Mr. College Football

By Roswell Ed

August 18, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this

Tony, you keep looking for excuses for why the Dawgs will stumble.

I have told you all spring and summer so WRITE it down, Auburn is the best team in the SEC hands down.

Georgia, the most over rated *#1 in decades. There a joke and I’m *laughing.

LSU, the biggest joke to win the mnc ever! Biggest bonehead for a coach besides Saban.

Florida, Tebow gets hurt early, it’s over after that!

Tennessee, new qb, new oc aint happening!

Bammer, will never win with Saban.

Auburn is the best on both sides of the ball, its just a matter of what team from the east wants to get smacked around in the Ga Dome.

Get your reservations for Miami Tiger fans.

WDE

By dude

August 18, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this

Hey war chicken,

remember when you guys were number 5 in the country and we smacked you around the plains…..that was awesome. Prepare for the worst beat-down yet barner.

By Roswell Ed

August 18, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

Forgot to mention we have the best coach in the SEC also.

WDE

By Carey in NC

August 18, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this

RE: Roswell Ed

It’s nice to see The Barn represented here by such painstaking logic. I mean, sure, Tony backs up his arguments with statistics, interviews with coaches and other professionals, and years of experience following the game. But how can you argue with Roswell Ed’s BOLD?

On behalf of readers everywhere, we concede to your superior formatting.

By Roswell Ed

August 18, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this

Dude, since you hide behind your keyboard, Auburn will beat every team on their schedule. Everyone of them!!!

WDE

By bamafan

August 18, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this

Don’t let your big mouth over load your butt!! You think you are so funny Roswell Ed, Auburn does not have the best team in the SEC!! The gators and the bulldogs has the best teams in the sec this year. Saban will win at Bama, the only problem is just how long will he stay at Bama. Georgia beat the tigers like a red hair step child last year and will do it this year on the tigers own field. Julio Jones is looking like a special player that Bama has not had since Bear Bryant’s days. I hope he catches the winning touchdown against the tigers in Novenmber!! ROLL TIDE!!

By Dangerous Dawg

August 18, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, you and the rest of your pathetic bunch of wannabes keep your toilet paper in your portajohn outside your trailers because you won’t be tossing it in your trees when the Dawgs come to town.

Go Dawgs!

and everyone who plays the plainsmen.

By m

August 18, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this

Tony, you are just a sec homer. There is NO chance that Ugag will go undefeated against this schedule or any schedule. The sec is all hat and no cattle. There are plenty of teams with tough schedules but you sec wannabees just cry about your schedules more often. Will be hilarious when ASU kicks ugag’s sorry arse.

By Dallas Dawg

August 18, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

It won’t be long until Ed claims to have been kidnapped! lol !

By lakerat

August 18, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this

I don’t know how well UGA will play against anyone this year, though I hope they run the table - all I know is that last year Clemson beat that mighty Central Michigan (and Dan Lefevour) team 70-14!

By joe labruzzo

August 18, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, where do you All Barn fans hatch from ? That fireworks display off beautiful I-85 going into your BK’s Value Meal city ? Here you cut down 5 SEC teams, all of who may beat your Plainsmen, War Eagle, Tiger, Tend-likes this year. I know you hide behind that kid’s computer to rant over better teams, but keep in mind there is only one tiger in the SEC and he lives in a cage in Baton Rouge ! Go back to your assisted living apartment and let some football sense grace this page !

By Roswell Ed

August 18, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

Though I enjoy Mr. Barnharts work, he is a UGA grad and has lived his life being inferior to Auburn and a few other teams in this conference. He must be giddy over the #1 ranking. It aint where you 8start* it’s where you finish.

Watch and see where AU finishes.

WDE

By JB

August 18, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

NOW, Write about what teams will face when they play the Dawgs. How much can a team score against our defense. Can they defense that Balanced attack. 8 in the box, WE WILL PASS ON YOU, and do it well. Speed. Someone gets hurt, next guy in is pretty dang good. A NEW and IMproved coach Richt. DEEP< DEEP DEEP on the bench….We are pretty well coached. Coach Martinez has proved he’s a pretty dang good coach. Most starters were 4 and 5 stars guys….another words, EVERYBODY wanted them….for a reason….I say GO DAWGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By CrystalRouge

August 18, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed thee of little brains….how many BCS National Championship Crystals reside in the Plains….?? Zero….Nada…Zilch….and it ain’t going to happen this year either….Lucky…bonehead…or whatever other a* clown comments you can come up with…LSU has 2!! Which is 2 more than you will ever see in the nasty plains….Not only will auburn not win the west…again this year….Saban is getting ready to break it off on you guys for the next 10 years…….One more thing….Geaux Tiger…(aka the real Tigers…)

No need to Hate…just salivate…!

By buck b

August 18, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Auburn will finish behind LSU and Bama….and Roswell Ed A*…can go back to his trailer and job putting up stock at Walmart….on 3rd ship in Opelika

By Todd

August 18, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

OK Tony, I get your drift, we could go 12-0 or 7-5.

It is a brutal schedule, all of what your mentioned, plus Tenn., Florida, heck Vandy, Kent. gosh almost forgot GT! sorry.

If we can stay healthy, I think we can navigate it based on the defense. Florida rode thier defense thru a similar, rugged schedule a few yrs. back, they didn’t have an Ariz. State penciled in, but Curtis Leak is no Matt Stafford and a guy name Moreno is pretty solid.

Look for AJ Green to go deep early in Columbia, right in front of Spurrier and the Carolina bench….

Tony, what happned? Did you get run off or did you run yourself off, or did your position get run off? I hate to hear it, Mr. College football is the man.

Will look for you on the radio and Cable.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 18, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

If I am not mistaken CMR was FSU’s OC in ‘99 for that NC run. So, if only 2 teams have ever done it, at least our coach knows a little somehting about managing expectations and playing one game at a time.

GOOO DAWGS!!!!

By Native Dawg

August 18, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

Tony,

I just wanna thank you for the outstanding job you have done during your tenure at the AJC. In my opinion, you are nothing less than The Authority on College Football. Tops in the industry, and it isn’t even close.

Your professionalism is unmatched, and I sincerely hope I will be able to read your work after this season. Keep up the great work. I know you will. You make this fellow University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism graduate mighty, mighty proud!

Tony Barnhardt = Damn Good Dawg!!

By JY

August 18, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

OK, UGA goes 12-0 a good chance they play AU, LSU or U of A the second time this year for the SEC championship I do not see MSU ARK or UM making it to the championship game.

Tougher schedule than you think.

By Spike

August 18, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Tony, I always look forward to your Mr. College Football blogs. Of course, I don’t always agree, but that is one of the good points. And they always stir up a little football banter. Keep up the good work. Roswell Ed, take a break on the bold print. After the two smackdowns the Dogs put on AU, I would put in a sock in it if I were you.

By Eric1

August 18, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

What’s a gooo dawg? Is it anything like a Goo Goo Cluster? I love those. I think you’re right R-Ed….on every point you’ve made today. War Eagle!!!

By middleagedwhiteguy

August 18, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, your as obnoxious as a Bulldog fan. Try a little sportsmanship, people will take your ranting a little more seriously. Go VOLS !!

By reality check

August 18, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

About that dry heat in Phoenix…the biggest difference is that cramps can be a bigger problem than usual. To avoid that the trainers need to be sure the players get extra potassium before the game. Bananas and orange juice works best.

By Tom

August 18, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I remember that Troy game…47 bubble screens. That was one of the most frustrating things, having to watch an offense that has 3 plays. I am sure that CWM will have an answer for the bubble screen by the time we play Auburn. I hope Auburn fans can love the bubble screen, because they will see it 50 times a game!

By Tim

August 18, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

CrystalRouge… I can assure you UGA and CMR don’t fear lswhooo… in fact its the exact opposite. You see we have whooped your asses the last few times we have played you and we no how to play against that aggressive D of yours. The game might be a good one but it wont be within a TD at the end of it.

Dawgs win by 10.. 31-21 Dawgs!

By TROTTINGHOMETUDD

August 18, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Good Job Tony,

No matter the outcome, your article is worth reading. You have a nice flair to the personal side of your arguments.

Not that jibberish I have read from other blogs of your esteemed colleagues.

At least we now know who was being paid the most money to write. And for good reason.

By The Truth

August 18, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

I knew Auburn was a really crappy school, but Roswell Ed represents just how crappy of a school that lower Alabama vocational college really is…..

You Auburn people have a lot to be proud of……. Hang that degree with pride!

By Blacked Out

August 18, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

What now? Why of course the dawgs will choose up sides & sniff butts.

By Huh?

August 18, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Tony, we have heard all of this. Georgia has been put through the ringer by the media this off season. You aren’t telling us anything that hasn’t already been beat 20 feet in to the ground by your collegues.

And please get off the Troy game dude. That game was not nearly as interesting as you have made it out to be.

By Gene

August 18, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Under Richt, Georgia has fielded the most talented group of players of any team I have seen. However, you have to go back to Miami of the 80’s or FSU to find teams as ill behaved with as destructive a streak of self entitlement. It is unnecessary to enumerate the behavior problems, but look to the national media that characterizes the 08 Dogs as “talented with off-field issues.” On-field issues too, thanks to Richt’s displays of bad sportsmanship on national television. When things don’t go their way, the Dogs will roll over, as they did against SC, TN, and almost Vandy, before they stomped on the Vandy logo. Expect them to roll over a couple of times this season, to Florida, Auburn, and maybe LSU.

By Well, good

August 18, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Tony, Glad to hear they are opening the ever shrinking Cox purse to keep your blog through this season. If the AJC survives going forward, hopefully they will have the good sense to buy your freelance wares.

By Bulldog Bob

August 18, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Ros*well Ed —

Your Auburn intellect is showing through like a German spotlight. Your speech pattern must be a very interesting one!

By saint nick

August 18, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

ROSWELL ED,

YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!!!I see you day after day posting outrageous comments on this blog, yet you never have anything to back it up!!! Here is some facts for you!!!

The past 10 years, AUBURN HAS ONE SEC championship with TUBS, MIKE DUBOSE FOR GOD’s SAKE HAS ONE!!!!! you guys have some nice wins, but other than 04 what has your team done???? Nothing!!!!! Don’t pull that crap about beating bama 6 years in a row!!! when Bama WON 9 IN A ROW, where was the Barners???? There was no car tags, no flags on peoples homes, no hats, no shirts, NOTHING THAT HAD AUBURN ON IT ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are worst than Braves fans about bandwagon your team!!! Until you guys win something besides the Readers Digest NC, SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND QUIT TALKING TRASH, because you won’t get to 7!!!

By D.N. Nation

August 18, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Tony, a couple of things.

1) Congrats to Troy for rolling up offense (so nice you said it twice) against Georgia’s second string in a trap game. Awesome. Clearly that means a lot.

2) CMU went down in flames outside the MAC last year, including a beatdown from sure BCS title contender North Dakota State. Can’t say I’m worried, sorry.

By Chief

August 18, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed. You argue that UT will not be much this year because they have a new QB and OC. The same can be said about Auburn. DUH!! At least UT won their half of the conference last year. Omigosh, I can’t stop bold printing. Ed’s contagious!

By MP

August 18, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

I know this is a boring observation but I think it is important. The AP does their voting weeks after the coaches poll is already out. The writers in the AP should vote without knowing what the coaches voted. It taints the results, maybe even more than a little. It’s just another example of how stupid the whole voting thing plays out. I think it’s like that during the season too isn’t it? The coaches poll is out on Sunday afternoon and the writers poll is out on Monday.

By JB

August 18, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

NOW, Write about what teams will face when they play the Dawgs. How much can a team score against our defense. Can they defense that Balanced attack. 8 in the box, WE WILL PASS ON YOU, and do it well. Speed. Someone gets hurt, next guy in is pretty dang good. A NEW and IMproved coach Richt. DEEP< DEEP DEEP on the bench….We are pretty well coached. Coach Martinez has proved he’s a pretty dang good coach. Most starters were 4 and 5 stars guys….another words, EVERYBODY wanted them….for a reason….I say GO DAWGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bulldog Nation

August 18, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, Eric1, m, crystal rouge, & gene… You guys are all PATHETIC in your assumptions. The Dogs are ranked # 1 for good reason. Don’t forget what we did to the record-setting quarterback (Colt Brennan) last year. UGA looked as good as ever and we will build upon the seven straight wins from last year. Auburn fans are mad about what we did to them last year, and LSU is glad that they didnt have to face us in the SEC Championship game. Crystal Rouge, you guys barely beat TN. Yes, TN beat us last year, but we were not a focused team then. We WILL win the National Title this year. Now, go back to your own team’s pathetic blog, If they even have one.

By Bulldog Nation

August 18, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, Eric1, m, crystal rouge, & gene… You guys are all PATHETIC in your assumptions. The Dogs are ranked # 1 for good reason. Don’t forget what we did to the record-setting quarterback (Colt Brennan) last year. UGA looked as good as ever and we will build upon the seven straight wins from last year. Auburn fans are mad about what we did to them last year, and LSU is glad that they didnt have to face us in the SEC Championship game. Crystal Rouge, you guys barely beat TN. Yes, TN beat us last year, but we were not a focused team then. We WILL win the National Title this year. Now, go back to your own team’s pathetic blog, If they even have one.

By Mark

August 18, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Great to hear the blog will continue (at least for the season). Thanks Tony.

By JB

August 18, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

All these tough games the Dawgs have. good. They have to lace them up and prove they are better and I for one look forward to it. Bring it on. Go Dawgs.

By Miles

August 18, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Georgia has a tough road. However, AZ State (and its heat) will not even remotely pose a stumbling block to the Bulldogs. Other than Southern Cal, the Pathetic 10 has no real threats.

By jack

August 18, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

The only thing the dawgs need to do now is enlarge Clarke County jail to be able to house all of its players. Have yall seen the new uniforms for this year?

http://www.buycostumes.com/Orange-Jumpsuit-Adult/9439/ProductDetail.aspx?REF=SCE-pricegrabber

By JaxDawg

August 18, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I know the schedule is a beast, but has anyone considered that of all the teams on our schedule, only 5 have returning starters at QB? (Cent.Mich, Az.St,Bama, FL, Vandy) Everyone else on the schedule will be breaking in a new starter. Just something to think about

By DawgNLville

August 18, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Tony,

What I admire about you most is your ability (unlike many who post on the blog….like say….Roswell Ed) to keep things steady and reasonable. Your info is always top-notch and your outstanding reputation is well deserved.

Glad you’ll be around this area of cyberspace through this season.

DnL

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Jack, rather than bore us with lame attempts at being witty, will you please produce the name of ONE player on UGAs roster that is presently in jail? Nah, didn’t think you could. Brush off. In other words, Jack off.

By office space

August 18, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Looky here,The Dawgs are well aware the percentages are against them going into this year and that will play in their favor with their maturity. Remember you Dawg haters Tennessee and SC are the only teams with bragging rights going into this year.Roswell Ed must have been out of town or off the planet last year.Maybe he just Blacked Out! The only unknowns are the field goal kicker. The offensive line will jel and Matt is ready to be the leader of this offense. So why would anyone think that the 7 stretch winning streak from last year wouldn’t carry over into this one We have more depth, more talent, more experience.The list of coaches alone across the SEC is enough to make the weak hearted wet their pants. But Buckle up everyone because the Dawgs are up for anything you can bring to the table.See you all in Jacksonville.

By Kent N

August 18, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I lov e this talk about Georgia.Its also typical to see those blog and discuss Tennessee having a new QB. Obviously you bloggers are clueless. Crompton is not new ! He is proven! He started against LSU for 2 TD and 200 yrds passing. Tennessee has the best defense in the country. Its going to be nice flying under the radar as Ugaly falls from the polls early! Georgia you are just not deep enough to go through the schedule every other SEC team dos year after year and NOT lose 3 or more games. Your QB has proven nothing except he can throw as many TD’s as he does interceptions!

By TheItalianDawg

August 18, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I think Auburn fans should focus on beating Miss. State and Tennessee before openining their mouths! i predict Auburn will lose to Tennessee, georgia, Alabama and LSU.

By sorryaboutthat

August 18, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Roswell ED, Auburn will be like a cut dog in a friggin contest when the SEC championship rolls around. All they can do is sit around and howl.

By D

August 18, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed,

Chief hit the nail on the head. By your own logic a new OC and QB = “aint happening!” You also claim that Florida won’t be anything once Tebow gets hurt. I love it how your argument on why AU is better than FL is based on injuries that haven’t happened. Oh, and Tubs being the best coach in the SEC. Give me a break. Maybe 5th or 6th at best. UGA, LSU, FL, Tenn, Auburn will all be strong this year, but Auburn being the best hands down is just absurd.

By Fred G. Sanford

August 18, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Kent N, we know you’re a UT fan, but why do you always feel slighted by the UGA fans? I don’t see it in most posts. Admit it or not, you do have a new QB. You also have a new OC. Cutcliff owned us when he was in Knoxville. Just look at UTs record against UGA before and after he coached at Ole Miss. Then look at the record while he was gone. He had our number. Whether or not you liked the “dink” passes I’ve heard other UT fans disdain was very effective against us. Will UT be a tough game? Of course! On paper at this time, does UT appear to be our toughest opponent? No. No disrespect intended, but the changes make UT an unknown. Who knows, you may have your best year in ages? After all, you won the NC the year AFTER Peyton Manning left. I’m looking forward to the game and the season. We may not win, but I like our chances.

By steve

August 18, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Unless they lose to Tech, of course…

By NikkiFree

August 18, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

I haven’t forgotten about Central Michigan. I know it’s a classic trap game. I don’t see UGA sleeping on that team. With the target on UGA’s back, it’s so important to only look at one game at a time. Victory over Georgia Southern or bust!!!

By NikkiFree

August 18, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

I haven’t forgotten about Central Michigan. I know it’s a classic trap game. I don’t see UGA sleeping on that team. With the target on UGA’s back, it’s so important to only look at one game at a time. Victory over Georgia Southern or bust!!!

By Gerard

August 18, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Hey Special Ed Lets check the SEC championship records

Apperances Team W/L 8 Florida 6 2 .750
5 Alabama 2 3 .400
5 Tennessee 2 3 .400
4 LSU 3 1 .750
3 Georgia 2 1 .666
3 Auburn 1 2 .333
3 Arkansas 0 3 .000
1 Mississippi St. 0 1 .000
0 Kentucky 0 0 N/A
0 Ole Miss 0 0 N/A
0 South Carolina 0 0 N/A
0 Vanderbilt 0 0 N/A

And a lil reminder, the Dawgs ONLY loss was to eventualy BCS champion LSU. And Auburns ONLY win came win a team that was almost unbeatable(even though they looked bad in the bowl game). And that is the only thing that saves you from the ranks of the winless like Arkansa and Miss State. Now go back to your intenet porn and leave the sports to the adults.

By Anon

August 18, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Hey Tony, RE: the Troy game… yeah, they racked up almost 500 yards. Obviously, you don’t remember we were playing our second and third stringers by the third quarter too.

By GatorGuy

August 18, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

*Todd * You’re right, Leak is no Stafford, Leak has a SEC and National Championship ring.

By MD

August 18, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

SEC Unit Rankings: (Rivals.com)

Secondary: 1. UGA Linebackers: 1. UGA Defensive Line: 1. LSU 2. UGA Offensive Backfield: 1. UGA Coaching: 1. UF 2. UGA

In the SEC, running the ball and playing defense wins championships. And it doesn’t hurt having one of the top coaches in the country.

See you in Miami, Dawg fans.

UGA ‘94

By tkg

August 18, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

As an AU fan let me assure you all Roswell Ed does not speak for the majority. Sounds like he’s been in a bunker in Roswell, N.M. for too long.

I think AU will be good and has a chance to be great, but breaking in two new QBs won’t come without some lumps.

As for the spread … I think it’s a fantastic offense and will work well in the SEC. My only question is does AU have the skill players to make it work right away? I have to see that before I’m ready to make any bold predictions on AU beating LSU, UGA, etc. I’m hoping they can, just don’t know if they can.

As for UGA, Barnhardt’s right. The Bulldogs’ sked is brutal. If they make it through unscathed that will be most impressive. Not saying they can’t, but it’s going to be a long, hard road.

By Gerard

August 18, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Some more facts for you SPECIAL ED since you like facts so much SEC TEAM Last title Total Titles Alabama 1999 21
Tennessee 1998 13 Georgia 2005 12
LSU 2007 10
Florida 2006 7
Auburn 2004 6
Mississippi 1963 6
Kentucky 1976 2 Mississippi State 1941 1
Arkansas 1989 0
South Carolina 1969 0 Vanderbilt 1923 0

By Dawg4Life

August 18, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, you never cease to amaze me. Let me be the foot of reality in your fantasy puddle. Auburn was 9-4 last year. You lost to South Fla and MSU… This vaunted defense that everyone keeps talking about let UGA post 45 points against them, and now they have lost their #1 DB. The best coach in the SEC, or the one with the biggest ears? Tuberville is a joke, even Petrino wanted out! Preseason rankings don’t mean anything, but UGA does have a darn good team! Oklahoma is darn good too!

By jumbot

August 18, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Tim, the Dawgs have not beaten LSU the last “few” times. You won the last 2 and we won the prior two.

And for Bulldog Nation, LSU did not have Flynn against TN. It makes a difference not having your starting QB. You guys couldn’t beat TN with Stafford! And we were not afraid to play you guys last year. I live in GA and would have loved to see how we would have matched up with you. If we lose to Auburn(which I don’t think we will) and UF the Dawgs will likely beat us. But if we have one loss I would be worried if I were you. I’m not saying we will win only that it will be a close that will take alot out of both clubs.

I do appreciate your work Tony. You do find a way to garner discussion on here which makes for interesting reading, at least from most posters who are knowledgeable and respectful of others.

Geaux Tigers Go SEC

By St. Bernard

August 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I would assume that UGA has spent some time prepping for all these spread offenses. Not to mention that Logan may be better at running them than anyone not named Tebow that we play. Hopefully, the spread won’t be such a problem this year.

By Chuck

August 18, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

UGA’s schedule is full of all kinds of traps. The game at South Carolina is not going to be easy. Carolina’s pass defense was the best in the SEC last year, and everyone of their starters is back. Georgia’s offense struggled against that defense last year. When guys got hurt late in the year, is when it went downhill for them. They’re all healthy now.

LSU will be geared up for that game in Death Valley. Arizona State hasn’t had an out-of-conference opponent come there ranked that highly since Nebraska in the 90’s, and the Sun Devils trounced the Huskers in that game.

Auburn and Florida will both be aiming for redemption after last year. Tennessee is very confident against them and not intimated by playing in Sanford Stadium.

Georgia may be No. 1 now, but a close look at that schedule shows four losses as possible. I think they’ll go 9-3 this year because of their schedule.

By Brad in Jasper

August 18, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Tony, I was dreading the end of September on the AJC because I always enjoy your blog. Glad they’re keeping you on a little longer. If they had any sense at all they’d pay you more and keep you (assuming you wanted to stay), because I can guarandamtee ya this Dawg will find your new site on the web next year and will not read the AJC anymore regarding college football when you’re gone. (I hope me beating you the last season of Beat Barnhart didn’t have anything to do with it!! ;) Sorry, I couldn’t help myself)

Regarding my fellow bloggers from all teams - there’s only one truth I know this time of year before any game has been played. Smack talk is only that - smack, though it is good entertainment. It will be settled on the field. Will my Dawgs go undefeated and obliterate everyone, or limp to a 9-4 finish? I don’t know and you damn sure don’t. But won’t it be fun to watch another year in the SEC? On that, we all agree. GO DAWGS!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 18, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Erica 1,

Obviously you are not familiar with UGA football and the tradition of being in Sanford S

By Russ

August 18, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

D.N. Nation,

Not worried about CMU? Like every good Dawg, I’m scared stiff over every game.

Thanks Tony for a few more tidbits to agonize over!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 18, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Erica 1,

Obviously you are not familiar with the rich tradition of UGA football and the 95,000 fans that fill up Sanford Stadium in the fall. The crowd split down the middle, one side yelling Georgia. The other Bulldogs! Beautiful is the sight. Or the win the Dawgs kickoff the sound of the crowd chanting GOOO DAWGS. It is a sight to behold.

Seeing that you went War Eagle at the nd of your post is quiet ironic however seeing you go ny the Tigers. Never have I heard of the Auburn War Eagles. So just let me know which you prefer.

GOOO DAWGS!!! Beat the Plainsgirls!

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Look Auburn, Florida and LSU fans you have won already UGA will run the table and then get trounced by THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES in the NC game.

With-out a good quarterback it is very difficult to win. Matt Flinn was a good college QB>

Bama fans don’t get to worked up you will not win the conference for a long time!

Tenn fans you will have to wait until you get better on Defense and your QB grows up.

Right now MAt Stafford is the 2nd best QB in the league an Noshon is htebest running back.

Heck Miss St is going to beat one of you this year. Auburn, ALabama or LSU.

Watch-out for the Miss ST bulldogs!

By jumbo

August 18, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I went to the LSU-Az St game in 2005 in Phx and that stadium is not as nearly as intimidating as playing at UGA, TN, UF, LSU and Bama. The fans don’t make it an event like we do in the SEC so I see the Dawgs winning that one by at least 10 points.

I believe the Dawgs best chance of losing is against SC, Bama, LSU and UF. I’m not saying they are going to lose as they could win all of those. I just think if they do lose it will be one of those games.

Geaux Tigers!

By Kendawg

August 18, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Auburn has one SEC championship in the last ten years. How can their fans contend that Tubs is the best coach in the SEC? He may be the sixth best coach, but there are NO stats that support a #1 contention. Auburn will probably finish second in the SEC West, unless Tennessee beats them and drops them to third.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 18, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Excuse 10:37 post. Case of premature posting!

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Gator Guy, hats off to Leak on the NC. He was terrific in that game. But his legend was built based on his Sr year. Until that game, most UF fans (perhaps you?) couldn’t stand Leak. Oscar Meyer even had issues with him. It reminded me of Jason Campbell at Auburn. Most of their fans loathed him until his Sr. year. Then they thought he was great. Couldn’t live without him. Granted, Stafford has yet to prove his is a great QB, but Leak was largely unimpressive until his Sr. year. Comparing Stafford and Leak at this point in their college careers I would give the advantage to Stafford. Will he end with a bang like Leak, we’ll see.

By Kendawg

August 18, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Placekicking will NOT be a problem at UGA this year. I was at the spring game and saw two kickers make long field goals. From what CMR has stated so far, Blair Walsh has beaten these guys out, and, if that’s so, Walsh is the real deal.

By B. Thenet

August 18, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Great job on mentioning LeFevour. If Central Michigan can get any kind of protection going for him, that could be a very interesting game. He might be the best QB to step foot in Sanford stadium next season, including Stafford.

By Kent N

August 18, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

The Ohio State Buckeyes - When has that EVER happend ? OSU has Never beaten an SEC team. When they have played for a NC Ohio S gets thumped ! So where does this come from? Tradition for uga is finishing 2nd & 3rd in the SEC. That is the tradition.

By Phat Phil

August 18, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Consensus #1….no where to go but DOWN. Enjoy the free fall boys! By the time Oct. 11th gets here, UGA will be out of the top 10 which will make lots of room for the Vols! UGA fans can go ahead and book the Motel 6 in Nashville for the Music City Bowl trip.

By Kent N

August 18, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Wait until Tennessee gets better on defense? Where does this Ohio Stump come from? Tennessee’s secondary is rated #1 in the nation ! Once again to not being in Stanford stadium! Tennessee knows how to win there, and often !

By MoutainDawg

August 18, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

With the strong finish and load of return starters & talent, UGA deserves that #1 rating for sure. The Dawgs have the skill & potential to run the table, but in the meatgrinder SEC East…it’s unlikely (as much as I’d love to see that). I don’t see how we can get past all those tough oppenents without (at least) one loss. I’m thinking 12-1 and SEC Championship win over LSU. However, injuries, critical turnovers, key injuries & poor execution &/or play calling could easily render a 2-3 loss season…but I’m betting that won’t happen! :-) GO DAWGS!!!

By P Dawg

August 18, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

The spread offense will be a very short lived “fad offense” that is already being defended better each season. It’s a tweaked wishbone which faded in the 70’s. Tubberville is going to be firing even more assistants after this season. Dogs run the table and shut everyone up. Toughest road ever to a National Championship and UGA gets it done baby!!!

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Black Knight (aka Ohio State Buckeyes), welcome back. Just finishing your Waffle house breakfast on Roswell Road? Since you continue your trash talk (much like the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail), I’ll continue with the facts:

1. OSU is 0-13 against SEC Teams
2. OSU was THROTTLED the past two years by SEC teams in the SEC
3. OSU has an overall LOSING record in bowl games. UGA has more bowl appearances, more wins, and fewer losses.

You’d be in the middle of the pack if you were in the SEC. As Florida DE Jarvis Moss said after UF destroyed the Buckdances for the NC: “Honestly, we’ve played a lot better teams than them. I could name four or five teams in the SEC that could probably compete with them and play the same type of game we did against them.”

Don’t you think it’s time to put the cap back on the bottle of glue you’ve been sniffing?

By Richard

August 18, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

If Georgia fans think they are going to win a BCS title with a QB completeing less than 60% of his passes, I need some of whatever they’re smoking. I’m not saying that Stafford can’t be good enough, but he’s going to have to play a lot better than last season.

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Kent N, yet another perceived UT slight and UGA bashing? Look at the stats above. Bama leads the SEC in titles, followed by UT and UGA. We are just one behind you, and it’s been 10 years since you’ve won one. What is up with you, man?

By jack

August 18, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

HA HA HA HA HA maddog will you please tell me one other team that had more players arrested than the pups this season? Tied with Bama in that category my friend. 8 two years in a row in fact. Can you please tell me another program that has had as many classless acts as the UGA program over the last couple of years jack. Just one? I did not think so. Just admit it that UGA is the new Miami and is known for what they do off the field not what they do on the field.

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Jack off, still dodging my question? Name ONE player on UGAs roster that is in jail and will be unable to compete this year. By the way, which lousy program do you support (high schools not allowed)?

By Kent N

August 18, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Well its been 10 years since we won a NC, when did UGa last win one? 198? My point was not directed to SEC championships it was pointed that playing in Athens is not so scary. I see a lot of talent w. Uga this year, do I think they will run the table ? NO. As for those who think Tennessee’s QB is a freshman without game experiance is ignorant to their comment. Can Uga go through the season without anyone else getting injured and missing games? I doubt it. But all of the bragging about Ga’s schedule is funny because other SEC schools have been playing schedules even tougher year after year. This is the first time Ga has one that may compare, although ASU is just as overrated and GA Southern is NO div 1 school. You never have to play UF in the swamp , everyone else does. Point is , Not 1 game has been played and Ga fans sound like they do every year and it hasnt happened yet, and this will NOt be the year either.

By Fred G. Sanford

August 18, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

The “G” stands for Georgia, you big dummy!

Richard, I agree with you. Stafford MUST play better this year for us to survive the schedule. He has the tools, and I believe he has the coaching, so he now needs to combine the two to make this a special season.

By D Dawg

August 18, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

I never post a comment but these two guys are killing me. Special ED or whatever you call yourself Auburn has to replace both coordinators. And this just in THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES have been given a free trip to Miami to wait for there annual beat down from the SEC. NO need to play the other games guys.

By CrystalRouge

August 18, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Bulldog Nation….when you come down to Crystal City later this year…take a good look at the BCS Naitonal Championship Banners hanging from Death Valley…cause that is the closet you are ever gonna get to one…..Why don’t you try winning a championship in something other than Tennis…Gymnastics…before you start running your ignorant predictions….And I blog where I want to blog….Geaux Tigers….

By MiddleClassTaxpayer

August 18, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Hey Tony,

Good luck in your next endeavor. You will be missed a lot.

I am a Vol, and having been in GA throughout CMR’s coaching career, I have a great appreciation for what he has done with the Bulldogs. The fact is that he turned what had been an underachieving program into a fullblown national power.

Having said that, I would caution GA fans that GA has not always been focussed when facing underdogs. The losses to TN and SC last year should not have happened for you to make a run at the NC last year. For example, the last three times the Big Orange has taken down GA, on paper GA had the stronger team. Two year ago, you had the Vols down by three touchdowns, and let it get away (which was great for us Vols, we were pretty despondent midway into the third quarter). I personally think that all three times, GA was looking past that game to Florida or whomever was the perceived “powerhouse”.

Regarding TN, as stated in another post above, when UT beat GA, Cutcliffe was the offesnsive coordinator, and that is true. It could also be stated that TN was totally predictable, and that was true also. This year UT is an unknown. I believe that UT is flying under the radar this year, defensively particularly, and may surprise a lot of people. It took Peyton Manning leaving, and losing the best running back in the country, Jamal Lewis, in the first game of the season, for UT to come together as a team and win the NC…and a lot of luck.

GA may win the NC, and if UT does not, then I will root for GA, but GA needs to watch as closely at the lesser games as much as Florida…or once again you will be watching the NC on TV.

By FLA DAWG

August 18, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Most of our team is back from last year. THE DAWGS matured midseason and wacked every team they played afterward.

They know they must play one game at a time to do well in this season’s tough schedule. THE DAWGS aren’t looking past Ga. Southern or C. Michigan.

We beat Troy by 10 and Auburn by 25. THE DAWG DEFENSE will drill that Auburn Spread Eagle Offense.

By boomer

August 18, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Bulldogsmation…Trying winning the SEC East before you make any reservtaions in Miami…..

By Gator Nation

August 18, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Best news of the day:

Barnhart keeping this column going!

Now on to bigger issues.

Stafford is a very good college QB. He definitley has what it takes to lead a team to a title game. He is not the question. The offensive line is the only weakness I see for the bulldawgs and it is not a huge one.

How the dawgs handle the hype and their nightmare of a schedule will be the challenge for Richt and this team. I see two losses. Which is a fantastic year. But probably keeps them out of the BCS championship game. One loss and the SEC title and they are in the BCS title game forsure.

By THE Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Starting number one and running the table still won’t be enough for Georgia. They will still likely be “leap-frogged” by THE Ohio State Buckeyes after week 3 (and rightfully so).

FY-SEC! Except for Crystal the Cajunho.

By CrystalRouge

August 18, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

THE Ohio State BuckWipes…. One of the requirements on posting on this board…is that you have to have beaten an SEC team in Football in the last 10 years…..so you are disallowed from blogging….Jeeez even Vandy can post here…but NOT the Buckwipes….Gator Chomp…Tiger Bait….haven’t you had enough? Go Trojans….!!

By THE Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

“Auburn Spread Eagle Offense”

Sounds more like some of their cheerleaders I’ve seen, not their football team.

By jc_atl

August 18, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

My prediction: UGA struggles to pull out a close win in the Arizona oven, loses in Baton Rouge and a demoralized team struggles in a close loss at Auburn. They go to a disappointing Outback Bowl.

Pre-season #1 is the kiss of death.

By Frank Costanza

August 18, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

To those who think that making oh so witty and pithy remarks about Clark County Jail, ThUGA, etc., (The Techmites, with their inferiority complexes and marijuana trafficking players - Rueben Huston, drug using DUI driving coach/exQB and I need not even bring up the baseball player how offed himself with H, seem to really be fond of this coping mechanism), if you think that such comments actually bother anyone — they don’t. Say whatever you wish, but it does not change the result on the field. Whatever soothing techniques you need to help you sleep at night, endure another failed and miserable football season, or provides you with a momentary inspiration of false hope, is fine, but just don’t fool yourself into thinking that such comments matter, because we just don’t care. So, 8 players got arrested for fighting, drinking, p** in public, whatever — big freakin’ deal — it doesn’t matter. Call us whatever you like if it makes losing to us feel any better — but at the end of it all, the results on the field will still be what they are and you will have to deal with that reality.

By Ooltewah Dawg

August 18, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

To middleagedwhiteguy - I am a UGA grad living in TN and I have never seen fans any more obnoxious than UT fans.

By Dawgone

August 18, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

reality check,

Very true about the cramps being an issue.

One other problem that might surface though is in dry head people who are used to humidity get nose bleeds like crazy and can become light headed.

Fluids along with your banana’s and OJ.

Just don’t drink the OJ 1 hr before the game or you might pull a Donovan McNabb in the huddle.

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Look Vol fan you gave up the most running yards in the conference so no-one had to pass on your weak defense!

Also you cannot blog unless on this topic unless you have won a championship in the past 20 years!

Trust me if Vandy can beat and SEC team I am pretty dam sure Ohio State would be at the top of the conference each year!

The coaching is what has set the SEC apart from the other conferences not the so-called awesome players!

What Florida QB has played a major role in the NFL or receiver for that matter!

If you have a great team ( UGA) you will win the SEC Title and quit talking about how tough it is! It’s tough every year you have to man up when you have the talent!

TIME TO MAN-UP UGA!

By jc_atl

August 18, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

OSU - the laughingstock of college football.

How many times has your completely overrated team gotten *-raped in a championship game you had no business being in?

Shove it media-darling - the honeymoon is over. Weak sauce Big 10 scheduling will no longer get you the accolades you fantasize about.

By No Dawgs Here

August 18, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget what we did to the record-setting quarterback (Colt Brennan) last year??

Are you kidding me? He was the MOST over rated QB ever!! Of course, UGA beat them. Any team on the east coast could have beat them.

I love it, UGA is ranked #1 and the puppies have to howl. As many said, it does not matter what you are ranked at the begining, it is what you are ranked at the end. I see UGA losing 2. UF and either AU or LSU. Not to mention if they travel to Arizona with a “big head” it will probably be “popped”.

Go Jackets!!!

By Roswell ED

August 18, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Somebody hijacked my name AGAIN!

PLEASE AJC, do something about these morons using MY name!!!

UGA will go 11-1, win the SEC and beat Ohio State in the BCS.

Auburn will go 7-5… Independance Bowl BABY!!!!!

By Kent N

August 18, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Ohio State boy- Tennessee has won A National championship in the past 10 years , No need to go back 20. Once again Buckeye, when has OSU ever beaten an SEC team? Answer is Never. Oh, and that includes Tennessee thumping you in the Citrus bowl !

By DAWG75

August 18, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

We have a very tough schedule this year, especially coming from the hardest conference in the country, SEC. Arizona state are you serious? I would not be that disappointed if we lost a game in the SEC as long as we played every game really well. Ohio State is a freaking joke, so as long as an SEC School takes it ill be happy. Then you have the stupid bugs who will throw another coniption fit this year when thier new offense is a flop agianst the DAWGS!!!

By aaron

August 18, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

let’s be realistic here…

UGA is #1 for a reason, they’re going to be a top team this year. all trash talking aside, their schedule is brutal and the SEC is a scary beast. uga will lose a game, maybe 2, so all we can hope is that we win and lose the right games, get into the sec title game and win it. the rest we can’t control. all i know is that if we can put up the same resume that LSU had last season, we should get in because of the strength of our schedule.

By Michael Scott -- Mgr Dunder Mifflin

August 18, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Ohio State dude…. snore… snore… snore…
Nice job of getting everyone revved up with your over the top rhetoric. You certainly are not very bright or connected with the reality that the rest of CFB world is aware of. You would be wise to lay low and try to not bring any more attention to yourself as is possible after the indignities that your team has suffered over the previous 2 years. So, go along now and enjoy your snore-fest of Big 10 matchups against such juggernauts as Minnesota, Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue, MSU, etc., Ugh, what dreadful football. Those matchups should prepare you well for your annual BCS game where you get your pants pulled down before a national prime time audience.

By office space

August 18, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Dear m, us crybabys don’t like the dry heat in Arizona so we’re bringing some rain your way. Maybe it’ll wash your tears away. Ga 34 Ariz st. 21 watch it happen. You’ll be lucky to score 7 of those points in the 2nd half. Your secondary won’t know whether to pull up fall back or run off the field when the balls snapped!Go you fricken Hairy DAWGs!

By john2008

August 18, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

There is another benefit to playing a tough schedule that no one seems to take into account—such a schedule requires constant focus throughout the season.

If you look at the losses suffered by NChampions the last few years, they were not to the best teams on their schedules. They lost to outmatched opponents. I don’t think that this is a coincidence—it’s the ‘let-down’ games that are most dangerous for a top-ranked team.

The closest candidate for a let-down for UGA this year is Auburn.

Bottom line—UGA should have the better athletes in every game they play. Therefore, the most likely reason for a UGA loss will be if they aren’t focused and well prepared. With this schedule, I don’t think that will be as big of a problem.

By LSU Tiger

August 18, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

The article points out several potential pitfalls for UGA, but none of them represent an insurmountable obstacle. Sturdivant’s injury does leave a weakness up front for opportunistic defenses, but I would think that would be more of a problem earlier in the season, as adjustments should be made by the time they travel to Baton Rouge. Couple that with the Tiger’s lack of experience at quarterback and it could be a long night for the Tigers on Oct. 25th. I see that some posters have concluded that LSU is “scared” to play UGA, I assure you that’s not the case here for me, the better the level of competition, the better the game. I like to see the Tigers suit up and play anybody (Special thanks to Special Ed for BOLD)

I just don’t see the Bulldogs getting caught napping by Georgia Southern or Central Michigan, particularly after the nationwide wake-up call delivered by Appy State at the Big House last year. I also don’t think that the heat in AZ is going to be a factor for a well-conditioned team.

The #1 ranking isn’t the result of an easy schedule, it’s because of the talent on the team. The Dawg’s biggest concern this season should be the continued good health of Stafford and Moreno.

By SecIsFootball

August 18, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Ooltewah Dawg….I am 35 year old living in Atlanta and have never seen more obnoxious fans than UGA fans. Go to Bham and you will never see any fans more obnoxious than BAMA fans. Go to Montgoment, same goes for Au fans. Go to New Orleands, same goes for LSU fans. Go to Columbia….you get my point now???

By No Dawgs Here

August 18, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

2 words.

Play Offs

Until college football gets it, we will never have a true national Champion without a bunch of “what ifs”. Take Auburn for instance. Undefeated and NOT even in the national championship. Some teams get rewarded for being in weak conferences, while others are penalized (such as the SEC) If USC has a bad game they can still win, if UGA has a bad game in the SEC they will lose. A 8-3 team in the SEC is better then a 10-1 team in ANY conference. I may not be a big bulldog fan, but I do recognize talent when due.

Let’s talk about a 16 team play off. One where you have winners from conference championships and some “at large” teams competeing against each other. Now they talk about losing bowls and whatnot. Why do they have to lose anything? make the playoff games—bowl games. You then will actaully add a few more. It will only add money to the universities and schools.

But, until college football wakes up and gets rid of the BCS, not team (even UGA) is assured to be rewared for a good season in a tough conference.

IE; Hawaii was the team to beat in the west, right? What did UGA do to them? Makes you wonder why Hawaii was even in a BCS game.

Anyways, enough venting on this. Let’s get this season started.

By joe

August 18, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

That dumb, stupid LSU coach really is an idiot & he is lucky too. How else does a lame brain like Miles last year beat 5 coaches that have won the national championship. Not only that, to prove how lucky this fool is who can’t speak a normal sentence, he also beat a coach who went 13-0 in Tommy Tuberville & then he was also able to skate by Frank Beamer by a score of 48-7. I kind of like our idiot.

By bama_12titles

August 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone give Roswell Ed such a hard time? As a bammer fan I actually enjoy checking up every once in awhile to see what crazy Ed, I mean Roswell Ed, is up to. The guy always cracks me up and to watch him slam 5 other sec programs in one post gets me LMAO. If you don’t take him seriously you have to admit he is mildly amusing.

I think Tony makes some valid points. Roswell Ed or not I think Auburn is the team no one is talking about that can be really good with that new offense. They’ve been as good as anyone defensively the last several years but their offense lagged a lot. The fact is that if a no talent team like Troy can rack up 488 yards on UGA then I think we all will have to in fact watch out for Auburn. They certainly have better talent, and if they run the same type of offense that Troy or West Va. runs(see 366 yds rushing vs dawgs) then whether you like it or not they will be good.

Likewise I think Tenn. is the team in the east that no one is talking about that may surprise. Their qb is underrated. He may be a 1st time starter but then so was Matt Flynn at LSU. Crompton has been in their system for years and so while everyone is talking about fla. and UGA in the east I think you should keep an eye on the vols also. They had the same problem offensively as Auburn the last few years but with a new offensive system I think they open things up a bit and surprise some folks.

As for LSU what can you say? Devastating d-line. Probably the best d-line I’ve ever seen in college football. All 4 of their starters will absolutely be NFL players. Their o-line is nearly as good and has 3 guys who will be playing on Sundays.

As for UGA they’re a very good team but the NC will have to wait. Schedule is way too brutal. As good as UGA is this is a team that could lose up to 4 games just because the rest of the conference is that good. They will lose 1-2 to equally strong opponents like LSU, Auburn, TENN, or FLA. Then they will lose 1 and possibly even 2 games against teams that they shouldn’t lose to but could lose to. Teams like Bama, South Carolina, Arizona St., Ga. Tech, even Vandy and Kentucky. Laugh as you may but even Kentucky’s coach says the have the best o-line and d-line that they’ve ever had at Kentucky. Plus they beat the dawgs 2 years ago and get them at home again. Vandy also beat the dawgs 2 years ago and had them beat last year if not for a fumble at the dawgs 10 yard line in the waning moments. Don’t take these 2 teams too lightly. Lastly, I’ve watched Ariz. St. ambush 2 NO. 1 ranked teams that came into the desert. They did it to USC years back and they did it to Nebraska in 1996. This was when Nebraska was the power in the country and won titles in 94,95, and 97. It was AZ. states ambush that probably kept them from winning it in 96. I also think Dennis Erickson is one helluva coach. Any coach who can turn Oregon state into a Fiesta Bowl champion is a helluva coach.

As for my bammer boys. Still a year away. We’ll beat some teams we shouldn’t beat and lose 1 or 2 that we shouldn’t lose. 7-9 wins for the tide. Just some thoughts.

By coachp

August 18, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Tony-

You will be missed. I don’t know what these fools at the AJC are thinking.

My prediction for UGA: 10-2, BCS Bowl

The schedule is brutal……

By coachp

August 18, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Tony-

You will be missed. I don’t know what these fools at the AJC are thinking.

My prediction for UGA: 10-2, BCS Bowl

The schedule is brutal……

By Ed

August 18, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a rabid follower of Georgia football since I was a kid in the late 70s, and this is the most hyped UGA team I’ve ever seen. Even the Herschel led ‘82 team didn’t have these expectations. I don’t like it.

Georgia’s going to be good this year, no doubt. But depending on injuries, the skill of the other teams, the toll the schedule takes (LSU on the road, then the Cocktail Party…who did we p** off?), and the bounce of the ball, Georgia could realisticly be anywhere from 13-0 to 9-4. We need Stafford to step up and take it to the next level. We also need to avoid any more serious injuries to key players - Sturdivant and Southerland is enough.

Just play football. Enough BS. Thank God for the Olympics, otherwise I’d be nuts by now.

By the way, I didn’t realize that USC had so many close calls against average teams in ‘04. Makes Auburn’s no. 2 ranking after going 13-0 even more absurd. Auburn deserved a split title - I’ve had no respect for the BCS and the mythical nat. champ. since then. Just win the SEC baby and tie Tennessee for 2nd all time. Those banners look nice flying over Sanford Stadium.

By TXDawg

August 18, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

This ED guy is really in need of some attention and not the kind we offer here on the blog.

Why are we wasting time with someone who roots for a school that can’t even figure out what the mascot is….Bird or Cat?

The main thing that should be pointed out here is that Georgia should win every game based on match-ups with the closest matchup being the Florida game where the running game & secondary gives UGA the edge over FL. Every other game GA rates higher on paper…..but….until they put it together on the field like the last 7 games of last year, it’s only a dream. Will the dream become reality…..nobody knows and won’t know until sometime late on 12/6/08.

By GEORGIA97

August 18, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Alabama University of Butt Ugly Red Necks

Tigers will get beat like a rented mule on Nov. 15th!

By Ed

August 18, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Les Miles is definitely not stupid - he led OK State to back-to-back wins over Oklahoma, which is no small feat.

The guy has somehow managed to win a national championship without ever having better than a two-loss season, which makes him a magician of sorts in my mind. Joe Paterno had 3 undefeated seasons before finally winning the MNT (with one loss, ironically - shows what a joke the MNT really is). And of course, there’s poor Tommy Tuberville.

But there’s no doubt Miles is a solid coach. I’ll take Richt over anyone else in the SEC. When 9-4 is a bad year and RARE, you know you have something special. Heck, Nick Saban has 5 losses or more every other year and he’s a legend for some reason.

By handawg

August 18, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

at least the blog lives, thanks TB

Han www.bighairyblawg.com

By GEORGIA97

August 18, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

When I visited Auburn my senior year in high school I was told there were a lot of “10’s” when it comes to women.

Of course, what I didn’t realize at the time was at Auburn a “10” is a 4 & a 6-pack of Milwaukee’s Best.

By trapped behind enemy lines

August 18, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Regarding obnoxious fans, those denizens of Obknoxville are the kings of all…

By bama_12titles

August 18, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Les Miles is indeed not stupid. He is a very good coach but sometimes he just runs his mouth. After upsetting Okla 2 years in a row he ran his mouth about it and then his butt got pounded by around 50 points by OU the following year. He said some not so smart things about USC, then said something about F—-ing Alabama in front of women and children, and one or 2 other gaffes that just weren’t very bright things to say. Still a good coach but he should just think before he says some things. As for Saban I don’t think he’s a great coach either but you misrepresent his record somewhat. He had several 5 loss seasons but you have to remember every job he took was a rebuilding job including LSU which had 8 losing seasons in 11 years before his arrival. He had a lot of 3 loss seasons. They were not all 5 loss seasons as you say. The fact is that he is just another good coach but certainly not a great coach. He is however probably the single best recruiter in the country and that is what gives him an edge. I think our rival Tubbs is a superior coach to Saban but Saban is now so thoroughly dominant a recruiter over Tubbs that he will beat Tubberville in future years just because of superior onfield talent. All the coaches in the sec or good to excellent. You can’t really say any of them are bad or even average.

By P Dawg

August 18, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Kent N, once again your ignorance shows it’s ugly head. How is it that UGA has an advantage playing UF in Jacksonville every year? I would prefer to play in Athens every other year as to playing in “neutral” Jax every year. I’m with you on the os-who situation though. Wouldn’t it be nice to have their schedule every year? Half of the SEC teams would take care of that schedule better than they do. os-who sucks!

By jack

August 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Maddogg have I ever said any of your players are still in jail? NO and you have not answered any of my very simple questions either d*******. My team is auburn by the way.

By MIDGADAWG

August 18, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

IF UGA DOES NOT MAN-HANDLE GA SOUTHERN, CMU, USC, VANDY, KENTUCKY AND TECH - THEY DONT DESERVE A TITLE SHOT. ASU,FLA,LSU,ALA,AUB, MUST WIN 4 AND THE LOSS CAN’T BE THE GAYTORS…A LOSS TO THE GAYTORS HAS UGA PLAYING IN THE OUTBACK BOWL. I HOPE GA CAN FINISH 10-2, BRUTAL SCHEDULE AND NEXT YEARS EVEN TOUGHER. THEY NEED TO STAY HEALTHY, AND NOT LOOK PAST ANYBODY.

By Old LSU fan

August 18, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

UGA #1 congrats, As an LSU fan I am happy to see another SEC team at the top if we could not be there. UGA is loaded this year and they have a tuff schedule but if they can do it I will be happy for you. To have another SEC team beat the hell out of THE ohio st will be great. Good luck to the dawgs and we will welcome you to Baton Rouge with beer and a lot of food. Come ready to PARTY!!! GEAUX TIGERS

By Joel in ATL

August 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Tony Tnoy Tnoy, Thak you for bringing out the common sense points I’ve been harping on to all GA Fans. Now I’m GA fan but I don’t like hte Number 1 ranking because the high you start the further and longer you will fall. GA Southern even scares me, hey they play in the same conference as App State. I been telling people that Central Michigan isn’t a sloutch, they pushed Purdue (yes Purdue), not once, but twice last season and the bowl game really should have went their way.

GA Fans I warn you don’t let your head fill up to high, a flag here a dropped pass there and 3rd and long that comes up short or a freshamn kicker going wide left/right and it can all end. Plus the little stunt that the students pulled last season at the OK State game after they got the word that Michigan had fell to App State when they painted ” HA HA MICHIGAN” on their backs. Just rememeber stuff like that comes back to haunt you. GA Fans I can tell by our actions that we don’t know what it’s like to start the season #1 but what is funny is we know how to act when we finish #1 in January. Forget August’s polls, show me the January Polls.

I have ultimate confidence in Coach Richt but this ain’t the ACC this is the SEC and Georgia got ALL of the biggest boys in the conference on the schedule. Please let’s take it 1 game at a time. GA Sourthern is first, yes GA Southern.

By VolStuckNGA

August 18, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Every week this gets better and better. Again the Pound Puppy fans from Athens continue to not face the reality which is their schedule. Thank you Mr. Barnhart for interjecting some cold hard truth into the upcoming season. Much better article than that suck up Bradley usually writes.

If UGAy gets through their schedule unscathed, then they deserve the shot at the title. However, as this article and those of us who understand football point out, that it will be very difficult for the Mutts to pull this off. 4 Games on the road at LSU, FL, KY, and Auburn. NO week off to lick their wounds during that stretch either. They had 2 weeks to get ready for the Gaytors last year. UGAg does not get that this year and Fl has put a large red circle around the date of the game along with pictures of the dance in the end zone.

Hey Trembling Chihuahuas of Athens, the season is not a lock. You have already lost a starting offensive lineman and 3 of your 4 receivers are hurt. And you have not even played a game yet! Looking good on paper does not win a championship. If you get hurt now, what’s going to happen during the season? Sounds like you are hurting already if you hav NoShow returning punts. HMMMMMMMMM!

By Ed

August 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Bama: I don’t know, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama don’t seem like the worst kind of rebuilding jobs to me. Technically, USC was a rebuilding job when Pete Carroll took over and Notre Dame was a rebuilding job when Charlie Weis took over there, but come on. At certain schools there really isn’t an excuse for underachievement because the resources and support are there, and Alabama is one of them. Saban better turn it around fast or he’ll become the next Bill Curry in a hurry.

Georgia hadn’t won the SEC in 19 years when Mark Richt took over in 2001, and he’s won it twice since then. He “rebuilt” Georgia without losing more than 4 games in any of his 7 seasons. He’s finished #3 and #2 nationally. He manages to do all of this while floating under the radar. I like our guy, people can talk up Saban, Miles, Meyer all they want. I hope he hangs around for another 20 years or so.

By robert

August 18, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

I agree with you. I hope that we play to our potential and not our opponent’s like we have sometimes in the past. In other words if you can beat them by 40, then do it so some of the young guys can play. That’ll help keep guys healthy plus it will give us much needed experience for years to come.

By Fred G. Sanford

August 18, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

The “G” stands for Georgia, you big dummy!

VolStuckNGA, I don’t know of any UGA fan who feels our schedule is a “lock”. It’s way too brutal. UF may be focusing too much on the UGA game, but I don’t think there’s any chance of us not having total focus on that game. I’m more concerned about UT, Bama, and Auburn. All 3 may by flying under the radar early in the season, yet, all 3 may be making some noise by the end of the year. Regarding Knowshon returning punts, Reggie Buss did similar things at USC and it worked out pretty well.

By the way, I remember reading your posts many weeks ago and you were asking someone for a link to a picture showing the UGA legends with Tech’s Reggie Ball superimposed. Here’s the link (let me know what you think):

http://grisamore.blogspot.com/2006/11/reggie-balls-number-retired.html

By Quick History Refresher

August 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Oh UGA, how quickly you forget. You do realize that you’ve only beaten Florida 5 times in the past twenty years, right? A .250 average may get your basketball players through school but the football fans don’t even know how to calculate it. And that’s only twice (2) in the past ten years. Rivalry? You’ve got to be competitive to justify a rivalry, otherwise you’re just a whipping boy.

You’ve beat AU 4 times this decade. You’ve lost 4 times too. That’s about as dominate as… well… that’s not dominate. And don’t look back on the decades before, AU has had a better H2H record each decade since the 50’s.

And after losing every game to UT in the 90’s, you’ve been more fortunate this decade though the last two years were a bit embarrasing.

If I were a UGA fan, I would buck up & admit that I haven’t got a thing to hang my hat on right now except the opinion of others. That and a quarter will get you nothing nowadays. It’s impressive to get consensus preseason #1, but just like Alabama’s #1 recruiting class, that doesn’t win championships.

So talk all you want. Good luck running the SEC gauntlet. But at least be an educated fan before you shoot off those mouths about UGA and it’s role in the SEC.

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

C,mon Vol fans your QB did not play a down in the SEC. You will be lucky to finish with a 6 and 6 record.

UGA fans the Bulldogs will win the SEC this year. This is their year the stars have aligned themselves for the BULLDOGS TO win the SEC and then lose to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

VOL fans will not hear from you ver soon because you will suck this year!

By D

August 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

I’m gettting kind of tired of people like VolStuckNGA who keep using the difficult UGA schedule as a reason to not put them at #1 preseason. Unless you are specifying an end of year ranking like Phil Steele, it shouldn’t matter whether UGA plays pop warner teams or the patriots every week - they are the same football team no matter who is on their schedule. The schedule should make NO difference for a PRESEASON ranking.

By Fred G. Sanford

August 18, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

THe “G” stands for Georgia, you big dummy!

Quick History Refresher, why rehash the past 20 years between UGA and UF? How many of the coaches and players are still on the team from your 1990-2003 squads? Instead, why not focus on the past 4 years. Many current players and coaches were part of those games. The record is 2-2. No dominance from any side.

Regarding AU and UT, well, I guess we could go back to the 1890s with AU, but for what purpose? UT had an overall better record, and yes, they spanked us the past two years. But Richt has a winning record against both during his 7 years. Dominance? No, but still a better record. AU and UT have both had a lot of changes since last year, but UGA hasn’t. We are the better known commodity. Does that make us the winner? No, but I do like our chances.

I’ll close with this - I believe UGA fans know their football as much as anyone and are very passionate about the Dawgs, win or lose.

By the ole ball coach

August 18, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Lets just call the season off heck the Dawgs don’t have a chance…………… the sky is falling, the sky is falling…..

By VolStuckNGA

August 18, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

D: The point is that the Pound Puppy nation thinks that because they are No.1 pre-season that they will be No.1 at the end of the season as though their ticket is slready punched without playing a game. I was in Athens, unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago and they are already planning the party for win the title is handed to them. Quite frankly it is pathetic. Don’t talk about the schedule with any of them because most of them won’t listen. The attitude is that because they are UGAy that everyone is just going to lay down for them as they are the annotied ones this year. You are absolutely right that the schedule has nothing to do with Pre-season rankings. Infact there should not be rankings until after the first four games are played, then we might not have what happened to Awbarn in 2005. This attitude by the UGA fans is shared by most, but not all of the UGA fans. (before anyone gets on the “not all UGAy fans” think that way bandwagon)

OSU Butthead: I think you missed the edict that said you have to beat an SEC team to post your blog here. That means that Michigan can say something, but you can’t. UT is flying under the radar this year and will surprise a few teams. They have an outstanding secondary and Jonathon Crompton has more mobility than Ainge did, not that he needs it since the offensive line that allowed only 4 sacks last year is returning. Arian Foster also returns. We will be better than you think and will certainly beat you if when we see you in the Capitol One Bowl on New Years Day.

By Cuz

August 18, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

I like many Dawg fans think that an undefeated season is just a little to much to ask for. I see one loss and possibly more. Contenders to beat us are LSU, UF, right after the Sat night at Death Valley, Auburn and the dark horse UT, never count out Phat Phil. I think we can take care of the rest and if the ball bounces right maybe win a few of the games against the contenders. And you never know what St. Nick has up his sleeve. I think it will be a fun year, hey it is a lot of fun being the pre-season number one, but it would be more fun being the end of the season number one. Just a lot of road blocks ahead. I don’t claim to see the future. I think we will have a very good team. Too bad so many others will have very good teams also.

By AltamahaDawg

August 18, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Volfan, how boring is it for yet another rival to come in here and tell us what our opinions are. We act and feel exactly the way you do or would about your team. We can easily tell you “the problem with Vols fans….” But who really want to hear that?

“The attitude is that because they are UGAy that everyone is just going to lay down for them as they are the annotied ones this year.”

I can guarantee you that I know a boatload more Dawg fans than you do, and NO, they don’t think or say that. Because they arent in the 3th grade.

It’s just so tired to pretend that you truly think that crap.

I think it would be pretty damn hard to find a single Dawg fan that refuses to talk about the schedule and has already made up thier mind as to the outcome. Not all, not most, not any, that I have ever met.

Seriously, its NOT a requirement to post in here if you really didn’t have a legit point to make. It’s okay to just pass..

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Black Knight (aka Ohio State Buckdance), I got to looking at those awesome schedules you’ve played for the past few years when it hit me. If Vanderbilt had the same schedule those years, they may have made it to a BCS bowl once or twice. Heck, for that matter MANY SEC teams would have cruised through those pansy schedules.

As Florida DE Jarvis Moss said after UF destroyed the Buckdances for the NC: “Honestly, we’ve played a lot better teams than them. I could name four or five teams in the SEC that could probably compete with them and play the same type of game we did against them.”

Come back, Black Knight, and talk your trash when you’re team actually wins a big game against a legitimate opponent.

By Chief

August 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Good point, AltamahaDawg. I am scared to death of the down side to this season. There are 5 teams on our schedule that could actually stick it to us. I like our chances, but we could definitely stub our toe on more than one occasion. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and trying to keep my cookies from being tossed.

By jack

August 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

exactly what I thought maddog. Hide behind your big words you typical UGA idiot

By D

August 18, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Ironic Buckeye story - I was in a Macon hotel Oct. 7, 2006 watching the LSU vs. FL game on the lobby TV when an obnoxious buckeye fan comes waltzing in demanding to see the Ohio St. game score. So we reluctantly go flipping through the channels during a commercial break, but couldn’t find the game. I asked who they were playing and he said Bowliing Green, while continually restating how great and dominant Ohio St. is compared to the SEC, LSU, FL, GA etc. etc. until we finally saw the score scroll across the bottom of the LSU/FL game, and of course Ohio St. was dominating bowling green. This is really the only Ohio St. fan i have ever met and i wish i could see his face now that LSU and FL completely dismantled his precious buckeyes in the subsequent 2 NC games. I hope another SEC team has the same opportunity this year.

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Yea Jarvis Moss is a football genius!

Vanderbilt,kentucky,south carolina,miss,miss st and alabama would have losing records in any conference.

Alabama lost to LA Monroe do not speak to me about winning in any conference!

Maddog you want some kudo’s for beating Hawaii c,mon now.

We won a NC championship game and we went to 2 other NC games who can say that during this decade?

Can you loser BULLDOG NATION? We deserve to go TO THE NC Game even though you did not win your conference!

GIVE ME A BREAK!

By tony

August 18, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

jack, I could not agree with you more about UGA being classless. I think it is funny he wont answer your question. He is prob like most UGA fans and prob did not even go to school there or college at all. p.s do you know what UGA stands for? U Got Arrested

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Jack, Were my words too big for you to read? Anyway, I asked two questions that you’ve had all day to answer. (1) name one UGA player that is presently in jail, and (2) who do your root for (no high schools allowed)? You’ve answered neither. By the way, the biggest word I used (presently) has 9 letters. Too big for you?

By Tony

August 18, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

I also think it is freaking hilarious to hear dawg fans and idiots like maddog talk about other schools having easy schedules. They have a hard schedule for the first time in many years (OOC that is) and they start talking s**. Do I need to remind you bulldog dolts that besides Tech you idiots have not playe a non conference road game in 13 years!!! no other group of fans b*** and complains more than you idiots

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Black Knight (aka Ohio State Buckeyes). Winning in the Big 2 is reeaaalll tough. Your won loss record will continually get you into a BCS game even though you play chumps every year. When you finally have to play a tough team in a bowl game you usually lose. Your proud team has a losing record in bowl games. Yeah, the SEC teams are sooooo scared of the buckdances.

By VolStuckNGA

August 18, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Altamahadawg: So what your telling me is that the Majority of the Athens Mutts are taking this season one game at a time and really don’t believe that the NC should just be handed to UGAg because they got screwed last year or because they are pre-season no.1? Really? You expect everyone here to believe that? Look at at the majority of comments about the upcoming season. I did not say all the bull puppies were unrealistic, just most about the upcoming season. Most of those who think that Pound Puppies are the annointed ones make no mention about the upcoming schedule or if they do they say it is a cake walk. They actually believe that because they beat Florida last year that it constitutes a streak of wins.

All I can say to your comments is thanks for backing up Georgia’s education ranking.

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Jack and your buddy Tony. So I won’t answer your question about player troubles? Here it is:

“During the past 38 days, nine UT football players have either had run-ins with police or been dismissed from the team for unspecified violations of team rules.”

If you’re too stupid to comprehend such “big” words (sorry Jack, your words, not mine), here’s the link so you can take your time:

http://www.faniq.com/blog/Britton-Colquitt-The-University-of-Tennessee-Football-Team-Is-A-Drunken-Mess-Blog-6785

Now Jack, do you care to answer my two questions? You have my permission to use “big” words.

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Score Board Loser UGA fans.

First go to a Championship game!

You are not Florida of 06 all of Ron Zook players by the way!

FLorida Fan I guess now that Zook players are gone you lost 4 games! What NC team lost 4 games after winning a NC Game.

LSU fans Saban players are gone what are you going to do now! Of course go back to losing you should have lost 3 games last year! Arkansas, Florida and Alabama loser bama should have beaten you!

Overrated SEC conference you are the best at stating how good you are!

By Mellow

August 18, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

“So Now What?” Now you do your best. It is either good enough or it isn’t.**

Either way, the sun will come up tomorrow.

By Regan

August 18, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

9-4 losses to LSU, AU, & FL then the Bowl game. #2 in the SEC EAST.

By Maddog

August 18, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Black Knight (aka Ohio State Buckeyes), true to form you’re just like the Black Knight from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. Still talking useless trash and showing your ignorance. Your school has a pathetic bowl record. That’s a fact. Your “Big 2” conference is pathetic as well. They went 3-5 last year in bowl games. The SEC went 7-2 with a NC. More games, more wins, and the NC. SEC is overrated? Hardly. Need I, or anyone, say more?

By AltamahaDawg

August 18, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Yes, that is what I am saying.

and NO, thank YOU for proving my point…..if ever there was an example of rivals posting in a UGA blog, making up ridiculous statements, rather than anything factual, that was it.

By mikey hates orange

August 18, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

VolStuck, you make stupid comments about education ratings, yet here you are “stuck n GA”. Why don’t you go back to the hills if you’re stuck. Now as far as football, I hate to agree with an Ohio St. fan, but you guys really could go about 6-6. Yeah, Phils got em phlying under the radar. And to Phat Phil, 6-6 will not get you in the Gaylord Music City Bowl. You guys need to stay out of Granny’s rheumatiz medicine.

By Ed

August 18, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Rivalry? You’ve got to be competitive to justify a rivalry, otherwise you’re just a whipping boy.

How about 42-30 and 6 sacks of Tebow, or a 10-game series advantage? That enough of a rivalry for you, historian?

Georgia not being a rival of Florida…that’s a good one. I’ve said many times that Florida fans believe history began when Steve Spurrier arrived in the early 90s. Considering Florida’s Vandy-like history before then (52 years without an SEC championship), who can blame them. Talk to us about a rivalry when you can claim conference titles in 6 different decades and an overall series lead. The only thing Florida leads Georgia in is major probation and fired coaches.

By AltamahaDawg

August 18, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

And what I think you meant to say was “and thank you for beating Florida, since we could not, and In doing so allowed us to go to the SECCG”, right?

You are welcome.

By john2008

August 18, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Thank you for that post Ed.

It really is annoying how “historians” always stop at 20 years.

Young gators—you should know that in the Vince Dooley era and before you were our ‘whipping boy’ My hat’s off to Spurrier for turning that around—but if we win this year, that will make 3 of the last 5 to UGA, 2 against Urban Crier.

If that happens, then the Spurrier era of UF dominance will official go in the ‘old news’ history books as far as the media are concerned—right next to the Dooley era.

By Ed

August 18, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Correction: Florida did not go 52 years without a conference title, it was 59 years (1991). They were stripped of the ‘84 conf. title after major recruiting violations, including spying on opponents. 52 yrs. to finish 1st in the SEC, 59 years before a legit conference title. Now that’s some history!

I’ll give Spurrier credit, he was a heck of a coach in his day(not sure what’s happened in the past few years)and he won at Florida without cheating, something none of his predecessors accomplished.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 18, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg,

Your last two posts were spot on.

It is a one game playoff each week. For UGA fans to think the team will navigate unblemished having to face 3 top 10 teams and 6 top 25 teams is a little ridiculous.

Each Saturday in the Fall anything can happen. No way do I think any UGA fan feels any sort of entitlement to be #1. That is again ridiculous.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By john2008

August 18, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Ohio State Buckeye Fan—

Did you really come on here and talk about how over-rated the SEC is?

I believe you’re team is somewhere around 0-10 in it’s last 10 bowl games against SEC schools, including a loss to UGA when Herbstreet was slinging.

By middleagedwhiteguy

August 18, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

OOLTEWAH DOG, How does it fell to be a traitor? I’m sure these other obnoxious pup fans would love to have you as a neighbor. I sure as heck don’t.

By AltamahaDawg

August 18, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks Lowcountry, but please dont encourage me to respond to such worthless post as volfanfascinatedwithgafootball, I’m trying to kick the habit.

By wakedawg

August 18, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Tony, thanks for writing a consistently great, professional, and objective college football blog. I’m thrilled to hear you will write here through this season and hope to continue to read your thoughts on college football somewhere on the internet long after the end of the 2008 season. As a Wake Forest and a Georgia grad, it’s always made me happy to read that you think Jim Grobe is as great a coach as I do; you don’t just focus on the flashy or trendy teams like other journalists, but recognize quality and write about it objectively. Good luck to you in the future!

By JB

August 18, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Tony,

Sad to hear that you’re leaving, but thrilled that your blog will continue throughout the 2008 season. Wish you the best of luck! I’ve really enjoyed your writing over the years. It’s a shame that the AJC couldn’t find a way to keep one of the top college football writers in the nation.

By Gator Nation

August 18, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Head to Head coaching records of note:

Steve Spurrier VS Georgia: 11-1 Ron Zook VS Georgia: 2-1 Urban Meyer VS Georgia: 2-1

Mark Richt VS Florida: 2-5

I just thought all you dawg fans needed a little reminder of how your current coach has fared against your school biggest rival. I define “biggest rival” by it being a team from your conference division who whipps your butt all the time.

Whimper whimper dawggies

By Atlanta Gator

August 18, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

I never really understood the attempt to slight a championship coach by saying “he won with the previous coach’s recruits.” To my way of thinking, not being able to pick your talent, adapting the existing players to a new system, and winning a conference or national championship under those circumstances, may be indicative of even greater coaching skills than being able to pick your players for your own system.

Something to think about, anyway.

By War Eagle

August 18, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Why so much blogging about past, past is past, does past make Auburn or UGA any better this year? No I have been to three Auburn practices and noticed the following; Freshman coming in are really good, several will play, one could start.

Auburn has two spread QB who will put points on the board

Defense is strong with exception of secondary(injuries)

Kicking game EXCELLENT

Auburn will be better than original thought.

CTT has sign a nice quiet freshman class…Really surprised the speed and size, very exciting

By War Eagle

August 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

One last note about Auburn ..It has more medal winners than any school in the country(15) through Sat.

By 1953 dawg

August 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

TB please take your negative blogs about UGA to the local paper in Gainesville, Knoxville, or Auburn. You are a joke, and all you do is take your little jabs at UGA and Richt any time you can. Nobody really cares what you think, but it is funny how a writer for the state paper in Ga. can never say or write anything positive about the state university’s football program. Do you really think that UGA was up to play Troy and their mickey mouse offense. And as usual you disrespect UGA’s defense by saying they will have trouble against Central Michigan.You are the same loser that said they couldn’t beat Fl., Auburn, and oh how about your bold prediction that UGA would have their hands full with Colt Brennan and Hawaii. Your are a disgrace to this paper, and your blogs show what an unprepared sports writer you really are. Your retarded comments about how Oklahoma State’s dreaded offense would give UGA all it could handle shows how much of a UGA hater you actually are. We proved you wrong last year on 4 of your bold predictions(Oklahoma St, Alabama, Florida, and Auburn), and we will prove you wrong again this year. You would think that after UGA has made you look like the amateur you truely are, that you would haved learned to respect them, but it is obvious you have a large rearend, this we know because you continue to insert your foot up it when it comes to predicting UGA’s fate.

By AltamahaDawg

August 18, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator, I said the exact same thing a few days ago. If anything, taking player that the previous coach didn’t win with, and proving they can, well the difference isn’t hard to figure out. Although the X factor is maybe the old guy was just one year away from seeing results too.

All the yayaya aside about style differences, Coached Richt and Meyers seem to be on fairly parallel tracks. First year nice, second year same amazing run (ok, I know event unfolded differently, but I mean amazing run that they could control), then flat a bit for a couple of years, and seeing that now at UF, while they do transform the team into thier own. Should be a great rivalry for years to come.

One difference I do see right away is that I dont think Meyers will ever have the adoration that Richt enjoys at UGA.

By mcneezy

August 18, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

lol @ UGA homers thinking that TN is terrible without Ainge / Cutcliffe, you should be concerned about ALL SEC RB Arian Foster who has 6, count em, S I X touchdown vs UGA the past 2 years….

By red and black

August 18, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Maddog-When all the coaches were asked if they wanted a play off series,when asked to vote on it, the conference ohio was in voted against the idea.The buckholes know from experience, from their 9 loses to an sec team,that a play off system would be fruitless.they know they would allways be eliminated, as would a lot of other cup cake teams,north or west of us.ohio fans…we are proud we beat hawaii because they were ranked near the top-top ten.Illinois who was ranked a lot lower than hawaii,somehow spanked a supposedly superior team.What if ohio had beat illinois,ohio would be braging about beating them would.nt they?…by the way ohio fans- ron zook was ufs coach,technically that makes 10 loses to an sec team-two in one year.lmao….you lil’ sissyies can.t even beat up your sister teams.

By Jack Schitt

August 18, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

My name is Jack Schitt…and you UGA fans don’t know me…Yes…thats right…you don’t know Jack Schitt. When I see all the chest thumping because of a pre-season ranking I have to laugh. Its not how you start boys…its how you finish. So make sure you get to know me because right now you do not have a clue!

By Ed

August 18, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Gator Nation - 1989…Florida almost getting the NCAA death penalty for a second finding of major recruiting violations in a 5 year period.

Ancient history? I’ll say it again, Florida fans think that football was invented in the 90s. And with your sorry history, who could blame you?

But if recent history is what you are into, then there’s really nothing more to be said than 42-30

Can’t get more current than the most recent game. Chomp on that, Lizard.

By Zeb

August 18, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Ohio State guy, are you really comin on here talkin smack??? You got whipped by 2 SEC teams the last 2 years! I know your northern mentality will dictate some kind of stupid rhetoric, but come on man, are you for real?? Dude, get over yourself and your dam conference. It’s patsy. I think we’ve pretty much proven that. How bout you just go away back up to ohio and we won’t taunt you anymore. Got it??? Go to a yankee blog you transplant. We don’t need you. This is BULLDAWG COUNTRY!!! UNDERSTAND????? BIOTCH!!!

By AltamahaDawg

August 18, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

You mean you define “rivalry” as pick and choose timeframes?

By red and black

August 18, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Gator nation -you forgot dooley who was 19-6-1 against uf.In 104 years uf has played football,only one coach,spurrier could be considered a ledgend.Bear bryant-bama,dooley and richt{from Ga} are the other 3 who have been selected to the 70 plus games in 7 years club.Without richt fsu woulnt have whooped uf so badly,ad those years in with richts years at Ga and all your coaches dont look so hot do they?besides 7 sec’s in 104 years is pathetic.It took 55 years just for uf to be ranked #15.

By FLA DAWG

August 18, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Gator Nation - THE DAWGS are 2 - 2 vs the National Champ Gators and Defending National Champ Gators.

Atlanta Gator - Man, you’re really stretching the rationalization when you have to say that a coach is even greater when he wins with someone else’s players. Anything to support Urban Crier I guess.

By red and black

August 18, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Volstkinnga-Two more years and the sec will be rid of phat phil.6-6,7-5 and 8-4 doesnt get it.Im sure ut fans are tired of beind average,but cheer up after ut fires phat phil,maybe they will hire steve,then all the ut fans can hold their heads up once again.Maybe thats why you are stuckinnga-cause you are too ashamed to live in tenn.Just think you can leave Ga and go home………….Till then you can hang with us winners maybe we’ll rub off on you.

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 18, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

To:Zeke and Red and black

Last time I checked UGA Bulldogs had not won anything except a win against the tough Hawaii team.

Be careful I might send West Viginia to the Dome again!

By Gator Nationl

August 18, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Dawg Fans

Dooley was a great coach. My memory goes back to 1972 when I moved to Gainesville as a little boy. I remember being owned by Georgia. I remember when we played Georiga and Auburn back to back every year and couldn’t beat them both in the same year until 1984.

But many of you were posting about how great and legendary Richt is and how Urban ain’t jack (which is baloney). So I merely pointed out that Richt is a sorry 2-5 against one of the two most important games he has every year (the other being Tennessee). That fact may sting, but it is still a fact.

Here is Urban’s record against our most important opponents:

2-1 Vs Georgia 2-1 Vs Tennessee 2-1 Vs South Carolina 1-2 Vs LSU 0-2 Vs Auburn 3-0 Vs FSU

Not Fantastic or legendary, just good. Clearly the West is more of a problem for him than the East. That is better than having it the other way around. Time will tell if he can reach Spurrier staturs with us. But at this point, I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.

By War Eagle

August 18, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Auburn vs Past(East) since 2004 Florida 2-0 Tenn 3-0 South Carolina 2-0 Kentucky 2-0 Vandy 1-0 UGA 2-2 West Bama 4-0 LSU 2-2 Miss State 3-1 Ole Miss 3-1 Ark 3-1

23-5 W-L , UGA is only east team who has defeated Auburn since 2004

By red and black

August 18, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

ohio-dont look now but i see ohio geting a** whipping from illinois again.Like i said ohio cant even beat her sister teams.A win over a high ranked team,even if its hawaii is better than a loss to un-ranked illinois.But guess what?because illinois kicked ohio’s butt last year,they are now ranked #20 this year.I can send any team from the sec to whip your girlie team.0-2 last year against sec teams.Remember ron zook beating your butt in front of your mommy on espn?Then another sec team-LSU whipped your butt again. bring your kiddie meal maybe, you can watch a mans team play football,then you can take what you learned{how to beat}a ranked team home with you.Who knows maybe ohio can beat her sister team-illinois.I doubt thats going to happen since you cant beat any sec team,illinois included.lmao

By red and black

August 18, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

ohio-dont look now but i see ohio geting a** whipping from illinois again.Like i said ohio cant even beat her sister teams.A win over a high ranked team,even if its hawaii is better than a loss to un-ranked illinois.But guess what?because illinois kicked ohio’s butt last year,they are now ranked #20 this year.I can send any team from the sec to whip your girlie team.0-2 last year against sec teams.Remember ron zook beating your butt in front of your mommy on espn?Then another sec team-LSU whipped your butt again. bring your kiddie meal maybe, you can watch a mans team play football,then you can take what you learned{how to beat}a ranked team home with you.Who knows maybe ohio can beat her sister team-illinois.I doubt thats going to happen since you cant beat any sec team,illinois included.lmao

By AltamahaDawg

August 18, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Time will tell if he will eventually take a coaching job trying to beat you?

By Gator Nation

August 18, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

War Eagle

Auburn’s SEC record since 2004 is very impressive. Its a crying shame they have only one SEC championship game appearance to show for it.

By the way. When I was in Vegas this summer the odds on Auburn winning the national title this year were 30-1. So I put 20 bucks on em. If the Gators can’t do it……..War Eagle baby!

By red and black

August 18, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

UF’s dynasty left with spurrier.Did you not understand the club im talking about?72 wins in 7 years is super{not average}like uf’s coach is now.The bear,dooley and spurrier reached this milestone.3rd,10th,6th.7th, and 2nd this year is great not average…………..{4A’s,1B}……..GETTING RANKED 5 OUT OF HIS 7 YEARS IS SUPER,NOT AVERAGE.I think your coach is sorry,not ours,04 uf wasnt in the top 20,05 uf finished 20th and 15th this year.One good year doesnt get it.Ask a teacher-can i go to uf if i have 1 f{04},1 D{05},1 A{06},and 1 C{07} in 4 years,think of it that way.I know UF has no heritage till 91,but that’s no reason to say bad things about Georgia,its not our fault UF cant play football.

By Gen Neyland

August 18, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Consensus..? Sagarin has 242 tied for the #1 spot…BTW, good article on Berry.

By ga. fan

August 18, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

the big 10 is a JOKE none of them should be ranked 50.

By lee

August 18, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

The last 7 seven seasons, 2001 - 2007. what team has the best SEC record and what SEC team has the best overall record? I don’t know, I’m just asking….

By Gator Nation

August 19, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this

Red and Black

If UF is so mediocre, then why is Richt only 2-5 against them? Your inferiority complex shows when you try so hard to make your point.

By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 19, 2008 5:33 AM | Link to this

Who is it who named you MR. COLLEGE FOOTBALL anyway Did you really name yourself that ?

By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 19, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this

Crocodiles played 5 Top 25 Final AP Poll teams last season, and Lost 4.

Coach Richt is 2-2 vs. Florida for this year’s Redshirt Senior Class. And, he Won 3 of the 4 Top 25 Final AP Poll teams he played last season.

You said Tim Tebow was injured against us last season, and that that is why you Lost to UGA again; but, I didn’t realize that Tim Tebow played Defense which allowed UGA to score 7 Touchdowns against the Crocodiles.

All you do is whine.

Look up in the Polls. You will find UGA ahead again.

By john

August 19, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this

In 1992 the SEC split into the two divisions and before 1992 the Florida football team did not have a tradition of winning championships. In years after 1992 Florida has won 2 National Championships and 6 SEC Championships. What did Georgia get out of those 70 wins? It is great to be a Florida Gator.

By Lane

August 19, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this

Forget about the rankings!! One practice, one drill, one game at a time. Focus, preparation, concentration-TOTAL

Great article/blog regarding the O/L

http://dawg-extra.blogspot.com/

Looks like Tripp @ LT, with Glenn @ Right Guard. Glenn runs a 5.2 40, Tripp a 4.8, for the OL that is speed=SPEED AGILITY KILLS

Above could change

By DawgSpanky!

August 19, 2008 6:31 AM | Link to this

Great. Now the barner ‘necks are competing with the UGAy ‘necks for the trailer (park) trashin’ title.

War Cattle!

By kansasdawg

August 19, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

The SEC stands above all the rest. We know that. How is it possible that we are expected to play LSU and Fla. back to back. What a schedule. However, inspite of all that has been said our DAWGS will do us proud. GO DAWGS!!!

By Jim Garrison

August 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Tony, I personally don’t have a problem with any team from the SEC in the top 25. My problem with the AP poll, is the way we are constantly being sold on the greatness of Ohio State and their ranking of #2. The “big 10” conference is a has been and I wonder if that hasn’t always been the case. After 2 times in the National Championship game and stinking up both opportunities, it appears we’re being primed to endure this crap again. Enough is too Much! I say “NUTS to the buckeyes!” It all comes down to the “Perverbial Question”…How long can this BS go on? JG

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Relax Jim,

Ohio State is a talented team, just as talented as any team in the SEC.

What they lack is a big time coach. Tressel fails time and time again on preparing his team against pro-set offenses and defenses.

On talent alone they would win 9 to 10 games a year in the SEC. These kids are all-americans from all over the country but you still have to prepare them when you are going a against well coached SEC teams. THE SEC coaches are way ahead of the rest of the conference thus better football at times.

Of course it did not help Florida who lost to Michigan and Alabama who lost to LA Monroe!

By Jim Garrison

August 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I’m relaxed and looking foward to the new season. I hardly think those nut boys could win 9 or 10 games a year in the SEC, after all isn’t their record in bowl games against SEC teams…0 and 9?

By The Ohio State Buckeyes

August 19, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Jim if you know anything about football all teams do not get up for bowl games!

Once in the conference rivalries are created and THE BUCKEYES would easily smash some the SEC teams.

Time is a changing THE OSU buckeyes will rise!

By CT Dawg

August 19, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

By Jim Garrison

August 19, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’m breaking my number one rule…”No matter how hard you try, you just can’t sell ignorance.”

By red and black

August 19, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Poor lil john-so ignorant about uf.Georgia like america-has a proud heritage.Our football team started in 1898 and weve been winning games since then,UF football started in 1904,but it wasnt even ranked untill 1955.51 years of getting shutout by GA and other teams.It took 87 years just to win an sec title.UF only has 7 total.UF has only been ranked 17 times in 104 years.Who’s kidding who.If spurrier hadnt come along UF would have joined up with ohio and the other cup cake teams.Hey maybe in another 56 years you might finaly have a lil’ heritage.Right now UF’s record would only take 1 chapter to write about.I wouldnt talk to loud cause michigan might hear ya’ll braggin and bring UF another butt whipping #2 that is,seams UF cant even beat unranked teams.

By Cuz

August 19, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Let’s quit arguing and play. Some of you enemy blogger Gators made some great points. I appreciate that. This is a blog with an intellectual discussion on the merits of our teams. Some good points on yours. I prefer to ignore the overall record between our teams. I ignore the Dooley domination as I ignore the Spurrier domination. I prefer the last four years where there are actual players on each team. 2 and 2. Incredible aint it. I cannot wait for Tebow/Stafford II. It should be awesome. See you in Jax, make sure Urban concentrates on the next game not on us eight games later.