AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDogs’ close of ‘06 gives hope for ‘07
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
There are so many reasons to cringe when contemplating Georgia’s upcoming football season. The offensive line is dominated by junior-college transfers and freshmen. The defense has neophytes everywhere. Who knows if the receivers actually can catch for the first time in a couple of years?
No problem.
Just take a deep breath, close your eyes and remember Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia).
If you do such a thing, and if you’re among the barkers in the Bulldog Nation, you won’t have to consider peeking between your fingers at Georgia — from the opener in Athens against Oklahoma State through the visit in November to Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Courtesy of Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia) last season, maybe the Bulldogs will survive South Carolina this season despite the Gamecocks’ renaissance under Steve Spurrier. Maybe the Bulldogs will leave Tuscaloosa smiling after ruining Alabama’s anticipated renaissance under Nick Saban. Maybe the Bulldogs will turn Big Orange Country in Knoxville into Big Blue Country. Maybe Georgia will make its fourth trip to the SEC championship game in six seasons by defeating Florida for only the third time since that other George Bush was in the Oval Office.
Maybe Georgia qualifies for a BCS bowl, and then maybe … then again, maybe not.
Surely you remember the way the Bulldogs finished last year. They shocked what was the nation’s No. 5 team in Auburn. After that, they returned home to dispose of Georgia Tech, ranked 16th at the time. If that wasn’t enough, the Bulldogs left the Chick-Fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome with an upset of No. 14 Virginia Tech. Mostly, they sprinted to goodness down the stretch of their season after looking rather ordinary or worse.
“I’ve been on a national championship team with Miami back in 1983, but I think one of the best situations that I’ve ever been involved in was what happened last year during that three-game stretch,” said Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, who has spent more than 20 years in coaching. “When you have adversity, you never know how you’re going to react to it, and during that three-game stretch, guys just tightened the screw down.”
Many of those guys are gone, including accomplished defensive ends Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson, solid defensive back Paul Oliver and all of those offensive linemen. And several of those guys are back — 45 returning lettermen, to be exact. They include rising quarterback Matthew Stafford, a trio of nice running backs (Kregg Lumpkin, Thomas Brown and Knowshon Moreno) and defensive back Kelin Johnson, who was among Georgia’s top five tacklers last season.
No question, Stafford, Johnson and Georgia’s other returnees recall what made Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia) so impressive. There was that ugliness for the Bulldogs during each of their seven previous games. It began with a near home loss to a shaky Colorado team before Georgia barely survived a shaky Ole Miss team in Oxford. That all foreshadowed the Tennessee fiasco that had Georgia’s defense relinquishing 37 second-half points.
There also was yet another loss by the Bulldogs to the hated Gators, a near loss to shaky Mississippi State and brutal losses to Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
Then came Auburn and the two Techs (Georgia and Virginia), which showed three things about the Bulldogs: They had the talent, the coaching and the drive. They still have the talent and the coaching. As for the drive, well, let’s talk around Halloween. That’s about the time of Georgia’s little trip to Jacksonville.
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By Erk
August 24, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
The last 3 games from last year are definitely something to build on. Last year showed the two extremes. Play poorly and you can lose to anyone. Play consistently well with few turnovers and you can beat a top ten team.
By 2N4YEARS
August 24, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Well said, Erk.
By bh
August 24, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
I am sure the dawgs will see their share of adversity this year. I just hope they can remain focused and come back from it like the final 3 games from last yr. Can’t wait too see.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 24, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
TM,
Love your Vick reporting,but this is on the weak side. Whats your opinion on the season. We as dawg fans know our issues and our strengths. Really around Halloween you want us to check back? Why, if that article is as bland as this one who needs to.
By honest_abe
August 24, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
geez lowcountry why not give the guy a break? he just wrote a nice little piece on “our” dawgs and you have to belittle the guy? grow up friend. the time when it seemed like it was “vogue” to kill TM is hopefully coming to an end. lately, and by lately i mean the last couple of years TM has been one of ajc’s best columnists. period.
By Lowcountry Bulldawgs
August 24, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
Honest,
Did you read the beginning. All of TM articles on Vick have been great, this just is very bland and almost seems to be pointless.
O yeah thanks for tellign me to grow up. I needed that. I almost forgot to. Jerk
By Buck in the NW
August 24, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
TM your points are well taken but I do think there’s a big point, actually the biggest one you didn’t mention. For the 1st time Mark Richt will be the Head Coach. He’s done a good job so far but does anyone really know how his being a H.C. will effect the Dawgs? With CMR himself saying that he had started being to conservative plus he can really coach special teams, I think he’ll do well. The changes he’s made so far should have registered on the Scale. We’ll never know but I’ll bet that some of his assistant coaches may not be very happy because the HC is sticking his nose under every tent. IMO, we won’t have to wait until’08, the time is now!
By Hoopergdawg
August 24, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Buck, I couldn’t agree more. I think for the first time he won’t be too occupied to see what is going on and what needs to be addressed from an ‘outside the box’ perspective. Hopefully that means maybe some tweaks during the season or maybe during games. Good post and go dawgs!
By RxDawg
August 24, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Here here Buck! I agree completely. As far as I’m concerned, were undefeated so lets keep it up. Go Dawgs!
By dawgfighter
August 25, 2007 2:55 AM | Link to this
dawgs lose 5, and every body cries.
By KMWG
August 25, 2007 6:55 AM | Link to this
Glad you can write om something outside of Vick. I was wondering if your thoughts and skills were just that limited.
By falcon80
August 25, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
I know I’m not the only one who has been screaming for CMR to become HCMR, which means, among other things, delegating play calling duties. Major College HC’s have way too much to do to pay due diligence to game plans and play calling. When do you think Paterno, Bowden, or even Spurrier and Tuberville last called plays? I’ll be surprised if CMR’s step back from the grind doesn’t eventually lead him, and us, to the promised land. I’m feeling good about the upcoming season, but feeling even better about the long-term future of the program! With line of scrimmage issues I’ll be satisfied with 8-3, but this time of year all I can think about is 11-0!
By C
August 25, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Your sports commentary (along with others at this paper) is the reason I stopped subscribing!
By Barkin'Dog
August 25, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
But you keep on reading, don’t you, C? That’s because the AJC writers often do hit the nail on the head, enough to make you want to read what they’re saying. Terrance, you did a great job on the Vick coverage, and your commentary of late is convincing me you’re less interested in color these days than character. As for this piece, I’m impressed with your angle - attitude is EVERYTHING in sports and the Dogs will carry that into this season.
I try to read between the lines when I see quotes from coaches and players… and after they say what’s expected, I see something exciting on the horizon. I feel there is a storm coming and it is explosive. From the moment I watched our 3 offenses score 55 points in the G-Day game (within 48 non-stop minutes) up until todays scrimmage reports, I’ve felt this team will average 37 points a game or more (reminiscent of FSU’s hayday with you-know-who as OC). All we need is for Martinez’s young defense to hold down the opposition, and it will be a startling season! BTW, I notice a twinkle in his eyes and words as well… so I’m anxious to see if production will be greater than prognostication. Hang on, folks… this is going to be a wild and fun ride. Go Dogs! #1 in ‘007!
By ak4771
August 26, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
I for one am excited about our chances this year. Weak link is o-line. However, i’m ready to go to battle with these guys. Its a great time to be a GEORGIA BULLDAWG!!!!
By Vision
August 26, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks terence, it is so very refreshing to see a commentary on last season that focused on how the season was played at the end, not the struggles of the mid season. So many what have you done for me lately fans seem to focus on only the bad news from the season.
I also agree with your generalized comments because there really are several questions that need to be answered satisfactorily if this season is going to be a SEC Eastern conference competing season.
UGA can get back to the SEC championship, but only if they can survive the first 2 SEC games without a loss. Losing to Florida yet again would then be irritating but not the SEC championship killer that some believe.
Florida has even more questions to answer than Georgia so anything can happen as the best division of the best conference in college football is about to begin the bloodfest.
Go DAWGS!
By Chris
August 26, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
UGA fans should not put a lot of stock in winning the last 3 games of last year. The Tech games VA and GA were won on the defensive side of the ball(the Aub game showed great promise). When your offense only scores 15 points and gains 255 yards (vs. GA Tech) you better pray your def can hold on. In the bowl game UGA only had 200 total yards and 2 key ints completely changed the game. One pick was returned to the 1 yard line, but Stafford receives credit for leading them back to victory. I think dreams of BCS games is a real longshot. SEC is just too loaded.
By ROCKY TWYMAN
August 26, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Contact: E. Geer at (301)-768-1076
Sunday, August 26, 2007
MD MAN CIRCULATES PETITION TO RALLY CHURCHES FOR MICHAEL VICK
Since Vick will face sentencing on Monday, August 27, community activist Rocky Twyman of Rockville, Maryland intends to take his crusade to the street son Monday morning, August 27 from 6 AM to 7:30 AM at the Rockville Metro Station. Concerned individuals will be asked to sign the petition below. Other concerned individuals can go to voice their support. Signatures will be turned over to the NFL Commission. Churches and synagogues around the country are asked to hold special pray vigils for this young star on next Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2. With the help of God, Michael Vick can be a vital force in helping the downtrodden. Concerned individuals and sports fans can go to forgivevick.start-a-petition.com and sign their names. They can also make a comment on ForgiveVick@aol.com.
We, the undersigned humbly request that the NFL Commission give talented Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick another chance to play this game. Our various religious persuasions lead us to believe in the act of forgiveness. The Word of God plainly tells us that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Furthermore, we cannot overlook the dysfunctional background of Mr. Vick that still impacts his life today. It is our prayer and hope that this dog fighting incident will inspire Mr. Vick to become involved in a local church. In spite of his mistakes, we firmly believe that God has a unique master plan for this quarterback’s life. We encourage him to give money from his massive fortune to animal rights groups (dogs can be so therapeutic); the Virginia Tech Memorial Fund; homeless projects; bone marrow efforts; education of the indigent and other worthy causes as a means of redeeming himself before God and the entire world. To those (ESPECIALLY CHRISTIANS) who continue to condemn him, we say, check out the Scriptures where Jesus said that we must forgive 70 times 70. When asked about whether a prostitute should be stoned, Christ boldly proclaimed that the person without sin should cast the first stone. Those in the mob turned away. Let us stop casting stones at Mr. Vick and shower him with the love of God during this time of crisis.
PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS ARE URGED TO SIGN AND SHOW SUPPORT. A SPECIAL MICHAEL VICK PRAYER VIGIL IS NOW BEING PLANNED.
Please spread the word about this petition.
Rocky Twyman, Founder
A Religious Movement to FORGIVE MICHAEL VICK
Contact: ( 301)-768-1076
By Killer
August 27, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Rocky,
Maybe we should forgive OJ too. What about accountability? Why don’t you put as much effort into educating these idiots as you do forgiving?! Do the crime, do the time! Just like you or I would! Me for certain! Social ills plague many that don’t resort to barbaric past times and display questionable behavior! Preach personal responsibility and accountability then I’ll pray for Vick and join your cause. I hope he gets ultimate justice! However, I doubt he will. I said last season after his outstanding antics that the Falcons should hang onto Shaub!!!!
By truthspeaker
August 27, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
You are a uncle tom cooning shufflin lame take a bow.
By truthspeaker
August 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
You are a uncle tom cooning shufflin lame take a bow.
By truthspeaker
August 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
You are a uncle tom cooning shufflin lame take a bow.
By Tom Batchelor
August 27, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
I agree with your commentary on ESPN. Like Martha Stewart, because he is in the media spotlight he will get the unwanted attn. that comes with the territory. She was caught trying to save a few bucks illegaly and Mr. Vick clearly didn’t need the extra income either. How can someone with his talent, skills and money falter so far from the path of personal resposibility? I will miss watching him play but feel better knowing a horrific 5-6 year dog fighting operation has been terminated. Sorry Rocky, Mr. Vick won’t be in my prayers, I save those for the soldiers in Iraq, not a spoiled athlete that killed dogs and showered the Devils hate on defensely animals for 6 years. Thank you, T. Batchelor
By dunes dawg
August 27, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
The 1st game with OK state is CRITICAl> if we lose this one USC could upset us , and nowv we are 0-2…. WATCH OUT FOR THE COWBOYS
By cassyj
August 28, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, Had I considered subscribing to the AJC, my mind would have been changed the moment I saw your face on t.v. these last couple of weeks. You disgust me. You do no speak for the black race, nor do you represent me. Michael Vick was wrong for his actions. However, have you forgotten that a few short years ago,they hung Uncle Tom’s like yourself on a tree? yet the nation is in a uproar over dogs? How dare you insinuate that the black community is not intelligent enough to realize the magnitude of his actions. I am sure that you have cost the AJC many black subscribers. Get a grip Mr. Moore, I am sure were you to be found guilty of something such as adulterey, you would feel quite different being in the hot seat. Everyone makes mistakes, except perhaps, for your lilly white, perfect self, as you would have us to believe.
By ORIGINALMAN
August 28, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
PETA IS HYPOCRITICAL: PETA Kills Animals — And It’s A Felony
Wednesday, June 22, 2005 Authorities in Ahoskie, North Carolina dropped a disturbing bombshell yesterday with the news that they had charged two employees of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with 31 felony counts of animal cruelty. PETA’s Andrew Cook and Adria Hinkle were arrested late Wednesday night after police saw them dump bags containing seven dead puppies and 11 other dead animals in a grocery store’s dumpster. Their PETA-owned van, seized by police, contained another 13 animal bodies. Ahoskie’s police chief told reporters: “We’ve been investigating animal cruelty and illegal disposal of dead animals within our city for the last four weeks” — roughly the same period of time in which our popular PetaKillsAnimals.com website and giant Times Square billboard have been making news. The animal-control officer responsible for the county where Cook and Hinkle were arrested told the Associated Press that PETA had picked up the animals just a few hours earlier. He added that PETA’s employees “told him they were picking up the dogs to take them back to Norfolk where they would find them good homes.” Instead, the animals wound up being treated in a decidedly unethical fashion. This morning the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald began distributing a grisly photograph showing a police detective in hazmat garb removing a puppy carcass from a garbage bag found in the now-infamous dumpster. Last night WAVY-TV’s coverage in Norfolk included heartbreaking details from the manager…
By jonathan friedman
August 29, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Terence, don’t quit your day job, you suck on tv
By jonathan friedman
August 29, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Terence, don’t quit your day job, you suck on tv