AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USArizona State will be angry, desperate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nobody asked me but……
1. Arizona State will be angry, desperate: My friend Lee Corso always says that nothing makes a football team play harder than the twin feelings of urgency and redemption. For the second straight week Georgia will be facing a team that is a little desperate when the Bulldogs go to Arizona State.
Understand how important this game is to Arizona State and Dennis Erickson’s desire to put the Sun Devils back on the national stage. Their fans have been talking about this week’s game with Georgia for a long time. The game is one of the hardest sellouts the school has ever had. I talked folks in Phoenix last week who have been there for huge games with Southern Cal, Notre Dame, and Nebraska but have never experienced the buzz that exists for this visit from the Georgia Bulldogs.
Now I’m hearing from people who think that buzz has been greatly diminished with Arizona State’s loss to UNLV, which had lost 21 of its last 22 road games before beating the Sun Devils in overtime last Saturday. I disagree.
Arizona State may have lost a chance to have ESPN’s College Game Day on their campus for an entire Saturday, but now the football team goes from just highly motivated to angry and desperate with a lot to prove.
Georgia has a better team. But Georgia was the better team last week in Columbia. The Bulldogs had better be prepared to match Arizona State’s intensity at the beginning of this game. Because if Arizona State gets a cheap touchdown and gets a little momentum, Georgia might not be able to get it back.
2. This will be the fastest defense that Josh Nesbitt has seen: Last night I finally got a chance to watch the entire Georgia Tech-Virginia Tech game. Virginia Tech’s defense was pretty fast. Mississippi State’s is faster.
Mississippi State has some issues on offense but the defense is pretty good. After giving up 363 yards in a 22-14 loss at Louisiana Tech, the Bulldogs allowed only 148 yards against Southeastern Louisiana and give up only a field goal to Auburn. Safety Derek Pegues could play for any team in the country. The Bulldogs are, however, missing linebacker Jamar Chaney, who was lost for the year after suffering a broken ankle in the last play against Louisiana Tech.
After watching the Virginia Tech tape, it’s pretty clear that most defenses from this point on will concentrate on limiting the number of times Jonathan Dwyer and the rest of the B-backs get the pitch. That puts more pressure than ever on Nesbitt, whose window to make decisions will be even smaller on Saturday. Mississippi State’s defense will be the best one Nesbitt will see until the Yellow Jackets play Georgia at the end of the year.
3. Auburn has to be sandbagging on offense: I’ve been watching Tommy Tuberville’s teams a long time and it always seems like the Tigers kind of stumble around a week or two before they play a huge SEC game. The offense can’t possibly be as bad as it looked in the 3-2 win over Mississippi State.
Can it?
Last season Auburn lost back-to-back games to South Florida and Mississippi State in September so no one gave the Tigers a shot when they went down to No. 4 Florida. Auburn kicked a field goal at the buzzer to win 20-17. Tuberville has won 9 of his last 12 games against Top 10 teams. He has a knack of getting his teams ready for big games like these.
I’m working on a story on the Auburn offense for Friday’s paper where OC Tony Franklin takes all the blame. That’s what coaches are supposed to do. But something tells me that Tuberville and Franklin have been holding some things back and not showing all their cards because LSU is coming to town Saturday night.
Now I could be wrong. Auburn’s offense could be just that bad. But I don’t think so.
4. Tennessee can beat Florida-if it runs the ball: It seems that nobody outside of the state of Tennessee is giving the Volunteers a chance on Saturday when No. 4 Florida comes to Neyland Stadium. They look at Tennessee’s ugly overtime loss to UCLA, which then lost to BYU 59-0. Case closed.
But it’s never quite that simple. The Volunteers are playing at home and will feed off the energy of 107,000 fans. This is Florida’s first road trip of the season and a lot young players, as talented as they are, have yet to experience a big SEC game on the road.
None of this will matter if Tennessee tries to play Florida’s game. Tennessee’s success against Florida over the years has come when it remained true to its personality under Phillip Fulmer. The Volunteers have to use a veteran offensive line to run the ball to keep Florida’s offense off the field and limit Tim Tebow’s possessions. And another thing: If I’m John Chavis, the Tennessee defensive coordinator, I am not going to let Tebow beat me running the football.
If Tennessee tries to match Florida’s speed and skill level, the Volunteers will get embarrassed as they were last year (59-20) in Gainesville.
5. Arkansas could lose the rest of its games: I know this will not break a lot of hearts in this town, but first year coach Bobby Petrino is looking at a very sobering schedule from this point on. Because of Hurricane Ike, last week’s game at Texas was moved to Sept. 27. So the rest of the Arkansas schedule, starting with Saturday’s home game with No. 9 Alabama goes like this: at No. 7 Texas (2-0), No. 4 Florida (2-0), at No. 10 Auburn (3-0), at Kentucky (3-0), Ole Miss (2-1), Tulsa (2-0), at South Carolina, at Mississippi State, No. 6 LSU (2-0) in Little Rock.
I’m just asking: Where are the wins on that schedule for a team that had to rally late in the fourth quarter to beat Western Illinois and Louisiana-Monroe? You have to figure the Hogs are going find a couple of wins somewhere. I’m just not quite sure where they are.
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Comments
By Garrett
September 17, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
Though I agree the general speed of MSU’s D is excellent, there was one factual problem with your argument. Jamar Chaney was injured in the first game and is out for a while. That mean’s there’s a glaring hole in that LB corp. Just one more chink in the only armor that State has at its disposal.
By D.Ellis
September 17, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
But so wil lthe Dogs who will be out to prove they are worthy of being a top ranked team after their tripto Clumbia last weekend. Heavy dose of 24 ON DECK!!!!!! SUN DEVILS BETTER BE READY
Yeah it will be. I’m a gambler and I’m taking the under all the way on this game. I don’t care if the line is 10. Take the under! GT should prevail.
Probably a little bit. But IMO they don’t have the playmakers on the outside at the WR spot. AU has always had a good stable of talent at WR. Maybe they are jsut young but to run the spread you have to have speed and big time talent at the WR spot for itt o be potent. Right now Idon’t see it. But I agree. Against MSU they were holding back for Saturday.
If UT establishes the run and don’t abandon it they can handle UF. UF has had a wek off to get a gameplan together. That is scary. Their offense will score no doubt…but how often is up to the UT offense and their ground game.
Actually I think the best thing that could have happened to Arkansas was to have that game canceled with Texas. That gave Petrino…suck as#…….sorry…..but that gave Petrino who is good at x’s and o’s alot of time to put together a game plan. Alabama doesn’t need to quite over look this game going to into the UGA game. I ithnk it wil lbe alot closer than people think. Bama should pull it out but if it is close the hogs have some exp. and at late games this yerar to make it intresting.
The rest of their schedule will be a downfall to the very bottom of the SEC West where I will laugh myself to sleep.
By Tater
September 17, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Dawgs Roll in this one…. www.thedawgsden.com
By Gen Neyland
September 17, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
No man is an island, unless he lives in Georgia and is a Tennessee fan…Go Vols
By Memo to the Media
September 17, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
I have a proposition for the media. If we Georgia fans will agree that every team on our schedule hates us and really really wants to beat us badly will you stop hammering us over the head with this crap every single week? Enough already!!! We get it!!! Georgia has a tough schedule. Alabama will be gunning for us. Tennesee will be gunning for us. Insert any team on Georgia’s schedule here will be gunning for us. We heard you the first million times you said it!!!
Good grief are these media geeks capable of a single original thought? Its the same bullcrap recycled over and over again. Take this as a compliment Barnhart: You are above this.
By Fact Checking
September 17, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Mr. Barnhart, ASU’s mascot is the Sun Devil, not the Wildcat, you’re thinking of UA when referring to the Wildcats.
By Fact Checking
September 17, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Mr. Barnhart, ASU’s mascot is the Sun Devil, not the Wildcat, you’re thinking of UA when referring to the Wildcats. That’s akin to calling UGA the Yellow Jackets.
By Huh?
September 17, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Oh I see how it is.
Georgia eeks out a victory against South Carolina and they “don’t look like the #2 team in the country” according to Barnhart and “have got some things to work on.”
Auburn looks like absolute holy hell in a 3-2 win over an SEC bottom dweller and they are just sandbagging. No cause for concern. Auburn will be fine.
Good god almighty what a crock. That is absolutely laughable.
By 1eyedJack
September 17, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Note to Gen Neyland:
We will be pulling for you THIS weekend.
Go DAWGS!!
PS. Petrino deserves what he is going to get. Probably already looking for an escape opportunity.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
September 17, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
No Tony,
UT can’t beat UF (won’t even compete)
UGAg rolls
Miss. St. is not faster than VT and will not score a TD again. Nesbitt is resting come the 4th Quarter.
By Smyrna Tiger
September 17, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Tony, I could not agree more on your comment that Tennessee must stay true to its personality.
The 2001 game comes to mind where Tennessee went right at one of Spurrier’s very best Gator teams and won a physical football game. Tennessee has the horses to do the same Saturday night.
Auburn and Georgia have given the rest of the SEC the recipe for beating Urban Meyer’s gators- hit them right in the mouth.
By Nautidawg
September 17, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Where the heck has Roswell Ed gone????? He must have crawled back underneath the rock that he came from…. LOL LOL LOL. Goes to show that jack a$$’s get what they deserve. Stay away, please you idiot!
By Tony Barnhart
September 17, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Garrett,
Thanks for the catch on Jamar Chaney. That one just slipped by me. I’ve fixed it and re-sent the blog.
Mr. Fact Checking,
Thanks for the info but I went back and I don’t see where I referred to Arizona State as the Wildcats. Let me know if I missed it.
Tony B.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
September 17, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Tony,
I ususally agree with you and like your approach to writing.
So what gives on talking up Auburn? They are not hiding in the bushes.
And Georgia is the team to beat, nothing more nothing less
By stupid
September 17, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Quick question- what teams come out and don’t want to win on Saturdays? You act like a team coming out and “desperately wanting” a victory is a huge deal, when in reality its not. Every team really wants to win every game (besides Ohio State). Show me these teams that only kinda want to win?
By 82DAWG
September 17, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Once the game starts and you get past the first couple of series its back to talent, preparedness and execution. Who “needs” to win most is not what the players are thinking when trying to consumate or stop a drive.
By virtueandvice
September 17, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
I still think Georgia wins, but I agree a loss to a team that you should not lose to (especially at home) can be a huge motivation factor the following week. Just look at the way Maryland abused Cal after losing to Middle Tennessee St (who almost beat Kentucky)
VT is very overrated and Tech should have won that game. I think they will bounce back this week.
Auburn gets destroyed.
Tennessee gets destroyed
Let’s hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Gen Neyland
September 17, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
To mention AZ ST was beaten by a weak UNLV team in OT the week BEFORE UGA seems to make it sound more a premeditated excuse for the possibility of a loss. That’s toooo darn easy to do.
Note to UGA trainers: Don’t forget to pack the saline, sunscreen and CMR’s hat…Have a good trip. PS…Leave the rattlesnakes alone. They aren’t toys.
By George P. Burdell
September 17, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Tony:
The reference to wildcats is on the link on the main sports page. I’ve seen this type of problem quite a bit where the headlines are added by staff, not the writer of the article.
By SOUTHGADAWG88
September 17, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
ASU lost to UNLV at home!!UNLV!!!are you serious?did you watch that game?IF you watched that game and you still think UGA can lose that game you don’t know ANYTHING about football!ASU played 3 good teams last year… USC,OREGON AND TEXAS… guess what happened?They got blown out!!Angry and desperate??SO WHAT??It’s not going to make them any better!The real problem we have is if we don’t blow the doors off of them SAT..USC is gonna murder them on oct 11 as they always do and people will point to that as a comparison.Please.. the only way we lose that game is a frigging plane crash!! AUB has some issues ….to be blunt the only thing going for them in that game is that fact LSU hasnt played anybody yet. Don’t over hype MSU they suck..Tech should win by 10 which goes back to my previous point AUB has some serious issues. TENN is not as good as they were last year and FLA is on par or tad bit better so I just don’t see it..there will be 107,000 fans watching another blow out. ARK will be lucky to go 3-9
By Preston Parker
September 17, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Can y’all believe I only got a two-game suspension for my offseason arrest on drug and weapons charges?!?
Thank goodness for the lack of integrity here at Free Shoes University!!!
Uh-oh, here come the Deacs…
By azcat225
September 17, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Tony, George Burdell is absolutely correct. And whoever the staffer was that typed out that link has no earthly idea what an insult they delivered to both UofA and ASU fans.
Fact checking, you might want to double check your facts before calling out Tony for a link that he had nothing to do with.
Gooooo Dawgs!! Crush the Scumdevils!!
By sec fan
September 17, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
i love how no one gives UT a chance against the gators but no one learns that when you dont give fulmers teams a chance they usually pull through ask UGA the last two years or in 2004, also in 2001 when we beat them in th swamp, or even in 2003 when we beat what used to be the “U” ow its just miami. I think Uga will use knowshon to control the ASU game and if tech can score 17 points they will beat mississippi state. Floridas offense is good but they have played the defensive power haiwaii and miami who was competitive early but eventually was overmatched.
By Will
September 17, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Dear Gamecock Henry and Gamecock11,etc.
No hard feelings even though you guys rubbed your victory in our face pretty bad after last years fiasco. But you played an excellent game this year and probably should have won. I respect that in a way. Maybe I was wrong about the cocks and now predict a respectable 7-5 season which means you will go 6-3 from here on out. I do think you will beat a major power this year as well. I hope UF obvioulsly.
As for ASU, were about to put the Hawaii game plan back in force and we will blitz, stunt, play fast and dominate these clowns who goy whipped bu UNLV. We won’t sweat this one like the USC game and will win going away 47-17. I hope my wife and I are in Vegas by halftime playing a little BlackJack!
By reservoirDAWG
September 17, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Really Tony? Don’t think that SOS did not have his team geeked last week for the DAWGS. Erickson is a fine coach but his team can be as angry and desperate as they want and they will still lose. I’m beginning to think you know a lot about the teams but not much about the game.
By Spike
September 17, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Memo to the Media… I second that!! Sheesh!
By Elvis
September 17, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
T-minus 9 hours until my flight leaves!!!
I have been waiting for this week a long time. Dawgs in the desert baby!!! I am really interested to see how many UGA fans actually make this trip.
Grand Canyon Thursday…
Sedona Friday…
And Saturday (If the DB’s can make some plays)…Dawgs carry the torch for the SEC and bust those PAC10 boys in the mouth!
Go Dawgs!
By scootertw
September 17, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Allright Dawg fans. ASU sucked last weekend. I was at the game and our OC took the ball out of Carpenter’s hands. We only threw the ball 23 times. I am predicting a blow out. ASU by 3 TD’s. If any of you are coming to the game, let me know and you are welcome to tailgate with the “Tailgate Titty Lovers” I’ll give you my email address if you are serious.
Go Devils!
By mcdawg
September 17, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
DAWGS will set the desert on fire-big breakout game for Offense-time to send a meaasge to the boys from Troy
Welcome to the Derty
By tjs
September 17, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
ASU to pummel UGA, I they won’t go west again fo another 40 years. Petrino is going to Vandy next. Ga Tech can beat Miss St, Wake Forest did with about the same amount of talent. After losing to UCLA, can anybody take Tenn seriously? The SEC ” butt kickers” are still Auburn , LSU, and Fla,( maybe Ala) the rest are pretenders.Most teams won’t have any more Ga Southerns and Central Michigans left on their slates.
By MoutainDawg
September 17, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Dawgs have too much firepower & talent for the Sun Devils. It may be closer (than it should be), but UGA will be victorious. Aside from USC, most PAC-10 teams can’t deal with SEC rushing attack (especially UGA’s). GO DAWGS!!!
By reservoirDAWG
September 17, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Scootertw, are you smoking crack? 3 tochdown blowout? The DAWGS will roll.
By murfdawg
September 17, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Tony, Let’s give SOS his just respect. When he has great talent he is a good coach. When he has average talent he is a mediocre coach. A great coach would not lose 7 out of 8 games. I don’t think Goff or Donnan ever did that. Right now I would have to say SOS is not as good as Goff or Donnan.I wonder what kind of reply he would have to that!
By POWERFUL PUPPY
September 17, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
GEORGIA NEEDS TO WIN BIG TO JUMP BACK TO #2 over the (run-up-the score) Stoopie Sooners. THIS IS THEIR CHANCE TO MATCH arizona state Losing to Texas last year 52-34 and USC 44-24. I think arizona state was better last year after losing to UNLV saturday night at home. But asu does have a good coach.
By mcdawg
September 17, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
scootertw
it would depend if you are a guy or girl
i’ll be at the Sun Devil tailgate
By Kendawg
September 17, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
ASU will be ready to play, but after they confront our lines, they won’t be quite so eager. I’m sure Spurrier had his team pumped for the game last Saturday. It appears that UGA is SC’s biggest game every year. Spurrier showed his usual class when he shook hands with CMR at the end of the game.
By diamond dawg
September 17, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
“Mississippi State has some issues on offense…”
Understatement of the decade.
Tech Defense: 14
MSU Defense: 2
By runnin rebel
September 17, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Should UNLV BE RANKED after taking the ball out of Carpenter’s hand? VEGAS KICKED ASU
By azcat225
September 17, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
I missed the game, Kendawg. What happened?
By scootertw
September 17, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
mcdawg - I can be whatever you want me to be! HA. We’ll have about 30 people and our share of beautiful women. Email me at scottbeers2001@yahoo.com and I’ll leave you my number. I can’t guarantee a great southern tailgate but we are pretty darn close. We would love to have some good Georgia fans to party with. Let me know.
Go Devils!
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 17, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
But the pollsters had ASU ranked as high as what #15? If one thing we know for certain is that the pollsters know what they are doing when handing out these rankings. ASU must be at least that good. Heck SC was #24 good last week. Just get the pass rush going Willie and have those DB’s mimmick cheap suits on ASU’s WR’s. We will be fine. Auburn/LSU, UT/UF. Damn SEC football is exciting.
By Elvis
September 17, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
scootertw … mcdawg
Where are the good spots to go pregame? As I understand it, ASU does not start the party hours before games like we do here. I could have gotten bad info. Anyway, I always like to walk around the campus/stadium and see all the tailgates during road trips so any reccomendation is greatly appreciated.
Go Dawgs!
By scootertw
September 17, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Elvis - ASU does not open up their parking lots until 3.5 hours before game time. Mill Avenue is nice and I strongly recommend visiting The Library. The best place to see good tailgating is on the north side of Sun Devil Stadium which is where I am located.
By 78 DAWG
September 17, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Arizona State is one of the top 10 teams in the country and has a Heisman Trophy candidate at qb just like Western Michigan. Whoever made this schedule should be fired, you can’t play a top 10 team every week!
By gdawginkalamazoo
September 17, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
General, Good luck and I hope you guys win or at least make them work hard for it.
Elvis, I heard that the party never ends at ASU so there is no need to start.
By MOON ANGEL
September 17, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
HOOTERS AND DENNIS ERICKSONS BACK YARD
By Hilton Head DAWG
September 17, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
TONY, WHY are the Sun Devils so angry and desperate? They should be friendly and calm like Spurrier and the GameCocks.
By mexdawg
September 17, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Hey Elvis you have to remember that it will be about 107 degrees before the game not ideal tailgating weather.However there are many air conditioned resturants and bars around the stadium.I recomend a resturant bar called the Library it is a great spot within walking distance to the stadium.That is where I will be.Let’s make this the offical Georgia pregame headquaters.I was there for the Fiesta Bowl.Great crowd.
By Oledawg
September 17, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Tony-I realise that you were addressing the fanatics that jump up and down and predict we will annihilate our opponent each week, but these cautionary predictions are not necessary for most of the UGA bloggers on here. Most of the UGA bloggers are well-grounded in their facts , stats and expectations. Some of us may disagree on fine points, but that doesn’t mean that we are not aware of the same material out there which is used to form our opinions. That said:
Will- you beat me to my blog material when you gave the Hawaii analogy. That applies to the QB especially since he is talented and can perform quite well. The cautionary words by Barnhart apply here. We don’t have the large mismatch with our defensive ends that we enjoyed in that game and that can bite us badly. Pressure by defense is the name of the game and caution against overexpectation here is warranted. However, I don’t believe that an early touchdown or a UGA mistake will produce a score that puts us behind the 8-ball to ASU. Our offense has been left out of the equation. They should score as often as required anytime ASU scores. I don’t believe that ASU can weather a t**-for-tat score or scores by UGA. Look for the Dawgs to put points on the board in the 2nd qtr after getting the right plays to counter the defense they throw at us. That has been the case in our last 10 games and will apply here. We probebly will have a lead at halftime, but how much will be the stat of the game and I don’t have a clue as to the score.
Dennis Erickson will come into play with his coaching ingenuity in the 3rd qtr., but the Dawgs should pull away in the 4th qtr. what with our superiority in manpower. Don’t kid yourself- ASU is capable to play a So.Car. game against us and the only way to stub that is good consistent play from our offense against their not-as-good-as-So.Car. Defense. Erickson has certainly watched the films and saw what was effective against our D. Our Offense certainly wants to establish that comfort zone in scoring to take the pressure off our Defense. That would loosen things up that will give us the enjoyment many of us look forward to; the Defense in a position to pin its ears back and give our future opponents something to fear. ASU’s Defense cannot possibly stop our running game before we score a few TDs, but when they finally stop up the middle, I hate to envision a wide open passing game by Staff and a phalanx of receivers honed to readiness from the So.Car. game. If the chance comes to be awesome toward a PAC10 team, we will certainly go for it.
UgaVII says ,”Woof!Woof” and is up doing pushups for the trip. I’m afraid his legs are getting bowed from the effort. Don’t sit down on the dirt out there, Uga. It is hard-baked caliche and will burn your tender balls. And if you have any boxer dog friends, don’t let them go on the trip with you. They succumb to Valley Fever, a spore induced fungal lung infection that is similar to tuberculosis. Stay in your Doghouse with your gator chew toy.
By MEAN SHERIFF
September 17, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED IN SUN DEVIL STADIUM (especially Southern Comfort)
Watcha gonna do? County SheriffBy scootertw
September 17, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Forecast for Saturday - Sunny - High of 99 degrees and PAIN. Come on Dawgs.
Go Devils!
By Fact Checking
September 17, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Mr. Barnhart, The title of this column originally was along the lines of UGA walking into some angry WILDCATS. That may have been an AJC staff member it up like that since it has now changed.
By Frank
September 17, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Another week and another dangerous opponent that Georgia better watch out for. They are angry and desperate. They want to win the game really really badly. Can Georgia beat an opponent that really wants to win the game? The media has its doubts.
Yet, when we beat them we will have mysteriously proved nothing. I can hear it now: It was just Arizona State. They lost to UNLV. Georgia has alot to prove. Georgia should have beat them by 7 touchdowns, racked up 600 yards of offense, and recorded 10 sacks. Even if we do that, they still might not be impressed unless Knowshon does cartwheels in to the endzone from 10 yards out. Anything less will be deemed a failure by the same media hacks selling us this “angry and desperate” line of cow dung. They will stick it to us in the polls and show us who’s boss.
Its all so very predictable. Thank god we’ve still got the games.
By Vince
September 17, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I’m expecting CMR to come up with some kind of cool motivational scheme for the Dawgs to avoid a let-down.
By fred russo
September 17, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
I WILL SAY IT ONCE AGAIN AS I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES BEFORE. WE ARE BETTER THAN ASU AND CAN BEAT THEM BUT ONLY IF WE DONT BEAT OURSELVES. WILL THE COACHES BE READY? WILL THEY HAVE THE TEAM READY? WILL WE GO BACK TO OUR RUNNING GAME OR WILL WE PASS PASS PASS?OUR WE READY TO USE GREEN OR OUR WE GOING TO FOOL AROUND WITH LESS THAN GOOD RECEIVERS WE HAVE? ONLY TIME WILL TELL
By fred russo
September 17, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
ONE MORE THING IS IT ME OR DOES ANYONE ELSE THINK THAT OF ALL THE WORRIES ON BIG GAME DAY OUR COACHING STAFF IS THE BIGGEST.
By Fort Worth Dawg
September 17, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
I saw that UGA VII is flying with the team. Is the air-conditioned doghouse making the trip? I have to think that it will be a little rough on the dog - at least for the first half. I heard the temperature drops 12 degrees by halftime and steady rotation of players in the first half is key.
By Ron Roberts
September 17, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Some debuty in Arkansas better arrest the Razorbacks’ head football coach and sentence him to wearing an ankle bracelet for six months; that way you know where he is at all times, and know he won’t leave the state once those losses start piling up on your “first-year” head coach.
By Atlanta Gator
September 17, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
(1) Georgia wins, and no amount of anger and desperation on Arizona State’s part is going to make a difference in the outcome. The Dawgs regain their composure and competitive edge and kick Pac-10 butt.
(2) I have no idea how the Tech-MSU match-up turns out. Too many intangibles, including team pride and last weekend’s tough losses for both.
(3) The better question: has the Auburn offense fully absorbed enough of the new spread offensive scheme to play with the big boys? All things being equal, and allowing for a better AU offensive showing, I still think LSU still wins by 14 or more points.
(4) I would love to see the Gator blow-out predicted by several bloggers above, but I have too much respect for CPF and the Vols, and I know what Tony says is true about the Vols’ running game and the 18-year history of this series. The Gators need to get ahead early and make the Vols play the Gators’ game. If the Vols establish their running game and a lead, a Vols upset becomes likely.
(5) The Razorbacks will not go winless, but they could easily go 2-7 for the balance of the season if they don’t improve quickly.
By AUtiger
September 17, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony,
Your right, Auburn’s OC has been taking all of the blame, but he’s also saying that Auburn is very close to clicking on offense(god I hope so). The offense has been getting some yards, but it looks absolutley dreadful in the red zone. They have to improve big time in the red zone if Auburn is going to compete for anything this year.
As far as the LSU game, I bet it will be a nail biter. Neither team has won consecutive games in row since 1998. Both defenses should be surperb, and the offenses are unproven. It looks like it will be another ugly game (and hopefully an ugly win) for Auburn.
By Atlanta Gator
September 17, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Gen Neyland——In case our blog paths do not cross between now and kickoff time, best of luck to the Volunteers’ football team. May the best team win (it usually does).
By physicsDawg
September 17, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Gen Neyland, You are NOT a lonely island. There are tons of UT fans around the state of Georgia. I know, I stole their UT flag off their garage once…
:) -It was a prank, on a family friend.
By Kendawg
September 17, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
I was at the SC game and did not see the meeting between CMR and Spurrier at the end of the game. However, some of my friends who watched the game on CBS said that Spurrier did not even look at CMR when they shook hands at the game’s end. They told me they interpreted that as a lack of class on Spurrier’s part. I agree.
By The Ohio State Buckeyes
September 17, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I am here to apologize again for my lack of football knowledge. My team is awful and they should be called the sweatervests.
By JP
September 17, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
As a Gator fan, I think UT could easily beat us this year. Look at what they did to UGA last year. I just think UT is better than people think.
As for the Dawgs, I get the feeling it will be close in the 1st half with ASU, but they’ll pull away quite easily in the 2nd half. UGA 38-14
By Diesel Behr
September 17, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why everyone thinks that UGA is going out west and lay down to ASU just because they lost last week.Durning all of my years of playing football one thing that I learned is that you can only count on emotion for so much.UGA will win this game and ASU will once again be upset for their next game.When playing with redemption on your heart that is a very good way to go out and get it layed to you pretty good.I like UGA in this game big no matter what ESPN have to say.GOOOOOOO DAWGS
By athensdawg
September 17, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Maybe the great pumpkin ditches the fancy pants stuff this weekend in favor of good ole UT smash mouth football - if so, I’m with Tony…UT wins the “orange” bowl.
By AltamahaDawg
September 17, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator, the thing that you have going for you is that the B.D.N. is about 3-25 when pulling for, or against, TN. If it comes down to a FG forget about it. And we need for them to win this one. Sorry, or actually condrats as it turns out.
By root4au
September 17, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
UGA’s offense looked no better than AU’s did Saturday. AU cuts out the turnovers and penalties and win by 8.
By shane #1
September 17, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Gen Nyland, no man is ever truly alone, if he has sippin’ solvent to share. As to the topics, 1-Az St is angry and desperate, so was USCe. Fulmer hears the UT fans crying for his scalp, again. He will be angry and desperate, especially if UF wins. LSU,defending national champs, are getting very little love from the polls, and they remember the hue and cry for UGA to be in the MNCG. They will be angry and desperate. Bama remembers losing in OT, at home. They have to play in Baton Rouge and try to avoid another loss to AU. They will be angry and desperate. The Gators remember the celebration, and the beatdown. They will be angry and desperate, especially if they lose to UT or LSU. Vandy lost a fumble in the red zone against UGA and lost by a field goal. Their winning FG attempt went off the upright against hated UT. They will be angry and desperate. UK will be angry and desperate because They are UK and they are tired of this crap. GT will be angry and desperate. Many of their starters were 10 or 11 years old the last time they beat UGA. In short, just who will UGA play that really likes them and just wants to have a little fun playing ball? Angry and desperate, the way We roll in the SEC! 2- Missy St’s D against GT’s D.Could be another 3-2 score. 3- You don’t sandbag with a 1 point lead in the SEC. 4- True, UT can beat the Gators IF they can run the ball and pressure Tebow. 5- Arky could lose them all, but I doubt it. The Ole Miss game should be a hoot! Talk about angry and desperate!
By shane #1
September 17, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
rootforau, what happens if UGA cuts out the penalties and mistakes? Like dropped td passes and illegal snaps from their 1.
By KR
September 17, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
I wish AU’s offense had been sandbagging, but I’m almost positive that’s not the case. Our offense looks lackluster at best and our running backs seem to have forgotten the cardinal rule: hang on to the ball!
AU shouldn’t be angry and desperate, but they need to get fired up and pay attention to the fundamentals. Otherwise, the Bayou Bengals walk away with the victory.
WAR EAGLE!
By AltamahaDawg
September 17, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
shane, come on now, he was trying to do something there, and you go and wreck it all.
By Pumpkin Butt Fulmer
September 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I hate to say it but the Vols have thier hands full this week wiht the Gators. The fans better make a lot of noise because I predict that Tebow will come to Neyland Stadium and do everything but sell hotdogs.
By Pumpkin Butt Fulmer
September 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I hate to say it but the Vols have thier hands full this week wiht the Gators. The fans better make a lot of noise because I predict that Tebow will come to Neyland Stadium and do everything but sell hotdogs.
By Gen Neyland
September 17, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator
Sir, my respects to you and your Gators. They haven’t received all the adulation because Meyer paid for it. He didn’t, did he..? I’m curious as to what Chavis has planned for Harvin and Tebow. He’s had a year to think it over. By games end, I’ll be down two quarts in the cabinet and up two quarts in the belly…
PhysicsDawg
We always wondered what happened to that flag. Mine may be flying upside down by UGA-AZ ST kickoff Saturday…BTW, it wasn’t us that spray painted your mailbox orange.
shane #1
CPF has ordered 3 cases of my finest Tennessee Creekwater Sippin’ Solvent, delivery guaranteed by 2100 hrs on Saturday. This doesn’t bode well. UF will dare Crompton to pass. They’ll load up the box early. That’s what I’d do unless it backfires early…Then I would dare UT to run against the beef…Let us pray, Lord have mercy, don’t root for Percy. Be on our side this year. Amen
Zoo
Meyer has a tendancy to run up the score every chance he gets. Hope UT can at least keep it close, like under 3 TD’s. We’ll see…
What the he11, UT 19- UF 17
By NikkiFree
September 17, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
You know, Az. State being angry and desperate is right up there with “Florida wants revenge on UGA”. Don’t you think UGA has somethin gto prove? Don’t you think the Dawgs are upset about dropping in the polls with every win? Don’t you think UGA STILL has revenge on its mind when it comes to Florida. we have a lot of years to make up for.
By DawginLex
September 17, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
ASU desperate ? Yes but UGA will still win.
NOW, you want to talk desperation, let’s look no further than the most obnoxious jerk coach in all of college football. STEVIE SPURRIER. 3-7 in his last 10 games while UGA is 10-0 during that same stretch.
spurrier is 1-3 vs richt at SC.
Who has the better program ???????????????
By Cupcakes
September 17, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
How many cupcakes were in that 10-0 run?
By voice of reason
September 17, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Cupcakes, tell us what team has had fewer cupcakes. Please. I’ll answer that for you. Nobody. And we’re still on a 10 game win streak. Zip it Meathead!
By voice of reason
September 17, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
(1) ASU will be angry because they WERE looking ahead. They’ll be desperate because two losses in a row means a lost season. Won’t matter though, UGA by 10+ (2) GT will have their hands full against MSU. Wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the other dawgs take this one. (3) AU hasn’t shown anyone everything they’ve got yet. If they have, this one’s over by halftime. (4) UT is way better than what they’ve shown so far. UF is always circled on the calendar and I believe the party is ON in Knoxville this weekend. In fact, this is probably where the “Tebow is hurt is why you guys beat us” excuses begin this year for UF. (5) Petrino, love him or hate him, will pull off some upsets this season. The schedule was made much tougher due to the hurricane but the bright side is that they weren’t banged up by Texas before playing a tough SEC game. The week off results in the first upset.
By Samie
September 17, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
The outcome of ASU’s game last weekend vs. UNLV will have no effect on the game this weekend vs. UGA. In other words, it doesn’t matter whether the Sun Devils are undefeated or have one loss in determining the outcome of Saturday night’s game. I’ll say this. If the Bulldogs don’t get after Rudy Carpenter, the Sun Devils will be tough to beat. They have four wide receivers that are capable of having big games.
By By: voice of caution
September 17, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
I get the sense that Bulldog fans may not have a very good understanding with regard to this week’s opponent.
Don’t be confused over the fact that ASU got upset by UNLV last weekend. Think of them as being undefeated.
This will NOT be a SC game. Do Bulldog fans have a sense of what ASU’s offense can do if Rudy Carpenter is given the time to throw?
The Bulldogs will NOT see a group of play making WR’s and a veteran QB with the skill of Rudy Carpenter in any SEC game they play this season.
Advice: Please don’t ASSUME that your Bulldogs will just show up and win by a couple of TD’s. Because it won’t just happen.
By Miles
September 18, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
AZ State doesn’t have a chance…Bulldogs by at least 21 points over the Sun Devils…
By ............................................BuLLdawg
September 18, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
That’s what the AJ-C said about Steve Spurrier and South Carolia, who will end up 9-4 this season.
And, we beat them - except in the AJ-C.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
September 18, 2008 4:18 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, Rudy Carpenter and Arizona State’s receivers are all so much better than Matthew Stafford and our receivers AJ Green, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Knowshon Moreno.
It’s just that Arizona State who plays in the lousy PAC-10 who doesn’t play defense, does not have a running game. Georgia has the No. 12 Rushing Defense and Arizona State has the No. 91 Rushing Offense. How easy is that then to play Nickel Backs ? Duh. Hell Las Vegas beat them. Doesn’t that mean that Las Vegas’ Quarterback and receivers are better than Arizona State’s too ?
QUOTE :
” The Bulldogs will NOT see a group of play making WR’s and a veteran QB with the skill of Rudy Carpenter “
END QUOTE
That’s the stupidest statement I’ve heard yet, like you know college football. Arizona State will have 4 turnovers they lose to us and Rudy Carpenter will get sacked 6 times.
By David
September 18, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
I love this time of year. Can’t wait to kick back all day Saturday (sorry babe) and watch some slobberknockin’. I also don’t think Auburn is sandbagging. They easily could have lost to Miss State. I sure hope they figure out some offensive strategy against LSU. Actually, a good strategy would be to not get called for holding every other play.