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 > 2008 > March > 05 > Entry
Stafford’s arm or Moreno’s legs?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What would you rather see this fall, Matthew Stafford pass for 3,000 yards or Knowshon Moreno rush for 1,500 or more?
Of course most people would say “both.” But that’s not very likely to happen. If it does I can pretty much guarantee you Georgia will have won that national championship everybody is talking about.
No, it’s really more of a philosophical question.
Stafford is going to be a junior this season and, by all indications, he is starting to come into his own as a quarterback. His accuracy remains a concern (56 percent completion percentage last season) but he has proven the last season-and-a-half) that he’s both a winner and a big-play threat. He finished with 2,523 yards passing with 19 TDs and 10 interceptions. At his current rate of progression he’s right on track with Mel Kiper’s infamous projection of becoming a potential No. 1 NFL draft pick.
Meanwhile, you have Moreno coming back for an encore. As a part-time starter (people forget he started only six games), Moreno rushed for 1,334 yards and 14 TDs as a freshman. You have to wonder what kind of numbers this kid might be able to put up with a total devotion to the running game. And the Bulldogs certainly became more and more dedicated to running the football as the season progressed. If Caleb King lives up to his billing, they’ll be needing to get him the ball, too.
As ever, head coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo say they are dedicated only to trying achieve balance. If it were up to them, the Bulldogs would be 50-50 on running and passing yards every game. Hard to argue with that formula given the team’s success.
Either way it’s a good dilemma for Georgia to have, whether to rely heavily on Stafford’s arm or Moreno’s legs. But which mode of transportation do you think would serve the Bulldogs best?
Permalink | Comments (129) | Post your comment | Categories: Football




DEL.ICIO.US

Comments
By Wil Walton
March 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Imagine if UGA had a kicker named Fish. Then it would be By Air, By Ground, and By Water.
By TKLO
March 5, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Give me Moreno, King and a cloud of dust. Let Stafford throw a few bombs to keep’em honest.
By Joe
March 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
I just hope that Knowshon is better prepared for the long-haul this season. He seemed to wear down as last season went on, and there is no guarantee that CK4 or one of the true frosh will be able to tote it like Thomas Brown.
As far as the 3000 yard number, we still have a very young OL and no proven WR’s outside of MoMass.
I think Staff will go for about 2800 yds with a 4-1 TD/INT ratio and Knowshon will run for about 1100 yards. Hopefully the defense will be top 5 in the country and Joe Cox and CK4 get lots of snaps.
By gilbert
March 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
utilize the left side of the line behind sturdivant and justin anderson,who is the strongest guy on the team, and just keep pounding the run game, the passing will then open up
By physicsDawg
March 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Moreno for 1500, easy. But, if Moreno starts 10 games instead of 6, he’ll get 1500. AND, If stafford improves his completion from 55% to 62%, he should go from 2500 to 3000. So, yeah, Both sounds about right. And give Caleb 750 for good measure…
By Dawg Fan
March 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Perfect balnce and the ability to take advantage of a defenses weakness. Last season UGA relied more on the run in part to protect a young OL. This season Stafford will have more weapons and and better protection. The running game will be at least as strong as last season.
It will be fun to watch.
By Sherman
March 5, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
I really like Stafford at QB, but running the ball successfully totally controls the tempo of the game by wearing out the other defense, resting your defense and nothing is more demoralizing than having a team cram it down your throat. Mix in screens, tight end short passes and the long ball when the defense crowds the box and national championship here we come.
By c'mon people...
March 5, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
It’s only March and we’re already giving the Dawgs the championship…PLEASE… lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
By Pat
March 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Who really cares but the more they can run it the more they WIN.
By Bryan G
March 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
I’d rather see Knowshon rack up the yards, kill the clock and wear the other team down.
I seem to remember UGA winning a national championship once before with that philosophy?
By reservoirDAWG
March 5, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I’m in favor of balance. If you run 70% of the time DC’s will hone in on it. I think Bobo will do a good job of mixing it up and keeping opposing D’s honest.
By Zeb McKluskey
March 5, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Chip, I’ve got a journalist question. There are quite a few normal reports about the team or players on this site. What criteria do you use to turn a certain report into a blog? Are u guys under some kind of restraints on the number you can have at one time? Could you make those reports into blogs, or is considered too mundane or what? Just curious.
That being said, Staff and Co will have to keep it mixed up. Don’t want to start leaning too heavy one way. The great thing is, they’ve usually been able to do just about what they want. Bobo has been doing a very good job of keeping other folks guessing.
By Bradley G
March 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
C’mon Bryan G. We needed that one completed pass in the NC game to beat Notre Dame. Herschel needed a breather, you see.
Run the ball and play good defense. I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard that’s what it takes to win championships.
By Mike
March 5, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait!!! Just take what the defense gives. I am far more concerned with the defense, in particular on-field defensive leadership. I love our talent level on both sides of the ball. Just need a leader to step up on defense and a reliable kicking game.
By Luda
March 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Teams that successfully run the football demoralize a defense. When they know it is coming and they still can’t stop it takes a lot out of a defense. It means you are getting punched in the mouth over and over again. It makes you tired and in the 4th quarter you can put a game away with a strong running game. RUN THE FOOTBALL!
By JMar
March 5, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
I’m ready to model this team after the 1998 Atlanta Falcons - hand off, hand off, hand off, play action bomb.
By jimmym
March 5, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
the opposite point of view is that you can be more proficient with the run if you have a good passing attach and visa versa which keeps the defense off balance…the very reason Bobo and Richt and most coaches try to achieve balance and the reason you are a sports writer and not an offensive football coach
By Jimmy
March 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Moreno will get over 1500 if King is doing his thing. I see Moreno getting about 1100, w/ King rushing for about 750 more. Toss in about 2800 yds for Stafford and I think its a nice balance that leads UGA to the SEC championship..and beyond..???
By takedowndawg
March 5, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Keeping your opponent off-balanced is highly affective and calling unpredictable 1st and 2nd downs will be important this season for our Dawgs to take it to the BIG HOUSE on a weekly basis. Having the luxury of so many weapons must be a real “headache” for Coach Bobo. Keepim-guessing Coach.
Also, I would like to see our Dawgs go after every punt so that the opponents players are not running in tandum with our players setting up a return. Plus, their punter has no reason to fear a rush and get off 40+ yd punts every time.
Coach Martinez: no more 7-8 yard space between our corners and their receivers. We have the talent to run with their guys so lets act like it. Please don’t abandon stunts. When we stunt we are effective when we don’t (like Tennesee game) we aren’t. Develop a top 5 defense this year coach like we have had in other years. We have the talent so let them do what they are capable of doing.
GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By takedowndawg
March 5, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Keeping your opponent off-balanced is highly affective and calling unpredictable 1st and 2nd downs will be important this season for our Dawgs to take it to the BIG HOUSE on a weekly basis. Having the luxury of so many weapons must be a real “headache” for Coach Bobo. Keepim-guessing Coach.
Also, I would like to see our Dawgs go after every punt so that the opponents players are not running in tandum with our players setting up a return. Plus, their punter has no reason to fear a rush and get off 40+ yd punts every time.
Coach Martinez: no more 7-8 yard space between our corners and their receivers. We have the talent to run with their guys so lets act like it. Please don’t abandon stunts. When we stunt we are effective when we don’t (like Tennesee game) we aren’t. Develop a top 5 defense this year coach like we have had in other years. We have the talent so let them do what they are capable of doing.
GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By AltamahaDawg
March 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Physicsdawg, I was thinking the same thing, why is both unlikely?
By shane #1
March 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
uga ran 60 to 65% of the time when they won last year,of course a team with the lead tends to run more.i would like to see a 60-40 split next year,that would mean that uga hasn’t gotten behind and isn’t playing catch up.richt and bobo plan on working with stafford more on his footwork and delivery this spring,that should help.stafford’s high throws bothered me,but durham is penciled in at starter at 6-5,chandler is 6-6,mo-mass is 6-2,goodman is 6-3,hill is 6-4,amd green is 6-4.i guess if he won’t bring the ball down we just get taller recievers!i hope improved pass blocking will allow matt to step into his throw and eliminate some of those high fastballs.the defense will be fine,we will have experenced lbs and cbs for a change.i look for leadership from ellerbee and owens.curren will become the emotional leader,he is like pollard,the motor is always running!this should be a fun year.
By THWG
March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
AJC-Why don’t you just write an article tomorrow announcing that uga will win the national championship? I believe you’re about 8 months early with any predictions. Why aren’t you writing an article entitled “Who Will uga Lose to First?” While GA Southern and Central Michigan may give the mutts a few easy wins out of the gate, they shouldn’t get too cocky as they travel to USC and then ASU. Nevermind having to play UT, Vanderbilt (who usually manages to give the mutts their money’s worth), then LSU on the road, then UF. I believe after about the fifth week, the mutts’ championship run will be over, but the AJC will still show their bias by announcing that uga will, in fact, still win the national title. I’d actually much rather see the mutts go undefeated coming into the last week of the regular season, and then get run over by Paul Johnson and the new Yellow Jackets. It would make it all the sweeter.
By potato dawg
March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
One thing is for sure, the offense is going to be potent. Stafford is seasoned and hasn’t reached his full potential. The receiving corps is loaded. The line is experienced and deep. Lets just hope Moreno stays healthy. We should average 35 to 40 points per game. How bout them dawgs!
By P Dawg
March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Let Knowshon and King split carries unless King isn’t what he’s hyped up to be. JMar needs to remember what the Falcons did to poor Jamaal Anderson when we ran him into a blown knee. That guy was special and they killed him. Stafford will definitely put up much better numbers because of the double run threat of Knowshon and Caleb because when they load up on the line to try and stop them Stafford will have a field day with the receivers and TE’s. I’ve never seen a more loaded and balanced team that UGA’s bringing to the field this year. It’s almost unfair. If we stay healthy, we will be untouchable. YEAR OF THE DAWG BABY!!!
By P Dawg
March 5, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
It’s gonna be fun to see UGA finally beat UF and UT in the same year!
By TvilleDawg
March 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Remember the infamous comment by Herschel when asked if he got tired when carrying the ball 30+ times a game. “No sir, that ball ain’t heavy.”
I agree with the earlier posts-running the ball down their throats will wear the other team out. I can remember other teams running around William Perry of Clemson. The DAWGS ran right at him all day, and by late third quarter, he was done. Hands on hips, sucking air, etc.
GO DAWGS-living for September!!
By reservoirDAWG
March 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
HeyTHWG, if you get so upset with the AJC’s articles, why not read the title and choose not to read it? Dumda$$.
By Bob Sacamano
March 5, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Chip,
My friend this guy Jerry who is friends with my friend Cosmo Kramer once told me a story when he was staying in Kramer’s apartment because Kramer couldn’t sleep with this giant blinking chicken outside his window, but that’s neither here nor there. The story goes like this:
Jerry and his friend Elaine were watching television one night when he “accidently” (I put the quotes on there, because I don’t believe it was an accident, I mean, he’s a comedian, and comedians are shady) turned on the naked channel. So Jerry and Elaine, who are exes, were getting a little aroused and decided that they could basically be friends with benefits, but they had to make up rules to follow because they enjoyed what they called “this” (the friendship) and they loved “that” (the, umm, benefits) but they didn’t want “the other” (the relationship anxiety).
Basically, it didn’t end well. Suffice it to say, there were goodbye kisses and cash as a birthday present involved, but your question made me think of that story.
Why can’t the Bulldogs have this, that, and, the other?
Why can’t the Dawgs have Matt Stafford throw for 3,000 yards (not too hard), and have Knowshon run for 1,500 (VERY easy to do), and also have MoMass catch about 60 balls for about 750 yards while also having a hungry, no-name defense.
The only question mark I see is special teams.
Chip, I believe we can have this, that, and the other.
By P Dawg
March 5, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
THWG, the AJC is UGA’s local paper and of course they’re going to hype the only good local team up, as they should. It’s pretty pathetic of you to jump on a UGA blog because your sorry a* bugs aren’t worth a @#$% and you have to come over here to read something exciting. Sucks for you but you need to go read elsewhere if you don’t like it. Can’t wait to destroy the bugs again and again and again……
By 1eyedJack
March 5, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Most coaches will tell you that if you want to win you’ve gotta be able to run the football on offense and stop the run on defense. I love Matt but I gotta go with the ground game. Eat up the clock, grind down the opponents defense and GO DAWGS!!!
By Dog44
March 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
You know… I’m not convinced our running game will be stronger than it was in 2007. Trading senior T. Brown for redshirt freshman C. King may not be the upgrade some folks think. Besides, chances are one our top two running backs (KM or CK) will get injured at some point.
Check the history of tail back injuries from the past few years… those two won’t both stay healthy for the whole season. When an injury happens, we won’t have the depth there we had last season. (Remember, we were lucky to be a healthy team overall last year… one or two key injuries to the wrong players can change a season very quickly.) Chances are we won’t be so lucky this season.
That being said, if I had to choose one over the other… I’ll take Knowshon for 1500. I think both he and Stafford will end the season close to those desired benchmarks (1500 yrds rushing / 3000 yrds passing) IF they don’t sustain significant injuries.
Dogs have the talent to do something special… but there are a lot of uncontrollables out there. It will be fun to watch!!
By TvilleDawg
March 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
THWG
Tech should first set its priorites on beating Duke and North Carolina before jumping out there and proclaiming victory over the DAWGS.
Paul Johnson is smart enough to know that small steps are necessary to get ready to play the big boys.
And by the way, the DAWGS are not invincible-they can be beat. Most of us really like our chances this year however.
By AJC Sports Editor
March 5, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
THWG:
The reason we cover UGA so prominently and not GT is the same reason the political pages cover McCain, Obama and Hillary instead of Dennis Kucinich; the former actually have a chance at victory. I am sure the GT student newspaper has some nice little nuggets to keep you abreast of your beloved Jackets. We will continue giving the public what they so desparately desire - DAILY UGA Coverage!!!!!
By 3 Rivers jacket
March 5, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Georgia had better do it this year as they have the talent and they will neve have a more veteran team with a lot of strters and contirutors back. Tell me if you kow how many of the recruits have not made their grades and will be Hargrave bound. It is unfair a bit but since Richt has been hyping his team so much and the AJC has awarded them the NC if they fail does this fall on Richt. It has to if you have the best talent in the ocuntry as you say then if you do not win it has to be the coach. Not really fair but that is where you are when you lobby and get everyone in th state to lobby for you. But Les Miles did it last year and Richt wants to get his team out of the shadwoas of the SEC big time teams and this is the year.
By Tiger
March 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Won’t matter, once they get to Baton Rouge they’ll both get flattened.
Go ahead and buy your Peach Bowl tickets pups!
GEAUX TIGERS!
By Bob
March 5, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
What ever the defense give us! A good ground game keeps the ball away from the defense. A good passing game can really light up the scoreboard.
By Dr. Merkwurdigliebe
March 5, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
My, my it’s a wonderful question to ponder.
I think Stafford throws for 3,000 yards this year. He’ll have more weapons than any year he’s been a UGA. If Moreno runs for 1,400+ yds. it will be a great season for him.
I watched the Sugar Bowl again last night. If Georgia plays like that every game next year, we can go undefeated. That was just a dominating performance!!!
By Zeb McKluskey
March 5, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
THWG, dam man, I bet you didn’t even go to tech with an idiotic statement like that. You act like you guys are gonna go 12-0…..with a new coach..a new offense….and a new DC. You may beat UGA this year, anything’s possible. But please come back to reality. Most of your folks know it’s gonna take time to get back up to speed. I think PJ will do just fine at tech, but if you’re thinkin everything’s gonna be fixed and runnin on nitrous THIS year, then put down the crack pipe.
By jack
March 5, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
1500 for Knowshon would fit the bill!
By murdock5151
March 5, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
holy crap! do my eyes deceive me or is this really a new blog topic, thanks chip.
By Out of Town
March 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
RUN THE BALL!!
By jferg NC dawg
March 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I’d take Moreno’s 1500. Running the ball effectively when people know you are running the ball is so demoralizing and tiring for a defense, we’ll wear everyone down. Put 10 in the box and let Stafford sling some deep ones. I agree with previous posts— I hope that Knowshon hits the weights and the track over the summer and gets his body ready for a year’s worth of pounding. If he can keep his same “spark” of getting up and running back to the huddle…it will be a LONG season for other teams!
Chip…what are the chances that we can get an update on AJ Green and what UGA coaches have him doing to prepare himself to be ready on day one? They obviously have a vested interest in him “saving” our receiving corps…
By sicem
March 5, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
BOTH!
By TT44
March 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Establish the running game. Moreno and King (Bullawgs to the Bone), Stafford will have a great season! The entire Bulldog Nation will have a great season. The Dawgs O and D lines are PURE! Folks, things are falling into place for the BIG year! Take one game at a time! Go DAWGS!
By GT OJ
March 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
You guys are LOSERS!!!
By murdock5151
March 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Knowshon almost had 1500 yds last year starting six games and Stafford had 2500 yds behind an almost freshman line. Why would it not be posible for moreno to rush for 1500 -1800 and stafford to throw for 3000. Sounds likely to me. And for all of you saying Uga had better do it this year or else, 2009 looks even better than this year. Uga is finally to the point, with Richt’s maturation as a head coach, that each year they just reload and win some more. And for you moron’s who say if they don’t win it all this year then that is a reflection on richt, what about all the year’s usc (the real one), lsu, and all the other “loaded” teams don’t win it all, there are too many intangibles to say it’s guaranteed just because we have the talent. all we are saying is watch out!
By GloryGlory
March 5, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
We are the LOSERS, last time I checked no one has beaten us 7 years in a row.
By Dawgbyte
March 5, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t care less about individual’s statistics. Just win baby.
By Halberstram
March 5, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Nice to see the majority of responses siding with Moreno rushing for 1,500. While this is also the more likely to happen, it’s also the better for the team. By grinding the clock and wearing down the defense it will pay huge dividends. If we can control the clock then the other team will be more apt to take chances when they’re on defense leading hopefully to 3 and outs or turnovers.
We have a pretty much known product in Moreno so let’s ride him. I think Stafford is good, but he has been anointed a little more than I’d like by most. I’d be happy with his numbers being comparable to last year , but he needs to raise his completion percentage. That’s where he most needs improvement. As that goes up so will the rest of his stats.
Go Dawgs!
By lawdawg
March 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Stafford will pass for more than 3,000 and Moreno will rush for more than 1,500. It’s not an either/or question Chip. The real question is will it be enough given the schedule, and the answer to that is no. Winning it all will require both of the above and a couple of favorable bounces of the ball.
By Va Dawg
March 5, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Why can’t we have both…Stafford getting 3000 is more likely…I think once people see CK4 they will understand that you can’t keep him off the field. The amount of weapons that Bobo has to work with is scary…can anybody tell me whether or not AJ Green has qualified??
KTO#3
By Bubba Gump
March 5, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I would like to see fewer player arrests, less unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, no stomping on home team logos, no dancing on the sideline, and coaches who practice what they preach.
By shane #1
March 5, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
3riversjacket,uga should be a more veteran team next year.the current depth chart list seven seniors as starters,of course that is subject to change.the most important are at dt,de,lb,s,wr,te and fb.we graduated six starters this year.uga is still a very young team,with only thirteen seniors on scholarship.i think 17 or 18 members of the incoming class will be redsiirted.our entire o line should be back in 2009 and actually be much improved.as to the hargrave comment,hopefully this class will be like last year and everyone will qualify.good luck to you guys and try to be patient with coach johnson,he seems to be a fine person.
By Buzzfan®
March 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
* * PLEASE help me reach my goal of $6K by St BALDRICK’S (St Patty’s) DAY!!
*
Getting my Head BUZZED to Fight Children’s Cancers!!
* THANKS!! * *
By tdog
March 5, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
they won’t be able to do either if richt keeps trying those dumb gimmicks with the jersey’s ect. we will end up with a bunch of thugs like miami, and also richt is becomming more like the old ball coach.
By AltamahaDawg
March 5, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Tiger, do we need to lend you a QB for that weekend? We have several.
By Newton
March 5, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
When will both turn pro? How many fumbles with CK have?
By shane #1
March 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
bubba gump,uga has been knocked out of the top ten in the chase for the coveted fulmer cup.the usual suspects are there[pun intended]like bama and ut,but the gators haven’t even started yet!we have been passed by virginia and iowa.IOWA!what the heii were they doing,cow tipping?did jimmy crack corn,or put crack in his corn cob pipe?it’s bad enough to be outdone by some uv history and english lit majors,but a bunch of mid-western farm boys?what kind of candy a**s is richt recruiting nowdays anyway?well,there’s always spring break!
By Martin
March 5, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
I would rather see Stafford put up the big numbers. Moreno had his “coming-out” season last year and received a lot of (deserved) national attention. Though he is incredibly talented and mostly has won as a starter, Stafford hasn’t gotten that much pub on a national level yet. Stafford deserves more attention and will hopefully receive it this year.
By bill_in_atl
March 5, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Agree with others. Why is it not likely for both to happen? Staff passes for 35 yards per game more (in 14 games) next year and KM gets only 13 yards per game more (again in 14 games)? Why so crazy? KM would have already had 1500 if he had started more than 6 games this year.
Both happening in NO WAY assures a MNC. That’s silly.
By Gator Bait
March 5, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Obviously you sports writers have run out of anthing to write about. So much depends on whether the receivers have two by fours for hands, the linemen can get away with holding on every play, and the QB does not strain his back lifting beer kegs. Get a life, will ya? This is Racin’ season.
By P Dawg
March 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
It’s gonna be fun to watch UGA take out all you haters’ teams one by one this year. You guys are so jealous of what UGA’s putting together. The fact that you get on these blogs and talk such trash is the proof. We will kick a* and take names in 08’ and beyond! KM will rush for 1500+ and MS will throw for 3,000+. It’s gonna be very, very ugly for all you guys, especially GT with that primitive offense. I would say that I hate it for you, but I really don’t!
By SamoanDawg
March 5, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
I like to see both Stafford and Moreno reached those stats. But, I doubt very seriously with the SKED we’re up against this season. Pretty much everbody in our sked will try to take away Moreno early. With that said, I’m counting on Stafford to win some close games down the stretch. Of course, all depends if our o-line dominates. Come to think of it, our starting o-line could look like this:
LT #77 Trinton Sturdivant, soph
LG #63 Chris Davis, soph
C #61 BigNasty.. Ben Jones, freshmen
RG #60 Clint Boling, soph
RT #75 Kiante Tripp, soph
Yep, all sophomores and one true freshmen.
Moreno will probably duplicate his numbers and Stafford’s should improved… 2800+ yds.
sic’em!
By Teddy Jck Eddy
March 5, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
The 2005 USC offense is the all time model for pro-style offenses.I don’t think we’ll be THAT prolific playing an SEC schedule but it can be a template for this balanced,talented team.
By War Eagle
March 5, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
UGA has the talent, but predicting numbers like 1500 rushing and 3000 passing is doubtful in the SEC. Good years for both without injuries, but stay realistic its very unlikely for those stats to come in play by two players.
By Reality Check
March 5, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
I’d rather see World Peace and an end to war football is secondary
By P Dawg
March 5, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Reality Check, go get a job with Greenpeace and shut the f@#$ up!
By P Dawg
March 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Better yet, set yourself on fire in protest of the war and we’ll never have to waste time reading over your stupid entries.
By Zeb McKluskey
March 5, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Reality, is this the real reality? World peace and an end to war? What Ga fan wants an end to war? Hell man we love to fight!! And to say that football is secondary to anything is absolute blasphemy!!!!
By Uncle Dave
March 5, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
To really make the leap as an offense to the big time, they need look no farther than USC (Trojans not Gamecocks). Pete Carrol never had any problem including multiple superstars in the game plan. The Trojans always have a variety of weapons(Bush, Palmer etc.) that they can utilize, whatever the need in a given situation.
Neither Stafford nor Moreno should feel the pressure to shoulder the burden. I would also like to see us mix in more shorter passes and roll outs. That has to come from Stafford, as this offense allows the quarterback to read, react, and change the play if needed. He needs to settle in and let the game happen. We know he has a better arm than David Greene or DJ Shockley, but he has yet to show the patience or perception that we came to expect (and take for granted).
If we try running Vince Dooley’s offense, Moreno will not make it through half the season. Stafford needs to do much more than go long every now and then to “keep them honest.” That is a prescription for losing. You do not groom a quarterback like Stafford to pretend he is Jeff Pyburn.
By Spirit and Opportunity
March 5, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Take what the defense gives but also like throwing to the backs out of the backfield and I’m sure the coaches will scheme for both running backs in the game at the same time. It’s unreal the weapons we’re going to have
By Zeb McKluskey
March 5, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
tdog, if u are a dawg fan, you’re either a complete moron or you’re 12. What you call a gimmick, a lot of us call motivating a team who was down. Most of us on here understand the factors behind the things he did the 2nd half of the season and had no problem with it. Mark Richt is one hell of a man and a fine Christian, as well as one hell of a coach. I’ll bet you’ve never played a team sport. Halo 3 in your bedroom does not constitute a team sport. Why don’t you leave this blog to guys who understand life. You have obviously never faced too much difficulty or you would’ve never posted that, you little git. I hope noone ever counts on you to motivate them, cause if so, they’re so f$cked.
By Exterminator
March 5, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Will the last person to blog please close the door…the flies are pretty bad. Oops, sorry. Somebody said they were the other insects from Atlanta. Just let ‘em in, we’ll exterminate them for the EIGHTH year in a row. This work is sa-weet!
By Zeb McKluskey
March 5, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
General Neyland, sorry for the long delay, but yes, I’m the old Huskdawg, but I had to cut that “corn husker” out of my life, so it didn’t feel right posting that way anymore. Hope things are good in the great state of TN and hope things are going well with you and your family.
Cuz, War, Shane, Kali, Resv and so many others, keep it going. I know I can count on you guys to thwart the naysayers on anything Georgia. To all you haters, I’m sorry, we’ve got a lot of passion for our team. If we come off as arrogant, that may be some of the younger posters, although I don’t discourage that either. There’s a time in life when you BETTER be confident or you’re gonna get run over by someone. Now my fellow fans there’s a difference in arrogance and assholiance. You don’t need to be a dik to people to get your point across, although, I admit, sometimes it’s fun to idiots who deserve it. And yes, I reserve the right to decide which idiot I’m going to spar with.
By War Eagle
March 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Zeb Mc, this was an excellent post. Right on the mark.This dawg blog is one of the best…I really get p* when Auburn is choked by strange usernames. auburn sux, Robert express their dislike for Auburn, but in a nice mannerism
By zinoDawg
March 5, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it! The Dawgs are loaded and will win it all. 24/7.
By KM
March 6, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this
I think Stafford will be worn out after he goes to Talledega and lifts the kegs he empties and spoons with his team mates.
So - Moreno gets my vote.
By Loaded burp
March 6, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
zinoDawg,
We are aware that the dawgs are loaded. Hell they are loaded every year. Then one of them goes out in public while loaded and gets arrested. Then we read all of the dawg fans crap about how the police are picking on them. It is an annual cycle….
By James
March 6, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Matthew Stafford has no chance of throwing for 3,000 yards, but Knowshon is definatly going to run for more than 1,900+.
By dawgaholic
March 6, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
I would love for Knowshon to rush for 1500, or King and Knowshon combine for 2000. I feel that we have a better chance of winning all our games (including NT) on the legs of our backs. By running the ball you tend to have less turnovers and ball control is always important.
By reality check
March 6, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Some jerk tries to post as me about world peace. Okay, I am all for world peace but this blog is about the running game vs passing.
During the Richt era Georgia has won everytime we pass at least 60%, and usually the games aren’t close. The times we have gotten in trouble and lost we were passing the ball more than 50%. Every time.
60/40 run is the right balance in the SEC. The paradox is the passing game is more productive in that ratio.
By Former Student
March 6, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
As a former student who just graduated from UGA and spent time around the football team, one thing is clear: discipline and focus could be the Dawgs’ Achilles Heel next season. Between Stafford’s partying habits (believe me, Talladega is just one story) and Moreno’s sure-of-himself, sometimes cocky attitude (which, I’ll admit, you need some ‘tude to play RB in the SEC), I’m worried that the Dawgs might be reading their own press clippings a little too much. Remember after the Bama win, two weeks later…we get waxed in Knoxville. I was there, it was ugly.
Long story short, the receivers while talented, will miss the leadership of Sean Bailey. The line, while young and nasty, will miss the steady hand of Fernando Velasco. Guys like Bailey, Thomas Brown, Kelin Johnson, and Brandon Coutu are players that you never replace, and you’ll be lucky to find a combination of seniors with that kind of drive (remember, only TB and Bailey were highly recruited out of high school). I agree with world peace’s last comment: Stafford threw his arm off in the South Carolina game. = L. 18 passes in FLA, and = W. Run the ball. Injuries could be a problem, but this is why Richard Samuel isn’t playing linebacker. The young guys will need to step up and continue the great RB tradition. Run ‘em over Dogs, run ‘em over.
By Former Student
March 6, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
As a former student who just graduated from UGA and spent time around the football team, one thing is clear: discipline and focus could be the Dawgs’ Achilles Heel next season. Between Stafford’s partying habits (believe me, Talladega is just one story) and Moreno’s sure-of-himself, sometimes cocky attitude (which, I’ll admit, you need some ‘tude to play RB in the SEC), I’m worried that the Dawgs might be reading their own press clippings a little too much. Remember after the Bama win, two weeks later…we get waxed in Knoxville. I was there, it was ugly.
Long story short, the receivers while talented, will miss the leadership of Sean Bailey. The line, while young and nasty, will miss the steady hand of Fernando Velasco. Guys like Bailey, Thomas Brown, Kelin Johnson, and Brandon Coutu are players that you never replace, and you’ll be lucky to find a combination of seniors with that kind of drive (remember, only TB and Bailey were highly recruited out of high school). I agree with world peace’s last comment: Stafford threw his arm off in the South Carolina game. = L. 18 passes in FLA, and = W. Run the ball. Injuries could be a problem, but this is why Richard Samuel isn’t playing linebacker. The young guys will need to step up and continue the great RB tradition. Run ‘em over Dogs, run ‘em over.
By Mike
March 6, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Football has changed over the years, but one constant has always been a balanced attack. Good running opens up the passing game, good passing opens up the running game. You always keep the defense on their heels this way. A good line enables both. Depth means keeping fresh legs in in the game in key positions and situations. UGA has all of this and more. This year or next will be the best team since the Herschel era. The schedule will be the big question this year.
By crs
March 6, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
I think if KM rushed for 1,500 we win more games than Stafford throwing for 3000. Obviously if Stafford is throwing for close to 300 a game we are behind a lot. Defense to me is still the weak link, I love it when we control the clock and lean on people. Stafford will get his, running the ball opens it all up.
By crs
March 6, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
former student, its interesting that you praise the bailey’s and brown’s and other seniors because until the last seven games of their senior season I deemed many of them and their careers at uga failures. I agree that they redeemed themselves and left a positive legacy at UGA.
By bconner
March 6, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
If Moreno runs for 1500 yds., Stafford will have a terrific year(yards are not everything)….Throwing when you WANT to instead of when you HAVE to will turn into points for the dawgs.
LET’S GIVE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TALK A REST…SAY UNTIL…NOVEMBER.
By bconner
March 6, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
If Moreno runs for 1500 yds., Stafford will have a terrific year(yards are not everything)….Throwing when you WANT to instead of when you HAVE to will turn into points for the dawgs.
LET’S GIVE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TALK A REST…SAY UNTIL…NOVEMBER.
By Dog Supporter
March 6, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
I love the dogs; support them in everyway. Just keep beating the heck out of Tech. Coach, please stop the celebrating on the field and side lines in the manner we are now doing. Save it till the end of the game. Too many penalties that hurt us instead of “pumping us up”. Good teams don’t have to blow their own horn, their playing does it for them. We gave away the games we lost in “07 and could have won them, I believe, if we had stayed “focused” Looking forward to a great season in 2008..We are professionals, and our talents show it, don’t blemish the whole team with a few players that have no regard for the rest of the team..GO DAWGS !!
By Buzzfan®
March 6, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
*
Dawgs….help me reach my goal of $6K in honor of Hacker Dawg’s son, Chayton……….THANKS!!!
*
Getting my Head BUZZED to Fight Children’s Cancers!!
*
By Fort Worth Dawg
March 6, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I want Moreno to run for 1,500 yards but I want it to be three hundred 5-yard runs for touchdowns. Can I hear an Amen?
By AltamahaDawg
March 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Hey , who doesn’t like peas?
By G'Vegas Dawg
March 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
UGA will hold a news conference tomorrow and announce that Dennis Felton is out as UGA basketball coach. Not sure yet if he has been fired, or if he will resign. My guess is that he will resign (forcefully).
By AltamahaDawg
March 6, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Moreno with 3000 yrds.
By Chip Towers
March 6, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
G’Vegas Dawg: How can I say this? Lets see … YOU’RE WRONG!
By AltamahaDawg
March 6, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Man, Tech golfers killing defenseless birds now?
By FLA DAWG
March 6, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Chip,
The absolute beauty of this team is the strength we have in both areas of scoring offense.
We have a heck of an offensive line that can either open holes for our runners or pass block for Stafford.
We have at least three tall receivers that would start at any college in this country.
We have a stable of running backs that can break the long one at almost anytime.
Combine that with our strong defense and coaching staff and the confidence the players developed last season and we are looking at a team that has a real shot at winning all the marbles.
By Hunk Erdown
March 6, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
The thing that worries me about Moreno is that his style and zeal could get him hurt. I know that CMR is also concerned about the same thing and I hope they are working with him. my suggestion would be for Moreno to watch a lot of Warrick Dunn video. Dunn’s success and longevity have been his unique ability to run while making himself a “not so easy to hit” target and using physics to spread the hits out onto his body in a way that he could absorb them easier.
I don’t care how we get the yardage, and as so many others have said, it depends on what the defense allows. What I love about it is that Stafford would have had much better stats by now if he had not had to be trained to be a field general expert. But since he has been trained that way, he is now able to read defenses and should be able to use his head, and maturity, just as much as his arm and put us in the right scheme to have the greatest success.
I hope that in all the deserved hype for Moreno that other teams will forget about Southerland. I would love to see him get some glory for all that he has paid the price for these last few years.
I would hate to be a defensive coordinator against UGA this year. Stop the run and we kill you with the pass and vice versa. So many weapons and depth…
The defense is going to be much better than people think. It might take 5 games for our combined opponants to score 50 points. I am confident that martinez has now got the troops that he needs and the confidence to put them in the right spots. They will be well rested and primed to go due to the depth.
I just hope that Moreno will stay healthy, he’ll get his yardage simply on breakaway runs for big gains, if he is healthy. 25 carries a game could get him his 1500, easy. Remember last year he was used a lot just to run out the clock, imagine what his yards per carry will be this year when used as the true feature back.
By Johnny
March 6, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
51% of AJC respondents say that CMR deserves to be the highest paid coach in the SEC??!! He hasn’t won a NC yet and didn’t even win the SEC last year. 51% of you people are straight up idiots.
By Bob the Builder
March 6, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Hunk Erdown:
Don’t be so confident in Willie. He’s still the same guy that let Tenn smack the sh1t out of us last year and the list goes on and on. He’s a weakness for our defense and I think it will happen again next year. I hope to h3ll he proves me wrong, but I have to use reason and the past and say that I’m right on this one.
By Garrett
March 6, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
To see Moreno rush for over 1,500 yards or Stafford pass for 3,000 yards..that is tough. I would almost guarantee if Moreno rushed for over 1,500 yards he would win the Heismen. I would have to say I would like to see Moreno get that then Stafford getting 3,00 yards mainly for one reason. It seemed when the running game stepped up(it started against Vandy) that Stafford looked more poised and confident. I felt that it seemed like he was able to control the game and not have to win it with his arm. I think when we run the ball and are succesful, it leads to great things for our team, i.e Florida and Auburn.
By AltamahaDawg
March 6, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Bob, you reckon that punting 7 straight times and getting 1 first down in the first half against Tn might have been a bit of that “smack”? We also have the same offensive coordinator as we did then, and the same head coach, all of whom shared in the blame.
Martines has been proving you wrong for 4 yrs now, what does it take?
By I-DOG
March 6, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Chip,
Good Spring coverage by AJC. Keep it up!
By I-DOG
March 6, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I don’t know how the Dawgs will finish next year, but I do know that THWG will come back on this board and post that UGA had an easy schedule OR their opponents were all overated if UGA is fortunate enough to get into the National Championship Game.
If only UGA had played a real team like (insert a team that UGA does not play in 2008)
He will also post that UGA underachieved if UGA loses 1 or 2 games and finishes in the top 5.
By FL DAWG
March 6, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Staffords goal of 62% completions should get him to 3000 yards. As far as Knowshon for 1500, that would be great, but I would rather see the entire running game for about 2200, regardless of the combination. Stafford needs to improve his completion percentage. C King needs to be one of the men, Knowshon needs to keep on keeping on and the receivers have got to play better than in the past two seasons. CWM needs to keep focussed for each and every game. He has come up with some great schemes at times and I believe he will continue to improve. Like players, coaches need time to improve and CWM is improving. CMB will also improve as “O” coordinator. CMB unlike CWM has a headcoach that also come from the “O” side of the ball. However, I do believe that CMR is heavily into having a strong “D”. His years at FSU helped prove that to him.
By Hunk Erdown
March 6, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
I gotta say that I think we are blessed to have Chip and Carter doing the job they are doing. Especially in Carter’s case, whether he deserved it or not, he took a lot of abuse and critisism the last few years and has shown phenominal character to come back with the quality of work he has done the last several months. Its like going from potted meat to T-Bone Steak, and I appreciate it. Keep it up guys, I love the stuff you’re doing.
By 82DAWG
March 6, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
To win in the SEC you have to be able to run the ball and play defense. If Moreno gets 1500 yards, believe me Stafford will get 2500+ yards with 20 TDs. There will be plenty of offense to go around!
By masivatack
March 6, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Run the damn ball
By masivatack
March 6, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
If we play 14 games, I believe it IS possible,
220 +/- YPG For Stafford 108 +/- YPG for Moreno
If they stay healthy of course, and continue to mature. I think if our offense is ever going to click, it should be now. We should be lookin’ pretty good here for a few years.
I want to know who exactly going to be catching a lot of the passes. That is a more intriguing question. We know Stafford and Knowshon will get their yardage.
Who is the sleeper?
Caleb King?
AJ Green?
By Gen Neyland
March 6, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Ahhh, Grasshopper…When you can take the pebble from my hand, you’ll be ready. Until then…
…Defense will win the day in the SEC in 2008….We all need a scoring machine, but across the line from any vaulted O is a D looking to spoil somebody’s day… 60 minutes will tell the tale. It’s a game of wits, of excecution, of guts and determination….Of pride and ability. There will be no cakewalks. There will be some lopsided affairs but don’t look to run any table unless the gods are with you….and the gods in the SEC are quite contrary…
By USMCdawg
March 7, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Neither happens without the other! It was the dominance of our running game that opened up all the 1 on 1 coverage for our recievers. The fade we kept running with sean bailey was a result of TB and Knowshon pounding it down the defenses throats. If Stafford is as improved as they’re saying, we should be able to do whatever we want. I’d guess we have team totals of 2100 on the ground and 2900 in the air. Caleb’s gonna get his carries and he’s susposedly quicker off the end than Knowshon(Gotta love that thought!). Either way i think the old FSU offense we all dreamed of Richt bringing with him has finally arrived!
By Gen Neyland
March 7, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
BTW, 62% completions = 40% middle screens…Chavis, plug the alley’s and sit in the gaps…
By Gen Neyland
March 7, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
…and put it in the feat of the PK….Amen…UGA’ers, Please don’t rip down the goalposts this year when we’uns come to visit. It’s unbecoming to the theory of , ’ Act like you’ve been here before ‘….Go Vols
By Bob the Builder
March 7, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg:
You have a very selective memory. Thousands of Georgia fans, minus yourself, know that Willie has done a questionable job at Georgia after Van Gorder departed. As I mentioned in my post, I could go on and on and APPARENTLY, you don’t know enough about Georgia football, so you need me to.
It all started with the Sugar Shock in Jan ‘06, when WVU made the Dawgs’ defense look like they forgot to show up. Do you remember when TN put 51 points on us Between the Hedges in ‘06? Do you remember in the same year that our defense gave up 24 points to both Vandy and Kentucky, two of the worst offensive teams in the SEC that year? If not for our offense, we would not have beaten VT in the Peach Bowl because, just in case you forgot, the defense once again forgot to shot up in the first half (making most Georgia fans have flashbacks to the Sugar Shock of ‘06. Honestly, almost all of my fellow alumni thought it was going to be a VT blowout because the defense was playing so poorly).
In 2007, TN did it again, slinging the ball all over our secondary, with Willie leading the defense. Then Florida puts up 30 on us, proving again that our secondary wasn’t prepared. The scariest time of all came when TROY scored 34 on our defense, while people like Chip Towers talked about how good Troy was and how Troy would definitely be going to a bowl game (notice they DID NOT go to a bowl game). The reality was that our defensive secondary played poorly again, under the leadership of Wilie.
THEN, came the performane of a lifetime. We play Hawaii, not USC, or Missouri, or heck even Wisconsin, but an untested Hawaii team, who had played no team with any kind of defense worth mentioning and all of the sudden our defense is unstoppable. The are the most dominant defense in the land.
Unlike you and some others, I can see the FACTS, the real events of the past, as you like to so arrogantly refer to when patronizing your fellow bloggers. If you look at the past performance of Willie without blinders, minus the groupthink that pervades these message boards, you will see that we are quite possibly in for some trouble next season on defense. If you continue to deny it, than you are denying reality, making you a schizophrenic, which I suspect you are.
By Hunk Erdown
March 7, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this
Bob
I would enjoy talking about why I feel that Martinez is set for a great year and even discuss the difference that you and I have in our opinions, but frankly, if all you’ve got is childish personal attacks that have nothing to do with the point you would like to make… well, I think I’ll pass… I’ve already got children in the house to deal with. I wonder if you are such a bully in real life or is it just the anonymity of the internet that would cause you to make unprovoked attacks on decent people, like Altamaha, in order to be heard.
Either way, don’t bother answering… a person’s credibility is lacking when their only course of fair debate is to make wild personal attacks, and I don’t log on here for that stuff. I like to hear knowledgable discussion and debate in a civil manner, so I won’t be carrying on childish tirades.
By jacksrbettor
March 7, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this
Ahhhh Altamaha Dawg. CWM plays a little too passive for my tastes, but he did have the 3rd ranked D in the SEC this year. He’s also still learning, as a relatively new Co-ordinator, along with Bobo. As for the meltdowns vs WVU, UT (twice), and VT, those were total team efforts. When the D is struggling, the O needs to step up and stop the bleeding, and vice-versa. Didn’t happen, or happened too late. Both sides of the ball have to contribute in order to have success. I wish we’d play more press coverage and ALWAYS, ALWAYS pressure the qb with at least 4, but, I really don’t get paid to make those decisions, CWM does. IMHO, the jury’s still out.
Moreno / Stafford? 1500 and 3000 can happen, it’s not that big of an increase over last year when the dawgs were way below the ypg of the SEC average. Stafford’s continuing development along with Bobo’s will dictate the success of the offense.
MNC…..I haven’t booked my flight to Miami yet. 13-0 would be a lock, and it could happen, but it’s a very difficult road getting there. 12-1 would depend on timing. UGA was 12-1 in 2002, not good enough to get there. Auburn was 13-0 in 2004, not good enough to get there. LSU 11-2 in 2007, damn fine record…good enough to jump 5 spots in the final BCS and we know the rest of the story. It would be great to win’em all, but if not, let’s hope our record is still good enough to get there to play for it all.
By Hunk Erdown
March 7, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
jacks
I pretty much agree with most of what you said about Willie. I’ve been critical of his lack of agressiveness as much as anyone. I have just stopped short of calling for him to be fired, like some have. The turnaround after the UT game that got us to #2 in the Country wasn’t all offense. I really think that Willie learned a lot and has the players in hand to do the deed this year. I remember last year (after the Troy game I think) that CMR was beginning to lean on Willie a bit about pressure and coverage, and it looked good to me. We’ll see, maybe I’m being too optimistic, but I think we’ve got some beasts on defense and it will just be a matter of coming off the chain.
I know that in the UT game one of our problems was over-pursuit on some plays, (Asher Allen especially), that turned into freakish TD’s. Running back runs up the middle gets jammed but not down, then bounces outside and no one is there. Containment is just as important as pursuit.
The thing is… if I’m not mistaken, Willie’s defenses have finished with rankings of 8, 9, and 14 in the nation. Seems like they are either real good or really bad… fortunately, the real bad is usually in the 1st half and Willie gets em adjusted at halftime.
A big thing that fired me up last year was seeing Martinez and even Richt getting all excited on the sidelines with the team. It was a bit out of charater for Richt, but just what we needed.
Another thing is that a lot of people give mucho credit to VanGorder, but guess who was coaching the defensive backs under VanGorder?
By AltamahaDawg
March 7, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Oh lordy mercy. BVG? Like he didnt get blown out a few conference games, lost to TN (with a Freshman QB)at home, give up way too many points against inferior teams all the time, squander a couple of Florida games?
In everyone of your examples of how Martinez failed us , the offense struggled just as much and committed numberous turnovers. BTW, if we can’t outscore Vandy and KY in the low 20’as we are going to lose every year.
But I do have to agree with you, Coach Martinez is not perfect. I guess I judge a coach on his overall performance, which in his case speaks for itself. Consistantly tops in the league is all I ask.
By AltamahaDawg
March 7, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Wait, did you actually say the offence finally decided to win the CFB? really? You mean stop giving it right back to the other team and dare them to outscore us every series? Yea good thing, otherwise Coach Martinez would have neeeeeever won that one. How amazing that our horrible D coordinator started looking pretty good shutting down VT when that happened. Magic!
Jack, thanks, thats always been my point. Critical of failures or just not thrilled about style is fine. But to put the blame on one coach for any losses is just narrow minded, especially when its obvious the other side was just as bad.
By Former Student
March 7, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Defensive commments: The problem Martinez couldn’t be aggressive on defense last year is because of an overwhelming lack of experience. Kelin Johnson was the only one with starting experience in the secondary, and, for most of the year, we were playing two freshman linebackers, albeit very talented ones (Curran and Dent). Roderick Battle was still young and in his first year as a starter, and Marcus Howard (God bless him!) was in his first year as a starter as well.
Inexperience = playing it safe from a coach’s perspective. You saw it with Reshad Jones in the USC game…he stopped pursuit on their only TD because he thought the whistle blew; he’s unbelievably talented, but an experienced player doesn’t make that kind of mistake, and Jones won’t make those mistakes this year.
As far as VanGorder goes, the guys played hard for him because they hated him. He made them so mad, that they took it out on the opposing offense. While Martinez is more of a bend-but-don’t-break guy, this year we’ll see him start to trust those players that were so young last year. One position of concern: DE. Battle will have one side locked down. Guys like Jarius Wynn, Jeremy Lomax, who got whooped by Bruce Figgins yesterday in practice (A TIGHT END!), or maybe even Neland Ball. Now that we’ve got some experience on D, hopefully Willie’ll turn ‘em loose. God help him if he doesn’t and we have a couple of rough games…
By AltamahaDawg
March 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Thanks HunkErdown, but don’t sweat it. While I might be quilty of overly sarcastic in my post, I just have to laugh at the guys who sink to personal attacks and silly namecalling in here. I have noticed a direct correlation of those types of retorts and the folks who are the most vocal critics of everything and everybody, fire this guy, get rid of this bum. I don’t think its purely coincidental. What’s the old saying about the volume of the yelling being directly proportional to the weakness of the argument?
By Hunk Erdown
March 7, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
I hear ya Altamaha
Actually, I thought you might get a kick out of me acting all high and mighty like I’m above all that stuff. I started to post under the name of PotCallingKettle. I think you prolly are a little on the Skitzo side anyway…lol
By Gen Neyland
March 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Bob the Builder
How’s business..? Anyway, from the grill at the Waffle House, where I’m Chief Cook btw, I have the opportunity to study certain paranormal branches of psychology from our patrons sitting along the counter bar stools. From my 26 years of observing, Altamaha fits not the catagory schizoid…
By AltamahaDawg
March 7, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
“Highly predicable” would be more like it I would say.
Although if I ever started to slip into the belief that a football coach was unexplicably doing everything wrong just so that he could to ruin my life….then…maybe
By FL DAWG
March 11, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Why are we spending so much press time on Caleb King, we better start showing some love for Knowshon, because he was the catalyst last year, as he goes so go the BULLDOGS, we are forunate to have C4, but don’t forget Knowshon has proven he can get the job done and with the schedule we have, we can’t foget the one who almost took us ther last year.
By Cuz
March 13, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this
Just win baby.
By PHIL
March 14, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Gimme three yards and a cloud of Knowshon any day!
By bill_in_atl
March 14, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
About UF putting up 30 on Martinez, I think the builder forgot about the pick 6 that the offense gave up, so that is wrong. And in addition, one TD by UF was a hail Mary (wounded duck) basically to a guy that was totally covered, but Rashad (a talented safety) blew the play. Can’t blame a coach completely for that.
VanGorder had like 15 NFL starters during his tenure including the best defensive player in GA history. It’s easy to look great when players make plays.