AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDawgs are No. 1 in the TB Top 30
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Okay, we’re down to the top 10 teams in the TB Top 30. Today we set the table for the arguments we’re going to have all summer. If you disagree with my Top 10 then tell me why. Should your team be included? Should they be ranked higher? Make the case.
Here we go. A lot has happened since the BCS championship game on Jan. 7. Guys have turned pro early. Guys (like LSU’s Ryan Perrilloux) have been kicked off the team. A lot of coaches have changed addresses. The college football landscape has undergone a significant change in the past four months.
But nothing has changed my mind about who should be the nation’s No. 1 team going into the summer of 2008. And it is:
1. Georgia (11-2 last season, 8 offense, 9 defense): There is no question about the talent in Athens because the Bulldogs have it at every position. They have a veteran quarterback (Matt Stafford) who is going to have a big year. They have tons of talent at running back (Knowshon Moreno, Caleb King). They have more speed on defense than any Georgia team in recent memory. There are, however, some red flags. They could use a little more depth on the offensive line, a proven place-kicker, and a schedule that doesn’t look like the Bataan Death March. Will it be difficult, if not impossible, to go undefeated against that schedule? You bet. But until somebody beats the Dawgs, they have to be No. 1.
2. Southern Cal (11-2, 4 offense, 7 defense): Mark Sanchez is the starting quarterback after beating out Mitch Mustain. I thought the Trojans had more good football players than any team in the country last season and that has not changed. They will easily plug a bunch of new players into the offense and keep on clicking. Southern Cal gets Ohio State at home on Sept. 13. The winner of that game will get a lot of votes for No. 1.
3. Missouri (12-2, 6 offense, 10 defense): The Tigers were hoping to get RB Tony Temple back for a final season but he dropped his appeal in late January and turned pro. Expect QB Chase Daniel and all-world WR Jeremy Maclin to both have huge seasons as Mizzou wins the Big 12 championship. If Missouri beats Illinois in its opener (in St. Louis), the Tigers will probably be 6-0 when they go to Texas on Oct. 18.
4. Florida (9-4, 8 offense, 8 defense): This team is loaded and motivated after stumbling at the end of last season against Georgia and Michigan. The Gators return the Heisman Trophy winner (Tim Tebow), one of the nation’s most explosive players (WR Percy Harvin) and to that mix have added RBs Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody, a transfer from Southern Cal. If the defense improves, and it will, the Georgia-Florida game on Nov. 1 could be one for the ages. The winner of that game will have the inside track for the SEC championship and, perhaps, the national championship. Auburn, one of Florida’s losses last season, comes off the schedule and is replaced by Arkansas.
5. Ohio State (11-2, 9 offense, 9 defense): Some have the Buckeyes at No. 1 but you’ll forgive us if we remain a little skeptical until they go to Southern Cal on Sept. 13. All of the principal figures return including RB Beanie Wells and sophomore DE Cameron Heyward of Atlanta, who could be an All-Big Ten pick. Will freshman QB Tyrelle Pryor be a factor? I kind of doubt it. This is a good team. But after getting hammered in two straight BCS championship games, the Buckeyes have something to prove.
6. Oklahoma (11-3, 8 offense, 6 defense): Here’s another talented team that has something to prove after losing in the Fiesta Bowl the past two seasons. If sophomore QB Sam Bradford (3,121 yards passing, 36 TD, 8 int) continues to play well, Oklahoma will win the Big 12 South and play Missouri for the conference championship. There are no scary games on the non-conference schedule and if the Sooners beat Texas on Oct. 13 they could be undefeated when they play in the Big 12 championship game on Dec. 6. If they beat Mizzou, the maybe Bob Stoops and his troops get in the BCS mix.
7. Clemson (9-4, 7 offense, 8 defense): The Tigers have not won an ACC championship since 1991 but this just has to be their year. There is just too much talent on the offensive side of the ball with RBs James Davis (1,064 yards rushing), C.J. Spiller (768), QB Cullen Harper (27 TD, 6 int), and WR Aaron Kelly (88 catches, 1,081 yards). The defense is really good, too. I’d feel better about this pick if Clemson was set on the offensive line. There remain some real questions there.
8. Illinois (9-4, 7 offense, 6 defense): Quarterback Juice Williams returns and he’ll certainly miss RB Reshard Mendenhall. But Ron Zook has recruited well and the Illini showed they are ready for prime time by handing Ohio State its only regular-season loss in 2007. Illinois will lose its opener to Missouri in St. Louis. But with Ohio State at home, the Illini could run the table after that.
9. West Virginia (11-2, 7 offense, 4 defense: If QB Pat White can stay healthy, the Mountaineers will win the Big East again. Yes, White will miss RB Steve Slaton but there are still a lot of offensive weapons on this team. With the possible exception of a Thursday night home game with Auburn (Oct. 23), every game on the schedule looks winnable.
10. Auburn (9-4, 8 offense, 7 defense): The Tigers have two new coordinators, a new offense, and the state is buzzing over Nick Saban’s recruiting class at Alabama. Nobody is paying much attention to Auburn and that is just the way coach Tommy Tuberville likes it. The new spread offense will be difficult to prepare for in just one week and the Tigers have two quarterbacks (Kodi Burns, Chris Todd) capable of running it and are deep at RB. With LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia all coming to Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn could be the surprise team in the SEC.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By JB
May 7, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
I like it…we did finish hot last year, as much as the haters….well, hate it. The team did get better last year. they are a year older, bigger, and we have some depth for the first time in the Richt era…… If they have some swagger like the second part of last year, we will give everyone we play fits. I like that the offense is not one dimensional. We will be tough to stop and our D should keep it close in all the games. GO DAWGS !!!!!!!
By JB
May 7, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
Tony, while I may agree that we should be #1, I want no part of it. Feel free to swith us with the Crocs.
HBTD!!!!!!!!!!
By hop
May 7, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
TONY, i think you have compelling list,but i would say auburn is not a top ten team. the surprise team could be miss state ,alabama or south carolina as being the third best team in the SEC.
By JB
May 7, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
I re-watched the UGA- Fla game last night. Florida was crowding the line alot in the game trying to stop you know who, and the passing game really clicked. I look for the running game to be better this year, the line better and # 7 to be a whole lot better. The D will be better. Florida will be better also.
By zeke
May 7, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
Y’all gonna be surprised!!
USC-USC-USC-USC
And, that does not stand for Southern Cal!!!
By Paula
May 7, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Georgia is loaded, but their schedule is brutal and will cost them the no. 1 spot. Trips to Arizona State, Auburn, LSU, Florida, and Auburn will cost them a game or two.
USC is no. 1
By Billy Bob
May 7, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
Number 1, yeah right. Well maybe until Tennessee comes to town. The Vols own the Bulldogs, and will do so again this year! Hey, but dont worry, you guys can start your political campaign for being the best, while someone else plays in the SEC Championship. Seems to have worked well for you this year.
By Craig
May 7, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
I hate to drop an SEC team but USC is stacked and has yet again a weak conference. UGA might go to the title game but not as the #1.
By Mike
May 7, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
Thanks, TB for excluding Ohio State from the very top. How many times do they have to be face-slammed by the SEC in a game they didn’t deserve to be in? Yes, they have a lot to prove - USC will tell us something …
UGA deserves number one as much as anyone. The schedule however is also the number one toughest in the country. If we can somehow get through murderer’s row, there is no question.
By Obnoxious Georgia Fan
May 7, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
You know you’re in pretty good shape if two of the biggest beefs are the schedule, like we haven’t heard that one before, and lack of a freakin’ place kicker. We didn’t need a place kicker last year when we were winning our last 6 games by double digits. Expect more of the same in ‘08.
By Tony is trying to sell newspapers
May 7, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! Each and every season you make some of the stupidest comments. For example, last year after Saban started good, you said he had already earned his 4 million or the Tide got off cheap. We saw what happened. Sabam’s results were no different than Shula’s. Yes these were Shula’s recruits but you should have factored that in when you made your comment in which I immediately pounded you about. For you to pick Georgia means you don’t learn to well. Each and every season this idiot of a coach manages to blunder crucial games. Last year TN and almost Vandy, another year Vandy, another year West Va, blah, blah, blah. No way Richt gets through the season without a major blunder. Watch.
By Mark
May 7, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
And the Falcons will win the Super bowl! Homer…
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
May 7, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
JB,
Your post reminded me of listening to Ray Goff’s post game interview with all of your better’s. We gotta get better, more better, need to get better, better get better….good times!
Tony,
Oklahoma is ranked to low. To much talent coming back. Until MIZZ can beat them no way can they be ranked ahead of them. I would also put Oklahoma over OSU.
GO DAWGS!!!
By David
May 7, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
As fan that follows Clemson, a #7 ranking is higher than I would’ve put them.
The talent is there but there’s always that unexpected loss to somebody like Duke or Georgia Tech. Alabama will be tougher than most people expect simply because they always struggle against teams from the SEC.
By kendall
May 7, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
Isnt it funny how everyone is talking football, real reasons why things are, untill the hick from Tenersee comes in with his overalls and no shirt singing the only song he knows. If UTk is going to beat UGA, tell us why hillbilly. Is it because you lost Cut? did you even know that Phat Phil is 1-6 against UGA without Cutcliffe? Did you know you have new QB? Did you know the record in this game the last 10 years without Eric Ainge was 7-0 UGA? Did you know that? See you in Athens…oh, and stop by Butts-Mehre, you can see what a couple of Heismans looks like.
By DMT
May 7, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Hey Tony,
I’m with your prediction, but have a major concern: that the Dawgs execute gameplans regardless of who the opponent is…whereas other coaches seem to modify their game plan (I won’t name names) to attack their opponents weaknesses…That’s what I would call a “killer instinct” and I’m not sure that Georgia has it.
Q1: Do you agree with this basic premise?
Q2: Can a team that doesn’t have a killer instinct take it all the way and close the deal?
By David H
May 7, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
UGA is loaded and should be very good. However, their schedule is way too tough to expect to go undefeated. Southern Cal on the other hand is loaded as always and the PAC 10 is a very weak conference at best. The real key to who plays for the National Championship, however, is the media and who they favor. After two straight years of the SEC kicking a Big Ten butt for the NC you can bet that the media will do all they can to prevent another SEC team from getting into the championship game. Look for USC and perenial loser Ohio State to be in the final game. And once again OSU will look way overmatched.
By wareagle18
May 7, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
As an Auburn fan, I think you got their ranking about right. I think Auburn is set at every position at quarterback, which they could either do really well at or really poorly at. I think they are definitely capable of beating UGA this year, and to anyone who thinks they are not serious contenders in the west is an idiot. To put Alabama, Miss St, or SCar ahead of them in the SEC (as hop did) is just stupid.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
May 7, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Tony, you drank the Kool-aid. Shame on you. Dawgs choke as usual, probably the first game.
You should be writing about how the AJC is framing Joe Hamilton.
By AltamahaDawg
May 7, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Let’s count the number of times somebody uses the word delusional today.
By Cuz
May 7, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
Playing to the home crowd Tony? Hey I am a rabid Dawg fan and I cannot rank my team #1. To brutal a schedule and to many bounces of that oblong ball. I say lets focus on getting to the SECC, win that and let the rest take care of itself.
By reality check
May 7, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
On paper, and 4 months before the season starts, Georgia looks like we should be favored in every game. The schedule may be brutal, but our depth and two well placed bye weeks set the season up better than some think. It is hard for most to believe we won’t trip up once or twice with that schedule, but we shall see.
I have a hard time accepting 3 teams from the Big 10 can’t count in the top 10. USC exposed Illinois as a weakling in the Rose Bowl. I also have to admit Hawaii made Georgia look even better than we were. Their offense was so one dimensional they were easy to defense.
By I missed that
May 7, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Hey that’s right. Tony you clown half or 4/10 of the teams you picked lost their bowl game. To pick Missouri #3 which was exposed by a poor OU team discounts your list. To pick Clemson #7…what a joke of a coach. To pick Illinois who did well in the big 10 which meant jack and we saw it when they played USC.
Your list has no credibility.
By UnderDawg
May 7, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
I am a UGA fan, but I believe the schedule is just too much of an a$$-kicker for the team to overcome. LSU and UF back-to-back??!! Who the *#@! made up THIS schedule??
By NCdawg
May 7, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
At this point in time, I really don’t care if we are ranked No. 1 or not. It really doesn’t mean anything until the players take the field and go at it. We’ll know a lot more about this team at about midnight on Sept 20th.
By Pat
May 7, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
As we saw last year,rankings before December are a crapshoot.UGA’s key is to keep Knowshon fresh early in the season. King or someone else must step up early because Knowshown will be the key down the stretch. OLine will be OK but I hope the new kicker can make the FGs that he is supposed to make.
By reality check
May 7, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Make that 2 teams from the big 10 can’t count!
By SICEM
May 7, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Tony I agree with most of your top 10 but I still dont get how ANYONE can rank OSU OR USC in the top 10 until they start playing a decent schedule. Let the DAWGS play those schedules every year and they would go undefeated most seasons. Playing good high school teams every year does not a champion make!
By Brent Bowie
May 7, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Tony, Tony, Tony, You have Georgia ranked no.1 BUT you picked us NOT to win the SEC??!!! That makes about as much sense as voting for Hillary!!!
By Warigami
May 7, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Wow, that’s really hard to believe that a sports writer from the AJC (Athens Journal & Const.) puts the Bulldogs as the number one team…
By Volunqueer
May 7, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Sorry Tony, but if you wanted to avoid the label of “Homer” you would not have picked UGA at number 1.
By Koz
May 7, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Homer or Not, UGA is #1 until they get beat
By MB
May 7, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
David,
Why would you not expect to lose to the same Georgia Tech that beats you year after year? Clemson fans are amazing they claim to be a football power because they are terrible at everything else.
By Leslie Brent Bowie
May 7, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Hey Voluqueer, Tony goes out of his way to toss the Dawgs under the bus! He picked Georgia because we are the only team that deserves it!!
By Bucky
May 7, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Saturday Night in Baton Rouge…aka Crystal City…will end the dogs dreams of a SEC and National Championship…..Write it down…Phat Tony!!
By jonkoncak
May 7, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
How is it that so many people lack the comprehension to understand what this poll is ranking? Tony says right there in his article that this is where he thinks the teams rank right now heading into the summer. Not where they’ll be next November.
He thinks UGA is #1 and should stay that way until someone can beat them and convince him otherwise.
I’m surprised most of you can even spell “AJC” to manipulate the web address “www.ajc.com” in order to come here and post brainless comments.
When someone called Tony a homer, I sprayed Mtn. Dew out of my nose. Inattentive morons.
By George
May 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Georgia and its fans prove again and again every year two things. They are continually one of the most overrated teams in the country and the most whining group of fans in the country. It will be the first of October when the IDIOTIC dawg nation will begin its annual chants of “we are a year or two away”
By George
May 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Georgia and its fans prove again and again every year two things. They are continually one of the most overrated teams in the country and the most whining group of fans in the country. It will be the first of October when the IDIOTIC dawg nation will begin its annual chants of “we are a year or two away”
By DawgBarky!
May 7, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
The barn at #10 is a laugher. Its party is almost over and they will finish outside the Top 25. Clempson, however, will have enough easy wins to hang around the Top 10.
By mariettaou
May 7, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
I missed that
Missouri or OU shouldn’t be in top 10? You typical SEC fan that doesn’t know anything about college football, you have no credibility.
By USC 23 Aub 0 on the plains
May 7, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Regarding USC not having a tough enough schedule.
USC 23 Auburn 0 at Auburn a few years back.
On yeah, seams like to me Cal beat TN last year to.
Pete Caroll is the man cept for the giving TX the NC game to spread the wealth.
By P Dawg
May 7, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Why is everyone so scared of this years schedule? It’s perfect! This is going to be (barring a ton of injuries) the best team in UGA history. And don’t forget that UGA has the best road record in the country since CMR stepped foot in Athens. Come on people, don’t get scared of 4 road games in a row. The field is 100 yards long everywhere they play and Knowshon will be on display to help everyone count them! I’m ecstatic about this years schedule and I hope we continue to play tough schedules in the future so when we go undefeated there will be no arguments about our worthiness of the NCG. 14-0 in 08’ baby! The hard way!!!
By Sugar HillDawg
May 7, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Tony, the only thing that Ohio State is gonna prove is that they can lose more championships than the Buffalo Bills. The Big Ten should lose their invitation to the BCS
By Gen Neyland
May 7, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Earn it…
By P Dawg
May 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Remember folks, the crowds in Baton Rouge, Auburn, ASU, etc. are only gonna be loud before the game. When UGA starts whippin’ that a$$ the only people you’ll hear are the traveling Dawg fans!!!
By ClemsonDude
May 7, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
The Orange and Purple Tigers will be Kicking Arss and taking names at a stadium near you!!! Well, I hope… Clemson fans has been down this road before.This got to be the year that Clemson will break the door down to the football elite. Go Tigers!!!!
By John Munzenmaier
May 7, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Don’t forget Fred Munzenmaier among their talented running backs.
By Jason
May 7, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Wow George - calm down man. As part of the “IDIOTIC” Dawg Nation, I’ll remind you that since 2001 (when Richt came on), UGA has the 7th best record in college football. This “overrated” team is in the top 10 every year, plays in BCS bowls and is one of the most excited teams in the NCAA.
But that’s okay, I’m sure your team on North Avenue will have another 7 win season. Good luck!
By shane #1
May 7, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I have no problems with Tony’s picks. I don’t think UGA will stay #1 for very long, the winner of the USC-Ohio State game will be #1. Too many voters for the Big 10 and Pac Ten. UGA has a very good team, but I am concerned about the lack of experence on the o line. UGA started three freshmen last year on the o line, but had two seniors. One senior was at the all important center posistion and was a leader on offense. This year there will be no senior leader on the o line or in the backfield and there may be a true freshman at center. Auburn can be great, it depends on the qb play in the new offense, and don’t count LSU out yet. Clemson has the athletes, They had a good team last year, but could not beat a bowl team. With losses to VT, BC, GT, and AU One has to wonder when They will beat a decent team. USC is loaded, OSU has a cupcake schedule, other than USC. One of these guys has a chance to become #1 early and keep Their slot for the whole season.
By Barry Darsey
May 7, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
UGA finished strong last season, sure. There are many reasons to be hopeful about the upcoming season. However, the ‘08 schedule is brutal. Recent years have shown us that a 2-loss SEC team CAN WIN the national title. So, instead of getting all caught up in this #1 talk, let’s hope that the team is focused on winning the division first. Everything else will have a chance to come together if/when that happens. If not, it looks like Uga is outside looking in again.
By Juice
May 7, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
What a Homer. Georgia may not win their division, much less the SEC, and the BCS? Dream on.
It’s a team that lost to USC last season, the chicken kind not the condom one, fer crying out loud.
Georgia last season was a streaky team that beat a good but inconsistent Florida team. And beat the mighty Vandals by 3.
Georgia is certainly top 10, and if there are the same kind of implosions at the end of the season, then they should receive strong consideration for the title game, but pre-season #1 is laughable. Why, because they beat the reverse-tourists from Hawaii, most of whom will be washing cars and selling insurance after football?
By Gator Nation
May 7, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Georgia Best team in the nation, but with brutal schedule may miss the national championship game.
USC and Ohio St Winner will have the best path to be one of the national championship contenders.
Florida Currently, to many questions about the defense and a tough schedule to put them in the title game.
Oklahoma My other pick to get the national championship game. They need to get by Texas and then Missouri in the Big 12 title game and they will be home free.
Florida/Georgia Game Will be the biggest and best game of the year. I can’t wait for Jax already!
By Lavell Edwards
May 7, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Jason,
What a stupid foolish man you are.
For years and years (80s-90s) BYU probably was ranked in the top 3 to 5 based on wins and losses. For you to equate anything to GA’s #7 record in wins and losses is foolish because when it mattered, they folded.
I am a Bama grad and it imbarrasses (sp) me to be part of the SEC because in just about every catagory that matters (education, per capita income, etc) the south trails. Football is about the only thing the rednecks can boast about. How is your life significantly improved by football.
By BADDAWG
May 7, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
COLLEGE FOOTBALL. No other sport compares…My God it’s may 7th and i can almost smell autumn in the air! All the arguments here..the agreements..the disagreements…the fervor or the fan(natics). Old DAWG from south Georgia here…been living and dying with them for 50 years. Love SEC football and always pull for ALL SEC teams when they play out of conference. Do I love my DAWGS being picked as preseason #1. Certainly!! Would I care if they were ranked #2, #3, or #4? No!! Will they win it all…probably not….before you fellow DAWGS start hollering…just being realistic. The schedule…BRUTAL!!!! Can they win it all? YES!!! It’s gonna take some luck…ALWAYS does no matter who wins it. The one thing that I think most cfb fans give enough consideration to is the physical, and emotional ware down that takes place during the course of the season…especially in the SEC. Any coach will tell you that when you have 5 to 6 really tough physical apponents it REALLY wears you down…it is impossible to get your team to play at a very high emotional pitch several times a year. And that is assuming you dont have key injuries, which are much more likely when you play several really physical teams each year. For example in the DAWGS case…Tn., Fla., South Car., LSU, Ala., Aub., ASU(this yr.), and the hated nerds(yes…we always take their best shot. Add to that the SEC championship game…if we are fortunate enough to get there!!! Then the bowl game…which ever it may be!!!! All that being said…..GOD I CAN NOT WAIT!!!!! GO DAWGS!!!!!! GO SEC!!!! AND THWGT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By BARNS-SMELL
May 7, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
ALABAMA will win the SEC this year. They have the best coaching staff and the #1 recruting class in the nation coming in. I mean, who is really gonna be able to cover Julio Jones????? Every other team except for Florida is a joke. Superman wears Tim Tebow pajamas. Respect
By Tony's crack dealer
May 7, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Mizzou?!?! Mizzou!!??! I thought you were stupid for putting UGA as #1….but then I scroll down and see Mizzou?!?!?! wtf is this? I know the stuff I sell you isn’t THAT strong so I can only assume you’re cheating on me. who else is dealing to you? this is going to bite you in the a* when Matt Stafford shows what a crappy QB he is and Moron-o becomes the biggest bust in the nation. Mizzou?!!??!
By Are you serious...
May 7, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
It’s only May, and we’re already talking about this. UGA needed gimmicks, ie- Black outs, unsportsman like conduct(s), hip-hop rap songs and other childish gimmicks to get themselves pumped up. Sooner or later it will come back to bite them in the a$$. Florida is going to be waiting for you when you arrive in Jacksonville this year. I truly think that game might be a blood bath considering how things went last year. Sooner or later you sorry SOBs will get what’s coming to you, and I’m going to be there when you go splat.
By David
May 7, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Michigan not in the top ten? Not even in the top 30?
Come on, get real.
By P Dawg
May 7, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Gator Nation, I’ll have to agree with you on this. If UGA loses even one game with this years schedule, the winner of the OSU/USC game will play Oklahoma if they just beat Texas and Missouri. Wish it were that easy for us!
By Miles
May 7, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
The winner of The Cocktail Party will play the Trojans of Southern California for the National Championship. Thomas C. Hansen can then congratulate Mike Slive on the SEC’s third consecutive national championship.
By mariettaou
May 7, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
P Dawg
The SEC is no where near as tough a conference as you say it is, you have a losing record against the PAC 10 for crying out loud
By Jason
May 7, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Lavell,
Sure, call me a stupid, foolish man in a blog. You’re a pretty tough guy for doing that.
You asked how my life is significantly improved by football. The only life improvement I get from football is the enjoyment from spending a few hours every Saturday in the fall watching my alma mater play football. That’s it. I enjoy the wins, but don’t dwell on the losses.
How you somehow linked my post to the South trailing in categories like education, income, etc. is beyond me. If you want to discuss those items go to a different blog.
I won’t resort to name calling because I’m a bigger man than you.
Since you went to Alabama, I can see why you wouldn’t want to discuss win-loss records of late. Instead, tell me a story about Bear Bryant.
By Gator Nation
May 7, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
P Dawg
If Georgia is the SEC champ with only one loss, I think they will play for the national championship. I just look at their schedule and can see two losses as a possibility and still being SEC champ. I think that may keep you out of the national championship game next year.
By AltamahaDawg
May 7, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Florida will be waiting on us in Jville. There’s a news flash.
By WestVaJoel
May 7, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
West Virginia at #9 and Auburn at #10. That sounds about right. And WV will beat Auburn in Morgantown on the Thursday night national game in October. Georgia at #1? no way. Great team, but too difficult of a road schedule.
By Coctail party
May 7, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
I agree with Miles..winner of UGA/FL wins the SEC and plays for title IF one of these other schools..OSU..USC..OKlahoma doesnt go undefeated with easier schedules..especially OSU who plays a much worse michigan team..USC wont be ready for OSU on Sept 13th..too young..OSU beats the trojans on their own field
By George Clements
May 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Tony, why don’t you put up a buck or two on your picks? I’d be willing to wager that at least one of three teams you ignored — Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and Michigan — will be in the top 25 at the end of the season. I realize you have to pander to your SEC readers who also hate the Big Ten and the Pac Ten, but do you really believe that GT, ND and Michigan rank lower than some of the teams you listed 21-30? Really? Instead of money, how about wagering to give up your self-imposed title of Mr. College Football? If I’m right, you could call yourself “Mr. SEC Pander Man” from then on. Deal?
By newrandyt
May 7, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I’m not the Vol fan who has aroused so much passion in the GA nation here for the last few days, but I will tell you Dawgs the one single element that may hurt you and has hurt you in the past. You probably do have the most talent in the SEC, and yes you do have excellent coaches. What hurts you most those is one major intangible…arrogance. I would say that two if not all three of the games you have lost to us who bleed orange you HAD the better team…BUT YOU WENT INTO ALL THREE OF THOSE TN LOSSES ASSUMING YOU HAD WON THE GAME BEFORE YOU WALKED INTO THE STADIUM.
You want to win the NC, hey I am 100% for you against ANY other conference, but to do so you need two things: 1) luck (all need that to run the table), and 2) the humility to understand that on ANY given Saturday in the SEC, you HAVE to bring your A-game.
By TB for President
May 7, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Thanks TB for setting the little doggies up for their annual fall from grace. If you people had any class at all, you would wait until the dogs actually won a championship before you become too rude and obnoxious.Good luck in the GA Southern and Central games. GO IRISH!
By kappellmeister
May 7, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Tony, I do think Mizzou is a stretch, as is Auburn. I mean, you say yourself - new coordinators, new offense. How are they gonna gel so quickly as a top-ten team???
By SICEM
May 7, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
LOL @ BARNS SMELL isn’t it too early to be drinking dude? LOL!!!
By Tampa Dawg
May 7, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
I like it TB! And PS- Saban is worth the money they pay him at Bama. But we have the best in CMR. The man teaches boys how to become men and prepares them for life after college. Kids will stand in line to play for a true leader like him. CMR is very humbly constructing a dynasty at UGA with Christ at the helm. Can I get a witness?
By WestVaJoel
May 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
West Virginia at #9, Auburn at #10 seems right. West Virginia will beat Auburn in the nationally telecasted Thursday night game in Morgantown, in October. Georgia #1? no way. The talent is there but the schedule too tough. They’ll lose two games, and that won’t get you into the national championship game.
By NoD
May 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
What does it matter, I hate rankings this early. no team should be ranked until they play 6 games. I would like it better if there were no rankings at all. Every team play conf. schedule, winner of conf. go to 8 team playoff.
By Gene
May 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Georgia is certainly number one in the ability to entertain legislators and fat-cat supporters. How many academic scholarships can you get with 2.2 million of school money? Adams and Richt are the biggest hypocrites on earth.
By AltamahaDawg
May 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Bucky, are you saying that a loss to LSU on the road would destroy somebodies season? Do you not expect your team to be ranked very high at that point or what? Is LSU so bad that losing to them would be more damaging than say losing to Arkansas? Been following college football very long?
By cv
May 7, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
HOMER
By Hong Kong Dawg
May 7, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
The question is who should be the numer one team going into the Summer, or as I see it the beginning of the season. Georgia is as deserving a team as anyone based on all the reasons already mentioned many times over. It must be earned on the field which means every team will have many games to prove their worth along with Georgia. It is a brutal schedule and I expect a loss along the way even if they play lights out. So everyone calm down a little and lets see how they handle the pressure of the season and the pressure of high expectations, until the season actually starts no one will know for sure. I am an SEC Fan and always pull for the Conference, if Georgia happens to fall short we have a treasure of other SEC teams to pick up the slack. GO GEORGIA GO SEC
By Sam
May 7, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
To Tony is trying to sell newspapers……Tony does work for the AJC, which is a newspaper. Next who are you to call Coach Richt an idiot? I firmly believe you are the true idiot here.
By rob
May 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
He didn’t go to Alabama, he went there a few years ago to watch BYU get beat. No Bama grad who reads the AJC and decides to post on blog cares about the South lagging in per capita income. What a jerk. We see through you. Go back to your compound!
Gator Nation has it right. USC vs. OU in the title game for another laugher. New Orleans here we come again. Not that there is anything wrong with that…
By jayjay
May 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
hey TB for pres-how about I make a preseason prediction for the Irish?you will improve to a 4-8 record and games on NBC will be interrupted and not seen again due to the fact that WF and Duke are playing.irish are the laughing stock of college football
By Orangeblood
May 7, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
To Kendall and some other arrogant UGA fans. First off, gamecocks will not shock anyone but their coaches. I am shocked of how many of you still doubt and underank UT as always! David Cutcliffe will be remembered as one of our best o. coordinators of all time. But he is out of his prime and gone to Duke to rebuild their program so they don’t get kicked out of the ACC conference. Our new coord. Dave Clawson (Richmond) is a name your team will begin to despise for the next decade. He took the spiders as head coach from losing season to 9-3 last year as they made their first bowl game ever!He might one day replace the infamous and heroic “fat phil”. Joke all you want about him, we vols will always love him for 1998 and he is still the reigning coach with the best winning percentage. Everyone in the SEC is tired of the dawgs, because every year when you think your team is good, you rub it in everyone’s face. But when you came to Knoxville last year, we ran your confidence down your throat and killed your season. This year, your team will be ranked #1 so I want you all to keep talking trash and hope you all go undefeated, because if one loss occurs. The whole SEC will be laughing to the bank as the dogs might not make it to the final. My team is still striving for a big bowl game. I think 1998 proved that the QB does not make the team as even Jordan couldn’t do it by himself. Jonathon Crompton is just as good as Stafford is. Oh and the scoreboard record (Alltime) UT Leads 29 WINS-23 Losses-3 Ties. We are still wining the war. GO VOLS!!!!
By JB
May 7, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
newrandyt: In all due repect, a few years ago when ya’ll had beat us 5, 6 7 years in a row, whatever, I saw Fulmer interviewed By ESPN a few day’s before the Georgia game. He talked about us like we were a yard dawg, putting us down and our program. I’ve hated him ever since. Have you ever listened to Mark Richt talk about the upcoming opponent? Big difference. IT’s called class. Ya’ll had a run a few years ago….It’s coming around. Let us have ours. You can look at the Georgia high school players ( lack of) who have gone to Tenn.the last few years to see the tide turning. They want to play for Richt, not someone who their on fans don’t want.
By WestVaJoel
May 7, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
To the blogger who can’t believe that Tony didn’t put Michigan in the top 30—Hey, you guys will stink. All year.
Michigan with a losing season, maybe over the next two years. Rodriquez will wish he had stayed at West Virginia where head coaches (other than him) are appreciated and admired.
By AKA Momas Boy
May 7, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
RAISE UP…please go to Google and search for photos of Tim Tebows girlfriend. She has HUGE …aaah eyes.
Tim
By Since when is Christ a UGA fan...
May 7, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Tampa Dawg…
You’re kidding right? Since when is Christ a UGA fan? Was is not Richt who punched some of his players in the chest for jumping up and down on the Vanderbilt “V” and said we don’t do stuff like that to show up the other team? But low and behold what happened a few weeks later…The ENTIRE team comes out onto the field against Florida acting like a bunch of thugs. I’m confused, if CMR is such a humble person, and loves Christ, for the record I truly believe CMR is a good guy, good coach and loves God, why does he need to do thing like this to get his team pumped up?
BTW…What kind of dynasty do you speak of? Yes you’ve won a couple of SEC Championships, but that’s it. You guys sound like the Braves. You win all those Division/Conference Championships, but never the big one.
Just a bit confused on your statement.
By Alcoa dawg
May 7, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Every year I’m cautiously optimistic about the dawgs. Well I’m tired of it. I’m throwing caution to the wind. They will win every game this year and an SEC championship. I don’t care about a “NC” it’s a yankee award given to yankee teams. If you win the SEC you are the best team in the NATION!
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!
By joe
May 7, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Kendall,
Stop playing with your ken dolls and read up on some football. Why would anyone want to stop by your butt’s hall to see Herchel’s Heisman? You are the one who should go up to the UT athletics center to see the National Championship Sears Trophy (it is made of crystal…as you DON’T know having not won one…ever).
Having the bullseye on UGA is not a good thing. Too much pressure, not having been there since 1980…and with that very hard schedule, they won’t stay that high all year.
By Mark
May 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Sam
AJC a newspaper?
HA!
The AJC is an advertisement acting as a newspaper. There is no real news there.
By AltamahaDawg
May 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Gene, ironically the business majors who would have had those scholarships would be the first ones to say how stupid would you have to be to take the engine from the train.
How many cars could GM build with all that money they spend on advertising?
By The General Feeling
May 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
No where to go but down. Tony is just luring eyeballs to the ajc.com website like a good employee should.
By lrc1975
May 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
the georgia bulldogs will lose 3 games in 08. the auburn tigers will win the sec and play for the national championship in 08.illinois, west va,missouri will be big flops in 08.
By JRL
May 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Not a bad start for predictions 5 - 6 months out but where is LSU? They are still loaded and will likely win the West.
By SICEM
May 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
CRUSH THEIR FACES WITH A HOBNAIL BOOT!!!!!!
By USC Chicken Fan
May 7, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I’ve been sitting here in my mom’s basement drinking beer and I think the mighty chickens should be ranked in the top 10! Oh, never mind, I’m drunk.
By David
May 7, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
WestVaJoel:
Head coaches can be admired there because you guys have the weakest BCS conference and don’t care if you have a losing season.
Michigan has a rich tradition of winning, both by underachieving and overachieving.
Get over it - your coach bolted for a better program.
By AKA Momas boy is right...
May 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
AKA Momas boy YOU are correct. Tebow’s girl does have HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE…um eyes.
By augustadog
May 7, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
tough schedule but the Dawgs are loaded and ready. Hunker down DawgNation !
By jon
May 7, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Mr B you are such a homer. What have the bulldogs proven? One of these days I would love to see from the AJC and it’s writers some object journalism!
By AltamahaDawg
May 7, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
As I understand it, you can beleive Christ is on YOUR side and other folks do not have to feel threatened, or try to tear you down, for beleiveing that. Maybe Christ is big enough to be a Bulldawg fan for us and a (blank) fan for you? Kinda missing the whole point of Christianity arent you? Dont try to spin it around for your own selfish needs to insult somebody elses football team.
And you CANNOT honestly believe the penalty in a FL was anything more than it was. Had that been your coach, your team, there isnt a person alive that believes you would be saying that.
By Steve
May 7, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Georgia will stumble early and get the pee beat out of them by the mighy Gators.
By P Dawg
May 7, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
George Clements, please refer to jonkonkak’s post at 8:57AM and think about what you’re saying. The man isn’t picking the final poll, he’s merely picking the preseason poll. And as far as the remarks about the Big 10 and PAC 10, field more than 2 or 3 good teams and we’ll talk some more about that. Does anyone doubt that USC will win the PAC 10 easily? OSU will win the BIG 10 easily? I wouldn’t talk too much trash about the SEC if I were you.
mariettaou, Let USC play UGA, LSU or UT instead of Arkansas for a couple of years. UT split a 2 year series with Cal completely demoralizing them in Knoxville a couple of years ago while UT gave them a good game in Cal. Auburn didn’t exactly give us a good showing out west lately but let the best of each conference play heads up and I’ll take the SEC any day of the week! Have you watched any bowl games the past several years?
By Hoopie1
May 7, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
UGa has the best team on paper and until they lose you have to pick them #1. This doesn’t mean that will be #1 at the end of the season. OSU, WVU, USC and OU have easy schedules except for 1 or 2 games. Unless we repeat last season 2 of those teams will be undedfeated.
I love AU, the schedule is as good as the AU schedule can get and there is a lot of talent on the Plains, but the chances of performing at a top ten level in the SEC with 2 new coordinators are slim (LSU, UT, WVU, UGA).
By staffordsgay
May 7, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I Love the Dawgs being #1. As a gator fan I know Ga can never live up to the hype. Is gonna be that much further to fall for the choke-artists in athens. But hey, at least ga gets another pre-season national title.
By Kathleen
May 7, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
BARN SMELLS,
Julio Jones, meet Chad Jones. Remember him? You should, he creamed your QB last year and ran down McFadden. See ya in BR.
By Art Schlister
May 7, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
A guy from the Atlanta paper picks the doggies #1? What are the odds?
By Dr. Tom B.
May 7, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
You been drinkin’ that Kool-Aid again. Why don’t you try sucking up to the UGA faithful? I hate to disappoint you, but your Top 10 won’t make the Top 20! Fool, stay away from the Kool-Aid. It’s gonna’ kill your brain cells! LOL….
By John
May 7, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
UGA won’t even get through September before it’s first loss which will likely be to USC again.
By DawgBarky!
May 7, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Jason- you dullard you, the only people who Bring up Bear Bryant are jealous barners and viles.
Hillbilly WV fan- Rich Rod left for a much better football program than your little Big Least pillow-punchers. Yes, Michigan’s offense will struggle until he has his recruits in place. Once that happens, however, the Big Ten won’t know what just rolled over them.
By gamecockgary
May 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
i think the ? is not are the puppies #1 but will they get into the carolina end zone this year…the ole ball coach is laughing his backside off…..GARNET RULES…CAROLINA -24, OVERRATED PUPS-6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Jason Cyrus Ohanian
May 7, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
What I think is funny about everyone hating on USC in the SEC is that they always beat SEC teams, but lose in their own conference. In fact besides Texas beating them, USC pretty much kills everyone outside of the PAC Ten including Arkie who played in the SEC championship in 2006 and beat LSU last year, but loses to teams in its own weak conference which is very strange.
I def see UGA putting a whooping on TN as they lost their qb and Fulmer is an awful coach. Hook ‘Em
By mariettaou
May 7, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
P Dawg
Your comment about match ups means the SEC only has a couple of good teams as well. People would respect the SEC alot more if SEC fans knew what they were talking about. The SEC is great as of what the year 2000, which i agree with. Where were you before that.
By Willie
May 7, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
I am a Dawg fan through n through! However, USC, OH, OK, or some team from their conference will go to the NC game. Its already bought and paid for! Its called the BCS! Why is GA playing such a schedule? Can anyone explain this to me? We should play the same caliber teams as USC and the others every year. Why do we keep our schools out of the national spot light?
By Jason Cyrus Ohanian
May 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
The SEC is the best conference by far with only the Big 12 coming close, but until the SEC plays more quality out of conference games, people are going to question them. I know this year they have some good ones, but then LSU is not even playing one team out of four games against a BCS conference team. People will always tear down the SEC until they consistently play good teams out of conference from the BCS leagues.
By Got12?
May 7, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
We all know that Coach Saban will return us to our rightful place this year. 14-0 RTR!
By DecaturDog
May 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Gene you are such an idiot that I won’t take any time to respond to your inanity other than this sentence.
By Northern superiority
May 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
You redneck SEC fans are a hoot! Oh and please let me correct you, it’s THE Ohio State University or tOSU for short. I don’t want to have to tell you all again.
By Alan27
May 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
In Response to “northern superiority”
All I can say is 0-9. It must hurt being so superior.
By elcarg
May 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
The last time Auburn had two new coordinators, they went undefeated — something no other SEC team has done in years.
Tuberville beats top 10 teams 75 percent of the time, so you have to like his chances this year against the likes of UGA, West Virginia, and the rest of the SEC.
Kodi Burns isn’t tested, but he sure took it to ACC favorite Clemson in the ChickFila Bowl last year.
A national championship for Auburn might just be in the cards this year.
By John
May 7, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Willie,
you do play the same teams as USC. You’re in the same division…??????
By bob
May 7, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
auburn will be out of the top 25 by week 8. they are a bad pick for your top 10 bud
By Mark
May 7, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Just curious - why is it that Ohio State has “something to prove” because they lost the past two National Championship games, and yet Georgia doesn’t even though they got beat at home by a .500 team and were polewaxed by a 4 loss Tennessee? Gotta love the homer list!!
By takedowndawg
May 7, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Hi, Paula, I appreciate your understanding the difference in schedule strength as a opposed to BCS officials grading. Georgia will be playing (FIVE) AP top 16 teams from 2007 while USC will be play (ONE)!!!! Have no fear though, the ESPN staff(particularly Lee Corso) will do their part in playing up their normal favorites and promoting their picks for the NTG.
By go back north please!
May 7, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Please go back north you bitter osu fans. Your team is good for the big 10 but a joke on the national level. Go look at your schedule. It is sad!!! Please go back to ohio and complain about the south up there. We do NOT want you here. You suck as sports fans and even worse as people. If osu get into another nc game because of their horrible schedule they will get killed again. You are a joke!
By Villa Rica DAWG
May 7, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
UGA has a gymnastics team?!!!
By Villa Rica DAWG
May 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
The only good football related thing to come out of the north is the game of Corn Hole.
By George
May 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
You must not watch ESPN much, because they don’t think Auburn will be a factor in the SEC. Then again, they lose very little on defense, and the offense and special teams can’t be any worse than last season.
By