AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNov. 1 still huge for Dawgs, Gators
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nobody asked me but:
1. Nov. 1 could still mean everything for Dawgs, Gators: In the fallout from Georgia’s loss to Alabama and Florida’s loss to Ole Miss, I got a few e-mails from folks who said that some of the shine had between taken off the Nov. 1 game between the Bulldogs and Gators in Jacksonville.
Silly. Here’s why:
First of all, it’s Georgia-Florida in Jacksonville so by definition it’s a huge game.
Secondly, after what happened last year (Georgia rushing the end zone) I don’t believe either team or either fan base will come out flat.
Thirdly, and this is the most important thing. Everything could still be on the line when the two teams get to Jacksonville. Both have an SEC loss now but it is in the Western Division. So unless Tennessee magically gets better, first place in the SEC East will be at stake. A win probably won’t guarantee a spot in Atlanta but it sure will be the No. 1 tiebreaker. There is a tendency to put too much stock into one win or one loss at this point of the season. Remember that in 2006 Florida lost on the road to Auburn and came back to win the national championship. Remember that last season LSU lost on the day after Thanksgiving and ended up winning it all.
Bottom line: If you have tickets for Nov. 1 in Jacksonville, you had best keep them. Or send them to me.
2. I miss the old Florida State-Miami rivalry: I used to look forward to this game every year. It was must-see football. When you went to Florida State-Miami you knew that you were going to see two teams that left everything they had on that field. There was so much pride on those great teams. The play was always at an incredibly high level because nobody wanted to let their teammates down. And you never saw guys talking smack in this game. The players told me it was because the game was played so fast you didn’t have time to talk—only to react. We were lucky to see the Florida State-Miami game at its very best. I wonder if it will ever be like that again.
3. Alabama had better take the Kentucky game seriously: If Ole Miss can beat Florida in The Swamp, then Kentucky can beat Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The last time Alabama heard universal praise for a week, the Crimson Tide slopped their way to a 20-6 win over Tulane. Kentucky has been struggling a little on offense but the Wildcats are pretty good on defense leading the nation in allowing only 5.5 points per game. All it would take is a couple of Alabama mistakes on offense to give Kentucky some cheap points and a big dose of confidence. Last season, when the Wildcats beat No. 1 LSU at home, and took Florida and Tennessee to the limit, the program under Rich Brooks changed. Just consider this an early warning, Tide fans.
4. Frank Beamer deserves a lot of credit: I was among those who questioned the judgment of the Virginia Tech coach when he decided to redshirt quarterback Tyrod Taylor before the season. The Hokies needed both Taylor and Sean Glennon to win the ACC championship last year with a really good defense. The 2008 defense had to replace seven starters so I felt Virginia Tech was going to need every point it could get. To Beamer’s credit he changed his mind after a season-opening loss to East Carolina. He took the redshirt off Taylor and now the Hokies are 4-1 after winning at Nebraska (35-30) and have already beaten Georgia Tech and North Carolina in the ACC Coastal. Beamer deserves credit for changing his mind and acting. A lot of coaches refuse to change because they don’t want to admit they were wrong. Taylor, by the way, is 8-0 as a starting quarterback.
5. Vanderbilt can beat Auburn: The Commodores weren’t given much of a shot this season because they lost eight starters on the offense, including the entire offensive line. But, as always, Bobby Johnson’s teams are fundamentally sound. In four games this season (Miami of Ohio, South Carolina, Rice, Ole Miss) Vanderbilt has outscored its opponents 51-10 in the second half. Vanderbilt is last in the SEC in both total offense (282.8 ypg) and total defense (364.2 ypg) but makes up for it in other areas of the game. Vanderbilt is No. 1 in the SEC and in the nation in turnover margin (plus-9) as they have forced 14 and committed only five. They lead the conference and are third nationally in punt returns (22.5 avg.). Vanderbilt is second in the SEC with 11 quarterback sacks (Auburn has 12) for minus-74 yards. Vanderbilt has only 11 penalties in four games, the fewest in the conference. Georgia, by contrast, has 53 penalties in five games. Vanderbilt has made all seven of its field goal attempts this season and has scored on 16 out of 17 trips to the red zone (11 touchdowns). That is why Johnson’s teams are so hard to beat.
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Comments
By FLA DAWG
October 1, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this
Tony,
I think you are dismissing the UGA vs UT Game too easily. They drilled us from top to bottom last year - as badly as Bama did this year.
UT will still be hungry after feasting on No. Ill. this Saturday. UT is not a premier team this year and I said so many times over the summer - but we didn’t look like one either last weekend.
The Dawgs had need a big win against UT to begin the journey back. Let’s all focus on that.
By rick
October 1, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this
Tony, Your right about the UGA-FL matchup being a huge one loss matchup. And to true Bulldog and Gator fans it would be a huge game if both teams had 4 or 5 losses. Did anyone see Urban Meyer crying on the sideline against Ole Miss. And by the way when FL come up short on that third down and time was running, the refs had give FL a favorable spot. But Meyer thought he would be cute and get the ref to stop the clock for an official measurement, though it was clear that FL was short of the first down. Well, he got his request, they done an instant review and they had to place the ball back a yard to spot the ball correctly. And you know the rest of the story, Tim Tebow was stuffed.
By hop
October 1, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
the injury bug is mounting big time and dawgs will be fighting for it’s life every single game.
also,bobo and richt need to give better pass protection for stafford before someone takes him out .
By hop
October 1, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
the injury bug is mounting big time and dawgs will be fighting for it’s life every single game.
also,bobo and richt need to give better pass protection for stafford before someone takes him out .
By GaDawg
October 1, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
the DAWGS will rebound from this past weekend like they always do when theres a loss,and thats been awhile dating back to last season, so for those teams thinking the Dawgs will play dead, Keep thinking that! we are only gona get better. GO DAWGS!
By VanDSIRROM
October 1, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
Tony, Vandy WILL beat Auburn. 5-0.
Then comes MSU. 6-0.
Then Homecoming between the hedges.Remember what happened last time when Vanderbilt was between the hedges? 7-0.
So, rethink this statement: “Everything could still be on the line when the two teams (GA/FL) get to Jacksonville. Both have an SEC loss now but it is in the Western Division. So unless Tennessee magically gets better, first place in the SEC East will be at stake.”
Tony, you respect VU enough to think we’ll possibly beat Auburn but you don’t respect us enough to think we’ll be a factor in the SECE.
Remember this post on Oct. 18th.
VanDSIRROM VanderbiltSportsNews.com
By JB
October 1, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
My Dawgs have to get over this Bama game. Good win for Bama. They looked real good. I hope that we react like last year and become the hottest team in college football. Our haters can boo-hoo this all they want to, but I think we could have beaten anybody we played at the end of last year Richt’s teams usually get better as the year goes on. We’ll see..
By troll
October 1, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
The Dawgs do not want to win the East; that would mean having to play AL agin - NO THANKS! Plus, that whuppin was on the Dawgs HOME field at night - think what is going to happen at LSU at Night!
By rick
October 1, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
The UT game is absolutely a monster, this game may determine ultimately if PHIL keeps his job. Because if UT loses this game it will cause a revolt; not only among the fans, but also among the players and coaches.
By Fleischman
October 1, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Here he goes again.. bashing Alabama every chance her gets. Whats the matter Tony, someone steal your box of donuts this morning?
By SecIsFootball
October 1, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
I dont think the UT game is as big this year. They are awful. Their offense is almost as bad as Auburns and their D is not playing as was expected. I expect UGA, after a week off coming off a loss wins that one BIG!!!
BAMA will be ready for UK this weekend. Kentucky’s offense is not good and their D will be missing a few big players. I expect BAMA to cover.
If Vandy can find some offense, they will win. AU’s offense is far and away the worst in the SEC and one of the worst I have ever seen. Tubs is desperate so he is getting out the spread that we hear so much from AU fans would be the best offense in the league! AU will lose 3-4 more games this year!
By TommyP
October 1, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Love Bobby Johnson but those stats you stated proved the contrary: they’re not as good as their record. Last in offense AND defense? Things are going to go downhill for the “Dores.
And the Georgia/Florida game DID lose some of it’s luster. It doesn’t mean it won’t be a huge game and possibly decide the East. But you COULD’VE had two undefeated top 5 teams competing….that’s would’ve been the biggest regular season game in the series history.
By jumbotiger
October 1, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
I agree that the Dawgs/Gators game could still be big. That’s a month away and if both win up until then both sides will be fired up as both will be in the Top 10. However there is alot of football to be played before Nov 1st so each club should just worry about the next game. Each team has issues they need to correct before they can think about getting to Miami.
I don’t see Vandy beating Auburn. They have had a good start but I think the War Eagles will control both lines of scrimmage. I do hope they go to a bowl.
That was a big win by Bama but it is very early to be thinking about going to the SECCG. I’m a LSU season ticket holder and I am not sure how good we are. I think the SEC is wide open and my guess right now is that Auburn, Bama, LSU, UGA or Fl will win this thing.
By Dan
October 1, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
If a Vandy punt had not hit a South Carolina player on the ankle a few weeks ago, no body would even be talking about Vanderbilt! Wait and see how they do against the rest of the SEC before annointing them as Champions. You know even the Atlanta Falcons have begun a couple of seasons 4-0, then reality set in!!!
By saint nick
October 1, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
We will be ready, Bama wins by 21.
By OneSadGator
October 1, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
From the way the Tide is playing on both sides of the line… I picture them running the table and be the SEC Champs and eventually into the NC…probably vs a Big12 team. And please no USC Trojans. You cant spell SUCk with USC.
By Gator Nation
October 1, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
I am still not over the 4th and one playcall by the Gators.
You drive the field easily on two consecutive drives by using the spread and then you bunch up and run the most predictable in the history of Florida football?????
Sigh.
What a horrible coaching job that was.
By ChattHills Jacket
October 1, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
OneSadGator don’t forget Penn State. I would be great to see a UGA vs Penn State rematch from what 80,81, or 82. That would be a fun game. If BOBO doesn’t figure out how to beat defenses that are bettter than his Offense then this could be a tough run for the dawgs.
By get over yourselves
October 1, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
ha. if a vandy player had not fumbled on the 2 yard line last year, no one wouldve been talking about uga either. you take what you can get in football, and uga has been on the receiving end of some gifts like everyone else.
By Dave-SD
October 1, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
I suspect Penn State will play South Florida for the BCS title, because none of the SEC and Big 12 teams are enough better than the others to run the table without getting very, very lucky.
By Mikey in the SAV
October 1, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
We need to worry about the Tennessee game only. Everything else is just BS..
If Tennessee had a QB, they would have beaten UCLA and AU…
By OneSadGator
October 1, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
ChatHills- Although Penn Ste looks impressive so far….Im not sold on their defense yet. Their HD offense looks very good however and their QB is running it loose. If JoePa could switch from Pro Style to Spread, dont you think he can go from coke bottle glasses to Lasik? LOL
By dawggirl
October 1, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
UGA/Florida: Still big, but Georgia has enough to worry about before then. We should be thinking about revenge big time, and only revenge against Tenn. We should try to make them look like we did against Bama.
Speaking of Bama, I don’t see another team in the SEC that matches up to them. They’re tough, but also hungry. I see them running the table (sorry, LSU) and being in ATL and probably in the NCG against Big 12 Champ. And yes, silly to annoint them this so early, especially after last weekend with all the upsets, but Saban, while evil, is a genius.
Vandy/Auburn: Vandy has an excellent shot to win this game if they keep playing the sound, fundamental football they’ve been playing. Auburn’s defense = great. Auburn’s offense = a nightmare.
And while we’re at it, UGA had better not be overlooking Vandy either. I was at the homecoming game two years ago where we lost. Miserable experience that I don’t care to repeat.
By NW Ga Dawg
October 1, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Of course 11/01 is still huge for UGA/UF—and the East, but of course it also lost quite a bit of luster after last Saturday. It could have been a potential matchup of No. 1 vs No. 3 but…
All that said, don’t forget UGA’s next game! If UGA “overlooks” UT after the last two years, then just phone in the rest of the season! Of course many of us are counting on that not occurring. I said a day or so ago: UT and Vandy are going to be bellwether games for Georgia.
By AUtiger
October 1, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Tony,
Your right..Vandy will be a tough game for Auburn. Before the season if you would have told me that Vandy would be the top team in the SEC east going in to that game, I would have compared you to rest of the AJC sports writers.
It’s an away game for the Tigers, ESPN game day will be there so the recipe is there for a Vandy win. I thing Auburn will win because of defense and if we can get the offense going we have a shot of having a great season.
By saint nick
October 1, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
I don’t see but one potential stumble,Bama has to go to LSU. Gameday will probably be there, Big time atmosphere, but I am not sold on LSU. Then the SECG, who knows what happens there. That game is a toss up, except if its UGA!
By shane #1
October 1, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
1- I agree with Mikey, don’t beat UT and the game in Jville loses some of it’s luster. UGA has two weeks to get ready for the Vols and hey will need the time. Tripp has to be made into a TE in two weeks. 2- Miami will be back before FSU and possibly play for the ACC title this year. 3- Bama should have no problem with UK. Bama is balenced, UK has no offense. 4- Beamer is a good coach, I expected no less. 5- Vandy has really improved in the past few years and on a given day, and with a few lucky bounces, can defeat anybody. Now that they have stopped shooting themselves in the foot vandy should make a bowl this year. Their posistion as leader of the east ends this week however, they will not move the ball against AU.
By Nachos
October 1, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Eating 18 chili dawgs a day causes obesity. Just consider this an early warning, Tony.
By TommyP
October 1, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
If Vandy doesn’t learn the passing game, they’re going down and will do so very hard.
For those Saban lovers….have you ever looked at his coaching career?
At Michigan State, 4 of the 5 years were incredibly average until his last team had a very good year.
At LSU, he did more (national title) but the “genius” tag on Saban just has never made much sense to me.
Records of 8-4, 10-3, 8-5, 13-1, and 9-3 at LSU. (don’t forget that HailMary game at Kentucky).
He’s 4-5 in bowl games overall. (2-2 in last 4)
Good coach? Oh yeah. Very.
“Genius”?????
By kage
October 1, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, Vandy has a brand new O-line…Auburn leads the SEC in sacks…hmmmm, sounds like advantage AU to me. Auburn will definitely need a resurgence on offense, but their defense is so good that, while they can’t coast by Vandy by any means, they can play conservative and still get the win.
By dawggirl
October 1, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
It’s not Saban’s record I’m looking at. It’s the fact of what he’s been able to accomplish in so little time at Bama. This is why he’s paid what he’s paid, and this is why 90,000+ fans came to their spring game last year.
By saint nick
October 1, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
TommyP,
Don’t be hatin’
By murfdawg
October 1, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
The UT game is HUGE!!!These guys have put 86 points on us in two years. What is Richt’s record coming off an open week? Out of the next 6 games, I think we will be favored in 3, underdogs in three. CMR will find a way to win 5 out of 6.(hopefully the right 5). Rest up this week Dawgfans, cleanse your mind of images of pachyderms, and let’s get ready to play some great football. Just like we did last year down the stretch.
By TheBear60
October 1, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Guys, this is great! LSU is flying under the radar - not even mentioned by Tony all week. The undefeated National Champ’s are an after thought! As an LSU season ticket holder, I understand what we owe to Lil Nicky - without him, we are not where we are today & you can make the point that he has raised the bar in the SEC. But as a huge Les Miles fan, I need to ask the question: If “the hat” had to listen all last year that he won with Saban’s players, why hasn’t anyone said that Saban is winning with Shula’s players? Don’t get mad Bama, but if it was good for Miles, it should also be good for Saban! Like most of ya’ll, I think the Atlanta teams are far from set. Too much football left & too many good teams like Kentucky & Ole Miss waiting in the weeds for the big boys. One thing we do know, the games has to be won on the field, not on-line, in the paper or on TV…….Thank God for that or USC & JoePa would be packing for the BCSNC game.
By mcdawg
October 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
the only game we need to worry about now is UT-lets get the monkey off our backs
By GATORZONE
October 1, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Maybe UGA will “blackout” this year’s game in Jacksonville!!!
By Music City Bowl Invitation Committee
October 1, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Is it just me, or does everyone else think this 2008 Alabama squad is the greatest team in collegiate history. I mean they have it all! Maybe the 1971 Cornhuskers or one of those Oklahoma teams coached by Bud Wilkinson, but Bama is at the top. Tis a true team for the ages. I would like to heap more praise on my beloved Crimson Tide, but first I need to go take another hit from my crack pipe. Roll Tide!
By The Legend
October 1, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Music City Bowl Invitation Committee = bitter dawwwwgs fan
By Shaniqua from Krystals
October 1, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
yo yo homeboy tony we got your 3 sackfuls of krystals ready… roll on over here and pick’em up! holla playa!
By Ed
October 1, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
If I hear another football coach called a “genius” again…
NASA scientists are geniuses, not guys who coach a game for a living. Saban’s still the guy that lost 6 games last year, right? The same guy who had several 4, 5 and 6 loss seasons at Mich. St. and LSU, if I’m not mistaken. Richt’s never lost more than 4, and beat Saban the two times prior to Saturday’s matchup. He also has a much higher career winning percentage. Does that make him a super-genius?
If you want to find a coaching genius, then maybe Bear Bryant was one. He won big everywhere he went, including Texas A&M and Kentucky. Bowden and Paterno are probably geniuses, at least in their day. But Saban??? Sorry, the record just doesn’t justify the hype. Not even close.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 1, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Yes UGA-FL is still a big game, but for it to be as big as possible, both teams have huge hurdles to hop. UGA with UT like some of the bloggers have indicated here and if I’m not mistaken, my Gators (go Orange and Blue!) have to deal with LSU and neither will be easy for either team. And yes I’m totally overlooking Bobby PeStinko and his Ark Razorbacks. I know we are hated rivals and I do hope we hand the Dawgs there head, but I must say truthfully that Stafford kid got game and we have to contain him when we play UGA. I’m more worried about him than Moreno even though Moreno ate our lunch last year. Anyway see you Nov 1 Dawgs, paybacks a @#$%^!!!!
GO GATORS!!!
By GATORZONE
October 1, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Ed, while what you say is true… This too is true:
Richt=0 National Championships
Saban=1 NC
Fulmer= 1 NC
Spurrier= 1 NC
Meyer= 1 NC
Miles=1 NC
How again do all of Richt’s seasons measure up to the other SEC coaches?
By Top 10
October 1, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
“Georgia, where are yoooouuuu?”
By Eric1
October 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
They might be winning some games, but bama still sucks! Vandy worries this Auburn Tiger. I’m thinking Arkansas is wishing they had Houston’s Nutts back? War Damn Eagle!!!
By Eric1
October 1, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Anybody can win if they follow Bear Bryant’s program. Cheat. Cheat. Cheat. Read his book..In those days it was easy to get away with murder. If he was still around he’d be pedestrian at best. Frankly, I wish bama could get his tired old a* back.
By CT
October 1, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Gatorzone. Not buying it. If that same argument was made in the NFL - fine. But, in a game where two teams are voted into a single championship game, I’m not ready to annoint any one coach a genius over another. I’m certainly not going to argue that your list of coaches are not good, but I just don’t think it’s that easy. Richt has held his own in the conference and has made Georgia a good program. It’s my opinion that it is a matter of time until the voters give them their turn at the end of a quality season as they did LSU last year. Then, Richt will be on your list.
By jumbo
October 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
The Hogs are pretty sorry. As a LSU fan I remember those days back in the 90s and it sux as a fan.
Nick is a solid coach amd does as a good as a job as anyone in getting players ready for life after football as most won’t make it in the NFL. I will always be grateful to him for turning the Tigers around. However, losing to LA Monroe last yr and to UAB while at LSU are definitely knocks on him.
By OldGold
October 1, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Eric1… typical Tiger Eagle (whatever you are). What sucks is not Alabama, but Auburn’s attempt to change its offense. Maybe before you run the spread you should make sure you have the athletes and the QB to execute it. Looks like you should have tried to hire Paul Johnson, and recruit Jaybo Shaw… GO JACKETS! and ToHeIIWith_Georgia!
By Little Dog
October 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
We need to be thinking about our #1 rival UF. No one else is even significant. We must have the bragging rights for this game considering the way they have manhandled us in the past. The NC could be on the line in Jax.
By Eric C.
October 1, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
VanDSIRROM, In all seriousness…I think it is great to hear a Vandy blogger talking some smack. I am pulling for Vandy this season against everyone but UGA and by no means am looking past them. I agree with you that they could be right up there in the end. Go kick some tiger tail this Saturday and we’ll look forward to your visit in a few weeks.
By VandyBrad
October 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Vandy’s brand new O-line has been pretty darn good - I wouldn’t expect Auburn’s d-line to just run all over them. If they start bringing too much pass rush, Vandy will pick up the blocks enough to get the running back to the 2nd level and break some decent runs and Nickson has looked quite good on the short passing routes (slants/screens/outs/etc)… Don’t sleep on the Auburn pass rush - if Auburn beats Vandy, its going to be the play of their offense and special teams improving… if you want to talk about a huge disparity in this game, its Vandy’s special teams against Auburn’s… a huge advantage for the ‘Dores in that category and, in my opinion, will be the difference in the game.
By TrueCrimson
October 1, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
By TheBear60
October 1, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Guys, this is great! LSU is flying under the radar - not even mentioned by Tony all week. The undefeated National Champ’s are an after thought! As an LSU season ticket holder, I understand what we owe to Lil Nicky - without him, we are not where we are today & you can make the point that he has raised the bar in the SEC. But as a huge Les Miles fan, I need to ask the question: If “the hat” had to listen all last year that he won with Saban’s players, why hasn’t anyone said that Saban is winning with Shula’s players? Don’t get mad Bama, but if it was good for Miles, it should also be good for Saban! Like most of ya’ll, I think the Atlanta teams are far from set. Too much football left & too many good teams like Kentucky & Ole Miss waiting in the weeds for the big boys. One thing we do know, the games has to be won on the field, not on-line, in the paper or on TV…….Thank God for that or USC & JoePa would be packing for the BCSNC game.
TheBear60,
Mike Shula recruited some good players. So what? Saban won at LSU with another coach’s players.
People don’t question Les Miles’ recruiting ability — they question his coaching ability. He has made some crazy calls and has come out smelling like a rose only because he has had the best players in the SEC… maybe the best in the NCAA.
LSU is “under the radar” because they haven’t played anyone yet except Auburn. What did that prove? They managed to sneak past Miss. State, but look what the Jackets did to them the week before.
Nick Saban is a good recruiter, but he’s also a good coach. He had a little bit of a head start coming to Alabama. Even under NCAA sanctions Bama has been better than LSU was before Saban took over there. Mike Shula had a 10 win season the year before he was fired and finished in the top ten.
Bama’s biggest problem from the scholarship losses were on the OL & DL. It hurt them to lose Prothro in 2005, but when their Center, JB Closner, went out with a broken leg they were finished. That’s why they lost their last two games that year.
They are almost rebuilt on the lines now, but they still can’t stand losing a critical player. If they stay healthy — then you’re not gonna like the outcome of the LSU vs. Bama game this year. Alabama doesn’t play “Chop Block U” until the end of the season, so you can’t count on them to take Mount Cody out of the lineup.
Bama was almost ready to play with Georgia and LSU last year. This year they’re ready.
RTR!!!
By SC Rules!!!
October 1, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Eric1, DO NOT disrespect Coach Bryant like that ever again! You are in NO position to make such an absurd comment. He was a great coach and a good man. No he wasn’t perfect, but you show complete ignorance and childishness by making such a remark.
By TrueCrimson
October 1, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
SC Rules,
You will have to overlook Eric1. His team is in total disarray and the Auburn fans can’t even figure out who they want to get to replace Tuberville after they fire him at the end of the season. Arkansas has already hired their first choice.
By Ed
October 1, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
How again do all of Richt’s seasons measure up to the other SEC coaches?
Gatorzone, let me tell you. If you want to judge a coach based on a mythical title that isn’t even officially recognized by the NCAA, that’s your choice. A national title is a popularity contest that depends largely on factors that are completely out of a coach’s hand, unless you think that Miles caused West Va. to lay an egg against Pitt last year. Or Spurrier caused a third of Nebraska’s team to get the flu before the Big XII title game in ‘96. Or Meyer caused USC to lay an egg against UCLA in ‘06. You get the point. Are you really great if you have to back in to the title game?
Richt’s best year was 13-1, same as Saban. That’s good enough to win the title half the time, if not more. Meyer had one loss in his championship season. Spurrier’s best record is 12-1, and Miles has never had better than a 2-loss season. Not once. Yet he has a national title. Tuberville ran the table in ‘04, and has no NC to show for it.
If great seasons are the mark of a coach’s greatness, then how come mediocre seasons - or the avoidance of the same - have no bearing on a coach’s standing? Check the record - Saban has had quite a few mediocre seasons. Spurrier’s are starting to pile up as well, as are Fulmer’s.
And if national titles are the main mark of a great coach, then Danny Ford and Johnny Majors were better coaches than Bo Schembecler. Try to make that argument.
By PePe
October 1, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
For all of you who don’t remember watching Tenn lose to Fla & Auburn, they actually dominated those teams but gave it all away with turnovers and penalties. They are a great team who haven’t had the benefit of the ball bouncing their way. They aren’t intimidated by us one little bit because of the whipping they gave us two years running. The Dawgs better be ready to play smash mouth football. I hope Bobo decides for the short pass instead of the homerun ball he calls for constantly.Also CWM can rattle teir QB if he blitzes regularly, if not he and John Parker Wilson will both look like All American QBs.
By AltamahaDawg
October 1, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Secondly, after what happened last year (Georgia rushing the end zone)
Whew! I’m glad you clarified that. For a second there I thought you were refering to the score.
By Miles
October 1, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Vanderbilt’s lack of turnovers and penalties is impressive as is their 100% field goal conversion percentage.
By Gailey still Stinks!
October 1, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
For the Ga Tech fans … Noticed in an article on ESPN.com’s college football page - ACC; “by the numbers.”
9: Number of Georgia Tech touchdown plays of 20 yards or more this season. Last year, in Chan Gailey’s pro-style offense, the Yellow Jackets had a total of 11 touchdown plays of 20 yards or more.
That # will be tied or broken by the conclusion of this week’s Duke - if not by the end of the 1st half!!
By GAYTOR ZONE
October 2, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this
What was Ole Miss ranked? They are an AWESOME team!
By Ed
October 2, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Pe, I think calling Tenn. “great” is a big stretch, but your overall point is well taken. They are a tough, hard nosed SEC team that will shut you down unless you come ready to play. Georgia should win - I don’t see them laying two eggs in a row.
By Duluth Gator
October 4, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
After the way Georgia and Florida played last week, they very well may have more than one loss before the Jacksonville game. Our offense was bad last week and has been bad all year, and just when I thought we were improved on defense we go out and play bad. We better improve on both sides of the ball or the UGA game won’t be big for us. With UGA’s schedule they have a tough road to go to get to J’ville with one loss.