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DEL.ICIO.USHas Matthew Stafford already made up his mind?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Athens — If it seems like the post-Florida, poll-sliding, second-tier-bowl level of doom is even more pronounced than usual at Georgia, maybe it’s because of this: The belief that the Matthew Stafford/Knowshon Moreno window is about to be nailed shut.
Seldom have two recruits at the highest-profile positions arrived with such high expectations. So imagine the scenario of both leaving without so much as playing in an SEC title game.
Stafford is trying not to think about that right now. But he understands why the issue is out there. He also said that anybody assuming that the three-and-out has long been the plan is mistaken.
“Those people are wrong,” he said Tuesday when asked of prevailing opinions that he already has decided to turn pro after the season. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I think I’ve done a pretty good job not thinking about it too much and worrying about it this season.”
When asked if the absence of at least a conference title is something that would pull him back for his senior season, Stafford: “Good question. I don’t know if I’ll feel that way or not. There’s still a lot of football to be played this year. It’s just one of a bunch of factors.”
He is 20 years old. Most of us can’t possibly relate. So few are in the position of making such a significant life-changing decision, at this age and on such a public stage.
It hasn’t been an easy year. Stafford is 24-6 as a starter. But the Bulldogs, who began the year with championship aspirations, now are viewed as second-tier bowl material. Stafford had three interceptions in an embarrassing loss to Florida. His touchdown-to-interception ratio of 12-8: not great.
Is it all Stafford’s fault? Of course not. But as the quarterback, he understands how this works. His high school team, Highland Park in Dallas, lost only three games during his tenure, but: “We lost in the first round of the playoffs in my junior year. That wasn’t very accepted.”
He seems unaffected by critics, even saying: “I guess they’re right — we haven’t played for the conference championship since I’ve been here.”
What does that mean to the NFL? Nothing.
NFL teams don’t critique quarterbacks the way cross-eyed fans do. Scouts see the whole package, the things that can’t be coached: arm strength, release, pocket awareness, escapabilty. They see interceptions and think, “We can fix that.”
Stafford will go high.
But if you were 20 and owned Athens, would you be in a hurry?
“It’s a job,” Stafford said of the NFL. “Do I want to live on my own now?
“I’m enjoying the experience here. It’s a good place to go to school and a good place to play. There’s a ton of things to think about. Whether or not you feel like there’s something else to prove. Whether or not you feel mature enough and ready to make that jump. Whether or not you want to get your degree right away or later.”
A more difficult decision than he thought?
“Yeah. Definitely. It will be extremely tough.”
Other underclassmen have delayed turning pro. The most extreme examples were members of Florida’s championship basketball team two years ago. Georgia coach Mark Richt once had former Bulldogs running back Robert Edwards talk to players about coming back to try to win a championship.
“When I was at Florida State, Warrick Dunn came back,” Richt said. “Even Chris Weinke, who had won a national championship, came back to try to win another.”
Some college athletes turn pro out of financial necessity. That isn’t an issue for Stafford. His parents are leaving the decision to him.
“When you go to a university, the plan is to go for four years,” said John Stafford, Matthew’s father. “I don’t think that plan has changed, but with the caveat that it’s something you have to look at.”
If Georgia wins out, Stafford will finish 28-6 as a starter. That may not be enough for some. But for what it’s worth, the NFL isn’t preoccupied with the Florida game. • More coverage: Matthew Stafford page
Permalink | Comments (123) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA/SEC
Comments
By Hairy Dawg
November 4, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Stafford’s judgment is the thing that is holding him back. For all the lauding and praise that CBS’s Gary Danielson may give him, Matthew Stafford is not a great surveyor of the football field. He also trusts his great arm too much. That has caused some lazy habits in his footwork. An NFL coach can work on that, but I don’t know how you teach a guy to see the field better. It’s up to him to put the work in during film study and apply it to game conditions. That’s why I can see Stafford coming back to school for his senior year. He’s more Kyle Boller than Matt Ryan right now.
Knowshon is a goner. He doesn’t need to get any better to be a first-round pick.
By The Big Bug
November 4, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Knowshow will be lucky to go in the 2nd round. Too slow Knowshow.He’ll never cut it in the Big League.”Take me out coach!”
By Whopper Dawg
November 4, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Both gone as the rookie salary cap will (could) hit in 2010. Gone, gone.
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 4, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
I’m no UGA fan, but Stafford is gonna be a very good NFL player. Like the guy above said his decision making is his one flaw, but there are plenty of gunslinger types like him who are succeeding or have succeeded in the NFL (Stafford reminds me a lot of Jay Cutler, who has been great this year).
As far as the decision to go to the NFL vs. stay in college: ask Matt Leinart how it turned out. If you can guarantee yourself a top 10 spot don’t blow it.
As for Knowshon, the guy above me is smoking some good sh-t. Knowshon is a lot like Marshawn Lynch to me, a guy who may not have great breakaway speed but who has the vision, hands, balance and power to be a complete back in the NFL. I would feel really comfortable taking him in the bottom half of the first round.
By Class of '98
November 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Stafford was a 5-star recruit, but I don’t recall Knowshon being any more highly recruited than Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin, Caleb King, etc.
Moreno was an excellent high school player, but so are a lot of guys.
A bit of revisionist history on your part, Jeff.
By Dawgs2008
November 4, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
What? There are more games to play? Coach martinez got a raise and an extenstion on his contract? Wake me when this nightmare season is over!!!
By Gene
November 4, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Whether Stafford goes pro or not will not affect team performance next year. Stafford is the best pro prospect since Fran Tarkenton, and he might do well in the pros after someone wipes that smirk off is face. Tebow is not going anywhere, and Alabama is on the way up, so the chances of Georgia playing for the conference championship next year are slim and none. Richt remains too much of a Miami/FSU product to rein in his problem children who will continue to underperform on the field and lead the country in criminal arrests and penalties. Moreno is a hot dog who won’t go very high in the draft and will probably end up playing for the Raiders. Georgia would be better off without him.
By Wally B.
November 4, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Stafford has a great arm but so did Jeff George.
By PI$$onaDAWG
November 4, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
FATT MATT go go go go you can be the next TALKING HEAD, E. Zier, D. POLLACK, or a clipboard QB like D. GREENE. You will never be FRAN the MAN TARKINGTAN. UGA the next QB U. hahah. UGA was Tailback U and now that has moved to 2nd String Tailback U. UGA doesn’t get out of their Tailbacks what they should like the NFL does. KNOW-SHOW take the check and find a COACH that can develope your talent. Fatt Matt TEXAS Sports Radio is waiting on you.
By RobC
November 4, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
I’m dying to see what Logan Gray can do (ignore Cox). He’s a game changer/breaker. For both Metzenberger and now Murray (after the injury), it looks like a redshirt year would do them some good (also remember Stafford’s freshman year… i.e. deer in the headlights kinda year). Let’s see what a dual-threat QB like Gray can make happen.
By kirk
November 4, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
i hope he stays.i dont think cox will be that great.next guys are logan gray,zach mettenwhatever,and aron murry.we are in deep doo doo if staff goes pro
By The Grinch
November 4, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
I have a feeling Stafford’s gone. Probably Mareno too. And if they read these blogs, can you blame them? Who would want to stay and play for most of you fools? I hope they both come back, but if not we’ll still be solid. Whoever’s at QB next year will have much better protection.
By Heyberto
November 4, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
He and Moreno are gone after the season.
By g
November 4, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Stafford decided last summer to go after his ”championship” year. Knowsho decided to go after that big hit last Saturday. Bye bye, Dawgies……
By ugarulz44
November 4, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
He owes the fans, that have kissed his a* for 3 years, to come back and play better than what he has shown since he has been here. You come to Georgia to win a championship…not to use the school, and fans as a stepping stone to go to the NFL. Fans deserve more than what he has shown us.
By XL Dawg
November 4, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Stafford and Moreno will stay. Archie and Peyton Manning said as much at their passing academy. He needs the extra year to become a real leader ande depend on his brain not his arm. Moreno will be a good NFL back but he will get his degree!
By Jeff Schultz
November 4, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
HairyDawg: I agree that Knowshon’s a goner. I don’t completely agree with your analysis of Stafford’s. “Lazy habits” is certainly overstated. Certainly he has made some bad decisions and throws. But all I can tell you is NFL scouts love him – I’ve spoken to some. … Najeh:* I agree that the “gunslinger” mentality is part of the issue with Stafford. It tends to go with any young quarterback who has a strong arm. …. **Class of 98: Moreno obviously wasn’t on the level of Stafford in terms of stature. But Rivals had him the No. 73 overall recruit in the nation and No. 10 running back. Scout.com had him the No. 9 running back. I’d say that’s pretty high. …. Gene: Moreno will go high – not as high as Stafford, but high. …. The Grinch: I agree that next year’s quarterback will be protected better. And RobC it will be interesting to see how the offense changes with an athlete like Logan Gray. … I’ll check in later tonight or tomorrow. …. JS
By Gone Baby Gone
November 4, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Too much money on the table to stay in Athens. Never know when an in jury could cut your NFL career. Take the money and run boys, get what you deserve.
By truth be known
November 4, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
If either or both Stafford and Moreno go then UGA is starting fresh all over again at the skill positions, especially qb. Nobody wins with a 1st year starter so it’ll be a couple years before UGA can seriously contend again for a conference title. And in 2 years and with probably another 2 embarrassing losses to UF it looks like the hot seat could be getting real hot for CMR. One bad season is all it takes. Just look at Fulmer and next is Tubberville after only 1 bad season. If moreno and or stafford go then UGAs football fortunes start dropping in a hurry. Don’t be surprised if CMR is gone in 2 years.
By Bob in SF
November 4, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Stafford and Moreno are both gone. Too much money too be had this year with a possible strike or lock out on the horizon in the NFL if they wait another year. Some agent will convince Knowshon he doesn’t want to be the next Willis Mcgahee or Michael Bush and get a major injury that cost him millions. And with teams like the Niners, Lions, Vikings, etc. all needing QB’s this will be the year for Stafford to maximize his value.
By Big Rig
November 4, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Matthew Stafford = Jeff George, looking great in practice and camps does not translate to victories on the field. I’m sure the pro scouts loved Jeff George coming out of college as well.
By Terrible Truth
November 4, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Give ‘em both a pat on the back and send them on their way if that’s what they want. I’m dying to see Logan Gray in action. Joe Cox may get the Joe Terishinski “token” starting nod but you know it won’t last and he does too, he’s just happy to be there. The offense will adjust to the skill bodies there, what UGA needs is BEEF on both sides of the line. Always have, it seems like in the Richt era.
By Yep
November 4, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Moreno is a slower/weaker version of Reggie Bush. NFL teams aren’t itching to take him early.
By chuck e
November 4, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Big Rig is exactly right….Stafford has the arm the NFL loves. The problem…awful decisionmaking and always trusts that he can make the throw that beats the coverage. He has a chance to get better, that won’t happen by leaving early…..still has lots to learn.
By doug
November 4, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
They are both gone. Google “rookie salary cap”. That will happen soon. One already exists under the regular salary cap. 2010 will be the first year it will take effect for rookies alone. Asher Allen, Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens and possibly Reshad Jones will bolt. Count on it. The whole league will be hit hard.
By Stafford will be selling Insurance w/David Greene
November 4, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Everybody said the same about how good David “U-Haul Miles” Greene would be in the NFL.Where is he now? How many snaps did he take in the NFL? Hear it all the time about every UGA QB going to make it in the NFL.David Greene,JD Shockley holding clipboad on sideline/giving out Gatorade, Quincy Carter, Eric Zeier and now Stafford…failure a way of life at UGA. Accept it.
By luke
November 4, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Seriously, why does Knowshon constantly ask to be taken out of games, in the middle of drives?
By Rod
November 4, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Knowshow cost us the Flordia game by taking his self out of the game in the redzone. I blame the coaches for allowing him to it though. I remember Herchel Walker talking to Knowshow on espn gameday last year and now I realize he doesn’t have the heart that Walker had as a college football player. Walker would never ever take his self out of the game especially against in the biggest game of the year. Knowshow really let the team down, no doubt about it.
By Forsyth Dawg Fan
November 4, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
I heard on ESPN radio the other day that the so called experts have Knowshon going mid to late 3rd round. They say he is not durable and will only be 3rd down back,punt and kick returner. As for Stafford I think he’ll leave and hopefully take Bobo the Clown with him.
By Noodle Arm Stafford
November 4, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
JaMarcus Russell,Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Matt Stafford= Over rated. Put pressure on Stafford, he folds like a wet paper sack.
By IceDawg
November 4, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
I can understand a Jr. going pro from the economical factor, not wanting to incur an injury during the Sr. year and thus lose marketing value. Nowadays exceptional basketball players are skipping college/uni and going straight to the NBA. These guys are the exceptions. Universities are now trying to seal the deal with high school jrs. Where will it end? Will it extend to the cradle? There is some developmental benefit for most uni Jrs. playing their Sr. years. I think that both Stafford and Moreno would benefit from playing their Sr. years. Stafford needs to be more consistent and I don’t think that he’ll have a better opportunity at the Pro level at this age than he would spending another year at the uni level. Moreno has demonstrated a bit more consistency. He could probably go pro at this time without as much problem.
By Nod
November 4, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Maybe if Knowshon did take himself out in the red zone, Caleb King would have caught the ball instead of watch it bounce off his facemask.
Samuel is going to be better than Knownshon.
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 4, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Doug has a great point: the salary structure for rookies in the NFL beyond the year 2010 is very unpredictable, and it would be wise for players to get their dough while they can. You can blame Arthur Blank in large part for that by the way.
By Chuck Uga
November 4, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
I assume they will both leave. Fact is they are not as good as the Zeier/Hearst pair I witnessed in the early 1990’s (although both may be much better NFL players than college players). Whether or not they come back in 2009, Georgia will win the SEC East in 2009. I guarantee it.
By MikeVB
November 4, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Joe Cox is a much, much better QB than Stafford. He doesn’t have the rocket arm, but it’s very accurate and not as weak as David “take a month to get there” Greene’s. I’ve wondered for awhile why CMR flipflopped from the Greene-Shockley policy of playing the less gifted athlete but steadier, more accurate QB to the current cannon arm w/o rifling in the barrel of Stafford over Cox.
I’d like to see Moreno back for another year cause none of the other backs seem anywhere near his ability to make tough yards out of not much and most importantly block the right pass rusher.
By mstfl22
November 4, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Stay or go? Who cares? Stafford is Jay Cutler - a great physical talent lacking something between the ears. Maybe he would have benefited from a head coach who actually coached instead of preoccupying himself with bush league concerns like “black outs” and what color pants to wear against Florida.
By Supes
November 5, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Could we please NOT open our mouths and guarantee “winning next year”. This year is NOT over yet. Darn, some of you people are just plain stupid. Support the Dawgs…3 more games. Win them, you got a respectable 2 tier bowl. Better than nothing! You think UT or AU fans wouldn’t take that right now?
As far as Matthew Stafford, he needs to stay 1 more year. He’s not ready for the NFL yet. He’s no Matty Ice. He lacks the leadership that Matt Ryan showed at BC, at least on the field, commanding the huddle, firing up the rest of the team. He also lacks touch on some of his short/intermediate passes. He’ll have a better team around him next year if he comes back. All the signs (but the money and his high draft status) point that he should return for his senior year. College is once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy it while it lasts. NFL can wait, money can always be made if he turns out to be a good NFL QB like everyone predicts he will.
By Back stabbing UGA Fans
November 5, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
u people jumping off the UGA Band wagon.All the love for Stafford and Moreno b4 the Gators game and how they would win it all, Moreno would win the Heisman crap. But on the other hand yall are Georgia fans. That explain it all… Start the love for Cox and King and how Georgia going to do it all in 09(again)and UGA going fall flat again. Georgia just a average football program, it’s been like that for 28 yrs.
By Jabba T. Hutt
November 5, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Oonta boonta, Stafford, mabuke!
By Chuck Uga
November 5, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
Moronic post above. UGA just an average football program? Richt is 79-21. That is a 79% winning percentage. That is better than any coach other than Meyer who walked into a rebuilt progam. Richt had to build UGA! UGA is the winningest SEC Football program over the past ten years. If 79% is “average,” I’ll take it!
By teddy
November 5, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
UGA is awaiting of a big offseason…..the decision of Matt and Knowshon arent the ones worrying about NFL Draft, Asher, Geno and Reshad oh yeah dont forget about Jeff too. i thinks Asher and Reshad will come back. Geno will if Jeff comes back. so im will projected 2 depth chart of 2009 along pre-season ranking. QB-Matt Stafford TB-Knowshon Moreno FB-Shaun Chapas FL-A.J. Green SE-Kris Durham TE-Bruce Figgins LT-Trinton Sturdivant LG-Cordy Glenn C-Ben Jones RG-Clint Boling RT-Justin Anderson
DE-Rod Battle -Justin Houston DT-Jeff Owens -Geno Atkins WLB-Rennie Curran MLB-Darryl Gamble SLB-Darius Dewberry CB-Asher Allen -Prince Miler FS-Reshad Jones ROV-Richard Samuel* Preseason Ranking Top 2
the changes if matt and knowshon forgo QB-Joe Cox TB-Richard Samuel* ROV-Sanders Cummings preseason rankings top 15 the * besides Samuel is because he would big hitter to the secondary a.k.a Thomas Davis if Knowshon comes back!
By UGA75
November 5, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
Knowshon reminds me of Emmit Smith, he may be a hair faster, but he runs between the tackles, is durable and usually holds on to the ball. Honestly, I hope Matt does go pro. I don’t think he has been coached up to his potential at GA, he certainly hasn’t played up to his potential.
Who knows what might have been is GA had more depth in the O line. We seem to recruit great players everywhere but in the O line. Vince Dooley only got one great Offensive player in Hershel, but he had ton’s of offensive linemen who could open holes for average backs. Someone at UGA needs to remeber the old Wendy’s commercial, “Where’s the Beef”
By warhorse
November 5, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
Stafford should not come back to win SEC. That will be a tough task with the Gators loaded up on defense with youngsters and an offense headed again by Tebow (or John Brantley, nat’l Gatorade POY). Stafford should come back for his love of the Dawgs.
Either way he will join a host of UGA QBs who left Athens without hardware and he will be the newest member of the Eric Zeier Society.
By Doug
November 5, 2008 5:25 AM | Link to this
Stafford is one of the two main resasons UGA will never win a SEC or national title. He has to go and go now. I pray he listens to all the hangers-on who will whisper to him to go take the money. We don’t need him and will be a better team without him.
By PI$$onaDAWG
November 5, 2008 5:48 AM | Link to this
CHUCK UGA——FOOL UGA has a schedual every year that has built in 7 easy wins most years. 3 jokes, vandy, kentucky, so. carolina, & tech. Some years these teams are better than others but basically 7 wins each year. What coach would not love to have a TOP 5 class playing 7 jokes with a week break before TECH (that you don’t fear) every since 1962. UGA the Joke they are win or lose. All those Saturday OBAMA Type FANS wearing white skin cheering for black players that UGA fans would not let in their homes if they were not UGA players.
By dobearsbare
November 5, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this
Doesn’t the financial landscape for NFL draftees change after next year’s draft? The system that allowed the Falcons to give Ryan the keys to Fort Knox will be replaced by one that has slotted salary caps for each pick. If Stafford waits, it will cost him millions of dollars. Multiple millions. For those who would say you can’t put a price tag on that last year of college, I say baloney. Anyone would like to be in Stafford’s place in Athens, but he’d be foolish to walk away from that much money.
By dawgerbrown
November 5, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this
I’d like to see Stafford come back and play behind a healthy line made up of more than freshmen and sophs. Seems he has always played behind a patchwork line made up of underclassmen. Few college quarterbacks are asked to make as many decisions as Stafford pre-snap. And none has his arm strength. As far as Moreno, Hershel played 20-35 snaps a game and would wear defenses down. That doesn’t seem to be the way coaches manage today’s game. Moreno can go, we have plenty of backs who can share carries. He’ll make a solid pro. Best stiff-arm I’ve seen, gets him alot of extra yards. He won’t be a superstar.
By "If Georgia wins out"
November 5, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this
Are you freakin’ kidding me? UGA will be lucky to win one of the next 3!
By MrGreggo
November 5, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
Leave or be shutout next year by the GATORS??? BUH BYE and don’t let a GATOR smack you on your way out!!!
By Who cares?
November 5, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this
UGA is the new Clemson and Mark Richt is the new Tommy Bowden in red and black!
By John Kincade is Gay
November 5, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this
If the rookie salary cap is inacted in 2010, there will be a lot of players looking to go pro early. UGA won’t be the only school affected. I hope Stafford and Moreno stay, but if they decide to leave, I wish them nothing but the best.
By jerry
November 5, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this
Chuck uga: Winning percentages? It’s Florida,man,it’s Florida. Get it? Richt 33 and a 3rd per cent. Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, Hawaii-they don’t matter.
By AltamahaDawg
November 5, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this
I still don’t get why its such a given that Moreno would be the first RS Soph RB in history to successfully go early to the NFL. Is he really a once in a lifetime talent?
Stafford will listen to the advice of everyone who knows history and stay. What will the Mannings tell him? Name the last good pro style QB to go early?
By Jack Bauer
November 5, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
He’s not ready and will be back next year.
By dobearsbare
November 5, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
No, UGA won’t be the only school affected, but Stafford’s is a unique case. He’s the only QB really in a position to get a Matt Ryan-like deal. That money’s not there for the guy that gets picked 11th, probably not even for the guy who goes 7th or 8th.
On top of all that, there is the question of college legacy. I don’t get the impression that today’s players in general care about it at all. Stafford seems more inclined than most, but it just looks like the money issue for him will be overwhelming. It’s a no-brainer if, as most people are saying, he’s a top-5 pick. As Schultz said, very few people ever find themselves in such a position. Despite statements from Moreno’s mom (or his teacher, I forget which), I think he’s gone. The money for him won’t be what it will for Stafford, but the career length for running backs is shorter than at any other position. One view is that every hit he takes as a college junior is one he won’t get to take in the NFL. I could be wrong, but I don’t get the imrpession that he’s prone to worrying about his college legacy.
By dawgman
November 5, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
Stafford is playing like he’s turning pro. He will not scramble, he will not throw the short quick route. Perhaps the team has figured out he’s showcasing himself and sacrificing them.
As for Morino, he needs a better O line .However, he also needs to quit showboating after 10 yard runs, and he needs to play more than six plays in a row.I would speculate that word around the SEC is that if you “light him up” with a couple of good hits, he quits. Moreover, he needs a year to grow up and to prove his high first round abilities.
By north ga alum
November 5, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
i think he should stay we need a good qb that game against florida ws bad luck nobody played hard enough and they thought that it would be easy but i got to give it to florida they are really good
By Dan
November 5, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
Have any of you ever been to a real live college football game?
By Joe
November 5, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
Good luck to Matthew, whatever he decides. One of those funny things in life that we have the most talented QB, RB and WR in a generation, and cannot take advantage of them because of the OL.
Thanks a lot Neil Calloway.
By Herschel
November 5, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
I hope you bandwagon UGA fans took your apparel back to Wal Mart after the Fla. loss. It is time for the real UGA fans to enjoy what this team has to offer for the balance of the season. Moreno may be a goner but we have good depth at his position. Stafford will stay another year.
By Terry
November 5, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
I don’t think I can take another year of overthrowing wide-open recievers and the same predictable play calling on offense.And on defense Willie has to go!CMR owes it to the fans!! p.s. please hide sharp objects.
By bill
November 5, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
This may help you puppies brighten you day.
Spikes and Harvin are gone from UF after this year.It’s 50-50 on Tebow coming back.
Feel better now?
By Kennesaw Dawg
November 5, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Stafford may very well not be back next year. The team needs to prepare for the future without him. Perhaps Moreno is gone, too. Richt needs to discuss it with each of them and get a definite answer. If they don’t plan to be back next year, the best thing Richt could do is start playing Cox, Gray, or whoever, at QB for the rest of this season in order for them to not start next year being totally inexperienced. The same with playing King and Samuel for the rest of this season. Give our youngsters some real experience for what’s left of this season…..whether we win or lose the remaining games. Given Stafford’s production against big league teams, we can’t do any worse. I would put him on the bench and out of mind from here on.
All we ever seem to have and complain about is inexperienced and young players. We never seem to ever get to a point of having experienced ones. Beats the heck out of me as to what always happens to the recruits of three years earlier. They seem to always vanish in thin air. We look around for our starters who have experience and the answer is that we never seem to have any. This gets old.
So, Stafford and Moreno, if you want to go….go on. But we need to start playing others who are going to take your places in the future right now! No hard feelings…..just move on if you are so inclined.
By ramdawg
November 5, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
stafford and moreno will be back next year niether one is ready for the nfl.
By Paddy
November 5, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
I for one would love for both of these players to stay at UGA. One more year of seasoning has worked wonders for many college players over the years. Give them both an experienced line and the fortunes for next year are still very bright.
By Texas_Dawg
November 5, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Stafford will listen to Gil Brandt’s advice and return for his senior year. Thinking about his entire career… and not just a first contract.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 5, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Damn people we lost two games to the #1 & would be #2 (w/o the Ole Miss loss) teams in the country. They shot up the polls after they beat us. Since Stafford grew up in the slums of Highland Park I am sure his disadvantged youth will compell him to take the NFL dollars right away. He has a tough decision to make AFTER this season. Play for Detroit or return for his senoir season. If he does go pro I hope he doesn’t pull an Elway or Manning and refuse to play for the team that actually drafted him. It has been great having Stafford at UGA, I hope he is back next year but if not I hope he has a long and successful pro career. As for Moreno, I don’t see the spark in him that he had last year. A little but not as much. I am sure the grind is wearing on him with the extra attention the opposing D’s put on him every game and that might have taking some of it away. If he does decide to go pro he needs to put everything into these last four games to increase his stock for the draft. Both these guys would again be in the Heisman talk next year and with a healthy OL our offense should be great. Our defense, which I thought would be the least of our worries still baffles me to no end. If having “shutdown corners” means being 10th in the SEC passing D let’s find soemthing else to call it.
By DAP01
November 5, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
They both need to stay. They will not.
For the idiot that said Moreno was no better than Brown and Lumpkin, what are you basing that on? What stats? Obviously only personal opinion.
Mike Bobo needs to be helped in the offensive play calling.
Our Defensive Coordinator is clueless also.
By DAP01
November 5, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
I bet P** lives at home with his mama!
By Iceman
November 5, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
They’ll both be back.
By College graduate
November 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
I’m not a UGA fan but certainly hold no mailice towards it. Consequently, I don’t know either young man but sincerely hope their decision isn’t driven by money. That said, I wish them the best in future endeavors.
By P-Sack
November 5, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Let em go
as long as Coach Richt refuses to upgrade his coaching staff
Dawgs will never win a national championship.
Spurrier, Saban and Myer will all win National championships BEFORE Georgia does and the Bulldawg Nation will become the Atlanta Braves of the SEC.sigh
Eventually, our ability to recruit will suffer
By Ever Gator
November 5, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
They don’t want any more beatdowns in Jax….Good and gone!
By Dissatisfied
November 5, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
I hope they both leave, because I really feel like we are better without them. MS is a better QB than David Green was, but he doesn’t have anywhere close to the heart he had and Moreno deffinately needs to go, he runs the ball maybe 2 times and then takes himself out at crucial times, now if we have the ball inside the 5 yd line he will stay in just to get a freakin TD. Look at last week we had it 2nd and 2 inside the 20 and he raised his hand to come out the MS got sacked and we wound up kicking a field goal. Go back and look at Herschel heck he hardly ever came out of the game he was a warrior and wanted the ball, all KM is after are accolades he has no heart for the game all he wants is to get to the NFL and Athens was just a stopping point. And by the way I am a huge UGA fan not just someone on here shooting off at the mouth. If you don’t believe what I’m saying the go look at the game films.
By godawg
November 5, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Unfinished business…they both stay. WOOF!
By YoungDawg
November 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
I think it would be in there best interest to come back. Stafford might go if Moreno goes but Knownshon might stay if Matt leaves. If Stafford goes then I expect to see Gary at QB with us going to more of Missouri type of spread which still has TE’s & can have a balanced running attack. We’ll still have some I & other traditional packages mixed in so sort of like LSU but a little different look when were in the spread. I’d like to see us go back to the fast break so in some ways CMR & Bobo would need to simplify the offense for Gary thus devolving it back to its roots when Charlie Ward ran it. Murray will red shirt Gary starts for 3 years unless Murray beats him out. If Stafford stays then Murray could beat Gary out or since the offense will have been geared to a pro style QB for so long Metzenberger might win it because he’d be a better fit to just plug in & go. No matter what happens I think UGA is in good shape at QB & RB. Muschamp getting then TN or Clemson jobs worries me because of the impact it might have on our staff but I think CMR will make the right choices for new assistants if needed.
By PTC DAWG
November 5, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
IF winning the MNC is the judge, then most everyone in College Football is a FAILURE every year. Some of you folks are just nuts, nuts I say.
By P-Sack
November 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Let em go
as long as Coach Richt refuses to upgrade his coaching staff
Dawgs will never win a national championship.
Spurrier, Saban and Myer will all win National championships BEFORE Georgia does and the Bulldawg Nation will become the Atlanta Braves of the SEC.sigh
Eventually, our ability to recruit will suffer
By turner
November 5, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
First, take the money and run!!!!
With that said, he could probably benefit from his senior year in college. I don’t know many NFL QB’s that came out before their last year and have done a great job. He’s got more raw talent than he knows what to do with and he tries to do too much on occasion. Get some crazy insurance policy overseas and stay one more year. At least you can look back and say you gave it a shot!
By jaxdawg
November 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Stafford has an insurance policy that covers him in case he gets injured…similar to the one Wilis Mcgahee had…he’s gone after this year. Moreno doesn’t, but he’s gone too. And for all you IDIOTS on this blog who think we’re going to be better off without them, you’re crazy!!! These two guys are superstar talents that most teams only dream about, it’s too bad that after one bad loss all you yahoo’s decide to turn on them after you’ve been praising them all year long!!!
By Told Ya So
November 5, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
I’ve been saying this all year! Stafford is slightly better than a mediocre quarterback. He is not the incredible first rounder that so many people are disillussioned about. His career numbers are less than a mere 10% better in completion percentage than Reggie Ball’s! With all the interceptions he’s been throwing, he gets more like Reggie every day! He has a gun for an arm, but lacks in decision making and talent. For all you dog’s sake, you better hope he goes pro and becomes some other team’s overhyped folly.
By Bob
November 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Wow. So much venomous hatred spewed towards these young men. I feel sorry for alot of you. You know who you are. God bless you.
By Steve C.
November 5, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Mathew Stafford should spend one more year here. I think he understands his pre-snap reads of the defense, then when the ball is snapped he is determined to go to his primary reciever. He has got to see the field better, like hairydawg said. When the safety rolls into the coverage on his primary reciever, I don’t think he has the ability to find his second or third reciever on the play, therefore forcing his pass into double coverage. One more year of this offense should help him improve himself statistically and that will give the Dawgs an SEC and maybe a national championship. I’m out!
By Supes
November 5, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Does Stafford really want to go to the Detroit Lions, or Cincy Bengals? If he does go in this year’s NFL draft, he better pray, and I do mean pray that he goes to KC (out of all the lower tier teams is best fit). If he goes to Detroit, that’s where QB’s go to die. If he goes to Cincy, he’ll be sitting behind Carson Palmer.
Both cases losing teams with no winning tradiditon, bad coaching, and malcontent players in the locker rooms.
KC is a very young team, probably best fit. They’ll end up in the top 5 of the draft order (again).
Outside shot to go to San Fran where the QB situation is unstable and the 2-6 Niners don’t figure to win more than 5 games this year… (depends on how things shake up) or Seattle where Matt H. is on the way out with injuries and the backups are not franchise QB’s in waiting. However, that team is aging and about ready to take a nose dive with Jim Mora Jr. as the next coach.
When Matthew Stafford figures all of this out after the college season is over, he may want to stay one more year!
By mike Greenblat
November 5, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
This season has been great…we have noting to be ashamed of. Knowshawn kept us on our toes and stafford did what he was supposed to do. We may not have beaten florida but we sure did get some great wins under our belt this year. I feel the future of Georgia football is not in jeopardy but rather up and comming. I think we will prevail in the coming years with cox at the helm and i can wait to see what knowshawn can do on Sunday. Either way I am proud of my DAWGS !!1 SIC EM!!!!!!!!
By podivad
November 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Fool, you need to stay in school. There is life after football and you will need that piece of paper you will get at the graduuation ceremony.
By Gator All
November 5, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Stafford and No Show are waiting to see if Tebow returns to UF. If he does, there gone!
By YoungDawg
November 5, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Bob, I agree! Look UGA fans we lost the game but that doesn’t mean we need to fire people or send our two stars off the NFL. We play in the SEC which is more & more like the NFL where the difference between winning loosing is very small. Look at FL last year as compared to this year, same with AL that’s on the upswing side then look at us, LSU, Auburn, SC & TN on the downswing side. Could that be switched again next year with new coaches, assistants &/or improved QB play based on the situation. Yes! CMR has the Dawgs going in the right direction & if you can’t see he’s the right man for the job all I have to say is remember the Goff & Donnan years! (TN fans might find out how this feels if they choose the wrong guy.) Sure be upset BUT stop bad mouthing our players! That’s not going to inspire them or help in recruiting! As far as the coordinators go yea we might need to make some adjustments in schemes which might even mean staff changes BUT all that needs to be decided by CMR. If you alumni or fan you should support your team at all times! Yes get upset when we lose maybe even voice your concerns but let’s be rational about it.
One thing that might need to change is the football budget, I’ve heard where other SEC schools spend more than we do, that needs to be matched! We also need to fast track the indoor practice facility & updates to Samford then do something about the Stegasouriuos.
By Cameron
November 5, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
You UGA fans should be ashamed of yourelves. Nobody in their right mind would think that Knowshon isn’t a first round pick. Let me list guys in the NFL without breakaway speed: Jonnathan Stewart, Larry Johnson, Marion Barber, Julius Jones, Warrick Dunn, Fred Taylor, Jamal Lewis, Thomas Jones, and many more. QB’s who trust their arm too much, but learned to get better: Brett Favre, Carson Palmer, Jay Cutler, Donovan McNabb, and more. Stafford has the potential, size, runs a pro style offense, and calls his own audibles. When he has a coach to work with him full-time on his fundamentals then his footwork will be corrected. Does anyone not realize that two of the interceptions he threw were tipped balls and should have been caught. He could use another year, but if he is going to be a top ten pick he should go.
By WildcatATL
November 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
I think stafford and know-show are both gone. They have got to be tired of playing for a soft coach with no fire in his belly who clearly is not a national championship quality guy. CMR is a very good program builder who is also an excellent recruiter and will have you all in a good bowl year in year out but he will never make you a top tier national contender because he always poops his pants in big games starting back when he mismanaged the clock against auburn 4 or 5 years ago.
By Chris
November 5, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
I hope he’s gone. Goodbye and good riddance, overrated underachiever. If you could lead your receivers with accurate, in-stride passes instead of fast, inaccurate ones, we might have won a few more games in your tenure. Bring on Joe Cox.
By Chris
November 5, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
I hope he’s gone. Goodbye and good riddance, overrated underachiever. If you could lead your receivers with accurate, in-stride passes instead of fast, inaccurate ones, we might have won a few more games in your tenure. Bring on Joe Cox.
By Supes
November 5, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Joe Cox really?…be careful of what you wish for, cause you just might get it all and then some you don’t want!
A combo of Joe Cox and Caleb King…yeah that will put some fear into opposing defenses…NOT!
How fast can you say dink and dunk game and no big plays down the field?
By ttough44
November 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
knowshon, has NOT performed up to his swager last season! At least against the bama and florida. I say give #22 the ball more this year! Knowshon, stay @ UGA, you can improve your game. M. Stafford? Please stay another year! You have experienced linemen next yr. Hopefully, the injured will return O and D line. Go Dawgs!
By dan
November 5, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
If Stafford and Knowshon comeback then great, if not then that’s fine too. Personally I think Richt and the coaching staff need to recruit blue chip players more on the defensive side of the ball and both lines, and recruit good players on the offensive side. That’s how it was in 2002-2005, we had NFL caliber talent on defense. And on offense we had good athletes. Greene, Shockley, Musa Smith, Fred Gibson, and Reggie Brown all had their bad days but they played with a LOT more heart than I’ve seen from Stafford and Knowshon this year. Bottom line: I’ll take a Great defense with a good offense over a stud offense that’s inconsistent and a defense that gives up 40 points or more in big games
By bill
November 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Love to read guys who never played a down of high school much less college SEC football criticize players this time Stafford and Moreno who aren’t perfect. Not sure but how mant SEC?national championships did Peyton and Eli win. Having consistent blocking and receivers who can run the right routes and catch the call also helps. May be someone should remind Tripp Chandler that when you’re wide open in the back of the end zone you’re supposed to stop and give your QB who may be under pressure a ta
By dawgfan1911
November 5, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Mathew Stafford for what its worth is a good college quarterback. I think he is being used wrong by the offensive brain trust at Georgia and I think he has a lot of flaws in his game that needs to be cleaned up. The NFL coaches will do him a lot better than what he is getting at Georgia. the interesting thing is that I think Logan Gray will be a better QB at Georgia. He is mobile, he has a decent arm, he has great accuracy and he is tough. Football junkies know that strong armed qbs dont do well in college. They thrive on the pro level. A good college qb is one who can improvise and make the defensive think about rushing to hard. One that can throw on the run and make dbs pay for playing to tight. Mathew will never do ay of that for Ga, therefore I wish him well with Detroit or KC. Logan Gray and Aaron Murray will be the next qb crop for ga. Here is another tidbit about Ga skill players. Washuan Elley, the running back that everyone is saying wont do well because he is from a small school, will set UGA into a frenzy next year when jhe gets here. This guy is quick and ellusive. He is 4 times faster than knoshon and he can catch the ball. His blocking is a bit suspect. Watch video of him and get back to me. The wide receiver crop is Ga is going to be greaty for a few years. Rontavious Wooten was a big steal for GA. He has Percy Harvin speed. With the right offensive mind at Ga they should be ok, but the major thing about UGA is going to be the changes thery will make on their coaching staff. They will need a defensive coordinator, and special teams coach. I will fire Bobo as well and bring in a guy who dosent care about balance as much as just scoring when given a chance. The offensive line should be strong next year with the return of Vance and Sturdivant. The defensive line, I am not sure about. The kid from Griffin who didnt qualify this year so he had to go to Hargrave, I think he is going to be a stud. the rest of these guys, I am not sure about. Houston is young and has shown an upside. The secondary is suspect. Brian Evans….. I am not sure about. Allen will leave for the pros. We will see what happens but Ga can still win 11 games this year which is pretty good, but a championship will be hard to come by.
By used cars
November 5, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Hope neither one goes. The talk all along was that 2009 would be our year. We moved it up because of the streak last year and the fact that Stafford and Moreno might not be back. Hopefully with our disappointments in the big games, the team will do like Ohio State did and come back. We will miss Massaquoi and Southerland and ellerbe and Mimbs, but who else. If they all come back and our class continues to improve, we’ll be top 3 next year. I just hate having to waited 365 days to shut up the Meyers.
By dawgfan1911
November 5, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Mathew Stafford for what its worth is a good college quarterback. I think he is being used wrong by the offensive brain trust at Georgia and I think he has a lot of flaws in his game that needs to be cleaned up. The NFL coaches will do him a lot better than what he is getting at Georgia. the interesting thing is that I think Logan Gray will be a better QB at Georgia. He is mobile, he has a decent arm, he has great accuracy a