UGA

By Luda

August 6, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Thank you AJC for this kind of coverage.

By godawg

August 6, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe this is the same blog. Thanks Chip!

By Scott

August 6, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

HEY CHIP, THANKS FOR THE INSIDE SKINNY ON THE UGA PRACTICES. KEEP THEM COMING!!

By Don

August 6, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Go Knox Go, hope you were able to finish the drill.

By mike

August 6, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Do you think Tripp Chandler will be used a lot in the passing game, or more as a blocker?

By famous_bt8

August 6, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Thank you Chip, for such an informative blog! Go Dawgs!

By lawdawg

August 6, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Whew, it is HOT in Athens today! Don’t melt out there…do you happen to know when they’ll start getting into full pads? Seems like it’s hard to gauge much from practices in shorts, but I guess they have that 5 day acclimation period…good thing in this kind of heat.

By LP21

August 6, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Knox is in. Great news. Thanks Chip and the ajc for the awesome updates.

Go DAWGS!!!!!!

By redawg

August 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

The Offense will be firing on all cylinders next season, one of, if not The best in The SEC.

The D scares the hayull out of me, full of inexperience and kids that just plain were not good enough a year or so ago.

I predict loads of 51-47 games.

By 2N4YEARS

August 6, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Awesome! Makes me feel as if I am there. OK, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it sure is nice to have this really ‘new’ info.

By godawg

August 6, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

The backlash begins: Over on a SC board they’re saying Shaq Wilson just decommitted because Arkee Smith, a close HS friend and teammate was denied admission. The OBC has a right to be mad. Other schools are gonna pound his recruiting class with this.

By Chip Towers

August 6, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Just coming into the air conditioning from the furnace blast that is today’s practice environment. Georgia’s lets its players drink all the water they desire as long as they’re not actively in a drill and it’s a good thing.

First things first: Word is that safety John Knox of Statesboro passed his graduation test and gained admittance. That’s 100 percent on the signees. But that’s not official yet. We’re still trying to get direct confirmation.

A few practice observations:

Cornerback Bryan Evans is not practicing at all and, from the way he’s walking, his hamstring injury appears fairly serious. He’s hobbling pretty significantly, kind of like somebody might if he’d ridden cross-country on horseback… .

One reason Drew Butler may have the inside track on winning the punting job: He’s a one-step punter. I just noticed that today and started observing his technique along with Steve Greer, Georgia’s director of football operations. In theory, that means he should be able to get the ball off much quicker than the conventional 2 1/2-step punter, which includes Brian Mimbs. During special teams work, Drew had one shank but the rest of his punts looked deep and solid. You can tell he worked a lot with his dad over the summer. Kevin Butler had more athletic ability than any one person deserves but he was also a meticulous about technique.

From strength coach Dave VanHalanger, Georgia’s summer conditioning awards were: Kregg Lumpkin for top-conditioned athlete, Kelin Johnson for the Coach VanHalanger Attitude and Effort Award, and Fernando Velasco and Thomas Brown shared the Leon Farmer Trophy for overall excellence. For what it’s worth, Brown remains the strongest player on the team pound-for-pound.

Oh, and somebody asked this last week. Coach Van said at least 75 percent of his players can clean 300 pounds. “Easily,” he said.

By tom johnson

August 6, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

You are the best! Both my sons left for Athens this morning to move in for fall semester. Can’t wait for kick-off. Dr. Tom Johnson Class of ‘74

By tallydawg

August 6, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

keep the updates coming!

By EmmettDawg

August 6, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Chip, thanks for the amazing coverage, but I can’t help but wondering if the UGA staff has given you parameters on what you can and cannot report. Aren’t the only people who love this stuff nearly as much as us crazy dawg fans is the opposition.

By bd

August 6, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

thanks, chip. can you find out about reshad jones? has he worked out on the corner at all, or anywhere else, for that matter? he seems like a great athlete who should be on the field somewhere.

By EmmettDawg

August 6, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I apologize if this is a repost:

Chip, thanks for the amazing coverage, but I can’t help but wondering if the UGA staff has given you parameters on what you can and cannot report. Aren’t the only people who love this stuff nearly as much as us crazy dawg fans is the opposition.

By Bill W.

August 6, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Phenomenal job Chip! This is why the AJC pays you the big bucks!!

Any words on the DE’s? How is the rest of the DL looking? Is coach going to redshirt Caleb King? that stinks about B. Evans. I have read somewhere where he may the best CB we have and/or the fastest.

By AltamahaDawg

August 6, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

chip come on, its a well known fact that UGA is the only team to ever drop a pass.

If a young man can learn to punt and do it well on one step, why would anyone ever be taught 2.5 steps?

By AtlantaDawg

August 6, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Will you people stop with the Reshad Jones / CB garbage?!!!!?

He will be starting at safety by the second game. No need to put him at corner.

As for the original post, MoMass will excel in the slot. He is a possession reciever, and doesnt have the breakaway spead that both Kenneth Harris and Bailey have on the outside. As far as Mikey goes, he is not nearly big enough to play on the outside, and probably wont play much on offense again this year. The guy is too small and will end up getting hurt.

How about a Defensive Ends update. How do Lemon and Dobbs look? I expect one of them to step up this year and be big for us.

By Chip Towers

August 6, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Hey, need to add this caveat on John Knox. Claude Felton pointed out that, even with all his requirements met Knox still needs the approval of the NCAA Clearinghouse. And as Vance Cuff can attest, that’s not always an automatic. But it certainly appears Knox is in.

By LP21

August 6, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

how are the freshman WRs looking, esp Isreal Troupe?

By BigDog

August 6, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

How is OL Justin “Bean” Anderson progressing? Let us hometown people know. Will he see any playing time?

By Chip Towers

August 6, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Earlier I saw Israel Troupe make a good move to get inside on a deep post and catch a long TD pass during pass skel… . Before that i saw Mikey Henderson absolutely juke the jock off Prince Miller with an indescribable move and take it to the house. Believe me, no shame toward Miller on this play. I’d imagine some NFL corners would’ve been beat on this play! Stafford delivered.

By TiftDevils

August 6, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

How does Isreal Troupe look in pratice?

By Palmetto State Dawg

August 6, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Chip, this is the best and most in depth coverage of my beloved Dawgs that I have ever read. Keep it up, my man! Thanks! PS, how is Brandon Miller looking at middle linebacker??

By NASCARfan

August 6, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Your coverage has been excellent, as always, and it is always appreciated by the rest of us.

The one thing I have to ask is, I can understand the wideouts having a bunker mentality and trying to make themselves feel better, because I want them to be confident. But Chip, you and I, and any person with eyes who watched the Dawgs last year knows that our recievers, more than anyone other teams’ recievers, dropped passes that killed drives or helped to result in a plethora of three and out. Or dropped passes with no one around them. It’s those kinds of passes that were dropped that was so frustrating to watch. Yeah, Florida’s recievers may have had just as many drops, but did those drops result in as many 3 and outs, or drives stalling? Also, Florida threw the ball more, as did South Carolina. But how many TOUCHDOWNS did our recievers and tight ends drop? How many potential FIRST DOWNS did they drop? I guarantee you, it was more than any other team in the SEC. And that what was frustrating. The fact that these guys dropped the passes when they dropped them, in the situations in which they dropped them.

Also, add in the fact, that Coach Eason has had all-world talent in his six years here and has done absolutely nothing with it, and yes, I’m sorry to A.J. Bryant, but that is frustrating.

I know many others share that viewpoint, and Chip, I don’t think I’m being unfair.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 6, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

The blog and stories at this point are outstanding. In practice what do you see as our biggest weekness right now? Who are the verbal leader shaping up to be(Kelin J and Stafford are the 2 I’ve heard mentioned any others)?

By A-ville Ranger

August 6, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Yes SC dropped a lot of balls,they also lost a lot of games.I doubt FLA dropped more than our guys but I’m absolutely sure they made more plays than our wide outs.Eason sounds exactly like last year at this time.I pointed out before that recievers have under-achived throughout Richt’s tenure here.Massaquoi is a prime example,the guy caught the ball as a true freshman but regressed from there.So was he better coached in HS ?It’s a fair question and it needs to be answered……soon.Eason is a very smart man and he has good credentials he just doesn’t have good results at UGA.At some point we’re all accountable unless we own the company.Eason doesn’t own it or even run it,time to get the job done John….Chip when these practice warriors produce in games I’ll be impressed.Till then it’s like an Auburn announcer put it,they’re just playing with themselves.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 6, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan,

I was frustrated with dropped balls last year as well. However, it is a new season. I don’t want Eason gone right now or in the middle of the season. If we seem to have more issues this year, we can start screaming and crying when we are at the end of the season. I guess what I’m trying to say is that beating this horse right now is conterproductive. We’ve got a long road to ride this horse on and we need him happy and healthy. Obviosly this talk if affecting the mentality of our receivers right now, lets give them some room.

By A-ville Ranger

August 6, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

P-Dawg If it’s true that the recievers egos are so fragile that we’ll shatter them by posting then we have the answer to why they fail every season.The coaching staff should be able to instill some mental toughness in these kids.If they can’t survive this blog they’ll get hung out to dry come sep.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 6, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger

I don’t want them to get hung out to dry in Sep. Every person responds to criticism differently. I think toning down criticism of the past years could make them better in Sep.

By dc dawg

August 6, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

anybody have any info on aj green? there was an article on rivals’ page about him and miami but its an “insider” article. what a scam! anyway, whats the story on that? thanks.

By A-ville Ranger

August 6, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

P-Dawg If I thought it would help I’d stop.I just don’t see that as being an issue.If they can’t concentrate it’s on the players and coaches not outsiders.dc Dawg I haven’t seen anything about Green wavering other than what’s been said for a year but you never know.

By Buck in the NW

August 6, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

dc dawg, I read the article and GREEN IS SOLID DAWG ALL THE WAY. HE LIKE CMR VERY MUCH AND ANY RUMORS ARE JUST THAT ,”RUMORS”. Those words weren’t ver baitum(sp) but close.

By UGAisgreat

August 6, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

He is 100 percent committed and AJ said it was just a rumor and he is only taking one offical visit and thats to UGA.

By animaldr

August 6, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

The WR will be great this season-

One question- Why do we have an undersized, but fast DE Howard (6-2,225) and a large but slower LB Miller (6-4, 255)? I guess it is too late to fix this now. But what are the coaches thoughts?

Looks like Carter was making more friends with his comments about Caleb King today!

Go Dawgs!

By Huskdawg

August 6, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

NAS, A and P, I really hope that what we say on here doesn’t affect the play of any of our guys. I would hope the coaches would almost forbid them to read some of the crap that’s on here. But I would be remiss if I thought they actually listened and obeyed. Like you said P-dawg, there’s been more than a few people over the past few years complain about the receivers getting worse every year, and if you think about it, the stats don’t lie. However, I really believe every single bit of dropped balls, missed assignments and what not, was caused solely by the QB controversy. If you ever played ball, that kind of situation can throw the karma of the whole team off. But look at what happened once that leader was established. It didn’t happen instantly, but it happened. The entire team, offense, defense, special teams….all came together. We don’t have that problem anymore and Stafford’s teammates trust him completely. I promise you we’ve got some guys in the wings that we’ve never really heard of yet. Just like 2 years ago when we saw some of Charles Johnson I told my friends to watch out for him. He was a terror as an end. Don’t worry guys, we’ll be fine. You’ll see. GO DAWGS!!!

By Dawg4life

August 6, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Hey bloggers!

I’m reading a lot of concern about AJ Green and whether his commitment is still solid to UGA. I caught a rivals.com article on it (early in the morning before it got moved to the “subscription” site) and he was quoted as saying that there are a lot of schools that are still recruiting him, but they’re “wasting their time”. He said when he takes his official visits, he’s only gonna visit Georgia, because he has his mind made up.

So I wouldn’t worry about Green.

Chip, continue the updating. Thanks for everything!!

By Huskdawg

August 6, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

AnimalDr, I took my son to the G-Day signings last year and got to stay under the tent with all the players coming and going, and met an absolute ton of them. I met Howard and trust me, he’s not built like 225. The guy is built like a sherman tank. He’s not Charles Johnson esqe, but don’t worry about him. He looked like he could lift a house. Hope that helps. And by the way, Prince Miller must be a heck of a player, cause he’s fairly stout, but short as hell. But that’s why we’re not coaches or recruiters.

By Kendall

August 6, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Chip, just read on Rivals what Carter had to say about Caleb Kind on the radio. You wonder why we cant stand the guy? He needs to move away and find another job with another paper. Now.

By lifelongdog

August 6, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Dropped Balls….blah blah blah. Guys the important point this yr is consistency from the point of the throw. Mo, AJ, and the boys have had to try catching balls from as many as 4-5 QBs over the last two seasons. Shock, Joe T, Blake, Cox, and of course Mr Stafford. The most experienced, and best “system” player was Shock…and of course Mo had a better yr his freshman yr. He and AJ and the rest had ONE QB to get used to. They practiced all Summer getting to used to ONE QB…Shockley. But last yr,…every game you had to try and adjust in mid game to a completely different throwing style, by a QB just learning an offense. With Stafford fully command the entire off season, these receivers will show everyone why they were rated so high coming in to UGA. Stafford had a much stronger arm than anyone else on the team. But this yr, all our guys will be used to him and ready to make the rest of the SEC pay.

By Kendall

August 6, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Make that Caleb King….typos are a B.

By BCD

August 6, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

What did Carter say?

By MadMerf

August 6, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

The ever changing QB situation last year did create timing issues with the WRs, no doubt. I was thrilled to hear about the players’ work ethic during the summer. Everyone showing up at six in the morning to hit the weights. WRs running routes for the QBs (all of them) to work on timing. It seems to me that last season’s shortcomings served as a wake-up call to the team, and they’re actually doing something about it.

And speaking of timing on offense, most players, especially linemen, will admit that the runningback-by-committee approach we have been accustomed to prevents a rythymic harmony that is so important for an offense to establish a ground game. We have an exceptional group of ‘backs and each one could probaby start at any school, but I hope that Bobo is more patient and stays with the hot hand, or legs in this case, moreso than we have in the past.

All these positive waves from the coaching staff are groovy, man! I’m freakin’ out! BRING ON THE POKES!!!

By Dawg4life

August 6, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip,

Wondering if you could find out what Stafford is looking like (or, at least, how coaches feel he is progressing) in the timing of his passing, especially as it relates to receivers coming out of their breaks. What I mean is, I’m watching the rebroadcast of the UGA vs. GT game, and there were more than a handful of times (even the commentators saw it) where Stafford waited for receivers to come out of their breaks before throwing the ball, which meant that the defensive back had time to recover from the break and break up the pass. Usually, it’s a fundamental necessity that good QBs be able to throw the ball to the spot where the receiver is supposed to be when coming out of a break, instead of waiting until the receiver gets there. I know that coaches have been quoted in the offseason and in the first few days of practice that Stafford’s making the right throws, but I think the biggest question is whether his timing is improved.

So if you could ask about that, that’d be great!

Thanks!!!

By NASCARfan

August 6, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

What did that absolute piece of CRAP Carter Strickland have to say about Caleb King?

By Buck in the NW

August 6, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

IF I’M WRONG, WELL JUST HANG ME OUT TO DRY BUT CALEB KING HAS TO MUCH TALENT TO NOT BE ON THE FIELD IN ‘07. I JUST DON’T BELIEVE BOBO WILL LET THAT HAPPEN. REMEMBER, HE DOESN’T HAVE TO KNOW THE ENTIRE PLAYBOOK TO BE VERY VALUEABLE TO THE DAWGS. HARVIN, FOR THE REPTILES IN ‘06, DIDN’T KNOW THEIR PLAY BOOK, MEYER PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE OF PLAYS TO USE HIS TALENT AND IT PAID OFF BIG TIME. BOBO AND RICHT WILL DO THE SAME WITH KING. THINGS ARE CHANGING IN TODAY’S COLLEGE FB WORLD AND USING PLAYERS LIKE THIS IS ONE OF THOSE CHANGES.

By Franklin

August 6, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

They’ll have to play Caleb early, he won’t be academically eligible for long… One and done at most schools, but I’m sure he’ll make it 3 years in Athens. 100% eligible* for the first time in 15 plus years. (That’s if he passes the Georgia High School Exam)

You alums must be proud…

See you for your annnual beatdown in J’ville!

By Buck in the NW

August 6, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

As proud as you are of your gun toting bar drunks.

By MadMerf

August 6, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Buck, my gut tells me that Caleb will play this year. It may be later than I expected though. Thomas Brown’s speedy recovery has lessened the sense of urgency for a third back safety net. They should let him practice with the threes, maybe even work him into the twos, just in case another bomb drops like the one against Vandy last year (Brown’s injury).

I believe Moreno was good enough to play last year. The backfield, including Ware, was crowded before Brown went down. Had the injury occurred in the first three games I think Knowshon would have seen time. But even in the Kentucky game I think they (Lumpkin and Ware) rotated too much.

I agree that Caleb is too valuable to RS. And with Samuel coming in next year, along with possibly another high profile back, we need to put the best players on the field whenever we can. The playbook is extremely complex, but Bobo can work the kids in ala Meyer/Harvin/Tebow.

Things are coming together. Stars are aligning. Everyone’s healthy, even the ones who weren’t supposed to be. All recruits are qualified. Magic is in the air. Can you feel it?

Thanks for the comments, Franklin. You have reason to be nervous.

By Boots

August 6, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Glad to have guys like animaldr get back in the mix here. Chip, excellent job, as always. What is going on with any emerging leaders on this team? Do you think it will be a strong group of Seniors compared to the past couple of years?

Franklin, you should worry more about your Gators smoking weed and having shoot outs with policeman than Caleb King. Come late October, you guys will have all you can handle with this Bulldog squad. Things go in cycles…

By Sam Cunningham

August 6, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

While Tech has Tickle Piles, UGAY has switch hitters? I mean, we all know that Stafford likes to spoon guys, but does that mean all of our boys have to be both tops and bottoms? Won’t this make recruiting more difficult?

By AltamahaDawg

August 6, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Matthew Stafford himself said a few months back what one of the biggest problems was with receivers not catching passes was, and how he had corrected that in the late and off season. P-Dawg is right, why dwell on last yr, leave that to the tech fans, who seem to be fascinated with our “last year”.

By animaldr

August 6, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Would it be worth Caleb being a return man and 4th string back to waste a redshirt?

What do y’all think?

I think Carter is probably insecure about his own intellect and that is why he must criticize King. A 17 yr old athlete that made a 4.0 GPA in his first summer semester.

Carter- What was your college GPA?

By MadMerf

August 6, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

doc,

If Caleb is nearly as good as advertised, he may decide to turn pro after three years, or even two. And if he were to spend one of those years as a redshirt, then that would truly be a waste! The coaching staff will see enough of him in the next few weeks to make that judgement.

Yes, Tech fans were fascinated with last year, right up until the 12th game of the season. Following our mid-season funk, these blogs were littered with trash from the bugs, who kept reminding us over and over and over again what they were going to do to our team. Things quietened down a bit after the Auburn game, then the next week it got REALLY QUIET! That’s when the worst Georgia team in the Richt era beat the best Tech team in the Gailey era.

You had your chance, live (or die) with it.

By NASCARfan

August 6, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

I still want to know what that POS had to say about Caleb King on Rivals. Someone give us the gist, please.

By SamoanDawg

August 6, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

I agree, Stafford needs to work on his timing.

WRs will have a big year. I have to disagree with one of the dawgs above though. How can Mikey Henderson being too small to play WR? He retuns punt. To me, it’s all about heart, not the size. Plus, he is very elusive anyway, you can’t really get a direct head on collision with Mikey… he’s like a little squirrel.

By Buck in the NW

August 7, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

nascarfan, are you still on the blog? if so let me know and I’ll go read it and give you a report. let me know.

By Buck in the NW

August 7, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Stafford’s timing is just fine and he’s still improving……….nascarfan, Carter said that C.K. had gone to 4 high schools and finally made his grades. The implication was C.K. wouldn’t be eligible for long. It was

By Buck in the NW

August 7, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

from dogpost.com(rivals)…………..Caleb King has been fighting an uphill battle for some time. First, he opted to transfer from Atlanta area powerhouse Parkview to a private school to concentrate on his academics. Then, he had to live up to his highly touted sophomore and junior seasons at a smaller school, and now he has members of the media doubting his future in Athens.

Monday, on a sports talk radio station in Atlanta, a beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggested that Georgia get King on the field as quickly as possible due to his academic past.

“He went to four high schools in four years, so Georgia should use him while they can,” said Carter Strickland when asked what he had said on the radio that caused such uproar among Dawg fans on the popular message board The Dawgvent……I did a cut and paste from the rivals Georgia web site…..Buck Cochran

Steve Patterson

King was selected to play in the U.S. Army All America Bowl King, who

By NASCARfan

August 7, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

Sounds like typical snide Carter Strickland. The dude seriously needs to be fired, Buck. Regardless of whether Caleb strikes out or not, it’s not Strickland’s place to offer that kind commentary. Who the hell is he to make that kind of statement about anyone? He truly is a piece of crap.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 7, 2007 4:36 AM | Link to this

Chip, do you think that any of our discussion or complaints reach the players? Do blogs play any factor in the mentality of the player either through comentary or the questions asked by writers?

By duff

August 7, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this

I was about to ask people to stop reduntantly thanking Carter for such good coverage…but then the love-fest abruptly ended.

The coverage is good, and the guy can and should speak his mind when he’s being interviewed.

Lets keep a healthy skepticism folks. What he said is the opposite of bulletin board material: motivation for the Dawgs to prove what he said wrong.

By marc

August 7, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this

Chip, this is going to be a special year for the dawgs. We will surprise a lot of people, but the true task will be in 08, when we are expected to contend for the National title. All we need if for the defense to step up.

By Buck in the NW

August 7, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

marc, if this season were like years gone by I would agree with you but in ‘07, we may have to agree to disagree. With, what I feel like, are dramatic coaching changes in Athens and a whole new spirit coming from the H.C> on down the line, I see no reason to say that ‘08 is our year. Why not now? In our division every other team has problems but we’re in the best position of anybody except maybe Ky. and Vandy. Lack of playing time is our big problem and that can be solved early on.

all of the “Shirting” we did last season is coming back to bite us. If our “OL” can get us through the 1st two then we can roll and I see no reason why that can’t happen. Now that we have a H.C. sticking his nose into all parts of the team, I believe the dividends will be great and watch him play close attention to the kicking game. More oversight from the top in all aspects of the game has been needed and now we have it.

By Spike

August 7, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

CHIP… You da man!!!

By Boots

August 7, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Carter Strickland is an idiot who makes his living off of publicly smearing young men who have done little to nothing wrong. He is speculating now on future grades of players and projecting people failing out of school. How about this - I project Carter will be jobless soon. Carter, you are a pathetic human being. Leave the state, please.

By AltamahaDawg

August 7, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Buck how is the RS last year coming back to bite us now?

As far as what CS said, its exactly what 4 dozen pretty loyal dawg fans have said in here plenty of times.

Just a personal peeve of mine, If somebody IS going to leave early for the NFL. RS does not cut into his 3 years, it simply delays it. Caleb king leaving after his RS sophomore year instead of after his true JR. yr becasue of a RS year, would be the first time in history that has happened. Lets not make team decisions on first time in history might be’s. If anything RS would produce more quality years we do get from him. RS freshman years are more productive than true freshman years, period, end of discussion. So his 2 yrs or 3 yrs WOULD be better years, whatever happens. (now, if the argument is that his year of academic eligiblity is going to be limited, thats a different story, BUT nobody knows that for sure.) I’m not advocating RS him. I think that should be IF he can help us win now, not what might happen to him 2 or 3 yrs from now.

By godawg

August 7, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Here’s agood story about UGA players riding scooters.

By Buck in the NW

August 7, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Altahama, I only did the cut and paste for nascarfan. I haven’t said a word about what Carter said because I didn’t pay it any attention. CMR has said that he “Shirted to many players last season. I haven’t mentioned the NFL but it’s biting us because we have so many “RS Sophs” that now have to learn how to play the game. I think Big Dawg mentioned a couple of linemen(those big old hairy ugly things like he was). Not all freshmen come in ready to play but CMR went overboard last season. The NFL has nothing to do with it, how to use the talent is the key. True freshmen played important roles all over the country and this season at Ga. we have several freshmen who’ll play. We have a lot of receivers but I’ll bet that Aron White, Figgins, and maybe Troupe will get touches. But no I don’t care what Carter had to say. read it , never said a word and just helped nascarfan out.

By AltamahaDawg

August 7, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Buck the CS comment wasnt for you, you seem to be pretty fair to the guy. Also I know you arent a “play em now before the NFL does” advocate either, others have been. (that just bugs me because the logic is flawed).

I do however think you have hung onto a casual comment that Coach Bobo made a few month back about Moreno, when he said he just has to learn how to “play the game” after his RS year. He never meant from scratch, obviously he meant real game experience was just the next step of his progression. Just coachspeak. I lso heard Coach say Moreno was no where ready to play last year due to a variety of other issues. You seem to have translated that into RS year a total waste of time, (which wasn’t his point) and have applied that off hand comment to all positions as well. Everything I have ever heard about lineman is that is the position that is most critical to be physically prepared for, which true freshman are not, and should be RS much more so than spot skill players. Id say the tradeoff of whatever slight advantage they might pick up in playing mop up duty -vs- having them not play but compete in practise, learn the system, build the bodies before getting injured in live action, and come in as a RS frosh ready to compete, is at best a very marginal diffence. You assume we could have worked in more lineman, you assume they would have been able to not be a liability, you assume that would make them more of an asset this year. I dont think any of that is definate. As far as Coach Richt, he said he might have, pretty vague, he says he might have done a lot of things, but he has yet to give any concrete examples or names of anyone who would have made a difference, or been better prepared coming into this year, nor have you.

As far as King, My position is IF he can help us win, great. I want to win this year. We have seen time and time again, you can never plan how a fellow’s carreer is going to go down the road. Win today, with the best players, regardless of clasification. But defining who is best, is why they RS. What I still cannot get my hands around is this…these plays that we put in just for him…why him? why not somebody thats obviously more experienced to do the same play. We have faster players, better conditioned player, folks who know more. I admit I am not familiar enough with his unique skill sets that I can recognize some play he can do that nobody else can. But it sound to me that putting in play just for him, is just that, running a play, just for the sake of seeing him in the game. Why?

By Buck in the NW

August 7, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Altahama, when it comes to linemen I leave that up to Big Dawg because he played. I wouldn’t do anything just for the sake of seeing anyone in the game but I dont believe that a freshman ahs to know the entire playbook to be useful. Again, Harvin at the Reptile school is an example. If King has the talent every one says then why not use it if you can or any other freshman for that matter. Richt has changed his out lokk. As to automatically thinking RS, he say that if a kid comes in ready to play then he’ll have a shot. The kicking game is changing big time according to CMR and how we use our players there will change. I’ve posted in the past that King will have to up grade his blocking and he just said that he now catching up to the speed run at this level of play. Chip and I have agreed to disagree on the RS subject, but I still think that at the end of the day, 10 true freshmen will end up having played for the Dawgs in ‘07. I’m quite willing to let things play out and if I’m wrong so be it. I do believe that some of our “OL” will end up playing on Sunday.

By Dawgman

August 7, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I try to stay on top of things but I missed out on any news about Israel Troupe. What is going on there? I didn’t see him on the roster? Somebody fill me in.

By Gen Neyland

August 7, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

godawg

CK had no idea he needed a license to ride a scooter..? This from CMR..? I may be a toothless hillbilly from Tennessee, but even we’uns know better than that…until we’re caught…CK could have plead that he was only pedaling the Moped…

Any news from atop Rocky you’d like to share would be appreciated, at least to me…

By mcdawg

August 7, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Oklahoma State has advertised its football team by claiming it has the “most powerful offense in the world.”

http://www.stillwater-newspress.com/osusports/localstory218074946.html

By mcdawg

August 7, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

i think some of you boys have an unnatural fixation with carter strickland

By reality check

August 7, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Oklahoma State’s offense is supposed to be very good. I think the defenses in the big 12 are not what we are used to in the SEC, though, and defense usually trumps offense. I can’t help thinking back a couple of years how much the media were touting Boise State.

Oklahoma State’s run defense is considered a real weakness.

By NASCARfan

August 7, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

reality, you’ve really hit the nail on the head. The fact is, Okie State had a bad defense LAST year, and this year, I do believe they have to replace just about as many defensive starters as we do.

That does not add up to a good thing for them. I think they’ll be able to score a couple of times on us, but they will not be able to keep up with our running game and the play action off of it.

By ameliaislandmike

August 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Are the Dawgs man enough for OK State?? Are they man enough??? Ok if a danm* blog can motivate a player there it is . Get fired up Dawgs and dawg fans and give a warm welcome a— whipping to OK State just like that Boise Team that all the naysayers talked about. I hope offense and special teams put this one out of reach.

By AltamahaDawg

August 7, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

If King is the next Harvin , we BETTER get him in there. Or for that matter just a better RB than anyone else, play him. I’m just not sure thats a fair comparison. I don’t think UF had anyone better at what he did. That was an issue of speed, pure and simple. Harvin was the fastest legitamate offensive threat they had. Not sure that going to be the deal with CK. I’m not doubting his ability to contrubute if he had to, I am actually just asking somebody who knows a lot more than me, what does he bring that we simply cannot reproduce with more experienced players. As far as the kicking game, I dont know, seems like we still have a lot of bodies, surely we dont need our prized RB true freshman to fill in on special teams. I’d rather he was preparing to be a solid RB, even if on the side. I think we agree, if he can win a game, put him in, I just dont think that any new revolution, nor am I convinced that is the case here. If he cracks the line up, you can be assured I’ll be 100% behind it because that is going to take a pretty obvious need, not just, “why not”. Also from a fan’s point of view, I always want to see those kids as soon as I can.

By AltamahaDawg

August 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

On a different note. How would you like the be a SC fan reading your Coach publically critisizing the character of his starting QB. Thats a heck of a way to get the whole “year of the c**” started.

By Buck in the NW

August 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

ameliaislandmike, I’m really looking forward to punt and K.O. returnes this fall. BTW, live on the Island a long time ago in the 1st grade. Loved it!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 7, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Dawg4lfe,

Wanted to ease your fears on AJ Green. Live here in Charleston and it is common knowledge he is locked into UGA. Coach Mckissick is similar to CMR in his faith based program . That is one positive for us. AJ can go to a program where he head coaches values are very much inline with one another.

Seperate note. Altamaha, I agree with you on Harvin. He was by far and away the fastest kid on the field when he was in the game. I can bet CK will nt be. Harvins spped forced Urban to put a package together for him. I do not believe with UGA stable of backs we waste CK this year for what 50-70 carries this year.

By JBDAWG

August 7, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

I want to challenge all of you Dawg fans that attend the games to be loud and vocal! I have been attending most home games for about 10 years now and I don’t see us as being near as loud as 92,000+ should be. We need to be the “12th man” instead of waiting for something good to happen before we make a lot of noise. Auburn, Florida, Tennessee, and S. Carolina are all louder than we are. Have you ever contemplated that maybe that’s one of the reasons why we play so good on the road…that our players respond to the noise even though it’s intended to distract them? Get mad, disagree, and respond like a child to this blog if you want… but just make a lot of noise come Sept. 1 and beyond and spread the word!

Stand up and be counted! JBDAWG

By Gen Neyland

August 7, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

reality check

I agree RE: D…Adjustments are a coaches job and good ones do just that during a series instead of plowing over photos after a score..This is where I gag a bit and give Coach Steve credit for his ability to outguess D coaches adjustments. Will he have the tools in place this year to work the same magic he had at UF..? Guess he is offensive in more ways than one…

By I-DOG

August 7, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Chip Great Coverage.

I actually have to agree with Nascar on the WR’s indicating that Eason told them/showed them that FL and SC had more drops than UGA. 1.) I don’t believe it and 2.) If it is true, is the goal to be 10th in the SEC ahead of two teams?

UGA finished near the bottom in penalties, turnovers, and dropped passes. It isn’t the fans imagination.

Don’t mean to be negative, I am bullish on the offense this year and think that the WR’s will come through big this year!

By Gen Neyland

August 7, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

…the adjustments made by Chavis last year at the half of the UGA-UT game included a verbal assault that would have had terroristic threat implications on the streets…

By gator the dog catcher

August 7, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Gen Neyland - Tenn worries me more than anyone else in the SEC. Top notch coaching on both sides of the ball. Throw in the talent in Knoxville and the true National Championship game may be played in September. I would have liked to have seen Clausen under Cutcliffe. I really think that he gets blamed for things that weren’t his fault. Just look at Ainge who may be the top qb in the SEC this year…….Plus Ainge was never all over the internet spooning back up qb Jim Bob Cooter either.

By gator the dog catcher

August 7, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

the original tickle pile

By BillY Bob BullDAwg

August 7, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

HEY! OL BILLY BOB BULDAWG HERE!

Man I tell you what, its ALLMOST football season!!!! i can taste! it. Ill be makin my first ever trip to J-Vile for the showdown with the fla Gators! hope to see all you dawg nation there! We will OWN them! Going back to the SEC champion game.

go DAWGS!!!1! sick em! woo woo woo woo1!

By illlinidawg

August 8, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

hey, they are not the only ones suffering the heat. Redcoat Drumline started on monday, and practice deep in the heat of the day.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 9, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Bulldogs hope to go long more this season