UGA

By ugadawgclc

September 1, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

first! dont care if we drop a spot or so, it will all come out in the wash, and will be typical!!!! anyone who saw that game and has seen any georgia game over Richt’s career knows that is about as impressive as we get ver a week sister. it sucks, and i would have loved a shut out, but it would not suprise me if that was one of the higher point totals anyone scores on uga all year! lets just try to keep folks healthy!!!!

By Coach Smith

September 1, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

If Georgia is jumped in the polls it is an indictment of the sport and the media.

In a year in which NCAA officials have been told to flag every little nit-picking thing for excessive celebration because it is not in the spirit of the game and not good sportsmanship….

poll voters would be saying the exact opposite!

It would essientially be voteing the DAWGS down because unlike USC and FLORIDA and OHIO ST who left their starters in virtually the whole game torun up the score,

RICHT’S DAWGS showed class and played not only 2nd stringers but 3rd and 4th stringers

Moreno didn’t hardly play after the 2nd quarter, Ellerbe and Curran didn’t either

After the half-way point of the 3rd Quarter you didn’t see any starters

It would be disgusting to get dropped in the polls FOR HAVING CLASS!!!!!

By Dawg77

September 1, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

This is just a stupid topic, is this how it will be every week from the AJC…Georgia allows some late scores against our 3rd string and the AJC is ready to throw them under the bus. If CMR would have left the number 1 boys in longer like Southern Cal did then I am sure we could have hung 50+ on Georgia Southern. We also didn’t thrown the ball 40 times like Southern Cal did. I hope this is a one time deal, because if this is going to be an every week deal about UGA and if they should drop based on how many points another team scores on our 3rd string then I will need to find a new outlet for UGA sports news.

By AltamahaDawg

September 1, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

USC and OSU are both testing out thier QB situation, so they likely were going to leave thier starter in longer, resulting in higher scores. Also thier ONE big game of the year in in 2 weeks, this IS thier season right now. I would be running the starter all day as well. Our SEVERAL big games are scattered throughout. If we dont get some depth, we certainly will be dropping from losses down the road. I would far prefer to drop a spot now, if it means surviving this schedule better.

I disagree that the voter are just waiting to drop UGA as some have contended. Why would they vote UGA #1, just to jump at the chance to prove themselves uninformed going in? If they change anything it’s not some bias. If I (voter) objectively saw OSC and UGA games, I would know more about USC right now. It’s week 2. Not a lot to judge except that. My personal opinion is that we should not drop till those 2 team play. If the winner slips ahaead I dont have any problem with that. It’s probably fair. 1-5 spots are extremely subjective right now anyway. The Dawg Nation can’t really scream too loud till we get into some real games.

By AltamahaDawg

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

Oh, why not have Kentucky be a tough game as well? That sounds about right this year.

By Ryan in Athens

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

I agree with the class statement. That is one of the reasons CMR is respected around the country. However, class doesn’t make for good TV. I already know that the DAWGS will drop in the polls simply because the media isn’t talking about them. I think, and I hope I am wrong, that the DAWGS will be looking at a #5 spot in the polls tomorrow. USC, OSU, and Florida will all jump us. That is just the way it works with the media. The DAWGS still have the toughest schedule in the country and that should account for something in the polls. USC and OSU play in a couple of weeks which should help the DAWGS out.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

September 1, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

USC could beat the fleabags with their second team.

They will jump the mutts, and UGAgs rein at number 1 will be one week.

By swimdawg68

September 1, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Does it mean if UGA beats Central Michigan by 52-0 we would move back into 1st place? Or, if we beat S. Carolina 38-0 (After watching the Carolina offense this is a realistic prediction) we would then move back up to 1st. History shows in the polls the jumping normally does not occur until the last poll of the year. Remember what happened at the end of the year last year?

I have alwals advocated strength of schedule must be considered by pollsters. Ohio State has one game to worry about this year USC. Michigan and Illinois have already proven they arn’t much. When OSU goes into the BCS again this year they better hope it’s not against an SEC school.

USC will clobber OSU in a few weeks and we can put the OSU myth to rest. One more thing, OSU plays no conference championship game. If UGA wins the SEC east we will probably have to play Auburn, LSU, or Alabama again just to get to a BCS game.

All you OSU fans enjoy your “patsy” season the real test will come in Jan. after you have already lost to USC.

UGA plays 7 teams preseason ranked and 2 teams in the top 10, if anyone has a tougher schedule, I haven’t seen it.

By the way, I am not a Tenn. fan but they will beat UCLA tonight. GO SEC!!

By Big Dawg

September 1, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Chip,

This is a non issue and not worth a blog topic. Ranking means nothing at this point and my fellow Dawgs caught up in this need to get some perpective.

The more important thing is some of Coach Richt’s own comments- Coach Richt stated after reviewing the game film on Sunday- they would move Josh Davis back to left tackle and put Boling in at Right Tackle. I graded the OL and J. Davis graded out at 96% the highest on the line why would you move him down to second team and leave a true freshman Glenn starting at right guard when he had at least 6 blown assignments I would think you would put Boling back at right guard since he started there most of last year and move Glenn down to second team behind Boling or Vance. Tripp graded out at 92% at left tackle, Vance graded out at 94% at left guard, C. Davis graded out at 93% at center and Glenn graded out at 88% at right guard. The 1st and 2nd string OL as a whole did an excellent job and seemed interchangeable to me.

Go Dawgs “Earn It”

By You got to be kidding me

September 1, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Who cares if we drop? We have a schedule that will move us back up quickly if we win… rankings dont mean squat early in the season, look at last year! Now Alabama just increased our strength of schedule as well did Kentucky… based on the way the ACC performed this weekend Tech might even strengthen our schedule! Play the games and win and we will be just fine in the end!

By jason

September 1, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I see UGA dropping to #2 or 3. I don’t see OSU moving up. Could very well see them dropping also with the uncertianty of Wells. You have to give USC credit. They destroyed Virginia. Virginia may well be week this year, but they do have the so called name reconigtion for whatever its worth. USC played the only real Div. 1 school. UF fans don’t get upset. You all boasted about UGA playing Hawaii in the sugar bowl. They lost their coach and their entire offense. You only put 56 on them. Whether or not UGA drops, I could care less right now. 11 regular season games left plenty of time. Go DAWGS, EARN IT !!!

By TybeeDawg

September 1, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

If we keep winning, it wont matter whether we drop or not tomorrow. By beating USC, ASU, UA, and UT (and of course CM) we should be back in front.

And to be correct, there were starters sprinkled in the whole game with the subs…at least until 4 minutes to go when I left and did not see the end. But really, style wont matter if we just keep winning and not slip up.

By son_sir

September 1, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Aside from arguing about it, polls this early in the season are pretty much worthless anyway. Ask Clemson.

If GT keeps improving at the steady rate it has so far under CPJ, the Jackets may do a lot more than just increase your strength of schedule.

By Mikey in Sav

September 1, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Nothing impressive about running up the score on anyone regardless of their division.

I Agree with Coach Smith:

In a year in which NCAA officials have been told to flag every little nit-picking thing for excessive celebration because it is not in the spirit of the game and not good sportsmanship

poll voters would be saying the exact opposite

By Section 118

September 1, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

We will drop a spot or 2, if only to “media hype” a #1 vs. #2 USC / OSU game. It really doesn’t matter. The winner of the USC / OSU game was going to jump to #1 no matter what. We just need to focus on winning games. Remember the argument about a playoff is that “the whole season is a playoff.” Just win and advance every week, and we will be there at the end. Lose and go home to reset a different goal. You can’t count on getting the benefit of the doubt if you lose. Just win and advance week by week. Only once in the short history of the BCS has that not worked out (Auburn), but our schedule this year has enough respect that I don’t see that happening to us if we win them all.

By son_sir

September 1, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I will add I saw something very interesting at Bobby Dodd Stadium last Thursday night….quite a few Dawg fans. We had three right in front of us with their red and black on. What’s up with that ? I suppose they thought they would come over and have a laugh while watching Tech struggle with Perriloux and Jax State. They looked a little dejected as they hit the exits about the middle of the 3rd Qtr.

By tampa dawg

September 1, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

i don’t think UGA will drop out of the #1 spot, but i do see usc jumping over osu since technically, usc man-handled a better quality team (this in the theory that you concider an acc team quality this yr). And if any of the voters actually watched the game, then they’ll know that those td’s were scored on UGA’s 2nd and 3rd and prob 4th string guys. the starters shut out ga southern. and everyone knows CMR doesn’t like to run up the score. I imagine he was over speaking to the Ga southern coach after the game appologizing for scoring 45 on them.

By Jacket Fan

September 1, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

I think it would take UGA out of the bulls eye. Remember being number 1 or 2 doesn’t matter now, just at the end of the season. A little more seasoning, while staying in the top 5, will put them in a position to jump to the top when it matters.

By UGA Student

September 1, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

It wouldn’t bother me at all if we slipped back to 2 or 3. The way I see it, if we win our games, we will be in the NC game regardless of where we are ranked in week 2.

Personally, I would like to see us ranked 3rd or 4th going into the game versus Alabama. Not because we lost a game, but because of a lack of respect from the voters. That should fire up the Dawgs to trash the Tide again.

By nick

September 1, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

it doesn’t matter…if the dawgs win all their games they’ll be there in the end

By gatorman770

September 1, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I really didn’t see any top 10 team’s game that was more impressive than was expected in regard to the mostly nonconference opponents played, to cause much movement in the polls (unless you’re a Clemson fan). The top 5 should remain the same. I don’t understand the whining about other top 10 teams scoring big over teams they should have scored big over. Evidently Coach Smith was fortunate to watch all of the top 5 teams entire games and kept track of all substitutions, but it would seem that he missed the 11 Gators that rushed the ball which would mean the Gators either substituted heavily or every offensive lineman carried the ball. Actually the Gators played over 45 players during the game and was missing their top starting receiver, tight-end, offensive lineman and linebacker due to injuries.

I’ve never understood how any UGA fan could gloat about the dogs never running up the score if they look at their own record book.

As far as tough schedules go, I’d say Kentucky’s is just as tough as the dogs this year if you consider away game opponents.

Go Gators!

By Uncle Dave

September 1, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

I agree with Nick. Just win and ignore the polls We will stay near the top as long as we take care of business… TCB as Elvis used to say. My question is what do we make of the situation on the D.Line. Owens was not only good at his position, but he was a major source of leadership. That is a huge hit… how will they respond?

By heyberto

September 1, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

I really don’t care if we drop or not.. only care where we end up at the end of the season…

By Cuz

September 1, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

We can only control the way we play the game. The polls are out of our control. Of course the media wants a #1 vs #2 when OSU and USC play. College game day coming to your city. We just need to play one game at a time and Earn the pre-season ranking on the field, not on ESPN Sportscenter.

By Kiddin' Me!

September 1, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

That is a stupid question, especially coming from our “state paper”.

By Mobile Dawg

September 1, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Good subject Chip. Whether it’s acknowledged or not by some, ranking is important. Most pollsters don’t pay attention as to who’s in the game when, other than the big names. They look at the final score and a couple of highlights. It’s a long year and no telling what will happen poll wise but I don’t have much confidence UGA will win the national popularity contest against USC, OSU, OU, and FLA with all things equal. Agree with all, win the SEC outright, that’s all we have control over.

I had the same thoughts (being jumped in the polls) this morning as I read an editorial in the Press Register concerning the upsets this weekend. It mentioned the blowouts by top ranked teams. The columist, Tommy Hicks listed the blowouts by 4 of the 5 top ranked teams. Guess which one he didn’t mention, UGA. This oversight IMO is a lack of respect for our program.

Maybe our number one ranking to begin the season was a guilty conscience on the part of some voters for the way things turned out last year. I don’t know.

What I’m about to say will probably be unpopular with some of the Dawg Nation. As far as the national scene goes I believe Mark Richt still hasn’t earned his “big boy stripes” as a big time coach in the eyes of many. After the way we started the previous two campaigns in such a disastrous way we need to see some consistency from beginning to end. I watched the game Saturday on ESPN 360. They (defense) got complacent in the second half, I don’t care who was in the game, first, second, or fifth string. I did see Willie M chewing some serious assistant coach a$$ after yet another encroachment penalty, an immediate substitution followed. Willie has had some great games, but he’s had some real busts too. I’m worried about the D under WM.

There were many positives in the game, they have been discussed in previous blogs. Penalty’s were IMO the biggest negative. They slowed the game down and are momentum killers. I mentioned in an earlier blog the offense never seemed to get into a good rythym even though we scored 45 points. I’m not worried about the offense, short of major injuries.

We have the horses for this season, no question. This team needs to find the Chemistry last years team had, and work on discipline. Discipline isn’t something that just shows up the day of big games. You work on it every day, it has to show up every game regardless of your opponent. It was hot, the first game, mistakes happen, we played a lot of young players, it was a warm up game against a FCS school, I don’t want to hear excuses. If we don’t have it for Southern and CM, why would it just show up for USC, and down the line. I want to see a focused group Saturday with a goal, hold CM scoreless, again regardless of who’s in the game! Minimum penalties.

I’m cautiously optimistic it’s going to be a great year, but I’m one of those waiting, watching, hoping, CMR and staff earn the stripes and respect this year from beginning to end. I may offer objective criticism, but you will never hear me call for anyone’s job or heads to roll.

Regardless of how it all turns out, I will enjoy the season as a college football fan, still love the Dawgs, and have the utmost respect for CMR. The SEC is stacked this year, got tougher after Saturday with Bama and Kentucky, MSU was disappointing, however Dooley must have been estatic.

We in Mobile dodged a bullet today so far, pray for those in the path of Gustav. We’re just talking about a game here.

As always, enjoy the comments from you regulars.

Go Dawgs - EARN IT

By CarolinaJacket

September 1, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

At this stage of the game it really doesn’t matter. And the coaches did the right thing by playing the backups: (1) they gave the game experience, (2) the did not risk injury to the starters, and (3) and they let as many subs as possible, who work very hard in practice, get into a game - a nice reward.

By LifelongDawg

September 1, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Your first topic was basically the same thing I posted on your last blog. UGA might have been a consensus #1, but the ranking was by no means solid. I fully expect OSU to jump past the Dawgs in the AP poll. I don’t think any other school would get treated like that (certainly not Southern Cal), but the guys at ESPN think UGA is not deserving, and unfortunately a lot of people take their word to heart.

Off the subject, I knew as soon as the first half of their game was over that Bama and Saban would soon be placed on an altar. It’s one win over a team that, quite frankly, has shown nothing over the last few years. I’m sure the Tide will win more than they lose, but they don’t deserve the probable top 10 rank coming their way.

By Lameblogripper

September 1, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Wow, what a poorly done blog. Can Jenna Marino start writing them? She seems to have a clue. The biggest beef I have with it: The AP poll counts for nothing, Chip. Zip. Not one thing. If you were a better reporter, you’d find out what the coaches are thinking. Their poll, along with Harris and the computers, actually means something. AJC sports has never been worse.

By LifelongDawg

September 1, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

gatorman70,

UGA typically does not run up scores. g Games against major rivals are different. If the opportunity arises, as it did against GT a few years back, the Dawgs will administer a beatdown to those teams. But most of these games are close for the very reason that we are rivals. The same holds true for UGA’s big opponents. IF you guys can ran up the score, you do. The exception, though, is that UF runs up the score at every opportunity regardless of who they play.

Not that it’s a bad thing…

By KingGator

September 1, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

JawJa had it’s 15 mins of fame. Now it’s reality time baby!

KG

By Cuz

September 1, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

For all of you “dawging” Chip about the blog topic, perhaps you forgot about a beat blog reporter by the name of Carter Strickland. Carter could write some great articles for the paper but when it came to the blog, he got some kinda thrill out of seeing how many fans he could tick off. If he was still here the title would be, “UGA deserves to lose the number one ranking!’ Lest we all forget. Chip is a considerable improvement and does his best to get us practice updates.

By Chip Towers

September 1, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

To those who think this is a stupid topic, I don’t agree. I think it’s a very pertinent topic. If you don’t think so now you will when the Dogs end up dropping a spot or two, which many think is inevitable by Week 3 anyway when Ohio State plays at USC. Whether it’s an opinion poll or part of the BCS formula, rankings matter… .

Lameblogripper: Obviously I know how the BCS works. That’s why I broke down the voting in BOTH the AP and coaches’ polls in the initial blog (see above). Forget the first-place votes. Only eight points (1,438 to 1,430) separates Georgia and USC in the Coaches’ poll. And the AP poll is still the most influential of all polls. You ever checked to see who votes on the Harris poll? Next time you need to be sure to read all the way through to the end of a topic. In the meantime, you’re flagged for lame post!

By Seriously?

September 1, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

CLASS?

Couldn’t it be possible that the refs are “nit-picking” this season pricely because the thugs from Athens had NO CLASS last year in the Florida game? Is it a pre-req that dawg bloggers get high before they post? You have only to look in the mirror to place blame. I know you guys are tired of hearing people talk about it, but when you roll the dice like Dicht did, you reap what you sow…. Which is exactly what is going to happen in Jacksonville this year. Gators gonna tear some arse…
I will be very surprised if there is not a fight at THIS YEAR’s GA-FL game, precisely because of Dicht’s infinite wisdom last year.

Miami + FSU + UGA = CM Dicht = NO CLASS

By Regan

September 1, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Well we got to see UGA VII and it turnsout he was not in Jail or the pound with the rest of the team this summer. UGA VII was locked in an ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET with most GEORGIA fan all summer.

By redandpewter55

September 1, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

I really enjoy how Florida fans talk about what they are going to do this year becuase of the excessive celebration last year. Why couldn’t they do something about it last year with over 3 quarters left to play in the game?

As for the original topic, I think we will fall, but I don’t really care. Richt had no plans of going out and winning 70-0 (which I truly believe this team could have done). What I care about is staying healthy and getting the young guys some playing time, which will help a ton later in the season when we have to play LSU, Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee.

By UNBELIEVABLE

September 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

THERE ARE SOME REAL LOSERS THAT BLOG ON THIS BOARD! ONE WOULD OBVIOUSLY INCLUDE THE BLOGGER CALLED (SERIOUSLY?). IT’S PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN WHICH MAKE ME SICK!

THAT FINAL COMMENT IS ABSOLUTELY DISTASTEFUL! IF YOU ARE TRULEY A GATOR FAN, YOU ARE GIVING ALL THE GOOD GATOR FANS I KNOW A BAD NAME….

GO FIND A JOB!

By LifelongDawg

September 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

I’m sure seriously? meant ‘precisely’. Then again, maybe he didn’t.

If there are any problems at this year’s GA-FL game it’ll be because the Gator’s aren’t man enough to move on from last year. Grow up and stop with the chidish grudges. Y’all ought to p*ssed that you got beat, not about how it happened.

By Kent N

September 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Georgia if you opened the season against a DIV1 school you might have a better chance. As usual UGA plays a Patsy to open its season. Take a look at Tennessee and learn from it. Why is Tennessee always on National TV for their openening game? Because they play schools with history and if Not history a top 20 ranking. Wouldnt matter if you stay @ #1 or not because you sure as heck wont finish there.

By Oledawg

September 1, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Chip- Apologies ahead of time. Your article is fine, but the real stupid fans will not get that you are trying to deflect the inevitable blow. Let’em go.

I came on your blog to alert everyone to an article in USA Today written by AP writer Jim Litke. We have waited for this for some time, but it still requires guts to write it. Without going into detail I’ll say the subject is about the SEC doesn’t need the BCS because playing in the SEC is a national playoff system anyway. He hits the unsaid nail on the head about why SEC fans support college football so much.

Sorry, but I posted this on another blog as well. Your popular column was written today and you will have more readers. How’s that for a left-handed compliment?

By Jay

September 1, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

UGA should definitely drop. USC looked like the best team in the country, and thats after replacing their QB and playing a decent team on the road. Plus dont forget the Owens injury means they wont match up as well against the SEC. DT is one of the hardest positions to replace.

Plus UGA is just overrated. Usc or Ohio State wouldnt have given up 21 points with their 3rd-strings. And dont forget that today’s 3rd-strings WILL PLAY this season. In the SEC, depth always come into play. Plus this is UGA we’re talking about…its just a matter of time before another inevitable suspension for a player getting wasted or kicking over flower pots in a hospital parking lot.

By Oledawg

September 1, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Gatorman(what an oxy-moron), you didn’t see Harvin in the game? You didn’t see the game , did you? Typical.

By Bob

September 1, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

If the Condoms jump the Dawgs it won’t be for long.

By SickandTired

September 1, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Jump them now, or jump the later. It doesn’t matter because the Dawgs have neither the talent nor the coaching to sustain a #1 rating for very long. No Character, No Coaching. Mark Richt is a all hat and no cattle kinda guy, just like his keg throwing Texas QB. I saw a lot of teams better than Georgia this weekend. I suspect I may see another tonight against UCLA. Tennessee has the guts to go to the West Coast and play a team for it’s opener…….all Georgia can do is sit at home and play the sisters of the poor the first two weeks of the season every year because they know they’ll have 8-10 of their shining examples of college athletes on suspension for numerous violations of the Georgia Penal Code.

By Oledawg

September 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Jay- Who the HELL are you? You ain’t UGA. If you were you wouldn’t be so ignorant of the depth we have on defense including the line. You have read that the backup immmediate to that position won’t play next game. You didn’t read about the players lined up with experience from last year that will flatten some bodies and still rotate out to give somebody else to get trained for your lizard-scented butt. Owens is a loss as a team member for personal team reasons, not for what will happen to the team.

Go to USA Today and look at the team injury list from “FU”. Is the loss of Ingram going to raise you in the standings? WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER ACL INJURIES YOU HAVE. Their loss won’t affect your team? Apply the same standards across the board for injuries before you start your whistlin’-thru-the-graveyard routine. All SEC teams have significant injuries, reported or unreported until later. Bama’s O Lineman, So. Car. QB, Aub,Tenn,LSU, etc. are occurring before and during games, but you want us to believe that UGA’s injuries will stop a NC caliber team in it’s tracks?

You are a numbnut or ignorant, not sure which. Hope your blog hasn’t crippled your mouth. Guess that would set this and other blogs back, huh?

Chip- I’m trying to whip up a little froth so we can get better commenters on here. Hope these dummies don’t say bad things about me on your blog.

By AltamahaDawg

September 1, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Yes, Kent we need to take notice of how TN is consistantly ranked lower and use that model.

You ovbious didn’t see the UGA opener the 2 years before this or the opener next year.

The 2009 TN opener against W.KY promises to be a thriller on national TV. With that history and all. 2010 they are still scrambling to find a game, Wanna bet it’s going to be another directional U, if its even D-1?

Just uninformed, with no appearant point again Kent?

I’ll ask again, what exactly is your function on this blog?

By Oledawg

September 1, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

SickandTired- I agree with you. Not about your blog, but that you are Sick. and Tired. You guys read the Orange and Blue-Hooey, don’t you?

By Grego

September 1, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

The only comment missing from above is “Wait till next year”!!! FSU North, I mean UGA got all the hype, but if your missing class, well lets say they should go to New Orleans and ride out the next storm.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

September 1, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

BTW Chip I knew I could count on you to stir something negative about the dawgs. WTG! You’re why I love the dawgs blog more than ours!!

Even if you dawg fans have to embrace a drop in polls your team still looked good. Stafford was the most impressive looking college QB I saw all day Saturday.

By AltamahaDawg

September 1, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

You would think that the computer polls are seriously going to be working in our favor about Mid-year.

I saw a good bit of ESPN Sat. night. No doubt they did talk baout USC and OSU a lot, but I never saw any outright disrespect for UGA. Just little said, which I think is the best thing considering it was a meaningless game. Those 2 are going to play in the first of the “big” games this year, obviously they are going to get the early hype.

If we look solid this week AND go on the road and handle everyone favorite ballcoach the week of thier game, we will be fine. AFTER that we have some serious opportunities for the limelight. Those other guys are done with the high profile games at that point.

By Keeping It Real

September 1, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

USC is number 1. They are loaded to the teeth. Why don’t Jawja and USC pay off their next opponents and play on a neutral field in Chicago. The number one issue would be settled quickly. If not, it will be settled in Tempe. GO VOLS!!!!

By Regan

September 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Yes, Ut will play a pushover once in awhile, but UGA is typically going to win 6-7 games without showing-up. 2-3 little sisters, Vandy, Kentucky, So. Carolina, and Ga. Tech. The fact that Vandy, Kentucky, and So. Carolina are looking better so what. Play well known teams out of the SEC to replace the 2-3 weak little sisters: ND, WVU, Miami, Texas, UCLA, Michigan, and play home and home for the money and TV coverage. Like someone said UGA can’t play a real TEAM the first game because to many fellons on the team will not be able to play.

By Georgia Fan

September 1, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

USC looked good but Virginia is horrible. Whatever. They can have the top spot. I could care less. Maybe all that “target on the back” bullsh!t would be put to rest once and for all.

All I’ve got to say is that anyone that criticizes UGA’s schedule this year in any way at all is severely retarded and mentally impared. I am not at all kidding.

By rerservoirDAWG

September 1, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I discussed with a fellow fan last night the repurcussions of not leaving in the starters as it pertains to final score and therefore ranking. I don’t care if we fall as long as we keep winning everything will fall into place. As always I pull for UGA and then the SEC. Congrats UA, AU, UF, UK, USC, VU, LSU, UM and ARK(barely). I’ll pull for UT tonight and screw the polls, they shouldn’t rank teams util mid-Oct in the first place.

By Obnoxious Georgia Fan

September 1, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Chip, any chance Tim Tucker might take over this blog soon? No offense big guy, but we need a change of pace. It seems that your entire mission is to warn UGA fans that the football team is not as good as we think it is. Trust me. We get it. Mission accomplished. Can we get some real analysis and insight now?

By NotAGeorgiaFan, Just Real

September 1, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Let’s be real. Yes Georgia will get jumped in the polls, and likely they should. Let’s be honest, yes they beat GSU soundly. However, if GSU had punched it in from the 1 early in the first half, the score at that point would have been 10-7…Georgia scored after the failure and went up 17-0. GSU essentially gave Georgia more opportunities than they actually earned, and let’s not forget to mention that over half of GSU’s starters were FRESHMEN, and both QB’s were first timers. So did Georgia beat GSU as soundly as they could, or should? NO. USC played a BCS opponent in Virginia and beat them soundly. OSU beat the FCS Youngstown State soundly. Oklahoma beat GSU’s fellow Southern Conference member UT-Chattanooga soundly. Florida destroyed Hawaii. So why wouldn’t UGA fall? They should fall. The first game of the season should be a statement and a precedent for the rest of they year. UGA should not have even let GSU get in the endzone 3rd stringers or not. GSU played starters the entire game. You mean to tell me some fresh legged 2nd and 3rd stringers couldn’t keep those tired Eagles out of the endzone by the 3rd and 4th quarter? What does that really say about UGA’s depth as they get into the remainder of the season against Florida, Auburn, Bama, Arizona State?…hmmm, seems to be a problem. Bottom line GSU plays UGA tough everytime they meet…UGA was to make a statement this year…and they didn’t…they won, but not like a number 1 should. I’m a GSU alum, and we played em tough and well…couple better decisions at QB, and a couple better play calls and that game could have been totally different. AND REMEMBER, GSU PLAYED MOSTLY FRESHMEN, STARTED TWO FIRST TIME QB’S, HAD 8 PLAYERS SUSPENDED FROM THE GAME, 4 OF WHICH WERE STARTERS..2 ON DEFENSE, 2 ON OFFENSE…AND UGA LET EM SCORE 21 POINTS. THEY DON’T DESERVE TO BE NUMBER 1….

By Chip Towers

September 1, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

PRACTICE UPDATE

Today’s update is that they’re really is not one. As it turns out Georgia decided at the last minute to close today’s practice to the media. But from the glimpse or two I was able to catch of it while they were debating is they’re not doing a whole lot today. More like a scout-team walk-through than anything. No pads, a lot of guys not wearing helmets.

Some observations… .

WR Kenny Harris is walking around pretty good without a boot on his right ankle. In green jersey and not practicing mut seems to be moving all right. They have enough wideouts, though, that I can’t see why they’d risk playing him this week… .

That’s all for now. I’ll monitor this blog the rest of the day today and tomorrow morning. But since it wasn’t a work day for most of you, I won’t update with a new blog until AFTER tomorrow’s media luncheon. We’ll know the outcome of the new polls by tomorrow morning, so that should still be a pertinent topic.

Until then …

By BravesFan79

September 1, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Im going for UGA…. but common lets get real… College Football isnt even a real sport. Any sport were a team can go UNDEFEATED…(regardless of confrence)..and still have NO shot at a title… ISNT A SPORT!! I cant wait for College Basketball to start…now THATS how its done!
GO GT HOOPS!!

By Michael G.

September 1, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Chip, your wrong and here’s why. I have read many newspapers and watched the highlight shows from this weekend, and only on this blog has anyone even hinted that UGA’s victory wasn’t good enough to keep the Dogs at the top spot.

Having said that, even if the Dogs were to drop a spot, the teams strengh of schedule (3 teams in the top 10 and 5 in the top 15) will lift the dogs back up to that lofty perch. This is of couse IF the team can win each one in front of them that particular week.

By OldGold

September 1, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Who cares? Pre-season polls are ridiculous and correct about 1% of the time. Almost as much as the final poll. Besides, don’t worry rednecks and hippies.. you’ll have plenty of time to fall. THWG.

By Stephen

September 1, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

CHIP

Very timely topic. Its a possibility that someone will see us as a # 2 or 3.

I count it an honor to have been ranked by the coaches and writers as high as we were.

As far as style points, Ohio State won a National Champoionship and won UGLY all year long.. If thats what we do, then you will hear NO arguing from me.

If we keep winning, it will all take care of itself….Still a topic that needs to be out there, its possible.

By Gak

September 1, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

It is only the first week of this football season. There are a lot of very good teams and any of them really deserve the number one ranking. Only after playing most of the games does the ranking really matter. In the end, when it does matter, the schedule strength will be very significant should the teams who are deemed to be in the top 6 continue to win. Most reasonable fans know that team and conference bias plays a large roll in polling. The pollsters also consider major injuries. UGA has lost two very significant players that could significantly impact outcomes; therefore, it is most understandable if that happens. UGA can best make its case in the same manner that every other team will have to make their case, by winning their games.

By raymond

September 1, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

If Richt pulls off a National Championship with all the adversity he is having this year, he should get a Jim Tressell type raise. Don’t be surprised if we lose 3 and end up in the Outback Bowl. UGA fans are guilty of reading too much media.

By dear chip...

September 1, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

lameblogger is right this time and your not brother…..you said you know how the bcs works…chip…it doesn’t work….and who cares anyhow the national media sleeps with the head coaches at osu, meechigan and usc…oklahoma coaches too….the sec and acc don’t have a chance when opinion is involved..every other sport in the world has a playoff including pee wee and high school football…hell tech even has a chance during the high school playoffs(class a of course)….give a rest..as a long time football fan and observer it might do our team well if everyone quits thinking and telling them they are great….great teams overcome adversity and have some luck..let em drop us even to number 5 if necessary….let the kids sweat and work their rears off …they’ll be there at the end………all these naysayers keep saying this team barely beat that team……there are many more good athletes and many more good schools…why do you think tech may drop to 53rd in the country..there are just more good teams…..go dawgs..richt has class and good things happen to people that don’t embarass other teams

By hello Georgia fan

September 1, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

want more respect?

Play two real teams first!

By Gen Neyland

September 1, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

YES, BuLLdawg should get humped by the Poles and the Swedes and the mush dawgs and…Oh. Polls. Never mind.

Time to hit the basement and begin putting on my game face. A 12 pack of Mich Ultra Light will help. Pray for us as we walk through the Napa Valley of the shawdow of death…Go Vols

By Crimedog

September 1, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

I have never heard the words Georgia Football and Class in the same sentence.

By Gene

September 1, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Georgia’s second and third string gave up three touchdowns to Georgia Southern’s second and third string bcause of 17 GSU suspensions.

By Kirk

September 1, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Who cares. Just win BABY

By DJSTHEGREATESTQBOFALLTIME

September 1, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

No, they didn’t play even close too a number one team. Solid team but they won’t win their division this year.

By diamond dawg

September 1, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Like I’ve said before, won’t matter. After USC plays OSU, the winner will acquire the 1st place votes from the loser and jump UGA.

The boys in TV land want to have OSU and USC ranked 1, 2 going into their match up so don’t be surprised to see some movement this week. Either way, the dawgs control their destiny unlike Auburn in 04.

By Mike

September 1, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

UGA showing class? Don’t make me laugh!!!!!

By Cuz

September 1, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Just win baby, and the rest will take care of itself. Pre-season ranking #1 really means nothing except a lot of chances to blog about my favorite team, and yes I am an alumnus.

Man you guys either need to read all of Chips blog or get a life. Chip throws out the hypothetical and asks us to comment. He is ten times better than the Ignorant Slut was at choosing blog topics and giving us practice updates. You Chip haters are either not too smart or very easy to take offense. I have seen nothing that he has written that was either not true or designed to be thought provoking. He is a reporter first and foremost and this blog is 100% better that he gives us a decent topic almost daily.

Gen. apparently Ucla is not planning on laying down and getting run over by the Knoxville Express. Get on the wire and tell Phat Phil to crank it up. Let’s show the PAC-4 we mean business.

By bubba

September 1, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

That has always been the case. They admit that the SEC is the toughest conference but there’s never any love shown.

Personally, I don’t care where they rank GA - have a no loss season and they’ll eat crow!

GO DAWGS!

By BCS Slave

September 1, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

If we drop two spots to number three and the #1 and #2 teams are OSU and USC…we have to hope that one of those teams lose while we don’t. The bias in the national media and among the coaches will not move those teams out of those spots unless they lose. We could go undefeated and win the SEC and still not get to play the NC. It happened to Auburn.

By Gen Neyland

September 1, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Cuz

All is well. A new OC, a new QB, a new offense…about what I expected. I miss Ainge’s composure. If we pound on the ground, all will be okay. I don’t expect mid-season form on opening day 3 time zones away…THIS IS A DRILL…Crompton has alot to learn and to learn from playing a grown up kinda program like UCLA won’t hurt. On the other hand, 4 picks from their QB is bliss. Our D is coasting. Hope Chavis lights ‘em another notch. Wear ‘em down…Back to the bunker…

By Denver Dawg

September 1, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

I’ve never heard so many excuses from anybody in my life. You guys are embarassing the Dawg Nation, really, please shut the fvck up. Third string this, calling off the Dawgs that…While we still live under a system in which multiple teams could end the undefeated, each week’s performances do matter and Georgia’s was the poorest of the top 5 teams. Not they the rankings should change every week, but we saw more dominant teams than Georgia, and others who deserve to be ranked ahead. I LOVE how USC and Florida made statements. I hate how Georgia’s 2nd and 3rd string 4-star recruits gave up 21 points against guys who didn’t even get recruited at the Div-I level.

So, performance doesn’t matter EVERY week? You guys are isiots. That’s exactly why Georgia didn’t play for the NC last year, because they didn’t perform great all year. The team can’t pick and choose when it’s going to play like a champion. A champion plays like a champion every game, every week ALL SEASON LONG.

By War Eagle

September 1, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Bama has replaced Notre Dame(thanks to Forbes) joins USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Obama as the DARLINGS of news media. it want surprise me to see USC move up as # 1 with Bama moving from # 24 to top 10, its a joke people, UGA is backlashed by news media, along with Auburn, and Tenn,, Jimmy Sexton, Saban agent make sure they are profiled everyday

By AltamahaDawg

September 1, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Regan, Good thing TN would never play those same conference games as UGA, huh. The problem is your theory dies when you look at SOS over the past decade.

Can’t play anyone the first 2 games…..Please know what you are talking about before coming in here. I know , why not cut and paste that clever insult about mating with a dog one more time. 5th time bound to get some laughs.

Gen, when you call……more Berry. We need this win, my man.

By BCS Slave

September 1, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Actually, the media is biased for Oklahoma too. And if USC lost to OSU…the media could still rank them above the Dogs. In the BC$, no team controls its destiny unless it is USC, Oklahoma or OSU. UGA needs to keep winning for them…not for the polls or the fans or anything else. The bias in the polls will eventually turn for UGA if they just keep winning.

The only thing that will interfere with that philosophy is if UGA fails to blow people out. Until the vast majority of voters see that UGA keeps the score down on purpose, they will be downgraded in the polls.

Of course, given the history of the BC$, I don’t expect UGA or any other team to get a fair shake. Expect the worse from this system. If you manage to get into the BC$, think of it as winning a beauty contest…that’s all it is.

By Denver Dawg

September 1, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

And one more thing. BravesFan79 bashes college football and he gets bashed on here, but he’s so right. As long as a team can go undefeated and have no shot at a championship, although college football is certainly a sport, this sport is a joke. As much as I love it, college football will always have a black eye until the BCS is dismantled and we fans, the players, etc. get a playoff.

By Eric C.

September 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Chip this a GREAT topic. I totally disagree with the bloggers here blowing off a drop in the rankings. In a system where the polls determine a team’s fate, you cannot take for granted any falls.

By The Big Bug

September 1, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Cuz, I thought I had lost you. I want to see the color of your C-Note (not to mention your Oxicontin).Like I said, Dogs lose four, Dogs howl,Richt bolts for the U, mediocre football as usual at UGA.

By ramblinwreckfromgoldentechcolorado

September 1, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA mediocre football as usual at UGA

If I say it enough then maybe it’ll make it true…

History is not on your side: UGA record since 2001 74-19

GT record since 2001 53-38

UGA All Time Record 715-381-34

Tech All Time Record 650-436-43

UGA vs Tech According tech… UGA - 59 Tech - 36

Numbers don’t lie. Tech sucks.

I guess now is the time when you talk about all the championships that you one in a segregated leather helmet league.

By AltamahaDawg

September 1, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

In talking about polls not coming out until the 4th week: actually the Harris doesn’t. But even if you could convince the Coaches poll to follow, all that would mean is that they wouldn’t publish thier polls. There still would be an informal poll being kept in the desk drawer of every voter. There is no way they can totally ignore the finish from the year before and be totally neutral to 100+ teams , and on week 4 evaluate hundreds of games. I think the only difference is that we wouldnt see how things shaped into week 4, but I doubt that it would significantly different.

Also every sport outlet in the world would still be putting out thier poll in the summer. As would the AP. There is no way to control that. Truth be told, I think the fans really deep down want the polls asap.

The BCS is delayed, that’s what really counts now anyway.

By Salty Dawg

September 1, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

USC could beat the fleabags with their second team.

They will jump the mutts, and UGAgs rein at number 1 will be one week.

Well Rabble On, that may be indeed turn out to be the case. And if so, that will be a hell of a lot closer than the bumble bees have sniffed for many years past and many years to come. So continue to post on a UGA blog if you must. Can’t say I blame you. It’s not like you can discuss your own team’s chances of being #1.

By Tman

September 1, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Wait till you see this QB for Central Michigan He is faster than Tebow and his arm is better also They call him “white lightning” he runs a 4,5 40 and he is 6’ 3” Another nugget He picked Central Mi over Georgia. He will play well but their d probably wont stop UGA. Final score UGA 28 CM 24

By Matthew

September 1, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

For all you VOL fans… I’m having a good time watching them lose to the west-coast version of Virginia.

By Dee

September 1, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Who cares if they drop us or not? Just play and win.

By AltamahaDawg

September 1, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

I dont really get the “as long as an undeafeted team doesn’t have a chance to play for a NC”. Auburn I assume you meant. A playoff would have given a 1 loss team a chance to play for MN that year as well. And in the current BCS sytem, AU wasnt passed over by a team that wasn’t undefeated. Those are 2 totally seperate arguments. One has nothing to do with the other.

By KC

September 1, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Why did the Mark Richt show not have any highlights? I could not see the game & was counting on seeing some highlights on the coaches show but they changed the format & only had seven or eight highlights. Why?

By Gen Neyland

September 2, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

A safety that wasn’t…A pylon call that was suspect from a TV angle…A tight end screen that had O-Line downfield that was missed by the Zebras. And this is college football 2008..? That was pitiful officiating…It’s b****** at it’s best. I’m going dark. Good luck to you all…

By Factoid

September 2, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Hello boys,

Its good to be back for another football season. By Tony’s reasoning, Georgia’s season just got a little easier. Well that is debatable but I will say this; there is only one thing as fun as watching Florida lose, and that is watching Tennessee lose. 0-1 Bit^^es

GO DAWGS!!!

By Salty Dawg

September 2, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

First off, we lost our Defensive tackle for the year, and we play two patsies back to back. ESPN has dropped us to fifth, seems a bit high. Vols lose to UCLA, Their coach throws his headset at an assistant and walks away from the team when the Bruins took the lead late. Totally a joke.

By Cuz

September 2, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Right on Salty, UGA will struggle to maintain the status quo with injuries, SEC Conference play, and Staffords gay rantings..though that part impress me most.

By Volun-Tears

September 2, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

University of Tennesspee loses its opener to Glamor boys from Los Angeles., tee. Their loser coach has a titty attack and pouts late in the game. Not all the Gay fellas play for UGA., eh.

By shane #1

September 2, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

UGA may slip in the polls this week. They definately wi