UGA

By Doug

February 19, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Maintain the balance. With the kind of talent we’ve got at just about all the offensive skill positions, there’s no reason for us to heavily bias our offense toward one side or the other. I know a lot of people out there would love to see Stafford launch it 40 or 50 times a game, but I don’t want to see Georgia get tagged as a “finesse” team, and I’m not sure that approach would work against all the defensive speed the SEC has in the first place.

By SnakeNation

February 19, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

You assume King will be at UGA. That may be a leap of faith of Steve Martin proportions.

Field Goal Jesus will always pass first and only run when politics demands it. He would pass if we had old 34 and his line. Who cares; just win baby.

By scooter11

February 19, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Richt is more prone to throw than run. It would be great to be able to do either whenever we need to do either. Questionable run blocking and receiver catching ability (not to mention some questionable play selection) did not provide a comfort level for either last year. Establish the run a little more, wear out the defenses with fresh backs (and maybe even fresh linemen next year), and grind the clock at the end because we can. This doesn’t have to be at the expense of throwing. If the receivers improve, we can get more out of fewer pass plays, and swap some incompletions for more runs and clock control.

By pvbeachdog

February 19, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Fans tend to think UGA teams under Richt pass more than run. That is not the case. History has shown the pass/run ratio to equate to 60/40. In each of the years that UGa has won the SEC (2002 and 2005) under Richt, UGa was an equal threat to do both. In this day and age, you must be able to keep defenses off balance.

By J.M.

February 19, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we’ll try to pound the run next year. If anything, I think we’ll run a little bit less. Last year we ranked 8th in the SEC is pass attempts and 7th in rushing attempts. In other words, we were a pretty balanced offense, despite the fact that we had a good stable of backs and a shaky QB situation until Stafford took charge at the end of the season.

So, this year, with Stafford being a year older and the play of the receivers presumably (the key word here) improving, I expect us to become more pass-oriented next year, although I still expect us to maintain a good offensive balance, as has been CMR’s MO in his first six years here.

By Matthew at the SLC

February 19, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Chip, please, stop trying to sell us on Carter Strickland. From what I’ve read and heard and seen, that man burned his own bridges with the DawgNation and has no one to blame but himself. As far as balance goes… as anyone who has seen The Karate Kid knows, “First come balance, then come punch.” This team, no matter what kind of talent they have, must remained balanced. They have been the most balanced team in the SEC the last 6 years. It’s uncanny, but the Dawgs have been like 51-49 pass-run, even though Coach Mark Richt has abandoned the run at the most headscratching of times. Plus, Chip, you forgot to illustrate the one weakness that remains on this team: Coach John Eason. His inability to coach our wide outs will continue to be a detrement to this team, and until he’s removed, it will probably impact Stafford’s career. It always seems that in the big games, when Georgia needs that one catch to win the game, or put the team in a place to win, or to keep the drive moving… that our wide outs drop the ball. That’s coaching. Our defense and our defensive coordinator are strong. Coach Willie Martinez has finally stepped out from Coach Van’s shadow. His boys play fast and with energy. Our O-line lost it’s weak link in Coach Neil Calloway, and gained a coach who is known as turning out great players, and getting the most talent out of even the least heralded players. It’s just a shame no one has hired Coach John Eason away from us, because Lord knows that Coach Mark Richt won’t fire him for anything it seems. Our offensive coordinator has also stepped out from under a large shoadow, that of our head coach, and he is ready to be unpredictable and aggressive. Coach Mike Bobo can be a true innovator in our pro-style offense. Here’s the thing, and I really believe this. Yes, Florida just won a National Championship with Ron Zook’s players. They did so running a mostly pro-style offense with some spread mixed in. Now, Urban Crier thinks he can run the full spread, and I think that will be a mistake. I think it’s still best to run the pro-style offense and have elements of the spread, like we do and like LSU and Auburn do, to keep the defenses guessing. Also, some players, like RB’s and QB’s are going to see that spread-only players in the their positions have trouble making it in the NFL. Pro-style offenses turn out NFL-ready players. Not spread offenses. Everything is cyclical, and everything changed in college football. The spread is good for a change-up, but not for a total philosophy. The kind of offenses that we run, Tennessee runs, Auburn runs, and LSU runs are the way to go. The Gators would do well not to abandon the pro-style offense for an all-out spread offense. It won’t work in the SEC. But if you keep both styles, you keep defenses guessing. Well, so, nevermind what I said, Urban Crier. You do what you want to do. I can’t wait to see what happens to Tim Turdblow when he’s getting pounded 20 to 25 times a game by SEC D-lines, linebackers, and safeties, many of whom are NFL-level athletes. I can’t wait!

By Synical Dawg

February 19, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Problem might be just that we have too many good backs and not one single great one in this group. Was a problem last year. Browns injury was a nasty one and expect him to be slower by a step. Lumpkin I dont think has ever recovered his speed from his injury.

So that leaves King and Moreno. Call me jaded but I gotta see one of them play on the field to declare them the next great SEC tailback.

By run run run

February 19, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Run it Run it Run it

Play some tough D

Win games

By Wozzo the Wonder Dog

February 19, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Arkansas decided to just run the ball. Their win-loss record improved significantly, but they ended up being a circus. Not that the Arkansas soap opera was due to a decision to rely on the run (so much as misleading recruits), but if you’re just going to run the ball don’t expect to recruit the hot QB’s and WR’s.

Remember the old Vince Dooley joke: He would have made an All American safety out of [insert name of All American QB here].

By Brooks

February 19, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Did anyone hear what Caleb King made on the SAT? GO DAWGS

By jim

February 19, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Hopefully we will use the run to set up the pass and use the pass to set up the run, as the situation dictates, and not become predictable. Here’s to long runs and long passes!! The icing on the cake will be TDs rather than FGs. Go Dawgs

By Bob k in NC

February 19, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Chip, Sure we will run it since that sets up the play action passing game. How much we run or pass will depend on the defense. Ten or more in the box means pass with single coverage and a lot of maturing good receivers (look at the last 3 games not the beginning of the season) getting open. If the defense plays with the safeties back we run the ball down their throats.

The great thing about a balanced offense is the defense is not sure what will come at them. One dimensional teams do not will chapionships.

By RedandBlackAttack

February 19, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Hit them hard and hit them often with the run. There is too much talent in the backfield not to do so. A good running team sets up the opportunities for an excellent passing team and keeps the opposing defense on their heels.

Stafford will continue to hit the backs coming out of the backfield since they are the consistent ball catchers. The TEs will be good too. Coach Eason needs to do a better job with the WRs and coach up this year. The running backs will definitely be bringing it this year. Gooo Dogs!!!

By IraqDawg

February 19, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

We should do whatever we want to. Pound the ball until they bring 8 in the box and then throw it long. If they want to drop back and cover, then we’ll pound it out with fresh backs and giant lineman. Your gonna have to be a solid all around defense to stop the dawgs this year. We will be back in double didgit wins this year. Bring on the gaytors. This is our year!!!

By bigdawg

February 19, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

I’m kind of worried about King. You would think that if he had heard good news about his SAT’s we would’ve heard by now, but nobody seems to want to say anything…Which could be a blessing in disguise (if he doesn’t make it) so we don’t have the huge RB carousel like the QB situation this past year. Who thinks one of the 4 QBs we have now will be jumping ship after this season?

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Synical Dawg - I think the real problem with the running game last season was the line.As for the run pass balance next season,here is the obvious answer.It depends on the line and Stafford,if the line can both guard and run block and Stafford is prepared to expand the passing game a smart mix is always the best route.If there are areas that are better or if defenses take something away, roll with it.Bobo showed he can be creative with a month to prepare for the bowl.You can bet he is using the offseason to build a plan for the expected strengths of next years team.

By S.E. Dawg

February 19, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Seems that everything that I’m reading is Richt this and Richt that on what to do with the ball. If I remember correctly Coach Richt made Bobo the play caller and offensive cordinator. So we’ll see what happens.

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Bob - Where in NC do you live? I live in Black Mountain, near Asheville.

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

When I look at all the ginormous o-linemen, TEs and fullbacks,on the UGA roster, if not next season by 08 for sure they should be some butt kicking snot knockers!!

By uga alum

February 19, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

I’m not crazy about Caleb King…yet. I believe knowledge trumps talent. If a tailback, a critical member of our offense, has difficulty with passing our SAT threshold, I see a problem with him learning the complexities of a collegiate offense. Additionally, he’ll have difficulty moving to the next level. Does anyone agree??

By OddJob

February 19, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

uga alum I don’t think rb takes a scholar,but UGA is a college and I would hope coach Richt and Mr Adams tries to educate these kids with and without a ball in their hands.

By SamoanDawg

February 19, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

I think otherwise, we’ve always seemed to pass block well, but underachieved at run blocking. We weren’t physical enough. This season, I think Searels will change all that.

Overall, I prefer balance O. But I like to see our backs average at least 4-5 yards a pop, especially on first down.

Why wait ‘till 08… I think 07 is it!

By Matthew at the SLC

February 19, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

uga alum… man, do you even think before you speak? Many athletes who attend our University, as well as many, many others, have problems with the SAT. As it has been said before, the SAT is not a test which measures intelligence or even learning ability. It is also culturally biased. Many people I know who made A’s and B’s in high school had problems with the SAT. Many people, athletes and non-athletes alike, who had problems with the SAT go on to become good students. One thing I have to wonder, uga alum, is why you single out Caleb King as someone YOU think is going to have problems learning the offense. What kind of cultural biases are YOU displaying that made you reach this decision about someone you’ve never met, and probably never will meet? uga alum, I have to wonder why you think the way you think. Kind of disturbing, really.

By SamoanDawg

February 19, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

I agreed w/Matthew at the SLC. uga alum, I didn’t know a player have to be a rocket scientist to learn football terminology. C’mon brah… lighten up aye?

By Chip Towers

February 19, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

In regard to all the questions about Caleb King’s SAT score, here’s some food for thought: What score it takes to gain NCAA eligibility to attend college on scholarship is determined on a sliding scale by one’s high school grade-point average. There also is the matter of graduating from high school and passing all portions of the Georgia graduation test. The fact is, other than those players already enrolled, NONE of Georgia’s signees are eligible. King probably won’t know what he needs on the SAT unless he knows what his final GPA is. So perhaps everybody should just chill and let it play out. He’ll either make it or he won’t. As discussed in blog topic, I don’t think his presence this fall will make or break the Dogs’ season. If he doesn’t, he’ll go to prep school like many before him, study and concentrate on the SAT or ACT and pass it in time to enroll next January.

By Kendall

February 19, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Chip, Any chance the Barners of the world can pull Caleb once he basically becomes unsigned? Have you talked to Caleb and if so, how committed is he to being a Dawg? Seems pretty solid, but who knows.

By SamoanDawg

February 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Caleb ain’t go no where.. he’s a Georgia Dawg!

By Gen Neyland

February 19, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

5 + 3 FB’s is a plenty too many for depth in the real world, barring injury. A luxury on paper, but in reality, it isn’t a good mix. Somebody will rise above and prove he’s worthy of 15-20 carries minimum on game day. One of those 5 TB’s may get time in the slot… And let us consider the OL in this thriller. If the OL is lacking, the backs will take a sha-lacking…Sacrifice the RB’s to save the QB. If that is the case, you might need 5 TB’s to get through the upcoming season…Truthfully, I think this topic is nothing more than a smoke screen I’m not buying…

By Anonymous

February 20, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

I like our backs and the overall offense but the key is to stay balanced. Hopefully everyone on the offense improves and takes their game to another level so we can be a juggernaut this year. I like our team this year but the schedule is tougher. And oh yeah, some of you who are calling for Eason’s head…please stop. A.J. Green loves Eason…thats enough for me.

By uga alum

February 20, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

I understand your argument, Matt at the SLC, about the exam being somewhat subjective. However, it’s still the standardized test that is used to evaluate a student’s aptitude. Why I singled out C. King? He is our star tailback recruited this year. Also, the blog is regarding tailbacks!!

However, I shouldn’t have said that I see a problem. It could be a problem…

What I would love is to have athletes who do well academically. There shouldn’t have to be a problem meeting a minimum academic requirement. C. King and and all the other incoming freshman as well as current georgia players are students first and then athletes. A reasonable football player, similar to any athlete, must understand the probability of making it as a professional athlete and maintain a reasonable level of academic performance.

Lastly, you mentioned that my comments regarding C. King’s collegiate progression were disturbing based on my thoughts on his SAT performance. College boards evaluate students based on the SAT and so was I. How is that disturbing? Sounds pretty reasonable.

Do I even think before I speak?? Were you just looking for someone to slam on a blog while at the SLC? Go back to studying (or disturbing people who really are studying) and when someone presents a reasonable argument, evaluate his perspective and then develop a counter-argument.

By Johnson is a Johnson

February 20, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

I agree with whoever spoke to our wide-outs dropping balls. When I watch other top-tier teams…FLA, TENN, USCal, LSU… they catch the damn ball. I don’t know if I can stomach another season of crucial drops.

By Carolina Dog

February 20, 2007 4:49 AM | Link to this

It’s not a matter of what Georgia should, but what they can do. If the passing game becomes as shaky as it was last year, then run the ball more.

Also, a stronger running game eats up more clock, which will keep our defense off the field.

Georgia needs to be more physical inside the red zone. There have been far too many field goal attempts.

Balance is great, but playing to one’s strength is better.

How balanced should be and will be will depend how improved the passing game will be.

By 82DAWG

February 20, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

Carolina Dog, you beat me to it. You are right, coaches have to analyse the team and determine what their strength is and play to it.

We have a huge NEW line. Emphasis on new. Until they get to know each other, there are going to be breakdowns. But, hey, that’s college ball, there is turnover every year. This is a good coaching staff and they will make a solid offense that suits this team. This has always been a Richt trademark. He is a smart guy and knows how to make adjustments to get the most out of his talent.

By Freedawg

February 20, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

We should RUN IT. I think Stafford is going to be the man but football is football. Run it until they stop you or adjust to try to stop you and then burn ‘em with the pass. The big line needs to drive block and then let our boys pound the ball and wear down the other defense. Football 101

By AltamahaDawg

February 20, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Prediction, balance, same as always, same as Coach Richt has done from the day he got here.

By godawg

February 20, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

One thing I think we are ALL overlooking is the fact that Mike Bobo will be calling the plays this. How this will affect the run/pass balance is anyone’s guess. I suspect, as in the past, we will rotate a lot of backs to keep people fresh. If Knowshon lives up to the hype I’ve heard, he should emerge as number one.

Since we have all these guys, I would like to see some three back sets in a wishbone or flexbone just to show some different looks now and again. Might be fun and give some D’s fits.

By Luke

February 20, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

The problem is not how much we run or how much we pass. It is when we run or when we pass. Hopefully Mike Bobo will judge situations better than CMR. Matt Stafford proved down the stretch (Auburn, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech) that he can play with the best defenses in the nation!

I look for Georgia to adopt an offense that is similar to the Colts. They take their shots but use draws and delays. We will have Sean Bailey and for those that don’t remember the last game he played he did catch two long TD’s from DJ in the SEC Championship. That will take pressure off of Massaquoi and giving people like Chandler and Ward to step up where Pope and Milner left off. Because of these weapons the backs will have an easier time running because more people will have to drop into pass coverage therefore leaving one less spy or more people in a zone.

All this will be great for Georgia on offenses, now lets hope Willie can match it on defense.

By gdawginkalamazoo

February 20, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

I’m with Carolina Dawg on this one and the guys who talk about when to run it. Keeping our defense rested is key, and a soilid running game will do that. The problem we had last year was an offense that couldn’t get any drives going consistently. That in turn wore out our defense at key times in the game. All the backs we have should be a bonus and maybe make ALL those guys work that much harder to become THE back. Competition will be fierce in the backfield and that is a good thing. We know our defense will be awesome can our offense match it?

By SamoanDawg

February 20, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

I would like to see us pound the dadgum rock in the redzone more. We have the body movers to do it.

Drop balls is a mental thing and a lack of concentration. We tend to run first before we secure the ball. That is something our WR have to get out of their heads… First catch the ball… then get as many yards… YAC.

By hisroyalmackness

February 20, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

I think the reason we run the ball alot is that it seems CMR is afraid of scoring TOO MANY points. It seems to me that he is worried about the reputation he may get if he “runs up the score”. I think that his conservative play calling has cost us a lot. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade him for anyone out there, and truly this is probably my only complaint as far as coaching is concerned.

I would love to see a high powered offense(which we are definitely capable of) to go along with our defense that is usually top 10 every year. I also believe we’d get a lot more respect nationwide, if we look like we “dominate” instead of always “squeaking by”. Why do you think USC and Texas are always gettin jocked by the media? Because they score 50, 60, even 70 pts a game.

And when you start every year around 15th in the polls like we have, you need that kind of attention to move up the polls and even have a chance to play for a NC, until someone finally realizes that a playoff IS in the best interest of the game.

By TennDawg

February 20, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

How about the Dawgs take what the defenses give them. If we are playing a weak run defense, run it at them as long as it’s productive. Same with the pass, if we are playing a weak pass defense, chuck it and move the ball. While the x’s and o’s may be complicated, the game itself really isn’t. Looking forward to the fall. GO DAWGS!!!

By Ft Worth Dawg

February 20, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

My running back thoughts:

I had a gut feeling that Lennon Creer was going to sign with UGA if he were offered. However, I think the UGA coaching staff said that we didn’t need another RB and so didn’t offer him (or, for you conspiracy theory types, they promised Caleb when recruiting him that they wouldn’t sign another blue chip RB). I hope Creer doesn’t turn out to be a player that gashes UGA down the road. (I wonder the same thing about Clifton Geathers.)

About a month ago there were rumors that the RB that UGA battled Southern Cal for last year was thinking about transferring (probably to UGA). Given that transfers have to sit out a year, that scenario was seen as not a bad option. Has anyone heard more about this or has it dried up?

By dawgfacedboy

February 20, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Altamaha- I agree with you. I don’t see the playcalling to be lopsided one way or the other. Personally, I would like to see Lumpkin get the majority of the carries and Moreno get a few here and there each game. I personally think that rotating RBs ever couple of plays is fairly ineffective and it makes it hard for one guy to get into a rythm. IMO history has shown where guys aren’t the same the year after a knee injury like Brown’s. I don’t expect him to make much of an impact at all this next season. In fact, Bailey took a redshirt for a year to recover, could Brown not do the same thing? I also don’t expect King to be a difference maker in the fall and would redshirt him without question (if he makes it in). Just my opinion guys.

By austindog

February 20, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

I can’t think of a team that had a successful running game with more than 2 featured backs (USC & Auburn both had recent success with 2). Add any more and you’ve got a bunch of tailback getting 5-7 carries with no feel for the defense.

I think Carter Strickland should get bumped down to covering rising sophomore HS players. Rising juniors may be a little more than he can chew.

By dawgfacedboy

February 20, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I also believe that by catching the ball with some consistency this will open up the opportunity for our run game to be successful. Not catching the ball results in our offense being one dimensional. Also, just my opinion.

By Brooks

February 20, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

ugaalum, you commented about Caleb King not being able to learn Georgia’s offense because of his smarts. Those two don’t compare. I know from coaching myself that kids who don’t excel in the classroom, have no problem picking up what’s happening on the field. Maybe if he was taught math according to football formations he would be an honor student. I don’t see him having any problems learning the system at Georgia. GO DAWGS

By Even if ...

February 20, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

… Mr. King is eligible, I look for him to red shirt. He could use a year to rehab his knee and concentrate on his studies … like he is this year. Hats off to the man (and his Mom) for making a move to GAC to concentrate on the academics.

The human “Freak of Nature” will be the Dawg’s #1 running back by the time we get into the meat of the SEC schedule. The boy from Jersey is going to show the southern boys how to run the ball.

In 2008, CK and KM will be a heck of a 1-2 punch … if they play well together we will just call “them” “cKm”.

Now to the topic of this blog….

How does any team that competes in the SEC have anything less than a balanced attack?

If you have one of the most promising and young QB’s in the country how to you think you should have a running attack?

I will always say - no matter what happens with Stafford, the most impressive thing to me this year was the way he made the mistakes (the ones that true freshman will) and he did not let ANY of them get to his head …

Go DAWGS! This recruiting year was the best … it rounded out this very talented team.

By godawg

February 20, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Does anybody know anything about recent 2008 UGA commit Bacarri Rambo. I can’t find out much except he plays at Seminole County as QB and LB but UGA recruited him as an athlete to maybe play safety. Some numbers I found were 1,219 yards rushing on 107 carries (11.4 per carry) with 22 touchdowns, throwing 470 yds. and seven TD’s. I saw in a playoff game in November he racked up 388 rushing yards and six touchdowns on just 13 carries. How big is he?

By Coach60

February 20, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

As long at Mark Richt is at UGA the running game will never outshine the passing game. It is a matter of philosophy and I don’t think it will change under Bobo. I do think the soft drop stepping zone blocking scheme will change under Georgia’s new O-Line Coach form LSU. Maybe if we are more physical running the ball, we will be more effective running , and in turn run the ball more. The bottom line is points and scoring in the red zone. Georgia has struggled in the red zone even in years when they won the SEC. My hope is that they will become less predicatable by formation. If they are in 2 back they run or throw play action off sprint draw. IF they are in the gun, they throw it down field or run that stupid zone blocking play!!

By godawg

February 20, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Bring back CJD’s bubble screen. ;-]

By animaldr

February 20, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I think the depth at RB and the experience at WR to go along with an awesome QB mean a very balanced potent attack. Bailey will be back, MoMass will improve with a burden lifted from his shoulders. Stafford is now the unquestioned leader of the team. Searls has said he will simplify the OL schemes and that will help alot. I think Chip mentions a real key for this teams success next season. With inexperience on the OL the key will be the dominance of FB Southerland! I am excited about next year. The expectations (from the national media and even some at the AJC) will be low, but all good Dawg fans know the truth. These Dwags are going to score some points! GO DAWGS!

By randy

February 20, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

rambo is 6’7 285 lbs.

By John

February 20, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Thomas Brown has bulked up too much. You can obviously see from his great freshman year, when he was more limber and versatile, now he has added too much bulk and has transformed into a straight ahead runner that is easily knocked off balance by shoe-string tackles,it is harder to maintain his center of balance and unneeded bulk has taken his quickness and speed that separated him from the other backs his freshman year. He has added upper body strength and is pound for pound the strongest player on the team, which is not needed for the running back that relies on quickness and speed more than the ability to run through tackles like fullbacks.

By Ryan

February 20, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I say keep things balanced but when you run the ball RUN IT WELL. At least be able to pick up 4-5 yards per carry. Stay out of the third and longs. Pretty good backfield, just start using it to execute.

By Caleb King

February 20, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

I didnt injury my knee..dumbass…why cant ya’ll get it straight. I had a decompression fracture in my tibia!!! aka broken lower leg…which i walked off the field with.

By Pitbull

February 20, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Regarding the Rambo headline and the story to which it refers: perhaps the AJC could spend a little more money and hire a staffer that can actually write a headline that accurately refers to the content of the article. I know this might be a stretch for a newspaper that has degraded into a rag due to its virtual monopoly as the only major daily newspaper in metro Atlanta. A lack of competition will do that to an organization, just ask the Fulton County Water Department. However, the AJC might want to at least give the impression of being accurate and unbiased in its headlines and coverage. I understand that it now sees its role as the Georgia Tech Public Relations Department, tasked with the objective of undermining any and all UGA recruiting efforts that it possibly can. Perhaps the NCAA should officially recognize the AJC as the Georgia Tech Public Relations Department and declare penalities against Tech for the AJC’s efforts to undermine UGA recruiting. After all, Tech is on active probation for a major penalty and only one more major infraction away from the death penalty anyway.

By Matthew at the SLC

February 20, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

uga alum, your thoughts tying King’s ability to learn the offense to his SAT scores sends you down a path I can’t believe you don’t see. And the fact that you singled King out and attatched labels to someone you don’t even know is disturbing. You have no clue how smart he is or isn’t. And the fact that you think what you think betrays your lack of football knowledge. That’s what I’m saying when I said think before you speak. And if you need me to say it any plainer for you, well, that says even more about you.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

February 20, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Rambo commited to the Dawgs but them said he’s going to visit other schools. He’s now in the “soft” commit dept. I’ve be amazed at the posts today. I don’t think we’ve seem CMR at his best since he’s been in Athens but we will in ‘07. He’s decided to be a “Head Coach” and that will make a big difference for the Dawgs. Someone posted “run the ball” to give the “D” more time to rest. I can’t believe that. Why give the “D” more time to rest if we can score TD’s, not FG’s, in a hurry? Early predicition: We won’t have THE RB OR TB LIKE WE USE TO HAVE! Bobo has already shown that in the two games where he called the plays. We are so very lucky to have an “OC” and his QB who are on the same wave length. They both believe in “attack, attack and hit’um again. Some one mentioned WR’s. They’re right, WR’s will be the key to the ‘07 season. Please don’t forget that in the CFB, our receivers dropped 7 passes including two for TD’s. I think we’ll see Moreno on the field with Lumpkin but he’ll be playing slot, maybe WR and who knows where else. I believe that CMR will treat Bobo just like Bowden treated him and that is he’ll stay out of his hair for the most part but the rest of the team he’ll be all over them the way he finished the ‘06 season. BTW, part of that was a “come to Jesus” meeting with WM. You guys have posted some great stuff and Yea, let Carter cover the Jr. class commits where he can’t do to much damage.

By Anonymous

February 20, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Matthew at the SLC, you need to tone down that self-righteous streak of yours, son. uga alum didn’t say anything out of line except maybe question the ability of a marginal student to master the UGA playbook. Don’t try to get something “racial” out that.

BTW, despite all of the “cultural bias” rhetoric that is so popular among 19-year-old bloviators and misguided others with an ideological agenda, statistical studies have repeatedly shown that the two best predictors of future college GPA are high school GPA and SAT percentile rankings.

So, get over it. Anything else is a denial of reality, and the anecdotal examples that you cite of “great” college students with mediocre SATs are the exceptions to the rule … exactly how many 900 SATs do you know that are cum laude graduates in finance, mathematics, chemistry, accounting, microbiology and physics? Yeah … thought so.

By Matthew at the SLC

February 20, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Dude, I’m not 19, not a bloviator, and have absolutely NO ideology. Ideologies are for sheep. I just call ‘em like I see ‘em. And uga alum insinuating that King is too dumb to learn the offense because he’s having trouble with the SATs is not only insulting to King, but yes, leaves many questions to what exactly uga alum means and thinks by saying these things. Could I be reading too much into this, yes, of course. But to take what was said at face value would be foolish. Me thinks there is more meaning behind his words. And yes, the SATs are culturally biased. That isn’t a bleeding heart position. It’s a common sense position, backed up by many, many hours of legitimate study. With athletes, it is usually a symptom of a different problem, though. Because of their athletic status, they are usually never pushed academically, so in all actuality, they lose out. Educators, parents, and school administrators, and the kids themselves are failing the kids with great athletic talent, letting them get by without doing all they can to teach these kids. And the kids being immature kids, know how it works, and take advantage of the system. So, yes, some kids, white, black, and green, have issues with standardized testing, even if the potential to do better is there. Anonymous, you have to do a better job at understanding the situation… and less time aggravating me. Ha!

By mark

February 21, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

I”m not understanding what you mean by saying the “SAT is culturally biased.” I think the guy was saying that since his academics have been in question (as reported) his ability to pick up a Div I play book might be rather difficult for him. I’m not sure why you perceive this as a possible racist comment. You havn’t actually said that but you’ve certainly insinuated it. Why do you think Blake Barnes (a former AA from the state of Miss) has played about 6 downs in his career at UGA? Do you think he lacks in the athletic ability? I think it probably is his ability to pick up the playbook (just guessing) and run the offense. I think Joe T III was next to worthless, does that comment draw any suspicion from you?

By dave

February 21, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

If your a top tier athlete, what exactly is your motivation to do well in school? You don’t even have to go to college to play basketball. If you can run a 4.4 40 you’ll only be in college for as long as you have to before leaving early to declare for the draft. Baseball also doesn’t require you attending to college. The point is that if your good enough, you don’t have to excel in school. Schools all over the country have full time tutors that keep their athletes eligible to play. It’s the only thing keeping those kids eligible. An athlete only has to keep a low C average to play, that’s not exactly scholarly. Academics are not a concern for the majority of athletes these days and kids know that. You basically have to “stay afloat” or “just get by” and your athletic talent will take you towards your pay day. It’s the world we live in today.

By Football Fan

February 21, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

yada…yada…yada…

By I-DOG

February 21, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Samoan Dog:

Thats a good point. I never thought about it, but your right. The OL seems to do a good job in protecting the QB, but we haven’t had that punishing run blocking that we would like.

In the year’s we have had a concern about the OL going into the season, we were OK in pass blocking, but very mediocre in run blocking. In years where the OL was expected to be a strength, we were exceptional pass blockers, but just “good” run blockers.

Your right.

By SamoanDawg

February 21, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

I-DOG… right on brah. Who was it?.. was it Colorado that stuffed us on 4th and one inside the 10 yard line? Man, we can’t have that. We need to come out and blow people off the line.

The only time we seemed to be really physical on the run, is when we line up on a jumbo formation w/#98 Tripp Taylor line up as an extra blocker in the backfield, then Southernland does the rest.

When I watch Georgia play, I always watch the blockers.. especially on a replay. Southernland did an exceptional job clearing out the LBs/picking up blitzes. And I love how he keeps his feet moving and always dig for extra yards. Kind of remind me of myself back in the day when I was playing FullBack in high school… lol… not!… actually, I missed the head on collisions part w/the LBs. Those were the days.. now I just tackled my kids if I can’t find the remote… lol…

By SamoanDawg

February 21, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

God bless Michael Lemon and his family.

The bulldawg nation is with you Michael! You have our support. Be strong brah.

By BIG Nick on Campus

February 28, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Bold: In regard to UGA alum’s questioning of Caleb King’s ability to learn a complex college offense simply because of a possible disqualifying SAT score, I offer you one solid example of why such a judgment is downright idiotic. Vince Young. I am not a fan of the longhorns or necessarily one of Vince, but he proves that a QB can learn both a complex college and pro offense and execute them accordingly despite reporting a record low Wonderlic score (a standardized test attempting to judge intellectual aptitude for QB’s much like the SAT does for students). Athletes in the backfield will be athletes in the backfield at any level, as long as the keep doing what they are good at (not the case with Vick since his sophomore year in the NFL). Caleb will be fine… in fact, he will be a hell of a ball player. Besides, Rict’s offense isn’t all that complex.

A few SAT results of current / former successful Dawgs:

Paul Oliver…….860 Demiko Goodman….880 Demario Minter….840