AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFlorida is hot. Georgia should stay cool.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five things we learned over the weekend:
1. Florida is hot. Georgia should stay cool: Somebody asked me Sunday night how Georgia, which faces a Florida team still fired up about last season’s end zone “celebration,” would be able to match the intensity of the Gators at the beginning of Saturday’s game in Jacksonville.
My response?
They shouldn’t. They don’t need to.
Florida’s Urban Meyer has put a gag order on his team not to talk about last year’s events, which Meyer chronicled in Buddy Martin’s new book “Urban’s Way.” Martin is a master storyteller who got unprecedented access to Meyer to do the book. It’s clear from the chapter on last year’s Georgia-Florida game that the episode did not set well with the Florida coach. He is trying to keep his guys pretty buttoned down for one of the biggest Georgia-Florida games in a long, long time. And that’s fine because it is consistent with his coaching personality.
Georgia’s Mark Richt, however, should take the opposite approach this week. Be happy. Have fun. In my experience with this game it’s usually the team that stays loose that plays the best. Why do you think Steve Spurrier went 11-1 against Georgia? Spurrier expected to win and so his team expected to win.
2. Matthew Stafford is the best quarterback in college football: I say this with all due respect to Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, and Sam Bradford, who are all great football players. But when it comes to the entire package that you’re looking for in a quarterback—strong arm, game management, coolness under fire, Stafford proved he is the best quarterback in college football last Saturday against LSU. It took a few minutes for Stafford to calm himself down, but after that he was in complete control of that football game. When the LSU defensive coordinators tried to throw a wrinkle at him, Stafford checked off into the play to beat the defense. It was easily the best game he’s played at Georgia. I write all of this knowing that Stafford could come back and struggle this Saturday in Jacksonville. But when he plays the way he did in Baton Rouge, he is the best in the game, period. If he played with the Big 12, where receivers run free as the wind, he’d be in the hunt for the Heisman Trophy. And another thing: For all those out there complaining about Mike Bobo’s play calling last week against Vanderbilt, just sit down and watch the entire LSU game again.
3. It’s hard to see Fulmer returning as Tennessee’s coach: Phillip Fulmer is an old offensive lineman which means he will work and fight until the last game is over. But what I saw Saturday night in Knoxville was a sense of resignation that Fulmer will not be able to get the program at Tennessee turned around. In case you’re keeping score at home, Fulmer is now 3-5 against Mark Richt, 0-4 against Urban Meyer, and 1-4 against Nick Saban. The defense played hard but the offense is so bad it makes one numb to watch. And there is no reason to believe it is going to get any better. Tennessee (3-5) has four games left (South Carolina, Wyoming, Vanderbilt, Kentucky). The Vols will be lucky to win two. And here is the clincher: I was on the field for the last five minutes of Saturday night’s game with Alabama. I couldn’t believe how much Crimson was in that stadium and how loud they were. When you’ve got Tennessee people selling their tickets to Alabama fans then Mike Hamilton (Tennessee athletics director), you have a problem.
4. We love Joe Paterno but….. It would be a great story to see Penn State’s Joe Paterno, 81, play in the national championship game and then call it a career. But let’s have a dose of reality here. If No. 1 Texas (8-0) and No. 2 Alabama (8-0) both win out and finish 13-0, the voters in the human polls can’t get all sappy and want to put Joe Pa in the big game just because it would be a nice thing to do. That is simply not going to happen. Texas and Bama would be undefeated against two of the toughest schedules around. Penn State’s best win will be against an Ohio State team that will finish 10-2 at best. Hey, I love a good story line as much as the next guy. But good story lines don’t trump good football. Texas and Alabama are both better teams. Now if one of them loses, Penn State will definitely get in the big game at 12-0. And if an undefeated Penn State gets left out of the BCS championship, Joe Pa can have a conversation with his commissioner, Jim Delany, who fought hard against the SEC/ACC proposal for a four-team playoff.
5. Georgia Tech fans must stay patient with Josh Nesbitt: When Nesbitt has three turnovers as he did against Virginia, there is the temptation to go the safer route with freshman Jaybo Shaw at quarterback. But coach Paul Johnson will stick with Nesbitt because he knows the payoff is coming down the road. If you talk to the defensive coaches around the ACC, they will tell you that the Georgia Tech offense has an extra home run dimension when Nesbitt is running it. Georgia played Matt Stafford as a freshman knowing that he was going to make mistakes. But you play through the mistakes until the quarterback masters the offense. Nesbitt will master this offense and when he does, it’s going to be scary.
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Comments
By David A
October 27, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
The reality is that Texas and Alabama will probably lose one along the way while Penn St will finish 12-0 putting them in the BCS Championship. The issue will be which 1-loss team will get in?
Texas? Oklahoma? Georgia/Florida/Alabama? USC? FSU? Undefeated Utah? Undefeated Boise St? Undefeated Tulsa?
By Mike
October 27, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Amen Tony, All good things must come to an end and Fulmer had been successful with his 150-50 record but the game has passed him by. Hopefully he sees the writing on the wall and steps down graciously without it becoming another Johnny Majors type of situation. CFB is cyclical so let’s hope the next coach can start the upward trend.
By Mikey in the SAV
October 27, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Tony,
It will be nice to let the players do their talking on the field.
Unfortunately the media will be talking about the celebration ad nauseum.
GO DAWGS !!!
By TDone
October 27, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
The most popular person on an y football team is the backup quarterback.
Josh had a bad game, but it was not all his fault. Tech needs to learn to put teams away. They let up and let Virginia back in the game.
Add to that the fact the game officials left their hankies in the locker room…
By Mikey in the SAV
October 27, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Here are 5 things I learned over the weekend-
Meyer is trying hard to crack 100 points.
Fulmer indeed is gone next year.
Les Miles’ smoke and mirrors act is done.
Big 10 football is boring.
GT enjoyed their flirtation with the BCS too much and overlooked VA.
By Spanky
October 27, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Saying any QB “proved” they are the best is ludicrous and just poor journalism. Stafford is good. McCoy is good. Right now McCoy’s resume looks a heck of a lot better.
PS - take an objective look at Penn State and Alabama’s schedules. A real good look. Alabama’s really isn’t any better when you take off the SEC colored glasses.
By KR
October 27, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Too much has been made of the celebration from both sides. It’s now time to let it fade away…
That was the best game I’ve seen Stafford play, but I’m not ready to call him the best in college football. It could have been a one-time deal. Let’s see how he finishes up the season.
In my opinion, Fulmer’s expression was exactly the same as Chan Gailey’s during last year’s UGA-GT game and Houston Nutt’s during his last game at Arkansas. I’m certain that they already knew it was their last game as coach. I’m thinking Fulmer already knows it’s his last season.
With a third of the season to go, I’m not really thinking too much about who goes to the BCS trophy game. There is still a lot of football to be played and it could be that no one is undefeated at the end of the season.
I’m not sure that Shaw would have done any better than Nesbitt.
By Max Sizemore
October 27, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
After reviewing the Georgia tape, I think: 1. Somebody needs to do a story on Shaun Chapas. He’s playing so well that he’s still sharing time with Southerland. 2. Cordy Glenn has really improved, and so has Chris Davis. Justin Anderson still has work to do. Boling will be a high draft pick in a couple of years. 3. Teams picked on Evans, and when he was replaced by Cuff, LSU went after him. Georgia needs another DB. 4. Yes, Tony, Stafford’s check-offs and his arm are why he’ll be the highest-rated QB whenever he comes out. Several big plays, including the pass to Aron White, were a result of his checks. Also the TD to Green. 5. The KO coverage team needs to improve. 6. Whenever Georgia rushes three, something bad happens.
By BCS Champs Again
October 27, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Would have to agree with you Stafford assessment…great arm..cool under pressure…makes the right reads and finds the open recievers….Colt, Harrell etc..might have better numbers, but when it is said and done Stafford will be the best Pro QB of the bunch by far….my hope is that it will be next year…
By C-No
October 27, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Spanky are you kidding me? Who will Penn State play this year besided Ohio St? Alabama has already played a very good UGA team and they will play LSU in a couple of weeks and will have to play Fla or UGA again in the championship game. There is absolutely no comparison. Just face it, the Big Ten is absolutely mediocre. They are probably the 5th or 6th best conference right now.
By SecIsFootball
October 27, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Spanky…not disrespect to Penn State at all, but if BAMA wins out, they will have won road games at UGA, UT, LSU and the SEC against UGA or UF. That is FAR more impressive than PSU’s win over OSU and the rest of the lame big 10 schedule they play. If BAMA wins, out, PSU is left out!
By Dr. Morpheus
October 27, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Excellent column, Tony. Georgia definitely needs to play the cool angle against an emotionally charged pool of Gators. Too much to ask of our fans; but, Matt Stafford is the epitome of laid back. I hope “Coolhand” Mark reads your piece and generates a way to keep the team loose, confident and upbeat.
By T
October 27, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Come on Tony.. Stafford the best QB, you are letting your Dawg emotions get to you a bit this week arent you. I would take Tebow any day over Stafford, and I would take Colt any day over those two. Georgia is going to lose Saturday .. you guys are making too big a deal of beating an LSU team who hasnt beaten anybody this year, and is not a Top 25 team. Have you looked at who LSU has beaten this year? Georgia will lose Saturday by a minimum of 10 points
By Big Dawg
October 27, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Dawgs are gonna chicken kick the girly Gators.
Let the Big Dawg eat!!
By By The man that made ROSWELL ED famous
October 27, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Tony:
Stafford the best?
McCoy has beaten Ok, Mizzou and OSU on consecutive weeks and is something like 90-110 passing and Stafford proved it against a team that has now given up 50 twice and actually let AU score more than twice.
I think not!!
By Marc
October 27, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
We love Tony Barnhart but…you can’t say that ”Texas and Alabama are both better teams” than Penn State. I agree that their schedules are better, but until they play each other on the field, no one knows who’s better than who. Would this Penn State team beat Kentucky by just 3 points and Ole Miss by just 4 points at home. Probably would have been more convincing to tell you the truth. I do hope Joe Pa gets his chance to win one more title before he calls it quits, just so everyone can doubt his team’s place in the title game like they did in the 1983 Sugar Bowl and the 1987 Fiesta Bowl.
By saint nick
October 27, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Spanky,
Are you retarded???? One descent at best win against OSU doesn’t hold water!!! Bama wins close game and we suck, State squeeks by in a game that was a pain to watch, and now they get a free pass to the big game???? Have we not learned anything from these last 2 years? BIG 10 FOOTBALL IS OVERATED!!!!BIG 12 Football is ALL OFFENSE!!!!! Texas tech played Bama in the 05 Cotton bowl and was a top 5 scoring offense(sound familiar) they put up 10 POINTS!!!!!!!!IF BAMA OR FLA/UGA PLAYS FOR THE NC, THE SEC BRINGS IT HOME FOR THE 3rd YEAR IN A ROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!
By Torg
October 27, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
I love to watch Matt Stafford play. He reminds me a lot of John Elway as a player.
Florida is a really good team. I think UGA will whip ‘em.
Gosh I love watching Fulmer go down in flames. I hate Tennessee so bad, I pull for Florida one day a year.
Well, not all of us love Paterno. I’ve always hated the classless ba$tard. I want Bobby Bowden to retire with the win record, not that jackleg Paterno.
By Spanky is an Idioit
October 27, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Seriously?
Bama and Penn State’s schedule are equal throughout? Maybe I have my SEC glasses on but a trip to Baton Rouge to play LSU and a meeting in Atlanta with either UGA or UF.
Penn State has Iowa (5-3), Indiana (3-5) and a fairly good Michigan State team (although really, stop Ringer and they’ve got nothing else).
I’m not saying Alabama is better. I’m not saying They deserve to be #2 over Penn State. All I’m saying is a highly functioning retard can even see the difference in the 2 remaining schedules.
Have fun on the short yellow bus!
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
October 27, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
I thought one of the best plays of the game Saturday went completely unnoticed. The catch by AJ Green out of bounds was incredible.
Matthew Stafford can make all the throws and the uncanny resembles to John Elway in the way they run a team is remarkable. Each have a cannon for an arm, and if left unnoticed can hurt you with there legs. Stafford is the best Pro Style QB in the nation. Not even close.
By GAG ORDER ISSUED
October 27, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Tony,
Urban Meyer will never admit that what Richt and Company did was brilliant.
If it was such a bad idea, then why did Urban try to simulate the exact same celebration, only on the sideline.
Because that would take intestinal fortitude, and from the look on his face in last year’s game, he was not willing to match UGA’s intensity, with the necessary gravitas required.
Spanky-
You can be rest assured if an undefeated AL team beats a one-loss FL or GA team in the SEC championship game, Penn St.’s strength of schedule, will pale in comparison to AL’s quality and quantity of wins.
By gdawgsjp
October 27, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
I’m hoping all the talk of the celebration dance is over, cause all that was 2007. The 2008 version, I think the Dawgs should bring their HOBNAIL BOOT down to the cocktail party. Let Meyer gag on that. GO DAWGS.
By m
October 27, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
The sec SUCKS…PERIOD. auBARN, with that big bad sec defense, goes up to West Virginia and gets lit up like a Christmas tree…then (AS I TOLD YOU WOULD HAPPEN) the vandy commode-doors got beat by dook. I am going to laugh from now on about this one. The sec never needs to play out of conference because you get EXPOSED for the FRAUD CONFERENCE that you are. The sec is now 3-3 with the acc. HA HA HA. Ugag-lswho looked like an ARENA football game. Never use the term defense and the sec in the same sentence because there is NO defense in the sec. And to say that Penn St. wouldn’t deserve to be in the title game with Texas or alabammer is so ridiculous that it appears you may be using the same drugs that Rush Limbaugh does. The sec is without a doubt the most OVERRATED conference in history (Sagarin now has the sec as the 4th rated conference) and weeks like this week make you sec homers look like fools. And, as always, Thank God and Greyhound that the sec of coaches, Chan Gailey, is GONE FOREVER!!
By JB
October 27, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I’m worried this week after seeing an AVERAGE LSU Offense put up 500 yards on us. UF has more speed, more play makers, much better QB. I know we can score on the Gators, but can we slow THEM down AT ALL.
By epb
October 27, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
ANYONE KNOW IF THE GA LSU HAVE IS GOING TO BE RPLAYED THIS WEEK? WHEN AND NETWORK — ALL I CAN GET ON MY CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDOUT DUSH NETWORK SCHEDULE IS “TEAMS TBA”….
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
By Sick of ESPN
October 27, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Hey Tony, When is someone going to call out the “Worldwide Leader” for fronting for the Big 12 and Big 10. Heck, they wouldn’t even show the Ga. LSU game stats on the crawl during the PSU/OSU game. They sure showed Texas’ and Texas Techs’ stats-hint Where will GameDay be next week? Oh yea, Lubbock.
By Don
October 27, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
It is hard to compare Stafford to some of the Big 12 QB’s out there but it is nice to watch a college QB that does not have to look to the sideline to figure out what play to check into. I can’t stand seeing the entire offense stand up and look to the sideline when the play is changed at the line of scrimmage. I see this done all to often by so called good/great QB’s. Stafford did a great job all day long against LSU. One of his best performances so far.
GT needs to pick a QB and stay with him. Paul Johnson needs to pick the one that is the better fit with his offensive game plan and deal with the growing pains as it will pay off down the road. With that said that is one of the things that has surprised the most about Steve Spurrier at South Carolina. I’m not sure that he has a solid starting QB for a full season while he has coached there. Looks like he is going with Garcia now but will that change as soon as Garcia has a bad quarter, half or game? Seems to be that consistent play at QB has been the glaring weakness on all of the teams he has coached at USC. Who would have ever thought that the QB position on a Steve Spurrier coached team would be the weakest link?
Dawgs should just be cool this week and smash Florida at the beginning of the game like Alabama did to Georgia. I wonder how many personal fouls will be called in this game!
Go Dawgs!!!
By steve
October 27, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
We need Gary Danialson as one of UGAs coaches.He called almost every play before we did it.
By Alex A.
October 27, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Stafford is the best QB??? Maybe the best pro prospect, but Colt McCoy is havig the best year…BY FAR And Im a Rutgers (and a Big East) fan, so no bias here.
By Alex A.
October 27, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Stafford is the best QB??? Maybe the best pro prospect, but Colt McCoy is havig the best year…BY FAR And Im a Rutgers (and a Big East) fan, so no bias here.
By jumbo
October 27, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Dawgs for their big win Saturday. I thought we would go about 9-3 this year as we lost too many players and we are just not the same team. Contrary to what another poster said LSU is a top 25 team. Yes we have not beaten a top 25 club but we’ve only played 2 and I predicted before the season we would lose to Fl and UGa.
The game in Jax should be a great game and I am looking forward to watching it. Good luck to both teams.
Geaux Tigers!
By Trailways
October 27, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
m: How many of those SEC-acc games were between the elite of either conference? Alabama-Clemson and Florida-Miami. How did those go? All others have been amongst bottomfeeders, and proved nothing. Florida (FSU), Georgia (insects), SC (Clemmons) and Vandy (Wake) will make it 7-4 at worst before the regular season ends. THEN the SEC-acc bowl matchups put the acc in a further slide.
By George
October 27, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
BAMA with a tough schedule????????????? HA yea tulane, western kentucky and arkansas st. And the game against clemson now looks awful because they are one of the worst teams in the ACC. Please the tides schedule is no harder than Auburn’s in 2004.
By shane#1
October 27, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
1- That was last year and even Urban had to let it go after Ole Miss came to town. UGA has already moved on. 2- I am not sure I would rate Matthew over Colt. Different systems and different conferences, how in the hell do You compare them? It’s like when people compare Tebow and Stafford. Could Stafford run UF’s team with his running ability? Does Tebow have the deep ball? Could he operate in UGA’s system? Good coaches adapt their O to fit their QB. Texas, UGA, and UF are all well coached, their programs are designed to bring out their QBs strengths and minimize their weak points. I will say this, this is Stafford’s UGA team, the game will depend on Stafford’s play. 3- Phil should step down after the season and make as graceful an exit as possible. Fulmer could take a posistion in the athletic department at UT. He should be fired only as a last resort. The man brought a lot of success to the Vols and should remain there untill he retires. 4- There is no way JoePa gets left out if they are undefeated. There are too many voters in the North and Mid-West and the media will really push for Penn State. Like You said Tony, it’s too good as a story line. I believe that a one loss SEC champion or Big 12 Champ would be a better team, but the BCS is not about the better team. 5- True to a point Tony, but an offense that runs the QB on many designed plays should have the back up sharp and ready to play. Limited plays in garbage time do not keep a QB sharp. I used to believe that a team that played two quarterbacks didn’t have a quarterback. I have changed My mind on that. If you have two good QBs, play’em!
By jabster
October 27, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
TDone wrote:
“The most popular person on an y football team is the backup quarterback. “
You said a mouthful, there. 100% correct.
I don’t think that GT was looking ahead so much as they got outsized and outplayed on the line, plus the turnovers happened at the worst possible time—one at midfield gave UVA a score and the others were in their red zone (heck—inside the 10, IIRC), causing us to leave 14 points on the field. Our secondary also kept getting fried.
Where the heck does UVA gets these linemen…especially considering that (I assume) these are VT’s leftovers?
UGA can win it all but first they have to win out INCLUDING win a rematch with Bama in the Dome. If they can do THAT, they will deserve a spot in the BCSCG. One more loss and they’re done.
By Marc
October 27, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Hey :Sick of ESPN”…
FYI, here are the College GameDay stops so far this year:
Atlanta (Bama/Clemson) Gainesville (Miami/Florida) LA (tOSU/USC) Auburn (LSU/Auburn) Athens (Bama/UGA) Nashville (Auburn/Vandy) Dallas (OU/Texas) Austin (Mizzou/Texas) Columbus (PSU/tOSU) Lubbock (Texas/Texas Tech)
By conference they’ve visited:
SEC 5 times Big 12 3 times Big Ten Once ACC Once (ATL) Pac Ten Once
And your point “Sick of ESPN”???
By Will
October 27, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Big Tone,
“I told ya so”. That’s all I’m going to say about my UGA prediction. If you’ll remember I picked a fairly easy 17 or 20 point victory and would have hit it if CWM had not told his team to start playing touch football in the 4th quarter.
Anyways, The LSU game has set up one of the biggest cocktail games in recent memory. I scouted Fla sat afternoon and they are really playing well. The 2 freshman rb’s look unstoppable. I don’t know what were going to do there. Anyways, I’m not going to give you my prediction yet, I’ll wait until later on in the week. I know you’ll be waiting.
By Matt
October 27, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Saint Nick and Spanky is an Idiot, you guys might want to run a little spell-check before you start calling people names insulting their intelligence. Didn’t we learn anything from the last few years? Talking about all this in October is stupid — because Alabama and Texas likely won’t win out and the discussion will be pointless in a few weeks.
By AlphaDog
October 27, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Lowcountry Dawg I Totally agree with AJ’s catch out of bounds. Stafford is the best Pro Style QB in the nation, he has the total package. Not just an accurate arm against lesser defensive talent(ie. Colt McCoy). And Moreno is the best TB in the nation hands down, no arguement. He may not have the top end-speed, but he has the vision, balance, and inital burst to make every play a big play. He doesn’t have the numbers of a Ringer, but look at the caliber of defensives he’s played compared to everyone else. Oh! and he his years ahead of any other back in CFB in terms of blocking and picking up the blizt.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
October 27, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
What a dark, dreary weekend. GT and the Falcons lose and UGAg wins.
I see where the ACC is now tied 3-3 with the greatest conference in the history of college athletics…someone please explain?
Looks like our bottom feeder Duke, bet your mid-level Vanderbilt over the weekend.
It’s tough being in a conference like the ACC that keeps beating up on each other.
By Jack
October 27, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
I am amazed by the debate on Stafford. The guy is 24 - 5 as a starter and has NEVER had an offensive line. Mark Richt has coached more great QB’s than anyone in college football and he marvels at Stafford’s play. Pro scouts can’t wait to get their hands on this guy but all the smarty’s who watch GA football are disappointed in his play. You want disappointed, wait till next year when Stafford is wearing a headset in NFL and one of our punt returners is playing QB. Much like Ole Miss fans who wanted Eli to go pro after his Jr. year so heir apparent Michael Spurlock could take them to the next level. What a joke.
By Micah
October 27, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Tony, it’s obvious that the Big 12’s QB’s are on top this year just like the Big 12 Conference is on top this year. I know you are appealing to the “base”, but a little objectivity would be great. I guess we would expect nothing less of an SEC guy than to say that an SEC QB is the best in the country when EVERYTHING statistical says he isn’t.
Let’s face facts, it will be harder to earn first-team, All-Big 12 at QB than it will be to win the Heisman Trophy.
By dawg92
October 27, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Texas and/or Alabama will probably lose. If that happens, does anyone outside of happy valley think an undefeated PSU team is better than a 1 loss TX, AL, FLA, GA, OK, or USC team? Looks like we’re heading for another big ten prime time beat down.
By Red Elephant
October 27, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Dawgs on a fine win! LSU, Tenn and Auburn going down in the same week….the football God’s are smiling!!! Roll Tide!
By steve
October 27, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Tim Tebow has the 11th best passing efficiency record in college football while Stafford has the 23rd best record and yet you say Stafford is better. You’re not a homer are you?
By Bamafan
October 27, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
It was fun to beat the vols and to watch Fulmer coach his last Bama/UT game. So who will coach the vols next year? A lot of college coaches would love to coach at UT and in the SEC!! Tony, want does Doug Matthews say about Fulmer’s last round up!! Back to the real story about the dawgs and gators game!! I hope the dawgs win and beat the gators real bad, but the gators will just out score the dawgs 45-41!! I picked a bad time to go on vacation next week and will miss the game in Jacksonville!! ROLL TIDE BABY!!
By NJ
October 27, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I’m a longtime Penn State fan now living in the South - so I certainly have a bias. However, there’s no doubt that both Texas and Alabama deserve to be 1-2 in the BCS if all 3 teams go undefeated.
I don’t want to see another JoePa team go undefeated without a shot at the national championship, but anyone who complains about a Texas-Alabama BCS Championship-if they all go undefeated-is doing so with their heart and not with their head.
OSU’s last 2 performances in the BCS championship is going to haunt PSU this year if this scenario plays out, but I don’t think there’s even a debate when you look at the strength of schedule and conferences this year.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
October 27, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Yeah Steve, keep bringing up those pass efficiency numbers. Good stat. I guess all the Pro Scouts are complete idiots. Good job, maybe the 49ers,Chiefs or Lions will contact you about director of scouting since that pass efficiency number is important to you. They all are going to be in the market for a Quarterback. You then can bring in that QB with the “Higher Passing Efficiency”. Good grief!
By steve
October 27, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Hi Lowcountry, little comprehension problem? Tony B. said Stafford was the best COLLEGE QB. - not pro QB. In the college game Tim Tebow’s #’s are superior to Stafford’s both last year and this year. I think Stafford will make a good pro QB. I’m not sure about Tim. But as far as college QB’s are concerned Tim has been better to date. We’ll see what happens Saturday.
By murfdawg
October 27, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Note to Urban Meyer:
You should gag yourself and shut up about the celebration. Did you forget that you tied the game three plays later after we kicked off from the 7. Then the mighty gators actually went ahead 17-14 with 7:11 left in the second quarter. You had 2 and 1/2 quarters to hold on to the lead and stop any further celebration. You couldn’t do it and you got your whiny a$$ kicked. But it wasn’t your fault. The big bad Dawgs hurt your feelings. I am glad you are still whining about it, your players are still whining about it and your fans are still whining about it. Have fun Saturday and NO WHINING!!!!!!
By Rabbit
October 27, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
JB—-You need to be worried some more.Worry about things you can control not things you can’t.Another loss for GA.
By Marc
October 27, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Has anyone on this thread who is calling for another “Big Ten Beatdown” should PSU reach the BCS title game actually watched PSU play this year beyond this past Saturday night? Penn State is one of the most complete teams on all sides of the ball in the nation. To call for another “beatdown” based solely on what OSU has done in the previous two title games is both shallow and ignorant reasoning. Then again, in following the SEC and its fans closely for the past 20 years, I shouldn’t be surprised.
Are the Top 3 teams where they should be ranked right now, yes. But don’t go saying that Texas or Bama (or any other school) would beat down PSU if they played. Texas would probably have the upper hand, but as for Bama, I think PSU is the better team right now.
BTW, Penn State held tOSU to its lowest total at home in 26 years. Just thought I’d throw that one in.
By Gator Nation
October 27, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Best Quarterback
The college QB having the best year to date is Colt Mccoy, end of story. Big game wins, leadership, passing percentage, ability to run and/or avoid the sack, he has shown it all.
Tebow or Stafford is a great debate that may or may not be setteled next weekend.
The Celebration
The celebration was a great move by Richt. I, for one, am not mad about it. If I were in his shoes (1-5 against Florida at the time) I would have tried something to change the mentality of my team as well. If my Gators are mad about it, then they need to whip some butt this season.
By Dr. Morpheus
October 27, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Questions: 1) How many of the smackdown artists on this blog will be sober enough to watch and remember the UGA-UF game? 2) What will be accomplished by all the conference comparisons and skewed takes prior to kickoff of the BCS Championship game on Jan 8, 2009? 3) If Phil gets phired, what happens to Phillip Phulmer Boulevard on the UT campus? 4) It’s great.. to be.. a Georgia Bulldog (that’s not a question- it’s a fact)!
By Spanky
October 27, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Seriously? SOS? Throw out the SEC Champ game for a minute (yes, I give Alabama a definite advantage if they get/win there). The rest of the matchups? In order of difficulty for each team:
PSU vs: Alabama vs: Ohio State (7-2) Georgia (7-1) Michigan St (7-2) LSU (5-2) Iowa (5-3) Auburn (4-4) Oregon St (4-3) Kentucky (5-3) Illinois (4-4) Ole Miss (4-4) Wisconsin (4-4) Miss St (3-5) Michigan (2-6) Tennessee (3-5) Purdue (2-6) Clemson (3-4) Temple (3-5) Arkansas (3-5) Indiana (3-5) Arkansas St (4-3) Syracuse (1-6) Tulane (2-5) Coastal Carolina W Kentucky (2-6)
I really don’t see a lot to crow about on the Alabama side with respect to ‘strength’ of schedule. The top two teams on each side are about equal (yeah, stop Ringer or Scott on either side, both teams are one dimensional). The rest are crap (though credit for slogging through 10 games of crap and winning them all would be due, that’s still not easy… ask Florida).
By tuckerDawg
October 27, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
lowcountry bulldawg, I completely agree!! that catch Green made was unhuman-like! my buddies didnt understand why i was freakin out when he made it until i did a rewind on tivo and its even crazier in slowmo! i couldnt be happier he is our future! go dawgs!! see you in Jax!! PS— i cant wait to rub this game in GATORCHOMPS face!! book it douche!!
By Mike
October 27, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Trailways (I guess you take the bus alot, eh?)…the SEC wwins were hardly against good ACC teams. Clemson (in case you missed it) is 1-3 in the ACC, while Miami is 2-2…neither has a winning ACC record or would be considered a marque team. Your other win was over N C Stae (which has yet to beat an ACC team). Vandy on the other hand has a winning SEC record, but they lost to an ACC team.
The SEC has three good teams, that’s it. Show some intelligence, would ya?
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
October 27, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Again its about efficiency? How about in the W column. What is Tebow’s record? How about Stafford. Talk stats all you want because we know Tebow is the king of the one yard touchdown run. He based his Heisman campaign on it. Stafford is 25-5 while only having one 300 yard game. He doesn’t get caught up in those crazy stats that the spread generates. Again, thanks for playing. Good day.
By GT45
October 27, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Congrats to leghumpers. I felt like you were going to win-better man up this weekend, though. Staford is a great QB, no doubt. But I don’t think he has ever really been pressured-a good word out to his O line. Tech will be just fine-with Nesbitt. He is young and really doesn’t have a lot of blocking to help him out. They are all young but one. I think any of the top three SEC teams would beat our best ACC team on any given day, right now. But that is certain to change-maybe next year.
By The J. O.
October 27, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
You are correct,sir. Matt Stafford is most certainly the best quarterback in college football and the ‘good news’ is, if he goes to the professional ranks after this year, I don’t think GEORGIA will skip a beat with Joe Cox stepping in??
Prediction: Georgia....38 Flori-dah...28By SEC dilusional
October 27, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
As a Penn State fan, I have no doubt that if Texas, Bama and Penn State go undefeated, Texas will play Bama in the NC game. It would be a tough break for PSU, but understandable. However, no one is going to convince me that Penn State would suffer a “beat down” by the hands of Alabama. I would give Texas about an 80% chance of beating Penn State, but Bama hasn’t impressed me. So they beat Georgia. Whoopie! The rest of their schedule SO FAR has been pretty weak..or at least as “weak” as Penn State’s. Bama does get a boost by playing LSU on the road and possibly an SEC Championship game…win out and I’ll congratulate the Tide on making it to the NC game. But if Texas happens to stumble and Bama meets Penn State in the NC game, you better learn to play 4 quarters Bama. If you do, the score will probably be 6-3. Both defenses are top of the line. If they don’t, Penn State would hand Bama it’s worst loss in its bowl history. Not even the ghost of Bear Bryant would save you then.
By ESPN Drone
October 27, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Colt McCoy is the best quarterback in the nation because ESPN said so. End of discussion.
The Big 10 is relevant because ESPN talks about them alot and shows all of their games. Now way Penn State gets left out of the BCS title game because, as college football whiz Kirk Herbstreit pointed out, they’ve got Joe Pa and nobody else does. I mean look at this objectively folks. That argument is as solid as a rock. Sorry Bama.
The Big 12 is the best conference because their offensive highlights make for good TV. Good TV = Good football. Duh.
USC is an absolutely unstoppable powerhouse of a football team, unless of course they don’t want to win the game and let the other team win. They showed alot of grit, poise, (insert cliched adjective here), and leadership in holding off Arizona on the road. That might be the most impressive road win of the season.
There are reports that Georgia and Florida will be playing a football game this weekend.
But getting back to the Big 12, is Colt McCoy a great quarterback or the greatest quarterback? Be sure to go online at ESPN.com and vote.
By Come on
October 27, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
That does it. Your assinine statements about Stafford are too much. To claim him the best QB in football is simply riduculous. I notice your sheepish backdoor way out…Stafford could come back and struggle this Saturday in Jacksonville.
Hey whatever happened to Sports Plus…you know the subscription service where we would pay to see what you idiots write….Yeah, that’s right it was dissolved in 2005. Gee, I wonder why.
By Credit Penn State
October 27, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Say what you will about Penn State, but you have to at least thank them for keeping Ohio State away from another NC game. The way the “experts” were talking, Ohio State somehow still had an outside chance if they had beaten Penn State. I didn’t see it, but none the less, it definitely won’t happen now.
By m
October 27, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
What is the over and under point total for the ugag/florida game….100 points or more??? Since there is NO defense in the weak sec, it will probably look like an Arena football league game. It is funny how you sec homers/gomers are so inbred and love your weak arse conference so much. The statement most often made in support of the sec is “My cuzzin is purtier than yore cuzzin!! Just make sure you sec teams keep playing each other because it is downright embarassing watching the sec get the living crap beat out of them every time they venture of their weak little conference to play a game.
By dj
October 27, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Tony,
There is this kid that plays at Texas who is completing 80% of his passes. That’s higher then most UGA’s players grades. That’s the best QB.
By Dr. Morpheus
October 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Can’t resist one more: If PSU wins out and one other top team is undefeated (TX, TT, or Bama), of course the Nitty Kitties get their shot in the BCS. All they have to do is play the other side close and the argument about the Big 10 is finished business. But they had better not get waxed or poll voters will start to treat the Big 10 like the Mountain West. All storybooks do not have happy valley endings.
By Coz109
October 27, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
To “m”: Where were you yesterday? You probably had your head in the sand after your pathetic entry on the Tech blog. Go ask Clemson, Miami, and NC State about SEC defenses. If the SEC is so weak, how did they manage to win 4 BCS championships. I don’t guess someone who pulls for a conference who is 1-9 in BCS bowls and hasn’t even played for anything close to a championship in almost a decade would know. Maybe when your conference has team even close to the top 10, your comments would be a little less ignorant. But, I doubt it.
P.S. **Don’t look now, but even people on your own blog think you are an “Idiot”
By FLA DAWG
October 27, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Bingo Tony!
Let The Gators get over - juiced and incur penalties this time.
If The Dawgs stay cool and go to work - The Dawgs Win.
Dawgs by 7 - 10 points.
UNCHAIN THE YARD DAWGS !!!!!!!!
By Got 12?
October 27, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Stafford may have the best pro toolset (I’m not an NFL scout so I don’t know) but he’s not the best college qb. With a rookie salary cap looming for 2010, he will leave UGA early.
Congrats on the big win, Dawgs! And thank you for the breathing room (which hopefully we will not need anyway). How bad is LSU’s defense?!
Regarding this weekend, I would rather that Florida win and make it to Atlanta. On the national scene, it would look a lot better for us to beat Florida/Tebow/Meyer in the SECCG than to beat Georgia again.
By FLA DAWG
October 27, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Hey “m”,
Since last season The Dawgs have played; Oklahoma State 35-14 Dawg Win. GT 31-17 Dawg Win. Hawaii 41-10 Dawg Win. Arizona State 27-10 Dawg Win.
I must admit Hawaii was the best high school team we played……….and they were the undefeated WAC Champions last season.
By Jesse
October 27, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Dawg fans tickle me. When Mark Richt pulled his endzone shennanighans the Bulldawg nation was gleeful. Now that most other fans and media see it as junior high stunt (also see the blackout stunt that will forever be the dumbest move by a college coach/players) the Georgia Bulldogs are getting all-defensive. Ha Ha what a genious your Coach Mark Richt isn’t.
Florida big this week as Stafford gets rocked. Fla 38 Georgia 13
By Jesse
October 27, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Dawg fans tickle me. When Mark Richt pulled his endzone shennanighans the Bulldawg nation was gleeful. Now that most other fans and media see it as junior high stunt (also see the blackout stunt that will forever be the dumbest move by a college coach/players) the Georgia Bulldogs are getting all-defensive. Ha Ha what a genious your Coach Mark Richt isn’t.
Florida big this week as Stafford gets rocked. Fla 38 Georgia 13
By Jesse
October 27, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Dawg fans tickle me. When Mark Richt pulled his endzone shennanighans the Bulldawg nation was gleeful. Now that most other fans and media see it as junior high stunt (also see the blackout stunt that will forever be the dumbest move by a college coach/players) the Georgia Bulldogs are getting all-defensive. Ha Ha what a genious your Coach Mark Richt isn’t.
Florida big this week as Stafford gets rocked. Fla 38 Georgia 13
By T-Bone
October 27, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Tony,
— Fl may not be cool, but they are hot. I don’t see the dawgs beating them, but it will be a close, hard fought game.
—I agree with some of the other posts. Stafford is good, but McCoy is better. Stafford has led his team to one victory of any significance, LSU, and even LSU is proving not to be all that dangerous.
—It’s hard to see poor old Phil go through this, and it’s hard to believe that 6-6 or even 7-5 will be acceptable. Of course he has kicked the dawgs butt pretty good.
—It still wouldn’t surprise me to see a Bama-Penn State NC game. TX continues to have a murderous schedule, and they might not make it through unscathed. Then again, Bama could get beat in the SEC Championship game, and we could get a TX-Penn State game. Or if they both lose, we could get a Penn State-USC game.
—I still believe in Paul Johnson. Maybe I’ve drunk the Kool-Aid. Personally I think that Jaybo runs the offense better, but Josh is a better athlete. He’s like having a running back at QB. Tech wins that game if he doesn’t fumble. And he will get better under PJ’s tutelage.
Thanks, Tony. Nothing better than college football!
By 82DAWG
October 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Now Jesse, crawl back under your rock.
By Thrasher_Ed
October 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
EdDawg, Folks, it’s time to face the facts. Last years incident might impact this years GaFL game for maybe pre_game warmups. Florida’s anger if that’s what you wish to call it should be put to the side. Shear emotion will not last a full game no matter what the event that inspired it. Florida will play into Georgia’s hands if they harp on the play from last year and get embarrassed even worse the they did last year. You play this year’s game. No amount of desire can change the outcome of last years Georgia victory.
By Thrasher_Ed
October 27, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
EdDawg, Folks, it’s time to face the facts. Last years incident might impact this years GaFL game for maybe pre_game warmups. Florida’s anger if that’s what you wish to call it should be put to the side. Shear emotion will not last a full game no matter what the event that inspired it. Florida will play into Georgia’s hands if they harp on the play from last year and get embarrassed even worse the they did last year. You play this year’s game. No amount of desire can change the outcome of last years Georgia victory.
By Thrasher_Ed
October 27, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
EdDawg, Folks, it’s time to face the facts. Last years incident might impact this years GaFL game for maybe pre_game warmups. Florida’s anger if that’s what you wish to call it should be put to the side. Shear emotion will not last a full game no matter what the event that inspired it. Florida will play into Georgia’s hands if they harp on the play from last year and get embarrassed even worse the they did last year. You play this year’s game. No amount of desire can change the outcome of last years Georgia victory.
By Jason
October 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Gators show up in Jacksonville and hit HIT GEORGIA IN THE MOUTH like Bama did in Athens you’ve got ‘em under your thumb. Dawgs are more interested in sophmoric stunts going back in the 1980’s. When you rarely compete for National Championships you need high school stunts for motivation.
Georgia will always be the Michigan State of the south. Florida gets physical and wins easily after Stafford is injured 46-14.
By Jason
October 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Gators show up in Jacksonville and hit HIT GEORGIA IN THE MOUTH like Bama did in Athens you’ve got ‘em under your thumb. Dawgs are more interested in sophmoric stunts going back in the 1980’s. When you rarely compete for National Championships you need high school stunts for motivation.
Georgia will always be the Michigan State of the south. Florida gets physical and wins easily after Stafford is injured 46-14.
By Kendawg
October 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Anyone who compares statistics between McCoy and Stafford is not playing with a full deck. Anyone who knows anything about college football knows UGA runs a fairly balanced offense with the run coming first. It’s all about winning games, not putting up stats for individual players. McCoy may complete 80% of his passes in the Big 12, where they play pathetic defense, but he would never do that in the SEC. Stafford will be the first QB taken whenever he enters the pro draft. Want to bet on it? I, for one, am glad that he’s in Athens. I hope he stays for his senior year, but, with the salary cap that is going to be installed, it may not happen.
By Tony Bonehead
October 27, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Matthew Stafford is the best quarterback in college football: ???
It’s bonehead sh!t like this that remind me your a blogger not a journalist.
I think his a good quarterback, but he’s like #25 in NCAA Passing Efficiency. He isn’t even in the top 5, maybe he’s a top 10 probably more like 15.
By hold em
October 27, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Kendawg, The SEC is very weak this year, just a heads up since you haven’t been paying attention obviously
By BeBe KID
October 27, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Florida will blitz Stafford from all over the field pressuring him into interceptions. Florida will block at least one punt for a TD. Brandon James takes one all the way. The Gators have too much offense for The Dawgs!
By Warrior Of Words
October 27, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Uh, who is Florida going to hit Georgia in the mouth with like Bama did? Jeffrey Demps? LOL. The dude might weigh 180 pounds soaking wet. Chris Rainey? The world’s fastest midget has been very impressive against the sisters of the poor of the SEC, but Georgia is a bit of a different animal. These two guys might blow away if the wind picks up on Saturday. I’m sure the Georgia defense is shaking in its boots over these bruisers.
Florida is a soft team that has gotten to this point in the season on a soft schedule. Look at who they have played. LSU is the only team even worth batting an eye at, and we saw what Georgia did to them. The only time Florida faced any adversity this year against Ole Miss they folded like a tent. Georgia is a much more grizzled and tested team and it will show this Saturday. The Gators will be going for the knockout punch and when they see that Georgia won’t back down the game will be over, much like last year. End of discussion.
By SECRULZ
October 27, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Stafford the best quarterback in the country???
I’m sorry, but that statement is ludicrous. He has all the talent in the world… but he has one good game and Tony is ready to crown him has college football’s best. Take a look at the stats.
He has a QB rating of 145.88 good for the 23rd best in the nation. He has thrown 5 interceptions to only 12 touchdowns. not the best ratio. Stafford has only completed 61 percent of his passes, good for 44th in the nation among starting quarterbacks.
It takes more than one good game against a bad defense to convince me someone is the best in the nation.
By Konrad
October 27, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Matt Stafford is ugly.
By charliedawg
October 27, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Mike -
Let’s look at the Peach Bowl line up for the past 8 years for a more comprehensive conference comparison - SEC vs ACC overall record:
4-4
Now the kicker, the Peach Bowl chooses the 2nd best ACC team and the 5th best SEC team.
Congratulations ACC, your 2nd best team matches up evenly with the SEC’s 5th best team.
Now call us when basketball season or women’s soccer season starts, whichever comes first.
By bull-gator
October 27, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Tebow is playing the QB position, but he’s obviously not your normal glamour boy golden armed QB. He’s a football player pure and simple. He’s a joy to watch because of his athleticism, desire, concentration, and sheer will to win. There won’t be another like him for a long, long time because nobody will recruit a player like him to be a big time college football QB. Stafford is going to make an excellent pro QB. Let’s enjoy both for their unique approach to the game. Saturday should be the best matchup of the year in the SEC.
By SECRULZ
October 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
It is a shame that UGA has had all these injuries… thats all i am going to hear about for a year after the gators kill the dogs… “Well if we hadn’t had so many injuries it would have been different.”
Here’s why the gators will beat UGA.
The Dogs seem to have been snake bitten this season with all the injuries along the offensive line. With that being the case, Knowshon will have a hard time this year in jacksonville. The gators held LSU’s Charles Scott to just 33 yards rushing. And the last time Knowshon faced a formidable rush defense, he was shut down.
UGA’s defensive Line I remember watching Chris Smelley sit back in the pocket and continue to have ample time to throw the entire second half against UGA. They got no pressure and that trend has continued as they are a mere 7th in the SEC in sacks recorded and are next to last in pass defense. The injury to Jeff Owens has effected this. Charles Scott ran right up the middle all day and gained a 144 yards.
Florida’s Secondary This has to be one of the most improved groups in the country. After being abysmal all last year the Gators have rebounded to 4th in the SEC in interceptions, 3rd in pass defense, and 1st in pass defense efficiency. They will keep coverage and buy time for the UGA line to crumble around Stafford.
Passion SImple. The Gators want it more. This year, it’s personal.
GO GATORS!
By Kendawg
October 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the SEC is weak enough for McCoy to complete 80% of his passes if he played an 8-game SEC schedule. Unfortunately, we’ll never know. The only thing we know for sure is that the Big 12 plays pathetic defense. I still say Stafford will be the first QB taken when he enters the pro draft.
By volume
October 27, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Fulmer is gone. UT is trying to buy him out so he can leave with style, but he is too stupid to take the deal. The guy won’t leave! (yet….)
By G8R GRAD
October 27, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
UGA’s 2nd loss comes this weekend, done. Alabama struggled against UK - UF destroyed them, done in December. Penn State beat a mediocre Ohio State 13 to 6! Gators play Texas in the BCS in January and show the Big 12 how a real defensive secondary plays!
GATOR BAIT, BABY!
By hold em
October 27, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Kendawg, We are talking about the same SEC right? You only have 3 average teams this year, and i will emphasize AVERAGE for you. UGA had a great defense in the BAMA game by the way, 31-0 at one point, HA, that’s some good defense
By Dan
October 27, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Florida had 3+ quarters to make Georgia “pay” in the game last year and couldn’t do it! Why do they think it will be any different this time? Maybe they’ll come out of the tunnel wearing their signature “denim” short uniforms to scare us!?
By voice of reason
October 27, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
(1) Georgia is cool, in a good way. CUM and co. will let emotions lead to defeat if UGA’s O-Line can handle uf like they handled LSU’s. Looks like they’re gelling (finally) as a unit. Georgia’s defensive ends didn’t have a bad day either. They, too, look like a MUCH improved group. (2) Of course I’m biased because of my love for UGA, but I agree that MS is the real deal. I mean, would any of you take anyone else over him if you were an NFL scout? If you have sense, the answer is no. (3) The loss of Cutcliffe was even tougher on UT than I thought it would be. That offense is awful and Fulmer will be lucky to finish the year out w/o being fired. (4) Everybody loves JoPa! No doubt about it and if the circumstances were right, I’d say let the guy go for it one more time before he goes out. But they aren’t right because the SEC champ, even with one loss, should play for the MNC due to the toughness of schedule. Oklahome shouldn’t even be mentioned anymore because they lost heads up to their biggest opponent when everyone knew the implications of that game and they play in the same division and will not get a chance at redemption in their conference championship game. OU doesn’t show up for bowl games anyway, typically. (5) I agree that you have to let your young qb gtake his lumps and get vital experience, but I’m just not sold on the triple option offense at this level. It will be like Michael Vick. Flash in the pan. Looks pretty good at first, then the league learns to defend it.
By G8R GRAD
October 27, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Tebow wins the Heisman for the second time!
GO GATORS!
By Kendawg's right
October 27, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Kendawg wrote: …”I still say Stafford will be the first QB taken when he enters the pro draft.”…
I agree he is the top QB prospect if he comes out this year, and should turn pro, but he isn’t the best college QB. There are 3 or 4 better.
He should go after this season. If he, and all the current Jr QB’s stay, he’ll lose spots in the draft. Players like Sanchez don’t have the experience now; next season could be a different story. Stafford has the best arm strength followed by Sanchez; when Sanchez gets experience in the pro style offence USC runs, he’ll look better and better to NFL scouts.
By RIMFNP
October 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Do you guys still feel the need to make something out of the End Zone Celebration. Must you be reminded that UF drove the field and scored 4 plays later. I am a UGA fan but let it go. I did as soon as Percy Harvin scored that touchdown. That’s what happens whe you give a great team fiedl position
By Mikey in the SAV
October 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Exactly what will Teebo win the heisman for ? His little one yard TD runs seem to be a thing of the past now.
GA will hit him and the gaytors in the mouth and weaklings that they are, they will fold.
By Matthew
October 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I wonder if all the Gator fans will disappear next week, just like the Tiger fans are no-show’s this week.
My guess is there will be some stupid enough to still show up, but maybe dressed up as Auburn fans.
And last I checked, it was the Florida Gators making excuses about injuries leading to losses.
Get ready for loss #2 booger-eaters.
By LawDawg
October 27, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Gayturd fans kill me…..cut off denim shorts, muscle shirts, beads, mullett cuts and the ugliest color combination in the entire college football nation must do something to the mind! Your defense STILL sucks….Sure, you can shut down Pansy U., but didn’t that offensive juggernaut, Ole Miss, put up over 30 against you? The Dawgs are peaking at the right time and The D has discovered a couple ends that put heat on the QB….Wait, Tebow just got sacked again! Have fun chasing Moreno after he gains about 175 on your D. That smoke and mirror offense will NOT have a hey day on us. Your team has to use our motivational ploy last year as a tool this year? How original. I can’t wait to see Cryer’s mouth agape with disbelief AGAIN and your lover boy Heblow fighting back tears AQGAIN in the post game conference! That was priceless last year. Maybe one of his boyfriends can settle him down after the loss with a hummer!
By Drew
October 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
“Texas and Alabama are both better teams.”
Alabama’s schedule is ranked 3 spots better than Penn State’s I believe and their best win will be against a Georgia team who will finish no better than 10-2 I believe…big s**. They also squeaked by a crap Kentucky team and had a few other close calls agasint mediocre teams…penn state killed all theirs.
Texas deserves #1 but Alabama has not shown anything Penn State hasn’t…PSU 2008 is not OSU 2006 or 2007.
By Vince
October 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Ga can be cool and all but better find some DEFENSE before Saturday or its going to be a long ride home.
By Len
October 27, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
My guess is Tebow it playing Arena football by 2011. His little fullback routine works OK against a 220 pound Miss State linebacker, but somehow I just don’t think it will be effective against Ray Lewis. BTW, both have 5 losses, but Stafford has 10 more starts.
By Pago Flyer
October 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
We agree, keep the DAWGS lose. Never did care for that guy up at PSU, his “demeaner” on the side line and with the news media…poor! And wasn’t that OSU/PSU game great!!? Big Ten football..
By John
October 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Did anyone see that the Gators are favored by 5 ½? I hope they can win by 40 points. The dogs have a sissy quarterback. Go Gators
By Moreno loves the Camera
October 27, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Hey guys watch Moreno if he gets in the endzone. He’s been close to a flagrant foul for posing after a TD.
Ariz St he did his “superman pose”. Last week in Baton Rouge he did the flex my arm pose while mimiking using a camera. I’ve been told the SEC officials are watching him closely and if he pulls a Terrell Owens stunt again Georgia will pay for it.
But this is based on him actually scoring Saturday. LOL. Look for Florida to pull away in the 2nd half and win BIG.
By Moreno loves the Camera
October 27, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Hey guys watch Moreno if he gets in the endzone. He’s been close to a flagrant foul for posing after a TD.
Ariz St he did his “superman pose”. Last week in Baton Rouge he did the flex my arm pose while mimiking using a camera. I’ve been told the SEC officials are watching him closely and if he pulls a Terrell Owens stunt again Georgia will pay for it.
But this is based on him actually scoring Saturday. LOL. Look for Florida to pull away in the 2nd half and win BIG.
By Moreno loves 188 yards against the paper Gators
October 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
LOL. He wasn’t mimiking using a camera you moron. He was mimiking the LSU fans that bombarded his cell phone with messages the week before the game. This has been well publicized. Please get a just one clue and stop embarassing yourself. Something tells me you me you might just be a tid bit full of **. There is nothing more sad that making things up on the internet. Nothing at all.
By GT
October 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
I think the Dawgs win this weekend again, if Missippippi can beat em why not Georgia? I think Auburn beats Alabama at the end of the season too, which kind of makes me mad because it opens the door for Penn State which is about the tenth team to deserve a shot, behind Georgia, USC, Alabama,Florida at least. It will take Tommy about that long to get his team in some kind of offense but they will be hard nosed which wins rivalry games, instead of that nervous stuff the spread brings. Big mistake only because he didn’t have the players for it, but they tell me all his commitments for next year are sticking and looking good. Georgia Tech will see a day where they are very much in the hunt. They have an offense that uses all the spare parts no one else wants and beats you with it. If they miss getting one player they get a one like him and keep moving. Johnson is their second top five draft choice in three years so maybe not all the parts are spare either.
By Moreno fan poors beer on TV analyst
October 27, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Hey you Georgia punk everyone but you saw the real truth about MooReno in the endzone. You people embarrassed the Univ of Ga when Bama came to town. Blackout turns to Blowout!!!! Rub your cheeks against that one pu-py dog. Obvious you never spent a day on any campus. What happened to MooReeNos preseason Heisman Campaign? LMAO!!!! Gators gonna chomp on that pu-py dawg in Jack-son-ville.
By Moreno fan poors beer on TV analyst
October 27, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Hey you Georgia punk everyone but you saw the real truth about MooReno in the endzone. You people embarrassed the Univ of Ga when Bama came to town. Blackout turns to Blowout!!!! Rub your cheeks against that one pu-py dog. Obvious you never spent a day on any campus. What happened to MooReeNos preseason Heisman Campaign? LMAO!!!! Gators gonna chomp on that pu-py dawg in Jack-son-ville.
By Moreno fan poors beer on TV analyst
October 27, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Hey you Georgia punk everyone but you saw the real truth about MooReno in the endzone. You people embarrassed the Univ of Ga when Bama came to town. Blackout turns to Blowout!!!! Rub your cheeks against that one pu-py dog. Obvious you never spent a day on any campus. What happened to MooReeNos preseason Heisman Campaign? LMAO!!!! Gators gonna chomp on that pu-py dawg in Jack-son-ville.
By Jeff08
October 27, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Alabama will not finish the season at #1 or #2. If they reach the SEC championship game, they will be beaten by either Florida or Georgia. If it’s Georgia, the fact that it’s a more significant win than Bama’s earlier win over Georgia will bump Bama down.
By Gator gonna bite that Dog
October 27, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
take away those two cheap TD’s LSU handed Jawga and it’s 38-38. That game was much closer than the final TD Jawga scored showed. Don’t worry pups-you won’t have a freshman QB giving you points in JAX. We gonna stomp the the dog crap outta you come Saturday when you play us in our second home stadium. We LOVE playing in Jacksonville, just a short bus ride from home!
By Gator gonna bite that Dog
October 27, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
take away those two cheap TD’s LSU handed Jawga and it’s 38-38. That game was much closer than the final TD Jawga scored showed. Don’t worry pups-you won’t have a freshman QB giving you points in JAX. We gonna stomp the the dog crap outta you come Saturday when you play us in our second home stadium. We LOVE playing in Jacksonville, just a short bus ride from home!
By Gator gonna bite that Dog
October 27, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
take away those two cheap TD’s LSU handed Jawga and it’s 38-38. That game was much closer than the final TD Jawga scored showed. Don’t worry pups-you won’t have a freshman QB giving you points in JAX. We gonna stomp the the dog crap outta you come Saturday when you play us in our second home stadium. We LOVE playing in Jacksonville, just a short bus ride from home!
By Mark "gimmick" Richt
October 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Nobody. I mean nobody loves a college gimmick like me. You think i used all of my bag of tricks when we “blacked out Athens” for the Alabama game? Heck no, I much smarter than you fans or media types. I’ve got another slick trick for the Gators this week.
I’ll be praised as the next Knute Rockne after i pull out my halloween tricks. My wife is having to keep me calm this week, she’s knows i get my rocks off on these gimmicks.
I called Ray Goff and shared it over giggles on the phone. Ray said go ahead, you da man Mark! Ye Haw boys, this Saturday you gonna see the gimmick that tops all gimmicks! Sick ‘em Dawgs.
By Mark "gimmick" Richt
October 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Nobody. I mean nobody loves a college gimmick like me. You think i used all of my bag of tricks when we “blacked out Athens” for the Alabama game? Heck no, I much smarter than you fans or media types. I’ve got another slick trick for the Gators this week.
I’ll be praised as the next Knute Rockne after i pull out my halloween tricks. My wife is having to keep me calm this week, she’s knows i get my rocks off on these gimmicks.
I called Ray Goff and shared it over giggles on the phone. Ray said go ahead, you da man Mark! Ye Haw boys, this Saturday you gonna see the gimmick that tops all gimmicks! Sick ‘em Dawgs.
By Mark "gimmick" Richt
October 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Nobody. I mean nobody loves a college gimmick like me. You think i used all of my bag of tricks when we “blacked out Athens” for the Alabama game? Heck no, I much smarter than you fans or media types. I’ve got another slick trick for the Gators this week.
I’ll be praised as the next Knute Rockne after i pull out my halloween tricks. My wife is having to keep me calm this week, she’s knows i get my rocks off on these gimmicks.
I called Ray Goff and shared it over giggles on the phone. Ray said go ahead, you da man Mark! Ye Haw boys, this Saturday you gonna see the gimmick that tops all gimmicks! Sick ‘em Dawgs.
By JBAMA
October 27, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
A few thoughts to think about this week…..
I have never been to much of a revenge guy, but this week Georgia better WATCH OUT! The display of unsportsman like conduct that happened at last years FL/GA game is gonna come back to CHOMP them in the rear.
I heard from a former Tennessee football player today ( I will keep his name secret for his protection) that there is NO WAY Phillip Fulmer has his job back next year. I also know that Mike Hamilton has been bouncing all over town talking to the MAJOR contributors and we ALL know what thats about. But I will say this about Phillip, he has taught me a lesson. He brought these problems on hisself. He built the expectations the Tennessee fans has, and now he is finding it hard to live up to those. I am not sure who Tennessee is going to bring in to replace Phillip, but he should understand that the guy he is replacing is being replaced because he could not keep pace with what he was GREAT at doing for years.
And Finally, I will meet you all in Georgia for the SEC championship game in Georgia, where it WILL be ALABAMA vs. FLORIDA, and when ALABAMA hands another shocking win to Florida in the state of GEORGIA there will be NO DOUBT that we will be in the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME vs TEXAS or PENN ST. which we will WIN.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND ROLL TIDE!!!!!
By Blaine Bishop
October 27, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Yet again more of the SEC is the best from Tony. Stafford’s “strong arm, game management, coolness under fire” looked real good when he got smoked at HOME by BAMA. Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy are a step above. At some point Tony you need to take off the SEC rose-tinted glasses……
By Bama
October 27, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Blaine I have to agree to an extent concerning Stafford. If Barnhart wants to promote is fellow alum as the best college QB you need to evaluate the whole season and not just his best game. When we played Georgia he looked nothing like he did in Baton Rouge. Mainly becuase his competition was better.
I love watching Stafford throw, as Herbstreit said today, it’s like he’s throwing a baseball his arm is so strong.
But Matt needs to have strong perfomances in JAX and Atlanta (if they make it) to convince national voters. But we in the SEC know how good of a QB number seven has become.
By BigNCDAWG
October 27, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Spurrier went 11-1 against the DAWGS because he had a gold mine of tallent. Yes he is a good coach, but without the tallent he’s just another coach. Fla. is the best recruiting state in the country.
By Dr. Morpheus
October 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
For the benefit of UGA fans who are worried about our defensive effort, Georgia has played Florida three times since WM took over as defensive coordinator in 2005. The scores were as follows: 14-10 Florida, 21-14 Florida, and 42-30 Georgia. That’s 35 total points for Florida in their wins. Our defensive game against UF last year was outstanding- Tebow’s booboo did not affect our rush- it affected his usefulness as a rusher. We’ve been blown out twice under WM, losing 51-33 to UT last year and the 41-30 loss to Bama this year. The only team WM has a losing record to is UF (1-2). Overall, UGA is 37-10 during this time (78.7% wins), 20-9 SEC (69.0%). The one non-SEC defeat under WM was West Virginia in the 2005 Sugar Bowl by 38-35. WM is undefeated against the PAC-10, Big-12, ACC (thanks, Jackets!) and assorted others.
By Mike T.
October 27, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Georgia will always be the Michigan State of the south
No Michigan State trails in the series to Michigan just like Florida trails in the series to Georgia.
By Mike T.
October 27, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Did anyone see that the Gators are favored by 5 ½? I hope they can win by 40 points. The dogs have a sissy quarterback. Go Gators
Yeah, what’s Tebow’s excuse gonna be this year? Yeast Infection?
By voice of reason
October 27, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
“the celebration was why we lost”, “tebow was hurt”…would any of you gator loving, excuse making crybabies like some cheese with that whine? Gator fans need to get over the spurrier era and realize that UGA is not going to lose to uf and CUM. Join reality. After we beat you Saturday, we win out including the rematch with Alabama and hope like hell Texas can lose to TT. That should put UGA playing PSU or TT for all the marbles. NO WAY does a one loss SEC team get passed over!
By Jesse T
October 27, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
How many other people would list Matt Stafford in the top 5 college QB’s (not prospect)? I get the fact he plays a different style than the video game QB’s in the B12 but Stafford will not be a finalist for any major QB award. He is a slightly above average college QB.
By UGASlobberknocker
October 27, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
I just wish Mark “gimmick” Richt had enough sense not to hit the post button three times. that and the assinine comments exposes him as just another Tech nerd who cant get a date.
By Football Guy
October 27, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
2 That the biggest pile of BLST you ever written in your column. McCoy is throwing at 84% comp rate, got the Heismanin the bag, and is leading the the #1 team. Tebow all ready has a Heisman, an NC, many college awards. and so many playmakers he can coast the entire year. Where was Staford against UA? WHere is the accuracy? And he checked down. BIG F**KING Deal! EVERY QB in the ENTIRE nation does that.
By Greg
October 28, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
To the “what if” Florida fans, UGA can play that game too. We’ve won 2 of the past 4 and would have CERTAINLY won in 2005 if DJ Shockley hadn’t gone down with an injury…we almost won with Joe T at qb. Even your glorious ‘06 national title team only won by a TD…and UGA turned it over 5 times.
By You Forgot
October 28, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
Greg,
That is just a moral victory. Do you think anyone remembers you lost by a touchdown over our SECOND BCS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
NO, but whatever makes you feel better Greg.
By Lee Curso
October 28, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Penn State will not win the National Championship
By Bulldawg Bill
October 28, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
“Cool” is great, but many times we’ve lost by staying cool. The whole point of the Celebration was EXCITEMENT!!!!!!And the results speak for themselves.Confident and excited would be more like it!!
By GATORSCHOMP
October 28, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Attention Dawg Nation
Enjoy your last week of relevance, before you’re sent back to SEC East obscurity with another beatdown by the Gator team that has owned you since the Dooley days. I know you all haven’t won a championship in anything in the last 25 years (except gymnastics), but please don’t get your hopes up this year either. UGA is a mediocre school and will always be a mediocre school. Your brief visit to the land of national significance is over. BTW, enjoy your QB and tailback, no-shine for one of their last remaining games - they’ll be gone to the NFL after your appearance in the CapitalOne bowl in Jan…
By Gators Win Big
October 28, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
This should be one for the ages. Florida will be the more motivated team. Georgia needs to play some stout defense to weather the early storm. They can seriously discourage the Gators by running the ball successfully. Florida better have a business-like attitude or it could end up like 2007.
My prediction: Florida is too good right now. Anyone who says, “They lost to Ole Miss” has not watched the Gators since that game. Florida makes statements on every first half drive and walks away with an easy, satisfying win. Florida 52-20
By Denver Dawg
October 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
If Penn State goes undefeated, they still shouldn’t get to play for the National Championship. Did you see that pathetic performance against Ohio State? What a joke.
By ohhhplease
October 28, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Stafford - best CFB QB? Please, not even top 10. Mr Collegefootball? More like Mr. GeorgiaHomer.
By Get a Clue
October 28, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Denver Dawg, the only SEC team that has any business looking at the NC game is Bama…possibly Georgia if they win out and Penn State loses. But if Penn State goes undefeated, they’re in and they would deserve it. It would be one thing if Florida lost a close game to Bama or Georgia or maybe even LSU…but to lose to OLE MISS??? AT HOME????….Too bad, so sad Gators. True champions don’t lose the games they’re supposed to win. LSU looks pathetic now….giving up over 100 points in two games. Bama’s your only shot….and unfortunately for you, that dream will die soon.
WE ARE PENN STATE!!!!
P.S. I’ll be sure to send you some oranges from Miami so you’ll have something to eat while watching the game on TV with the rest of the SEC.
By Spiders And Snakes
October 28, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
You could’ve rightly assessed Stafford as the top pro-prospect QB in college football. To declare him “the best quarterback in college football” is to declare yourself an ignoramus, and I’ll prove it by using your own arguments against you:
First, you refer to “the entire package that you’re looking for in a quarterback,” and then you proceed to define the elements of that package as “strong arm,” “game management” and “coolness under fire”. How about running ability? Wouldn’t that enter into a “complete package” somewhere? Again, remember that you defined this not as “best pro-prospect QB” but rather “best QB in college football.” Colt McCoy has run for 412 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. Stafford has run for 60 yards and 1 touchdown. I’m sorry, but that’s a few styrofoam-noodles short of a “complete package”.
Second, “strong arm” in and of itself does not make a quarterback great. Granted that Stafford has this, and probably more so than McCoy — and again, it makes him a better pro prospect — but where exactly does accuracey fit into your equation? The difference between 81% and 61$% is HUGE. It’s the same margin as would be the difference between someone completing 61% of their passes and someone completing 41%. Are you seriously suggesting a 41% passer should be rightly considered in the same league as Stafford?
Let’s move on to game management. You base your observations primarily on his performance at LSU being “the best game he’s played at Georgia,” which justifies arguing that he had the best game any QB in college football has had this year — a debatable point, for sure, but one you could make a case for. Again, though, it does nothing to support your “best QB in college football” assertion. Where was that game-management in the first half against Alabama? Great game-managers do it week-in and week-out. McCoy’s team is 8-0 — against slightly tougher competition, if you go by Sagarin’s strength-of-schedule rankings — and that is due in very large part to his game-management. Against 6th-ranked Oklahoma State he led his team on drives of 93, 91, 80, and 84 yards. How’s that for game management? A week before against Missouri, he had marches of 95, 92, 82 and 77 yards.
Finally, the more intangible “coolness under fire”. The Longhorns trailed then-#1 Oklahoma for most of the game, but McCoy was the definition of cool, calmly rallying his team time and time again until they ended up winning by 10 points in the end. Certainly Stafford was plenty cool under fire against LSU, but again, you weren’t making declarations about what a great game he had, you were declaring him the best QB in college football — and thus you must take into account whether he was cool under fire in the first half of the Alabama game, when his team went punt/punt/fumble/punt/intereception in the first half.
Be sensible. Retract your statement, or at least revise it. Matthew Stafford is the best pro-prospect quarterback in the game. His performance against LSU was probably as good as any college QB has played this year in a single game. But the best quarterback in college football, by far, is Colt McCoy.
By huh?
October 28, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Stafford checks down and he’s the best college quarterback? Dude, all quarterbacks check down. McCoy regularly hits his RB in the flat or Shipley in the slot, and at an %84 completion rate. What kind of nonsense is it to say Stafford’s the best because he checks down? As far as wins, McCoy has a .823 winning percentage, Stafford .833. As far as SEC defenses are concerned, Oklahoma’s defense give up as much yardage per play as Georgia. Ok State. gives up less per play than LSU, and McCoy did alright against those two teams. As far as being an NFL prospect…whoopty. How did that work out for Tim Couch, or Ryan Leaf, or Joey Harrington, or David Car, or (insert “pro-style” quarterback bust here). Stafford’s good. And will continue to improve, maybe one day be a great NFL quarterback…but “the best”? Right now that’s McCoy.
By Matt Burris
November 2, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
Stafford sure didn’t look like the best QB in the nation last night against Florida. Heck, he didn’t look like the best QB in the game, if you ask me.