UGA

By Wil Walton

July 31, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Hope that 36th in Pass D improves this year along with the Offense.

By Dog44

July 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Good work Chip.

Two comments: #1: I read some statistics somewhere about how UGA’s defensive sacks last year were a tale of two seasons. They struggled to get the the quarterback in the first half of the season, and then we went crazy over the last seven games. Interesting how that correlates to the W/L record. If they can be in the top 10 again this year in sacks, I think it will bode well for the year.

It seemed like our offense managed to avoid those games during the second half of last season and that’s the other thing that made the difference in the Dawgs’ year.

Thanks for the good blogging!

By gogators

July 31, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

i got 2 questions…

why are their more uga fans commenting on the mark bradley yellow jacket article than this one?

what is it with mark richts hair for cris-sakes. my wife god love her gets that hair too. i lovingly call it zipper burn hair. wink wink

By Uncle Dave

July 31, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

That is pretty sobering stuff. The overall numbers, however, do not take into account the reality that the team that finished the year was very different than the one that looked so inept early in the season.

The hype surrounding this team is based on the number of returning starters and the performance in three games last year (Florida, Auburn, and the Sugar Bowl). Those of us who follow the Dawgs closely see this as an emergence, a breakthrough to the big time. The amazing thing is that so many in the national media seem to agree.

Everyone hopes that the offense can make the leap to another level and live up to the glowing praise afforded all of those skill position guys. But all of that is just talk… and talk is cheap. Until this team accomplishes more, Tennessee, LSU and Florida have true bragging rights… but maybe, just maybe, the tide has turned. It is going to be a long month waiting to see.

By PBR=America in a can

July 31, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Yes we need the Offense needs to improve but this is the SEC and Defense wins Championships…. Go Dawgs expatations or not im ready to party in the classic city come August 30. To hell with Southern!!!

By Stevedez

July 31, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Chip, Georgia plays in the SEC, did you forget this was the toughest conference to play in last year. No team went undefeated, thus meaning, they were all stacked and competetive. competition brings down those offensive numbers. We will not have any problem this year, were more experienced and confident. Where are the rankings for all the other national competitors

By smyrna man

July 31, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

UGA… where good WR recruits go to pasture

By Bob

July 31, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

NCAA statistics are not that helpful. Teams do not play the same schedules and there are wide varieties of offensive styles in different regions and conferences. I’m pretty sure Hawaii had us beat in most of those categories by a wide margin last year. We saw how that worked out.

No, I am more interested in SEC statistics. Georgia held its own pretty well considering there were 3 freshmen on the offensive line, a freshmen running back, and a sophmore QB. The chances of improving are very good. I think the ppg average will move up to the mid to high 30’s and the total offense will top 400 comfortably. The one area that undoubtedly needs improvement is the passing yards. Stafford needs to be more consistent.

Florida will undoubtedly have the most prolific offense this year because that’s just what they do. But Georgia has a good chance at 2nd and that is fine by me. Its all about the wins anyway.

By Saddened at Education

July 31, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Hey PBR, did you really just write “expatations”? Seriously? What the heck are “expatations”? So many people who post on these boards really need to go back to grammar school!

By DLR

July 31, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

UGA’s season changed when Brandon Miller finally agreed to move from LB to DE, a change which immediately improved the team’s speed and eliminated early season mismatches. The late season success was almost as simple as that.

By MoDawg

July 31, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Stats are nice, but here are some numbers from last season that REALLY matter - Record 11-2 BCS Bowls 1-0

Stats make for good banter, wins make for good football programs. For the “stat hounds” our stats for this year should be vastly improved as, hopefully will be our record.

By OneMoreDawg

July 31, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Chip,

We all know “Defense wins Championships”…so, why is it that offense rankings are becoming a critical point? Take a look at your numbers, the Dawgs were 34th in Scoring Offense at 32.62 PPG, while the Defense was allowing 20.2 PPG. I will take that margin of victory all day long playing in the SEC.

The most critical stat to watch will be turnover margin. If the Dawgs D can keep opponents to 20- PPG, then forget all Offense stats…the Dawgs will win.

By Kelly Lee

July 31, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t really care where our off. ranks as long as we rank No. #1 on the score-broad. Our off. does not have to light it up if we score on def. turnovers and special teams play. UGA since CMR has been there has found a lot of different ways to score and win ball games. In the end all that matters is who wins. I say UGA goes 13-1 with the SEC & BCS TITLES!!! GOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!!!! SIC’EM

By minookadawg

July 31, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Chip one stat that jumps out to me, is that UGA is 14-2 when Stafford throws 1 int or less. The offense really seemed to catch fire towards the mid to end of last season. Do you expect them to consistently put lots of points on the board?

Also, I’m not proud to admit this, but I’ve seen most of the Knowshon highlight reels. Last season, there were a couple times when the Dawgs used a direct snap and caught defenses off guard. There’s also a nice HB Pass thrown by Moreno to Mo Mass (a penalty nulified the score) vs Aub. Do you expect to see more trick/gimmick plays from Bobo’s unit?

Go Dawgs!

By PTC DAWG

July 31, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

SEC rankings are much more meaningful in my opinion. and DEFENSIVE rankings are more meaningful than OFFENSIVE.

DAWGS look fine…good enough to start in the top 5.

STAT rankings are for losers anyways. Check the scoreboard. He who has the most POINTS wins.

By studawg

July 31, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

The inconsistent play from the offense has bothered me the last few years. During the David Greene era, the offense seemed to run more efficiently. There seems to be no sense of urgency with the offense anymore. Why has Richt moved away from the hurry up offense? I would like to see a return to that philosophy, especially late in games.

By jimmy

July 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

UGA runs a very bland offense and needs to roll with the hothand. let knowshon establish himself, then hitem deep with playaction. Willie Mo needs to send the troops more on D, we have a lot of speed and our safetys can help tremendously. we also need to add some razzle dazzle. Our tightends need to step up. anyword on orson charles the big recruit from Tampa? we need him in the future. Go Dawgs, one game at a time.

By maddawg

July 31, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Chip, like several before me have eluded, last season was the tale of two halves. i was in knoxville for that nightmare. going in to jacksonville i was sure we had at least 2 more losses coming if not 3.can you find the stats for say the last 5 games?

By UGA in 08

July 31, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Good stuff Chip…no surprises but good stuff. I agree with earlier comments that it really is a tale of two season…average first half…great second half on both sides of the ball. The two statistics that have to improve greatly is passing efficiency and passing D. I am not especially worried about either but Stafford must be more accurate and the receivers have to reduce the number of drops.

Chip - How about yards after the catch (YAC)? That has been an area of concern. Hitting the receivers in stride and allowing them to take short/intermediate routes and turn them into quick strikes is huge. We had a couple last including the big strike by Mo Mass against the GAYTORS but we need more this year…let us know if you have that stat.

Thanks CHIP!!!

By Gadawg

July 31, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

With the weapons UGA will be bringing to the field this year I’m sure we’ll be just fine!! Go DAWGS .Imagine that, a gaytor concerned with CMR’s hair and then compares’ it to his wives(wink, wink) hair. I guess with Tebow kissing his team mates these are the kind of comments to be expected out of their fan base.

By Spike

July 31, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Gogators.. Here is a stat for you. 42-30. And only somebody like you would come on a FOOTBALL blog and talk about your wifes and a another mans hair. Go get your mullet cut.

By jferg NC dawg

July 31, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Chip, Unlike some on this blog, I like to see the numbers. It’s just fun to see how we stack up. You have to improve every ranking by 10 spots due to “fluff” teams and “fluff” conferences. Example: Hawaii ranked in top 5 scoring offenses.

Secondly, and this is completely off topic, but something has been nagging me for a while and wondered if you or another enlightened Dawg fan could help me grasp this concept. If I am a brick mason, I should be able to lay a brick foundation. IF I can’t lay bricks, I am out of job. Using the same logic, if I am a “receiver”, my job is to receive/catch balls. If I cannot catch a football, I no longer have a job. So, how does Georgia seems to get “Receivers” who cannot catch a cold? Think about our history: Terrance “thanks for the drop against SC” Edwards Fred ” I can run but can’t catch a cold” Gibson Entire 2006 and 2007 receiving corps. Is this a “training issue”? What does Ohio State, UF, USC, etc do that we do NOT do to produce receivers with GOOD HANDS? Just need to know if I’m the only one taking Crazy Pills…..

By D Dawg

July 31, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

just looking forward to this season. I really expect the “D” to carry to load this season. With all the returning starters and the quality depth, we should be able to stay fresh. Especially, late in the season against the likes of LSU, Florida, Kentucky, Auburn and GT…….can’t wait to get this thing going…….GO DAWGS!!!!

By will

July 31, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Dedicate this season to UGA VI and black ‘em out every game, just kick butt and take names, esp Flo-rid-a. Stats are for pro athletes who are selfish anyway, one more TD could mean a million more dollars. Forget stats in college, just have fun if your really good like Georgia.

By John

July 31, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it easy to be 83rd in YPG if you’ve got the Number 1 running back in the nation in Moreno? I’m not concerned about being 83rd in YPG if we keep racking up the wins like we do. As a matter of fact, we can be 118 out of 119 teams if we go 11-2 for all I care.

By hirsutedawg

July 31, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

1. Establish running game which:

A) Controls clock

B) Opens up passing game

1. Play sound, fundamental defense

2. Enjoy victories

Simple. Go Dawgs!!!!!!

By reebok

July 31, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

good stats…i think it shows that although the bulldogs are a very good team, the difference between 11-1 and playing for championships and 8-4 and playing in the chik-fil-a bowl is razor thin…like, 5 key plays over the course of 12 (or 13 or 14) games. IMHO, as the kids say.

By Kent N

July 31, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Hawaii played an easier schedule than Ga did last year. Even if georgia jumps 10 spots , they still will be one of the bottom feeders in the SEC in total offense. Look for Stafford to maintain his average stats and for georgias running game to carry them. One major issue with georgia’s offense, if anyone gets hurt their replacement has zero game experiance!

By minookadawg

July 31, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

jferg NC Dawg I have oftened wondered the same. I know that the coaching staff wants Stafford to improve his placement and timing of throws. This should help reduce the amount of drops and create an opportunity for YAC. However, as you mentioned, it seems like drops have always been a problem. I am interested in Chip’s response to your question.

By I'm smarter than you are

July 31, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Hey MADDAWG Elude means to avoid capture. Allude means “hinted at, referred to…”

education…making UGA great.

By Milton Jeff

July 31, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

I agree the stats should be a concern but do not focus all of your energy on them. Richt needs to tell his boys on offense..play smart. Get the calls right and hold on to the ball. Martinez’s message for the D this year ” THE LEASH IS OFF..GO FREAKING APE S**T!!!”

By jimmy

July 31, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

well said NC dawg. Lets get some leadership and stay healthy and not look ahead on the schedule.

By Ken

July 31, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

It was really two different seasons in one last year. The only statistics that matter are those for the last six games or so. Comparing statistics for an SEC team and a WAC team are meaningless. We play defense in the SEC. Wins are all that matters anyway.

By Jeremy

July 31, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip you should note the key to those offensive numbers from last year….the line was most young and relatively inexperienced. I see the offensive numbers going up at least a small amount simply because of the depth and experience that we have on the line for this season. Plus, let’s be honest about things…and this is a guess at this point…but I have a feeling that Moreno and King will form a better running back duo than Moreno and Thomas Brown did. Sure Brown ran all over Ole Miss and GA Tech but otherwise it usually seemed to be a step down when he came in to give Knowshon a breather. Oh and let’s also note the depth and talent at receiver this season…it is probably the best it has been since Richt arrived in Athens. If we can get good production at the TE position, and Stafford inproves his decision-making…we will be set in all the key offensive areas this time around.

By NewnanDawgCF

July 31, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chip - this is a great blog topic for REAL football fans. I agree with some of the others that stats don’t win games, but they do establish trends. With most of last year’s team returning, other coaching staffs will use these numbers in conjunction with film to try to find UGA’s potential weaknesses. The biggest thing in my mind is for UGA to perform at a more consistent level. The individual game stats from last year are so up and down they look like they come from different teams. I also think that some key turnovers caused by the defense last season helped UGA win games with less than gaudy stats. I do think that the offense will be more consistent this year with only a few key personnel losses, but the team will still need some of those big, timely plays from the D to win the SEC or more. And I sure hope this Walsh kid can handle pressure.

Go Dawgs!

By Chip Towers

July 31, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

For those that asked, yes, I expect Georgia to improved markedly on offense. Last season WAS a tale of two halves as CMR actually predicted it would be. Needed the O-line to grow and mature and learn and also to discover their overall offensive identity. They did and took off in the second half, which was actually the tougher half of the schedule. I’d suspect that improvement will continue but the o-line gelling without Velasco and Adams will be a key to that. Could be a similar scenario in terms of slow start and gathering steam.

By Oledawg

July 31, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Chip- This is Alt. I don’t recall which ones ,but several games have ended with no effort to put more points on the board since the game was won. CMR has never participated in “arms” races and I like that. We will leave those contests to Boise St, Oklahoma St and Texas Tech; two of these teams have had their stats put into perspective by the Dawgs. How many spread offenses were out there last year and how many of those are listed with offensive stats above UGA? Probably a lot since they run the score up on their league opponents. That fact makes a lot of those stats and UGA’s position within them non sequitur. Dropped passes and poor route running can put some dents in the stats as well. Crap happens,but is not factored into stats.

Total D, QB sacks and PR defense are stats I can get my teeth into here in the SEC. They are meaningful enough to point to and say that these stats translate to wins by giving the offense the luxury of not having to play catchup ball.

I’m trying not to make excuses for my team, but Offense stats are better taken in context of where we sit in the SEC. The Tenn. game skewed them a little bit, but comparing them to other SEC members will be much more interesting. The penalties stat is a great one also because it reflects fewer mental mistakes, good discipline and good preparation by the coaches. Hell, 5% of that was in the first 5 min. of the lizard game.

Gotta go since I can’t find my computer. That’s not quite as bad as when Bush moved into the White House and found all the “W’s” removed from all the keyboards.

Rest easy UgaVI. Urban still has apoplexy from the last time you barked at him.

By Gary McFall

July 31, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

We had two good games last year. Kentucky (who fell apart mid season) and Auburn (who had a terible year). The rest of the games were not stellar. While we beat Florida. That was not a very good Florida team and a ball goes the other way once and it would have been a different game. Tebow was hurt. Florida will be a much better team this year. Tech did a pretty good job of stopping the run and they were not a very good team. Nearly lost to Vandy,,, AGAIN. Ole Miss ran through us for two quarters and would have closed the deal had they converted points instead of fumbling and allowing the dawgs to turn it around. Tennessee killed us. I repeat Tennessee killed us. South Carolina with half the talent we have embarrassed us again. We did not deserve to play for the NC. We beat a highschool team in the sugar bowl who had no business playing a BCS game. ALabama shut us down and lost in OT and they were awful last year. Yes, Georgia was a young team, but they were not a good team. So all these folks returning does not make them great. A lot of Dawgs are putting way to much pressure on this team with rediculous expectations. 3 losses with this schedule and this team would be a really good year. Do we really think Auburn & Florida will not be much better this year too. How about Tennessee and LSU. Alabama has to be better. Arizona State might not be as easy a time as we had with Boise or OSU. Get a grip Dawg fans or it is going to be a long season. I don’t want all the drunk rednecks who don’t remeber last your to suddenly demand CMR head if he looses four games. This team is not that good. It is not stacked with talent. Our QB has not shown any of the talent that was promised. Our receivers can’t catch. Our defense is hit and miss depending on the games. Special teams are not so special. If you focus on our running game you can stop it. Reality people. Try a remember what really happened last year and how bad the teams were that we played at the end of the year. Perspective people. The above numbers are a pretty accurate discription of last year. Enjoy the games, priase the players, but check your crazy expectations at the gate. See you at the games, and this year try a pay attention. Go Dawgs, sic’um.

By DawgsoverGators

July 31, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Tale of 2 seasons is correct for our “O” as well as our D. The offense didn’t really find its stride until Moreno was inserted as the starter. This made it possibe to take pressure off Stafford by allowing us to sell the PA pass. That to me was what saved the season. Until that point, teams were pinning their ears back and teeing off on Stafford

By FLA DAWG

July 31, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Stafford hit a whole lotta receivers in their hands last season only to see dropped balls.

Stafford needs to improve from last year but the receivers did not play to their potential.

Let’s hope both do this season - with our schedule, we’ll need ‘em to.

By td

July 31, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

A couple of thoughts for the stat freaks out there.

1: CMR is a class act and will not intentionally run up the score on another team. I can remember several times during the past few years that the offence ran the football for almost the entire second half. I have watched Tenn and FL have their first string still in the game in the fourth quarter ahead 48-0.

2: If you listened to the interview with CMR yesterday on ESPN, you heard him say the officials make it not possible to run the fast break offense.

3: Remember back to CMR first season and him being told over and over again that to win in the SEC you have to run the football and play defense. I think he has bought into it and can we really argue with the results

By shane #1

July 31, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Chip, Last year was a tale of two seasons. In the first seven games UGA averaged, {according to My pathetic math skills}, 27.1 PPG. The Vandy game was recognized by many as the turning point of uGA’s season. In the six post Vandy games UGA averaged 37.6 PPG, A ten+ point improvement! The turn around was really bigger when You consider that the biggest point total early, 45 points, was against a Division II team and that three of the BCS teams UGA played in the first seven games did not end with winning records. All six of the teams that UGA defeated in the second half had winning records, and two of them, AU and GT, were very good on defense. CWM took so much heat from some UGA fans early in the year. Then the D finished so strong. Did He suddenly learn how to coach? I don’t think so! Could it be that improved offensive production allowed Him to use His talent to it’s full potential? When a team can’t move the ball and has a lot of turnovers a DC’s back is gaainst the wall! When a DC has faith that the O will score and better field posistion in which to operate He can take a few chances and go after the “big play”. We all know how young the offense was, but very few mention that the D was rebuilt too. CWM had lost two NFL caliber DE’s, team leaders Trae Battle S, and Tony Taylor LB, and shut down corner Paul Oliver. That’s five key atarters to be replaced. The key losses on D this year? As I see it They are DE Howard, back-up MLB Washington, and safety Kelin Johnson. CWM should be able to hit the ground running! UGA has a difficult schedule. They play in the SEC, so what else is new? I look for big improvement this year. My hat is off to coach Maritnez and coach Searles for the job they did last year.

By smyrna man

July 31, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

AMEN BROTHER GARY McFALL… Preach it brother!

By Obnoxious Georgia Fan

July 31, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Poor Gary. How much more clueless can this guy get?

“Tech did a pretty good job of stopping the run”

Sure, if you don’t count Thomas Brown’s 139 rushing yards on only 17 carries for over 8 yards per carry. And of course you’d have to disregard the fact that Georgia as a team gained over 200 yards on the ground. Did you even watch this game Gary?

“South Carolina with half the talent we have embarrassed us again.”

Again Gary? That was the first time they had beaten us in 6 seasons. Where have you been the past half decade Gary? Obviously not following Georgia football would be my guess.

And then there’s this gem: An 11-2 SEC team is not good. I have officially heard it all. Thanks Gary.

By Chicken Little

July 31, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

To: Gary McFall

The sky is falling!!!! The sky is falling!!!!

By Spike

July 31, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Obnoxious Georgia Fan… GATA!!

By Kent N

July 31, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

How many times in 20 years has Georgia beaten Florida? How many in 20 years has Georgia beaten Tennessee ? How is it this year while you are looking to play your games in honor of a K-9 will this season be any different?

By rerservoirDAWG

July 31, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Holy moly Gary, can I get a hit of that?

By rerservoirDAWG

July 31, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Let’s talk recent history there Kent. Half of these posters were toddlers 20 years ago.

By mikey

July 31, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Quite frankly, I am more worried about the D than the O. Although I think they will both be good. The offensive line didn’t gel until later in the season. Scoring will not be a problem. Gary, check your craziness at the gate.

By wde

July 31, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

It’s passing numbers like those that make me wonder how people can even try to compare Stafford to Tebow.

By Dawg Lover

July 31, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I would love to see BO BO replaced! Each time I thought they were going to run a smart play…BO BO called it right up the middle. FRUSTRATING! We need help in the offense…desperately!!!

By ryan

July 31, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

it seems the numbers are skewed in the sense that going into the season, coach richt stated that there would be a maturation process for the offense, but that he expected by the end of the season they’d be pretty good. i think we’ll see more of the offense that helped produce that 7 game win streak rather than the one that played the first half of the seasaon. that offense produced 4 40+ point games.

i’d like to see how that offense stacked up nationally. for the same time period. i’ll bet it’s much better.

By Dawg Lover

July 31, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

I would love to see BO BO replaced! Each time I thought they were going to run a smart play…BO BO called it right up the middle. FRUSTRATING! We need help in the offense…desperately!!!

By PTC DAWG

July 31, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Who cares about comparisons of Tebow and Stafford? They are like apples and celery. Two different players. Two totally different systems.

Same with UF and UGA, they run totally different schemes. The last 4 years, they’ve split, and I would look for more of the same the next few years, assuming the current Coaching Staffs stay in place. Neither of them is going away, and both have the potential to be VERY good.

Just trying to bring a little levity to the discussion.

I hope the UGA/UF game holds up to the HYPE.

By PTC DAWG

July 31, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

In a question about UT and UF series vs UGA, the answer is 8 and 5 out of the last 20 played. But I’m curious as to how the games that Ray Goff Coached in the early 90’s come into play?

In reality, they don’t have jack squat to do with the price of tea in China.

By Chuck Carswell

July 31, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Maybe since we are so close to the team we see every minute inconsistency, but I tried to take an outsiders view. In the final 5 games of the regular season only once did the offense not reach at least 413 yards per game. That was against Kentucky when we ran the ball 49 times. For a reminder those other 4 games were against Florida, Troy, Auburn and Tech.

I thought I was going to find that since our defense was so good we had excellent field position which might answer a lower yards per game, but I couldn’t prove that.

At least in the 2nd half of the season the offense didn’t seem to sputter at all.

By Ed

July 31, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

There were issues with Georgia’s offense last year, for sure. They looked helpless against South Carolina. They seem to take series off occasionally for some reason. Would love to see things gel this year.

I’m a little surprised that the passing D numbers weren’t a little better, but not bad overall.

By Kent N

July 31, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Yes Ray Goff and the rest but the facts are facts. Georgia does not have a tradition of winning consistantly against the elite of the SEC. Toddlers maybe but nearly every player active was alive since then. All I am saying is Georgia is set BUT, like most teams the lack of backups is questionable. If anyone on that offense goes out they have very little of playing experiance at the table. The fans of uga speak as if Stafford is going to be the best of the SEC yet we havent seen it yet!Remember Tebow will be better than last year and read about Tennessee’s QB who comes to the table with game experiance. Georgia is set up to look good but uga has never in 20 years played a season like they are about to . Tennessee and Florida has year after year !

By Kent N

July 31, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

No one but a georgia fan will be surprised if georgia has 1 loss after the first 3 games.

By 51-7

July 31, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

The offensive numbers could be because of our GREAT defense and special teams. When our defense forces a punt and we get the ball near midfield, we will only have 50 yards to go for a TD. If we didnt have such good punt returns and kickoff returns, the offensive numbers would be statistically better than they really are. We had our fair share of 80 yard drives. You have to factor those facts in.

By Kent N

July 31, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I love it DAWGIE Style!!

By osodawg

July 31, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Dawgs will have the season we’re all hoping if we beat USC the way we should beat them every year, handily. If we struggle then count that as another 2 loss season at best. Somewhat reminds me of the hype of the 2004 team which was painful to watch in many ways, especially the UT game. Struggled against USC, crushed LSU, and then didn’t show up to UT. Think the toughest thing for CMR to do this year is keep the team motivated and focused through a grueling 12 game season.

By Brizdawg

July 31, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

You also need to factor in the strength of schedule - UGA regularly has one of the toughest in the country (SEC rules) and plays against stellar defenses. Let these guys loose against the PAC 10 and you’ll see offensive stats improve.

By NorCal Dawg

July 31, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

minookadawg hit the nail on the head — 14-2 record when Stafford throws 1 or less interceptions. National offensive ranks are misleading (as many have mentioned).

Keys to a NC season this year for UGA are (in priority order, i.e., what worries me most):

1. Stafford has to learn not to rely on his cannon and forcing balls or throwing off his back foot. A 2:1 TD to int ration won’t cut it.

2. Blair Walsh needs to be the real deal. Coutu was a legit stud and having a freshman kicker with as many tough games as we have is scary.

3. Receivers can’t drop the ball. We should have enough playmakers at the position, but we need to avoid the dropsies that hurt us the last couple years.

4. Defensive intensity. Again, we have the talent, but need to stay focused on this side of the ball.

With the schedule the Dawgs have there is NO margin for error. As Beano Cook said recently, “If Georgia goes 13-0 with that schedule they should be in the SUPER bowl.” Beano is not afraid of a little hyperbole every now and then (Ron Paulus for Heisman anyone?), but his point is well taken. There will be NO margin for error.

Going to be fun to watch.

As always, Go Dawgs !

By Kent N

July 31, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Great Defense ? How many points has UT put on that defense in 2 years?

By rerservoirDAWG

July 31, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Kent Here is some recent history of UT OOC with opponents final record: 2006 beat Cal(10-3), beat Air Force(4-8), beat Marshall(5-7), beat Memphis(2-10), lost to Penn St(9-4). 2005 beat UAB (5-6), lost to ND(9-3), beat Memphis(7-5). 2004 beat UNLV(2-9), beat Louisiana Tech(6-6), lost to ND(6-6) beat Teaxa A&M(7-5).

Since 2000 3-5 against UGA, don’t talk to the DAWGS about OOC. Look at who you have played.

By ErinJM

July 31, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

I looked at a spring depth chart and did not see A.J Green what gives? If our passing offense is that bad why not have what suppose to be Calvin Johnson to the If King is on there why not Green.

By ErinJM

July 31, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I looked at a spring depth chart and did not see A.J Green what gives? If our passing offense is that bad why not have what suppose to be Calvin Johnson to the Bulldogs. Also if King is on there why not Green.

By quaildawg

July 31, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Dawg Lover you must be a day trader too. Bobo replaced?! First full year as Coordinator and he seemed to get into a pretty darn good grove as the season rolled on. (Seems like the scoring average was in the 40’s then) This is an aspect about UGA that not much ink has been given. Bobo and Searrel’s will have a year under their belts and I, for one, can only see these two getting better at what they do with the guys under their watch.

By rerservoirDAWG

July 31, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

And to answer your question Kent, just a few more than UF put on ya’ll last year.

By Dorsey Hill

July 31, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

We have to get better throwing and catching. Too many times the receiver is open and missed or we have a drop. Our completion percentage is never going to be that high because the opposing D’s we face will generally be trying to take away the short throws and the run, but when we get one on one we need to connect. We did it very well against UF and Auburn and even against Tech, so hopefully that trend will continue and we will have lots of big plays along with a strong running game.

When you look at our offense, it really is pretty simple. If the D lays off we screen them to death. If the D has the safeties playing over the top we hit the TE underneath. Cheat the safety up and we go long. We go where they ain’t basically.

What has been lacking is consistent execution. Very rarely does it seem that we get into a good run/pass rhythm. It seems that we can pound it sometimes and sometimes we can hit a long one, but there never seems to be that good consistent flow that you like to see when you are doing it and hate to see it when the other team is doing it. For example TN the last couple of years had us on our heels constantly and we couldn’t stop the run or the pass.

I think once Stafford starts taking his drop, setting his feet, delivering the ball on time and in rhythm and he has confidence in his receivers then we really can overwhlem any defense we play. But if we continue the drops and throwing off the back foot we will continue to rely on the defense and the kicking game. However, there is no reason why we can not average 35 to 40 ppg in Conference games with the talent we have. If we allow around 17 we will be very tough to deal with…irrespective of the schedule.

By MoDawg

July 31, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Kent N, why does your memory only go back 20 years…? Why are you constantly on the UGA blogs? Last year, UT kicked our butts…no doubt. The year before that, they won, but we certainly didn’t help ourselves with 4 turnovers on our side of the 50 in the 2nd half. We were up by a couple of scores at halftime of that game. Kent N, why don’t you go away?

By GATOR CHOMP

July 31, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

UGA only has one weapon on offense and thats Moreno. Matt Stafford is overrated.Tebow is a thousand times better than him.And another thing that weak offensive line you have,U better fix it before Omar Hunter and the boys see ya.”BOOK IT LOSERS” GATORS OR DIE!!!!!!!!!

By Kent N

July 31, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

My bad, I should have known that UGA only gave up 18 TDs ALL YEAR. Everyone talked about LSU’s awesome defense, and they gave up 21 TDs. Man, I need to shut up before I make myself look even more stupiderrrrr

By 1953 dawg

July 31, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Hope UGA lives up to the hype. We all forget that until the fumble recovery against Vandy last year, the Dawgs were on the way to their 7th consecutive loss to an SEC east opponent. We have alot of talent coming back, but how good is our talent? There is a reason the SEC coaches and media only put 2 UGA players on the 1st team all conference team, and there is a reason why they picked Fl. to win the SEC east. Hope part of the reason is they are caught up in the hoopla of Fl. Cry baby Meyer, and Tbow, and that they listen to ESPN about how much talent FL has. If you go by history, the coaches and media are always wrong in predicting the SEC, just hope history repeats itself, and they continue to be wrong.

By Erenge Shirt and Blue Jean Britches

July 31, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

With your erenge shirt and your blue jean britches, go to he!! you sons of B…

By GATOR CHOMP

July 31, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I might be a gayturd, but I love it DAWGie Style!!!

By GATOR CHOMP

July 31, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I might be a gayturd, but I love it DAWGie Style!!!

By GATOR CHOMP

July 31, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I might be a gayturd, but I love it DAWGie Style!!!

By GATOR CHOMP

July 31, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I might be a gayturd, but I love it DAWGie Style!!!

By GATOR CHOMP

July 31, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

RerservoirMUTT,Get a life coward and stop bad mouthing everyone else’s post.You’re allways popping off at the mouth thats all u UGAy idiots do.I cant wait to close u CHUMPS mouth this year in Jacksonville and believe me it will be a beatdown for the ages FLA.35 UGA.10 “BOOK IT LOSERS” GATORS OR DIE!!!! And another thing I dont care about the FAKE Gator fans on here telling me to stop posting on here f^^k them.Im my own man I dont need noone 2 hold my hand I’m a grown azz man f^^k u Gator wannabes.

By Paddy

July 31, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

jferg nc… you are right sir. Catch the Dam ball, please. “D” will be great. “O” depends on the QB and WR making some catches. And CMR offense is a little conservative and predictable at times. But with that said, we do win alot of games.

By PTC DAWGT

July 31, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Alabama 21, UT 13, UGA 12, LSU 10..

Those are SEC Titles owned by each school. Don’t tell me UGA can’t compete with the SEC Elite.

By ARdawg

July 31, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

1953 dawg

I didn’t understand that one but I’m not losing sleep over it either. They picked a FL team that finished 4th in the conference last year that has little change from that team. Just doesn’t make much sense. Yes I see them adding some legs to the running game but last year their defense sucked and they still have most of it. Doesn’t equate to a SEC champ to me.

By ARdawg

July 31, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

1953 dawg

I didn’t understand that one but I’m not losing sleep over it either. They picked a FL team that finished 4th in the conference last year that has little change from that team. Just doesn’t make much sense. Yes I see them adding some legs to the running game but last year their defense sucked and they still have most of it. Doesn’t equate to a SEC champ to me.

By GW

July 31, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Stats help us overanalyze football but the second biggest stat is turnovers and the biggest is the score. Stats are dictated by the flow of the game and who is leading. A team that holds a lead in most games will tend to give up more passing yards and perhaps rush for more yards. Who worries about kickoff return yards? Hopefully we’ll return only 1 per game. Also, when has Texas Tech been in a BCS Bowl?

By Former AJC Subscriber

July 31, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Wow. Gotta love the AJC poll that just popped up:

“Which former UGA quarterback’s NFL career has been the biggest letdown?”

That’s not a loaded and heavily biased question at all. And I’m not sure what it has to do with anything at all really. There was a positive article about DJ Shockley so I guess some nimwit thought he needed to counter it with this garbage. God forbid someone at the AJC say anything positive about UGA football. Lord knows we can’t have that. They’ve got to be “fair and balanced” and put UGA in its place. Can’t wait for Chip’s derivative blog tomorrow nitpicking about more UGA “concerns”. By mid-August he’ll be blogging about the lack of depth at watergirl.

What an absolute joke of a publication the AJC has become.

By Anthony

July 31, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Chip Where would Georgia be if you only looked at the last six games? It took the first half of the year for the o-line to play consistently.

By GamecocK Henry

July 31, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Goes to show that the bulldawgs can be a hit or miss team. Really an overrated team Richt’s Offense really has been Vanilla since he has been there even with Greene and Shockley , also has not really lived up to the ole Fla. State offensive fireworks of past. Willie’s defense is ok but seems to have slacked off since VanGorder left. Garcia is back and will be ready against Uga, also will put Stafford through an offensive passing clinic. GAMECOCKS make it two in a ROW !!!! See you jaw dropping mutt fans in Columbia!!!!!!!

By 1953 dawg

July 31, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Gator Chomp you are such an idiot. You say we have a weak ol, yet that weak ol with 3 freshman roadgraded your pathetic dl last year. It is so pathetic that you hope Hunter who UGA turned down is going to slow down the Moreno express. Good luck. You are like other ignorant gator fans,and have no clue or facts to support your bold predictions. And like all other Gator fans, you think your program has only been in existence for 18 years. Meyer will never dominate like SOS, don’t think SOS ever had two (4) loss seasons like your GOD(Meyer). Go back to the Gator loser board.Answer one other question, how many times has Meyer finished in the top 10 at Fl? He won a lucky championship with Zook’s players, he has won nothing with his players, and that includes Tebow. Go book that.

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

NOT that it matters, but looking at that one fumble against Vandy and saying we “lost” except for that is totally inaccurate. Vandy score twice on some pretty fluky deals. We had a DE trip for just a second, on that reverse that Vandy scored on just before the half. And a busted coverage or two that could have just as easily been an int. on thier only drive of the second half. I’m sure many plays were inches from making that a different ball game. Like every game.

We also shut out Vandy the entire second half while scoring 3 times. The TO, (which was actually an outright deliberate strip), was ONE play.

By PBR makes florida girls look better

July 31, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

This is just my opinion, but if your wife has hair like a guy you need to get a new wife or let her grow her mullet back out so you guys will match. Nothing like two mullets sporting jorts and airbrushed Panama City t-shirts. Any Florida fans tell me who leads the Ga Fla series? One more thing, for all you stat freaks, what happened to Colt Brennan.

By sf

July 31, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Average team, with dumbass fans.The first game they lose, the Bark cries. 3 games lost, will not drop in polls, which means, who cares’Whine.

By TybeeDawg

July 31, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

With fans like Mcfall, who needs gators…uh I mean enemies.

Chip, can you post how we fared in the SEC…I think that is a better measuring stick.

By Ben

July 31, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Is it really worth your morality to post absurd & crass comments on here. If anyone here has played any from of organized sports or believe in God. Discipline is the key to life and those that are humble and prepare their hearts will have the best outcome in life. Win or Lose..it’s just a game.

Former D-1 player.

By jay

July 31, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Looks like the offense was very efficient if not a world beater, ie, scoring o was much higher than rushing, passing, or total offense. That’s the good news, along with more experience at QB, RB, and receiver.

I think CMR laid out the perfect bear case for problems when he talked about the OL being younger overall, no experienced depth at running back and only three game ready safeties.

By old gold

July 31, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Pretty puny but when you play at UGA you’re considered the best at your position just because of the logo on your jersey. Results don’t count. Lets hope he stays another 5 years. As I’ve always said, if he were a hotshot he’d be playing for Mac Brown.

By old gold

July 31, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Defensive stats are the key stats but you guys always find a way to sway the truth. When when you read the UGA recruiting blogs this fall you’ll be reading about QBs and running backs all day long. YOu know: ” we’re now the nat champs because we have Moreno and Caleb”. What bull

By Ogeechee Dawg

July 31, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

HEY CHIP

What ever happened to the two UGA recruits that committed early to UGA - then decommitted?

Martin Ward - committed to UGA - then de-committed - his HS Coach caught some greif as it was rumored that being a Gator - he wanted Ward to shop around.

B.J. Brand - OL committed to UGA - then de-committed - never heard what happened to this guy - supposed to be very talented.

Looking forward to a great year - will have our hands full - that’s for sure. Would not surprise me if we lost 2 to 4 games - depending on how the ball bounces. would not surprise me if we only lost 1 game.

Go Dawgs!!!

By Dogs will choke

July 31, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg……. Come on Vandy? I mean Vandy? What a joke. Remember Uga lost to Vandy the year before at homecoming. You got to be kidding about making excuses on why the game last year was so close. UGa should never lose to Vandy period. A team that got blown away by Wake Forest of the ACC. Vandy? Cant score a TD against the lamecocks? Get totally blown away by Tenn. the last two years. …. Ha. dawgs are overrated period.

By frankly

July 31, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

There is no question that the offense has to become more consistent for UGA to reach its goal. Even in the second half of the season, we suceeded mostly with big plays.

a)the O-line has to become more consistent and

b)Stafford has to take the next step in his growth

I’m fairly confident that both will happen as Stafford has all the tools not to mention great coaching and there is more talent on the line than we’ve ever enjoyed in the Mark Richt era.

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

I think this football season is like a box of choclates. You never know what you are going to get until it is openend.

Have you met my UGA VII, he is a nice Dawg.

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

My guess is that Bobo and Stafford work on that stop throwing off the back foot. Stafford has shed his baby weight and added muscle according to Chip. No he will not become a fullback throwing the ball like Tebow, but he should be better on taking a run and overall mobility.

Chapas will be fine replacing Southerland. King will be fine replacing Moreno on winded downs. Hey if you thought the Brown Moreno show was something, K and K will knock your socks off.

Recievers, one word, loaded.

O-line, ready to open holes or pass protect, these guys come with their own warning label.

I see us starting the season the way we finished, fast out of the box and knock em down and keep on coming.

The offensive production should belittle the numbers Chip posted earlier.

As Mark Twain said, “There are lies, damn lies and statistics.”

By FL DAWG

July 31, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Stafford has all the tools and needs to prove it this year, but he can not do it all alone. WR must step up and catch the balls thrown to them. If Stafford and WR eliminate the mental mistakes then the O will be fine.

Since at UGA Richt has been much more conservative on O than at FSU. It appears that he believes in ball control, time of possession and excellent D. Come to think of it, this sounds much like the early FSU teams (Great D) and control the ball. It may take more time before we see the really high octane offense that most everyone craves. To this end, we have some pretty good recruits not to mention Logan Grey.

The key to this year is continued improvement and consistency on O and D. Neither had stellar years, although they both showed some greatness the second half of the season. Now make it a whole year worth.

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Alt, let me handle this one. Hey choke, did you not understand how many times Vandy scored in the second half, it added up to ZERO. A number someone of your intellect could fully understand. Altamaha, me and several other posters here acknowledge that the Dawgs turnaround occurred at halftime of the Vandy game. We whipped tail after that motivational speech by CMR, and we never looked in the rearview mirror afterward. If you guys don’t understand the classic Charles Dickens novel, “A Tale of Two Seasons”, just act Darth Visor. All the way to number six in the first half to no bowl in the second.

Get your jealous heads out of your rears and think straight. Nah, that is probably as likely as Tech making it to a BCS bowl this year.

By Ga dawg78

July 31, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

OK first of all who cares if our ranking of offensive numbers were low.

We are looking for “Wins” That’s all that matters people..and teams that get so caught up with stats don’t mesh and play as a team.

If I remember correctly these bad numbers you say we had got us to a BCS..and crushed our opponent.

11-2 on the year..I’ll take that over great stats anyday!

By Ted Striker

July 31, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

The stat rankings are interesting, Chip. Obviously they don’t tell the entire tale, given a final end of year rankings.

That said, the most important stats during the season are those against the opposition in any given game. If you try to “win every quarter” these are the stats a team should key on…and in this order

1) Scoring Defense — keep points off the board & take the fight out of the opposition

2) Turnover Margin. Break the back of the opposition, give yourself new life

3) Rushing Offense. This will also establish play action pass, clock management, and wear the defense down

4) Rushing Defense — it keeps the oposition from doing the above (#3)

5) Total Offense — Supplement a solid rushing game with timely passing and keep defenders honest by testing them. It’s about balance.

By ARdawg

July 31, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Cuz

Too Fuggin funny. You da man

By shane#1

July 31, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Kent M is a trypical dumbass and Gator Chomps a typical Gator loudmouth. Do You want to call someone out punk? Start here! You chicken s** piece of crap! Kent did try to make a logical point at least. Gator Chomp is a coward, just hangs out on the UGA blogs ‘cause all rthe Tech nerds hand His candy a* to Him. Kent just doesn’t know what He is talking about. Can’t beat elite teams huh? Well rookie, name the team other than UF that has a winning record against Richt. Times Up, chump! Name the SEC coach witrh a winning record against Richt. Nope, You dummy, You strike out again!

By Phat Phil

July 31, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

All you JAWJA rednecks just crack me up. Most of you have never set foot on a college campus unless you were delivering pizzas. Georgia is so WAY OVER-RATED this year…but I am glad. Come October when the VOLS crush you like the little bugs you are.. that will make it so much sweeter. So just kick back in your mobile homes and sip on your PBR boys..its gonna be a long season! GO BIG ORANGE!! LMAO!!

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

ARdawg, coming from you, I consider your statement a greatful honor. To your health sir.

Hey Buck, how are you, Erk and UGA VI handling the waiting for the season. And remember when Grizzard comes around between shifts at the Heavenly Herald, that Dawg will bite you. Bulldawg born and Bulldawg bred. And when I die, I will be Bulldawg dead. Thank you the Sage of Moreland. God bless the ones that have gone to that great skybox, where the coke vendor is always right beside you and the bathrooms are never crowded.

By ARdawg

July 31, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

WOW Phat Phil! Winning friends and influencing people huh? You obviously do not plan on being taken seriously on this blog do you? Well, to answer your questions as you presented them:

Yes, most of us have but that is immaterial because we surpassed your hillbilly intellect in grade school without impregnating our sisters and cousins.

We don’t give a Phat Phil’s azz about ratings. Check the history and revel in the last 2 years. It’s unfortunate your future is so bleak. Your coach is in court, your former OC is at Duke and you’ll be lucky to play a bowl game in Mobile

Start sipping on your squeezins now and size up your aunts and female cousins for comfort because for you Rocky Top masturbators, it’s going to be a long year

By GATOR CHOMP

July 31, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Shane#1,You got a big mouth son.So I,m a coward huh?That aint what your MOMA said punk.any time, any day loser.Just keep hiding behind the screen like the rest of the UGAy cowards all bark no bite.See u cowards in Jacksonville for your yearly beatdown.BOOK IT U LOSER.Ang get out of your DADDY’S trailer u MAGGOT. GATORS OR DIE!!!!!!!

By ARdawg

July 31, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Cuz

Hear Hear!

Raising my cold long neck for a toast

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Phat Phil, loved you in that exercise video with Carmen Electra. Pole dancing with a Fat Slob was hillarious. What a shame the pole broke in the first ten minutes. I heard your new Phat contract gives you your own Krispy Kreme franchise. This could possibly help in reducing the number of points you get in the Fulmer Cup by forgetting to charge the Knoxville PD for their sugar bombs.

Oh yeah football, don’t think for one minute that you are not circled on the calendar. UF has a big chip on their shoulder against us for some dancing in the endzone. Heck we are p** we got our boston butts stomped. There will be blood, and in the end, UT will walk away, back to Knoxville with Smokey howling the entire way, in misery, not joy.

And don’t be offended when in the fourth quarter this year at Stanford we start up the OVERRATED CHEER. It will suit us just fine. Welcome to the jungle. With a new OC, you got to learn how to hunt before you bring home any trophies, write that one down.

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Gator Chomp, you make Forrest Gump look like a genuis. At least he was All America at Bama, you are just a pathetic loser. Grow up or go away, your choice.

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Uh Sanford, fire the proofreader.

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Chip, great column. Unfortunately, someone openened the doors of Aarkham Assylum.

I guess we are all Bozo’s on this bus. Firesign Theatre, 1970’s

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Phat boy, never set foot on the campus, I drove the team bus you rectum hole. Beat that you motherfiretrucker. An idiot would feel sorry for you. Dumbjackass.

By Randy

July 31, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

CMR needs to hire Al Borges as our Offensive Coordinator and this will leave more time for Bo Bo to work with the quarterbacks. To be able to win a national championship we must have a great offense as well as a great defense that we can depend on to win. Why is it that UGA never seems to have great offenses that other SEC teams like (Auburn, Tennessee, LSU, and Florida) have. It is always just an average offense. If you don’t believe me the only quarterback that Georgia has ever had in recent years was David Greene who has been on 3 NFL teams and he was so great that he never played a down.

By Gen Neyland

July 31, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

rerservoirDAWG

Since CPF took over at UT, 11-5 against UGA…and recent history still has UT with a Crystal Football…

We all schedule ez. No brainer. Gotta get some rest. UT’s off weeks are 06SEP and 15NOV. As for schedules: UAB(H), UF(H), AU(A), Northern Illinois(H),UGA(A)… Back to back to back to back to back…To make it through that run with 5 wins isn’t being predicted by many…

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Gen Neyland, said it on another blog, I will give up my shipments of solvent, tears, but I predict a great victoy in Athens this year for the Dawgs. Same as I predict the loss by Auburn. Lately, we dont get in a lot of three and zeros. I think it is our turn to beat UT, and dang it Auburn’s turn to beat us. Magic goes in threes. If you or us can capture the elusive magic, no telling where we will go.

Keep your wife out of the cornfield, it does her figure no good. Last batch was awesome, get a new radiator, I had one guy almost die, we blamed it on alcohol poisining, not far wrong.

your shine junkie Cuz

By AltamahaDawg

July 31, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

gogators, the bigger question is why are YOU commenting in either one of them?

By Cuz

July 31, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Gen Neyland, I am down to three mason jars left of solvent, if Jr Johnson won’t make the trip, Fed Ex em and say they are Dad’s rootbeer. I will pay the shipping charges.

By I-DOG

August 1, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Chip,

Those stats surprised me a little. I would not have guessed at 32+ points a game that we wouldn’t be in the top 30 in scoring offense. Seems like when UGA scores over 24, we win almost all of them and 32 ppg just sounds like a lot!

I thought Bobo did a great job last year. After the S. Carolina loss… many Dawg fans threw him under the bus. I thought he called pretty good game.

The team was flat, SC played with more intensity overall. Yes, we threw a lot of screen passes because the coaching staff had no confidence in the OL at that point. Still, Bobo called a play that hit one of our players in the hands for the would be winning touchdown. Granted it was a tough catch.

I’m not saying it was his best called game (first SEC contest and all), but I thought it was a well called game… the players just didn’t execute that day enough to win.

By lamar

August 1, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

GREAT STUFF CHIP!! PLEASE DO US A FAVOR & PUT UP FLORIDA’S STATS. THANKS!

By Branch Dawg

August 1, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

I think it’s obvious that our whole offense opened up when we consistently started feeding the rock to Knowshon. When Knowshon was established, the play-action game opened up and the deep ball opened up. Thats CMR’s bread & butter. Now like most Dawg fans, I’m excited to see what Caleb King can do, but they don’t want to mess around too much with something they “Know” will work. Establish th run, work the screens in to draw in the LB’s and the safeties, they play-action deep. Everybody will see this year what all the Stafford hype is all about.

By heeldawg

August 1, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this

The season needs to get here. I’m really tired of all of the speculation. Talk is cheap.

That being said, I guess I’ll put in my two cents’ worth.

A lot has been made of Georgia’s schedule, and rightfully so. It is tough. Anytime you go on the road to play LSU, Auburn and Arizona State there’s a tall order to fill. The Gators are a top 5 team (at a “neutral” site—in Florida), and the home slate of ‘Bama, UT and Tech (among others) is nothing to sneeze at. In a bad season, that could be the makings of an 8-4 year.

But this team is different.

The level of talent is extremely high—not just among the starters, but on the two-deep depth chart, as well. The Gators have talent to burn on offense, but are thin and inexperienced on defense. A couple of injuries and they are in real trouble. UT will be solid, but not spectacular. There is a revenge factor there. Moreover, Cutcliffe is gone—a fact that Dawg fans are quite grateful for (interestingly, the UT -Florida game sets up nicely for the Vols. I know the UT defense will be better prepared for the Florida offense than they were last year, and the sting from those 59 points lingers still. The Gators may overlook the Vols in that one—which they would do at their own peril). South Carolina, as usual, is finding that Spurrier’s disciplinary “actions” magically evaporate when the actual season rolls around (funny how that always happens in Columbia!), and he’ll have his boy Garcia at practice this summer in between AA meetings. The pass D should be solid with the ‘Cocks, but the run D will still have trouble, and the offense is lacking in playmakers in the backfield. The ‘Cocks will be playing the spoiler role this season once again, but one team that won’t overlook them this year is Georgia. That game won’t be close. LSU has the best line talent in the SEC, but QB is unsettled, and the RB corps is solid, but not spectacular. I look for them to finally see how bad Coach Miles’ play-calling is this season (they won a MNC last year despite him, not because of him). Auburn has talent, but the jury is still out in regard to their new offense, which is entirely QB-dependent.

And that’s just in the conference. I’m not even talking about ASU or Tech.

In short, while Georgia could lose as many as four games, the odds are that they won’t. Worst case scenario likely is 10-2. I suspect the Dawgs have too much talent to lose to ASU, Tech or ‘Bama unless they turn the ball over a bunch. UT will be a test, but I think memories of last year will keep the Dawgs mission-focused at home, and they will likely win that game late. LSU on the road is a tough draw. Georgia’s chances there are a tossup. Similarly for Auburn on the road; the Tigers will field a solid D, and if their offense can score, they will be tough to beat. That’s a 50/50 win/loss chance, as well. The Gators will have the league’s best offense (Georgia’s will be second), but I think the defensive woes are worse than advertised. Too much reliance on freshmen, too susceptible to injury-related losses (they are very thin on D), they will have trouble with Georgia’s offense in Jacksonville. Georgia, UT and LSU could all beat the Gators (and watch out for Ole Miss, my surprise team in the SEC this season—they have a QB in Jevan Snead, a RB in Enrique Davis, and Jerrell Powe is eligible finally on the DL. Could spring the upset in the Swamp!).

I think the Dawgs go 11-1, with a loss to either LSU or Auburn, and a rematch against that team in the SECCG—which the Dawgs will likely win, as I don’t see any team in in the SEC with enough talent to beat this Georgia team twice. This team is the most talented and most deep team in the SEC, which is critical as the season grinds on.

By Georgia Sucks

August 1, 2008 4:23 AM | Link to this

Cuz what happen to your mutts at College Baseball World Series? You said everybody will have egg on their face and Georgia would win. You got egg on your face and Georgia CHOKED as always.

By shane #1

August 1, 2008 4:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Cuz, Alt, Gen, and all You guys. Old Zeb is taking a break so somebody had to cuss out the candy asses. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. I can’t think of anyone better than a South Ga redneck with a beer too many. Gen, I think it’s Our turn to beat Ya’ll, but time will tell on that. Old Phat Phil sure earned His money last year and I am one Dawg that’s glad Ya’ll stuck with Him, though I will be glad when He retires. He is not My favorite coach but He has paid His dues. I for one can’t wait for September to get here. We may not win it all but this year is going to be fun. I don’t remember a team at UGA with so many guys that play the game with as much pure joy as Moreno, Stafford, Curren, and Ellerbe. Those guys look like kids out there, just having a ball! Guess I had better run before old Gator Chump finds Me, I can’t hide behind this keyboard forever. I am so scared, uuuuhhhhh! My only hope is that He is a Gator D back. We all know that They can’t hit!

By shane #1

August 1, 2008 5:42 AM | Link to this

Hey, You Suck, UGA was at the CWS, where was Your team? Are You too ashamed of Them to name Them? I love it when You guys with no gonads come on the UGA blog. Gator Chump is an idiot and may have to eat crow post season, but He has the guts to back a team. It’s right there in the heading, first word, GATOR. Your team must suck worse than You do, if possible, though I don’t see how They could. The have the guts to put on a uni and pads and a helmet, the whole world knows Who They are. It is a shame that They have to have a loser like You for a fan.

By Dawg4Life

August 1, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

UGA has balance on offense, so what. I don’t see the passing numbers sky-rocketing up this year either. UGA keeps it simple. They don’t need any of that fancy nonsense like UF runs. Quite frankly, I will take our style any day of the week. The results don’t lie, 11-2 or 9-4… Sure Tebow put up all of these astronomical numbers, but at the end of the day his team still lost 4 games. After it is all said and done, all that matters is getting the “W”.

By D.Ellis

August 1, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

Stats are nice. Numbers are nice. Leading the nation in Passing is nice. Leading the SEC in rushing is nice.

However the only number that matters is in the W column. Go Dawgs. WIN THE SEC!!!!!!!!

By anthony harrison

August 1, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

i agree uga has a balanced offense they run, they pass, they keep you on your heels, and there is nobody that can hang with uga in the sec, the only game that scares me is the south carolina game they might have a better deffense than uga but , matthew will figure somethin out and they sure cant defend knowshon, you know experts are sayin he might have a sophmore slump but thats not going to happen this guy is too good for a slump go dawgs!!!!!!!!

By redfive

August 1, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Those stats can be misleading though when you consider a teams strength of schedule. Hawaii probably led the nation in every passing category but were beaten badly when they finally played someone. Secondly, UGA finished the season scoring 42 on Florida, 45 on Auburn, 41 on Hawaii, and in the 30’s against UK and Tech.

By PowderSpringsDawg

August 1, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Anyone seen my man bra? Now don’t put me down simply because I didn’t gragiate from UGA and because I weigh a trey plus. I hold down a very important position working for the State of Georgia. I have promoted idiots like myself for years and have a BS in butt sniffing and licking from Ga State. See, if you have no talent, you just find the right butt. Has worked for me and my incompetent entourage of idiots my whole pathetic career. Anyone smell that? I think its butt.

Go Dawgs!!!

By shane #1

August 1, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

I luvs me them big ol dawgs. I luvs to stik they weinies in ma mouth too. I think is is tuff stuf here on these here blawgs. I always has a tuff time gettin bak to the same blawg though. This here crazy interweg thingy is tuff. U all is a bunch of cowerds! I take any of u on if you come down to my traler park! My big ol boyfriend Zeb will kik ur butts too!! Then we will have a sword fite with our pekkers! That is my favrite! I luv dawgy weiners and sword fites with Zeb!! I also luv hairy bungholes and smearing poop on my chest.

By old gold

August 1, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Alt and Cuz: As a devout Techster, its always good to hear from both of you. You two I salute as being in a blogster class by yourselves. I love to spread what grief I can among the kids that show up on here but I know you guys know better. Have a good season and enjoy yourselves. Its definitely show time for the Dawgs. PS: Some diseased creep stole my former name “Yellowblood” and I had to change it.

By DaltonDAWG

August 1, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

So what if we’s got playas gettin arrested?? JUST WIN BABY! It worked for Al Davis and the Raidas in the 80’s and 90’s and now it is working for Mark Richt!

I am glad richt got rit of the suspension cause it shows where his head is at on the football field not caught up with what the school is all worried about!!

The only reason that the dawgs have had over 30 players arrested in the last few years is because they are being targeted by the athens cops who just want to make a name for themselfs by taking down a BULLDOG.

AS long as we keep winning on the field I personaly dont have a problem with it or our poor graduation rates whihc is really just a faktor of UGA becoming one of the best accedemic schools inthe nation.

LEts face facts_the DAWGS are the preseason number 1 team in the whole country and you cant really aregue with that - unless you are a DORKY TECH FAN.

GO DAWGS@

and remember

JUST WIN BABY!!

Dont playa hate!

Besides I heard tech had a player arrested too so its not just the dawgs that have problems with the police!

By AltamahaDawg

August 1, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I wondered what happened to Yellowblood, he came up with a good one, every ninth try. I will say this: I have 20 times more respect for somebody who is openly a fan of some other school and gives us grief in the form of trash talking barbs, as I do somebody who calls themselves something the equavalent of “I can’t admit who I pull for, but I know I hate you guys”, then proceeds to talk crap, as if they are actually going to convince a bunch of UGA fans that our school sucks.

Agendas are pretty obvious in here, and folks look pretty stupid trying to pretend they have some real points, when they do not.

I realize we dont exactly have our National Championship Law School Debate Team out here every day, with everyone sporting red and black, But I know damn well the real true rival fans that read this are embarrased by some of you professing to be them.

By seadawg

August 1, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

After reading through some of these posts, here are my thoughts.

I agree with the poster who stated that a good indicator of our season will be how we handle Carolina. We have twice as much talent as they do, but if we struggle, this season will be hit or miss depending on which GA team shows up.

Run Moreno and then run him some more. He seems to get better as the game wears on. If he’s sharing carries, he doesn’t get himself into the same “lather” as he does when he gets the bulk of the load. When he starts to pile up the yards, our passing game is just that much better.

Yards after catch will be key. If Stafford can hit a receiver in stride, our offensive production will improve greatly. Too many times last year, our receivers had to either dive for a low ball or jump for a high ball, and then they were dropped where they caught it (that is, if they caught it.)

If we have to use our new freshman kicker too much, it means none of the above is happening.

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic and can’t wait for the season to start. All this talk is just that — let the games begin!

By seadawg

August 1, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

After reading through some of these posts, here are my thoughts.

I agree with the poster who stated that a good indicator of our season will be how we handle Carolina. We have twice as much talent as they do, but if we struggle, this season will be hit or miss depending on which GA team shows up.

Run Moreno and then run him some more. He seems to get better as the game wears on. If he’s sharing carries, he doesn’t get himself into the same “lather” as he does when he gets the bulk of the load. When he starts to pile up the yards, our passing game is just that much better.

Yards after catch will be key. If Stafford can hit a receiver in stride, our offensive production will improve greatly. Too many times last year, our receivers had to either dive for a low ball or jump for a high ball, and then they were dropped where they caught it (that is, if they caught it.)

If we have to use our new freshman kicker too much, it means none of the above is happening.

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic and can’t wait for the season to start. All this talk is just that — let the games begin!

By seadawg

August 1, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

After reading through some of these posts, here are my thoughts.

I agree with the poster who stated that a good indicator of our season will be how we handle Carolina. We have twice as much talent as they do, but if we struggle, this season will be hit or miss depending on which GA team shows up.

Run Moreno and then run him some more. He seems to get better as the game wears on. If he’s sharing carries, he doesn’t get himself into the same “lather” as he does when he gets the bulk of the load. When he starts to pile up the yards, our passing game is just that much better.

Yards after catch will be key. If Stafford can hit a receiver in stride, our offensive production will improve greatly. Too many times last year, our receivers had to either dive for a low ball or jump for a high ball, and then they were dropped where they caught it (that is, if they caught it.)

If we have to use our new freshman kicker too much, it means none of the above is happening.

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic and can’t wait for the season to start. All this talk is just that — let the games begin!

By seadawg

August 1, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

After reading through some of these posts, here are my thoughts.

I agree with the poster who stated that a good indicator of our season will be how we handle Carolina. We have twice as much talent as they do, but if we struggle, this season will be hit or miss depending on which GA team shows up.

Run Moreno and then run him some more. He seems to get better as the game wears on. If he’s sharing carries, he doesn’t get himself into the same “lather” as he does when he gets the bulk of the load. When he starts to pile up the yards, our passing game is just that much better.

Yards after catch will be key. If Stafford can hit a receiver in stride, our offensive production will improve greatly. Too many times last year, our receivers had to either dive for a low ball or jump for a high ball, and then they were dropped where they caught it (that is, if they caught it.)

If we have to use our new freshman kicker too much, it means none of the above is happening.

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic and can’t wait for the season to start. All this talk is just that — let the games begin!

By seadawg

August 1, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

After reading through some of these posts, here are my thoughts.

I agree with the poster who stated that a good indicator of our season will be how we handle Carolina. We have twice as much talent as they do, but if we struggle, this season will be hit or miss depending on which GA team shows up.

Run Moreno and then run him some more. He seems to get better as the game wears on. If he’s sharing carries, he doesn’t get himself into the same “lather” as he does when he gets the bulk of the load. When he starts to pile up the yards, our passing game is just that much better.

Yards after catch will be key. If Stafford can hit a receiver in stride, our offensive production will improve greatly. Too many times last year, our receivers had to either dive for a low ball or jump for a high ball, and then they were dropped where they caught it (that is, if they caught it.)

If we have to use our new freshman kicker too much, it means none of the above is happening.

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic and can’t wait for the season to start. All this talk is just that — let the games begin!

By shane #1

August 1, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Old Gold, We know what You mean about posers, look at the two posts just above Yours. The AJC could stop that by simply registering user names. Some mental midgets Who know nothing about football and aren’t fans of any team steal other’s names and pretend to be gay. Thirteen year old dropouts with single digit IQs.

By Steve

August 1, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Left out a couple of NCAA categories. Recruiting Thugs and Criminals #1 Lack of team discipline #1 Lack of behavior responsibility #1