Wake Forest will make noise again, but not as much as last year. The Deacs may be a kingmaker in the ACC Atlantic. The CrimiNoles don’t go bowling for the first time in how long. F$U-Candy Canes will have all the appeal of overripe fish. Look for regional coverage on JP.
Virginia and NCSU are already done and Al Groh needs to start packing. Carowhina will upset some teams as a prelude to next year and just might go to the Emerald Bowl at 6-6.
Maryland remains a mystery at this point. Ditto Miami.
By Pitbull
September 10, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
I am an old UGA grad and hate to lose to any team. However I do not mind losing if the other team is obviously better.
SC was better than UGA Saturday night and they deserved to win. The loss by UGA was a group effort. You win as a team and lose as a team.
SC was tougher up front on both offense and defense. To our credit we only lost by 4 points, but it only takes 1 to beat you.
One game does not a season make and the Bulldogs have 10 games left to make a strong statement about the state of UGA football. It isn’t the end of the world or the season.
Win or lose I will always be a Bulldog, so for all you get on the bandwagon whiners - go pull for GT. I understand thy beat Samford High School this week.
By Jimmy
September 10, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
UGA has now lost 5 straight games to SEC East opponents. In fact, during that streak, UGA has lost to every team in the SEC East (except itself). Wow.
Hopefully they can beat Vandy or Kentucky this year or someone.
By Dawgstache
September 10, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
I am a Mark Richt fan, but how long do you think it will take the Dawgnation to start rumbling about a new coach? UGA will need some breaks and better coaching to finish 8-4, and I’m not sure there is any reason to think this program is on the rise. The offensive play-calling (whether by Richt or Bobo) has been atrocious since David Greene was under center. Is the system bad or is it the players?
By Dawgy
September 10, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Spurrier “The Offensive Genius of College Football” has averaged less than (8) pts. a game against Georgia in (3) games. He should give his DC a raise.
By will potter
September 10, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
bold:Georgia’s loss was no surprise:I would disagree here. Georgia played young, but had numerous chances to win the game. Yes USC came away with the win, but they certainly did not look like a dominant team, and I think everyone would have to be surprised at how many missed oppurtunites UGA let slip out of their hands. The fact is our players did not make big plays when needed. You can’t blame the coaches for this game, we had every oppurtunity to win and the team did not make it happen. That is what happens with a young team. Our offensive line is what it is, I only hope we can survive long enough to have them come together and play with some cohesivness. The one big play that could have changed the momentum of that game was canceled out by penalty (the fumbled punt). Spurrier did not “out-coach” us, he simply did what any good coach would have done: run at our undersized defensive ends, and eat up time of possesion by utilizing a senior QB with lots of experience by using the short passing game . He also relied on big defensive line to attack our young O-line. It was a good game plan, and at the end of the day USC held on for a much deserved victory. Let’s see how USC fares next year without the benefit of a very experienced senior QB, against our then 3rd year QB.
Be patient UGA fans, we are young on the offensive line and our defense played well considering they were on the field for what seemed like the entire game. Stafford had a bad game, but he is a player and he will hopefully learn about throwing off of his back foot (he looked pretty spooked to me from the USC pass rush). Like I said earlier, I only hope we can survive the Bama game before things start coming together. If the O-line solidifies we could still have a good/great year with a little luck.
Bold:LSU is number one with out a doubt! No one has played better against quality opponents as LSU. If the polls actually reflect what has been shown on the field and not potential I don’t think there is a person out there who could rank a USC (trojans) with a very lackluster win at Idaho over an LSU team that just drilled a VT team that is a defensive powerhouse.
Bold:Clemson has a chance: I will believe it when I see it. I see the talent, but Tommy Bowden still worries me. It just seems like they always lose a game that destroys all of their momentum in one fell swoop. I hope they can avoid that this year, but it would surprise me. I hate to say it, but Georgia Tech looks like the class of the ACC to me (although the Chan Gailey factor has to worry you Tech fans). Great offensive and defensive lines, good running back, young QB who is just letting his players make plays, and a great defense, in a very weak ACC, what is not to like? If we don’t get some help at defensive end I can see a nightmare game of Trashard Choice off-tackle all day long.
Final thought: congrats USC fans I can certainly see that you are excited about the direction of your program, but gloating now seems pretty premature. One win (or loss) does not a season make!
Go Dawgs!
By CaseMaker
September 10, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I’ll make this quick. Ed— you are an idiot. Typical UGAy fan. Livin’ in the past and makin’ excuses. What a loser!
By crs
September 10, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Couple more things that bothered me Sat, we have no home field advantage, no real mystique aabout protecting the home turf, over 50 last year to TN, a poor performance against Colorado that traveled cross country, a loss to Vandy and a poor performance to MISS St. - we were lucky to win. We all give MR a lot of credit for the way we play on the road but our home performance is not up to par. The players really need to start taking some pride in protecting the home turf. Second, you could tell early on the offense was really going to struggle to put up points, with that in mind, you have to be more aggressive on defense, more blitzing and you have to strip at the ball everytime they run - two things I saw little of SAT night, also, their punter even when backed up had all night to punt the ball, how about a little pressure particularly when down is distance is beyond 4th and 5, if you get an incidental running into the kicker its still 4th down, hopefully you block the kick at worst you rush him so he isn’t booming 40 and 50 all night. Thats a game where good teams, at home, get a win somehow.
By ChampDawg
September 10, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Losses to UK and Vandy last year and now SCarolina this year. The season is a long way from over and I’ve always been a big CMR fan, but I’m beginning to wonder if he’s up to the task. Mediocrity cannot be accepted. Where is all the talent and big-time recruits? Losses to UT and UF and “upsets” to UK, Vandy, etc. agai is going to make for some seriously upset fans.
By ChampDawg
September 10, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Stafford may be overrated— the guys was a high scholl standout and now in his 2nd season at the college level—- and still throwing off his back foot. Must be a slow learner. I say sit his @$$ down and give Cox a chance! CMR better light a fire under these guys. I don’t think CMR has the belly for this job. He’s too soft on and off the field.
By crs
September 10, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Champ, I dont think any UGA fan is HAPPY with the Sat performance, that said, what were you expecting this season given the line situation, a young qb and the loss of yout two d-ends? If you were expecting anything beyond 8-4, I think you were unrealistic. Lets see how we look the next four weeks and then we can make some real statements about this years group. We had one very good game and one very mediocre game that we had a chance to pull out right until the end. Based on three trips to the title game in six years, MR is obviously more than capable. We have plenty of talent, a junior/senior laden line with Oliver and Johnson back and this team would be a different story. Unfortuantly we lost a lot of lineman to injury and being drunks the last coupole years which has set us back. There are only so many schlorships so when attrition and injury strike one position, your in trouble. I love UGA but am realistic that teams like FL, USC and Texas have a huge advantage over us do to the depth of talent in their states. MR has done a very nice job in a short period of time putting us back on the map.
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 10, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Lose a game start thinking about a new head coach? Win and he is the best coach in the country? Come on people. You think Bowden was the sole proprietor of those great FSU teams of the 90’s? No Richt was right there the whole way. Sure we have lost games we shouldn’t have over his tenure (Saturday night, KY, Vandy) but I can’t sit here and think of another coach for UGA that 1) can coach 2) has class 3) is good for our players 4) can recruit. He is successful and will continue to be successful. Just chill about if he the guy to get us there or not. He is and he will. Don’t give up class for crass just to win a football game. Mack Brown took a while at Texas, Carroll a hand full of years for one (and for all there “great” recruiting classes and hype over the past few years, they have 1 NC). Meyer is the only guy to pop in and take and early one (thanks to Carroll and UCLA). Stoops at OK has done extremely well but they haven’t torn it up lately either.
By Pago Pago
September 10, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Just wait until next year. Top Ten recruiting classes every year and this happens! For sure UGA is NOT a Top 25 team.
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 10, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Champdawg, I don’t think the players are very happy right now either. They get to sit in the film room and get their a s s es called out in front of their peers and coaches. Somebody said that we would win that game if we played up to our level and we would lose if we played down to their level. We didn’t play up. As many have been pointing out SOS is still p i ss ed about the shutout last year and lack of play on HIS offense two games running for this year. People are acting like they blew us out and we couldn’t hang. SOS has to get his punches in now to fell good about this season. Let’s wait till it is over before we pass judgement on our team. Long way to go. If we struggle with Western Carolina God help us. We better put up 45 points and shut them down.
By jabster
September 10, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Any Dawg fan who wants to 86 Richt is an idiot. He is a great coach. Period. Full stop. I’m not so sure about his assistants (especially Bobo), but that’s a different issue.
But if you want have fun on the coaching merry-go-round and torpedo your recruiting with a loss of continuity, this Yellow Jacket says go right ahead and knock yourself out…
By Kelly
September 10, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
You better get the dawgs this year, because all these freshmen and sophmores will grow up and I promise you they’re gonna bite hard!!!!!!!!
By rustybanks
September 10, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Hard to argue with that. I do think Auburn will bounce back this week. If you though Brandon Cox was bad, wait til you see Michael Henig
5-0 last Saturday, 9-1 for the season!
http://www.rustybanks.com
By funniest yet!
September 10, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
so the dogs “solved Spurrier’s offense a long time ago”…that right Ed???
You must love grapes!
By Kevin T, Valdosta,GA
September 10, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed, you my friend are an idiot!! UGA is the 11th winningest football team of all time with 703 wins. Only 11 teams with more than 700 and Auburn is not one of them!!!! UGA has more SEC titles than all but Bama and Tenn. No Auburn or UF in that mix. So go back to Tucker or wherever and think before you type. How bout number 5 Auburn v UGA last year!!!Remember that and we will see you this year too.
By USCnATL
September 10, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Ed,
The Gamecocks played like a TEAM. To say that “Spurrier gets all the credit” displays the immature mentality that you and many have toward football. Spurrier doesn’t care that he hasn’t scored more than 20 points at Georgia. He’s just happy that his TEAM beat your beloved Dogs. Spurrier, more than anybody, knows that in today’s SEC, a plethora of “ball plays” isn’t going to win every game. It is a more defensive game now, and I believe it shows coaching maturity for someone with so much experience to adapt to the ever-changing game of football.
And as far as his “talking smack”, the smack is true. Georgia has lost five games in a row to SEC East teams, and Georgia was favored by four points. Anybody who follows football for the game itself knew that this was going to be a hard-fought close game-not a blowout. I’m just glad that my Gamecocks out played your Dogs.
P.S. Spurrier’s Gamecock team has also beaten both Florida and Tennessee in the same season-something that your Dogs, under Richt, have never done. Fix your problems before your judge us.
By Lee Curso
September 10, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Auburn’s offense is just not very good? this has got to be the biggest unerstatement of the year so far! LOL! Cox is number 11 or 12 QB, at best, in the SEC! Tubby has been exposed. the wheels are coming off.
By SEC GUY
September 10, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
I watched the entire USC / UGA game and I can honestly say that SC’s offence is still pretty offensive because Mitchell is a middle of the road qb at best. USC won because of their line play, the ability to adjust and because of a really good kicker.
When UGA was being stuffed up the middle, they switched to runs on the edge and had success. That is until USC made the adjustment. Then, near the end UGA started having success up the gut again. Bobo needs to mix up the runs better, instil a short passing game where Stafford doesnt have time to dance in the pocket and use screens to stop d-line progression.
On the USC side, they will need to play like they did against UGA when they play LSU and still hope for a miracle.
I smell a 21 point Loss.
Thanks,
By Luke
September 10, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Willie Martinez and Mark Richt will raise the dead. Erk Russell is going to come back boot those two excuses for coaches out of town.
By TopDawg
September 10, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
First, congratulations to South Carolina for their win. They earned the victory and that is that. They came out with what appeared to be more desire to win the game, but I sure am glad we are not headed to Baton Rouge. With that said, my beloved DAWGS were still right there to the end. I know it is a bunch of “if’s”, but if certain balls weren’t dropped, and if certain cuts were made on the field (MoMass delaying before taking the ball upfield; Bailey trying to run around the end for a first down rather than turning the ball in and upfield), things could have been different. In fact this could have been a blowout (for either team). Yes, Matt Stafford had a bad game, but nobody is perfect. Have you never had a bad day in whatever job you do? Yes, I am terribly disappointed, but not about to give up on the coaches or the players, not after one game, or an entire season. We can all question the play-calling, but if the 4th and 2 trick play works, we’re all jumping around singing Bobo’s praises, and calling him a genius. It’s the chance you take. I would have liked to see more of Moreno at the end of the game during the last drive, as he is a catalyst on the field, but if I had the knowledge that the Georgia coaches have, I would be on the field helping with those decisions. The Gamecocks won, great for them, hopefully they can help us down the road to win the East. We lost, but the season is not lost. We have plenty of tough games ahead (no game is a gimme), but I like what we have and feel certain the wins will come. GO DAWGS!!!
By UGA FAN
September 10, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
I am not that upset we lost especually after last year. South Carolina is not really thet good, but at least we got beat by a decent SEC team instead of Kentucky and Vandy. I would be happy with losses to Tenn. Fla. and Auburn if we can beat everybody else and as of now Ga. Tech is looking pretty scary. Mark Richt needs to do something with the quarterback, he only plays sometimes, and most of the time he is horrible. He said he was the best quarterback he ever coached, worst statement I have ever heard!!!!!
By auburn91
September 10, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Barnhart is dead on the money with Auburn. How do you lose the creativity in two years? Cox is a shell of the qb he was two years ago. Why? http://www.trackemtigers.com/
By jackets fan
September 10, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Sorry Tony but I have to disagree with the LSU assessment. I feel that you are making the same mistake that you did in assessing UGA’s performance last week against OK State. VaTech just aint good enough to have been #9 in the nation and all you need is a tape of the bowl game against UGA to see that. Sean Glennon sucks, as evidenced by his benching going forward. As a GT fan, I can tell you that the VT program has lost a step. We thumped them, UGA thumped them, and the GT-UGA game was a complete grind for 4 quarters. If people start making assumptions on how good LSU is based on Saturday’s game (or on Oklahoma’s win vs. Miami) then they might get disappointed when LSU plays a tougher SEC opponent (or when OK plays a tough Big 12 team). I think LSU is definitely a top 2 team, but any assertion that this latest win puts them in a higher category is a bit pre-mature. You need to be careful not to give too much credence to how high a team was ranked before getting stomped.
By jabster
September 10, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
JacketsFan—
Don’t forget that Stafford & Co. only hung 7 or 8 (don’t remember which TD they went for 2 on) on us last year. If it wasn’t for Reggie and his fumble, we would’ve won.
UGA will NOT get in any of our other QBs’ heads like they did with Reggie four years in a row. Remember what happened for UGA with Quitsy Carter and then after he left. The “six in a row” stops this year.
VT goes a paltry 17-10 against the Pirates (tip: never buy a used coach from those guys) and then gets blown out by LSU like a Popeyes Cajun fried turkey.
Too early to tell, but either BC or I Plow Thirty Acres a Year will be our toughest conference opponent…and I am leaning towards BC over Clempsun.
By georgiagirl49
September 10, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
fire bobo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and georgia where is the fourth quarter sprit! i think there is none3
By G8TR
September 10, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
Erk, I can and do see the big picture. I was not equating a loss to USC with Zook’s job-ending loss to MSU. I was talking about the now unmistakable UGA trend (losing to Vandy, KY and USC…all traditionally lesser intra-East division opponents which, by the way, even Zook never, ever lost to, particularly at home. Did Donnan?). You’ll recall that CMR’s initial SEC East success was a) when UF was down coach-wise; and b) when UT was off. Moreover, one of Richt’s SEC title opportunities was actually a 3-way East tie that was broken only by a BCS ranking quirk…not something you can count on occurring again given UF’s naturally high preseason ranking/expectation now. CMR’s path toward East success is nowhere near that clear anymore and the honeymoon is obviously over. The trick line is to spot the slide toward mediocrity while it’s occurring and not until it’s too late (e.g. Donnan, Goff). I am personally just fine with the UGA faithful being so accepting of consecutive losses to these other East programs (+ virtually never beating UF). I just remain surprised how Dawg fans so easily write off losses to Vandy, KY and UT last year…and here you go again in 2007 w/ USC. At some point, a program has to go upward and not just sideways or down, which is where UGA appears to be heading once again. That’s the big picture.
By Heeldawg
September 10, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
Things we know:
Georgia’s loss was their own doing. Bad play-calling, poor execution, and zero enthusiasm led to a “perfect storm” in which an inferior Gamecock team came up with a win. Hats off to the Gamecock players and to Tyrone Nix—they wanted it more,and they executed. But Spurrier needs to stop deluding himself that it was all about him. It wasn’t. As Pogo once said, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
The SEC East race is still far from over. The Cocks will NOT beat LSU—not in a plane, or on a train, or on a luge, or in Baton Rouge. They can’t beat them on the ground, they can’t beat them in the air. They can’t beat them anywhere. And at least one more SEC loss is looming in the UT/Florida/Arkansas stretch. UT does not have the defense to beat Florida (although the Gators may not have much of one, either—that game may be a shootout), and I still think the Dawgs will win that one in Knoxville as a revenge game for last season. Florida looks to be the strongest in the East thus far…on offense. But they’ve played NO ONE. And the “D” is a big question mark. And they, too, must play LSU. Many games yet to be played. No one can be written off yet (except Vandy).
LSU is the best team in the SEC. No question. But in the nation? Not sure about that yet. Oklahoma’s pretty good, too, and the “real” USC has boatloads of talent just waiting to gel. I think it’ll be among those three this season. One thing seems certain—whoever wins th eSEC East likely will just be a punching bag for the Tigers on the way to their bowl game.
Lloyd Carr’s done, it’s true. And so is Les Miles—he’ll leave the Tigers to rebuild his alma mater’s program after this season.
Tech’s best team of the Chan Gailey era is right now. The ACC is the weakest FBS conference in the nation, and the only challenges that the Jackets will have will come against BC and Clemson. I think they win both of those games easily and win the ACC title with an 11-1 or 12-0 record. The only team with a real shot at beating them is Georgia, and if they played tomorrow I’d favor Tech by 10 points. But they don’t. They play late in the year, and that helps this young Dawgs team.
Georgia will win at least nine games this season, and maybe more. There’s talent. Richt won’t let it go to waste. He’ll redirect these kids, and they’ll beat some pretty good teams by season’s end. Just watch.
By Denver Dog
September 10, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
The mighty chickens beat UGA so badly that they were all able to leave becuase we were never in the game right? Just wanted to make sure that I had it right, becuase reading the other items, I would have thought UGA got blown out. An L is an L.
I thought the only people who got to play and without going to class played for Jim Harrick. Let’s see, he is out of coaching, his son is out of coaching, the players were humiliated, the school embarassed.
At USC, the coach is a hero, the players are starting, and the school is proud.
Glad I made too high on my SAT to get into USC.
By Mike T.
September 10, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
The Gamecocks eased the blow for me just a little. Thanks Spurrier. War Eagle!!!!! anyway. It’ll get better.
Yea South Florida eased the blow for us Dawgs,Way to go Bulls!
By SOS
September 10, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
The “DELUSIONAL” mutt fans are out!!! Already talking about next year!!
And lest you forget, you would have one SEC championship in 25 f-in years if not for South Carolina’s win over FLA in ‘05. When are you guys going to nut up and beat the Gators???? Since when did you let lowly SC do your dirty work for ya?? Not anytime soon with an 0-5 record in your last 5 SEC games!!!
Mutt fans, let’s face it…Your program gets less for its alum money and less for its 5-star recruits than any other program in the country besides Michigan.
You lame-os are pathetic!!!
By Todd
September 10, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
usc was supposed to have some ok classes also I do not see any outstanding players for the cocks.the cocks got lucky c** fan fluffer boy.
By Humpty Dumpty
September 10, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
You read it here first…FSU has already started making plans to hire Mark Richt by next season. Bobby Bowden is on his way out and Richt is the man they are after. So UGA will have a mediocre season and you can kiss CMR goodbye!! Welcome to the Music City Bowl all your Georgia redneck fans!!! LMAO
By truedawgzfan
September 10, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
We’ll it’s always better to lose early in the season than later. i think this will be a wake up call for the young dawgz and they will turn it around. Bobo needs to just pound the ball with Moreno and Brown.
By posers
September 10, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
this is my first post on a blog ever and the reason i finally decided to throw my 2 cents in is because of all the POSER georgia fans out there, a loss to USC is not the end of the world, its just a loss. The dawgs didnt play thier greatest game but i’m sure if we had won, this whole blog would be praising Stafford, a TRUE sophmore btw, and bobo but no, u all come on here and crticise a team that put everything they had inside them on a field in front of 92,000+! If you dont know anything about the team, not just Stafford, Brown, Moreno etc. i mean the whole team, the OL, DL, and special teams then dont post on here or any other blog for that matter because you’re wasting alot of TRUE fans’ time!GLORY, GLORY to OL’ GEORGIA!
GATORS SUCK!
By SOS Cuz
September 10, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Once again, the Dawg nation starts believing its own pre-season hype and is ‘crushed’ when their high-expectations are dashed after 2nd or 3rd game of the season. Everything the Ol’ Ball Coach has said, as painful as it sounds, is true. One question that I’ve always asked my Dawg friends, “If you could have Spurrier as UGA head coach, would you want him?” The answer is always ‘Yes’.
Go Cocks!
By What is wrong with you guys?
September 10, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
What are these comments about Spurrier being a great coach this weekend and the Gamecocks a great team??!! That baffles me. Both teams sucked Saturday night. Uga just sucked more. USC’s performance was crap. Neither team deserves to be in the top 25. Wait until USC plays somebody good. We’ll see how “great” they are. What is wrong with you people. Face it - our beloved Bulldawgs are nothing more than a yearly mediocre team - same sh1t different year. It has gotten so old.
By DOGGIE
September 10, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Hey Humpee Dumpee - you must have fell and cracked your shell - Richt is a man of his word - he says he is staying at Georgia.
By Father figure or Champion?
September 10, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Uga is my alma mater. I’m not looking for a head coach to be a father figure to players. I’m not looking for a head coach to help the players find G0d. I’m not looking for a head coach to act Zen-like while Georgia is getting its a$$ kicked on the field.
I’m looking for my alma mater to bring in a head coach who can win a national championship. As long as we have Richt, that WILL NEVER HAPPEN. Why must we hang on to this perennial LOSER. It makes me sick. I’d fire him if he worked for my company, but myalma mater pays him MILLIONS???!!! WTF?
By DOGGIE
September 10, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
For you Tekies/Vols/Gayturds posing as Doggie Fans and slamming the Dawgs team/players/coaches, get off our blog! NOW!
By Roswell Ed
September 10, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
It’s not your blog DA.
If you want your blog go to:
ILOVEARICHTREACHAROUND.COM
By georgiagirl
September 10, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
POSERS, SAY LIKE IT IS, GO DAWGS, ALWAYS A DOG FAN AND GLORY, GLORY TO OL’ GLORY. THANK YOU
SOS THE ANSWER IS NO YOUR COACH HAS NO CLASS THERE ARE ALOT BETTER COACHES OUT THERE THAT ARE NOT A BIG A@@ AND DO BELIEVE THAT YOUR SEASON HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN. SO DON’T COUNT THOSE CHICKENS JUST YET. LSU IS CALLING
DO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By CUTotalTiger
September 10, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Bottom line, a good win for South Carolina. Bottom line, too bad that Spurrier continues to show his lack of class. Instead of talking about a wonderful football game we are talking about Spurrier and his lack of social grace. (A good fit for South Carolina.)
By Dawg Lover
September 10, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
jabster, you are the idiot. Richt needs to move on. He has been a great recruiter, but his game day skills are awful. Part of being a great coach is that you surround yourself with good asst. coaches. Bobo and Eason(wr coach) are a joke. AJ Green(recruit) will not be here next year. Richt and Stafford blew that for us.Sources say that Green has already decided to withdraw his commitment to UGA. Plus Richt had to much pride to take Stafford out and give Cox a chance, because he had stated that Stafford was the best he coached. If Stafford is the best I’d hate to see the worst. He is nothing but a drunk college student with a big arm and no brains. Joe Cox should transfer so he can play somewhere. Richt lied to him about playing time to keep him here. Great Christian and great coach, huh!!
By Chuck Uga
September 11, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Listen, there are too many IDIOTS posting on these blogs. To state that UGA is “slipping” is almost comical. UGA is LOADED with underclassmen with only a small handful of seniors. SC has a senior QB and two senior RBs PLUS a superior senior LB corps. Great things lie ahead for them. But UGA will play in Atlanta for the SEC Title in 2008…nothing any of you morons can do about that. The entire team returns in 2008 minus Thomas Brown and a couple others. The “pecking order” is still consistently going to be Florida and Georgia for the long haul. UT and SC will slip in there occasionally.
By Salty Dawg
September 11, 2007 5:10 AM | Link to this
No reason to just throw in the towel on playing in the Dome in 2007 for UGA (or Auburn). USC will lose to LSU, Ark, Tenn and probably Florida. Their schedule is brutal as they only have one off weekend and that comes before Clemson. Who gives a flip over 5 SEC East losses in two seasons when we beat #5 Auburn? Spurrier should go suck himself. It was a stupid comment. Yeah, Steve, UGA sucks becasue everyone knows USC could not beat a good team? He is a loser. Florida could ahve been 7-6 last year. Last year, Urban Myth’s vaunted Gators had one offensive TD and one Defensive gift to beat UGA 14-10 while our starting PK was hurt. 2005 was the banner year for the myth as his offensive genious only garnered 14 offensive points. Give me a break.
If we get passed Bama, and that is a big if, we can win at Knoxville. Yeah, we could easily lose too. Florida is different this year becasue we have two weeks to prepare and the Gators only have one. A complete reversal back to the Dooley era when we were 17-7-1 or some such stat.
And, stop crapping on Vandy and KY from last year. Ky has the first team SEC QB. And, didn’t they beat USC last year? Didn’t Spurrier say that they were looking up at Ky last year?
Moreover, while I don’t like Auburn, get your yuks in. USF is non-conference and has no bearing on the SEC West race. Early in the season, offenses lag behind defenses. No reason exists that would prevent them from improving.
LSU may be the best team in the country. Then again, all the pundits though Mich was #5. We know MSU sucks. Who has Va Tech beaten lately? Maybe they are coming back to earth. Until Vick, Beamer had an abysmal record. If Va Tech keeps losing and MSU keeps getting humilated, those wins don’t look so good and maybe LSU is not as invincible.
But, if LSU is all that and a bag of chips, an SEC East team may get to Atlanta with two conference losses.
Tech may be the real deal. Then again, Notre Dame is 0-2 and who is Samford?
By steve
September 11, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
For roswell ed. The frickin’ refs tried to give the game to auburn. it’s always that way in jordan-hare. you need to wake the @$%# up.
By ab
September 11, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
South Carolia will have their day on Sept. 22nd when they visit LSU, don’t worry it is coming! Interview Spurrier after that one!
By DirtDobber
September 11, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
One flaw in your LSU analysis.
VT was not that good, certainly not a #7 [and not even worthy of #17 in the current coaches rankings]. VT is there for sympathy due to their recent tragedy , having nothing to do with football - someone needs to speak the truth .
Am not saying LSU is not “The One” but will toss up LSU and FL for championship contender . We will know more on 6 Oct .
Unfortunately, they highly probable they will face one another a second time in the SEC championship .
By oldfaithfuldawg
September 11, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Tub is right about starting polls later, but it will never happen. Polls sell papers, and fans love them as if they actually mean something. Reality is, anyone except LSU or SC can lose on any week. They are the only real dominant teams this year. Everyone else, including my Dawgs, FLA, TENN, TECH, Carolina, etc. needs to remember that their first two games do not make a season, and that as Sherman said, “the worst of the war is yet to be fought”.
By ben
September 11, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Salty Dawg
Listen to yourself. Spurrier is a loser. The Urban Myth. Blah, blah. the FACT is that Spurrier routinely beat you Mutts when he was with UF. He won multiple SEC titles AND a National title. And now he beat you at USC in your house. You can’t use the “Jacksonville is an away game” excuse on that one. How is that being a “loser?”
Oh and UF “barely beat us last year.” Look here, genius, this is football, not horseshoes. You don’t get credit for coming close. Urban’s gators beat you (again) and then went on to win the National Championship. What is so mythical about his skills? Almost every college football commentator rates Meyer and Carroll as the two best game day coaches in college today. Do you think you know better than anyone at the AJC, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, or the Sporting News combined? Or maybe you’re just a delusional moron with internet access?
By War Eagle
September 11, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Auburn is in for a long season if they don’t turn the ship around real quick. I can’t remember the last time Auburn’s offense looked this bad.
By yellowblood
September 11, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Despite me running my mouth at the UGA fans, which is always mucho fun, I am not delusional about Tech. When Tech beats both BC and Clemson we will have a right to gloat some. Notre Dame and Samford are both in the same category and until Tech beats a ranked team we’re not yet ready for the #15 ranking which has been handed to us.
By yellowblood
September 11, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
UGA FANS: Please read and reread Ben the Gator’s comments on the BASH UGA blog which is still on the AJC board. He tells it like it is. You would pay no attention to any Techster who told you this. I think it is best that cyanide be passed out at GAs next SEC game just in case. I understand that NASCAR FAN hung himself late Sunday and I certainly would prefer to have another route than that
By DunwoodyDawg
September 11, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Bank on this you Cocky nit wits. I seems every time South Carolina pulls out a win against UGA they start clucking about the realignment of the SEC.
A quick reality check. The Dawgs played like poo and you only won by 4 points. Rest assured your heads will be handed to you in Baton Rouge, and likely a few more times before the season is done.
The more things change the more they stay the same. South Carolina will finish no better than 4th in the SEC east this season.
By USC GAMECOCK
September 11, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
USC may just knock off “ole” LSU…get it dunce head? USC just might be the real deal…get it idiot? USC has THE best coach in the SEC and in the USA…get it dawg boys? USC is on the way up…take that to the freaking bank! Are we gloating…woof woof no…are we entitled to GLOAT…H@LL YES WE ARE! Stick all that in your pipe and suck it hard…GOT IT?
GO USC GAMECOCKS … KICK’EM ALL
By D.Ellis
September 11, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Paul Oliver would have put the hand cuffs on Mckinnley…….dumA##
By ebdawg
September 11, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
To all you UGA haters out there… a quick history lesson.. in 2005 UGA beat Boise St at home 48-13, and then slipped past the Gamecocks, 17-15. This year, very similar, except the Gamecocks hold on to win. This game has been a slugfest for years. Since Richt came to UGA, 4 of the games have been decided by a TD or less (including a USC win in 01). Spurrier only adds to what is already a really good rivalry. We knew this team was young, and they might struggle at times this season. But the best is yet to come with this team. Slipping? Not hardly. Maturing… and quickly, is my guess. One more thing.. Under Spurrier the Cocks have beaten Clemson, Florida and Tennessee… and they are still only the 4th best team in the East. You win some, you lose some. One loss to a good SEC team does not a season ruin !!
By JustMe
September 11, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
The core issue at UGA is that the recuiting classes are stellar every year, but then what happens? South Carolina doesn’t have near the recruits that UGA pulls in - no way South Carolina should come close, right?
The question is: what happens to the great recruits once they step onto the UGA campus?
Honestly, if I was a talented high school player, I would shy away from UGA because of this!!!!! I would want to go somewhere to improve my skills.
By ebdawg
September 11, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
One more thing… It’s funny how all you Georgia Tech fans gloat when UGA losses a game… Mostly funny, because it’s never after UGA and Tech play… What is it now? 6 in a row? 10 out of 13? Doesn’t the other team need to win for it to be a rivalry?
By dawgeb
September 11, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
App State shouldn’t beat Michigan. USF shouldn’t beat Auburn. Defensively SC has a load of talent. They won’t win the SEC with Blake Mitchell. JustMe… I would say let’s wait till Stafford is a Senior and then answer your question. I think this class is young.. and will compete for a Championship. UGA has won 2 SEC crowns, in five years… let’s not forget that… and played in a third title game.
By yellowblood
September 11, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Your hatred of Tech is misplaced. We never say anything nice to anyone ? Just last week, Dawg Fan in Afganistan just wrote in this blog. I’m not bragging but I sent him a note back on this AJC blog thanking him for his service and asking that he take care of himself and that I wish the best for he and his family. That man is a real hero. The rest of us just pay taxes. I don’t expect accolades for this. Its the human and American thing to do. I don’t need to be defensive about how nice Tech people are or are not. If you will read Ben the Gators comments in the other current AJC BLASTOFF blog you will understand why UGA is laughed at by others than just Techies. Grow up and wise up !
By ebdawg
September 11, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
No hate here YBlood. This Dawg fan has never claimed a National Championship trophy. If you had read my first post.. you would have known that. I work with Tech fans who gloat everytime the Dawgs lose… so I know from whence I came. Every group of fans has their bad seeds.. Tech, UGA, the Gators.. nothing new here. I hope I’m just like you when I grow up… not !!
By Dawgbone
September 11, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Good posts Ed & gdawginkalamazoo.
USCnAtl & The Spur-ned enjoy your short ride of success. LOL you beat us for the first time in how many years and suddenly you’re all that. Guess you and your great coach have to trash talk and make a statement because it’s been so long. When you get to play for an SEC Championship….and win one..then you’ll have the goods to back up your smak.
G8TR…why are you here? Your NC team was a blocked field goal away from losing to SC last year.
Do the Dawgs have talent? Yes but young! They also have the best coach in NCAA Football. Judge him by his record over the years and even a FL or tech fan can see that. One loss does not end your season…right G8TR?
It’s a long season and we’re in perfect position to make a run starting with bammer in 2 weeks. Moreno needs to carry the rock at least 20 times a game. Stafford will be a Heisman candidate before he graduates. Patience my fellow Dawgs.
DAWGBONE
By joe
September 11, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
yeah, and Tech fans never get laughed at. I think I know why—because there hardly are any Tech fans. Why else is their high school stadium rarely filled? Why else are there advertisements for tickets on this very website? It’s true..UGA fans do get laughed at more than Tech fans. That’s because nobody really cares about Tech or Tech fans around here. They are a blip on the radar.
By USCnATL
September 11, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
I see so many people in here saying “Hats off to the Gamecock players and to Tyrone Nix—they wanted it more,and they executed. But Spurrier needs to stop deluding himself that it was all about him”-Ed
I watched the game over last night, the first thing that Spurrier said while he was being interviewed on the field after the first half and after the game was “our defense is playing/played great”. He didn’t tout his offense. He didn’t bring it back to himself. He gave credit to the defense. You Georgia fans have such an inbred hatred for Spurrier that you can’t see the reality that is in front of your face.
By Dog with bad eye
September 11, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
With all this dialogue, remember this, the team that has most points at end of game WINS…..nuff said
By Matt Stafford
September 11, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
When is coach Richt going to get me and Joe Cox an indoor practice facility so we can have some privacy when we want to do a tickle pile…also so I can practice my mechanics and not throw off my backfoot.
By JimDawg
September 11, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
I think we should FIRE Mark Richt IMMEDIATELY…that loss is unacceptable
By DAwgsGreat
September 11, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
The USC win was a fluke—-UGA is much better and just had some bad luck and got hosed by the refs the whole night. The dawgs will run the table, beat UT and Florida easily, win the SEC east and will beat LSU in the title game.
By SavannahDawg
September 11, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Spurrier was lucky—he will not beat UGA again while he is at USC. I’m sick of his arrogant attitude and hope they lose to everyone they play, even florida! Dawgs will rule the SEC the rest of the season, while USC goes to a minor bowl, once again.
By ben
September 11, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Whoa Yellowblood, I didn’t think anybody actually read that post, since no one responded to it. Thanks.
BTW, most Gators like Ga Tech. 1) you’ve got an engineering program and 2) the enemy of our enemies (UGA, FSU) is our friend.
Oh and Dawgbone, yes USC almost beat us last year. But the thing is, we pulled it out at the end and ultimately WON. See the difference there?
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 11, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
JustMe,
Honestly, if I was a talented high school player, I would shy away from UGA because of this!!!!! I would want to go somewhere to improve my skills.
You sound like Miss South Carolina, what like go to South Africa or Iran along with a box of maps. Or maybe some round maps, like globes.
What you would do is go somewhere that will get you to the next level of play, the NFL. UGA has been stocking the NFL nicely the past few years.
By yellowblood
September 11, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
To paraphrase Lee Corso Mark Richt will never match what Spurrier has already accomplished even if he stays at UGA for 400 years. But it means nothing to you guys because you have convinced yourselves for the 50th time that he just got “lucky” on Saturday. I’m sure UGA will run the table the rest of the season. Which means that USC must the second best team in the conf because UGA, of course, is the best.
By ebdawg
September 11, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Uh, Ben… check out 2005. Spurrier and the Cocks beat you Gators two years before he finally beat the Dawgs…. Don’t let your giddyness from last year over shadow the truth.
By ebdawg
September 11, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Yellowlood, Why so bitter? Could it be because of 15-12, 14-7, 19-13, 34-17, 51-7, or 31-7… that’s SIX in a row by the way. You trash Mark Richt.. but yet the Jackets have yet to beat him. What does that say about the “mighty” jackets. What a waste of a post !!
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 11, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
yellowblood, you guys want fill up your stadium you ought to start giving away cookies along with the free pizza and soda.
By ben
September 11, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
ebdawg:
I’m well aware that Spurrier’s cocks beat us in 2005. Cost us a trip to the SEC Championship. I hated and loved Spurrier at the same time for that game. However, I also am not living in the past. I look at the latest result.
If anything, the closeness of UF’s games with USC shows that Spurrier really is a Genius, evil or not. Heck, they could very well beat us THIS year.
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 11, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
yellowblood, there you go again living vicariously through another teams accomplishments against us. LMAO! That’s all you bees have been good for six years buzzing! God forbid you guys ever win again. Be like the Super Bowl to you guys.
By Salty Dawg
September 11, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Ben, you are obviously a bandwagon gator idiot. I know, bandwagin and gator are redundant. I’ve followed Georgia for well over 30 years. UGA still owns the overall record with UF. Spurrier’s success was a function of Ray Goff as head coach and UF having two weeks to prepare for UGA. Look it up.
Yeah, almost does not bear on your final record. But, don’t go patting yourself on the back when you squeak by UT (because of bad officiating), USC (becasue of bad officiating, Vandy (becasue of bad officiating) UGA (because of injuries), and Arkansas (becasue of a boneheaded play on special teams) and get a huge gift when the #1 team in the nation gets their top receiver injured after their first offensive series. UF will have a come uppance all season long against good teams and it starts Saturday.
UF’s 2006 mythical title would never have happened in a playoff.
Yeah, but go ahead and make ad hominem attacks against my like a typical 5th grader.
And, yeah, I am smarter than all those coaches and writers who put Michigan in the top 5. I am also smarter than Lee Corso because I did not pick UGA to blow out the Cocks like he did. Of course, if I had a 5th grade education, like you, I would probably be in awe of them, too.
By bleedinred&black
September 11, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
It must be nice to know it all. It is clear that most of the people on these blogs have to bad mouth the Dawgs and their fans to feel like they know something about football, but come on people please show that you have a little more intelligence than just being able to use a computer. Things I know 1)The only coach that consistently bad mouths the opposition before and after games, Steve Spurrier 2)The 18,19 & 20 yr old players at UGA show more professionlism and class than that 3)It does get old not getting to the “BIG” game and losing to UF every year but it is nice to know that most every year the potential is there. There are not but a handful of programs that can say that i.e.,UF,USC(not carolina),LSU,AU,UT,Texas,OK among others.Anybody that thinks otherwise is just kidding themselves.4)CMR knows what he is doing. You people say he will never be that “top tier” coach in one sentence and in the next you say he’ll be at FSU next year.If FSU thinks he can be, I believe , no I know, the powers that be at FSU know more than anybody on here. Maybe some of you people should send your resumes in. I have no problem with criticism,but to speak as the know-all be-all just shows your true ignorance.Finally, this is my first post and will most likely be my last. I have to many more important things to do than to banter with you people, just reading your posts makes me dumber. I get more out a conversation with my 7 yr. old. A wise man once told me that the sun shines on a dogs a* every now and then, so with that said good luck Tech…GO DAWGS
By ben
September 11, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
Salty Dawg:
Did you actually GO to UGA or are you like the rest of the fools I’m surrounded by whose connection to the school is tenuous at best? Yes, I’m a band wagon gator…ever since the 80s.
So how did I know you were going to bring up the “series?” Only delusional fools who live in the past would do that. And considering the rate we’ve been beating you, Michael-Vick style, the series will even up in about 9 years. Then what will you say?
And back to the excuses. “Bad officiating.” “Injuries” “one play.” Here’s a newsflash, Forrest Gump, it’s called FOOTBALL. The games are played on the field and all teams are subject to the same variables. It’s the wins that matter and UF holds the current National Title, no matter how much you whine and stomp your feet.
Seriously, you are what makes the rest of your Bulldog brethren look bad: bringing up “the series” and conveniently ignoring the past 16 years. (I bet you never quote your series with a Vol, but instead say “we bet your 4 out of the past 5” or some inanity like that.) You use excuses to justify losses. (“The game is in jax!” You have a bye week!” “We had Ray Goff!” Whine, whine, whine. (BTW, even Zook had a winning record against you guys.)
You speak in hypotheticals in order to boost a nonexistent argument. (“You wouldn’t have won it if there was a playoff!”) Guess what skippy. We won the NC (twice) with the system we had, which is more than we can say about UGA. In fact, what we’ve got in place now is MORE of a playoff than was in place in 1980.
I’m actually embarrassed on behalf of my own Bulldog friends that you’re rehashing these same tired arguments to prop up your contention that UGA football is somehow better than UF’s—a contention that most outside observers would count as insane.
Stick to bashing Ga Tech’s football team. At least there, you’ve got something to back up your arguments. For now, at least.
BTW, how is me reciting objective, verifiable FACTS like “UF beat you last year and won the national championship” and “Spurrier has won the majority of games in which he’s coached against UGA” an ad hominem attack? Well, maybe implying you’re a delusional moron, but your most recent post seems to be supporting that as well.