AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > October > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPuppies in Dogs’ uniforms
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Athens — Fifteen days after carrying a No. 10 ranking into what was billed as a national showdown, unrated Georgia was playing in a game so unpalatable that no TV network deigned to carry it live. That tells us much about how far and how fast the Bulldogs have fallen, but this tells us more:
Eight days after losing to the worst program in the SEC East, the reigning conference champion nearly lost to the worst program in the SEC West.
On the off-chance anyone had failed to notice, Mark Richt admitted it flat-out: “We’re not as good as we’ve been.”
We on the periphery keep waiting for some switch to get flipped, some substitution made, and for Georgia to morph into the colossus it had become. Any such morphing, sorry to report, will have to be deferred until next season. At this moment, Georgia is Georgia in name only.
Bulldogs of recent vintage could win on bad days. These puppies did a lot of things right against Mississippi State on Saturday — “We did a good job on offense,” said quarterback Matthew Stafford — and still were in peril of being overtaken at the end by an opponent that had mustered one offensive touchdown in three previous conference games.
Georgia in general (five turnovers, nine penalties) and Stafford in particular (three interceptions) kept alternating nice moments with egregious ones and throwing the visitors lifelines in the process, and all of a sudden the clock was inside 20 seconds and State was staring at a 40-yard field goal to tie.
Being State, it never reached overtime. Being State, it got weirdly bold at the end, quarterback Michael Henig being divested of the ball by Charles Johnson. (This after the visitors had begun the day by punting — punting! — from the Georgia 30.) Was Johnson surprised at State not kicking with 12 seconds to play? “I was,” he said. “But they’d been driving the field so much.”
Think about that. Mississippi State, owner of the 110th-best offense in Division I-A, had been driving the field against a team that, until recently, had been built on defense. We can write off Georgia’s offensive spasms to youth and Richt’s dithering over personnel, but how do we explain away the dropoff in a defense that features nine starting upperclassmen?
“Maybe we’re in position and not making plays,” said Tra Battle, the astute safety.
To their credit, the Bulldogs made the play they had to make in the dying seconds, but few among them took this skinny victory as a signal that happy days were here again. “Afterward [Richt] told us, ‘We saw the good, the bad and the ugly,’ ” said linebacker Tony Taylor, who also said: “I’m sure it was a lot closer game than everyone hoped it would be.”
If it was, that should be the last time we allow these Bulldogs to fool us. Over its last five games Georgia has been outscored by 11 points — and only one of those games was on the road, only one against an opponent bearing a winning record. It isn’t that Georgia is playing down to mediocre competition; it’s that Georgia, its lofty pedigree and its banner recruiting classes aside, has itself become shockingly ordinary.
That will surely change next season, when these younger Bulldogs start to mature, but there probably won’t be much growth these next five weeks. Stafford is the future, yes, but he’s not yet the present. (On Saturday he kept both teams in the game, offering a case study in why coaches are loath to deploy a freshman at quarterback.) And the schedule, which has been ridiculously soft, is about to become untenable.
Georgia is 6-2, but the cold truth is that it’s lucky to have a winning record. The colder truth is that it’s hard to imagine this team winning twice more before it lands in the Music City Bowl. Or in Shreveport.
Permalink | Comments (89) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, UGA / SEC
Comments
By Jeb
October 21, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Young Dawgs that get kicked alot grow up to be Big Dawgs with a bad attitude. Things are gonna get better Dog fans, don’t despair. Go Dawgs Beat Them Gators.
By RxDawg
October 21, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
Its hard to except, but I’ll still pull for my Dawgs. Go Dawgs!
By Thom
October 21, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
Why doesn’t Bradley just have the same column repeated after every Georgia game? It is obvious that UGA is at best a borderline top 25 team yet, Bradley seems to get some sick pleasure out of watching this team struggle. I wouldn’t write off UGA yet, to much talent for anybody to take lightly and an upset against one of the remaining teams would not be a huge shocker.
By chris
October 21, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Dawgs…Look at this way, it’s far better to have one down year every once in a while rather than one good year every once in a while. (If you don’t get the second half of this quote, I’m referring to the Techies). Go Dawgs!!!…things will get better very soon.
By kacey
October 21, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
well… :(
By chisolm
October 21, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Ga. will be worse next year when Moses and Miller go pro!
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 21, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
Stafford didn’t keep St. in the game.We knew this wouldn’t be a championship year. This SR. class has left a lot off the field. If, big if, our “OL” is improved next yr. and the “D” situation is dealt with we’ll be right back up there. Stafford will lead us into the end zone!!
By UGATRIK
October 21, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
Its hard watching these dogs after seeing other top programs even against inferior teams have some exictement during there games thats all I ask for is a little exictement there just to boring for this dawg
By J.M.
October 21, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
Mark, we know this isn’t a good Georgia team. We knew it after Colorado. We knew it after Ole Miss. We knew it after Tennessee. We knew it after Vanderbilt. We are what we are, which is an average SEC football team. There’s no reason to keep being surprised every week - after a few games like this, it should become pretty clear that we’re nothing special.
That said, I feel like we’ve got one upset in us.
By jay
October 21, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
sunday’s headline……..YELLOW JACKETS PUT IN THEIR PLACE…………how about that headline for a change mark bradley!!!
By kenny d
October 21, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
well, mark, the dawgs are not that good this year but i would not say that they are lucky to have a winning record. they really are unlucky in that they are not currently undefeated despite all of their faults and coaching shortcomings, and believe me the faults and shortcomings this year are plentiful. they have been the more talented team in every game except maybe tennessee and their better talent eventually prevailed in all of those games except tenn and vandy despite the poor offensive and defense game planning, that is, if there is any game planning going on before games because there does not seem to be any planning going on. so it was not just luck mark. the better team usually wins even when it is downright ugly. i can’t think of one victory this year where luck in the form of a bad fumble, interception, bad ref call, or a dumb last minute coaching move by an opponent allowed UGA to win by pure luck. this is a horrible year but let’s not dismiss what has been successful about this year as merely luck.
By JTL
October 21, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Besides “missed opportunities” (which should be our team motto this season), a lot of the blame lay at the feet of those in charge: Mark Richt and Willie Martinez. On the offensive side of the ball, the play calling is atrocious at points during the game. Unfortunately, Richt swears the plays we run have a great chance of success as long as players make plays. It’s becoming more apparent that Richt cannot be a head coach and offensive coordinator at the same time. But, have heart, not many coaches can pull off such a feat. The whole mentality of “just get across the 30 and we can get a FG” has been flushed with Coutu’s injury. So now what’s our offensive plan? On the defense, we’ve gotten by the past few years on star players, not defensive schemes. “Bend but don’t break” is not effective, unless you have bendable players. Right now, we have no such players. Unless a schematic change is made, we will suffer through more horrible defense. Fire the current Offensive Coordinator (but let him keep his Head Coaching Job-which he ain’t bad at), hire a good, inventive OC and fire the DC and hire a creative coach to plan to our strengths.
By dawgs 44
October 21, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
I feel that Bradley is right on everything. EXCEPT he forgot to point out that we need to replace our defensive coordinator. I couldn’t plan a sack much less a defense scheme to handle Ole Miss, Colorado, Vandi, or any other little league football team out there!!!
By DJISTHEGREATESTQBEVERTOPLAYINTHEHISTORYOFFOOTBALL
October 21, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
THIS IS NOT A YOUNG TEAM….Think before you make that comment. This is a veteran team on bth sides of the ball
By Chris McAndrew
October 21, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
“We did a good job on offense,” said quarterback Matthew Stafford WHAT?? FIVE turnovers is a good job on offense. Wow. Already cocky after a five turnover performance. Be careful Stafford…be very careful sir.
By AunburnSuxFloridaSwallows
October 21, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
WHAT IS WITH THE CLEMSON FANS TEARING DOWN THE GOALPOSTS AFTER BEATING GEORGIA TECH!
I HAVE SEEN EVERYTHING NOW. RUSHING THE FIELD AFTER AND GAME FEATURING #12 VS. #13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ACC = LOSERS!
By Scooter
October 21, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
We simply are not deep enough for some reason this year to ensure that guys who make bad plays have to ride the pine. Right now, if an offensive lineman missed 6 blocks in a row, he only has to sit out 3 plays while his replacement misses 3 blocks in a row. Not enough competition is hurting in alot of places.
By RD
October 21, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
….and how did the Yellow Jackets fare today? Can we expect a similar rebuttal of their blowup tonight?
By bigdawg
October 21, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
they goal posts were lowered automatically i believe
By bigdawg
October 21, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
and who cares what those puny, inferior ACC teams do anyway?
By GradyDawg96
October 21, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
Hello good fans! Yes the remainder of this year is going to be rough. But I’m still a dawg, class of 96. I have been over on the tech blog, mainly to read. I have seen only one Tech post. The rest appear to be posts by non-techies. Guess they really are fair-weather fans. I didn’t know a protractor could invert itself.
Dawg question for the day (or whatever timeframe you want). How are we going to be better next year. We are losing 4 OL, 4 or 5 DL, depending upon “Darkness”, three LBs and a safety that no one seems to like. If we are having to replace all these folks with other folks who are not playing now, how are we going to be better?
By Jeb
October 21, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
Hey Tech, Guess you won’t be on our blog this week, will You? That’s what happens when you run your mouth? Been there, done that and the crow taste horrible.
By Bob
October 21, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this
Yeah things look tough for the rest of the year. However, one of the Ls I thought would almost certainly occur now looks less likely. Tech might still be better even after tonight’s whuppin, but as long as they have Reggie Ball, we have a good chance.
By the way, Clemson automatically lowered the goal posts to prevent them from being torn down.
By gomdawg
October 21, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this
99 man roster 68 are fr. and so. thats young to me. 4 ol and 4 or 5 dl they have not played that good this year so how are we going to miss them next year . I think that we are trying to stock pile our team that was good 7 years ago that dont work any more you play the best players you got fr,so or jr you not going to get but 3 years out of a good player anyway .
By tee
October 21, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
Everyone should just give these guys a break…right now we should be happy with a win,especially after the last two weeks. I agree, we are not that good and obviously no one is giving us a chance against UF next week. We can go into Jax with no pressure. It will be nice to win as an underdog for a change. No one is happy with the Dogs performance and rightfully so, but we must stay behind our guys!!!!! Go Dawgs!!!!
By Dawg Days of Fall
October 21, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
One of the Miss St players mentioned after the game that they knew we were going to run a cover 2 and zone and that they found holes in it… HELLO Willie Martinez, every FRICKIN team knows your system sucks and guess what, they exploit the he!! out of it. Hold up - - let’s look at this, Tenn 51 points in Athens, Vandy 27 points in Athens (excuse me, homecoming), Mississippi State 24 points in Athens. If the last two teams (literally the last place teams in the SEC), put up 51 points in your house and you almost go 0-2 against them, that spells a change is needed.
Next Saturday is going to be brutal. The offense that Florida runs is designed to annihilate a Willie Martinez constructed defense. We will have to score 40 points in order to win. If CMR does not wake up and realize that this guy is not a D1 DC, he will eventual have alumni and boosters bringing immense heat on the program. And believe me folks, it will COME.
By Scott
October 21, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
MARTINEZ IS AWFUL - EASON IS WORSE!!!
By Chris McAndrew
October 22, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
Dawg Days of Fall—We’ll need a lot more than 40 points to beat Florida next week if their offense is clicking and Willie continues to do a terrible job with our defense. We could need 60 or 70 points on offense to win.
By Lilburn Dawg
October 22, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
GradyDawg96, I don’t think we will be better next year myself. I think a lot of people may think twice about buying season tickets.
In one of the other blogs I wanted to see who has a prediction for next week. My prediction is FLA will win 35-7. What do the rest of you think?????
By GDAWGS77
October 22, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
PLEASE READ!! We need to get rid of Eason, Calloway and Martinezand here is plenty of reasons why!! Name one receiver thats has improved since Eason has been at UGA just one!!!! And on Calloway even though CMR calls the plays I have heard him mention numerous times about Calloway’s influence as far as play calling and offensive game preparation and plus the offensive line never seems to play up to there potential!! And finally what can I say about Martinez that hasnt already been said!! We gave up a compbined 300 yards rushing to bad Colorado and Mississippi teams. 51 points to UT. Vandy moves the ball all over us in the second half. State has one of the worst offensives in the recent history in the conference and they move the ball all over us today. I mean State didnt even score a point until the 3rd game of the year!! Enough said!!!!
By spud
October 22, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
PLEASE michael adams call m.r. in to your office and DEMAND changes in his coaching staff NOW. MARTINEZ EASON AND CALLAWAY have got to go.
By CMR is a dumbass
October 22, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this
“We’re struggling right now.” Right out of Richt’s muth. Ingenious words, from a coahing idiot. No sh1t Sherlock, actually we’re f******* sucking right now. Did this dipsh1t actually get his degree from Miami? Please, for the love of G0D, get the hell out of Athens. You are disgracing my Alma Mater.
By Stephen
October 22, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this
another lame AJC article
By Griffin Davis
October 22, 2006 02:21 AM | Link to this
Hey Chris McAndrew, before you start slamming comments fom a 18 or 19 year old freshman for his comments supporting his teammates, think about what you were doing at that age you idiot.
By jarrodmon
October 22, 2006 03:46 AM | Link to this
Where are all the Tech fans?
I think we could possibly beat Auburn, but unless about 50 switches flip on in player’s heads next week is going to be ba-ru-tal.
By Fred
October 22, 2006 04:27 AM | Link to this
Yeah, the Dawgs look terrible this year. But, they will be back. How bout them Yellow Jackets? It was good to see Clemson put them in their place. I’m sure the AJC writers will find a way to make them look good, however.
By GeorgiaswallowsHARD
October 22, 2006 04:32 AM | Link to this
AuburnSux,
You are the epitamy of what other universities hate about Ga fans. You are a typical Ga redneck.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 22, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this
Keep Adams and his boy, EVans, as far away from the FB program as possible. On “O” yesterday, I saw some good things. Saw changes on the part of MR and his play calling. We wern’t playing a good team but they didn’t play like it Sat. Saw the mistakes Stafford made but he started taking control of this team. He outfoxed everybody on the TD throw to Chandler, including MR. Can’t say A SINGLE WORD ABOUT OUR “D”. THIS WEEK? REPTILES 40-DAWGS 30.
By FlaDAWG
October 22, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this
At least it won’t be difficult to find tickets in J’ville Saturday. DAWG fans better get used to having lots of Gaytors sitting next to them in the GEORGIA sections. UF will be buying all the tickets they can find.
By taco slammer
October 22, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
Are you sure that Tech has the best team in the state? You folks at the ajc were a little quick to make that statement IMO. Clemson is definitely > than MSU, but 31-7?That is a butt whoopin.
By Jay
October 22, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this
Half a* recap of the season with no real insight. Mark Bradley definitely isn’t as good as he thinks he is.
By kenny d
October 22, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
has anyone tackled those clemson tiger RBs yet? oh wait, there goes one of them running past my house still untouched over the last 12 hours. i’m going to try to tackle him for you techies. oops, i’m sorry. i missed too. but then again, i’m not on scholarship. which was the bigger miss : all the missed tackles by the bugs last night on the RBs or that Richt and the Dawgs let Davis sneak out of Georgia and go up to freaking clemson. presumably, the excuse will continue to be that the dawgs already had the 3 mouseketeers in lump, T.B., and D.W. and that they did not need another RB or that it was going to be hard to get another RB. the same excuse they made for darius walker which, all in all, it was probably best that the dawgs did not get walker because he is overrated. But davis would have been extra nice in that backfield. explosive power and speed. But i am sure that CMR would have found some way to make even Davis look like a mediocre Rb who can only carry the ball a few times a game, never gain 100 yards on the ground although he averages 100 yards per game now.
By badhand
October 22, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
come on Thom the dawgs aren’t even close to being borderline top 25.the cocks want a replay with you puppies.we shut out miss. state.after we spank tenn. we’ll talk more
By Mike in Montgomery
October 22, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
We all knew the offense was going to struggle under Freshman leadership (Sorry Joe T fans I knew his days were numbered in the spring). I fully expected a 2-4 loss season.
The bulldogs main problem is on Defense, and it doesn;t involve a player, it comes down to one huge hole - namely one Willie “ZONE ZONE ZONE” Martinez. Martinez D was exposed last year by Florida and West Virginia and exploited across the board this year. You cannot win in the SEC if you don’t blitz - Period. Last year against Florida - Alabama and LSU were in Leak’s face all game, and the Gator’s were crushed. They play the Dawgs - ONE BLITZ, the entire game. Eric Ainge - get in his face and rattle him and he starts tossing balls all over, Against Tennessee what does Martinez do? You guessed it 2 Blitzes.
I am not adverse to a real OC coming in — or at least an assistant in the booth calling the plays instead of Richt on the field. But on D, Willie Martinez MUST BE FIRED! The sooner the better.
By Joey
October 22, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
Mark Bradley loser posing as a columnist
By Joey
October 22, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
The soft zone we are playing, the bend and then break defense is not working. Martinez is not ready to be a big time defensive cordinator.
By Tom in Lilburn
October 22, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
Stafford showed yesterday exactly why Richt has been so reluctant to play him. Yes, he can throw a football, but he has NO judgment about when and where to do so and his “confidence” is really arrogance coupled with a lack of maturity. He still thinks he is in high school. He hasn’t realized that the guys on the other side of the ball are D-1 scholarship athletes who can make plays just as well as he can. Oh well, Richt has succumbed to the populist pressure and handed him the ball, even though if his performance were turned in by any of the other QBs, everyone would be calling for his head (all three of yesterday’s INTs were STAFFORD’S FAULT. Stafford has a lot of hype to live up to - I actually think we are looking at a white version of Quincy Carter - a lot of talent and hype, but a big freakin’ disappointment who doesn’t deliver.
By happy gator
October 22, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
dogD sure is a dog….bring that junkyard on down to Jax! Get ready to be doggged
By Jerry
October 22, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
Get off the “bad coaching” trip! Can anyone remember Goff and Donnan? Can anyone remember 6-5 seasons as the norm? Richt has put UGA on the map. This year…sure we’re not that good. Below average is accurate. But we’ll be back! Execution is the problem. Dropped passes, penalties, not playing with passion and fire, throwing interceptions, and a freshman qb as a “great hope”…these are the problems. This is just not UGA’s year.
By Eric
October 22, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
“It’s hard to ‘except’”? I wish you people would learn to spell. WAR EAGLE!!!
By Danny
October 22, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Can we go down to Stateboro and ask for our D coach back?
By Chris W in athens
October 22, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
Fans, Please be VERY careful with the coaching changes that you are asking for. You all will think I am crazy, but I heard from someone within the program that Richt going to Miami is a done deal for next year!!! Heard UGA has already asked for permission to speak with Rich Rodrigez.
By By John
October 22, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
I truly believe the Mighty Gators will put up 50+ points on this current edition GA defense. Their (FL)best in the SEC defensive line and linebackers will put so much pressure on Stafford his three interception game of yesterday will look good. I feel sorry for him this week and hope is is able to get some sleep.I am hoping we can hold the Gators to under 50 points. TN was a excellent team with a lot of talent and good coaching. Fl is one point better. Go DAWGS
By KeepTheFaithDAWGS
October 22, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
Keep The Faith
UGA has talent. We tend to be weak in the secondary, so we give up underneath trying to prevent the big play. We have an upset left in us this year. The mistakes are killing us. Dropped pass after dropped pass. Fumbles and Penalties keep opponents in the game. If we can stop the mistakes, who knows how good we could be?
By Hugh O. Nash, Jr.
October 22, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
This is not a young team. It’s a poorly coached veteran team with no senior leadership. Oh how this team reminds me of UT last year. Our young QB has already started running his mouth a la Eric Ainge. But why not? Our senior leaders are running their mouths. Imagine senior, Daniel Inman, getting three illegal procedure penalties in one game. He still gets in fights too. He needs to grow up. I see this as the first of two rebuiding years. Stafford will run for his life next year. Our inability to recruit OLs will finally catch up with us. Mark Richt is paid to figure it out, so let’s let him.
By Indydawg
October 22, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
“Tom in Liburn”, love the passion, but I have to respectfully disagree with a few of your points.
“Stafford has a lot of hype to live up to - I actually think we are looking at a white version of Quincy Carter - a lot of talent and hype, but a big freakin’ disappointment who doesn’t deliver”.
Why does he have to be a “white” version of Quincy? Couldn’t he just be just have been Quincy. We all know Quincy sucked…LOL. I was there watching most of his games first hand. As a black man, I am offended that you are offending white people. : )
Populist pressure? You don’t bring a recruit of Stafford’s caliber in and not play him. We need to see what we have with this guy now.
“He hasn’t realized that the guys on the other side of the ball are D-1 scholarship athletes who can make plays just as well as he can”.
Again, this is why you play him, if he doesn’t figure it out soon, he will be riding the pine. We recruit these guys to play them. What does it say to the 4 and 5 stars we are trying to bring into the program when a guy that has less talent and really hasn’t lit it up can play just because he is a senior?
Stafford did choose UGA because of the silver britches, he chose UGA because he thinks we can win. Recruits choose UGA because they think they can win. Although we have always been able to get talented guys to play here, we have never really been able to stockpile talent since Vince left.
Personally, I think Stafford has a better upside than Q. Carter. Stafford can at least hit receivers. Carter spent more time hitting the bong.
I don’t think we are going to have to score 60 or 70 to beat Florida, this ain’t Playstation! I do think that Urban Meyer is going to have a problem rotating one quarterback too many. In their need to make a statement, UF may come into this game too cocky, and if they do that, we have a shot.
If they bring in TEEBO we need to DEBO that SOB a few times…. : )
Our main problem on this team is that we don’t have any leaders. I also think we need a guy to balance out CMR’s personality, good coach, good man but he needs some people on his staff with attitude that are willing to crack some heads. These players are too passive. Too many nice guys. We need a bonafide a-hole coaching on the staff.
Florida is a good team this year, but they have some holes. We are having a down year, but let’s see, at least we are not a fraud like that community college in Atlanta.
I am not going to let the AJC and the bunch of bandwagon jumping fans (most of whom never went to the university), get me down on my Dawgs. I recently moved to Indiana, and I have UGA stuff posted proudly, in the face of these other frauds in South Bend, who are in fact one of the main reasons why the SEC gets shut out of the BCS. But that is for another post.
In general, no one nationally gives us a shot at winning anything, and when we do, we are treated as an afterthought. We have enough B.S. without hearing mindless garbage from people who can’t see the season for what it is. A REBUILDING YEAR. IN THE SEC NO LESS. We should be glad we have the six wins we do, because we have yet to play a complete game this year.
That being said, I think Willie Martinez will be coaching for his job these next few games. At least I hope so, because he needs to get better, or he will be OUT. UGA brings in revenue by football, and sustained losing after getting to BCS bowls wont be tolerated.
One win doesn’t make you the greatest team of all time, one loss doesn’t mean the end of the world. Besides, as I always say…
Thank God I am not a TECH FAN.
Peace out Dawg Nation.
By Mikey
October 22, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
The “Mighty Gators” have played three good teams. So far they’ve managed to beat Tennessee by one point, stand around and watch LSU self-destruct, and get dominated by Auburn and lose by 10 points.
Georgia’s talent is as good as Florida’s, and the coaching staff is better.
This might be the Saturday when the DullDawgs wake up. If they do, they’ll get ‘em some gator tail!
By Indydawg
October 22, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Richt leaving is a possibility. I don’t want him to go but who signs up to coach the HULA BOWL four games into the season?
Would not surprise me at all. That would be a typical Hurricane move. Like hitting a defensive fanbase with a helmet LOL.
If he wants to leave, let him go. The days of us struggling to find a coach are over. There are a lot of upper tier coaches who I am sure would love having this job.
I remember when Goff left, it was like Glenn Mason, or Jim Donnan…whew, I glad those days are over.
By wegut
October 22, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
chris w in athens……I will bet you any amount that Richt doesn’t go to Miami next season and UGA is not talking to Rich Rodriquez. Great inside information, idiot.
By Don
October 22, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Mark, are you now saying that Georgia is no longer the “standard bearer of the SEC”, as you stupidly annointed them last year?
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 22, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
INDYDAWG, THANK YOU! THAT NEEDED TO BE SAID!!! sTAFFORD BETTER HAVE THAT QB SWAGGER, IF HE DOESN’T, THEN HE’S IN REAL TROUBLE. AS MR SAID AFTER THE GAME “HE’S OUR QB”. i LISTEN TO HIS MISTAKES AND HEARD LARRY’S SIDE KICK SAY HE SHOULD BE REPLACED AFTER THE 2ND INT.! I’M SO GLAD THAT MR STUCK WITH’M. HE MOVED THE TEAM AND HE’LL GET A LOT BETTER. WATCH!
By Lawdawg
October 22, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this
Everyone - PLEASE take note: This is not a young team ! There are veterans on the “O” and the “D”. The problem is with the coaching staff. Martinez and Eason need to be fired if we want to have any chance at all in the coming years and with recruiting. CMR, we love you, but - PLEASE listens to your loyal fans and make UGA football the best it can be. Martinez and Eason have to go.
By Dawg Days of Fall
October 22, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this
With Richt having all of his family moving to Athens, it is difficult seeing him jet for Miami. If he does, then watch for UGA to go after Rodriguez or Petrino (why would either leave when they are guaranteed a BCS birth from the ‘Big Easy’). One final name of interest would be Butch Davis. With that being said, I seriously doubt Richt leaves.
In reference to the MSU game, I liked what Richt did with Stafford - - he made him throw the ball. The kid is the real deal. Watch for the exact same game plan against Florida. OH HE!!, as for the D, all I need to say is Willie Martinez. This guy can’t make an adjustment to save his football life. And what makes it so bad is that our D blitzes, it’s just that he drops one of the damn DL’s into coverage. If I see Q or Darkness dropping back into coverage one more damn time, I swear I will hold my breath for 10 seconds (i’m not stupid - we’ll see Q trying to cover Percy Harvin on a bomb).
By texex
October 22, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Indydawg, ditto, ditto and DITTO.
By Charlotte Dawg
October 22, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
I can’t beleive how many retards are fans of my team and calling for the heads of coaches who’ve somehow managed to overcome braindead vegetated states to win 2 SEC championships in 5 years. Richt isn’t going anywhere so chris w, your’e retarded. Martinez does favor zones more than MTM heavy blitzes, but then so does the NFL. There’s nothing wrong with zones and is actually preferable as long as you can get pressure from the DL and maybe 1 LB. Problem is that we have a sophomore and RS Frosh at DT. Next year they’ll be much better. Additionally, we have some first time starters in the secondary who have had problems adjusting in their zones which will get better next year as well.
I do think we have had a consistent problem at WR. How MS can have 5’7” slow white kids catch passes for him in Dallas and MoMass, Durham, Bryant, et al can’t catch AIDS in a Thai brothel is beyond me.
By chris w.
October 22, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
Wait and see, Richt is leaving for Miami!! Right after UGA wins the Music City Bowl, he will make the trip to Miami. Really do not want him to leave, he is too good! Oh well, Rich R. should make things interesting in Athens.
By Angry Dawg
October 22, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
Fl will absolutely destroy us next week. I doubt seriously that we will be good next year either. We are NOT going to have any experienced O-lineman to block for Stafford. It may be another 6 or 7 win season again staring at us for next season. CMR has to get a new DC in Athens who can coach defense and make adjustments as the game goes along unlike Martinez who ain’t go no clue what is going on.
By Bill
October 22, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
No way Richt leaves UGA for anything but the NFL.The butout clause in his contract as enormous.Far to large for Miami to pony up.
Maybe a couple of schools like ND or USC (not the poultry version) have that kind of loot.But both have head coaches in good deals now
By Reasonable Dawg
October 22, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
I’m out of excuses. We just are not a very good football team this year. And I hope I’m wrong, but for us to get where we all want to be, we may be more than 1 year away. I still bleed RED & BLACK though. GO DAWGS!!!
By TEF
October 22, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
Martinez has to go! Losing to Florida, Losing to Auburn, Losing to West Virginia, Losing to Tenn, Losing to Vanderbilt all happened with soft middle inside defenses. I have seen us get exploited over and over again with the 15 yard completions down the middle while 4 backs stand and watch from their zonal assignments and teams running it down our throats (WVA). Enough already. Richt you are too loyal to this loser, Martinez! He has squandered talent since taking over. After losing to West Virginia last year he should have been told to clean out and never return. I have had it. Mark Richt fire your friend or a moving van may not be far off in your future!
By Britt
October 22, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
It’s true we are not playing as well as any of us hoped we would. I imagine some of the defensive problems may be attributable to loss of the defensive coordinator; the offensive problems to youth and inexperience. However, we’re still the Dawgs and I’ll still be cheering them on regardless of the outcome. Go Dawgs! Gator steak on the grill?
By 87dawg
October 22, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
I’m curious about what happens at halftime that sees one team that is doing well go into the locker room and a completely different team emerge. Do we switch players at the half just for kicks? What is being said that totally deflates a team that is flying so high before the half?
By gdawg84
October 22, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
For those of you wanting to write this off as a rebuilding year: If WM continues to run our defense,EVERY year will be a rebuilding year. The players can change but if the soft defensive scheme does not we will always struggle. End of story.
By Charlotte Dawg
October 22, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Again, the defensive scheme we’re using has absolutely nothing to do with our problems on D. Against UT, our DL got zero pressure and when WM did blitz, it got picked up and our young DB’s couldn’t cover.
People blaming WM for defensive playcalling are out to lunch. right now the bottom line is that our DL is average and our young DB’s while talented are having problems in both zone and MTM coverages.
By jason
October 22, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
You know what? I have watched this team for years and to see them play like this reminds me of the Ray Goff days. The only difference is that I believe that we are more talented than we were back then. I honestly think, and it has been said so many times, that Willie Martinez is the problem. I can see Stafford maturing, I can see the O line getting better, and the Receivers displaying the consistent games that they have the ability to do, but I DONT see this DEFENSE getting any better under Martinez’s helm. He just doesn’t seem to have an effective grasp on the D coordinator position. Tennessee made a big change last year. We need to do the same!
By drdawg
October 22, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Why is that Florida can start freshmen quarterbacks and they get into the Heisman watch? We will be better next year, but we have plenty of talent right now to beat Vandy, MSU, and stay in the game with Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn. It all comes down to coaching, coaching, coaching.
By Ben
October 22, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Yes, we did start out 5-0. Yes, we were the #2 defense in the country. And yes, we were ranked in the top 10. Did you guys acutally think we had played anyone that point? I love the way that everyone is calling for Martinez and Richt’s head on a platter. Go to Dr. Adams? You’ve got to be kidding me! Why on earth should a President who knows nothing about running a football team be involved in who should be hired/fired? These coaches are the exact same as we have had when we’ve been winning. Oh it was better when VanGorder was here…go cheer for GA Southern. They need it…they’ve only won one game! We could have the worst fans of any SEC school. All they do is criticize. Hey, if you don’t like it…jump off the band-wagon that you jumped on five years ago. I listened to a fan dog-cuss our players and our coaches in the stands on Saturday. In front of my 5 year-old son. What an example you set as adults. Maybe if some of you would quit pointing fingers and start getting behind your team things would be better. Yeah, our receivers are dropping balls…and you boo them? Wow, that helps with their confidence! I’m embarrased to be a Bulldog fan sometimes. We have the WORST fans in the SEC. You don’t see any other stadium that is as quiet as ours on a Saturday. Even if we don’t win another ball game this year I will be at everyone…cheering my heart out. If you can’t support UGA…then sell your tickets, turn the t.v. off, or change the radio station. Tech has got plenty of tickets available for purchase…there is a waiting list for ours!
By gdawgs77
October 22, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
We need to get rid of Eason, Calloway and Martinez and here is plenty of reasons why!! Name one receiver thats has improved since Eason has been at UGA just one!!!! And on Calloway even though CMR calls the plays I have heard him mention numerous times about Calloway’s influence as far as play calling and offensive game preparation and plus the offensive line never seems to play up to there potential!! And finally what can I say about Martinez that hasnt already been said!! We gave up a compbined 300 yards rushing to bad Colorado and Mississippi teams. 51 points to UT. Vandy moves the ball all over us in the second half. State has one of the worst offensives in the recent history in the conference and they move the ball all over us today. I mean State didnt even score a point until the 3rd game of the year!! And Martinez if you are going to blitz you HAVE to jam the receivers at the line and not play 5 and 10 yards off of them with the corners otherwise it does absolutely no good to blitz because they will just screen and out out you all day long!! Enough said!!!!
By Ben
October 22, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
Wow, what an analyst! How many years of “pop warner” coaching experience do you have? It sounds like you have broken down many films and scouted a lot of ball games. Like I said before…if you aren’t behind us 100% then you are against us! Send your donations to Tech or somewhere else.
By Roswell Ed
October 22, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
Do they teach English at UGA? The grammer here is horrible!!!
By phipps
October 22, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this
The experience I have witnessed is this: If they are not very good as freshmen and sophomore, they probably will not be good later on. Example-Reggie Ball GT!!HAHA pitiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By gdawgs77
October 22, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Your an idiot Ben! So just because we are a Georgia fan we can’t have an opinion. So wow I guess you can list a bunch of receivers that have made vast improvements while at Georgia!! Guess you are happy with our defense too that cant stop teams like Ole Miss, , Vandy, State and other teams that pile up tons of yards when we have far more talent!!! Funny they aren’t doing it again anybody else!! Just stating the facts. I guess if we were to have 2 or 3 losing seasons you would still be saying everything is ok!!! Believe me I am a big CMR fan just think some changes need to be made!! Open your eyes ok! Thanks!
By Swampdawg n Jersey GA
October 22, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
Patience BullDawg Fans. We should beat Kentucky and now possibly Tech and end up 8-4 just like Buck B. and others close to the Dawgs predicted. 8-4 is a good year for this team folks. In college you win with excellent quarterback play and we are well on our way now. Be patient with our players and coaches. We have felt the pain of poor quarter back play due to switching them all year but things are looking much better now. 20 of 32 and 267 yds passing! Great! When the offense starts playing better (and they will) the defense will too. Patience BullDawg Fans. Go Dawgs!
By KEN
October 22, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
I think we as bulldogs fans should support and never boo our players we the fans are not the ones that are working out and lifting weights all year long i know the bottom line is all about winning let,s just support the players and coaches go dawgs
By jon
October 22, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
I got as far as JTL’s posting and chose to stop reading. Either a lot of Tech, UT and UF fans are pretending to be discontent Dawgs or we have more negative fans than I ever dreamed. Was it evident Coach Richt couldn’t call plays when he was winning 2 SEC championships? Have we forgotten how long it took us to win one after 1982? I’ll admit, we have some issues on defense and our receivers are dropping too many balls but Coach Richt will address the defense and our receivers will adjust to Stafford’s hundred mph passes. We can’t be the best team every year but we can have the best fans every year and the best fans support their team. Go Dawgs!
By Ben
October 22, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
Thank you Jon…you are exactly right. Gdawgs77…I’ve been a fan since birth. Even in the mid 90’s when we weren’t going to bowl games and everyone was dog-cussing Goff and then the players with Donnan. I was still a fan…still at the games and cheering on our Dawgs. Listening to folks like you say we stunk…like I said our fans are the worst in the SEC. Remember who you’ve been worshiping for the last 5 years. Have faith that CMR will make the right decisions.
By Kevin Mull
October 22, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
Ben, I may not have major college coaching experience but I can see what is right in front of my face,which is that Martinez is so far in over his head and we have won the last 5 yrs. despite CMR’s play calling. He is a very poor game day coach, a very good HC the rest of the week, as he is a very good organizer, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not for firing CMR, just stating the facts, and that DOESNT make me or anyone else who has on this board disloyal. And believe me, our fans are not as bad as Bama’s or Tennessee’s when it comes to boos, which is the one thing i agree with you on. Grown men shoudn’t boo a college kid who’s trying his best. Get on the coaches(in UGA’s case they deserve it) boo at an NFL game if a player screws up, they are millionares, but not at a college game.
By Home Team
October 23, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this
To AJC and all Georgia sportswriters:
Dear Home Team:
Why have you forgotten me? Why do you stand ground against me? The words you write pierce my heart as you have forgotten me though I fight for you, to give you, our great STATE, oh GEORGIA the glory.
Yes, I sometimes fall in defeat (ACC, SEC, Pro, HS, etc.), but to you, oh GEORGIA, my love, I give my sweat, my blood, my tears, my HEART and you still abandon me. Even when I win for you it’s sometimes not enough, but if I slip and fall you mock me, spit on me, and abandon me. It’s a game I love and fight to win for you.
Where is your loyalty to me? Home Team. I haven’t seen or felt it. You have forgotten me. Why are you ashamed to even know me? Why are my accomplishments not enough for you? I’m fighting, I’m battling, but you rather cheer for my foe over me, the Home Team.
I ask that you might try and change and think of me first over our rivals. Yes we will occasionally fall, but we will win and win big and perhaps could win faster if you could help carry us, pick us up win we do fall. I ask you to hold firm your commitment to GEORGIA (the STATE). Be proud of me, for I am great and together we can accomplish great things. The players and coaches will always change, but I the “HOME TEAM” will never change.
As you write about me, do so with your gift as a proud, loyal father overlooking his son so that one day he will grow and help achieve the ultimate goal in sports and life.
Switch your loyalties back to me and represent your HOME TEAM, your STATE as you should with honor, dignity, and love as I have loved you through the many sports I offer.
Be faithful to me that I might grow and be stronger to endure and reach the ultimate goal. I will continue to play and fight for you, but I ask you to change your ways and try and fight for me, Old GEORGIA as the Home Team should.
And whenever you feel tempted to follow the trends of sports writing remember the “Home Team” first and be loyal to me, your STATE and make us all very proud.
Sincerely,
Home Team
By tdawg
October 23, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
Goooo DAWGS!! Sic EM!! When UGA upsets FL I’ll let you back on the bandwagon next week. I still believe 12-2. SEC champions