AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStafford’s chance to get ‘08 momentum
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
New Orleans — Matthew Stafford has spent most of his football life as a centerpiece. This week, he has been closer to the water glass.
It goes with Georgia’s season, which had some early bumps.
It goes with tonight’s opponent, Hawaii, 12-0 and the cool story.
It goes with the opposing quarterback, Colt Brennan, who has thrown 131 touchdown passes, exactly 100 more than Stafford.
“People have been joking with me all week: ‘How does it feel to be the other guy?’ ” Stafford said.
And the answer?
“It doesn’t bother me at all, really.”
Of course, that’s the right thing for him to say, whether or not he actually believes it. But after acknowledging Brennan’s statistics, Brennan’s records, Brennan’s star status and all other things Brennan, Stafford eventually admitted something.
“Sure, it motivates me,” he said. “You always say you don’t want to compete against the other guy. It’s quarterback vs. quarterback — you’re not really going to play against each other. But it’s definitely something that motivates me. It definitely gets me going.”
Tonight’s Sugar Bowl ends this season for the Bulldogs. But if Stafford views this year’s 13th game more as the start of next season, it’s understandable.
He often struggled as a true freshman. That wasn’t surprising, but his play at the outset of this year was. He admits he was so intent on cutting down mistakes that he became overly cautious. His obvious talent notwithstanding, he didn’t resemble the aggressive, attacking, carefree quarterback who was recruited out of Texas.
Mike Bobo, Georgia’s offensive coordinator, disclosed that he met with Stafford in October before the Vanderbilt game to discuss the player’s mind-set. The Dogs were 4-2 at the time and had just been smacked in Tennessee.
“We had several discussions, and part of it was just not to play scared,” Bobo said. “Have fun. Don’t play extremely cautious. Earlier we were stressing ball security and I still wanted to do that, but I didn’t want him out there playing afraid that he was going to make a mistake, and I felt like he was doing that. That was really before the Vanderbilt game we had that talk. We didn’t play particularly well for three quarters, but he played well in the fourth quarter that enabled us to get
the win.”
Stafford actually remembers the conversation with Bobo taking place after the Vanderbilt game. No matter. He clearly was a different quarterback down the stretch, triggering a six-game winning streak.
In consecutive victories over Florida, Troy and Auburn, Stafford threw for 671 yards and seven touchdowns. In the previous three games against Mississippi, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, he totaled 519 yards and four touchdowns. He threw only one interception in those three games but he felt tight.
“[Bobo] told me just to go out there and play like I did in high school,” Stafford said. “Last year we had so many turnovers, I guess I just wanted to play it safe. It was hard for me because that’s not my personality. But now I feel like I’m back on track.”
Which leads to this evening. Stafford can’t erase what happened earlier this season. But his performance in the Sugar Bowl, especially against Brennan, can go a long way toward jump-starting next season and shaping his tenure in Athens. He can be the centerpiece
again.
“Every guy wants to be the guy — that’s why you recruit guys like that,” Bobo said. “I hope [the lack of attention] does bother him some. Colt Brennan is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the country. If that motivates Matthew to work a little harder and study a little more tape, great.”
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By Tim
December 31, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Nice read Jeff…. I think a good showing in this Bowl Game will go a long way for Stafford’s future with the Dawgs.
By Ben S.
December 31, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
He may not have the best stats in the country, but every scout will tell you that he will be a first round pick in the NFL draft one day. He has a cannon of a arm with a big frame for the next level. He has been a little inconsistent but has made steady progress. Good Luck Matt!
By K-Dogg
December 31, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
All the attention that super K has received this year is good for Matt-it took some pressure off of him-same thing going in to the sUGAr bowl-i believe that this is the game dawg fans will look back on as Matt Stafford’s becoming a Heisman Trophy level QB.
By boots
December 31, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Nice job, Jeff. Games like this can make a player. He is getting ready for his JR year. Some people had actually projected he might go to the NFL or win the Heisman after next year. However, this game will determine whether more kids are wearing the #7 or the #24 jersey at next year’s games. Stafford can break out as next year’s great QB or settle in to a place of great talent that still has yet to really be that great.
I expect an excellent game from Matt. Everyone thinks GA will run, run, run. Moreno is hurt, and we have known it for a while. That is why Matt will rise above Colt and shine.
Good luck to the Dawgs and I am looking forward to watching them kick some Polynesian a$$. Go Dawgs!
By Gene
December 31, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Stafford is a good quarterback, but unfortunately for Stafford, he will always be overshadowed by Tebow who is a great quarterback and a class person.
By Cuz
December 31, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Sixth!
By Cuz
December 31, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
I would love to see Matt have a breakout game. Especially since everyone has predicted he will play second string violin against Colt. Matthew, Buck Cochran is cheering you on from the upper seats. Go out there and make him and us proud.
By Lane
December 31, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
I have never been a Stafford fan- throws the ball with too much zip, lacking in accuracy, low completion %. However he has certainly upgraded his game over the last half of the season. This in all probability was a result of the improvement in the O-Line and Moreno. With his arm strength, if he improves his completion %, and consistently throws a “soft catchable ball” - he could be up there with Shockley before he graduates/leaves. Shockley in the last half of his senior season was fantastic-maybe Georgia’s best QB ever. I was not a Shockley fan until his senior season because of the “happy feet”.
Cannot wait until next year!!!!
By DJSTHEGREATESTDAWGOFALLTIME
December 31, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
EXACTLY 100 MORE???? Stafford has only thown 25 TDs. You’re goor writer, but terrible at math
By hop
January 1, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
i wish everyone would get off this kid’s back. he is a very hard worker, hightly intelligent,highly talented and he led georgia with a ten victory season. when the receivers started caughting the ball he stats improve and that is the bottom line. bobo should just let the kid play and stop putting so much pressure on him he is developing very nicely and he will be a super qb both in college and the pros.
By hop
January 1, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
lane you have got to be kidding. dj had a very low passing % during his career at georgia and his first three years looked like deer in headhights.
i liked dj as a person and he finally had a good year in his senior year,but to say he was georgia’s greatest qb, you have got to be kidding.
did you ever hear of fran tarkenton who is in the college and nfl hall of fame and held the all-time passing stats in the NFL.
ERIC ZIER WAS THE GREATEST QB SINCE TARKENTON.
MATT STAFFORD WILL BE GREATEST QB IN GEORGIA’S HISTORY AND WILL BE A GREAT nfl qb.
dj does not even come close to stafford in overall ability and you can put that comment in your pipe and smoke it!
By Potato Dawg
January 1, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
Hula Hula we’re going to take Hawaii to schoo-la!
By ARdawg
January 1, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
Nice column. Centerpiece, I dunno. The table is certainly set for Staffords coming out party and what a better setting than the Sugar Bowl against a Heisman runner up and an undefeated team (digesting it’s a WAC team).
Stafford has worked harder than any QB in the country. He’s had the talent all along, its the application he’s lacked and he’s gotten a sweet taste of that lately.
I wouldn’t put the pressure on him to call him a great QB at this point. He has all the ingredients, talent, intellect and poise. I do believe he’ll show why the Dawgs will be the most feared team next season. It’s not from the talent of Georgia but, the talent thats leading the talent. Matt will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt he is top tier quarterback. Dawgs in a rout.
GO DAWGS
By Potato Dawg
January 1, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
Hula Hula we’re going to take Hawaii to schoo-la!
By Lane
January 1, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
HOP, LITERCY ACTION IS A PREREQUISITE!!!
A-Note my comments - last half of senior year;
B- Unimpressed prior to that time;
Please, understand and absorb!!!
By Dagw fans can't spell
January 1, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
I am a UGA alum and a huge fan. I know this is a blog but I consistently see that the UGA nation mis-spell and use horrible diction.
“goor writer”, “caughting the ball”, “its the application”, “LITERCY”
It’s rather… sad.
By how many picks tonight?
January 1, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
?
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
January 1, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Schootze, You still have low imagination and you would be joining Rich McKay as a bill collector and glorified secretary if it was my choice.
But hey, Happy New Year
By Wood Dawg
January 1, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
In my opinion, the center-piece of the Dawgs’ offense this year is the running game. With Moreno and Brown in the backfield, everyone pulling for the Dawgs should actually be hoping that they give the tailbacks the ball a lot tonight. One downside of the Richt (and now Bobo) offense has always seemed to be a lack of commitment to Georgia’s good running game. The pass may be sexier, but if the run is getting 4 and 5 yards at a time, why change? Ask Buck Belue if he wouldn’t been happier at the end of the 1980 season going 23 for 25 for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns in his Sugar Bowl, but losing the game. I think he’s pretty happy with dismal individual stats and the ring. Go Stafford, but more importantly, Go Dawgs!!!!!
By the way
January 1, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
He’s a sophomore with 19 wins notched. There are plenty of senior quarterbacks who would love to be able to say that about their own sophomore status. Can Brennan?
By Cullen Big Knows Harper
January 1, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Matt Stafford is overated. I should have been the QB at UGA. We should have beat Auburn last night and won the ACC too! Go Warriors Go Colt!!!!
By newteamgeardotcom
January 1, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
dawgs are going to roll
By ^[]^
January 1, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Both QB’s are performing well in their systems. Georgia has a balanced attack in the style of some of the great FSU teams. If the opposition concentrated on pass defense, FSU would take the run until they got honest, then start working on them with the pass. I would much rather have that than a one-dimensional offense.
By Gene
January 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Stafford is typical of the “entitled” character of Georgia teams that has developed in recent years. Stafford’s stated goal at Georgia is to be an All American, an individual goal and not a team goal. This attitude pervades the football team and the coaching staff with Richt continuing to whine and work Georgia fans into a frenzy about being “snubbed” by the BCS as if the first half of the season shouldn’t count. Georgia has plenty of talent, but lacks sportsmanship and class. I think that the regional term that applies to the Bulldogs is “tacky.”
By Buckheadbill
January 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Is it a blog about Georgia football or a spelling test? Please, you spelling freaks, turn off your spell check and get a live.
By Buckheadbill
January 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Is it a blog about Georgia football or a spelling test? Please, you spelling freaks, turn off your spell check and get a life.
By big fabric softena'
January 1, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Da I dunno Buckheadjill don’t get your pannies in a wad…..Rumor on the streets is richt is gonna dress in drag aka Barbara Dolley to motivate the hounds
By T
January 1, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Buckheadbill, is it THAT hard to spell correctly AND blog about football. Whats next, stop walking to chew gum?
By Dog the Gator Hunter
January 1, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I just became a big Michigan Wolverine fan, as my favorite teams are Georgia and whoever happens to be playing Florida. What a great ending for Lloyd Carr. Congrats to Tennessee, Auburn, Miss. St. and Alabama for doing the SEC proud. Go Dawgs!
By TDOG
January 1, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Stafford is to caught in in the Richt hype. If he can keep his head out of the smoke and mirrors Richt throws out, mabey he will do allright. He also needs to stay out of the french quarter. Hopefully the boys will be focused on football and not black jerseys and the rest.
By Ashley Paige Millard
January 1, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
a little prayer…
may Stafford throw swiftly and with grace
may Moreno’s feet not fail him (lets see 100 yards rushing)
may Brown’s strength lead the way may Bailey’s hands wrap tightly and securely may Coutu’s leg kick just a little harder may Flowers get to the ball first may Massoquoi’s speed increase may Sutherland’s mass protect us may our defense become unbreakablemay our offense run all over Hawaii
and may Mark Richt have an awesome Sugar Bowl victory
AMEN
We will greatly miss those who are leaving Ashley Paige Millard 01/01/2007By Big Dawg
January 1, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
What a Joke…Hawaii couldn’t beat Troy State U !!!!!!!We had a cake walk. This will not help us in final poll. I’m a UGA fan but I hurt for Hawaii being put in Sugar Bowl.