AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia’s ‘D’ will be fine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Athens — Sometimes, you have these hunches. For instance: Despite Georgia’s defense preparing to face the horror that is an SEC football schedule with just three returning starters and uncertainty wrapped in youth everywhere else, the Bulldogs will bark just fine, thank you.
Georgia has two things going for it before Oklahoma State comes to town in 16 days in search of torching the hedges with its sizzling offense:
Tradition and talent. The Bulldogs’ coaching is impressive, too, which brings us back to tradition. As Mark Richt and his assistants like to say to their players, tradition never graduates. More specifically, when it comes to defense, that tradition has produced a slew of teeth-rattlers from Thomas Davis to David Pollack to Tim Jennings and lofty national defensive rankings in Richt’s six seasons.
There also is talent throughout Georgia’s depth chart. With the Bulldogs always ranking among the national elite in recruiting, their No. 3 guys could be Mr. Everything guys elsewhere.
Not only that, you can add truth to that tradition and talent. No matter how many ways I asked Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez about what he thought his inexperienced group would do this season, he responded with the same answer or a derivative thereof.
“I don’t know.”
That’s because Martinez doesn’t know. I mean, who does know? The Bulldogs lost both starting defensive ends to the NFL, and they are missing three linebackers with a combined 76 career starts. They also watched accomplished defensive back Paul Oliver leave abruptly for the pros after academic issues.
Plus, the Georgia defense must try to conquer everything from a rising South Carolina offense under the ol’ ball coach to a Florida spread offense that remains potent while trying to defend its national championship.
So Martinez kept telling the truth (“I don’t know”), when others in his situation would have kept telling the myth (“We’ll be better than people think.”).
We’re back to that hunch, and that is, Georgia’s defense will be better than people think. Because Martinez kept telling the truth, you could believe him about those other things. Like whether Georgia defenders have progressed, regressed or stayed the same during the months since their ghastly effort in the spring game. In addition to allowing more than a few gigantic plays, there were missed tackles and botched assignments combined with a mighty dose of lethargy.
Martinez nodded, before leaning forward in his office to say, “The experience that some of the younger guys have gained between then and now has helped, but the mentality is just different. The offseason of strength and conditioning also has been a big plus, and whereas they were missing tackles, now they’re grabbing and holding on. They’re also getting off blocks better, and a big thing is that we have more depth this fall than we had in the spring.”
Here’s another big thing: According to Martinez, Georgia is filling the leadership void with the maturation of middle linebacker Brandon Miller and strong safety Kelin Johnson, two of those returning starters. “They’ve been contributing and having really good camps, and that’s a positive, because the younger players can see that,” said Martinez, whose unit finished last season ranked eighth nationally in total defense. This is Martinez’s third year as Georgia’s coordinator, and, at 44, he’s been coaching for more than a couple of decades, including every year of the Richt regime with the Bulldogs.
So, surely, Martinez has a feel about what his current unit …
“Don’t know,” Martinez said quickly. “You’re talking about 18- to 22-year-old kids. With three aspects of college — academics, athletics and social life — there are a lot of things going on in their lives, and you don’t know how a young man is going to prioritize those things. You also don’t know how they’ll react to adversity.”
This is what we do know: The Mighty Gators have one fewer returning starter on defense than the Bulldogs. Does that mean Georgia will conquer Florida for only the second time in 10 years?
Don’t know.
Permalink | Comments (52) | Post your comment | Categories: Terence Moore, UGA / SEC
Comments
By Bulldog Bry
August 15, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
I guess that’s why I don’t worry about all these pre-season prognostications. All Willie’s going to do is keep training these kids.
By fall
August 15, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Excellant article. Thanks
By fall
August 15, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Excellant article. Thanks
By Adel Purvis
August 15, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Since I have been banned from training camp, can’t wait to watch those Dawgs!!!
By Hersh
August 15, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Don’t know Now, but after Okla State and SC and with luck,two wins,we should be in great shape for the rest of the season(with no injury problems). Look for the Defensive Interior to excel.
By Herschel Talker
August 15, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Who stole the real Terence Moore and replaced him with a real writer this week?
By 1992dawg
August 15, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
I went to the G-Day game. The defense looked pathetic. There were blown coverages, bad tackling, wide open receivers, and the offense did not look great either. I do not believe things have changed into a great defense. They are young and are going to get beat up by the tough SEC opponents!!! End of story!
By Kevin T. , Valdosta,GA
August 15, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Good article Terence, however the Dawgs have already beaten the gators twice in the last 10 years. 1997, 2004. So when we win this year it will be the 3rd time in 10.
By Clinton 2X
August 15, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Maybe you’ll get the Pulitzer.
By Clinton 2X
August 15, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Maybe you’ll get the Pulitzer. If Cynthia ever invites you over.
By A--ville Ranger
August 15, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
For my money give me a coach who demands and expects the best out of their players.Martinez’s ‘damned if I know’ talk seems more of a way to pass on responsibility to the players than just honesty to me.He lost control of the defense for several games last year.Sometimes stats don’t tell the whole story and anybody who watched last season unfold knows what I mean.
By Maryland Dawg
August 15, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Hey 1992dawg, I mean Mr. Donnan, the world needs more haters like you so that people like the ole’ ball coach can have a little hope. I do think that the defense will have it’s opportunities, but so will that group from Stillwater on Sept. 1st. Now as far as the Gamecocks are concerned, would you bet your season on Blake Mitchell, seriously. As we roll into Tuscaloosa remember this, Saban didn’t blow any one out of the water his first year in Baton Rouge and he won’t with Shula’s athletes this year eit. her. If Coker isn’t back we stand a very good chance in Knoxville. So that leaves us with the Mighty Tebow’s. Will they be as efficient? Will Tebow throw for 300 yards against our young defense? “I don’t know”. But I will bet you this game will be a lot closer than everyone expects. Keep the faith folks, we’re in for a few surprises this season. Go dawgs!!!! Can we please get this season going.
By Maryland Dawg
August 15, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Hey 1992dawg, I mean Mr. Donnan, the world needs more haters like you so that people like the ole’ ball coach can have a little hope. I do think that the defense will have it’s opportunities, but so will that group from Stillwater on Sept. 1st. Now as far as the Gamecocks are concerned, would you bet your season on Blake Mitchell, seriously. As we roll into Tuscaloosa remember this, Saban didn’t blow any one out of the water his first year in Baton Rouge and he won’t with Shula’s athletes this year eit. her. If Coker isn’t back we stand a very good chance in Knoxville. So that leaves us with the Mighty Tebow’s. Will they be as efficient? Will Tebow throw for 300 yards against our young defense? “I don’t know”. But I will bet you this game will be a lot closer than everyone expects. Keep the faith folks, we’re in for a few surprises this season. Go dawgs!!!! Can we please get this season going.
By Vision
August 15, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks Terence, it is good to read yet another excellent column by you about the Bulldogs. It would be nice indeed if other sports journalists would quit trying to be the story and just tell it well. Again, great article.
By SECDAWG07
August 15, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
I still think that Willie Martinez is garbage. Dont be fooled by the final three games.
By 1992dawg
August 15, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Hello maryland dawg. I am not a hater. I am simply stating my opinion. I hope the Dawgs have a overachieving season. I do not see it happening. I love football. I wish we had Boise State’s coach. I like seeing a wide open offense. Wild play calling. Football is sort of a chess match. Boise State coach out coached Oklahoma last year. I just expect more out of our Bulldawgs. We have incredible talent year end and out. Richt is a very conservative coach. He will never win a national championship. Go Dawgs!
By Vision
August 15, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
1992dawg, tell me you didn’t use Boise State as an example of awesome offense. The same Boise that self-choked all over Sanford Stadium with the same QB that is the captain of the ship you so want us to steer?
Naw, you didn’t embarrass yourself like that.
Defense is the bottom line in the SEC.
By 1992dawg
August 15, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Hello Vision, Boise State was 13-0 last season. Their quarterback Zabransky threw 25 TD’s. Stafford threw I think 7. They beat a good Oklahoma team in a big bowl game. Yea they suck. Their defense was ranked 16th in the country.
By Salty Dawg
August 15, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
What some people may be missing is that Richt is now more involved in the Defense than ever before. I think that accounts for the defensive turnaround against Aubutn, Tech and Va Tech. So, Martinez may have his deficiencies, but Richt is there. Martinez can now be more a coordinator and not the head coach of the D. It will make a difference. And, BTW, we have an off weekend before the Gators and they play the week before us. Just like in the days when Dooley and the Dawgs dominated the Gators.
By shane
August 15, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
yeah, hello vision,1992dawg is right! we had four quarterbacks last year,so what if three of them never played,joe t had actually played a game. we should have filled the air with footballs. we could keep rotating qbs so their arms didn’t get tired. so what if our wr’s were dropping balls all over the place,just go four wide and keep throwing,sooner or later they will catch one. screw the defense! tired? THIS IS FOOTBALL! and leave those boring old four star running backs on the bench,nobody wants to watch them run for five yards a carry anyway. 1992dawg,if dumb old richt would just listen to us,uga would be a national power, just like boise state. and one day we could beat a weak ou team in a bowl. right after these sec defenses got done sticking our helmets up our own butts! how many national championships has boise state won anyway?
By 1992dawg
August 16, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
Hello Shane, Did I say defense is not important? Georgia has not won a national championship since 1980. Boise State was 13-0 last year. The University of Florida understands how to win National Championships. Also, LSU has won one lately. And now Nick Saban is coaching at Alabama. Richt has his hands full. USC with Spurrier just about upset Florida last year. They had a field goal blocked late in the game.Why so much anger? I am just stating facts. I love college football. I graduated from UGA in 1992. I have endured Goff and Donnan. Zier was an incredible quarterback. I enjoyed watching Terrel Davis and many other great Georgia players. Go Dawgss!!!
By shane
August 16, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this
1992dawg,you have to realize that boise state plays in a weak conference with weak defenses,in the sec they would do good to have a three and three conference record. that is why,even with a 13 and 0 record they were never even considered for the nc game. remember that a couple of years ago they came off a strong season and played uga between the hedges,rated at number 25 in the nation. uga absolutely humiliated them. with mark richt as coach. richt has coached for only six tears and has played for the sec championship three times. he has won it twice. he will continue to play for the champ in the future. look at his track record. he will continue to win in sec,thus in any year he could play for the nc. we have a young but talented team,the players are only going to get better,so just hold on,the nc is coming,sooner or later. i believe that we are going to see a much more open game this year,because we are loaded with skill position players and short of o linemen. playing wide open can score a lot of points,but it is high risk. you mentioned how good the coaches in the sec are,you had better believe that they will jump on any mistake that you make. being conservative,which i don’t believe richt is anyway,is not always a bad thing.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 16, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
TM,
Did you read my post on Chips blog? Did I put this column idea in you head?Hmmm…. Hey great job TM aswell as your reporting on Michael Vick. You are taking alot of heat,but are being like Fox News…Fair and Balanced.
By David
August 16, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
1992….what did Boise do when they came into Athens? Yea…I thought so.
They suck and so does Oklahoma. Oklahoma hasn’t beaten anyone in years, got embarrased twice in the BCS…. and took them lightly. Boise plays nobody in their 13-0 season.
By Joey
August 16, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
Richt is a great man and a fine coach. He does need more of a Spurrier attitude in regards to continuing to push for a blowout, insteade of going conservative with a lead, and letting teams back in games. He has done this numerous times. Spurrier was asked by a reporter why he kept trying to score late in a blowout game, ande he replied, “when the other team quits trying to score, we’ll quit trying to score.”
By 2N4YEARS
August 16, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
This IS CFB!! There are always going to be ‘new guys’ to break in and get that game experience. The thing is GEORGIA has a LOT of talent RIGHT NOW!! As the year rolls on, they’ll be better & better. Trust me. If we get past those first two games, we’ll be fine.
By yellowblood
August 16, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
You gasbags have an incredible ability to convince yourselves that chikenmanure is really chickensalad. When your team beats a strong out-of- conference team on its field, let us know.
By 2N4YEARS
August 16, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
1992dawg , if you ‘love’ football as much as you say you do, then you must realize that FLA won ONE (1) NC during Spurrier’s 12 seasons with the Gators. Richt has only SIX (6) seasons under his belt w/ UGA, so relax a little. Meyer won a NC in his second year at FLA with one loss. The only difference in Meyer’s 2nd year at FLA & Richt’s 2nd year at UGA (13-1) is there were two other teams playing for the NC. FLA would’ve gotten left out of the NC game if USC wouldn’t have dropped that last game to UCLA last year. When they did it shot FLA up to #2 in the polls, thus setting them up to play #1 OSU. Surely a blind person could see this. So it’s not that ‘Florida just knows how to win NC’s’, it’s just they happen to catch a break last year by someone else losing (USC).
By Exley DAWG
August 16, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Yellowblood - we will let you you know when that happens. In the meantime we will continue to beat Tech. Reading these posts from 1992dawg is entertaining. You honestly want us to be like Boise State???? Coac Richt -don’t change a thing. Its been awesome watching you grow as a coach and I think the progress you make with these young men through the years has been amazing. GO DAWGS!
By newteamgeardotcom
August 16, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Great Article Terrence. Welcome to reality. The Dawgs are going undefeated this year. As long as they run the ball they can’t be defeated. NEWTEAMGEARDOTCOM.
By Dave In Tampa
August 16, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
yellowblood:
That was a ballsy statement, but them again with “yellow” in the name it totally figures. You just cut down your own team. At least you admit that Tech sucks!
By 3N2YEARS
August 16, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Thats 3 national championships in two years for all you dawg fans living in the alternate universe where UGA will actually be good. I’d put a host of other stats on there but you’d either get confused or start the chorus of how lucky Florida was to win the title. Truly pathetic…call me when you win in Jacksonville…number is 404-UFOWNSUGA. If the line is busy, it’s because we’re away busting UGA’s * at every other competitive venture imaginable.
By MD
August 16, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
2N4YEARS is absolutely correct. Both LSU & UF made it into the BCS title game through good fortune. They both had 1 loss in their championship year and were lucky enough to have a team ahead of them lose late. In 2002 (just CMR’s 2nd year, btw), UGA was 12-1 headed into bowl season. Unfortunately, there were 2 undefeated teams ahead of them. UGA finished the regular season beating Tech 51-7 (smirk) and Arkansas 30-3. I believe had they had the chance, they would have beaten that Miami team and Richt would’ve had a MNC already. History over the past several seasons has shown that when battled-tested SEC teams reach the title game, they win. We just didn’t have the good fortune in 2002 that LSU and UF did in their title years.
So it’s ridiculous to say that those teams “know how to win a national championship” when they needed luck to get to the title game. Not taking anything away from those teams, because they took advantage of their good fortune by winning (but that’s what SEC teams do). However, UGA has the 6th most amount of wins in the COUNTRY since Richt took over. In his tenure, UGA has played for the SEC Championship 3 times (in 6 years) and won it twice (after having gone 20 years without even one), and they have averaged 10 wins a season.
Anyone suggesting that we need a different coach is ignorant or neurotic. CMR is one of the best coaches in America and an even better person. I’m guessing he’ll win 10 games this year, since that’s what his teams do. 10-2 and another SEC East crown (and possibly more)? I’ll take it. Thank you, Coach Richt!
By uf sux
August 16, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Hey 3n2years,
UGA beat UF’s a* in gymnastics to win the National championship, Men’s and women’s tennis whipped the gator’s a, and I am pretty sure that golf, girls basketball and swimming teams did too. So take that sh back to gainesville and sit on it! Go Dawgs!
By MD
August 16, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Oh, and did I mention that CMR is 6-0 against Tech (and 3-0 in Neyland stadium)? GO DAWGS.
By Nitetime
August 16, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Gymnastics, women’s basketball, swimming? Really? Dude, did you even read that comment before you posted it? If that’s what you’re resorting to at this point then you’ve pretty much made UF’s point. You puppies are really reaching for straws if that’s all you’ve got. Even the consistent ‘Wait til next year is better than that.’ At least it keeps the focus on sports that people watch (i.e. matter).
By 3N2YEARS
August 16, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Nice one tough guy…the only sh we’re taking back to Gainesville is the stuff on our cleats from kicking your puppies’ *. Come talk to us when you can actually refer to a sport that EA makes into a game. I mean seriously, girls basketball and swimming? You sound like a Vol our Auburn fan.
By austindog
August 16, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
“uf sux” is actually 3N2YEARS setting himself up. What a life.
By 3N2YEARS
August 16, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
I really wish that were the case austin, but suprisingly it’s not. Someone else actually posted that comment. Thanks for the shout out though, I do enjoy my life.
By dredd_one
August 16, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
“If” we will keep a linebacker to spy or at least in the “middle” of the field against a running quarterback (i.e. West Virginia game where this didn’t happen)….”If” we don’t suddenly play zone defense against passing teams when we are trouncing them with regular coverage (i.e. last year’s TN game)…In other words, if Willie can learn from past mistakes and make appropriate adjustments or non-adjustments at half time…we should be alright. “If”.
By austindog
August 16, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Just coincidence that the only two people on this board who use an asterix for swear words are you two?
That a Georgia fan that concludes his post with “take that sht back to Gainesville and sit on it!” is boasting about women’s gymnastics?Don’t read many Dawg posters make reference to Gainesville either.
But he set you up pretty good, wouldn’t you say? Set you up perfectly. But hey, maybe it was offered up by a stranger.
By stevethehawk
August 16, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
Beware….There were only two teams last season that averaged more than 200 rushing yds and more than 200 pass yds per game….Boise St and….Oklahoma St, and they didnt lose anybody on offense.
By DawgFAN
August 16, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
I really hat FLA and im ready to kick some a* this year. I no FLA won the National Championship 2 times in a row in basketball and last year in football but every dawg has his day. and our day is comin. and if it doesnt georgia has finer girls and Gators Pack Fudge!!!
By D. Ellis
August 17, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Steve THe Hawk-Don’t worry sir most of us are very aware of how good O-State’s offense is….my thoughts is the game will either start out slow and be a burner in the second half…or from the start it will be a track meet and wind up 43-40. I heard or read that one of their top 2 returning WR’s is out though for the game. Our DB’s will for sure have to show up hungary and ready to play, as well as the LB’s and the most of all the DE’s will have to stay under control and not peal their ears back…option is very dangerous…and O-State’s QB is a good one.
By USMC
August 17, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Terrence, you continue to knock the ball out of the park. I have reading your stories for a while now. It doesn’t matter if I am in Cali, Iraq, or now Japan, you continue to keep it real. I look forward to reading your articles because they “no nonsense” and get the bottom like now. Now fluff, no buff, just reality. Keep it up. God Bless and Semper Fi!!
By Spike
August 17, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Good article. Yellowblood, you have got a lot of nerve. gien that team you root for.
By Spike
August 17, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Good article. Yellowblood, you have got a lot of nerve, given that team you root for.
By mars
August 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Martinez is the main flaw in Richt’s entire system. I look forward to the Dawgs correcting that next year.
By Reggie Knox
August 17, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Terence Moore, I’ve just listened to your comment about vick on espn,about you’ve walking in the Airport and black people are supporting vick no matter what,etc. I do see what is happening to Vick is racist,wrong. Dogs are put down daily in animal shelters all over the world especially pit-bulls. May it be humanly or what the s** happen.And the fact that a preacher was killed by his wife, shot in the back, the phone snatched out of the wall as he laid their and died,right here in Tennessee and all she got was 60days. What the hell is really going on? And they trying to ruin a mans career,lock him up for years for some damn dogs. Be real america is a dog worth a man life.
By Greg
August 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
HEY REGGIE…POOKIE OR WHATEVER THEY CALL HIM…..IS HISTORY PAL…LOL!!!!!!!!!
By jerry burt
August 17, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
i was just listening to terrance moore on espn and he said that black people are behind vick no matter what. the fact of the matter is that black people are loyal to black people. all you have to is look back to the oj simpson case when black people went crazy at the not guilty verdict of a murderer. i dont think white people would have jumped all over the place with excitement if scott peterson got off for murdering his wife and child. that is the difference between the two races, white people are not as close to each other as blacks are.
By STL Dawg
August 18, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Some of you need to take off your red glasses and put the kool aid down. I made the trip to Lexington and saw our defense choke in the 4th quarter. We lost 8 starters off a defense that sucked in games? Are you kidding me. Our linebackers can’t stay healthy and don’t get me started about our injured O linemen. Experience is critical in the SEC so don’t expect miracles. I don’t care if we lined Herschel up back there. If the line can’t open holes then we are going to get killed by at least 4 SEC teams this season. Face reality folks.