UGA

By WhiteAndGold

October 4, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

I’m the first douche bag on here.

By Matthew Sanders

October 4, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Adequate. We’re still always nationally-ranked…but, we could be a lot better w/ our talent

By Spanky

October 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Good topic, Chip!..Well, we’ve definitely been caught daydreaming in the first part of a couple of games, but I have seen some improvements over the last two games.

I’ll give him a “B”, but am interested in other viewpoints.

By Cuz

October 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Dang Chip, you said you would not rat me out on this one. Just kidding, it was not this rabid Augusta fan.

I like how WM’s defence has stopped the game killing penalties that VanGorder’s used to do. I think he has done a good job adjusting during games but pre-game planning appears to not be as sharp. Just my opinion. He gets to make the call, he gets paid for it. A B-minus.

By Dawg Fud

October 4, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Do not be ashamed WhiteAndGold. You obviously understand that Georgia football is far more exciting than Tech tickle piles.

I was one of the millions who was very concerned when Van Gorder left Georgia. There was a reason that Willie was not the DC when he first came to Georgia from CFU, where he was DC and Van Gorder was the linebackers coach. (Do I have my facts straight on this?)

By Noyellowinthisblood

October 4, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Chip, I think Martinez does an adequate job. My problem with him is the lack of blitzes and not enough press from our corners. I don’t know if the corners aren’t physical enough, but it can’t be because of speed. As far as UT we need to play a solid game and if we don’t Ainge will eat our lunch.

By SWFL DAWG

October 4, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

WM has great energy on the sidelines. He’s sort of the Yin if CMR is the Yang. I think they work well together; however, energy and passion isn’t enough to win championships. We’ve all seen this team come out too many times over the past couple of years looking unprepared. Bend but don’t break is a tough way to play football in the SEC. I give WM a (B) adequate job rating. Give this defense some time though. The just may be the fastest and most athletic ‘D’ we’ve ever had. If we get tough in the middle - we’ll be fine no matter who’s wearing the headset.

By wezzie

October 4, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Ga’s D has always been iffy. Some games they show up others they don’t. The SEC is too good across the board to not give up pts and yards that’s what makes it so fun to watch. Anybody can beat anybody has we saw last weekend.

By mike

October 4, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

C

The pregame planning seems to be a huge problem. Another florida game example from 2 years ago. All year Leak was horrible because everybody was blitzing and hitting him. So to start the game, Martinez decides to rush 4 and play soft, and it was 14-0 before asses warmed the seats.

By AltamahaDawg

October 4, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Is there any D-coordinator, whose unit doesnt have some breakdown on occations? It wouldn’t be difficult to pic out specific quarters, in some mighty big games with top 10 teams , where they look shaky at times. Seems like the worst that you can say about the job WM has done in general, is that he has not put together the very best defences in the nation. Chip, if your pal is that disappointed at the defence for the past couple of years, good lordy, I’d hate to be around if somebody mentioned the offense.

By Alpha Dog

October 4, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

He needs to call a more aggressive game. When we play man to man on the outside and pressure the QB we have success(ie, Alabama game). The soft Zone gets us in trouble (ole miss).

He seems to have the defense out of position 1 out of 3 plays.

I would say he is average at this point.

By jferg

October 4, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

WM is fine. Not great, but fine. I like his attitude at the ‘Bama game. DC’s should always be fire-breathin’, snot-snorting fellas that eat yellow jackets for breakfast. I belive all WM needs is a shot of Jack before the game to get him going. If he’s pumped up, the D will follow suit. If he becomes relaxed, so will the D.

If Dawgs D shows up, Georgia wins big. If not, it’s going to be long game….

By puppydawg

October 4, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Chip, using your rankings, I see a huge difference between A & B so I’ll give WM a solid B+ for the scoring defense if nothing else. As for this week, who the hell knows? If the game is a shootout, the dawgs could be in trouble. But if the offense keeps Ainge off the field, look for a Dawg Day Afternoon!

By La Jolla Dawg

October 4, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I hope the team is more confident than the fans are. I am a nervous wreck about this game. I just spoke to a friend of mine in Atlanta and she said all of the Dawg fans she knows think we are going to get our butts kicked. When I read Mark Richt’s quotes, he sounds doubtful at best—please let the team believe in themselves.

As far as CWM is concerned, I think there is good reason to question his coaching ability. We have not been consistent on defense since he took over. He is not as demonstrative as Van Gorder was, and therefore does not seem as confident or passionate, which in turn has trickled down to the players. We need someone to fire these guys up, make them put out 100% effort on each play. Van Gorder made the players want to play with the same level of effort, intensity and energy on every play—Martinez does not. Of course that’s just my take on it.

Chip, I just read that Fulmer said his team had an outstanding practice yesterday, any word on how Richt thinks the Dawgs are doing this week? Seems like how well they practice during the week, often dictates how well they play on Saturday.

By AltamahaDawg

October 4, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

I can also name a few games when we did have BVG and got quite abused for periods of time> Was he unprepared too? Why is it when some team does well against us, it has to be a matter of unprepared? Anytime we score first, the other team is unprepared? Nothing to do with our skill?

Mike, did the 3 and outs, dropped pass and very short field after the runback have anything to do with that 14-0 lead. How on earth did we conmpletely shut that down for the other 3.5 quarters, if we had such a bad plan? We damn sure didnt just start blitzing a lot. Some times the other team scores. It helps if you can not give them the ball right back.

It seems to me that we do open up running the most conservative defense we can go with and then try to see how it goes, then adjust. Might not be the most bravado, but extremely high percentages are hard to argue with.

By MORE OF THE SAME

October 4, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

C+ he needs to get more agressive in his game preparation. I hate that wait and see defense.

By 6th Straight Loss in SEC East

October 4, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Doesnt matter anyway ,dawgs run defense sucks and Willie aint too bright either to stop them Vols.Vols will be ready come Saturday Ha HA HA

By I-DOG

October 4, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I don’t know what to make of WM defense. At times it is dominant and keeps us in the games and others the wheels come off at just the wrong time.

The best way I can describe my feelings about our D is that I would rather be down 2 points with 2 minutes to go and have the ball than up 2 with 2 minutes remaining and our opponent having the ball.

By Josh

October 4, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

One thing I’ve noticed is WM has trouble making adjustments in the second half to stop teams. Van Gorder was great at second half adjustments. I’m worried about our secondary. Ainge can throw the football.

By quaildawg

October 4, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Chip, Tell your goofy friend that I would have dared him to put together a better D effort than last years when our O kept giving our opponents the ball deep in our territory and the D would ONCE again had to get back out on the field and try to reshift the momentum. Funny how our D didn’t get lambasted the last three games of the year, last year, once our O figured out how to protect the ball. No one ever mentions it but one of the greatest games UGA D has ever mustered was against Miss State last year. We turned it over FIVE times and WON the game!!! I don’t care who you are playing if you turn it over that many times you usually are going to lose. BTW- Tell yoour friend to start pulling for Tech. I have heard they have a “GREAT’ D coordinator over there and he can get pizza and coke with his tix.

By ab

October 4, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Well if the shoe fits WhiteandGold, and you are an idiot

By OldDawg55

October 4, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Chip, I was struck by your using your friend from down Augusta way as the know all of college defensive football. I believe Willie M has a decided advantage in skill(having played defense) and knowledge (coaching defense at Div 1-A) over your friend and I damn sure am willing to entrust our defense to him. There may be great defensive minds out there somewhere but Willie is our man now and hopefully for some time. If you want to question defensive coaches check out FSU resident genius (and he is good..Mickey Angrews)with a three man rush as Bama picked them apart in their last drives. I could outcoach that decision but MA has the job and..he won. Leave the coaching to the men who work at it and reserve the b*** to us amateurs.

By MORE OF THE SAME

October 4, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Our defense seems to play better away from Sanford Stadium. Hope that continues for this Saturday.Go Dawgs!!!

By I-DOG

October 4, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

La Jolla Dawg:

This fan is confident in our winning Sat in Knox. That doesn’t have any meaning in particular, but I just think UGA is a tough team to beat and UT doesn’t have it this year.

Tampa Gator and G the Dawg Catcher:

Good to see you come back and post, I was worried about you.

Very interesting comments from Meyer today in USA Today about Florida’s team captain being arrested on felony burglary charges.

He said that Joiner will not be Captain anymore (harsh!) and that he will not see the field… while he has a felony pending.

I take this to mean that the Gators will work the system hard between now and Saturday night’s game against LSU to get the charges lowered to a non-felony burglary and he will suit up (but miss a few plays) against LSU.

He was at practice today. If he misses LSU, he won’t miss any more than that and the whole thing will be labeled a misunderstanding.

By Cuz

October 4, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

You are right Alt, when we score first, it is because we have the better team. When the other team scores first, it is because Coach Van is gone. Hard to have it both ways aint it.

By hoping and praying

October 4, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

I’m a big Richt fan and trust him to know who is right for the job. If he thinks it’s Martinez, then I’ll go along. Since he’s been coordinator, though, I’ve never, ever been confident with a 6-point lead late in the game when the opponent has the ball.

By gman

October 4, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

I agree with the Augusta fan (I’d add the Auburn game of ‘05 to the list of CWM horrors). Sure our D was nationally ranked last year…so what? We lost to Vandy and KY last year w/ that nationally ranked defense. It couldn’t mean less.

CWM’s D is good enough where CMR can’t and won’t consider replacing him (BTW, must give CWM credit for the LSU SECCG effort) but if CWM is satisfied with how the D plays (and I’m pretty sure he is very satisfied) then we better get used to this soft, soft defense and the inevitable breakdowns that result from it. We will need a much more powerful offense to win consistently with this undersized, soft D.

By snakedoctor

October 4, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

A big fat “D” at best. Enough with the statistics and relaxed attitude, let’s see some fire. Just watch the sidelines of the top teams, the DC is usually a fire breathing ball of energy and his players follow what they see.

By quaildawg

October 4, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

CHip, Your friends an IDIOT! He must have been mixing drinks in the parking lot when all the turnovers occurred that put our D in those positions. Post your “friends” resume. If he a. played higher than HS football b. has worked as a FB Coach for more than 3 years as a coordinator (at any level) c.Can in detail explain the difference in techniques of a 3-4 D vs. 4-3 D or can describe assignments in zone coverage. If not then please don’t base your writings on some jacka$$’s opinion that counts for as much as my 11 year old daughters when it comes to having some basis for fact and reason. Come on CHIP what next?! UGA HAS RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH KNEE INJURIES. Is Ron Courson a Great Team Trainer or Just AVerage? Try finding something positive to write on and quit drinking the AJC Koolaid. I’m sick of this trying to crate controversy where none exists. I am growing weary of seeking sound reading about CFB and getting this CRud in return!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Buck in the NW

October 4, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

altahama, I understand that you are, as you said a numbers man and there’s nothing wrong with that. Here’s my problem and that is we play the high % way to much and teams can get a read on you that way which also causes problems. The Fl game which you and the other blogger refer to was the 14-10 loss I believe and WM said after the game that he waited to long to adjust. I also don’t think VG was as good as some seem to remember and people forget that an Erk Russel type doesn’t come along every day. We’ll find out a lot more about Martinez this week because Tenn. is the top passing team in the league and I want to see if WM continues to try to get pressure with only the front 4. If he does, we’ll be hip deep in a swamp……..Chip, Altahama brought up a good point. Ask your friend about our offense.

By RxDawg

October 4, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Well said AltamahaDawg, I think you hit the nail on the head. I rate him a B+. You just cant argue with consistently being in the top 10-20 on D, despite the occasional breakdown. The game and rules is set to favor the O over the D anyways.

By 6th Straight Loss in SEC East

October 4, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Dawgs sorry defense will be exposed this weekend.Dawgs are not as Physical this year. Y’all need to eat more grits and corn and hit that weight room a little more. BTW You may need a new strenght coach as well!

By Long Arm of the Law

October 4, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

By WhiteAndGold October 4, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this I’m the first douche bag on here.

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!! YOU ROOOOOTY POOOOOOO go back to your own sorry blog you bEE_otch.

By sobedawg

October 4, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

This game will be THE test for Martinez and the Bulldog-D (before the Gayturds)…Our offense needs to get the ball 1st and score as quick as possible…we don’t want to be down to the Vols 7-0 or 14-0…that place will be a madhouse if Ainge throws an early strike…SobeDawg

By Dorsey Hill

October 4, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Willie Martinez does an excellent job. If you can find a game where we lost BECAUSE of our defense I’ll kiss your butt in the middle of Downtown Athens and give you two days to come up with a crowd.

And don’t give me any crap about TN last year. We lost that game on special teams and turnovers by the offense. The problem has been that the defense isn’t matched on a consistent basis by the offense. Now the we are finally starting to avg. better than 30 per game we are going to be tough to beat because we are always in the top 10 in scoring defense.

And I’m sick and tired of people who couch potato coach and believe that a more aggresive defense is the solution. We have lit up Will Mushchamp’s D twice and he blitzes more than anyone. I saw a guy three weeks ago say here that we should blitz like Ark. did vs. Bama. THEY GAVE UP THE WINNING TD DRIVE AND OVER 40 POINTS AND THIS IDIOT IS FINDING LESSONS ON D!!!!!

The point of the matter is that while we may not dominate every opponent with our defense our defense always gives us a chance to win and that’s all you can ask for from a DC.

If we don’t give up big special teams plays, hold onto the ball, and move the ball enough where we’re not giving them the short field all day, TN won’t score over 20 and we should win. If we lose 20-17, don’t complain about the D, because TN’s D has been just getting clocked by good offenses this year.

I expect a lot of bend but don’t break philosophy this week. Bobo is telling Willie that he’ll get him at least 28 points. Ainge is too experienced to fool with fancy blitzes and coverages. We need to stop the run, pressure the QB with the front 4 and the first one to the receiver puts him down. That is winning D this week.

By Cuz

October 4, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Buck, I think that Erskine Russell was one of a kind. I think that unfortunately at UGA he is the measuring stick and I just don’t think that anyone else can attain that height.

By Norm Chow Mix USC West

October 4, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

My Defense makes sure that if an opposing team is driving on us that that team MUST earn every yard. WE dont give up the big plays as often and dont have the occasional breakdowns like Willie Martinez coached teams.

By RCHOUND

October 4, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

THERE IS JUST NOT ENOUGH G.A.T.A.IN THE DAWGS DEFENSE.WE NEED A LEADER TO FIRE THEM UP!

By Cuz

October 4, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

I thought Augusta loved Coach Martinez, we named a community after him. CWM just needs to learn to pronounce his name, Mart-nez.

By BigNCDawg

October 4, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

It seems as if we might not be as stiff in the middle of the D line as we should be. A couple of big strong trees could cure that. That would allow our speed guys to handle it from there. I also think that this D will be much better with time. Our D line does seem a bit under sized.

By dawgbone

October 4, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Mr. linebackers Coach Martinez, I knew DC Van Gorder and you sir are no Van Gorder. And one reason is that you are too “laid back” like MR.

By SAV'H DAWG

October 4, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

KEY TO UT GAME IS PRESSURING AINGE. HE EMBARRASED OUR D LAST YEAR. IF WE PUT PRESSURE ON HIM, THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN. DEFENSIVE STATS ARE SOMEWHAT MISLEADING. SOME GAMES DEPEND ON WHAT TYPE OF SITUATIONS THAT THE OFFENSE CREATES.LAST YEAR, WE COULD NOT SUSTAIN A CONSISTENT RUNNING GAME, THEREFORE PUTTING THE DEFENSE IN BAD SITUATIONS. I THINK MARTINEZ NEEDS TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE.WE SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO PUT CORNERS IN ONE ON ONE COVERAGE WHEN NEEDED. I THINK WE CAN RUN ON ANY TEAM LEFT ON OUR SCHEDULE WHICH IN TURN KEEPS OPPOSING OFFENSES ON THE BENCH.

By Norm Chow Mix USC West

October 4, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Dorsey Hill…. Remember the Auburn game amd WEST VA. Games two years ago???????? Better pucker up!!!!

By Long Arm of The Law

October 4, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

When I woke up the other morning, I had this painful, burning irritation in my groin area. So when I went to the bathroom to check it out, I noticed a bunch of raise red bumps and I had what some people call “discharge”. Can anyone help me out here? What is it that I have?

By Exley DAWG

October 4, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Late last year I became a WM fan. He makes you earn points by driving the field and not allowing the big play. Fewer blitzes will cause this. He selects when he feels its time to get aggressive. Great philosophy by a very good coach.

By Jeff

October 4, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Alabama game: We brought the house and we crushed their offense…until the end of the 2nd qtr and 4th qtr. We changed our scheme…and we almost paid for it with a loss. We do very little to throw an opponent off. And do I even mention how HUGE the cushion was against USC receivers? I mean 15 yard cushions all night!!! I know this may sounds nuts…but beg, steal and plead with Van Gorder to come back. I think by now he’s probably realized that leaving was the biggest mistake he’s ever made. He’s pretty much 0 for 3 on his post UGA moves.
So, yea, I’m not a Martinez fan. We may show up in the stats but not on the scoreboard.

By ryan

October 4, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

we need to put brandon miller ot de on nickel situations. if we don’t pressure ainge we’re done. we need to blitz more and try to get pressure with our undersized ends. tough task i think. very poor matchup for our d

By WhiteAndGold

October 4, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Martinez is average at best. He damn sure isn’t in the same league as John Tenuta.

By Norm Chow Mix USC West

October 4, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

By Long Arm of The Law… Sounds like a side effect of Gamecock Envy!!!!

By Cuz

October 4, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Longarm, you got White and Gold fever. Eat a turkey sandwich and think about Thanksgiving weekend.

By Dr. No

October 4, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

White + Yellow = pus.

By truthteller

October 4, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Martinez and the dawg defense are average at best. Talk about an over-rated team. They have played one quality team (SC) and lost to them at home. National statistics don’t mean a damn thing, since you can pad stats by playing patsy’s like w. Carolina and Miss.. I laughed out loud when Chip says Georgia “has a chance at the national championship”. What a joke.

By Long Arm of the Law

October 4, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

You know, its really embarrasing. I mean, what if my life partner finds out? I guess i’ll always have to be in front when we make love….sigh.

By VA benefits

October 4, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Longarm It depends on whether or not your “discharge” was honorable. In your case, I doubt it.

By WhiteAndGold

October 4, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Dr. No = Assistant mgr. at McDonalds

By rick

October 4, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

I agree with the augusta guy, Georgia does not have the fire they had under Van Gorder. But remember last year the offense put them in very bad situations last year ,wearing them down at the end of the game

By Noyellowinthisblood

October 4, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Martinez’s defense has finished ranked higher than Tenuta’s every year he has been DC. Suck on that!

By Decatur Dawg

October 4, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

As much as I hate Tech, White and Gold makes me laugh! Self-Deprecating humor, didn’t think you had it in ya!

Anyway, I give WM a “C” - Mediocre. I mean, hard to argue with always been statistically ranked in the top so and so. But seems to be that when we really need it, especially lately, we don’t get it. So, I think those stats are a little misleading. We definitely need to improve.

By Dr. No

October 4, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

“truth”teller Did you ever wonder what it would have been like if you’d had enough oxygen at birth?

By CKDawg65

October 4, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

I would say adequate is the best description. He is not great (see Pellini or Strong) but definitely better than mediocre. Comparing to Van Gorder, which is fair, his defenses make fewer big plays and big hits. That being said, they make way fewer stupid mistakes and especially this year are all in all less experienced. Bottom line, they both have an SECC where they owned the better unit of the team over the offenses. I think the next one we get will be because of our offense, though.

By scooter11

October 4, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

whitegold is right. tenuta is in the acc. That IS a different league altogether, and the reason for his overrating.

By Noyellowinthisblood

October 4, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Martinez’s defense has finished ranked higher than Tenuta’s every year he has been DC. Suck on that!

By jack

October 4, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

What’s the difference between adequate and mediocre?

Anyway…

My vote is excellent.

By Semperfi

October 4, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

WM’s D is not aggressive enough. You cant sit back and wait on the O to come to and just react. STOP REACTTING and BE PROACTIVE….Blitz more than once in 2 games…dont be afraid, the secondary has enough speed to cover your backside.

By cdawg

October 4, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Dorsey Norm Chow hit it right on the head…Ive got a crowd ready ….PUCKER UP…

I have to rate the D a C+ the biggest thing i can say is be agressive we read and react and if we do that Sat we will get killed their offensive line is to good .Ainge will kill us BLITZ…BLITZ…BLITZ WITH TIGHT MAN COVERAGE IF WE DONT WE LOSE ITS THAT SIMPLE……

By 6th Straight Loss in SEC East

October 4, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

National Championship????? What The F%%&^??? LMAO!!! You’ve got to be KIdding huh!!! You’re nothing but a Dreamer

By Dorsey Hill

October 4, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Yes I do remember the WV game and I guess I looked at that like the team did. It didn’t count. Really, if you think about it, if you’ve mada A BCS Bowl, but not THE BCS bowl, whats the point except to enjoy the trip? No one really gives a rat’s a* who won the 1994 Sugar Bowl do they? Does anyone even remember who played? (Without looking it up that is. I’m sure it was UF vs. who gives a damn and I don’t know who won.) I mean of the bowl games we’ve lost the only one that still bothers me is the 1983 Sugar Bowl because it cost us a NC.

Back to WV, we were done playing when we beat LSU for the ring. With respect to the reason we lost, it seems that the punt return team giving up a fake punt was the last straw and that the D played pretty good in the second half. If the offense puts up some points in the first half we probably win that game despite the fact that our hearts weren’t really in it until we were getting embarrassed on National TV.

With respect to the Auburn game I can only assume that you mean the one where they went 80 on 4th and 10. It has been pretty well documented that Tra Battle was essentially out of it after a blow to the head and no one knew it until after he blitzed when the call was cover 2. As you will recall the pass went right where Tra was supposed to have been but wasn’t. Not a coaching issue.

So to modify, if you can name a game that MATTERS where the D cost us the game….

By Dr. No

October 4, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

White and yellow: Get busy washing out those garbage cans.

By A-ville Ranger

October 4, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Chip Your buddy sounds like a composite of half the people who post here.I don’t see how rehashing this as if there’s something new serves any purpose….so I won’t.Coach Richt said what some of us were saying earlier in the week.He talked about the young O-line and how they’re physically immature and not ready to play smash mouth.He also said what some were saying this week that they are mobile and have good technique so they block down field and can adjust their feet to hold a block.Another interesting thing he brought up was how much the safties have to do with the uneven play since they’re young and the last line of defense.

By drew

October 4, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

“D”. It seems like almost every game we have lost the last two plus seasons have been because of breakdowns on defense whether it be early, late, or all through the game. He never does enough to put pressure on the quarterback and with the athletes we have we could be defensive of the same caliber as LSU’s. However, as long as Martinez is left in charge with his sit back and take it style the fans will be left guessing which defense might show up and for how long?

By Mr. Correctness

October 4, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

I think we should be nicer to our “guest” White and Gold. He obviously can’t find any intelligent life-forms on the Tick blog. So, Mr. White and Gold, what would your cry baby whiny @$$ed opinion be?

By GKE

October 4, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Martinez is a solid DC. Imperative to keep pressure on Ainge. We cannont let him sit back and pick us apart. I loved the safety blitzes vs. BAMA. If they burn us on a blitz, so be it.

By Let's rate the UGA beat writers

October 4, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Towers: blows

Stupidland: douchebag

By WhiteAndGold

October 4, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

SEC has 1, yes count it 1, really good team. LSU.

Average teams= SCE, UGA, UF, UK

below average= Bama, Auburn, Ark

Sucks= Tennessee, Ole Miss, Miss St., Vandy

ACC has 1 really good team, BC.

Average= GT, Clemson, FSU, Miami, VT, WF, UVA

Below Average= Maryland

sucks= Duke, UNC, NC St.

Ill let you do the math.

By Cuz

October 4, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Dr. No, White and Gold does not work for me. Besides I don’t think he knows how to use a pressure washer.

By Norm Chow Mix USC West

October 4, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Ho Hum Dorsey …Now thats an Excuse!!! Come on PUCKER UP and Kiss MY sweet A$$!!!

By WhiteAndGold

October 4, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Dr. No- Graduate high school.

By Dorsey Hill

October 4, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Please stop it you idiots!!!!

Was LSU’s problem in getting lit up for 45 vs. Georgia in 2004 because they weren’t aggressive? No you morons!!! It was because they were TOO aggressive playing bump and run and blitzing all the time giving us one on one coverage with no safety help and we killed them. Aggression isn’t always the answer and it damn sure doesn’t work away from home against a senior QB like David Greene or Erik Ainge you dumbazzes!!!

The style of play must be dictated by other circumstances than some blind ambition to be called “aggressive.” What will work against one team will get you killed against another. This week aggression will get you beat. 3 weeks from now vs. UF if we aren’t aggressive we’ll get slaughtered. If you don’t know why there is a difference, shut up, put your keyboards down and watch some football until you can make a point that is at least moderately coherent.

If aggression was always the answer then any of you idiots could coach D.

Damn you people are stupid. (some of you anyway)

By will

October 4, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

I’m not sold on the GA “D”. It’s almost like watching paint dry. I wish we would use our team speed and put some damn pressure on somebody. If we give up a bid play every once in a while, who cares. Make a QB pay for throwing it 30 times a game. And if we play a laid-back game Saturday, Ainge will torch us for about 350 yards.

By ChampDawg

October 4, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I’d much rather have VanGorder or Erk Russell for that matter. UGA defense has no fire………. and, can’t we recruit some secondary players taller than 5’10”?

By A-ville Ranger

October 4, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

drew we gave up 16 to SC,LSU gave up 16 to SC.Our defense had to play much more than LSU’s because our offense couldn’t control the ball.LSU’s offense played very well so their defense didn’t have near the pressure our’s did yet we surrender the same # of points…..go figure.

By Mr. Correctness

October 4, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

HE will “let us do the math” ‘cause he couldn’t do it with a slide rule…which he thinks is a measuring device to determine the length of playground slides.

By Mr. Correctness

October 4, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Now, don’t hold back Mr. Dorsey. Say what you mean.

By dawg_dude_65

October 4, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

I was at Vandy game last year and they kept running he same short pass plays over and over. He coaches db and he never pulled the up to press the wideouts. He has done that in several games I have watched.

By scooter11

October 4, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

WhiteandUrine: You’ll be re-rating MD after this weekend.

By Dietician

October 4, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Hell white and yellow, I could eat a handful of alphabits and crap out better responses than yours.

By Chip Towers

October 4, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

OldDawg55, others: The point of using my friend’s comments is he is a consummate Georgia fan and I was trying to gauge if other fans felt the way he did. Just a litmus test of the Bulldog Nation, so to speak, not scientific or technical. That said, my buddy does have more than a layman’s knowledge of football… . Like I said, I think Willie does a pretty good job with the personnel he has and you can never be sure of what deficiencies he may be trying to counterbalance that dictates what he does strategically.

By Norm Chow Mix USC West

October 4, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Now settle down Dorsey…These people have a point!!! You dont have to be Chef to know if the food tastes good!

By Matt

October 4, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

We are all now dumber after reading some of those posts.

By T

October 4, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

He does a bad job. The talent level on the team makes up for all of his inadequacies.

There has been a noticeable drop off in production from the defense since BVG left. There was a time under BVG that if we scored over 17 points we knew we would win the game and that is no where near the case under WM.

If you tell me BVG had better players then WM is a bad recruiter, he has had plenty of time to get the players he wants. One or the other he is out of his league.

By WhiteAndGold

October 4, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Ok, ok I admit it. I suck. I have no life. The only “girlfriend” I’ve ever had was inflatable. My mom gets really ticked off when she catches me on her computer (my dad left home out of shame at what I’ve become). I’ve never been to a college football game. I get beat up daily by my little brother and his friends so I love to come on-line and insult people.

By Richard

October 4, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Chip:

Your buddy is over looking the terrible field position the offense and/or special teams put the defense in in most of the loses the past two seasons.

West Virginia - 3 turnovers Tennessee - 4 turnovers in the second half alone. Florida - UGA fumble, FLA touchdown on UGA’s 1st PLAY of 2nd half - 21 zip. Vandy - 3? turnovers, 2 missed field goals (remember Coutu was out). Kentucky 1 interception inside our 10 yard line, another one on their goal line right before half. Virginia Tech - interception deep in our territory in 1st half (we eventually one this one) S. Carolina - short field for one TD after a llong KO return, VERY short field for field goal after bone head 4th and dumd call by BOBO.

Stop turning the ball over. Cover kickoffs.

Do these two things, Martinez and the UGA defense will do the rest.

GO DAWGS

Richard

Enough said!

By 6th Straight Loss in SEC East

October 4, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

We at Tenn. Aplaud Willies Defense! Its so predictable!!!!! Please keep him Dawg Nation!!!

By The keed

October 4, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

I am old enough to remember the Dooley days when we won with strong defense and a great kicking game. The D kept us in the game long enough for the O to win (Texas in the Cotton Bowl). If we have that talented D with aggressive coaching and our present O, we are BCS contenders. WM needs more horses.

By Chip Towers

October 4, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

LaJolla Dawg: I’m actually over at Georgia’s practice now. On Thursdays we have access only to CMR and we get him before the practice. They bussed down to the stadium today so they can practice with ear-splitting crowd noise piped in. That’s their regular routine before SEC road games. Anyway, he was very, very pleased with the last two practices, Tuesday and Wednesday, and was particularly complimentary of the energy and pace… . He seemed really loose and was joking around about this, that and the other thing today. I get the feeling his kind of quietly confident myself.

By RedAndBlack

October 4, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

WhiteAndGold, We’re proud of you. That’s the first step in the 7-Step AA Program…to share your background openly without guilt. A*******H0!#s Anonymous Program, that is. Step 2 is to stop having wet dreams of Tashard Choice and Jonathan Dwyer and take their pictures off your wall and computer.

By gator-hater

October 4, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

You can tell a difference when you have a LB coach (Van Gorder) and a secondary coach (Martinez) plan the defense’s schemes.

Van Gorder was a Junkyard Dawg defense.

Martinez is a soft zone maybe send an extra man every once in a while, bend & sometimes break D.

By Tech fans are as cool as fanny packs

October 4, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

White and gold,

You’re like every other Tech fan I’ve ever met. All you try to do is start $h!t. You have the most ridiculous ideologies. All your stupid gnats are the same, neglected in your youth and now that you’ve found out what Natural Light is, you grow an attitude and think you’re invincible. I can’t wait til November 24 when we make you quiver like school girls (remember BC)

By BT

October 4, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Martinez is a “C” at the very best. The last 3 years he has survived on talent alone. My opinion on him was formed at the Auburn game two years ago. I was there and witnessed the Tigers tear us to shreds on the ground all game long and when it really counted on 4th and a whole field to go we gave up the unthinkable. Then came WV in the sugar bowl on up to the present.

This coordinator will not change!! In the event that we face a talented well prepared offensive unit, we will give up the points. I was at the Ole Miss game Saturday and couldn’t believe we were making the rebs look like a powerhouse!! It is SICKENING and looks nothing like the Junkyard Dawgs of old!

We are way too loaded on talent and speed to be played like this. Tennessee is an offensive machine that will carve our prevent zone to pieces and we will be reduced to a Pac 10 style shoot-out.

Coach Richt, light a bonfire under this guy’s a$$!!

By Mark

October 4, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

I’m a little late on the train here so forgive me if I’m rehashing things. If you compare WM stats with BVG’s you would see that BVG only has a slight edge. I think that’s personell related and has nothing to do with WM. We simply don’t have the dominant players we had from ‘02-‘04 on the defensive side of the ball right now. We may never. Those were some of the best defenses Georgia has ever had. WM has done a great job with what he’s got and if some guys step up and start playing like a David Pollack, Odell Thurman, or Thomas Davis everyone will think he’s a genius.

By jdawgs77

October 4, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Chip please read this and comment on this if you can.I have always thought that he has done a poor job on defense! Last year as you stated we struggled with teams we shouldnt have. The crazy thing is that out of the 8 upperclassmen we lost 5 of them are on NFL rosters right now!!!! So I think there was plenty of talent on defense! That doesn’t even include J Owens who will be playing in Sundays eventually! My main problem with Willie is that he will not rush the passer. He hardly ever blitzes with LBers or DBs so its like if the front 4 don’t get to the QB oh well. Then also the corners never play bump and run on the receivers. The corners get up on the line and as soon as the ball is snapped just start back peddling without even slowing down the receivers!!! I just wish we would see a more aggressive attacking style defense for once. I mean you can’t expect the 4 DL to get past 6 offensive lineman on a consistent bases!! And then as far as stopping the run they never bring the LBs up near the line but instead keep them 5 to 8 yards off the ball every single play. He has got to get more aggresive!!! So unless we are aggressive this weekend on defense I don’t believe we will be able to slow down UT’s offense at all!

By dawgbone

October 4, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Since Chip quoted his friend, I will do the same. He is a huge* fan and supporter of the Vols. We get together the week of the game to “talk”(unlike what goes on on here)football. He says(and he has seen all their games)that their problem is the lack ot a “stopper”. In the past, they have always had tackles, LBs, etc. that could put the hat on someone when they **needed it. They don’t have, according to him, anyone like that this year. Well, I told him, the ones out there better get used to seeing the back of Brown’s and Moreno’s jerseys. Go Dawgs!

By I-DOG

October 4, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Rethinking my position a bit on WM:

He is the 2nd best D coordinator that we have had since Erk. Under last days of Dooley, Goff, and Donnan, none of those teams had very good defenses. It was score 20+ and hope we get some stops.

We were spoiled somewhat with Van Gorder, so Martinez does not look quite as good by comparison, but we have had a lot worse talent and coaching on the D… We had some really bad pass defense in the early to mid 90’s.

By Big Man

October 4, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Willie Martinez is the defensive equivalent of Mark Richt. Very good coaches who go thru bouts of bad game management. For Mark Richt see the Auburn game in 2001. See most of the Florida games. They were lucky to get to the first SEC Championship game against LSU. It took a semi-lucky touchdown on 4th down for them to beat Auburn and earn a spot in that game. That team should have been undefeated going into their bowl game. Mark Richt is as good as Les Miles and we see what he has done with all that talent down in the Bayou. Nothing but turn it into 2 losses a year. With the past 2 LSU teams Saban would have won at least 1 championship. In short, Richt and Martinez are above average, but will be hard pressed to win the big one.

By Dill

October 4, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

WM is not preparing the defense properly. Eventually, this is going to cost us some games. The offense is improving and will be very good over the next few years, but we may find ourselves in the same position we were in with QB Zier. Great offense that can almost score at a whim with a defense that couldn’t stop a sign post. Can’t win championships without a solid D.

By A-ville Ranger

October 4, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Chip why bring up this silly tired bs again ? All it does is give people an excuse to count hairs on their chest and go on and on about SOFT zones as if that says something material.Why is it every thursday you post some obtuse thing instead of something germane to this particular week’s game ? No mas !! think I’ll stroll over to Dawg post.

By ugafann

October 4, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

The defense is soft. The D-Line has yet to step up and play well. I belive the D-ends are too small. The secondary is out of position all the time. Thank goodness for some decent play by our linebackers, they have been the most consistent. I don’t think its necessarily coaching. Can speed be hurting our young defense? I know it sounds crazy, but maybe they think thier athletic abilities will make up for bad errors in judgement. They seem to be lost out there, especially the secondary.

By 6th Straight Loss in SEC East

October 4, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Dawgbone… Dont be silly your friend is using that ole Vince Dooley tactic! 6 in a Row !!!!

By Beat UT

October 4, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Martinez does a good job based on numbers, but many of the Dawg Nation cry for the return of BVG. they should realize that a) BVG isn’t coming back and b) Martinez and Van Gorder were a one two punch when they were together…BVG, the brawn and WM, the brains. They complimented each other well all the way until Van Gorder left UGA.

I don’t like the way we seem to lay back for a couple of series with a bend but don’t break attitude. That may end up being ranked in the top 20 nationally at the end of the season, but on Saturday’s between the hedges, it sucks.

We have a ton of speed, but it hasn’t been as lock down as we need it to be or when we need it. In all fairness, the D unit is still young. If Owens doesn’t go pro after this year, then we may have the best and fastest D in UGA’s history. If Martinez flubs that up, he deserves to be publicly called out. He hasn’t reached that point yet.

Overall, Martinez gets a passing grade, C+, from this life long Dawg fan, but give up 51 to UT on Saturday, and that will quickly change to an F.

By Luke

October 4, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Now I am a huge bulldog fan but I think WM does a poor job personally. I dont think he has anything to do with being ranked in the top 10 or 20 in defense every year. I think they do that on talent alone! Every year our defense is loaded with talent! I hate the jackets but if you gave john tanuta or someone like him the kind of talent that we run out there on defense every week we would have a top 1, 2, or 3 defense every single year!!! I am not a fan of WM at all!!

By Robert Thompson

October 4, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

**B- Only give him that because they do seem to get their act together for most of the Game.However we are the slowest starting defense in the country,I mean do we scout,do we look at film,do we start with a game plan or just wing and do a pretty good job of ajusting.I would not fire the guy just yet but the talent is on the field,our problems lie in either in preperations or coaching.

By NYC Dawg

October 4, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

I think Willie is a B-. The stats show he is a good coach, but he lacks the FIRE that Van Gorder had (and that prevents him from being an “A” or ‘great coach’ in my mind). I’ve even heard a few past players state the same thing - when we lost Van Gorder, we lost the GATA attitude that Georgia D used to play with (Fabris is now the only one). Martinez simply isn’t the same type of coach VG was/is. That said, its coaching style - and in my personal opinion - is the type of style that pushes most athletes to excel further than they would otherwise. I hate to say it, but until we find another DC that is as fiery as Van Gorder, we don’t win a Nat’l Title.

Defense Wins Championships. Always has, always will.

By fayncDAWG

October 4, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Truthfully, if the Dawgs offense plays like they are capable of playing, then we do not need to have the stingiest defense in the world. Take away the S.Carolina game and you should notice an offense that will put points on the board. I honestly think that GT will be the only team to hold them to under 30 points (and the Yellerbackets will still lose!) Back to the defense; well if they would have put the ball back in the offense’s hand on that last S.carolina drive, then I would say Willie M. was a genius. Though I still get angry over that S.Carolina debacle, I realize that Willie M is working with an undersized front seven (as opposed to S.Carolina where all but 2 of their front seven weighed more than 250). For the Dawgs, only the DTs weigh more than 250! So really considering what Willie M has to work with, he’s actually done a good job! Loved that OT stop in that Bama game! Hope the secondary will step up and be as great as they’re capable of being. They have the talent and depth to make Tim Tebow look like Reggie Ball!

By Dacula

October 4, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Willie Martinez is an A in my book. He’s one of the best in the country. Everyone loves to give BVG all the credit for those great defenses in 02, 03, and 04 and he deserves some. But the difference between then and now is very obvious. Jonathan Sullivan (6th overall pick in NFL draft), David Pollack (3 time all-american), Kedric Golston (starter for Washington Redskins), Boss Bailey (nuff said), Odell Thurman(2nd round pick), Thomas Davis, Greg Blue, Sean Jones, (3 all american safeties), Tim Wansley, Bruce Thornton, Tim Jennings, Demario Minter (all NFL players at one time), and the best corner could have been Decory Bryant before his career ending injury. Those defenses had better talent on all 3 levels of the defense for whatever reason, especially at safety and middle linebacker where the dawgs clearly don’t have the physical presence.

By Dawg4life

October 4, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

I think Martinez is a victim of personnel. His philosophy is to generate pressure with 4 down linemen and pursue the ball with LBs. But that doesn’t work when you’ve got two undersized DEs and a system that rarely uses stunts or shifts to confuse the opposing OL. This is why I say Martinez is an avg. DC. If our DEs were bigger and had better technique, then maybe we could enjoy success getting to the QB. I think the biggest improvement between this year and last year is that he’s making better adjustments on the fly. But for everyone wanting us to play press coverage or bump-and-run coverage, the reason we can’t do that is because our CBs average 5-8 or 5-9 and 165 lbs. SEC receivers are too strong and would eat them for lunch if they were left out alone on an island to play too much man.

Still, something’s gotta be done against Tennessee! This will be a statement game for Martinez.

By 6th Straight Loss in SEC East

October 4, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

My Vols ARE READY….. The continuation of Last years butt kickin will resume in Knoxville. Dawgs season gone to the POULAN WEEDEATER BOWL!!!!!!

By William

October 4, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

I am no defensive coordinator, but I played a couple years of college football, so I like to think I have a passing knowledge of defenses. In my humble opinion, WM’s most glaring weakness is trying to adapt his personnel to a scheme rather than a scheme to his personnel. His seeming reluctance to utilize the Dawgs’ excellent defensive team speed and “bring the pain” more is utterly mystifying. Clearly, there’s nothing wrong with playing a “softer” zone defense to change things up, try to sow some confusion and prevent the big play, but the Dawgs are just not very good at it to use it as their base defense. The front four is very quick but too undersized to stop the run or exert sufficient pressure on opposing QB’s alone, and UGA’s cornerbacks aren’t very good at outside run support, whether by scheme or lack of physicality. Moreover, WM always seems to be a series or so behind the offense in making the proper defensive adjustments.

While I agree with Dorsey Hill that simply being more aggressive is not the whole solution, I am convinced that had WM turned the defense loose more against Satan’s Gamecocks, Blake Mitchell would’ve folded like a cheap suit and the Dawgs would have pulled that game out. This is evidenced by the more aggressive posture the defense exhibited in their win against Alabama.

The bottom line is that WM is too much like Joe Kines and not enough like Van Gorder, whether you liked Van Gorder’s more gambling defenses or not. Much like a baseball pitcher getting beaten on his second best pitch in a clutch situation, it’s hard to fathom or countenance WM’s overt cautiousness and apparent reluctance to utilize his defense’s best asset -it’s speed - especially in a very fast and very physical conference like the SEC. Whether its an indelibly ingrained defensive philosophy or he just needs a hormone shot, I don’t know, but I’ve ended up screaming at WM through the TV screen too many times to believe that he’s anything more than mediocre at best. MR’s loyalty to WM is admirable, but perhaps misplaced. Go Dawgs, best of luck at UT!

By NYC Dawg

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

Dacula, majority of those Dawgs you listed are a product of the BVG defense. They all started under him…just fyi.

By 1992dawg

October 4, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

WM is ultra conservative!!!! The Ole Miss QB had all the time in the world in the pocket. He tore the UGA soft zone defense apart.The majority of college QB’s make bad decisions when they have pressure. WM defense is reactive not proactive. It drives me crazy. We have some great athletes on defense. We have got to mix up some CB and linebacker blitzes. I want Van Gorder back!!!

By dawgbone

October 4, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

I know it sounds wishy-washy but I don’t think Martinez can be graded at this point. He is a work in progress. He is better than he was, but not as good as he needs to be.

By dawgbone

October 4, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Wow William, a well-expressed and thought out piece on here. What are you trying to do, run up the rent?

Seriously, it was very interesting and I (a former scrub) agree with you. Thanks.

By Chip Towers

October 4, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Other than that “idiots” reference, I think Dorsey Hill probably had the most sensible response to all this… . As you all can see, how WM is doing is always a polarizing issue. I think it comes down to this: Being a D-coordinator is a very, very hard job that many times comes down to picking your poison.

By Mabel Frudd

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

William…. I’m admire you for just screaming at the television screen! You should put yourself in my shoes when the defense screws up. My face stays poned up for days after my husbands rants during the games. The battered wives hotline continually puts me on hold even though I’m on a first name basis with them.I dont know what else to do.My only hope is that the dawgs play with intensity so my husband doesnt use that pent up emotion on me!!!

By c-dawg

October 4, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Gobdamn I’ve been waiting for a post like this! Just like your dawg from Augusta, WM gives me fits. I Have to agree with NYC Dawg though she might’ve been a little generous with her grading. He’s not a natoinal Championship DC. No matter if our players are freshman or seniors. I think he’s a liablity for at least one game a year. and you can’t afford that in this league.

I think the D players been a B. a couple of A’s. But that’s to be expected with natural talent and the recruiting track record we have.

But I would give Wait-and-see-Willie a C+. I think the stats on the top 10 ranking - though factually true - are a little misleading. I wonder the breakdown of points allowed to ranked teams v. non-ranked teams would be. Until recently we got a lot of favorable numbers beating up average to bad teams. I would venture to guess that’s not the case against ranked teams. Just ask WV, AU, UT, UK, and ETC over the past couple of years. And the mark of a great DC is one that makes B players play like A’s. On a weekly basis. Out of their heads, smart and violent. That makes a D feared. Now, we’re respected as a solid D. But do you think anyone is scared to play us? At all?

And at home there is a huge problem. Is anyone scared to come to Athens? Points from our offense can win games and look flashy to the home crowd. But f-king someone up with D in your own backyard is the true mark of a Junkyard Dawg! I have friends in baton Rouge that would agree with that. Own Home, and you’re up by a touchdown before the game even starts. Own home, and you own them.

Bottom line is i think WM is a birhgt guy, perfectly capable of coaching D on some level. But until he finds a way to have his team not just prepared as a matter of X and Os, but to also perform at a dominant (not just winning) level, I don’t think he is a fit for an SEC team that has loads of upside plus National Championship talent and expectations.

By Big Dawg

October 4, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

As one who critisized Coach Martinez after those embarrashing performances against Tenn and Vandy last year. I can say he did acquit himself quite well in the final 3 games though. But as others have pointed out our offense being inconsistent, missed assignment, stupid penalties and turnovers put the “D” in bad situations way too much last year and that contributed to our defensive woes more than his poor schemes. I would still rate his overall performance as a DC a “B”. 1. He doesn’t seem to be able to help himself in reverting to the soft zones. 2. He also has a tendency to not change up his schemes on defense and the other teams seem to pick up on this. 3. We seem to come out flat way too much.

As for this Saturday, we should win if the guys play to their potential as we are the better team. One bit of good news is Coach Garner said Geno Atkins had won the starting defensive tackle position over Kade Weston. I only wonder why it took them 6 games to see what I saw in the first game against OSU in that our defense was a lot more effective whenever Atkins was on the field as he would consistently get penetration and blow up plays while Weston normally was standing up on his first movement and was getting beat on most of his plays which made us vulnerable up the middle.

Go DAwgs

By Brain Damaged fan

October 4, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

I want to start by thanking Chip.I’m missing most of my brain since a kegger back in college.This is a perfect conversation for me.I can read without having to comprehend, because nobody really says anything.Soft zone,no blitz,conservative,I could do this in my sleep.

By NASCARfan

October 4, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Chip,

For me, the question of whether Coach Martinez is great or simply adequate has to do with one defining characterization of his defenses: ARE THEY CONSISTANT?

Are they consistant in energy, are they consistant in tenacity, are they consistant in their ability to come up with kep stops at key times, are the consistantly good, are they consistantly ready to play, are they consistantly making in game adjustments?

And unfortunately, not even my friend Altamaha can spin that any of Coach Martinez’s defenses have been consistant in those things that matter.

Coach Van’s defenses WERE, and that’s why he was a Frank Broyle Award Winner. I don’t think Coach Martinez will ever win that award, and that’s because his defenses have only been consistant in just how inconsistant they are, game to game.

I’m sorry to disagree with Altamaha, but statistics just don’t tell the whole story. That defense they came out in the South Carolina game was not the same that came out in the Alabama game. That defense that played last year’s Vanderbilt and Missy State games was not the same defense that played against Auburn and Tech. That defense that got rolled by West Virginia was not the same defense that rolled LSU.

Now, I’m not a Willie Martinez hater like many, but I don’t think he’s the best man for the job, as I’ve said many a time, and that’s because his style fits too closely with Coach Richt’s, which is easy-going. I have stated that I believe Coach Gardner would have continued the NEEDED fire and brimstone coaching style needed to balance out Coach Richt’s easy-going style that made the Coach Richt - Coach Van partnership so successful.

And that’s about all I have to say about that.

By gman

October 4, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

welcome back Matt Cafaro er ah NASCARfan

By 6th straight loss in SEC East

October 4, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

I give ole Willie an A. A for AWFUL!

By shane

October 4, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

willie has us in position to win at the end of the game.our average points allowed is low enough to be undefeated.i think he is doing the best he can with the youth on the d.when we control the ball we win.simple.the o lost the carolina game,not the d.

By THE TRUTH SPURTS

October 4, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Nascarfan ARE YOU AFRAID SOMEONE WON’T SEE YOUR POSTS? YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID SOMEONE WILL.

By THE TRUTH SPURTS

October 4, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Nascarfan ARE YOU AFRAID SOMEONE MIGHT NOT SEE YOUR POSTS? YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID SOMEONE DOES.

By NASCARfan

October 4, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Nope, I only highlight what I deem as something worthy to say. Chip wanted honesty, and I gave him honesty. I’m not going to tear Coach Martinez up and say we should fire him, because I don’t believe we should.

I think he’s doing the best he’s capable of doing, and that in this case, it’s adequate, not great. It’s not his fault someone else should have the the defensive coordinator. I think and believe he deserves our support because he’s the DC, but I do not believe that should make him immune from reasoned criticism from fans and media. Notice I say reasoned (see, I bolded that for importance, just for you, Mr. Truth).

And gman, well, you can ask Altamaha, Buck, Hunk, and the rest of my blogging buddies, and they’ll tell you I haven’t gone anywhere. But that’s a new name I haven’t heard before. I’ll add that to my list of names of people that stupid people like you claim is me. To my best knowledge, my mama didn’t name me Matt, but hey, I could always be wrong. My older brother has always claimed that I’m the mailman’s baby (has something to do with being the only ginger in a family full of brown heads, I guess). I’ll let him know this latest name. He might just get a kick out of it.

Seriously, some of you people need to rethink what your priorities are if you’ve been reduced to trying to deduce the identities of people on a sports blog and then attempt to out them, only to fail spectacularly. It must be embarrassing to be you, gman. If I were the old me, before my friend Hunk calmed me down a bit a few months ago, I’d have told someone like you with obviously no life and no reason to live to jump off the nearest five story building you could find, because you obviously have reached the bottom of the barrel.

That is, if it was the me from a few months ago. And I would do so everytime some inane thing you typed found its way onto the board. Aren’t you glad that’s not me? Maybe its the guy you think I am, gman. Maybe. Seriously though… reprioritize your existance, dude.

By THE TRUTH SPURTS

October 4, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Thank you Mr. NasCarFan. That was much more readable. And you do have some good points.

By William

October 4, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Dawgbone -

Thanks for the kind words, they’re much appreciated. Guess I learned something being a tackling dummy. Sorry if I sounded snooty. Go Dawgs!

By AltamahaDawg

October 4, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Buck, the only reason I even commented on the particular game, is that I was thinking how silly it was of someone to point to that game, an eternity ago and Coach M first year with totally different players as an “prime” example of whats wrong with him today. Not to mention, not even getting the facts straight about it. (mike didnt, not you) Fl scored on mostly runs and very short passes, which unless I have missed something is the exact Opposite of when “blitzing Leak” would have been a smart thing to do. Then of cource the entire rest of the game, they were unable to score. So shutting out Fl for 3.5 quarters is somehow an indication that WM didn’t know anything about pressure D? Coach Martinez, please, please, dont know any more than that this year in Jville too. I’d love those chances. For the record, I dont think he did adjust anything, and dont really remember him commenting on that, in fact cant rememebr him ever discussing the game. But even if he did, I cant see how the opening drive, and then a short gimme, is taking too long to do it. I’ll swap the first 5 mintes for the next 55 any day. Not to forget, a huge drop on our part would have dramatically changed that first 5 too.

By A-ville Ranger

October 4, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Watching SC tonight and any Spurrier coached game. The one thing I wish we could steal off them is how they get receivers wide open.It always seems our guys have somebody on top of them.

By source

October 4, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Your friend is right about WM being mediocre. Think about it: if our defense has shut down someone during 80% of a game, then why in the world would a Def. Cor. decide to go “prevent” towards the end of a half or the game? i mean, if you already shut someone down, why reinvent the wheel?

Why on 3rd and 10 would you drop everyone off and rush three? If you bring 5 then maybe the QB wouldn’t have the time to let a 10 yard play develop.

WM is average at best.

By source

October 4, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Your friend is right about WM being mediocre. Think about it: if our defense has shut down someone during 80% of a game, then why in the world would a Def. Cor. decide to go “prevent” towards the end of a half or the game? i mean, if you already shut someone down, why reinvent the wheel?

Why on 3rd and 10 would you drop everyone off and rush three? If you bring 5 then maybe the QB wouldn’t have the time to let a 10 yard play develop.

WM is average at best.

By La Jolla Dawg

October 4, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the response Chip, I actually feel a bit better after reading those comments!!

By christian

October 4, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

PAY VAN GORDER ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD TO COME BACK !

By Johnson is a Johnson

October 4, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Willie is adequate. The things I miss about the BVG era was our defenses ability to shut down the run and to radically adjust at halftime. Those are traits that WM’s defenses have not done consistantly.

By bonnet patrol

October 4, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

whiteandgold = ramble on

Same tired expressions, same sentence structure. Yawn.

In other words, same woman, different bonnet.

By ga dog

October 4, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

hey chip, i agree with you about dorsey, he makes very valid points, we just want a chance to win, its the sec people, even lsu is not shutting out teams, i give willie a b myself, i played the game at a high level on defense, not sure many posts on here have at all by what they speak, anyway go dawgs, crush the orange

By quaildawg

October 4, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Norm Chow, Before you start throwing this “we’re better” crap around it seems like your vaunted USC could not get key stops against WHO last year? Oregon State and UCLAter?! BWAHHHHHHHHHH for your mighty Trojans!!!! WVU in Sugar Bowl was what we have pointed to several times in these baseless posts. Turnovers in our own territory have been a greater culprit than our D. Go look at that game again and view the hole we dug with turnovers on our side of the 50 in the first half. Props to WVU because they obviously came out focused but I do recall our D with key stops in second half to get the bal in O’s hands and the Dawgs did not quit fighting and made quite an interesting game of it. By the way I saw where your vaunted D really made a pitiful Washington team “Pay” for every yard they got last week.

By jgmuga

October 4, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

At best Martinez is adequate. Note how many times UGA has lost when scoring 30 or more under Van Gorder then Martinez. His bend and don’t break philosophy is just too vanilla and predictable. Will Mushchamp showed how defense is to played against UF—will Martinez learn? Watch what Tebow does against us.

By MadMerf

October 4, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Rich Brooks obviously didn’t watch game film of the UGA-SC tilt earlier this year. If he had, he would have learned what NOT to do against the gamecocks. Instead he did exactly the same thing: He ran the ball down SC’s throat, only to abandon the run once his team got in the red zone or close to it.

Result: Either three passes and out, three passes and a FG, or an interception. Kentucky looked not ready for prime time, as Woodson and company misfired in the most inopportunistic times. They allowed the chickens to hang around until their defense finally tired out. Sound familiar?

Credit Spurrier. He dazzled opponets with his circus offense while at UF, and he bores teams to sleep with SC. And yes, he is winning when his team is being outplayed. UK’s role as an underdog has turned, and so has the team.

South Carolina is the Wisconsin of the SEC and they will likely crack the top ten also, at least in the AP Poll.

By kenny

October 5, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

Every one seems to be obsessed with blitzes and adjustments on this blog. WM makes great adjustments and the correct amount of blitzing will always be debatable. The problem that I have with the WM defense vs. the BVG defense is that BVGs dawgs were seldom out of position and almost never missed tackles. Hopefully, this is all due to youth as the “ex-football player experts” on this blog claim. Since it is impossible to have 4 “rebuilding seasons” in row, we’ll know next year .

By shane

October 5, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

nascarfan,your medication is working man,or i have spent too much time on these blogs.you are making sense.i don’t agree with you,i think willie is a good dc,at least good enough.i hope we can keep him long enough to get some continuity at that position.good asst coaches are hard to keep,great ones are impossible!they will be gone in a year or two,then you have to start all over.ads think that a great asst coach will make a great head coach,not always true because so many hc duties are executive and political in nature.it’s like nfl owners think a great college coach will be a great nfl coach,that rarely happens,but a few owners have to try it every year.i think willie is a smart guy,and will grow with the program.

By go dawgs

October 5, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

I have had my doubts about Martinez and at times look like they don’t start strong but turn it up and adjust as the game goes on. But overall I think his results show we gave up 17 pts to Ole Miss, Florida gave up 24 the week before and Ole Miss missed other opportunities. I give him and A-.

By Bibble

October 5, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

I’m the first douche bag on here.

And the biggest, as well. But I do admire your honesty, whiteandgold.

By John

October 5, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

Some of that isn’t really fair to lay on the D coord. Massive prolbems with turnovers last year lead to the defence being on the field way longer than it should have been etc and obviously the UT game last year the turnover problems were a contributor to the defensive meltdown.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

Nascar fan, sometimes when you look at why things have differnt results, you might want to look at what OTHER factor might not have been constant. Now what other things do not remain constant in different game? The other teams? How about the biggest difference between all of those games you mention is our our schitso offense? Much much bigger answer towhy those games differed. seriously are you telling me the O was constant in sc/ala and the D was the issue? But hey I have no doubt that sometimes even Willie martinez boys dont play with the same level of exectution at times. If you could solve that problem, your team would go undefeated for years. I do beleive that as a coach in every one of those games he did install the plan to stop them accourding to the best information he had. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. The trick is more of the first over time than the second part.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

And just a quick reminder on the LSU/ W.Va comparison. LSU was for an SEC championship against an sec style team. Id say there was a lot more motivation as a whole there. Wva was as the head coach himself admitted, a case of just not gettign in shape for the bowl game. And not a whole lot of meaning. Despite the unusually freakish start, (aided to a large degree by the offense refusing to move the ball, and even fumbling) the D did react well the rest of the game. Vandy and whatever game that was, well check the points and tell me we shouldn’t beat those team holding them to that every single time.

By Chicagodawg

October 5, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

As a fellow Augustan (now living far from there) I can tell you your friend from Augusta is correct. The defense does not have the “motor” to stop a team at “crunch/winning” time. This is why we will continue to get our hats handed to us by teams with big offensive lines and I still contend we lose 4 more games this season.

Tennessee will “find” their rushing game tomorrow after getting the lead on us and we will lose by at least 10, continuing our streak of losing to the East.

By Alpharetta Dawg

October 5, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

WM is average at best which simply will not cut it unless you want to be satisfied with being where we are today. Tenuta gets way more out of his guys which are not nearly as talented. Look what Nix is doing with far less talent. The bend but don’t break defense is fine against inferior quarterbacks like Seth Adams of Ole Miss. It will not get it done against Tebow or Ainge. The last time UGA had a dominate defensive performance in a meaningful game was last year against Auburn. LSU and the chickens find a way to play great D almost every week. UGA will not make back to Atlanta until we get a dominate & consistent D! We will however win this weekend because UT’s D is worse than ours!

By jerry

October 5, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Playing the bend but don’t break defense may hold down the opponent’s scoring because it takes a lot of time off the clock but it also keeps your offense off the field. I am much more concerned about the lack of turnovers from Willie’s scheme than anything else. A genuine a$$ kicking defense gets a lot of turnovers. I don’t know where the Dawg’s have ranked in takeaways since Willie took over but I would be willing to bet that it is near the bottom. Someone may correct me but I think that a year or two ago the Dawgs set an all time low for a Bulldog team in takeaways. Regardless, he’s not going anywhere.

By Jason

October 5, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

I don’t know, but I bet he spells better than anyone over at the AJC. Help Wanted: Proofreaders

By 82DAWG

October 5, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Martinez’ defensive strategy is mediocre at best. His numbers are misleading. He advocates a bend but don’t break defense - This means that the opponent can pretty much do as they please between the 20’s. Think of a prevent defense all game. He is willing to play soft and give up the big play, but opponents move the chains with consistent 4 to 6 yard plays. Oh, but his points per game is among the tops in the country you say. That is because the other team has the ball so long. This defense does not force turnovers, so either the team punts or scores. This also keeps our offensive off the field and limits our opportunities to score.

By Buck in the NW

October 5, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Altahama, I can see what you’re saying and IMO it’s a judgement call either way. I agree with you about last years offense until the last 3 games but the problems we had before then I lay at the feet of our Coaching staff. IMO, The QB situation was mishandled from the time Stafford was put on the field in the SC game. Here in ‘07, I’m just going with what CMR and Bobo are saying. CMR says that Stafford has had to help the young “OL” and we haven’t been able to open the play book and go until the Ala. game. Even then we held back but Ala. was thrown off big time when we came out passing and marched right down field to score. I do and always will disagree with CMR when he says that the team works hard plays hard by giving it their all and that’s all you can ask of them. Wrong! You can ask them TO WIN THE GAME. Winning is why they play the game. I don’t say much about WM because he’s here to stay as are the rest of the coaching staff. Stafford is doing what he’s been told to do and because of the young “OL” his talent can’t be used the way it could be. After SOS proved again that he’s a true game day master, we must stay with our “one at a time” plan because I don’t think we can afford to lose again but if we win out we could still go to a BCS bowl game. Dawgs 30-24.

By Pat

October 5, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Willie’s results show that he is doing an adequate job. I just don’t like the soft, sit back and wait approach. That’s his philosophy and it is not going to change. This is typical of all coaches wedded to a 2-deep scheme 80% of the time, not just Martinez. South Carolina never seemed to run the same defense 2 plays in a row vs. Kentucky and they made Woodson look awful.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

“Numbers are deceptive” but thank goodness we have fans that really know what the inside truth is.

So this theory of how the “bend but dont break”, (whatever the he77 that is), defence doesnt work, is that the other teams control the what? time, (that would seem to be the best indicator of that argument)um no thats not true, possessions, play/game or the score, no, yards, no, 1st downs? 3rd down conversions, uh, no. Where exactly does this decided advantage for the other team show up? Either they score (at a brisk 17ppg) or they punt? (punting is bad?) Limits our opportunity to score, seriously? You’re blaming Martinez for that? Are we watching the same team here?

Obviously football is not purely numbers, but when every meaningful statistical category points to success, including winning percentage, they might not be making that stuff up. Look, I’d never convince some folks of anything and you can talk hypothetical, subjective, cliche’, points all day long, and I’d never buy in either. I will leave this with this. For about 3 more FG last year, our defence would have had us finishing in the top 10 last year. At this year, the only game we have lost so far, we failed to score a TD. FAiled to score a TD! It aint the D-coordinator. I dont know who we think we could hire that could have had us undefeated for the past 2 seasons, becasue that is the difference we are really talking. Despite some issue and sure breakdowns, Martinez has held up his part of the deal.

I suspect we won’t have him much longer anyway, and I trust we will make another good hire.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Buck, thanks but appearantly you dont see what I’m saying, because it had nothing to do with Matthew Stafford.

I’m not getting into WHAT the offensive issue have been, just that they are the main reason we have lost in the past 2 seasons. We could have easily gone undefeated with that very same “conservative” approach on defence, with a little help. I also take stock in comments from Mark Richt and he has said a number of times, Our defensive strategy last year was very much related from other issue on the team as a whole.

By Norm Chow Mix USC West

October 5, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

hey quaildawg….. those teams EARNED every yard against our defense. Talking about key stops Lets see…. Hmmm South Carolina ran the ball down the dawgs throats late in the 4th. Alabama (which is not as strong as some people thought)Scored and came back and put the game in OT with ease I might add. And OLE Miss shredded the dawgs for 3 qrts and the game was a LOT CLOSER than the score indicates! YES quaildawg you’re correct in believing that Willie is a good defensive Coordinator.And another thing quaildog… UGAs program doesnt even compare with THE USC!!!!

By C D

October 5, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

I agree with your friend from Disgusta 110%.WM is better than avg (he ain’t Ramsey or Richard Bell),but top notch,he ain’t.

By reality check

October 5, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Martinez is a very good defensive coordinator. He consistently produces top 10 defenses. That is a fact that should speak for itself.

Critics who are looking for perfection are being unrealistic.

By I-DOG

October 5, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

White and Gold:

Your assessment of ACC and SEC teams is interesting, but there is a major problem with it…. the rest of the country doesn’t agree with you.

Based on the AP Poll, the ACC has three teams currently ranked in the top 25 #7, #15, and #22.

The SEC has five teams ranked in the top 25, #1, #8, #9, #11, and #12

So… The SEC has five of the nation’s top 12 teams and the ACC has one of the nation’s top 12 teams

If Miami and FL State were anything other than a shell of their former selves, it would be pretty even, but the SEC clearly has the better teams.

By shane

October 5, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

reality check,what does reality have to do with anything,or facts for that matter?we want perfection and we want it now!do not confuse the issue with reason.we are football fans,since when have we been reasonable?we only need coaches that will listen to us and we will be undefeated and win ncs every year!go to a game,pick any stadium in the country,look at the behavior and attire of some of the”fans”,and tell me you want reason from these people.

By I-DOG

October 5, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Altamaha:

That is a good point. The D has kept us in about every game last year and this year as well. One could argue TN scored a lot of points, but didn’t we have 5 turnovers? FL last year, scored 14 offensive points. So the D played well enough to win all but one game last year and all the games this year.

On the other hand:

That is what is so difficult to figure out about the Dawgs D. Overall, they get the job done, but there are strange performances.

CO ran three plays over and over and over last year and we couldn’t stop any of the 3 until the 4th quarter.

The late drives to lose games are what concern me the most (AL is another example, though we won in OT). That game should never have gone to OT. 9 minute drives by Ole Miss? Shouldn’t happen

WM and the D are a difficult bunch to figure out.

By Buck in the NW

October 5, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

I think there’s one thing for sure. Our offense gets plenty of time to rest so they shouldn’t have being tired as an excuse. Our defense lets the other team have a lot of long drives that keep them on the bench. Either we don’t have the talent or it’s because they’re young but the defense doesn’t make anything happen. AU beat the Reptiles because they had one man who followed Tebow everywhere he went and LSU will do the same, I wonder who we have that can do that? Since R. Jones is always in WM doghouse for some reason or another but he likes to level people maybe against the Reptiles that would be the prefect job for him to handle. Forget the rest of the Reptiles and just follow him the whole game and stay in his face.

By cigardawg

October 5, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

I get frustrated at the folks who keep defending a coach’s style and/or play-calling with statistical standings as compared to other teams. This is an “ends justify the means” mentality and is tantamount to watching your child, who is capable of bringing home “A’s”, bring home “C’s” and telling yourself it’s fine because “a “C” is average” and “at least it’s not an “F”.”

I don’t expect perfection, nor do I think any reasonable fan does, but I do want to see performance approach the level of capability from my beloved ‘Dawgs. Youth and inexperience are acceptable and understandable obstacles, but I still want to see 100% of what you can do given on the field.

One of the things I think we all want to see is fire on the field and a sense of urgency on both sides of the ball that is based on an understanding of what is at stake for those 60 minutes of the week.

It doesn’t hurt me to see our young men lose when they have left it all on the field, but it pains me greatly to witness defeat or needlessly close victories resulting from lack of enthusiasm, concentration, or execution.

Instilling this sense of urgency and fire is just as much a part of coaching as play-calling, and I think it’s a part that we have been missing for quite a while.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Buck we actually have a decided advantage in Time of possesion. We also run more plays than our oppenents, have a lot more first down and 3rd down conversions. So thats just plain wrong. sorry, thats just plain incorrect.

I-dog we stopped Co doing anything halfway trough the second quarter. Co got 70 yrads in the entire second half scoring only a FG when we fumbled on our own 18. One of the things that might have helped that cause was if our O had been able to do more than 5 punts, 2 fumbles and a missed FG to start that game too.

Im not saying we didnt look stupid for a quarter with that TE play, but in the big picture, that woudnt have even been a sidenote, if we had anything going on the other side.

By shane

October 5, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

buck,uf’s major problem is the lack of a running game.tebow could be handeled in a couple of ways.as you mentioned a team could put a”spy”on him and have their ends or olbs rush wide to cut off the corners,or have everyone stay home and keep him hemmed in.do the latter and cover the recievers and you can force him into a mistake.either scheme could work against a running qb because either would take away the run.i would prefer the first option against tebow because he is accurate and has an arm strong enough to thread the needle and hurt a team if given too much time.the second option would work against a vick type because you want to force him into throwing into coverage.uf’s weaknesses have been exposed by ole miss and au and the rest of the sec has taken notice.if i were meyer and i had even an ordinary rb i would use him.with all the attention payed to tebow and harvin even an ordinary rb should be able to gain yardage,plus take some pressure off the top guys.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

cigardawg, I would agree if that were the issue. I do think its foolish to totally overlook the truth about things and ignor that a lot of the critisism is just plain factually incorrect. I agree with not excusing a child grades, but i really dont see how that applies in the least. nobody ever said our “c” looked good relative to the rest of the worlds “f” . I would defend my child to no end bringing home a “c” when in fact she actually had scored a better grade though. Also how is comparing numbers relative to the actual other teams to play insignificant? This is the whole game isnt it. How we play the other teams? Its not some imaginary standard is it? Its actual results. I agree with your comment, just dont really think they apply. Nobody ever said its ok to be average if the other teams are worse. But saying we are are not as good in actual tangible statistic (reality) when in fact its not true, is just wrong. talk about “end justifies the means” How about misrepresenting actual facts to prove a hypothetical point?

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Thats like saying the score really doesnt matter.

By Chip Towers

October 5, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

La Jolla Dawg: I sincerely hope the slides didn’t get you out there.

By Joe

October 5, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Maybe it’s the players. I’m not saying Georgia doesn’t have good players on defense, but there’s no David Pollack. And remember Joe Kines. Many people, including myself, thought he was a bum when he was the DC in Athens. But while he was at Alabama everyone thought he was a genius. I’m just saying… put things into perspective.

By Gamecock Chrissy

October 5, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

How bout those…..uhmmm…errr…COCKS!

By Gen Neyland

October 5, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Can’t come out and say Good Luck Dawgs. Personally, I hope last years game in Athens would be the start of the next 9 year run of Volunteer supremacy in our head to head…I know better though. Will say I hope for an injury free game for both sides. Aaahh, what the hay, Good Luck Dawgs, I just hope we have better luck…

By Cuz

October 5, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

The score only matters in wins and losses. South Carolina has an entire hall devoted to moral victories. It is really impressive.

Looks like the Evil one pulled another rabit out of his visor. I only counted two clipboard throwing incidents before halftime. I had a long day and passed out after that. I do not know what the total for the game was, any help out there?

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

allright gentlemen, headed off to get into game mode. See you all about Tuesday. Buck, heres to hoping they do stack the line. Somehow I’m just thinking the passing game is going to be very effecient when needed in this one.

By Gamecock Chrissy

October 5, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Maybe Rich should hurl a clipboard or two if it will get him an SEC EAST win.

By shane

October 5, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

general,good luck to you sir.thank you for being a genlteman and a good sport as always.

By SunDawg

October 5, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Chrissy, he was there a couple of years ago, and hopefully will be again this year or next.

You guys have a good run going. Couldn’t believe how rattled the KY qb looked last night.

By Atlanta Gator

October 5, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Cuz——How, exactly, does one pull a rabbit out of a visor? And what kind of trophy does a team receive for moral victories. Color me a curious Gator. ; ]

By SoFla Dawg

October 5, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Chip Towers great columnist or just ok Chip U Suck why don’t you go home and adjust the cinderblocks on your home you inbreed big forehead banjo playing retard..

Those who can do those who can’t write about it…

Martinez gets an A Chip Towers gets an F

By Buck in the NW

October 5, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Altahama, I said nothing about overall time but we’ve had 2 or 3 teams put together long drives against us, the worst being I think the ‘Ala.,9 min(?) drive to score. ‘ole Miss had a couple of long drives until the 4th qt. SC put together 3 1st downs to keep the ball away fro us and cut into the time we had left to try and come back and score. That’s not wrong. This thing about “bend but don’t break” goes back to when offenses didn’t fly down the field and score the way they do today. The more plays it took to go 80 yds. the better because more chances were created for TOs. Doesn’t hold water in today’s college FB. With quick strike type of offenses, teams go 8o yards in 2-3-4 plays. Playing the bend but don’t break type of defense only causes problems. Players are much to skilled and better athletes.

By shane

October 5, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

cuz,this just in, PHULMER PHAINTS!!!!!!PHISH PHRY PHOILED!!!PHETID PHLOUNDER PHLOORS PHAT PHIL!!!!!!PHRENZIED PHANS PHLEE PHOUL PHLATULANCE!!!!!!!!!! PHURTHER PHACTS PHOLLOW!!!!!

By cigardawg

October 5, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg,

Thanks for you comments. What I think I failed to address is that I am constantly seeing/hearing people talk about our defense/offense being ranked such-and-such,or Richt’s road record being such-and-such as a way to label any type of critique as invalid or justify the quality of coaching/playing, i.e., “Our defense is ranked #x nationally, so WM must be doing something right” or “CMR is 22-1 on the road, so stop complaining about his play-calling, he obviously knows what he is doing.”

Rankings by definition are relative to the performance of the members of the group being ranked, not absolute indicators of performance. Statistically, a win is a win, regardless of the way it was won. I am asserting that those who want to analyze the story behind the story, have every right to do so. In fact, I think it’s more beneficial than just breathing a sigh of relief and hoping for better in the future.

I am not calling for carte blanche to call anything and everything said and done by players and coaches into question, I am saying that it is legitimate to have high expectations that our teams, whoever they might be, approach their capabilities on a consistent basis regardless of the outcomes. If they don’t, then even the most hardcore fan has the right to express displeasure and disappointment in the effort, regardless of the outcomes.

My bottom line is that I love when we get a win, but some of those wins concern me because of the manner in which they were won and I would like to see the problems addressed for the good of the team (and for my own sanity, ;-) ). One of those major issues for me is a visible lack of fire at the beginning of big games and the beginnings of some 2nd halves.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

cigar, For the record I am not addressing any concerns of yours, as they are legitamate. I appreciate the facts that you properly categorize them as such personal concerns. I also understood you were not directing that at me, nor I at you directly but in general. I agree, the whole point is duscussion (although I still am puzzled how when somebody defends something in here, its always treated as “less” worthy of an opinion) As if its impossible to actually agree with (whatever), only pick out whats wrong. Hey you know what I welsome the retorts, I ask for them. Why would it be so difficult to come back with a rationale responce, and less waving of the “its my right to question somebody ” flag. Just back it up. How hard is that? What irks me is the outright distortion of the fact in here sometimes because it seems to be the best way to address a wild a* guess, or even more the case IMO, just plain ol complaining. I analize the story behind the story as much as anyone in here, but I do not totally disregard the actual story.

I agree its not as easy as we are ranked, so end of discussion, but what I hear in this blog WAY more than that is, we gave up a play, a run, a game even, so obviously something is terribly wrong on this end and then set out to prove it, making up points. If only we could play the scout team every week.

By AltamahaDawg

October 5, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Sounds like you and I would prefer just not to see the extremes at either end.

By quaildawg

October 5, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Norm, SC did rip off three straight first downs but if memory serves me D did stop and we had ball in our hands with chance. That game was more about what Stafford and O didn’t do. BTW Vaunted D this year LSU or UGA? Who surrendered more points to SC? But I digress. Your opinion is so baseless that you are really beginning to sound alot like Chips friend in Augusta who wouldn’t know which end of a football to hold. Yeah USC makes them Pay every down. I’m not into comparisons. We are who we are and I’m just fine with that. Don’t really care for opinions from Left Coast junkies. Enjoyed spending my time at UGA I am proud of my team and believe in these Coaches and where this program is and will continue to head. Go on back to Cali I hear it’s a great place for traffic, smog and drive by’s. USC the team made famous by a condom!!!

By njdawg

October 6, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Overall, I give Willie a B. If we go down the line, scoring defense, run defense, pass defense, his numbers are very high.

The problem appears to be motivation. However, I will point out that this is endemic within the program as a whole. That 14-0 deficit to UF last year, where was the offense? That loss to So Carolina this year, where was the offense?

So to put all of this at his door isn’t fair. It is also one of CMR’s flaws. However, that being stated, I wouldn’t trade CMR for anyone at this point.

By Norm Chow Mix USC West

October 6, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Dorsey Hill…..21-0 You need to go ahead and pucker up!!!! Love that wait and see defense!!!!!!Willie is a great DC!!!!!

By john brown

October 6, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

we can’t tackle, we don’t cover, we don’t pressure the QB, we can’t stop the run, no turnovers, but other than that Martinez is a good coach. The defense has not been this bad since Marion Campbell

By Ole Dawg

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

Nothing need be said, actions always speak louder than words.

By General Patton

October 6, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

FIRE MARTINEZ!!!! He is as incompetent at they come!!!!

By General Patton

October 6, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

FIRE MARTINEZ!!!!! He sucks, the team is not coached to stop the run or pass!!!!

He shouldn’t be coaching “Pop” Warner football let alone a div 1A team!!!!!!!!

By Dill

October 6, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

What did I say. We don’t have a defense. WM does not know how to prepare a defense for a game. How is it that a team can run off left tackle over and over again and be successfull. Hell, Tenn watched our game films and knew that WM would not change a thing. I have a hard time believing that we do not have talent on this team on both sides of the ball. Given that, what else could it be but the coaches. And I mean CMR as well. The head coach is responsible for his team. It could be that he is responsible because he will not pull the trigger on WM, or perhaps he thinks 28 to 0 at half time is a good thing. I’ve been a DAWG since I was 5 and I am now 45. I will be a DAWG until I die and my sister and I are both alum. I would just like to experience some good coaches like we had with Dooley. Until that day, we will continue to be a sub standard team and continue to fuel the critics.

By 77DAWG

October 6, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Martinez is f*** stupid DC for GA. We don’t have any defensive game plan our schemes aren’t good enough for Clark Central HS.

By TNDawg

October 7, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

wm is not even a poor coach. He sucks.

By UGADogs

October 7, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Willie Martinez,I believe he is a good secondary coach.And he might make a good DC in a another conference then the SEC.The thing I don’t get is people keep talking about UGA’s D,and the stats being so good,but the truth is every year under willie the defense gets worse and worse.If you don’t believe me we are 29th in total defense and 28th in points allowed.It seems to me a couple of years ago we were top five in every Aspect of defense.(Under a diffrent coach.)After loseing to every SEC East opponent at least one time within this year and last.I think we might need a change.Concidering that our Defense has all ways set the tone for the game.I hear it’s because we don’t have talent.When you have a top ten recruiting class for the last five years strait I don’t Buy it.So my answer to the loses to the defense being out coached by steve spurrier,urban meyer,David Cutcliff,and others.Close your eye’s if your a UT UF USC LSU or others fan,and don’t cry either.We level the playing field and bring back the man The Junk Yard Dog (Brian Vangorder) no matter how much it take.I would be the first one at the game throwing in the hat.And we can get another Sec title and what we all have wanted a National championship.

By Haledonee

October 7, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

At this moment, We should fire WR Coach and Defensive Coordinator……Enough is enough

By gdawgs77

October 7, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Willie Martinez needs to go!! You know we had similar games last year on defense as well (Vandy, Kentucky, Miss St. and UT) and 5 of the 8 starters that left from last years defense are in the NFL this year. Geez does he blow talent! He continues to run his silly soft defense. We continue to rush 4 consistently as usual!!! Very little blitzing (yeah he will do one once in a blue moon) so Ainge has all day to throw and the LBs will not come up and stop the run but instead stay several yards off the ball!!! Oh and by the way Willie what good does it do to put your cornerbacks up on the line if you aren’t going to jam the receivers and at least slow them down but instead just immediately begin to back pedal as soon as the ball is snapped!! Leave town Martinez and lets bring in the former Bulldawg WILL MUSCHAMP! At least he is aggressive and physical……..just ask the Gators!

By gdawgs77

October 8, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

Dorsey Hill’s comments were such a joke! Yeah the defense did a great job Saturday didn’t they?? Couldn’t get off the field in the first half could they????

By FL Dawg

October 8, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

W. Martinez is only average as a DC. I do not know about recruiting?? But, I do know that we have probably more raw talent than most in the SEC. So, the defensive melt downs, occasional poor game plans and unpreparedness’s is not acceptable. Mark R. should see this and make the tough call on his buddy. Great defensive minds would love to be in AThens. Get one! Now!! Before 10/27/07.

By dawgfacedboy

October 8, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

I would have to say “inconsistent” would be how I would describe his D. Some games they come to play, more games they don’t. They get down by 7 or 14 pts or more before anyone even knows what happened. Then, they settle down. The last couple of years it seems as though the offense and the defense don’t show up consistently for the same game. I’m not a coach so I can’t say with any certainty what’s going on. 6 straight losses in the East and somehow we’re “young” and “inexperienced” for the 2nd straight year?? I have to start wondering if this program is starting it’s decline. I know CMR has quite a record since he’s been here but since the loss in the Sugar Bowl we have not look like the same program we became accustomed to for about 4 years. I don’t see light at the end of the tunnel either. Just my opinion.

By jim

October 8, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

We don’t need a “Slick Willy” running our country or UGA defense! When Van Gorder left I sent UGA an e-mail suggesting they take a look at Bo Pelini for our “D”, LSU is glad we didn’t.