UGA

By Paul Hamilton

August 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Owens, Allen, Curran, and Byrd would be the four I pick to really shine this year. I agree the defense looks solid all around. We are going to need them to be very good this year if we stand a chance of making a run at the SEC Title and NC.

By DawgNYC

August 7, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

RENNIE CURRAN is the man!!!

By Chip Towers

August 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Coach Dooley, I didn’t catch this until later but it was in the Athens Banner-Herald yesterday that the price tag of the “garden” being built to honor him has doubled to $2 million. The GAA board had to approve the extra money in a specially-called meeting earlier this week (apparently I’m not on their call list)… . Anyway, that comes as no surprise to me as I have continued to marvel at all the cranes and cement mixers and big equipment being used on the corner of Pinecrest and Lumpkin next to Spec Towns Track. You’d think they were getting ready to throw up a skyscraper. … Also says in the ABH story that Stan Mullins’ statue won’t be ready until November… . I’ll file a complete report closer to the opening game, when it’s supposed to be ready (sans statue).

By Milton Jeff

August 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Miller should get some nods as well as Atkins.

By Eric

August 7, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe no one has mentioned Reshad Jones. Reshad Jones is the guy to keep an eye on if he comes into his on with the college game. He is a flat out game changer!!! Trust me watch this kid. Unbelievable talent on the defense.

By jacksondawg

August 7, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Reshad Jones becomes a star this year. But I don’t think he becomes AA. Ellerbe, Atkins, Allen would be the only 3 I see getting AA. We could have more finish 1st team all sec but not AA.

By RxDawg

August 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Rashad Jones and Rennie Curran are my picks to shine. And, even though its tough for DL to rack up the stats, Jeff Owens gets his job done game after game.

By Michael

August 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Rennie Curran!!! Last year before the FL game I was saying the D needed to be adjusted & that we were missing a Thomas Davis\Greg Blue type of heat seeking missile hitters. Then boom! They changed the D during the bye week & Curran starts lighting people up! He should only continue to get better & deliver more hits!

By AltamahaDawg

August 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

The thing I am convinced of, is that irrespective to proving that pre-season #1 have historically not been an accurate predictor in who actually finishing #1, there is NOTHING to suggest that it diminishes your chances.

Given the almost infinate number of possible things that can happen in a football season, the fact that a couple of team have been able to do that in recent years, would seem to me, to be way ahead of the statitical probability.

By RxDawg

August 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Dang, you beat me to it Eric =)

By jason

August 7, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Alomg with Atkins, I like Owens. There don’t seem to be alot of love for the DL, with the rotation of so mant DTs. I second Jones. With another year of being in the system, and maturing, he could be the best of a deep and talented D back field.

By Juno1977

August 7, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

ERIC is right RESHAD JONES is a beast. Speed, size, and will go after the ball. I think last year he stepped his game up and it looked liked he started to understand the defense. He’s not the only star on D but he’s the one nobody is talking about.

By CaliDawg

August 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Rennie Curran will be getting some airtime on Sportscenter. That dude is a flat-out bruiser.

By bobby

August 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

A year from now….Rennie Curran will be “the guy” everyone is talking about as the premier college football linebacker.

By Juno1977

August 7, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

ERIC is right RESHAD JONES is a beast. Speed, size, and will go after the ball. I think last year he stepped his game up and it looked liked he started to understand the defense. He’s not the only star on D but he’s the one nobody is talking about.

But for the record, barring injury, you can put Allen Ashers name in the books. He’s going to have a huge year.

By Brad

August 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip any truth to the rumor Walter Hill broke his hand and will be out for 4-6 weeks?

By nola dawg

August 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Good topic Chip - and I agree, I think the D has a chance to be special. To win in football you need to be strong up the middle. And with Owens/Akins, Ellerbe, and Jones you have All-SEC caliber players at all 3 levels.

One player I look to have a big year is Jarious Wynn. I think he will rise to the top as far as the D-ends. And has there been a year in the past 7 that Coach Fab has not produced an All-Sec caliber player?(Pollack, Moses, Johnson, Howard). That’s my sleeper call - a big year (7-10 sacks) for J. Wynn.

Go Dawgs.

By maddawg

August 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Rennie Curran!!!!!

By jferg NC dawg

August 7, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Other than the afore mentioned trio…I think both R Jones and J Wynn become the newest stars. Curran is awesome…I just wonder if he’s BIG enough to warrant AA status…???

By Dorsey Hill

August 7, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

We have a lot of good players on D, but the one truly special guy is Rennie.

By Josh

August 7, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Ha… great article on Dooley’s gardening. I was actually a student of Dr. Dirr’s back when Coach used to sit in on classes. It was pretty cool to see him sitting there a few desks over, diligently taking notes and asking questions like any other student (sometimes better than most other students).

The really funny thing was that he was still AD at the time, and so a few times when he had a scheduling conflict he would (believe it or not) send Barbara to class to take notes for him. Now those were interesting classes. :-)

By famous_bt8

August 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Aside from the obvious picks of Rennie and Reshad (I agree with both), I do like the Jarious Wynn pick. I think he is a real sleeper. On a side note, has anyone heard about the injury to Ingram from Florida? I heard it was an ACL tear. If true, my prayers go out to him and his family.

GATA

By jason

August 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Reshad Jones, Rennie Curran, Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens, Asher Allen

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 7, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Right on in Curran,Jones and Allen. Those are the Big three. Owens,Ellerbe and Atkins will do the dirty work for them.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By Nick

August 7, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I think Ellerbe will be good as advertised. I was surprised to see him getting as much press as he’s gotten but I guess the coaches and media see something in him. I think the biggest star on defense will be Curran. I think he’ll end up being of the Pollack/Davis/Blue caliber we got used to seeing. His ability to run down a ballcarrier is mind-blowing. To me he’s been the most impressive and “can’t wait to see him get better” player I’ve seen since Pollack. And I think Allen is really going to come on this year and I expect big things from him. I think the whole lot of them possesses the talent and the potential so seeing any of their names there at season’s end won’t surprise me but Curran and Allen are the two top picks on defense. Go Dawgs!

By Big Dawg

August 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Rennie Curran and Jeff Owens are the only two guys I would expect to be All Americans this year with Geno Atkins, Reshad Jones and Asher Allen being All SEC.

By LPDAWG

August 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

I hope Marcus Washington return intime for LSU and UF. When healthy, he makes everyone else on the field look good by clogging up the middle

By RD

August 7, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t really care how many post season awards Georgia players get. I’ll be content if the UGA team wins the SEC and gets a shot at the NC! We’ll let the marvelous Gators go after the personal awards.

By TybeeDawg

August 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I’m with you Dorsey…Curran is the man. He has incredible closing speed and really drives his whole body right through the ball carrier…great technique! This could be a season not unlike the Junkyard Dawg years when there were not alot of superstars on D, just the whole D contributing and doing the job as a unit.

PROVE IT!

By Ben in Athens

August 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I agree that Ellerbe will be good, but I think Rennie Curran will be better this season. Our linebackers are just solid any way you slice it. As far as All-American candidates, I think maybe we’ll have one. This isn’t a defense full of stars. Asher Allen and Geno Atkins should be in position for that one slot though. I expect to see Reshad Jones come into his own this season as well.

By 1eyedJack

August 7, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

It may be harder for individuals on the defense to get noticed since the whole D is so talented. No one individual may accoumulate the numbers needed to stand out to the media who go solely on stats.

By SEC_PAC_FAN

August 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Wynn and Jones are great!

By I-DOG

August 7, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Chip,

3 questions:

Is Tanner Strickland pushing to start over Anderson because Strickland is doing so well or is that Anderson is doing poorly?

How is the big OL Josh Davis doing? Seems to me like in Spring of 07, he was thought of as the third best OL on the team and then we just haven’t seen or heard that much from him since?

Richt seem a little nervous about experienced depth at safety, I saw him say “if there are one or 2 injuries there…” and he kind of shivered?

Can Williams be the insurance policy there if injuries happen at safety? or is there another plan? I know that Q Banks is someone that can play and the staff seems pleased with John Nnox as well, but if one of those guys had to start?

By David C

August 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I think we should all look out for Rennie Curran and Jeff Owens to have a big year for UGA

By SEC_PAC_FAN

August 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I find it amazing that the Bulldogs did not get more defensive recognition on the pre-season voting.

Nevertheless, Reshad Jones and Darius Wynn should be real studs to go along with Atkins, Owens, Curren, Ellerbe, and Allen. Also, look for Prince Miller to be much better this year with a year under his belt.

By Will

August 7, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Reshad Jones is the next Ed Reed, he’s one of those special players that seems to be in the middle of every play. I predict Akeem Hebron matures this season and makes a big impact at LB. I’m really excited about the DL. Owens, Atkins, KAde, Irvin, and Brandon Wood could all start at most BCS schools. I just feel bad for the opposing QBs.

By GATOR CHOMP

August 7, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

F**k the jailbirds,The MIGHTY GATORS are going 2 murder you flead out puppies “BOOK IT LOSERS”

By gdawginkalamazoo

August 7, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Speaking of that SI cover. Evidently these things are regional. I will trade someone a Luckeye cover (featuring the SEC whipping post Ohio State) PLUS a Notre Dame Cover (featuring Jimmy Clausen, a box of Lucky Charms and a Leprechuan. Jimmy would be the one wearing the jersey with one arm tied behind his back-some sort of family tradition with the arm thing). So up here they have Notre Dame #1 with a bullet, OSU #2 (that would be a distant #2 behind the entire SEC @ 1a thru 12a), and Michigan #3.

Over the past few years everybody has been calling us overrated. This year we can truly accept that title. Just have to win with that brutal schedule. And we have to win with style points. I am sure the “new” Richt will adjust and bust some chops knowing that the other coaches will understand. Just winning isn’t going to cut it. The media/coaches will be looking to pop the winner of the USC/OSU to #1 after that game. The offense has to be very productive, put up a lot of points and the defense stingy as it has been.

Altadawg, I can’t agree more.

The AA choices I am not sure about. With the kids being back in camp and all the drinking may be cut back a bit so tough call on that one. I guess we would have to go with the current suspended players to start out with.

By truedawg

August 7, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty much going with everyone else on this….Rennie Curran graduated from Brookwood (which is where i went) and i saw the closing speed and just strait up headhunting of this kid…….Reshad Jones, Of course Ellerbe if he stays healthy and Asher Allen would be my picks! The thing that really concerned me about our defense was speed (like when we got burned at the Auburn game on the last play) but the speed we have now is looking Amazing!!!!

By Zeb

August 7, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Dammit Alt, you just had to go and wake gator chomp up………didn’t you?? Mr chomp, please don’t murder us, we’ve still got games to play after the gators.

By GB

August 7, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Matt Any news on how AJ Harmon is looking?

By GB

August 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Sorry Chip, my bad

By Dave

August 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

GATORCHOMP, maybe you should take note of your rediculous defense that running backs poured through like water. Both UGA and Michigan (MICHIGAN??) blitzed the legendary gators. Florida won’t even make it to the UGA game without at least one loss. You needn’t worry about the big dawg, we’ll have our hands full with our own schedule. Floride has a great offense, but a sorry defense. You’d BETTER average 40 pts a game, because every game you play will be a track meet. Then when Ellerbe blindsides the holy Tebow….AGAIN, it’s gonna be lights out. Look, I think Tebow just grabbed his shoulder….

By wildboar

August 7, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Chip, A couple of defensive players have mentioned Vance Cuff as someone we haven’t heard about but looks good. Can you provide an update on his practices. 2nd or 3rd string i.e.

By MoDawg

August 7, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Ellerbe, Atkins, R. Jones, Curran and Allen are All World and will prove it this year. Geno Atkins is a disrupter, Ellerbe is our new Odell Thurman (without the bag of pot), R. Jones is going to be a beast this year, I think and Curran is a freaking heat-seeking missle. jferg, Curran makes up for his lack of height (remember he’s 220 lbs of muscle at 5’10”?) with his nose for the ball and his speed. Watching some of his highlights from last year will take your breath away (don’t count the Tennessee game, sheesh!! Did we even field a defense in that stinker?) and Asher Allen is as close to a shut down corner as you can get. He and Miller will prevent many teams from burning us with the pass. Our “D” should be dominant, and as long as our “O” is adequate (should be better than that) we stand a good chance of having a really good year.

By Mobile Dawg

August 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Gator Chump, you sound like your full of unhealthy hatred, have you lost your meds or is it just that tiime of the month?

By gdawginkalamazoo

August 7, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I prefer the post season accolades and picks. Prove it and earn it on the field. I don’t know what good the pre-season picks do for All-Americans.

Gator Chomp, classic LMAO post you made there pal. Urban over those night sweats and terrors of Dawgs dancing in his dreams yet? Rumor has it that Urban has called in Emmitt to provide dance lessons when you score this year. He also has Dr Phil lined up to teach group hugs that are not limited to just Tebow and his linemen.

By Chip Towers

August 7, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

IMPORTANT NOTE: PRACTICE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL 7:15 P.M. TONIGHT DUE TO EXPECTED BAD WEATHER. SO NO PRACTICE UPDATES …

Rennie Curran, Reshad Jones and Jeff Owens are being nominated by most everyone and I can’t disagree. The one I really like though is Jarius Wynn *note correct spelling). It seems there is always one guy that sneaks up on you — don’t remember a lot of buzz about Marcus Howard before last season — but I could see Wynn or Corvey Irvin breaking out… .

LP Dawg: I was told that despite what Marcus Washington said earlier this summer, he’s going to take the whole year as a redshirt and come back in the spring. That said, since there are only nine linebackers overall I could see them pulling the redshirt off late in the year if he was ready… .

I-DOG: Actually that was six questions but I’ll try to get to them all — (1) It was Strickland’s impressive play; (2) I assume Josh Davis is doing fine but he happens to play behind Trinton Sturdivant; (3) Safety is a strength for the Dogs with Jones and CJ Byrd but they are a little shaky behind that as far as experience. The good thing is safeties can generally play more plays than corners and they like Banks and Knox as athletes, just probably don’t trust them a lot as far as assignments. Freshmen Nick Williams and Sanders Commings are working there as well.

By Cuz

August 7, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Curran the Head Hunter. His name will be feared throughout the land. Tech Mom’s will get their children to go to bed by saying if they don’t Curran the Head Hunter will get them.

The horror, the horror……

EARN IT!!

By Big Dawg

August 7, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Oh and I forgot about Ellerbe, I think he will be ALL SEC and possibly All American as well. At the end of last year with the emergence of our OL, DL and Curran this allowed our defense to start gambling a lot more and thus be more effective in stopping both the run and the pass.

By TybeeDawg

August 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Is the weather gonna force practice inside today?

By Chip Towers

August 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Meant to address these also:

Brad, I believe Walter Hill did break his hand, according to a rivals.com report. I saw him after practice yesterday coming into the interview room late and noted that he had a light gauze wrap around his left hand but was on my way back up to my computer on the third floor to write the post-practice update and didn’t stop to eavesdrop on the conversation with him. I’ll check on it today… .

GB: As I wrote the other day A.J. Harmon looks heavy and slow to me right now but I haven’t gotten Coach Garner’s assessment yet. He’s down on everybody this time of year anyway.

By TybeeDawg

August 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Gdawg…lol

PROVE IT!

By Ken

August 7, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry if this is already posted, but check out this video of Curran working out before he got to Athens:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF7IePVcO7M

By AltamahaDawg

August 7, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Don’t blame me Zeb, except to occational chuckle as to why a tech fan would want to pose as an obnoxious gator fan, I try to ignore that dude. Why everyone else cannot seem to do that is beyond me.

Does he really sound like he is a person interested in a logical debate about X’s and O’s? Untimately he IS the winner in any poo-poo fight, as he dictates exactly how much attention he gets in here.

By uga_b

August 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

How about who will have more interceptions? Asher or Reshad? I think everyone has pretty much identified the potential stars of the defense and I agree. As a fellow homer, I think we have 11 players on defense that could be AA and we have named 6-7 that are most likely. The DT position is as strong as I have seen it since the Seymour Stroud days. I like the speed in the secondary and the lateral speed of the LB core. I think it will be team D instead of individual accolades which is fine by me!

By gdawingkalamazoo

August 7, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Tech Mom’s will get their children to go to bed by saying if they don’t Curran the Head Hunter will get them

Cuz, I think that is how Paul Johnson gets the Tech players to meet curfew. I see where Tech had “Fan Day” the other day. Anybody know the name of the fan that showed up?

Speaking of LB’s Chip, how is Hebron doing? Has he battled his demons and made it back yet? I think that kid might make a difference if he gets out there.

By ARdawg

August 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

The first 3 manes that came to my head were Curran, Owens and Jones without hesitation. But I am more than willing to wager they’ll be at least 2 more

By Zeb

August 7, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Dammit Alt, you just had to go and wake gator chomp up………didn’t you?? Mr chomp, please don’t murder us, we’ve still got games to play after the gators.

By nola dawg

August 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Chip - I feel so honored you like my Jarius Wynn pick! And good one on Irvin too. An interesting article could be the impact of that JUCO class CMR took last year (V Vance, Wynn, etc…) I know he doesn’t like to do that (take JUCO guys), but it appears the risk is paying off with those cats.

Thanks for the update on the rain. Stay out of the lightning.

• the UGA/AJC discussion board with live updates from Chip Towers, the worst thing to ever happen to my work productivity!

By gdawginkalamazoo

August 7, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

nola dawg, What is “work productivity”?

By hop

August 7, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

all eleven starters and a few backups are all capable of being all conference.

this is the best georgia defense since richt has been the head coach.

the depth at all positions makes it very special especially with the schedule that e have.

the defense is the strength of the team!

By jferg NC dawg

August 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Ken…thanks for that video clip on Rennie. I guess I was oblivious to how thick and strong he is because of how short and fast he was.
MoDawg….you’re right— 5’10” 225 lbs of solid muscle is a low-to-the-ground load which is hard to run through.

CHIP Can you give an update on TE’s? When are we going to return to TE “U”? Watson, McMike, Pope…anyone looking to really be a force down the middle? Also, will our offense use our TE’s more like they did in the early Richt days?

I like the “Earn It/ Prove It” phrase…any way that makes it to some UGA t-shirts or practice gear? We’re sponsored by Nike….Just Do it…Just Earn it….Just Prove It. Nike marketing director, send the royalty checks to Wake Forest, NC for me!

By Cuz

August 7, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I agree hop, while the other teams will be wheezing in the fourth quarter, we will still be fresh due to depth. I bet we put some nails in the coffins in the fourth quarter this year. Get the hammer ready.

EARN IT!!

By Brooks

August 7, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

I would like to see C.J. Byrd go off this year like everyone knows he can. He was a highly regard recruit out of the state of South Carolina a few years back. He might have been the player of the year in the state that year if I’m thinking correctly. We need him to step up at safety. I echo the Rennie Curran comments. He is a flat out stud. I think he and Tray Blackmon at Auburn are very similar. Smaller in size but a nightmare for opposing offenses. I hope Kade Weston lives up his billing as well. Jeff Owens has been a very solid player and I would expect him to play on Sundays. I hope we can develop a consistent pass rush which we have had trouble doing in the past. GO DAWGS!!!!

By I-DOG

August 7, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chip,

Good info.

By Greg

August 7, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Very good players at every position. Every single one of them recruited by SEC and national powers. Guys that haven’t been mentioned here, like Akeem Dent and Prince Miller, are experienced and great athletes as well. If Wynn and Lomax step up at DE, there are no weaknesses.

By MountainDawg

August 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

No doubt there’ll be a slew of All-SEC Dawgs (1st thru 3rd teams). As far as defensive AA candidates I’d say Curran, Reshad Jones & Jeff Owens are best bets. I’d like to see multiple Dawgs as D AA’s, but I think they D strength will be team/squad oriented rather than 1 superstar.

*BTW, Southerland got royally ripped off not being pre-season All-SEC, he’s one of the best RBs in the league (even at FB)!

By TybeeDawg

August 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Chip, what is the practice schedule for the next several days…are they taking a break on Sunday? How does CMR seem to you? Calm as usual compared to last season or has all the increased publicity and recognition (good and bad) got him a little on edge?

By Nate

August 7, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I think Rennie Curran and Qunitin Banks are going to be big big players this year…and rise in stock a lot.

By evansdawg

August 7, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

The Liberian Dream!

By nola dawg

August 7, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Brooks - good call on Kade Weston. Totally forgot about him, he could be an “under the radar” guy on the D this year too. He has the tools to be just as productive as Owens/Atkins.

What a freakin group of studs up front … Atkins, Weston, Owens…

By Sven Ottke

August 7, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

After hearing Rennie Curran on 790 yesterday, we may want to get him to a linguist. My 5 year old sounds more intelligent. It was sad.

By P Dawg

August 7, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

I think they’re all AA’s. Can’t wait to watch them steamroll their way to the SEC and National Championships! Feel sorry for UT this year, especially with a week off to prepare. UF—-no problem. UA and AU—-sorry. ASU—-hate it for you but if you think USC beat your poor little team up last season wait til you get a load of this D! LSU—-uh uh! UGA has finally got the right team together at the right time. Haven’t seen this much talent on both sides of the ball in my life. The D is probably going to be even better than the one we fielded with Seymore and co. See ya chumps!

By P Dawg

August 7, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Sven Ottke, I’m sure Rennie’s gonna lose some sleep because you don’t like the way he talks. He probably wouldn’t like the way you play football either. Although I’m sure he would probably like for you to catch one over the middle so he could destroy your a$$!

By GA All Day

August 7, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Honestly the whole damn D has a chance of being all-conference. AA (1st & 2nd) will go to A.Allen, D.Ellerbee, R.Curran, G.Atkins, J.Owens, R.Jones, and P.Miller (even though I dont like his play).

Im telling you folks, when these guys go undefeated this year, they will have to be heralded as the greatest college football team of all time. They may not have as many “stars” as 03 Miami, but Miami did not play this schedule, including USC in the NC. All hail the red & black!!

By Sven Ottke

August 7, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

P Dawg, why are you always talking about guy’s hindquarters? Is that your fettish?

By TybeeDawg

August 7, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Cuz,

It’s catchin on!

EARN IT! PROVE IT!

By unweaned lil pup

August 7, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget Akeem Hebron. He was highly recruited and then had that discipline setback last year and played at GMC. He had a great G-Day game with 5 tackles at LB. He is back with a new attitude, coming in under the radar a little bit, my dark horse on D to become the next big name on that side of the ball.

By Carl Wolerski

August 7, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

I think the question is…….

Any All American Candidates at UGA that AREN’T in JAIL!!!!!!!

GOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!

WARDEN Richt, you are leading your boys to greatness….

LONGEST YARD…..LONGEST YARD….MEAN MACHINE..MEAN MACHINE…….MEAN MACHINE!!!

SEC SUCKS!!! How embarassing!d

By Cuz

August 7, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Carl for a second I thought you were the Incredible Hulk, then I realized the green color came from envy. Another ACC fan, the Almost Competent Conference.

By War Eagle

August 7, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Curran should be All American before he graduates Many factors go into this like injury, grades and attitude…he`s a good one

By Chip Towers

August 7, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

FROM THURSDAY’S LATE PRACTICE:

Georgia practiced in the relative cool of the post-thunderstorm night on Thursday. I’ll have a complete practice report on the website (not here) later but here’s what we know in the early going:

Injuries: WR Walter Hill indeed had a broken right hand (fifth metacarpel) and he’s going be looking at six weeks of rehhab… . Fellow wideout Israel Troupe is also sidelined with a hyperextended right elbow, a sprained right wrist and a sprained right shoulder. No recovery time is known as of this writing… . Freshman DE Jeremy Longo also has a broken right hand is looking at six weeks… .

TE Bruce Figgins went down during a pass-catching drill with what looked like a right knee injury. Trainers were quick on the scene and got him up and walking to the sideline but that was about the time they ushered the media inside (Period 5 had started)… . 1980 Dogs Frank Ros and Rex Robinson watched Thursday night’s practice… .

Gridders’ good grades: A total of 53 Georgia Football earned GPAs of 3.0 or better including 16 with perfect 4.0s during the recently completed Summer Semester, producing a 3.02 GPA for the football program during that academic period.

“I’m extremely proud of how our players performed in the classroom over the summer,” head coach Mark Richt said. “The fact that every scholarship player in our program was enrolled and we earned better than a 3.0 GPA as a team is a very significant achievement.”

By Hey

August 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Hey-ooooooooh! Yes, this will probably sound like a broken record, BUT… let the music play.

Cuz, Earn it!/Prove it! are excellent slogans. Once our JYDs arrive in Jax, I’ll be in favor of the ever so popular Bring it! Got a problem with last season’s celebration? BRING IT!

UF Slogan: to be adopted during WLODCP Press Conference Dang it! Urban Meyer’s new fight song: It’s too late to Apologize. Don’t be mad UF folks. As Will Ferrell says, “I’m messing with you guys!” I know how this game is played. I am posting on a blog, therefore somebody will see fit to trash me. To you, I say (covers ears) “La,La,La,La,La,La,La,La! I can’t hear you!!” AA Honors? Good call ya’ll. As boring as it may be to agree, I must. I’m no expert, but I like the obvious choices. I look forward to watching #15 bust somebody up on a “return”!

Go Dogs. Hey-ooooooooh!

By Cameron

August 7, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Reshad Jones, Asher Allen, Geno Atkins, Danell Ellerbee, Rennie Curran, Jeff Owens, and Jarius Wynn will all have really good years. No All-Americans here though.

By Born 2 Bark

August 7, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Beginning to sound like a broken record, but Curran is the man. He is David Pollack reincarnated in a Linebacker! Akeem Hebron has the tools, definitely the fastest linebacker. Jarius Wynn doesn’t get enough love, he’s got speed and strength! Of course ASher is sick! I agree with REshad Jones, sick! Not to mention JO and GEno, Ellerbe, Byrd, Cuff, Dent, gosh we are sick on Defense! Sorry, I’m excited. GO DAWGS! WAtch out for Kiante Tripp on O line, he broke the lifting records and speed records, future all american

By fred russo

August 7, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

i would love to see another rennie curran step up on defence this year. what a pleasant supprise he was.

By UGAFan

August 7, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Chip, Great coverage man. You are the best at covering uga for the ajc.

By UGAFan

August 7, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Hey chip, What does the special college football section come out?

By Paul Hamilton

August 7, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

I love Reshad Jones, but he hasn’t shown me anything other than raw potential and ability. He clearly has all the tools the be a fantastic AA safety, but he missed quite a few assignments last year and didn’t play that well. I was at every game last year and I saw a different Reshad Jones than everyone else on here.

I think Byrd is going to outshine Jones this year.

By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 7, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

.

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Chip Towers, sir, you contradict your own blog of less than a week ago where you state that “DANNELL ELLERBE is JUST OK.” Are we to believe that you think Dannell Ellerbe is just OK, or as UGA’s leading tackler of a year ago with 93 tackles, 8 tackles for a Loss, interception, pass break-up, and 5 sacks - now that he made the Cover of the Sports Illustrated AFTER your infamous “MORE BUSTS THAN STARS IN RECRUITING BLOG” that all of a sudden now you think Dannell Ellerbe is a Star ? Would you make up your mind, or is that too much to ask ? Huh.

You are so FOS.

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By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 8, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Of the Top 27 high school Recruits in the state of Georgia, Coach Richt has commitments from 9, one-third. Georgia Tech has 1. Congratulations Paul Johnson.

http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=2225&Year=2009

Who is UGA’s Toughest Game, VOTES BY US SO FAR : .

28,745 at Florida.

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26,800 at LSU.

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23,805 at Auburn.

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21,662 vs Tennessee.

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19,874 at Arizona State.

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17,628 at South Carolina.

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17,188 vs Alabama.

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11,994 vs Georgia Tech.

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11,358 at Kentucky.

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8,080 vs Vanderbilt.

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5,942 vs Central Michigan MAC Champion.

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5,365 vs Georgia Southern, who is not Georgia.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/rank?versionId=5&listId=157#topOfList

Only 4 games in what will be a 12-2 season, are considered easier games than Georgia Tech by all us; and frankly all 4 of them would beat Georgia Tech too. Then, we come in here to the AJ-C and Mark Bradley says Wouldn’t it be something if Georgia Tech beats UGA.

The AJ-C “sports” – writers are such a joke.

The ones of you who are remaining. (And, all of them turned out to pasture this week too and without fanfare I might add.)

BUSTS.

AJ-C “sports” – writer BUSTS.

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By Buford

August 8, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

BuLL, uGA starts the season two weeks later than real football schools. Sure is convenient that uGA schedules two non games so your two game sus boyz will not miss the season.

By shane #1

August 8, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Buford, Somebody has to play Ga Southern, since chicken s** Yech won’t. Why not keep a little money in state? I cannot understand why Richt always suspends guys for the first two games. Why doesn’t He wait 9 or 10 games and then suspend Them? Or even better, He could wait and suspend one guy for each SEC East game. To be really fair, He could suspend defensive backs for passing teams and linebackers for running teams. But wait, suspending one backup would not matter, maybe he should suspend no one but starters, and at least two per game. Except for Yech, He would have to suspend at least 22 players for Yech to have a chance! Yeah, that would do it! When a long snapper gets in trouble suspend Knowshon! Yeah! That would be fair, suspend Stafford for the UT game and Moreno for the UF game! Thats it! That would teach those third stringers and long snappers a lessson! Boy, there must have been an escape from the institute of the crimanally stupid, They are all on this blog! Moron!

By shane #1

August 8, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Chip, sorry, but I was sidetracked by an idiot. I should know better by now!. My vote for All American on D? Ellerbe, without a doubt! The heart and soul of UGA’s defense.

By Tom

August 8, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

*

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GREAT SONG!!!

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*

By JRL

August 8, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

All American’s I dunno - All SEC would have been a better question.

By Buford

August 8, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

hey shame, we already know why the sus are for the first two games donkey. Better question, why not start the season when other teams start?

By DJNEWT

August 8, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Asher Allen is the man yall!!! This kid is another Champ bailey. Rennie Curran is a monster!! Don’t forget about Gino Atkins or he will run over you. Jeff Owens will chase you down and choke slam you. Reshad Jones will snipe you from afar, but at the end of the day the star on defense and the one who they will all look to for leadership is my man Dannell! This guy is Ray Lewis scary and hits with some serious fury. Defense win championships, and make no mistake that this is a championship worthy defense yall!!!

TO THE DAWGZ ABOUT TO ROCK….

WE SA-LUTE YOU!!!!!!

By Mark

August 8, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I know he isn’t AA material, but I haven’t seen anyone’s mention of Dobbs at all. I heard he’s had a good spring and is #2 on the DE list. Is that right?

By What?

August 21, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this

Wow, it looks like the Georgia Southern thugs are trying to keep up with the Georgia police blotter. To think that these college coaches continue to cater to these type of individuals and many good citizen/student/athletes are left outside looking in because they don’t have the “attitude”.

By David

September 9, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Right on YAHOO Georgia is now crying about their highlights not being shown. The biased sportswriters have already ranked the DAWGS down to 2 now they are not showing our hightlights….Everyone is against us! Give me a break! The most biased school on the planet…if you don’t think so just listen to the old guy that does the radio for the games! The guy is so out of touch that you can listen for an hour and not hear the score or what quarter you are in…but you get those great sideline reports with the gay guy down on the field reporting that Coach Richt just passed gas and UGA just took a whizz!

By Rick

September 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

I hate to be an ‘I told ya so’ but the Dawgs proved last Sat. that they were over rated….just as I have been saying all along. ‘No-Show’ Moreno is just that….no-show. Some big Cocktail Party we’re gonna have…both GA and FL have gone down. Ha! Let the crying begin.