UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2006 > December > 29
Friday, December 29, 2006
Injuries an issue for Dogs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Injuries normally aren’t much of an issue for bowl games. Generally any nagging injuries players might have during the season are healed after the long layoff between games and whatever season-enders have been suffered during the season have long since been adjusted to.
However, a couple of the nagging variety could be an issue for the Bulldogs as they get set to face Virginia Tech in Chick-fil-A Bowl Saturday.
Coleman Watson has a groin injury. Now what, pray tell, is the big deal about a third-string tight end having a groin injury? This: He’s on the first-team field goal and extra-point protection units.
You have any idea how good Virginia Tech is at blocking kicks? Try five this season, try 113 in 20 seasons under coach Frank Beamer. Of those, 56 were either extra points or field goals. Watson will need to be at his best.
Also, wide receicer A.J. Bryant is still dogged by injuries. I think Coach Richt said this was a groin but it may be a hamstring which has plagued him all season. Either way, his status for the game is questionable and that’s not good. With Sean Bailey and Demiko Goodman out, Bryant remains Georgia’s most viable “field stretcher” and that’s particularly important against an opponent like the Hokies, who look for any opportunity to load “the box” with eight defenders.
I know, I know, I sound like Larry Munson bemoaning all of Georgia’s shortcomings but these are legitimate concerns. Regardless, I think this is going to be a great game and one of the best among the glutted bowl lineup the next few days.
In general, Georgia fans seem to be pretty confident despite going against a 10-2 team with the nation’s top defense. So let’s hear some more score predictions today. Come on, BuLLdawg, I know you want to write 1,000-word diatribe about the matchup, complete with links to stories and stats, explaining to everybody exactly what’s going to happen. Let’s see you go out on a limb as a prognosticator.
Meanwhile, on the hardwood, I was very unimpressed with Georgia’s effort against No. 25 Clemson Thursday night. The Dogs flat out got bullied by their hosts and I didn’t think I’d see that out of this bunch.
It doesn’t get easier either. No. 4 Wisconsin is coming to Stegeman on Sunday at 1 p.m. and then Georgia opens the SEC slate at No. 3 Florida on Jan. 6. The Dogs better get their act together or they’re going to be headed in the wrong direction fast.
Now basketball programs like Florida and Kentucky would be abuzz about getting a Top 5 opponent at home. Anybody out there planning on coming to Athens on Sunday to support the Dogs against Wisconsin? With the Badgers’ imposing front line, Georgia is going to need all the help it can get just to be competitive in this one.
As for the Chick Bowl, remember, those of you who live outside the metro Atlanta area will get our best coverage of the game – which kicks off after 8 p.m. – on our website because it will get over so late. See y’all at the Georgia Dome!
