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 > 2007 > August > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBrown (not that one) suspended; 2-a-days end
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another 100-plus-degree day, two-a-days are winding down and another Georgia player is suspended.
That’s right, the Bulldogs have suspended cornerback Ramarcus Brown for the first two games. We don’t have any details yet — just the old violation of team rules thing — and we may not get them because coach Mark Richt and his staff like to keep such things a secret. Two games could be anything from a second failed drug test or a violation of class attendance or tutoring rules or an arrest or something. For what it’s worth, we haven’t uncovered any instances of law-breaking or the like. We’ll let you know if and when we find out.
Even though Brown was running third string on defense, the Dogs will feel his loss. He’s one of the team’s fastest players and a major contributor on special teams.
For those keeping count, that’s three players the Dogs won’t have for the season opener against Oklahoma State, not including Akeem Hebron, who’s gone for the season, and Ian Smith, who quit football.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs this morning had their traditional “Cuttin’ of the Watermelon” to signify the end of two-a-days. Of course, two-a-days don’t actually end until after practice late this afternoon, but I guess late morning at Sanford Stadium made for a better photo op.
Our photographer Brant Sanderlin was there to chronicle the moment (reporters were banned from the morning workout) and reported some funkyk hairdos. Seems that the upperclassmen got hold of the rookies with their shears and razors some time before the practice. As a result, Tanner Strickland has something resembling a bunny tail on the back of his head and walk-on lineman has something even worse, if you could imagine. Expect them all to be Mr. Clean shaven by Fans Picture Day on Saturday.
Stay tuned for more updates later. As always, thanks for hanging out.
Permalink | Comments (39) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
Comments
By NASCARfan
August 15, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
You better believe Coutou has other plans for that gigantic watermelon. There’s probably a bottle of Skyy in his freezer that has that watermelon’s name all over it!
As for Brown, it’s disapointing, but name another team that doesn’t have this problem. Shoot, it looks like in the NFL, the Tennessee Titans have their “Leader” who thinks he’s above the rules, too.
School begins tomorrow. All I know is that I REALLY don’t want to walk around campus in 100 degree weather for the next month. Man. It’s gonna suck.
Buck, how’s the weather where you’re at? My brother and his family live in Portland, and he says that the summers in the PacNorWest are the best in the whole country. Everyday is 68 degrees, with no humidity, and without a cloud in the sky. He always tells me it’s worth putting up with the rain for five straight months from November through the end of March when you have summers like that. I’ve always wanted to go visit him, but being a student, I have no money. Maybe next year, when school’s done with, I’ll come up and see him and we can drive up to Seattle and buy you a beer or ten. How bout it?
Guys, I’m hopeful. It’s a good feeling to have before the season. I can remember last year I wasn’t too hopeful, with our mess at QB. But even though the o-line, d-line, and LBs are unproven, I’m still hopeful. I think we play two good teams to work in our o-line and d-line. Okie State has no defense, so our o-line will be able to work up through the game. South Carolina has no offense, so our d-line and LBs, especially after the first week running around after Okie State, will be able to work up.
Feeling hopeful.
By AltamahaDawg
August 15, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
You will get no sympathy from us “walking around the UGA campus”. Co-eds in hot weather. Yea thats a toughie.
By Cuz
August 15, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Nascar, I feel your pain. I blew a lung one quarter while lifting weights and walked up and down those hills one week before I went to the doctor. Talk about feeling like you are going to die. I almost did.
Another season starts, another group of suspended players who won’t play by coach’s rules. Hey I support the suspensions, without them you have anarchy or the University of Miami. I love Dark Visor’s suspensions. You miss two practices in 100’ heat. “Oh please Coach, don’t send me to my air conditioned room.”
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 15, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Was Ian Smith persuaded to leave or was it just something he decided to do? I wonder, because as a starter for the Dawgs any player has a legit shot at the NFL. Thats a lot to give up just because you don’t like being suspended or the new coach or the work is hard. Any insight?
By Bryan G.
August 15, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
This is really awful news about Ramarcus. And those are two AWFUL games to lose a DB for. OK State and SC are going to throw a bunch of receivers at us and run them up and down the field all night. I hope we just knock ‘em down at the line…
By Luda
August 15, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
I’m only two years removed from college but even I can hardly believe the quality and quantity of beautiful girls that walk around campus. I didn’t really appreciate it untill I looked back on it. 17 more days. F the gators.
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 15, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
I thought some of you might find this interesting. On the CBS sportsline site they give a pretty good brief analysis of the SEC east. Look on the right of the screen at CBS Sportsline Video and click on the College Preview: SEC East.
By ChampDawg
August 15, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
UGA fans (me included) better get used to it…….. the defense this season looks very questionable. Our best hope appears to be to outscore ‘em. And if the O-line isn’t up to that task, it’s gonna be a long year for UGA. Hope I’m wrong.
By dawg17
August 15, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
People please. While it does not sound good. Brown was third string and was more than likely not going to see the field other than special teams(this is where it might hurt the worst).
By Dawgggggggggg
August 15, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
here we go again, tryin to talk negative talk about the Dawgs. We’re got the best talent in the SEC and if hte coaches do there jobs, we’ll win the conference and go on to win our 5th National Champ.
By Roswell Ed
August 15, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
it’s the same old story, same old song and dance, my friend
it’s the same old story, same old song and dance, my friend
By redtop
August 15, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
I know from a pretty reliable source that Ian Smith left on his own. The suspension, fear of furthering injuries and a loss of desire all added up. My source also had a close friend who was kicked off the team last year. Still don’t know the story on that one, but truly feel his heart wasn’t totally in it either. It takes a lot of dedication for these kids to play on the college level and some of these guys don’t realize the pressure until they get in the midst of it. It’s sad…some other guys would do anything to be in there shoes with a full ride.
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 15, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
redtop
Thank you for the insight. I wish him well and hope he gets a great education and job.
By Chip Towers
August 15, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
PRACTICE UPDATE:
I’m a little out of sync today. Forgot to post a practice update. Dogs started a little later today and I did, too. Not a lot to report. But there is this:
Offensive linemen Chester “Cheese” Adams and Scott Haverkamp were back out there. In the nick of time IO’d say… .
LB Marcus Washington is in green, just a day after Richt bragged on him. Probably sore knee but we’ll see… .
CBs Thomas Flowers and Prince Miller getting a LOT of work with No. 1 defense. Asher Allen rotating in… .
Still a lot of players in green but the team was going at it hard.
By CapeCodDawg
August 15, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Dang, Remarcus made 1st team ALL American this year(2nd in Thorpe), (Fr)Reshad Jones 2nd team All American, (Fr)Akeem Hebron 2nd team All American. 17 INTs and 10TD’s between them!!!
That was in NCAA 2008 by the way…just finished my first season.
Oh by the way, we beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl 35-24 and a 10-2 season. Don’t ask who we lost to either…lol
By godawg
August 15, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
More practice notes. Ya’ll should go here everyday.
By chip jones
August 15, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
FOR NASCARfan: Make Washington and Oregon a priority. It’s the real God’s country. The Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Baker, Olympic Peninsula, Gold’s Beach, Alki Beach, Mt. Bachelor Ski Area, Skagit Valley…and on and on. Seattle is the most civilized city in the country. Portland is the most courteous. There are even yellow bicycles all over town for people to use and no one steals them. Yes, I would still live there except for one thing: 60 days that the sun shines each year. Oops, that means 305 days of rain. Mist and 50 degrees gets old. That’s right. Oh yeah, the traffic. Yuck. Visit only, Nothing is perfect. Hold onto that. If you think it’s hot here, go to Key West this week, by the way. Fishing is good if you don’t succumb to a heat stroke!
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 15, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Champ,
defense will be fine. We have lost over the years David Pollack,Thomas Davis,Sean Jones, Robert Geathers,Greg Blue, Jonathon Sullivan…see where I am going. We have lost aloot of talent over the past few years and have not noticed a drop of yet. I have the utmost confidence that Coach Martinez will have these talented young men ready to play.
By Mike
August 15, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
I wish we were going to have the heat advantage, but after watching the PGA, it appears it may be even hotter in Oklahoma…. Still, they may be young, but our depth should be greater than OkSt’s… I hope.
Chip, how has Tripp looked at tackle? I really think the O-Line is the key. The defensive line will be fine even though we are quite a bit lighter up front this year.
By Buck in the NW
August 15, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
nascarfan, the weather’s nice. Down to about 55 and up to 80 with 45% humidity. P-dawg in Tulsa thanks and godawg, I do. I’m not saying this but every word I’ve heard or read draws the same bottom line. The fortunes of the Dawgs in ‘07 rest squarely on the shoulders of Matthew Stafford. That having been said, for the Dawgs to win the SEC East, the receivers must catch the ball and if they don’t it’s time to start benching. I know that CMR is into his receivers blocking big time but last year he said that maybe the team was spending to much time on blocking and not enough on catching. Tony Wilson, Alon White(as a receiver and not a TE) and others I hope will get a chance if the older guys aren’t doing the job.
By Buck in the NW
August 15, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
godawg, I went there and after reading what WM had to say I perplexed. I don’t care where we ranked last season, it was a lack of pressure that allowed Ky. to ram the ball down our throats and win last season;however, CMR must have signed off on the 4 man front and very little else for the “D” so they get payed the big money to make those decisions.
By Chip Towers
August 15, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
POST-PRACTICE UPDATES:
Lotta news out there today guys …
COX TO PLAY
Matthew Stafford remains indisputably Georgia’s No. 1 quarterback, but that doesn‘t mean he’ll be the only one to play this season. In fact, head coach Mark Richt revealed Wednesday that the Bulldogs plan on playing Joe Cox regularly.
“Right now we’re leaning toward getting him in the first game,” Richt said of the Sept. 1 opener against Oklahoma State. “He’ll play in every game, more than likely.”
Richt balked when asked in what kind of rotation he planned to deploy Cox.
“I don’t want to pigeon-hole us,” he said. “But we’re not afraid to play Joe Cox.”
Cox, who was in a four-way battle for the starting job this time last year, said he has never asked for assurances regarding playing time and never considered transferring away from Georgia.
“I had a talk with coach [Mike] Bobo last spring and I told him I didn’t have to have playing time to keep me involved,” Cox said. “I told him I’d do anything I could to help us get ready, in practice, in games, whatever. But it’s nice to know they’re thinking about getting me in.” Cox, a redshirt sophomore from Charlotte, N.C., started against Ole Miss and appeared in four games overall. He came off the bench to throw the deciding touchdown in a 14-13 win over Colorado.
Stafford, also a sophomore, started the last eight games of last season and has been unchallenged as the starter this season.
BROWN OUT
Remarcus Brown, who started nine games at weakside cornerback for the Bulldogs last season, was suspended for the first two games for an undisclosed reasons.
He broke team rules,” Richt said, refusing to elaborate. Asked how long Brown’s suspension had been determined, he said, “we’ve known it for a while.”
Brown started the first seven games last season and two of the next three before giving way to Bryan Evans for the remainder of the year. He was running third-string in the preseason behind Evans and Prince Miller.
“It hurts us, especially against those first two teams the way they like to spread it out and throw it around,” Richt said. “And Remarcus is a difference-maker on special teams.
THE BUTLER DID IT
Well, it’s not exactly official just yet, but Georgia coach Mark Richt, with input from assistant David Johnson, hardily endorsed freshman Drew Butler as the winner in the punting compeition.
“We’d both give a slight edge to Butler right now,” Richt said of Butler, who is competing with junior walkon Brian Mimbs. “It hasn’t been completely decided yet but, if we had to play today, it’d probably be Butler.
Richt said Butler, the son of Collegiate Hall of Fame place-kicker and Redan High graduate Kevin Butler, has simply been more consistent.
By Tim
August 15, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
I just hope they pick the right spot to use Cox. With Greene & Shockley, it always seemed to be after Greene got on a roll and then it took him a while to get restarted when he got back in.
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 15, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
How has Cox looked in practice? Is he really sharp or just OK? Could you ask Richt is this a preperation tacktic, incase of injury, or has Cox earned this somehow? When Green and Shockley were both in school I understood what Richt was doing. I didn’t always agree, but I understood. This move does perplex me a little bit.
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 15, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
One follow up, will this be similar to the Green Shockley playing time split?
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
August 15, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Congrats chip you have a link on mandel’s SI Mailbag. Mandel has again decided to discuss UGA’s status as elite or not. If you read the whole section he peppers in varies question/referrences to the column. Fairly entertaining.
College Football Mailbag (cont.)
By NASCARfan
August 15, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
This is a huge mistake. This kind of thing only works when the other QB is a change of pace guy, and even then sometimes it doesn’t work, as many of us remember from Coach Richt shoehorning DJ into games before he was ready. It can mess with the rhythm of the starting quarterback, which was something that often plagued David Greene when Shock was brought in. Also, it takes snaps with the first team away from the starting QB, but still, the other guy doesn’t get enough. That interception in the GA-FL game that was the difference in us playing for the Mythical National Championship that Shock threw to a wide open Gator CB comes to mind.
You know what? Sometimes Mark Richt can be so DUMB it’s not even funny.
By SamoanDawg
August 15, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Richt will probably use Joe like he did with Greene/Shock… coming in on 3rd series.
Stafford is the man. But I like Cox too. I thought Cox did a real nice job of managing the offense in the spring. Short stuffs, intermediate routes and very nice touch on the ball. It’s good to have two quality QBs.
Chip, I heard Antavious Coates knee is acting up again. That’s too bad for him. What’s the status on him?
By Anything but Dawgggggggggg
August 16, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
“By Dawgggggggggg here we go again, tryin to talk negative talk about the Dawgs. We’re got the best talent in the SEC and if hte coaches do there jobs, we’ll win the conference and go on to win our 5th National Champ.”
I don’t know what kind of drugs you are taking but a B.S. team with no class is highly unlikely to win a national championship.
By ga dog
August 16, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this
yeah i think everyone will get to play some of the games including barnes, we will beat some teams this year
By Buck in the NW
August 16, 2007 5:38 AM | Link to this
Wonder why CMR had to make a special announcement that Cox would play? That makes it a big deal. Why not just put him in?
By Jack
August 16, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
Another pup in trouble GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE what a surprise. Just add this to the already VERY LONG list of why an 0-2 start is only a couple of weeks away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cant wait.
By D.Ellis
August 16, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Chip-Thanks for the info-Would like to know how C. Durham looks at WR…thought he had a nice spring game and has pretty good hands. Height should be used in Red Zone. Also It can be a good thing to get Cox in the game….and sometimes bad I think. Stafford might need to see the defense from a different point of view for a series or 2…if he is having trouble. How come we don’t hear alot about R. Jones. I thought he would be starting and bangin heads with the first team by now…but he probably will by midseason. Also are the DE’s and LB’s gettting prepared for the option in practice?
By Steeledawg
August 16, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Hey NASCARfan,
I would trade walking around campus in 100+ weather for 8 hrs. in this damn cubicle in a heartbeat. You guys that are still in school need to really take the time to appreciate your experience at UGA. It goes by fast, and when it’s over life is never the same.
I am not to concerned about the Brown suspension, we the depth to absorb the loss for a couple of games. Not sure about the QB rotation. It seems like that is just asking for trouble.
Go Dawgs!
By TDAWG
August 16, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Jack! Don’t be a DICK!!!!!!! Buzzz on back to your Bumble Bee blogg. GO DAWGS!!!
By austindog
August 16, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Chip, congrats on the SI.com callback, you’ve got Mandel (and the college football nation) reading you now. Well played.
You could have used that hierarchy to take an easy pot shot at UGA (like someone else would have), but a “thorough rebuttal” beats antagonizing insinuations any day.
By Mark
August 16, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
As for the comments about Spurrier. The players who were suspended for the first two practices were not sent back to their air conditioned room. They ran sprints during practice in the 100 degree heat.
By AltamahaDawg
August 16, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
OR we could actually see what the man does with the QB’s before we pick it apart. I think sometimes a coach is asked a specific question, and then his answer is perceived to be more than it is. Not sure grand announcment is really what happened. I do think he prabably made a point to not leave his extremely valuable back up QB out of the public discussion. Its pretty unlikely that MS can go his entire career and never have to sit a series or two, and I’m sure its all the have a viable option ready. Freshman lineman protecting his blind side and willingness to tuck it and run, yea, we might need ot get Cox a little PT when we can. For those that hang on his every words and try to extract definatives out of it, he said, “might”, “maybe”, “not sure how”, “some”. Past comparison to completely different situations from year ago seem like a bit of a stretch.
By pxoskemqu zwxvtnr
September 3, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
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