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DEL.ICIO.USFive games that will decide the SEC championship
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spring practice is over. Summer is on its way. And if you haven’t made your travel plans for the 2008 season yet, you probably should. We are here to help. Here, gentle readers, are the five games that will determine the 2008 SEC championship.
1. Georgia vs. Florida in Jacksonville, Nov. 1: If last season’s end zone dance by Georgia had never happened, this would still be one of the biggest games between the Dawgs and the Gators in recent memory. First place in the SEC East will probably be on the line, as well as the inside track to a spot in the BCS title game. I know we’re not supposed to call it the “Cocktail Party” any more. But with a Heisman Trophy winner (Florida’s Tim Tebow) on one side and a potential Heisman winner (Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno) on the other, this has a chance to be one for the ages.
2. LSU at Auburn, Sept. 20: Auburn had LSU beat in Baton Rouge last season before Matt Flynn threw a Hail Mary touchdown pass with only one second left. The winner becomes the team to beat in the SEC West. Something wild always seems to happen in this game. This is where the defending national champs could suffer their first loss of 2008.
3. LSU at Florida, Oct. 11: If the Gators win at Tennessee on Sept. 20, they should be 5-0 when LSU comes to Gainesville. LSU is off the week before while Florida will have to play at Arkansas. That makes it a dangerous game for the Gators.
4. Georgia at LSU, Oct. 25: Here is why this game is so huge. If Georgia is undefeated, a win probably puts the Bulldogs at no worse than No. 2 (to the Southern Cal-Ohio State winner on Sept. 13) going into the following week’s game with Florida. If Georgia already has a conference loss, getting beat in Baton Rouge could knock the Bulldogs out of the SEC East race. It could also be the second loss for LSU if the Tigers stumble at Auburn or at Florida.
5. Georgia at Auburn, Nov. 15: How many times has Georgia needed a win at Auburn to clinch a championship? This year will be no different. Auburn will, no doubt, remember the beat down it got from the Bulldogs after Mark Richt pulled out the black jerseys last season in Athens. This could also be a preview of the SEC championship game on Dec. 6.
HONORABLE MENTION Of course, I could be totally wrong about all of this. So here are five more games that could also be a factor in the SEC race.
Florida at Tennessee, Sept. 20: People are telling me that I’m not giving Tennessee enough love. If the Vols can knock off the Gators in their first SEC game of the season, they will turn the SEC race upside down.
South Carolina at Florida, Nov. 15: Florida’s national championship team of 2006 had to block a field goal on the last play of the game to beat Steve Spurrier in Gainesville. Why do I get the feeling that the Head Ball Coach will keep the Gamecocks close in this one?
Alabama at LSU, Nov. 8: Nick Saban returns to LSU after losing a heartbreaker to the Tigers (41-34) last season in Tuscaloosa. By the time this game rolls around all those talented freshmen at Alabama won’t be freshmen any more. This game will be closer than the experts think.
Tennessee at Auburn, Sept. 27: Either team could win this game because both will be beat up. Tennessee plays Florida the week before while Auburn plays LSU.
Auburn at Alabama Nov. 29: Regardless of how Auburn fares against Georgia on Nov. 15, chances are the Tigers will have to beat Alabama to earn a trip to Atlanta. Auburn has beaten Alabama a record six straight seasons and coach Nick Saban knows that his efforts in Tuscaloosa won’t be fully validated until that string is broken. I think the folks at Bryant-Denny will be a little geeked up for this one.
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Comments
By SEC Fan
May 22, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
SEC is the greatest organization in the history of sports.
By Roswell Ed
May 22, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
There sure is a lot of orange and blue in this list.
I can’t wait for Sept.
WDE!!!
By TommyP
May 22, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Let’s start with the last column: No matter what you or NCAA league commissioners/presidents, it’s NOT about the student-athlete. It’s about…the commissioners/presidents. Money. If it’s too many games, take a game away from the regular season and do the Plus One idea. But it’s not about the fans, the student-athletes…………..
On this article, LSU in 3 of the most important games? Gotta differ with that.
UT/Florida is definitely in the top 5. If not that one, Georgia/Tennessee is in the top 5. And I’m no UT fan at all.
You said that “…Auburn will no doubt remember the beatdown it got from the Bulldogs after Mark Richt pulled out the black jerseys….” That’s funny, Barnie. It didn’t help Auburn that they remembered the beatdown they got the year before in Jordan-Hare, did it?
By Roar
May 22, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
The SEC Championship will be decided in Atlanta at the SEC Championshiup game…..LSU vs UGA…(round 2). Your 5 games will determine who will win the SEC East and West.
By Joe Labruzzo
May 22, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Tony , how can you think the LSU-Bama game will be close ? Isn’t Sarah Jessica Parker still their QB ? You’ve been drinkng too much Saban-ade ! Wake up ! LSU 30-12—you forget, we have some ‘Welcome Home’ surprises in store for Mr. Saban——Geaux Tigers
By Steeledawg
May 22, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
All of these will be great games, but you better lock up the women and children on Sept. 20.
LSU V. AU, UF V. UT, UGA V. ASU
What a day of football. What sets the SEC apart from every other conferences are the weekly matchups. No other conference even comes close.
By KR
May 22, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
I come up with 6:
It’s going to be nearly impossible for the Cocktail Party to live up to all of the hype it has received in the off-season. It’s a key stop on the road to winning the SEC East, but I get the feeling it’s probably not going to be as great a game as a lot of people think it will be. As an aside, when was the last time Georgia had back to back wins in Jacksonville?
Tennessee has beaten the snot out of UGA two years straight. For Georgia to have a shot at bigger things, they have to find a way to get around the Vols. Overlook this one and their title hopes are done.
The game to watch in the SEC East may be Tennessee vs. Florida. While UGA is basking in the pre-season glow, these teams are all but ignored. One stumble out of Athens and this could be the game that decides who goes to Atlanta.
The Iron Bowl is always a game to watch, and this year will be no exception. Saban needs to deliver on his big bucks. ‘Bama is riding a 6 game losing streak to Auburn. And Bryant-Denny stadium has not been lucky for the Tide when they play the Tigers. Meanwhile, Auburn has a new offense, complete with a new coordinator and QB, and a new DC to boot. It’s anyone’s guess as to what they’re going to look like…
Auburn vs. LSU: one more tick of the clock, one gust of wind or a slight bobble of the catch and last year’s National Champion would have been some other team. From earthquake sound levels to phantom whistles to burning buildings and do-overs, this game always stands out. Why would this year be any different?
Saban needs to beat LSU, if only for his personal satisfaction. Until he does, people will continue to wonder if he was the reason for winning the BCS or if it was simply the LSU players. Plus, ‘Bama won’t truly be “back” until they win the SEC West. And you can’t do that without beating LSU.
WAR EAGLE!
By Mike
May 22, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
With UGA, you’ve got to factor in the brutal schedule, injuries and just plain bruises. Florida has an off-week before Georgia. Last year, Georgia had the off-week. Georgia plays LSU on the road the week before Florida.
This will potentially be the best team UGA has put on the field since the Herschel years. If UGA can somehow survive this schedule even with one, maybe two losses, they will deserve a chance at the big dance.
With all the parity in the SEC, a good case can be made for four or five teams to get to Atlanta. My vote is with the Dawgs, but it will be a tough, tough road. I can’t wait until September!
By GATORZONE
May 22, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
You Gotta Love the SEC!!!! Our conference proves our mettle week in and week out!
By GATORZONE
May 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
UF is not off the week before UGA game…
By Pat
May 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
It should be 96 games. Because of all the scenarios and tiebreakers every SEC game decides the championship. Last year UGA lost out because of losing to SC in September. Even an upset win by Vandy, Miss. St., Ole Miss can decide the championship.
By P Hamilton
May 22, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
KR,
Florida has received almost as much love as Georgia has this off season. You must not surf the internet or look at any football magazines if you feel they have been ignored. Most people have them ranked right behind Georgia in the SEC as the second best team and its only by a slim margin.
Georgia needs to focus on winning the SEC title. We all learned last year that you have to win the SEC Title to get invited to the NC Game. The Dawgs need to focus on things within their control, and worry about the other stuff later.
By Cuz
May 22, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Gotta win the UT game or the season is toast. That one is huge for our chances to make it to Atlanta. As we found out last year, do not overlook USC east. I think we win in Jax and may suffer our first loss by a rejuvinated Auburn team. If only one losss, re-match in the SECC. Now if that scenario plays out, that is must see TV. I got this prediction from a mayonaise jar on Funk and Wagnall’s back porch.
By Gen Neyland
May 22, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Of the 12 teams in the SEC and their respective league schedules, I believe all play 8 conference games. Therefore, let’s say each program has 8 games they can control in conference and 88 in conference they can’t control. To wit, I’ll have to proclaim that the total of games that will decide the 2 SEC divisions is at 96…plus 1 CG at the Dome of Georgia makes 97 to crown a champ…and when the dust settles, stand in awe of the darkhorse from Atop Rocky…carry on.
By Jumbo
May 22, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Tony,
You must not have been at the LSU-Auburn game last year but I was. That was not a Hail Mary pass with one second left. Even if the pass had been incomplete they were well within FG range. I don’t think the call was a bad coaching move as many have said. There was plenty of time to run the play but the problem was it took forever to get the play in and then to snap the ball. That was the fault of the coaches and Flynn. That said replays show there were 3 seconds on the clock when the pass was caught and not a single second.
By Roswell Ed
May 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
This may be the perfect blog.
Absolutely no ACC chatter!!!!
By Jumbo
May 22, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
I concur with earlier posts that there is nothing like SEC football. Sept 21 will be great weekend indeed.
By AltamahaDawg
May 22, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Fl does NOT have an off week before Georgia, just to clarify. And true the Dawgs have a tough schedule, they always do, but so does everyone else vying for the crown.
It also seems to me that if you look at recent years its the matchups that nobody talked about early that tend to trips up everyone.
Is it me, or is everyone getting tired of hearing about endzone celebrations and black jerseys? Blocking and tackling, better execution of football plays won those games.
KR you speak the truth about the TN game being critical. Not sure why you don’t think the cocktail party will be a whale of a game though. Also, by the time the season rolls around, the gators will be far from ignored. They will get every bit as much hype as anyone. I think TN is a mystery and will have to get thier own attention.
By Bamafan
May 22, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Mr General, You have been drinking the orange kood-aid to much. General, the USA could use in Iraq right know!! AND Mr. Wareagle you have saying that Julio Jones and Star Jackson will not make the grades to get in school. You are wrong my friend, both will be in school June 1st. The problem for Saban this summer is keeping the players out of jail and not winning the Fulmer cup this year. I will let TN or LSU try to win it this year!!
By Oh Please
May 22, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I’ve heard alot of dumb things out of college football fans, but nothing tops someone claiming that Florida is getting ignored in the preseason. Get real. They are apparently a top 5 preseason pick from every source I’ve seen, despite losing 4 games last year and having several question marks. ESPN loaded up the Gameday crew for their SCRIMMAGE and then televised every snap of it. You can’t go two days without seeing a story somewhere on what Tebow had for breakfast. Poor ole Florida getting no preseason love.
Good grief. Get a clue.
By is the SEC down this year?
May 22, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
SEdC is the only conf that teams beat each other….just ax one! LOL!
By shane #1
May 22, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
All of the games Tony mentioned are important, but the SEC season is a long, difficult, journey. There are many land mines, pitfalls, and booby traps along the way for the unwary traveler. Vandy, UK, Missy State and USC are perfectly capable of beating any team that’s not paying attention. Also, you can bet that Petrino and Nutt are planning to upset somebody and make a splash in Their first year in Their new job. SOS may have a problem at times with some “directional U”, but His boys will be ready for the Dogs, Gators, and Vols and He will beat at lest one of the “big three” in the East. Sly Crooms will upset someone in the West. The “upset specials” may decide the Division winners.
By GATORZONE
May 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Altamaha… Good post!
It’s all about EXECUTION!!!
By UnderDawg
May 22, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Florida is never ignored in the pre-season. They also don’t have the week off before the WLOCP….oh, wait, they play Kentucky…..that’s basically having a week off compared to who UGA plays the week before.
By G'Vegas Dawg
May 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Florida plays Kentucky the week before the Cocktail Party. Might as well be an off week.
By tech-hater
May 22, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
If Auburn’s motivation for last year’s loss was UGA going “back in black”, then what was their motivation (excuse) for the 06 loss in their house? It wasn’t a change of wardrobe that beat Auburn. As noted previously, it was execution on offense and making big plays on defense….nothing more. Too much is being made here of the black shirts and the end zone celebration.
By Villa Rica DAWG
May 22, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I get chill bumps thinking about September…
By KR
May 22, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Oh Please and P Hamilton: I’m just calling it as I see it. You two obviously see it differently. One of the great things about college football is the differences of opinion.
Altamaha Dawg: I’m with you. I don’t really care about celebrations or black jerseys. It’s time to move on.
WAR EAGLE!
By Cuz
May 22, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Who says Florida is not getting any attention. Tebow’s girlfriend is one of the biggest hits on Google.
By Stillmanite
May 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Kr, lets put it to you this way (good way), you speak of Geaorgia basking in the preseason hype, but they are only getting there just do, for years recent and some past, UGA has been overlooked. years of more consistency make this year more enjoyable. Thank God we ARE FINALLLY GETTTTING NOTICEDDDD… GO Dawgs.. Did you say that when ESPN amps up all these fall short teams?
By Miles
May 22, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
The winner of the Cocktail Party will play either USC or Oklahoma for the BCS Championship.
By shane #1
May 22, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Bamafan, do not insult the Gen with “orange Kool-Aid quips. The Man never touches anything but His reserve Sippin’ Solvent and Mushroom tea! Gen, Your mushroom flavored Sippin Solvent is a going great guns, pun intended, down here in South Georgia, but has lead to more than the usual brandishing of weapons. Since drunken brandishing is an art form here I am happy to report that thanks to your elixer said weapons are shiny and bright.
By hold em
May 22, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I want UGA to win the NC this year, they haven’t won it in so long and every year they say how they are going to win it. I just don’t want to hear it anymore. Its pathetic.
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
We are finally getting noticed! YAY!!!!
Thank God for the preseason Hype!!!
By mdawg
May 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Hey KR you fogot to mention UGA beating the SNOT out of the War Eagles the last two years, why don’t you shut up, nothing but craps coming off your Keyboard. GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By Kevin T. Valdosta, GA
May 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
You are wrong on just one thing Tony, you assume that USC or OSU will start out # 1 and I say we will already be in that spot! GO DAWGS! You can not not rank us # 1 based on schedule strength, that idiot at ESPN changed us from 1 to 2 because our schedule is to strong and that makes no sense. Tony you have said we have the most talent returning and we have experienced starters at QB and RB. How can you explain not having us # 1 because of our schedule, that is stupid. It in fact makes no sense at all, we are the most experienced, most talented, and we are going to be penalized from the get go for not having a cupcake schedule like OSU.
By NCDawg
May 22, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
I’m pulling for my Bulldawgs to beat SC, Ala, Tenn, Vandy, LSU, Fla, Kentucky and Auburn in the SEC. I want my Dawgs to shutdown Auburn on Nov. 15th and continue the trend from the past two years.
Non-conference games that I want my Dawgs to take are Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Central Michigan.
Then I would like us to take the SEC championship game and the National Championship game. I don’t care what we are ranked after these wins.
HUNKER DOWN HAIRY DAWGS !!!!!!!!
By T-Town Alumni
May 22, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
You missed one potentially pit fall game…Alabama vs Georgia. Georgia will be coming off a road game to Arizona. No week off like last season before the game. And while they may be more talented if they over look Bama it could be real ugly in Athens.
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Please just don’t lose to UT again! I cannot stomach another Big Orange Beat down!!!
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
NCDawg you have the right idea. We want UGA to win evry game…
DUH!
By KR
May 22, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
mdawg spewed:
Hey KR you fogot to mention UGA beating the SNOT out of the War Eagles the last two years, why don’t you shut up, nothing but craps coming off your Keyboard. GO DAWGS!!!!!!
I didn’t forget; I just don’t think the AU vs. UGA game is going to be one of the key games in the SEC this year.
As far as positive contributions to the discourse on this board, I’m still waiting for you to make even a tiny one. I’m certain that it’s going to be a very long wait.
WAR EAGLE!
By Gen Neyland
May 22, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Bamafan
Knowing Kool-Aid is the official drink of the Crimson Tide and all Alabama west, north and south of Auburn, I wouldn’t touch the stuff. Thx for having someone take the time to read you my earlier post.
shane # 1
The label reads Tennessee Creekwater Sippin’ Solvent. (Guaranteed to bust the rust off any trailer tounge. Sells like hotcakes over in Alleydambammy.) Although I reside in NE GA, I figure the main ingredient flows downhill, so I call it as such. Glad to hear guns and alcohol mix well down south. You can’t sip Hoppe’s and clean the bore of Ol’ Betsy (both Betsy’s) like you can with my Sippin’ Solvent…a complimentary pick up truck load is on the way…Off to the Waffle House soon. BTW, Ol’ Betsy’s a side-by-side, right..?
By Gen Neyland
May 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
*Shane # *
Man, I’m full of it today. In Alleydambammey, Ol’Betsy side-by-sides are known as twin sisters that never married and share the MBR in a single wide…Okay, I’ve had enough of me for the day…
By Hairy
May 22, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I see its time for me to step up and tell all yall Big orange, Bammer fans, war eagles and gator lovers to…
DROP DEAD!!!
HUNKER DOWN!!!
WOOOF WOOOF
By Hairy
May 22, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
All U queer Gaytor fans need to leave this sight. Bama and Vol fans suck big ones anyway!
By shane #1
May 22, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Gen, Old Betsy may indeed be a side by side, since S ga weapons brandishing is truly democratic and crosses all Socio-economic and racial barriers. Wealthy Blue Bloods on two week drunks will proudly wave about a fine double barrelled Quail gun, or ivory handeled Colt. Thanks to Your Sippin’ Solvent the drunk red neck can be just as proud of His “Grindiddy’s” old “thutty- thutty”.
By tech-hater
May 22, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Where are the South Cacalacky fans? I was sure they would be on here complaining and whining by now about not being included in Tony’s A-game list and being relegated to “honorable mention” status.
By crs
May 22, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
The sec is brutle and to try and pin certain games is a waste of time. In this conference you better show up every week. Fl, Lsu, Auburn all tough games but I would hardly call SC, Ala, and TN cupcakes. And TB what game did you watch between LSU and AUB - that was hardly a hail mary. Dogs just need to take em one at a time. This is May - who knows how some of these teams will look in August, injuries, off the field trouble are all possibilities. Everyone is talking UGA, FL, Aub and LSU - look out for TN and ALA this year.
By So Fla Dawg
May 22, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Can the Dawgs make it to November before Martinez screws up.. maybe maybe not we will not know until then I just hope he doesn’t Go Dawgs !!! Gators still do and always will SUCK !!!!!
By gamecockgary
May 22, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
ole ball coach has to be licking his chops at this nonsense….GARNET RULES and real ? is will the bullpuppies get in to the carolina end zone this year…i think not!!
By Hairy
May 22, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Sofa Dawg… U are a pessimistic IDIOT!
By toemeetsleather
May 22, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
thinking back to the days of the gray fox, the young left hander and the greatest announcer in the history of college footbal[big al rest in peace]…the SEC will not match up with the ACC this year as vpi the jackets boston col, fsu and miami will be better than any of your overrated teams…the YELLOW MACHINE will march in to between the twigs and annihilate the little doggies…ENGINEERS RULE!!
By phats fulmer
May 22, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
having watched georgia’s pathetic defense the last 2 years it is unbelievable how anyone could think they can compete with us…ROCKY TOP rules….the real championship game will go back to fla-tenn and the sec east will return to normal….hinted sportscenter may be in athens for our clobbering of the overrated muts!!!!
By SwinfordDawg
May 22, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I would just like to add that this blog is quite pleasant without all the Techies littering it with their expectations of paul johnson’s offense and their academic downplaying of UGA students.
By GATOR MEL FROM PLANTATION
May 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
GET REAL…if tebow is not hurt last year we would have hung 60 instead of 30 on the overrated bullthugs…the national spotlight will once again return to gainesville and athens will resume its COWTOWN status….CHOP CHOP CHOP……….GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GATORS!!!!!
By Spike
May 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
It is going to be quite a ride this season, one of the best ever!! I am taping my ankles right now!! GATA.
By mdawg
May 22, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
KR, again no one cares what you think, but if your gonna spew remarks about the Ut games, as an avid Fan of the Dawg Dominion i’m not going to let you get away with it. And your right the UGA/war tigger game is not a key game just wanted to let you know your spewwing is not a positive contribution to this site. Go play on the Tigger blog or is it the Lame Duck blog GO DAWGS !!!!!!!!!
By Wil Walton
May 22, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that a South Carolina game didn’t make it in the top 5. Is Honorable Mention the best that the Ole Ball Coach can muster now? The shine is slowly wearing off during his stay in Columbia. Where’s all the love he used to get constantly?
By SwinfordDawg
May 22, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
HA HA HA gamecockgary. The “ole ball coach” how bout the Old ball coach. Spurrier is getting old and washed up. He can’t even handle calling his own offense anymore. Isn’t that why SC hired him in the first place. What a sell out. I dont know if anybody noticed but SC is the place where legendary coaches come to put a $h&t stain on their coaching record right before they retire. Keep talking carolina fans i can’t wait till i to see what crap yall will talk about once the dawgs put a whippin on yall. Just keep talkin in loving every second of it.
By Ed
May 22, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
This list of games is unbelievable. The SEC is by far the best conference.
By mcdawg
May 22, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
made my travel plans-see you in Tempe and back in Athens for the UT game
By tiger7_88
May 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Hey, Tony, looks like you’ve presented yourself a continuing spring and summer challenge: can you invent even MORE* polls in which you can rank thUGa #1?
By SSI Dawg
May 22, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Good grief Tony! How many more articles are you going to write about how great the Dawgs are? It is still only May. By the time the season gets started the players and fans will have won at least back to back SEC and NC plus a couple of MVP’s for multiple coaches and players. Then reality will set in and after the first loss and maybe two or three more we will be watching the SEC game at home and making travel plans for the Outback bowl. Give it a rest. Let’s play one game at a time. We have been down this road too many times. Last NC was a looooong time ago.
By shane #1
May 22, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
GamecockGary, there has been a lot of water under the bridge since last September. Some of UGA’s young players have stepped forward and become pretty good ballers. Guys like Sturdivant, Boling, Curran, and Atkins. Oh, and one You may have heard of, Kid named Moreno. That rookie OC, Bobo, learned a lot too, so They will be a little more difficult to keep out of the EZ this year. With the improveement in UGA’s defense and Carolina’s QB problems, You should worry about Carolina’s scoring, after all, They only reached the EZ once last year.
By Steve Superior
May 22, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
9 months of hype for a team that won’t win 10 games (no 1AA team in the Outback bowl pups). Georgia is the only school that thinks they have a heisman candidate after less than have a season. What a bunch of wannabes. You ain’t Southern Cal, you ain’t Ohio State, You ain’t Oklahoma, you ain’t Texas, you ain’t LSU, you ain’t Florida , ……………..you ain’t even Auburn and in 3 years you won’t be South Carolina. woof woof
By hold em
May 22, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
mcdawg,
you made your travel plans to see UGA lose in Tempe and lose back in Athens i think is what you meant to say
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Swindforddawg… Didn’t South Carolina beat us last year?
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Also, didn’t we get the HELL beat out of us last year in Knoxville? We sure talk a lot of crap to the 2 teams that embarrassed us last year.
By Spike
May 22, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Stevie… And thank God we are not the South Carolina Cocks!
By Chris
May 22, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I just had the pleasure of listening and meeting coach richt and coach tuberville on their middle east tour for the soldiers. I am simply letting you guys know how great these 2 people are for doing this. They spoke about football strategy, life in general, and had a little smack talk between the soldiers and airmen. It was one of the greatest experiences. GO DAWGS!!!
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
phats fulmer, Bring the title back to the east? Last time I checked it was for the entire SEC not just the east or west. I can’t wait for Auburn to knock you guys around like we did in 04. Hell, I hope we play you guys twice again so we can beat the snot out of you idiots.
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Steve Superior, Gee, thanks for making Auburn sound like a second rate football team.
By mdawg
May 22, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Ok War Ducks, enough of your snot talk and back to work, your UGA employer will fire your A@@
By Denver Dawg
May 22, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
TommyP:
You are right on. I think Mr. Football was hoping that would just go away. It’s not about the student-athlete, it’s about money. These commisioners, presidents, etc. are a bunch of lying, c0cksvckers.
Mark my word, when 3,4, 5 or more major teams go undefeated and 1,2, or 3 major teams get locked out of the championship game, the FANS’ fury from these institutions will be so outrageous, we will see riots and a playoff system will emerge. After what the West Virginia president said, I can only dream that WVU, UGA and USC go undefeated next season and West Virginia gets cut out of the Championship.
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
mdawg, My UGA employer? I don’t work at McDonalds.
By Junkyarddawg34
May 22, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
How is it that the UGA-UT game isn’t on this list? The Dawgs have lost 2 in a row in this series and last years loss kept UGA out of the National Title and essentially served as the kick in the @$$ for what happened the rest of the year. How is it not an important game, not only for Georgia, but for the SEC?
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
mdawg, My UGA boss? I don’t work at McDonalds.
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Mdawg, UGA is the Prinseton of the south!!!
By Paladawg
May 22, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Folks, maybe it’s just me, but I think that a prerequisite of being taken seriously is the ability to spell and use correct grammar and punctuation.
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
THat should have been the Brown of the south!!!
By mdawg
May 22, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Mcdonalds, I wasn’t giving you that much credit, not with a Awburn degree. I meant go finish cutting my grass you dumb A@@
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
War Eagle, we all know that the UGA grads work at the landscaping and building construction companies.
By SmyrnaDawg
May 22, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Steve Superior, you guys will be lucky to go 6-6 this year. Go suck on a gamecock you loser!
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
mdawg, Oh, so I’m a dumbarse? Right. So, all the Auburn degrees out there are crap? Better watch out the next time you go to the pharmacy. One of us Auburn grads might spike your Valium. OR, one of us there astronauts might crash a shuttle in to your trailer. A knock on a football team is one thing but to knock an Auburn degree is quite a difference. By the way, I can swing by McDonalds and grab you an application if you’d like.
By NDstinks
May 22, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Since UF and LSU are the last 2 BCS National Champions….I would think there game would be and should be 1st on your list Tony…but knowing you are a uga grad working for a Atlanta paper…I can understand putting uga vs uf 1st.
Go Vandy!!
By Big Orange
May 22, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
We all no UGA is the tuffest skool in the South!!!
By Brad
May 22, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
I think the UGA vs. South Carolina game will shape the SEC more than the South Caorlina Florida game
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Herschel Talker, you forgot to mention janitors or as georgia tech would call them: custodial engineers.
By Big Orange
May 22, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Wait till big Phil rolls into town to complete the three year trifecta of beatdowns on the “DAWGS”
By hold em
May 22, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
SmyrnaDawg
SC beat you last year, wouldn’t that make you the loser?
By Bravesfan79
May 22, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
you college football fans are pathetic… you cant even join together to make your sport relevant again!
BOYCOTT THE BCS! If its not the 1 title game, dont watch, dont go!
I think the presidents of these schools that oppose a playoff system, count on all the fans bickering so much among each other thell never get anything accomplished!
Until then, College Football will always be like Pee Wee football to me….all the little kids get a trophy at the end of the year!
LAME!!!
By Whitegoat
May 22, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Let me guess. This list is on the what if final exam. Oh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Yeah buddy.
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Superior, I challenge you to get in the ring!!!
By ugadog311
May 22, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
I agree with JunkYardDawg34 about the Georgia/Tennessee game being on here. I would say that might be Georgia’s most crucial game, if you had to point to one game. The Vols have a little mental mojo on the Dawgs after the last two years butt-kickings. Did you know, that the Dawgs haven’t beaten the gators and the vols in the SAME SEASON since the 80’s. It seems as though every rare win over the gators is coupled with a meltdown against the vols, and every time we beat ourselves against the gators we cruise past the vols. I just want to beat them both—that will be the key to our season. Also, Georgia hasn’t beaten the Vols in Athens since 2002. You can bet the black jerseys will be in full force on October 11. So, to not include that game, completely destroys your credibility Mr. Barnhart.
By mdawg
May 22, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
OK, keep screwing around, but if that yards not done by the end of the day you’ll be looking for another yard to cut!!! and wipe that snot off your face
By Spike
May 22, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Big Orange.. Oh that is rich, coming from a UT man. (Sarcasm ends)
By Casey
May 22, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I am a die hard Georgia fan, but every single one of those games mentioned gives me goosebumps. I’m ready for some college football. It’s in the air, and the Fall needs to get here soon. Go DAWGS!!!
By Casey
May 22, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I am a die hard Georgia fan, but every single one of those games mentioned gives me goosebumps. I’m ready for some college football. It’s in the air, and the Fall needs to get here soon. Go DAWGS!!!
By SmyrnaDawg
May 22, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Hold Em, let me guess you are another bitter Tech fan who has to jump on other teams bandwagons to talk smack to UGA fans….truly pathetic!
If not a Tech fan, lets hear about who you support since you keep running your mouth at us.
By UGA over rated
May 22, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
UGA HAS DAWGS MANGE!
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Casey, Those aren’t goosebumps. They’re herpes you picked up from a UGA sorority house.
By AltamahaDawg
May 22, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Kentucky may as well be a “week off”? Where have you been?
Are you implying that Ky isnt capable of beating somebody? Or that you can’t get worn out, injured in that game? The only reason that the real cupcake OOC games (which this is far from) dont really pose much of an issue before the big games is that typically you can play deep reserves, and fatigue, injuries, arent as big of a concern. If you are lucky.
KY is, at the very least, an SEC East game for Fl as it will be for us.
By gatormike
May 22, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
All of you guys make this blog a lot of fun. I really get a charge out of Hairy’s woofing. We need to feed him more alpo. On a serious note, there are at least 5 teams who could possibly win the SEC this year: UF, UT, AU, UGA and Bama. LSU will wear the bulls eye. Everyone, especially the UGA folks need to back off on all of the NC Game talk. The conference winner will get a few breaks along the way. Whoever wins the SEC will get to kick the buckeyes in the a## again. My advice to everyone is to focus on the SEC. If your team doesn’t, they will be out of it in mid-October. Go Gators and Go SEC!
By Bull Damn Dawg
May 22, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
That’s funny, because I got my herpes from your mom War Damn Eagle!
By Getalife
May 22, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I get goose pimples and my spine tingles every time you write. Five games to watch? Eewie. Give me more. Please. Keep it coming. I can’t get this kind of analysis on any of the thousands of other college football sites on the world wide web. What’s tomorrow? Five players to watch?
By hold em
May 22, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
SmyrnaDawg
I am a Vol, i already stated i want you all to win the NC this year. I feel bad for you, every year you get let down, and then turn around and claim you are the best team ever, are you stupid or is there another reason? Please explain.
By Herschel Talker
May 22, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Barnhart does suck bigtime. What a UGA honk!!!
By reality check
May 22, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
All great games.
Georgia’s losses against UT and South Carolina last year can be directly attributed to our abandonment of the running game when it was working. Neither Tennessee nor South Carolina had good defenses against the run, but we abandoned the run and went to the pass more than 50%. Every time that has happened in the Richt era Georgia has lost. Every time we have run 60% or more we have won.
I believe Georgia’s depth is a key differentiator that gives us major advantages, but we have to stick with the run 60% or more of the time
By UGAY
May 22, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
ALL YOU UGAY FANS MAKE ME LAUGH MY @SS OFF..YOU HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR SEVEN YEARS SINCE RICHT GOT TO ATHENS THAT THIS IS YOUR YEAR. THIS UPCOMING YEAR IS LIKE EVERY OTHER. ALL HYPE NO DELIVER DURNING THE SEASON. UGAY WILL LOSE AT LEAST 2 GAMES..AND NO I’M NOT A TECH FAN. I CHEER FOR THE ONLY 2-TIME BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.
By UGAY
May 22, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
ALL YOU UGAY FANS MAKE ME LAUGH MY @SS OFF..YOU HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR SEVEN YEARS SINCE RICHT GOT TO ATHENS THAT THIS IS YOUR YEAR. THIS UPCOMING YEAR IS LIKE EVERY OTHER. ALL HYPE NO DELIVER DURNING THE SEASON. UGAY WILL LOSE AT LEAST 2 GAMES..AND NO I’M NOT A TECH FAN. I CHEER FOR THE ONLY 2-TIME BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.
By War Damn Eagle
May 22, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Bull Damn Dawg, No, you got herpes from blowing UGA the fat white mutt.
By shane #1
May 22, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
NDstinks, I love Your name BTW, at 3 & 9, yep, ND stinks! We all know about the Tigers and the Gators and the Vols. An SEC team has to be alert for the let down against “lesser” teams. Say You have a UK or a Missy State Sandwiched between UF and Auburn or LSU. It is very easy to overlook the weaker team and start preparing for the next big game. This trips up a couple of SEC powerhouses every year. Vandy came within a missed field goal and a couple of mistakes of beating UT and UGA last year, UK beat LSU, and Croom’s defense can Damn sure make your team look bad. Catch a couple of bad breaks and You can be saddled with a SEC loss before You know it! College Kids are just that, kids! It is difficult to keep them focused for a twelve game schedule. To state my point more clearly, every game in the SEC is a big game. On a given Saturday LSU, UF, UGA, Auburn, or UT can beat any team in the country, but You can’t ignore the little guys.
By reality check
May 22, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
hold em I challenge you and others to produce one preseason prediction by a Georgia fan in this blog’s archives from 2004, 2005, 2006 or 2007 predicting a NC for Georgia that year.
Most of us predicted 3 losses last year and you are confused if you think Georgia fans are disappointed in last year’s #2 final ranking.
We will see what happens this year. It takes some luck to win it all, but we are one of about 10 teams that have a pretty good shot
By MURDOCK5151
May 22, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
To those who always post the stat about how we always win when we run the ball 60% of the time need to think before you just read a stat on a blog and repost it. When you have a game in the bag late you run the ball to run out the clock so it sways the stats toward running more. When you are behind late you have to throw the ball to try to catch up so it shows you throw the ball more in a loss. It is necessary to have balance but you can’t simply look back at the stats and say “see i told you, should have ran it more”
By AUtiger
May 22, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
The past couple of seasons Auburn just didn’t have the QB to win the SEC champ. I sort of knew that going in..but things are different this year.
Now that Auburn has some quality options calling the signals, I have a good feeling going in to the 2008 season.
As far as losing to UGA the past couple of years, I blame that on two people.
18comp/42att 168-yds 1-TD 8-INTS
They are both gone now and that gives Auburn a clean slate!
WDE
By Cuz
May 22, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
shane, I think Gamecock Gary got into the Generals Mellow Mushroon sipping solvent. Not score in Columbia. I almost busted a rib laughing at that one. Moreno two touchdowns, King one TD, Stafford at least two, Southerland one TD.
I got my predictions from a fortune cookie I got at lunch.
By Cuz
May 22, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Murdock, you just take all the fun out of statistics.
By Paladawg
May 22, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
UGAY:
Along the lines of my last post, if you have nothing intelligent to post and can only resort to juvenile name-calling, please remember Mark Twain’s admonition: “It is one thing to be considered an idiot, it is another to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”
By MURDOCK5151
May 22, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Sorry cuz, that one has just always bothered me
By Spike
May 22, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
AU Tiger.. Who is the AU QB this year and why do you think is going to be better than Cox?
By Big Boy
May 22, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
TO MIKE: CHECK THE SCHEDULE, FLORIDA DOES NOT HAVE THE WEEK OFF BEFORE THEY PLAY UGA.
By SmyrnaDawg
May 22, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Please show me where I claimed we were the best team on this or any other blog you can find. Are you stupid or do you just like to make sh1t up? Please explain.
By Cuz
May 22, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Thats okay Murdock, gotta put my feet on the ground every now and then. I do think we will establish the run as our primary option this 2008 season.
Hey Paladawg, another Twain quote. “Always do the right thing, it will gratify some and astonish others.”
By Bull Damn Dawg
May 22, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
You are a little confused War Damn Eagle. I got the herp from a fat bulldog alright, but it was the fat bulldog you refer to as mom, not UGA.
By ArmyGuy12
May 22, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
I love how people can be so rediculously stupid over a sport. What happened in the past happened in the PAST. Doesnt matter who won last year or 2 years ago. What happens in the fall will be relevant till the season is over. Bragging over a game you probably never have played except on a schoolyard? Wow. I like the bulldogs and the gamecocks. I hate the fans for the most part. Aint never seen more fairweather fans who want to throw a player or coach under the bus so fast after a loss. Maybe we should just all become bandwagon UF fans? Or fat UT fans? Any given saturday anything can happen. Rip away.
By MURDOCK5151
May 22, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
I hope the run game is our dominant feature also to open up the passing lanes for stafford. If that is the case, our offense will be unstoppable. I can’t wait to see moreno run but there’s nothing like a beautiful deep touchdown pass to crush the hearts of the opposing defense.
By MURDOCK5151
May 22, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
That sounded a little dark. Go ahead techie’s you can use that line in your next D&D battle
By Cuz
May 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Smyrna, it is not the regulars making the claims. I blame Tech geeks claiming to be Dawg fans that say we will go undefeated, win the SECC, win the Crystal football MNC, cure cancer, fix the declining lake levels in North Georgia and be caller nine.
By Pitbull
May 22, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Smart teams play one game at a time and do not look ahead. A loss to Kentucky counts as much as a loss to Florida. A win over Tennessee counts as much as a win over Vanderbilt. The important thing is not to build up one game as a must win. Show up loose and confident for each game and do your best.
By AltamahaDawg
May 22, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Forget that, why on earth would Muschamp just inexplicably be “unprepared” against UGA?
How? Didnt have meetings, no film, no plans?
By AltamahaDawg
May 22, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Cuz, the only people who “always say” anything are the haters always saying what we always say, despite being far from it. You know you dont have much ammo if you have to plant things to be critical of.
By The mind of a Tech fan:
May 22, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
If Georgia fans are excited about 17 starters returning from an 11-2 team they are either delusional or a fairweather fan. If Tech fans are excited about an unproven coach and only 8 starters returning from a 7-6 team they are perfectly rational and only want to support their team.
It must be that great Georgia Tech education because I don’t get it.
By SOS
May 22, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
BARNHART….
SO…South Carolina has a better chance against Florida, which has a 6-1 record versus SC this decade and plays at home this year, than against Georgia, which has a 5-3 record against SC this decade and plays at Williams-Brice??? HUH????
Where is SECCoachinDallas(GA) when you need him for his expert analysis via dial-up modem from backwater suburban ATL? Hey SECCoachinDallas(GA)…Have you picked out the pig you want to grease up at the State Farmers Market?
By Bob
May 22, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
I think Georgia is going to blow SC out of the water next year. It won’t be close.
By Paddy
May 22, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
There is so much to talk about but… the key is UGA can’t slip up against UT. All else is just fluff. The SEC is soooo Gooood.
By voltextom
May 22, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Let me get this straight: 1. UT beats GA. 2. Gators & Bama beat UT. 3. UT & Bama play LSU to the last minute. 4. Ga beats Auburn & Fl when they were beat up and not at their best. 5. Ga beats overrated Hawaii. 6. Somehow Ga is the team to beat. Ga will lose 2 SEC games. That may be good enough to get into Champ Game, but I don’t think so.
By Vol4Life
May 22, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Georgia has potentially the right team - but the wrong year for SEC title and any chance for National Title.
I have seen this before (Peytons senior year) - fans extreme expectations creating a feeling of invincibility and not realizing that there is more parity out there than you would think. Plus a tough schedule will bite you!!!!!
Dawgs - you will lose at least two SEC games …. and will probably lose three and possibly four if not carefull:
Probable Wins: S. Carolina, Vandy, Kentucky
50/50: Tennessee (week off will help UGA as it helped Vols last year in that incredible beat down. UGA did not even show up - very pathetic.
Could be in trouble: BAMA/LSU I am thinking Bama will be very much improved and after playing at AZ STATE - might be a little burned - At LSU is tough - regardless of who ever the QB is.
Probable Losses: at Auburn, at Florida (Jax)
Yeb - I say UGA lossed minimum of 2 - but will lose 3 or possibly 4.
GO VOLS
By John Luxury Scavens
May 22, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Bold: * =Auburn to be National Champ Contender Italic: *this text will be italic =Auburn`s year because of great talent at all positions,including firve great backs. Link: site =site
By John Luxury Scavens
May 22, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Bold: * =Auburn to be National Champ Contender Italic: *this text will be italic =Auburn`s year because of great talent at all positions,including firve great backs. Link: site =site
By John Luxury Scavens
May 22, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Bold: * =Auburn to be National Champ Contender Italic: *this text will be italic =Auburn`s year because of great talent at all positions,including five great backs. Link: site =site
By John Luxury Scavens
May 22, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Auburn will be a National Title contender next year because they have the best talent line-up in the country and one of the best head coaches.
By Denver Dawg
May 22, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
UGAY:
LSU finished last season losing to Arkansas and barely beating a down Tenn team without its starting QB. Then it got a free BCS NC by playing lowly Ohio State. If you had played USC, you’d have gotten smacked around. I can’t wait for the Dawgs to play you in Baton Rouge at Tiger Stadium and embrass you on national television. You don;t even have a QB this year. You just need to shut up and leave the board.
By AltamahaDawg
May 22, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Tom. I think you are having some trouble keeping your years straight. That was last year you are talking about. Rememeber now? Talking about this year now, keep up.
By 7NAROW
May 22, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Vol4life, I’m sure UT will be good this year but with the off week UGA has before this game and the past 2 beatings the Dawgs took this will be a beatdown. I’m not so sure about the LSU, UF, and AU games but the Dawgs will take UT to the woodshed, guaranteed. The Vols will find out how AU felt last year b/c I see a Blackout coming that weekend!!
By Reality Check
May 22, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Take note: UGA has not lost a game that Moreno started. T. Brown was the featured back against UT and against South Carolina last year. The entire team changed with Moreno’s first start. See it as you wish but they haven’t lost since.
GO DAWGS!!!
By old gold
May 23, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Dosen’t UGA’s hopes depend on who is in jail and who isn’t? Lets hope the key guys are released before the major games.
By jason
May 23, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
To bad you don’t have your coach there to pass the joints around. You would have needed him to get through your pathetic season.
By uga sucks
May 23, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this
AHHHH Another LegHumper Arrested for DUI? Say it isn’t true.Thank god he won’t play in the Central Michigan game.(A VERY TOUGH TEAM JUST ASK ANY UGA MUTT FAN) Thanks to coach Richt for being so tough on our future Wannabe 08 National Champs Georgia Poodles! I want to do it doggie style with hairy dawg!woof woof
By James Pruett
May 23, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
AUBURN GEORGIA TENN FLORIDA LSU BAMA ARK S CAROLINA OLE MISS
By heeldawg
May 23, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
Vol4Life:
You may be right in your “right team/wrong year” idea for Georgia’s chances this year. As we’ve seen written ad nauseum, the Bulldogs have the toughest schedule in the history of the universe, blah, blah, blah (and I’m a Georgia fan).
The difficulty of life in the SEC is that no one can really take a week off. As Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn or LSU can attest from their experiences in recent years, even a Vandy, Kentucky or Mississippi State can jump up and beat you on a given Saturday. Having to leave one’s starters in (and thereby incur the risk of injury) leads to unexpected attrition during the course of a long and difficult SEC season. That’s why going unbeaten in the SEC is so much harder than going unbeaten in, say, the ACC or the WAC. The level of competition is that much higher, and it’s like that week in and week out. When you add in the outstanding coaching in the league (Miles, Saban, Richt, Tuberville, Spurrier, Meyer, Fulmer, Petrino, Nutt—come on, it’s ridiculous!), you have an obstacle course that is tough for even the most talented teams to negotiate. Look how close LSU—a team everyone recognized last season as supremely talented, perhaps the most talented in the nation, when healthy—came to not even playing in the national title game last season.
Georgia plays not only a tough conference schedule (the always-tough SEC East is a given, but then you throw in Auburn, LSU and Alabama from the West and it’s a real doozy), but also plays Arizona State on the road and archrival Georgia Tech to close out the year. In addition, the Dawgs play LSU and Florida on the road back to back.
But I do think the Dawgs are the odds-on favorite to win the league, despite the schedule. Here’s why:
Quality depth.
At almost every position, Georgia is two (or even three) deep. While Stafford is clearly the starter at QB stars, Joe Cox is a junior who has won a game for Georgia already, and Logan Gray is a Super 11 QB who is a redshirt freshman who knows the system. Moreno is a special back, but behind him are Caleb King, Richard Samuel and Dontavious Jackson—all four star RBs. The same is true at receiver, DL, LB and in the defensive secondary. Offensive line is probably the position with the least experienced depth, but even that group has more depth than last year’s group (and that team, you may recall, managed an 11-2 record and a #2 final national ranking). It’s the kind of depth that will allow the team to overcome the natural attrition of a brutal schedule.
So my take on the season?
The nonconference schedule is tough, but all of those games are wins—even ASU, which has a great QB but which lost four starters from an already weak offensive line that gave up the most sacks in the NCAA last season. Rudy Carpenter will spend most of that game running for his life.
In the SEC, I agree that the likely wins are Vandy, Kentucky and South Carolina (USC is usually tough, but they’ve got offensive problems and a run defense that is suspect, not to mention the revenge factor).
Games that we stand a slightly better than 50/50 chance of winning: Florida (any way you slice it, they don’t have much of a defense—when Urban Meyer is pinning his DL hopes on a true freshman, that tells you something. And sorry, Gator fans, it was your defense that failed last season. Tebow doesn’t play defense), Tennessee (always tough, and will be decent offensively this year, but they have little depth on D. I think this game will be closer than Florida, though), and Alabama (again, offense will be decent, but no defensive depth, and the game’s in Athens).
Games that are a tossup: LSU (great lines on both sides of the ball keep them contenders in every game, and playing in Baton Rouge will be tough, but Georgia is more talented overall) and Auburn (solid D, and offense will either be much better or slightly better than last season only because of the departure of the inconsistent QB Brandon Cox. Based on the bowl game, I’d say the offense will be much better). I figure we’ll win one of these. These teams are also the odds-on faves to win the SEC West.
Okay, so Georgia goes 11-1, wins the East but loses to either LSU or Auburn (and the team that beats Georgia will be its likely opponent in the SECCG). Georgia, with the conference title on the line, wins the SEC title. At 12-1, they’ll play for the national title. What happens beyond then is up to them.
Right team, wrong year? Perhaps. But perhaps not.
By Twain
May 23, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Cuz, another Twain quote:”There are lies,damn lies, and then there are statistics.”
By mdawg
May 23, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Old Gold just three words, Heroine, Hamilton and Porn
By hold em
May 23, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
SmyrnaDawg,
I stand corrected, you didn’t mention being the best team, i thought it was funny how you were giving the SC guy crap when they beat you last year.
By Dutch
May 23, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Tony,
THIS is the BIGGEST homer article I’ve ever seen you write. Basically every game Georgia plays will decide the SEC Champion, eh?
I would think “Mr. College Football” would be smart enough to know that the SEC can’t POSSIBLY be decided without mention of Tennessee or Alabama, the two teams who have won more SEC titles than ANY other.
But, hey, I guess none of their games, even though both play your beloved Georgia will determine anything. According to your analysis, as long as Georgia beats Auburn and Florida, they can lose to UA and UT.
Great Article. Truly Profound.
By The U
May 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Hey great post up top my “SEC fan” I mean the SEC is a way better sports organization than the NCAA, NFL, New York Yankees, FIFA, Boston Celtics. I mean you really hit the nail on the head there, I mean where sports today be without the mighty SEC? And if your SEC brain can’t handle it, that was sarcasm (look it up).
By Andrew
May 23, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Tech-Hater: it’s Carolina, not Cacalacky. That’s totally brilliant though [this is sarcasm]. By the way, Tech is a great school. They would probably tell you that, but they are too busy inventing stuff.
So anyway, this is a good article and it’s going to be an exciting SEC season. Lots of talent in the league. Georgia is the favorite of course, but anybody can win on a given day [last year Kentucky over LSU, South Carolina over Georgia, MSU over Auburn, Vanderbilt almost beating Georgia]. It’s tougher to keep it together for the whole season though. I think Georgia and Florida have a great chance to win the conference. LSU still has to prove they can sustain their success and lost a lot, including their top 2 quarterbacks. Yes i know Tennessee was in the SECCG last year, but they were lucky to beat South Carolina and have been on a downturn.
By Dr. Merkwurdigliebe
May 23, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
On a slightly different topic. I just want to say how damn proud I am of Richt and Tubberville for going over to Iraq to visit our troops. Both fan bases should be mighty proud of these two SEC coaching representatives. I’m a Georgia Bulldog through and through, but I like and admire Tommy Tuberville. He’s a straight shooter and one hell of good coach.
By Matthew
May 23, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
You can’t blame UGA fans for being overly cocky about the Auburn game.
Half of them haven’t seen UGA lose to AU yet (though those fans with a fan history of longer than 2 years have certainly seen it happen quite a bit).
By Tom
May 23, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
You mean not a one of the Kentucky games will determine the out come of the conference championship. You apparently failed to notice our coach is off the hot seat and we have even gone so far as to name the coach in waiting. Next you’re going to tell me there is a actually a bowl played south of Nashville!
By Tom
May 23, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
You mean not a one of the Kentucky games will determine the out come of the conference championship. You apparently failed to notice our coach is off the hot seat and we have even gone so far as to name the coach in waiting. Next you’re going to tell me there is a actually a bowl played south of Nashville!
By sobedawg
May 23, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
UGA vs. HOME DEPOT should’ve been included… :D
By Cuz
May 23, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Regarding a blackout when the Vols come to town. Nah, I dont see it. Not in the cards because of the last two meetings. I bet we don’t break out the black till the bowl game. Notice I did not say the MNC game. If we make the SECC, maybe then. Of course it would be cool if LSU wears the white jerseys in Red Stick land and we wear the black. Now that would be something to see.
By P Dawg
May 23, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
All focus will be on the west because we KNOW who’ll win the east. UGA BABY!!!
By bubba
May 24, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
to….. reality check….so if CMR had run the ball 60%, uGa would have won?
I guess you just called CMR a dumb coach! LOL!!! It was soooo obvious, just runnnnnn and win!
By Cuz
May 24, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Bubba my guess is that you are a fan of (name school that traditional gets their behind whipped by UGA). You do not know my friend reality. Reality know stats and facts better than most anyone on this blog. You sir, have proven yourself an idiot by your post. Didn’t your Mom ever teach you that if you don’t have anything to contribute, keep your pie hole shut before others realize how mentally deficent you are. State facts and reaserch what us reg bloggers have stated before you prove yourself to be an idiot donkey. No disrespect meant to the democrat party intended, well unless you want it to be. I meant dumb asterisk.
By auburn suxs
May 25, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
Its funny how haters always find a reason their team lost to UGA ,QB- injuried UF, We didn’t have a QB- AU , our Defense was still flat from the week before- UA. To think that UGA could not beat these team on the field with their play , it only because something bad with their teamscause UGA to WIN.. Well I am hoping they will have more problems this year , so we can win again, go DAWGS A WIN IS A WIN>>>>
By Wild Bill
May 25, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Mr.College Football,
For the most part I would have to agree with everything you said particularly the honourable mention category. UGA vs UT and UF vs UT are more important to Tennesee than than the are to the Dawgs ang Gators. The only way UGA vs UT becomes a big game for the conference is if UT defeats the Gators on 9-20. Eventhough it probably will be competive, I am fully confident that the Gators will emerge victorious. The problem for the Vols is that UGA and UF have more to lose than UT has to gain and as a result I do not see the Vols catching either team off guard like they did against UGA last year in Knoxville.
By Chase Cashion
June 24, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
OK get ready for this. Tennessee beats Florida. Florida beats georgia and UGA beats Tennessee. I predict that georgia will lose to auburn and florida will lose to lsu. therefore i think tennessee plays auburn in sec championship.
By Chase Cashion
June 24, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
OK get ready for this. Tennessee beats Florida. Florida beats georgia and UGA beats Tennessee. I predict that georgia will lose to auburn and florida will lose to lsu. therefore i think tennessee plays auburn in sec championship.
By Chase Cashion
June 24, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
OK get ready for this. Tennessee beats Florida. Florida beats georgia and UGA beats Tennessee. I predict that georgia will lose to auburn and florida will lose to lsu. therefore i think tennessee plays auburn in sec championship.
By Go Vols
June 24, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
You know all this hype about uga makes me rember the tennessee team of 05 they had us just about where uga is now. we went 5-6 that year. just keep in mind u dont have any games locked up play for everything.
By stephen
October 26, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
to all you georgia fans and all that talking you been doing before season, how did you like that alabama-georgia game. what happened to them only being able to be beat by lsu or auburn. dont underestimate alabama.