AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWill UGA take care of business against Ga. Southern?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Okay. It is FINALLY game week. It seems like we’ve said it all and written it all more than once this summer. But here are five things we STILL don’t know about the SEC as we head into Thursday’s opening night:
1. Will Georgia take care of business against Georgia Southern? When a team begins a season with great expectations, like No. 1 Georgia, it sometimes takes the players a while to really get out of the gate. But understand this: With all due respect to Georgia Southern, this ain’t Appalachian State coming to Sanford Stadium on Saturday.
The Eagles are a rebuilding team. Chris Hatcher is going to turn Georgia Southern into a national I-AA power again, but it won’t be this season. Georgia Southern has a new quarterback now that the splendid Jayson Foster, the Walter Payton Award winner, has gone on to the NFL. And it doesn’t help Georgia Southern’s cause that Hatcher had to suspend eight players for this game.
The point is that a very important trip to South Carolina is coming up on Sept. 13. Georgia needs to use this game and the tougher contest with Central Michigan on Sept. 6 to get ready to meet the Head Ball Coach in Columbia. There really isn’t time to be sloppy on Saturday.
It’s a 12:30 game. It will be hot. The game should be over at halftime. UGA VII will be making his debut and he doesn’t need to go through more than one bag of ice in this one.
2. How will Julio Jones and the Alabama freshmen perform when the stadium is full and the world is watching?:
A former coach used to tell me that he never completely trusted how a player looked in practice. “He’s got to prove it to me when the stadium is full and the band’s playing,” he would say.
Alabama has what some are saying is the best freshman class in the land. It would be hard to come up a more high profile debut than Saturday night’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff at the Georgia Dome against Clemson.
When Tom Arnold goes to Alabama’s practice and calls Julio Jones is the best receiver he’s ever seen, well, that just gets my attention. I’ve heard this kid compared to everybody from Michael Irvin to Randy Moss to Jerry Rice. He does look good in a practice uniform.
Here is my question. Nick Saban is known for throwing talented freshmen into the fire to see how they perform. Will new OC Jim McElwain try to hit a big play early and get Clemson, the ACC favorite, back on its heels? If I’m Alabama I’ve got nothing to lose in this game. I’m going to come out smokin’.
Besides, I’m a defense guy so I want to see JUCO transfer Terrence Cody, the big guy in the middle of the line and OLB Jerrell Harris. If both those guys play well, Alabama has a real shot in this game.
3. How many offensive plays will Auburn run? Louisiana-Monroe is picking up a check for $625,000 to visit Auburn on Saturday. The Tigers need to make the most of this opportunity with the first SEC game coming up on Sept. 13 at Mississippi State.
New OC Tony Franklin told me that Auburn has yet to run the spread offense as fast as he would like. The players simply didn’t know the offense well enough in the Chick-fil-A Bowl last December for Franklin to really turn it loose.
That is about to change. Franklin has two quarterbacks (Kodi Burns, Chris Todd) who are now very familiar with this scheme. Franklin insists that both quarterbacks will play a lot because both, quite frankly, are pretty good.
Let’s see how many plays the Tigers run on Saturday. Division I-A Teams averaged just about 72 offensive plays per game last season. Thanks to an overtime Auburn ran 90 against Clemson with the offense being run at about 60 percent, Franklin said.
I say Auburn runs 80-85 plays against ULM.
4. Who’s going to start at QB for LSU? I think Andrew Hatch, the transfer from Harvard, will take the first snap against Appalachian State on Saturday (5 p.m., ESPN). Coach Les Miles has gone to great pains to keep red-shirt freshman Jarrett Lee and true freshman Jordan Jefferson in the discussion. But understand this. LSU is so good on the offensive line that I could probably play quarterback for the Tigers. (Okay, slight exaggeration).
I wrote a story for the print side this morning that talks about Hatch being in the mold of Matt Mauck and Matt Flynn-smart athletes who made good decisions and relatively few mistakes. Hatch, who is a 22-year old sophomore, is the guy to play that role this season.
I think LSU will use more than one quarterback, particularly early in the season in order to provide a change of pace. But as LSU gets into the conference schedule at Auburn on Sept. 20, look for Miles to pull in the reins and be more conservative on offense. Why? Simple. The LSU defensive line may have lost Glenn Dorsey, the Outland Trophy winner, but it will still be the best in America this season.
5. Is Tommy Beecher ready for prime time? We’ll find out Thursday night when Beecher starts at QB for South Carolina against N. C. State (8 p.m., ESPN). In high school Beecher, from Concord, N.C., was one of those guys who just knew how to win.
The best thing I’ve read about Beecher was written on Sunday by my good friend Ron Morris of The State newspaper in Columbia. If you want understand what makes Beecher tick, click here and check out the story.
In my last meeting with Steve Spurrier this summer he expressed a lot of confidence in Beecher, who will be making his first college start in the nationally televised game on ESPN. Spurrier told me he has scaled back the offense a little bit in an effort to get Beecher off to a good start against the Wolfpack. We’ll be watching.
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Comments
By Tiger Bait
August 25, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
Anthony,
Momma says that it’s time to get your noise out of Nick’s butt.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 25, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
Hey Tony,
If Tom Arnold is calling Julio Jones the best he’s ever seen then that fine. His judgement is very questionable with his Rosanne Barr history!
GOOO DAWGS!!!
By Roswell Ed
August 25, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
It’s time you drunk coonass lsu fans get over Satan. He’s gone, move on!
Auburn wins the SEC, easily!!
WDE
By PTC DAWG
August 25, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
As a big UGA fan, I don’t think they should even be playing Georgia Southern.
By saint nick
August 25, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Julio and Crabtree will be the 2 best receivers in the country this year. I’ve seen this guy twice and he is big, strong, and explosive off the line.He has been matched up against Johnson in practice(1st team all SEC DB) all fall camp and he’s been ripping him up!!! There is a reason EVERY school in the SEC, ACC, and about 50 more schools wanted this guy!!!
By Roswell Ed
August 25, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Seriously, what a waste of print space.
I loathe all things bammer, but the kid will be a good one, give it some time.
Auburn will average about 80-85 plays a game. Average about 35-38 points a game. Can’t wait to stick it to the dawgs, corndogs, and bammers!
Doesn’t matter, the slide begins for that nitwit coach.
South Carolina, waste of reading space again!
WDE
By ATLTIDE
August 25, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Saint nick, as a fellow Tide fan, temper your enthusiasm, your making me naushish.
RTR
By Atlanta Gator
August 25, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Of course they will, Tony. The only question is the margin.
Next topic, please.
By saint nick
August 25, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
ATLTIDE,
YOU’RE NOT A BAMA FAN!!!!! IF YOU WERE YOU WOULD BE EXCITED ABOUT YOUR TEAM!!!! YOU’RE PROBABLY A GUY WHO WANTS BAMA AND AUBURN TO WIN. SORRY GUY, I’M NOT CURBING MY ENTHUSIASM FOR ANYONE EXPECIALLY A FENCEPOST FAN AS YOURSELF. IF YOU ARE A TRUE BAMA FAN, YOU HAVE TO BE EXCITED ABOUT THIS KID, AND THE REST OF THIS RECRUITING CLASS!!!! WE HAVE SOME GREAT FRESHMAN THAT WILL HAVE A HUGE SAY IN WHO REPRESENTS THE WEST IN SECCG.
By ATLTIDE
August 25, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
saint nick, please don’t cry, ATLTIDE
By SECisFOOTBALL
August 25, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed, Auburn completely butchers the spread offense and barely gets by App. State….if they even win. Auburn will suffer at least 3 if not 4 losses on their way to the Chic fil a Bowl or the Music City Bowl. You have a new offense with a new offensive coordinator and good, but not great athletes. LSU tramples Auburn, UGAG tramples Auburn, Alabama ends the streak. Now, work your way up from there.
By fansince66
August 25, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
As a Georgia fan since we beat Heisman trophy winner Spurrier, I say don’t forget about our freshman receiver Green. I’ll take my chances with him. I also can’t wait until we face the Gamecocks and give a little payback for last year. We will be ready. Go Dawgs, and ignore anything Roswell Ed has to say and maybe he will go away.
By Paddy
August 25, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
St Nick.. I like your enthusiasm. i don’t share your optimism about Bama but thats what makes the world go around. Keep being the great fan you are. Let the games begin.
By Roswell (New Mexico) Ed
August 25, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed, your use of bold print really does not enhance your posts. Your inconsistent train of thought outweighs the bold emphasis.
By potato dawg
August 25, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
This will be a good game for UGA to make sure the machinery is well oiled and running smooth. Hope GSU Eagles wing every game after this one.
By Eagle
August 25, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
GSU may not be Appy State but we do consistently defeat them or at least have extremely close games when they win the National Championship.
By Monty
August 25, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
By all accounts, the Tide has solidified its Dline. This along with the fact that we have a very solid, experienced OL with a couple of future NFLers means that Bama will control the line of scrimmage on both sides against Clemson. With our young talented skill players having a whole camp under their belt, I think we beat Clemson easy. Tide 31, Clemson 13 — not even close.
RTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By eagle fan
August 25, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
PTC Dawg. As a big UGA fan would you rather see them play Western Carolina, Samford, and Gardner Webb- teams That even a rebuilding GSU team can beat? Sorry man, But there is nothing wrong with UGA keeping a little money in state and allowing GA athletes to compete against each other. Maybe GSU doesn’t have the team to make it interesting, but eventually they will. It’s guys like you that have me rooting for LSU, AUB, FLA, and anybody else that is playig UGA.
By Eagledawg
August 25, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Using the keen insight of blogic, I will explain why UGA should fear us going into Saturday’s game. No, we’re not App State. We BEAT them, who beat Michigan, who beat Florida. We’re 11 points better than the Gators and Georgia only beat them by 12 last year so we should be rated a tossup pick at worst. HaHa. Really, we are very young and in all the wrong places. Hatcher is doing great and I, too look for a return to FCS prominence. We always seem to catch the best Georgia teams. Our first game was against Goff’s best team, the next was against Donnan’s best, and our third was against a strong Richt team. So I hope that if we don’t beat them, then nobody else does. Now if we could only get Tech to play us…..
By joe
August 25, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Can’t wait until the Bammer fans are totally abscent from this blog post this Saturday…put down the cool-aide and Jack…Clemson will eat your lunch cause you have that sex in the city QB Sarah Jessica Parker Wilson with NO arm. Of course your freshmen receivers are having their way with your first string DB’s cause they are horrible…woof, woof woof.
By Dawg
August 25, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
As a Dawg I am glad we play GSU. It helps the GSU program and gives us a game we should win to start things off. I always pull for GSU to win….so I sure wish GT wasn’t so scared of them!!!
By jack
August 25, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
only 5 more days until the annual chants of ” we are year or two away” begin from the pathetic dawg nation again after the pups s** the bed and lose to Ga Southern
By George
August 25, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
SECISFOOTBALL, UGA will have an AWFUL kicking game, an average at best (prob below average) O line, has a QB that completes less than 60% of his passes, and a group of recievers that is again average at best. USC-loss, LSU and UF blown out of the stadium, and AU loss. It will be one of the bigest gags of all time by a preseason number one team with four losses maybe even five bc BAMA could sneak up and considering UT has blown yall out of the stadium the last two years I would not put it past them again either. But hey I guess the entire country will ONCE AGAIN get to listen to you idiots whine and moan and blame it on yalls schedule and how this is the first year in ages yall have actaully played a hard schedule by growing balls and going outside of the south.
By Eric1
August 25, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
The game that really counts this weekend is the Clemson game. When the Tigers triumphantly walk out of the Dome with the game ball and Dick Saban crawls back to t-town, all will be well with the world. YES!! War Eagle!!
By bamafan
August 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Hey a***** joe, I will on the this blog everyday that Tony is on it. I don’t like to say bad things about dawgs fans, but you are a sorry sob dawg fan and you and Roswell Ed such get a room together at the local funny farm!! As for the game saturday night, i think Bama will give the tigers a good game, but the tigers has better players and will win in the 4th quarter. I hope that Bama can pull a rabbit out of the hat and win just like the vols did last year . ROLL TIDE!!
By Dawgstyle
August 25, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
UGA is over rated. Everyone knows that. The kicking will hurt them, and Stafford isn’t going to be the greatest QB in the land all of a sudden, and the O Line is not going to be that good.
That said, they’re still gonna win at least 10 games and and maybe 12.
But if not well, I have a life and I’ll get over it. I mean, big deal. Anyone who spends his life worrying over what 20 year olds are gonna do is bound to be disappointed on a regular basis.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
August 25, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
ROSEWELL ED,
THAT WAS A PATHETIC POST.
NEVER AGAIN WILL I READ YOUR JIBBERISH
By Dawgstyle
August 25, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
That said, having grown up in Columbus, the son of a UGA grad, if Auburn lost every game for the next 1000 years I’d still hope that their opponents would go for 2 pts while leading 100-0.
(When I was in high school some other high school did just that when leading 68-whatever late in the game.)
By Eagledawg
August 25, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
LSU has a transfer from Harvard at QB? He just be laughing his butt off in classes thinking he’s somehow wound up back in high school.
By goober
August 25, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Defending Div. II national champion Valdosta State beat Fort Valley State 56-3 Saturday night in the FIRST college football game of the season this year. But you wouldn’t know this by reading the AJC print or web editions. Two GEORGIA teams played, one formerly coached by Chris Hatcher of Georgia Southern. Come on, AJC, I know you’re jealous of TitleTown, USA (Valdosta-Lowndes County), but sports news is sports news!
Hey Tony, can you help us our here?!
By saint nick
August 25, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Joe,
Our Db’s are horrible??? Yeah so horrible Ga had to take us to OT last year to beat us. QB Staff infection had less than 200 yards passing in regulation. Yeah, we are real horrible. We will see how horrible we really are we when JPW is dropping nukes to Julio “tween the hedges”.
By bulldog_bob
August 25, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
I wish GSU well after this game. I just hope the wheels haven’t fallen off over the offseason.
By eagle alum
August 25, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
GSU may not be App. State but those folks from Ann Arbor learned about the Southern Conference real quick. I bet LSU prepares just a little bit more for their Saturday matchup with the boys from Boone. I want UGA to win a championship this year so my advice to them is don’t take GSU lightly. Georgia Southern beat App. State at their place last year. GSU returns 13 starters from that team. GO EAGLES!
By Joe Hansel
August 25, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
You Clemson fans want to remember the last two SEC teams you played in the post season. Auburn and Ky. Remember the results.
Don’t toot your horn just yet!
By office space
August 25, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Let’s just say this won’t be an Appalachian St. moment for the Dawgs. There may be some Knashing of teeth but the Dawgs will be administering the wailing. We need to open with someone that will smack us in the mouth and be sorry for it. This is a perfect 1st opponent for us. All due respect to the Eagles nonetheless, I’m just sorry Irk never had the chance to pick up where Vince left off, but that’s another story in itself.
By Jim
August 25, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Ga southern beat App last year you horses a*! Michigan had too many players hurt during that game.
By Fort Worth Dawg
August 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
A shout-out to Florida — I hope y’all have something special for Hawaii’s Keenan Jones, the punk who put the helmet-to-helmet hit on Mikey Henderson in the Sugar Bowl, giving Mikey a concussion and knocking him out of his last game for UGA. I’m not saying play dirty, I’m just suggesting you hit Keenan as hard as you can as often as you can.
By Purple Tiger
August 25, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Tigers, Tigers, leave ‘em in the lurch Down with the heathen, up with the church Yea, Sewanee’s right!
By Gatorbait
August 25, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Oh so Tony, no news about the Gators? I mean like most of your readers want to read about Rainey, Moody, Dunlap etc. Cmon Tony talk about the nation’s best.
By Third
August 25, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
I’ll tell you this… I don’t know who’s gonna win the Bama-Clemson game because both those teams s* themselves when its crunch time…All I know is that we beat the hell out of ‘em both eveytime we play them now…
WDE!!!
By zoom
August 25, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Will uGA South even have enough players?
By reservoirDAWG
August 25, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Some of you loser’s attempts at knocking UGA are pathetic. You show an utter lack of understanding football concepts when doing this. It is obvious you are hoping UGA loses 4-5 games. If you are going to make these statements, at least back it up with some facts. That being said, Go DAWGS!
By Jonathan Edwards
August 25, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
With all due respect to Tony Barnhart saying “GSU is no App. St.”, GSU beat App. St. last year. So don’t count the Hatch Attack out.
By GSUFAN1
August 25, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
You are an obvious idiot. The last time I checked UGA has one national title in more that 25 years. The one before that was what way back in the 50s? I seem to remember GSU has six National Flag titles that fly beautiful against the bright blue sky in that south GA breeze. Last year in that Big Blue/Mountaineer game I admit that I cheered on our SCON rival and toasted one for our conference brother. I also will add that GSU Beat your No. 5 ranked App. State Mountaineers at home for a sweet 38-35 victory. I know that GSU did not have the greatest of seasons last year but with the still new coach they will be back on their feet soon. So dont knock our eagles just yet, we scared dem dawgs back in ‘04 and are gonna show up to win this Saturday.
Tweezy 112
By tigerhater
August 25, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
First off I believe the idiot Auburn fan was trying to say “nose”. Good ol’ Alabama education right there, boy! And secondly, y’all may “beat the hell” outta Clemson and Alabama, but when it comes to Georgia, y’all are definitely the ones s**ing yourselves. And this year will be no different Weak Eagles! So try and “stick it to us”, that is HILARIOUS!
By Vol-in-ga
August 25, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
The chihuahuas shouldn’t be worried about GSU, but there will be beat-downs a plenty comin soon enough. Florida is wantin’ some revenge (and they will get it) and we all know Tennessee will slap georgia silly. AGAIN!
By Kent N
August 25, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
I hope uga will lose to the weak asu and GSU ! How grateful the USA will be !
By nwgd
August 25, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
yeah tony i really wonder if uga can handle ga. southern …..do those titles help the ajc to sell more papers cause y’ll don’t deliver any more north of adairsville and if you keep titling your articles like this one nobody will buy your paper anyhow no need to deliver something that will immediately be trashed…..write about something that holds water like will tech be dropped from div 1 to div. 2 ……that could really happen
By Moe Ron
August 25, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Kent N, “how grateful the USA will be”? You must be an Obama fan.
By Opie GSU
August 25, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
How many of you fleas actually attended at least one class at UGA?
If you’re going to glom onto a team and a school that you have absolutley no affiliation with, then you ought to at leastpick a winner like Georgia Southern and not those pathetic losers in Athens.
Mark it down, GSU will go a Georgia Stomp on the uga endzone after we score our first TD.
By Maddog
August 25, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Opie GSU - the next bus back to Mayberry should arrive in about an hour. To answer your question, I attended more than just one class at UGA. I went the full 4 years and got my diploma on time. What puzzles me is your level of anger. If someone picks UGA to win over GSU it’s not because they are “slighting” GSU. I like and root for GSU (except when they play UGA) and have even attended a few games. Most everyone who is forecasting objectively would pick UGA. Many of those same people would have picked Michigan over App St last year and we saw what happened. Upsets are always a possibility, but if the two played again this year most would still pick Michigan. Again, it’s not a knock on the college. GSU may well score early and stomp on the UGA endzone. If they do score, I sincerely hope they DO stomp. It will only motivate the Bulldawgs. In closing, I pick UGA over GSU and I pick GT over Jax St. No knock to either school. It’s just that if I were betting MY money straight up, that’s who I would pick. Good luck with the rest of the season. I’ll be rooting for you.
By Bobby
August 25, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
GSU couldn’t beat some of the high school teams in Georgia much less the UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA!!! GIVE ME A BREAK
By Jimbo Tron
August 25, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Tony,
When will all of the terms of the SEC’s new ESPN agreement be released? I’m curious to know if all of the SEC schools will be required to make one home game available for a Thursday night like they require of the ACC now.
Thanks.
By Kevin T, Valdosta,GA
August 25, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony all I hear you and everyother analyst talk about is how tough our schedule is, and it is, but last I checked everyone we play has a tough schedule as well. They do play in the SEC! You write in one of you articles about how the DAWGS will be beat up, and tired when we play Auburn. This is true but I do not think Auburn will be fresh as a daisy, it is not like UF, AUB, and the rest are just sitting around waiting to play us! GO DAWGS and anyone playing Tech!!!!
By Kevin T, Valdosta,GA ( TITLETOWN USA )
August 25, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony all I hear you and everyother analyst talk about is how tough our schedule is, and it is, but last I checked everyone we play has a tough schedule as well. They do play in the SEC! You write in one of you articles about how the DAWGS will be beat up, and tired when we play Auburn. This is true but I do not think Auburn will be fresh as a daisy, it is not like UF, AUB, and the rest are just sitting around waiting to play us! GO DAWGS and anyone playing Tech!!!!
By saddlecreek
August 25, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Georgia Southern, Central Michigan, #1 ? The higher you are, the harder you fall! At least you were voted #1 preseason, which means absolutely….NOTHING!!!!Read’em and WEEP!!!
By saddlecreek
August 25, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Georgia Southern, Central Michigan, #1 ? The higher you are, the harder you fall! At least you were voted #1 preseason, which means absolutely….NOTHING!!!!Read’em and WEEP!!!
By barney fife dawg
August 25, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
opie ….i know i got into jubal’s moonshine….but i told you not to…..eagle,eagle,eagle,eagle……gsu does have a great running back named adam urbano….hope he plays well and scores but it won’t be enough to hold off even our youngest pups in athens….and to the other gsu fan who questions our attendance to uga ….many of us attended and got degrees besides nothing against gsu you guys have a good program and we wish you well the rest of the season…just not much of chance to beat these dawgs as richt is coaching not ray goff….
By jimmyteagole
August 25, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
From my viewpoint, I think UGA is about where Michigan was this time last year. Reputed to make the big run. GA Southern is not quite where App State was last year with so many returning starters. SOUTHERN will make a strong effort and I think will make a game of it; but let’s face it, this year is one of UGA’s strongest yet and the Eagles are get back into shape. Edge to Georgia based on depth and returning starters. But, funny things happen when that odd shaped football hits the ground. Don’t be suprised if SOUTHERN makes them earn it.
By Kevin T, Valdosta,GA ( TITLETOWN USA )
August 25, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Well put Maddog, I graduated from Valdosta St. and after UGA and VSU I pull for Southern unless they play either of the first 2. Opie we pull for the DAWGS because they are Georgia where we were born and raised, I was a DAWG before I went to VSU. I would be willing to bet that the good majority of the 93,000 in the stands in Athens on gameday did not go to UGA. So Go Dawgs and everyother Georgia team, except Tech!!! You can not be a DAWG and root for Tech, unless there game can directly help us.
By Miles
August 25, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
There will be no big surprises the first week of college football other than the debut of Uga VII!
By WarDeagle
August 25, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I’m a long time Auburn fan and I hate to throw water on my brethren, but I am having a hard time getting behind this Tony Franklin “system”.
Troy is pretty good in their league. Their league is far from being at the level of the SEC. I’m gonna have to see some results before I can brag about this new offense. If it works, that’s good. We can put a lot of points on the board pretty damn quick.
What worries me is that Auburn historically wins big games with their defense. If the offense isn’t out there grinding away at the clock, then that’s going to have a detrimental effect on our defense. Ball control is what makes great defensive teams tick.
Our defense is built on speed. Slow them down and they can’t compete on size alone. If we don’t stay on the field long enough to rest these guys when we get the ball, then we might just pay a price for it. If we lose a few games 45-42, we might be pining for the days of “four yards in a cloud of dust”.
Maybe I’m just “old school”, but I ain’t trusting this high school offense until I see it actually work.
By RockyTop2
August 25, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Only upset, if you want to call it that, is Utah knocks off Michigan. The Big Ten “Power ” gets embarrassed again at the big house. 3 more days
By borodawg
August 25, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Tony, how bout Andre Caldwell at Flawduh? They’ve got some weapons (Tebow, Harvin, Caldwell) and should not be overlooked. I’m concerned about our O’line. We’re young, again. Tripp is getting good pub but he’s a little light, even for a tackle. Going undefeated will be a Herculean task. All you Dawg haters should note that 99% of the NC talk is from the media; we didn’t start that crap, they did. BTW, GSU stands for Ga. State Univ; they had those initials before Ga Southern was born.
By UGAwho?
August 25, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
GO Jackets and anyone playing the Mutts!UP WITH THE WHITE AND GOLD, DOWN WITH THE RED AND BLACK!
By Maddog
August 25, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
RockyTop2, I hope you’re right. I’d love to see ALL of the Big Ten schools get nailed early and often. I know this post is not about UT, but I think you guys will be very good this year. Definitely the most “underrated” on UGA’s schedule. What may help us is the week off before the game. No predictions here, but I’m looking forward to the game. What’s your take?
By Maddog
August 25, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
UGAwho?, lame post, absolutely lame. Are you sure it’s white and gold, or is it yellow and gold, or is it…….? Talk about a joke - the most buzz on the GT blogs this off season were about uniform colors, NOT the probability of winning games. Speaks volumes about the status of your program.
By ludatripp
August 25, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
You are right about Georgia Southern not being App. State. Georgia Southern beat App. State last season
By TrueCrimson
August 25, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Why the speculation about a Bama upset?
On paper, Clemson has the better football team. They are projected to be #1 in the ACC. They are a Top Ten team nationwide. They are estimated to have the #4 defense in the nation. They are rumored to have the best running backs in college football. How could they possibly lose?
I’ll tell you how and why. The how involves being beaten in the trenches and the why is an inexperienced Offensive Line.
Alabama has some very talented young players — but they are young. I’m not counting on Julio Jones to light up the scoreboard. But if the defense can keep Clemson’s O line off balance and keep the score low, then Leigh Tiffen could make the difference. He hit several 40 & 50 yard FG’s last year kicking in an open field. The Dome could be another advantage for Bama in a close game.
It will be an upset if Bama can pull it off, but it is not out of the question. Either way, it’s a helluva game to start the season. I can’t wait!
RTR!!!
By insectwho?
August 25, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
please leave our blog nerdo….we are discussing football….go back to your chess class….or your pansie growing class….or your women’s tennis match….or your train driving class(engineering 505)….but please leave the football discussion to blogs that do more than split national titles (split in the mighty citrus bowl beating the same team, michigan, that appalachian state beat…leave our football conversation is the point….you techies bring nothing to the table
By in response
August 25, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
in response to insectwho? and to ugawho?…..this is everyone’s blog but please quit discussing mutts and insects…that is disgraceful…..the higher learning at tech and georgia is exceptional…..as for football its just a game……we can all be friends here…..so what if tech doesn’t consistently have a good program…their fans are content with 7-4, or 8-3 and thats allright…. and uga fans are content with having a good gymnastics team and thats all right….as for gsu their fans …..well i guess their content with beating appalachian state and that will keep you in div 1aa for a long time
By trailerfan
August 25, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
do both alabama schools schedule ul monroe every other year?
By saintnicholas?
August 25, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
he probably isn’t a true alabama fan is correct…..he actually can read and write and even type so he is definitely not a true alabama fan….true alabama fans get on these blogs and talk about the bear bryant days you know that….go back to your trailer and watch championship wrestling and then harvest your beans and corn tomorrow morning loser
By RockyTop2
August 25, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Maddog, I think the game will be more competitive than a lot of people think. I agree that it will help you have a bye before that game, but we basically have a bye playing N. Illinois. Right now it is tough for me to pick UT, because of UGA’s talent but this game will be closer than most think. If I had to say a score now I would go 30-23 UGA. That said I think we could have a good chance.
By prattvillenolzfan
August 26, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Trailerfan
I can assure you that Alabama WON”T be playing UL-Monroe anytime soon……
BTW…
Wal-mart announced today that ALL Gun ammunition had been purchased in all ALABAMA Wal-marts…
One Crimson Tide fan was overheard saying that while Georgia may not be able to protect it’s borders from the Soviets, the Soviets sure as He11 ain’t gonna invade Alabama and get away with it……..
By Dsizzle
August 26, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
BAMA caught cheating…. AGAIN!!
Clemson d-coordinator Koennig today when asked about Julio Jones… actual quote:
“I actually ran into Julio in the spring recruiting. I said hello to him. I said, ‘Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you at the end of August.’ And then he got out and got in his Escalade and drove off. That’s serious. And then I went over and watched (Alabama freshman) Burton Scott at Vigor High School at the track over there, and Burton Scott was running around. He went and got in his Escalade out at track practice and drove off. So I’m familiar with those two guys.”
Looks like the Red Elephant Club has thrown caution to the wind in cheating to help Nick Satan buy another mythical national championship. If you think China’s gymnasts were illegal, wait until you see Bammer’s new wide receiver….
By borodawg
August 26, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
For all the reasons stated, yes the Dawgs should take care of business and dominate Ga Southern. Actually, we should be playing our fourth string by mid 3rd qtr.
J.Jones should do well vs Clemson; but a freshman is a freshman.
OK, I agree; Awbun will run 80-85 plays as LMonroe.
I agree, Hatch will start the 1st game. I think he’ll continue to start. But, yes, Miles will play at least two quarterbacks during the season.
Time will tell on Beecher. If the Evil Genius has made a vote of confidence in him, that’s great. But Spurier’s votes of confidence in a QB are usually good for about 15mins in a game.
By David
August 26, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
ATLTIDE, “naushish”? Really? Wow.
Clemson is gonna squirt Bama down the bowl quickly. Should be quite fun to watch.
By TrueCrimson
August 26, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
You can always spot the Clemson recruits. They’re the guys driving Yugos.
Clemson ain’t ready to deal with the SEC.
Georgia ain’t ready to deal with high expectations.
Auburn and LSU ain’t ready to start the season — because neither team has a Quarterback.
Steve Spurrier ain’t ready to settle on any Quarterback that would settle for South Carolina.
And… I’m ready for some football!
RTR!!!
By borodawg
August 27, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
Last I read Awbun’s QB’s were very highly rated; but they are inexperienced. Flawduh’s got some great players; receivers AND RB’s. The Vowels always have lotsa great players (Phat Phil can downright recruit). Point being, the SEC has about five top 10-15 teams and any one of those can beat any of the others. Any team can beat another team on any given Saturday (eg AppSt vs Mich). I’m afraid if the Bulldogs need a blackout or rally-in-the-end zone to get motivated and fired up, we could easily have a lose or two. Be careful with your bragging, Dawgs fans. I guess I’m from the Coach Dooley school of woe is us. Gotta be in the stands early (after the DawgWalk) for the UGA VII unveiling. Goooooo Dawgs!
By TrueCrimson
August 27, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
I kid you guys, but I have to say that I respect the Dawgs. The University of Georgia is a class act. You have a great Head Coach and a Southern football tradition to be proud of.
I know that Florida is your big game, but I’m looking forward to another classic slobberknocker when the Tide rolls into Athens this year.
Congratulations on your #1 ranking. You guys deserve it.
RTR!!!
By borodawg
August 27, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
TrueCrimson, you’re a gentleman and a scholar. Just like the ol’ rivalry tween Tech and Ga; once called “Clean Old-fashioned Hate”. I use to not hate Awbun til they hosed us down; and they’d even chant, ‘Hose em, hose em’; now I hate em. Most SEC games nowadays are, like you say, ‘slobberknockers’ and just clean, old-fashioned rivalries and bragging rights.