UGA

By GaGolfDawg

November 28, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Most reasonable not “fanatic” Georgia fans, believed that we would finish 8-4 or 9-3 this year. We just didn’t think that we would lose to UK and Vandy. Overall, the thing that impresses me the most is how CMR kept this team focused and didn’t let them quit in adversity. Great job coach and great job Dawgs! The next few years are going to be awesome between the hedges!

Good Luck Tech in your bowl game. I would tell you to take a warm coat but I forgot that you have already played in Boise before. HA!! HA!!! HA!!!

By antidog

November 28, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

What time is the uga game Saturday?

By Brian

November 28, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Touche, Chip. Touche.

By Raleigh Dog

November 28, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Still no excuse to lose to Vandy at home and Kentucky on the road. No way. No how. Not acceptable.

By Anthony

November 28, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

The Bulldogs have set themselves up to have a good or even great season next year. Things could have happen better for the Dawgs or we could have pulled a UT and went 5-6. Thanks to CMR and staff we did not. Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!

By scott

November 28, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

WE ARE GOING TO BE REAL GOOD NEXT YEAR, BUT IN 2008 WE ARE GOING TO BE GREAT.

I ALSO HAVE TO TAKE MY HAT OFF TO COACH RICHT. THE CLASS AND PERSERVERANCE SHOWED BY COACH WAS REALLY SOME THING SPECIAL. WE CERTAINLY FOUND OUT THE STRENGTH OF COACH AND THE STAFF AS WELL AS THE PLAYERS.

THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL BE SPECIAL SO JUST HANG ON TO YOUR SEAT.

By Bryan G.

November 28, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Anyone with half a brain knew this would be a down year for UGA. I expected 8-9 wins. I’ll take 8 wins and victories over Tech and Auburn. That’s never a bad season.

As UGA fans, we shouldn’t expect greatness every year. This team was competitive in every game (well, 3/4 of the UT game). We’ve won 2 SEC’s in 5 years. I’ll take 40% for the rest of my life!!

By 74 DAWG

November 28, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Right on the mark, Chip. It will be interesting to see how the team responds to the bowl game. The next two years should be special.

By GODAWGZ

November 28, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

This season shows the true color of some fans. After having the most sucessful run in team history some Georgia fans were calling for CMR to be fired. It is a good thing that the fans aren’t calling the shots or they would have to get very accustomed to losing. That is why stupid people shouldn’t be Georgia fans.

By GODAWGZ

November 28, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

The Dogs lose a few games (granted it was Kentucky and Vandy) and some fans want one of the best coaches in college football to get fired for it. Hey you can’t win them all, but you can work really hard and represent your team with class and integrity. Which is exactly what CMR has done. Oh did I mention that he has won 2 SEC’s in five years?

By Mark

November 28, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

It could have been worse. We could have beat Vandy and UK, but lost to AU and GT.

By crs

November 28, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

It was not the 8-4 I expected but nonetheless we were 8-4 which is exactly what I predicted before game one. Good wins over SC, AUB and GT. Obviously bad losses to VAN and KY. Good - Stafford got significantly better as time went on. The secondary was considerable better also at seasons end. The bad - wasted time with Joe T at quarterback. Sometimes very poor O-line play. Continued poor play for most of the season at wr. Offense I would give a C+, Defense I would give a B, Special Teams I would give a C, Mark Richt a B, Willie I would give a B as well. Eason gets an F. Callaway gets a D. Credit to MR for somehow keeping the team together and finishing strong. This easily could have been a UT 05 type of year. In terms of next year, I am guardly optimistic. Quarterback is now settled which is huge. Defense should be pretty stout with an improved secondary, more depth, what should be very solid linebackers and assuming Charles Johnson does not try to jump early, a solid dline. One thing I hope we do in the offseason is move Brandon Miller to end. He is awkard at linebacker but I think he could be very good rushing the passer even if he is slightly undersized. On offense, I need to see that everyone comes who is expected in terms of the line. If everyone comes as planned I think we will be ok on the line particularly with the two JC kids on board. Stafford should continue to improve. Running back should be solid if not spectacular. Hopefully the California kid recruited in 05-06 is as good as advertised at TE. WR is the other big question. How is Bailey going to be after a year off? Can Harris or Goodman or Bryant finally emerge on a consistent basis? Does Troupe end up coming or does he play baseball, if he does come can he impact as a freshmen like a Percy Harvin at FL did? All questions to be answered. In terms of coaching, does MR go with Bobo at OC. Can Willie with an improved talent pool, more depth, and more expierence take the defense up a notch. All questions to be answered. We’ll get some answered in February and then a lot next September.

By 89 Bulldog

November 28, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

I think too many of our fans let expectations get too far ahead of themselves after we shut out South Carolina. That made the struggles mid-season look and feel even worse.

Not going to defend losses to Vandy and Kentucky, but I’m glad the team (including coaches) was able to pull together and demonstrate some heart, which had been missing until the Auburn game.

All in all, not our best year, but will hope that lessons were learned, and we build on them for next year.

It’s (still) great to be a Georgia Bulldog.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 28, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

i THINK THE WAY THE YEAR ENDED WAS UNBELIEVEABLE!!! i ONLY TOOK ISSUE WITH ONE THING AND THAT WAS WHEN MR SWITCHED BACK TO JOE T. HE SAID LATER THAT HE ALMOST DIDN’T MAKE THAT SWITCH. AFTER THAT I ADMIRED HIM FOR GOING WITH THE GUY THAT GAVE US THE BEST CHANCE TO WIN. IT PAYED OFF WITH THE AU & TECH GAMES AND WE’RE SET FOR NEXT YEAR. THE CHANGES THAT ARE TAKING PLACE KEEP COMING. MR ,IMO, IS TO BE GIVEN A BIG “ATTA BOY” FOR THE CHANGES HE’S MAKING AND I TRUST HIM.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 28, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

BTW, I thought the freshman QB stood tall under a lot of pressure and as Jeff Schultz said in his column, he thrives on it.

By True Dawg

November 28, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

I know we will be a force to recon with next year. Our freshman QB is improving daily, we have a good % of players coming back next year, and we have a coach that beleives in his team and players.

I am disapointed in the lose to Ken and Vandy, but it always gets darker before there is light. We are finding ways to win with a freshman QB. Anyone who watched the last 2 games we played in know we will be tough next year.

Many of our opponents have seniors leaving this year: Tenn, Fla, Aub, and GT. This leaves you to beleive that we will have a great chanse to do great things. I personally cant wait.

Gooooo Dawgs….Sic em!!!!!!

By Phil the Barber

November 28, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

If we had Coutu all year long we are 10-2 and right along there with LSU.

Bailey missed us 10 points in 2 games!

**He missed out on 3 against Vandy and we lose by 2.

He missed out on 7 F#%^ points and we lose by 4 against Kentucky!

We didnt reach our potential all year long til we were way down in the dirt and outta the top 25 and finally we started doing something at the end of the year.

Beat VaTech and let Vick and Shockley switch places.**

By MN Dawg

November 28, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

I will remember the Auburn and GT win more than the losses to Vandy and Kentucky. It feels like we went ahead and “got them out of the way” and can go back to winning those games every year as expected. I am glad we played Stafford and can live with the growing pains knowing they were necessary for the chance of something great in the near future. What a great arm!

The key to everything is a great offensive and defensive line, so hopefully we can do a better job on the offensive side of filling those slots with recruiting. I don’t know how you keep 300 plus pounders health when they are banging away all day, so you need a bunch of them.

I don’t mind mistakes when we are playing as hard as we can, but I could do without the stupid unsportsman like penalties for celebratiing, expecially diving into the endzone. Run it in and get to our sideline and celebrate. I hate having to watch a great play then waiting to see what kind of penalty we will get on the kickoff. It hurt us with a big kickoff return in the tech game.

Great job coach Richt! Thanks for running a great program that we can be proud of.

By Not-A-Blogger

November 28, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

Uptick in Georgia’s on-field performance? Great.

Having Chip steward the AJC Dog Blog instead of Carter? Priceless!

Personally, I liked the play-calling vs Awbarn better that the Termites plan. We still ran the ball a lot, but opened things up a bit more. Kinda like the 1st half against UT.

And what’s happened to the 2-3 trick plays CMR used to run each game?

By John O'Dell

November 28, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

To “True Dawg” - don’t get too carried away with teams losing seniors. Tech only loses 6 starters total - 3 on each side- and one is not too great…. need I mention his name ? The one UGA should be worried about losing is your coach. “Mama” (FSU) may be calling real soon..

By TennDawg

November 28, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

I will definitely take 8-4 as a fan during a “rebuilding” year. Chip and some are saying if we had beaten Vandy and UK, we’re sitting at 10-2. This may be true, but we don’t know what the mindset (not being “backed into a corner) could have been going into AU and GT games if we had won those two? All a bunch of if’s, and’s and but’s. Regardless, I am looking forward to the bowl game - sure hope it’s Va. Tech in the Chic-fil-a. I too agree that the future looks very bright. Anyone have an update on Sean Bailey?

GO DAWGS!!!

By Chip Towers

November 28, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

Phil The Barber makes a great point. Losing Brandon Coutu may have been the biggest blow of all. That guy is a points magnet and there’s no telling the difference he might have made. Not just by making field goals; his very presence changes Georgia’s offensive philosophy past the 50. Word is Coutu will be back for the bowl. Betting Dogs will need him against Va. Tech in the Chick-fil-A!

By TennDawg

November 28, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

John - coach Richt isn’t going anywhere. Nice try though. I guess you have to try any dig you can these days if you are a Tech fan? GO DAWGS!!!

By GW

November 28, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Like Carter I saw every game personally. Forget the record for a minute. The overall execution over 12 games was worse than an 8-4 record might indicate. The team looked totally paralyzed for 8 1/2 of the first 10 games. I believe Coach Richt saw the light on a major issue (soft defense) during the Kentucky game and started to correct it. How can UGA shut down Calvin and let #4 for Miss.St. and #19 for Kentucky run free? How could they pressure Cox and Ball when they hardly puffed on any other QBs? Think about it.

By Matt

November 28, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

I am happy with an 8-4 record all things considered. We were one of the worst teams in the SEC in the middle of the season. No excuses necessary for losses to Vandy and Kentucky. We were horrible. But we bounced back the way all winners have a funny way of doing. Although most outsiders will remember this season as the season we lost to Vandy and Kentucky, I’ll remember it for the way we responded to those losses. Hopefully we can cap it off with a bowl win.

By GW

November 28, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Bama liked Bill Curry so much they are going after Gailey.

By wild thing

November 28, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

field goal kicker and we’re florida gator- like 10-2///afterthought if had druthers would much rather beat auburn and tech than vandy and ky…game of inches…will take 9-4 and move on!!

By MD

November 28, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Phil the Barber is correct. With Coutu, this is another 10-win season for Coach Richt and the Dawgs. You CANNOT account or make up for losing an All-American place kicker for the season. That said, any season that ends with wins against Auburn and Tech is a sweet season.

Go DAWGS.

By toemeetsleather

November 28, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

congratulations for moving up to #39 in polls/great year!!!…last time i looked the ranked team still resides in atlanta…turn those antennas on your trailers toward miami as you will be watching us in orange bowl new year’s…still YEAR OF JACKET!!!

By reality check

November 28, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

The two things that caused the most problems were getting Stafford ready to play and losing Brandon Coutu, not necessarily in that order.

Stafford no longer plays like a freshman, but he did up until the Auburn game. The defense couldn’t keep overcoming turnovers indefinitely and it made them look worse than they are in several games. Winning with an inexperienced QB in the SEC - even one as talented as Stafford - is really tough.

Losing Coutu was a huge factor in both the Kentucky and Vanderbilt games. If he had been healthy we probably would have won both. As it was, I am not ashamed about losing to Kentucky. They are a pretty good team, with one of the top offenses in the SEC.

I originally thought 9-3. I’m satisfied with 8-4 under the circumstances. The team has really improved and whoever we play in the bowl game will be facing a good team. Next year Georgia will be a load.

By Dawgfan96

November 28, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

It has turned out to be a much better season than we thought it would be after the loss in Lexington. However, you have to consider the fact that losses to Vandy and UK hurt our program because those two teams are habitual cellar-dwellers, and those losses made us look bad. I agree, however, that the wins over Auburn and GT helped us to bounce back. Now we need a good bowl victory over a team like VaTech to help propel us back into the top 25, and so that we can say in our “rebuilding year” we beat three top 25 teams, one that was ranked fifth in the nation.

By RxDawg

November 28, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

Beating Auburn and Tech salvaged the season. A Peach Bowl trip would be nice, but even if we get the music city or whatever it’l be fine with me. Way to finish the drill dawgs!

By RxDawg

November 28, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

By the way, everyone keeps bringing up the fact that we lost to Vandy. Take a look at thier schedule and the final outcome. They played everyone tough. Even Michigan had a tough time with them. IMO Bobby Johnson should be up for coach of the year. I know he wont get it but still…..what he did with those players after the loss of Cutler was impresive to me.

By Don

November 28, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

I was certainly one of vocal critics on these blogs this year but with that said I predicted a 3 or 4 loss season before it started. But, I would have never guessed that two of the losses would be to Vandy and Kentucky followed by wins agaainst Auburn and GT. MR should have just bit the bullet and went with Stafford from game one and I think we would of all seen this Georgia team put up a surprising 1 or 2 loss season and the Vandy and Kentucky nightmare would have never occured. Kudos to MR for turning the play calling over to Bobo. I stated here before that I thought he should let Bobo do some play calling. Maybe Bobo can talk MR into putting two of those talented Running Backs in the backfield at the same time and maybe an occasional Wish-bone formation would be neat to see. Defense played a bit schizophrenic this year. Don’t really know what to think about Martinez at this point. The last two games were nothing short of spectacular. Maybe he has figured it out. Looking forward to a better year next year and a special one in 2008. Go Dawgs!

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 28, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

I honestly don’t remember but does anyone know how many, if any, points a Stafford “TO” cost us in the KY. game? I remember him throwing an int.but didn’t Ky. have to march about 60yds. to score. Didn’t they have to convert a 4th&6-8 yds. I’m being sincere, does anyone remember?

By La Jolla Dawg

November 28, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Chip, thank you for the interesting topic and well written and thought out blog. Where were you doing the majority of the season? I know you can’t answer that…It is amazing how civil people can be when there is a topic worth discussing.

By gatorsrule

November 28, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

you could easily be 4-8/will give you western,sc,uab, and auburn…remember you are in a gator dominant division so do not get any delusions about next year…we will be even better as urban gets his recruits in…DYNASTY IN MAKING……….CHOP CHOP

By gatorsrule

November 28, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

you could easily have gone 4-8..will give you western kentucky high school,sc,uab and auburn…do not get delusional as the dominate gators will be even better next year when urban gets his recruits in there,,,CHOP CHOP…p.s…enjoy your tractorcade to the weedeater bowl!!!!

By question for bird

November 28, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Do you still think MoMass dropped passes from staff intentionally?

By Pit Bull

November 28, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

I encourage all fair weather fans to find a different team to support prior to next season. The true UGA fans and alumni do not want you. MR is our coach, we love him and we support him. We do not want you fair weather fans that attack him when things do not go to suit you, so go pull for Auburn, LSU, or some other program that can make you feel like the winners that you need to feel like by associating yourselves with a winning program. I would rather be an 8-4 Bulldog than a 13-0 Tiger, Vol, Gator, or whatever.

Also, real Dogs know that any season is a success if we kick Tech’s a*. We did that and we have had a great year. A bowl win would be a ribbon on the package.

By Carter Strickland

November 28, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Where is the love? As a Tech homer I have to give UGA its props for beating us and having 8 wins. I tried to beat you poors losers up all year with bad articles and look it got ME ran off! UGA Rules I guess in Atlanta as always!

By Sautee Dawg

November 28, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

To Buck; don’t believe Staffords int’s turned into points in any of our loses this year, pretty sure of it.

By Huskdawg

November 28, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna have to start posting more often, cause with somma these idiots in here, I’ll just blend in. Did I miss a post or is no one talking about the Martinez candidate for the FIU job? I actually had to hear about it first from a Miami buddy of mine at work. OK, before anyone starts talking about GT and UGA grads, I work for both and they have to answer to a MIT Grad. Back to football. I DO NOT HATE TECH, friggin deal with it. I DO HATE FLORIDA!!! Most of you smart people in the state of GA understand what I’m talkin’ about. I’ve lived here my whole life and actually grew up going to Auburn games when I was a kid ‘cause it was closer than my DAWGS!I married a Cornhusker(hence the moniker)(and my life was much better in the late 90”s and early 2000’s)but I digress. I have loved being on these blogs for a looooooonnnnnggggg time. Keep up the good work, but if I only blog a few times, just know I’m here every day. See Ya and GO DAWGS!!

By BirdDawg

November 28, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I’m sorry, but playing Stafford was good for our present and our future.

I honesty believe that with Joe T starting, not only do we lose to Vandy (remember, he started that game) and Kentucky, but lose to Auburn and Tech as well. So that’s 6-6.

Joe T should never have started a game for this team. When you have a true freshman who is the equal of a 5th year senior and a redshirt freshman, you play the true freshman. That’s a no-brainer, Chip. More upside. And better prepared for the second year.

And that second year, especially is Martinez goes to coach FIU, is going to be special.

Now, I’m sorry, but I’m not letting Martinez off of the hook. Because the one thing his defenses have been the last two years have been is inconsistant. They play great, they play like crap. And you never know when or how they are going to play.

Coach Van’s defenses never had that problem. They were always consistant. Well, that’s not all true. The secondary was sometimes inconsistant. And who was the secondary coach then? That’s right.

It’s time for Gardner or Fabris to get their chance. Martinez’s D are just too inconsistant for us to ever really count on game in and game out like we could Coach Van’s.

All in all, I said back in the spring that best we could do with Joe T this year was 8-4. Now, looking back at it, if Joe T had been the guy the whole year, we go 6-6, or maybe even 5-7, because Joe T probably would have lost us the SC game, too. I said the worst we could do with Matt Stafford was 8-4. That’s why we should have gone with Matt from the beginning.

Just think, Chip, if Coach had made the right decision and gone with the talent over the legacy at the beginning of the year, those losses to Kentucky or Vandy wouldn’t have happened, and that loss to Florida wouldn’t have seemed destined to happen.

We could be looking at 10-2, if Stafford had started the whole year.

All in all, this year went about like I expected with Joe T starting the beginning of the season. I said he’d be gone by the SC game, and was right, but not for the reason. And I really think we should have stuck with Matt throught the bad and let him learn from it.

But, a trip to Atlanta, even though the players would probably rather go to Memphis or Nashville because they went to Atlanta twice last year, will be nice.

By Sautee Dawg

November 28, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

to toemeetsleather, the gator bowl don’t want you, what makes you think the orange bowl will? my tralier antenna will be pointed nwest to see the techies play in the “mashed potato spud bowl”. Hope that don’t offend anyone, i’d hate to give mashed potatoes a bad name.

By ringleader

November 28, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

There is absolutly, positively no excuse for the two loses to Vandy and Kentucky………Dooley only lost one game in 25 years he was absolutly, positively supposed to win, and then to Virginia

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 28, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

Bird Dawg, that was a well written post and I agree. Watching the SC game told me that if anmyone had any doubt as to who our QB should be then that game should have answered any questions. It didn’t and my Reptile relative said well you would have lost the Colo. game if he had stayed in. My answer, who cares and who knows. I’m with you 100%, when he was thrown into the SC game he should have been there the entire season.

By BadgerDawg

November 28, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

Antidog, it is too bad the Dawgs don’t play in the MAC, MWC, or even easier the ACC so they could play in a championship in a down year. It’s Tech’s best year in a decade, and they still couldn’t make it if they were in an above high school level conference. Maybe a better question would be, “Who’s not going to lose this weekend?” Hint to answer: it’s not DeVry’s sister institute on North Avenue.

By animaldr

November 28, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

8-4 is what we are and finishing with big wins over AU and GT take the sting out of 4 losses.

Next year got alot better today with the commitmnet of Vince Vance. He is huge. Next years only weakness is OL. Vance will make an immediate impact.

Eric Berry, Burnett, Allen Bailey and Jarius Wynn would complete an awesome class.

GO DAWGS!

By TexasDawg

November 28, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Byrn G stated “As UGA fans, we shouldn’t expect greatness every year.”

Why in the hell would we not expect our Dawgs to be great year in and year out…I want the Dawgs to be in the running for NC just like USC for the past 4 or 5 years…like FSU in the 90’s Nebraska in the 80’s…no excuse for loses to teams like Vandy and Kentucky…I don’t want my Dawgs to settle I want them to be in the hunt year in and year out!

By Greg

November 28, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

A lot went right in other years? I wouldn’t consider us really “lucky” last year when our 3 losses were by an average of 4 points to WV, UF(without Shockley) and AU.

By Joe

November 28, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

The truth be told, if we had our placekicker Coutu for the Vandy, and kentucky games, we would have one both of them as we missed field goals in both games that might have won those games. Even the Florida game might have been won as having Coutu kick off would have given us better field positions and his threat of long field goals could have been attempted rather than having to punt for field position.

The only loss that we got blown out was the Tennessee game in the second half when the players and coaches seemed to have lost their composure. Other wise we could have been a top 10 team with a record of 11-1 or 10-2 rather than 8-4

By Josh Huffman

November 28, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

I tell you what, going 8-4 yeah its alright but we shouldve been 10-2. All I know is that this is the best 8-4 season ever. Sure we lost to Vandy and UK but hey we beat both of our big rival teams Auburn and Georgia Tech. Me Personally I think that is a great season. But i do agree with you guys next year and the year after that we are going to be unstoppable. Stafford coming back as a experienced QB Sean Bailey coming back from his injury and the new RB’s we got last year and this year are going to make next years team and the years after ones for the books.

By TokyoDawg

November 28, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

I have to look at this as a successful rebuilding year…not successful by normal standards, but we have “rebuilt.”
We got 2 or 3 quality wins (if you include USC), and we look more ready for next season. Every area of the team besides the kicking game (mainly die to injuries) is improved from week one. Next year will be great if we can replace the linebackers and strengthen the OL. Hopefully, the Big Bully won’t jump ship to the NFL. Bailey will add a lot of help to our recieving corps, and running back will be as strong or stronger with Moreno and/or King. Secondary will be solid again, especially knowing that we are a safety factory, so we can replace Tra Battle without too much of a drop-off in intelligence, and probably a gain in physicality.

By Hunk Erdown

November 28, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

If the O-Line can come around to be decent, the next few years look great. I thought we were going into this year with a great backfield, but geeez that Moreno kid’s film is just scary. The defense looks awesome, the receiving corps very good, the Q.B. should be set. The move to grab those juco linemen hit at just the right time… now, can we keep the majority of the team outta jail and in the classroom? Wouldn’t it be great to see Willie get the FIU job? Man, that would solve a big problem in a way that saves a whole lot of trouble. With the defensive talent we have set for the next few years, it should be no problem getting whoever we want that is available for his old job. It won’t take a wizard to get the job done either. There should be people chomping at the bit for the position… if it indeed becomes available. If it doesn’t, I think Willie will be alright… I’d still rather see someone else. CMR comes off like a brainiac with his handling of the offensive play calling being passed on to Bobo. Bobo will be around UGA for a long time, and he is young enough to hang in there long enough to hope for the torch to be passed to him from CMR somewhere way down the line. After the way things looked so dismal just weeks ago, the ship sure has turned around and looks to be in better shape than ever.

I guess we’ll never really know, but the adversity of Vandy, Kentucky, and the close calls with the other games could have been the perfect thing to start off the Stafford era with. A little humility, and a bloody nose may be just the thing for a young hot shot to experience in beginning his hopefully illustrious carreer. Maybe he can work that into his heisman trophy acceptance speech in 2008-09.

By Gen Neyland

November 28, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

During the build up week of the UT—UGA kick off, I told Cuz the Bulldog I feared the most was Coutu. Going into 2007, I haven’t changed my mind. He will be a difference maker next season. Injuries plauged all us mid packers… UGA did well this year. Alot to be proud of if’n you’re a mutt fan. Rebuilding year for UGA? Well, it does take a TEAM to win a game. UGA will lose some pieces, as will we all. At this point though, and it’s very early to call, in 2007 the top of the SEC looks to be FL, LSU, AU, UGA, UT and that’s not in order, just my call…The undersized, beat up VOLS bounced back from 5-7 to 9-3. A decent turn about. We don’t appear to have the depth of a UGA or FL going into 2007, so I can only hope for the best…and I never once bad mouthed CMR, only praised him…Et tu, ol’ Brutusdawgs…?

By 82DAWG

November 29, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

8-4 is what I predicted at the beginning of the year. However, I did not predict losses to Kentucky AND Vanderbilt. Having said that, would I rather beat Tech and Auburn and LOSE to Vandy and Kentucky or beat Vandy and Kentucky and lose to hated Auburn and Tech. AAAAAAHHHHHHHH don’t force me to make that decision!!!!!!

The season was greatly salvaged. We are all looking forward to next year. I still don’t like Calloway and claim that his style is responsible for maiming too many offensive linemen before their prime. Hence we will desperate for bodies on the OL next year. Seeing Vance’s commmitment this morning will help a lot. Blaes is only a 2 star and a little small, so I don’t know about him. But I am thinking 9-3 next year and 11-1 in 2008.

By 82DAWG

November 29, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this

As for those calling for Richt to be fired? I don’t think they were UGA fans, really. They were likely just on the board to make trouble. I will contend that no UGA fans ever really cried for him to be fired. If they did, then they should be forced to relive the Goff years or better yet forced to be Alabama fans.

By Hair E Dawg

November 29, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

Like most other posters, I feel much better about this season after avenging losses to Vandy and Kentucky with victories over Auburn and Tech. True, UGA’s 8-4 record could easily be 6-6 right now. CMR appears to have laid the right foundation in this rebuilding year for much success in 2007, 2008, and beyond.

However, until our beloved Bulldogs finally manage to turn the tables on UF and start wearing that a$$ out year after year (like in the Doug Dickey days), I won’t be satisfied.

By godawg

November 29, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this

With the addition of the 2 JUCO transfers the prospects for some decent blocking for Matthew and the RBs is looking better and better. Good job by CMR and company to shore up what could be our greatest weakness next season.

Funny how toemeetsleather posted at 51 minutes til 7:00 last night. I kid you not, check it out. That’s OK, I’ll take 11:45 this year.

BTW; After playing two consecutive games there, I wonder if they will rename the Gator Bowl Grant Field South? LMAO.

By Your Daddy

November 29, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

51-33

Go Vols.

By godawg

November 29, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

Check these Motivational Posters on “Hey Jenny Slater” The last one is especially good. HILARIOUS!

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 29, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

My take on the season is that this team never quit. It would have been easy after the Vandy loss it would have been even easier after the KY loss. We all knew this season was going to different without the QB being established. We knew there were going to be losses to our rivals. The thing is that we could have done much better. The last two games have shown that the talent is definitely there and that this year was a rebuilding. Loading up with the talent is occurring and once the OL gets loaded up this team will be great and soon too. My last take on the season is the fact that we beat Auburn when while their coach was devising a playoff system for the BCS. Shattered their hopes. Also in their best year in more than a decade we smacked down the bees. So funny that they brought the smack attack and couldn’t back it up on the field. “We are going to whip you this year, get ready for the beat down tween the hedges, GT is the best team in the state..blah blah.” And then we shut them down. They might not even make the Gator bowl how funny is that. Even funnier I would like to Tereshinski score a TD against the bees this weekend. That my friends would be the funniest thing since Oliver’s last catch.

By dawgfacedboy

November 29, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

I agree with Tenn. dawg. If we beat Vandy and UK what’s to say we go into Auburn and even Tech with the same mindset and win those games? They have to beat us at somepoint. As someone pointed out on another post we can’t go 30-0 against conference opponents. I’d rather go ahead and get it out of the way now instead of during a strong year where we really have a chance to do something special. It’s hard to argue with CMR decision to play Stafford as much as he did. I think it will certainly pay off for next year. I just don’t think Cox got a real fair shake at it and if he transfers I think we might lose a good one there. Maybe i’m wrong though. All in all, i’d say this season’s record was what I expected, just not who we won and loss to! Should be an exciting ‘07!

By dawgfacedboy

November 29, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

A lot of ya’ll are saying wait till ‘08 till we are REALLY good? Wasn’t it Greene’s sophomore year that was the most spectacular? That was the year we lost to Fla. and Bennett missed like 5 FG and we had that fumble called back because Pollack “supposedly” forward latteralled (sp?) the ball to S. Jones? I’m thinking next year could be magical!

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 29, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

dawgfacedboy, you are correct on Vandy and Kentucky. Chances are we won’t beat them forever. Might as well go ahead and get it out of the way this year. What 1973 was the last time both beat us in the same year? They use to get us once a decade maybe. Might as well get those out of the way in the same rebuilding year cause it would really suck to lose to either one once this decade and ruin a great season.

By Bibble

November 29, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Daddy,

5 out of the last 7.

Go Dawgs.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 29, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Dawgs, I boot up the computer to start the day and WOW!! Some of the most thoughful posts I’ve ever read! Last eveing I was trying to remember when some much has happened in 5 days during the MR tenure at Ga and I couldn’t. Everything a positive, new ways of looking at things and taking action. Several people posted, different words maybe but the same thought, that MR wasn’t dumb enought to start making changes in the middle of the season and they were right. Because of the change in the play calling, I’m as excited about our bowl game as any bowl we’ve played in, even the Sugar Bowl. Why? Because I know we can come back and win the SEC but I didn’t know that 6 yrs. ago. I’m enjoying hears the Reptiles scream and holler and talk about the past and looking forward to the future starting in’07…..GOOOOOOOO DAWGSSSSSSSS!

By TennDawg

November 29, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Your Daddy - 5 wins out of the last 7 and 3 in a row in YOUR HOUSE makes UGA YOUR DADDY little boy!

GO DAWGS!!!

By Andy in Ohio

November 29, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Haven’t posted here in a while but wanted to share my thoughts on this blog. First, my ratings on the season.

Coach Richt- B, He is and always will be a great coach. His one drawback may be that he is fiercely loyal to his seniors and coaches. Loyalty to his fifth year senior in Tereshinski in the beginning of the year, would have been better replaced by playing Stafford from the beginning and letting him get his licks in early. Regardless, seems to have worked out pretty well by the end of the year as Stafford is getting more comfortable. One thing that I think needs to be greatly improved next year is coming up with definite playmakers at each position. Tailback by committee is just not cutting it. If we had a solid workhorse and a good 2nd tailback I think our running game would have been much better, which would have in turn taken more pressure off of Stafford. Would like to see some two back sets with Knowshon Moreno and Kregg Lumpkin next year, and start seeing Richt throw in some trick play calls like he used to do into the gameplan. It will be up to Bobo to call them if he hangs onto the playcalling duties for next year, which was a great move, I believe. Also, more of a spread offense would be a better thing IMO. Stafford is used to the spread offense so I think it would be a perfect fit.

Coach Martinez- B-, Defense in the middle of the season was abominable. Defense in the last two games has shown that we do have some “junkyard dawgs” mentality left on the D. The main problem with his defenses (as someone mentioned above) is that they’re inconsistent. Van Gorder always seemed to put a fire in his defense, but part of it may be that Martinez hasn’t had the big names that Van Gorder had. Van Gorder had David Pollack, Odell Thurman, Thomas Davis, Greg Blue, etc. so he did have more to work with. We have some good seniors now but they don’t have the personalities or the signature play of the above. Thomas Davis and Greg Blue were of course known for their hits that would knock the offense back 5 yards. David Pollack never quit, was extremely fast, and had a very charismatic personality. Hopefully some players step up next year and try to fill the leadership roles.

Stafford- A-, I think Stafford looked completely different on the field in the last two games compared to the first part of the year. The first part of the year he just looked like a true freshman that played like a true freshman, but had the raw talent of a top-notch quarterback. Now he looks almost like a veteran on the field. I am really liking his play fakes on the running plays (his first run in the Tech game was unbelievable) as well as his audibles. I see only improvement on the offense in the future with Bobo hopefully calling plays, Stafford being a sophomore, Sean Bailey returning, our All-American kicker returning, and hopefully a much improved running game with Knowshon Moreno hopefully getting substantial playing time. One thing that I would love to see Stafford work on would be his hard counts that David Greene was so good at. I’m convinced that part of Georgia’s success when David Greene was there was because he was able to get so many 1st and 5 due to his mastery of the hard count and drawing the defensive linemen offsides.

Also, we Dawg fans do need to start calling for a national championship. I personally am not content with winning the SEC. Yes, there are tough teams in the conference and it is extremely hard to remain undefeated, but we haven’t had a national championship in 26 years. Let’s start talking about a national championship and not only winning the SEC next year. Part of it is that I’m up here in Columbus, Ohio, where I’ve seen the Buckeyes go to the National Championship game twice in 5 years. And they will probably win again this year. I just want to see Georgia coaches and fans start talking national championship next year, not overlooking the current game they are playing, but let it be known to the polls and the other teams that they’re out to win it all.

By TennDawg

November 29, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

I’m with you dawgfacedboy, next year could be something. Glad to see the coaching staff aggressively go after these Juco offensive lineman. Normally, I would prefer bringing in freshmen to have 4 or 5 years, but the situation calls for a different strategy to fix an immediate problem. IMO, get one more lineman, another corner (Berry, etc. if possible) and a “stud” Juco receiver (one that doesn’t mind having the balls seems and lines imprinted on his chest and hands). We’ll see.

GO DAWGS!!!

By NCDAWGFAN

November 29, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

In my opinion this season has had 3 parts/ Acts:

Part One: Five wins in a row including 2 Shut-Outs. The last 2 wins however foreshadow part 2

Part Two: Losing 4 out of 5 games. With talks of coaching changes, booing players ect.

Part 3: Beating two rivals, both in the top 25…..We will have to wait on the bowl game to see how the season ends. Overall this season is about what you could expect out of a team that began with:

1. A Quarterback Controversy.
2. 2 returning Starters on the O-line.
3. 1 Returning Starter in the Secondary.

I was hoping the Dawgs would have Clemson in the bowl game… I would love to see them go at it like the use to….

By Adam

November 29, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

I’m just glad all of the struggles this season has opened CMR eyes to giving up the play calling duties…this will pay off BIG in the future!

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 29, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

The Earth is rumbling under my feet and it’s not a quake we’re having!! No, much worse than that, I,for the 1st. time ever, agree with Tubberville! Just read his comments about the SEC title game and I do agree!! The title game was invented as a source of revenue for the SEC, but now it hurts us in our bid to have a NC come out of the conference. It may be time to do away with the game and forget the money. Now that my friends is a radical thought sraight from the Berkley campus. I’ll have more later but Chip ,IMO, that would be a great blog topic.

By Ron Kiser

November 29, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

I’m a BULLDOG FAN,win ,lose or draw. Thats what a true fan really is about. CMR is a great coach with lots of class.He took what he had in a rebuilding year and finished 8-4, how many other coaches can do that. You could count them on one hand. Way to go CMR,GO DAWGS!!!!

By dawginduluth

November 29, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Richt is a “great” coach? Don’t think so. Good coach, yes. A “great” coach’s team wouldn’t have lost to Ky and Vandy. I still predict that we’ll see no national championship with Richt. This year only reinforced my opinion.

By gatordan

November 29, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

this and last year was your chance against urban…getting his recruits in next year it will be back to the same ole spurrier-type blowouts…U BE A CRYIN’ IN JAX………….GO GATORS!!!

By b man

November 29, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

All things considered, going 8-4 w/ the possibility of playing VT in a bowl game during a rebuilding year is pretty darn good.

Yes, the losses to Kent & Vandy hurt but if you look at the big picture the Dawgs are in fine shape. As expected, it took a few games for Stafford to adjust & become familiar w/ the offense but once he did, UGA looked like an entirely new team…the whole team (offense/defense) looked more focused and played w/ more emotion & intensity! IMO, this shows the importance of having a quality QB under center…it can impact every facet of the game, not just offense.

Like many other posters already mentioned, Richt has done a great job keeping the team together and not losing the players during the rough times. I think that comes from Richt’s mind set…stay calm and never panic.

Best of luck in the bowl game GOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!!!

By crs

November 29, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Please put to bed this bs that if we had Coutu we would have been 10-2. We could have easily lost to Colordo, both Mississippi schools and GT and been 4-8 too. We were 8-4, give it a rest.

By honest_abe

November 29, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

i disagree buck… i think what hurts the SEC is the widely held belief throughout the conference that the SEC is soooooooo tough during the regular season that they have to schedule paties for their out of conference games. now while their is some legitimacy to the SEC’s claim of a brutal conference schedule… it doesn’t do much in terms of the the human and computer polls… the SEC championship game isn’t what’s keeping florida behind usc… it’s the fact that they have played some schools that have no business playing…! in fact the only shot florida has of even leap frogging michigan (in case usc loses) is this championship game… so i think in reality in the end it helps more than it helps…

as for tommy tubberville.. i’m sick of him whining all the time… take care of your schedule, play some tough out of conference games… win out… and you’ll get your chance to play in a freaking national championship…. whiners are losers.. thank god CMR isn’t one of those little cry babies!

By crs

November 29, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Gatordummy, one, why are you on a UGA board? Two, I hardly think based on what one good year with a senior quarterback that Urban has built a dynasty. Tebow looks good but lets see how he does when instead of five hits a game he is taking 20 or 30. The SEC ain’t Utah and I have my doubts whether Tebow can stay healthy when he is subjected to full time quarterback. Never underestimate the value of a senior quarterback. Fl fans moan and groan about Leak but you’ll miss him next year. You all had a lot of close wins. It hasn’t been like the Spurrier days when you blew the doors off everyone.

By Bob

November 29, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Andy in Ohio,

Good post. I feel for you being in Columbus. I was in Grad School there for two years also.

My only problem with the National Championship focus is the amount of luck you have to have. Look what happened to Auburn two years ago. Not much more they could have done and they still got left out. I think SC was best team, but no way does Auburn not give them a much better game than OU.

I know Big Ten fans don’t want to hear it, but OSU really had a two game schedule. They beat the second place team in the Big 12 south and they beat Michigan. They are a great team, but I would not bet the house on them beating USC if that match up occurs.

Unless you are simply overwhelmingly impressive and totally dominating in almost every game, it really takes a lot of luck to get into that Championship Game. Look at Florida. Played tough schedule and have won all but one (so far). They have won ugly and if it comes down to comparing teams, style is essential. While I think our goal should definitely be to win the BCS championship, it would be great to win some more Conference Championships and be ranked in top 5.

By crs

November 29, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

Honest Abe, the SEC is every bit as tough as advertised, I would have loved to see Ohio St. or USC get through FL’s schedule with one loss. Michigan had trouble with Vandy. Kentucky won seven games. The conference only has three teams not going to Bowls and Miss St. beat Bama and Miss beat LSU and Vandy beat UGA. The SEC top to bottom is by far the best conference in college football. the USC’s and Ohio St.’s should play tough out of confernce teams because their conferences are so weak. Ohio St. played a fair Texas team and a good Michigan team and no one else. USC played a good Cal team, an overated ND and no one else - they played Arkansas without their best player, arguably the best player now in college football in McFadden. Fl plays Fl St. every year, it is not their fault Fl St. had a down year and make no mistake, talent wise FSU is still in the top ten in the country. I tend to think and I like Michigan but I tend to think Fl would spank them with their team speed and compete well with USC and Ohio St. I would be confident that FL, TN, UGA, AUB, LSU and ARK all would compete well with any of the top teams in the country. If not for an awesome second half and a questionable fumble call FL beats AUB and is 12-0 and this is a UGA fan talking and I can’t stand the gators!

By brandondawg

November 29, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

the gators are going to get there behinds kicked by arkansas, bcs foe and NEXT YEAR…suburban will be the one A CRYIN’!!!!GO DAWGS!!

By Brooks

November 29, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

toemeetsleather, enjoy your trip to the ACC title game. When the rest of the league actually shows up next year, you will still have your 1 trip to hold onto. It will take a total league effort of mediocrity to put you back in it. Miami will get back on track and start winning the division every year. Tech will settle in middle of the conference and thinks will be back to normal. Tech is like Rutgers. Both play in a weak league. Both are having monumental seasons and then they blow it. Tech fans say well we have the ACC championship to play for. But will it actually be satisfying knowing you didn’t fully climb the mountain. You may have won the battle but you lost the war. GO DAWGS

By crs

November 29, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

I used to be very pro playoff system but I think it would diminish the regular season. Think about it Ohio St. and Michigan with spots certainly sowed up in an 8 or 16 team playoff would not have meant anything and most likely the coaches would not have played starters and probably run the ball every play. Same thing with FL, against maybe their biggest rival they would have sat everyone. The older I get the more I like the system. It is fun to discuss who is better USC, FL or Michigan, who deserves it more. Yes, an AUB, a very deserving team gets left in the cold sometimes but anymore you lose more than 1 and your out and I like that and really anymore you lose more than 3 and you don’t even make the top 25.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 29, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Two points: 1. honest_abe, what you said was well thought but it also supports my thought that the topic would be good for a blog because I’ll wager there’re a lot of opinions about it. 2. Bob your point about “Luck” is well taken but with the advent of the “NC”, winning the conference has lost it’s value. Talking to Reptile relative last night and we both agreed that if they beat ARK. all they will have to show for it is a chance to play in a big bowl game and hang a banner on the wall. Recruting is waved heavily in favor of those teams that can show that trophy to recruits. For me, and I don’t think I’m the only one, winning the SEC is only a step on the path toward playing for the “NC”.

By honest_abe

November 29, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

crs… good points. but, this common notion that just playing the in the SEC should be good enough is ludicrous.. this is obviously evdient in that outside of SEC nobody else in the nation feels that way.

i realize arkansas is a much better team than the one that played usc at the beginning of the year. i also understand darren mcfadden was not 100% in that game and only got limited minutes.. however, pollsters and the computers dont’ put in effect injuries to star players. the bottom line is arkansas got blown out at home to a pansy pac 10 team. granted usc is a notch above the other pac 10 teams. they still got their butts whooped…

the great kentucky team you took time to talk about got blown out by that a team from that supposedly wack big east conference louisville…

miss state got absolutely worked by the 3rd best team from that joke of a conference the big east in west virginia. they also lost to TULANE.

ole miss got killed by missouri and wake forest.

georgia almost lost to colorado.

it’s time for the excuses to stop. it’s clearly evident from the NFL talent the SEC produces that they probably have the most elite athletes in the nations. but the excuses have to stop. there isn’t as big a disparity between the SEC and other conferences as we would like to believe… if any team from the SEC wants to get some nation noteriety and respect .. they have to schedule a game against a top 10 out of conference opponent. i’m a SEC fan, but i’m just sick and tire of all the excuses. from watching florida play they just aren’t that good of a football team.. the athletes are amazing.. the coaching is sub par at best. florida is basically barely beating teams that top notch teams from other conferences are blowing out! lsu is the best team in the SEC and once again due to poor coaching are sadly underachieving.

By toemeetsleather

November 29, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

congratulations for going 1-1 against the state of kentucky…A REAL ‘FOOTBALL’ STATE!!!…HA HA

By Mikey

November 29, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

If you want a somewhat outside observation of the 2006 Dawgs, here’s one. I’m an Auburn grad and fan but also follow Georgia and Vandy, having for some reason or another adopted those two as my “second” SEC teams. Here goes:

What you have at Georgia is a stable and capable coaching staff. When the Georgia team gathered for two-a-days in August, the players on the field represented five years of top-ten recruiting classes.

The only term that fits the 2006 Dawgs is “underachieving”.

They played one game up to potential. That was against Auburn, and congrats on a well earned win.

Two fell into the “acceptable” range. (South Carolina and Tech)

The Florida game was disappointing. No reason to lose to the Gators and their minor-league coach.

In the rest of the games, whether wins or losses, Georgia only went through the motions, with no inspired play. At times the team simply didn’t seem interested in playing football.

Yes, losing the kicker hurt, but injuries are part of football. Almost every team lost key players for all or part of the season.

Next year, the talent will be there just like it was this year. The players better get an Attitude Adjustment before they hit the field for the 2007 season.

By TennDawg

November 29, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

toemeetsleather - congrats on Tech’s win against the Daw…oh, wait a minute - we won AGAIN. GO DAWGS!!!

By mayanbenny

November 29, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

you herd it first here.the dawgs will beat the gators the next 3 in a row and you can take that to the bank.let the BIG DAWG eat.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 29, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Reptile relative and I were talking last night and both agreed that if they win the SEC, all that means is a bigger bowl and a banner on the wall. Train’s leaving the statiom and we better understand that winning the SEC is just a step along the way to the “NC”. All we have to do is look around and see how mobile kids are when it comes to where they play. Stafford’s from Texas, Moreno from N.J. Watch our recruiting improve when we have that “NC” trophy sitting in Butts-Mehere.

By JustMe

November 29, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

I am here in response to the idiot ugag fans posting on the Tech blogs…

How does it feel for the puppy teams to be no where in the top 25 of football or basketball when GA Tech is in both?

Eat crow doggies!

I just love how ugag gets all of the “talent” in recruiting and yet Tech teams are rated higher! LMFAO!!!

By crs

November 29, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe, I think we’ll have to agree to disagree. You show me a conference this year that top to bottom is as good as the SEC and maybe I can reconsider. I think you would be hard pressed to find another conference that can send six teams anywhere in the country and be competitive.

By honest_abe

November 29, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

justme: it’s fans like you that make people consider georgia tech a joke of a program.. goofy fans.. who talk trash after they lose their 6th straight to their in state rival..LOL

get a life moron! or better yet.. get a team that actually wins significant games from time to time..

By JustMe

November 29, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

As I read other posters, I am pleasently shocked by the reasoning dog fans that realize that the SEC is not ‘all that.’ I guess there are some logical dog fans after all.

In reality, the SEC is regularly rated between 3 and 5 in the past 10 years. Once in those years (this year) it was rated 2.

Compare that to the ACC. This is the football conference that SEC fans love to belittle. However, the ACC is regularly rated between 2 and 4 over the past 10 years. Once in those years (this year) it was rated 5.

Facts speak for themselves.

By crs

November 29, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

JustMe, that was the dumbest post I have ever read. One year out of the last no better than six has GT been ranked higher than UGA. Six years in a row UGA beat Tech. Tech has one quality win this year, VT. Enough Said.

By chet clemmons

November 29, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

great job dawgs, win or lose I’m with ya all the way, do dawgs

By mark

November 29, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Mikey- I”m with you pal! The “finish the drill” attitude that the dawgs have displayed over the past 4-5 years seemed to have diminished with this new “i’m georgia” slogan. That get down and dirty attitude didn’t seem to be there. If you really look at the defense this year, they were pretty good. Going up to the UT game everybody was impressed with them. What happened at UT. Two picks early in the 3rd quarter swung the momentum and gave our defense a very short field to defend. A block punt in the endzone later and we’re done, 17 point lead blown. We had the 4th ranked Gators to 14 points. Coughing up the football for TD was the deciding play of the game. A lack of fire and effort killed us this year! Does that fall on the coaches, i don’t know, probably. Hell, the receivers weren’t a positive factor this year till the 10th game of the year at Auburn!! It’s about time they stepped up!! Those boys underperformed and continually killed drives and put our young QB in bad situations all year up until the Auburn game. Hell people, it won’t matter who’s in the backfield, or how many ju-co OL we have, or how awesome MS looks, if those boys don’t come to play we can expect the same season next year! Let’s hope they have a lot more games like they did at AUburn or we won’t have a chance!

By Doc Dawg

November 29, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

This season was a wakeup call. We had one good drive vs. Tech and luckily their headcase QB handed us the game. We must do a better job of developing skill position players. Above all else, we must “finish the drill”. We looked lackadasical all year, and that is coaching, Mr. Richt. Improvement needs to be shown in coaching up players. It needs to be shown in X’s and O’s. And it needs to be shown in attitude. We need to 1) get back to beating the teams we should beat, 2) win the BIG game (gators, auburn, pumpkins), and 3) finally win the National Championship our perennial top 5 recruiting classes should enable us to win. Anything less is underachievement for which Richt should be held accountable.

By Brooks

November 29, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Justme, you and all your Tech buddies would trade everything for one football victory against the Dawgs. You know it and I know it. We could very well beat Tech in basketball. They struggled against Penn State who I doubt is very good. Georgia is once again competitive. Watch out for the hoop dawgs. GO DAWGS

By gator the dog catcher

November 29, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

Brooks - UGAY already lost to Western Kentucky. Hope and reality are two different things. We have all 5 starters returning. Can you say back to back?

By Brooks

November 29, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

gatorthedogcatcher, I talking about when the Dawgs play Tech. Thanks for your two cents worth though. Get over yourself. Florida won’t go back to back. Too many good teams this year. Why are you on this blog anyway? GO DAWGS

By NCDAWGFAN

November 29, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Hey guys I thought this was a football blog not basketball?

I agree when people say the SEC is the best conference Top to Bottom……This year however the Best Teams are:

Ohio State USC

If Florida beats Arkansas by a lot (30 or more points) Then I can see an argument for them playing for the NC…..The only problem, the gators have not beaten a division 1 school by 30 or more points have they? I do believe that if an SEC teams goes through the season undefeated they should play for the NC…..based on competition and having a conference championship game…..

By crs

November 29, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

DocDog is the type of dog “fan” that makes all dog fans look like idiots. A lesser coach DocDog would have won four games with this group. Get over this because we recruit in the top 5 we should win a national title. What about the four teams recruiting ahead of us? Look, the stars have to align perfectly to win a national title particuarly when your conference is the SEC. If the only standard you judge the program by is a national title than I suggest you go be a fan of USC. They play in a weak conference, are well coached, and recruit in the state with the deepest pool of talent. UGA on the other hand plays in a brutal conference, recruits GA which is at best the 4th most talented state behind certainly Cali, Texas, and FL. We have poachers all around us trying to constantly steal the talent in state. Does MR p** me off sometimes? Sure. That said, I will say this, he may be the best GD coach UGA has ever had and that includes Dooley. Longevity will ultimatly determine that. I consider two SEC titles and an SEC east title in six years to be excellent.

By ATLDawg

November 29, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

JustMe: Your posts are ridiculous! Since when can you make up “facts?” Look at SEC/ACC head-to-head matchups…enough said. Let me ask you a few questions, how does it feel to not be able to beat us in basketball, baseball, or football in over 365 days? I don’t care what you are ranked. Do you think Boise State is the 10th best team in the country? I bet they would lose to 23 out of the 24 other ranked teams, but that’s not how rankings work, do they?

To my Dawg nation, although I am disapointed to lose four games, that says a lot about where we are as a program right now for that to be a disastrous season. I also think as a fan base, we needed this because I have noticed at the games over the past few years, we have become more and more of spectators and lacking in participation. Let’s all look ahead: the last time a freshman started and we had a four loss season, the next three years worked out pretty well didn’t they? Perhaps, we have the next NCAA winningest QB again.

By Shannon

November 29, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

I had actually predicted an 8-4 finish to my friends prior to the season, with losses against Tennessee, Florida, Auburn, and either GT or South Carolina.

I did not expect the losses to Kentucky and Vandy, nor did I expect us to sweep Auburn, South Carolina, and GT.

Overall, I think we really salvaged the season with our last two wins. A victory over a very good Virginia Tech team in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl would give me a ton of confidence going into 2007!

By Brooks

November 29, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

I hope Oklahoma beats Boise State by 30 in the Fiesta Bowl. Adrian Peterson will be back as well. Rusty but still should be pretty effective. I’m tired of hearing all this garbage about Boise State deserves to be in the BCS. Why? they play in the WAC. The WAC. Their rival is Fresno. Wow. There is no place for lesser conference teams in the BCS. GO DAWGS

By honest_abe

November 29, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

well put crs.. well put.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 29, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

STOP THE PRESSES!!!…..STOP THE PRESSES!!! ACCORDING TO RIVALS.COM, CUTCLIFF SAID HE’S INTERESTED IN THE N.C.STATE JOB IF THEY’RE INTERESTED IN HIM! BET YOU BETTER GET BACK TO YOUR OWN BLOG AND CATCH UP WITH THE NEWS. THOUGHT I’D PASS THAT ALONG.

By JustMe

November 29, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

ATLDawg and others….

The facts that I write are not “made up.” They are the composite conference rankings. Go to:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/bkc0607.htm

This link shows football conference rankings for this year. You will have to navigate the site to change years (I will assume that you can at least do that).

And, I love how you ugag fans want to define your own “quality wins.” You all are a laugh a minute!

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 29, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

JustMe, Yeah that last game wouldn’t count as a quality win that’s for sure. And SC’s win over Clemson didn’t help the conference either.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 29, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Justme, hey dumba$$ the football is not round and orange. Here is your FOOTBALL sagarin ratings, and don’t let that mountain west conference bite you in the a$$.

1 PAC-10 (A) = 81.50 81.44 ( 1) 10 2 SOUTHEASTERN (A) = 80.44 80.08 ( 2) 12 3 BIG EAST (A) = 78.06 78.44 ( 3) 8 4 BIG TEN (A) = 76.37 77.40 ( 4) 11 5 BIG 12 (A) = 74.34 74.18 ( 5) 12 6 ATLANTIC COAST (A) = 73.63 72.54 ( 6) 12 7 MOUNTAIN WEST (A) = 67.09 67.59 ( 7) 9 8 I-A INDEPENDENTS (A) = 66.61 66.66 ( 8) 4 9 CONFERENCE USA (A) = 65.04 65.21 ( 9) 12 10 WESTERN ATHLETIC

By tim

November 29, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Just Me: For one, your link is to basketball rankings. Secondly, Sagarin is an idiot. In his football rankings, he has: 2 loss LSU ahead of a FLA team they lost to; 3 loss Cal ahead of a Tenn team they lost to; Louisville ahead of a Rutgers team they lost to; OK ahead of a Texas team they lost to; 4 loss Oregon St ranked 19th, 5 loss Oregon ranked 21st; 6-5 UCLA 23rd; 7-5 South Carolina 24th; 9-3 Nebraska 29th (way too low); 10-2 Wake Forest 32nd (again, too low); 5-7 Washington 40th (WAY too high)…need we go on?

He does have one thing right UGA ranked ahead of GA Tech.

By tim

November 29, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this

and one more…8-4 Clemson ranked 26th, 8-4 Maryland (With a win over Clemson) ranked 48. The computer rankings are a joke.

By ATLDawg

November 29, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

The link actually shows basketball rankings and you have to navigate to the football page…way to go JustYou.

I agree that USC is a great program, but in the two other SEC/Pac-10 matches this year, the SEC crushed them. Maybe that points to the fact that USC does NOT face the same level of competition. Why did the SEC go 3-0 against the ACC last week? Why did Miami and FSU decline invitiations into the SEC, but accept into the ACC? Why will Jax be completely empty this weekend? Why can a school with only 4,000 students make it to your conference CG? Why is the Gator Bowl trying to get out of taking Tech when you lose this weekend because they can’t sell enough tickets?

You are JUSTnot as good, JUSTnot a draw for top recruits, and JUSTshouldn’t be talking because you haven’t beaten us this millineum.

…and if you are going to reply again, at least address my questions this time.

By monty

November 29, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

I am excited that there won’t be a QB contrversy next year,that Stafford does seem to have some magic, ala…Buck Belue. MAybe next year we will play with a fire in our belly from day one. ala…David Pollock.I felt like other teams were more emotionally ready to play than we were. It would be nice to hava a running back who was a break away threat. Maybe MOreno will be the one. Maybe we will find some JUCO linemen to come in and plug some holes. Bobo calling the plays will hopefully work out for the best, All in all the future is bright.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 29, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

I hate how that posted but just in case you need to know sagarin had todays date posted. That would be Pac-10, SEC, BIG EAST, BIG TEN, BIG 12 THEN THE ACC.

We will gladly give you the basketball ratings you can have those. I can’t remember exactly but I think George Carlin had a great take on the differences between the sports.

By Hunk Erdown

November 29, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

It must really suck to be Tech right now. The irony of Toeleather and Justme coming in here to tell us how bad we are is amazing. Don’t you boys recognize that if we are that sorry of a team, it makes ya’ll 6 times as sorry, ‘cause God knows we own you like a bad case of the clap. We can’t lose to you no matter how bad we are. What does it say for your program that you can’t even beat a wimpy team that gets beat by Vandy and Kentucky? It must suck to be Tech.

At 8-4 there are bowls who are considering passing up teams with better records to get us in their bowl. Hell, Tech may have to take legal action to make someone invite them to a bowl!!! The Gator Bowl is going to be your best supporters this weekend, cause they sure don’t want your sorry a*******es stinking up their bowl game. They’re fighting like hell to find a way out of having to invite you!!! So go ahead and tell us how bad we are, cause it must suck to be you, getting beat… hell, owned by someone so bad.

By DawgByte

November 29, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

I didn’t have a crystal ball in August, but this season has gone how I thought it would. Given the talent losses from the previous team and the uncertaintity at QB, it wasn’t difficult to realize we were going to struggle. I didn’t see Vandy and Kentucky coming, but I didn’t see Auburn and GT either, so I break even.

This is the biggest season in Mark Richt’s coaching tenure - NO QUESTION! Adversity tests your mental fortitude and courage. Ray Gant said it best when he acknowledged that the seniors could have caved-in. Instead they buckled down and beat two VERY good teams that nobody thought they’d win. This tells me that this staff and our players have HEART. It also tells me that UGA is laying the foundation for success in the future. If we win our bowl game, I’d say we are the team to beat in the SEC East in 2007. The Gators will be starting Tebow and he will go through all the things that Stafford went through this year when the whole enchillada rests on his shoulders. We will beat Florida next year, which is the key to a Championship.

By Apaul404

November 29, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Just be patient Vol fans, there’s only about ten months till week come up to rockytop and lay the smack down on you busters. And you can quote me “Daddy”. Enjoy your victory, it was well deserved. See you soon.

By Nikki

November 29, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

It’s like that 80s song said,”The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades!”

By Apaul404

November 30, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry Just be patient Vol fans, there’s only about ten months till we come up to rockytop and lay the smack down on you busters. And you can quote me “Daddy”. Enjoy your victory, it was well deserved. See you soon.

By JustMe

November 30, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

HunkEr…

LOL. Yeah, it really sucks to be top 25 in basketball and in football. I know that ugag fans has no idea what this feels like, but maybe you can imagine.

By tim

November 30, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

Tech is ranked in football for the first time in years, and all of a sudden, they are the best thing since sliced bread. Despite getting beat AGAIN by the best team in the state last weekend. Hell, the last time Tech truly beat UGA (since those few wins were vacated), the New Kids on the Block were in the Billboard Top 100.

By Don

November 30, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Dear Pit Bull, get off the fair weather fan stuff. Besides, I don’t know a real “DAWG” fan that refers to UGA as “Dogs” as you do in your post.

BirdDawg your post was on the money. It reinforces some of the points I tried to make on these blogs all season long.

Go Dawgs!

By Alabama Dog

November 30, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

To JustMe: Georgia knows what it’s like to be ranked. All Tech knows how to do is be RANK!!! GO DAWGS 15-12

By godog

December 1, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Still bugged about our defense letting Vandy and Kentucky drive down the field to win both games. Those really should have been close wins for us. But, Richt, being under some heat from fans and press, etc., got this team together and put together a good game plan to beat Auburn and GT. I still say you can’t call this season a success by any means. Salvaged but, not a success. The next couple years should be interesting. Everyone talks about how awesome we are going to be but, I am still not convinced that our defense is going to be any better and our success in the next 2 seasons could hinge on everyone staying healthy. Losing Couto this year was absolutely huge. Looking at the big picture, it is so hard to go undefeated in the SEC east even if you are a really good team. So even if we are really good I doubt we can dream as high as going to the national title game. Anyways, looking forward to winning more games next season than we did this season. I don’t think that is too much to ask.

By Willie K

December 1, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Fla sux and so does Vandy and Kentucky… I would love to play those guys again with a field goal kicker. If we do and play a decent second half against the over-rated vols…..We are playing Ohio State next month!

By DJISTHEGREATESTQBEVERTOPLAYINTHEHISTORYOFFOOTBALL

December 1, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

This team has no leadership. Thats why they only won one game in their division. Look at what we are recruiting in Athens. These guys spend as much time at the jail as they do in school. Look at the antics on the field. You’ve lost to Vandy and UK, yet you’re jumping into the endzone with the game on the line, you’re getting a personal foul to give Tech new hope. You’re talking crap to the Vandy WR after he makes the catch to convert a first down and set up the winning score.

UGA is becoming Miami North.

By Big Dawg

December 1, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

gatorsrule go back to your own blog, as for next year only God knows what will happen. And by the way until Goff was hired as head coach and Spurrier at Folrida we had owned you for 25 years. The series between our schools has always been one of streaks with one team dominating the other. The Gators happen to be on one of those now, but nothing is guaranteed that it will stay that way. Your beef now is with the Razorbacks and possibly Ohio State.

Go Dawgs

By matt in ashburn

December 4, 2006 06:10 AM | Link to this

Coach Richt is 1-5 vs. UF. He has lost to some bad UF teams. The one he did win he tried to give away as well. Tired of hearing about how good we are “going” to be. Beat UF. For the love of god, just beat UF!

By R&B in FL

December 4, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

This season was a bummer. I told a fellow UGA grad after the Ole Miss game that we were the worst undefeated team in the nation at that time. Our play calling was questionable for the better part of the season. Clock management continues to be a real problem. Way too many dropped passes, and p* poor execution, and would it kill us to run a toss sweep instead of that stupid shotgun QB option that seems to be the new rage in college football?

Speaking of running, we should have done a lot more of it with a green QB. We seemed to strive more for balance than victory sometimes.

All in all, very disappointing.