AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia-Florida should stay in JAX
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just one man’s opinion:
1. Georgia-Florida doesn’t need to move: Before Steve Spurrier came to Florida in 1990, the Gator faithful were convinced that Georgia had the home field advantage in Jacksonville. Spurrier said that was silly and proceeded to beat Georgia 11 of the next 12 years. Now that Florida has won 15 of 17 some on the Georgia side want to move the game. Funny. Georgia-Florida in Jacksonville is one of the great traditions in college football. Leave it alone.
2. If you’re an Auburn fan, keep your eye on Texas A&M: The rumors are flying hot and heavy that Coach Fran’s days are numbered in College Station. I don’t know if that’s true or not. Hard to believe the Aggies will make a change if he beats Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas down the stretch. But if Texas A&M makes a change I promise you that Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville will be one of the first to get a phone call. And if A&M comes in at $3 million plus Tuberville will listen.
3. South Carolina is not done: A lot of people are writing off the Gamecocks because of last week’s loss to Vanderbilt. That would be a mistake. In 2005, his first year in Columbia, Spurrier beat Tennessee, Arkansas, and Florida. If he does it this season, the Gamecocks will be going to Atlanta.
4. Phillip Fulmer will be the head coach at Tennessee in 2008: The Volunteer Nation is not happy. I understand that. But starting over right now-with all the talented coaches in this league-would not be the smart way to go. There are some problems at Tennessee, particularly with the talent level on defense. Tennessee also needs to get back to running the football. Adjustments need to be made. The question is: Will Fulmer, who can be loyal to a fault, be willing to make them?
5. Arkansas can’t wait much longer: I know that you’re supposed to wait until the end of the season to evaluate a football program. But I’m hearing that all of the work Houston Nutt and his staff have done in recruiting for this next class may unravel in a hurry because of the uncertainty about his future in Fayetteville. Recruiting has changed and guys are making commitments much earlier. And they are more likely to bail if they think a head coach is in trouble.
Comments
By swimdawg68
October 24, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
If Tuberville moves to Texas A&M maybe we could convince Will Muschamp to come home to UGA as Asst. Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. I like the way his defense at Auburn and previously at LSU play. They are very aggressive not like the type of defense we see from Willie Martinez.
Hopefully, at the end of the season CMR will finally figure it out and send Willie packing.
By kitster
October 24, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
I’d love it if USC beat UT, Arky and Florida like they did in ‘05. That would be a dream come true for this Gamecock fan. But, that year we also beat Jay Cutler and Vandy 35-28 at home.
I was hirrified with what I saw this past Saturday at Williams-Brice, but I still think Spurrier has a couple of things up his sleeve.
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Tony, I’m all for tradition - but can you honestly say that Jacksonville, Florida (45 miles from Gainesville, Florida) is a NEUTRAL playing site? Dawg fans in South Georgia and North Florida love it and I can understand their wanting to keep it in Jax. But NEUTRAL SITE? I think not.
By DawgGrad311
October 24, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
I’ve got a great idea… we can play the UGA/Fla game at GayTech. That way the whining nerds can say that UGA lost on their home field.
By Mangino Da Man
October 24, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!
By Eric1
October 24, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Get real you hilarious, hillbilly. There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that Tommy Tuberville will leave Auburn for Cowpie College Station, Texas. Auburn is one of the best jobs in the country and Tommy knows it. War Eagle!!!
By GW
October 24, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
I agree, keep the game in Jacksonville but with all of the future home and home series out of conference Georgia needs the home game to get at least 7 every year. I predict it will become home and home too in 2011.
By Follow the Dollars
October 24, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it funny that every fan thinks the coaching job at their school is one of the better jobs in the country?
You’re forgetting, it isn’t about the job or prestige with Tubby.. it is the cash.
By Eric 2
October 24, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Keep the game in Jacksonville. If we ever start winning there, it will be an awesome recruiting venue to pull talent out of Florida.
By Eric1
October 24, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
For many real people, once you’ve obtained the mantle of millionaire, there are other important things that make you happy. The intangibles of Tommy Tuberville’s current situation will keep him where he is. No doubt about it. Obviously our competitors would love to see him leave, who could blame them, but it aint gonna happen. WDE!!!
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Tony, You have good insight to college ball but your opinion of keeping the Ga / Fla Game in Jax is just wrong my friend. In the old days when the Dawgs won routinely, there was much less parity in the SEC (and across the nation). Now, even a small advantage can be a game-winner. Think it over……….
By BUSHWACKER
October 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
How about all the fans in ATL that never get to go to the game. How about having it in Jacksonville and Atlanta, let Florida travel 500 miles every other year!
By BUSHWACKER
October 24, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Can you imagine the streets of ATL on a Friday night before GA-FLA at the dome the next day. So many drunk women in ATL even ugly a* Flava Flav could get lucky!
By TDone
October 24, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Man, the #2 team in the nation is from the ACC. But no mention of it Tony? What gives?
The AJC: All SEC, all the time.
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
I like your idea BUSHWACKER! Let the slimey reptiles and their fans drive 7 hourseach way, see nothing but Red & Black and listen to Barking Dawgs 24 hours a day!
By the way, I live in Florida and I have not seen or heard these gator fans so worried about playing the Dawgs since Dooley was head coach. They are SCARED TO DEATH of a third conference loss.
RICHT: UNCHAIN THE YARD DAWGS AND LET ‘EM EAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bayou Tiger
October 24, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
UGA fans make me laugh. They whine about Jacksonville; truth be told because in a stunning 88% of the recent games UF has handed their silever britches to them; but NEVER has a single word of discontent been uttered regarding regarding the SEC Championship game being held evry year in the Georgia Dome. How precisely does that NOT equate to a home field advantage; and for a larger prize, too?!?
GEAUX TIGERS!
By suwaneegeorgia
October 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
move the game from jax. it will allow us to start a NEW tradition and will also allow us to have a normal schedule like the other teams nationally. every other year we could go out west or to the midwest to challenge some teams. this stupid thing in jax is nothing but another excuse for drunk fans to party. screw the jax tradition.
By DawgGrad311
October 24, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Bayou Tiger,
I can understand why you would bring up the Dome location for the SEC championship, considering your most recent memory of being there against the dawgs in 2005 brings you to tears. Favored by many points to win, Shockley worked your D like a red-headed step-child. Here we are in ‘07, and you are heavily favored to win the SEC. Stepping stones ahead, Nick Satan, SEC championship…gulp.
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Bayou Tiger, when I was at the Peach Bowl couple of years ago I didn’t see any Tiger fans complaining about the Dome. Miami fans yes. Of course that beat down might have influenced their opinions.
I don’t recall much complaining about Jacksonville before the Gators current run? Was there a lot of it when we were taking it to the Gators?
By PTC DAWG
October 24, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Leave it in Jax. Period.
Folks sometimes forget the HUGE benefit the game is to the Georgia Coast.
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
There is no reason why the game could not alternate between “neutral sites” in Jacksonville and Atlanta every other year. Heck, Gator athletes, coaches and fans love the ATL … the Dome has been very kind to the Gators. They’re 6-1 in SEC championship games played in the Georgia Dome.
By gt in sc
October 24, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
hey dawggrad321 or whatever; UGAY sux in jax, they suck in athens and they suck at home. they are an average team with a spooning qb of questionable sexual orientation. fla owns you butt-lickers and i love it. watch out for gt this year.
By ATLDawg
October 24, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
The UGA-UF game needs to stay in Jacksonville. If anyone has ever attended a game in Gainesville, then you know that Jacksonville is definitely neutral by comparison.
Going back to home-and-home is not the answer because both teams make more money off the game than they do from a home game. Having the game in Atlanta would be nice but the tailgating atmosphere in Atlanta (zilch) doesn’t come close to the party or the tradition in Jacksonville. What other UGA game can you take a boat to?
We’ve been playing the game in Jacksonville since the 1930s and only since the 1990s have some UGA fans wanted to move it. What happens if we leave Jacksonville and then UF still whoops us? A tradition would be destroyed for nothing. How much fun was it watching us lose to UF in Athens in 1994?
I tailgate in generally the same area in Jacksonville that my grandfather did. And look forward to my grandchildren doing the same.
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
FLA DAWG——I’m as tapped into the Florida alumni network as anyone, and I don’t sense any great “fear.” Yes, it would be disappointing if the Gators lose a third regular season game, but it would not be the end of the world, even if the loss comes in Jacksonville. The Gators’ future is very bright, but this is not their year. Next year, and the year after, our team should be a real contender with which to be reckoned as all of our freshman, red shirt freshman and sophomore recruits return as more seasoned and mature ball players.
The Dawgs better win one this year, or it might be several years before another opportunity this good presents itself.
BTW, there is more to life than football. Check it out. There are other things to do in the fair State of Florida than wait for the Florida-Georgia game every year.
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
“gt in sc”——While we Gators do appreciate your unsolicited support, perhaps your focus should be on helping to support your own alma mater’s efforts to occasionally beat UGA on the gridiron.
By JCubby
October 24, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
By VolBabe
October 24, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
It’s wasted time to continue with Fulmer at UT. The players and coaches are losing their respect for the guy….he took his eye off the ball at UT. Both he and Kramer should go fishing together.
By theBiscuit
October 24, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Hmm Ga. Tech fans talking trash.. where are we lets see…
UF has beaten us 15/17. We have beaten Tech 13/16… What a huge difference. That includes Tech cheating non-fumble win.
By BigTechs
October 24, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
I love how most of you idiots write your post as if Tony actually reads this junk. Run over to Target and pick up a life.
By lee smith
October 24, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
TN is such an interesting team. Their players are so big and fast and talented and good that you wonder how they can lose. But they have lost 3 games. I disagree with Tony; I don’t think talent is the problem. I’m not a TN fan but something is missing in Knoxville. I lot a people think that you lose something when you have to recruit nationally-that the kids don’t play as hard for a school and state they have no history with. Maybe that is part of the problem at TN. Maybe not.
By Pago Pago
October 24, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
We’re scared to death of CMU and Coastal Carolina!
By Rebeldawg
October 24, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
I love how earlier this season Spurrier was quoated as saying “they lost to Vandy” in regards to UGA’s loss last season to the Dores. Well Spurrier, whose the C** now?
By DawgGrad311
October 24, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator,
I appreciate the observation given to gt sc. I am a dawg fan and I want to beat UF and Gay-Tech every year, but I am also not a blind fool. We beat Tech every year, and we have been losing to Fla year in and year out as of late…those are facts. However, I don’t ride the coat-tails of other teams who are succesful against rival teams b/c my alma mater cannot beat them. Maybe I can go on the UVa blog and tell them how great they are for beating GT every year too.
Poor little stingerattes… buzzz…cough,cough
By jack
October 24, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
It shocks me that UGA fans want to move the game from Jacksonville. Granted I haven’t attended the UGA-FLA game since 2001, but moving the game seems like a bad idea to me. Espeically since we are 2-15 against the jean shorts. We sound like a bunch of cry babys. We use to own these guys and there’s no reason we can’t again. Dooley must be shaking his head in disgust.
Keep the game where it is and do what it takes to beat FLA. Stop the excuses.
BTW - if this is our best chance to beat FLA we are in trouble. The way I see it, we don’t stand a chance this weekend. Of course, I’m usually wrong so who knows.
By Dan
October 24, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
What about Tubberville in Athens??
By 82 dawg man
October 24, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
When did we become such cry babies? Who signs the contracts every few years to play in Jacksonville? Are they forged? We cry because Tebow “jumps around after good plays”, our players jump around, dance and try to start fights after Vandy gains 20 yards! When did we throw away our class? More players get arrested than graduate, we make excuses for losing, but we want more, bigger, newer facilities? THE COACHES AND PLAYERS WE GET can’t get it done, certainly not against Florida. I don’t mind losing as much as the classless way I know the players will act and having to listen to the silly excuses on our side.
By forever dawg
October 24, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Instead of new facilities, We should pay whatever it takes to get Spurrier as our head coach, Urban Myer as offensive coordinator and Tubberville as defensive coordinator. That would be 3 more wins every year!
By Greg
October 24, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
That’s because the acc really sux’s and Boston College just happens to be 2 at the moment- who in the hell cares what happens in the conference-basketball is about to start.
By Mark C.
October 24, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Keep Atlanta jort free, leave the game in J-ville!
By hop
October 24, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
it is a new era and time to form NEW traditions so it’s even the playing field and play the cocktail party in jax/atl. i think we can party jsut as well in the atl as we can in jax.
By Bayou Tiger
October 24, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
DawgGrad311
You sound like a Notre Dame guy, living in the past. Here is some current realization for you: LSU has more wins than any SEC team over the past seven years and, best of all, enjoy the Music City Bowl.
GEAUX TIGERS!
By AggieCoach.com
October 24, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
If you visit this week’s blog on our coaching search to replace Dennis Franchione at AggieCoach.com you will see that he must outright win the Big 12 Championship to hold on to his job. That would mean beating 5 ranked teams in a row … Kansas, at OU, at Missouri, UT; then play the Big 12 Championship again against Missouri or Kansas. Keep in mind that the Aggies have already lost 2 games, are ranked 41st in the country and have YET TO PLAY A RANKED TEAM! Franchione is gone, but LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini has a better shot than Auburn’s aging Tommy Tuberville. We need a coach for the next 20 years, not as a bridge to collecting social security.
By meansonny
October 24, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Bayou Tiger, You talk about living in the past and then mention the last 7 years (when you know what SEC team has the most wins over the past 10 years).
If you want recent history, how bout UGA v LSU the past 2 contests.
Keep the game in JAX. It’s fun. It’s 50/50. There’s no homefield advantage for either team.
By Art
October 24, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Tubs will not leave Au. Look at the young talent on this team right now. He isn’t going to leave it to rebuild TAM. His family loves Auburn. His mother lives there, son playing HS ball there. Just completed 9,000sf home. Will probably get a raise to 3m. Tony and the media just like to put this out so they have something to talk about. Nothing here, move on.
By observer
October 24, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
According to UGA fans, UGA-UF is a rivalry? And UF has won 15 out of the last 17? Doesn’t seem like much of a rivalry to me. Not a fan of either school, but that reasoning is way out of the realm of reality.
By Mark C.
October 24, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
In the past? Like the Nick Saban era?
By RxDawg
October 24, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
The game should stay in Jax. It is an amazing atmosphere, the best I’ve ever been to. It is good for recruiting. I’m not sure if it really does make both teams more money, but if it does then yipee. The biggest thing is that its a nice treat for all the Georgia fans that live in Florida and the southern part of our wonderful state. Let them have their home game once a year. It is NO excuse for loosing to those damn gators every single stinking year….
By Hunk Erdown
October 24, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
I don’t see any benefit towards UGA in playing UF in Atlanta versus Jacksonville. Once you get inside 285 you might as well be in Cleveland or Detroit. As far as economic impact, I’d rather see Coastal Ga get it than the city of Atlanta. The drive is the only difference, and that is outweighed by the tradition of the cocktail party and loyalty to our South Ga. fans. If it is to be moved, it should only be moved to a home-home venue, for the sake of having that extra home game, but I say leave it alone.
I truly beleive there are as many if not more UGA supporters in Jacksonville as Atlanta.
By Johnny Danger Dawg
October 24, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
I used support keeping the game in Jacksonville due to the unique party atmosphere at the Landing. A few years ago, going to the Landing was free. Now, you have to pay a $15 cover charge just to enter the Landing. Then, you have to pay an ever-increasing charge for a drink from an ever-shrinking cup. (Remember when they used to sell 32-ounce hurricanes in football-shaped cups?) The greedy city-fathers of Jacksonville ruined the Cocktail Party. Screw them! Let’s just move the game back to campus.
By Jay
October 24, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
That was hardly a compelling argument.
By Gator Nation
October 24, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
The game in Jax has no home field advantage for either team. 50/50 stadium. Dirt, grass and zip codes don’t provide advantages.
The game is a long drive for many fans (all gator fans don’t live in gainesville) so take half the week off and go have a cocktail on the beach. The weather is usually beautiful and the sunsets fantastic.
The game is very special. Some other schools do it too (texas vs. oklahoma) but no other have our special experience, rivalary, and meaning.
The game is known nation-wide as the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party. I’ll see you there and give you a beer even if you are in red.
By Jamie
October 24, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
The Georgia-Florida game should end in Jacksonville at the end of the current contract which is in 2009. Let’s go home and home. We would get 8 home games from time to time like the SEC BIG Boys!
Im tired of going to Jacksonville. Let’s put that money back in Athens every other year.
Go Dogs!
By Diamond Dave
October 24, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Does anyone think Florida would’ve played us every year for the past 75 years in Atlanta? Same difference.
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
ATLANTA GATOR - I remember when Dawg Fans had the same, “take it for granted we’ll win” attitude about the gators.
On paper gators should win this one. But I have lived in Florida for 10 years and have never heard and read more fear about a forthcoming UGA / FLA game than this one by gator fans.
I have more than enough to do in Florida - like trying to understand Spanish, paying ridiculous property taxes and insurance premiums. Like you living in Atlanta I am here for work reasons ONLY. But when it has been FOREVER since we won down here I guess I look forward to it more than you.
I grew up in Atlanta so I know there’s alot more for you to do than get on a Dawg Blog.
By DecaturDog
October 24, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Good Lord…can you arrested development dolts stop with the gay stuff? This is a sports blog, not a school yard smack talk….what a bunch of cretins! THIS IS ABOUT FOOTBALL>>>>
By Gator Nation
October 24, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
For the geographically challenged:
Jacksonville is right on the Georgia/Florida border.
Playing the game in Atlanta would be the same as playing the game in Tampa.
Like someone else previously stated, do the georgia fans complain about the site of the SEC title game? I think not.
But hey, we could play you in your own back yard in front of your momma’s and still whip ya. 52-14 sound familar?
By LB
October 24, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
I love it! An Aubie trying to insult Texas A&M using the word ‘cowpie’!!! Too damn funny!
By Jason Cyrus Ohanian
October 24, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
As a Texas fan, I hope Tuberville stays at Auburn since he coaches well there with less talent. At A and M, he would have his pick of Texas talent after Texas and Ou so he could be real dangerous plus he could bring some southern talent over as well. Jacksonville is not a neutral site since it is so close to the Gators and so far from UGA, but the problem is where are you going to play it and keep it neutral? Luckily Dallas is about the same distance for the Longhorns and the land stealers from up north. Hook ‘Em
By Frustrated, Inc.
October 24, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Barnyard: You are clueless if you think Tuberville will listen to Tx A&M. AU is a better program. Period. At least you weren’t a complete retard like your peer Paul Finebaum who thinks Tuberville wants out of AU b/c he is scared of Sabear. Yeah he is scared of Sabear who he is 3-2 against (while at a much better program than Bammy). You have an agenda and it is to hurt AU’s recruiting so your beloved dawgs can take advantage. Weak.
By noyellowinthisblood
October 24, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
To move the game’s location would be a horrible shot to the history of the SEC. There are few things as unique as the cocktail party. It is a Thursday through Sunday event and the argument that the site is not neutral is BS. The DAWGS need to come out and win about 3-4 straight and this arguement goes away.
By sonny
October 24, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Please someone tell me a better place to play the SEC championship than the dome? It is far and away the most successful out of all the confrences. Do you want the game turned into a joke like the acc? New Orleans is the only other stadium I would consider, but the ATL just so happens to be a central location for the entire SEC. And for you gaytornation: Playing the game in Atlanta would be exactly like playing the game in jax. I am in favor of keeping the game right where it is, but Tampa?? You my friend are an idiot
By Realistic Ricky
October 24, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
By Gator Nation
October 24, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Sonny,
Go back and read my post again. Its called an analogy. Tampa wasn’t a suggestion.
Atlanta is the perfect place to play the SEC championship game. This one is called a comparison. Not a complaint.
How did you do on those SAT’s buddy?
By sonny
October 24, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Houston Nutt will become an Aggie
By Gerry
October 24, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
The Georgia-Florida game needs to stay in Jacksonville period. I hate losing every year just as much as the next guy. But to me its the funnest game of the year. Every dawg fan should make the trip at least once in thier life. If you ask me there is no other college game in the country that compares.
By sonny
October 24, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Gator Nation: 1150. I know what an analogy is. It was just a bad one. Look forward to saturday
By John
October 24, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Keep the Georgia-Florida game in Jacksonville. We may drive a few hours more, but half the stadium is red & black and we have more wins in Jax than the Gators do. Start a winning streak against Jean Shorts U and everyone will look forward to this game like they did in the Dooley days.
By Godawgs75
October 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Observer you are an idiot, rivalries are more than a few years, man I hate even having to explain that to a pretend Gator fan.
By AU/TECH'er
October 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Tubberville shows a great deal of comfort at this stage in his career, which leads me to think he will remain at AU. There is no doubt that he has a good group of young players to build on. He does not assume the fetal position when Finebaum mentions saben. The SEC is bigtime and Tubberville knows this opportunity, besides the president and AD that got after him are long gone-security!
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Gentlemen——Some food for thought …
Savannah to Jacksonville, 139 miles Tampa to Jacksonville, 203 miles Augusta to Jacksonville, 268 miles Atlanta to Jacksonville, 346 miles Miami to Jacksonville, 350 miles Pensacola to Jacksonville, 358 miles
Oddly, you can see what the original logic was for holding the game on the St. Johns River: in an era before Interstate highways, it was centrally located for the population centers of both Florida and Georgia, who could all get there on an overnight drive. Note that Miami and Pensacola are both marginally further from Jax than Atlanta is.
By J
October 24, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with swimdawg can we please get Muschamp, I will help pay for his salary(yeah right) Muschamp and Bobo would be great for Georgia. I say keep the game in jax and keep fall break where it is as well. As a recent graduate, The fl game was the higHlight of the year win or lose. It is a great time for students and alums to blow off some steam and enjoy themselves. I think the game is completly neutral except for the fact that their team is always better than us. Playing the game in Atlanta would not help us at all. Who wants to tailgate in downtown ATL anyway? Jacksonville is prettier and warmer than ATL. The traffic is better, hotels and restaurants are cheaper, you can actually park your car before the game with out worrying about getting robbed. Why ruin on of College football’s greatest traditions and the best party hands down.
By will
October 24, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Tony, you couldn’t be more wrong about the Chickens. I said last week in this same blog that Spurrier would lose down the stretch to Tenn, Arkansas, Fla, and get upset along the way to Vandy or Clemson. I’m right on the money so far and that won’t change after Saturday. The Chickens will finish a normal 7-5 but dead last in the SEC East. And next September, the dogs will kick their teeth in 28-3.
By North North Georgia Dawg
October 24, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator - I live in Trenton, Georgia. Can you do the math for me please.
I’m not a proponent of moving the game, I just thought that your point was funny. Believe it or not, there is actually human life north of Atlanta.
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
ATLANTA GATOR: More food for thought- Atlanta / Athens to Jax 350 miles. Gainesville to Jax 70 miles.
By J
October 24, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
I wonder how many UF fans come to the game from Atlanta? Its probably a good number. I’ve drivin from Jacksonville to Ft. Lauderdale a couple of times, its about as bad as Athens to Jacksonville. Georgia fans from N. Georgia are not the only ones driving far distances. Getting there is half the fun, leave a day early and party in Savannah on Thursday. St Simons Island is awesome if you don’t like supporting the state of FLorida. And by the way Football, especially college football was not meant to be played in Domes.
By Moe
October 24, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
I am so tired about spoiled Atlanta fans pi$$ing and moaning about having to drive to JAX. Try living on the coast and driving 600 miles R/T to Athens 5 or 6 times a year.
Gator Nation, I did much better than 1150 and thought that was a perfect analogy. See you Sat.
By Coach Richt
October 24, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Athens, Gainsville, then Jacksonville, Athens, Gainsville, then Jacksonville,
By Dave in Tampa
October 24, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Bad move to change locations. Yes, I’m old enough to remember when the role was reversed and NOBODY at UGA complained then. Let’s not start sounding like Tech fans and complain about the most stupid things. We just need to win a few to get the feel for the rivalry back.
BTW: Do NOT put King into the game. Bad game for him to get his feet wet. The season is half over. Let him Red Shirt!
Go Dawgs!
By ChampDawg
October 24, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Unless the pups can miraculously grow up quick, UGA may only win 1 more game. They will be underdogs against everyone remaining on the schedule except Troy. A team that barely beat Vandy and got completely dismantled by a UT team that got beat soundly by Alabama tells you how far down this program has come under CMR. I just don’t see how we can possibly win the majority of the remaining games— defense sux, OL sux, running backs hurt, and Stafford way overrated.
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
FLA DAWG——The original idea was to give the south Georgia Dawgs fans an opportunity to attend a UGA game without spending two days on the old U.S. Highways, back when the Interstate Highway was still a dream in young Captain Dwight Eisenhower’s imagination. And, frankly, Jacksonville was probably easier to reach from South Florida than Gainesville. Times have definitely changed, my canine friend.
North Georgia Dawg——Trenton, Georgia is 481 miles from Jacksonville. I knew you had a big travel issue when I saw the Mapquest-recommended route ran partially along I-59 toward Chattanooga. Heck, Trenton is 136 miles from Atlanta, and 196 miles from Athens. You’re about as far away from the rest of Georgia (and Florida) as you can get and still be in our fair state … I am reminded now why one of Georgia’s nicknames is the Empire State of the South.
So, what goes on in fair Trenton on a Saturday night? Have your got a good fall festival or local barbecue joint?
By ChampDawg
October 24, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
The fact that the coaches are evn remotely considering putting Caleb King in the game tells you how scared they are about this game and the rest of the season. I’m serious, with the problems this team has it doesn’t look good the rest of the way folks.
By DesertDawg
October 24, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Keep the game in Jax where it belongs. And quit crying about the drive. Try coming from Arizona, I have been making the trip since I moved out here 3 years ago and will be this year as well.
Go Dawgs!
By Dorsey Hill
October 24, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
We should be able to beat those jort wearing mullet-haired idiots in anywhere any time any place. The problem isn’t the site. The problem has been that when we’ve been evenly matched we haven’t made plays. Of the 15 losses we should have won 5 to 6. If we had we be 7-10 or 8-9 over the last 17 which wouldn’t be bad at all. But we are 2-15 because we haven’t made the plays when they were staring us right in the face. When we were winning we made plays. Belue to Scott. Appelby to Washington etc…
We need to show up like we did at Auburn last fall. DL penetration. DB’s breaking on the ball. Throwing the deep ball acurately. If we do that we win and win big. If not we’re 2-16 and it ain’t Alltell Staduim’s fault.
Play mean, play with confidence, play like your life depends on it. All of your love. All of your hate. And focus it on one purpose: the complete and total destruction of thine enemy.
We need to tell our D-line that it takes 7 or 8 guys to put a straight jacket on a crazy person who doesn’t want to comply. That means if you play like that crazy person it will take 7 to 8 blockers to handle you and UF isn’t gonna get 40 blockers to handle our front so there isn’t an excuse for anything. Just GATA! Tebow must go down and he must go down hard.
Keep the game where its at. Aren’t you glad that we don’t have to go to Gainesville? Auburn is bad enough. Why should we even think about having to go to that hell hole? If it were up to me we’d play Auburn in Columbus and UT in Chattanooga. That way we wouldn’t have to venture into those noxious disgusting places.
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
North Georgia Dawg——I forgot to mention that the distance from Key West (the extreme point by Florida highway travel) to Jacksonville is 504 miles. Oddly, Jacksonville is still centrally located and a pretty good compromise for most Florida and Georgia fans.
Maybe next year we can drive down together. You can right nasty things about the Gators on the port side windows, and I’ll write something humorous about Mrs. Dooley on the starboard. LOL
By North North Georgia Dawg
October 24, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator - A Saturday night in Trenton, Georgia is probably spent like a Saturday night in Live Oak, Florida. There’s just not a whole lot of trouble that you can get into. Of course that has it’s good points too. Of course you can always go to Chattanooga, but who in there right mind would want to go into Tennessee, right?
By DunwoodyDawg
October 24, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
You’re wrong, Mr. College Football. Some of us want to move GA-FLA out of Jax not because of the Dawgs losing streak, but because the commute keeps a lot of folks from getting to the game at all. Not everyone can take off Thursday and Friday. Have it be home-and-home, then the folks that would go on the road only have an extra hour when its in G-ville, and us Atlantans will have the typical commute to Athens every other year. Tradition schamdition. Money is what keeps the game there.
By North North Georgia Dawg
October 24, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator - I guess we have stumbled onto the formula that the founders used to deem Jacksonville as a central location. It’s 481 miles from Trenton, Georgia and 504 miles from Key West, Florida. That’s pretty close to half way.
Maybe the best thing to do would be to move the University of Florida further south. Then, the schools would be equal distances away from Jacksonville. LOL
By Ed
October 24, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
The home-field advantage claim is b.s. Gators were saying the same thing when we were beating them in the 70s and 80s. It wasn’t too much of a problem when we beat them in ‘97 and ‘04, either. The scheduling disparity is what really hurts. Most years, Georgia is playing its 5th straight game and Florida has an off-week. The last time Florida had to play the week before the Cocktail Party (‘04), we won. Bottom line: GATA and quit making excuses about the unique venue. Playing in the Gator Bowl is a great tradition that should never end.
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
North Georgia Dawg——You would not be the first person who suggested that the University of Florida is oddly located within the state. There has been complaining for years from the Florida parents of college-age students, but UF was created from a consolidation of the old East Florida Seminary (Ocala) and the old Florida Agricultural College (Lake City) and relocated to Gainesville in 1905 when 90+% of the population lived north of Tampa and Orlando.
BTW, my childhood home town was almost 300 Interstate miles from Gainesville.
By shlbysweet
October 24, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
I can certainly understand Georgia wanting to move the game to home and home. I am an Auburn fan living just south of Birmingham. The Iron Bowl was certainly convenient for me, but I was 100% behind moving the game to home and home. Bama called Legion Field a neutral site and swore they would never play in Auburn. Once the contract ended and we started playing the Iron Bowl at home, the playing field truly leveled and we have only lost one game against Bama on our field. I would rather stop playing Bama than move the game back to Legion Field. Also, teams cannot invite recruits to offsite games. Georgia and Fla are both losing a big recruiting weekend with not playing at home. TT has every recruit he is even remotely recruiting at that game when we are at home. Granted, a weekend in Jacksonville would be nice, but when football rolls around, I want the home field advantage. I’ll save the beach for summer.
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
ATLANTA GATOR - You conveniently ignore the fact that Jax is 1 hour from UF and 7 hours from UGA. While the history is interesting it does not alter the fact that the Gators play a Home Game against the Dawgs EVERY YEAR. I guess if we had that edge EVERY YEAR I’d want to keep it that way too!
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator - Please read the blog a couple paragraphs above (By shlbysweet). Here is an Auburn Fan explaining exactly what most Dawg Fans understand. I don’t think I could have asked for a more unbiased opinion. 25 years ago it may not have made as much difference as it does today. Recruiting and coaching has made such parity among schools that ANY edge can make a win / loss difference in some games. I would never state that the Dawgs would have won all of the home games had they been in Athens. But they sure as hell would have had a better (and fairer) shot at winning more. Times have changed my mud dwelling friend!
By Atlanta Gator
October 24, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
FLA DAWG——No, I did not ignore the fact that Gainesville is closer to Jax than Athens is; there’s just not much I can do about it. We must acknowledge the simple truth that there are only something like 5,000 student fans traveling from each of Gainesville and Athens to attend the game. Most of the other 65,000+ adult alumni and fans are not coming from the two college towns, but from the major urban areas of their respective states.
You have an agenda, and I respect that. Nobody would be happier than the Atlanta Gator if the schools decided to alternate between neutral sites in Atlanta and Jacksonville; unfortunately, you would probably get more resistance from south Georgia Dawgs fans than Gators. But, as North Georgia Dawg suggested, there is hope: perhaps you can convince the legislature to move the UF campus to Miami to make it perfectly fair to both teams. = )
By IronDog
October 24, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
FlaDawg and byshlbysweet make good points about the “edge” the Gators have had. I live in Florida and would like the games to be home and home. I’d like an excuse to visit the campus again!
By FLA DAWG
October 24, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator - Let’s hope it’s a good game this Saturday. I’m looking forward to more SEC footall!
By GT
October 24, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Georgia is a better traveling team than home for some reason so stop with the home advantage. Auburn another very good traveling team will up the contract to 3 million and who wants to coach in the bush leagues when you have seen the SEC.
By DawgHare
October 24, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
KEEP IT IN JAX! Coach Richt is great, but he does the team no favors by asserting Jacksonville is hardly a neutral site. Spurrier changed the way his teams approached the game and look at the results (and admittedly, UGA being down for much of the 90’s sure helped). Georgia can do the same, and while it’s doubtful Georgia will return to the dominance it enjoyed under Coach Dooley anytime soon, we can at least start breaking even down there.
By John
October 24, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
Why not have it at Valdosta State?
By DesertDawg
October 24, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Why do people insist that it is an unfair advantage for UF? Because the players only have to travel and hour and half opposed to 6 hours? There are just as many UGA fans at this game every year as UF fans if not more. No excuse but the Dawgs just haven’t made the plays when they have needed to!
By War Eagle
October 24, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
North North Ga, great place to live, I coached at Rossville High School years back and loved the area, plus we recruited some fine players off the Mountain and Dade County area. It was legal back in those days.Several played at UGA. CTT has built a new home in Auburn and has a huge lake house on Lake Martin, making tons of money and loved by Auburn people. Texas A&M are spinning their wheel and so are the news media. President Adams would not approve the play scale to get Coach Muschamp to coach at UGA. He is making more $$$ than any Dawg assistant today.
By SurgDawg
October 24, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Tony!
Georgia/Florida belongs in Jacksonville, and it’s silly to say it’s not a neutral site. We’re still up by nine or ten games in the series despite almost two decades(!) of Florida dominance, and have ourselves dominated in Jacksonville in the past. We don’t keep getting beat because Florida has some vague home-field advantage. The distribution of bye weeks may have some influence, but the main problem is that we keep getting outcoached and outplayed.
By kj
October 24, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
UGay, the name fits, your qb is questionable; welcome to being the 6th best team in the sec the conf that has a losing record out of conference this year
By Top Dawg
October 24, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Atlanta Gator, is that you John H.???
By AL
October 25, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
WAKE UP!!!1If you think Tuberville is loyal to anything over the almighty dolar, your living in lala land. Pay attention to what news reports in Alabama are reporting. Texas A&M is going to pay big bucks. The same people swearing Tuberville’s loyalty now, are the same ones wanting his head after the USF loss. He was loyal to Ole Miss once upon a time.
By boots
October 25, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Jax is a great place for the game, and it is just tradition. You know, traditions… like waving towels over our heads at Sanford stadium and shouting, “I’m Georgia!” Well, some “traditions” really are strong, and I say keep the GA FLA game where it is. The trip being shorter for the Gators is the problem, so I say make the Gators have to drive down to Miami and then back up again before going in to Jax. That makes it fair. Otherwise, we can play the game at the Valdosta High School stadium every other year.
Oh, and about Tuberville leaving Auburn… for those Tigers who say “why would he leave?” Uh - I’ve been to Auburn, AL and I have to ask “Why the He11 would he stay?”
By Atlanta Gator
October 25, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this
Top Dawg——Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not John H. I’m Batman!
By z-dawg
October 25, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with Tony on this one, which doesn’t happen a whole lot. Anybody that goes to the game knows that it truly is neutral….in fact, the red and black usually bring MORE fans and noise than those other guys…..I don’t think playing in the dome increases our chances to win at all, i really don’t….let’s keep the tradition going, don’t change it……whipping them down there in their home state is even sweeter than beating them here….plus i kinda like “The Landing”….
By JQ
October 25, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter if Jacksonville is pro-florida city, once you get in the stadium its half and half.
By uga6
October 25, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Yes, leave the game in Jacksonville, just not every year. Rotation should be either of: Year 1: Jacksonville Year 2: Gainesville Year 3: Jacksonville Year 4: Athens or substitute Year 3 with Atlanta; have fun and repeat; this way also lets Georgia schedule a top non conference opponent at home in year 2 when they play in Gainesville and away in year 4 when play in Athens and Florida can do the same such as against Miami.
By jim
October 25, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
When we were wining in Jacksonville the game was special, but now that we can’t win there it’s taboo. Changing locations isn’t going to fix this problem!!!
By shlbysweet
October 25, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
If UofF is so fond of Jacksonville, let them play there every other year when they are the home team. Georgia has the right to decide where they should play their home games once the contract has ended. After all, Alabama continued to play the Iron Bowl in Birmingham after Auburn moved our home series to Jordan Hare in an effort to make a point. However, it didn’t take but a few years for them to realize that their point was ineffective and so they moved the game to Tuscaloosa. After all, GA fans and Fla fans do not need a particular venue to party and drink. I’m sure they can enjoy themselves just as well on each other’s campus. That being said, I have never been in The Landing. Perhaps if I ever make it down there, I will change my mind…
By Atlanta Gator
October 25, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
shlbysweet——You will note that most of the opposition to moving to a traditional home-and-home or rotating Jacksonville and Atlanta neutral sites is coming from Georgia fans, not Gator fans. Yes, the Gators are fond of the Jacksonville site, and may keep our “home” game there even if UGA moves theirs elsewhere, but it will not be the same for anyone if the Gator Bowl is filled with 85% Gators and only 15% Dawgs. Then it will truly be a home game for the Gators, and there will be far fewer opportunities for your south Georgia Dawg fans to attend the game in either location.
By Redneck Dawg
October 28, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
I wish them little skinny gators with beer bellies would come up to Athens in Bulldog country every other year. I sure do need me some NEW alligator boots!!!
By rick
October 28, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
yes we beat florida that something tennessee could not do because beat florida and we score 42 points agains the defending national champion and f*** you barnhart you fat a*