UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHoops and Richt’s Tech worries
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I wasn’t exactly sure what might be on everybody’s minds today so let’s just call this a clearinghouse day. I’ll offer some tidbits on a few different things and you guys weigh in on what you want (as if y’all needed my permission where to take a discussion).
Not that anybody cares but I’m exhausted. This is the time of year when basketball overlaps football and then you add in a holiday week and everything just kind of gets compressed (including my brain). Add to that some unexpected storylines — i.e.: Humphrey arrested, Mercer dismissed — and you can see how it can get away from you pretty quickly.
Anyway, I’ve seen a good bit of discussion on yesterday’s blog about Dennis Felton’s decision to kick Mike Mercer off the team so let’s get into that a little. Obviously that’s a major blow to the team from an athletic standpoint. Mercer was the second-leading scorer on last year’s team before going down with a knee injury that forced him to miss the last 10 games of the season. That, by the way, is when he started to get into all that trouble for missing tutorial appointments.
Anyway, it’s all a shame because I think Mercer is a decent person and he’s certainly intelligent beyond the way he may perceived through all of this. I had just talked to him the other day and he was very contrite and forthcoming about his troubles and I was surprised to learn he was actually on schedule to graduate. At the bottom of this file, perhaps I’ll list some of his quotes from that interview because otherwise they won’t see the light of day.
But mainly Mercer is a very good basketball player who would have had — and maybe still will have — professional opportunites. This latest development certainly doesn’t help his situation because, believe it or not, the pros look at character, too. I just hope Mike settles in at another school and gets a degree before he tries to pursue professional money either here or overseas. He has a good family behind him and I’m sure he’ll take the best interest of his little daughter to heart.
I’m sure by now you’ve also seen that Billy Humphrey was reinstated. I’m not surprised at the outcome — I’m a big civil liberties guy and I couldn’t believe UGA and the police did what they did — but I WAS surprised by the swiftness with which the whole thing was resolved. I won’t pretend to have this great insight into who Humphrey is and his guilt or innocence in all this but from what I can tell he’s a good kid that stays on the straight and narrow and a pretty good basketball player as well.
As for football, CMR had his weekly presser today and, the most notable thing about that was how much respect he has for Georgia Tech. Now I know all coaches are going to talk up their opponent the week of the game but it wasn’t until Richt began to run down Yellow Jackets’ list of defensive and special teams national rankings that I really got an idea of how good that club is. I read most of the stuff our guys write on them but I hadn’t really perused Tech statistically and, as Richt said, “they’re scary defensively and on special teams.”
Here’s some of the stats to which he was referring: Rushing (1st ACC, 18th NCAA), quarterback sacks (1st, 1st), tackles for loss (1st NCAA), net punting (1st ACC, 3rd NCAA), kickoff returns (1st, 15th) and kickoff return defense (1st NCAA). The bottom line is this: Tech runs the ball well, plays good defense and has a good kicking game. That’s a winning recipe last time I checked.
OK, here are some Mercer quotes from late last week (obviously before his dismissal):
When did you learn you were suspended 15 games?
“I was told over the summer, in the middle of the summer semester. My first reaction was I was upset about it. My first impression was I was out six and when they told me it was 15, I didn’t think I had missed that many appointmenmts. But you live and you learn. I just look at it as a blessing in disguise, that it will give me time to rehab my knee and come back fresh at SEC time so I can help my team win.”
You’ve been practicing with knee brace right? So you could play right now if not for the suspension?
“I could definitely play right now.”
How in the world could you get to the point that you were suspended for that many games?
“After I got hurt it was hard for me to get around. Having to get from one side of campus to the other and having to be there in 30 minutes was tough. It got to the point where I just wasn’t going to make it anymore. I count most of that to the time I was injured. But that’s no excuse. I should have taken care of my business.”
Were you depressed?
“I wasn’t depressed. I knew I was going to get out there and play basketball again. There was no depression.”
So how are you doing now?
“I’m doing fine in schoolwork. I’m doing real well toward graduation.”
Is it still hard to focus when you’re unable to play in the games?
“No definitely not. My head is into the season. My team’s doing really well and the freshmen are playing good basketball right now. We still have a long ways to go; we haven’t played the really tough competition yet. But I’m going to be ready for when I get back out there because I’ve been working hard rehabbing and with weights and all that. I’m just trying to wait my turn.”
You know there are many out there who don’t think you’ll finish your career at Georgia. Are you still eyeing the NBA or professional ball?
“I’m definitely trying to graduate. I’m not thinking about leaving school early or anything like that. I’m here to be in school and play basketball and I’m trying to do that.”
So exactly when will you return to action?
“Mississippi State.; It’s circled on my calendar.”
What do you think that first game back be like?
“I definitely think it will be a big boost for our team. SEC time is a time when everybody is physically and emotionally drained. I think I’ll be able to step in and be an energy boost off the bench and help my team win.”
How do you get through it in the meantime?
“Just being out there in practice with the guys. I know they need me out to push them in practice to get them where they need to be. Really I’m kind of like a player-coach, just directing the young guys. I’m just trying to help my team win in any way I can. Time’s moving slow right now but I’m sure it’s going to come faster.”
Permalink | Comments (83) | Post your comment | Categories: Football and basketball
Comments
By DecaturDog
November 20, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
I’ll be searching for two tix on Saturday outside the stadium…
It will be a helluva game!
By Forrest Gump
November 20, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
Just when I thought UGA was cleaning up their act, Mike Adams ordered the knife-toting thug back on the basketball team. Adams has his priorities.
By RedAndBlack
November 20, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
Well, Georgia can’t look past Georgia Tech, that’s for sure. They’re as dangerous as any team Georgia has played. Hopefully Georgia doesn’t wait until the second half to wake up. Go Dawgs…and Wildcats!!!
By Dorsey Hill
November 20, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
Forrest Gump,
Your stupidity suggests that you must be a Tech fan. Many people carry pocket knives. It doesn’t make you a “thug.” My guess is many people don’t realize that having a pocket knife is a felony on campus. Seems a stupid rule that is an overreaction to Cho. You could steal a butter knife from the cafeteria and do as much damage as a pocet knife with a 3 inch blade.
I suppose that if he got a parking ticket he be a “no quarter depositing thug” right?
By Wozzo the Wonder Dog
November 20, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
Tech has always played UGA tough, except for that 51-7 game a few years back. They have shown a good running game and strong defense and it seemed to many people that they could have won in the past if they committed to the running game (but they didn’t and they lost). UGA needs to come out fast and furious like the Bama game and not let off the gas like the Florida game. UGA better have good run defense and good tackling. I hope Massaquoi and company can bring in the long ball.
Overall, I see UGA winning after a tight first half - final score like the Oklahoma State game (alternatively UGA winning a low scoring game say 17-9).
I think Tennessee beats UK and I think LSU beats UT (closer than anyone thinks). UGA wins Sugar Bowl.
By NASCARfan
November 20, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
Chip,
I like Mercer, but I have to say, getting from one side of the campus to the other while riding the buses (which run during the summer) is something that many of us do and have done and will continue to do.
It’s tough, but you can get from the East Campus to The Arch in less than 20 minutes by taking the East Campus Express. You can get from North Campus to the Practice Facility in 15 minutes.
You just have to be smart with what bus you get on. And it’s not just North-South, East-West, Orbit, ECX, or Ag-Hill, there are Athens Line buses you can take, too.
Mercer may be a great guy, but it’s a poor excuse. Hey, we all skip summer classes. At least we can own up to it.
By P.Floyd
November 20, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
Being a former STUDENT-athlete in college I understand how people look for anything to get the jock in trouble. I’m pretty sure that there are other students on campus with even more dangerous weapons in their dorm room. We should never judge a book by it’s cover right? Anyway the knife was a souvenir from Brazil. So come on people give the guy a break. He is no thug or gangsta just a STUDENT-athlete.
By NASCARfan
November 20, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Meant to say North Campus using the ECX. It doesn’t go to the Arch.
By reality check
November 20, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
Tech’s defense is as good as it has been the past few years, and that has been good enough to keep us from scoring a lot of points.
Their offensive statistics are the best they have been since 2001 by a solid margin.
Georgia fans can’t hold a candle to criticizing Tech compared with Tech fans criticizing their own team. They hate Gailey, they despise their quarterback and all in all they are so negative toward their team I won’t say anything bad about them. it would be piling on.
Tech can beat Georgia this year, although I don’t think they will. For one thing, Tech has only beaten one team with a winning record - Clemson. The rest of their six wins have been against weak teams and if you look at the last 4 games Georgia’s performance has been far superior.
There have been many major upsets in this series, Tech is going to win again someday, and I am glad Richt is taking this seriously, because we should.
By JB
November 20, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
How much of those stats are made up of the ND and Samford games???
Probably a bunch.
Other than CU, what decent team have they done much against?
34-10
HBTD!!!!!!!!!
By I-DOG
November 20, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
Chip,
Thank you for the previous blog about UGA still having a shot (a very small shot) at the national title game.
What I LOVED about it was the reaction it got from the Georgia Bashers. Did you see all those angry people? The mere hint of UGA having a scenario IN LATE NOVEMBER to play for a national title in football has them incensed. You can feel the passion of their hatred toward UGA in their posts. You can see that UGA winning a national title is a nightmare for them. I love it!
Georgia bashers are running out of material. These are taken from actual posts on this board over the years from UGA bashers:
Oh, by the way… these were ALL guaranteed never to happen, right it down, mark it stone predictions from the UGA haters out there.
UGA Can’t beat TN - CHECK! 4-3 including the last two losses
UGA Can’t win the SEC East - CHECK UGA still in the hunt for their fourth in 7 years.
UGA can’t win the SEC - CHECK, UGA still in the hunt for their third SEC title in 7 years.
You CAN spell sugar without UGA because the Dawgs haven’t been to the Sugar Bowl since the early 80’s. Check, UGA still in the hunt for 3rd Sugar Bowl apperance in 7 years.
UGA is mediocre and not a top 10 program - CHECK, UGA is on target for their 5th top 10 finish in the last 7 years.
UGA can’t beat FL - Check, UGA’s seniors are 2-2 against the Florida Felons.
UGA can’t beat FL AND Auburn in the same season, haven’t done it since 1981 or something: Check
UGA can’t hang with LSU - Check, UGA has two blowout victories against LSU in their last two matchups.
UGA can’t beat big 10 teams: Check, Georgia has played and beaten Mich State (with Andre Rison) Ohio State (with Robert Smith), Wisconin (with and without Ron Dayne twice) and Perdue (with and without the golden child QB twice )so that is six in a row against the big 10.
Not much left in your arsenal other than UGA has only won two national titles and hasn’t won since 1980. The material is running out.
Hold tight to this last security blanket, it might not be there one morning.
By Bubba
November 20, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Forrest dumba@@, it was a butter knife, you idiot!
By UGA-student
November 20, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Don’t listen to Mercer’s crap. I have class with this kid and I refer to him as a kid for a reason. IF he shows up for class it’s for only the last 10 minutes. He def. found a way around the student monitors to check his class attendance. At least the football players show up for class, the upper classmen bball players are worthless.
By lead pipe solutions Inc.
November 20, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
I can’t give details but my service will garanty neither Philip Wheeler or Tashard Choice will be a problem for the Dawgs saturday.If you’re interested in our professional,courteous service please meet me at the UGA statue in front of the stadium at 9.00 am saturday with 1000 dollars cash.I’ll be wearing a preposterously conspicuous but quite comfortable long trench coat,fedora hat and oversized sun glasses..GO DAWGS….disclaimer……yes I’m kidding.
By 3volpaul
November 20, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
j-dog, did the 80 or so the Vols have laid on you the last two years slip your mind? Oh, if you’re around Marietta before the SEC championship game, tip your hat to the T flags streaming by on their way to the Dome!
By 91Wreck
November 20, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
With my blog name it is obvious I am a Tech fan, but I am glad Billy Humphrey was reinstated.
First of all, he had a knife in his dorm room - big deal. I’ll bet over 50% of the students have a weapon of some type on campus. I know I did when I went to Tech. Second, the police probably performed an illegal search. Third, he seems like a pretty good kid. He deserved to be reinstated.
Felton is doing a heck of a job. I wish he was our coach!
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 20, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
Damn I agree w/ Nascarfan! Stop the presses! LOL!!!
By Bob
November 20, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
3volpaul,
Its been a long time since you guys have been to the Dome for anything other than the Peach/Chick Filet Bowl. Sure you can find it? Well, you should have plenty of time to use Mapquest since the Chick Filet Bowl is not until the end of December. I will be cheering the Big Orange in their attempt to beat the ACC’s #2 team.
By TheItalianDawg
November 20, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Felton was harsh on Mercer. Mercer went through some tough times because of his injury. and so what he had some arguments with team mates. Felton cant just kick him out like that. Not only Mercer but also Brown. I start questioning Feltons’s ego. I think its time for Georgia to be very competitive and play in the post season. Im sick of Felton playing the nice guy card, not any more, he has to win!
By DOGGIE
November 20, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Fleabags, you have not won the SEC Eastern Championship yet - in fact you are a 1/2 game behind the Doggies presently, and the best you can hope for is a TIED record in the East. Win and you get to the championship game, but you still have to share the SEC Eastern Championship. GO DOGGIES!
By buzzrules
November 20, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Maybe he can get some knife lessons from Ray Lewis!
By DawgBone
November 20, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
I-DOG
Great post.
Tennewee is gonna choke and the DAWGS will play for another SEC Championship. I like our chances against LSU.
DAWGBONE
By FLA DAWG
November 20, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
KY beats UT. But the Dawgs cannot take the Ga. Tech Game for granted. Tech can sometimes get up for a big game - and this is their bowl game. Yard Dawgs - Win This One For Larry Munson who has done so much for us for so long. I have a feeling he won’t be back next year……….
By Yarddawg
November 20, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
I liked I-dog last comments on here he is hilarious. You tell em I-dog! GO DAWGS!
By TybeeDawg
November 20, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Teshard Choice…..meet Rennie Curran!
By Yarddawg
November 20, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Rennie Curan kind of reminds me of Randall Godrey,but, way faster.
By the old ballcoach
November 20, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
forrest gump,while your IQ may be equal to,or even lower than the IQ of the character whose name you have taken,it is there that the similarities end.one of the main themes of the movie was how the primary character’s innocence,honesty,and kind heart prevailed in an evil world.the forrest of movie looked for the good in every one he met,and none of his handicaps made him bitter,while you seem to be a very angry,bitter,person.i doubt you have ever met young humphrey,yet you call him a”knife toting thug”because a pocket knife was found in his room.where do you find”toting” anywhere in the article about this incident?moreover having a pocket knife does not make one a thug,i have carried one every day since my dad gave me my first knife at the age of thirteen!also,i have no idea why you post on a blog dealing with uga athletics,since you never seem to write about sports,or to support any particular school.you only want to attack the uga athletes and the university.you should get some help so you can deal with your anger,and stop the personal attacks on young people that you don’t know.these young men are not professional athletes,in fact many are still boys,trying to better themselves.sir,you should be very careful,because what you are doing is very close to slander,and slander is a matter for the civil courts.
By AtlantaVol
November 20, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
I-Dog, how about UT leads the pups all-time in the Big 3-football, basketball & baseball. When you bubbas are calling for an encore, do you yell Freebird or Herschel? The reason other fans in the SEC hate GA the most is that the Dawg fans always claim that they should have won and they will if the game was played a week later. Just ask any Dawg fan.
By Gen Neyland
November 20, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
AtlantaVol
You and I have one thing in common. We love the Vols and see the positives from Atop Rocky. From there, we probably follow different paths. I like these Dawgs. Sure, some are over the top ( I-Dog isn’t one of them ). This is their sandbox and we are guests here. Agree or disagree, we’ll lose due to the piling on we get, so I find it’s easier to go with the flow, bring your points and slide to the back of the room…I picked UGA to win the East ( surprise !!) but I’ll take a Vol tie for 1st with UGA nonetheless…They remember the last two games we played and have said they got waxed…It’s all about winning wars, not battles. I say GO VOLS, but in reality, it makes me no less a Vol to be honest about it all….If we get past KY, great…If not, WTF…Go Vols
By Hunk Erdown
November 20, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
General-
I know that with the total whoopin ya’ll put on us it probably didn’t have a huge effect, but how much difference do you think having a bye week before you guys played us have on the outcome? I know it made a big difference for us against Florida, a lot of folks disagree with me, but I predicted a win for us based solely on having two weeks to heal and prepare.
By J-KEEZA
November 20, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Dawg bloggers,thanks for bashing White goat.My post about our fans was right,if we could do the six or seven things I suggested,UGA could be as loud as LSU.We seat 92k just like them!By the way if you are a c** WG, I live in S.C. and where I live,the “carolina fans” are about as loyal to S.C. as Benedict Arnold to America!They wear Uga,Florida,and heck,some even wear CU stuff every now and then!!Also,why can’t other colleges invent their own blogs,OH! wait,they are too STUPID to start one of their own!GO DAWGS!!!
By DawgsDawgsDawgs
November 21, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
AtlantaVol,
It is fantastic that you have the time and desire to go to the ajc UGA sports section, search for UGA blogs and post negative comments about Dawg fans multiple times a day. Some people may think that it is because you are an unhappy person without a life but I do not. I understand. You cannot resist the power of the Bulldog Nation! We’re everywhere and you can’t stay away. You hate us. Everyone in the SEC hates us! You’re hate is delicious. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SIC EM! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!
By ARdawg
November 21, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
Gen Neyland
A true statesman of the blog you are. I had hopes the dawgs would win the east back in the early season but I thought then the Gators had the best shot. After the TN loss I was sure we were out of it. It appeared there for a while that Kentucky and SC were going to make a serious run. Low and behold it winds up between the dawgs and the vols. I am still amazed, yet pleased.
Atlanta Vol, theres only one week out of the year we need to grit our teeth and and trash talk. That being the week we play. Other fans of the SEC don’t hate Ga anymore than they hate any other team. You opine a childish rant. Most of us here are adults and respect each other as such
By Eric C.
November 21, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
ND (worst offense in NCAA), Samford, Army…stats were a little padded. Auburn had the best defense that UGA will face this year.
By J-KEEZA
November 21, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Vols,EVERY team says “we should have won”, I live in S.C.—-like a said. S.C. fans and Cu fans say all the time “We should have won”.Also, other teams like UGA,some of my S.C. and CU fans have been to a Uga game,and they all like UGA,some almost as good as their South Carolina schools!Some are even applying to UGA for college!!!
By SamoanDawg
November 21, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
Gen Neyland, you’re a good sport. Straight up, just talk football and a little bit of trash talk wouldn’t hurt. Except for some of these rookies coming in here running their mouth about nothing. Anyway, go CATS!
Yarddawg, Rennie Curran reminds me of Sam Mills/Jessie Tuggle. I love the kid’s attitude… always around the ball.. sideline to sideline… never takes a play off… definitely a true football player with a nose for the ball. We need more Rennie Curran on the team.
Quote from Rennie:
“(In high school) I always felt like I had to be the one to make the play,” Curran said, “and that’s the kind of mentality I’ve taken over here now.”
“(Curran) is absolutely right,” Kelin Johnson said. “You want to be that guy making plays, being the guy who is out there being the leader for your team. He is absolutely correct. You can’t put it in any other fashion than that. You have to be selfish. You have to want it. If you’ve got everybody on the team thinking that, the offense is not going to get anything.”
Sic’em!
By Cuz
November 21, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this
It is with deep regret that I inform the Bulldawg Nation of the passing of Buck Cochran in the Northwest. Buck has had terminal cancer for over a year and he and I have talked and corresponded for a long time. He was a true friend. a loyal fan, a staunch Matthew Stafford supporter and a defender of Dawg sports from any outside hater. But he also had a love for sports period, especially college ball which enabled him to become great friends with Gen Neyland and an admirer of Wareagle.
Buck never complained about the hand that life had dealt him. He and I were firmly convinced that he was just going to a better place with great seats.
Buck was able to see his beloved Dawgs one last time this year when he attended the beatdown, our turn, in JAX. If some of you remember, I said I knew we would win because I had a good luck charm attending the game. I knew there was no way we would lose Buck’s final game. The dawgs gave him a going away present that he cherished. The trip took alot out of him, but he told me that he would have it no other way.
Our season is not over, we have one tough regular season game left with Tech and a bowl game to go. Buck’s race is done, and he has taken the prize that was waiting for him in the end. I mourn the loss of a good friend, but I celebrate the life of a great man and a true Dawg fan. Buck and Erk will be watching the game together this Saturday. God rest you Buck and save me a seat. I will see you in the bye and bye.
By borodawg
November 21, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
Losing Mercer is big, almost devastating. His words in the interview sound great and sincere. However, it must have just been words or why would CDF dismiss him? Am I being naive believing CDF over Mercer? BB at UGA is definitely down right now, but CF will get the program straightened out and as soon as next year we’ll be quite competitive. Not sure why BB is in such a downward spiral compared to other UGA sports. It’s “been reported” that the fans are giving up on the BB Dawgs because of the loss of players. We need to back this team thru thick and thin. We need to have big, supportive crowds at all the home games. Go Dawgs!
By dcdawg
November 21, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
Interesting fact from UT’s atheletic page: On the Tennessee/Kentucky game preview page they list the next game as the SEC championship. They must know something that no one else does.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 21, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
God Bless you, Buck!
By Yarddawg
November 21, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Just a little something for Atlvol and any other Tennessee Volunteer fans that come on to this site and onto this blog, I will give all the props and praise for a job well done in all three major sports against our beloved Dawgs, you (I) have to give credit where credit is due. There are alot of good players that have gone to tennesee and also they have some great coaches along with a beautiful state and atmosphere. I have personally met alot of people from up there and most of them have alot of class. The reality of the world is you are always going to have people from where ever that are a few bad apples out the bunch, and thats from any place or school, I have fought wars with people from all over the united states and the world and met some real cool ones, but like I said you always have your bad apples out of the bunch and that includes Georgia too. I dont know, call it jealously,stupidity,ignorance, or whatever, but,every school and place has it. To everyone from Tennessee and where ever that hates UGA, have a blessed and wonderful day
By MB
November 21, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
Maybe CMR will write articles on Tech and Knobler will coach UGA. Win-Win
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 21, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
General as ARDawg said you are a true statesman here. Thanks for trying to keep your dogs on the porch. That said how many of you Vols fans wer crapping their pants last Saturday? Bet about 100,000 at Neyland until Vandy’s field goal sailed wide left. Guess what Kentucky has a better team than Vandy and they will be up for the game. Can’t wait to see the game. You guys will probably romp. Oh well we have both had a great season. We can’t deny that after the way it started.
By Gen Neyland
November 21, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this
Hunk Erdown
The basis for the week off before a game was a subject for discussion I had with Buck one afternoon. We both wondered what the stat sheet read for teams margin of W/L’s due to the off week prior…I’m too damn lazy to do the research, but I’ll take a wag it’s better than 50 % in the W column for the off-week team…
By NC dawg
November 21, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Where are all the Tech fans? Every week I read this website and see their dumb posts about tickle piles and UGA inferiority. Now, the week of the big game, silence….. they must be afraid, very afraid.. hahahaha, what a bunch of wusses.
By Gen Neyland
November 21, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
zoo
I’ve a friend who went to Morehead St., but a KY fan…He’s been chopped down a few notches the past weeks but they have played the SEC East pretty tough, plus that rag-tag bunch from Louisiana. Personally, I won’t be able to agree with Shultz’s prediction of a Kentucky win just because it’s Shultz…This is the regular season closer for UT and KY. Border Rivals and the such, the Randy Sanders Factor, etc etc… The Vols may have a long hay ride back to Knoxville Saturday afternoon…If so, I won’t be surprised…
By Andy
November 21, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
Buck will be missed. One of the most passionate fans of UGA football. Always a class act.
By AltamahaDawg
November 21, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Cuz, email me please, Im having trouble getting yours thru.
By Heath
November 21, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
Of course Tech has great numbers on defense, but you have to take in account the teams they have played. The teams they have beaten have a combined record of 26-51, and only one has a winning record (Clemson). Of the three games the lost to good teams, the defense did not look that good at all.
On the other hand, the teams Georgia has beaten are a combined 53-48, with 6 of the 9 coming against teams with winning records.
Stats are nice (something for the Tech geeks to drool over), but their true meaning has to be coupled with the talent of their opposition, which has been marginal to say the least.
By HEAVY RED!!!!
November 21, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
On the article on here entitled: Red is Dead….I have a few comments. (There was nowhere under that particular article to leave glorious thoughts.)
Jackets, get this on your hated “red”: Your stadium will become OUR stadium on Saturday. There’s nothing you can do to stop it. Both of your fans have given up and sold their tickets (which incidentally came complete with 2 hotdogs, 2 Cokes, and 2 tickets to the “Korea, our Homeland” exhibit at the local museum) to the very vocal UGA fans. The great thing is that the stadium currently known as “The Joke by Coke” will be COVERED in a sea of RED!!!! Isn’t this great????!!!!! In fact, on Saturday I’d like to welcome you ladies to what we call “Sanford Stadium West!”
Another year, same crap team. You Jerkets are wishful thinking Nerds. Enjoy the arse-whipping!
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!
By old gold engineer
November 21, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Cuz, may I offer my condolence in the passing of BC in the NW. I shall miss his comments.
By timmythebrave
November 21, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
The dawgs need to be careful in this game. Not because of the qb..he stinks….not because of the coach…he’s going to be fired soon…not because of the defense or special teams…we need to be careful because of Tashard Choice. He is the real deal…Goo dawgs. beat those bugs.
By timmythebrave
November 21, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
This guy walks into a bar wearing a GT jersey and carrying a little dog that also has a GT jersey on with a little GT helmet too. The guy says to the bartender, “Can my dog and I watch the GT game here? My TV at home broke and my dog and I want to see the game.” The bartender replies, “Normally, dogs in the bar would not be allowed, but it is not terribly busy in here, so you and the dog can have a seat at the end of the bar.? But, if there is any trouble with you or the dog, I’ll have to ask you to leave.” The guy agrees and he and his dog start watching the game. Pretty soon the Yellow Jackets kick a field goal and the little dog jumps on the bar and walks down the bar and gives everyone a high five. The bartender says, “Hey, that’s cool! What does he do for a touch down?” The guy answers, “I don’t know, I’ve only had him for 3 years.”
By Lee
November 21, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
At the beginning of the year, I thought this would be Tech’s breakout season. They have a very good running back with an experienced O-line, an above average defense, and they didn’t have Ball at QB. But, somehow, they managed to lose to some very mediocre teams.
Ga, on the other hand, has had a Jekyl/Hyde personality this year. When they played well, they played very, very well (Fla & Auburn). When they played poorly, they really stunk it up (Tenn).
Overall, I think this game means more to Tech than it does to GA - losing streaks tend to do that. I think Tech will be up for this game. The only question is; which team will Ga bring - the one that played at Fla/Aub or the one that played Tenn?
By Techster
November 21, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
I am a die hard Tech fan and always have and will be. I think Saturday will be a tough day again for us. Just wanted to give credit to you guys and your team. Coach Richt is the real deal…classy guy that can really coach!!! UGA is playing as well as any team in the nation and as much as I would love to beat you guys, I don’t think it will be even close. Maybe finally after another drubbing by the DAWGS our AD will wake up and run Mr. Nice guy out of the ATL!
By SunDawg
November 21, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Sorry to hear about Buck, he was a Good Dawg.
By jay
November 21, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Chip, when you’ve played 10 FBS teams, and 8 of those are ranked 90th or above (out of about 120) in total offense, your defensive stats will indeed look good. Add in a game vs. Samford, and Tech has played 2 teams all year in the top 89 of total offense. Does that help explain those defensive stats? I think it does.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 21, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
General, I see your game a a toss up after your performance last week. We all hoped Vandy wouold pull a miracle and I was suprised at how close the game was. Here’s to KY’s frustration being released and rewarded Saturday. Only because the stakes for us are so high. But regardless I am focused mostly on the nats from N Ave. Beat them and beat them good and we are in great shape regardless. I do fear their run game. I think our offense can handle their defense.
By Fort Worth Dawg
November 21, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
a7row It’s seven in a row.
Maybe we should bring Sevin dust to the game and throw it on the Techies.
Nerd Stomp VII.
Seis, hermanos.
From my daughter: Why is Tech afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine.
51-7
By Dawgtime
November 21, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
I am very excited about UGA basketball. You always have the clowns that say the stupid stuff to get attention. That is because they have no life and never played any sport. I am really impressed by Coach Felton. He inherited a mess left by Harrick. He has done an excellent job of rebuilding the program the right way. Let’s face the truth, UGA was on the bottom a couple of years ago. We are slowly improving to the point of a bending NCAA berth. The future is very bright. Look at the roster for next season: C Albert Jackson 6’10 power player that is developing into an excellent low post player. PF Jeremy Price, 6’8 270, the best young post player at UGA in years. SF Terrance Woodbury 6’6, excellent athlete and shooter. SG Billy Humphrey 6’2, great kid that took a bad rap for something silly. He is not a thug. He simply had something that he picked up in another country. It was in his room. Some of these clowns need to get a clue. Great scorer and shooter. PG Zac Swansey, 6’1 excellent passer C Rashaad Singleton, 7’0, excellent shot blocker and a developing low post scorer. PF Chris Barnes 6’7, explosive dunker with power SF Jeremy Jacob 6’7, all around solid player SG Troy Brewer 6’4, great shooter from deep PG Dustin Ware 6’0, great kid and a solid PG PF Trey Thompkins 6’8, best recruit in years for UGA. SF/PF Drazen Zlovaric 6’9, high energy wing, excellent basketball IQ, great size for a wing. SG Corey Brewer 6’3 great team player SG/SF Walter Hill 6’4 excellent athlete that can play basketball as well as football. That is the best roster that UGA has had in years. We are in on several excellent high school kids such as: Derrick Favors 6’9 Center Ari Stewart 6’7 wing Richard Howell 6’7 wing Lorenzo Brown 6’5 wing Noel Johnson 6’7 wing Collin Reddick 6’9 Center Mfon Udofia 6’3 point guard All of these kids are considered to be in top 10 at their positions in high school. We have a commitment from a 6’3 guard all ready. The future is bright for UGA. When UGA is winning again in the near future, I want all these clowns to stay off the bandwagon.
By Dawg Fud
November 21, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Coach Richt is correct. Tech is very dangerous. Throw the records out the window for this one. Tech wants this game BADLY. It is their bowl game. If Georgia can match Tech’s intensity and execute I think we will have a great shot to win the game. However, I do believe it will be close.
I love the fact that Coach Richt grabs his teams attention by illustrating what our opponents do well. It is obvious Tech knows defense and special teams.
I think one of the interesting things about this game is that I am hearing more “I hate Georgia” talk from Tech players and fans than normal. I wonder if Tech will allow that “hate” to consume their ability to execute. This is where Coach Richt’s calm demeanor in hostile territory seems translate into a team focus and garners positive results for the Bulldogs.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.
GO DAWGS! Beat the Jackets!
By Dawgtime
November 21, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
UGA will have the nations best football team next season. We have a great team this year, but next season will be even better. We are loaded at every position. Go DAWGS.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 21, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Techster , nice post keep bringing them.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 21, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
See, if Muschamp were our DC he would out there yelling “I hate those Mother Effing Bees, GATA.” And he would be foaming at the mouth when he said.
By TechBuzz
November 21, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Maybe felton should let this thug back on the team if he can pass that difficult basketball test that former UGA coach Jim Harrick gave to his class for their final exam. One question was: how many points do you get for a 3 point basket? But, it may be too tough for these Ga basketball players, who rarely go to class anyway.
By AltamahaDawg
November 21, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Dawgtime, good job. Imagine talking about the BB team in terms of actual players and directions of the program, rather than this idiotic obsession with a few incidences and this totally unrealistic hang up on what “year” it is with Felton. I’m going to guess most of the folks who are so doubtful of Felton havent been to, or listened to a game, in a while, and couldn’t tell you a whole lot about this roster.
This has to be the most athletic team he has ever had. I think the younsters will struggle defensively to shut down the good teams, but if it becomes a fast break battle, I like our chances. Price looks to me as somebody who will make everyone forget about Brown. Unfortunetely, this prabably has the making of an up and down rebuilding year, and there are simpletons out here, that just can’t see the bigger picture.
By shane
November 21, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
techbuzz,and others,you may not realize that the word thug is considered a racial slur by many african americans.i did not know this myself untill capecoddog,who happens to be black,pointed it out to us after the au game.i have noticed that he rarely post on these blogs now.i am sure you didn’t mean to offend anyone,other than dog fans,at least i hope not,but let’s be a little more careful with our language.i think we should refrain from personal attacks on players.many of these guys are just teenagers,and teenage males are known for making mistakes.attack the other team’s fans,school,coach.colors,or whatever,but leave the kids out of it.i have great respect for any young man working his way through college on an athletic scholarship,no matter what the color of his uniform.
By AltamahaDawg
November 21, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
I can’t really define the intelligence of the tech fans that post in here, but when it comes to wit…they are like middle schoolers. Jim Harricks basketball exam….really? That’s what you came up with? wow! How on earth did you think of that played out relic?
(and then to actually tell what one of the questions were, as if you were the one bringing that out)
You would have prabably scored better with “na na na na nana”. That’s what we all read anyway.
By AltamahaDawg
November 21, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
zoo, the problem with Muschamp anywhere near a UGA helmet is him giving up 45 points.
By Whitegoat
November 21, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
J-Keeza, you must “be” an English major. My Rhode Island Red can crow better sentence structure than you. You keep forgetting it was 16-12 and not loud. Learn that “I be” verb conjugation. The OCB will be in Columbia in 08 to spank that butt again. Fear the Gamecock crow. Happy Thanksgiving!! EM
By Carlton Powell
November 21, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Cuz: Thanks for the sad update on Buck. He will be missed. But, as you say, he is in a better place. It was a true blessing that he got to attend this year’s GA-FL game. It is amazing how we come to know the regular bloggers. After telling my wife, Lynda, about Buck last night she immediately asked if I had been in touch with a friend that is also battling pancreatic cancer. I said I had not recently called. I call this morning. Life is short, and we all need to keep in mind that the games we blog about are just that: games. A little perspective never hurts. Do you know of an address to which we could send condolence cards? If so please e-mail me at powellcarlton@hotmail.com. Otherwise, hope all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and know that we all have an awful lot to be thankful for. Regards to all, and GO Dog’s!! Play hard, play fair, but BEAT THE JACKETS!!
By ugay69
November 21, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
My predictions for the rest of the season
UGAY will win out. Stomp GT, LSU, and Kansas in the NC game. Everyone knows that UGAY is playing the best ball in the country right now. What some don’t realize is that they have been the best team in the country all year!! Not even close! Yea, they have two losses but that couldn’t be helped. UGAY’s ungy center was hurt and they had to play the cute one. Those 2 games, Stafford was more interested in the ball in hand instead of the ball everyone else was playing with. You can’t blame him though. When you are born that way, you are born that way. He did the same thing last year against UK, UF and Vandy when the ugly center was hurt. Because of that and the pictures of him spooning Joe Cox, CMR should have know what was going to happen and only recruited ugly centers. So blame CMR. Hopefully with the ugly center playing the rest of the year, Stafford won’t be fantasizing about Cox and can play some good ball. Then we will be unstoppable.
By Josh H
November 21, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Tech guy here. And no, I won’t talk trash. I’m getting enough of that with all my UGA friends :)
Tech, as far as special teams goes, really improved leaps and bounds over last year. Travis Bell grew a leg and can kick long field goals now, our kickoff coverage, while conservative, works, and Brooks is perhaps the best punter in the nation (a 76 yard punt last week, was just disgusting). With that said, UGA doesn’t have to worry too much about our punt returns.
Defensively, we are as solid as we usually are. Our front 7 is nasty, stopping the run and getting to the quarterback with good efficiency. All the blitzing opens up holes though, and VT killed us by taking 6 yard passes to the flats every down. Also, if the QB and O-Line handles the pressure, we’re susceptible to getting burned with the deep ball.
Morgan Burnett started at corner last week and played great man to man, so hopefully he’s up to the task this week.
Offensively, we’re very strong running the ball. Choice has great vision and follows his blockers well. He may not have the raw talent Moreno has, but at the end of the day he’ll have at least 100 yards on the ground. Johnathan Dwyer is our redshirt freshmen phenom, with a good mix of speed and power, but I don’t see him getting the ball that much.
Its our QB play and WRs that have hurt us this year. Taylor Bennett only has about 8 TD passes for the year, and is only completing about 50% of his passes.
All in all, I really don’t know how to call this game. Based on everything we’ve seen this year, UGA should blow Tech out of the water. But this is a rivalry game, that for the past 3 years, has been close. If we can stop Moreno and get good pressure on Stafford, I like our chances. If Moreno can run the ball at will, Stafford will kill us deep and the game is over.
By I-DOG
November 21, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
3 volpaul and Atlanta Paul:
Congrats on your win against the Dawgs this year. You were the better team and nobody is complaining about that. If you beat KY, you will earn the SECG appearance fair and square. If you lose, you will earn the Peach bowl fair and square.
I did mention your two great wins against UGA in my post, saying that UGA is 4-3 against TN under Richt including the last two losses.
Georgia Bashers claimed that UGA would NEVER beat TN. I’m just pointing out another instance where they were wrong.
By I-DOG
November 21, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
NC Dawg:
If tech beats UGA, you will see more tech fans on this blog than you ever knew existed. If UGA wins, it will continue to be quiet.
Gen Neyland:
Thanks for the support. TN beat us and it wasn’t even close. What is your prediction on the UK game?
I honestly think that UT deserves the title game if they can win that one. If not, a four loss should never represent the East. It is as it should be.
It looks like Auburn, FL, and TN return a lot of players as does UGA. Next year will be even tougher!
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 21, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Josh H, nice analysis. Don’t forget about Thomas Brown either. He might start the pounding early and have Moreno finesse the rest. Hope the toss sweeps and screen passes will help offset that very good D line of yours. Hopefully this isn’t the game Bennett wakes up and figures out how to play QB.
By BaBaBaBaBozzzz
November 21, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately, UGA’s number one quarterback, Reggie ball, will be out of the game, which makes this the toughest game in the past four years. Without Reggie, its going to be close game. BRING BACK BALL
By Josh H
November 21, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
gDawginkalamazoo:
I’ve been shocked with how well Thomas Brown as been running it. I never did buy into the trio of running backs theory, but Moreno and Brown have really been getting it done as of late.
And yeah, Bennett dazzled all of us with his Bowl performance last year (he did have Calvin to throw to) but hasn’t lived up to it yet. Greg Smith had a big game last week (150 yards, 2 TDs), so maybe he can step up again.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 21, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Josh H, yeah watching that Auburn game where Brown and Moreno were on the sideline and in each others face yelling “you da man, no you da man” was hilarious. It showed a unity in the backfield. These guys push each other to produce. I just hope they don’t fumble this week and break any momentum we might pick up. Last week each one laid an egg that stopped a couple of good drives.
By WhiteAndGold
November 21, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
An early congrats to you Dawgs for your well deserved beatdown of my Jackets. I owe you a thank you because now we shall no longer be CHANdicapped. Here’s to a Tech win, next year.
Go Jackets!
By Hunk Erdown
November 21, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
The most astonishing thing to me about Moreno and T Brown is that it seems like the elder is actually learning and getting better from the leadership of the younger. To me, that is the most prolific exhibition of leadership I have seen on a football team, that a guy could show true leadership by improving himself by “letting himself” be influenced (we’re talking about a senior learning from a rs freshman) by the style and talent of someone he is trying to teach. It takes a special personality, for Brown at his age, to be able to see that there are things that he can learn from such a younger player.
One of the most glaring problems I have seen with T Brown’s running is that he, in the past, has always went full bore toward the hole after the hand-off, sometimes causing himself to get tackled before his blocking has had a chance to develop. He also has always had a habit of just running right over folks, or at least trying to, instead of trying to juke or use a studder step to get loose. Since Moreno has stepped out of the shadows, it now seems that Brown has adopted certain traits of Moreno’s running style that has made him a much better running back. At the same time, Moreno has really benefited from learning T Brown’s blocking skills. These are just some small things I have noticed, do ya’ll see it the same way, or am I seeing something that really isn’t there? One of the things that has convinced me of these points is that whenever these guys get back to the sideline they search each other out and are talking to each other like a de-breifing session. Have ya’ll noticed these things?
By Yarddawg
November 21, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
nice blog hunker down, very good points and observations
By J-KEEZA
November 23, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
White goat - such an auspicious code name!!!!!!! It is quite dubious that any of these blogs would be published in the NEW YORKER magazine. Rather than edit sentence structure, you might behoove your position more radically by scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist. ANYONE who thinks Steve Spurrier will defeat Stafford and Moreno next year should be lobotomized!!! Finally the ambience of Williams Brice stadium slightly resembles an Irmo - Dutch Fork game. REALITY CHECK - YOU INCONSEQUENTIAL, DERANGED GOAT!!!!!