Sports Columnists

By SOBEDAWG

September 15, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

The team is coming together…Stafford and the offense will be ready to shine versus the Tide…a sweet victory it will be. Go Dawgs.

By Don

September 15, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

The performance was more brilliant and less brutal than this mostly meaningless column. What exactly is the point of this column. Maybe you should ask why Florida still had Tim Tebow in the game with 3 minutes left in their blow out victory over TN. I think that almost every player that dressed out got in the game. Georgia did what they should have done against Western Carolina. Nothing more and nothing less. Bobo is still growing into his new position and the 13 new starter (8 on defense and 5 on the offensive line) are still learning their way around the field.

By Buck in the NW

September 15, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Does the Coaching staff really understand that the offense goes as Stafford goes? I’ll say what you’re already thinking and that is “what a dumb question”. The reason I ask is simply that last week Stafford made the comment that “I can only be me” and I wonder if the staff is trying to fit the square peg into the round hole. It’s just a question that crossed my mind. It may just be that MS is just, at this stage of his career, is just inconsistent. Don’t know and have no answer but I hope they just turn him loose next week and let the chips fall where they fall where they may. That’s the way we’ll have a chance to score enough to win.

By bigdave

September 15, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

worthless column really…but anyway, speaking of the gators, tebow seems to be well ahead of stafford in his growth as a QB and the gators seem to have a freaking clue about what they’re trying to accomplish on offense. on the other hand we look like a bunch of headless chickens at times…CMR is probably one of the worst game management coaches in the nation, time and again we waste time outs even against what was realistically one of the worst teams in the land. and once again we come out flat and our players say so after the game. that is unacceptable but it continues to happen, whose fault is it? it’s also ridiculous that we let the opponent start on the 35+ after ever kickoff. we’ve got a long way to go.

By JDW

September 15, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I think we have a lot of holes to fill and we better do it quick. No way these guys should score 16 points and should be able to score at will and we did not. Our kick coverage is terrible and the rest of our special teams seem out of sync. We made way too many mistakes on offense and defense to win in the SEC. We have talent but we need to find a way to perform consistently.

By ben

September 15, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Don,

UF had Tebow in to continue scoring on UT because, unlike UGA, we’re still in the hunt for a national title and let’s face it: pollsters count style points.

Besides, they took Tebow out in the 4th and replaced him with Newton.

By Allen

September 15, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Terrance you should have been a coach instead of a sports writer you have all the answers.Psyche! You wouldn,t last a day. Let this team grow.They will be just fine.

Go DAWGS!!!

By Steve

September 15, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

I’m watching Alabama dismantle Arkansas right now, hoping that Bailey, Stafford, Bobo and the rest of the Dawgs truly understand that they cannot in any way whatsoever affords to start out as flat against the Tide or anyone else as they did today.

The final score is comforting after last week’s no-show against South Carolina. The fact that Georgia took nearly a half yo snap out of its daydream is not. Show up in a fog against Alabama and it’ll be a long ride home.

And Terrence, you’re dead on about the Stafford draw play. Bobo and everyone else would be smirking out the other side of their faces if Stafford had shredded a knee on a play that didn’t matter. Geez, Bobo, if a naked draw was “the best play in that situation”, that you need to seriously rethink your career choices.

Instead of nitpicking a decisive and much-needed blowout win, we could all very easily be wondering how well Cox (nothing against him, mind you) will run the show next week and praying for Stafford to heal quickly.

Memo to Georgia coaching staff: This is not brain surgery!! Protect your starters in a game that is already in hand! Things turned out well for the Dogs today. That one bonehead call could very easily have crippled UGA’s offense.

By 3 YRDS & A CLOUD-O-DUST

September 15, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

The offense does not go through Stafford or depend on him. Moreno is the key to the success of this offense. Exhibit A: 44 pass attempts in a loss last week. Bobo got too pass happy against USC, especially in the drive in the 4th quarter where Moreno was pounding the defense to the red zone, then Bobo called 4 pass plays in a row. Incompletions, end of game. If they stick with Moreno in that situation the Dawgs might have won. Stafford is a phenomenon, but the backfield is where SEC dominance is born.

By A-ville Ranger

September 15, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Buck —- The trouble with turning Stafford loose is he can’t throw long.If you’re reading this Matt prove me wrong.I’ve never seen you throw a great deep ball.Not just one that was caught,none at all.If we’re going to compete with Florida on any regular basis two chronic problems must be addressed.We must learn to stretch the field and we must recruit top O-linemen.

By eddiedawg

September 15, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

ummm…we better get it together or AL is gonna hand us our butts next week……

By Long Arm of the Law

September 15, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Anybody see that f* gold and white tongiht?????????????? o Dawgs.

By Long Arm of the Law

September 15, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Anybody see that f* gold and white tongiht?????????????? Go Dawgs.

By Buck in the NW

September 15, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, Everybody, including HIS team mates to outside observer say that he has one one of the strongest arms they’ve ever seen. Even taking the experts word, I still don’t know because we don’t go down field more than 3-4 time a game. I’m not disagreeing with anybody but IMO, there’s a HUGH DISCONNECT HERE.

By True Dawg Fan

September 16, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

I am and always have been a true Dawgs fan. I cheer when we win and I am sad when we lose but I never talk bad about our Team and this is the first time that I have even commented on an AJC column. And while I find this column meaningless and pretty much a waste of time, my comments are not for the writer. My comments are for the supposed UGA fans like “Big Dave”, “Steve,” and “A-ville”. I guess I am just surprised that we have this many Football geniuses that aren’t coaching D-1 ball. You are a fan so keep it that way. You do not spend all week watching film or preparing play calls. Watching the game does not give you the right to criticize anyone, especially coach Richt and the UGA staff. If a player has a bad game, then fine, let everyone know you did not like the way he plays but please do not analyze him and make future predictions. I guess maybe you guys think that you may be called up to coach or play because of the comments you post on the AJC. Do you think coach Richt read this BS? If you have criticism, please keep it to yourself because believe me, no one cares what you thought about the play calling, Stafford’s arm, or anything that has to do with the game.

Go Dawgs! Give Bama Hell!

By The Grinch

September 16, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

Stafford has some flaws, but arm strength isn’t one of them. If anything, he needs to develop some touch. This team is very young but also very talented. Yes, CMR is a bit conservative, but give ‘em a chance and they’ll be fine. They may still be a year or so away, though. AND TECH LOST. Ha!

By uga student

September 16, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

stafford can throw the ball 80 yards easy but i have noticed that he is not accurate on deep balls too. its all about repition in practice. the more he practices making deep throws on target, the better it will translate in game situations. he just needs to develop more touch. his arm strength is unbelievable though. i cant think of many other QBs with stronger arms than stafford in college football right now

By Kyle

September 16, 2007 4:20 AM | Link to this

Do any of you UGA fans actually think you’re going to beat UF this year? Seriously?

By kringledawg

September 16, 2007 4:40 AM | Link to this

Lets be honest here (fanboy tendencies aside)! Regardless of MS’ strengths or CMR’s previous offensive tendencies (to not stretch the field as much as many people would like to see), we are in no shape at this point in the year, with the young talent we have to hold blocks for the amount of time it would take to successfully and repeatedly lengthen the field vertically. Our O-line is absurdly young, undersized, and still not game intelligent enough to make up for that lack of size with more advanced scheme blocking techniques that could improve things. MS’ still has some growing up to do and less consistent experienced offensive talent and scheme to hide his growth curve (unlike Tebow, who despite being an great talent for many years to come, has more consistency, scheme, and talent around him to hide his mistakes, which if you watch and know what to look for, he is making plenty off despite their overall success). If we put aside the lunatic fan fringe which seems to dominate these message boards for all the SEC schools regardless of affiliation, everyone who understands football and talent and is honest with themselves knew this year was a year that would be a growing up year where we would get to see a glimpse of the future of UGA (which is bright with this young class) but knew that we would take our lumps, be growing throughout the year, and have a record that reflects that growth (8-4 or 9-3 or 10-2 if the stars aligned and the youth grew up in a hurry and put it together by week 2 which was never very likely). Does this mean I hate on UGA? No, god knows I am a huge UGA fan and they have enough of my money over my collegiate years to prove that. However being a fan, appreciating good football in the SEC, and being realistic and honest is not mutually exclusive with being a top flight fan, and appreciating reality and understanding why reality isn’t the end of the world or a reason to be childish or pulling against other top flight football and talent of other teams in the league when there is something worth admiring and appreciating. In the case of UF, LSU, USC, and UA, there are many things that are worth appreciating, recognizing, and to be excited about in the context of the goals of those programs and what they are trying to do with their seasons, especially as a fan of good college and SEC football. It is what makes college football the greatest spectator sport in the world and why even in the worst years of UGA execution on the field, following their season and other programs is always rewarding. It is also the reason why I can appreciate and be excited about watching someone like Darren McFadden play and see what he does next regardless of whether I appreciate or have any interest in UArk or what their record is. It is also the reason why I tend to avoid reading blogs, forums, and comments from fans since the bad content tends to trump the good and this kind of appreciation tends to get lost in the noise. Now away from my soap box and onto some additional observations (BTW - Anyone who had or has convinced themselves that UGA was likely a 10-2 team this year is insane, drinking absurd Kool-aid and isn’t doing the program any favors by being a blind fan).

No doubt in my mind after watching Georgia over the years, through the good, bad, and mediocre, CMR is a great coach that has priorities in the right place and has the program headed in the right direction. The right direction is consistent success with the right priorities more so than a NC for me, others would probably disagree. Would I like to have some of the flash and sizzle that UF or other programs may put out there with the schemes they run or with the personnel positioning they tend to focus on? Sure everybody would. However, despite the great wealth of outstanding coaches in the SEC, I wouldn’t trade CMR for any of them if you look at the big picture, focus, priorities, and leadership he provides across the board. Do I agree with him all the time? No. Do I think he has areas he needs to improve and grow? Absolutely. But I think at the end of the day in 10 20 or however many years have gone by, he will be remembered as one of the top coaches if not the top coach in UGA history and one of the top coaches to grace college Football. I believe he has the one thing that is the hardest thing to find in coaching excellence at the college level and that is long term consistency and excellence. He has a long term vision for the program he wants to build, how he wants to go about doing things, and how he wants football to be sustained and he isn’t willing to compromise the specifics of that longer term vision, even if I don’t always understand or agree, for the sake of short term compromise. BTW - on Bobo, his youth and inexperience has shown this year, and it will continue to be a learning experience for him where a lot of mistakes are made (that drive me crazy at the time I see them happening). However, I think the upside with him being a top notch coord in this league is huge and that the struggles and on the job growth and mistakes are worth tolerating for the longer term payout of what I see him becoming. No doubt, he has understanding, intelligence, and yin to CMR’s yang to cross the learning curve threshold sooner rather than later and be highly successful at UGA.

I think we are seeing this longer term vision, patience, and investment play out so far this year, even when it can be frustrating for the educated fan. The one thing I have seen him and Bobo stick to consistently, even when it leaves you scratching your head, is to avoid overtly and knowingly put their young players in compromising positions that they feel could do long term damage to their confidence. I am not saying they make perfect calls, or calls that don’t result in players making a mistake. What I am saying is they aren’t going to put them in position consistently fail or be overwhelmed, regardless of how limiting that might be to how they play or approach a game or situation. For example, regardless of KM’s talent, or speed at WR, they aren’t going to put the O-line in a position to have to consistently hold longer blocks for down field or slow developing plays. They aren’t going to consistently run a power running scheme to pound the ball with the offense even with Moreno’s talent (and even though I do feel they could still run the ball more with greater success without selling out to run run run) and put the O-line in down after down of power blocking schemes which I truly believe would be exposed as bad or worse than they currently have been from a block hold perspective if they were asked to do that type of blocking 60 or 70% of the time. They have youth issues on o-line, they have size issues on both lines, they have consistency issues on D (linebacker and D line push especially), they have maturity and toughness issues with the receivers. They have a lack of leadership issues at key areas on the team (QB, LB, Receiver), and other areas that aren’t as obvious to the casual observer. However, I think fundamentally, all of these things are a function of youth(inexperience, maturity, size, and development) and will be overcome and the results will prove that over 2008 and 2009. Leadership and experience go a long way and can make up for a lot of talent disparity, they don’t have enough of either of those things, and talent, speed, and atheleticism can’t make-up for a lake of leadership and experience. This is without a doubt the most talent and youth the UGA program has been in terms of raw skills and upside. If they can use this year to get over the hump and end the year with that leadership and experience that is missing (like we had when we had less pure talent during the Green/Pollack days), then I don’t care what our record is. We end this year building those two things and the toughness that comes with finding those two things through on the field challenges, then the next two years will be opportunities for success that UGA hasn’t had access to in the last two decades. We built some experience and leadership toward the end of last year, the problem is the people that became the leaders and most experienced by the end of the year where the juniors and seniors that left the program. This year we won’t have that same problem if they focus on building those two things as the number 1 priority between now and January. We won’t have those problems because we have little to know Juniors and Seniors of consequence leaving on this buckwheat team.

I will go away now to never be heard from again, so flame away, disagree or what have you. However, you all know I am right regardless of your UGA fan status or what you want to admit to in public. :P

-K

By Lane

September 16, 2007 5:12 AM | Link to this

Kringledawg, actually gets it, especially concerning the OL stating:

“Our O-line is absurdly young, undersized, and still not game intelligent enough to make up for that lack of size with more advanced scheme blocking techniques that could improve things”.

Adams, did not start at RT, Boling(true freshman) started in his place. Until the OL situation improves and Stafford becomes more consistent this could prove to be a difficult year.

You guys may want to look at the depth chart(georgiadogs.com), the youth and inexperience in the OL is shocking. If you look at any national championship team, the OL’s are typically made up of Juniors and Seniors. National Championships/conference Championships are not won with inexperienced OL’s.

Kringledawg thanks for the insight.

By DaytonaDawg

September 16, 2007 5:46 AM | Link to this

CMR said it often, This team will be special once it jells, how long that takes is the question, Great write up, Dawgs have a bunch of questions, I believe we can an will answer the bell. GO DAWGS!!

By DaytonaDawg

September 16, 2007 5:46 AM | Link to this

CMR said it often, This team will be special once it jells, how long that takes is the question, Great write up, Dawgs have a bunch of questions, I believe we can an will answer the bell. GO DAWGS!!

By DaytonaDawg

September 16, 2007 5:46 AM | Link to this

CMR said it often, This team will be special once it jells, how long that takes is the question, Great write up, Dawgs have a bunch of questions, I believe we can an will answer the bell. GO DAWGS!!

By Don

September 16, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

krinkledawg hit the nail on the head. Maybe next time he can give us a Reader’s Digest version. I was just about to write that the offense does not go through the running back or QB is goes throught he O-line. The best of QBs and RB’s will wilt without a good O-line to block for them. When the O-line give Stafford more time so he can plant his feet and step into his throws they will be more accurate and he will be able to check off from a covered receiver to an open one. We already have seen what Moreno can do with poor blocking. When the O-line gels this team will be very good.

By Mission Statement

September 16, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Seams as things haven’t changed much as the following quote could apply to college coaches.

“It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces, and our most gifted and brilliant to edit newspapers. In fact, I discovered by reading newspapers that these editor/geniuses plainly saw all my strategic defects from the start, yet failed to inform me until it was too late.

Accordingly, I am readily willing to yield my command to these obviously superior intellects, and I will, in turn, do my best for the Cause by writing editorials - after the fact.”

• Robert E. Lee, 1863

I’m sure everyone watched FL/TN, AL/AK, & KY/UL and most came away with a feeling that we are in for a long season.

All you fair-weather/bandwagon fans need get lost. Go dawgs

By SickAndTired

September 16, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Stafford is average at best. He is not in the same company as Tebow and they guy at Kentucky.

By Johnson is a Johnson

September 16, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Kyle -

Thanks. That kind of arrogance and over-confidence is just what we need from Florida this year. I don’t know if we’ll win, but I can’t think of a more deserving bunch of a-holes that deserves to lose than Florida. Just you pray that this team doesn’t find itself before we see you in Jacksonville.

By BULL Gator

September 16, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Great article Terrance….If you take a look at the flea bag mutt’s schedule you’ll see maybe one more win. Other teams in the SEC also have true freshmen starting on their OL and DL lines….but they don’t whine like the mutts, they just WIN. The MIGHTY GATORS and BAMA are good example for the lowly mutts to follow… GREAT RECRUTING AND SUPERIOR COACHING……..THE BEST MONEY CAN BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Heeldawg

September 16, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

There is no telling how this season will turn out, although it is clear that Georgia is not in LSU’s league and likely not in Florida’s. However, I thank Kringledawg for his insightful (and accurate) post. We have a lot of inexperienced, talented players who will pay big dividends on down the road. But many of them are not quite ready for prime time because of that small matter of consistency. Consistency is a measure that comes from repitition and experience, areas that a lot of these young guys are woefully short in right now. But there is no shortage of talent and depth. We make mental mistakes frequently and it can cost us (and does, at times, like it did with the ‘Cocks). But at some point, these guys are all going to gel. And when that happens (and it will, whether it be this year or next), it’s going to be a beautiful thing.

By UGA Fan With Questions

September 16, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Can some with more knowledge help me here? I’m an UGA alumni and big time fan, but don’t understand alot about the “x’s” and “o’s.” I have two questions that come to mind when watching the offense. 1) with an undersized and inexperienced line, it seems like we can not run up the middle, but would have more success with toss sweep left or right. Wouldn’t this be an easier blocking scheme with young, quick and talented line? Obviously I know it can’t be done all the time, but I don’t see it very often.

2) The pass offense is inconsistent at best with mis-fires, dropped balls, overthrows, etc. I’m not saying this happens all the time but it does seem to bite us the last few seasons. The only thing I can see as a possible explanation is the rotation of too many receivers. It makes sense to me that this would not allow full development and confidence among 3 or 4 solid receivers?

Thanks for any opinions on this…like I said, I don’t know a whole lot about the coaching stuff and would appreciate any insight.

I do think the team has talent and more upside potential…which is exciting to watch. Here’s pulling for a big W at Bama.

By Bigcalidawg

September 16, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

One thing the DAWG coaches are constantly doing is setting up the next move. We have seen CMR play puppies in bowl games to get them ready for next season and make play calls just to show upcoming defensive coordinators what they might expect.

I sure hope Stafford ain’t wearing panties, but the way y’all speak of him as if he were glass Joe, it makes me wonder.

Let the kid play ball. I’m actually surprised by his athleticism and ability to take off when he needs to.

I just hope knowshon gets 25 touches against Bama. If that happens, we be coo.

By jeff

September 16, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Tebow has sooo much talent around him and like someone else said on this blog “to hide his flaws”. Woodson and UK pass all the time. Hence his numbers are outstanding. They should have put up way more points against Louisville than they did. Louisville is NOT a good team defensively…Look at what Middle Tennessee did to them. As far as Stafford goes, He will be the best NFL QB out of what the SEC has right now. NO DOUBT about it. Even NFL analyst are saying that now…Heck, ,they said it last year.

By SickAndTired

September 16, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Well Jeff, I haven’t heard them say it lately….the guy is average, nothing special…did you hear me? There’s nothing special about him.

By Terrible Truth

September 16, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Just had to take a dig at the white quarterback in the first paragraph didn’t you, Bigot Terence Moore?

By Brian

September 16, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Terrance, Just so you know , the guy ” that’s been around a decade or so( Harrington )”, has only been in the league since 2002 . You obviously don’t have a clue what you’re talking about so do us a favor and shut the hell up ! Brian

By CMR

September 16, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Y’all - don’t get too cocky. We haven’t played anyone yet except USC and you know what happened then. High school teams don’t count. We will be lucky to get past Troy in a few weeks…..