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 > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVan Halanger envisioned ‘07 success
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yesterday I asked the rhetorical question, “who among you saw this coming?,” in regard to Georgia’s No. 4 ranking and BCS championship possibilities. Later it occurred to me someone who did and he said as much in this space.
That someone was the Bulldogs’ strength and conditioning director Dave Van Halanger and he said it way back in early July.
I went back into our archives just to make sure. No, he didn’t say Georgia would finish 10-2 and ranked No. 4 in the BCS. But he said this particular group of players had the two most important traits a team has to have to become a champion — “chemistry and morale.”
This is what Van Halanger said on July 2: “Nowadays everybody has good players and everybody lifts weights, runs and conditions year round. The difference is how the players truly feel about each other. They have to love each other and care about each other. Look around at these guys; look how hard they work. You see anybody complaining? Heck no. They’re having fun; they’re enjoying each other. That’s what’s gonna make them special.”
Van Halanger went on to say that even though they were young he thought the Dogs could win the SEC championship and, therefore, could possibly compete for the national championship.
As we all know, Georgia did not get the opportunity to play for the SEC championship. But it is SEC East co-champion and, more importantly, is the highest-ranked conference team at the end of the season with an opportunity to play in the biggest bowl game.
So I had to call Coach Van yesterday and remind him of our midsummer’s conversation.
“I remember,” he said excitedly. “I saw it then and I see it now. These are good kids and they’re talented football players but the most important thing is they really care about each other and they play for each other. That’s why I said they were special. And they are.”
As for being able to identify Georgia’s capabilities way back in mid-summer, Van Halanger laughed. “You’ve got to remember I know what a championship team looks like. We were a top-five team like 14 years in a row at Florida State (1987-2000). I think we have something similar going on here at Georgia.”
There are indications that may be happening. The Bulldogs have won 71 games in seven seasons — or 10 per season — under coach Mark Richt and his staff. Georgia has won more SEC games than any other team the last six seasons (Georgia 63-15; LSU 62-15) and the last 11 seasons (Georgia 106-32; Florida 103-35; Tennessee 103-35). Meanwhile, half of the 83 players that have seen action this season are freshmen or sophomores, including 6 true and 19 redshirt freshmen. Lest we forget, they also redshirted 14 freshmen this season.
Georgia might have the toughest schedule in the nation next season but they’ll also begin the year ranked in the Top 5 and therefore will be in position to compete for the national championship again. And thanks to this year’s youth, ‘09 looks pretty good, too.
“We’re about to get it rolling, Chip,” Van Halanger said, his grin evident even over the phone.
Who among us could doubt him?
Comments
By JB
November 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Craziest year that I can recall, in a loooong time.
To think we’d win the trifecta for the first time since 1980 and not win the SECC, is crazy.
To think we’d win the trifecta, oh say round about the halftime of the Vandy game, is crazy.
Great finish to a very slow start.
Hopefully we get the shot at S Cal, beat ‘em and use that mo as a push into what can be a GREAT ‘08.
HBTD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By lawdawg
November 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
If we win whatever BCS bowl we play in January, is there any team out there that would be ranked ahead of us next preseason? Well, USC, of course, but other than that, I see us at #2 or #3 next preseason. That does make it alot easier to get to the National Championship…as long as we win at least 11 games in what looks to be a brutal schedule…
By J-Boy
November 27, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Van halenger told me in August that this team was capable of 10 wins and I doubted him. Oops, egg on my face. But it’s a good time to be a Dawg fan because we are going to be sooooo good the next few years.
By ActuaryDawg
November 27, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Uh-Oh.
You said Georgia was divisional co-champion.
Get ready for the morons to flame you for “making up” titles.
By Chip Towers
November 27, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Actually don’t be surprised if Florida is ranked No. 1.
By Dawg4life
November 27, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
I like Coach Van. I think he has his finger accurately on the pulse of the team, much like Richt does.
The future is bright, Dawg Nation!! By the way, Chip, I’m still hoping the chips fall our way and we can play for the NC this year. If not, watch out for the Dawgs next year!
I already can’t wait!!!!
GO DAWGS!!!
By Gary
November 27, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Any year you have to play 8 SEC teams is brutal. The great thing about a brutal schedule though is if you win out, no one can dispute that you earned the NC. That’s what I’m looking forward to the next few years. Tebow may be the best athlete in the league, but Georgia is the best team Go Dawgs!
By Luda
November 27, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
I have no idea how I will make it through the off-season. I will be ready to crap myself by July. 2008 will be the most anticipated football season in a long time. We might sell out the spring game…no…we’re not that crazy.
By ActuaryDawg
November 27, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Imagine the war next year between highly ranked Florida and Georgia. I hope both are undefeated going into the Cocktail Party.
Wait a minute, I lost it there for a second. I hope the Gators lose every stinkin’ game they play!
By jfergNCdawg
November 27, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
I agree. Putting together top recruiting classes year after year has finally made its way onto the field. This year has been good, next year can be better. I hope that UGA fans have learned something this year. That to show up EARLY and EXCITED for a game can and does make a HUGE difference. I attended every game, home and away, from 2000 to 2003 while in Athens and our stadium is one of the only SEC stadiums that really never had a true “home field advantage”. Especially the South side of Sanford. BUT, we all witnessed what happens when the ENTIRE crowd is behind the team from pre-game to 4th qtr. Back in Black may have been one of the most exciting moments in Sanford Stadium History. That’s right, I said it. One of, if not, the MOST exciting in our beloved stadiums history. Definitely not since the glory years of Hershel. So…yes to be ranked high is nice. I just hope we, the fans, bring a top tier energy to the stadium with us next year!
By ARdawg
November 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
I for one did not foresee such a fine finish to the season. Ranked #4 and 10-2. Early on with the injuries, the condition of the O line and the defense I hoped for a 9-3 but would have settled for 8-4 and been happy. After the TN loss and the meat of the schedule to go I was expecting that is exactly what we’d have (8-4).
I didn’t expect to see the maturity of the entire team to develop as quickly as it has. I guess you chalk that up to good coaching. I knew they were good, but I didn’t truthfully expect to see just how good this year other than occasional glimpses. They have really looked good since the Vandy game and all indications are they’ll be hitting on all cylinders next year and with that schedule, they’re going to need to. Congrats to them Dawgs and ALL of the coaches
*GO DAWGS
By Typically stoopid Vol
November 27, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Jest ‘cause you’uns is a-ranked 10 places higher than us and jest ‘cause we got raped by the opposition three times don’t mean you’uns is equal to tha Big Orange. After all you’uns lost two games and finished with the same SEC East record, so don’t go thinkin’ you’uns are some big, powerful team like our Upper East Tennessee brother Steve Spurrier proved you’uns aint.
By gwj
November 27, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Dave Van Halanger is the MOST important person that Richt brought to Athens 7 years ago. He is the “glue” that makes this program so strong.
By shane
November 27, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
van halanger is the unsung hero of this team.i wish i knew the stats on how many games uga won in the second half,or even in the fourth quarter during richt’s reign at uga.chip,could you possibly look this up?i am at the point that when the game is close at haftime i think the dawgs are going to win.i know the team feels this way too.i think they have one of the best strenght and conditiong coaching staffs in the country.i know we have good players and good depth,but so does every other top notch program in the sec.late in the game when everyone is tired uga can pull it out because their conditioning is better than most of their rivals.look at how the young linemen have been able to hang in there.a team with so many freshman on their o line isn’t supposed to go 10 and 2 in this league.trust me,after coach van has these guys another off season they are going to be even better!
By MATTC
November 27, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
NOT BAD FOR A REBUILDING YEAR.
MAYBE WE COULD HIRE CHAN AS OUR CEO OF WATER DISPERSEMENT SERVICES.
I DO NOT CARE WHICH BOWL WE ARE IN LAST I CHECKED THERES AN AIRPORT AT EACH CITY. I WILL FLY INTO WHICH EVER ONE THE DAWGS MARK THERE TERRITORY AT.
NEXT YEAR WE WILL BE A TEAM EVERYONE IS SCARED OF; WITH OUR YOUNG TEAM ANOTHER YEAR OLDER, SMARTER, AND STRONGER WHO KNOWS WHAT TROPHY THE DAWGS WILL BE HOLDING OVER THIER HEADS.
GO DAWGS, CONGRATS ON A GREAT SEASON FOR FANS AND PLAYERS ALIKE.
By ARdawg
November 27, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
lawdog
Nothing but spectulation I know: Well there is the usual USC, Ohio ST, Michigan, Oklahoma, Notre Dame (even as bad as they are) throw in a few more Big 12’s and Pac-10’s thats sure to get top billing next year in pre-season. Doesn’t really matter. If we can hang around the top 10 for the push in the second half of the season it’ll be hard to deny the Dawgs a shot in the NC next year provided they start and finish the year the way they finished this one. I like our chances.
By JB
November 27, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Tech can hire anybody they want to, but I don’t see them beating this group in the next couple of years. 10-2 and most of them don’t even shave yet. Another year in the weight room. GET BACK JACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By shane
November 27, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
mattc,as a member of the foc i can truly say that no one has a higher regard for coach gailey than i.to me he will always be”coach”.i must say that our”water girl”is much easier on the eyes than old”coach”.we could hire chan to be the alter ego for bobo,in case he wants to try the old”hide the ball”play again.
By boots
November 27, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
MATTC, are you kidding? We have the best CEO of water dispersement services already. She happens to be the BEST recruit CMR ever got a committment from. I think we would like to keep her on the sidelines for years to come! :-)
As for Coach Van Halanger, the man knows our players and deserves a lot of the credit for the atmosphere of the team. He is a classy guy and has helped develop this character in our players. I was proud over the past few games to hear some well spoken young men describe their love for each other, GA Football and God. How can we complain? They are winning in life and winning on the field. VERY proud to be a Georgia Bulldog! Go Dawgs!
By Leslie22h
November 27, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
To quote Bill King’s blog, this has truly been a season to savor. Van Halanger pegged it before the season - chemistry and unity along with talent make for a great football team. The ‘Dogs are loaded with all three and having a heck of a good time this season. CMR and his recruiting staff have established a solid foundation to build on for the 2008 season.
I read earlier that the Rose Bowl committee would be counting on UGA to pull some 20,000 fans out to Pasadena should the ‘Dogs be invited. While that sounds like a daunting number, I’m beginning to think that a lot of Georgia fans would be willing to make the trek to California - several friends have already told me they’ll travel if Georgia goes to the Rose Bowl.
Bulldog fans, given that the last time UGA played in the Rose Bowl was in the 1940s, this may be the bowl trip opportunity of a lifetime. It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog!
On another note, I am ceaselessly amazed at the number of haters that show up on these ajc blogs stating things like, “the only reason UGA is #4 is because the QB for OU was injured.” Duh. And the only reason Tennessee is #14 is because they got beat by Cal, UF and ‘Bama. The only reason Georgia lost to Florida 2 years ago was because Shockley was injured. Give it a rest. It’s a moot point. There’s no rewriting history. The bottom line is Georgia (save for USC-lite and UT) won when they had to. There were some ugly victories thrown in here and there, but being able to win ugly is the mark of a true champion. True, the system favors teams with early losses that manage to win late in the season - but aren’t the most important games for nearly every team played late in the season?
The haters, for whatever reason, love to frequent the Bulldog blogs and throw in their unwanted opinions. The beauty of forums such as these is that we no longer have to pay to have access and everyone (even the haters) can participate. Gen. Neyland, War Eagle, and Atlanta Gator all have my respect as they have shown us respect without insult. Cuz, AltamahaDawg, gdawginkalamazoo, and several other veterans of this blog are often the voices of reason when an out-of-control blogger (friend or foe) attempts to hijack the forum with dimwit reasoning, thinly-veiled profanity, and childish insults. One regular who claims to be a UGA student comes to mind.
I’d like to thank Chip and Bill King for their efforts on the blogs this year. Kudos to you Chip for putting that “Chimp blows” guy in his place. Sorry, Carter, but your Saturday blog was enough for me to realize that I’ll never like you or your transparent dislike for UGA. You and Terence are welcome to leave and never return.
Go Sooners! Here’s hoping for an Oklahoma win and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Of course, Florida backed it’s way into the MNC and won last year. Oh, what the hell - GO PITT!
By HotDawgette
November 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
I haven’t missed a UGA game in 28 years - home or away - and I can say that this season ranks up there with the 1980 Dawgs for excitement and the sheer beauty of watching a wonderful coaching staff and a cohesive team in action. These young men grew up before our eyes this year and I am proud of them for sticking together and for sticking it to Auburn, Florida and Tech. Whatever bowl game we go to, I will be there. Go Dawgs!
By Dawg
November 27, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
2008 Preseason Rankings:
I hate to put Ohio St there, but Wells is a damn good running back and again, they dont play anyone next year so they will be right there.
By godawg
November 27, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
The FANS OF CHAN are in deep mourning over the unjustified firing of one of the finest football minds in America and an all around great guy!
You Tech fans should be ashamed of the way you treated him and will rue this day. Chan was on the verge of turning your program around in spite of inferior talent and lack of basic facilities and equipment. The only guarantee you have now is…THE BEATINGS WILL CONTINUE…
Coach Chan, please know that wherever you go, whatever you do, the FOC continues to support your every endeavor. God bless.
Cuz - FOC President
godawg - FOC President Emeritus
By Lane
November 27, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Chip, would love and article on the OL. Van Halanger, could add a lot of insight on their development - from the strength, conditioning and additude perspective. Curious about the development of the starters, especially the Freshmen, but the other younger guys who will play next year - Vance, Little, Anderson, Tripp and others. These guys could be beasts next year.
Thanks,
By Mr. Mizzou
November 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
I congratulate the dawgs on their fine season. However, to even contemplate a national championship berth when they did not win either side of the SEC is not right. And the fact that they don’t play again should freeze both Georgia and Ohio State in the standings, as well as any other team who is idle on Saturday. You should not be able to back into the National title game by not playing! GO MIZZOU!!! (it’s about time!)
By Fort Worth Dawg
November 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Next year does look good but the SEC meat-grinder can get to the best of any SEC team - just ask LSU. Next year we have LSU and Florida back-to-back. Hate to bring up a negative but I hope we can avoid getting into trouble over the summer and I hope our athletes go to class and pass. The UGA snapper apparently just racked up a big-time DWI (luckily no one was hurt). We get Caleb King. We get A.J. Green. Moreno, Stafford, Massaquoi, and others should be leaders. I know it’s obvious but if we win our bowl then we maximize our recruiting and we enter 2008 ranked high and with momentum. My gut feeling is that LSU’s coaching staff has the potential to become totally dismantled in a few weeks and that could only help UGA next year. GA-FL 2008 should be an expensive ticket.
I like Van Halanger’s last comment and think it should be the slogan for 2008: “Get it rolling”!
By MATTC
November 27, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
YOU GUYS ARE RIGHT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WAS THINKING. WHO ELSE WOULD CMR KISS AFTER A BIG WIN, WINK AT AFTER A BIG PLAY, OR HANG ON TO DURING AFTER GAME INTERVIEWS. MY APOLOGIES.
I LIVE IN TALLAHASSEE AND THE RAPID DETERIORATION OF THE NOLES I BELIEVE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE LOSS OF CMR AND COACH VAN HALANGER. SINCE THEN THE NOLES HAVE NOT BEEN THE SAME AND ARE NO WHERE NEAR REBUILDING. I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER THAT THOSE TWO ARE ON OUR SIDE.
GO DAWGS!!!!
By PeterPiper
November 27, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Chip,
Actually I would be surprised to see Florida ranked ahead of Georgia next year (if we win our BCS game), considering we smacked them this season and we have the same players returning. If our BCS win is against USC, then there is a great chance we will be ranked #1 in the 2008 preseaon polls (especially since whomever Florida beats, if they win theor bowl game, will not be a BCS team).
By Reality Check
November 27, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one who still doesn’t think Stafford looks all that great? When I watch other top 10 school QBs, I drool. He puts up average passing and TD numbers almost every game. After a season ans 1/2, he doesn’t even compare to Tebow and some of the other great QBs on Bowl Sub. teams. 200 yard passing games, 0 TD passes or 1 TD pass in a game???? When others are throwing for 300, 400, 500 yards and 3,4,5 TDs. And don’t give me that balanced offense crap. He still throws passes over receivers heads, etc. I just hope he is better than he appears to be.
By Mikey
November 27, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
After the Tennessee game I figured the Dawgs to go 8-4 at best. After that game they were 5-2…
Then the awakening came around halftime up in Nashville…and they haven’t lost again….
10-2 is awesome !!
GO DAWGS !!!
By ARdawg
November 27, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
godawg
Well said! I hear Bill Callahan from Nebraska or Dennis Franchione is available in case the Bugs want to keep the status quo. Shame on the trade school for treating Chan in anything less than a stellar manner. He is obviously the best football mind at GT in many years.
Mr. Mizzou
We hear you and most of us don’t necessarily disagree with you. But our passion is there in the NC game. We dashed our NC hopes even before we had any. We lost to a very inferior SC team and had our hat handed to us in Knoxville. Ce lest a vie! We’ll live with that this year. Or at least I will. If I were you, I would not expect a repeat of this Dawg season next year. BTW, congrats to your team on the fine season and Chase Daniels is as finer as QB as has played this year
By MATTC
November 27, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
REALITY CHECK, STAFFORD PLAYS IN A DIFFERENT SYSTEM WITH DIFFERENT PLAYERS AROUND HIM. IF YOU EVER PLAYED FOOTBALL BEFORE BESIDE BACKYARD GRAB A*. YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND. BUT I AGREE HE CAN ALWAYS IMPROVE AND HE WILL.
GO DAWGS.
By ARdawg
November 27, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
Reality Check
YES. You are the only one. Stafford not only looks good and like one of the best QB’s in the nation he is also a solid leader. Get real 300,400 or 500 a game more times than not are highly inflated numbers for passing yards. With a solid defense and a sound running game no team needs to put up that much passing. That is IF they are playing comparable competition. A good example will be the decimation of Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl (if they make it)
By Fredbob Magillicudy
November 27, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Wow!!! What a finish to a fantastic year of college football.
Hate to break the news guys - but… Florida is the team to beat next year.
We dodged a bullet with Tebow being hurt this year - much like they dodged a bullet when Shockley was out. If the Gators and Dawgs played today - Gators would scorch us. Tebow and company have it in high gear
Gators, UGA and Auburn played a ton of freshman!!! These programs look to be in excellent shape for the next few years. Vols will be tough, Bama will get it going and LSU may have flamed out - with the turnover on teh coaching staff that is going to happen this year.
By Henne Patchinko
November 27, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Reading national columnists, there seems to be a consensus that UGA in the title game would be an injustice. But I don’t think their current ranking is inflated and if the system puts them in the No. 2 position, well, I think they would prove a worthy opponent for whomever is No. 1.
Hi, leslie22h. I agree with most everything you wrote. Anyone can turn over a new leaf. Sorry Chip and Carter. Really. Happy holidays!
By auburn suxs
November 27, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Well its like this . Our season is over for now Mizzo and West Vir. just need to win out . stop the hate to UGA , we beat a ranked flo, a ranked Bama , ranked auburn , and stopped Ken. We will be in the national title game if both teams loses. UGA has what it takes to play in a play off system. I say take the top six teams after the bowl season is over and see who comes out #1
By ARdawg
November 27, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Fredbob
I disagree with you. Tebow with three extra good shoulders could’n have put up anymore points than he did against the Dawgs. Make no mistake, Tebow is good. He’s just not an entire football team. If he wasn’t capable he wouldn’t have been playing (see Shockley in 05). Tebow was held in check by a very young but very talented defensive unit. He’ll have to face them again next year and we’ll see who’s the better huh?
By Reality Check
November 27, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
I’m a huge Georgia fan, but I’m not delusional. Where do you cross the line from rational to irrational. I may be a huge fan, but I still try to SEE REALITY.
Want to argue with the experts? Think I’m crazy? Rivals.com has Stafford ranked as the 21st best QB in the country in their Power Rankings this month. I’m syre you think their the idiots and you’re not the rabid, die-hard, always right, irrational Dawg fans.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/viewCFSE.asp?selposition=4
By BJohnDawg
November 27, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
I predicted Georgia 10-2 before the year and told many of my friends as much. I said we would lose to Tenn and Florida. I was wrong on Florida and wrong on beating South Carolina. I predicted Tenn would win the SEC east and the championship. I wish I were wrong there, but oh well.But they beat us good and deserve to go to Atlanta.
Go Dawgs!And to hell with Ga Tech! Not sure they play football anymore there.So to hell with their basketball team. HaHA
By 1eyedJack
November 27, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Reality Check
I’m going to steal a quote here from one of my favorites. I think that when it comes to the makeup of and the playing of quarterback “half the job is 90% mental”. In other words, a good quarterback not only has to be a good athlete, but a good leader, a general, a field manager, a game manager, a chemistry manager, a ball distributor, unselfish, etc. I believe that Stafford is growing into that. He has the size, good speed, enough elusiveness, good mechanics (for the most part, but coach-able), and a strong arm. I can’t remember thinking at anytime this season that he looked weak on any throw. Coach Richt has given him the opportunity to change plays at the line of scrimmage. Not too many coaches will do that in college. Finally CMR has stamped this kid as potentially the best QB he has ever coached and he has coached Heisman winners. I’ll take his word for it. Winning championships is not about having the best QB or the best RB. It’s about having the best and most cohesive 85. I personally wouldn’t trade Stafford for any QB including that reptile to the south.
By La Jolla Dawg
November 27, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Chip, any word on Brandon Coutu’s injury?
By A-ville Ranger
November 27, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
Three 1st team Rivals freshmen all americans.That’s right Moreno,Sturdivant and the surprise for me, Curran.I’m not surprised that Curran would be considered 1 of the 3 best freshmen LBs just that he’d get the nod after not starting the 1st half of the season.So congrats good men well done and much deserved.
By A-ville Ranger
November 27, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Props to Clint Boling he’s 2nd team Rivals Frosh AA,sorry for the omission Clint, you earned the honor.By the why,no other team had as many as 3 1st teamers.The fact that all 3 play very important positions(Clint too) makes it all the more impressive.
By A-ville Ranger
November 27, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
This is what I get for not eating before I post,I get ideas just after sending a message.I’m reminded of what CMR said about the 07 class.He said there would be players who make all conference and ‘other’ list and maybe even players of the year types.Not bad for somebody who went to Miami (sorry coach).
By Dog44
November 27, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
Partially based on Van Halenger’s comments during the summer, I had a special feeling about this team. My prediction (in writing) before the season started was that we’d go 10-2… losing to SC and TN. (I’m thinking about getting out of the prognostication business while I’m on top… ha)
As for the next couple of years… I think we have as much reason for optimism as any program in the country.
That being said, I’m sure you all remember the talk going into the 2000 season about how we had the team to compete for the NC… didn’t exactly pan out that way. I think this group is different, but A LOT of things will need to fall into place (quite a few of which are not exactly in our control.)
The other thing… one of the best teams (if not THE best team) in the country will be playing ball just south of our border for the next couple of years… in our same conference and in our same division… and they’ll have Jacksonville circled on their calendars by the time spring practices roll around. Florida could be scary good over the next couple of years. Not saying they’ll necessarily be better than us, but it will be interesting to see these two teams peaking at the same time. Book your tickets to Jacksonville for ‘08 & ‘09 (GameDay will likely be there, too.)
I said it’s great… to be… a Georgia Bulldog!
By shane
November 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
reality check,i can see your point,i too believe tebow is the better qb,but he is the only soph that i have seen that compares to stafford.staford has a bad habit of overthrowing recievers and sometimes he doesn’t get enough loft on the deep ball.one thing to consider is uga’s running game,with moreno and brown this year,and king,jackson and possibly samuels at rb next year stafford does not have to be peyton manning.he must do a good job of managing the game,that is the most important job he has.stafford calls good plays when he has to change at the lne.IMO stafford’s best at throwing the side outs,he throws a frozen rope that is almost impossible to intercept and he does connect on enough deep balls so that a team that consistantly plays 8 in the box will get burned.hopefully stafford will improve his touch on the deep ball in the next couple of years,that can be coached,he already has the arm strenght,and THAT cannot be coached!one more thing,i have harped on this before,matt,keep the ball down over the middle!those high passes hang your recievers out to dry and are more likely to be tipped and intercepted.trust me,your recievers will do a lot better job of hanging on to the ball if they aren’t getting racked by sec linebackers.
By FLA DAWG
November 27, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
CHIP! Florida ranked No.1 in Preseason next year!? Give me a break! Based on what?
By A-ville Ranger
November 27, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Shane Sam Bradford isn’t a sophomore he’s a freshman who by any objective measure has performed far better than Stafford.I’m not down on Matt (I do question if he’ll be great though)just being honest and giving credit where it’s due.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 27, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
1eyed Jack,
Matt Stafford has good mechanics? Have you seen a game? To many times has he relied on his arm and sacrificed his mechanics by throwing off his back foot.
I agree with your assesment of what your prototypical QB should be, but as a true Sophomore Stafford has not even touched the surfice of what he is capable of. To many times has he relei on that arm and forced passes he shouldn’t have.
Don’t just jump on Reality Check for being candid in his opinion when honestly it is a rather fare and widespread opinion to others not in Dawg nation.
By I-DOG
November 27, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
two questions about next season:
Anyone know if Hebron is planning to come back to UGA and if so, will he get to participate in Spring practice?
Also, it seems like Center might be one position of concern next year… How is Kevin Perez doing? If he is not the guy then who will play center on our offensive line next year?
Big Dawg: I bet you know that answers to these, enlight us!
By A-ville Ranger
November 27, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
I-DOG Hebron is scheduled to enroll in Jan,I would think he’ll participate in spring practice.
By Chip Towers
November 27, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
FLA DAWG: Based on they’re even younger than Georgia is and some guy named Tebow who may have won the Heisman Trophy… .
La Jolla Dawg: Trainer Ron Courson thinks Coutu’s hamstring pull is not severe and that he’ll be able to play in bowl game.
By ARdawg
November 27, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Reality Check
Actually I’m a Rivals fan. They however are not experts. They use mathematical formulas. But even so, the 21st best QB in the nation isn’t bad at all for a sophmore. The rivals power rankings are based solely on stats (passing efficiency, running yards, passing yards and TD’s) not taking into account competition played, managing the offense and leadership.
That wasn’t my point. Your statement was that Stafford was sub par as a QB because of his passing yards vs. other top 10 QB’s who throw for 4-500 yards a game. Theres no comparison on that stat alone. Stafford has the head and the arm. He has improved 100% this year from last year and last year wasn’t too shabby. I don’t think your giving him a fair shake. No I’m not an irrational fan. Quite the opposite I think. I tend to look at the big picture. Theres many intangibles to being a good QB that isn’t measured in stats.
By FLA DAWG
November 27, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Chip, Though I respectfully disagree with you about next year’s preseason #1 team, I applaud your willingness to respond to bloggers from time to time. You’re the only one who does. A Standup Guy!
By jp
November 27, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
If neither WV nor Mizzou wins the BCS title, is there any reason that the AP wouldn’t select it’s own champion like in 2003? The winner of a USC-UGA match-up in the Rose Bowl looks like a pretty good candidate, given the way this season has gone. If Ohio State, VT, OU, or LSU wins this thing, will we see another split national championship?
By shane
November 27, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
ranger,i’ll have to take your word for it,i haven’t seen bradford play.who knows,we may see them go head to head in our bowl.my point was that stafford has two years to improve,if he makes as much progress next year as he did this year he will be damn good,if not great.with this team even a good qb can win the nc.stafford does not have to carry the team at uga the way tebow does at uf.much will depend on how hard he wants to work in the off season.thomas brown won’t be there so i would like to see stafford take the lead in the workouts and become the teams all round leader.there is one thing you cannot tell when you recruit a kid,that’s how much work he is willing to do.
By wmd
November 27, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
I predicted Fl would be playing LSU in the SECC. I’m glad to be wrong, but disappointed about the TN debacle. I believe that we would’ve beat LSU in the dome, but we didn’t take care of busines and now the ATL will be invaded by the hated volunqueers. I’ll be pulling for the Sooners with the rest of my Bulldawg brethren, and dreaming of Roses. Who’d a thought.
GATA bayou bengals!!!!! Run it up, BIG!!!!!!
Go Dawgs!!!!!
By 1eyedJack
November 27, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Lowcountry
I don’t like to get into p*ssing contests with other bloggers, especially DAWG fans.
I beleive what I said about Stafford’s mechanics was “good mechanics (for the most part, but coach-able)”. No he’s not perfect, but neither is TBone.
If I were an NFL GM faced with the choice of whether to draft Stafford or Tebow I’d take Stafford. He’ll be dropping back in the pocket long after TBone had had to retire due to repeated concussions and injuries to his shoulders, back and knees.
By S.E. Dawg
November 27, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
FredBob, I think by the time we play UF next year Tebow will be hurt again. It’s hard for a QB to play in this league week in and week out and take that kind of pounding especially the size and speed of SEC LBs. At the beginning of this season many on here predicted he would get hurt and that’s exactly what happen.
By SamoanDawg
November 27, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Future is certainly bright for the dawgs. Yep, we’re about to get rolling..
Chip, what’s up with my man Brandon Miller at DE. Are we playing the younger guys at SAM to get them more game experience for next season? I wish we could’ve moved him to DE earlier in his career, a la Marcus Howard. I think he would’ve been more productive there… just my little humble opinion.
By GeorgiaStinks
November 27, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
How is 10-2 a great season? Losing to South Carolina and getting spanked by Tenn would only be considered a great season to Bulldog Nation. It is mediocre at best and you all do not deserve to play in the Sec Championship as Tenn proved when they embarrassed you earlier this year. Good luck next year - another year of this is our year. You all will always play second fiddle to the finer teams in the SEC like Alamaba and Florida and Tennessee and Vanderbilt and Mississippi State and Ole Miss and Tenn and Kentucky and Arkasas. Lets face it 5 years of top recruiting classes and no sec championship. Georgia’s best days are behind - get ready for the down hill slide. Georgia will never be National Champs at anything except Gymnastics
By A-ville Ranger
November 27, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
SamoanDawg look for Charles White to make a strong move at sam next year.I see White and Curran as extremely complementary players.
By Really?
November 27, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
GeorgiaStinks- 10-2 is a pretty good season for a rebuilding year. Also you should stop posting on blogs seeing how you have know idea what you are talking about. Please explain this quote “Lets face it 5 years of top recruiting classes and no sec championship.” The Dawgs won the SEC in 2005 and 2002. Please do some research before posting on this blog again Idiot!
By Chip Towers
November 27, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Samoan, it has more to do with the young pups playing well than anything Brandon was doing. They believe d-end is where they’ll try to play Miller on the next level so they’re just helping him make the transition there now. Meanwhile, Rennie Curran’s play and the play of Akeem Dent, both freshmen, has given the Dogs some flexibility at linebacker.
By A-ville Ranger
November 27, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Shane I don’t see Stafford as having a natural feel for the vertical pass.He just doesn’t seem to have the same sense he does on the crossing and diagonal routes where he’s top notch.I’m with you I hope he spends countless hours throwing deep to MoMass and the rest of his long targets in the off season.If he ever gets consistent on those throws he’ll have the whole package but imo if he doesn’t he won’t be the All American he says he has the goal of becoming.I think we will have a chance to win a NC even if he can’t reach that point but to say the least it’d be more likely if he does.
By Chip Towers
November 27, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Samoan, it has more to do with the young pups playing well than anything Brandon was doing. They believe d-end is where they’ll try to play Miller on the next level so they’re just helping him make the transition there now. Meanwhile, Rennie Curran’s play and the play of Akeem Dent, both freshmen, has given the Dogs some flexibility at linebacker.
By dawgnation60
November 27, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
I love our gymnastics…now, why is Stafford not blazing the skies? why are other high powered offenses putting up big numbers? OK, reality check…remember when the high powered Boise State offense came to Athens? some pundits picked Boise for the win…shut ‘em down big time…now remember the Okalahoma St. high powered offense…shut ‘em down baby…no SEC QB will put up stats like Hawaii…DEFENSE still wins championships and the SEC is MR. DEFENSE!!!
Stafford and Special K will be in the Heisman running in 08 and beyond!!! Wouldn’t trade any dawg for two gators or hillbilly hounds!
By dawgnation60
November 27, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
and we saw how Stafford was getting more comfortable with the long ball to MoMass and Bailey the last half of the season…remember last year our guys were dropping everything he threw at them…confidence just wasn’t there for the long ball…2008 will quite your fears…I can see him hitting MoMass and AJ in my dreams!!!
By SamoanDawg
November 28, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Chip, what about Darius Dewberry, is he lost in the shuffle as well? I know he has been slow by some nagging injuries earlier, but I kept on waiting for this kid to step up his game. He has one more year left to let it all out.
A-ville Ranger, I agree, Charles White would be a great compliment to a strong rotation we’ve already established. I’m also looking forward to the return of Akeem Hebron. He’ll definitely add more speed to the LB rotation.
IMO, I think I preferred more of undersize, physical, athletic linebackers like, Rennie Curran… football players type of guys, a la David Pollack, Hines Ward and Knowshon Moreno, just to name a few. These guys play the game with passion. We need to recruit some more tough old school hardnose players. Remember this kid y’all, Ben Jones… he looks like a old school hardnose blue collar guy. The future is bright.
Go Dawgs!
By AFDawg
November 28, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
Chip, Yes Florida is young too — but did you watch the game this year? The Dawgs physically beat down the Gators this year. One of the TV commentators noted near the end of the game the number of Florida starters that had been knocked out of the game. Florida is going to have it in the back of their minds that this is virtually the exact same group of guys that physically beat them the year before — only better with the #2 recruiting class in the nation. As a side note — recruiting in the state of Florida for the Gators is getting more and more difficult every year. With no clear running backs for next year, Urban will continue to run Tebow like a tailback — and he’ll continue to get hurt like he did this year (shoulder contusion and now a broken hand). The Gators are not going to be looking forward to playing the Dawgs next year. The pendulum has finally swung back like it always does in this series of long streaks.
By J-KEEZA
November 28, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
jfergNCdawg: You are right! AND wrong,sort-of.Sanford stadium has never been an easy place to play, but not as crazy as some SEC stadiums[mainly FL and LSU]. You are totally right about showing up early and YELLING!Sanford could be a very loud venue with an early and loud mindset.BUT, Uga should quit being so STUPID about student tix!Every student should get a tix in the lower deck,and personally, I think keeping two sections is cool.Each section should be expanded to fit the students,IT’S THEIR SCHOOL!Adams and his board make plenty of money to give less away team tix,and refuse some allumni of tix.A true dawgs fan would want all students to get lower deck tix;other schools do not cram students in the upper deck.
By dawgsrule24/7
November 28, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this
J-KEEZA,you are totally RIGHT! All the students should get tickets.FLorida has a crazy student section because they all get tickets and all in the same place!Two sections in each endzone would make Sanford very loud and very tough in OT.Also, the crowd needs to be more involved in the band’s chants so-GO DAWGS-rings throughout the stadium.All students in the lower deck would help this, and I cannot figure out why the UGA board doesn’t realize all students should get tickets!
By A-ville Ranger
November 28, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
I just looked at the Scout freshman AA team they have 3 UGA 1st teamers like Rivals but on theirs Boling is 1st and Curran 2nd team.All together they have 5 Dawgs listed Sturdivant,Moreno and Boling 1st team—Curran 2nd and Chris Davis 3rd.It’s clear to me who the most valuable recruit was for this team in 2007 coach Searels,the job he’s done has been remarkable.
By BuLLdawg
November 28, 2007 5:47 AM | Link to this
“There are indications that may be happening. The Bulldogs have won 71 games in seven seasons — or 10 per season — under coach Mark Richt and his staff. Georgia has won more SEC games than any other team the last six seasons (Georgia 63-15; LSU 62-15) and the last 11 seasons (Georgia 106-32; Florida 103-35; Tennessee 103-35). Meanwhile, half of the 83 players that have seen action this season are freshmen or sophomores, including 6 true and 19 redshirt freshmen. Lest we forget, they also redshirted 14 freshmen this season. “
” Georgia might have the toughest schedule in the nation next season but they’ll also begin the year ranked in the Top 5 and therefore will be in position to compete for the national championship again. And thanks to this year’s youth, ‘09 looks pretty good, too. “
” We’re about to get it rolling, Chip,” Van Halanger said, his grin evident even over the phone. “
” Who among us could doubt him? “
Chip Towers, sir, that is the strongest statement you have made yet. Congratulations on pandering to the Bulldog faithful, instead of to the AJ-C bias against Georgia as if we are the other guys, in a different city than Atlanta, for we are NOT.
By BuLLdawg
November 28, 2007 5:52 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Chip Towers, sir, on Brandon Coutu in thread here that hopefully he can play in the Bowl Game and that it is not as bad a hamstring as it looked limping off at the Tech stadium named for the college dropout Bobby Dodd after his kickoff. Brandon Coutu continues to have this issue, however.
By hop
November 28, 2007 5:56 AM | Link to this
CHIP MUST HAVE A “LOVE AFFAIR” WITH FLORIDA TO RATE THEM”1. THE FLORIDA DEFENSE WAS ITS DOWNFALL ESPECIALLY THE DB’S AND UNTIL THEY FIX THAT PART OF THE GAME FLA. SHOULD NOT BE RANK AHEAD OF THE DAWGS. CHIP, THE DAWGS BEAT FLA BY TWELVE POINTS AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE. TEBOW HAD EXPERIENCE A FEW BUMPS ALONG THE WAY THIS YEAR BY RUNNING SO MUCH AND THEY WILL BE COMPOUNDED EVEN MORE NEXT YEAR. BY THE TIME HE PLAYS GEORIGA AGAIN HE WILL HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE MEAT GROUNDER EVEN MORE THAN HE WAS THIS YEAR.
STAFFORD,KNOWSHON AND KING TO NAME A FEW WILL BE PLAYMAKERS THAT WILL BE HARD PRESSED FOR A FLORIDA OR ANYONE ELSE IN THE SEC CAN MATCH. THE NEXT TWO YEARS WILL BE GREAT ALONG WITH ANOTHER STELLAR RECRUITING COMING TO ATHENS AS WELL IN 2008.
By BuLLdawg
November 28, 2007 5:57 AM | Link to this
The scholarship wasted on Andy Bailey is over this year, with his last kick just like the one he first missed against Georgia Tech that cost him his damn job. We need to be much more selective on giving scholarships to players from the state of Tennessee than Andy Bailey.
God Almighty.
By BuLLdawg
November 28, 2007 6:01 AM | Link to this
Coutu’s leg issues cost us big-time in 2006-2007 when we lost, for example, at Vandie and it could have well cost us at Tech, but didn’t matter when we got the 2-point conversion to make up for a scholarship player who cannot even make a bloody extra point at Georgia Tech, ever.
I am so over Andy Bailey, senior.
By Robert Elee
November 28, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
I’m not a DAWG fan,but congrats in ‘07…you’ll also kick more tail in ‘08.
As for the LSU coach ticked off about UGA talking Nat’l Champions…get out of the South and get to Michigan where you belong…take some of your transplanted Yankees with you, too!! Maybe that will help with the Water shortage and traffic congestion!
By LESD
November 28, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Van Halanger may be right. But Richt is right too. The SEC is too tough a league and the East is too tough a division right now for any team to completely dominate.
Georgia is about to produce a string of potentially great teams, SEC and national championship contenders. But if this season has reminded us of any important lesson, it’s this: Don’t get ahead of yourself. Put the building blocks in place one at a time, give it your best shot, and don’t be surprised by anything.
By scooter11
November 28, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Belue, Greene and Shockley didn’t put up staggering air numbers, either. Liked the results, though. Stafford has hit key passes that none of them could have made. KY (mainly with Lorenzen, Couch), BYU, CAL, UCLA, etc. dinged us pretty good for passing yards - just never beat us. Passing yards are great - if you can play defense, too.
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Ok, everyone in Athens needs to just calm down and quite thinking National Title, because it is not going to happen and here is why:
Mizzou will remain number 1 by beating OU for the Big 12 and play for the national title.
WV will easily handle Pitt with home field advantage in Morgantown.
OSU is done and remains ahead of UGAY.
LSU will leapfrog over you when they kick UT to the curb for the SEC title. Oh yes, I do agree with Les that no team should play for a national title when they cannot win their own conference.
Ok, granted UGAY is playing some decent ball right now, but this will be one of your better seasons. 10-2 is not bad, but I have news for UGAY, your other SEC counterparts are getting better than you are and they will be back for blood next year (i.e. UT, UF, USC and AU)
Now one must consider your opponents 6 game winning streak:
Win over UF, solid, but still allowed UF to post 30 on you.
Squeaker over Vandy…..shows how weak your program is.
Win over KY, they were already in the tubes.
Win over Troy, Troy is solid, but UGAY should have won by more.
Win over AU, AU was already in the tubes also, and their recent win over UA shows that UA has problems, and the reason UGAY beat UA, basically both UA and AU are weak.
Win over GT, no news here. There were weak and just above D-1AA.
So the bottom line, UGAY did just above average with a weaker than normal schedule. The loss to UT affirms UGAY cannot win the big games one road, and quite frankly, 2008 looks like a much tougher schedule and UGAY finally hits the road for some tough games, so tell those rednecks to fuel up those RV’s and get ready to hit the road in 2008.
Hats off to you for the recent winning streak, but let’s see how you so next year, because once is luck, twice is good.
By olddawg
November 28, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Statistics, to quote Bear Bryant, are for losers. I don’t profess to know how good Stafford is or will be. He has qualities that you find in great QB’s. They don’t always show up in percentages or numbers that are used in rankings. Stafford has a big arm. He makes plays that only a few QB’s can make. He has the respect of his teammates, this is an intangible that cannot be overlooked. Unitas put up alot of big numbers in his day. Yet, he is remembered by his teammates for the “late drives that he engineered” as much as anything. Stafford has played under duress alot during his 11/2 yrs. He throws some ill advised passes at times. However, when the game is on the line, he’s been very good. With an experienced line for the near future, Stafford will be a dominating force for the Dawgs and Defensive coordinators will have to game plan around him. Many of those QB’s ranked ahead of him will not command that kind of respect.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 28, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
I can understand the rankings for Stafford at QB. He doesn’t put up the big numbers, he doesn’t have the highest completion rates and he doesn’t throw for 4-5 TD’s game. But looking at that list I can’t think of but maybe one or two of those guys that I would prefer to manage the game. As someone above mentioned David Greene didn’t have the big numbers but he had results. Here we are 1 1/2 years into Stafford tenure and he has proven that he can win (19-6) and is only getting better. If I need a late drive in a game to seal it Stafford has proven that he can get that done. With AJ Green coming on board next year to replace Sean Bailey (great year Sean glad you made it back). And MoMass. Look out. I wouldn’t call Staff the best in the country but there aren’t too many I would chose over him.
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
History will prove how good Stafford adn the Dogs really are, maybe good or maybe bad.
It would help of UGAY would show some maturity and humilty as of now, because your program is not close to comparing with powerhouse programs like Alabama, Southern Cal, Oklahoma or even Miami.
Win a few more National Titles, then we can talk, but as for now, show some maturity and let’s see how this pans out.
Just be glad you are not playing LSU this week, they would wax you up and down the field.
By BigNCDawg
November 28, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Leslie22 nice post. Remember though that even Terence and Carter write nice things about us sometimes. I don’t even read the trash that opposing fans put on here, except for those you mentioned.
By Gen Neyland
November 28, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
7 and 1/2 spread this weekend… One of the worst lines in terms of, ” This ought to be a real butt kicking in a championship game “…Heck, I figured we would be 13 and 1/2 dogs in this one. The underdog role has fared well for the Vols this year. By all accounts of the wizards in Vegas, we should be no better than 7-5…I’m proud of this team. The no quit attitude which was evident in the SC and KY games are examples. Starting the season at 1-2, we had little reason to have expected the trip to the GA Dome would transpire. They didn’t destroy or dominate. They didn’t strike fear when they travelled, but they stood tall at home, going 7-0… Yet, the Vols are there. I’m not predicting a win. We are the face of the 2006 Razorpigs, or the 1998 MS ST Bulldogs. But we’re there. Congrats to the Vols, CPF and all the assistants and mostly to the players for playing with a no quit attitude…If you ever played this game, that’s what it’s all about… No Quit. GO VOLS
By BigNCDawg
November 28, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Kalamazoo don’t forget Troup will be a redshirt Freshman next year.
By Atlanta Gator
November 28, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
A moment of silence, please …
Inventor of Gatorade, dies at 80. Dr. Robert Cade sought to aid Florida football team … .
By AltamahaDawg
November 28, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Reality Check, I am one that does NOT question your intentions or UGA fandom, for simply asking “is Stafford really that great yet” (by technical QB standards). Any neutral observer can see he missed way too many throws this year, that even an average QB should not have. As everyone pointed out, he does seem to be an excellent leader, but that wasn’t what you asked I don’t believe.
I guess the great situation is to have a proven, tested winner, who still has plenty of room to improve his accuracy.
Imagine WHEN he does hit the open receiver in stride as a matter of fact!
By Dawgcrzy
November 28, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Van Halanger was right.Has anyone seen the TEAM sticker on the back of the helmets?These kids are TEAM players.It’s took 5 or 6 years but CMR has finally got his players believing in themselves and believing in the system.We do have a tough schedule next year but that is what makes good teams great.CMR is a class act on or off the field,and we are lucky to have him and his family(our family)in Athens.As for as Les Miles and his comments….”jealousy leads to stupidity”. Go Dawgs!!!
By mcdawg
November 28, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
i’m glad you brought this up b/c i remember those comments and kept thinking how important those things are in college football and it has proved correct—-time for Miles to go back to Michigan as far as i am concerned-LSU indeed had one of the toughest schedules in the country but quite frankly did not rise to the occasion much like last year
By Luther
November 28, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Mike Bobo 17 INT- It would help of UGAY would show some maturity and humilty as of now
You must have realized this because you are so mature and refer to the University of Georgia as “UGAY.”
By Huck
November 28, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Hate to come in so late but have to add my comments to reality check. You are right in that Stafford doesn’t put up the gaudy numbers, but he doesn’t have to. He quarterbacks a team. And he is a true sophomore. His biggest contribution can’t be measured in yards. It is the way he reads defenses and gets his team into a play that has a chance to suceed. He has grown immeasurably as the season has progressed. he has learned to avoid sacks—only one against Tech’s blitz-crazed defense—and to get rid of the ball without throwing pics. He makes throws that other QBs only dream of making—and he is usually playing against lots tougher defenses than a lot of the big-number boys you see on TV. I can’t wait to see him continue to develop. And if Urban Legend Meyer continues to use Tebow the way he does, we probably won’t ever face him again. And if we do—we know hoe to defend him. Florida ain’t our daddy anymore.
By amelia island mike
November 28, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
save your breath folks— WV will not lose to a weak Pitt team. Ga got a break by winning at the right time and Tennessee just plain got lucky to go to the championship. The year was very special to win some big games with a team this young. This years signing class may have more talent than Ga has seen in a while especially at receiver. We need to keep scoring 45 / game . It sure takes the pressure off the Defense. Go you harry Dawgs…
By SunDawg
November 28, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator, do you think Tebow’s insistance on running the ball himself when they’re near the goal line will discourage the recruitment of running backs? He’s been pretty much a one man team this year; is that due to a lack of quality backs in the Gator backfield or is he just a self-help kinda guy?
By more-eno please
November 28, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
look everybody, bobo 17 ints is back. i remember you posting that ga would finsih 7-5 AT BEST. Also, before the Auburn game you were talking smack about how they would win 35-7. Now they’re not a quality win? Give credit where credit is due man. You only make your self look more and more pathetic every time you come on these blogs with your ridiculous crap. Im pretty sure no Logical and stable minded Dawg fan absolutely, 100%, believes GA is deserving and will go to the Title game.
AS OF NOW BOBO, YOU GOT A LOT OF GRWOING UP TO DO PAL
By Dawgcrzy
November 28, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Great player,but lack of backfield has made Tebows running a neccesity.Urban should be concerned,because Tebow connot continue to tote the offense as in the past.Injuries will prevail.
By Gary
November 28, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Reality check and others that look only at Stafford’s stats will miss why he is a valuable qb. Though true he still has a lot to learn and needs to be more consistent, look at the throws he can make. He delivers bullets on those sideline passes most qbs only dream they can make. He can throw a great deep ball. Ask his receivers what they think of their qb and to a man they all agree he has all the tools, they just have to adjust to how hard he throws. Is he the best in the league yet? No. Does he have the potential to be the best ever at Georgia. You bet. Some of you are just a little too impatient but the guy is just a sophomore and look how he has led this team already! That’s what you want in your qb. To hell with stats.
By Vince
November 28, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Interesting thing to think about is how to bring players and game plans and strategies on O and D along during the off-season. It would be interesting to know how Bobo and CWM will spend the Spring —- could be a time for a lot of strategy development. Plus recruiting, and bringing the young pups along in skill development and strength stuff.
By DawgByte
November 28, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
To brand next year’s schedule as BRUTAL would be an understatement of seismic proportions. I’m not as concerned about the foes on our list, but rather where they placed our bye week. We basically play an entire season without a bye as it falls after the Auburn game and before Tech. As we have all seen, it’s damn near impossible to beat Florida without a bye prior to that game. My fear is that even with this incredibly talented team we will be plum out of gas by the time we get to our bye week. Whoever writes the SEC schedule is NO FRIEND of Georgia’s!!!
By Dawgcrzy
November 28, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Everything CMR has said has pretty much came true.CMR said Stafford was the best QB he has ever coached.Barring a injury,do you have any reason to doubt him? Remember he coached some good QB’s including a Heisman trophy winner.That’s all I got to say about that.Wanna choc-o-let?
By NSHS
November 28, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Mike Bobo 17 INT
You’re not what most people refer to as a smart are you?
Did you really say Miami and Alabama? Tell me how in Gods green earth are either of those teams relevant when talking about future or current powerhouses.
I know I’m dumber for responding to you but what happened to you? How does someone lack any inkling of logic or common sense?
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 28, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
BigNCDawg, My apologies to Mr. Troupe and the other guys that are there. I sometimes forget the RS talent we have on the sidelines.
Atlanta Gator, I hope Urban sends flowers. Gatorade has kept his tear ducts replenished for years.
Talking about Tebow and UF’s running back situation. The RB’s name is Stat Padder.
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
*NSHS *
Let me bring you up to speed: other the the misfirings over the past couple years, Miami has 5 national titles as opposed to your 1.5. This program is alot younger than your 115 year program, which is an embarassment to championship caliber programs.
Alabama has 14 as opposed to your 1.5 and will always be a much larger champion than the Dogs. Also, don’t even try and compare CMR to Bear Bryant, he is not even in the same ballpark.
So before everyone in redneck, goatie, and blue jean short land goes nuts, UGA is on streak right now, but it has been 27 years since you have been close to a national title, and it could be 27 or more before you get close again.
Eveyone in Athens just needs to calm down. No National Title this year, or next year, or next, or next or next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next next, or next, or next, or next …………..
Regardless of the last few wins, this program remains as the biggest joke in Southern Football, just ask anyone at any campus, including Athens.
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
gdawginkalamazoo
You know I have come to a realization that our chances of winning another national title are slim and none, with slim going out the door. UGH!!
I really do think the Big 12 is the dominant conference.
By Dawgcrzy
November 28, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Chip,can’t you block stupid bloggers? mikebobo17int…..you are a IDIOT
By SunDawg
November 28, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Zoo, good one.
By NW Ga Dawg
November 28, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
I recall those comments by Coach V. Much has happened since then, but just like someone said above, late in the game in Nashville, this outcome didn’t look very certain. As things turned out, it’s been one awesome season. Beating Fl, AU, and Tech in the same year—with Bama to boot is great. Wish we had a mulligan against SOS’ “not-too-good” football team and the Dawgs could really be in the big dance. Oh well, that’s how it is in college football.
As for these truly pathetic haters, if everyone would declare a moratorium on even acknowledging them—much less responding, we would probably see a lot less of their drivel.
It’s a free country, but it must take a small mind to be so entertained as to hang out in a place populated and represented by people and things one hates.
By bigdogbites
November 28, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
is miles related to spurrier?…they could easily be 7-5!!!!!and tee ball is going to have more than a broken hand if he continues to play POP WARNER football!!!!!
By dandydawg
November 28, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about the rest of you dawg fans, but I am cheering for Tennessee this weekend to handle Les(S) Miles and the LS(who) Tigers. This will prove nothing, other than to say… LS flunk! I am totally for Les(s) Miles going to the Big Blue. It would be a win win situation for the conference.
By Zeb McKluskey
November 29, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
Mike Bobo 17, please get off the computer and go to bed. You’re gonna be late for the short bus and don’t forget your helmet this time. I really don’t know why people like you have to come on our blogs and act like the complete anal sebage of a mongolian jug f$kr you waste of my oxygen. Anyway, are u a bug? If you are, I understand your pain. If not, pi$$ off and stay away before you get blasted.
By NSHS
November 29, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Mike Bobo
People like Mike Bobo make me very happy to be me. I guess if ignorance is bliss Mike is just as happy.
Do me a favor, can you tell me who your school is, or are you going to hide that information? I’m willing to be you didn’t graduate from any of those schools you mentioned. Hell I’m willing to bet you didn’t graduate high school. I’m guessing the team you support is so weak you have to use other schools (of course only your list of the best) to put down UGA. Your pathetic at best.
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 29, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
NSHS
Southern Cal is your answer, and maybe one day you might be able to run with the big dogs….then again maybe not.
You and your entire Doggy Nation is an absolute joke and we hope to see you in the Rose, because we are going to give you a beatdown.
I love the comment Dawgcrzy wanting to block bloggers. This is why Bulldog Nation has the worst reputation for largest ignorant and narrow minded fan base.
Give me a break, a 6 game winning streak and all of a sudden UGA is football God! LOL!!!
By Dawgcrzy
November 29, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
To Mike Bobo….I don’t want to block all bloggers…just you,you retarded,two sandwich eatin,goat screwing,non high school graduating IDIOT!!!
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 29, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
Dawgcrzy
And here is a prime example of what UGA produces in terms of students and graduates:
By Dawgcrzy
To Mike Bobo….I don’t want to block all bloggers…just you,you retarded,two sandwich eatin,goat screwing,non high school graduating IDIOT!!!
Nice, real nice. You should be a good fit for management in Clark County or Athens. Keep up the good work.
By NSHS
November 29, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Mike Bobo
Is the pot calling the kettle black? Here is your educated post earlier.
*”redneck, goatie, and blue jean short land goes nuts,” *
Nice, real nice. You should stay in your mother’s basement. It’s the only place you fit in.
So tell me this, if USC is your team, why have you been posting on UGA blogs for over a year? I smell a jealous bug. Also why didn’t you mention USC earlier when you were posting your list of top schools? You’re a liar and a coward, who can only insult UGA by using schools you don’t even support. Not to mention you have to use the top 10% college football programs in the history of college football nonetheless. You are as pathetic of a fan as I have ever seen. Football is only a sport. If UGA’s success makes you this mad you need to get a life. Apparently you are a douche who takes college football personally. The funny thing is you never went to college. See you later nerd. Or should I say want to be nerd?
By Atlanta Gator
November 29, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
gdawg~zoo——I don’t care what BuLLdawg says. You’re still a funny man (for a dog, that is).
By Atlanta Gator
November 29, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
SunDawg——There will be a quality running back in the Gator backfield next year whose name is not Tebow or Harvin. He is a transfer from a small, relatively unknown university located in Los Angeles … .
By Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 30, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
UGA should just go ahead and call it a day with their football program. It is an embarassment to the state of Georgia.