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
August 2007
Unknowns can make ‘07 exciting
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s official. College football season has arrived. And I’m not talking about those pretender games that were on ESPN Thursday night. The real deal is this weekend. And, for me, it became official when I saw my first RV, Georgia flags a-flappin, rolling into Athens on Highway 316 this morning. Man, that gets your blood pumping!
This is the time of year I love most in college football. Some people worry about all the unknowns. I love the unknowns! That’s why we show up, isn’t it?
And boy does Georgia have some unknowns! Which Matthew Stafford will show up, the one that threw 12 picks and only 4 TDs in his first nine games or the one that oversaw wins over Auburn, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech to end the year? And what about that offensive line? I don’t think I have ever seen a greener bunch start for the Bulldogs ever. Well, at least not since 1990, Ray Goff’s second season, and we all know what happened that year.
And how ‘bout that defense? Brand new defensive ends, brand new linebackers, two new corners and a new free safety. And they’ll be facing an Okie State offense that averaged 200 and 200 in rushing and passing last year!
That’s what I like about the Dogs’ opener against Oklahoma State. This is a dangerous game for Georgia. The Pokes can flat out play. They’re strong where the Dogs are weak and vice versa. But the interregional flavor is what I like about it the most. Big 12 versus SEC. Our way of life versus theirs!
I spent some time cruising Oklahoma State message boards and newspaper sites that cover the Cowboys this morning and, I’m here to tell you, this is a media base and a fan base that really believes they can take down the Dogs between the hedges. There’s some trash-talkin’ going on, and it’s going both ways!
What do YOU think? Do the Dogs win despite all their obvious youth and flaws? Are you worried about Georgia in this one? Or are you like me and you just love the pomp and circumstance and the complete do-over that every college football season is?
Oh, yeah, and this: 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Who does that favor and would it deter you from attending the game?
I’ll be checking in later. Let’s hear it folks!
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The new Richt: Good thing or bad?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hope most of you got a chance to read the story I did on Mark Richt’s internal struggle to give up the play-calling and game-planning duties. My writing and a short turnaround time really didn’t do it justice. I actually spent 45 minutes with Coach Richt in a one-on-one interview in his office and really didn’t get to use much of what he told me there. I also talked to Katharyn Richt, some players and coaches and Vince Dooley for the story, little or any of which made the cut.
Not complaining. That’s just how it goes sometimes in this business. But I did want some of what I was able to glean to see the light of day. So I figured I’d share it with you guys today. Also, feel free to ask me any questions you didn’t see answered in the text.
Following is some of the leftovers.
From Richt:
“It’s not necessarily that it was bad for Georgia; it wasn’t necessarily great for me. It’s a grind to be the head coach and the game-planner and the play-caller.”
On the transition to Bobo — “We made it work. Georgia wasn’t the only place the head coach was calling the games. Everybody has their own way of doing it. But as time went on, I delegated more and more things. I gave Mike more and more and more… .
“After a while I had him install things and I observed him. Them, after a while, he began to coach and I began to observe. After a while, I just got out of the room.”
“I think we’ve done a pretty good job here, even looking back. We were getting things done. It might’ve taken me a little longer to see things that needed fixing. I think I may see it a little quicker now.”
“When you’re in the middle of the forest chopping away hard like everybody else, it’s hard to see everything that’s going on around you. I’m a little bit further removed from being right in the heart of it and I see things a little bit better.”
“My perspective is different in the big picture of the whole program and how we do everything. I’m just seeing it from a little bit of a difference angle.”
“The thing that I like better is I have more time to think about the psychology of the game itself and getting to know each player. I’m planning to block out some time every day to meet with players.”
On sideline versus press box: “I knew from the very beginning it was going to be difficult. I knew being on the sideline was going to be different that being upstairs [in the pressbox]. But I also felt in time I’d get used to it. And you do, but never to the degree that it’s the same.
“I’d say that your play-caller, offensively especially, needs to be upstairs. I would never choose to call a game from the ground. There’s some people who can. I never thought through much how I processed information until I was on the ground. Then I realized I’m a very visual learner.”
On getting involved with other aspects of game: “I’ve been in almost every special teams meeting. It’s exciting to watch the defense work. I was so busy with the offense I never got to see the defense work… . It’s amazing what those guys do.
From Katharyn Richt:
“He still spends as much time at the office as he always did but he’s not so exhausted or frustrated that he’s not giving things at home his attention. Before, it was his mind was always telling him, ‘I’ve got to get back to the gameplan. He’s still expending as much time and energy, he just doesn’t seem as frustrated and exhausted.”
On how much time the family spends with him: “We still don’t get him. All the kids are in bed when he gets home. So his hours are the same. But before he was always so preoccupied. Now when he comes home he can be at home.”
From Vince Dooley:
“He was such a fantastic offensive coordinator and he was so involved in that. But I think it did distract from him being a head coach on the sideline sometimes. This will help him from that standpoint.”
“I really think it’s a good move for Mark. I think it gives him broader control of the ball game and should help him make better decisions not just on offense but on defense and in the kicking game.”
From assistant coach Jon Fabris:
“It’s obvious he does have more time to maybe concern himself with things pertaining to the entire program,” said Jon Fabris, defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator. “Certainly I could see how it could help us as a program. If you’re going to pull yourself away from something you gave so much energy to, that energy is going to go to other areas. So, yes, certainly some good can come from it.”
From senior wide receiver Sean Bailey:
“You can definitely see he is relaxed. You see it out there every day. He is confident in his coaches. He doesn’t have to do as much. He reflects the whole team. When he is relaxed the team is relaxed.”
OK, let me know your thoughts. Obviously Georgia won 61 games — over 10 per year — the old way. Even though we have a poll about this, tell me if this rather major transition makes you nervous.
Practice updates coming later.
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Richt: This team young but talented
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just returned to the office from Georgia’s pre-game press conference over at Stegeman Coliseum. As always, the session started off with coach Mark Richt addressing the media in a somewhat formal session, then breaking out into one-on-one interviews with selected players.
The theme of Richt’s first presser of the 2007 season was the enormous amount of youth and inexperience on this year’s squad. Richt estimated that we will see between 18 and 20 freshmen play in the Bulldogs’ season opener Saturday evening (6:45 p.m.) against Oklahoma State. He wasn’t sure but thought that is probably the most he’s fielded since becoming Georgia’s head coach in 2001.
“A lot of it has to do with us redshirting an awful lot of players last year,” Richt said. “But I think there’s at least seven true freshmen that are either going to start or play. It bodes well for the future — I hope.”
Yes, but what about the here and now?
“Does it concern me?,” Richt said. “Yes. But I like the way they’ve practiced… . I feel better now than I did when camp started… . If the pressure doesn’t get to them, then I think they’ll be OK.”
Richt went on to say he believed Georgia would be a very good team four or five games into the season when the many young players will have gained a measure of experience. But opening with a team like Oklahoma State, considered one of the best teams in the Big XII, then following with an SEC slugfest against South Carolina, means the Dogs’ young pups will have to grow up on the job.
“Some will perform on a lower level than they’ve been practicing, but a lot of them will perform a whole lot better,” Richt said. “We just don’t know who those guys are yet.”
Richt lauded the talent the Cowboys will be bringing to Sanford Stadium.
“This is a team there’s a lot of buzz around and for a lot of reasons,” he said. “mainly because they have one of the best offenses in the country.”
In addition to ballyhooed offensive stars such as quarterback Bobby Reid, tailback Dantrell Savage and wide receiver Adarius Bowman, Richt singled out Okie State linemen David Koenig and Russell Okung for their abilities. Richt also said the Pokes’ defense, among the worst in the Big XII last season, “Has a lot to prove. They’ve been hearing it a bunch.”
“They have a lot of momentum right now,” richt said. “they finished strong last year, improved on their record from the year before and are trying to make a name for themselves nationally and in their league.”
In depth chart news, Richt said redshirt freshman NaDerris Ward will start at tight end and Brian Mimbs “will punt the first punt” rather true freshman Drew Butler. Butler, however, will likely get a chance as well.
In conclusion, Richt said: “It’s going to be exciting for everybody, even the coaching staff. We don’t know what’s going to happen.”
That’s all for now. Carter will be providing a practice update later.
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Was Richt’s retraction warranted?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No sense in delaying. Might as well go ahead and dive head first into the pool of controversy that is the Indoor Practice Facility Debate.
First, let’s get you up to date. Georgia coach Mark Richt has let it be known over the last several years that he’d very much like to have an indoor facility for the Bulldogs to retreat to in the case of inclement weather. Up until this weekend, he has been fairly diplomatic and subtle about it, sort of nudging AD Damon Evans and the athletics board whenever the subject arose. But this past Friday, Richt delivered a relative sledgehammer after an afternoon thunder-boomer forced first a delay and then the cancellaton of a very important practice.
“It’s just a royal pain to have to deal with this kind of stuff,” Richt said on Friday. “It would be nice to have a little indoor facility nearby where you wouldn’t have to spend your whole life trying to figure out a new plan. It’s very frustrating, it gets very old and I’m about tired of it.
“Maybe one day we’ll get that done.”
Now I — as all the beat guys — have heard Richt’s complaints before on this subject. We’ve seen him scramble to come up with Plan Bs and bus the team over to Ramsey or, occasionally, all the way to the Falcons’ complex in Suwanee because of bad weather. But there was much more of a sharp edge to his comments this time. That’s why I chose it as the lead item in our Friday football report.
Perhaps playing devil’s advocate, I followed with the question, “Is this something you’d leave Georgia over?” Sarcastically — and jokingly — he replied, “No. They’d probably say, ‘good riddance.’”
Richt went on to answer all our questions about the depth chart and Oklahoma State and such things just like he always does and we all went about our business thinking little more of it. It wasn’t until after Saturday night’s practice, after we had completed interviews, that Richt sort of casually asked the beat regulars, “Any chance I can renege on that practice facility thing?” We just kind of laughed it off. I think I said something like, “You said what you meant and you meant what you said. You don’t need to.”
I don’t think any of us at that moment grasped how much this had really been weighing on Richt’s mind. Then he issued that retraction statement through the sports communication office Sunday night. For your edification, here is the statement in its entirety:
“I would like to make a public statement following up on my recent comments pertaining to our facilities at UGA.
“First I am very proud to be at the University of Georgia. I have poured a lot of my life and energy into this program and I’m thankful every day for where God has placed me. I’m also thankful for the leadership of our University, Athletic Association, and Athletic Board.
“Friday’s comments regarding the lack of an indoor practice facility were a knee-jerk reaction to a series of events that happened throughout the day ending with the cancellation of practice due to a storm in the area.
“When I actually read my comments late in the day on Saturday I was very disappointed in what I said and the way I said it. It appeared to be someone who was ungrateful for what he had and that is certainly not the case. For that, I want to apologize to President (Michael) Adams, (athletic director) Damon Evans, and the Bulldog Nation.
“I am very blessed at UGA and Damon and I have a great working relationship. In fact, we have been working together in planning a project that will provide a major facility improvement.
“I want to end by saying that this statement is heartfelt and I was not asked to make it by anyone other than my own conscience.”
Just to complete the background on this subject, the whole concept of an indoor practice facility was first initiated by former Georgia coach Jim Donnan. In fact, they had blueprints drawn and donor pledges ready to build one paralleling Rutherford Street across from the baseball stadium. But that fell through due to a confluence of circumstances, including Sept. 11th and the crash of the stock market in 2001.
OK, so with all that to frame your opinions on the subject, let’s discuss the situation. First, did Richt need to issue a retraction or should he have stuck by his comments? Secondly, do you believe him when he says he was not instructed by superiors to issue a retraction? And finally, do you believe Georgia clearly needs such a facility (only the Dogs and Florida in the SEC don’t have one)?
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O-line play the key to season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Getting ready to head over to the Butts-Mehre Building for this afternoon’s practice. As I’m sure most of you heard, Georgia’s offense didn’t look too good during last night’s scrimmage. Sounds like quarterback Matthew Stafford was on the run a lot and that there wasn’t a ton of running room for the backs. This, mind you, was against the scout team.
All of which should segue nicely into today’s discussion on the offensive line. Without question, I believe how this unit plays is going to be the linchpin to Georgia’s season. So might argue it’s the linebackers or the secondary but I honestly think the Dogs are going to be all right there. I’m not sold yet on the O-line.
For the season opener, the Dogs will be lining up like this: LT - T.Fr. Trinton Sturdivant, LG - RFr. Chris Davis, C - Sr. Fernando Velasco, RG - TFr. Clint Boling OR Jr.Tr. Scott Haverkamp, RT - Chester Adams. You’ll not that this lineup features three players that have never played in a Div. I football game and all five have never played a game at their current position. This is not good.
I will say that there is a lot of talent in this group and, including the guys in backup roles, the future is very bright, especially with all the youngsters getting experience this year. But, the fact is, there is a good reason most offensive linemen redshirt and very few start before their junior season’s. Playing in the trenches is a man’s work and it takes a good three years of weight training and conditioning to become a man in the SEC.
Stacy Searels is unquestionably a great line coach and I believe part of the reason he came here was to take on this challenge. Of course, we don’t know this for sure because he won’t talk to the media. But who could blame him? All he can really say is, “we’re working hard every day to get better.” Who really wants to hear that.
As for the season opener, it will be extremely telling about this unit. It’s been well-documented that Oklahoma State is rebuilding on the defensive front. But like Georgia, the cowboys are thinking even the young guys they’re having to play might be an improvement. If the Dogs can survive this first one, confidence and a little experience might help them when they get a comprehensive examination against South Carolina.
In the meantime, having covered SEC football over the span of 20 years, I’d have to say I’m skeptical at best. There are ways to overcome a green O-line — namely, to chuck-and-duck with quick passes and screens — but it’s largely ineffective when you go against the big dogs. I’ll say this: If Georgia manages double-figure wins and puts up nice offensive numbers this season, it will have been the coaching job of the century for Richt, Mike Bobo, Searels and staff.
Am I missing something here? Lemme know what y’all think.
Practice updates coming as soon as they’re available.
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Quanity at WR, but what about quality?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hey, better late than never, right? Well, maybe not but at least I’m here now. The only thing I’ll say is life is much more unpredictable with a little baby!
Matt Winkeljohn and I did pieces on the Tech and Georgia freshmen that will run as a package in the paper. We broke down the newbies into categories — Sudden Impact, On the Bubble and See Ya Next Year — and got some comments and analysis from players and coaches. Carter Strickland will be at the dress-rehearsal scrimmage tonight and will file a late report (they’re not startiing until 6:45 p.m). Also, something to look forward to, Carter’s heading to Charleston this weekend to catch A.J. Green’s game. That should produce some interesting copy down the road.
On that note, today we’ll focus on Georgia’s wide receivers. First and foremost, there are a bunch of them, 13 on scholarship if you count Aron White, which is a matter of much debate. Obviously the Dogs can’t play them all. Realistically, they won’t play more than six against Oklahoma State and won’t likely dress out more than eight.
The three you’ll likely see the most of on Sept. 1 will be Sean Bailey, Mohamed Massaquoi and Mikey Henderson. That’s a pretty formidable trio in my opinion.The next wave is less clear. A.J. Bryant and Kris Durham have been out with injuries but are back now so how they figure in is anybody’s guess. Michael Moore and Tony Wilson have both drawn praise during camp and will likely be in the mix next Saturday. Kenneth Harris has been a bit of an enigma in that he’s the most experienced of the second group but I’ve probably heard the least about him this preseason. I have a feeling he’s one that may surprise some folks.
There there are Demiko Goodman and T.J. Gartrell, each of whom is coming off major knee surgery. Remember Gartell tripping with a wide-open field ahead of him last season? Anyway, both of those guys can play but I’m thinking that won’t be factors early on.
So with that in mind, your eight to dress would be Bailey, MoMass, Mikey, Harris, Bryant, Moore, Wilson and Durham. They had 73 catches between them last year. Of course, Nailey had 36 in his career before sitting out last season.
I’ll get with Coach John Eason in the coming days and try to pin him down about the rotation. In the meantime, do you feel good about going to war with this bunch or are you skeptical about the? One of the better wide receiving corps in the SEC or one of the worse? Is there one or two among them you’d move up or down on the depth chart.
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Linebackers inspire hope
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My plan was to start focusing in detail on each personnel grouping between now and Game One and, for the sake of sticking to that plan, we’ll get into the linebackers some today. But I need to narrow most of the focus to Dannell Ellerbe and here’s why: I had called his mother, Valerie Covington, whom he identified as the most influential person in his life. However, Mrs. Covington was unable to call me back before I wrote the story, which appeared in today’s paper and is online now. Anyway, she finally called me back earlier today and was sorry she was unable to before now. She’s obviously very proud of her son and was eager to talk about him. So I told her I’d try to find a place for some of her remarks and, well, this is that place.
Here’s a little background: Ms. Covington and Ellerbe’s father hail from Cheraw, S.C. They are divorced and she said Dannell and his father “don’t get along too well” and don’t have much to do with each other. She has since married a man named Robert Covington who she described as a wonderful step-father to Dannell and the man who had most to do with helping Dannell through the troubles he experienced last season.
On that note, Mrs. Covington said Dannell had never been in trouble before the DUI incident of January 2006. She is proudest of him for graduating with honors from Richmond County High and has his honors tassle, diploma and other awards of academic achievement along with all his trophies in a “Showcase Room” they maintain in their Hamlet, N.C., home. Mrs. Covington said they come from a modest but hardworking background. She has worked for 16 years for a plant in Hamlet that manufactures deoderants and antiperspirants and such things.
As for Ellerbe’s new status as starting middle linebacker, Mrs. Covington said, “We’re very excited and nervous. We’ve been waiting for this for a long time. He’s excited, too. He said he can’t wait for that first game and he’s going to make the most of this opportunity.” Mrs. Covington has some back problems that prevent her from getting around real well so she only makes games in which Mr. Covington can accompany her. They’ll be at both Oklahoma State and South Carolina for sure.
OK, so there’s some insight from a proud parent. Thanks for humoring me. Now on to the linebackers situation… .
Of course, you’re not going to get a lot of negative feedback from inside the Georgia camp but the word is very positive on Georgia’s linebackers. I can’t remember if it was linebackers coach John Jancek or head coach Mark Richt but one of them said they have much to be concerned about this season but linebackers aren’t one of them. The starters will be Ellerbe at middle, Darius Dewberry at weakside and Brandon Miller at strong, though Jancek said they will move them around a good bit and they will sub-in Akeem Dent, Rennie Curran, Marcus Washington and Darryl Gamble.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford described the first three as “athletic freaks. Have you seen those guys?”. “Every one of them is big and strong and fast. They can all run.” From what he’s seen in practice he anticipates no drop-off at all and maybe even some improvement.
Again, what else are they going to say, “We think our linebackers are going to be a real liability this season?” And since they won’t let us watch the full-speed, controlled scrimmages, I don’t have a real strong personal opinion. I do think they’re very impressive athletically. I also think they’ll get severely tested by Larry Fedora’s Oklahoma State, spread offense.
So what’s your take? Expect linebackers to be a strength or weakness on this defense? You like the Ellerbe-at-middle-Miller-at-strong thing or would you have preferred to see Miller hold down that spot? Is enough being made of Dewberry, a former AJC Super 11 guy?
I’ll be filing a practice update as soon as possible. Practice scheduled for 3:30 p.m. but, as always, they could move it. Come forth with questions you’d like to see answered as well.
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Offensive direction the dilemma for Bobo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s getting close to kickofff time so it’s time to start focusing in intently on Georgia’s team position by position and from each side of the ball. Today, let’s talk about the Dogs’ offense.
Several intriguing components to the Georgia O. Obviously everything is going to begin and end with how that line performs and yesterday’s news that right guard Scott Haverkamp (ankle) went down again is not good. That said, all indications are it will be one of the most talented and athletically gifted fronts Georgia has put together in years. There’s reason to believe in another year the offense could be one of the great juggernaut’s the Dogs have produced in a while. But that’s then and we’re talking about today, so that’s a giant question mark and a cause for concern.
Then there’s quarterback Matthew Stafford. I can’t help but make comparisons to when Eric Zeier showed up in 1991. Zeier also was thrown into the fire and took over as the starter over a beloved veteran but he didn’t struggle nearly as much as did young Matt. But Stafford finished really strong against three of the stoutest defenses you’ll ever see and it’s hard not to believe Stafford has a greater upside. We’ll see.
Little has been said or written about fullback Brannan Southerland and there may not be a better pure fullback in the country. How Georgia utilizes him is going to be interesting to see.
Which brings us to the main X factor regarding Georgia’s offense — how will the offensive coordinator utilize the many weapons at his disposal. I still believe the Dogs’ wideouts are of the excellent variety, even though they’ve shown a lot of flaws the last couple of seasons. They’re certainly out to prove something this season. There there’s the trio of tailbacks. They’re all worthy of getting totes but Georgia would have to run it at least 36 times a game for them all to get a fair shake as to whether they can get the job done.
So that’s the million-dollar question: How best does Bobo utilize the offensive weapons at his disposal and how much, if any, should Georgia’s lack of experience on the O-line dictate what they try to do?
P.S. Carter’s providing practice updates here later today… . You might have noticed a lot of information coming out of other outlets yesterday and this morning regarding Georgia’s freshmen and which ones may or may not contribute this season. The reason you didn’t hear a lot of that out of us is because I was already in the process of working on a story focusing on that for the Friday paper. I’m digging into it a little deeper so hang with me and be sure to check out the paper Friday (or online late Thursday evening). Thanks again for hanging out.
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OSU game reminds of Boise St. in ‘05
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As you can see from the countdown clock on our UGA page, Georgia’s season opener against Oklahoma State is bearing down on us like a 757 on a Hartsfield runway. I know for many of you that’s a fun and possibly the most exciting time of the year. It is as well for those of us that cover college football for a living.
At this point, we’re all tired of writing about what might happen and what needs to happen and who’s hurt and who moved up or down on the depth. The season’s arrival means we can write about what did actually happen and why and what it means and profile the people and coaches that had something to with it. So refreshing!
Anyway, as the first game draws ever closer, things are slowly but surely coming into focus for me. I’m not ready to say what I think Georgia is going to do this year and I may NOT divulge that before the season starts. But I will share some of the thoughts I’m having as we get well inside that two-week mark.
First of all, I’m intrigued by the parallels I’m seeing between this year’s opener against Oklahoma State and the one against Boise State in 2005. As for the Cowboys, there’s no question they are a very good and very dangerous football team. They’re one of those squads that you’re catching at the absolute worst time because they’re peaking in terms where they will be this season with regard to their place in the college football national hierarchy (please, no Stewart Mandel references here).
That said, just like Boise State in 2005, they’ve already become the vogue pick for the “upset special” by those lemmings known as the national media. And there is not a whole lot of precedent to base that on. A quick glance at the OSU media guide reveals Cowboys are 3-8 on the road under coach Mike Gandy. The three wins were at Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State and Kansas. In that same span they’re 0-8 on the road against Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Kansas State, Iowa, Houston and Baylor by the combined score of 323-167.
Like in 2005, when the Broncos were a 6.5-point underdog, the Cowboys presently are getting seven points. “Load up on the Pokes,” the gambling gurus cry. “Easy money,” they say. I’ll tell you this: Such a trend has not escaped the attention of the Bulldogs, who have been wearing “Beat Oklahoma State” t-shirts since January and have that phrase plastered on every wprk station in the weightroom.
Granted, this particular Okie State team is supposed to be “special.” It features one of just two offenses in the nation that averaged more than 200 yards in both passing and rushing last season. But that Boise State squad was supposed to be special, too, and it went back to Idaho on the short end of a 48-13 reality check. Boise turned out to be quite special in 2006 but I’m still not sure how those Broncos would have held up in early September in Sanford Stadium in front of 93,000 strong Jonesing for some football and an adrenalin-rushed bunch of former national blue-chip recruits dying to prove that they belong and that they’re worthy of their successors.
Now that’s not a prediction. Just food for thought. I know Georgia is weak where they are strong and vice-versa and, from my perch, I’m fired up about covering what should be an exciting shootout between non-traditional, non-conference opponents. I’m looking forward to reporting what actually happens and how and what it means to the rest of the season. I can tell you this: With this young Georgia squad, the outcome will mean a ton.
But that’s just me. What do y’all think?
P.S. Practice updates coming later.
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Important scrimmage on the horizon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s “getting down to brass tacks,” as the expression goes, in Georgia’s preseason camp. The Bulldogs are scrimmaging this afternoon at Sanford Stadium and what takes place there will go a long way in determining what players will start at which positions for the opener against Oklahoma State in two weeks.
But who wants to wait for that the coaches to look at video and evaluate and breakdown every snap and weigh it against every practice they’ve been through this month. As is proven here almost daily, those of us in the blogosphere have all the answers. So let’s put together our best powers of prognostication and predict which players are going to end up No. 1 on the depth chart when the season commences.
Now there are a few positions that you can go ahead pencil in — make that, cast in permanent marker — who’s going to start. Some of the easier ones include: On offense — Matt Stafford at QB, Fernando Velasco at center, Chester Adams at right tackle, Scott Haverkamp at right guard, Trinton Sturdivant at left tackle, Chris Davis at left guard, Brannan Southerland at fullback, Sean Bailey at split end and Mohamed Massaquoi at flanker; on defense — Jeff Owens at DT, Rod Battle and Marcus Howard at DE, Darius Dewberry at WLB, Dannell Ellerbe at MLB, Brandon Miller at SLB, and Kelin Johnson and CJ Byrd at the safeties; special teams — Brandon Coutu at place-kicker and Mikey Henderson at punt returner.
Other than that, some pretty good battles are raging. Among them: Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin or Knowshon Moreno at tailback, Asher Allen and Thomas Flowers at strong corner, Bryan Evans (injured hamstring) and Prince Miller at weak corner, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston at defensive tackle, Coleman Watson, Naderris Ward and Bruce Figgins at tight end, and Drew Butler and Brian Mimns at punter.
Don’t assume I’ve got them all right. Perhaps I’m overlooking some. Perhaps some I have as solid aren’t so ironclad. And maybe some positions are set but not they way you think they should be.
Meanwhile, the most important scrimmage of the preseason shall commence this afternoon and, as usual, Carter Strickland and I will be there to chronicle it for you. Be sure to check back for updates.
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Is playing Cox every game the right move?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You probably saw where Mark Richt on Wednesday said that they were planning to play Joe Cox not just in the first game this season, but in every game all year.
Let me first put this news into context. This was not an announcement that Richt decided to make. I’m working on a story on Joe Cox that’s scheduled to run in the Saturday paper. So after yesterday’s practice, I simply asked Richt to comment on Joe and how well he had made the transition from starting candidate to clear backup at quarterback. After talking about how much Joe loves the University of Georgia and his teammates and friends and coaches, Richt then proceeded they planned to play Joe against Oklahoma State and in every game all year. I was a little surprised to hear him say that like I’m sure many of you are.
Of course, I interviewed Joe for the story, too, and he seemed as surprised as anybody about the news. He was adamant about saying he asked for no assurances from anybody that he get on the field this season and that he merely wanted to help Georgia win in whatever capacity that happened to be.
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.
Anyway, I’m sure the “news” is the subject of much water-cooler discussion today so I figured I’d throw it out there and see how you guys feel about it.
Should the Dogs establish a firm rotation like they had in the latter years of Greene-Shockley? Should they just get Cox in when a Georgia lead might allow? Or would Richt have been better off not even bringing this up?
Later today I’ll be posting some good news from the baseball team and, of course, providing practice updates. The Dogs don’t go until 4:30 p.m. today so it’ll be around 5 or so.
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Brown (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.
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No surprise in Caleb’s redshirt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s preface this discussion by saying that decisions regarding redshirts are not firmly made until about the third week of the season and even then they are subject to change. But, for the most part coaches have a good idea who’s going to play and who’s going to redshirt by this point in the preseason. Anyway, I was surprised by the reactions of a lot of people regarding the “news” that Caleb King was likely eyeing a redshirt season. It seemed to have come as a surprise to more than a few folks and I’m not sure why.
King will be an excellent college football player and he has displayed as much in his couple of weeks of camp. But, viewing the big picture, unless it was readily apparent early on that he was the second coming of Herschel Walker, it was never a very strong possibility that he’d play this season. And I’m not sure it wasn’t always in King’s best interest to watch the game from the sidelines this season.
Some of you (Buck in the Northwest chief among them) contend with me on this but I tend to believe redshirting is the best scenario for all players if you can afford it. But I think it’s especially good for King. You’ve got four capable players ahead of him on the depth chart (don’t forget Jason Johnson is on scholarship and very schooled on the Bulldogs’ system) and, as has been well documented everywhere, King had a hard time attaining his freshman eligibility. It’s hard enough to handle college coursework and the demands of SEC football without that unbridled expectations of a passionate fanbase.
To me, the bigger surprise might be that Thomas Brown at this moment is the leading candidate to start at tailback this first game. Heck, it wasn’t so long ago nobody was sure if he’d even be able to play this season because of his recorvery from knee surgery. I thought for sure Kregg Lumpkin would be No. 1, Knowshon Moreno 2 and they’d get whatever out of Brown they could. That said, again, nothing is set at this moment.
So let’s hear from you guys regarding a likely redshirt for King and the hierarchy at tailback. Meanwhile, stayed tuned for practice updates later.
Thanks for hanging out.
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Dogs’ defense need defending?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m sure most of you have probably seen my story on the Georgia defense. If not, you can find it still up on our UGA page.
In a nutshell, I broke down the numbers from last season and determined that the Bulldogs were actually pretty darn good on defense last season. In fact, the 258 yards a game they gave up was the fewest of the Mark Richt era, fewer even than the stoutest of Brian VanGorder’s units. The problem was the turnovers the offense was committing which often put the defense in difficult situations either deep in its own territory or from a sudden switch of momentum.
To his credit, defensive coordinator Willie Martinez would not use any of that as an excuse. He said it’s the defense’s job to get momentum back when the offense uses it and his unit didn’t react well to sudden adversity. Players also admitted to losing some “leadership” and “confidence” in the middle of the year when problems arose against Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Florida. They said they got it back and then some at the end of the year.
Anyway, all but three of that group is being replaced this season. As it stands at the moment, and it’s subject to change daily, I’d say the Dogs’ D will look like this: CB Asher Allen, CB Bryan Evans or Thomas Flowers, FS CJ Byrd, SS Kelin Johnson, LBs Brandon Miller, Dannell Ellerbe and Darius Dewberry, DEs Rod Battle and Marcus Howard and DTs Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins.
The question is, do you think this group and their backups can be as good as or better than the 2006 defense? What, in your opinion, will the strength and weaknesses be? And do you have confidence in Martinez as the coordinator.
Meanwhile, I’ve been off today to tend to a bunch of personal business, so I didn’t get out to practice this morning as the Bulldogs went in full pads. Carter Strickland was there, of course, and said nothing of major significance took place. He’ll have a practice report in tomorrow’s paper and I’ll see if he has time to throw a practice update onto the blog. Things will be back to normal tomorrow and I’ll try to let you know what’s going on.
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Georgia program top-tier by any measure
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, I tried to resist but I just can’t anymore. CNN/SI’s Stewart Mandel came out this week with a “formula,” using Georgia as its basis, in which he ranks football programs by prestige. By his measure, he places the Bulldogs in the second tier, not top-tier. Now I’m not going to debate his determinations because, well, it’s his opinion and opinions are like, um, elbows. You know, everybody has a couple. And believe me, I’m just a beat guy. I’m not a Georgia homer by any stretch of the imagination. But I do know a LOT about Georgia and the facts just don’t back up Mandel’s findings, in my opinion.
I’ll offer just a few I know off the top of the head (and from just inside the Georgia media guide) that I believe contradict Mandel’s logic.
I: History
A: Georgia is 11th all time in victories and is one of only 11 to have recorded more than 700 victories in the program’s history.
B: There are only five teams in the nation that have been to more bowls than the Bulldogs: Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Southern Cal and Nebraska.
C: Georgia officially lists only two national championships, 1942 and 1980, it was the consensus champion. But it could claim five, as Alabama and Georgia Tech do, in which recognized polls of the day named them national champions.
D: As for all-time SEC championships, it goes, Alabama (21), Tennessee (13), then Georgia (12).
E: Granted, the Dogs haven’t won a national title in 27 years. But they have been winning big and been in the mix since Mark Richt has been the head coach. He’s one of only nine Div. I coaches in history to record 60 or more wins in his first six seasons.
II: Present
A: Richt is one of only four SEC coaches to record four consecutive seasons of at least 10 wins.
B: Richt is No. 4 on the list of winningest active D-I coaches. 1, 2 and 3 are Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer (which includes stints at Bowling Green and Utah) and Bob Stoops.
C: Georgia has, of course, been in three SEC championships in the last six years, winning two of them.
III: Recognizability
A: Two years ago, Georgia ranked No. 3 in the nation in sales of Collegiate Licensed merchandise. It’s No. 5 this year, with Texas, Michigan, Notre Dame and, for the first time in history, Florida, ahead of Georgia (the Gators have gotten a big boost from those football and basketball national titles). That means there’s a lot people buying stuff with “Georgia” on it.
B: Georgia was the most profitable athletic program in the country two years ago. It was No. 2 this past year.
C: According to marketing czar Alan Thomas, Georgia has been in the top five each of the last five years, including No. 1 and No. 2 in consecutive years, in fastest-growing licensing rights. Texas is at the top at the moment.
D: The ultimate say-so: EA Sports, which makes all those video games, categorizes Georgia football as “elite.”
So anyway, there’s some fodder I’d offer if I was arguing with Mandel about this over a beer at a bar. But I’m not going to do that. So let’s hear what you guys think about it.
Practice updates coming later.
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Intense heat, hitting for 1st full-contact practice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hazy skies and temperatures in the mid-80s greeted the Bulldogs early this morning and the heat was on a rapid rise. It was not just because afternoon highs were expected to reach 102 degrees either. Thursday morning represented the first of two-a-day practices and the first full-pads, full-contact workout of the preseason.
“The first day of pads, always an exciting day,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt. “It was a very physical day.”
Leather could be heard popping early on and, like the heat, it increased exponentially as the practice wore on. The highlight came midway through with a three-on-three, offense-versus-defense drill on the lower-most field turf field. The entire team, offensive players in red jerseys and defensive in white, encircled the action and cheered on their respective sides. The coaches kept score and the defense won 7-6 (one point awarded for each play won), according to Richt.
That was followed by inside drill, which is essentially seven-on-seven, handing off the ball up the middle to one side or another. That was the No. 1 respective units against the No. 2s, and Richt called it a “dead heat,” no pun intended.
“There was some stickin’ goin’ on, but not enough for me,” senior safety Kelin Johnson said. “Speaking on behalf of the defense, I didn’t think we were physical enough. We’re not tough enough, not yet. But we’re working on it.”
Georgia will go at it again — sans pads — at 4:20 this afternoon. Temperatures should have peaked out about 102 or 103 around then. I’ll update the blog with practice notes this morning and again late this afternoon. Be sure to tune in for that latest.
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Get your inside info here
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let me first say thanks to all of you who are coming here in ever-increasing numbers to get your Georgia football information and to discuss everything Bulldog. Your participation on this blog is what is going to make it successful and I’ve been very impressed with the insight and knowledge so many of you display and, clearly, your thirst for information is insatiable.
As you all know, this is a free service we provide and, like everything in a democratic society we’re so fortunate to live in, it is driven by your right to free speech. That said, I want to inject some personal requests here.
My philosophy with regard to this blog is to provide a little deeper level of coverage for what I believe is the most ardent and passionate of our Georgia readers. That’s why I’m trying to provide daily practice updates. That’s why I try to tell you the stories behind the stories. I want to give you a little more than you’re going to get in the paper or within our regular coverage boundaries. At the very least, I want to give you information first and unfiltered before it shows up in the next day’s notebook.
What I don’t view this blog as is a fan forum or a vent where Florida fans and Georgia Tech fans come to “flame” or talk trash the Bulldog fans they know that visit here regularly. That doesn’t mean I want to limit it to Georgia fans only. Far from it. I’m not into censorship in any form, unless someone is being distasteful or racist. I encourage Florida, Tech and Tennessee fans — like General Neyland — to engage in thoughtful and sometimes playful banter regarding Georgia and its opponents from your respective viewpoints. The more polar viewpoints, the better, I believe.
But I get really tired of reading comment after comment of guys (and girls) talking trash which essentially comes down to “we’re better than you; nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah.” Childish, immature and completely boring, in my opinion. If your handle is, say, “UFownsUGA” or “gatorthedogcatcher,” we get where you’re coming from already. Please try to make your points without being juvenile.
That said, I’m glad a lot of people are showing up and participating and I’m not going to ban anyone based on that kind of behavior. I just want to encourage thoughtful exchanges. Cool?
OK, practice update coming shortly. And here’s what we’ve got coming: Carter Strickland did a nice piece on linebacker Brandon Miller, “the whole key to the defense,” in CMR’s own words. I’ll be filing some practice notes later and we have some really good stories coming all through the weekend.
Thanks again for hanging out and play nice!
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Few first-year players will make major impact
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ll get into this in a little more detail in the next couple of weeks when there’s a lot more to go on but, for now, it’s not too early to start talking about what freshmen and first-year players will make the biggest impact and which ones are most likely to get a redshirt.
I broached the subject with coach Mark Richt after yesterday’s practice and, understandably, he said it is way too early to make any decisions with regard to redshirting. However, he did acknowledge that true freshman Logan Gray “would probably be the least likely to play this season.” Gray, from Columbia, Mo., is currently fifth on the Bulldogs’ depth chart.
Clearly, Trinton Sturdivant, who has already earned the No. 1 position at left offensive tackle, is the player that will make the biggest impact. Punter Drew Butler also could earn a starting job depending on the competition with Brian Mimbs in preseason camp. And offensive linemen G Justin Anderson and T Vince Vance are listed as backups at their positions.
Richt dropped a few more names on us late Monday. He said offensive lineman Clint Boling of Alpharetta “is showing that he’s learning rapidly and has very good athleticism.”
Of Caleb King, he said, “he’s a very good-looking guy when he knows what to do.” For what it’s worth, King is getting a lot of work on special teams.
Of freshman inside linebackers Rennie Curran and Charles White, Richt said: “You can tell they are so eager to do everything right. They get frustrated when they don’t. But they’re really working hard.”
Of course JUCO transfer defensive linemen Corvey Irvin and Jarius Wynn are both on the three-deep. Bruce Figgins looks ready to play at tight end but might not be needed there. He’s also working on three different special-teams units (all except kickoff). Aron White, who I will be writing a little something about along with Figgins for tomorrow’s paper, is being primed at a specialized position that could translate into limited playing time. And I see Israel Troupe getting a lot of work in the Bulldogs’ return game.
Offensive lineman Chris Little might have had a chance to get on the field but, since he had to have surgery to repair a wrist problem and is in a cast, it probably shelves him.
So, anyway, obviously most of this is speculation and observation at this point. Let me know what you guys think or might be hearing from your sources. Let’s have a little fun with it and rank one-through-five the five first-year players you think will have the biggest impact.
Meanwhile, tune in later for practice updates as usual. I have to get a crown replaced so Carter Strickland will be providing them today as soon as he gets off the field this afternoon.
As always, thanks for hanging out.
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Blistering heat greets Dogs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s up? Getting ready to head out to Georgia’s practice. It’s 100 degrees today and the humidity makes it even hotter than that. So I’m going to go out on a limb and say we’ll see some guys fall out from the heat today. Nothing to be alarmed about. Happens every preseason about this time.
Couple of things I want to get out there. Number one, there was a lot of good stuff about the wide receivers I didn’t have the space to address in yesterday’s story. So following is the little of the leftovers.
In case you missed it, Mohammed Massaquoi has been moved inside from split end to flanker and Mikey Henderson was moved from flanker out to split end. According to coach John Eason, this was done for a couple of reasons: Number one, to get the best players on the field and it sounds like the Dogs will be using a LOT of three wides and possibly some four wides. Apparently Massaquoi struggled some getting off the jam, against press coverage, which the split end almost always has to deal with. Sean Bailey is reportedly the best on the team at that. Moving Massaquoi inside gets him a little more involved in motion and over-the-middle and possession-type stuff. Conversely, they want to give Mikey a little more space outside where they can possibly create some plays that might better simulate what he does on a punt return.
Also, I heard from a couple of wideouts — most outspokenly A.J. Bryant — that the dropped-balls issue got blown out of proportion last season. They said (and Eason verified this part) that they watched tape of several SEC teams and Florida and South Carolina, to count two, had more drops than they did. That said, Bryant was saying they shouldn’t drop any and, certainly, they had some critical crops at bad times. But his point was they have to quit making it this giant mental hurdle and relax and do what they train every day to do.
Most crucial injury to this point: The broken right wrist of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. OK, I’m kidding, but the young guru is coaching in a cast. His explanation: “I’d like to say it was from riding a four-wheeler but, the truth is, I hurt it driving a golf cart.” Actually Bobo was driving a souped-up, non-governor carts of one of his neighbors and he was trying to turn it around while sitting in the passenger side. He hit a curb and snapped a navicular bone.
And lastly, I spoke to coach Steve Pennington of Statesboro High yesterday. Actually he was returning a message from about three days earlier. Anyway, he said safety John Knox should find out about his high school graduation test sometime between today and Wednesday. If the news is bad, Knox will head to Hargrave. If it’s good Georgia will have batted 1.000 on this year’s recruits. I’ll have to find out when the last time is that happened.
All right, headed out to the field. I’ll provide a practice update as soon as I get back to my computer. As always, thanks for hanging out with the UGA blog!
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Observations from Georgia’s practice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Carter Strickland and I are out at Georgia’s first practice now and watching as they work out in shorts and helmets. The first five days are considered an acclimation period so I believe that means no full contact until after that. I’ll get clarification after practice. Meanwhile, as usual, everybody looks good and fast when they’re not in full pads.
The first interesting item of the day was pointed out by Carter. Guess who is attending today’s practice? Clemson commitment A,J. Harmon.
I’ll be providing short comments throughout in the comments section so keep coming back. Also, read some of Richt’s comments and those from a few players in the other blog already up and running. Thanks for hanging out!
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Richt, players ready to get started
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greetings from the auditorium of UGA’s Rankin Smith Academic Achievement Center, just across Sanford Drive from the Woodruff Practice Fields. We’ve just completed interviews at media day here and, in a few hours, will make our way over to the football complex for the first practice of the 2007 season.
Quickly, I’ll give you a rundown of what was said over here. The day began with opening remarks from head coach Mark Richt, who then fielded questions from a media contingent of a couple of dozen. After that we interviewed selected players in an open Q&A session in the student lounge. Some of the players in attendance included QB Matthew Stafford, WR Sean Bailey, TBs Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin, LB Brandon Miller, DTs Jeff Owens and Kade Weston, OL Fernando Velasco, PK Brandon Coutu and S Kelin Johnson. I may have missed one or two (apologies if I did) but that’s whom I immediately recall seeing. I didn’t talk to them personally but I think we hit them all between Carter Strickland and me. We’ll report some of what was said immmediately and some of the other stuff we’ll be saving for stories and features we’ll be offering daily from now through the end of the regular season.
Quickly, here are some of the things Richt said. I’ll update throughout the day in the comments section more on Richt and then some comments from the players:
General comment on starting practices: “We’ve been working hard and are ready to go. The guys actually went out this morning and walked through assignments with their coaches, offense, defense and special teams. Everything starts in earnest today. We’ll be in shorts today, the first of the five-day acclimation period, then we’ll have five days of one-a-days, then two-a-day, one-a-day, two-a-day until school starts. We have 29 practice opportunities until our first ballgame against Oklahoma State. I feel very good about our team . I feel good about the way we finished last year and I feel very good about the momentum we carry in from the offseason. The guys worked hard and came back looking in great shape.”
On offensive lineman Ian Smith quitting on Friday: “He came to see me yesterday and said he had decided for health reasons he did not want to pursue playing football anymore… . He will stay with our program. He will continue to utilize our athletic and academic resources and be part of our program and part of our family. He just won’t be one of the 85 anymore.”
On suspending TE Tripp Chandler and QB Blake Barnes for the first game: I felt like the punishment was about right for what happened. That’s why I chose that amount of time. Of course, there’s a lot of other things those guys have to do. There’s other things that are involved… . Punishment, education, love. That’s the cornerstone of discipline here and at home with my family.”
On whether there is a discipline problem, or the perception of one: “There’s not a discipline problem on our team at all, I don’t think. We’ve had some guys make some mistakes. Some may say it was minor. I don’t know. Everything they do that’s against the rules or against the law is wrong. Some are more minor than others, certainly. I’m not alarmed our shocked these guys are making some foolish mistakes. Some of them are relatively innocent, some of the scooter stuff.
“For instance, I know Caleb [King] knew his license was suspended. He had no idea you had to have a license to ride a scooter. Now he should have known that; we probably should have told him. But we only had him about a week. We had Scooter 101 in our team meeting yesterday. We did have that.
“NaDerris [Ward] was sitting behind a car that was indecisive abnout what to do at an intersection where the light was green. He decided to go around like I think most everybody in America would probably do. He gets stopped. But he did have a valid license from California but he didn’t have it on his body.
“Nonetheless, those are laws and they were broken. Those things happen. But I’m not alarmed at all. I think we have a very disciplined football team. I think we have a great bunch of guys that really care about doing things right. I’m excited about them… . And now we have a Scooter Policy.”
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Some good numbers for Dogs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s here. Football season has arrived. By this time tomorrow, I’ll be sitting in the auditorium at the Rankin Smith Center listening to Mark Richt wax eloquent about that afternoon’s first practice (don’t you know he’s tired of talking about it) at Georgia’s preseason media day. Afterward, we’ll get our shot at interviewing several of the returning players (I’ll be blogging about what is said there). Then it’s out to Woodruff Practice Fields (I’ll blog about what I see out there, too).
This time of year is always exciting. Everybody is 0-0 and everything is possible. By now, you’ve probably seen that the Bulldogs pulled a No. 13 ranking in the USA Today coaches poll. This is good news for Georgia for this reason in particular: It general takes a Top 15 preseason ranking to have any shot whatsoever of a national championship. Don’t believe me? Ask Auburn. I think they started 18 or so the season they ran the table and didn’t get a title shot.
Now I’m in no way, shape or form saying the Bulldogs are national championship contenders. I’d be inclined to say they are way too flawed this season. But, hey, at this point everybody has a shot. More importantly, the ranking shows that AFCA coaches have a pretty high opinion of where Georgia is, much higher than the SEC writers that picked it third in the East. No. 13 was the third-highest ranking among SEC teams (LSU and Florida were 2 and 3, respectively, Auburn was 14 and Tennessee 15). With three of those on the Dogs’ schedule, their destiny is clearly in their hands.
Here are some other good numbers for Georgia: 22 of 23. That’s how many of the recruits the Bulldogs’ signed on Feb. 8 were able to earn their eligibility. Sports info chief Claude Felton is helping me verify this (I’m sure one of you guys probably knows for sure) but I think that’s the best percentage under Richt). There’s an outside chance Statesboro safety John Knox could also get in but the word I’m getting is he’ll be bound for Hargrave Military.
Should Knox not make it, my calculations tell me the Dogs should have at least one scholarship left over. I would’ve said Tripp Taylor would have been the recipient of that one but his legal troubles — Taylor proclaims innocence — may interfere. If that is indeed the case, I would say Brian Mimbs is a good candidate to earn a “battlefield promotion,” certainly if he earns the starting punter’s job in addition to his holding duties.
All right, tell me what y’all think. Am I off base anywhere here?
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Gearing up for football season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Howdy folks. Sorry a little late getting to you today. The goal is to blog EVERY WEEKDAY from now through football season. I’ve got to get myself conditioned to doing that and, obviously, need to make sure I have plenty of topics ready to go.
With that in mind, let’s talk about some of the things you’d like to see here. First of all, I can tell you that I will be at Georgia’s first football practice on Saturday and will blog live from the football complex twice that day. As practice continues and, certainly when the season gets started, there should be plenty to discuss.
I’ll also be keeping a close eye on Georgia basketball and all of the Dogs’ other sports so don’t feel like the subject is limited to football, though that’s all anybody wants to talk about most of the time.
But, as I’ve stressed before, this is an interactive medium and I’m here to serve. Now features and hard news will usually be posted as stories on the UGA page of the website but I will on occasion tackle a request here and, as always, alert you to upcoming or ongoing news items. I’ll also monitor the blog as much as possible during the day and answer whatever queries might arise that way.
As you all probably know, freshmen report on Friday (though most are already here), the first practice is Saturday and Picture Day is on August 18. That’s enough from me. Tell me what you want, expect, wish for. I aim to please!
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NCAA cuts Cuff some slack
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The news spread like wildfire Wednesday afternoon. Vance Cuff, a highly-touted defensive back and Georgia signee from Colquitt County, finally gained his eligibility to play for the Bulldogs).
Seems there was a fairly collosal misunderstanding between Cuff’s high school and the NCAA Clearinghouse over whether a oral/written speech communication class should count as one of the 14 core courses needed for freshman eligibility. The high school filed multiple appeals, only to be denied. Georgia took up the fight and asked for a waiver and reportedly it was granted on Wednesday.
It would have been a shame — or at least a lot of Georgia football fans would have felt that way — if Cuff would’ve had to go to junior college because some high school counselors didn’t know the rules. That goes double given the leniency the NCAA showed some Auburn signees in the wake of a grade-changing scandal this summer.
But be warned: Such controversies will become even more prevalent going forward because, as of Aug. 1, 2008, prospects will have to have successfully passed 16 core courses to gain freshman eligibility.
Cuff is an interesting case because, admittedly, if not for football he never would have considered going to college. He would have simply joined his father in his buisiness of hanging drywall. But because of his athletic ability, Cuff was advised as a 10th grader that a scholarship was a possibility and he set about taking college-prep classes.
My question is, your obvious Georgia bias aside, does anybody have a problem with Cuff getting the nod from the NCAA? Clearly, if not for his football-playing ability, he would never have been admitted into UGA. Anybody outraged as more and more better-prepared applicants are turned down? On the other hand, Cuff would have never considered college if not for football and, whatever happens during his career, he should exit college a much more educated person that he would have been otherwise. What about the NCAA’s role in all this? Shouldn’t a university be able to educate anyone it pleases?
Not invoking an opinion here. Just posing the questions.
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