AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEvery snap a test for Tereshinski
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Athens — Mark Richt calls Joe Tereshinski “a good preparation guy.” I suppose there are worst things you can call your starting quarterback. Imagine where Emeril would be without a good preparation guy. Who would chop the carrots?
Joe Tereshinski is a good kid. A smart kid. The kind of kid you can foresee doing something really significant with his life, thereby reducing having played football at Georgia to an afterthought (shocking, I know).
He has sat in meetings with David Greene and D.J. Shockley. But by all appearances, that’s as close as he gets to either. He hasn’t projected Greene’s cool or consistency. He doesn’t have Shockley’s talent and play-making ability.
Good kid. Smart kid. Starting quarterback?
“I tend not to think about [the doubts],” Tereshinski said. “But there’s something to prove, something to go out there and show people that you can play, and you can play mistake-free football.”
Georgia opens the season Saturday against Western Kentucky, another of college football’s I-AA sacrifices willing to take a payoff for a beating. As tests go, Western Kentucky won’t equal Florida or Auburn or even South Carolina next week.
But every snap will be a test for Tereshinski because he won’t start any series with the depth chart security of his predecessors. The question is whether he can avoid becoming more than the answer to a trivia question, “Who played after Greene and Shockley and before Matthew Stafford?”
The question is whether he is a starting quarterback for any reason other than longevity.
It’s only Western Kentucky. There are a lot of “onlys” on Georgia’s schedule. The first eight games should break down as seven “onlys” and one Spurrier. That road of marshmallows should play in Tereshinski’s favor. (Then again, a case could be made that the schedule could’ve played in Stafford’s favor, regarding his development.)
Richt denies he’ll be on guard with his play-calling with Tereshinski. “We’ll have a normal Georgia quarterback gameplan,” he said.
Whatever that is. Even if Tereshinski is voted the least likely to ignite an offense, he’s also the least likely to spontaneously combust. That might be the biggest reason he’s in there: Richt doesn’t feel like it’ll be a struggle to control him.
“I always have an expression for the quarterbacks: ‘Don’t turn a bad play into a catastrophe,’ ” he said. “If you do things the way we ask you, you’ll probably throw to the right guy about 90 percent of the time. But there are times when things break down. It should be protected beautifully, but the guy misses a block. Or it should be open but the guy runs the wrong route. Or you think it’s a good play but they happen to have a good defense called.
“What are you going to do now? Are you going to throw it up for grabs? Are you going to try to run around and be a hero? Are you going to get a 15-yard sack? Are you going to manage that situation and throw the ball out of bounds, or step up in the pocket and maybe take a 3-yard sack? [Tereshinski has] just done a really good job of not turning any bad situations into a catastrophe.”
But at some point, won’t the quarterback have to make a play?
“I feel like I can make any throw they ask me to,” Tereshinski said. “I don’t think I limit this team by any means. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a playmaker, compared to Thomas Brown and Mohamed Massaquoi and Martrez Milner. They’ve proven themselves. As long as you get the ball to those, then you’re giving yourself a chance to win.”
Good kid. Smart kid. But his resume has one start, a loss at Florida. He went 8 for 21 for the injured Shockley. There’s little else to go on. He’s not viewed as a cornerstone of the program, but a temp.
“You’re playing for a series. You’re playing for more playing time,” he said. “Like Coach Richt said, he’s going to play more than one quarterback, most likely.”
If nothing else, he seems prepared.
Permalink | Comments (86) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, UGA / SEC
Comments
By Brad Stephens
August 30, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
Good article, Jeff. I have to agree with just about everything there. I am one of the minority who thinks The OCs (Richt and staff) dropped the ball in Jax last year, not Joe T. Tereshinski is the solid starter right now. After a half or two or three, who knows? A big stink-up in Columbia could change it all, and believe me that’s the place it can happen. If Greene, Shockley, or any of the others ever looked gawd-awful it was against the Gamecocks.
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By Dan
August 30, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Brad, You nailed it, the only reason we lost that game was Richt went “super-pucker factor” on the play book and for some unknown reason it seemed no one thought to blitz Chris Leak and try to rattle him. If we had one that game with Joe T. at the helm you would hear a lot less groaning and complaining about the starter. Reminds me of when everyone nearly had a coronary watching DJ in the GA/GT game two years ago….maybe Richt does know what he’s doing and everyone will just shut up and let Joe T show us what he can do!
By Dan
August 30, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Brad, You nailed it, the only reason we lost that game was Richt went “super-pucker factor” on the play book and for some unknown reason it seemed no one thought to blitz Chris Leak and try to rattle him. If we had won that game with Joe T. at the helm you would hear a lot less groaning and complaining about the starter. Reminds me of when everyone nearly had a coronary watching DJ in the GA/GT game two years ago….maybe Richt does know what he’s doing and everyone will just shut up and let Joe T show us what he can do!
By Dan
August 30, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
sorry for the double post :( mispelled “won”
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 30, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this
Joe T, for whatever reason, doesn’t matter, won the starting QB job. Let him do his thing and I am pulling for him to bring the bacon home. What I won’t understand will be putting a RS yr. on Stafford. According to the coaches, the compition was very close for the starting spot. MS has been on the campus since Jan. He’s gone through both a spring and a fall camp. What will be gained by him not playing at all this season? We have no idea what will happen 4 yrs. from now. Not everybody will sit like DJ. did and wait. Our schedule is such that MR should be able to give him some good playing time in ‘06 so why not?
By jim
August 30, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
Greetings to all you “Monday Morning Coach Reporters”. Did it ever dawn on you that Coach Richt knows his players and what they can do and who is ready to play, and that all you really know is what he wants you to know. Is that not where you get your information?
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 30, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
Jim, who’s playing Monday Morning QB? MR hasn’t said what he’s going to do. I’m not 2nd guessing anything so I know you weren’t talking about my post. I do wonder about that and I’m sure what ever he decides, he’ll say why. He always does.
By athens hottie
August 30, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
brad you are definantly not in the minority around athens who thinks he screwed up our chances at jax. but watch for this year to change. ballsy change. they used too much of shocks check down schemes and when joe t didnt see what he thought was there he checked down aqnd unfortunantly he had to run it. that stuff worked at academy but not here in the SEC. richt knows that and look for all check downs this year to be simple out pass or a run by one of the RBs. joe t can make the throws needed. the whole playbook (which they of course worked around him but still) hes got it! and hes also GREAT in the sack ;)
By BirdDawg
August 30, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this
Brad and Dan, I just ask that y’all take a minute and ask yourselves the logical question: Why did Coach go all conservative when Joe T started last fall? Why? I mean, Joe T was in the system almost 4 full years. There had to be a reason why Coach didn’t trust Joe T to run the offense, right?
And read the AJC article that was just posted, and Coach Bobo lets slip a little information about the kind of throws that Joe T can and cannot make.
I’m with Schultz on this one. Why, against an easy schedule, do you play the guy with no upside? Who’s hit his plateau and isn’t going to get any better? Why play that guy, who isn’t as physically gifted as Cox or Stafford?
This has the make-up of a disaster come next weekend, but we’ll see. I’d love for Joe T to prove me wrong, because that’d mean we’re winning games.
But just like Coach last year in Jacksonville… I just don’t trust him to prove me wrong.
By Bryan G.
August 31, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
lol to Jim. First we can’t disagree with the President and now we can’t disagree with the Head Coach at UGA? What next, I wonder?
By Peter
August 31, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
You guys, think. This time last year everybody was nervous about D.J.
Either Joe T. does it or he doesn’t. If he doesn’t then he’s going to be out. Football is big business at UGA, it pays a lot of bills. They won’t hesitate to move him if he doesn’t perform.
By physicsDawg
August 31, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this
I personally am for JoeT3; I think his diving touchdown against UF was like Vince’s in the NC game. But it really doesn’t matter, if he is better than, or good enough to keep them at bay in practice, then we at LEAST have a QB that’s pretty good. I’m sorry for this slam, but how good was Buck Balou (sp.) really? That 99 yard pass to Lidsey was only a 10 or 15 yard chuck. Bottom line, as some have mentioned, our success will hinge on the O-line. Our Defense is going to destroy folks. Our running backs are the best in the nation, including our 2 fullbacks this year:Des Williams is back. Our QB situation will be fine. We may need ALL 4 of them by season’s end, though, if the line doesn’t come together…
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 31, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this
It’s just after mid-night out here and I don’t believe what I’m reading. It appears that almost everone is saying about the same thing. MR is goingto be conservative and I think the idea of doing some gambling with a new QB is hard for him to deal with; however, Joe T did win the top spot so I’m really pulling for him. No need to be redundant repeating what I’ve said earlier about Stafford, but I do believe he’s the future and I just hope MR will give him some live action this season so he can develope his skills playing in the real thing and not come up next Sept. and it being the 1st time he’ll be under live fire. What to do with MS, for me, has become a spectator sport within itself.
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 03:21 AM | Link to this
Boys, Boys, Boys…., I was puffing away in the back lots of frat houses when you all were still learn’n to pee outside of your pantaloons…..Im old school and you are not (yet). And as a public service to you I am going to lay it down……Disappointment is a bitter pill.
This year is going to be HARD…….
The schedule is nice, but what needs to happen is not possible
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 31, 2006 03:41 AM | Link to this
tommy t, I didn’t think anyone was awake back home or in the ETZ. We usede a lot of luck to get to Atlanta last season. This year? All I can say is “it’s going to be interesting”. Already has been with the QB duke out. tommy t. what’s going to happen in Columbia?
By sj
August 31, 2006 05:37 AM | Link to this
“…least likely to ignite an offense, he’s also the least likely to spontaneously combust.’ Best line by a professional sports’ writer so far this summer. Let’s hope Miss. State roughs up Spurrier’s boys tonight. Defending Rice et al will be a challenge.
By hedgeprunner
August 31, 2006 06:04 AM | Link to this
We’ll see how the mutt fan base reacts this season when they lose 4 or 5 games, although they have a cream puff schedule they really dont have a QB that can play at the level they need to compete, Georgia Tech on the other hand continues to play a demanding schedule ND, Miami, Vt,Clemson,UGA and will kick there butts this year in Athens…BBBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZ
By Jsonic
August 31, 2006 06:34 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame that Notre Dame is playing Tech and not the Poodles. It would be entertaining as hell not only to see the Irish crush the Poodles but to listen to all the Georgia fans on these blogs talk about how the Poodles would put the Irish in their place. The Poodles are really pi$$ed that the Tech/Irish game is stealing their opening day thunder against W. Kentucky….. I mean come on WESTERN KENTUCKY!!! At least Tech has the guts to schedule opponents like Notre Dame. Somebody kick UGA, swat him with the newspaper and put him in the garage!
By physicsDawg
August 31, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this
hedgetrimmer, go trim your mother’s hedge. Your time will come in November, as usual. You can schedule the entire top ten, but it won’t ever help you beat the Dogs.
By Amelia
August 31, 2006 07:19 AM | Link to this
hedgepruner. Reggie Ball is your QB. You’d love to have Joe T.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 31, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this
js that IS the best one liner of the summer. Jsonic, I’m a proud DAWG but as much as I hate it, you’re right! In fact I made that very point on a Dawg blog when I got in from “HUMP NIGHT IN SEATTLE” this morning. Noticed all the recruits coming. Is Vick going to be on the sidelines recruiting for you?
By eddiem
August 31, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this
Hey Jsonic- It sure took a lot of guts for Tech to schedule both Troy AND Samford in the same season…..you nerd….
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
I just want the dawgs to beat florida and tennesse this year…….they are not going undefeated and that is just the fact….the gamecocks are going to pull out all the stops against the dogs…should be an exciting game……but remember these guys took down fla. last year when we could not.
Im gonna be sweating like a whore in church for this one
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 07:42 AM | Link to this
By the by………Does anyone else think that jeff schultz is the most annoying sports writer to ever grace the planet?
By Jsonic
August 31, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
Yeah eddiem just as much guts as it too the Poodles to schedule both W. Kentucky and UAB!
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this
I mean look at the guys picture! Don’t you just want to punch this guy in the face and then go to your martini/pajamma party?
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this
I mean look at the guys picture! Don’t you just want to punch this guy in the face and then go to your martini/pajamma party?
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this
I mean look at the guys picture! Don’t you just want to punch this guy in the face and then go to your martini/pajama party?
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
what? Im sorry my dawg typed thatr last entry…
By 82DAWG
August 31, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this
No, Terrence Moore is the most annoying sports writer followed closely by Carter Strickland. Jeff Schultz is usually pretty much right on the mark, in a sardonic sort of way.
BTW, 4 losses looks about right this year, sorry. Which is why I would rather lose 4 with Cox or Stafford learning than with a lame duck QB trying to “manage” a game.
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
S.CAROLINA TENNESSE FLORIDA AUBURN GA. TECH
Georgia will not win all these games…..But take your pick… I want Georgia to beat FLA this year….what a nice change that would be…Chris Leak is a prettytboy that needs to have his head knocked off….. You guys are talking quarterbacks and I’m talking all out violence….someone on our team needs to stich their name on that candyassses forhead….he needs a beat down, propper.
That is the game of the year………….GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!
By lojak
August 31, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
Hey numnut, I wouldn’t consider Tennessee an”only.” Look at eheir record in Athens the past few times out. I continue to see why Atlanta sports reporters are never on the lae afternoon ESPN shows. there is not one quality guy at the ajc who could say anything intelligent which would add to the viewers interest. You think you are sooo cute. What a fool on a regular basis
By john
August 31, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
you won’t be the gamecocks!!!
By john
August 31, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
you won’t beat the gamecocks!!!
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
WHAT????????
By godawg
August 31, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this
cluck! cluck!… cluck! cluck! cluck!.
Yeah, yeah…we hear the same thing from you peckers EVERY year.
By diehard dawg
August 31, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
What? Are you sure your not coming from the party?
By godawg
August 31, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
cluck! cluck!… cluck! cluck! cluck!.
Yeah, yeah…every year we hear the same thing from you peckers. Every year same result.
You better worry about eating what’s on your plate tonight.
By godawg
August 31, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
Gamecocks starting right guard James Thompson (6’3”, 317 jr) suspended for four games. As if you didn’t have enough problems of your offensive line.
Like I said, better worry about the Bizarro Bulldogs you’re only picked by 3.5 pts.
By DJISTHEGREATESTFOOTBALLPLAYERINTHEHISTORYOFFOOTBALL
August 31, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
If UGA won with Shockley, they can win with Joe T.
By RFP
August 31, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
Same story again this year ‘cocks and nerds. We’ll make it 5 in a row against SC and 6 in a row against GT.
SC and GT are the two teams that say the same thing every year, “This is the year we beat UGA” and you fall short every year.
And, you’re wishful thinking always rubs off on the sports writers. Wasn’t last year supposed to be a rebuilding year? What happened…another 10 win season and an SECC.
By Mike
August 31, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
Jsonic, have you forgotten that your great Reggie Ball has a meltdown against UGA every year?
By bugger
August 31, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Jeff, Would it have been better to say, “take a beating for a payoff?” Sincerely, The Ol’ Ball(point pen) Coach
By TennDawg
August 31, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
Ga Tech folks coming in here and busting on the Dawgs schedule? Hilarious! Big deal, you open up the season against an extremely over-hyped and over-rated Irish team. Next you face the big and mighty Samford and Troy??? Then, it’s on to the weak basketball conference, I mean the ACC. Better yet, schedules aside, how about Tech actually WINNING on the field against the Dawgs before you call UGA out. Food-for-thought for the Tech folks - how embarrassing it might be to not only lose badly to the Irish on national tv, but to be outdone and overshadowed in attendance in your own stadium. That would never happen in Athens. That in itself speaks volumes for what football means to the masses from UGA in comparison to Tech. On another note, I can’t believe no one even mentioned what was said in a post from Athens hottie last night about Joe T being “GREAT in the sack”. I don’t post often anymore, so I am not familiar with Athens hottie, but I must admit I laughed so hard that I almost fell out of my chair. With the all-to-opinionated and so often embattled qb talk on these blogs, that line was a humorous and refreshing reprieve from the norm. Thanks for the laugh hottie. Hope everyone enjoys Saturday and the season! GO DAWGS!!!
By TennDawg
August 31, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
P.S. To all Gamecocks, see above about actually WINNING on the field before calling out UGA. Oh yeah, Reggie Ball…….ha,ha,ha.
By reality check
August 31, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
Everybody talks about the quarterback, but there are two other elements that I believe will have a greater impact on Georgia this year.
One is the wide receivers have improved greatly according to Richt. It takes two to complete a pass, and even if JoeT isn’t as talented as his DG and Shock the passing game should be productive.
The other huge factor is the clock change. That is going to make audibles more challenging and maybe shifts the balance between athleticism and smarts in JoeT’s favor.
I guess we will see a lot more no huddle, but have to wonder if the college game is going to shift back to the running game and winning with defense more with the change.
By Lew
August 31, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Georgia is wasting valuable playing time on Tereshinski— time that Stafford and Cox need to get ready for SC.
Also, I doubt any Dawgs look at Tennessee as a walkover, which the writer implied.
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 31, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
SC is the walk over.
UT might be tough depending on how their QB Angie plays.
GT the only reason the Irish scheduled you is because they think YOU are the CUPCAKE on their schedule. AND YOU pay them big cash $$$$ to play you. All you are doing is helping to prepay Wei$$’s contract. Oh, and I guess to line your own pockets with the “if you want to see this game you have to buy 2 more games at this price”
I just don’t see four losses this year. I always look to go undefeated. Weird things happen in the SEC.
As I have said before MS looks to be the arm, can read the film, only needs game experience and he won’t get that holding the clipboard during what is one the admittedly easiest schedules we will have for a while.
By reality check
August 31, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
godawg, where did you read about James Thompson being suspended? Wasn’t he one of the 4 linemen who came into camp so overweight they wouldn’t let him practice for a week?
I know Brandon Isaac is out. What I’ve heard is that Doughty, who is supposed to be their best defensive lineman, is so out of shape he has been demoted to the 3rd team, Belcher, who many predicted would be the starting free safety, has left the team, and Munnerlyn, who was making a move for playing time as a true freshman corner, has been held out of practice because of clearinghouse problems.
Naturally we aren’t going to get any news about stuff like this from the AJC. What can you tell us and what is your source?
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 31, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
reality check Great run down, it is appreciated. Now can you tell me why everybody else is worried about SC?
By Fred
August 31, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
by Fred Good news for you Hedgehopper (trimmer), or whatever. When the bunglebees scheduled the Irish they had no idea what would happen this year. It’s too bad that the Bees don’t play Florida… those two prettyboy QB’s could compete for camera time. But they are much better off trying their luck against Troy. Don’t think that they will be a pushover. They had better worry about their ACC (dirt track conf.)If they have anything left by the time that they play the DOGS they will probably try to get back into 1-AA. The Bees could have a chance against ND if they can get a parole for the officials that they used the last time that they beat the Dogs. The Bees really have a solid team this year… they are probably the #4 team in the state of Ga. (Ga, Ga. Southern, Camden County and then the Bees).
There’s a lot of talk about Joe T. getting the start Saturday. I remember this time last year. I had a lot of doubts about the new (5th year) Ga. QB. I have my doubts this year too. But Joe T. hung in there and deserves a “looksee”. Give Mark a break… he will probably make a good decision (when he has something to base it on.)
By Fred
August 31, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
by Fred Good news for you Hedgehopper (trimmer), or whatever. When the bunglebees scheduled the Irish they had no idea what would happen this year. It’s too bad that the Bees don’t play Florida… those two prettyboy QB’s could compete for camera time. But they are much better off trying their luck against Troy. Don’t think that they will be a pushover. They had better worry about their ACC (dirt track conf.)If they have anything left by the time that they play the DOGS they will probably try to get back into 1-AA. The Bees could have a chance against ND if they can get a parole for the officials that they used the last time that they beat the Dogs. The Bees really have a solid team this year… they are probably the #4 team in the state of Ga. (Ga, Ga. Southern, Camden County and then the Bees).
There’s a lot of talk about Joe T. getting the start Saturday. I remember this time last year. I had a lot of doubts about the new (5th year) Ga. QB. I have my doubts this year too. But Joe T. hung in there and deserves a “looksee”. Give Mark a break… he will probably make a good decision (when he has something to base it on.)
By tommy t
August 31, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Why the hell is anyone talking about Ga. Tech? I mean I know they are an instate rival…..but come on!
We have bigger fish to fry……. That said I hope they beat Notre Dame…
I have lived in Atlanta, and I have lived in Athens. The smart and dull go to Tech.. The creative and hot go to UGA. Have you seen the girls in Athens”!???
There is no in state rivalry……..Ga. Tech is an afterthought
stop giving these guys props by even mentioning them.,……
By Dawg70
August 31, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
I’ll say it one more time. A few years back Manning leaves Tenn. with most wins as starting QB in the country but not one National Championship. The very next year with a great defense, strong running game and a 5th year QB that runs a little better than he can pass, but also doesn’t make mistakes wins the National Championship. If you study the records a little you will find that most champions on any level will have this same description. They very rarely depend on a QB to be the best passer in the country. Now heads up! The dawgs have a great defense and the best set of running backs in the country. Green,who set the new standard for wins, and Shock are gone. We now have a 5th year QB that runs a little better than he can pass but makes few mistakes. Get the picture. The team will pull together and support Joe T instead of depending on him to win the game for them. We will be just fine!
By RFP
August 31, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Amid all this QB talk, did anyone else notice that Danny Verdund Wheeler took over the starting spot from Brandon Miller at LB? I found that pretty interesting, I thought BM was going one of the better players on defense this year. I hope that means that DVW is just playing out of his mind.
By Brooks
August 31, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
I’m a die-hard dawg. I have full confidence in Coach Richt. I have confidence in Joe T.. But not full confidence. We have too much talent sitting on the sideline behind him. I don’t feel good about his first start on a SEC visiting campus being in Columbia. I think he topped out last year in Jacksonville. You will not get that production from him every week( I hope I eat my words). History has also proven that most 2 QB systems don’t work. We have to find a guy who is going to have a consistent performance every week. I’m not talking about 300+yards and 4 TD’s every week. I mean someone who takes control of the offense and knows how to win. The offensive line is the biggest key but we must find “the man” and soon. We do have a relatively easy SEC schedule but there are possible landmines sprinkled in. At Ole Miss with Brent Schaeffer is one that really scares me. Colorado and UAB could also present some problems with their speed and athleticism. I just wonder if Stafford is where he should be at this point why is he not “the man”? Not co-3rd on the depth chart. Once again I have full confidence in Coach Richt. But I just don’t think that Joe T. will last very long. I hope I am wrong. GO DAWGS!
By RedandBlackAttack
August 31, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
Tereshinski will do just fine for the Bulldogs. It will be interesting to see how Joe Cox looks after the Spring game and who ever Richt puts in after Cox possibly. I just hope that all the quarterbacks have enough protection from the diluted O line and the running backs can bust through frequently this year.
It looks like Coach Richt honors his word to his players about giving them every chance to compete and earn playing time from the moment they get to Athens. That is why Richt continues to get good recruits and they hang in there for themselves and most importantly, for the team. Now, it is Tereshinski’s turn to lead off, others will get their turn, so let’s not rush it. We want to pull for all the Dogs to win, and not for one to trip to give another an opportunity.
I believe that Georgia Football is finally here. Kickoff on Saturday 12:30pm folks. It is time now to pull together and back all who are playing for the Red and Black. Goooo Dogs!!!
By Jeremy
August 31, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
Easy Schedule? Has UGA released a new schedulde today that I am not aware of. This is the SEC. Their is no such thing as an easy schedule.
By Brooks
August 31, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Jeremy, would you rather be playing LSU and Alabama or Mississippi State and Ole Miss? We have it easier than we could.
By Hunk Erdown
August 31, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
I think USC stands a dam good chance of losing tonight and will get beat up like the preacher’s kid next week. When you actally try to talk X’s and O’s about USC football you can hear a pin drop…what it always boils down to is that they have Spurrier… Lets line em up and see what happens, give USC 14 points, Dawgs ROLL!!!
By godawg
August 31, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
reality check, here is the article, USC suspends guard.
Yes, he is one who came to camp overweight and sat out for a few days. The suspension is for the ubiquitious “undisclosed violation of team rules” but must have been pretty bad to rate 4 games. He’ll be back for Auburn but good news for the Dawgs.
Their O-line was already in bad shape, Mitchell will have to be mobile back there. Look for some nice sacks/bat downs/fumble recoveries a la David Polack with Moses and Johnson et al chasing him.
By reality check
August 31, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Zoo, I think Georgia fans heard Dooley hyping opponents and Munson making him look like an optimist many imprinted on that. The sportswriters and former coaches who have suffered beat downs at the hands of the Dawgs - like Holtz - add fuel to that fire.
It’s funny, one of the problems Holtz had in Columbia was he played up opponents too and that didn’t square well with South Carolina fans’ delusional optimism. It is funny now to watch them talking about Florida games Spurrier coached in the 90’s as blueprints for game chicken strategies this year.
Georgia players will tell you Columbia on Saturday night is one of the toughest places to play. The 78 wonderdogs lost there and it has to be respected. But usually the team with more and better athletes wins and this year that looks like Georgia to me.
It was close in Athens last year, so I see how people are concerned. Usually when a team escapes like we did that turns out to be the best chance the weaker opponent has. I think they missed their chance.
By reality check
August 31, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
Godawg, I’m going to be watching the running game tonight. MSU is really going to miss Norwood, but South Carolina never did stop the running game last year. They are talking about the Brinkleys being saviors on defense and Boyd and Davis coming on for the offense, but we’ll know more about it after tonight.
Last year’s game plan was to keep running the ball a season high 49 times and it sure worked. Maybe this year they have improved against the run but their pass defense looks more vulnerable.
By Hunk Erdown
August 31, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
A big question I have is whether WM will be able to pull the trigger with our defense? It looks like we have all the tools to dominate, but last year there were some huge problems. The difference in the Fla. game and even the Auburn game could have been a few timely blitz’s. I hope to see a much more aggressive approach. There will be no excuse for Blake Mitchell not being knocked on his a$$ 10-15 times. Hard to complete a pass when the officials are having to pull the hash marks out of your face mask.
By DawgByte
August 31, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
DJ screwed the pooch against GT the year before he started and look how things turned out during his senior campaign. I think Joe T. will do just fine on Sat. and any comparisons to the ‘05 Florida game in order to find a delta on future performance is a WAIST of time!
Here’s the BOTTOM LINE: CMR is not going to play a QB that is NOT getting it done on the field. If JT flounders, Cox is waiting in the wings.
Regarding Stafford: I have no problem with CMR RS’ing Matt. Everyone needs to chill on this kid. Let him mature before you throw him to the SEC wolves.
By hedgeprunner
August 31, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
hey “FREDDY” bedwetter Kruger mutt boy it is your mighty mutts who scheduled a week off before you play the JACKETS this year in mutttown, I remember a few years back trimming those nasty bushes after Joe Hamilton waxed your butt, but back to the schedule, who is playing us after a week off while we catch no break.Lets face it the mutts will always have a wimpy out of conference schedule,Colorado”Give me a break”.
By hedgeprunner
August 31, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
hey “FREDDY” bedwetter Kruger mutt boy it is your mighty mutts who scheduled a week off before you play the JACKETS this year in mutttown, I remember a few years back trimming those nasty bushes after Joe Hamilton waxed your butt, but back to the schedule, who is playing us after a week off while we catch no break.Lets face it the mutts will always have a wimpy out of conference schedule,Colorado”Give me a break”.
By RFP
August 31, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Hedgeprunner, That Hamilton memory is still pretty vivid for something that happened over 5 years ago. Tech will be 6-6 this season, if the ball bounces their way against Sanford and Troy!!!
By Brooks
August 31, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Dawgbyte, you’re comparing apples to oranges. D.J. to Thereshinski. We’re talking about a superior athlete and a guy who has to get it done in other ways. Thereshinski will never be half the quarterback that D.J. was.
By Reality
August 31, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
GOOD LUCK WITH TERRIBLESHITSKI ! ….LOL…LOL…LOL….
By reality check
August 31, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
Just so everybody understands, that last poster isn’t me.
By sj
August 31, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
‘…I mean someone who takes control of the offense’…good point, Brooks. I think JT was selected to ‘not lose’ rather than take over and win. I guess we will see. As far as USC, I think Spurrier will have Mitchell drop back 2 steps and fire as a compensation for poor OL protection. He did the exact same thing against Tenn last yr and won. I doubt we will see many sacs. Also, B. Mitchell was a pretty good running QB in HS and is likely to run out of the pocket more often this yr. In my opinion our biggest potential speed bump is coach Martinez conservative D schemes. It seems like he waits for the opponent to make a mistake rather than aggressively forcing mistakes. Poor Ga Tech….special olympics champs?
By Brooks
August 31, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Reality, let me guess. You’re a Texas “fan”.
By wild thing
August 31, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
joe t is a good guy and all but this is a new century…he is a replica of ray goff and the 70s era…sorry just not going to work in big time…hopefully we give other guys a shot as i see no chance of beating florida or auburn without flamboyant qb…prove me wrong and i will be happier than anyone…GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By wae
August 31, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
Once Stafford’s recognition improves he should have no problem with the clock change. He was raised on a “no huddle” offense and played his entire hs career in one. Probably has never been in a huddle before. The question is, will he get an opportunity? If Joe Cox does the job is there any doubt that he will be the starter next year? This year the two of them-and Barnes-were behind an inexperienced 5th year senior. If MS redshirts there is every chance that next year he will be behind a veteran successful quarterback who is just a sophomore. In other words, worse off than this year, even though he may be more familiar with the offense. The job is Cox’s to lose. If MS does not redshirt he is still faced with the same problem. How does he get on the field if Cox is successful? I don’t think any dawg fan wants to see Cox screw up just so Stafford can get a chance.
By Paul K in Fla
August 31, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Let’s take this QB controversy in another direction. What about Coach Richt? Regardless of whether Joe T or Stafford or whoever is the starter, the Coach had better beat the Gators this year, or he’ll be 1-5, and in danger of not being the frontrunner for “ole Bobby“‘s job when the old coot either dies or retires at FSU….you know he’s gonna bolt as soon as that job opens up, right?
By Hunk Erdown
August 31, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
First— CMR isn’t bolting anywhere.
Second— What’s the fascination with Stafford? If JoeT, Cox, Barnes, or Logan Gray for that matter does a great job at QB and wins games why do we care about WHO the man is that is getting the job done? It seems like there are people so fascinated by Stafford’s High School career that they are willing to, at most, disregard what CMR says or does completely and, at least, second guess him before the first game is played. There are people that are so concerned with Matthew Stafford’s career that they can’t see the big picture, which is— Who is going to best lead the Dawgs, now? I honestly don’t care if he ever takes a snap in a game as long as we are winning games. This is something you better consider too— There are up coming QBs out there that would rather start under CMR for two years than to start for four at some school where they won’t get what they get from CMR. Sound crazy? Its not crazy, its how a championship team does business. CMR will continue to sit in the living room of these guys and tell them, “It will be tough, but you will have every opportunity to win your spot and start, Its up to you.” The competitive nature of these young men will make them want to come and earn their spot. If you talked to MS right now I guarantee you he would say that nobody has lied to him, misled him, or held him back. He would say that he was given every opportunity and honestly got beat out for the job, but he has not given up and will be ready when he is needed to step up.
If DJ Shockley had played 3-4 years at Duke or Vandy, would he have learned as much as he did at UGA? Would he be the 3rd man on a PRO team right now? Who knows? One thing is for sure… with only one year of starting for UGA, he earned a serious look, and earned his spot from there.
UGA is headed for greatness as a National Championship Contender. Not just every 20 years, but every year we will be considered to have a shot. To be in that position requires a different level of expectation, a different level of swagger and confidence, a different level of recruiting goals, and an attitude that does not bow down to great atheletes, but demands progress and a champion’s work ethic. We have to break out of the old habits of expecting games to be close because “they always have been” and claim the destiny that has been laid ahead of us! We play our ballgame, if the other guy can hang with us, they better bring all they got!
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 31, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
RS for Stafford MAKES ABSOLUTLY NO SENSE PERIOD. If that happens it will mean he will have been on campus almost 2 YRS. before he gets any chance at all to play. That negates the whole idea of coming into school early. This just doesnt make sense. Give him a chance to improve & maybe have a chance to play in some real games even if it is mop up. Scout team will not help M Stafford at all. Talk about a morale killer! Our schedule does offer sokme games where he would have a chance to develope his skills in real time.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 31, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
RS for Stafford MAKES ABSOLUTLY NO SENSE PERIOD. If that happens it will mean he will have been on campus almost 2 YRS. before he gets any chance at all to play. That negates the whole idea of coming into school early. This just doesnt make sense. Give him a chance to improve & maybe have a chance to play in some real games even if it is mop up. Scout team will not help M Stafford at all. Talk about a morale killer! Our schedule does offer sokme games where he would have a chance to develope his skills in real time.
By Ed
August 31, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
To all: The Dawgs will be fine, one way or the other. Joe T is at least as talented as John Lastinger was. For those who are too young to remember, Lastinger went 21-2-1 as starter, won the SEC, led UGA to the NC game (Sugar Bowl)in ‘82, and scored the winning touchdown against undefeated Texas in the Cotton Bowl after the ‘83 season. He also couldn’t throw worth a lick, but managed the offense well.
To athens hottie: grrrrrrr.
By Hunk Erdown
August 31, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
I think it would be great to red shirt Stafford… let him share time behind Cox next year and possibly even the next year after that, depending on how good Cox turns out. That is something that is impossible to know at this point, but what if Cox steps in and plays lights out? It IS possible that Cox will continue to be better than Stafford, No One knows yet. But Buck, just as firmly as you believe that it makes no sense to rs Stafford, I believe the opposite. When you have a “potentially” great athelete and can win without burning his eligibility, why would you? If you knew that he “had to” play next year, then yes get him in there and get some experience, but we don’t know that do we? Cox came in with similar freshmen hoop-lah as Stafford, and is certainly talented enough to be great. The main thing is—-We don’t know yet…. there is no reason to make some red shirt announcement when you don’t have to. It would suit me fine if Stafford was red shirted and didn’t start until 2009 with 3 full years of eligibility.
By Hunk Erdown
August 31, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
2008 with 3 or 2009 with 2… excuse me.
By Whopper Dawg
August 31, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Well now, he has got his shot. Let’s see how he does. In large measure, it is up tp Joe and I wish him good luck. I just hope that Richt will mix the play call enough to give him a chance, i.e don’t pass just from a third and long situation. Dooley won a lot of games with a similar type game plan - no turnovers, great defense, great running game and great kicking game.
I think what we have this year is a great kicking game, and an above average running game and defense. Given the QB status, I am thinking 10 - 2 to 8 - 4.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 31, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
Well for the 1st. time Matthew Stafford has said what he wants to do. In Carter’s newest story, Stafford said he wants to play against W. Kent. and not RS. MR hasn’t said what he will do but I can understand where Staffords’ coming from. If he goes the RS route, it’ll mean he would have been on campus for almost two yrs. before he got into live action. Nobody is paying me a dime, but I’ve said before, if these guys don’t want to sit for a couple of years before they get a shot, I don’t blame any of them if they transfer. I’m really hoping the MR plans to play him and not go the RS route. It’s the coaches decision so we’ll just have to wait and see. I do think it time for these guys to know. They’ve payed their dues. Dragging this thing out must feel like “water torture” to the player.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
August 31, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
Hunk ER, it’s just two different ways to look at the situation. No right or wrong becausew every players ability, back ground and desires are different. That’s why, the majority of the time, I truly wish the player well. It’s a big decision with a lot of things factoring in and Lord knows, I’m not the one to make judgement calls on the life affecting decisions these young men make. I hope that their choice is based on good advice and ends up being the best for them.
By Hunk Erdown
September 1, 2006 02:22 AM | Link to this
What do you think about the UGA-USC game now that u got a peek at USC?