UGA

By hoodie Bookums

September 27, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

I thingk the D is doing great considering, as you said, there are 8 new starters. One very encouraging thing is the depth, there does not SEEM to be a ton of drop off between the ones and twos etc… This group should get better as the season progresses.

By Palmetto State Dawg

September 27, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

They’re still young, but should improve throughout the season. I see them going forwards, not backwards. Chip, it looks like Reshad Jones is getting more and more playing time every week. The coaches must like what he is doing. I’m still waiting on him to get a pick. Maybe this week!

By Upstate SC

September 27, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

This group is young, extremely young in fact. IMO this is the reason for the inconsistancy at times. They thrive on emotion. This is why they often come out on fire and tend to fizzle out if there is a lead or if fatigue sets in. As they mature this perceived problem will go away. WMs defenses seem to do better when they are mixing it up, blitzing and playing man cover. It is when they settle into the soft zones while winning or trying to prevent the big play that they falter sometimes. Overall WM has done a good job of getting his D ready to play. When they mature this is going to be a nasty defense that other teams fear. Lets get it done this Saturday, GOOO DAWGS, SIC EM!!!! On a side note I think I am going to be a Mississippi State fan as well this weekend. How sweet would it be for them to put one on the old ball coach in Columbia? LOL!

By Geoff

September 27, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Coach Martinez always seems to do a competent job in producing solid, quality defenses but the main problem is that he just lacks the firey personality that we enjoyed under Brian Van Gorder. Perhaps the players find it harder to step up in critical situations without their coach on the sideline setting the tempo.

By BCD

September 27, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

I think we’ll get there once they’ve had more games, but right now they play good ball all game, but not great ball when we need it. They don’t have that ‘oh, no you don’t’ momentum changing attitude yet. I think that comes from youth and a lack of a true leader on D who gets them fired up and ready to put it to the O.

BCD

By Biggerthanbigdawg

September 27, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I think it is growing pains mostly. The younger guys are still learning and some of the older ones have not stepped up (Miller) or have played hurt (Johnson). The lack of turnovers has not helped either. The good news is we are getting better everytime we step on the field. We just gotta bow our neck in the 4th qtr!

By BlueMoon

September 27, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

A really good D that is going to be borderline great by the end of the year.

They’re young and learning every week. It’s going to start showing at the end of halves too.

By Mikey

September 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the cornerbacks jam the receivers at the line instead of playing off them for easy 5 to 7 yard completions. Other than that I think they are going to get better with experience. Kelin is the leader of the bunch- we needed one.

By Noyellowinthisblood

September 27, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

The D is about were I expected. Going through some growing pains, but in the end and next year they should be exceptional.

By BlueMoon

September 27, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Geoff

What we lack isn’t BVG, it’s Odell, Pollack, TD, Greg Blue,etc.

Those guys can make any DC look good.

By braveswin

September 27, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

The defense is much like the offense, a work in progress.I mean did ANYONE out there expect GA to have the best defense in the EAST much less the country?I think overall the D has played well enough for us to have won every game(disagree?)Like the offense,the D is young and will get better and ain’t that the name of the game?If Stafford & CO will drive the ball & eat clock it would help…

By 59bulldawg

September 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I think those of us who like the fiery motivational types like Van Gorder and the legendary Erk Russell will never be totally happy with any other type defensive coordinator. But folks when they made Erk, they broke the mold. Even Van Gorder, as good as he was, couldn’t measure up, IMO, to Russell. All coaches, even the fiery, motivational guys many of us admire so much, have their own unique styles. I think perhaps we are in danger of not fully appreciating what Coach Martinez is doing at Georgia. He’s a solid defensive coordinator and I think the Dawgs like playing for him. It’s ok to yearn for the days of Erk, or talk about when BVG was our DC, but let’s also give WM his due. He’s doing an excellent job.

By Spanky

September 27, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Nice,….I agree with the previous posts! Some of the confusion that ya’ll noticed on those drives(Bama and South Carolina)at the end of halves, has to do with youth and adjusting to audibles. We’ve had to waste a few time-outs because of that. But, as ya’ll have said, our D is improving every time they suit it up! I sure as hell hope so, because Ole Miss will damn sure be ready!!

By fjjdf

September 27, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

The defense should improve each week. The key will be the ability to create turnovers, which we have not done in the first 4 games. Bottomline, lots of depth and speed on D.

By Chip Towers

September 27, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Palmetto State Dawg: Talking about Reshad Jones and waiting for him to get a pick, you touched on a good point about Georgia and this defense. Through four games, they have only two takeaways — an interception and a fumble recovery — and that’s not good at all. That’s the fewest by far in the SEC by far. The Dogs’ turnover margin of minus-0.50 ranks 77th nationally. Somehow they need to create some takeaways.

By boots

September 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I have liked what I have seen from the Defense at times this year, save a couple of drives where they seemed unable to stop the opponents. We needed a stop v. SC at the end of the game and one against Alabama. That seems to show me the talent is there, but focus needs to be turned up a bit until the buzzer sounds.

Chip - What the heck is going on with Ellerbe’s helmet? That dude’s helmet comes flying off two or three times a game. Someone needs to get that man some duct tape!

By wmd

September 27, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I agree with mikey. My complaint is that it has been that way for years. Even coach BVG had the DB’s play the same way. It seems we play off 8-12 yards on 3rd and 5 or more. Another techinique that drives me crazy is when a DB turns his back to the quarterback. DB’s have to be able to “roll their hips ” in coverage. If they can’t then you make them a WR, RB, or LB.

Go dawgs!!!!!!!

By braveswin

September 27, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

GEOFF,Vangorder is gone and ain’t coming back.Martinez has done a very good job and is well respected(note the head coaching offers)just because YOU want to see someone sreaming like the OK ST coach doesn’t mean that doing so helps anything.Go to a game and actually watch Martinez on the sideline He is most allways a RAH RAH guy. We have the right man coaching the D.

By BigNCDawg

September 27, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

I think coach M has the fire that it takes. He has got the speed now that we have never had before. They just need a little more beef and strength. That will come with time.

By 1eyedJack

September 27, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

A lot of youth and inexperience and a derth of senior leadership. They should improve as the season progresses. Watch out next year!!!

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 27, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Chip, first off, great article on Coutu this morning.

Allowing all those late game drives has been killing us the last couple of years. Since we are rotating so much I hope that the fresh players will stop that from happening as they gain more and more experience. Other than that I think we are in good to great shape. They will be a lot better by season’s end.

By Vince

September 27, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip,

when you get a chance, and if I simply haven’t missed it recently, give us an update on the 10 or so guys that should be avail for the O-line if all were healthy.

For example, some of the new guys, and Kiante Tripp. I was hoping Tripp would be ready about now for some series, to sub it, and etc.

I wonder how badly Little is hurt and if we will see him, I suppose not.

By JB

September 27, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

This defense is getting better. That first quarter at Alabama, my jaw dropped. Who are these guys getting after Bama. After we scored on the opening drive and i saw that Defense play early, I thought this is going to be good. We normally stand around flat footed and get behind 14-0. Go DAWGS.

By A-ville Ranger

September 27, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

First off,17.2 pts allowed per game would rank higher later in the season.You always have anomalies early when the samples are too small to get an accurate read.We have 6 seasons that tells us 17.2 is about normal to slightly high in the Richt era.Two things that need to be corrected,no forced turnovers, and late breakdowns could cost games however.The turnover thing may well be one of those anomalies.As for the breakdowns, CMR has already addressed the problem and we’ll have to wait and see the results.

By mcdawg

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

the D needs to create turnovers-i expect R. Jones to get at least 1 INT this weekend-hopefully we can sustain a pass rush which should negate their ability to burn us long—of course-it only takes one or two plays w/ the deep ball to determine outcome of the game

By My View

September 27, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

I am a huge dawgs fan. But I feel as though our D would be better served if we used more blitz packages. I’m not saying go blitz crazy, but we need to apply more pressure. That is why we haven’t forced a bunch of turnovers in recent years. Pressure defenses force the action causing turnovers, zone teams play it safe, but in pressure situations when a qb must focus, he is more apt to find the open reciever in zone coverage when he has little or no pressure.

By Joey A

September 27, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

I see some improvement with the D. As mentioned above, I see them moving foward. They appear to be Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde at times. They just seem to lose the focus and intensity. Is it because we play on pins and needles when the game gets tight as opposed to being wide open early on? I love the blitz packages. We need to keep pressure on the QB. Classic example; Leak was horrible under pressure,. He made bad throws and bad decisions. Why didn’t we keep him pressured for 60 minutes last year? I know you can’t blitz on every play but cut em’ lose a little more. I am baffled by the big chunks we allow up the gut! The DAWGS of past were always pass vulnerable but stuffed the run. I am also seeing alot of “I’ll let you make the tackle instead of me” rather than everyone getting a helmet in there. Martinez has to keep their motor running!! We need to lay some big pops on people. As for Ellerbe’s helmet always coming off? He could tighten that chin strap to keep it on. I think he likes to have his mug be seen. MoMass has been dishing harder hits on blocks than we have on tackles. DAWGS keep the fire and win by 17!

By AltamahaDawg

September 27, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

While he may not be as demonstative on the sideline for the cameras, everything that I have read or heard had Martinez as one of the more amimated and fiery coaches on the staff. Is that not right?

Some of that can’t hold em late, specially last year had to be a result of the constant “get back out there” the O kept doing to them. A couple of ints against Alabama, an abismal 3rd down conversion rate against SC sure didnt help them out. Not excusing the breakdowns, but it is a total effort. In every one of those named cases, should NEVER have been a game on the line situation. I can’t remember having the D on the field to save the game so much as in the past couple of seasons.

By A-ville Ranger

September 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Chip——I know it’s not everything but not allowing points and creating points for the team are two big needs from a defense.With that in mind here’s two odd stats.The pass defense has given up 1 td all season.That’s tied for least or BEST in the former 1-A.They have intercepted only 1 all season which ties for least or WORST in the formerly mentioned,former 1-A.

By AltamahaDawg

September 27, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

ellerbe……….Hey Mon, can ju not see de problim?

By Ben

September 27, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

The pass D numbers are not correct, just read your rushing + passing and it doesnt equal your total D number.

By Wes

September 27, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Considering our youth and inexperience, I think the defense, and Coach Martinez, are doing a phenomenal job.

One thing no one has mentioned yet, our physical, mental, emotional leader on the defense (Paul Oliver) was taken from the team rather abruptly, and after we, and the coaches/players, spent most of the off season expecting him to be around. You lose a big-hitting, experienced leader like that, and it’s naturally going to take a while for someone to fill the void.

Kelin is doing a good job of trying to step in, but it’s still a bit too early to tell who “the man” will be. Give ‘em a few more weeks and I’m sure the picture will be clearer. In the meantime, I’m proud of our boys for staying together and playing as a unit. Like I said, all things considered, a phenomenal job so far.

By Geoff

September 27, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Whoa, I think braveswin must be WM’s nephew or something. If you’ll go back and review, you’ll notice that I was not derogatory about him and in fact said that he was doing a quality job. I do watch every game and go in person when possible but I don’t see that just being a “rah-rah” guy necessarily gets the job done in critical situations. Unless a defense just has clearly superior talent, in order to truly dominate, you need a powerful personality on the defensive side of the ball where emotion plays a bigger role in the outcome. It can be a player on the field or from the coaching staff, but that kind of leadership needs to come from somewhere.

By MFM

September 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I realize the D has given up two crutial late 4th quarter drives. But, considering the facts that we only allow 1 TD vs USC and 10 of UofA’s points came off of turnovers, I believe the D has played well. Not to mention we stoned Alabama to a 1 yard gain in OT and those extra 3 points should not really count against us. I’m not saying there is no room for improvement but I think WM’s squad is playing exceptional.

GO DAWGS!!!

By John

September 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Chip the Dawgs are giving up 173 yards a game passing, and its 5th in the league. That’s our passing offense you have down.

By Wes

September 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Alt,

I agree about Coach Martinez. In fact, I think I remember him being the most animated coach on the sideline in the W. Carolina and Bama games.

By puppydawg

September 27, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

For our young D, it has been trial by fire every week. Even so, the scoring defense has been very good. We just need more ‘3 & outs’. As they get more and more OJT, they will improve to the point that everyone will be saying what a genious WM is. IMO, at this point in the season, the offense has more room for improvement than does the defense. UGA 27, Ole Miss 13.

By AJC=JOKE

September 27, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

“Chip the Dawgs are giving up 173 yards a game passing, and its 5th in the league. That’s our passing offense you have down.”

Hilarious.

By cooter11

September 27, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

so, just put an * beside the SC loss? (for being young) LOL!

By Tville Dawg

September 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Many turnovers result from hard hitting, whether a running back or a receiver. With the head hunters we’ve had the past few years, the turnovers were there. Not so this year-I haven’t seen a Blue or a Battle or a Brown.

It could be more boring, but emphasizing sure tackles over hard hitting could be more effective, as well as shedding blockers and getting deeper in the backfield. With the DAWGS offensive capabilites, more three and outs would be just as acceptable as turnovers.

By I-DOG

September 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Carter,

Nice blog, it is interesting that this D comes through more often than not and the scoring average is pretty good. However, they are an enigma when the game is on the line.

This sums it up for me. I’d rather be down 2 points with 1:30 to go with a timeout and have the ball 1st down at our own 25 yard line than… be up 2 points with the opposing team having the ball at their own 25 with 1:30 to go and a timeout.

When we absolutely have to get a score, I am more confident than when we absolutely have to get a stop. Why is that?

Ironically, the defense is probably better than our offense at this point in the year, but I would rather have scenario 1 (be the last team with the ball) against TN, Auburn, FL, etc… than be clinging to a slim lead and trying to hang on.

By Geoff

September 27, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

While it’s likely true that CWM is one of the more fiery coaches on the staff, let’s not forget that this is one of the least fiery staffs in college football. While I think being cool and collected is great for the most part it doesn’t always lend itself to every contingency.

By braveswin

September 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Geoff,no relation at all.And your point about a vocal leader being necessary is well taken.But,I think WM is doing all he can from the sideline (other than not going prevent on us late in the half or at the end of the game)But it seems the reality is most of the Sr players are the quiet type.But maybe in time one or more of the younger guys will step up and lead.Until then all we can do hope the offense will EAT CLOCK

By Tville Dawg

September 27, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Several of us blogged yesterday about the talent among certain coaches to predict plays and call the correct defensive alignments. One thing that I have become interested in is the chess match over field position. This is where a defense can really shine by generating a 3 and out or at least limiting the other team to only 1 or 2 first downs.

Giving the offense position at midfield as we did in the Alabama game put tremendous amout of pressure on the Alabama defense. Good kickers and good special team coverage are so vital in this also.

Coutou-what a man. He is really down on himself for missing the 50 yarder. No wonder he is one of the premier college kickers.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I thought Kelin wanted to be the man? Come on Kelin you can be the man, step it up dude, BE THE MAN! Knock some heads off, fire it up, make some plays. We HAVE TO start creating those turnovers.

By A-ville Ranger

September 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I think coach Martinez made a conscious decision to show more fire before the Auburn game last year.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 27, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I-DOG, I think if you call Chip Carter one more time he will hunt you down and …… you know the rest. Fightin’ words those are.

By 59bulldawg

September 27, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

I understand the frustration of not having more turnovers. But I much rather have a great tackling team than one always trying to just lay sombody out. I get more frustrated with players not wrapping up their man and giving away another 10, 15, or 20 yards because of poor technique. And I think good coaches emphasize technique over big hits. But hard hitting and excellent technique are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The key is to not to be so out of control when making the play that you can’t make adjustments to the player you’re trying to tackle.

By T

September 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Since BVG left the defense has not been there when we need them most.

2005 - AU Game 2005 - WV Game 2006 - UT Game 2006 - Vandy Game 2006 - UK Game 2006 - VT Game 2007 - SC Game 2007 - AL Game

It seems like it is a lack of discipline to me, out of position, poor tackling. Things are just not as sharp as they were with BVG. WM needs to coach a more disciplined defense, UGA should never allow UK and Vandy to drive down the field in the last minutes of the game and get the winning score, ever……

By AltamahaDawg

September 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Cant believe nobody backed me up on the Ellerbe helmet.

Trust me, that sounded a lot better in my head , with the accent’.

By JimmyG

September 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

JB - I thought we asked you to go away last week? Georgia was only down 14-0 once last year, and no times this year. The only time before that was the 2003 SEC title game. Where do you come up with this stuff???? You are not a Georgia fan so go away. “We usually get down 14-0” ….. Idiot, know before you speak. The Tech fans are on the other page

By Paul

September 27, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

How about posting the difference when Marcus Washington plays middle linebacker versus someone else. I would put money our defense plays much better when he is in there. Ellerbe sucks at the middle spot.

By Wes

September 27, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Zoo,

Sounds like the coaches are becoming increasingly more impressed w/ Washington…maybe he’ll be the guy to step up.

Definitely agree that Kelin needs to be the man at this point, but he’s got to get completely healthy first….any thoughts on who can fill the role in the meantime?

By A-ville Ranger

September 27, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

My view——-the turnover rate hasn’t decreased in resent years just this one,and it’s too early to know how it’ll turn out.You get all kinds of crazy numbers this early.Before last week LSU was giving up 2 points a game,that changed real quick.

By AltamahaDawg

September 27, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

T,

UF game 2002, 2003, LSU game 2003, SECCG 2004, Tn game 2004, AU game 2004. I’ll leave BVG’s first year out although you didn’t give Coach Martinez the same consideration. I’m sure its been said a few times before but give us a few of those guys BVG had and anyone looks sharper, not to mention, he never had to compete against his own offense. Coach Martinez has carried this team for a while now.

No doubt losing to Vandy and KY was not a crowning moment, but thats only because you consider that we were clearly a better team. I’m not sure we were last year. BVG losses to TN and Fl in year that we actually were much better didn’t feel very discliplined. In fact, in ways, those were much more costly losses.

By BillM

September 27, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Now that we have settled on Marcus Washington at MLB the Dawgs look strong up the middle. We don’t have a Jermaine Phillips, Thomas Davis, Greg Blue headhunter type safety but we’ve got some good ones. I like this defense - they will be as good an any SEC defense by the end of the season.

By Josh

September 27, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

As long as we win the game who cares? I didnt get to see the USC game, but guess what that was just our second game, and I still think we can win out the rest of our schedule if we can get past Tennessee. We will definitely beat UF. They have Auburn and Kentucky the two weekends leading up to UGA, and UGA has Vandy (no let down this year) and the week off. So thats a potential cup cake game, and then two weeks to prepare for UF. This D will be more than ready to beat the hell out of Tebow and the rest of his offense.

By Big Dawg

September 27, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

The D has been Great to Bad at times this is due to a lack of leadership on the field. Coach Martinez has been improving and hopefully he will overcome the tendency to lay back in soft zones which has hurt at times, not as much this year so far as 2005 and last year which cost us in several games. The thing I think that would help would be playing Geno Atkins more as he has been blowing up plays while Weston has a tendency to stand straight up and gets blown off the line i.e. the final drives against South Carolina and Alabama. Miller who has shown tremendous improvement still doesn’t react quickly enough at times example on John Parker Wilson’s TD run when he overplayed to his right even though he had help and Wilson cut back to Miller’s left and went untouched into the endzone. Overall this team has played better than I expected especially with 8 new starters on D.

Go Dawgs

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

September 27, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

On the late drives, I have not seen us play an all-out prevent, but it does appear that the underneath pass has a lot more room during these drives. I can’t help but wonder if we don’t play deeper and focus more on preventing the deep ball on these drives. If it’s not a soft prevent D, then I have to think our D just has trouble with the hurry up and not being able to sub for specific D packages.

Overall our D is surprisingly good right now considering the expereince level. 3 of the 4 teams we’ve faced have legitamate offenses. I did like seeing more of the blitz this past Saturday, and on the first play of the game Owens almost blew up the backfield. Owens was an 1/4inche and a mili-second away from the ESPN highlight reel.

You might ask Martinez if he has another lineman to give the offense…eh…on second thought…probably to late in the season for that anyway.

GO DAWGS!!!

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

September 27, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Chip I want to complain about the game not being broadcast. Gameplan/nobody will step up….What gives?

By A-ville Ranger

September 27, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

P-Dawg —— I really haven’t broken down how Martinez uses subs on those late drives.It seems to make sense that the starters would get a little more time overall and be on the field for those must-stop situations.The prevent has been debated as long as I can remember.It comes down to this….is it working ?

By A-ville Ranger

September 27, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

BigDawg—-It’s easy to see the consequences of what the defense does.It takes a little more imagination to think of the possible consequences if they’d done things different.My point is, most things have a trade-off.Would we have a better record if Martinez taught a higher risk defense and we got burned for long tds which his defenses rarely do ?

By Big Dawg

September 27, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger,

I’m not necessarily saying play a higher risk defense as you put it but you have to have a feeling for the game and what is working and probably more important what is not working. This is an area over the last 3 years we have been suspect at, at times i.e. playing great the first two downs and/or at the end of games i.e. Kentucky/Vandy last year etc. by putting pressure on the opposing team then going to a soft zone (prevent defense) which has allowed teams to pick up first downs and in some cases TD’s. Like you said hindsight is 20-20 and I am only expressing my opinion and I still have seen a steady improvement in the D and in Coach Martinez. IMO if we continue to improve the way we have we are going to be a hard team to beat.

Go Dawgs

By I-DOG

September 27, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t agree that this defense is extremly young:

They have some seniors in Miller, Kelin J. and Marcus Howard. They have a lot of juniors in R. Brown, Byrd, Ellerbe, Washington, Owens, and Battle.

Some of the Sophs are third year players like, Evans, Lomax, and Weston. Add to that two juco transfers to help at D line and D end and yes, we have a few young players in the two deep. However, they are mostly RF and Sophmores who played last year, but that does not make us extremely young on D.

The D is playing well and should be playing well with the speed and talent that we have.

By I-DOG

September 27, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Gdawg in Kalamazoo:

Woops!! thank’s for pointing out my mistake.

My bad Chip, I swear that was a mistake. I knew you wrote this one and don’t know why I wrote “Carter” in there.

By Lee

September 27, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Georgia has always had a frustrating defense. By that, I mean they seem to get pushed all over the field, but usually are able to come up with the big play when needed.

I know they are also taught to try to strip the ball, but it drives me nuts to see broke tackle after broke tackle because they were going after the ball instead of hitting the ball carrier and wrapping him up.

Finally, one thing missing from this year’s defense is the big hitter, ala a Greg Blue type.

By BJOHNDAWG

September 27, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Young defense that needs to develop some consistency.Need some leaders to develop.Some with actions,some with words, some with both.

Need more line pressure.Need a damn headhunter to develop back there that just wants to smack someone and make them their b*** like Greg Blue and Thomas Davis use to do.

Need to work to create the turnovers.Every successful Georgia defense in years past were ballhawking defenses that forced turnovers.So far this season, this defense has not.If that does not change, Dawgs will have a hard time beating teams like Ole Miss Florida,Kentucky, Auburn, and Tenn If teams can pass and run at will,and drive down the field like S. Carolina did( and they were NOT the strongest team on offense that we will see) then the rest of the season will be a long one, I will have to go to rehab, and the rest of you will be talking about recruiting in earnest soon.

FYI…I watched that YouTube video of AJ Green. Best receiver yet recruited by Georgia. He could start for an team in CF right now!I just broke my steel metal chair watching that video.Probably will break Edwards SEC receiving records.Looked like a young Jerry Rice. With more speed.And hands of Glue.Ten minutes of grabing bombs with one handed grabs and out running every defense.

Go Dawgs!And to hell with Ga. Tech.

By Wozzo the Wonder Dog

September 27, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Better to have a defense that is an enigma than to have a defense that is an enema.

By A-ville Ranger

September 27, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

BJOHNDAWG——Green does a lot of good things on the field.He doesn’t have big time speed and he’s very thin though.I’m not convinced he’ll be a star right away,we’ll see.

By dawg rant

September 27, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Yo Chip…Pass Defense stats are completely overrated. What do teams try to do when they are down? The pass the ball against you. It’s a sign of your D playing good in most situation.

By hop

September 27, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

it’s pretty simple chip we have EIGHT NEW STARTER! look what ole miss did to florida defense that is young group just like the dawg’s yielding 23 points!

these guys have much talent and they will improve.

By SamoanDawg

September 27, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

D is good. We need more picks and knock the ball loose. Last season, we had plenty of take aways and we gave away just as many too. Our D is due for some picks this week. Especially the defensive front. They need to knock the crap out of the QB and separate him from the ball.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 28, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

I want you to ask Coach WM if he will be willing to ride in our Christmas parade in his namesake town. I will personally drive him in my convertible.

By MadMerf

September 28, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Altamaha,

In reference to Ellerbe………Somting ‘bout peeking up lids make me wanna get anutta hit.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 28, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

Alt, I agree with you because it is Thursday. Well even if it is Thursday, I agree. Friday I get to back you up or take you down. Only becuase it is Friday. Just trying to be consistent.

All of you that long for the days of Van Vader, penalties, penalties, penalties.

By A-ville Ranger

September 28, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

Can anybody tell me if this week’s game will be run on css monday ? They’ve run all the games so far at 12.00 pm and 9.00 pm mondays.

By MadMerf

September 28, 2007 2:07 AM | Link to this

The young players on D have shown reasons to be concerned. Late drives in close games, slow reaction to the no-huddle, and missing the ever important knack for causing turnovers have cast a shadow over this promising unit. But fear not, Dawg fans. The defense is growing up quickly, and once these new guys get on the same page, they’ll be AWESOME!!!! This is the fastest group I’ve seen in quite a while, and while we may seem undersized in some areas, especially the front seven, speed can afford us more aggression in the future.

With a little help from the ‘O’ in the Carolina game, we’d be sitting in the top 8. But our lame approach to that contest (offense AND defense) was extremely disappointing. After all, it is tough to get up for the Gamecocks (especially for the players), given our ‘rivalry’.

Numbers, averages, stats, and national defensive rankings are vastly overrated. Take the Western Carolina game for instance. Offensive and special teams’ breakdowns were responsible for the three early FGs. At the end of the game, Munson was calling defenders’ names that even I didn’t recognize. I believe our clarinet player stopped their starting RB from scoring just before he bowled over two of our cheerleaders on the late TD. No offense to those backups, I’m only kidding! But you get the point. Certain other coaches would have taken measures to preserve a shutout, even if it meant risking the health of their starters.

Cuz, how is your daughter doing? Sorry, long working hours have prevented me from keeping up with you guys. Speaking of which, it’s way past my BT. I’ll try to catch up this weekend, thanks!

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

Wes,
I don’t know. If I recall from lat year I thought Kelin was pretty vocal. We know he can hit. We need a hitter to get up there knock some heads and set the example. I don’t get enough dawg stuff up here and don’t surf the net as much as I would like to to keep up with them. All I hear right now is laughter from Lansing echoing down to South Bend and Ann Arbor. I am pretty sure that laughter will stop soon as MSU gets into their big ten season and it all goes to hell as it usually does.

By to Mad Murphy

September 28, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

did the dogs beat SC?

By jerry

September 28, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

I have no confidence in Willie Martinez. I still remember West Virginia, Tennesee’s half a hundred in Sanford Stadium’, the long pass by Auburn and the year the defense set an all time record for fewest takeaways by a Bulldog team.

By Wes

September 28, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

A-Ville,

I think CSS is running a delayed replay of the game on Sunday afternoon…not exactly sure of the time.

By shane

September 28, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

uga needs a leader on the field,last year we had three,taylor,battle and oliver.who will it be?i have no clue,neither do the coaches.the team will decide.richt can appoint a captain,coach willie can pump a guy up on the sideline,but the team will choose it’s leaders.when a player steps up,says follow me,and sticks his nose in there and makes plays,the d will have it’s leader.someone said the d is concentrating on making solid tackles,and that is contributing to the lack of take-a-ways.that is probably true.i am sure that was stressed after all the arm tackling we saw last year.i think the main reason we are not getting the fumbles and ints is that we have played some well coached teams.i noticed that bama didn’t turn the ball over to ark either,nor did usc turn it over to lsu much.spurrier and saban are good coaches,you can’t expect there offenses to make a lot of mistakes.

By Wes

September 28, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Zoo,

How long you been up there? My wife is originally from Traverse City and gratuated from Western…spent four of the best years of her life that she can’t remember in Kalamazoo.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Wes, well over a decade. We love Traverse City, beautiful part of the country in the upper lower peninsula and even more beautiful in the U.P. My wife is also a WMU alum. I love the fact that we have a distinct fall/winter/summer/spring season here, although the lake effect snow storms can be a bear. WMU can be a party school, with 25K students it is fairly large.

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

The defense as I see it has yet to find an identity. They’re young, talented and quick and I feel going to pan out as a good defense in time. I see Johnson as a leader and the players say he is. Ellerbe and Howard seem to be stepping up and assuming some leadership roles as well. I’ve been impressed.

However, I haven’t noticed any of them with the head hunter mentality making the big hits and firing them up like we had in the Thomas Davis days. I miss that

By Wes

September 28, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

My mother-in-law still lives in TC. Been up during the Summer a few times, haven’t made a Winter trip. Born and raised in GA, so I’m afraid I might not survive it. Also have a sister-in-law that lives in Marquette.

Back to football, haven’t heard much about Kelin this week. I did hear that Prince Miller is getting the start over Bryan Evans. Don’t know if it’s due to Evans struggles last week, fear of the long ball from Ole Miss, Miller having lights out practices this week…could be all of the above. Miller is a bit on the short side, but he’s built pretty solid. Maybe he’ll be the guy to step up and lay the wood to some folks.

By GADAWG47

September 28, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

I have been proud of our defense, exluding the 2 drives mentioned in the above article.

We have a very yound defense that is learning as they go. They choke a little under pressure, but most young players do.

I tip my hat to WM and the defense. I was VERY concerned about our defense at the start of the season, but after watching them in action I like what I see.

Coach WM needs to do a better job of calming the D down in tight situations.

Go Dawgs…Sic em!!!!

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Guess what Mutts? Its almost that time! Ya’ll will squeek by a horrid Ole P** team and we are going to gain confidence to destroy Clemson! Were going to beat them by like 40 plus. Dont worry though, were gonna save some of that a$$ whoopin were going to apply to Clemson’s backside for you when you come to the Hive!

By Wes

September 28, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Is it just me, or does anyone else get a mental image of Kip from Napoleon Dynamite every time WhiteAndGold makes a post?

“Don’t be jealous that I’ve been chatting online with babes all day.”

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

WhiteandGold, come back when you guys can beat VIRGINIA then you might make believers out of us.

Wes, Marquette? Now there is a Winter wonderland. I know a few Michigan Tech grads. Been there a couple of times. A place called Copper Harbor is a few hours past there. That’s where HWY 41 starts.

GADAWG47, I guess the D was part of my concern too but they have held up well. Who would have figured the offense wouldn’t produce like they are capable of doing?

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Thats pretty cute there sport. I think Uncle Rico suits you all pretty well. A no talent loser that live in a van (or trailer) and dreams about past football glory days in the early 80’s. Sound familiar?

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

WhiteAndGold, now for the free pizza and sodas give aways. Do they bring that to you or do you have to go get it at the concession stand? If you have to get up and go get it just doesn’t seem like that great a deal to me.

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Wes

P MIller made some good plays against Bama. He is some of the speed I was referring to. He also made a couple of bonehead plays I.E. pass interference and got burned on the last Bama drive. I’m not complaining it’s all required for lessons learned. He is short but a great verticle leap and extremely fast to the ball.

You nailed White and Gold….HA HA

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Its a genious marketing scheme. We only want upper class citizens and families at our games. We are a family oriented school. If we wanted 90 k rednecks fighting and cussing, we’d change our colors to red and black and give out Budweiser.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Yep, he nailed me alright. Hey, hey, hey…did you hear Dale Jr. got a new number? I think its number 88 now. You better make your appointment with your tattoo artist to get that extra 8 tatted on your back.

By Wes

September 28, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Right, same reason you have Big Boi giving a half time performance, huh?

If he isn’t a magnet for upper class citizens and families, I don’t know what is.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

We only want upper class citizens and families at our games. We are a family oriented school.

That explains the BIG BOI halftime show I guess LMAO!

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Wes, damn those 5 minutes delays. Way to nail the Big BOI show. Wonder if they will have Mike Vick on the sidelines next.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

What are trying to say Wes? Black people cant be upper class? You sir are a biggot.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Wow, Kalamazoo…you too are a biggot. Do you wear your sheet and pointed hat to UGAy football games? No wonder the klan uses red and black.

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

White and Gold is such a bitter young Metrosexual with unresolved childhood issues. This weeks GT won’t offer any comfort. What will that be White and Gold?…Three in a row? It’s really gotta such to be a bug on the windshield don’t it?

By blake

September 28, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Whiteandgold,

Old Miss would crush your sorry bunch of losers, and most likely do it in front of 30k. But they’d all be happy fammilies right? Eat your pizza, drink your coke and keep thinking youre the best around. Ignorance is bliss, right? Dork. Get a life or get off this page and let the adults speak.

By Wes

September 28, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

No sir, I am a realist. Don’t give a d**m what color his skin is. I just don’t know of a single “family man” that would want his kids listening to music about guns and “ho’s”

Trust me, I’d say the exact same thing if it was Metallica or Megadeth that was playing half time.

By Tville Dawg

September 28, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

White and Gold-

Have you been banned from other Blog sites? You worry about Clemson this week, we got the DAWGS!

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Its people like Wes and Kalamazoo that cause incidents such as the “Jena 6”. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

So, lets see. We could go to a nice family atmosphere and watch respectable football or we could go to the “wild west” AKA Athens where we could drink so much Budweiser we’d be hung over for the next 4 days. I guess that doesn’t matter much to mutts since you dont have a real job to go to. For christ sakes, you are even posing as taxi drivers to kidnap women up there. Oh I know, how about a good ole drunken brawl in the streets after some team beats your beloved dogs.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Wes-

Don Imus, is that you? I think your words definitely speak for themselves. If I were a Georgia fan, I’d definitely be ashamed of what I have just revealed about you and Kalamazoo.

By Wes

September 28, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I made a comment about the questionable morals of an individual, you pointed out the color of his skin.

Who is the biggot?

By Tville Dawg

September 28, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Gentlemen, ladies, and WhiteAndGold-

Been fun blogging with you the past couple of days-talk with you next week.

W&G-Check out to see if any psych therapy clinics are open over the weekend. Keep us posted on you progress.

GO DAWGS!!!!

By Wes

September 28, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I think the term “respectable football” requires that your team win.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Wes,

Biggots such as Don Imus lost his job for comments such as yours. You cant hide what you have written. I think you may be a good person, but your words in public forum were poorly chosen and obviously ignorant. Besides, have you seen any script where Big Boi is going to use any profanity, racial slurs or other sensitive language?

By Wes

September 28, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

But that’s just it WhiteAndGold. You’re not a Georgia fan…we would never allow it.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Youre right, im not a redneck. I would never allow it.

By DJISTHEGREATESTFOOTBALLPLAYERINTHEHISTORYOFFOOTBALL

September 28, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

I think other teams are simply bette conditioned.

By Dawg2005

September 28, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

My feeling is that the D is exceptional. Aside from the pattern that Mr. Strickland pointed out in his article, the D is solid. Unfortunately that pattern is that over the past 10 games or so, the D can’t close a game. Late drives in last seasons Kentucky and Vandy games cost us. The GT game almost… This season we let SC run the clock out (over 3 minutes) which left MS only a minute to win the game. Same thing with Alabama. Coutu shouldn’t have even had to come in to win the game on a long field goal when we already had it won. The D must be dominant throughout games. Maybe these guys need to up the preseason conditioning.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

WhiteandGold, I shouldn’t even address this. As Wes said, you brought up his skin color. Why didn’t you guys get Eminem?

Below see a sample lyric from a Big BOI song. I can hear this now blasting from all of the engineering offices and The Ramblin Wreck stereo as it rolls across the field. Roll through Tokes campus and the dorms are ringing out with:

“Mack a b!tch or a woman, there is a difference Not if the woman start b***’, won’t get in the kitchen Male, chauvinistic, nah, ho, you missed it I’m just kiddin’, just playin’, I’m just sayin’ we humpin’ around Like the ghost of Bobby Brown and Stankonia lingerin’ round”

From XXX: State of the Union, by Big Boi.

Now you are going to sit there and tell us that this is what Tech’s upperclass, family value fan base listens too?

This is why your school is know as the Joke by Coke.

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

White and Gold

Big Boi’s songs and lyrics are far from family entertainment. You’re defending such a show for a GT game?…..LOL…..you slay me! Are all you nerds in the dark on the Rap artists?

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

BTW, those lyrics are about the only ones I could find that didn’t include several offensive words and words that degrade women and others.

I suggest anyone to google Big Boi lyrics and see what this outstanding young man is all about. I didn’t see “Somewhere over the Rainbow” or tracks from a Disney movie anywhere.

I won’t address this again with you WhiteandMold, you don’t like it that’s your problem. Football I will talk. But then again what do you know about football.

By Lonely?

September 28, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

All of you should just give it a rest. This isnt what this blog is for. Why dont you guys just get together on a yahoo chat and leave this blog for football discussion. White and Gold, you always do this. Go make a friend.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Do you seriously think that Georgia Tech would allow a profanity laced tirade during halftime? Big Boi will not say anything provocative during the halftime. He is not dumb as your biggot mind is trying to make him. Anyway, we now know what you’re all about. Rest assured, you wont be talking smack to me after Tech drops a L on Clemson.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Lonely? and everybody else , MY APOLOGIES for getting off track, I am done with the topic of what Tech needs to do to market it’s team and draw in fans in order to sell out Bobby Dodd Stadium @ Grant Field.

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Well it’s blantantly obvious they have to do something to sellout Bobby Dodd. The losing football team it hosts certainly can’t do it. If they want thugs and gangters for a fan base, good luck to them.

White and Gold….it was YOU that insist on playing a race card. If theres a biggot here he’d certainly be in the next mirror you look at

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

The NFL and CBS didn’t allow Janet Jacksons breast to be shown at halftime of the Superbowl either. But I guess the rules of good taste cannot be broken

By Wes

September 28, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry WhiteAndGold, but in my mind, the absolute definition of ignorance is to come onto the blog of an opponent, who has beaten you for the better part of a decade, after two straight losses to inferior teams, and talk trash. We all know why you’re here. Frankly, I’m ashamed of myself for falling into your trap.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a game to discuss with my fellow fans on our blog. You’re free to do what you want, but I’m almost positive that the other members of this blog wish you would go to your own blog and do the same.

Think of it this way, you’re an uninvited guest to a party where you don’t belong. I’m sure this is probably familiar to you, but at some point, you should consider a low-key, graceful exit.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I bet you are sorry. You should be apologizing for your racist comments. Thats okay though, thats what everyone comes to expect from a DAWG.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe I am actually typing this Chip but Carter had a really nice article up about the balance of our offense. Sounds like things are actually being worked on by Bobo to get this thing going in the right direction.

By I-DOG

September 28, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

A couple of Vegas lines surprise me this week.

Auburn is giving up 17 and 1/2 points to FL. That is a complete lack of respect and reminds me of Florida’s dominant run in the mid 90’s when they were killing teams.

War Eagle or other Auburn fans. How do you feel about that line? Is it not even going to be a contest?

Georgia is giving 15 and 1/2. This surprises me too as UGA has had their hands full with every SEC team they have faced this season. That seems like a big number to me. Too much respect?

georgia tech is only getting 3 points to Clemson. Clemson’s running attack looks dominant and I don’t see how a team coming off of two losses is only giving 3 to Clemson… that isn’t much respect for the Tigers.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

AR-Im just calling a spade a spade. Sorry you and others can’t stand the heat, but maybe next time you will think before making such careless and sensitive comments.

Wes, lets not forget, I am the party. You’re a disgrace. Go hide in shame racist.

By I-DOG

September 28, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

White and Gold:

Isn’t it a bigoted and stereotypical comment to insinuate that all DAWG fans are racist and/or rednecks? I guess they don’t teach the concept of irony to the engineers.

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

I like do kiss boys:)

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

I am wearing women’s underwear and rubbing shaving my chest hair. YAY me!!! Do any boys want to come over and kiss me?

By WhiteAndGold

September 28, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

I drink peach wine coolers and sing show tunes. I like to wear thongs when I go to my favorite clubs. Do any boys want to come over to my house and make out in my parents basement?

By Wes

September 28, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Zoo,

Don’t remember where I read it, but I saw an article earlier this week that qouted Stafford as saying the reason we were able to keep converting 3rd downs and keep drives alive against Bama is because Bobo has really mixed things up from what we used to do.

He said he’s running a lot of the same plays as Richt used to, but giving different looks to defenses to confuse them, i.e., operating running plays from passing formations and passing plays from running formations. That’s probably a lot of the reason why the screens have been so effective.

By GA-DAWG

September 28, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Wow… WhiteAndGold? That aint cool man.

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I-Dog

I heard Terry Bowden on the radio this morning mention the last 17 point underdog to beat Florida in Florida was Auburn. He coached them and that was in 94. Auburn doesn’t have much to lose at this point and they are a better team than they’ve shown thus far. The Gators might have their hands full. They weren’t overly impressive at Ol Miss last week.

White and Gold. Little fella you do not have any heat. You have nothing but rants for a losing football team and baseless accusations of racism where none exist. You jump to a pointless conclusion that someone is a biggot because they don’t like Rap or Hip-Hop music. Your attempt to verbally attack a fellow blogger has failed misrably. From here you have two options as I see it 1- Drop the bull*hit rascist rhetoric and talk football or leave to your own fan blog. I will not post to you again unless it is genuine football

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I-DOG, those lines suprised me too. Don’t typically see that in the SEC. Especially Auburn, they haven’t fallen that far have they? Us that much over anybody makes me nervousbut if we cover it, fine by me. The 3 point spread for Tech must just be somebody monkeying with the line to take money. Clemson has those same backs they had last year. And Tech has who back to watch them run by?

By SteveDawg

September 28, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Another thing to consider is the Auburn delt Florida their only loss last week. Auburn may have some ofensive woes, but their D is as strong as ever, ranking 4th in the SEC and 28th nationally. Florida is going to have to find some other way to win than they did last week or Tim Tebow may soon be called Tiny-Tim Tebow. Good luck, Auburn.

By SteveDawg

September 28, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Another thing to consider is that Auburn delt Florida their only loss last year. Auburn may have some ofensive woes, but their D is as strong as ever, ranking 4th in the SEC and 28th nationally. Florida is going to have to find some other way to win than they did last week or Tim Tebow may soon be called Tiny-Tim Tebow. Good luck, Auburn.

By Buck in the NW

September 28, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Fill me in please. Why do so many people respond to white and whatever? You’re wasting some good blogging space……A-ville Ranger/ Big Dawg, I’d much rather gamble and get hit by the big play than give them the ball and let them go 80 yds. to score. Remember when we let SC pick up 3 1st downs and we didn’t have enough time to come back and score. It’s no problem if they score and we still have time to return the favor. So, yes, mix it up so people won’t know what we’re doing on “D”.

By A-ville Ranger

September 28, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Buck——I don’t see it as ‘and- or’.Why throw the baby out with the bath water ? Most of what Martinez is doing works just fine.They’re having a few breakdowns at ends of halves.It needs an air brush not a jack hammer.Bama was stopped cold in o.t. so I’d say start there and see what went right.

By AltamahaDawg

September 28, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

And we didnt run out of time to score. Time wasnt the issue. Execution was. We had a buckthirty and a TO. We just didnt get it done.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 28, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Wes, I read that too in the article Carter wrote. Only gonna get better man! Go Dawgs! I am off to the golf course.

By Wes

September 28, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Buck,

Of course I prefer that we not give up the long drive, or the big play, but if it comes down to a choice of the two, I agree.

We proved last week against Bama, that our offense is learning to deal with answering opponents scoring drives and not being too quick to panic when the game is close or we’re playing from behind.

By Big Dawg

September 28, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Hello Buck

How are you feeling today? As far as my comments back to A-ville Ranger are concerned. I don’t think you have to sell out nor do you have to sit back and play the bend but don’t break either. My comments were meant to express my opinion that while Martinez has shown an overall improvement in his schemes. He still has a tendency to go back to those soft zones instead of putting pressure on the other team which was evident in the Alabama game just before halftime and at the end of the game which let them back in the game. Just like on offense you have to have a feel for the game and know when to change things up which has been lacking at times with the Dawgs coaching staff.

By ARdawg

September 28, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Big Dawg

I agree with your comment. It has been an ongoing philosophy of WM or MR either one to play the soft schemes on defense usually to protect a lead. I’m a go for broke personality. When Martinez is getting into the prevent I’m left wondering why. Case in point was the 4th qtr against Bama that allowed them back in the game. We kept good pressure on John Parker Wilson most of the night. When we stopped he moved the ball and completed passes. I didn’t realize up to that point how effective the defensive line and linebackers had been up to that point. I realize when the corners give you excellent coverage it’s easier to pressure the QB but giving up the pressure to protect a lead seems to me a cop out. Also leaves your own offense a little less confident

By A-ville Ranger

September 28, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

BigDawg——-Look at the 4th and 1 play in the 1st half last week.The defense blanketed Bama’s receivers AND chased Wilson out of bounds well short of the chains.I think CMR handled it right.He didn’t order Martinez to re-design the D just to look at the breakdowns and find a way to fix them.

By BillDawg

September 28, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, I do not think your question was answered about the replay time, however I was scrolling and not paying attention to all the pasty white and gold garbage. The replay will be on CSS Sunday at 2:00, the normal time for Ole Miss replays. GO DAWGS!!!

By Buck in the NW

September 28, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

A’ville Ranger, 80 yd drives need more than an air brush to deal with them. Not once but twice they had scoring drives to end the half and SC picking up 3 1st downs in a row when we needed the ball also needs more than an air brush.CMR said that he called that last timeout when they had the ball to slow thm down but it didn’t work. I don’t know what the problem is but we better fix it soon. CMR isn’t sure what is happening.

By A-ville Ranger

September 28, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

BillDawg —- Thanks for the info I’ll set my dvd recorder since I’ll be out sunday afternoon…..Buck—I don’t take the long drives lightly so make that a sand blaster instead of an air brush.My point is the same though.Martinez shouldn’t go off the deep end and stack 8 up front.Doing a 180 would be like Bobo changing the offense to a spread overnight.Martinez took years getting very good at what HE does not what somebody else does.South Florida just went up 14-0 on West Virginia——who’da thunk it ?

By Buck in the NW

September 28, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, I don’t think I’ve said anything about 8 man fronts nor have I suggested any particular fix I’m just saying that something needs to be changed. Some one has figured out something so WM has to respond. Forget Martinez, what I’m saying would be true with any “DC”…….Pat White is down and this may be two in a row.

By War Eagle

September 28, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Dawgs has a bigger problem catching the football than defense. The defense will improve, but UGA has been dropping Stafford passes for 17 games….Waiting for AJ??

By A-ville Ranger

September 28, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Buck —We’ll just have to wait and see how the defense responds.I didn’t see anything I could put my finger on last week.Against SC during those 3 runs they had for 10 or more yds each, the middle of the defense was thin for five or so yds back.That was solved by taking the 5th db out and putting the lineman back in.Coach Richt said it could just be attitude….we’ll see.

By Buck in the NW

September 28, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, I’m with you…..I’m listening to something very interesting…..I think it’s Dawgpost .com and a writer from their web site just said that ‘Ole Miss. is looking forward to playing Ga. for an unusual reason. We’ll be the 1st team they’ve played that plays a more traditional offense. Every body they’ve played runs the Spread Offense or some form of it and they’re really happy to play our type of offense. Something to think about.

By A-ville Ranger

September 28, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Buck—— let’s hope they’re not so happy this time tomarrow.

By Buck in the NW

September 28, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Yea, I just thought it does speak to how the spread offense is spreading. I’ve just waiting to see if Bobo puts “going down field” into our offense. he’s talked about it but so far not much and I really don’t kmow why he says we need to and then doesn’t do it.

By A-ville Ranger

September 28, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Buck ——-I misspelled tomorrow,I hate it when that happens.No doubt the spread is the big thing now.I don’t know how long we can use the I formation and compete at the highest level.I think it’s been in the back of most of our minds watching less talented teams put up crazy numbers.

By A-ville Ranger

September 29, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

Last post of the night.USC still runs a pro set offense and they’re the most consistently tough to stop in college ball.If you have the coaches and players I think it’s as good as any.

By 77DAWG

September 29, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this

I LOVE MR, BUT WM’S SCHEMES ARE STINK WHEN NEEDED. WE ARE WASTING ALOT OF TALENTS ON DEFENSE. WE PUT UNNESSARY PRESSURE FOR STAFFORD TO WIN FOR US. THIS PROBLEM IS GETTING TOO OLD, FRIEND AND JOB SHOULD BE TREATED SEPARATELY.//RESPECFULLY YOURS.

By 77DAWG

September 29, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

Sorry for my spelling, I mean UNNECESSARY for that post.

By tony

September 29, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

I’m not concern about our defense as much as I am with the offense. If Moreno doesn’t get 25 to 30 carries the rest of the season, we will lose to Old Miss, Kentucky, Fla and Tenn.

By jim

September 29, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Hope all the dawgs watched the WV/Central FL game to see some defence.

By ARdawg

September 29, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

War Eagle

unfortunately what you say is true but there has been much improvement of late. MoMass, Bailey and Durham have proved themselves to be sure handed. The Dawgs are slowly but steadily putting together a passing game thats going to reek some havoc for opposing defenses. We’ll see today if theres any measured improvement from last week. I’d wager there is. If we gained anythng from the Bama game I’d say Chandler learned a valuable lesson

By Sam

September 29, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

Bottom line is very and I mean very seldom has the defense lost a game for the dawgs. Last year they lost the Tenn game but 95% of the time it is the offense not being able to generate a descent amount of points to win the game for the dawgs. Too me Ga just hasn’t had a offense in the last 5 or so year that has an offense able to put someone away. I see Ga getting a small lead and all of sudden become conservative on offense just like last week in the Bama game and it bout came back and bit them. The defense is doing ok especially as young and inexperienced as they are. They are some tuff times ahead so they had better step it up a notch.

By Hawkinsville Dawg

September 29, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Good analysis Chip. Hopefully we will see some improvement in those areas very soon.

By Cuz

September 29, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

I am less worried about the defence and more worried about the turf, someone setup a sprinkler at halftime. Wet T-shirt contest anyone?

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

I just hope that we run our offense with the play book open. If Stafford throws a pic, so what, we need to use all of the weapons we have and not give excuses as to why we didn’t.” Don’t worry, Bobo sent me an email saying I could relax and we would go down field at least 7 times” YEA RIGHT!

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

A-VILLE RANGER, I NEED SOME HELP. (OR ANYONE) WHAT IS THIS CCS OR CSS? tHAT’S WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE REPLAY BUT IS IT A TV. CHANNEL OR STREAM OR WHAT. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW I CAN WATCH THE REPLAY OUT HERE? I THOUGHT YOU COULD SEE IT ON GEORGIADOGS.COM BUT I GUESS YOU CAN’T…..HELP!

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jim, It was West Virginia and USF (South Florida) last night and your right the USF defense was amazing.

By BillDawg

September 29, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Buck,CSS is Comcast Sports Southeast, it is a sports cable chanel, if you are out in God’s country in the North West, I doubt you can get it. Sorry. I had the same problem when I lived in South Dakota.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

BillDawg, thanks

By luckydog

September 29, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Why the &*%^ isn’t the Ole Miss game on TV?!? Good godamighty, somebody blew it!!!!

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Listening to the radio and Munson didn’t mention what cornerback for us was beat on the TD pass. Anybody know? Also, what running back carried the ball on fourth and short? Larry didn’t mention that either.

By Lee Corso

September 29, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone want to watch Georgia get pounded by Ole Miss?

By Lee Corso

September 29, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

That’s because Larry doesn’t know what game he’s even watching.

By 77DAWG

September 29, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

GET RIT OF MARTINEZ NOW! THIS IS NOT GEORGIA DEFENSE. WE GOT PLAYERS TO DO BETTER IF MARTINEZ WILL STICK THE BALL IN HIS A$$ AND LEAVE

By A-ville Ranger

September 29, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

I can’t even get a radio broadcast of the game in nc.I was worried Martinez would be preasured to tinker too much with the defense and screw their heads up.I hope that didn’t happen.So far this is the first time they’ve played really bad this year….Buck be careful what you wish for.

By St. Bernard

September 29, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

I’m out of the country and left watching the little helmets go back and forth. What happened on that Miss turnover?

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, I didn’t wish for anything, I just repeated what their guy said and so far he’s right. They aren’t afraid to go deep are they. Or short for that matter. We better open that play book and the “D” is picking upwhere they left off last week. Keep running on 1st down.

By St. Bernard

September 29, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Looks like Brown must have taken the Moreno starting comments personal.

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

St.Bernard and A-ville-why don’t you guys go to georgiadogs.com and pay the $9.95 to listen to Munson?

By 77DAWG

September 29, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

I AM SO MAD, I COULD NOT SPELL GET RID / SORRY.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Now where is the “D”?

By War Eagle

September 29, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

What is UGA AD thinking having a TOP SEC matchup not televised?…. UNREAL DECISION.

By TK Harty

September 29, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

O ye of little faith…. It’s early. Relax and have a beer.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I wish we would try something other than that squib kick off. Man, am I pulling for Miss. St. Where is our “D”?

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

TK, class of ‘87 here……you? Had great times at that bar.

By St. Bernard

September 29, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the AD makes decisions for the television stations.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

They haven’t given out our passing stats, has anyone kept up? Sounds like a couple of bad passes but no int’s and one TD. 96 yd. drive ain’t to shabby plus that drive to end the half. Wish we had picked up 6 but I’ll take the 3. Any predictions for the 2nd half?

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

TK, I thought you were murdered by your rival back in 79.

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Our D-Line is easily the worst part of our team!

By St. Bernard

September 29, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

D-fense seems unprepared.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

USC just surged ahead of the other dogs. Hens 24 Other Dogs 21.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

PAIN PLENTY OF PAIN.

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

18 play drive for Ole Miss? Wow. Not normal for a top 15 team.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Time to start drinking again, anyone need a beer? 17-17.

By War Eagle

September 29, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

St Bernard, who makes the decision,it seems like a AD final decision, its $$$$?? I am p* because my kids took my only radio to mountains.. Gametracker is my only source.

4444

By A-ville Ranger

September 29, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Chip-Buck This is what I was saying about trade offs.How’s this for defense 319 yds in two and a half quarters.Coach Richt please just let Martinez coach.I’ll be interested to see how much he changed the scheme to suite other people.Again, remember what I was saying yesterday.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Looks like the beer worked, think I will try a cigar.

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

‘Dawgs need a big defensive stand after taking this lead!

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

31-21 South Carolina now.

By Big Jim and the twins

September 29, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

From gametracker it looks like the dogs are having success running the ball, and aren’t passing too much. I wonder how many drops the WR’s have thus far.

By uga#1

September 29, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

What is with the delay of game call on Stafford? Just cause he did not hand the ball to the ref? I see everyone spin the ball or drop the ball on the ground after a play, what gives with that kind of call.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Dawgs 31-Rebels-17

By A-ville Ranger

September 29, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

It looks like T Brown is having the game of his career so far.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

38-17 Dawgs

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Yeah maybe we should reconsider Brown starting. Since I resumed drinking, we are winning. It is my duty to the Bulldawg Nation to continue to drink beer during this game. Get the picture.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Keep the faith Buck, keep the faith.

By St. Bernard

September 29, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

War Eagle, I think television decides who it wants to broadcast. If schools decided every game would be on for every school.

By MadMerf

September 29, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

“…….and the student section is sarcasticly cheering the reception by Chandler, whom they thought had the dropsies…..”

LONG LIVE LARRY MUNSON!!!

GO DAWGS!!!!!

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Looks like the evil emperor beats the other dogs.

By william cranman

September 29, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Continue on Cuz from a native Savannahian now living in Tampa.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Buck, give em heck in the Northwest.

We are starting to use the subs on the OL and RB.

Stafford out, Cox in.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

It’ll be fun to watch our play calling. Break with face mask penalty . So far 5 running plays in a row and we just got stopped. 2nd & 10. Hand off and got nothing. Stafford comes out. Cox runs sweep. Now it’s 4th down. Hope nothing happens. CMR doesn’t like to score 40 points. Unless something happens, we covered.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Munsons sounds pretty good today, rested and giving me the picture.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

William, I am in Augusta on the Savannah. Beautiful river up here with the rapids. I don’t live on the river, but you can see SC from my house. Hence the title.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Wonder if we’ll try to score? Nope that would break 40

By MadMerf

September 29, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

About an hour ago, I never would have thought we’d be running Calvin Daniels from Eastman.

45-17 Dawgs!

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

OVER 40! IT’S ABOUT TIME. WAY TO GO . THIS WAS A REALLY GOOD WIN. 1ST TIME SINCE THE 90’S WE PICK UP OVER 300YDS. RUSHING. EVERY BODY DONE GOOD.

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Dawgs 45 Rebs 17. Yep pretty much a letdown. Man we turned it on in the second half. Thomas Brown you are the man. Give him a game ball.

By A-ville Ranger

September 29, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Well Buck they scored,great game.The defense was shakey early then shut the gates.How about that running game ? When’s the last time we won one by dominating on the ground ? If we can thrash a team Florida had trouble with why can’t we beat them ? The answer is we can ,if we think we can.GO DAWGS, ON TO KNOXVILLE.

By Sundawg

September 29, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Hot Damn! Great win Dawgs! Can’t wait to see it on the tube.

By Buck in the NW

September 29, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

REPTILE WHO? LETS TALK ABOUT A PLACE CALLED ROCKY TOP 1ST. I JUST HAVE ONE OF THOSE ONE GAME AT A TIME THINGS. I’LL BE THERE FOR THE “PARTY” BUT THAT’S DOWN THE ROAD. LETS THINK 4 IN A ROW.

By MadMerf

September 29, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Right on, Buck! We hit the big 45 in an SEC game with captain conservative at the helm. No knock on Richt, who knew when to call off the dogs, so to speak, and he subbed frequently at the end of the game much to my delight.

If these Mississippi schools figured out how to finish games they’d be dangerous. Final scores from UGA and USC’s games were expected yet not indicative of the early struggles in each.

I will not lose sleep over MSU blowing a lead over SOS, but I am a bit concerned about those gaping holes in the defensive line we’ll be taking to K-ville next week. We need to close practices in preparing for UT, whose defense isn’t exactly shutting people down either.

Good win, and great effort (including the backups) following the Reb’s last score. Let’s keep the momentum going!

By Vince

September 29, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Great Game Dawgs!

Who is Kalvin Daniels? Never even heard of him!

Uga site says he is a 5-10, 182 pound offensive lineman ???? who was first team all state as a punter??? who is now playing 3rd string tailback - but Jason Johnson was supp to be 3rd string tailback -

Just strange and would love to know who this newcomer and darn good DAWG IS!!!!

By TK Harty

September 29, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

As I said earlier. Relax and have a beer. Dogs rock!

By TK Harty

September 29, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

As I said earlier. Relax and have a beer. Dogs rock!

By TK Harty

September 29, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

As I said earlier. Relax and have a beer. Dogs rock!

BTW, Oklahoma just lost to Colorado.

By TK Harty

September 29, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Oops. Fat fingered…..

By Cuz on the Savannah

September 29, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Of course you are fat fingered TK. You are dead. Man the station rocked back in the late 70’s.

By David Russell

September 30, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

17 Points, average given up,by the Georgia defense. SEVENTEEN POINTS, for crying out loud! Towers, you weinie, if you could field a defense for any team in the SEC that gave up only 17 points per game, you wouldn’t be pushing out that crap you do for the AJC. Ask Urban this morning what he would have given to hold an UNRANKED team to 17. Get real.

By Borodawg

September 30, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Great win! Aint it funny how now we’re talking about the D…whereas all along it’s been how young our O line is and it’s gonna take em a while to gel, etc? O line’s doing great and will only get better. The D is way too inconsistent. “Need to blitz more.”?! Borders on being a stupid statement. We have tried to blitz; just don’t have anybody who’s stepping up and getting the job done, eg no dominant DE. “Need BVG fieriness”- coach WM has plenty of fire; you haven’t been watching him. Hopefully the D will come around and not give up those ‘must stop em’ drives; they’d better cause Ainge’ll make us pay if we don’t. However, overall, the D is playing pretty well. Go Dawgs! Beat the Vowels!

By gdawgfan

October 4, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Hate to dissapoint, but this defense is pretty bad. They are undisciplined, out of position, and they seem lost on the field during crucial moments.CMR needs to rehire Vangorder.