UGA

By mdawg

August 26, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Thanks for keeping us posted Chip!

By Football Guy

August 26, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Hahahahahhahahahahaha hahahahahahahahhahaha hahahahhahahahahahaha!

By Buford

August 26, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

re (1)…you are correct! Take the big money and run!

By Hootie Bookems

August 26, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Hootie thinks all students should at least have the oppurtunity for all games. Hootie will be tailgating on north campus and attending the game. To all fellow tailgaters- please pick up your trash and leave your spot jut like you found it. Thanks in advance

By RxDawg

August 26, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

I’ll be watching the game on pay per view. However, if the brodcast is of the quality of past pay per view games, theres a very good chance I’ll be listening to Munson for the first quarter or two of the game. I’ve been sorely dissapointed in the lack of quality from pay per view games. I’d love to go to the game being an alum of both schools but darn that work getting in the way =) Go Dawgs and Eagles, heres to a great game.

By BigAlnSowega

August 26, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

My oldest son is playing in a baseball showcase. I’ll have my boombox there, though, listening to XM 199 (I think).

By 1eyedJack

August 26, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Since it is the first game I’m gonna go pay per view. Probably wouldn’t if it were the third or fourth game.

I think that Moreno is more apt to take the leap to the NFL after this season than Stafford. If either wins the Heisman all bets are off. I think Staff may stay another season to enhance his draft status and possibly complete his degree. I hope they both stay no matter what but big bucks have an irresistable draw.

By TCross

August 26, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I agree with you on Stafford and Moreno, if we go all the way, it’ll be their swan song, if not, then we probably get them back unless Knowshon has a McFadden type year.

With the student tickets, its frustrating, I was there only a couple of years ago and I always got all of the tickets, my sister is a sophomore and she got a split package, students are VERY frustrated by this, they can’t afford to drop $200 on ebay to get a ticket for the Tennessee game like graduates may be able to do.

By JT

August 26, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Stafford won’t leave regardless…name the last QB to leave early! Moreno might leave if we win it all, if not he probably didn’t perform well and will be back!

By Halberstram

August 26, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Agree with you on point 1.

Regarding point 2, that’s nothing new. I was in school from ‘99-‘04 and remember that happening to freshman when I was a junior or senior. When I was in grad school in ‘03-‘04 I was only able to get a split season package. It’s just the way it works out unfortunately.

Chip let us know who you think the starting DE’s will be for the game. That seems to an open competition as of now.

By Terrible Truth

August 26, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Turn loose some of that $17,000,000 profit and give the Coach his indoor facility. Or if I win the Mega Millions tonight I’ll pay for it in exchange, of course, for lifetime tickets somewhere between the forties. Go Dogs!

By Rhino

August 26, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

I will be at the game just like I have been for every home game since 1976. My son, a Tech freshman, is coming home for the game. He doesn’t plan on going to the Tech game Thursday night. He said they simply don’t know how to sell tickets to the students. Guess that’s one of the reasons there are always so many empty seats. My nephew is a freshman at Georgia and couldn’t get tickets for any Georgia home games. That’s a shame.

By Pago Flyer

August 26, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

If you have young kids, get them in their high school band, then they can try and get in The Dixie Redocats and not worry about getting tkts. That’s what I did!

By RxDawg

August 26, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

1. Probably. It’s hard to say what these guys will do. Being a highly gifted RB doesn’t necessarily mean coming out early for the NFL. Look at Cadilac Williams and that other guy(name escapes me at the moment) at AU.

2. That is sad. They really should make sure any active student can attend the games. It’s also very sad that there is a certain population of the students that buy tickets for the money value and resell them for large profits. This is the real problem that needs to be addressed.

3. See above comment

By Beepers

August 26, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Stafford doesn’t really look too bright.Is is mentally challenged?

By bigeasy830

August 26, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I think it’s insane that you or anyone else could make a prediction on those two young men future and the season has yet to start. That is the one thing I hate about you so called sports writer. Why would anyone ask you about those two future unless you were their representative. It’s like during the MV7 thing and T. Moore was on ESPN being the voice for African Americans in Atlanta. You people can’t speak for anyone. Just try to keep us updated on some info we are not priviledged to. You all are jinxing the season before it even begins.

By baloney

August 26, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Bandwagoners. If you think UGA isn’t a bandwagon program just ask yourself why #1 the stadium isn’t packed or packed PRIOR to kickoff in many seasons past.

By Barry

August 26, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I cannot imagine not being able to get tickets while I was a student—that really is not fair. Given the ticket demand and the financial windfall with the new TV package, do you forsee any new discussion about stadium expansion?

By SugarHillDawg

August 26, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

It’s all about MONEY! They want people paying the full price for a ticket instead of what the student pays! I would be one PI$$ED off student if I couldn’t get tickets!! It’s gonna be funny to see all those people who obviously AREN’T students sitting in the student section—LMAO!!!

By That70sGAdawg

August 26, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Watching the game on paid ESPN Gameplan, since satellite is our choice. They BETTER not black it out!!

By That70sGAdawg

August 26, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Watching the game on paid ESPN Gameplan, since satellite is our choice. They BETTER not black it out!!

By jojahdawg

August 26, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

as a former student…this is rediculous that these kids arent getting tickets to all of the games. Other schools GIVE ALL of the home tickets to the students…Give… sophmores not getting the whole package? where are all the tickets going? 93000 seats. jeez

By Nashville Dawg

August 26, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

It is too bad that money and selling tickets for big money is preventing students from getting tickets to all of the games. If students do not deserve tickets, who does???

By My Two Cents

August 26, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I am a huge Moreno fan, but I don’t think he will be quite the hot draft prospect that some seem to assume. He is small by NFL standards and doesn’t have great straight ahead speed. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT THE MESSENGER. I think he is the best back in all of D-1 and could have great success in the NFL, but he is not flawless from an NFL draft perspective. His draft status next spring may not be as lofty as you think. Therefore he would be more likely to return.

By William (Class of 2011)

August 26, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks for picking this up, Chip. Schools like LSU and Tennessee guarantee season tickets to their students, and I think most would agree they have some of the loudest and most active stadiums in the country. UGA refuses to allot enough seats for students, though, and some of the most deserving fans (students) are forced to pay outrageous amounts of money or stay home and catch the game on TV. I’m all for a large and active alumni base, but where’s the love for the students?! The football team is one of the top revenue producing programs in the country, and they can’t afford to expand the student section?

By qtip Eagle

August 26, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Heading to Athens on Friday to see the GSU Eagles take down the #1 team in the land. They are over-rated and it will show in the first came of the year. Eagles roll 28 - 24. Go Eagles!!!

Oh and is there a reason there is a Georgia State tab on the sports page, and no Georgia Southern tab? One program has 6 NCs and one doesnt have a football team? talk about disrespect.

By JMar

August 26, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Chip, you forgot one very important detail re: whether either of them leave early: the NFL collective bargaining agreement. If the rookie salaries are revised, as they’re intending, and the first year for that to go into effect is 2010, you’d better believe anyone who thinks they can get the money is leaving in 2009. It’s very possible that an extra year for Stafford could make him jump from a late first rounder to top 10 pick, which in years past, would make him millions of dollars. But under the agreement they’re trying to work out, it could lose him millions if he comes out the wrong year.

By Rhino

August 26, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hey baloney, your name is correct! When I was freshman in 1976 I remember camping out for tickets to a full Sanford Stadium. There have been very few times the stadium hasn’t been at or near capacity in all this time. Even during the lean years you could count on Sanford being full for SEC games. I admit I wish people got to the stadium earlier, but as Keith Jacskon would say, “the pagentry and excitement of college football today ” is what brings out the fans! There’s nothing better than Athens, Ga. on a gameday.

By dawgnparadise

August 26, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

watching the game on ppv in hawaii. can’t wait to see how the boys handle the hype. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!

By Johnny H

August 26, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

The Problem With Student Tickets is not bandwagon fans, but broke students with a desire for easy money. I can’t blame students for taking advantage of a situation, but UGA Athletics definitely needs to find a way to force the student to buy the ticket to go to the game. Other colleges load games on the Student’s Student ID which means only they are able to attend.

By Rick

August 26, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

If you are in the state of Georgia, the game will be blacked out on the ESPN GamePlan via DirecTV or Dish Network. Doesn’t make any sense, but that’s what I was told.

By Ben in Athens

August 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

I just graduated from UGA and was one of the lucky ones. I was able to get a full package of tickets all four years, including a Florida ticket my freshman and senior year, both wins (I promise, I’ll never miss a Florida game again). I did get screwed on away game tickets a lot though; had to drop $100 for an Alabama ticket last year; about the same for Tennessee. For the students sake, they should find a way to get all students full tickets if possible. If not, and I’ve been saying this for about four years now, it would be easy to implement a system like LSU has. The way it works in Baton Rouge: Each student accumulates points for going to athletic events and supporting the athletic program as a WHOLE, not just football. The more points you have, the better chance you have of getting the football tickets you want (although if I’m not mistaken, every student at LSU receives a ticket to each home game; I believe it’s used more for away games there). This is an extremely smart way to create support for your whole athletic department. I see no reason why it couldn’t be implemented at Georgia. This way, you’re sure to get all the real football fans on campus in the staduim and you’re able to bypass all the extortionist “student scalpers” that could care less about football and just get tickets to make a little money off of their fellow students.

By Dawg4life

August 26, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

I’m with Chip. If we reach all our goals, those two are gone. If not, they’ll be back…although I’ve heard some people who claim to be close to Stafford say that he’s gone regardless. It may also have something to do with how he handles reaching his personal goals (64 percent completion, 25-30 touchdowns, etc.)

Does anyone know if any of the bars in downtown Athens will be showing the game? I doubt if I’ll be able to get tix for me and my friends, so we were planning on watching at a nearby bar. Last time I tried to do this when the game was on PPV, I seem to recall not being able to find any.

Can anyone help me with this? Chip? Anyone?

By roger

August 26, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

don’t know what qtip eagle is talking about- I live in Statesboro, been a Dawg all my life-got it on pay per view and listening to great Larry Munson over the feed. Hey Qtip Eagle quit showing your ignorance! unbelievable, but i do agree with the no Ga Southern tab. Georgia State??

By RxDawg

August 26, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I agree QTIP! When I saw the GSU tab I immediatly thought, about time southern got a page. And whatya know, its Georgia State =/

By John Mc

August 26, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Take away the tickets from the Frat kids. They come late and leave early anyway.

By Ticket Situation

August 26, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

To solve the ticket problem make the 5th and 6th year students get the split-season packages, not freshmen. Actually punish the kids who are there longer than they should be. I know there are a few 5 year programs, so let them get the normal. But when freshmen get 3 tickets and some 25 year old who is still an undergrad gets every home game and preference for away games, that is a broken system.

By DawgNLville

August 26, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

1) yeh, I think they both go, esp Moreno. I can see Stafford staying if there is still something to prove, but I doubt there will be. I guess we’ll see.

2) no sympathy from this alumni. when I was at UGA the football team was bad, mostly. I spent more time at Foley than Sanford. Heck! The basketball team won one more SEC banner than Goof’s teams did while I was there. Let them pay their dues and then spend top $$ for season tix like the rest of us.

3) me…?? I’ll be at the game and listening to Munson

CAN”T WAIT!!! Go DAWGS!

DnL

By RxDawg

August 26, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Huh, I just realized they changed it from “GSU” to “Geogia State”. But still, southern should have a tab. I guess it’s just not in enough demand in Atlanta according to AJC. Plenty of AU and UF alum in Atlanta, they don’t have a page either.

By 82DAWG

August 26, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Moreno - Yes he will go pro after this year regardless. That is why it is vital King, Jackson and Samuel are developed ASAP.

Stafford - No, few QBs come out early. The family is not exactly living in poverty, so he will likely stay four years.

Students deserve to go to the games. Give them SRO tickets or something, but they deserve to be in the stadium.

Am I going to the game? Maybe, I would have to go alone though and that s**. I live in Alpharetta and have no UGA alum friends. Go figure, I guess that’s the price of working in IT.

By ARdawg

August 26, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t expect either Moreno or Stafford to bolt early regardless of this seasons outcome. The only exception to that would be if one of them won a Heisman. Then that one might be prodded to go for the big payoff.

The table at Georgia is set and the feast is about to begin. These two guys as well as the rest of the team have been playing football most of their lives for this opportunity. I don’t see them going anywhere. The NFL will be there salivating no matter if it’s this year or next. Next year the Dawgs could get raped for the early entries.

I agree the students should be allowed to buy a ticket. Looks like an indoor practice facility and a stadium expansion might need to be kicked around some more. Games at Stanford Stadium is a rite of passage that should be afforded to every student

By Gene

August 26, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Full-time students who want to attend a football game should be able to do so. It is apparent that Mike Adams’ would rather gouge fat cats for $10,500 and let students watch on television or listen on the radio. This is not just a UGA problem, but Adams seems to be way ahead of other college presidents when it comes to money scams. When I attended college, in the pre technology days, students had to show a student ID to get in on a student ticket. Students selling student tickets is not the problem. It is just the excuse.

By Gen Neyland

August 26, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

My Two Cents

Many pro RB’s come to mind that have fit the ‘too small’ bill. Chances are good Moreno will be a fine Pro. He still has physical growth potential. He has the feet, the legs and the desire. I’ll watch him a bit closer this year to see what he can do without the ball. As far as draft selection possibilities, he’ll get the skinny after this season…On the other hand, there have been well touted RB’s that have slacked a bit in their last year at college to save the body for the money level. That hurts more than helps. We’ll all be watching for Moreno’s weak spots….As of last season, heart wasn’t one of them.

By roger

August 26, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

With the NFL pondering rookie salaries, Moreno and Stafford would be crazy not to go-I would love for them to stay bulldogs but I would totally understand.

By Bubba Gump

August 26, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Adams and his ticked czar should be working for an oil company.

By reality check

August 26, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Tickets for UGA games, and every other team in the SEC except Vanderbilt have been hard to come by for decades.

You must be confusing the SEC with the ACC, baloney.

Is it true that Tech gives away cokes and hot dogs to sell tickets and that Georgia fans buy many of the Tech ticket packages just so they can see the Dawgs beat Tech at historic Grant Field?

By reality check

August 26, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

If Moremo has another grerzat year and stays healthy he will probably turn pro. I would.

Stafford so far has had relatively modest stats and last year had many technical problems. By all accounts he is very smart and improving. You can look at him and tell he is in much better condition. I hear they are expecting great improvement from him this year, but he needs more help from the offensive line and would likely benefit from another year of college ball.

By I-DOG

August 26, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Baloney,

A bandwagon team is one where the stadium is half empty and there is little interest in the team most years and THEN a great year arrives and suddenly EVERYONE is a fan. A good example is tech circa 1990.

UGA is always a leader in annual attendance over the past 10, 15, 20, 30 years? My guess is that UGA is around 6th or 7th in annual attendance. Fans NEVER come off the bandwagon.

Even in down years (8 or 9 wins), UGA packs in 90,000 plus for the good teams and once every 20 games or so there may only be 80,000 that actually show up (though all the seats are sold) for a cupcake. That is when we are “down” nearly every game is jammed to capacity.

EVERY year under Dooley, Goff, Donnan and Richt there has been tremendous interest in the team before, during, and after the season.

OK, so there are an EXTRA 20,000 people that want to jam into Sanford THIS YEAR, but that doesn’t make it a bandwagon program… just a peak year.

By rphdawg

August 26, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Agree with you about departure of the 2 stars but hope that unbelievable humility on their part and selfish on my part - i want them back as long as possible. Leave the lower 48 saturday morn at 545 am but my daughter has agreed to send me text messages every 3 or 4 minits on the game. GO DAWGS !

By Rocky

August 26, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

You have to be kidding me! Stafford in the pros?! That man will be lucky to be drafted even if he stays all four years! David Greene was way better and even he couldn’t cut it in the NFL. Moreno, on the other hand, probably will go pro if he can put up numbers in his sophomore season behind a young O-line (and avoid the feared ‘sophomore slump’). But he still won’t be a star running back in the League. Maybe return kicks or something. He’s too small.

By TybeeDawg

August 26, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Chip I would be curious to know if the offensive play book available to use for this first game is more, less, or the same as last year’s first game given that we have had a pretty young inexperienced offensive lines both years.

By big o

August 26, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip, Have we ever had a QB leave early other than Quincy Carter. stone why aren’t you blogging dude

By baloney

August 26, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Rhino, and all you other guys that don’t believe UGA is a team of bandwagoners.Do you honestly think a school would add on to the stadium just so a few more fans could get a seat? That is silly. That would be a lousy investment. Look at Neyland, they added( and could support) more seats. HOWEVER…..if you look at the games they are on TV (which is every week) you will see a few empty seats. They over built to the extent that some tickets remain for some non conference games. Also because of the building campaign they have had to go up on the donations as well as the price per ticket.In the past they were sold out well in advance for all games, now it isn’t sold out 100% of the time (close but not always).

Now I have been to alot of UGA games and I have seen a number of empty seats ( Heck there were ALOT of empty seats the last time the Vols played in Athens. I was surprised.

By Casey

August 26, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I am not a student at Georgia, but I’m a huge Bulldog fan and have been going to games since I was little, I’m 24. I believe the students are the ones that all this is for. Chip you said it right when you mentioned they walk the halls and campus with these guys, help them with projects and group work, pay the fees associated with all athletic programs. I believe they are the ones who should get first dibs on tickets, then the big boosters, and then new alumni who don’t have a ton of cash. THEN, if there are any left, leave those for everyone else, and Corporate America who seems to be eating up a ton of tickets in college football today.

I was wondering how the special teams and kickers are coming along so far? Has anyone been pegged as starting kicker? I have a feeling that special teams are gonna be the reason we win and lose a couple games this year, and would appreciate an update to what it’s looking like. Thank so much, and keep the news flowing sir.

By Dog44

August 26, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

1) My bet is that Stafford just might be gone if he has the kind of year I think he’ll have. He’ll be the top-ranked QB in the 2009 draft (Tebow will hang around for his sr. year). That would be very hard to pass up.

I think Moreno will also be gone if he has a better year than 2007, although I actually think his numbers this year will decrease a bit. That may sound crazy, but history tells us we’ll probably lose our #1 RB to injury for at least a game or two this year (go back and look at the past 10 years or so)… plus defenses will be stacking the box against him.

2) I’ll be watching the game with the Dallas-Ft. Worth UGA alumni club at Dave & Buster’s in Dallas. Can’t wait!!

By Michael Scharff

August 26, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

From Michael Scharff, UGA ‘81 - I think the school has an obligation to make sure that the students get to go to all the home games. If it wsn’t a problem when we had Herschel (and it wasn’t - I was there), it shouldn’t be a problem now. I’ll be going to the game with my Dad (UGA ‘55) and some of his friends. I HOPE that my son (UGA ‘09)will be going - I haven’t spoken to him yet since I just found out about the split ticket package for the students.

By Joel in ATL

August 26, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve decided not to attend the game this weekend but I will be grilling on my patio with MUNSON blasting through the neighborhood. An old fashion game with no TV and mUnson….ahhh this may never happen again.

By Hootie Bookems

August 26, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Once again Hootie says to pick up after yourself fellow tailgaters. I hate seeing campus post game. Thanks in advance

By MountainDawg

August 26, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

If YOshown has a stellar year (1300+ yards, 10-12+ TDs) and UGA gets to a BCS bowl, I thinking he’ll definitely go. With the Dawgs deeps TB corps, I’m not sure what kind of number Moreno will have. I also think they need to give alot more carries to Southerland, as the defense will be keyed on YOshown & the WR corps. I think Stafford stays either way. He needs to work on his accuracy & game poise a tad more. When Matthew comes out after next season, I think he’ll be the #1 pick. He has the arm, size, skill & potential to be a franchise NFL QB.

By DBT

August 26, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Any Bars/resturaunts in the Atlanta area televising the game? Unfortunately the girlfriend got tickets to the bama/clemson game and we will be heading to the dome instead of athens. I hate Clemson and Alabama! Go Dawgs!

By Kendawg

August 26, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Barring injury, I plan to be in Sanford Stadium Saturday at 12:30 PM. Who would want to be anywhere else? We may not always have every seat filled, but every ticket is sold every year. We have had sellouts for years. This may be a bandwagon year, but that only means UGA could have sold another 20,000 or 40,000 more tickets.

By Jeff

August 26, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

1. They’re both gone to the NFL, regardless of the outcome of the season.

2. There’s no way you can guarantee a ticket for all students if the demand exceeds the supply. The supply is limited and the only way to add more is to take it away from season ticket holders, recruits, family, faculty or visiting fans. I’d be fine with them taking them away from the visiting fans but that can’t happen due to contractual obligations. None of the other groups are going to lose their tickets. Bottom line is when you pay the least for tickets (i.e. students) you really have no complaints.

And as others have said, the problem is because many students are buying them who have no intention of going to the games. They only want to sell them and make some money. Correct this and all students who want to go to games will be able to get a ticket. I like the idea above of putting the “ticket” on their student ID so only they can use it.

1. I’ll be in Sanford Stadium of course.

By dawg fan

August 26, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Will be watching ppv and listening to Larry Munson while in ATL pregaming on a rooftop for the Clemson-Bama game, where I will be in club level! CANT WAIT! GO DAWGS!!!

By Caninie lb.

August 26, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

baloney, i guess the fact that Sanford stadium has been sold out every game for over ten years disproves your ignorant post!

By CHARLOTTE DAWG

August 26, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

What’s the deal on Quintin Banks and our lack of safety depth? When will he be back? Who is backing up Reshad Jones and CJ Byrd?

By T'ville Dawg

August 26, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Pay-per-view (video) with Munson manning the audio. Starting the wings on the grill about 9:30. The first brewsky about 11:00. Flip the channel over during the commercial breaks to pull for those Rainbow Warriors against the mighty Gators.

Folks-it gets no better except being in Athens town.

GO DAWGS!!! Sic ‘em.

By KeepDreamin

August 26, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

The funniest thing about this season will be the UGA fans thinking they’re going to win the national championship. It’s already provided for a hilarious pre-season. You idiots don’t even realize the AJC is toying with you.

But to answer the questions, yes, Moreno will go. He’d be stupid not to.

Stafford may be a solid 4th or 5th rounder. I don’t know what you trailer park folk are smoking to think he’s a #1 draft pick, but I hope you’re not paying much for it.

By MDawg

August 26, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

(1) Stafford stays unless we win the NC with him having a big game that ensures him being a top 5 pick ala Vince Young. Same could happen with Moreno but for the most part I agree with your assessment Chip.

(2) Many other SEC schools are updating there stadiums & making a formal front door. It’s time to expand & renovate Stanford. The concourses, concessions & bathrooms all need upgrading.
The area leading to Gate 1 besides the Tate Center including the bridge should become part on an entry plaza\front door. With additional seating being added as a part of the plan, these new seats should go to mainly students. There would be enough seats added to make sure every student has a ticket for all the home games. Then if there’s any tickets left in this new section they can be sold. Since the # of tickets available in that section will vary each year those tickets may need to be a little different from the traditional pricing plans. Shock! Per game tickets or a lower donation requirement for them probably the simplest solution is to sell the left over tics in this new section to people on the waiting list then move them off the next season if permanent seats open up.

(3) I’ll be at the game in time to be at the end of the Dawg Walk as the coaches & players enter the field.

By Chip Towers

August 26, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

NEWS CONFERENCE UPDATE

OK, been busy interviewing coaches and players and then I wanted to read all your posts and there were a lot of them. So thanks. Now let’s get down to it.

Knowshon not returning punts: At least that is what CMR would have you believe. Moreno was not listed under “PRs” on the official depth chart released Tuesday. Asher Allen was listed as the starter with fellow CB Prince Miller as the backup. Moreno, freshman TB Carlton Thomas and QB Logan Gray were the only other ones to get looks in the preseason… . According to Richt, Moreno is not listed because he “had a spell where he didn’t get any reps” because of an alleged shoulder injury and “kind of fell by the wayside.” But Richt didn’t close the door on it altogether. “I wouldn’t count Knowshon out.” Just probably for the first game or so… .

Speaking of tailbacks, redshirt freshman Caleb King is listed as No. 2 and true freshman Richard Samuel at No. 3. Richt said you shouldn’t read too much into that because both will play and “Knowshon will get the majority of it.” He also said Dontavius Jackson and the other tailbacks also could get some work… .

Speaking of freshmen, Richt would not specify exactly whom they were but did say “a very large number” of true freshmen would play in this first ballgame. We tried to pin him down but as close as we could get him was “8 to 12.” At least one of those will be starting — RG Cordy Glenn (6-5, 313) of Riverdale.

Speaking of O-line, CMR admitted that having a new starter at all five positions on the O-line is a “huge concern” and the most glaring weakness on an otherwise stacked team. But I really liked what junior left guard Vince Vance had to say about the whole situation. He admitted that they are all young and new. But he also said “we’re all a year older and we’ve all been with Coach Searels for two years now. I think we’re better prepared than we were a year ago.” …

As usual, CMR was very complimentary of Georgia Southern and had a lot of nice things to sayy about second-year coach Chris Hatcher. “It’s a great, great program,” he said of the Eagles. “In only 27 years they have more victories than any other I-AA program.” Of Hatcher, he said his teams “always score points no matter where he’s been. He does a great job of taking quarterbacks and making them the focus of the offense no matter what they do well, run or pass.” …

That’s just some of the highlights. There was a lot more, some of which Tim Tucker and I will have in our stories this afternoon and all of which you’ll read about as we move along through the week and into the first game of the season. Tim, by the way, a 25-year veteran of the AJC, a former sports editor and columnist for us, a former columnist for The National and a longtime sports business expert, will be helping me provide you with the best Georgia coverage anywhere the rest of the season. Welcome him if and when you get a chance.

I’ll get to some of your questions later but for now I’m going to craft an offensive line story. Until then, C-ya!

By Florida Dawg

August 26, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Perhaps it is time for another stadium expansion. Extend the third deck around the east end zone and close in the west end zone.

By Florida Dawg

August 26, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Perhaps it is time for another stadium expansion. Extend the third deck around the east end zone and close in the west end zone.

By baloney

August 26, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Caninine are you f’ing crazy or just dumb or stupid? You may be all three.Heck there were games in the Goff/Donnan/Richt era that they couldn’t give tickets away. Who wants to go to see a team as good as UGA play what they have always played to open the season? Historically they have opened with a very weak schedule. Then throw in the fact they have often under achieved toward the end of the season when the weather is not as nice people stay home.It’s crazy to think they have sold out for 10 years and it’s wrong to think there are a lot of no-shows at the games.

By LT DAWG

August 26, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

TO BALONEY I’ve been to every home game since 2004. If you ever see an empty seats when an SEC opponent plays its usually because students are passing back tickets to get into the lower section.

By mike

August 26, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Chip, thanks for the info on all the Dawgs. Special plans, going to see CCU play Penn State. Good luck to the Dawgs. Tell them to be easy on the QB for GSU since my son and Lee played together. Go Dawgs.

By reservoirDAWG

August 26, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

I think both will go if we win a NC. If we don’t both will stay. As for gameday, I’ll be tailgating in the quad with my family and going to the game. I’ll be home in time for UA/CU. Should be a great weekend.

By baloney

August 26, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

LTDawg….Think about your comment. “every home opener since 2004” Empty seats when UGA plays an SEC opponent? Are you wrongly suggesting UGA opens with an SEC team? I know for sure there were lots of empty seats all thru the Tenn game 2 seasons ago.And I know that historically UGA opens in late August or very early Sept. against something called William & Mary or Ga Southern when the temp is about 200 degrees, thus people don’t stand in line to see such non compelling matchups. Hence the reason this weeks game is only on pay per view. No interest!

By I-DOG

August 26, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Charlotte Dawg:

My understanding is Q Banks will be out about half the season. Maybe back for LSU or FL?

Behind the two great starters at safety are Knox, a RF who got some praise last fall from the coaches, but not as much in the Spring or this Fall and Williams, a walk on who has been in the program a while. I think the coaches are comfortable with them playing some snaps in relief, but the concern is suffering an injury to either starter turns safety into somewhat of a weakness until Banks returns and or the coaches become more comfortable with Knox getting major playing time or having to start.

My guess is that we will also play one of the True Freshman safeties if we have big leads in the first 2 games, to give them a chance to contribute as the season goes on.

By beating a dead horse

August 26, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Baloney, you must be on drugs. Just try calling up the ticket office and ordering a UGA single game ticket. Or if you’d like season tickets you only had to donate $10,000 for the right to purchase them.

By Kendawg

August 26, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

It says a lot about your team when the fans are fretting about how well our third-team safeties will play. How would you like to be a team that is starting a new quarterback?

By RickyJ4PREZofUGA

August 26, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Everyone is correct so far when talking about the STUDENT “FANS” getting tickets to ALL of the home games…If I were the PREZ, I would be looking @ the way other schools who have smaller stadiums (which is all in the nation except for 5 others) allot their tickets…Hate to say it, but LSU does have a good system…….Im selfish as well when it comes to matthew & knowshon…I would like for both to come back but you always have the right to better yourselves w/ the NFL $$$….as for the game itself—me & my boy Jay,Tom & his wife Emma are watching on PPV with some good ole’ sweetdrank….Again, I hope this ticket situation gets fixed before my nephew keatin starts playing quarterback…I would love to go see him…..Goooo Dawgs

By pkiller

August 26, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

UGa gonna choke!!

By Eagledawg

August 26, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Even if UGA wins the title, Stafford would be crazy to leave as he would be another Ryan Leaf. He is still developing as a QB and will need another year to garner the top pick and gigantic contract. Knowshawn will not come out as a sophomore. Period. Both Stafford and Knowshawn want to win back-to-back championships. Write it in ink.

By MountainDawg

August 26, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

KeepDreamin @ 1:51 PM - STFU & go back to the bath house with the rest of your fellow fruitcakes punk! Stafford is one of the most talented QBs in the NCAA! He’ll stay until his senior year and (barring injury) will be a top 5 pick (if not the #1 overall)! UGA as much talent as any team in the Nation and one of the best Coaches (bar none). Why don’t you stay off the football boards & get back to the Home & Garden blogs with the rest of the skirts!

By gp

August 26, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Every full time student who wants a ticket should get a ticket. The UGA athletic dept. is a top 5 revenue producer nationally and with the 2 TV deals the SEC just signed, there will be more income than ever before. UGA could afford to provide for students first and accommodate alums and sidewalk fans after student tickets are fully advocated.

I am an ‘84 grad and despite living in California still average 3 or 4 games a year but feel strongly that UGA belongs first and foremost to the current student body.

They should however make sure the student tix are not able to be used without a current fee card (used to be this way and then they switched. I honestly don’t recall what the deal is now) as most would be tempted to scalp given the huge demand this year.

Regarding Moreno going pro; the career of a running back in the NFL is short. He deserves to make as much as he can and also deserves our support and well wishes for all he has done for UGA should he decide to go pro. Same goes for Stafford but a premier QB typically has a longer NFL career and may have even a longer career by entering the NFL more polished and mature as a result of a Sr. season. Either way, best regards for both.

By BobDog

August 26, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Welcome, Tim Tucker. We should be honored to have a writer of your talents covering the Dogs.

By Dawg4life

August 26, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Anyone know if any of the bars in downtown Athens will be showing the pay per view game? Last time we had a PPV game, there was nowhere in Athens that showed it. Can anyone help?

By Lake Jackson Drinker

August 26, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

I will be on Lake Jackson, watching the pay per view, on a float drinking a chilly guy!!

By Lake Jackson Drinker

August 26, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

I will be on Lake Jackson, watching the pay per view, on a float drinking a chilly guy!!

By RickyJ4PREZofUGA

August 26, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

by the way, to all of the dum dums who have been saying that uga is essentially a bandwagoners convention for this season—-don’t worry, i figured it out…its all of the tech fans….it explains why bobby dodd cant sellout & gives props to their educational mind sets that they KNOW how to FOLLOW a winner!!!

By baloney

August 26, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

beating a dead horse…..you big dummy.Have UGA fans ALWAYS had to pony up 10k to buy tickets? No! Could you buy a single ticket for Saturday’s game? No! Were we talking about only thins season? No! Were we talking in general about UGA not always selling out for some of their games for several years and now that the team is hot and the team will be good, thus making it more difficult to buy a ticket than in past years? Of course we were! Pay attention son.

By RickyJ4PREZofUGA

August 26, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

hey Lake Jackson Drinker…..Im from Jackson also….u need to introduce me to a cold chilly…never had one of those…unless its the same as my ole sweetdrank….goooo dawgs

By Oledawg

August 26, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Baloney- Have you ever been to a game and looked for better unoccupied seats? SOME PEOPLE HAVE TICKETS AND CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE GAMES. Other people gravitate toward the good unoccupied seats, thereby consolidating empty seats in those areas where viewing is not optimal. You can look around and see these same seats empty game after game, even during big games. It has nothing to do with ticket sales. Why don’t you ask the University how many games were not sold out? Afraid the answer will brand you as a loudmouthed prevaricator?

Chip-Please listen to the players(Knowshon,Staff and others) and honor their requests to low key speculation until the season is over. Their public pronouncements are that they are not considering anything until the season is over. Honor and respect them and don’t pay any attention to “groupies” who are privy to nothing but their own bs. DON’T BECOME ONE OF THE BS WIPES BY GIVING THEM A FORUM FOR PRONOUNCEMENTS OF PRIVILEGED INFO.

Computerized “stamping” of IDs different for each game that record entrance would probably take care of it. Why not ask the Campus Information Office for help? It should be a no-brainer for those computer whizzes who already take care of campus security. All students would get a slip to be used along with student ID that would personalize tickets. My God! Don’t computers run large volumes of IDs during registration and Cultural Events? And they can be programmed to prevent fraud.

By RickyJ4PREZofUGA

August 26, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

dear baloney,

 are you referring to my comments about the bandwagoners...if so, it only shows that you are obviously one of those "SPECIAL" people who want the tickets but cant get one....us true dawg fans look out for "SPECIAL" people like you...dont worry, you can use my tailgate space while i'm in the game....w/ love

By beating a dead horse

August 26, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

It’s been 10 years since UGA hasn’t sold out a game. That point was already made. You simply are refusing to accept facts. We’re not talking about opinions, we’re talking about the fact that UGA athletic association has sold every ticket for aproximately 10 years. Prior to that, in the mid 90’s, they had a handful leftover for the weak out of conference games. That was a long time ago.

Last year it took $2,000 to get season tickets. Yes that amount has gone up, but there’s been a hefty donation required for many years now.

By BurbankDawg

August 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

HELP! My job’s recently relocated me to Pac-10 land (booo), and I’m trying to find a place I can watch the Dawgs and all the other SEC teams this season. Anybody know of such an establishment? I’m in Burbank California.

If I’m forced to listen to the game online, is there a site where I can do it for FREE?

thanks!

By baloney

August 26, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Man you guys are hard headed…or just plain dumb. Think how stupid you sound when you say “sure there are empty seats, because fans move to a better seat, yo ucan see those game after game”. That’s the point dummy, some teams you can’t move from one seat to another because the seats are full. And dear friend UGA has not sold out every game for 10 years. Perhaps technically a sellout to SEC games, but be honest UGA has had a lot of patsies on the schedule since they began playing football over a hundred years ago.Those games rarely sell out for the reasons I mentioned earlier ie: too hot, team not doing as well as thought, discontent with coaching QB etc.,lousy non conference opponent etc.

By ugacpa02

August 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Baloney, you are clearly wrong here. I would love to buy extra single game tickets from the athletic department instead of buying them from scalpers, even for a game like Troy or Central Michigan. However I haven’t been able to call in and order a ticket in many years.

Every game has been a sellout for years. That’s one reason they’ve added skyboxes and an extra partial deck. It’s a place to sell additional tickets since they’ve been consistently selling them out.

By reality check

August 26, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

What team do you support baloney?

By TAYLORMADE

August 26, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

i really hope those guys decide to stay another year.we could use them next year.i will be watching the game on pay-per-view with my brother jay and my buddy pnut.my lady will be by my side also.go dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bob Sacamano

August 26, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Where the hell were you LAST year when this issue came up with student tickets?

There is a reason why Sanford Stadium WORST homefield advantage in the SEC.

It’s because for being the second-biggest stadium in the SEC, Georgia gives the students the WORST percentage of the seats available.

Florida, which has a 40,000 student enrollment, gives EVERY student the full season package, and they have 7,000 LESS seats than we do.

Including graduate students, UGA has about 33,000 students.

Why is this happening?

Because of the greedy SOB Michael Adams and his Puppet, Damon Evans.

Instead of taking care of the students first, they are taking care of their “big money” alumni first.

People wonder why teams like Tennessee can come here and score 50 points on our team.

It’s because our crowds SUCK.

The Wine & Cheesers on the South Side are some of the WORST college football fans I’ve ever seen.

They sit the whole game, and rarely get their voices above a whisper.

They’re terrible.

The students, ALL the students who want tickets, deserve tickets.

Some yahoo mentioned the student ticket black market. Well, if that greedy SOB Michael Adams and his Puppet, Damon Evans, did what Florida does, and let ALL students buy tickets who want them… then there would be NO black market for tickets.

Those greedy b******* created the black market.

This is insane, and this policy must be stopped.

If Florida, which has 7,000 more students and 7,000 less seats, can afford to give all of the students who apply for tickets a full season, then dammit, Georgia should be able to as well.

This is a load of CRAP, Chip.

And if you buy the crap that greedy SOB puts into the mouth of his Puppet, then you’re an idiot.

The numbers just don’t add up.

But they’ve made Sanford Stadium the worst homefield in college football by cutting out the students who actually stand and cheer and yell and scream ALL GAME LONG for the alumni who are there just to be there.

This is an absolute OUTRAGE!!!

By oledawg

August 26, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Matt Stafford dint look to pretty on that Gay Quarterbacks site recently, laying down with that cutie, I could really usea boy toy like that. Anyways, Zeb and Cuz along with Bob Dog and Taylor Made will be circulating those UGS’a for Nambla flyers for our meeting this Saturday. Sees you all there, a really big tuenout anticipated.

By Oledawg

August 26, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

BURBANK DOG- South Pasadena has a great place called Charlie’s Trio. Years ago(6-7) they had about 20 tvs. They give away and sell the best pizza in the LA area. Yes, I said “give away”. During happy hour every day and on weekends they put out the best and unique pizzas. Their ingredients are of highest quality and they have an Italian Ristorante adjoining suitable for large families(That I saw there often-with kids and Grandmas).Two of the owners are Italian brothers and I have been introduced to their Grandmother while dining there. Sports knowledgeable throughout. They may have a second “Trio” nearby in Alhambra. Their pizza alone is to die for. “Casa Lingua” has sun-dried tomatoes, The sausage pizza has piquant oil drizzled all over. All made from scratch. Dishes include Pasta Pasqually( with hot chicken and peppers), Sausage and Peppers ,etc. Oh, did I mention the beer? Tasty international on tap and bottle. Try their imported Samuel Smith in the bottle. The crowd is mixed including Asian and Latino for local flavor. You have to get there early and ask where to park.

Others include McGinty’s at several locations. If you want to go on a little coastal trip past T.O., a McGinty’s in Ventura would be a good stop. Besides four viewing areas with multiple games, you can sit in the bleachers set up 6 rows high in the main bar. The last time I was there they had all the SEC games played that day and televised at the Entrance(main) bar. WARNING!My dentist was there with all his gator buddies(25-30) and UGA was kicked by Spurrier. Want Peace and Quiet? Go to the bar in the Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. Minibrewery Tap Beer is in order. Never mind the bartender in his or her tuxedo. If you choose, they will even trashtalk a little football, at least they did when I resided there for three months(Paid for by the drug company I consulted for). The point is that these people will remind you of some gracious people you have known living in the South. Buttheads can be found in many places, but management of these places I’ve mentioned is superior.

Drive carefully and sober. Bon Appetite.

By Mike

August 26, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Both players are NOT Ga. boys. They care less about the school. They have no family or ties to keep staying around. Knowshon might be ready. Stafford was the 6th best QB int the SEC last year. He aint ready for anything.

By I-DOG

August 26, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

We will finish 9-3 and get a decent bowl game. The target is now on Our asses, mmm like that..anyways, GT will come close, there are like five tough SEC games, and when a team is a pre season #1…Theybetter be great, as every opponent will be up for us. Quiche anyone.