UGA

By ga dog

August 16, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

the dogs are gonna win some games this year easier than last and even barnes will get to play, i expect stafford to get his 350 yds per game and turn it over to cox and barnes, the offensive line will be there

By Dawg in Alabama

August 16, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I for one am hoping Coach Richt is setting up our opponents to think we may shuttle quarterbacks in and out to throw off the defense. I can’t see how this will work well because Stafford and Cox have similar styles. This is way different than the Greene/Shockley “experiment”

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 16, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chip,

That seems a little more down to earth than when my knee jerked yesterday. Ching has this perspective: Richt: Cox may appear in opener

You have helped me sleep a little better tonight. Thank you.

One other story which talks about our O-line was insightful and little scary. Here Dogs’ offensive line unsettled

By Saban for President

August 16, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Georgia lost most of its O-line, both D ends, all three LBs, both corners, a TE, two safeties, has a d-coordinator coming back who gave up 50+ points in a game, returns a qb who threw 13 INTS, returns receivers who can’t catch a ball, YES, I AM JUST AS EXCITED AS YOU ALL ARE!!!!!!!!!

“WHAT ABOUT THEM DAWGS!??????”

By Pat

August 16, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Let Richt handle the QBs as he sees fit. As fans we can have our opinion but they aren’t worth a hill-of-beans. There are bigger issues with the team to worry about than if Cox takes a few snaps.

By pdawg

August 16, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Just love ur work…wonder where you were when the other AJC journalist gave us all kinds of headaches. The stuff they write and their logic leaves much to be desired. Keep up the good work. I personally think Cox is good and as you said if a game is already won or if Stafford is struggling he can always help us out. I will never forget how he saved us against Colorado.

By wildboar

August 16, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

It’s always a good idea to have your back-up QB get playing time. I think Joe will do a good job. He’s in his third year at UGA, so I assume knows the offense well. It seems strange to me that Joe was surprised at Richt’s announcement.

By jason

August 16, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

of course it is the right move bc the qb who you idiotic UGA fans think is the next heisman winner (Stafford)is an AVERAGE AT BEST QB end of story.

By Get the Picture

August 16, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Here are Richt’s comments regarding Cox as reported by Columbus Ledger-Inquirer reporter David Ching on his blog at ching-athens.blogspot.com:

On Joe Cox as the backup, not the starter: He’s the kind of guy that first of all really loves it here at Georgia. He loves his teammates and coaches. I think he just flat-out enjoys it here. He loves the whole atmosphere and the whole bit. He’s the kind of guy that he doesn’t want to play unless he’s earned it and deserves it, and even if we play him in the first half or second half or whatever in any ballgame, he’ll be like, ‘Coach, don’t play me unless you think I can help us win.’ That’s just the kind of kid he is. If he plays, it’s because we believe he’s earned it and right now we’re leaning toward wanting to get him in the game.

Would you say in terms of having a backup role, that you would equate him as one of the better backups in the South? Yeah, now I would, just as I watch him practice every day, and even the one opportunity he had to save the day, I mean he saved the day in a very adverse situation. So we have a lot of confidence that he can come off the bench and help us win.

When you say leaning toward wanting to get him in the game, how do you envision that? What kind of scenario are you talking about? I don’t know, just get him in the game at one point or another. Maybe in the first half. I don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves. Sometimes you have every intention to get a guy in there and if you don’t, people will question why didn’t you and then you’ll hurt the kid’s feelings. So we’re not promising him anything, but the way he’s been performing, he deserves to get in there. Hopefully we’ll find the right time to do that.

On a regular basis? On a game-by-game, as you set up the game plan? Uh, more than likely, the way I see it right now. Game situations could always dictate something different, but we’re not afraid to play Joe Cox at all.

By gator the dog catcher

August 16, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Saban for Pres - Maybe Richt should get the game with Bama permenantly moved to Jacksonville as well………….Saban was never very successful in Florida.

By 59bulldawg

August 16, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with Stafford or Cox as long as they can move the offense an not throw ints. But I expect Richt was probably thinking of a 90/10 or at most a 80/20 split between the two unless Stafford has a truly bad stretch. Cox is very capable of leading us if need be and we are fortunate to have him as our number 2. But he needs to stay sharp in case MS goes down and the only way to do that is to give him playing time. I trust Richt’s insight and judgement on this and don’t see it as a problem.

By Cowboy03

August 16, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Oklahoma State has a solid 2nd string QB (Zac Robinson)… Coach Mike Gundy put him in the game a lot last year, and it sounds like he may play even more this year. More and more teams are having success with ‘situational QBs’ and sometimes putting in a formation with 2 QB’s.

I’m hoping for a good game (and of course an OkState W). With both teams promising to play #2 QBs, we could be in for some interesting football. BUT, let’s hope the outcome isn’t decided on a breakdown by a guy who doesn’t really need to be out there! Anyone else a little nervous?

This is a great blog. I’ve been keeping an eye on it. Wish we had something like it!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 16, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Saban,

You better enjoy this campaign, because if history is any indication he won’t be around for 4 more years!

By david

August 16, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Look its always easier to have two qbs ready just in case one gets hurt, think logical

By david

August 16, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Look its always easier to have two qbs ready just in case one gets hurt, think logical

By brendan

August 16, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

uhmmmm- richt was a career backup in college and I think that has clouded his judgement. This point is so obvious and I’ve noticed it but I’ve never heard anyone else say anything about it.

It’s like he’s jealous of his own starting quarterback. HIs life experience causes him to identify with the backup. His whole tenure at Georgia he has never picked a starter and stuck with him. Matthew, if you’re reading this transfer now. There’s a reason that most coaches never do this and Mark Richt always does it. Richt is emotionally damaged. If Cox’s performance is so great…..START HIM AND STICK WITH HIM. BE A HEAD COACH, NOT A FRUSTRATED FORMER BACKUP.

By 2N4YEARS

August 16, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

I see Cox being thrown into games that a GEORGIA lead might allow. I don’t think Richt is going to go back and re-visit the Green-Shockley era, and I don’t think he really cares if people think it was a good idea or not to bring this point up. He knows wht he meant by saying this, and his players I’m sure also know what he meant when he said this, shich is all that really counts.

By gdawginkalamazoo

August 16, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Cowboy03, welcome. Good post keep coming back and please update us on the Cowboys and what is happening.

Chip, the when the situation dictates or a lead allows him to play would be best. Stafford appears to have turned the corner last year so he shouldn’t experience any of the problems he had last year. Cox NEEDS to get some playing time just as insurance if Stafford gets injured. Of course that is a given and ultimately I have to say that Richt shouldn’t have said ANYTHING on playing time for Cox. If he wanted to shuffle it up to throw off the defense you don’t tell them about it you just do it. Kinda like the war in Iraq, don’t go an TV explaining what you are going to do, just do it without warning.

By stevethehawk

August 16, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Yes david, but its better to have one guy who is THE guy. Which is what we should do at the RB position, too.

By Blue

August 16, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

What does UGA gain by having Cox play? I realize Cox would gain experience and UGA would be creating depth. But against OSU what does UGA gain as far as game plan goes? Nothing. Cox brings nothing to the game that MS doesn’t possess but at a much higher level. DJ brought a running threat that DG didn’t have. I think as far a game planning goes, it’s not that beneficial.

By 2007

August 16, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Saban, when was the last time Alabama beat UGA? How was Sabans’ last go around against the Dawgs? And, who plays: the players? or the Coach?

Bama has no returning talent, and can hope for maybe a 7-5 record at best

By SickandTired

August 16, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Oh, but Richt has started a QB and stuck with him once since he’s been at UGA….that was the year his son DJ was at QB….

By Mike

August 16, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Hey, “ga dawg”, whoa big fella. Let’s hope for about 200 in the air and 200 on the ground. I want that clock running….

Brendan, get a grip.

Cowboy03, nice hearing from you, I think it is going to be a great game. Good luck in the Big 12 this year.

By JB

August 16, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

There are some very good football players in Athens, players that all the elite wanted, and we’ve got good coach’s. Nobody, and I mean nobody in the regional or national press is expecting anything out of the Dawgs this year. I’m sure the coach’s are telling them all this also. It’s sexy to gush over Urban, Saban, Spurrier. I hope they do overlook us. You ought to read the Oklahoma State board. They are figuring out “how bad” they are going to beat us. We have 51 four star or better guys on that team. I hope they put their jocks on when they arrive from Oklahoma, they’ll need them.

By Vision

August 16, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

“If” Cox gets in the game it will be for performance reasons, nothing more or less. I am happy for the kid.

By richtfan

August 16, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

he was better off not saying anything about it. staff is the clear starter, and discussing anything else is irrelevant. Only the players and coaches need to know who goes in after Stafford comes out.

By markymark107

August 16, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

First of all it is always a good idea to keep the backup sharp. We all know Matthew is the starting QB and better than any QB that the Gators and Tide have on camous. Secondly, Georgia pulls a good deal of players out of North Carolina and doesn’t want that to change. Good article.

By Gary

August 16, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Cox should get in games because there’s still a chance that he can take over the starting role in the future. I don’t know what QB y’all were watching last year, but Stafford didn’t look like our savior to me, other than a nice stretch in the last couple of games. I think it’s important to make sure Cox is prepared to be a starter some day in case Stafford fails to show improvement in his decision making and tendency to panic under pressure.

By georgiagirl

August 16, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Brendan GO GET LOST IN SOMEONE ELSE BLOG. I’M SURE CMR HAS HIS OWN PLAN, SO EVERYONE STOP YOUR DOUBTS. TIME WILL TELL THE STORY.

SABAN- GET REAL WITH YOUR REMARKS ABOUT UGA BECAUSE THERE’S ANOTHER TEAM NAME AUBURN THAT HAS YOUR NUMBER.

JASON-WHO MADE YOU A PRO AT QB’S.

DWAGS FANS GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By gdawginkalamazoo

August 16, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t Cox a top notch recruit out of NC? We all know that he is more than capable to come off the bench and get the job done. He has and he can is all the opponents need to know. We are fortunate that any of our backup QB’s could be starters elsewhere and at major programs at that.

By Buck in the NW

August 16, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Kalamazoo, you and I are on the same wavelength. Why did he have to say anything? why not just do it. I didn’t have a knee jerk reaction I was just stunned. Nice way to open the season if your #1 QB. Every time I thing of the “Shock/Green situation I remember the end of the 1st half of the Reptile game. You watch, he’ll be asked about it on ESPN today and it’ll be the subject of a lot of conversation. This is a throwback to days gone by for no reason.

By ChampDawg

August 16, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

The QB position is the least of worries for UGA. Like it or not, I have to agree with what “Saban for President” said. It could be a very long year and anybody who doesn’t see it that way— I appreciate your optimisim but your head’s in the sand (or some other place……. :-) )

By jim

August 16, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Cox as a back-up is one play away from being tomorrows starter. All we need to do is look back at last year and a blind man could see the reason we need Cox to be ready. Last year we had no-one who was ready. We had four top 10 QBs on the team but none were ready or able to start. Coach Richt struggled on red-shirting Stafford or not and finally chose to make him the man. Only time will tell if that was the right choice.

Go DAWGS!

PS: What Coach Richt needs for his problem children is a big paddle with about 12 holes drilled in it.

By BCD

August 16, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Cox was a 4* and I remember when we signed him everyone was very excited about it. If MS hadn’t signed he would be our starter right now and he would be doing a good job for us.

While I don’t love the fact that CMR subs our QBs and RBs so much, it helps us more than it hurts us. I doubt having Cox in for a game costs us one, but if MS goes down and he has to start, it will make a huge difference.

BCD

By Transplanted Dawg

August 16, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I just threw up.

By What?

August 16, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Say what? So, let’s take all the inconsistencies of last season determining the number one quarterback and then replay it in 2007? Is the heat getting to Richt or what?

By Gary

August 16, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

I’m all for getting as many players game experience as possible. As we found out with Greene, no matter how good your starter is, you have to have a reliable backup in case something happens, and something always does. We have some great talent as backups, let ‘em play.

By bushwacker

August 16, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

It just makes good sense to get Joe some playing time. After all, once the DAWGS go undefeated and win the National Championship Stafford might go ahead and go pro. If not after this season, absolutely after we win it AGAIN next year.

Of course, we may lose our coach too after we win 2 in a row?

Bartender, make that a double!

By DawgByte

August 16, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

LETS ALL REPEAT AFTER ME… WE HAVE NO QB CONTROVERSY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA!

If Joe gets in the game, hopefully it means we are up by 21 points and there’s 5 minutes left on the clock.

Stafford is going to be just fine. Find a WR or two who can catch the ball and we’re on our way to an excellent season.

By SEC is Football

August 16, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

2007….No returning talent?? A QB who had a better season than Matthew “The Chosen One” Stafford, a very solid WR Corp with All-SEC WR DJ Hall, All SEC OL Antoine Caldwell, Freshman All-American Andre Smith and Prince Hall, and All SEC DB Simeon Castille. Call me crazy but I think we had more returning players make the pre-season All-SEC list than UGA did. I am not really worried about our returning talent. It is the young, inexperienced talent that I am worried about.

By shane

August 16, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

smart move,okst coaches have been studying film of stafford to prepare for the game,richt just gave them some more homework. cox is a good qb and will do will when and if he plays.

By Buck in the NW

August 16, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

BCD, I couldn’t agree with you any more. It would be foolish not to play Cox when he could. Chip Towers has earned my respect as a reporter based on his work produce. When he says that CMR tightened up when pressed about the issue(not exact quote) I can believe it. Nothing had been said to Cox and now I wonder if he had said anything to MS. If not, then I’m sure he made his QBs day(Stafford, I guess)

By Wes

August 16, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Cowboy03,

As a diehard Dawg fan, let me say welcome. It’s nice to have an opponent who contributes to this blog with intelligent posts instead of the senseless dribble that comes from certain reptiles and insects. Welcome, and keep the posts coming.

By Pitbull

August 16, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I think it is great. I would hate for us to be in a position where our starting qb got injured, and the nonstarting qb had not taken a snap all year. That would be a stupid thing to do. They both should get game time and reps so that either of them can lead us if the other is hurt.

The only people who love qb controversies and try to make them out of nothing are those that sell newspapers (read that AJC) and those that hate us (read that GT, UF, UT).

PS Please continue to bear in mind that GT=Gross Turds.

PSS Has Mike Vick been incarcerated yet? I have not been going out lately.

By Real Estate Dawg

August 16, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Maybe Richt feels he has to make sure the backup QB gets reps and is ready because he knows them starting QB is going to get hit often……yikes!

By Real Estate Dawg

August 16, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Maybe Richt feels he has to make sure the backup QB gets reps and is ready because he knows the starting QB is going to get hit often……yikes!

By brendan

August 16, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Oh, Georgia Girl,

I didn’t read anywhere that this was your blog and since whoever runs this thing posts my polite comments…I guess it isn’t…

Fact: Joe T. Looked awful last year and Stafford should have been getting reps in those first few games… instead Richt Played Joe T. for one reason…because he knows how it feels to ride the bench one’s whole career.

Why in the world does Richt try and create a QB controversy where there is none? Please see the detailed psychoanalysis posted above for the answer. Richt is a great coach but someone has got to call him on this because he needs to stop it. Coach Richt, please pick a starter like every other coach out there…and quit feeling sorry for the back-up non-hackers like yourself.

By Spike

August 16, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Good job, Chip. Everybody calm down. Do not underestimate Cox. Remember the end of the Colorado game last year when we were on the ropes and Cox threw a pass that even Martrez Milner could catch to save our bacon? Hey Saban, just look what happened when Lou played the Dawgs last time. I would not be talking to much smack yet,big mouth. GATA DAWGS!!!

By gator the dog catcher

August 16, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Yes Shane, a very smart move. Now OK State coaches can say “When that Cox kid gets in there, you just have to break a little bit later on the ball.” “Sometimes those weak armed qbs will make you over run the throw and you could get burnt.”

By AltamahaDawg

August 16, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Like I said…….

By biggest patsy of the year

August 16, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Cox will be needed for the Western Carolina game. Bucks boy will either be up by many or will have many picks.

By Wrekker

August 16, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

FLORIDA OWNS THE MUTTS!!!

By Spike

August 16, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Hey “Gator the Dog Catcher”.. It’s “burned”, Bozo.

By shane

August 16, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

gator,this is a trying time of the year for coaching staffs everywhere. these guys are working overtime just trying to get their guys ready. it is hard enough just to find time to study your first game and they always feel that something was left undone,and it usually is. don’t be suprised if their is something new put in just for cox,maybe a couple of plays that stafford hasn’t had time to work on. if i were at okst and cox came into the game for no apparent reason i would think “trick play”. so now you have to spend time getting guys ready for something that may never happen, and believe me,time is something that coaches never have enough of,that is why i said,smart move.

By ol dawg

August 16, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

You guys are really something. If you are so smart, why aren’t you making 2 mil a year. I say it’s not too bad for a “backup”. As for Cox, I would have no problem with him as our quarterback. He was a star in HS but hasn’t gotten the minutes here. I feel he has the talent, and am comfortable. I am also comfortable with CMR. Wish those of you who pretend to be fans and know so much, felt the same. I’ll close with one question - would you rather have Spurrier, Saban, Meyer or Richt. I thought so!

By dawg17

August 16, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

First off MATT STAFFORD IS THE STARTER AND WILL BE THE STARTER. Cox is the back up and will get reps as needed to stay in game shape just in case he is needed.

Also CMR is a smart smart man. Bring this QB controversy up to have some people thinking. Now most coaches especially the first two Ok State and SC are thinking; crap find game tape on Cox so we can be ready. This will now take away a good portion of their game preparation to focus on that instead of how inexperienced our O-line is. Brilliant!!!

By Smitty

August 16, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Sucker for President, I mean Saban for President. Enjoy your coach until the next HIGH bidder comes to call, then so long Saban, sorry suckers!!! I loved the statistical information, why don’t we do some more comparisons my friend.

      UGA      v     UA

Record 9-4 6-7 Scoring 327 pts 298 pts Rushing 1656 yds 1600 yds Rush Att 426 455 Pass 2397 yds 2767 yds Total Off 4053 yds 4367 yds

I can see why you you left out some of the other stats. At 6-7 it looks as thought the Tide did more “rolling over”, rather than rolling. Bama fans are living in a fantasy land. Good luck elephants!!!! See you in September!!!!

By joe

August 16, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Actually, I’m not going to be playing in every game this year. I just put CMR up to that for kicks and to get a rise out of all of you who read this stupid blog…BTW, I just threw up too…difficult practice in hot weather today…woof.

By AJ

August 16, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

What was Bama’s record last year? I think it was 6-7. So talk about Stafford all you want last i checked UGA finished 9-4. But I do think that the Bama/ UGA game is going to be one of the better games this Year.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

One of the reasons Richt makes a lot of money is that he has to withstand the pressure of fans second guessing his decisions. It’s part of the job…why can’t people criticize Richt for doing a consistently horrible job of fillig the QB position…Richt came in as a former QB and a former OFF COORD and an offensive genius but has never had a star QB…One Question: If your Son was a top-rated high school QB prospect would you advise him to go to a Richt led UGA…I wouldn’t.

By Michael G.

August 16, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Since Joe and Matthew are golfing buddies and good friends off the field, maybe Joe can teach Matthew to put some touch his passes. There were situations last year where Matthew would overthrow deep passes by not putting air under it, and short quick passes where he would throw it as hard as he could.

And maybe Matthew could tech Joe to stay cool under pressure. Joe came off the bench to save us vs. Colorado when he didn’t have time to be nervous. He was named the starter the next week and never seemed to find his comfort zone.

Whoever plays, I expect both to play well when given their chance. I just hope the O-Line can help keep Joe and Matt’s jersey’s clean by giving them some protection.

By Dawg4life

August 16, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

First, let me saw GO DAWGS!! Second, I think this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. All Richt said is that Cox has been playing well in practice…well enough to warrant consideration for playing. It seems like everyone’s overlooking the fact that he also said “We aren’t promising him anything”, which means Stafford is, and will be, the sole undisputed starter. So people like Brendan are obviously misinformed or can’t read!

By Zeier was Right

August 16, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Can anyone name a QB who had a worse freshman year than Stafford? Even Reggie Ball smoked him.

By Spike

August 16, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Brendan Have you ever heard of David Greene? The UGA QB that set the NCAA Division 1 record for career wins? You don’t think he qualifies as a “star quaterback”? You are the one that needs analyzing and to get back on your meds. Nitwit.

By UGA29

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

I thought that after last year’s struggles, using only one QB would have thought us something. We all saw how much better the Dawgs’ WRs were once they worked with only one QB. Whay mess that up now? Rhythm and timing is everything between a QB and WRs specially when they already suffer from the drops.

By Spike

August 16, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Hey “Zeier” Stafford sure smoked the Tech defense in the fourth quarter last year. I’ll bet Stafford can count to four, and he won’t lose every game he plays against Tech either, like Reggie did against UGA.

By In Toccoa

August 16, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

When’s the last season Richt didn’t play a backup QB ?

Reporter comes in and asks Richt a few questions and he says his going to play offence like he always does. In other words, Cox is going to see some play time.

Since Richt’s been the head coach that IS GA football.

By Chip Towers

August 16, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

PRACTICE UPDATE

First of all, practice was halted. Lightning was spotted within a mile of the Woodruff Practice Fields so, as is policy, the players were sent inside off the field and will resume when the threat subsides.

Some observations:

Dogs are going to be tough on punt returns. Between Mikey Henderson and Thomas Flowers, they’re a threat to take it to the house at any given moment. They do it regularly in practice… .

Former offensive lineman Russ Tanner was out there talking to Dave Van Halanger and several other folks. Says hello to everybody… .

SE A,J. Bryant was ikn a green jersey and hanging out underneath the training shed. Not sure what that’s about but I’ll check …

OG Tanner Strickland still riding stationery bike… . WR Kris Durham is in green but back in drills… . Freshman John Knox — who’s wearing No. 32 by the way — was in green and riding the bike.

FWIW, strength and conditioning assistant Keith Gray thinks the O-line is going to surprise a lot of people.

More later.

By yellowblood

August 16, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

TO Saban for President: Its “HOW about them Dawgs” not “What about them dawgs” and don’t say “How about those Dawgs” either. That would be improper slang.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Mark Richt didn’t say that he planned to get Cox a few snaps in games against patsies or in Lop-sided wins. Chip Towers reports that Richt said he “planned to play Joe against Oklahoma State and in every game all year.” Not only that but Richt’s entire history as a head Coach suggests that he cannot pick a starter and stick with him…and All I’ve suggested is that Mark Richt is emotionally scarred from riding the pine in college and cannot bring himself to do that to any QB he coaches. Hence we get extremely odd behavior from Richt when it comes to Quarterbacks like ever starting Joe T. Now he wasn’t fit to be a tackling dummy. Richt remembers when he worked hard for four years and never played and that is the only reason that we have to watch his pathetic QB juggling year in and year out.

By Amused

August 16, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I agree with most of you that there isn’t a qb controversy just CMR trying to find opportunities to get his backup qb some playing time. I think CMR sometimes is just too nice and wants to make his players happy and please them by rationing out playing time whether it be rotating qb, rb, or wr but in the end it frustrates most fans and I don’t know how happy the players are knowing they are one play away from being taken out the game. Still I believe CMR is doing what he feels is best for the program so I support it.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

uhhh…Green’s gonna get cut from the Seattle Seahawks when he doesn’t make third string and he’ll be back here selling life insurance soon.

By shane

August 16, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

ol dawg,you are certainly right,most of these guys have never even played the game,but they all think they have a “football mind”. one post said richt had never coached a “star”qb. that must be a shock to the two heisman winners from fsu. i guess he also waited five years to feel sorry for joe t,because the only game he played in 2005 was the uf game when shock was hurt. it just could be he started joe t last year was because he was the only qb we had that had actually played an sec game. stafford was not ready,as was evident when started. i think richt was hoping joe t could hold down the fort untill stafford was ready to play.

By AltamahaDawg

August 16, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

That Brenda is quite a charmer.

BTW, Greene was a good signee comeing in but nobody exactly talked about his NFL future coming into college. Not sure what your definition is of “star”, but he certainly acheived way beyond anyones expectations. Not sure who all those other guys you are saying didnt excel are. 2 former QB isnt exactly a very big sampling.

By Chip Towers

August 16, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

UPDATE

Dogs have resumed practice after a weather delay of about 45 minutes.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Uhhh Mark Richt wasn’t the head coach At FSU…therefore was not allowed to mismanage the QB personnel there

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 16, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg,

You were right. When I read the comments they were so vague, my thoughts went from the QB wasn’t a ? to is their a ? at QB.

Some of you who are Dawg fans and those who aren’t(brendan) look at last years stats for Stafford and are questioning whether he can be the man. Truth is we find out this year. Richt and every educated football pundit, scout, ect. seem to know he is the real deal. Not knowing much, I tend to agree. For those of you who ? last year, I was one of the people who was comfortable with and advocated JTIII starting and then working Stafford in over time. As it turns out JTIII got hurt and Stafford got to play most of the season as a true freshman with a limited play book and other issues. As many wanted last year, he took his lumps. Now I like many others think, hope, and pray to see some dividends. With this team I have questions about O-line, and I know experience on D will cost us some points in the first few games. Baring injury, if these ? marks turn in our favor we have a team to be reckoned with. CMR is definitely the man.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Why does it hurt y’all so much to admit that Richt has a blind spot when it comes to how he staffs the QB position that results from his frustration at never being a starting QB?

By bushwacker

August 16, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who thinks Mathew might leave early for the NFL and that’s why the back up needs some playing time??? Maybe not after this year but next?

It would not be the first time we had one leave early.

If we are lucky we can get Stafford and Coach Richt to come to the Falcons next year.

This way the new coach wil have a QB with experience.

By JimmyG

August 16, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Hahahahahahaha - John Parker Wilson you have got to be kidding me. 6-7 last year and you are excited? Bama fans come on I spend a lot of time in your Tuscaloosa where yall all have the misconception that the Bear is not living with the dirt and that just because the jersey says Bama they are good players. Hello!!!! I watched several of Bama’s 6-7 season and they are pathetic. John Parker Wilson is no where close to the quarterback Brodie was, but you ask a Bama fan and JPW is a god. You all hated Brodie because he was hurt, and failed to realize how much better he made you as a team. Bama is pathetic like I said NO returning talent! The only recognizable name on that list was Castille and thats because he is on the field so much because the offense is terrible. Really Bama fans you got a coach, a coach that had one 10 win season, a coach who’s last visit to Athens resulted in a 30 point beat down, a coach that will not stay there once he realizes how the state of Alabama is still in the 1980’s. A coach that sits on the sideline and DOES NOT GO ON THE FIELD! Come on Bama fans Bear is dead and Bama is a bottom tier SEC team who is in for another long season. September 22nd in Tuscaloosa is going to be fun, partialy because the bars never close on Fridays and partialy because Georgia is lightyears ahead of bama in talent and as a football program. Here is to hoping Saban doesn’t go to a strip club so yall have to fire him to.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Ohhh Altamahdog,

Brendan is my real name and it has really hurt my feelings when someone called me Brenda…ever since the first time it happened in Kindergarten…but it really helps me out when I cross-dress. Oh, also I do understand that anyone who criticizes richt cannot be a true Georgia fan, also I am a communist pinko-

But that doesn’t change the fact that Richt has been shuffling Quarterbacks his entire tenure at Georgia…I didn’t notice him doing that at FSU…because it wasn’t his call.

By Buck in the NW

August 16, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

brenden, funny you should mention that. Reptile Relative and I were talking about DG. We wondered if he would indeed be on the squad. Tues. afternoon, I called the Seattle Post-Intelligence and asked their reporter the question. His answer was “Yes” DG. would be the 3rd string QB for ‘07. That’s the very latest news.

By shane

August 16, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

uhhh brendan,i am glad richt was just the qb coach and oc so he didn’t get to work with the guys very much therefore he couldn’t screw them up. i mean being qb coach and calling the plays gave him very few chances to do anything wrong. being oc he probably had no input on those “personnel decisions”. boy,your arguments are as full of holes as swiss cheese. why don’t you go to the library and check out a few books and try to learn a few things about the game of football. after a year or so you may graduate to espn. then you can post some more and maybe make sense. ‘till then,take care

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

If you think that it is not a good idea to pick a starter and stay with him then you disagree with every football coach in the whole entire world….except Richt. So much for your football minds…All I’m saying is that Richt is a brilliant coach and should seek counseling to try to remedy the issues he has with Quarterback controversies- he doesn’t deal with them he creates them. I think he wishes there had been a QB controversy at his college to rescue him from the lonesome pineywood givin’ him splinters or having to soak his “clipboard elbow” every day after practice.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Nope, the very latest news is that they’ve tried to recycle everyone from David Carr to Drew Bledsoe (yup) to take the second spot move seneca wallace to 3rd string and receiver and cut green…and that post was only in response to someone who called him a “star quarterback.” Buck Belue won a NCAA title and was and is a hero to the Bulldog nation but a “Star Quarterback” he ain’t. Neither is Green.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

It is obvious that he didn’t have the final say on who started games for FSU…because that was Bowden’s call…I wonder how often Bowden had to quell Richt’s penchant for playing musical chairs with his QBs…I’m thinkin often…

By Cowpoke Fan

August 16, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Wow!!! What a great blog site!!!

First of all….thank you UGA for scheduling a home and home against OSU! We have alot of momentum with the recent success of our team the last few years, recruiting has been good the last few years and will show this year, and the amazing upgrade to our facilities!!! Having a traditional SEC power offer a Home and Home is huge.

Here’s my take on our matchup: OSU Offense vs UGA Defense:- Advantage OSU. We hit our stride last year and played lights out. Everyone significant on the O-Line, QB, WR’s and RB is back. We are focussed thanks to our opening opponent, have momentum, and have confidence. We had an incredible spring and fall camp showed that we appear to be in mid season form - thanks to the large amount of retuning starters and have practiced with a huge sense of urgency. We are matched up against a very athletic UGA defense - but is replacing 8 starters. I give our offense the edge.

OSU Defense vs UGA offense: This is a tough one to call. Our defense will be improved as Caoch Miles recruited well and although we are replacing several players - we are replacing with better talent and we actually have some depth. UGA Offense may have some O-Line issues as I am reading that they are thin and depending on true freshman and JC tranfer. This is not a formula for a championship quality SEC team. I think it will take several games for your O-Line to click.

With that said - we know UGA will score points and has overall better depth.

My take? OSU defense will be good enough to slow UGA offense down and we will outscore UGA. NO disrespect to UGA - we are catching you at a great time. 2008 should be the year that the Dogs are a threat for SEC East title and SEC title as well.

OSU 28 - UGA 21 - in a very exciting game.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Truth is I am really in love with Richt. In fact I wish he would put on some silver britches. Oh God I love older men, come to think of it All Men!

By Chip Towers

August 16, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I usually refrain from the ongoing arguments between bloggers here but I have to take a side on the quarterbacks issue. We’re talking about colleges here — NOT PROs — and David Greene was a star quarterback. Winningest QB in NCAA history, two SEC East championships, one SEC title. What he does or doesn’t do as a pro is immaterial. Same with D.J. Shockley. Same with Eric Zeier. Heck, if Quincy Carter was a star in college, at least for a while. Apples and oranges as far as NFL careers.

By dawg17

August 16, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

brendan:

Somebody needs to remind you that there is a difference between a great College QB and a great NFL QB. These two levels of play are completely different. I might not be correct on some of the exacts but lets look at some of the players. Tom Brady goes late in the draft, not great in college but great in the NFL. (please not hate here just an example, personal issues aside) Vick number 1 draft pick, great college QB not so much for the NFL. The list could go on. It is just a different animal between the two.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

That comment wasn’t from me, but It’s the best post anyone besides me has posted all day Lol LOL

But if you look at my previous posts I alread admitted to being a cross-dressing communist pinko- now could you please deal with the serious issue of Why Richt does this every year pathologically?

Also, Evil Twin Brendan, why is it that those comments roll off your keyboard so effortlessly? the part where you sexualized the Silver Britches shows you’ve given them some thought

By Buck in the NW

August 16, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Matthew, don’t hurt yourself doing back flips with the “RINGING ENDORSEMENT” your head coach just gave you.

By Uncle Dave

August 16, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Unless the dogs are way ahead in either of the first two games, there is no way Cox should be in. Stafford was much better the last three games of the year, but he was not exactly Elway the second. The receivers and line need to learn how to react to his style, his improvisation in a pinch. Cox needs to get out there at some point for obvious reasons ( potential injuries to Stafford etc).

Chip: Is the O-line situation as scary as it seems from the perspective a paranoid fan with nothing better to do than read endless articles about how thin we are up front? If so, we may see Cox get some significant PT much earlier than any of us would like. I hate to sound like Larry, but…

By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

I respect your opinion Chip, but I disagree. David Green did a great job at Georgia. nuff said. The real question from the post where I said Georgia under Richt never produced a Star QB was this: If you had a son who was a top rated high school QB prospect would you send him to Richt to play the quarterback shuffle?

I’m sure that this scares away a lot of prospects.

By AltamahaDawg

August 16, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

My bad, guess I forgot a letter. I never said you werent a good Dawg fan and certainly didnt say a word about you “complaining” about coach Richt. (by the way how old is the whole, “oh I guess I cant critisize the coach , Bohoohoo” routine, when somebody tried to challenge folks in here. Has nothing to do with right to be critical. I was challenging your facts, and logic. I was just pointing out that 2 wasnt a very big pool to judge from. You said he couldnt seem to put out stars and I dont think you back that up. I can name about 20 coaches that havent put out a “star” Qb in a few years. Plus last year had nothing to do with soft spot for a back up, heck Stafford was the back up. You didnt want him to pick a starter, you wanted him to pick YOUR choice for a starter. You didnt think JoeT was very talented, great. That’s has nothing to do with playing the back up. He was the started and was replaced by a different started. And after he did settle on MS and JoeT was healthy again and we had two other loyal backups as well, How many times did he let his heart dictate?

Appearantly you also thought that DJ Shockley was merely a “back-up” and not deserving of time. I’d say that had more to do with trying to keep him here knowing he would be the guy in 2005. Seems like it all worked out pretty well. I dont care what your opinion is about Coach or anyone else, I just dont think you put up a very convincing argument for your indictment. You are using two totally unrelated situation and now something that hasnt even happened yet. Quite frankly your entire idea that it all stems from his college days is such a stretch, I’m pretty sure you are actually just baiting the room.

Oh yea, NOBODY has ever rotated QB in college football, not in the SEC, or around the country, not on any previous NC teams? never?

By Mr Lito

August 16, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t like it if it’s going to be one of those rotation things where Barnes will come in a certain number of series. If Stafford has the hot hand, I don’t see pulling him just to let Barnes play. I remember when Richt traded Greene and Shockley in and out. During the Fla game back in 2002, Greene led the team right down the field for a TD. Shockley comes in and promptly throws a pick and changes the entire flow of the game. Stick with on QB.

By AltamahaDawg

August 16, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Buck, good lordy, answering a question about his back up quarterback is NOT a slam at precious. I think Matt is a big enough boy that his coach can mention other names.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Actually I thought DJ should have started for three years and We might’ve won it all if he had…and I relly believe that Mark Richt has a serious deep-seated issue because of his past…let’s also not forget he rode the pine for 2-3 yrs in the pros also.

I have said the same thing for the past five years and thought that this year would be different …lo and Behold richt is doing it again

By Cowpoke Fan

August 16, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with Brendan …what the heck,,,FIRE Richt!!!!

His UGA teams have underachieved. He has not won a National Championship. His 3 SEC east titles and 2 SEC titles were only because Florida and Tennessee were rebuilding! His 60 plus wins in 6 years were because of creative scheduling.

Brendan - you are an idiot!

By dawg17

August 16, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

brendan:

To answer you question YES! Here is an article from ESPN that you might want to read:

*Top QB mentors

This is a blog post by ESPN.com’s Bruce Feldman.

1. Steve Spurrier (South Carolina)
2. Jeff Tedford (California)
3. Mark Richt (Georgia)
4. David Cutcliffe (Tennessee)
5. Rich Rodriguez (West Virginia)
6. Al Borges (Auburn)
7. Charlie Weiss (Notre Dame)
8. Jimbo Fisher (Florida State)
9. Mike Leach (Texas Tech)
10. Steve Logan (Boston College)

Richt: A low-key guy who simply doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Richt was around some great QBs in his days as a backup QB at Miami and he learned well. He groomed a pair of Heisman winners at FSU, Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke, two guys who were very different in style and personality. He also worked with former Washington Redskin Casey Weldon, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 1991. Richt also deserves praise for coaching future Pro Bowler Brad Johnson. At UGA, Richt mentored record-setting David Greene into a guy who became the SEC’s all-time leading passer (11,528 yards) and set the NCAA Division I-A record for career victories by a starting QB with 42. One year later, Richt’s next product D.J. Shockley led the SEC in passing efficiency. Expect him to turn strong-armed Matthew Stafford into a special QB as well.*

[http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2957366&name=feldmanbruce&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d2957366%26name%3dfeldmanbruce]

By brendan

August 16, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Incidentally, my definition of “Star Quarterback” is that they make it in the NFL…if as a head Coach Richt can’t recruit and Groom a QB who will eventually start in the NFL then we’ll probably never see a national title.

By cdawg

August 16, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Hey COWPOKE FAN i beg ti disagree.First of all we have TWICE the taent as OKie State.Our defense is better than yours even replacing 8 guys and our Offense is better just not as seasoned…Heres the difference in the game we will stop you when we have to,and we will run it DOWN YOUR THROAT…You are replacing your D line that is huge.We have to many athletes and it will show.Dont get me wrong you atre getting better but you are the equivalent of an S.E.C kentucky…Can you say Boise State 48-13 was that score i see this one as 41-24..Enjoy your time in Athens if you are able to make it but son this is the S.E.C…..GO DAWGS

By Big Dawg

August 16, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

gator the dog catcher,

With all of the Gator’s problems why are you on our blog trying to flame things? Florida has more problems than we do, for the first time in a long time my inside source is worried about the Gators being able to stop anybody. It is also my understanding that Harvin has tendonitis in his knee.

This is a non-issue as Stafford is the starter and Coach Richt and Coach Bobo want to get Cox some PT each game just in case he is needed. As for the O-Line they will be fine as these are only minor injuries which necessitated playing true freshmen in Saturdays scrimmage who will wind up being back-ups when the starters Adams, Haverkamp and Davis return.

Go Dawgs

By brendan

August 16, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Once again Pokey Puppy: Richt is a great Coach but he makes this mistake every year. Every Year. And we fans and the relevant media need to start calling him on it… Georgia is such a great place to be a football player that we’d go 6-5 evry year with my Granny coaching…maybe more since she’d have the good sense to pick a starter and stick with him…If richt Coached OSU you guys would go seasons without a win…who wants to go where it smells like cow poo. Also my Mensa chapter will be happy to know you think i’m an idiot…they care

By brendan

August 16, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Bruce Feldman’s opinion means just as much to me as yours does…Squatus Maximus

By cdawg

August 16, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

HY BRENDAN EXPALIN TO ME YOUR DEFINTION OF A STAR QB PLEASE OR HOW ABOUT 5 EXAMPLES OF GREAT COLLEGE QBS THAT HAVE GONE ON TO BE GREAT PRO QBS IN THE LAST 15 YEARS??????AND DONT SAY PEYTON MANNING HE NEVER WON THE BIG GAME IN COLLEGE..SO ACCORDING TO YOU HE WOULDNT BE A STAR…GIVE ME 5…I WILL GIVE YOU 5 WHO YOU CANT COUNT GINO TORETTA,TOM BRADY,CARSON PALMER,DONAVAN MCNABB,DREW BREES,MICAHEL VICK,KURT WARNER,CHAD PENNINGTON,PHILIP RIVERS,DAUNTE CULPEPPER,JAKE DELOHMME,CHRIS SIMMS THE LIST GOS ON AND ON…U MY FRIEND ARE TRULY AN IDIOT..AND COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE A TRUE DAWG FAN!!!!!!!!

By AltamahaDawg

August 16, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Well actually in 2001 and 2005 he never played the back up (except for DJs injured week) so if youve been saying this every year for the past 5 yrs, you’ve been watching some other team. You just making it up now.

By Is this serious?

August 16, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

God you people are morons. This is such a non-issue its not even funny. Somebody asked Richt a question and stuck a microphone in his face. He had to say something. Whoopdeefreakin doo the backup QB is getting playing time. Stop the presses!!! This is the first time in the history of football that a back up QB has actually had playing time. That’s what we call sarcasm for the not so bright out there.

Yeah, lets make sure Cox carries a clipboard and gets nice and rusty on the sideline this year. That way, if Stafford goes down we’ll be in great shape. Why you geniuses aren’t coaching the Georgia Bulldogs I have no idea. Look how better off we’d be if you were.

Oh god why do I even bother?

By AltamahaDawg

August 16, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Does somebody else want to take that NFL QB = BCS NC. I’m done.

But I guess it goes without saying that Coach Richt would never recruit any Qb named Jim.

By dawg17

August 16, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

That is fine, I for one do not take much of what I read of espn for granted either. However this one has justification.

As for this:

“if as a head Coach Richt can’t recruit and Groom a QB who will eventually start in the NFL then we’ll probably never see a national title.”

Please tell me how many starting QB’s in the NFL have won a national title!!! Once again college and NFL are two totally different animals!

Actually tell you what you have given your opinion of the QB’s under CMR. Now please give us your example of a “star quarterback” and lets see what you are comparing with.

By Buck in the NW

August 16, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Altahama, did I say anything about any of your comments? Don’t think so. I know who’s a big boy and who’s not and why are you using the word “precious”. I think that chip’s comment of “would he have been better off not saying anything at all” is on the money. You may think his comments were right on but IMO, it was a dumb thing to do.

By Cuz

August 16, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

I got in here way to late. Missed all the great arguments. Don’t understand the current ones. And to get back to the blog topic, I don’t care if Cox plays every game so long as we win. Yes I understand the concept of the inability to go undefeated in the SEC. So no, I am not saying we will go undefeated.

Alt, guess I am working to hard, the blog is passing me at warp speed. Whatever you were arguing about, I agree with my usual 90%. Buck, Stafford is still the man. Samoan, the defence will be awesome brah. Pokie with the intellectual responses who actually knows football, please continue to join us. We welcome opposing fans who can do other than throw insults like they do empty beers in a trash can. Welcome college football fans one and all. Kids, bathtime is waiting for ya’ll.

By Cowpoke Fan

August 16, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Cdawg,

I do not think that you will be able to ram it down our throat. We will be playing the run. Making Stafford and your WR’s beat us.

Yes - we are replacing several D-Line - but this is a blessing for those of us that know OSU football. We now have depth in this position - but point well taken on UGA depth of athletes.

Here is where we win! Our offense is more ahead of your defense than UGA’s offense is ahead of OSU’s defense. Your O-line is too green to win a shoot out - which this game will turn into.

Simply put - we are catching you early at the best possible time. If we played you in the middle of the season - I would not be so bold.

Boise State choked…we will not. We are used to playing teams like Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and such…. all big time settings. The Big 12 is not the SEC in terms of quality team depth - but it is competitive and we are a program on the rise.

Best of luck in the upcoming season - butI really think the Dawgs have too much of a tough schedule and too much rebuild going on to be relevent in the SEC this year. But next year…watch out! I think the tough losses that you have will pay huge dividends for 2008 as you will be returning your best athletes.

My predictions for UGA is that they will lose close games to OSU, So Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Auburn with Bama being a coin toss. It’s just a brutal schedule when your O-Line is not up to standards and your defense is rebuilding.

Look at reality:

Tennessee will win SEC East (UGA and Florida rebuilding too much).

So. Carolina will beat Florida And UGA as this is the best team they have had in years and it will be a peak year for them.

Florida will beat UGA again in JAX as they are also replacing a defense - but loaded (similar to the Dawgs)

UGA will be #4 in SEC East - the toughest conference in the land.

2008 is when UGA will be fighting Florida for SEC title.

One other thing….just to get you guys ticked off…but what I am about to tell you is very true. The college football world has respect for UGA….but not like you guys think. You play in a great conference and have had recent success. But you are not respected as a national elitepower like you think you are. You are not in a class with the elite programs - So. Cal, Texas, Michigan, Ohio State or even the recent programs (Florida under Spurrier - now Meyer), LSU (consistently finishing in the top 5 if not top 10). UGA is not consistently in the top 10 rankings. Every few years you get there like Auburn…but for the most part - your are a Top 25 program…but you are not elite like you fancy yourselves.

Playing UGA is like playing Wisconsin, Iowa, UCLA, or Arkansas…..the next wave of good programs - which UGA is probably toward the top of the pile.

I am not putting UGA down at all…I am just telling you that you are a very well repsected football school..but not elite as I get a sense you fancy yourself.

Before you guys trash OSU - this is not about OSU….this is about your bloated sense of self on the national scene. Not a historical elite year in and year out powerhouse but a respected football program that will make a descent bowl game every year with the occasional great year.

To be honest - I would rather play UGA this year than South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, or Arkansas.

Go Pokes…we will win in Athens and be 2-0 against SEC schools in back to back wins.

By Cuz

August 16, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Poke fan I can respect your opinion. From the outside looking in I might think the same as regards the “elite” program. What constitutes elite is probably like beauty, in the eye of the beholder and in that bottle of vodka I have almost finished. I do not care how the rest of the NCAA sees us, I care about our competiveness in the SEC. I personally think our offence is a tad better than yours, no proof till gameday, and I think our reloaded defence is ready for your offence. I do not think your defence can contain our offence and I have been following your team since your spring game which was awesome by the way. I think we win, not in a blowout but by two TD’s or 10 points. Total points both sides at least 60. I think it is a great opening game for both programs and win or lose, both teams will learn more about what they will do the rest of the year by the way they play in this opener. Good luck after Sept 1.

By AltamahaDawg

August 16, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Meant that to be a lot funnier than it sounded appearantly Buck. My Point was no way does Stafford take that as NOT a “ringing endorsement”, which I believe was your point.

As far as Richt’s comments, I think they were a fairly irellavant, general, somebody asked, he responded with coach speak, how does any of this surprise anyone, open ended, answer to an interview question. Chip asking if he might have easily just said that, is just that, a writer asking a question in a daily blog, not some indication he definetely should not have said that. He prabably meant to write “might not have said anything rather than have all the blogger goings nuts”. Other than that, which is the only possible consequence, why wouldnt he say somethign about Cox perhaps playing, sometime, somehow? Its pretty obvious. I asked about it 2 weeks ago if he was getting snaps with the first team. Why wouldnt he say that? I half read you think that’s upsetting to Matthew or the team somehow? (precious was sarcastic as in, he is NOT quite that insecure). Shoot, Coach prabably thought taking a bit of preseason attention away from Matt for just one day was a good thing. Obviously he wanted the opposing side to hear it andf wonder. I also took it as a show of confidence that things are going to go well. Certainly he wasnt suggesting we were going to put the #2 Qb in while trailing in the ball game. Right? We’d have to be leading…..”we would like to get Joe in the game”…”we plan on being able to do that”…..see? I think he is just telling evryone, you, me, Joe, Matt, Chip, everyone in Georgia, Oklahoma and the United States, we have really good players.

Cuz, I NEED that extra 10% from you brother.

By Cuz

August 16, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Oh and Poke, we beat Tenn in Knoxville this year. We beat SC at home. lose to UF in the annual beatdown in Jax and possibly lose to Auburn since it is their turn to win in the series. But we still beat you and Western Carolina. Not saying you are in the same league as Western Carolina, but lets face it, when was the last time Okie state won their conference? Not trying to put you guys down. But are’nt you guys the Georgia Tech of Okla freaking homa. I think mayhaps you have gotten a little too big for your suspenders. You may be used to playing the Big 12, welcome to the SEC.

By Cuz

August 16, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Alt, you got it but the tips are on you when we get together at Brogens on the weekend this fall. I will pay my own tab, I am afraid the tip will be the straw that breaks the camels back.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 16, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Cowpoke Fan

Living here in Okie land, I do appreciate and understand yall are going to bring a real and challenging team between the hedges this year. I think the Dawgs win based on Coaching, talent, and depth. If yall pull this out my guess is experience and maybe better coaching than I give you credit for. As for elite vs not, I’ve stated that if you hand a peice of paper to a non-Dawg fan and ask them to list the all time elite teams we would probably be left off the list. Now if you look at history, old and recent, stats, wins, bowls, ect. you can be argued under the table about the Dawgs placement among the elite schools. Personally, I place us somewhere around no. 10.

Cowpoke Fan I am so glad to see a little fire from a poke. As I have many OU fans I talk football with all the time, I usually have to talk about basketball or golf with the OSU few. I hope I see ya around. I’ll buy you a beer and talk about football all day.

By S.E. Dawg

August 16, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

I think coach Richt is basically trying to create some QB competition so MS will be giving his 100% at all times. If a QB knows his the man then he is less likely to give that 100%.

By SamoanDawg

August 16, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Cuz, I agree with you brah. Our skill players on D match up well with their skills on offense.

Cowpoke Fan, nice post brah. Our front four will penetrate thru that front wall of yours. We may not have to blitz much. The key match up will be Brandon Miller vs. Brandon Pettigrew. Btw, your JC-player Tua-islander won’t make thru our wall.

Dawgs 38 Pokes 28

sic’em!

By Palmetto State Dawg

August 16, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Chip, I have a question about Brandon Miller. I just read on another website that his move back to the Sam spot is now permanent. Why did they move him back? I thought the whole purpose of moving him to the middle was to put a physical presence in that spot. Now, it looks like he is going back to his old position where they will take him out in Nickel coverage. I thought that they wanted him to be an every down player. This guy needs to be on the field for our defense as much as possible. I hope they are just croass training him.

By SamoanDawg

August 16, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Did coach Richt and coach Bo had it planned all along?

Cox is a good qb as well. He manages the O well, nice touch on the ball and an accurate passer of course. How is Stafford reacting to it?

By Cowpoke Fan

August 16, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Hey there P-Dawg in Tulsa,

It’s a great time in the year….and maybe we have bigger expectations that are not realistic…but who does’nt this time of year!

For you Dawg fans reading this blog - OSU is alot like So. Carolina. We seem to scare a lot of teams..but do not have the tradition to call upon to seal the big win consistently. But, like So. Carolina and Lou Holtz/Spurrier era - Les Miles got us going and we beat Oklahoma a few times.

Last year - in our last 5 games, we beat killed Nebraska, put 66 points on the board against Baylor - beat Oklahoma and Alabama. Our only set back was Texas - which we really petered out in the 4th quarter.

We have had a serious upgrade in talent and athletic abililty - it came together for us mid season and we are in a position to improve. With returning the entire offense - the urgency with playing Georgia in the opener knowing that you guys are vunerable with your O-Line and D-Line. Our matchup with our 6-4 receivers (Bowman is considered a lock in the 1st round - top 3 receivers in college football) against your 5-10 DBs - we are sensing the opportunity to beat a nationally respected SEC school.

Like I said before, if we were playing you mid/end season - knowing that you guys will potentially come together - I would not be so bold. However, with a loss against us and So Carolina - your wheels could come off.

However, like So. Carolina - this appears to be a peak year for us….and a potential mediocre year for UGA (by UGA standards).

Face it guys…there is parity in college football. Outside the top 5 - #30 can easily beat #16….and we are catching you at a great time. How elso could UGA lose to Vandy and Kentucky - should have lossed to Colorado. Ole Miss got hosed on a bad call and you dad gum almost got beat by MS. State.

Cowpokes win in a shootout!!!

As for where you rank amongst the elite…..I agree that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. UGA is considered and all time top 25 program…but definately not a top 10 program - probably in the 15-20 range - depending on geography and recent history.

This year - you guys will be lucky to win 8 games ….just too brutal of a schedule with your rebuild projects on the O-line and D-Line.

Pokes Win!!! Pokes Wine!!!

By Top Dawg

August 16, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

A quarterback and an offense must get into, and maintain, a rhythm. Sure, Cox is a great quarterback and sounds like he’s a good kid. But, he’s the #2 quarterback on this team. To start a silly quarterback rotation like we did under Greene & Shockley will do neither quarterback any good and in the long run will hurt the team.

Does anyone remember the Greene/Shockley years when Greene was the starting QB, and for no apparent reason, CMR would pull Greene and insert Shockley? Remember the Florida game that year? UGA was having a year for the ages, and Greene was doing an awesome game in the Florida game. Then, CMR pulled Greene and put in a cold Shockley, who promptly threw an interception to the Gators, which led to the loss and thwarted any chances the Dawgs had at a National Championship.

So, no, absolutely not. Do not do the silly quarterack rotation thing. To do so would be nothing more than manufacturing a problem. Cox plays only in a mop-up role.

By Buck in the NW

August 16, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

SamoanDawg, I read his comments on ugasports.com(rivals) and to say they were very short and to the point is the way I would describe then. He didn’t sound very happy but as he’s done since he’s been in Athens he sucked it up and kept going. I really don’t care what others say or think, IMO, he was trying to do something. He gets the money (big) to run the team so that’s life. I’ll bet there is a lot of talk taking place around those water coolers.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

No sir, cox will play a lot because if Stafford becomes “the man” then Cox will become a broken down old bench rider like Richt was in college.

Richt doesn’t want any “good kid” to suffer from Gluteus Splinterus like he did behind Jim Kelly. Richt has deep psychological trauma from never starting and it will prevent him from having a great run with NCAA titles.

Georgia coaches should be expected to win it all because recruiting to Georgia is easy If any of you “true fans” had ever attended Georgia you’d know why.

By brendan

August 16, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

If Stafford gets hurt (like Jim Kelly in ‘82) then Cox should get some snaps (like Mark Richt in ‘82)

By SamoanDawg

August 16, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

brendan, sounds like you’re the only one that knows coach Richt inside out…. hmmmm?

By brendan

August 17, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Uhhhh this line of insinuation was dealt with several hours ago…it was pretty funny too. But for the record I’ll reiterate that I only criticise Richt because 1)I’m homosexual 2) for mark Richt 3) because I’m a communist pinko 4) who isn’t a true UGA fan.

It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Richt pulls this QB controversy stuff every year to the detriment of the team.

By heeldawg

August 17, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Cowpoke Fan:

Glad you’re enjoying yourself on this Blog.

You have every right to expect a win here. All of the points you list are valid. But, valid as they may be, if you win, it’s still an upset. Because if we’re a second-tier program, you’re third-tier—and not at the top of that list, either.

I appreciate the perspective you provide regarding national stature. It’s not like we haven’t been hearing this crap all week, courtesy of Stewart Mandel.

I want your Cowpokes to come into Sanford stadium brimming with confidence about playing what you perceive to be a “second-rate” SEC power. I hope they anticipate marching up and down the field against our defense. I hope your defensive players fully anticipate laying a big goose egg on our beleagered offense.

After all, we’re returning only 10 starters—only 3 on defense. How good can a second-rate power replacing that many starters be? I’m sure you’ rather play us than scary old South Carolina, that perennial powerhouse wanna-be. A win over the mighty Gamecocks would sure get you some national attention. Why, they’ve won nearly 50% of their games over the last 110 years! And they were the conference champs once—in the ACC! In 1969!

The measure of disrespect that has been piled upon this team has been unbelievable. Your post is just another piece of kindling. I just hope that the Georgia players read this blog. It is true—this team is inexperienced. And they might screw up royally. Heck, they might lose six games and play against a Big 12 team in the Poulan Weed-Eater Bowl. But somehow, I just doubt it.

Big test, big stage, big time. I know Richt will have the also-ran, second-class no-name Dawgs ready, and hungry for a little respect. So keep talking trash.

We’ll see ya September 1—on the field.

By shane

August 17, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

is cox going to play some? yes. are there going to be rotating qb’s? i don’t think so and richt didn’t say so. i have never seen the point of leaving good athletes on the bench anyway. sometimes it seemed bear bryant played 40 guys in a game. i too believe in going with the stud horse,once he proves he is a stud. so far,none of our running backs have really reached out and taken the posistion,same with stafford. untill he,and i believe he will,takes over the game and blows away the enemy,his job will be up for grabs. this is the big leagues,that’s the way it is. nobody in the sec will pull a qb quicker than spurrier,if one is ineffective or doesn’t follow instructions,his butt is on the bench. and that’s the way it should be. i don’t want richt to name a starter,no matter what,the way donnan did with carter,your playing time is something you earn every day. if you don’t bust it in pratice,or you screw up off the field,or you don’t get it done on the field,then you are on the bench. period. i believe these guys need the pressure put on them,either you lead and perform,or you sit down and i will play someone else. yes give cox playing time,yes,get him ready,make sure stafford knows that cox is ready and will take his job if he slacks off. the same with the running backs,give moreno playing time,make sure lump and brown know their job is on the line every day.

By Gen Neyland

August 17, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Cuz

2006 : UT came to Athens to play a 9th ranked Bulldawg squad. We all fondly recall that one. Moving ahead— UGA rolls into Knoxville 4-1…UT breaks the Richt curse in 2007 atop Rocky. CMR will not practice CoUTu the week before the UT-UGA game ( See 2006 )…It won’t matter for a FG won’t win it…Now for the JAX showdown, I may be pulling for UF due to tie-breakers…But if tie-breakers won’t help us, then sic’em, you ugly, hairy mutts…as Forrest Gump says, ” That’s all I have to say about that “…

By Gen Neyland

August 17, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

…AND is NASCARfan on his Moped driving back to UGA..? Haven’t seen him scribble lately…” NASCAR..! No passing on the right or driving the wrong way on a one way. Ain’t cool to do in Athens, GA “…

By DawgNumeroUno

August 17, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

brendan marc richt would no more be with a sissified tech-geek like you than he wood roll in a hill of fire ants. I bet that even if he was funny like that he’d have a heap of better taste than to date you. Heck i bet he’d have two sexy boyfriends so that he’d rotate ‘em and never even have to choose betwixt ‘em.

By brendan

August 17, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

errr…I know that I have to rotate my sexy boyfriends every 30,000 miles…which is probably about how often you brush your tooth. But I guess it’s marginally better to be dawg#1 than dawg#2…get it? (“marginally” in this context means “a little bit”)

By DawgNumeroUno

August 17, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

brendan yur a complete gall-dang know-it-all ijut…just like that smart alec that comes by my room here at the home to make sure I haven’t swallowed my tongue…y’all’d make a cute couple…I don;t think you could handle him though…too beaucoup.

By shane

August 17, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

hey gen.,good to here from you,i thought you had fell in a well somewhere. i bet if athens finest got ole nascarfan they would let him go pretty quick. although i have missed his mouth on this blog today. man,i never thought i would say that! you guys get those left coast sissies and run them back to the west coast will ya. just take it easy on us,i think you have a good chance to win the east this year,at least,as good as anybody. i hope we win it,but i am afraid our o and d lines are too young. oh,and while you are at it,beat those gators too!

By Salty Dawg

August 17, 2007 2:32 AM | Link to this

An OSU fan is calling us second tier? Better check stats on all time wins, bowl apperances, SEC Conference Championships. Oh, that’s right, they probably think SEC is second tier.

By Buck in the NW

August 17, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

Salty Dawg, sounds as if he read Mandell’s article in SI.com.

By DaddyDawg

August 17, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

Richt’s statements about Cox playing should be a non-issue. Stafford is the man, but he is one play away from being replaced. Cox is the clear no. 2 (Barnes never sees the field except in mop-up duty against the likes of Western Carolina; Logan Gray redshirts), and he needs playing time in real games to be ready if Stafford goes down for any reason. If something did happen to Stafford, and GA struggled with Cox coming into the game after not playing in games before that time, everyone would rightly ask why Cox didn’t get some playing time in anticipation that something could happen to Stafford. We need Cox to play to give us a credible, experienced and successful backup QB who could be our starter at any moment if Stafford goes down. It’s just that simple………., and nothing more.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

August 17, 2007 4:06 AM | Link to this

I think some of you may find this entertaining. It’s a pretty long rant about mandel’s 3 articles, but it’s funny. Give it a read if you have time.

stewart mandel is an Idiot and I Hope Uga Bites Him in the Rear End

By HBTD!

August 17, 2007 5:48 AM | Link to this

“By brendan

August 16, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Why does it hurt y’all so much to admit that Richt has a blind spot when it comes to how he staffs the QB position that results from his frustration at never being a starting QB?”

There is a LOT of foolishness that gets posted in these threads. A LOT but hat comment has to be at or near the top. Wow!

By mike

August 17, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

NO NO NO NO NO. rotating QB’s is a bad move. It always seemed to ruin David Greene’s rythm in a game when he had to sit out a series. Cox is the backup. Richt is so worried about pleasing the backup QB. If he does not like it, then transfer.

By Tville Dawg

August 17, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Thanks for a followup on a question I asked earlier in the year. I’m like pdawg in that I’ll never forget Cox saving our butts in the Colorado game. Cox strikes me as being a Dawg in the mold of Tereshinski-“just put me where I can help the team.” Except he probably has more raw talent. We are fortunate in the depth of the QB position.

By Josh H

August 17, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

I think what this statement by Richt really means is that Stafford is not head and shoulders above Cox.

Doesn’t bring Stafford down, but Cox is good enough to start at a lot of other schools.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 17, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Buck,

I think this guy is Stewart Mandel. Must have gotten hammered by us, so this is his payback.

By Gen Neyland

August 17, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

shane

If Athens finest pulled over NASCAR, and he talked to them the same way he blasts some of the defenseless ones on the blogs, he may be used as taser practice…Wonder if Matthew at the SLC will reappear..? Always good to get those ’ Johnny on the spot ’ reports…The SEC East IS up for grabs. The SEC West seems to have LSU garnering the favor of most pundits…but we gotta play the games first…

By 82DAWG

August 17, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

I saw no mention of a quarterback “rotation”. Just that coaches want to get Cox in the game when the game dicates its appropriate. Jeez, some of you guys just get off on seeing your words on the internet. The real story of this team is how the heck they are going to win with another patched up offensive line and inexperience across the board on defense. The talent level is evening up across the SEC east, coaching is also pretty even, so experience is the key. We don’t have it, but I am not sure that the others do either? Its going to be interesting.

By brendan

August 17, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Richt always identifies with the backup quarterback because he is a backup quarterback and he sees himself reflected in the disappointed puppy dog eyes of the QB that would ride the bench in any other program. In Richt’s personal drama Stafford is Jim Kelly (the starter) and Cox is Richt (clipboard manager)…this scenario is played out almost yearly and is becoming tiresome. and incidentally it is not just me that is questioning the current QB controversy. Chip Towers is the one who asked the question at the top of the page, not me…and please don’t say “this isn’t a QB controversy, Richt just means he’s going to be getting a few snaps” because that is absolutely not what Chip reported at the top of the page. he reports that Richt plans to play him against OSU and in “every game all year long.”

I’ll bet Stafford’s Dad thinks of this as a QB controversy…Mr. Stafford if you’re reading this suggest to Matt that he transfer because Richt is going about the process of destroying your boy’s confidence….he should’ve started last year but Richt felt sorry for Tereshinsky…he should be more worried about instilling confidence in the clear starter than throwing a bone to the backup…but in throwing a bone to the backup, he’s really saying “see, I should have shared duties with Jim Kelly.”

By shane

August 17, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

hello general,i think they would just tell nascarfan to go home,i can’t see wasting a bullet on him. i will tell you however,after some of the bozos on here yesterday,nascarfan would seem kind of refreshing. lsu is indeed the choice of the experts,for what it’s worth. don’t you love at the end of the year, when they have anoited a king and they have to explain why they were wrong? i will never forget listening to espn radio the morning after the nc game. man,were those guys trying to cover their butts. if the experts were right as often as the would like us to think,we would not have to play the game. that’s why i do not like the bcs system. the teams with the national pr get the breaks. coaches do not have time to watch the teams that they vote for,so they go by what the so-called experts say,just like everyone else. we will not have a true “champion” without a playoff system.

By shane

August 17, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

brendan,let it go,you keep repeating yourself and you have been proven wrong by many post on this blog. the only time cmr used a two qb system was when he had shockly and green. green won more games than any sec qb,ever,and shock was too good to keep on the bench. do you know that shock’s dad wanted him to transfer because of lack of playing time? richt promised him some snaps in order to keep him,and it worked. shock helped us win the sec in 2005,green had graduated,and there was no qb rotation that year. if richt felt sorry for joe t,he could have played him then,so that idea is wrong. richt did not rotate qb’s in 2005,he did not rotate qb’s at fsu,and he did not rotate qb’s after stafford took over in the last few games last year,so get over it. you are wrong,you have been proven wrong,see above, so quit bringing this crap up. why would stafford’s dad want him to transfer? richt has made,as qb coach and oc,two heisman trophy winners,the coach at usc is,at least in my belief,the only other coach in the country that has coached two heisman winning qbs. the mistake richt made,and he was called to account for it on this blog recently,was not playing joe t enough in 2005. we will not rotate qbs next year,but cox will get some snaps,he is a good qb and he has earned them. besides,we have a young o line,stafford is not really mobile, so our back-up qbs had better be prepared. it is very possible cox will have to finish the season for us. do you want him to take over rusty from lack of real game experence?

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 17, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Did anyone notice Arkansas out of conference schedule in the Sports Illustrated? Troy, Tenn.-Chattanooga, Fla. International and North Texas. That is a joke. Is this the schedule even though he plays a SEC schedule of a Heisman trophy canidate? They also were predicted to go 9-3, second in the West.

By UGARocks

August 17, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Linebacker concerns? Check this article out!

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/081707/football_20070817042.shtml

By NYC Dawg

August 17, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Poke Fan, stop counting on our OLine to be your key to victory…You’re just now researching UGA & I think we can all tell you that we go through the pre-season speculation of the OL being weak every year. And every year by the time they hit the field, it’s never quite as bad as UGA fans make it out to be (although, I’ll admit never up to the perfect standards we’d like to enjoy). This year’s line will be ready too & OSU goes down to an SEC powerhouse. Your Pokes will be blown away by the speed & athleticism of the Dawgs. Pokes lose!!! Pokes lose!!!!

By Gen Neyland

August 17, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

shane

Agree with your post RE : Coaches polls, ESPN experts, etc including the BSBCS ( Not counting 1998 mind you )…From that point forward, Sagarin Ratings seem to take the luster out of the equation with a formula that looks unbiased compared to other polls… For the purpose of accuracy, it works better too…’Course, BuLLdawg disagrees but that’s what America’s all about, isn’t it..?

By Gen Neyland

August 17, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

shane

Agree with your post RE : Coaches polls, ESPN experts, etc including the BSBCS ( Not counting 1998 mind you )…From that point forward, Sagarin Ratings seem to take the luster out of the equation with a formula that looks unbiased compared to other polls… For the purpose of accuracy, it works better too…’Course, BuLLdawg disagrees but that’s what America’s all about, isn’t it..?

By Gen Neyland

August 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

shane

Agree with your post RE : Coaches polls, ESPN experts, etc including the BSBCS ( Not counting 1998 mind you )…From that point forward, Sagarin Ratings seem to take the luster out of the equation with a formula that looks unbiased compared to other polls… For the purpose of accuracy, it works better too…’Course, BuLLdawg disagrees but that’s what America’s all about, isn’t it..?

By munroeDAWG

August 17, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Destroy Stafford’s confidence??? What planet are you guys from? The 4 game stretch he endured last year didn’t destroy his psyche (as evidenced by the fantastic show he put on to end the season) and a few comments about getting backup AND friend Joe Cox some PT won’t even register on the radar screen! Did anyone here see the Colorado game last year? Cox came in and EXECUTED the offence very well. I think the game situation will dictate 100% weather Cox plays or not! It’s NEVER a bad idea to get the backup a little PT when the situation is right. If Stafford goes down with injury (and that’s a real possibility considering our lack on depth up front) it’d be nice to be able to bring in a guy with a little experience.

By shane

August 17, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

that’s right general,can you believe notre dame is unranked this year but still considered an “elite” team?.i think that may be urban’s next stop,he has never made a secret of the fact that he wants to coach there. go for it urban,if you can get them to a bowl game and beat a decent team,you will be in the top five. i don’t think they have really won anything since holtz left. i hope our brethren on north avenue awaken from their stupor and beat them the way lsu did last year. i hope and pray that one day we will have playoffs,then the real quality programs will emerge,but i don’t think that will happen,college football is about money,and the “big boys” that rule the ncaa don’t want to lose any.

By DrDawg

August 17, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

We substitute at every position. Why should the QB be different? The starter is one play away from an injury and the backup guy had better be ready. I would play Cox in every game.

By AltamahaDawg

August 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

If they actually did even read this stuff, I’m pretty sure they would all be laughing thier behinds off at the (panic ridden, speculating, lets read something fantastic into every word uttered in the paper, somehow affecting the teams direction and coaching plan, vicariously through overinflated ego need to pretend to know whats best, 2 weeks before the season starts), comments in here.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 17, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Interesting read here. Alot of lovee from ESPN.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/preview07/insider/news/story?id=2974596&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab6pos2&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2fpreview07%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d2974596%26lpos%3dspotlight%26lid%3dtab6pos2

By Buck in the NW

August 17, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

LowcountryBULLdawg, you are so right.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 17, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Buck,

I am surprised by that. Just shows the Bulldawg Nation that even though we have some question marks, CMR has done an excellent job of putting talent in place for us every year to have a legitimate shot.

By raymond

August 17, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t know where Richt came up with this BS that rotating skill positions is the way to go. Our running game has suffered since Musa Smith left and the QBs are going through the same thing. Thomas Brown has never and will never be the player we though he would be when we signed him reguardless of what he can benchpress. Lumpkin needs to be given the job and he doesn’t produce then look to plan B. Skill players need to get the repititions to stay sharp and produce.

By Palmetto State Dawg

August 17, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Lowcountry Bulldawg, thanks for the article.

By Buck in the NW

August 17, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

As David Ching said this morning, he(Richt) probably wished he hadn’t said anything the moment after he said it. Need to play #2 QB so in case #1 goes down but the way it was quoted was ,IMO, wrong. As I’ve said, CMR gets paid the $(big) to run the program and he can say what he wants but that doesn’t mean that if people disagree with him that they don’t know what they’re talking about.

By AltamahaDawg

August 17, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Actually Raymond, Our running game improved in all statistical team categories that matter in the years following Musa. Just not individually. In fact our best year (CMR) ever was a year that we had the greatest rotation going. Go figure! If you prefer a feature back as a fan, thats great. I do too. Just say it,But don’t make up facts.

How in the world are you making a comparison to our QB “going through the same thing”? same as what?

By Golf Dawg

August 17, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Didn’t the coach a fla. win a national championship with two qb’s. Now that 2nd qb will be the starter.

By Big Dawg

August 17, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Cowpoke Fan,

I welcome you to our blog, but you are dead wrong about our O and D-lines and I hope the Cowboys come to Athens thinking that all they have to do is show up. Because if they do then they will return to Stillwater with their heads down and tails between their legs.

Go Dawgs

By DawgNumeroUno

August 17, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

We needs us a Coach who can give us a national title and it looks like CMR don’t have what it takes. Maybe he should let BOBO call the plays and choose a starter because even though Raymond and Brendan are probably datin’ each other and are obviously Tech trolls baitin our blog, they got a point about CMR bein’ wishy washy about QBs too often.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 17, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

No problem where at in SC?

By brendan

August 18, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Chip- in your article on Cox today you said that Richt said he’d play Cox every game circumstances allowing…in your previous reporting on this subject and in your blog at the top of this page you never say that Richt said that..in fact you actually report that he didn’t say that: “Richt tightened up when pressed on exactly how he planned to utilize the two quarterbacks, saying he didn’t want to be pigeonholed. If I had to guess I’d say it will be a less regimented version of what they did with David Greene and D.J. Shockley. That is, they’ll get Cox in if the situation allows or if Stafford is struggling. But this is clearly still Stafford’s offense.”

So now you’re reporting your opinion as fact- that is either 1)extremely poor journalism or 2)intentionally misleading… if Richt gave you new info or clarification you should havereported it as such and not made a post-hoc addendum to his statements on your own

By brendan

August 18, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Journalism 101

A statement like the one you used in todays article about Cox “Richt let it be known that…” should be followed by a direct quote not a characterization containg a mixture of that person’s statements and your own personal wishes or opinion…if you’re too close to the team, coaches, situation etc. to provide unbiased and accurate reporting then you should ask for a transfer to the Metro desk and save your cheerleading for saturdays

By jeff

August 21, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Cox and Stafford are best friends I’m sure these guys knew they both would be playing. As for Alabama, or should I say “Notre Dame of the South”. You do have returning players. But even though they are on the SEC list,,it is at positions that do not have that game breaking difference. Your QB is not that good for being there for a year before last year. Castille may not play either….