AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > October > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVictory settles where this team belongs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Knoxville — The question was specific: Could scarcely tested Georgia play with toughened Tennessee? The answer was as broad and as sweeping as these far-flung United States: Georgia can play with anybody anywhere. That means the team in Los Angeles. That means the team in Texas. That means the team in Blacksburg.
Anybody anywhere.
“People questioned us,” said safety Greg Blue. “They said we’d had no challenge the first four games. They said, ‘Can you beat Tennessee?’ Well, we beat them.”
Of the many splendid road victories achieved under Mark Richt, this was the most comprehensive. Even the rout of the Volunteers in Knoxville in 2003 turned on Sean Jones’ fumble return at the end of the first half. This one turned on nothing. This one was all Georgia from the opening kick. Tennessee was lucky to be close after three quarters, and then it was close no more.
D.J. Shockley threw a bad interception and lost an unfortunate fumble and still he never seemed close to losing his grip. “D.J. didn’t flinch,” said Richt, speaking of his quarterback’s response to the turnover that gave the Vols their only glimmer of hope, but the coach might well have been referring to every man on his traveling squad. Georgia had the better offense, the better defense, the better special teams. The better coach, too.
And to think: This was billed as the Bulldogs’ bridge year, the transitional period from the era of Greene and Pollack and VanGorder to … what? A lessened team and lesser achievements? Yeah, that was the expectation in January, in August, even last week. But look now. Look at Shockley, playing as well in a big game as the sainted Greene ever did. Look at the defense, coming within an eyeblink of laying a goose egg on the Big Orange. Look at an untested team capable of entering the massive stadium on the river and acting as if it owned the joint.
“It’s all about regrouping,” said Shockley, referring to his immediate response to the interception — he found Kenneth Harris deep on Georgia’s next snap — but “regrouping” can stand as the theme for 2005. (Really, “Finish The Drill” is so yesterday.) They got really good for three years, and now they’re really good again with different guys doing the business.
“We played a great team and played great,” said Richt, and there was no other way to view this one. Tennessee proved itself in its epic comeback at LSU, and now Georgia has proved it’s even better than Tennessee. The Bulldogs made an estimable opponent look slow and limited and undisciplined. (The Vols were called for 12 penalties. Yikes.) Georgia ran harder and tackled better and didn’t yield to self-doubt when Tennessee cut it to 13-7 and the massive stadium was literally rocking.
“I didn’t feel like we were coming unglued,” said rover Tra Battle. “We just knew we had to regain the momentum. We say something on the sideline — ‘GTBB.’ It means, ‘Get the ball back.’?”
Sure enough, Georgia did. Battle stripped the ball from Josh Briscoe near midfield and recovered the fumble himself. That bought the field position that led to Mikey Henderson’s downing of Gordon Ely-Kelso’s punt at the 1, which in turn spawned the clinching punt return by Thomas Flowers. With more than half the fourth quarter remaining, the mighty Vols were done.
And now we — and the football world, from Corso and Herbstreit on down — must view Georgia differently than we did when the weekend began. This isn’t a team lucky to ranked No. 5 in the nation. This, once again, is a team of elite quality.
“We proved we can win in a hostile environment against a great team,” Harris said. “We proved a lot to the nation. We belong where we are.”
Permalink | Comments (74) | Categories: Mark Bradley, UGA / SEC
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By Andy
October 8, 2005 10:29 PM | Link to this
Amen, now if only ESPN and the rest of the country will realize it. And, of course, we need to continue to win the games.
It seems the character of the team that everyone is worried about hinges on one thing - win the game. They are not looking for a blow out or to up the stats. They do what they need to do to win the game.
BTW, it is insulting that the GameDay crew was at Penn State - OSU when #5 and #8 were playing.
By GATA
October 8, 2005 10:37 PM | Link to this
Excellent Georgia effort and the article is right on!
Let’s celebrate tonight, move on, and get ready for the next one. Don’t let the Dawgs read this article until January, because if they continue to take care of business this may develop into something much larger.
Congratulations to Coach Richt and the entire staff!
By shortman
October 8, 2005 11:10 PM | Link to this
great game, use time outs sparingly they are importment shorts
By chisolm
October 8, 2005 11:25 PM | Link to this
espn keeps talking about penn st. this will be another auburn situation. #1 they,espn, just goes after the new england corridor ratings and they do not embrace sec football. lou holtz hates ga. and he does nothing to promote the sec. we hoped may would take an interest but he is a GE guy and cares nothing about the south.
By Bulldog Bry
October 8, 2005 11:27 PM | Link to this
What I thought was most impressive was the last TD drive. Everyone knew that we were going to run the ball and they STILL couldn’t stop it (or just gave up; I couldn’t tell). Take away our turnovers and it would have been an absolute blowout. Can we call Neyland ‘Sanford North’ now?
By Twilb Dawg
October 8, 2005 11:33 PM | Link to this
Yes, this team does belong. Congrats to the entire team and coaching staff.
Especially Coach Richt, maybe now all those nay sayers out there that get on here sometimes will sit back and enjoy having him in A-Town as long as we can.
The team looked great all around. Keep it up! Go Dawgs! 1
By Swangirl
October 9, 2005 12:21 AM | Link to this
With ESPN being based in Bristol, Connecticut, it’s hardly surprising that they seem to have their eyes stuck on New England. Heck, it was like pulling teeth to get them to give kudos to the Braves for clinching a 14th straight division title.
By BigDaddyDawgBone
October 9, 2005 12:45 AM | Link to this
The dawgs played a dominating game from start to finish. Even more important, they found themselves in Knoxville tonight. Their newfound confidence should take them a long way. It is scary to look at how good this team really could be when all facets of the game are working. Congrats to the coaching staff and players. The dawgnation is very, very proud of you.
BTW, replay shows no touchdown at the end of the game for UT….knee clearly down at 2 yard line.
By frank
October 9, 2005 01:24 AM | Link to this
This is the first time any team has won three in a row at Neyland in the Fulmer era…DJ showed he can make a few mistakes and not unravel - the “D” showed it can play with anybody and the Vol’s “D” - which was touted as having the best front 4 in the country - was held in check…a quality win over a quality team and on the road - the Dawgs are a legitimate top 10 team - ‘nuff said
By Kyle
October 9, 2005 03:07 AM | Link to this
AND they did all this with a no name defense (granted the best all around defense I’ve seen at UGA (I’m 38). We’ve had arguably better front sevens but those DBs are the best group I have ever seen at UGA - man what a great group of tacklers. How many years have we seen a Bulldog defender be in position to only blow a tackle? How important was it, especially early in the game, that UGA’s DBs and/or LBs would wrap up the UT ball carrier 2 yds short of the 1st down? IMPRESSIVE D fellows.
Also, how cool is it that the D gets good pressure without having to blitz very often? ANS: It’s very very cool.
How cool was it that Richt didn’t really have to get too fancy or really break from the playbook he’s used so far this season? Just what is it that he’s holding back? Could we see more Ware/Brown in the same backfield (ala Cadillac/Ronnie)? I hope so.
Massaqoui must have velcro gloves - he flat catches the ball if it is thrown his way and, man, that speed.
Milner has come on strong. Maybe, just maybe we can keep he and Pope for next year if they continue to split time and share the limelight.
Give me more of the I-formation. We are nearly unstoppable we line up in the I. Maybe at least let’s consider it in the red zone every so often.
GO DAWGS!
By geechee
October 9, 2005 03:11 AM | Link to this
Mark, here’s a two part question that has been tugging at me since August and I was hoping one of you professional sports writers (also putting question to Schultz)could answer.
1)What could have possessed even one, much less a majority of the AP sports writers (who have a vote in their poll), to justify ranking both LSU and Florida; two programs in which all players would have to adjust to new coaching systems; above that of a UGA team which had finished the season before with a better record than both of the other two, was on paper just as well stocked with talent,including possibly the deepest running threat in NCAA history, and which still had in place the finest coaching staff (minus Van Gorder)in the team’s history (sorry Vince & Erk).
2)Do the coaches actually vote in their poll or do they just copy the AP since you’d think that the importance of a good stable coaching staff to a team would not be lost in the minds of the coaches themselves?
By Huskdawg
October 9, 2005 05:24 AM | Link to this
Hey RockyT, I got up extra early for you. Spanky will be on later. I admire you sir, for being so cocky about your team. I, however, am a cautiously optimistic Bulldawg and always will be. It amazes me how this team can look so flat at times, but pull one out of their a$$ when they need to. Give my regards to the Great Pumpkin for getting out-coached and out-played in YOUR HOUSE…AGAIN. If we don’t win a game from here on out, it will have been worth it to shut you UGLY ORANGE WEARIN HILLBILLY TRANSPLANTS UP! Scrape the T’s off your trucks, take the smackdown, and get the hell outta my town!!
By ron
October 9, 2005 05:53 AM | Link to this
GREAT ARTICLE MR.BRADLEY.FIRST I SALUTE GEORGIA ON A TREMENDOUS EFFORT AND VICTORY.WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW MISTAKES THE EFFORTS OF BOTH THE DEFENSE & OFFENSE WERE IMPRESSIVE.SPECIAL TEAMS WERE OUTSTANDING LEAD BY FLOWERES PUNT RETURN AND HENDERSON DOWNING THE BALL AT THE ONE YARD LINE.DJ WAS UNBELIEVABLE IN MAINTAING HIS POISE AFTER BOTH THE INTERCEPTION & FUMBLE.THE OFFENSIVE LINE JUST WORE THE VOLS DEFENSIVE LINE TO A PULP,EVEN GRANDMA MOSES COULD HAVE RAN THROUGH IT NEAR GAMES END.QUENTIN MOSES AND THE DEFENSIVE LINE WERE GREAT.PLEASE LET’S NOT HAVE A MELTDOWN WITH VANDY,IN THEIR LOSS TO LS WHO! THEY LOOKED LIKE A VIABLE OPPONENT.IN CLOSIN “HOW ‘BOUT DEEM DARE ‘DAWGS.”
By geechee
October 9, 2005 06:30 AM | Link to this
I never really understood the thinking of many UGA fans going back to the beginning of the season that; this Georgia team looked good so far against the have-nots but the offense as they saw it was in trouble, with the heart of the SEC schedule coming up and based this theory on the fact that the Dogs had not won by Oklahoma/Nebraska style winning margins.
Just after the win in Bradley’s home away from home, Starkville, a couple of weeks back, there were fans worrying that the win wasn’t a good enough win to beat teams like Tennessee
Perhaps, understandably, the Southern gentility of the Classic City has an effect here but, there is nothing in Georgia’s recent past, going back at least to the start of the Dooley era in the mid-sixties to suggest that UGA teams have ever placed any importance what so ever in “running up� the score simply to impress the pollsters.
This UGA team reflects the exact same personality as all the other past great Georgia squads with its “grind it out� offense which leans heavily on it’s strong tight end position and features a strong enough running game to earn it the reputation as Tailback U paired with an incredible, relatively no name, team oriented, hard hitting, and opportunistic defense that seems to be able to take high powered offenses out of their game plans.
This synopsis however is too general in describing this year’s team in that this particularly strong running game is so deep it could probably afford to lose its first and second string backs for the year without missing a beat and it overlooks the fact that D J Shockley is perhaps the most gifted athlete in Georgia history at the Quarterback position meanwhile on defense Greg Blue hits hard enough to make a Caterpillar bulldozer blush.
In fact, I’ve just convinced myself that, aside from the fact that those great UGA teams of the early eighties featured a running back that literally ran over defenses as though he were driving a hummer, this is quite possibly the most talented team in the history of Georgia football.
By Bulldawg1970
October 9, 2005 06:53 AM | Link to this
Great win in a hostile environment, but coaching staff still needs to learn how to manage timeouts. If we had saved all of our timeouts in the first half (instead of saving the 5 yard penalties for delay of game), we could have converted our 3 points into 7 right at the end of the half.
Richt is still calling questionable plays in certain situations and still needs to let a real “offensive coordiator” make the calls. Remember, back when he was in Tallahassee, his biggest shortcoming was not being able to direct the offense in certain situations.
Great win in bulldog fashion. Bring on the rest!
By KC in Athens
October 9, 2005 07:03 AM | Link to this
This was a win of monumental proportions. I originally thought this would be the biggest war in Tennessee since Shiloh, Stone’s Creek and Fort Danielson killed 70,000 in 1862. No, this was more like the Persian Gulf war in the early 90s. The only problem is that even if Georgia wins every game, they still won’t make to Pasedena. At some point, the SEC will wisen up and secede from the corrupt and bogus farce that is the NCAA.
By D-man
October 9, 2005 07:46 AM | Link to this
Georgia’s looking good all my Bulldog brethern! Looking real good. Cant wait to hand ol Urban “Myth” Myer his 2nd SEC loss…Georgia truely is in the driver’s seat here, and we could very well see a Georgia vs. Alabama SEC game! That my friends would be worth any price of admission. Georgia just needs to avoid 2 things at all cost! 1.) Any letdowns 2.) Injuries to key players. Lets hope this is our year where all things swing our way - but hey, I was very proud of D.J. yesterday..even though he threw the interception at a crucial time, and fumbled at a crucial time, he was able to shake it off, even though both turnovers got the pumpkin house fans rock’n again..he AND the Dawgs did not let it bother them. That was a very good sign. I’m kinda glad things happened the way they did rather than a straight up rout, we were able to see how the Dawgs would handle a bit of adversity…lucky thing is, we will not have to face a crowd like that for the rest of the year! Go Dawgs!!
By Freedawg
October 9, 2005 08:22 AM | Link to this
Any one who complains about Richt needs to go pull for Tech! Great win, Great coach, Great team, Great program! Go Dawgs!!!!
By jill
October 9, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this
great win! tennessee is done. now let’s move on and take care of business. this could be a special year if these guys stay focused. i couldn’t be happier for the whole team and especially for shockley. thanks for the loyalty to uga. you deserve everything that is coming your way.
By geechee
October 9, 2005 08:31 AM | Link to this
Bulldawg1970, great observation on the penalties. Perhaps too much emphasis was placed on the Dogs’ penalty yards in the first four games and the coaches overcorrected. USC was within five or six yards per game from doubling our penalty yardage 291-166 thru their first four games.
KC, I don’t think we should spoil this season worrying about Pasadena anyway. There are still at least 2 great teams ahead of us in the polls which would have to each lose and UGA would still have to do the improbable and run the table.
Of course, the irony of this great team coming in the 25th year anniversary of the greatest team only underscores the hand that destiny played that year so if these guys happen to run the table who knows what could happen.
If a trip to Pasadena is not in the stars however, the Dogs already had their dance card filled with another story book ending hosting a Sugar Bowl that destiny itself has for whatever reason moved to the Georgia Dome.
Sorry Mark, amidst all my pontificating here, I forgot to add, awesome column!
By Eddie
October 9, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this
Impressive win, and it could have been even better. Massaquoi made that catch in the first half to give us a first down-where was the review? Pope AND the football were in the end-zone initially and then got knocked out-where was the review? The last touchdown was a joke-it looked like Vinny Testaverde from the Jest a few years ago with his “phantom” touchdown-that was not even close-the ball fell short…point being, UGA could have blown UT out of Knoxville. they did a GREAT job of overcoming adversity…let’s not get too high on ourselves-last year when we blew out LSU everyone thought we were world beaters and UT bit us….Cutler is no joke at QB in Vandy, and we are their homecoming game-GREAT win, but still lots more work to do….
By skimerp
October 9, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this
What a class act. Coach Richt not only out coached Fullmer (The Pumpkin) but took the time after the game to come from the other side of the field to greet the UGA fans ! The UGA program has taken a great stride foward.
By geechee
October 9, 2005 09:28 AM | Link to this
I thought the drill was to schedule an easy game for your homecoming, gotta hand it to them, this is a bold move.
By Lil Jay
October 9, 2005 09:30 AM | Link to this
CONGRATS TO THE ‘DAWGS!!! When the Vols come to Tuscaloosa here in two weeks they should expect more of the same. Speaking of Tuscaloosa, how bout the Tide and the Dags for the SEC Chmapionship game?!!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!
By Greg
October 9, 2005 09:33 AM | Link to this
WOW! That could have been one of the best defensive played games I have seen Georgia play in a long time. I totally agree with everything Bradley said in this article. He was right on. Now, lets start getting our heads ready for Vandy and go up to Nashville and kick some butt.
Way to go on your 5-0 start DAWGS!!! Keep it up and make us proud all the way the National Championship!!!!!!!!
By D Gill
October 9, 2005 09:39 AM | Link to this
From the Knoxville Journal: “Best Sportsmanship: Georgia players prayed quietly on the sideline as doctors attended to (Jason) Allen. Once Allen was ready to be carted off the field, several Georgia players made their way over to the Vols’ captain to offer words of encouragement, including Shockley and Pope.” My Vols were outplayed and outcoached by a classy team. BUT we’ll be back. (as soon as we can get rid of Fulmer!)
By jason45
October 9, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this
You forgot to say how patient DJ has been, and how he loves UGA. Oh and most of the Sainted DG big games wins,..he usualy scored TDs and didn’t turn the ball over
By Jeff
October 9, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this
How can everyone be this confident after watching the second coming of Quincy Carter throw his usual interception for a touchdown. Shockley is a liability and will cost UGA a shot at a national championship just like he did in years past.
By DawgBiz90
October 9, 2005 10:03 AM | Link to this
Great win for a great team and coach. We are blessed to have Coach Richt and staff in Athens - bright years ahead! Super job by special teams this game - Flowers, the punting and coverage was key and the field goal unit was ready to score at the end of the half. Nice work!
Touchdown at end of game was a joke - since when does the SEC award “Feel Good Touchdowns?”
By Principia
October 9, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this
Any of you morons even go to college? I doubt it!
I must admit though, the Pig School looked pretty good yesterday.
I’m looking for a couple of you “no-teeth”, sister-humping rednecks to take our Chan Gailey for me. Any takers??
By DirkDawggler
October 9, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this
I wish we’d play in Knoxville every year. There is more pressure on Ten-r-c to win a really big game at home because they consistantly fail to do so every year. In fact, the last time they beat a top 10 team at home was Georgia in 1999 (‘Dawgs were 10th coming in…) And this new generation is a far cry from the Goff/Donnan days. Folks, we are in their heads up in Knoxville.
On another note, echoing “D Gill’s” post about the classiness of our team: That was a wonderful and heartfelt gesture by Georgia. I hope Jason Allen recovers fully from his injury.
By JerseyGASwampDawg
October 9, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this
Great Win DAWGS! Were the VOLS overrated though? The Gators and now the DAWGS have made them look weak. When the VOLS had the comeback against LSU, it looked like LSU just quit. 3 VERY HARD games left for the DAWGS. I BELIEVE !
By cr8on
October 9, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this
As a UGA fan, if you aren’t pulling for Shockley you aren’t pulling for UGA. Get on the wagon, win or lose, and back up one of the best talents in the country who “waited” to have his shot at UGA.
Too bad Jeff can’t be as committed UGA and their choice of QB as the QB was to UGA. You’re just a half hearted fan who needs something to complain about.
By Mike
October 9, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
For the guy who referred to DJ as “the second coming of Quincy Carter”: You are an idiot as well as a racist. Please find another team to support. I am quite sure that you never actually attended UGA anyway, so your loyalty should be flexible.
By Joe
October 9, 2005 12:04 PM | Link to this
Hey. Where are all the poo-pooing Tech fans who like to chime and whine about everything. Lets hear some attaboys from you.
By brandon
October 9, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this
Penn State vs Georgia in the Sugar Bowl……ahhh just like old times.
By DawgsR#1
October 9, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this
We played great, and the defense looked like one of the best in the country, but I would like to see Richt use the power I a little more often in third and short instead of the HB draw. With our big and experienced O-line, two great tight ends, and four outstanding runners (Ware, Brown, Lumpkin, and Southerland) we can really push the line of scrimmage and wear down the D a little more.
By Spanky
October 9, 2005 12:54 PM | Link to this
Hey!! So, here’s where the party’s at!?! * How ‘bout them Dawgs!! * This hang-over won’t stop me from yellin! Is there any more doubt? Anybody got anything else to say?!? I just have one more thing to say: * It’s great..to be..a Georgia Bullbog! * You folks have a good day!
By UGALAW
October 9, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this
Principia — You’re exactly right, we’re all a bunch of incestuous redneck high school dropouts. Perhaps the only thing we have going in our otherwise miserable lives is that we don’t have to go watch our school wet the bed at home against N.C. State (during the very prestigious Thursday Night slot, mind you).
By Mark2
October 9, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this
Principia, we will be more than happy to oblige you. Too bad that your fans and your team are going to have to endure another beating on the order of…let’s say…51-7 just to get that done. I feel sorry for Chan Gaily. He has had to put up with what is without a doubt, the sorriest fan base in college football. You guys are on and off the bandwagon like it was the NYC subway system. You whine incessantly and turn on your team like rabid dogs when they lose. 15 minutes of fame goes straight to your heads and then your team has to suffer when it cannot possibly play up to your unrealistic expectations. Guess what Principia. With fans like Tech’s, you’ll never get a quality coach to accept your job. My apologies to Chan. But I enjoy nothing more than beating up on you mites in your own house.
By animaldr
October 9, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this
What a complete game! This defense will keep us in any game. We remained balanced on offense. I’d still like to see us run from the I-formation, and pass out of it as well. Special teams - punter, coverage, kicking, and returners - awesome!
We must avoid a letdown in Nashville. They are very good.
Now I guess we have still not been tested and played an easy schedule. The Vols are just not that good. That’s the national media following a UGA win.
ESPN is reluctant to have Gameday at a CBS game. As well as there fascination with the Northeast.
Great column.
By Mark2
October 9, 2005 02:10 PM | Link to this
Has anybody here seen RockyT today. He’s supposed to tell us Who’s his daddy. He must be out buying that UGA hat he was talking about.
By Robert
October 9, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this
Principia, what kind of redneck loser name is that or perhaps it is a great hooker name on 4th Avenue!
Go back to your Meth lab and get high quickly so that you can forget that you are a Techie termite and will again get beat by them Dawgs in November.
Congratulations Coach Richt and the entire Georgia staff for getting these Georgia players to believe in themselves.
The entire BullDawg Nation believes in this program. Those that don’t are no dawg fans and should see a Shrink as soon as possible!
As they say, IT’S GREAT, TO BE, A GEORGIA BULLDOG.
By CaliDawg
October 9, 2005 03:16 PM | Link to this
Wow. Has a UGA defense ever looked that good? Credit to D.J. and the special teams, but the D gets the game ball. Offensive coordinators across the South are stocking up on Depends.
By go_dawgs_go
October 9, 2005 05:07 PM | Link to this
Ol’ Smokey is just Dawg Meat BTW, where was the ESPN Gameday crew? While not a Tennessee fan, Knoxville is a great venue for a game, and UT and UGA fans would have given a better show than any northern city! C’mon, ESPN, get with the best conference in the USA. Or will you ignore the GA-FLA game for another minor game?
By Reality Check
October 9, 2005 05:54 PM | Link to this
You’ve got to take your hat off to cowboy, an admitted Tennessee fan. On a Friday blog he predicted Georgia woulde win 27 to 14.
By Frank
October 9, 2005 10:38 PM | Link to this
Principia Crude insults are the last resort for those unable to form a cogent argument.
I feel sorry for Chan Gailey. He deserves better than having to coach at the insect school with possibly the most obnoxious fans around.
Change your name — you’re an insult to Newton.
Great win for the Dawgs! Until the trash drive at the end they only had one good drive the whole game — the one yard scoring drive obviously doesn’t count. DJ made some great throws. I was proud of how he played through adversity. The defense looked great. The overall defense is better than last year even though we’re thin at linebacker and lost some great players. Greg Blue has taken his game to a whole new level and the play of the secondary is so much better than last year. The front seven look as good as ever.
Coach Richt — 17-2 on the road. 3 in a row in Koxville. Wouldn’t trade him for anyone.
By ron
October 9, 2005 11:02 PM | Link to this
TO JEFF GO AND STICK YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND WITH YOUR REAR END STICKING UP ON A FLORIDA BEACH. YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A SPOILER WHO’S NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR OWN LIFE. YOU ENJOY NEGATIVITY.
By Dawgbone
October 9, 2005 11:49 PM | Link to this
Anyone out there still doubt or question Mark Richt’s coaching ability? ……….………. I didn’t think so. What a refreshing change to have a team that doesn’t flinch when things go awry. WTG DAWGS! Rock on…
Dawgbone
By Brian
October 10, 2005 07:27 AM | Link to this
The Gameday crew wasn’t in Knoxville because the game was covered by CBS. Gameday now only goes to games covered by ESPN, or it’s parent company ABC.
By 59bulldawg
October 10, 2005 08:08 AM | Link to this
Before we start slobbering each other with congratulations on winning the SEC, I’d like to point out a few things that still bother me about Coach Richt’s game plan. We still are not utilizing our backs properly early to establish control of the game. Granted Tennessee’s defensive line had something to say about that, but Richt’s infatuation with misdirection plays made them look better than they really were. Yes I know Tennessee’s defensive line threw in the towel late in the fourth quarter when we ran it down their throats and scored our last TD, but that’s what I wish we would do at the beginning of a game. We can’t always count on DJ to make perfect throws and our tight ends and receivers to make fantastic catches like they did for the most part on Saturday. I much prefer that we establish control early with the run and not let the other team’s defense dictate to us when to throw the ball. And the other team’s defense won’t be able to dictate to us when to throw the ball if we call a smart game and not get ourselves in second and long and third and long situations. Richt’s play calling is easily overlooked when we win and I hope he continues to win every game. But the last time I looked we still have Florida and Auburn looming in the distance … and Tech ain’t going to just lay down for us either. Our defense is as good right now as any that Erk ever coached but our offense, particularly our play calling, still needs work. If I seem overly critical, it’s not because of any lack of admiration for Coach Richt. He and his coaching staff have done a truly wonderful job of bringing the program back to where it belongs. Saturdays’s game, except for the bottle of Maalox I finished off just after DJ’s interception for a touchdown, was a great fun to watch. I just want my Dawgs to be truly dominating in every facet of the game.
By GT
October 10, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this
The only way Georgia does not go undefeated is being upset which won’t happen with Florida or Tech because they will be up for them. I worry with a school like Vanderbilt especally coming off an emotional win. This is where a coach shows how good he really is. Richt is good and after this year he may be in the same class as Dooley, who knew how to win the week after.
By Jason P
October 10, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this
On Jason Allen: I truley hope he recovers fully and quickly. The Dawgs showed our class in the minutes following.
I really want to comment on Leonard Pope, though. He was a BEAST on that play. How do you take down someone that big? You go at them low. Allen made a textbook attempt; Got low, and hit Pope between the knees and the thighs. Really, textbook form… And Pope ran THROUGH him! Bent him in half! Beautiful, Pope, beautiful.
By Andy from Ohio
October 10, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this
Where’s Rocky T at? I want to hear his perspective after we BLEW OUT Tennessee. And what’s with the bogus touchdown with no time remaining? Why wasn’t that reviewed? Granted, it makes no difference in the outcome of the game, but it may have made a difference in the poll voters eyes.
Tennessee played a good game, but they were outmatched. Jason Allen is a great player and I hope he recovers soon. Congrats to Richt for taking a few more chances and working on 3rd down conversions. Congrats to Brown and Ware for running the ball very well considering the defense they were up against. For that matter, congrats to the whole team for playing a mostly perfect game (minus the Shockley interception and fumble). A- game.
By BIGNCDAWG
October 10, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this
We are man enough, yes we are man enough.
My son went to the game and said the Georgia section was electric. Comments
GO DAWGS
By Mike
October 10, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this
I’m a Vol fan and I think UGA played the style of game TN wanted to and did it better than TN. GA did exactly what TN did last year to win and it work great against the Vols this year.
The GA defense gave up some passing yards but made stops when they had to. The completely stuffed Riggs.
The offense kept a ball control style to tire out my Vols on D.
And special teams….TN has not had special teams in the last few years.
That is the difference in these two teams right now…GA was more disciplined and had 10 times better special teams play, pinning us deep numerous times and returning the punt for a TD.
TN had chances to compete and could not take advantage of it…overthrown TD (next play got INT), fumble by Clausen and a fumble by the frosh Briscoe.
Impressive win.
By Coach
October 10, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this
Great win. Georgia played a solid game. However, Mark, I believe you are a little premature to start setting up a National showdown with either Texas, Va. Tech, or Southern Cal.
Georgia could play with them but just because they played a great game against Tenn doesn’t mean the remainder of the season will see them play at that level. If they do then maybe you are correct.
By Ben
October 10, 2005 12:20 PM | Link to this
Agree with Coach. We need to string together back to back to back great games. Not one great; then a downer.
By Randy
October 10, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Mark B. Which side of the fence will you be on tomorrow??? You change opinions more than Madonna changes her underwear. Jeff, I put you in the same category as Bobby Cox and Mark Bradley, you’re an idiot. Comparing DJ to Quincy??? You probably compared Joe Montana to Steve DeBerg. Quincy couldn’t carry DJ’s gym bag. (He tried, but dropped it) I was worried after David Greene’s legacy, but DJ has won me over. GO DAWGS!!!!!
By Thom
October 10, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this
First, Shockley played a great game. Not perfect but great. Two mistakes but it did not rattle him. Second, I’d take the Freshman version of Quincy Carter any day. Remember LSU in 1998? Probably not if you are bashing Quincy Carter. Third, I could give a Rats A$$ about the mythical National Championship. Let’s worry about someting the team can actually win on the field - the SEC Championship and the Bowl game. Fourth, UGA-BAMA in the SEC Championship, an awesome game. Finally, the schedule does not favor us beating UF (they have an off week, we don’t which is the way that game played out for all of the Spurrier years completely opposite the Dooley years). Oh, and Auburn will be plenty tough too.
Great win. But, our guys have a lot of business to take care of.
By SteveB
October 10, 2005 01:24 PM | Link to this
Thank You Ga Bulldog Football Players I’m at work today in downtown Knoxville with my red Georgia shirt on and my chest all puffed out. Great game. Lay off Richt and Lay off Shockley. Richt is so far beyond the last UGA coach it’s not even funny - he is definitely one of the best coaches in the U.S.A. Yes, he makes a few mistakes, but he’s smart - he’ll learn. Shockley has gotten better with each game and will continue to improve. Richt even took credit for the interception. In the Knox News Sentinel he said he shouldn’t have called that play - he tried it one too many times and the defense was waiting on it.
By Dawgbone
October 10, 2005 02:14 PM | Link to this
Right on Steve. The people who question Richt’s play calling are used to losing. Hey, we’re winners now because of Richt’s play calling, not in spite of it!
59Dog, times have changed and you need to change with it or continue your complaining. With the Dawgs compiling record after record why would you want to revert to 3 yards and a cloud of dust and a 7-4 record?
Dawgbone
By 59bulldawg
October 10, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this
Used to losing? Three yards and a cloud of dust? Come on now that’s just lame. I actually enjoy watching a wide open passing attack. What I don’t enjoy watching is a misdirection play that has about as much chance of gaining positive yardage as the Atlanta Braves do of ever winning a World Series again. Or a passing play called seven out of the first ten plays that we run. Throwing the ball on first down so as to keep your play calling unpredictable is fine … even several times a game it’s fine. That’s not a problem with me. But when you throw too much or too many times in sequence you become predictable again. Richt was right about the pic for a TD … he shouldn’t have called it because UT was ready for it. Son, that doesn’t mean that I’m anti-Richt. It means only that Richt needs to improve his play calling. My point here is that we’re big enough and talented enough on the O-line to simply line up and knock ‘em back and run the ball at will without any of that razzle-dazzle misdirection crap. If we’ll do that the passing game will open up even more. Certainly you can see that D’Bone! No I’m not afraid of the pass and I’m not in favor of running the ball 95% of the time. The mix of running and passing plays that Richt runs now is about right (IMHO) … I just wish he’d mix up the sequence a little more. Yes Bone times have changed … and I admit they have changed for the better. But in 93 and 94 it wasn’t three yards and a cloud of dust that gave us 5-6 and 6-4-1 records. But hey I’m just a lonely growl in a kiss a* wilderness.
By William Rivers
October 10, 2005 10:38 PM | Link to this
After their incredible victory this weekend, the Georgia Bulldogs have proved that they deserve to be thought of amongst the top teams in this great country of ours. But the question remains: if the Dawgs run the table and go undefeated, will they get the AUBURN TREATMENT? What I mean by the Auburn treatment is what happened to Auburn last year, having gone 13-0 but were left out of the National Championship picture. But, we can think of those things later. The Bulldawg Nation needs to just focus on this Saturday against Vanderbilt. However, a victory like Georgia just had will go a long way in builing this team confidence.
By Dawgbone
October 11, 2005 01:04 PM | Link to this
59Dawg…you must have missed our first play from scrimmage. It was one of those razzle-dazzle misdirection crap plays that got us a first down!
My whole point is why critize a coach who is taking us into the national spotlight with regularity? We’re 5-0 now with a chance to do something special. Complaints should be reserved games lost. I wonder what they’re saying up in Knoxville right now? ;-o)
Dawgbone
By 59bulldawg
October 11, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this
Yeah I saw Massaquoi make that terrific run. Is he going to be something special or what? But I’m referring to that little stutter step to the opposite direction our backs sometimes make before taking the ball to the other side. Often it’s just enough delay to allow the D-line to disrupt things and cause problems. I’ve noticed this for 2-3 years now. One minute we’re running for 25+ yards and the next play we’re getting stuffed in our own backfield. A poorly designed running play is just as bad as an incomplete pass. Both disrupt the flow of the offense and who knows it may be contributing to our red zone woes. I post here because I enjoy talking about Georgia football. But while I have the greatest admiration for Coach Richt as a person and a coach … I’m not into admiration societies. I agree with you, however, in that I believe Richt’s rebuilding us into a national power and he’s doing it the right way. He’s winning and someday soon I believe he’s going to take us to where no Dawg since UGA III in New Orleans has been. However the last time I looked Coach Richt was not the reincarnation of Bear Bryant. Yes I know that my criticisms aren’t everyone’s bowl of dogchow but the time to point out problems is not the day after a loss. However I can assure you that I bleed red and black just as much as you do. As far as Knoxville goes the excuse I heard was having to play 3 games in 13 days just “plum tuckered” those poor little volunteers out! Oh by the way the only thing I hate worse than razzle-dazzle misdirection crap plays is the color orange!
By Rod
October 11, 2005 03:23 PM | Link to this
I’m a die-hard Tech fan, and I must say DJ is a pretty damn good QB. My opinion is…DJ should have been starting over David Greene. I know David is the winningest QB in college football, but DJ is a much better passer and a better runner, and he is much more versitile. I thought TN would win in a close game, and I took my beating like a man today at work. Keep in mind mutts…Florida will be ready as well as Tech. These two teams would love to crash the high your on right now. Good game by you guys on Saturday.
By Stevie T.
October 11, 2005 05:13 PM | Link to this
Lee Corso has been on the Dawgs bandwagon all year. Gameday is going to USC at Notre Dame this weekend, an NBC game…
By L Reese
October 11, 2005 08:44 PM | Link to this
Please don’t insult our intellengence by claiming Georgia is in the same league with USC or Texas. Maybe you were thinking of the SC from Columbia!
By Dawgbone
October 11, 2005 09:59 PM | Link to this
You’re right Reese…Georgia in not in their league…we’re in the SEC ;-o) USC hasn’t seen a real defense…yet. Let’s see what they do against the Fightin’ Irish. And Texas, well I’m seem to remember the last time they were undefeated and played Georgia…
There will be no national championship, no undefeated season, no wild celebrations for the University of Texas Longhorns. The accolades for an unbeaten 11-game regular season will be all but forgotten.
The Cotton Bowl became the Longhorns’ funeral pyre Monday afternoon, as their dream of an unbeaten season and possible national championship turned to ashes with Georgia’s improbable 10-9 victory in the 48th annual Cotton Bowl Classic.
‘Nuff said…
Dawgbone
By Spoon
October 11, 2005 11:50 PM | Link to this
You know the amazing thing about Georgia fans is their amazing loyalty while they are winning. I’d love to see how many of y’all are still touting the NC if y’all get beat by UF or Auburn…oh thats right I think most of y’all forget y’all have to play them. Auburn may have lost their first game to GT but they are getting better and they never lay down to a Georgia team. Last year a very highly touted UGA team headed to Auburn and got whipped. UGA beat a Tennessee team that has only played one good half…The entire year. Congrats for pulling a victory, but y’all have a long way to go…if Shockley has turnovers like he had against Tennessee against better teams y’all will get beat plain and simple. Tennessee is what one would call inept on offense as they were last year. You cannot logically look at a team like Tennessee with as much talent sitting on their sideline an say they are a worse team. Any Defense can look good if the opposing offense is poorly directed. So why don’t y’all just bite your lip and wait to spout the idotic claim of going to Pasadena till y’all have A. Beat Florida B. Beat Auburn C. Beat Tech D. Won the SEC Championship game. Knowing y’alls history y’all will lose somewhere, and the abandoning of the ship will begin. But then again I’m sure in Tuscaloosa they have started booking the tickets for the Rose Bowl too, and their history is far better when it comes to them getting there than y’all. So how bout we will see…December 3 could roll around an there won’t be anyone who will win that can go to the Rose, all it takes is one loss and Georgia, and Bama can lose one with the teams they have left.
By Dawgbone
October 12, 2005 07:11 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the history lesson Spoon. As far as biting our lip it seems Aweburn did that when they lost to tech. Florida was embarassed and tech is hapless.
Dawgbone
By Spanky
October 13, 2005 11:38 AM | Link to this
Oh!..Okay! So now,…Tennessee was just another patsy that Georgia played? Man, it never f^^king ends! If we go the whole season undefeated, some moron,..like this tool, Spoon..will say something like, “Well you didn’t play anybody good, the whole season!” Look, you a^s-rat, Tennessee was ranked 8th in the nation, and we beat the crap out of them!..Period! You can down-play our whole schedule for all I care! Just know this! We are undefeated, and getting the job done! If you don’t like it,..buy more Kleenex!
By George
October 13, 2005 07:23 PM | Link to this
Georgia is finally back among the elite. We played a great game and showed poise and confidence. We can run the table if we play our game, but anyone who is anyone knows that in the SEC any team can win at anytime. Top to bottom the SEC is stronger year in and year out. GO DAWGS