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 > April > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGym Dogs, baseball and NFL draft
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Afternoon folks. All the data and information we’ve collected in recent years tells us there aren’t a lot of you out there perusing the Internet or our newspaper’s site in particular on Friday afternoon’s. Seems a lot of you are reading us at work and, consequently, a lot of you are cutting out early on Fridays.
Nonetheless, I wanted to get in one last blog for the week and we’ll carry it on through the weekend and we’ll resume with a new topic on Monday. Let’s prove all that data wrong and ring up some good numbers here this weekend!
In the meantime I wanted to at least get some conversation going on the Georgia gymnastics team and the tremendous opportunity and challenge that it has before it tonight.
Suzanne Yoculan’s Gym Dogs are of course going for their fourth NCAA title in a row as the NCAA championships wrap up with the “Super Six” competition tonight (individual competitions will continue on Saturday). It looked like No. 4 (number nine overall) would come pretty easy earlier in the year, what with Georgia having the best team and the championships being held on its home floor in Stegeman Coliseum. But then Courtney Kupets, argulably the best gymnast to don the red and black, went out for the season with an Achilles injury. That changed things considerably.
Yeah there are the Dogs, going into the final team competition with the best score out of the round of 12, including the two teams that beat them this season (Utah and Michigan). It will be a pretty incredible accomplishment if they can pull it out tonight. Carter Strickland is covering it for us so check back for details tonight.
Of course, the big news this year is that Yoculan has decided she’s going to retire following next season and she (with Damon Evans’ approval) has tabbed Jay Clark as her successor. Do you think Gym Dogs can continue to succeed at their current level under Clark’s leadership?
Meanwhile, a lot of other interesting stuff going on over the weekend:
• Coach David Perno’s baseball team is down at Florida with a 3.5-game lead over South Carolina in the East. To win two out of three down there would really be a big step toward locking up division. But the remainder of the schedule is tough. Ole Miss is in Athens next weekend, Georgia Tech drops in the Wednesday after that, then they’re at Vanderbilt and finish up at home against Alabama. So there’s a long way to go. But this is one of the better teams I’ve seen Perno put together and, between the pitching and Gordon Beckham’s tear, I don’t see late swoon in them.
• Of course, it’s the NFL draft this weekend. I can’t a time when it appeared Georgia was going to have less of an impact on the festivities. Of course, the Bulldogs had only four drafted last year. But at least two of those went in the third round (Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson) and another in the fourth (Martrez Milner). That was after having 7 and 6, respectively, in the previous two drafts. Not sure if they’ll get four this year and would be surprised if somebody goes before the fourth or fifth. Though somebody could take a chance on Thomas Brown.
That’s all for now. Let me know what’s on your mind and we’ll keep an eye on how all this stuff breaks down over the weekend.
Permalink | Comments (42) | Post your comment | Categories: Gymnastics
Comments
By Michael Scharff
April 25, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Well, Chip, I, for one, always appreciate a fresh update. We can’t get the printed AJC paper in Augusta any more, so I have been keeping up on the web for the last year or so. And, I read in the Atlanta Magazine that this is just fine by your current Editor in Chief, as she would apparently prefer the e-news version output anyway. I have to say, I read several national on-line newspapers, and, next to the NY Times, y’all do the best job of any keeping things current and up-to-date, particulary when it comes to breaking news.
By Cuz
April 25, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Second, sorry could not help myself. Go Gym Dawgs, the Bulldawg Nation is proud of your accomplishments and your fortitude. Win one for the Kuppper.
By thadawgdude
April 25, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Great pitching and good defense will usually win over average pitching and good hitting. On another note, I wonder how willing a team like the colts or a 3-4 scheme would be to take Marcus Howard considering his speed and ability to pressure, not to mention the strength he has for a guy his size.
By BearBryant
April 25, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Women Gym dawgs man enought to win nc? HAHA UGA A SCHOOL FOR GIRLS!
By Zeb McKluskey
April 25, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Bear, I think it’s time for you to get off the computer and do your homework. Obviously you have no clue about Coach Bear Bryant. I’m a true DAWG and would not even jokingly make my moniker his name. This was a great man and a great coach. If you are a BAMA fan, I challenge your BAMA brethren to tear you a new azzhole for being so disrespectful. Now, go clean your room and put in your dvd of dora the explorer….you silly little boy.
By zdawg8
April 25, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Coach Yoculan has changed her mind about retiring. That is old news. Please do some research. Thank you. Go Dawgs!
By Cuz
April 25, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Just bring the championships home baby.
By AltamahaDawg
April 25, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
By my calculations, UGA gymdogs just won it!
By AltamahaDawg
April 25, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Whew, those last two Utes really pushed it close, but its over. Fourpeat!
By Chip Towers
April 25, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
zdawg8: Negative. Yoculan still retiring after next season. Nothing’s changed.
By watcher16
April 25, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Go Gymdogs!! The “Drive for 5” next year!!
By Chip Towers
April 25, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Altamaha: Were you there? You had the final outcome up before WE did!!! Good work… .
Yep, Gym Dogs win fourth national title in a row and ninth overall under Yoculan. Pretty incredible considering the circumstances this season. Stay tuned for Carter’s full report with interviews, etc., coming a little later.
By ugadawgclc
April 25, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
it is a great time to be a dawg i must say with the rankings of all the teams in the last year, all the championships, and most important, where they are headed( no downturn in sight )
By SECCoachnDallas
April 26, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
UGA baseballers beat LSU and the COOTS lost,we are Number 1 in the SEC race. GYM Dawgs win another National Championship. Ladies Equestrian Team wins National Championship. Round Ball Dawgs win SEC Tourney. Did I miss anone?
GO DAWGS!!!!!
By **NBL**
April 26, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
ZM, quit bashin folks and get on point. Most of us are here to say thanks to the Gym Dogs for their excellent representation of UGA and congratulate them on a 4th NC in a row. Take your hate elsewhere!
P.S. Chicks don’t dig frequent bloggers, so get a life!
Your friend, NBL.
NB4L!
By Luda
April 26, 2008 5:47 AM | Link to this
How many of us have any freakin’ idea how the gym dogs are gonna fare under Clark’s leadership? What kind of question is that? Do you think that there are enough people out there that know what Clark’s impact is on the program to get anything more than an assumption that if “Yoculan picked him than he must be good.” It is a lot easier to see Bobo’s impact as an OC than it is to see the impact of an assistant gymnastics coach. I don’t know how many of your readers are at gymnastics practice but those are the only people that can answer your question.
Sorry about that rant. I have been drinking and I thought that was a strange question. Go Dawgs!
By AltamahaDawg
April 26, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
My psychic powers are always the most keen after watching the live streaming scoring on the internet. It was just mathematically impossible for anyone to catch them about halfway through thier last rotation, on the beam. Send me my check.
By TheItalianDawg
April 26, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
I absolutely love coach Yoculan.I feel sad that she decided to retire,the dawg nation will miss her. I wish if she can change her mind and stay until 2015. I admire her and all of her hard work. go dawgs
By Cliff
April 26, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Chip,
What about the SEars trophy (overll athletic excellence)?
Is it calendar year or academic year?
Also, where does UGA stand? If baseball makes the college world series and if it is academic year, we should walk with it (east co-champ, football, conference champ, men’s basketball, NCAA tourhament women’s basketball, Conference champ, women’s tennis, conference champ, men’s swimming and diving I know I am missing some and men’s tennis could finish top 4 or better in nationals despite the choke at the conference tournament).
By Cuz
April 26, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Congradulations Gym Dawgs. A four-peat is something you will treasure all your lives.
Hey Chip, how many are going to the Olympic trials to be on the US of A team?
By AltamahaDawg
April 26, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
I wonder how many atheletes of any gender, can claim 4 NCs in thier college career. Cannot be a big list, not in any sport that is highly contested anyway.
By I hate to say....
April 27, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
This is the third straight year without a first round NFL draft pick.Looking at mock drafts for 2009 and 2010 we don’t have a consensus first on defense either year (yet anyway).On offense Stafford and Moreno are likely first rounders but none of the linemen or receivers are rated highly (again not yet at least).What does it mean ? it’s a head scratcher,perhaps it’s just a fluke,I sure hope so.
By BullDawgRick
April 27, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Any truth to thre rumer that a certain gym coach is still having an affair with a certain assistant football coach?
By Cuz
April 27, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Rick that does not deserve a response.
Was Hines Ward or Terrel Davis a first rounder. First round pics are like four star versus five star recruits. It is easy to get caught up in the hype. What matters is how they play on the field.
By oldgold
April 27, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Stafford, first round ? When has UGA had a QB selected in the draft since Tarkenton ? If Stafford was 6 inches taller he would be Quincy Carter.
By Cuz
April 27, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Oldgold, you are just mad because UGA put Reggie Ball and Chan Gailey in the Hall of Fame in the Butts-Mehre building.
By drave15
April 27, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
enny trooth to the rumer tha a sertin jim coach is hevin n affair wiv some dadgum nother coach?? heh heh….sined….Boogereater, down on tenth by the varsity
By Atlanta Gator
April 27, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Congratulations, Dawg fans. Two NCAA championships in two weeks. That’s pretty darn impressive by any standard.
By Fort Worth Dawg
April 27, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Where do we stand on mens’ and women’s golf and tennis?
By Roswell Ed
April 27, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Supposedly, their is some jungle fever going on with the gymnastics program.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 28, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this
.
.
The Atlanta Falcons had better cut DJ Shockley, before everyone sees how much BETTER DJ Shockley is than Matt Ryan.
Exactly – to everyone who has discussed this topic on this blog today. Matt Ryan ? Not a 316 lbs. National Champion Glenn Dorsey of LSU ? The Falcons have kept up this crap from the Rankin Smith jerk insurance salesman days, when all Rankin wanted to do was make money. Matt Ryan played against the Number 40 NCAA Official Strength of Schedule last year. That sucks. Georgia always plays a far tougher schedule than Boston Bloody College – and, their 1 miracle pass and it not by Matt Ryan. Georgia’s SoS last season was Number 7, not Number 40 SoS Matt Ryan faced. And, what did Matt Ryan do against the likes of Massachusetts, Weak Forest, Duke, Bowling Green, 5-7 North Carolina State, 7-6 Florida State Criminoles, 6-7 Maryland losers, 5-7 Miami thugs, 3-9 Notre Shame, 3-9 Army, and 1-11 Duke ? They earned Matt Ryan of Boston College a bowl date against hapless 7-6 Michigan State.
Matt Ryan completes 5 percent of his passes against such schedules to his opponents. Matt Ryan has the Number 62 NCAA Passing Efficiency. 62.
37 interceptions against the likes of these schedule SoS.
37.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 28, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this
Nearly, an interception per game played at Boston College against these hapless losers Boston College sees fit to play. Not one player on one opponent’s team will be in the NFL.
Against this hapless group of “opponents” Matt Ryan led Boston College to the NCAA Number 55 Scoring Offense.
I mean. I am so impressed Atlanta Falcons.
Matt Ryan was also sacked 2 times a game against these worthless opponents.
1 interception a game.
2 sacks a game.
Number 62 Passing Efficiency Rating.
Number 55 Scoring Offense.
Against Number 40 Strength of Schedule.
They Lost to Florida State and Maryland both, who combined, did not have a winning record.
Florida State had the Number 57 Passing Efficiency Defense and Maryland the Number 44 Passing Efficiency Defense.
Matt Ryan started 34 games at Boston College and threw 37 Interceptions against total nobodies.
Matt Ryan is a proven nobody.
Matt Ryan had 17 fumbles in 34 games he started.
Matt Ryan had 50 sacks in 34 games he started.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 28, 2008 4:23 AM | Link to this
Matt Ryan is just another Ryan Leaf.
Matt Ryan can throw the football about 20 feet.
Anything over 20 feet, and his passes have no hope of anything but being intercepted against even the lousiest of opponents.
He locks in on one single receiver and looks only to get the ball to him.
Matt Ryan is no bloody good trying to escape a sack by a nobody opponent and fumbles the ball.
Matt Ryan has a chronic left foot, which explains why he doesn’t plant his feet to throw the football and also explains why he runs standing straight up and cannot make a cut if his life depended on it.
Matt Ryan. Not Glenn Dorsey.
Crap.
Hey, AJ-C : 4 Bulldogs Drafted by the NFL and only 3 Tech after all you said about how great Tech would do in the draft compared to Georgia. Clueless AJ-C sports-writers.
By A. NONYMOUS
April 28, 2008 5:12 AM | Link to this
BuLLdawg, you do realize that your pedantic statistics and caustic rhetoric have caused virtually all of us to avoid even skimming your blog entries, right? yawn
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 28, 2008 5:25 AM | Link to this
DIRECTORS’ CUP latest standings
Number 85 Georgia Tech.
Number 22 Georgia.
http://nacda.cstv.com/autopdf/photos/schools/nacda/sports/directorscup/autopdf/April10Standings
Of course, NACDA Athletic Directors do not any of our gymnastics national championships. The sports they do count and the ones they do not count, makes no sense.
Like not taking Glenn Dorsey, national champion, and instead taking cupcake playing interception throwing fumbling Matt Ryan - makes no sense either.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 28, 2008 5:33 AM | Link to this
That’s why you quote me then, right numnuts ?
By A. NONYMOUS
April 28, 2008 5:42 AM | Link to this
Quote you, BuLLdawg? Surely, you jest.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 28, 2008 5:48 AM | Link to this
Excuse me for being so factual in reporting the news to you.
What ? Are you a Matt Ryan fan ?
Or, what ?
You don’t want to know that Matt Ryan throws intercpetions, not touchdowns, has no deep pass he has ever completed in his life, that he has a chronic left foot, has played nobody but cupcakes, fumbles the football, and is the Number 62 Quarterback in college passing efficiency.
?
Right ?
Oh, I forget. You already knew that.
Huh ?
That’s why you are defending Matt Ryan.
DJ Shockley is a lot better quarterback than Matt Ryan ever will be.
By A. NONYMOUS
April 28, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this
P.S., BuLLdawg, “numnuts” is correctly spelled “numb nuts,” as in “BuLLdawg, you’re such a numbskull.” Dork.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
April 28, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this
Dork,
Try using the same handle and saying something useful.
Then, you can say that someone else’s posts, have no value.
Like I am saying about all your posts numb nuts. (Figured you knew how to spell it - since that is all anyone ever says about your posts here.)
By Voice of Reason
April 28, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Yes, but Tech NFL draftees went higher than UGA draftees…
By BADDAWG
April 28, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed I religiously read the AJC daily and have for years. Avid sports fan here, and LONG time supporter of UGA athletic program. Rarely post here but i do have to respond to your last post. It was most distasteful, inapropriate, and very racist. I HOPE IT WAS TONGUE IN CHEEK….BUT EVEN SO IT WAS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR!!!!