AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDogs get rare open date before Florida
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve been working the last week or so on a story that is going to run in tomorrow’s paper on open dates, or bye weeks. It was a painstaking project that required me researching every SEC teams’ schedule since league expansion in 1992. I’ve uncovered some interesting factoids.
The impetus of the project was the fact that Georgia had an open date before the Florida game this year for the first time since 1991. Conversely, the Gators do NOT have a bye week before playing the Bulldogs for just the second time in the last 15 seasons.
Now when you’re beating somebody by 30 or more points as Florida was Georgia for much of the 1990s under Steve Spurrier, it’s hard to say having an extra week of rest and preparation could have made much of a difference for the Bulldogs. But it has been a very competitive game every year since 1999. In fact, Georgia’s last four losses to the Gators have been by a touchdown or less. Certainly it could have made a difference in those games.
So without giving away all the information in the story that should be up on the website later today let me just ask you guys what you think about that.
Did you realize Florida had the week off before Georgia in 13 of the last 14 seasons? Do you think that could have had any bearing on the outcomes of the games? Do you think Georgia should do everything in its power to see that it gets an open date before Florida every year or are you fine with where it traditionally falls, which is the week after Jacksonville and before playing Auburn (sometimes it gets an off week before playing Georgia Tech, too?
I’ve got to get back to finishing the story but I’ll be checking in to see what your questions and comments are. C-ya in the paper!
Permalink | Comments (94) | Post your comment | Categories: Florida Week
Comments
By braveswin
October 24, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
A week off late in the season before a game against a tradionally tough opponent?Now thats an idea that might catch on.I’m pretty sure your research will show that a team having a bye week wins 80% of the time.Anyway I’m glad for the R&R it has allowed the players and the extra scheming time for the coaches.Will it be the determining factor in the game?Probably not, but,it sure can”t hurt…Dogs 31/Fla 28?
By triton63
October 24, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
I am looking forward to the stats to see which team had the open week before the games back in the 80s. If Florida had an open date the week before the game and we won it really takes away that argument that the open date is the difference maker. We just need to win and stop using the open date, the criminal record of the gators, the neutral field or any other excuse as justification of not playing solid football. Go Dawgs!
By yankeedawg
October 24, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
To be fair both teams should have an open date before they play each other! Or at least not every year like Florida had
By Gary
October 24, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
A week off before our toughest opponent? Of course it makes a difference. There have been many years where our dawgs were pretty beat up after a tough conference game and we didn’t have everyone for Florida. (DJ a couple years back comes to mind) Rested players plus extra practice = a Georgia victory this year. Go Dawgs! Let’s find out if Florida’s 2nd string QB can play.
By Spike
October 24, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Yes, UGA should schedule an off day prior to the Gator game. It is always a huge game that we have managed to screw up almost every year. Every little advantage we have could sure help. We need to get this pysch job they have on us out of our head and BEAT THE GATORS!!
By noyellowinthisblood
October 24, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
It definetely will not hurt. This makes me think back to Meyer’s first season with UF. They had just come off a beat down by AL. and UF’s off week allowed their offensive coaches to change some schemes. Needless to say they came out and ran north and south going up 14-0 in the first. Hopefully we come out of the gate fast and lay the wood.
By dawgingatorville
October 24, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
I have always wondered about how the teams get to pick there off week. I always thought the “evil one” paid off the sec or something to get Florida’s off week before UGA every year. Anyway, the off week should come in the middle of the season, around the Florida game. I believe it has given UF a huge advantage all these years, GO DAWGS, GET MAD, GET EVEN!!!
By luvmydawgs
October 24, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
The last time we had a week off Florida Killed Us…hoping it doesn’t happen again.
By W
October 24, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Without a doubt it has made a huge difference in the past. Unfortunatley for the Dogs, it won’t make a difference at all this year. We’re just that bad and the coaching of Bobo and Martinez is even worse. We don’t stand a chance, but maybe this will serve as a wake-up call to the program if the UT game didn’t already. It made me physically sick sitting in Neyland stadium watching that game. A high school team (or maybe even Tech) could have done a better job or showed at least some emotion.I’m tired of hearing about being young….it dosen’t seem that the gators are having any problems starting freshmen on their team. Gators will win going away, 42-20. Hopefully, I’ll be proven wrong but I highly doubt it.
By noyellowinthisblood
October 24, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
W, Martinez is not the problem. The lack of pressure by the down linemen is. We try to play zone in the secondary and if there is no pressure on the QB it is easy for him to find gaps in the zone scheme.
By MURPHY
October 24, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Tenn had a week off before we played them this year-look how that turned out.I wonder if our coaches will do the same job the Tenn coaches did.We need to beat Fla like we did Auburn last year.We must start fast and keep pressure on the Fla offense.We also must keep our defense off the field as much as possible.As I predicted before the season started:
UGA-31 FLA-21
By AC in boulder
October 24, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
I mentioned yesterday after one of these articles that I own a business and have a couple of guys that went to Florida working for me and that I’m a Georgia grad. Well guess who just found out they will be working on saturday during the game?
By Bob
October 24, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Chip,
As I am sure your article will point out, the only time since 92 that the Gators had to play the week before the game was 2004. Hmmmmmmm! Just look at last year and this year in big games. 2006 Ark whupped Auburn after bye 2006 LSU beat Tennessee after bye 2006 Florida beat UGA after bye 2006 Bad Ole Miss team came within an eyelash of beating LSU in Tiger Stadium 2007 Tennessee walloped Georgia after week off 2007 Florida beat Kentucky after week off 2007 Auburn beat Gators after beating NM State
Week off definitely helps if teams are reasonably well matched. Not sure that is the case this year and it certainly was not the case in the Goff years.
Future Georgia schedules return to the week off prior to the Auburn game. Not sure about the Gator’s future off weeks.
By W
October 24, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Martinez is a huge problem! You can not play a nickel package on the 6-yard line, and the reason we can’t get pressure by the D-Line is due to the fact we only rush four vs five offense linemen. Do the math. We need a D-Coordinator who is not afraid to blitz….I hear there is a great UGA alum who could fill this void. Will Muschamp is his name. Please tell me Martinez gets as much out players as does Muschamp. We continue to have great recruiting classes, but have yet to translate it to the field. Last time I checked Auburn gets mostly three star defensive recruits.
By will
October 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Unleash Caleb King!! Moreno and King, if he lives up to his bill, should be a lethal combo. The off week will prove to be missing link of years past. GO DAWGS!!!!!! Packbay time
By jfergNCdawg
October 24, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
I am SURE that the stats will prove that a week off helps to get a win. Look at what UT did to us this year with an extra week to prepare! I like having the rest week this week for two reasons: 1. It’s close to the middle of the season and we needed the time to heal 2. It’s before a huge game that has decided not only our SEC fate but also possible National Champ fates as well. had we won a few of those games when we went into UF undefeated and ended the season with just one loss…who knows if UGA could have had a couple of National Championship years….i can think of a few times in the past 5 or 6 years!
By noyellowinthisblood
October 24, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
I agree that we should blitz more, but bring it evey play and you will get burned for several huge plays a game. The line that you cannot get pressure without bringing five is BS. Have you watched LSU play. That whole scheme is what Dungy did at Tampa in the late 90’s and it was pretty successful, albeit on a different level.
By A-ville Ranger
October 24, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Picking up on conversation from the old blog.I think the blitzkrieg boppers solution on defense is overly simple.You have to be smart playing a talented spread offense or they’ll run through you like a sieve.I think the line can be aggressive without being stupid.They should play their assignments and choose their spots.I see times when it looks like a quick swim move would put a lineman on top of the qb and they stay engaged with the O-lineman who’s blocking them.I hope that kind of situational recognition and judgement will manifest itself soon.I don’t know about using a spy on Tebow like Thomas was used at times either,it could leave them a man short in gap coverage.I do like the screened pass rush where Ellerbee moves laterally off tackle and shoots a gap, along with other well designed stunts.
By shane
October 24, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
the week off sure won’t hurt,it gives our coaches and players an extra week to study film and game plan the gators.uf on the other hand has had to plan for two very different,but very dangerous teams. w,i don’t think we should blitz too much against uf.tebow is a big strong guy with a strong arm and a quick release,plus he is a very good runner,as good as the best fullbacks.blitz and we get burned,either the qb draw or deep pass.our d line must get pressure,our lbs will have to stay home and plug gaps to stop tebows running.uf runs so many spreads i see a lot of nickle packages,and i am not sure our dbs can keep up with the gators wrs.i think uf has the best wrs in the country,all four and five star athletes.if we blitz we had better disguise it well,maybe some zone blitzes would work.
By MURPHY
October 24, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
The bottom line is our defense is just as atheletic as Florida,s if not more.Our defense is also faster.They are both young.Their defense is struggling just as bad,if not worse than we are.WE JUST NEED TO PLAY WITH MORE INTENSITY!!!! DONT MAKE MENATL ERRORS!
By AltamahaDawg
October 24, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I had commented last week that in the recent past we seemed to have a week off after FL but before AU, which was also an important game. But at least they did have one on the horizon coming into Fl. week. Last year the offweek was the next to last week and thats just brutal. This is the best situation, a bye week before UF and then a OOC game before AU. The main thing is getting a week off in the middle of the season.
By Tdawg
October 24, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
I really believe that in 2005 the gators lose without an off week. Regardless of whether Shockley was hurt or not. Nobody really remembers or brings up the fact that the Gators changed their entire offence the week before the game. Up until that point Urban had desire to force the spread option on Chris Leak. With losses to Alabama and LSU they decided to pretty much let Leak drop back and chuck the ball. They beat JT3 and the dogs by 4.
By DawgGrad311
October 24, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
I am sure that Tim Teabow-ner is wanting a week of after the old deltoid took a bruisin’. Let’s add another one to his throwing arm.
By MURPHY
October 24, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Stop the run and keep Tebow in the pocket.Dont loose containment.We dont need to blitz alot if we play fundemental defense.We must create 2-3 turnovers!
By AltamahaDawg
October 24, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
shane, I can tell you without a doubt, the most foolproof way to limit Tebow. He cannot run or pass sitting on his sideline waiting for our offense to finally score after holding the ball 7 minutes.
By MURPHY
October 24, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Good point Tdawg.They did go to an I-FORMATION offense.They also ran our defense side line to side line with alot of mis-direction plays.Our poor defense was tired in the 4th qtr.Wonder what our offense will look like this week-I hope we have at least changed ALOT of formations.
By W
October 24, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
noyellowinthisblood,
Did I ever say blitz every play? No, but you need to make the oppositions’ O-Line worry about it. If you know so much about LSU you would notice at times that they will put all 11 inside the box at times just to confuse the o-line. Their success is built on deception…never knowing who is going to blitz. Which will cause a lot of one on one matchups, that guys like Dorsey will eat up. They blitz the safety, the corners, heck I think I’ve even seen the water-boy occassionally. The point I’m trying to make is that Martinez just sits back in his cover-2 d preventing the “BIG PLAY,” while getting picked apart underneath by the likes of Ainge and Adams. Does it really matter if they score by 65 yard pass or an 8 yrad pass….a touchdown is a touchdown and we’re giving up alot of them. Not every QB is last name is Ball. Last time I checked LBs aren’t called corners, so why the heck are they always in coverage?
By DawgGrad311
October 24, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Alta, couln’t agree with you more. Mike Boob needs to come up with a game plan that controlls the clock, produces long effective drives, so our defense will stay by the gatorade and get the rest that they are not accustomed to this season EXECUTE
By MURPHY
October 24, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg,
YOU ARE CORRECT! he also cant throw or run if he is on the ground.I question the severity of his injury.I do not think it is as bad as talked about.We need to hit him like we did last year(remember) ONE PLAY-HIT SO HARD HIS HELEMET CAME OFF-HE DIDNT RETURN.
By MURPHY
October 24, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
It would be good to keep the Fla offense on the side lines.Just remember the Fla offense averages only a little over 3.5 minutes to score.WE MUST GET TURNOVERS.
By noyellowinthisblood
October 24, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
W, you did not not say blitz every play, but seem a little blitz happy. And yes it does matter if it is a 65 yard or 8 yard play. If they are going to put 6 on the board then make them work for it. I never claimed to know a lot about LSU. The point was they are able to get pressure with their 4 down linemen. It nothing personal, I’m tired of all the Martinez bashing. The D is still holding opponents to respesctable numbers in relation to points and yards. We need to be supporting the DAWGS!
By AltamahaDawg
October 24, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
He also fumbled on that hit. I dont know how bad he is hurt, but he is not 100%, at the very least the UF staff is talking all week about needing to limit his exposure. I don’t think thats a smokescreen, it only makes sence. I say make him run it 20 times. Stop the pass, take the yards, make the hits. UF is not a traditional running team, its all improvised so stacking the line is not smart, it plays right into what they do. Scramble , pull you in and dump it to a speedster just over your head.
Despite what some say, the staff has the film, knows the personel we have, will scheme our best chance. Its not too difficult to figure out.
By gator the dog catcher
October 24, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
After we make it 16 out of 18 on Saturday, will you UGAYers quit whinning about Florida having an open week before the game in Jacksonville?????
Bob- I’m sure the game in 2004 had nothing to do with the fact that we had a lame duck Ron Zook just finishing out the season. But…. Whatever helps you sleep better at night….
By Johnny Danger Dawg
October 24, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
The bye week doesn’t just give coaches more time to scheme. It also gives players time to heal. Our whole defense is so much better with Marcus Washington in the middle. Stay healthy, Marcus! You’re the man!
By braveswin
October 24, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
noyellow,A frickin men.No reason to CONSTANTLY bash this coaching staff.Real dog fans support this team and will continue to support them.Let’s leave the Fire coach fill in the blank bullcrap to Tech and Tennessee.Crap, I fell better now….Go Dawgs
By gator the dog catcher
October 24, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Alty - if you make Tebow run the ball, you may get your LBers injured! Where is everybody? I’m having to talk major smack to get a response from my fellow JCC enemies/friends. I’ve got my jean shorts on and ready to go! Guess I’ll just have to try back tomorrow.
By GloryGlory
October 24, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
It worked for UT this year against the Dogs.
By A-ville Ranger
October 24, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
I’m going to throw a changeup,I’m talking redshirts and recruits.First some redshirt updates.I had Charles White,Walter Hill,Neland Ball and Vance Cuff as underrated.I picked White as the one guy I’m bet would be productive if my life depended on it (yes including King).I saw some updates,Ball has gone from 218 to 240 already and he’s being compared to Moses.White has been so good CMR gave serious consideration to pulling the redshirt.We’ve all heard how impressed the coaches are with Cuff and he’ll push Miller for a starting position at corner next season.Walter Hill is the one I’m getting some bad vibes about.Apparently he’s a little behind on picking up the offense,I’m still betting he gets it done.A couple of notes on the 08 class,Dontavius Jackson say’s he’ll choose on halloween,oh the horror.Richard Samuel had another great game friday 215 yds rushing 4 tds—2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles as a lb.If he plays lb at UGA it makes signing Jackson more important.Marcus Dowtin didn’t impress me on video from last season when he played rb and safty.He’s put on 20lbs and playing lb this season and he looks great,he could be a Boss Baily type,he may be the fastest lb we’ve had.Jeromy Longo is another commit who put on muscle and is looking underrated.If Samuel plays lb I see Jackson along with Cordy Glen and Zebrie Sanders(or another combination of OTs) being the critical finishing touches on a great class.If we get these guys and maybe Sanders Commings(I love this guy,he’s very underrated imo)this class could rival the 06 group and it’s without a doubt Richt’s fastest class (11 guys as of now who run 4.5 or better).
By MURPHY
October 24, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
gaytor the dog catcher,
I saw TEBOW play alot of high school ball and he is very agreesive and will look for someone to hit.I would like to see him run up the middle and meet out star linbacker-WASHINGTON,that could end up being al classic photo opp.I went to the FSU/MIAMI game last week end,and i just laughed when they would talk about FLA and TEBOW.I told one FSU fan that they better learn how to win the ACC(almost collegiate conference) before that started wishing to beat up on a SEC TEAM such as FLA.( HE DIDNT LIKE MY COMMENTS).
By txdawg
October 24, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
I spent a few hours looking at this several months ago. The interesting things (that I remember).
The years where Florida hasn’t had a bye week, Georgia won.
The last few years, Florida scored most of their points in the first few possessions.
Coincidence?
By A-ville Ranger
October 24, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
If we can manufactor long slow drives, fine.You have to play the opponent though and the UF weakness has been the corners not so much their lbs and line and our O-line is young and smallish.I believe Stafford will need to take advantage of the corners,if he can, the whole UF defense will play thinner much as our defense is spread thin ACROSS the line we can spread their’s VERTICALLY.If and it’s a big if(Bobo has tried most games without success) the running game will have less pressure on it so THEN they would have a better chance at clock control.
By Wes
October 24, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
There’s been a lot of talk about Caleb King possibly playing…who’s backing up Knowshon, etc. I know we need Knowshon to have a good game and we need the rush to establish our passing game, but Stafford HAS to have a good game.
Just my opinion, but if we win this game, we do it through the air. Their secondary is extremely young and they’re LAST in the SEC in pass defense. This is one game where I think our abundance of WR’s can really help us. Keep fresh receivers in the game as much as possible and really pressure their young secondary with underneath and intermediate routes. We need Chandler to have a big game, and I hope we’ll use Southerland to catch out of the backfield more than we have to this point.
By Kevin
October 24, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
It would be nice to have an off week if Florida does also. Check out next years schedule. UGA plays at LSU the week before Jacksonville!
2008 Georgia Bulldogs Football Schedule
By Ed
October 24, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
The last time Florida didn’t have an off week was ‘04, and we nearly ran them off the field in the first half, only to hold on for a 7-point win. Sound familiar? That’s the formula a rested Florida team has used against Georgia in recent years - start strong and fast, then hold on for dear life at the end. There’s no doubt having the off week helps tremendously.
Neither team had an off week before the games in the 70s and 80s, but Florida had to play a tough rivalry game against Auburn and Georgia usually played Vandy or some other weaker opponent like Temple. Did that contribute to Georgia winning 10 out of 12 from ‘78 to ‘89? I don’t see how it couldn’t have at least made a slight difference. The scheduling has definitely hurt Georgia this decade.
What comes around goes around. I remember Florida snapping a 6 game losing streak against the Dawgs in ‘84, and the way the Florida players and fans reacted you would have thought that Moses had delivered them from Egypt. Freshman QB Kerwin Bell became an instant Florida celebrity, and a goal line stand that sealed a shoutout for the UF defense became immortalized in a painting.
Sooner or later the law of averages will catch up to Florida as it obviously did with Georgia, and the series will turn again, or at least become an even matchup. Lost in all the recent UF dominance is the fact that Georgia actually still has a fairly sizable overall lead in the series.
By Ed
October 24, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t aware that we play LSU the week before Florida next year, but if so, that’s just poor scheduling on the part of Georgia or the SEC. Especially if Florida gets the week off before. Ridiculous, really.
By Dorsey Hill
October 24, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
There is no question that the off week has helped UF. Of course, we are not the only victims of this as I’ve seen other teams have similar scheduling issues. However, the SEC should not schedule rivalry games such that it is this unfair. The league should set out specific weeks for conference games and either both teams have off weeks before the game or both teams play. Another option is to leave September and the first week of October to play your non-conference games and then just play straight through until the week before the SEC Championship game. We’d have to move Tech back, but it would be worth doing that to bring some equity to the situation.
Next year we go to Baton Rouge before heading to Jax. I think UF is off. That is simply ridiculous. Moreover, its not fair. If UF were playing UT or Bama or Auburn or USC the week before I wouldn’t complain. To the extent possible the scheduling should be fair to both teams.
By AltamahaDawg
October 24, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
A-Ville give me two deep pass completions saturday over 4 Caleb Kings. Ok 7 minute drives might not really be our forte’. In fact if you MUST score quick, well, I’m not going to complain about that either. I know we will take a few shots, but I still think its the methodical short passing game that we do best. However, that vertical game is due to come around sometime, someplace, may as well be there. I refuse to beleive that we are incapable of having a good passing game eventually. As others have put it, our offense will be a lot more important (for the obvious scoring) and keeping us in the game. Our O-line will be what limits TT more than our D-line. If we punt 7 times in the first half, you could get a committee of the 7 greatest defensive coordinator of all time, and its not going to matter.
By Good Point Usually
October 24, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
All very good and vaild points for teams closely matched in talent and coaching. Unfortunately for UGA the ‘07 teams are not even close. At best this factor will help UGA keep the game close as opposed to laying an egg like they did in Knoxville. UGA should always schedule an off week before the UF game…we need all the advantages we can get!
By RedAndBlack
October 24, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
So if people are speculating that part of the reason why Florida has beaten Georgia 15 out of the last 17 games is because 13 or the last 14, Florida had a bye week, then we’ll find out this weekend if there is such a correlation. All I’m saying is please, stop making excuses for the Bulldogs. Even the coaches are tired of hearing it from the fans. They don’t want to talk about it. Georgia needs to step it up several notches.
By AltamahaDawg
October 24, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
I’ve heard more than one coach complain and call for a balanced Conference schedule (like some other conferences have???) It is a shame that off weeks contribute to advantages either way. I realize that the SEC cant just shut down with no games on a given weekend, but surely there could be more consistancy.
By shane
October 24, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
ed,the way vandy is playing and the way uk has stepped up and with{so far}undefeated arizona st coming in our young guys have to grow up in a hurry.we have no tune up games,except ga southern,and they seem to be improving.playing lsu and uf back to back may be the least of our problems. ranger,thanks for the update,i think our”shirts”will come along fine.i also think little will be in shape and ready to contribute next year,that should be a big boost to our line.i like jones too,if he impresses the coaches in scrimage the way he did in camp he should be in the rotation at either center or guard.i really like the little guy at randolph-clay,chris clay.clay passed herschel in yardage a few weeks ago.two weeks ago clay had 220yds and three tds in the second half.last friday he had 190 yds and two tds.this kid has beakaway speed and has great moves,but only weighs 170,a mikey henderson type.uga really needs to work clay,clemson is recruiting him hard right now.we need to sign this kid and red shirt him!
By A-ville Ranger
October 24, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Altamaha…agreed…Good points usually ??? I don’t buy that UF has more talent than us.The only area where they seem to have a clear advantage (talent wise)is at receiver,they’re four deep in front line talent.Harvik is a one of a kind guy and somebody better make sure he’s bumped at the line or he’ll shoot right past the defender.Our defense is at least as talented as their’s and I think our’s has a little better up side…..If we keep playing all our games down there and getting out scheduled by them we may as well let them date our wives…well you get my point.We sould play half down there half in the dome.The dome folks are looking for more revenue,CMR has expressed concern other SEC teams will schedule there and move in on our recruiting grounds.Playing the UF game there would kill two birds.We also need to schedule more off weeks,I saw that UF has had a bi-week 13 of the past 16 years,that just can’t be good for us.
By AZ Dawg
October 24, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
I think the extra week of game planning plus allowing everyone to get healthy is a potent combination. Some teams are flat coming off of bye weeks. I guess it matters what you are doing with the extra week. I hope this is the year we turn it around. We just have to want it more.
By Chicagodawg
October 24, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
I love the Dawgs but to answer your question week off won’t help us; Florida is going to score 45-52 points on our horrible defense so unless we miraculosly score 46-53 (we probably haven’t scored that much for the year)we will lose and lose badly.
By Dalton
October 24, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
I know it’s UGA/FLA week and that’s what we’re focusing on this week. But with the current parity in the SEC, it seems as if it will become commonplace for a 1 or 2 loss team to win the East each year. With that in mind, if we had taken care of business against SC at home this year, we would be in the driver’s seat controlling our own destiny in the East. The Bye week and where is lands on the schedule might not seem so crucial if we just take care of business earlier in the season. That SC game has created a must-win scenario for the rest of the season for Dawgs, and that’s unforturnate. Any SEC game is just as important as the FLA game (we fans just want to beat them so badly!)
By Dalton
October 24, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
I know it’s UGA/FLA week and that’s what we’re focusing on this week. But with the current parity in the SEC, it seems as if it will become commonplace for a 1 or 2 loss team to win the East each year. With that in mind, if we had taken care of business against SC at home this year, we would be in the driver’s seat controlling our own destiny in the East. The Bye week and where it lands on the schedule might not seem so crucial if we just take care of business earlier in the season. That SC game has created a must-win scenario for the rest of the season for Dawgs, and that’s unforturnate. Any SEC game is just as important as the FLA game (we fans just want to beat them so badly!)
By Dawgbone
October 24, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
Chip…I’ve been pointing this out for a couple weeks. Thanks for doing the research….I’ve got a good idea what the results will look like.
Bottom line…you’re going down Gators. Three SEC losses in four games and suddenly the Gators aren’t so mighty anymore. But, as I’ve said before…at least you’ll have a good excuse.
DAWGBONE
By Dawgs will lose
October 24, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Bwah Bwah Bwah We need a bye week!!! You dawg fans are a bunch of cry babies!! grow up this is SEC football and you have to be ready to play every week. Yall and the gamechickens still dont get it! (Vandy) You must be ready to play!! If the dawgs had a bye week for the last 14 years it wouldnt matter because the mighty Gators would still own Uga! Let me clue you dawg fans in on something. Dont you think in the last 17 years that your pathetic coaches have been preparing ,planing and schemeing for the big game but just cant get it done hmmmm!!! Wake up dawg fans The Gators have your # and will have it again this Saturday at OUR Cocktail Party!!! Goooo Gators!!!!!!!!
By Dalton
October 24, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
…will lose - Do you feel better now that you’ve spewed pent-up emotion?? How about some thoughtful insight into the topic? Do you REALLY think that if UGA had a bye week before the FLA game for the last 14 years, that the Gators would still go 14-0? If so, you are a bit delusional, or just don’t understand football.
By steve
October 24, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
It is the coaching!! Say what you want but when you had better coaching from 1970 to 1989 florida won five games. IT boils down to the basics uga under coach richt has had a entire offense and defense worth of recruits not qualify, THAT KILLS!!!! WE are glad that georgia fans settle for less.
By RedAndBlack
October 24, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
Point I’m trying to make is that a top tier team will always try to perform at a high level with or without a bye week. We will see what type of team Georgia really is after this weeekend…after having a bye week.
By STephen
October 24, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Funny, SOS said he didnt think the bye week mattered…but HE is the one who cried and got it changed…weird, just like him.
Look how crappy TN looked against BAMA, yet how well they looked against UGS after a bye week, and playing New MEx State the weeek before that while UGA had BAMA, OLE MISS, and then TN….and honestly may not have won, but looked tired.
(UGA is off before the Vowels next year..payback is coming)
By jack
October 24, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
just another PATHETIC excuse from the PATHETIC dawg nation. Fact is the pups simply CHOKE year in and year out. It has absoutly nothing to do with an open date.
By Dorsey Hill
October 24, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
jack,
Get Jeremy Foley to insist that UF play and we don’t the week before just so you can prove that it doesn’t matter.
I’m betting he’d say you are dumber than I and your mother already know you are.
But really start a letter campaign and get that done. I’m sure you’ll prove your point then.
Good luck, stupid.
By Lee
October 24, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Does having the week off prior to a big game such as the Ga / Fla game mean anything? Perhaps.
Does having the week off mean anything if the o-line doesn’t block? No.
Does having the week off mean anything if Ga defenders don’t put some shoulder pads on Tebow instead of reaching in to try to grab the football? No.
Does having the week off mean anything if Stafford over/under throws his receivers? No.
Does having the week off mean anything if the receivers drop sure touchdowns? No.
Does anyone see the pattern here?
By BCD
October 24, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
So, if you look at Chip’s article, you see he shows the w-l record after a bye week. If we take the top half, then we see they have an average winning percentage of ~.72. That is a large winning percentage all things considered.
Does the Bye week account for the HUGE uga/uf gap in the last 17 years? Not all of it, but it accounts for many of them. If you take out the years where we had no chance of winning, and look at just the close games, it did have an affect on those games. Add that to the purely psychological aspect of having you butt handed to you year after year and that can account for the other part of why we don’t win these close games. I don’t think that playing in Jacksonville had that much of an advantage other than the fact that it is associated with all most all of those losses.
As has been stated before, you will notice that UF scores a lot early on then we adjust and shut them down. So, it is the week off that allows them to get those extra scores. It is the ‘we own them’ attitude that causes them to hold us off late, and the ‘they own us’ attitude that cause us to implode with fumbles, interceptions, dropped passes and all the other ways that we find to shoot ourselves in the foot.
Unless we take advantage of the next two seasons, us have off week this year, and neither team having one next year, then I see us having another long set of losses against UF. If that happens, I can’t see any way that CMR doesn’t either move the game or find a way to change the UF off week every year, or both. Lets see if we can get 60 minutes of hard hitting hate filled football coming from our Dawgs.
GATA
BCD
By A-ville Ranger
October 24, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
I’m a little worried about what I hear coming from Athens.I read the Terrence Moore article where Kelin Johnson and other players are making fun of fans obsession with the UF game.I don’t care what he thinks, just what it could be saying about the team’s state of mind.Together with CMR picking this week to complain about having to play all the games in Jax and it starts sounding familar.I’m reminded of Marv Levy, by his third Super Bowl he was making excuses for losing…BEFORE THE GAME.I’m also reminded of how Bobby Cox went from saying his guys are ready to it’s a crap shoot before the playoffs started.I don’t know what it’ll take to get past this….winning sure wouldn’t hurt.
By Dawgs will lose
October 24, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Big Boy Dalton…… Let me give you some insight on the game at Approx. 8:00pm Saturday Evening. Reality Kicks in For Dawg Nation . Oh No! 15 out of 17 even with a Bye Week. Now who’s a bit delusional and maybe even on Suicide Watch. Well there’s next year! CMR is No Spurrier or Urban!
By Dawgs will lose
October 24, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Dalton… it will be 16 out 0f 18 my mistake ha ha !!!!
By A-ville Ranger
October 24, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
On an earlier post I typed bi-week when it should read bye week…I hate when that happens.I also misspelled Harvin I typed Harvik,while I don’t hate when that happens,it don’t thrill me none either,night all go Dawgs.
By smp
October 24, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
To me the problem isn’t so much UGA not having the week off before the Florida game, its the fact that Florida usually has that week off. Its the combination of the two that hurts. However, you’re always going to run into that problem somewhere during the season. Would you rather be well rested for the Gators or for Auburn? In a perfect world, you would get a bye week before every big game, but this world ain’t perfect and you are left to pick your poison, man up and stop wishing it could be different.
By Toccoa
October 25, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
‘Bye Week Boost’ — Chip, thanks for doing the research on SEC bye-weeks. It explains a lot. Explains why Tennessee looked stronger than the Dawgs this year. And, IMO, explains why we’re about to see a very fast, lean, mean Dawg team dough-pop the Gators Saturday! Premiere game of things to come.
Go Dawgs!
By Dalton
October 25, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this
You’re right, “lose”, Richt is no Spurrier (thankfully!) I was just commenting on the effects of a bye week, because that IS the topic here. You had a chance to impress with that last post, and still only came up with another cheerleader “rah, rah, gater” rant. Is that all you can contribute? yawn.
By gomdawg
October 25, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
To the players of THE UGA you play the game of your life ,you put everything you got into this game, player for player we are a better team TB is good but MS is a better QB you recievers do your job and linemen play your hearts out and defense ya’ll are all top 15 % in the nation players so we know what you can do . DO THIS FOR YOUR MAMA . GET’EM DAWGS, I BELIEVE IN YOU DONT THINK ABOUT TB IF YOU DO YOUR JOB WE WILL WIN AND BIG.
By Leslie22h
October 25, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Living in Altamaha’s neck of the woods, I believe the coast has a disproportionate number of UF fans living in our midst. I met 2 UF alums earlier this year that told me that the UGA game is no more significant to them than any other game - they save their real passion for the FSU and Miami games.
I find this to be a little insulting, but given the fact that the UGA game almost always results in a W for UF, it’s easy to understand why they feel that way. Of course UGA fans don’t perceive the SC game to be as big a rivalry as Gamecock fans do.
My opinion is that neither team should ever have a bye week before they travel to Jax. The fact that the SEC allowed Florida to have a bye for so many years before the UGA game irritates me to no end.
By Gen Neyland
October 25, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
gtdc
You out there..?
By Atlanta Gator
October 25, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
Okay, then let’s sum up this discussion: a bye week may help, but better coaching and motivational skills are decisive.
Meyer >> Richt
Zook = Richt
Evil Genius >> Donnan
Evil Genius >> Goff
Even though Richt is a better coach than the hapless Zookster, the Zookster is a better motivator.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
By Atlanta Gator
October 25, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
Leslie22h——All of that may be true about younger Gators fans (i.e. post-1993 graduates who have known nothing but Gator dominance), but as an older Gator alumnus, I think I speak for everyone who graduated before 1990: we will never get tired of seeing our Gators beat your Dawgs.
I hope that makes you feel better! We don’t want the UGA alumni and team to feel neglected. = )
By dogfan
October 25, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
W, you need to shut the heck up… you are not no true dog fan… we need to support the dawgs not bash them…. GO DAWGS!!!
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 25, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
General, gtdc went to get that Mother of All Mullets trimmed. His celebrity has skyrocketed with his picture being featured on the AJC website all week. Also, getting that T-Bone tattoo re-inked for the big game.
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 25, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator, we will never feel neglected. We are the lead dogs on the sled team. This streak has never bothered me a whole lot. Irksome yes. But when the series gets tied up then I will start worrying. For the longest UF wasn’t a worthy opponent as the overall record indicated. Recent years the tables have turned. 1) Due to an excellent coach at an excellent time for you guys. He beat a ton of people and a lot of them worse than us. 2) Just plain not scoring enough points for our side. Not many blowouts just good hard SEC football. Does the more talented team always win? That is subjective. More points on the board get the win no matter how they are scored 3) Now you guys are back to the SOS type of days with an excellent coach and a lot of talent. Are you guys beatable? I wouldn’t have thought so starting the season but it has happened twice. Maybe we are the lesser talented team this year.
Will all that last? We all know the answer to that is a big NO. Not for us and not for you guys. Can’t believe that the SEC East champ may have three loses going to the dome either. 2 is atrocious when you are looking to do good things for the year.
By AltamahaDawg
October 25, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Did anyone else read that T.Brown wasn’t expected back til’ AFTER Auburn?
By shane
October 25, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
it could be so much worse.by accident of birth i have been placed in paradise.had i been born 50 miles to the west i would be in la-{that’s lower alabama}.oh the horror!100 miles to the south and i would be beyond the bounds of civilization,a fate even more terrible.had i been born in that land of dismal swamps,where the water smells of sulfur{the brimstone that destroyed sodom},where deep wells draw unpotable salt water,where plagues of love bugs,mosquitos,sand fleas,and palmetto bugs torment the downtrodden populace.where great herds of transplanted new yorkers bray a nasal,incomprehensable,whining,mutilation of the kings english.a land where the pagans worship a prehistoric beast.a reptile that has not evolved to the point of functioning on dry land.a beast that hides in the primeval ooze of the miasmatic bogs,hoping to ambush it’s unwary prey.this throwback to the dinosaurs cannot hunt by the honorable method of fair chase,with it’s lumbering,scaly,slimy body and it’s pea sized brain,but must lie in the filthy water,waiting.thank god i was born in a land where the people speak in soft musical tones.where good manners reign.a land of civility and kindness,flowing with cool sweet water.where we have a stout,english bulldog for a champion.a breed know for it’s courage and steadfast determination.a pure white symbol of the best in british virtues;honesty,fair play,the rule of law,and self-goverment.so,here on the eve of battle,take heart o dawg nation,and thank all that is holy for being among the chosen people.we shall don our red war shirts,the color of courage and the blood of patriots!we shall attack the heathen in his own country!we shall smite the infidels hip and thigh,and shoulder!we shall defeat that foul reptile from the bottom rung of darwin’s ladder,and send it back to it’s malaria infested lair!whether we find victory or defeat we can be thankful that we do not have to wear that hideous combination of colors, orange and blue!
By G8t0r5
October 25, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
I just want to say that I am a HUGE Gator fan watching gator football is one of my favorite things in life. That being said I actually respect and like the bulldogs and often pull for them any other week. I am not sure how the bye will play in to things, But I think our Very young team has shown signs of being the worst team in the league and signs of being a repeat champ. So I think we will be able to pull the win off with Superman, Harvin and Bubba if our defense will hang in there. I really believe we will either blow the doors off this one or hang in there for a nail biter at the end. Go Gators
By Wes
October 25, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
Alt,
Everything I’ve read says there is an outside shot of TB not being ready for Auburn, but he should be back. They’re giving him this week and Troy off for sure and will look at x-rays over the Troy weekend to see if he’s ready for practice the week leading up to Auburn.
On the RB note, I’ve been one of the most vocal for not pulling the shirt off of Caleb King too early, BUT, everything I’ve read in the last two days is sounding less like strategy from the coaches and more like he’s got a good shot at seeing legit time on Saturday…I guess we’ll see.
By Gen Neyland
October 25, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
zoo
That mullet cut was choice. Did you catch the # 15 on the cheekbone ? Cute…and they call me a hillbilly…
By I-DOG
October 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Chip:
In the 90’s the bye week had no impact because as you state, FL had much better teams than UGA. Chris Doring scored 3 touchdowns on the same drive! The first two were called back for penalties and we let the same person score a touchdown 3 plays in a row. To me that personified the futlity of the 90’s against the Gators as much as the whooping that FL put on us between the hedges.
Georgia had a chance to win in 92 in the “timeout” game and we had the better team that particular year, but FL clearly had the better team in the other 8 of the other 9 contests. They may have even had the better team when Bob and Edwards and company got a W.
Since Richt arrived, the teams are more evenly matched. Georgia should have won at least one more game under Richt (probably the one where Shockly couldn’t play) since FL did not have a very good team that year.
I think the Bye week helps a team get healthy, rested, and allows the coaches adqequate time to prepare. Richt is something like 26-2 after a bye. I believe that ALL teams would show a better record after a bye than without.
While FL still has a good head to head record against UGA since Richt arrived… UGA has been to the SECCG 3 times and FL only once.
I want to beat FL like any other fan, but the 2000’s have been VERY different from the 90’s. Having a bye certainly give us a better chance even though FL has the better team this year.
By AltamahaDawg
October 25, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Wes, the reason that I asked is to say, thats a long way from maybe making the UF game, to not even making the Auburn game. No wonder they are “just in casing” King. I still believe we would have to see some concern with Moreno or maybe a total collapse of (all the rest) behind him, but I can understand the situation is more dire IF Brown’s recovery is not going as well. I don’t think I recalll you being vocal as to not wanting King to play, same as me and a few others, more of a doubt that we would need him to. I cannot beleive that the coaches don’t call us to go over this stuff.
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 25, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
General, yes I did. I thought it might have something to do with Tebow and his future bandamtes, The Wiggles. gtdc, has probably taken off to Wiggle Bay for the long weekend.
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 25, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
I cannot beleive that the coaches don’t call us to go over this stuff. Altadawg, LMAO! 1-ARM-CHAIR is the number if they need to. Ext- QB.
By shane
October 25, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
soon it will be off to the golden isles to await the coming contest of wills between the underdogs and the mighty gators.i am not worried,isn’t it amazing what a couple of bloody marys will do for a troubled spirit!good luck atl gator and gtdc,may the best team win.general,good luck with the obc,avenge us and we will try to avenge you!
By Wes
October 25, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Alt,
I completely agree…I mean if I were Richt you, me, and Zoo would be the top 3 in his “cirle of 5” on his cell phone.
You’re right, it’s not that I don’t want King to play, I guess it’s more of hoping we don’t need him to play.
By Big Dawg
October 26, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Wes, Alt and Zoo,
I have to agree with you in that I hope we don’t need King the rest of the year but I do want him to get some real playing time. That way he will have actual game experience going into next year.
Go Dawgs
By TLB
October 29, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
I’ve been harping about the 2wk vs 1wk prep for the last 10 plus years. We spend our extra week licking our wounds after Fla. It seems to me, in the last 15 years, Auburn Tenn and Fla have all used this against us at least once each. While I only remember us using it against Auburn.