Sports Columnists

By doc

August 22, 2005 10:49 PM | Link to this

one of the places the caretaker worked was in miami but not many other times.

By Tom Doner

August 22, 2005 10:55 PM | Link to this

It’s time for Mark Bradley to retire. It’s one thing to be loyal to the home team but, to pick Tech to beat Auburn at home means his mind is gone.

By dawgfaninbama

August 22, 2005 11:22 PM | Link to this

Bradley’s constant comments about “the screen pass in the red zone” are beginning to remind me of the ones made by the very Georgia fans he makes fun of in his article. Mark, you’ve become a closet bulldog fan, haven’t you?

By TechFanInTheFlats

August 23, 2005 01:43 AM | Link to this

To Tom Doner who said Bradley was crazy for his pick of Tech over Auburn, Kenny Irons cannot fix the backfield and who is the QB? Tech’s offense has finally come around to support our top tier defense. I do disagree with the fact that Tech will win 7, better make that at least 8, Daniels, Choice, Ball, the Johnson’s, and Tenuta will make that happen.

By WHOPPER DAWG

August 23, 2005 02:11 AM | Link to this

I am a Dawg fan.

Carolina and Auburn are going to be better then you think. Auburn will be at least second in the West. Anyone, in one year, that can turn Jason Campbell into a first round draft choice vs being a competitive disadvantage is a miracle worker of the first order and akin to the movie of the same name.

When the FSU job comes open, Richt will take it. The admission standards are lower and he will be the prodigal son. The conference is a little weaker and the recruiting base better. Both towns are very similiar, relatively small with the university being the biggest game in town. He would have the issue of following a legend, but I think that he is up to that and FSU is trending down, so there is a little grace there.

Worried to death about the BS game. They took L’ville (one of the best teams in the country in 04) to the wire in the Liberty Bowl. If UGA comes out flat at all, (which they do too much) they can take a loss very easily.

Shockley is a great kid that finally (understandably) gets his shot and I think he will perform better than anticipate as you suggest.

VanGorder will be missed but he didn’t put the program back on the upper tier, Coach Richt did and he is not getting the respect from the national and local media that he should.

GO DAWGS AND TO HELL WITH TECH!!

By A Better Journalist

August 23, 2005 03:07 AM | Link to this

This article is a joke!!! Try writing a real story instead of this Q&A crap!

By pat

August 23, 2005 03:47 AM | Link to this

BB will not retire until this most recent recruiting class graduates. and he will win another championship before that happens. GT WILL beat auburn at home, and petrino wins the big east twice before leaving when he takes the wheel at FSU.

By Spoon

August 23, 2005 04:36 AM | Link to this

I’m pleased to see a Georgia fan defend Auburn, can’t say I’ve seen too much of that in the past. Bradley makes some strange predictions in his column. Like dicounting the fact that Auburn still has 9 returning players on defense that was in the top 5 in total defense and number one in scoring D. Not to mention two names that people will get to know very well this year…McClover and Groves who were tied for the SEC lead in sacks in just a part time role. They are starting this year. GT will have a good team and Ball can be awesome if he ever gets his head out of his a* permantly. I just hope that happens after Sept. 3. Just remember Cox maybe a name you don’t know but Borges proved last year that he could take a team and quarterback that was a very dormant on offense and turn it in to a very preductive unit and player. That was year one, doesn’t year two tend to be better now that the players have played the offense for a year? In the end Bradley’s column is about a blind loyalty or hatred of a rival and not about simple common logic and impartial look at what is there being critiqued. Heres something for you Bradley for the future try an impartial look…it will make you sound more intelligent instead of a biased radical.

By william

August 23, 2005 05:34 AM | Link to this

Tech will beat Auburn!! Great!! Get ready for a great tickle pile!!

By kendall

August 23, 2005 07:07 AM | Link to this

My mother always said that vulgar language was a sign of a weak mind. I am thinking my mom is smarter every day. To the UGA fan worried about BSU. Check out Louisville’s D. It wasnt good. This game wont be close. The BSU defense will be as confused as a tech student in a girls dorm.

By lowell

August 23, 2005 07:20 AM | Link to this

Speaking of the screen pass in the georgia playbook, when was the last time you saw them run the ball straight up—instead of that damn sprint draw ? Teams that can’t run don’t win the SEC…

By Wwjdd

August 23, 2005 07:33 AM | Link to this

I thought it was Donnan with all the screen passes.

By epworth dawg

August 23, 2005 07:38 AM | Link to this

All dawg fans should worry about opening day, but we if we can run the ball we will beat BS. I couldn’t believe the language in some of the emails. I hope the guy with the limited vocabulary isn’t a UGA fan. We don’t want him.

By Tammy

August 23, 2005 07:53 AM | Link to this

I think you are right on the mark about Tashard Choice leading Tech in rushing this year. Tashard played Georgia Youth Football with my oldest son (Riverdale Blackhawks) and then middle school ball at Kendrick, where my mother was the original bookkeeper. He is, has, and will always be a good person. He has worked very hard. I thought at the beginning of the 2004 season that he would get a shot at Oklahoma, but who knew that the Peterson phenom would be born. I am very glad that the NCAA granted him the waiver so that college football fans everywhere will be able to see what “Blackhawk football” really means. Which, being a Jacket teams him up again with another former Blackhawk, Jamal Lewis.

As far as those who complain about your constant referral to UGA’s many screen passes: please always remember David Greene. He appears to be a wonderful, well rounded kid off the field with his head on strait; however, he is finding it very difficult in a world where he has to make a multitude of passes. DJ Shockley is a good athlete, better than a lot of players, but I still firmly believe that he was a product of his father’s system at North Clayton and will not provide the Dawgs with “true quarterback” type play. The Dawgs will not get that until Matthew Stafford arrives in 2006.

P.S. For those who know us—my son, Devon Freeman, is a senior now at Niceville High School in Niceville, FL (we are from Clayton County, where Devon was a Riverdale Blackhawk also). Keep your eyes on Devon. He is being regarded as one of the best runningbacks in Florida and is getting a lot of attention from several major college programs. He made first team all-state in 5A last year and helped lead his team to the second round of the playoffs. Though he wears his maroon and white on Friday nights now, we will always remember the day he earned the right to wear his “new black helmet” for Coach Bill Boyd and crew.

By Stephen

August 23, 2005 07:57 AM | Link to this

What I don’t get is that the AJC will censor s**t but allow “David” to drop the f-bomb unchecked.

By Ernest

August 23, 2005 08:05 AM | Link to this

You’re right about both Shockley and Ball having good seasons. I also agree that Shockley will have the better season - simply because of the talent of his entire team. I see D.J. doing the same thing that Tee Martin did for UT after Peyton M.’s departure. Most UGA fans are too narrow-minded to see this.

P.S. Tammy of Niceville, FL. sounds like a parent whose child got burned by DJ a few times on the field.

By Tech Man

August 23, 2005 08:09 AM | Link to this

What is with all the Georgia fans/graduates submitting their comments between 2 and 5 am in the morning?? That must be the time all the security guards, janitors and doughnut makers have their lunchbreak. The Tech engineer is usually asleep in his million dollar home unless he is awake banging some Georgia cheerleader. Have fun with that one losers!!!

By Kitster

August 23, 2005 08:09 AM | Link to this

So, let me get this straight.. Richt is going to have to “think of something” in order to beat Boise State, but they are then going to turn around and whip South Carolina?

Dream On. Cocks in a squeaker.. much like 2001.

By Dawg Fan

August 23, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this

To Whopper Dawg……..there is no way Richt goes to FSU. You may be a Dawg fan, but you don’t know much.

By Dawg Fan

August 23, 2005 08:44 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley is sucking on Blue Bronco P*** if he thinks BSU will be up 10-0 on UGA early.

They’ll be lucky to score 10 all game long.

By HOWBOUTEM

August 23, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

This comment goes out to tech man. Wake up from your wet dream buddy. What parallel universe are you living to think that you’d be “banging” a Georgia cheerleader anyways. We all know that as a whole, tech students and alumni are hideous looking anti-social creatures who are really bitter. The fact that a Georgia cheerleader or any girl for that matter would even talk to, would be a miracle in itself. Dream on techie.

By Big Tone

August 23, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

D. J. Shockley is going to play himself into the second round of the NFL draft. His talent is undeniable. Even if he starts out inconsistent, it’ll be because of game inexperience and not because he can’t play the position. Adrian McPherson comes to mind!

By Tech Man's Boss

August 23, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this

As for the football, UGA will be in great shape because there is no question that we will be able to run the ball.

As for Tech Man, I have plenty of you engineers working under me. While I take off to play golf at 2pm, guys like you will work until the wee hours. No wonder you are so tired.

By UGADawg16

August 23, 2005 08:57 AM | Link to this

Of course Boise St. should worry any Dawg fan….winning is contagious and they have done a lot. But don’t everyone get caught up in their performance against Louisville…..every break went the way of Boise St. and they still lost. Tried to find a link to the stats for the game but couldn’t….anyway, Boise’s mighty offense was held to a little over 200 yards for the game against a very suspect Louisville D. Look it up if you can find it.

As far as Auburn goes, that was one of the best D’s if not the best in the game last year and they might be even better this year. Maybe the offense takes a step back maybe not…Cox has the pedigree; Williams and Brown could have kept almost every other back in the country in the bench last year, their replacement looked pretty good a few years ago when they were both hurt! Tech was thin at best and has lost too much to injury and other events. Auburn roles big, not because Tech is that bad but because Auburn is getting no respect again and is p** off. I hope they get a lot of respect before Nov. 12.

By Nonny

August 23, 2005 08:59 AM | Link to this

You people that write in and trash Bradley’s (or any sportswriter’s)predictions have no clue. Do you not understand that his job entails provoking debate and controversy? You people just have no clue. Do I agree with everything he says? Of course not. Bradley’s predictions are all for fun and some of you people take it way too personally when he says something you don’t agree with. Leave 5th grade in the past and get over yourself. Sad.

By Kraig

August 23, 2005 09:03 AM | Link to this

There’s no way Boise State is gonna beat UGA. They aren’t used to this weather, and they havent faced an SEC defense. I want my salad tossed by DJ Shockley.

By Bush Sucks!!

August 23, 2005 09:09 AM | Link to this

Tech Man’s Boss—> Classless post, grow up.

D.J. will be fine, Georgia will win at least 9, and Bradley is a boob.

By wes

August 23, 2005 09:11 AM | Link to this

Georgia will hammer BSU just like they hammerred D-2GSU last year…right? Get real UGA fans, you lost the ALL-TIME winningest QB in NCAA history AND you lost a 3 time ALL-American, not to mention 4 other NFL players. And you think you’re gonna win? WHy? Because of that Big Stupid OL of yours who can’t stop with the false starts. Get real.

By Cujo

August 23, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this

This chump writes a column by answering his own questions?

By Dosalito

August 23, 2005 09:17 AM | Link to this

I thought your article was both informative and funny. Which is what your introduction implies. Some folks get too serious over obvious tongue in cheek comments.

By Lindsey

August 23, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, is there some reason why you can never say anything nice about Georgia Tech? If it’s not negative then it’s just plain lukewarm. I didn’t pay to read your columns when the AJC tried to get us to do that and I don’t want to read them for free either!

By Borneo

August 23, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this

It’s funny reading the stuff from the retards at FSU who are too thick to know a joke from a serious comment. Gotta love low admission standards.

By Sewell

August 23, 2005 09:33 AM | Link to this

It always amazes me that Dawg fans get so up in arms when the AJC criticizes them. There are two teams in GA and it is ok, if Mark finally likes one more than the other to start a season. Relax Dawg fans.

By Alabama Jack

August 23, 2005 09:35 AM | Link to this

The most amazing thing is there are this many dawgs that can read - even if they can’t spell, write, win, drive, fornicate or succeed.

By Jack Roushe

August 23, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

Just plain awful journalism.

By AUtiger

August 23, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

Thank you for picking Tech to beat Auburn and predicting that we will only win 7 games this year. We do better as the underdog, and should have played for the national championship last year receiving similar predicitions from him.

Bradley will find himself wrong, and hopefully the AJC will take his dorky looking picture off this website!

By DGDawg

August 23, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this

Following are the stats from last year’s Liberty Bowl. Note the BSU rushing yards, weak completion percentage and how many times they punted. Louisville ran for 329, completed 66% of their passes and no sacks. How was this game even close? Gotta like UGA’s chances with the run game.

Team Statistics-Boise State-Louisville
First downs 15 29
Rushes-Yards 38 - 88 50 - 329
Passing yards 196 235
Sacked-Yards lost 2 - 0 0 - 0
Return yards 126 36
Passes 15-31-1 21-31-2
Punts-Average 6-39.7 2-24
Fumbles-Lost 1-0 2-2
Penalties-Yards 6-55 5-34
Time of Possession 26:25 33:35

By Joel

August 23, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

UGA highlights: a top party school; a cheating feshman gets off the hook after a really tough hygiene exam; they are going to make the school harder. What a joke UGA is as always.

By Jano

August 23, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this

In the matter of Boise State vs the Dawgs whoever runs wins. Agreed that humidity takes a toll. But BSU’s multiple offensive sets (read fresh players)and it’s lighting quick & hardnosed run defense are going to be a big problem. UGA’s linebackers are suspect. Look for BSU tight end Schouman to have a big game.

By Danny

August 23, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

You ask good questions, you give some dumb answers. Got to stop standing so close to the microwave, you are talking to yourself too much.

By Alpaca Joe

August 23, 2005 10:06 AM | Link to this

Bradley’s call on the Georgia/Boise game is right on the money — Dawgs get a big scare, but pull it out in the end: 38-35. As for the Tech prognostication, I’m not sold on them beating Auburn. Even if Reggie Ball does show up, the Tiger’s defense will not surrender more than 10 points. Brandon Cox is good player with excellent wide receivers. Auburn will move the chains, and win 24-10.

By Tenn Dawg

August 23, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

Wes, Unfortunately you are still around bashing UGA huh? It’s ashame. You bring up the GASouthern game. The game was close for a bit, but final was not close. Obviously, Greene, Pollack and crew will be missed, but check out the talent that will be taking over. I’m not crowning UGA as champs, but they’ll be fine!

By NoleWhatIMean?

August 23, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

Bradley is such a moron. If you think that Mark Richt would be offered the FSU job when Bobby retires, you really don’t know anything about Florida State football. He was practically run out of town and after the 13-2 debacle vs. OU in the 2001 Orange, Nole fans will never forget him. 90% of Seminoles hated Richt while we had him, of course Jeff Bowden has made us realize we didn’t have it that bad with Richt. Kevin Steele, the linebackers coach will be the next head coach at FSU. DO SOME RESEARCH MARK! Then you might actually EARN the money the AJC pays you. IDIOT.

By Sports FANatic

August 23, 2005 10:35 AM | Link to this

It’s ridiculous how a reader already knows Mark Bradley’s answers before even reading the article. Typical— he’s dissing Tech and humping UGA’s leg. Even an unbiased fan can tell a Bradley article will never be a fair appraisal of either team. Come on, AJ-C, get a new writer in there. (If Bradley ever turns up dead, you should probably look at Gailey or even Bobby Cremins as the guilty party.)

By harvdawg

August 23, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this

As a UGA fan I am A LOT more concerned with BSU than the GT game. BSU has an offense that GT could only dream about and they crush just about everyone they play. To compare GT vs BSU let’s look at recent common opponents. In 2002 GT lost to Fresno St 30-21. Earlier that same year Fresno was CRUSHED by BSU 67-21. In 2003 GT lost to BYU in Reggie Ball’s 1st game 24-13. Later that same year BSU, again, CRUSHED BYU 50-12. If the GT game is suppossed to be a “big game” for UGA this match up vs BSU is huge. Dawgs still win,of course, just like when we play Tech. GO DAWGS!

By gtjacketdj

August 23, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

OK, let me get this straight. Tech will only win 7 (Bye Bye Gailey), and Georgia will win a lot. Hmmm, sounds like Bradley knows what he is talking about. To be honest, both have a very tough schedule, but Tech’s is tougher. Gailey will find a way to keep his job. Richt, though a great coach, won’t want to stick around the UGA program now that he has seen what kind of people it attracts. That means UGA will be lucky to win 4 games, because against Tech in Atlanta, barring retarded moments by Gailey or Ball, GT will be victorious. If you look at most of last year’s game, you know it is true. Shockley will prove to be a disappointment due to his lack of experience in playing in full games. The Richt-Greene syndrom will hit Athens hard, and Shockley will feel it most. If the FSU job opens up, you best believe Richt will book a flight back down to Tallahasse.

By Keith Herring

August 23, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this

you have got to be insane! There is no way Reggie Ball will beat my auburn tigers on the plains. You talk about a ramblin wreck, looks like you are the conductor. Auburn 31 -Wreck 10!!!

WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

By harvdawg

August 23, 2005 10:51 AM | Link to this

Richt, though a great coach, won’t want to stick around the UGA program now that he has seen what kind of people it attracts. That means UGA will be lucky to win 4 games, because against Tech in Atlanta, barring retarded moments by Gailey or Ball, GT will be victorious

-Quite possibly the stupidest post I’ve ever read. The kind of people UGA attracts? Umm, don’t head coaches RECRUIT their players? And, the last time I checked, FSU wasn’t exactly running a boy’s youth choir. Secondly, UGA has lost at GT ONCE, that’s 1 TIME, in the last 7 times we’ve played at Bobby Dodd. I thought you Tech boys were smart?

By Tubs

August 23, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this

Bradley is an idiot. Our offense was uncoached in 2003. Campbell was a leaper that day. Nobody would talk to him from the booth or sidelines and the overall plan stunk. Not to takeaway the good defense played by Tech, but we were in a funk.

Borges has made us a good offensive team because we are balanced and unpredictable.

Ball better throw quick because our defensive ends are faster than he is.

By N. Dynamite

August 23, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

Do the chickens have large talons?

By Pete Barkelew

August 23, 2005 11:01 AM | Link to this

This has been a very interesting blog to follow… with so many blind readers criticizing Bradley. First of all, his article did EXACTLY what it was intended to do - create feedback blogs (except for the filth that comes from low esteemed, uneducated knats who don’t get it). Look at the number of comments this post generated… it worked! Lastly, did any of those with negative comments really read, and understand Marks closing “tongue-in-cheek” remark? Read it again: “Q: How many of these answers will prove correct? A: I have every confidence my success rate will equal that of the screen pass in the red zone.” If I understood him, I believe he didn’t expect many, if any, of his predictions would hold true (as the red zone screens rarely worked). So, there you are, dissers… he has you knocking him for something to which he never committed… if you read him right. Right? Right on, Mark. Go Dawgs!! — Barkin’ Dog, Athens, GA

By Pete Barkelew

August 23, 2005 11:03 AM | Link to this

This has been a very interesting blog to follow… with so many blind readers criticizing Bradley. First of all, his article did EXACTLY what it was intended to do - create feedback blogs (except for the filth that comes from low esteemed, uneducated bugs who don’t get it). Look at the number of comments this post generated… it worked! Lastly, did any of those with negative comments really read, and understand Marks closing “tongue-in-cheek” remark? Read it again: “Q: How many of these answers will prove correct? A: I have every confidence my success rate will equal that of the screen pass in the red zone.” If I understood him, I believe he didn’t expect many, if any, of his predictions would hold true (as the red zone screens rarely worked). So, there you are, dissers… he has you knocking him for something to which he never committed… if you read him right. Right? Right on, Mark. Go Dawgs!! — Barkin’ Dog, Athens, GA

By Big Blue

August 23, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this

Mark, All American tackle Marcus McNeil of AU has a tough time handling Stanley McClover and Quenton Groves (total of 15 sackes in 04) in practice, and yet a redshirt freshman starting a tackle for Tech will have no problem handling these guys? Right. AU’s defensive line will dominate GA Tech’s OL and in most games, that is where it is one or lost. On the other hand, with the experience and talent of AU’s OL, no way Tech’s DL can handle AU. So, it seems AU will win this one easily, considering that games are won or lost in the trenches.

By Todd

August 23, 2005 11:26 AM | Link to this

Q: Are you a talentless hack trolling for comments from the homers?

A: Yes I am.

By English Speaker

August 23, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

AJC should clean up the language of the bilge mouths who put their filth into print. Better yet, don’t post the opinions of the vocabulary-deficient morons who reply. Who cares about the opinions of the IQ-challenged like David, Bob, and the Techster fixated on UGA cheerleaders!!!

By PerfectDawg

August 23, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this

One, two, three, four, four, four, four…this is the way math class goes on at Georgia Tech. Until they mistakingly get to 51 which automatically makes them think 7! The last time I checked you numb nut Tech boys couldn’t get a recruiting class in the top 25 while Mark Richt loves whose coming to UGA when he is winning 10 games a year. You ahev one player on your so called team that can play and thats Calvin…No More! Screw the prognosticators and screw Tech…Dawgs roll this year and win 10 games again! Im sorry….I forgot you can’t get past 4!!!!! Mark Richt won’t leave the Dawgs for a long time. Success does weird things to people and that is something F$U doesn’t have anymore. Now when Bobby retires at Free Shoes U. Will Granny Holtz and Himself drink their geritol together in the mornings? They are both about the same speed! 51-7 you idiots….and you got another coming this year!

By Dawg Fan

August 23, 2005 11:54 AM | Link to this

Why all the indignation from Tech fans? What, under Gailey, has led you to believe you’ll win more than 7 games? The guy’s not a good coach and Ball’s an average QB - good athlete, but average QB. Yeah, your defense should be pretty good, but really, where are these extra wins coming from?

By Griff Toole

August 23, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t disagree with everything you said except for one item: Ball will be 1-1 vs. Auburn after September 3rd. Way too many folks are underestimating the Tigers. AU will repeat as SEC West Champions. War Eagle.

By Rob

August 23, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this

Too bad Mr. Bradley’s prediction on Auburn and Tech each winning seven games will be dashed after one weekend of the season. He no doubt expects GT to win in Auburn.

By Corleone

August 23, 2005 12:24 PM | Link to this

Mark I absolutely love the screen pass jokes!

By KappaDawg

August 23, 2005 12:32 PM | Link to this

The article was good.

The reason DJ Shockley will have a great year is because his running ability brings a dimension to the offense that the SEC has not seen in a while. The threat to run will make opposing linebackers play shallow opening up the zone behind them. The running game will be tremendous and I see a breakout year for Mohamed Massaquoi similar to that of Johnson at GT. Too much talent to keep off the field. Overall, Richt has taught Georgia how to believe it can beat any team in the SEC and will do so, going undefeated into the SEC Championship against LSU. GA 31, LSU 28.

Auburn will still be good, winning is contagious, maybe 9-2. Georgia Tech will be good as well, hopefully they won’t choke on games they should win (NC, NC State, etc.). The problem is that Gailey doesn’t adjust well in adverse situations and makes bad coaching decisions.

Anyway, aren’t all articles bias towards an area, league or team? Each is subjective in its own way and so are all our responses to it.

By Tech Fan Jake

August 23, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to be able to talk some trash back to these Dawg fans…

But unfortunately, Chan’s pathetic efforts against Georgia have made me have to put up, and shut up…

Thanks Chan.

By Auburn Fan

August 23, 2005 12:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

I love it when a columnist underestimates Auburn. I feel confident that Auburn will step up and you will have to eat your hat. In my opinion Reggie Ball is not a proven quarterback and that will show in the later part of the game vs Auburn. War Damn Eagle!

By wes

August 23, 2005 01:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t seem to recall AU’s line dominating Tech’s 2 years ago. 17-3 BEEOTCH!

By Brian

August 23, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

It’s all speculation. GA/SC is a toss-up. Auburn definitely has the D. Sorry Tech. Richt stays at GA. That’s a no brainer. I like most of the SEC teams (maybe LSU and Dawgs a bit better); can’t stand the Gators of course. It’s also going to be hard to swallow Spurrier at SC after enjoying Holtz (secretly loved the 2001 upset of GA). Irish will be back soon. Hope they stomp FSU. Love GA over Tech. and Fla.

By NoleFanAugusta

August 23, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

Contrary to what the Nole fan said earlier about FSU not wanting Richt back, I believe he will be offered and take the job at FSU when it comes open.

FSU fans love to complain, and Richt was often the target of their ire. Now we realize just how good we had it, and will fall all over ourselves to get him back.

Richt is a Nole this time next year!

By Matthew Cafaro

August 23, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this

There’s another college football team of note in Georgia besides the Dawgs?

I had no idea.

Hmmmm.

By Hawkfan01

August 23, 2005 01:27 PM | Link to this

Coach Ferentz isn’t going anywhere. He has finally got his coaches & players that he has selected and turned the program around. The hawkeyes will be led by Kirk Ferentz and be national champions before he goes anywhere & that championship will happen within the next 3 yrs! Go HAWKS!

By DAWGALUM

August 23, 2005 01:28 PM | Link to this

Why is the AJC sports section always so negative about the University of South Carolina sports program—particularly football? Seems as though since Spurrier has been hired, it is even worse. I, for one, am sick and tired of the obvious and constant disparaging remarks being made about a particular school.

By Matthew Cafaro

August 23, 2005 01:31 PM | Link to this

Nole fan, you’re an idiot.

Mark Richt has said time and time and time again that he isn’t going to move. That his wife and family don’t want to move, that they want to stay in Athens.

He’s a Christian Man who believes that his word is bond. He’s given his word time, and time, and time again. Yet some idiots out there (you) believe he’d break it in a heartbeat.

Mark Richt is not Bobby Cremins or Glenn Mason or Larry Brown. When he says something, he sticks by it.

Bobby Bowden stayed at FSU. He made FSU. UGA is Mark Richt’s FSU. He’s not going anywhere. Not for 30 years.

By Bryan

August 23, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this

Auburn returns most of the #1 defense in the nation from last year, and the new guys (David Irons especially) look to be as good OR BETTER than who they are replacing.

Al Borges looks to be one of the best offensive coordinators in the SEC, and Brandon Cox while inexperienced is talented enough to do what it takes to win. At worst I see them at 9-2 and second in the West. Though, I could easily see them losing to LSU and still winning the West.

The only game I’m too worried about on the schedule is Georgia. I’m just not sold on how great LSU will be under Les Miles. We’ll see after they play a few games soon.

By James

August 23, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this

Cafaro,

I would hardly call two teams combining for one conference championship and one shared national Championship over a 20 plus years “teams of note.”

By James

August 23, 2005 01:58 PM | Link to this

Also, I like AJC’s coverage of the SEC/ACC football early commitments for 2006.

How many commitments will Richt need this year to actually get 25 players on his roster. 32-35??

By rAUck

August 23, 2005 02:04 PM | Link to this

Forget about midnight on September 3rd, you should just hope that Reggie and his band of merry Jackets make it through the 3rd quarter. Seven games is a wish list for Tech and something Auburn will be vying for in week 7. Auburn - big, fast, talented and deep GagTech = NOT

By rAUck

August 23, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this

Oh, one other thing Bradley is also wrong about BSU and I agree, a boob.

By wes

August 23, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this

Hey AU fans, Tech beat you by 2 Touchdowns last time…and that was without Calvin.

By David

August 23, 2005 02:25 PM | Link to this

To Spoon, who commented on Auburn in an above post:

Yes, you have a very diligent point that Auburn returns nine starters on defense. You make an even finer point in pointing out that McClover and Groves tied for the SEC-lead in sacks last year, and both will return.

However, if there’s one thing that always rings true in football, on the defensive side, anyway, it’s this:

If you have great cover corners, and you can lock a guy down one-on-one, the QB can’t throw, and he has to take a sack.

You lost the best corner in the nation last year (statistically, anyway, Rogers was; I still say it was Antrelle Rolle — guy was a beast), and arguably one of the best safties in Junior Rosegreen.

One thing that also made your defense so great was that teams were playing catch-up because of your suddenly dynamic offense.

Teams won’t play catch-up anymore. Irons is taking the load at RB. Cox is throwing the ball. Yes, it’s the same offensive coordinator, and he has a great mind, but he still works with a fresh QB — one who is going to make many, many mistakes.

How great will that Auburn D be when teams don’t have to play catch up anymore, and instead decide to control the clock?

We can speculate all day, but the only real answers will come September 3rd, when Ga. Tech beats Auburn 27-24, and Calvin Johnson makes an early impact with 8 receptions, 153 yards and 2 TDs.

Trust me.

Cheers, David -To hell with Georgia!

By Shawty

August 23, 2005 02:47 PM | Link to this

Cow college vs. Nerds - Cows win by 7 Dawgs vs. Idahoes - Dawgs win by 14 Jeff Wells likes men

By P. Griffin

August 23, 2005 03:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Techies, is your refrigerator running? Because if it is, it probably runs like you - very homosexually.

By Innocent By-stander

August 23, 2005 03:24 PM | Link to this

D.J will do fine, he will do what Quincy Carter did, and that’s finally win the big one. He’s got two jobs this year win 8-9 games and beat a good UF team not a QB-less FSU team. D. J. will be no more inconsistent than David Green. True, David Greene won games but never the big one. I don’t see how any UGA grad can talk about a Techie, at least they have a National Title in the last two decades. UF will win the East and Univ. of Alabama going to spoil someones season.

By Spoon

August 23, 2005 03:51 PM | Link to this

To David, Good points. Just remember this the secondary of Auburn has two returning players…one a safety an the other a corner. They have four replacements who all played last year to fill in for Rodgers and Rosegreen. In case you don’t know Iron’s was supposed to start last year opposited of Rodgers. He was then an is still considered now just as talented as Rodgers. A defense that can make a team one diminsonal can make them predictable. God knows that teams will have a very hard time running on Auburn so play for the pass. Thats where McClover and Groves come in, they will use their unnatural speed to harrass and confuse the quarterback who will in turn make bad throws. All we have to have is decent coverage in the secondary and every thing will be alright.
The offense on the other hand will have an Irons in the backfield. Did you know he was MVP of spring game the year before but couldn’t play because he had to sit out a year for transfering from SC? The MVP over Brown and Carnell. We have alot of talented recievers and in case we don’t run very well why wouldn’t we just throw it up. I would if I had Courtny Taylor running down field. Tech has just one answer and he is a very good one in Calvin Johnson. He will be a factor in the game assuming that Ball can get him the ball consistantly. I know the knock last year was that Ball couldn’t hit him on the run and too many times Calvin had to fight for the ball because of underthrows. He’ll have a good game at Auburn, but you forget the one man that is the key for them to win at Auburn. P.J. Daniels, a guy that has dissapeared since he was injured. If Tech can be versitale on offense against a defense that should be as good or better than it was last year then give them the win. There are just alot of intangibles in this game that should be interesting to see if they fall into place. Auburn doesn’t have to stop Johnson, just contain him and make his impact minimal.

I hope Auburn wins, but Tech has alot of factors that just scream at me to not count them out. It will be a great game and I can’t wait to get to Auburn to watch it played.

Oh for the Techster who proudly pointed out that Tech rolled over Auburn the last time we played. Auburn’s offensive line coach was playing offensive cordinator. Alot has changed since that game and now.

War Eagle David

By Jason

August 23, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this

I would just like to point out to the folks who are looking at the Boise State v Louiville game last year… Boise State was the 2nd youngest team in the nation last year. 80 of 110 players were underclassmen (Freshmen or Sophomores). 72.7% to be exact. And still went 11-1 losing on the last play to a very strong L’ville team.

Not saying they’ll win, but they will not roll over.

By PreyDawg

August 23, 2005 05:02 PM | Link to this

Innocent,

Greene never won a big game!?!?!? How about beating a heavily favored Tennessee team at Knoxville as a freshman. How about bringing the Dawgs back with under a minute left against Auburn to lock up the SEC east? How about breaking the drought against Florida?

Oh I guess those wins over top ten teams at their place dont count as big games.

And we need not mention the SEC championship game in which Greene was nearly flawless.

As for those of you that think Richt will go back to FSU dream on! Why would he? Aside from what Matt stated which is the biggest reason he wont leave, FSU cannot possibly offer anything that UGA cannot match or beat. Georgia’s talent pool is plenty deep enough. He doesnt need to go back to Florida to recruit as some have said here.

By Jeffrey A. Burnam

August 23, 2005 06:35 PM | Link to this

Great article….as a sportswriter you have got to have an imagination to write something different once in a while. With all of these interesting comments,this must have been a good article. Hint…Hint…to get people to read about sports either positive or negative! As for Mark Richt leaving Georgia for FSU when Bowden retires….you are 100% correct. He would be real stupid! As for any other coach who would want to follow Bowden (refer to back to Spurrier, Zook,and Florida),this would give the job to Mickey Andrews. With the new QB play (Which will believe or not be Drew Weatherford against Miami) and Junior Bowden’s middle-school football play-calling, Bowden could face his toughest coaching year in his remarkable 30 year career at FSU! But just like JoePa…you will have to drag Bowden out with him screaming. Never one will nevr quit or retire! It could be a long season for both of them! But at least for FSU……it gets to keep the teamname! GO SEMINOLES!

By BB

August 23, 2005 09:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Alabama Jack, why are you making fun of Dawg fans about reading & writing? You have Alabama in your username. Everyone knows that Alabama is the most backwards state in America. Go back to your trailer park you rube. Go Dawgs!

By johngio

August 23, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this

Asking who will have a better season DJ or Ball is like betting on who’ll finish last….And as good as Lumpkin is,..Brown is in another league

By David

August 23, 2005 11:33 PM | Link to this

Spoon,

I hope you’re right about Kenny Irons. One of my best friends dated him when he went to school at South Carolina, and I was out at AppleBee’s with him and her one night. There’s probably not a better, more deserving guy to come in and make a big impact where such a big impact has already been made (Carnell and Ronnie).

I really do hope you’re right on that. I just hope he slows down against Tech. However, if Tech does lose, I hope he does it.

You guys have a great running back (he was very good in high school), and someone that a lot of football players should try to be like from a personality-standpoint. Incredible guy, and I wish him the best, as well as Auburn (other than at Tech — or at Tennessee, should they face in the SEC Title game again).

Cheers, David

By Russ

August 24, 2005 12:12 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley is consistently interesting. I find this column to be exactly what we want out of sports journalism—peppy, knowledgeable, and a tad controversial.

He’s giving you what you want people! Bradley earns his paycheck and makes a hilarious point about our history of UGA screen passes … that and the fullback running into the pile. You’ll see one of these plays run every other possession.

Richt is happy in Athens both personally and professionally. He gains nothing by going to FSU. UGA still needs to win a national title before fans should start worrying about him leaving. Richt hasn’t fulfilled all of his goals yet.

By San Fran Gamecock

August 24, 2005 12:21 AM | Link to this

Mark,

You are a typical GA fan instead of a journalist in that you have unobjective passion for the Bulldogs. Congratulations on your fan support, but good luck on a career. Since I do not make my living on being a reporter, I have not problem being passionate about the Gamecocks. However, I would bet LOTS of money that your estimates on the SC-GA game are as off as your own bets on your IQ. Enjoy the season!

By Tammy

August 24, 2005 06:23 AM | Link to this

To Ernest:

To my knowledge, neither one of my sons ever played against DJ Shockley. Devon, my youngest, is just now a senior in high school, which makes DJ quite a few years older than him. My oldest, Darius, is a sophomore in college; however, when he was a freshman in high school he did not play varsity (he was at Riverdale High School) and DJ was a senior at North Clayton on the varsity. So, I doubt very seriously that DJ ever burned or even played against either of my two sons. My comments were not made as those of an angry parent. My comments were made as those of a person who has been a part of football for her entire life, is a paid high school analyst for a major recruiting network, and has a deep love and respect for the game. I wish DJ luck, but I do not feel he is the one who will lead the Dawgs to a championship. Period.

By WolfDawg

August 24, 2005 07:33 AM | Link to this

Boise St. will come out fired up with steam shooting from their earholes, but Georgia will win. For a while the game looks too close to call, but the Bulldogs are too deep along the LOS. Shjockley won’t have to win the game. The RBs need only run where the play is called. At this time, figure on about 250 yds rushing (mostly by Brown and Ware), and 150 yards passing for Shockley.

Total offense for Boise St. will be about 150, most of it in the first half.

Georgia Bulldogs - 30 Boise St. Broncos - 17

By Georgia Stud

August 24, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

To all you Georgia detractors: your wives and girlsfriends are way too easy when a real man like me comes along. Now go drink your milk like the good little boys you are.

By Notabammer

August 24, 2005 09:43 AM | Link to this

Mark,

I would like to say, with all sincerity, that my wife knows more about SEC football than you. You, my friend, are an idiot.

If there were any truth in jornalism, your paper would make you post public apologies for your prognostications at the end of every season.

Idiot. Idiot. Idiot

Auburn’s program is light years ahead of GT. That’s a fact.

By Decatur Gamecock

August 24, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

Gamecocks to lose by 21? Name the bet. I’ll take any amount you want. You have lost your mind!

By Georgia Stud

August 24, 2005 11:39 AM | Link to this

Hey Decatur,

You are absolutely right. The Cocks will lose by at least 31 points because the Dawg Nation owes Spurrier big time and Georgia will pour it on like SOS did to us.

By Up Yours Wes

August 24, 2005 11:39 AM | Link to this

Wes: What was GT’s record against AU before AU took the field @ Bobby Dodd in 2003? I believe GT had lost 13 straight to AU. Who is the bi*#h again?

Enjoy the game. I hope he jacket players think they will see the same pathetic offense on Sept 3 that they saw in 2003…if they do, they will likely be down 3 scores before they can blink.

By Die Nasty

August 24, 2005 01:07 PM | Link to this

This drivel by the same moron that proclaimed uga had started a dynasty in the SEC three years ago. He also went on to claim it didn’t matter how many offensive linemen uga loses because the 2nd string guys were all better… right, thats why they are on the 2nd string…

By Southside Drug Rep

August 24, 2005 01:13 PM | Link to this

The reason the Dawgs talk about Techies is that Georgia is 18-7 against Tech in the last quarter century. I personally hope Tech is 10-0 when I set up the tailgate at the Varsity at 8am on November 26. Winning is fun. However, watching the prune-faced nerd army, in White and Gold, shuffle out of the Flats while the Redcoat Band blasts Glory Glory tops everything else.

TO HELL WITH TECH

By Jackets fan

August 24, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this

Dawg fans have short memories, and it’s understandable given their lack of brain power. UGA had trouble with Georgia Southern in an opening game last year. And to my knowledge the eagles have never been ranked in the top 25 of Division 1-A NCAA football as Boise State is (and was last year). BSU has a potent passing offense, which puts up points quickly. Does that mean UGA will lose? No. But any talk of an a* stomping will only lead you to disappointment. And the reason UGA will struggle against BSU is the same reason Auburn will struggle against Tech. New guy at QB, 1st game working out the kinks. Does that mean Tech will beat Auburn? No. But the same talk of an a* stomping of Tech is ridiculous. Remember, UGA only won by 6, and we know that UGA is THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD (I almost gagged just typing that) according to UGA fans, so it would stand to reason that a team they only beat by 6, at home, must be a good team. But logic has never been a UGA fans strong suite.

By AlaDawg

August 24, 2005 02:46 PM | Link to this

To Jano, take the log out of Tech’s eye before you remove the splinter from UGA. What Kearsey did was wrong and he was punished. But I seem to recall several years ago a Tech running back stole from the BlueKey book exchange, sold the books, got caught, but the disiplinary action was not much. I, also, know of a former Tech All-American, who played professionally, and could not keep a job att he company we both worked for because he could not read past an 8th grade level. Tech grads may know how to get you to the moon, buthte last time I looked,there was no big deand for that trip. Stop deflecting the play of your football team by playing the academic card, it just isn’t true! And before you say, OH YEAH!, how many Rodes Scholars has Tech produced?

By Matthew Cafaro

August 24, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this

This from Stuart Mandell over at SI.com -

A prominent Atlanta columnist predicted this week that Georgia Tech not only would win at Jordan-Hare on opening night but that the two teams would finish with the same record: 7-5. Apparently no one’s bothered to tell him how good Auburn’s defense is. The Tigers might not score much, but there’s a distinct possibility stadium workers will need to scrape Jackets QB Reggie Ball off the turf afterward.

In the immortal words of Michael Kelso, “Burn! Super, Journalist-to-Journalist, printed burn!”

You’ve been burned, Bradley, and made to look oh so foolish in the national media.

By Spoon

August 24, 2005 05:12 PM | Link to this

David, If you get down to the AU/GT game look me up and I’ll buy a drink before our boys get started.

Spoon

By TennDawg

August 24, 2005 05:45 PM | Link to this

As the day winds down, here are a few thoughts: this has been a great blog with the exception of some of the few who had to use some pretty bad language (I’m no saint, but there is a place and time), can’t wait for college ball to start so all of the prognosticators can shut there traps (although I am sure I’ve been guilty with the Dawgs), both UGA and GT should be thrilled that they are kicking off the season with two of the most anticipated games! and finally, 34-6 over the past three seasons is awesome…period…in anyone’s eyes (with the exception of USC maybe)- give credit where credit is due. Can’t wait for Sept. 3rd. GO DAWGS!!!

By kendall

August 25, 2005 06:31 AM | Link to this

It makes me laugh. Tech has a strong engineering program. THATS ALL. The moronic comments about jobs, IQ’s, and million dollar homes are all they can come up with. Face the facts nerds. UGA is amoung the top 10 all time in wins, winning percentage, bowl games, bowl victories and, to keep it current, listed as the third best team in the nation in CFN’s three year ratings. Add two Heisman’s and countless other major awards, including academic all americans, and your puny little trade school team looks weaker by the moment. Business Management, Journalism, Vet School, Pharmacy,…..the list goes on for majors that are a joke at tech but amoung the nations best at UGA. Get a new argument because in the immortal words of Joe Pesci…yours doesnt hold water.

By Jackets fan

August 25, 2005 09:44 AM | Link to this

To AlaDawg: learn how to type and spell if you are going to make comments about someone else’s intelligence. Oh and just so you know, it is Rhodes with an “h” when you were trying to refer to a Rhodes Scholar. Dumba$$.

By Jackets fan

August 25, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this

To AlaDawg: learn how to spell and type if you are going to make comments about someone’s intelligence. Also, the scholarship you make reference to is the RHODES Scholar program, not the Rodes Scholar. LOL. What a dumba$$.

By jt

August 25, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this

To Jackets Fan, you mentioned that the Dawgs struggled with GA Southern last year, that as you also mentioned has never been ranked in the top 25 in Div 1-A. The sad thing is that I am finding it extremely hard to remember the last time the Tech has either. Good luck trying to win 7 this year.

By Jackets fan

August 25, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

jt: Like I said, UGA fans have short memories, so your own fuzziness should not be such a shock. As recently as 2001 Tech was in the top 25. And depending on which rankings you follow, some experts have Tech in the pre-season top 25 (the AP is not among those). So get your shots in now, because come November Uga will be headed for the doghouse with tail between legs.

By wes

August 25, 2005 12:07 PM | Link to this

Kendall, for future reference: the correct spelling of the word AMONG does not include the letter U. I noticed you spelled it “amoung” twice, so it couldn’t have been a typo. Good luck to you and your endeavors.

By wes

August 25, 2005 12:12 PM | Link to this

AU won 13 straight over Tech: Impressive, but not to me…considering I wasn’t even alive to bear witness.

By AUBURNDOUG

August 25, 2005 08:47 PM | Link to this

ACCORDING to the NCAA:

Tech:80th ranked offense last year

AUBURN: 1 in scoring D

SOry but Tech’s O STINKETH!

lil Calvin Johnson…meet DAVID Irons!

ONE catch and suddenly Tech will beat AUburn?? The Power I offense is long gone from Auburn…soon Tech will do the same with a smoked bottom!

By neverlikedBama

August 25, 2005 09:07 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with “notabamer”. Mark is an idiot and that article is DUMB DUMB DUMB!

By Scott Knight

August 25, 2005 10:05 PM | Link to this

You will be eating alot of crow on Sept. 4th after Auburn beats up on Ga. Tech

By kendall

August 26, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this

Pretty weak wes, pretty weak. I will count your response AMOUNG those that are continually brainless. No luck needed here, already very successful in my endeavors. By the way, my secretary does my typing for me, so who cares.

By wes

August 26, 2005 04:32 PM | Link to this

no she doesn’t.

By Jano

August 26, 2005 04:58 PM | Link to this

To AlaDawg: Whoa Hoss! You are attributing comments to me I didn’t make. No way I’m getting into a fight between Tech & UGA. I don’t have a dog in that fight. I’m a Boise State Alum happy for a shot at Georgia even if it’s in the humid South. I’m just thinking it’s going to be a great ballgame & don’t want to throw rocks at anybody.

By jere

August 26, 2005 05:48 PM | Link to this

georgia will struggle with boise state early but prevail in the end…tech has a chance catching auburn early…i am really having a problem understanding why all preseason polls are so keen over tubbies tennessee team that squeaked out wins over vandy and kentucky and beat georgia on their worst day reeling from big win over lsu who also seems to be overrated…watch for alabama…they could be the surprise…wcoastjere

By Jgrant

August 29, 2005 06:18 PM | Link to this

Auburn will win 9 games more than likely. With a toss up when playing geogia and lsu. And they will start off slow on tech, but will win. WAE EAGLE!!!