UGA

By Reality Check

September 10, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Nice try, Chip. ZZZZZZZ.

By purple and gold

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

UGA’s D has looked pretty average so far this season. I have watched both games against GSU and CMU. To be the #2 team in the nation you would have expected at least one shut-out of those two teams. I mean to let GSU score 21 on you is not that impressive. Now before you run and say that those were scored on 3rd stringers I understand. But all I am saying is shouldn’t your 3rd string be able to keep a rebuilding GSU team from scoring 21 points?

I am not trying to start anything with dog fans I am really just wondering if this is going to be UGA’s downfall this year. CM sure hasn’t seemed like one of the top notch DC in the leauge since he took over.

Good Luck in all your games execpt the one in the REAL DEATH VALLEY no that phoney one in Clemson.

By Carlton Powell

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

We’ll know a lot by 8pm Saturday. Anything less than a high intensity level effort by the “D” will bring a loss. Hopefully, the “D” will play with the same sort of intensity I saw in Alabama when they slapped Clemson around.

By david

September 10, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Most of the points & yards came against 2nd & 3rd teamers. The 1st team will take care of business.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

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

Totally disgusted with this blog! You can manipulate numbers any way you want. UGA gave up garbage points late in games with subs in.

USC played NC State who could not score a TD if the defense wasn’t even on the field. They gave up 24 points to Vandy, sorry aint buying how great that D is.

Who has Auburn played?

I will tack our “AVERAGE” defense against any team this season!

Ridiculous to even discuss this. Any Football fan worth there lick should be able to read in between the stat sheet.

Perfect example here locally the radio guys bragged about how the Citadel had the ball 7 minutes longer than Clemson this past Saturday. They fail to mention that Clemson had 3 touchdowns of 30 yards or more! So just how important was T.O.P?

Some stats don’t lie, but at this juncture in the season it is insane to start worrying about our D!

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

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

Totally disgusted with this blog! You can manipulate numbers any way you want. UGA gave up garbage points late in games with subs in.

USC played NC State who could not score a TD if the defense wasn’t even on the field. They gave up 24 points to Vandy, sorry aint buying how great that D is.

Who has Auburn played?

I will tack our “AVERAGE” defense against any team this season!

Ridiculous to even discuss this. Any Football fan worth there lick should be able to read in between the stat sheet.

Perfect example here locally the radio guys bragged about how the Citadel had the ball 7 minutes longer than Clemson this past Saturday. They fail to mention that Clemson had 3 touchdowns of 30 yards or more! So just how important was T.O.P?

Some stats don’t lie, but at this juncture in the season it is insane to start worrying about our D!

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By lynninsavannah

September 10, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

The defense needs to step up or they will lose at SC.

By Reggie

September 10, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

No doubt, the coaches played 2nd and 3rd stringers after mounting big leads. So far, nothing to worry about unless the 1st stringers let us down.

By J-Mo

September 10, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

I also think the D has been playing a little vanilla these first 2 games, so as not to show everything to South Carolina and our other opponents too soon.

Like others have said … we’ll know Saturday for sure.

By reservoirDAWG

September 10, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

We will see. I’m sure CWM didn’t get to deep into his schemes against the first two opponents. I look for the D to improve every game and as for CWM I think he is underrated. Look at the finishes he’s had as noted by Chip. That’s impressive against an SEC schedule.

By uga_b

September 10, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

There have been flashes such as the play of Rennie Curran. This is mostly the same unit that finished so high last year, so I don’t think we can throw them under the bus. Tackling has been okay; biggest issue is the DEs. We want have to fake intensity anymore. Additionally, our offense won’t be able to score in 3 plays like the have been. Not enough grind up the clock offense with all the big play ability.

By Ken

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

Huge dawg fan here but I have to agree that the D is suspect. You just don’t give up that many points at home to a couple of average/solid teams and expect to be ranked in the top five.

I understand that CMR prefers to allow the 2nd and 3rd stringers play with a comfortable lead and I support that idea. Despite that the defense has been more than a little soft. I hope that will change Saturday against the cocks and we’ll enjoy a fine victory. GO DAWGS

By jack

September 10, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

not only did GSU put up 21 points but they should have scored two more times in the first half. So the statistics could be worse.

The defense really needs to step up because there is a really good chance the offense will have issues in Columbia as we typically do. I can’t stand that Town.

I’m so jacked up I can’t even work today and it is only Wednesday!

I believe Asher Allen will have a huge day.

By PACWIN

September 10, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

LOL- I guess Chip wanted to get the Dawg Nation fired up. I can’t wait to read the venom they are about to spew. But numbers don’t lie. What do they think, they will be better against SC; or god forbid ASU?

By Mike Bobo 17 INT

September 10, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

“Turn out the lights, the party’s over in Athens….”

UGA’s day of sliding begins either this Sat, next Sat or both with a loss to USC, ASU or both. The reason UGA dropped in the polls after week 1 is based no the fact they opened with GSU and allowed the Eagles to hang 20 on them.

The next 2 weeks are the most crucial for the Dogs, because a loss to USC or ASU would drop them down to the lower part of the top-ten or out of the top-ten, with the meat of the schedule coming around the corner.

The Dogs could climb back with wins over UT, LSU or UF, but we all know, including most professional sportswriters that UGA will lose at least 2 of these games and they are extremely over-rated.

CMR is doing a poor job of keeping his players lower key for the USC game and subsequent opponents, by allowing NoShow Moreno to try and make ESPN highlights. Even ESPN is to classy to recognize this unclassy move by NoShow and the Heisman Committee was not impressed either.

CMR needs to stay under radar and not give his opponents any additional motivation to beat the Dogs, but the cat is already out of the bag, and it is a big cat.

Take a page page from the greatest college running back of all-time, Herschel Walker. He did not go over, but through his opponents (i.e. Bill Bates), unless it was a fourth and goal or a first down was required.

Herschel was and still is first class, take a page from his book.

By MDawg

September 10, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Martinez has won my confidence as DC. Some adjustments seem to be needed in order to get pressure on the QB. I’m hoping we don’t have to wait till after the bye week to seek tweaking of the scheme. Last season I wasn’t happy with the D heading into the Florida games & wanted to see changes then voila there they were. I had been saying we were missing big hitters like Thomas Davis & Greg Blue then Rennie Currin emerged. Part of the reason for D gave up more points than expected is that the whole team kind of coasted through the 2nd half of the GS game then let off the gas just a little after the pick against CMU. I think with the start of the real schedule you’ll see a focused team. Also in both of these games you could see the UGA coaches were going as vanilla as possible. (Basically we’ve seen some I & a basic spread formation on O. While on D the basic 4-3, nickel & some 3-3-5 nickel). I expect to a lot of different wrinkles this week if needed. If it’s a blowout early then they’ll go vanilla to save the new stuff for future games.

By BjohnDawg

September 10, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Dawgs defense will be fine.

Georgia southern….third string was in. Central Mich…..they could not run the ball…so they throw it.You throw enough you get some yards. Period

I would like to see more pressure from the defensive line. Where Dawgs really need to step it up is special teams.

By Birdman

September 10, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Chip, please……write something worth talking about. It’s early! Average at best? You are an idiot.

By student

September 10, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

hahahahaha….the defense doesn’t need to “step up” to win this saturday. south carolina has no offense to speak of, other than their tight end, and having darius dewberry back should help neutralize that threat. the main thing is that UGA played two teams they should’ve beaten big and did beat big. there was nothing complicated about the defense the Dawgs have run these past weeks, as dan LeFevour pointed out prior to the game this past weekend. I expect the defense will start playing up to its potential this weekend now that they will be playing in a game with a higher tempo and intensity level. On a side note, South Carolina’s defensive stats are padded by the game against NC State, who can hardly be said to be an offensive machine. They have been able to produce pretty stats against pedestrian offensive teams (with first-stringers in the whole game, I might add), while we’ve played against two offenses specifically designed to rack up yards and score points any which way they can, so I can’t be too dissapointed in our defensive effort.

By charlotte dawg

September 10, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

I think they’re better than average. The problem with this year’s stats versus other years might be that this year, UGA will score alot more big plays which means less time for the D to regroup and rest.

By brent

September 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Defense is about focus, intensity & emotion. It’s pretty tough to maintain any of those when you’re playing an over-matched opponent & up by 30-40 points. Based on the track record of our coaches and these very players, I have to assume we’ll be just fine on D.

By RxDawg

September 10, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

If theres one thing I’ve noticed, it’s when your O goes up, your D goes down.

“Now granted, very little in football is like comparing apples to apples or even apples to oranges. Obviously Georgia was ahead 38-0 in the Georgia Southern game and 28-0 against Central Michigan”

When you rack up points like that in games, you can call a MUCH more conservative gameplan on D. You bring your boys back, play zone, don’t give up the big play and let the other team have to nick and pick while eating up clock to drive down the field. I think our D will be OK. I may be wrong, but we will soon find out now wont we.

By You can do better

September 10, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Chip, This blog is pretty stupid. Analyzing the numbers after 2 games, especically given the circumstances is ridiculous. By your logic we’ll also be scoring over 50 points against everyone on offense. If you say the schedule shouldn’t matter, do you think Kentucky will finish #1 in the league on D? NO. Why not go ahead and name Casey Dick as the top QB in the SEC. Come on Chip, YOU CAN DO BETTER than this crap.

By Mike Bobo 17 INT

September 10, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

By the way, I am gay. I get on this board and spout off about things I don’t understand. I never played football and like to give my opinion as fact. I am also voting for Obama. That shoud give you all an indication of my IQ. Go Tech. I love tickle piles.

By Supes

September 10, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Another attempt to make the UGA fans anxious about the South Carolina game.

UGA will hang 40 plus on the chickens come saturday and it won’t matter.

Enough of this silly analyzing “pre-season” games.

Real season begins Saturday. UGA wins big.

Steve throws his visor down a couple of times, runs out of QB’s to yank out of the game.

Moreno runs for over 100 and Stafford throws for over 200. UGA beats down the Chickens as payback for last year.

By PBR=America in a can

September 10, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

I love how people think our Defense is “struggling” Do you think Coach Willie M is going to show he blitz packages against Ga Southern and CMU???? I was at both games and we played a base defense the majority of the game. Wait until Saturday when Willie unleashes our linebackers and lets them feast on Gamecock. Its the same thing with our offense… do you think we are going to show anything other than a base look..? The only thing im concerned about is our kicking game and the Defensive ends need to pick it up which they are capable of doing. Go Dawgs and to HELL WITH DARTH VISOR!!!

By HockeyDawg

September 10, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

While all the points given up to Ga. Southern came against the Dogs’ 2nd & 3rd teamers, C. Michigan put up 14 very quickly against our #1 defense. Yes, I think CMU is gonna prove to be one of the better offenses in the country this season, but I am pretty concerned about our lack of pass rush, and the problems we’ve had with tackling at times.

When our offense is clicking, they’re gonna be mighty hard to stop. But our defense is gonna have to step it up if we are to have a shot at winning the SEC, or anything else beyond that. Let’s hope they start stepping it up this week in Columbia!

By can't concentrate in Athens

September 10, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

While Chip has some interesting stats to back up his argument that Georgia’s defense might possibly be just average, I’d like to throw one more stat into the ring regarding this weekend’s SEC opener:

The ‘Dawgs are #1 in the SEC in rushing, while South Carolina is #10 in SEC rush defense.

Seeing as Matthew Stafford hasn’t played his best games against the ‘Cocks, the above stat gives me great confidence in our chances this weekend. If we just take it to ‘em with the running game like we’re capable of, the passing game will really be opened up. If the guys can get into a rythym early in the game, I think this could be a two-touchdown victory for UGA.

By Ben in Athens

September 10, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Mike Bobo 17 INT, you’re a moron. That doesn’t even warrant a response. I hope for your sake you’re not truly that ignorant and stupid.

As for the defense, they’ll be ok. What’s with all the sensationalism, Chip? It’s unlike you. You even admitted, “they were leading 28-0 and 38-0” in both games. This is a non issue at this point. Ask me again on Sunday.

By JerryGlanville

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

Vanilla Defense? Huh?

By BCD

September 10, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

We won’t have an idea of how good this D is until probably after Bama. If you will remember, our D didn’t exactly start lights out last year either, but boy did they finish strong. Good topic, just a few weeks too early.

By mcdawg

September 10, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

the Defense needs 2 big TOs Saturday-as far as the pass rush was concerned the right DE had to play soft to protect against the QB run (Which if you didn’t notice wasn’t much)-i’m much more concered w/ the play at cornerback (B. Evans/P. Miller) Evans was picked apart last year during this game and lost starting job-seemed to be out of position again against CMU-hopefully we can get some turnovers but i have a feeling they are going to flood that zone and get alot of 5-7 yd gains keeping drives alive and our O off the field

By No news

September 10, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Funny Chip writes this article after spending much of last Saturday sucking up to Asher Allen’s parents! Chip, this is atrocious journalism at best. Come up with something better before posting this garbage!

By PACWIN

September 10, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

OK, let me see if I got this right. According to charlotte dawg and others, it’s not that the defense needs to improve, it’s the offense is sooo goood the defense doesn’t have time to rest. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Is that what is known as Fuzzy Logic?

By Big Dawg

September 10, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

I’ve watched both games & it seems that we have been playing a lot of vanilla defense. Not much stunting for the linemen, not many blitzes, etc. It seems to be average striaght up football mostly. There are a few cases of blitzes when needed but not much more than that.

It seems to me that the coaches want to limit the amount of stuff on film for which the opposition can prepare.

Why show the everything against these GSU and CMU? With the schedule that UGA has, you just want to win and move on.

By Huh?

September 10, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

The defense needs improvement (whose doesn’t at this point in the season?) but “average at best” is a little harsh and wreaks of sensationalism. Quit trying to push buttons Chip. Put on the big boy pants and do your job. It is Wednesday of South Carolina week and all you’ve come up with is some crap piece about how great UGA will be….in 2009. What the heck? Where is the analysis fo the game? Where is a breakdown of matchups? What has become of the AJC? This is crap.

By TommyP

September 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

This is a horrible article. You have to be friggin’ kidding me.

Vanilla + everyone playing = not your best performance.

This is an absolute joke of an article, Chip.

By willie

September 10, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

I am a die hard dawg fan…but in college football anything can happen..the gods at USC lost two games last year. The gods who play no more than two somewhat tough teams a year will run up stats witch will be style points for them. There is no catching them on the voting(where are the coaches that voted?) what percentage comes out of californication?…just play them on the field. I bet they run to a 6 & 4 pac 10 team in the rosebowl(inconsequential bowl)…its tradition. I loved the way Richt allowed his 2nd &3rs teams get action…it will only make them better when it really counts. OSU! now there is a threat! lmao

By Charles

September 10, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Central Michigan is a better offensive football team than NC State or Vanderbilt…and it’s really not even close…oh, and Chip, I know you know this.

Every year under Martinez the Dawgs’ D crescendos as the year progresses. By season’s end, the UGA defense will be among the nation’s elite.

Come on, Chip, you can do a lot better than talking about a D that hasn’t shown a thing scheme-wise and has played a ton of guys. We’ll talk after the UF game, deal?

By chips

September 10, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

chippewas put numbers up pretty quickly on uga defense. took the fans out of it at times. cmu showed georgia that it ain’t all that. i smell crap, is there a dog in here?

By reservoirDAWG

September 10, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

The D will be fine. I don’t know about ya’ll but I’m having fried chicken Saturday.

By Regan

September 10, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Chip I thought you were a HOMER and knew football. The D is just fine for us. UGA will be tested @ BAMA, AUBURN, FLORIDA, LSU, and Tech. As of now there has been little competition and little need to step-up and that is a concern but, I think the Dogs D is good not great and Fat Matt and the boyz will put up nuff points to win most games with a suspect D.

By Chip Towers

September 10, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Tommy P, others: This is not an “article.” This is a blog. I relayed the stats and asked for your thoughts. The Bulldogs are not above reproach… .

NoNews: I’ve never met Asher Allen’s parents in my life. Have no idea what you’re talking about… .

Huh? Stories about matchups and analysis of the game are on the website and in the paper every day. Did you see my story about the defensive struggles this game always is? Did you see Tim Tucker’s story on the Georgia’s D-ends and the need to get pressure on the quarterback. This area is more about opinion. I’d sugggest you look around the site a little… .

I prefaced this whole topic with qualifiers about being early in the year. Who really knows? But I’ll eat crow if they come out stymie these next two teams. Be glad to.

By Michael G.

September 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Chip, in your first sentence you say it’s hard to draw conclusions about the defense after the first 2 games. But in the VERY next sentence you do just that by saying they will be average at best. That struck me as funny.

Anyway, as you mention the team was up in both games by 4 and 5 TD’s against inferior talent. Could it be that their attention waned when those games were clearly in hand? I think so. Besides even with those letdowns, if our defense continues to average less than 100 yards rushing and under 20 points allowed this season, we should be just fine.

After the first 2 games my observation is that our offense looks like it has big play ability and is able to score from just about anywhere. If the offense continues this dominance, the defense will be on the field a little more than normal (a fair trade-off) so the defensive numbers may be up a little more than previous seasons, but I have every confidence in this coaching staff.

By Halsey

September 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Average at best? So out of 100+ Div-1 college football teams you think UGA’s defense is around the 55th best? Please. UGA was playing vanilla defense and had no reason to play thier best.

By voice of reason (formerly known as P Dawg)

September 10, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Mike Bobo 17 INT, are you kidding me? Are you saying that Knowshon Moreno is anything but a class act? I guess there was just no reason in the world for him to use his athletic ability to hurdle a would-be tackler and pick up the first down. Give me a break, jackass!

By reality check

September 10, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

The first poster was not me, Chip.

There is no reason Georgia will not have an excellent defense again this year. The first two games won’t mean a thing as we get into the heart of the season.

By ESPN

September 10, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

OK we posted something positive so please move on to a new Yankee Conspiracy. Oh and when you pound usc ,don’t get confused that you were playing USC.

By KneeJerk

September 10, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Ben in Athens- Did you say that it was unlike Chip to sensationalize? Did you miss the boohoo piece on the NoShow of Knowshown’s highlights on ESPN? His sensationalizing is what gets responses. Funny how you didn’t admonish him for sensationalism when it fits your argument, but drill him when he doesn’t give you a positive slant. Don’t throw him under the bus like ESPN

By Dawgsrule

September 10, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

This article is a load of crap. CWM is an excellent D coach. He has tenacious defenses. The bottom line is UGA has a long hard schedule. So we do not need to try and “show up” all our oppenents we need to focus on the W. Once it is in the bag you play the subs and forget about stats. If you haven’t noticed we have not brought that many blitzes this year. Reason being is that we haven;t had to. Why would we want to let UF, UT and LSU see our blitz packages all year until we play them. So they can game plan for them. No our coaches are to SMART for that. I do think that our front four need to get more pressure on the QB but it was the first 2 games. Heck troy put up more points against us than Auburn and Florida but that means absolutely nothing because we beat em all.

It seems that the more I read Chips blogs the more pesimistic he becomes. He must really be a Georgia Tech fan. He is pathetic.

By D.N. Nation

September 10, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

OH NOES EVERYBODY PANIC

Stat unseen: 2007 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2, 6-2 SEC, Sugar Bowl Champions) ppg: 20.1. Well done, Chip.

Also, heck, common sense. How many times is this team going to be held under 19 points? The total was two last season, a third of the times they scored over 40. But yeah, Chip. GSU scored a couple of TDs and Central “Mini Tebow! We swear” Michigan kicked a FG on our Z-team. Kill me now.

By Atlanta Dawg

September 10, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Don’t be homers…so far the defense has been average to below average….Chip is pointing out results not potential. The defense was terrible the first half of last year and it cost us a shot at the NC. The pieces are there so I hope they get it together before we repeat our mistakes of last year. The difference this year is we have an offense that can cover up it up against the chickens but we had better find a pass rush on the edges before be get to Tempe!

Go Dawgs!!!

By old dog fan

September 10, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

We did come out way ahead the last two games but yes go back aways to Irk Russell’s defense and when he had them going right, well our second and even third strings “might” give up a TD or even 10 buuuuuttt not the 21 and 17. Does this make this team so so at best?? No but it does mean vanilla or not, second stringers or not that they have to tighten up a bit in several areas to make this year the year! Yes they can and YES I want to see Moreno Fly some more! GET UM DOGS!!!

By matt

September 10, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

UGA probably played more 1st year players than any of the other teams mentioned combined in those 2 games. If we get an extra 10-12 guys valuable game experience at the expense of our defensive ranking then I’m all for it. Ga. Southern and CMU run atypical offenses. Put that with the fact we played a ton of first year guys and who cares!!

Wasn’t the media telling everyone to “watch out” for CMU because Dan Lewhatever was their QB?? Now that UGA thumps then they suddenly aren’t a big deal. Please. Miami is a joke these days. Hawaii couldn’t hang even when they had their supposed studs. NC State, terrible, Louisville, terrible.

I love how USC got all the press for beatng UVA. Just because they beat a D-1 team from the ACC doesn’t mean they played a quality opponent. Duke, NC State, and UNC all fall under that category and all of them are terrible.

By PACWIN

September 10, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Just keep telling yourself “we played our second and third string and nobody else did.”

That don’t make it so. Since earlier posters already compared yourselves to USC (the real USC) I will just say this.

USC played 5 TB’s and they all scored. Unless they have the new 5 Back Set, they may not all be starters, ya think!

By Will

September 10, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

We will be a totally different defense Sat afternoon. There will be no holding back and no waiting until next week. You will see amazing team speed, energy, and a full/complete UGA playbook. How do I know this…..I saw the same guys do it last year! USC will NOT see any third stringers Saturday. GA 37-USC Lamecock Chickens 10.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 10, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Old Dawg Fan,

Impossible to compare Erk’s dawgs to these Dawgs of the 21st century. The college game is no longer 3 yards and a pile of dust.

Altanta Dawg,

Look at my first post. Not being a homer at all. It is simply not fair to CWM and how he has played alot of players w/ vanilla schemes and then say the defense has underperformed. If he wanted to he could have left in first teamers held the opposition in check and risked a key injury to prove how good the defense is. What do we want as fans?

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By #2 stinks

September 10, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

If you were playing East Carolina instead of south, you might need a D.

Tell me again about that tuff schedule…

By Tom in ATL

September 10, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I was at both games - Here is my 2 cents:

GSU - We ran a base defense, played a ton of guys getting their first action so that they will be ready for the meat of the schedule soon to come. GSU had one drive that was of “concern”- 12 plays / 82 yds. The last touchdown - with 2 mins. left was a 34 yard hail mary - we had 3 guys in position to pick it off and it found its way into the recievers arm. The score was 45-14 at that point - so don’t see this as being soft on defense - just a fluky play.

CMU - We again played vanilla, blitzed a grand total of twice (One of which resulted in a sack by Curren.) CMU has a good offense and QB - and dinked and dunked most of the game. After UGA went up 28-0 - we had the penalty that resulted in a Kickoff from our 15 - a good run back gave CMU the ball at our 40. They proceeded to drive a grand total of 40 yds for a TD. The 2nd TD was on a 32 yd pass to a wide open reciever (Blown Coverage). Again - a correctable mistake - not evdience of a soft defense.

Of greater concern is our kickoff team, lack of kick coverage, and giving teams short fields to work with. UGA will be just fine on Defense - the myth is that UGA shut everyone down last year. We didn’t - we gave up 30 or more points in 3 games - but overall the team had a good defense last year - and will again this year.

The biggest difference is the offense is lights out this year. Stafford is not getting the Heisman run that Moreno is - but the guy is on a different level this year - much better decisions, in better shape and quicker - and can throw any type of pass that is required (his bomb to mo Mass, as well as a 15 yard out pattern in the first Qtr were high level NFL caliber throws).

UGA - 31 SC 13

By RxDawg

September 10, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

LOL, this isn’t a “crap topic”. It has a lot of merit to it guys. Most of the discussion around the water cooler is that UGA’s defense has seemed kind of soft. Were not getting the pass rush we need, ect. I’ve stated how I feel about the topic but lighten up on Chip. Hes bloging about what a lot of dawg and nondawg fans have been saying. Thats kinda the point.

By I-DOG

September 10, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

The jury is still out equally on our Defense and offense. There is no way to tell against the teams we have played so far this season.

After this weekend, we will know about our offense, but not any more about our defense because Suth Carlina doesn’t have any offense. After playing ASU, we will know about our defense.

By jfergNCdawg

September 10, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t think our “D” has “had to” focus 100% yet. When they have, we’ve been pretty freakin’ tough.

At this point, I’d take having the 45th ranked defense and LOTS of underclassmen getting playing time ( i.e. building depth ) versus being ranked in the top 10 and only 1st stringers getting game experience and the fatigue that comes along with that sort of effort week in and week out.

Overall- Defense as a whole is an A minus. Pressure on QB is a “C” and DB pass coverage a “C”….but the RUN Defense has been A+++

Dawgs D— Earn It!!!!!

By piermontdawg

September 10, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

chip, i’m not sure what the fuss is all about…this is a great blog subject…the d looks like it needs to step it up several notches…the interior line has lost one of its leaders…the ends aren’t getting to the quarterback…jones seems late in coverage…in fact, when was the last time we saw a head jarring hit by a georgia safety - the kind where you jump up out of your seat because you thought the other kid may be dead?…curren is a beast and really besides him, i haven’t seen any other leaders on our d…i hope we bring more than what we’ve brought to south carolina this weekend…i’m counting on it…dawgs win…35-12.

By ludatripp

September 10, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Chip, you gotta stop defending yourself against these morons who don’t understand what these blogs are for. Ignore them and just answer the questions from the sane.

By Willie

September 10, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

UGA will play up to its competition…Oh and do they need D? 101 scoring points in two games with 2n & 3rd teams playing. Did you miss something?

By RxDawg

September 10, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Actualy piermontdawg, Reshad Jones got one of those hits on a GSU wide reciever. I don’t remember who it was, but he pretty much drilled him and put his back in the grass.

By AthensBob

September 10, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Georgia D looks almost exactly like it did last season, maybe a bit faster.

Don’t strain yourself worrying Chip.

By WildBill

September 10, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I repeat myself, Remember 1959, Remember 1959, the dawgs only loss to yucky South Carolina. I predict Ga wins 35-14. No shutout because of our pass defense. If the old ball coach comes out passing it like its on fire, we are in a heap of trouble, as we have shown already. If SC connects on a few, we are in deep d— d—.

By honest_abe

September 10, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

talk about a sensitive bunch. you guys need to grow up. chip brought up a relevant topic. the d hasn’t looked dominant. i mean like south carolina dominant and uga hasn’t even played anyone yet. even with just a bunch of walk ons the dawgs should still blank georgia southern. let’s not forget that long, time consuming drive by the eagle’s in the 1st half against our starters.

i think one aspect most people are overlooking is the departure of marcus howard. he was a beast off the end. i haven’t seen any pressure from our ends in either game and i mentioned this after the ga southern game. am i to believe that central michigan’s offensive line is on par with that of florida, lsu and even crappy south carolina? i highly doubt it. i’m a georgia fan through and through but when i see a potential problem i’m not too blind to say that i can’t see it. our d has looked avg at best. period.

hopefully they turn it up in the next few weeks…

GO DAWGS!

By AC in Boulder

September 10, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

We will see the real D now. Getting players back and opening up the schemes will help. The dawgs will make SC look about as prepared as that skank Palin!

By Seven

September 10, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Chip, I agree with your points. There are alot of spankers (not to mention Tech nerds) on this and other blogs that just want to whine. BUT, dont be so thin-skinned; ignore the lunatic fringe. Just keep writing and reporting, enjoy your work. For all those that whine and are more thin-skinned than Chip - we have a long way to go! It’s time to start Finishing the Drill! Go DAWGS!

By Dennis Erickson

September 10, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Even after the Carolina game you won’t know anything about your d since their offense is so atrocious.

You will however know everything you need to know after both the Ariz. St and Bama games. Both feature 3 and 4 yr starting qbs. Az St. has always put up big passing numbers in the wide open pac 10 and can also run the ball. Dennis Erickson knows how to score a lot so that game will tell UGA fans a lot, especially how UGA stacks up against a wide open pass happy offense that can also run when it needs to.

Bama will then come in with a very physical offensive line with 2 all conference lineman with one being an all american. They’ll have a 3 yr starting qb, a bevy of tailbacks, and some good skill receivers on the outside. If you can shut them down unlike Clemson then you will know exactly where you stand from a defensive standpoint of how physical you are.

Everything you want to know positive or negative will be answered after these 2 games

By piermontdawg

September 10, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

thanks rxdawg…i like reshad a lot and hope he does more of that…i just remember it being a bit more memorable and frequent with the sean jones and thomas davis eras…the season is very young, and hopefully, there’s a ton of big hits, qb pressures and ints for all us to look forward to…how ‘bout ‘em!

By spotts

September 10, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Now I love UGA football, but it’s getting a little old when everyone ends their post with “GOOO DAWGS!”

By Bucksblue

September 10, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t ware the Bulldog defense even took the field in the first two games. Opine when it matters.

By dennis erickson

September 10, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Honest_abe noticed something that very few people have really noticed so far. UGA has a lot of good d players back except for easily its best player last year, Marcus Howard. This guy was an impact player, a difference maker with his pressure and its obvious that his presence is sorely missed. From what I’ve seen he’s doing very well early in his pro career also.

You can’t underestimate what a difference one impact player like that can make for a defense. I noticed the same thing watching Bama-Clemson. Bama has a new mammoth noseguard that occupies 2 o-lineman every single time and sometimes 3 o-lineman.One impact player like that or like Marcus Howard can change the complexion of the whole defense by either making bigtime plays as Howard did or by occupying 2 or more lineman like the Bama noseguard did.

That seems to be what’s missing on UGAs defense. That one impact player or lack thereof that can be the difference between having a good defense and a great defense.

By Bradley G

September 10, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Why would WM show our hand against two lesser opponents? We played a base cover-two or a base nickel package throughout those two games. Next Saturday, we’ll have two probable starters back (Weston and Dewberry) plus Martinez will let loose with schemes designed to confuse USC’s QBs.

There is no way anyone on this blog would accept that Kentucky’s defense is better than UGA’s, despite the fact that UK gives up 2.5 ppg versus UGA’s 19 ppg.

By The Big Bug

September 10, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Dogs won’t break a sweat with these perennial SEC cupcakes.

By Ron

September 10, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Come on now give Richt and Martinez credit here Spurrier is no idiot Did we really want to show South Carolina anything defensively

By epb

September 10, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Anyone else anoyed by the yellow jacket pop-up when your trying to catch up on the DAWGS. Come on techies, buy up the tickets so we can stop these obnoxious adds.

By Jamie

September 10, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

I think the D will be just fine. The opponents scored late and we were playing very vanilla. We did not bring much in the way of stunts or blitzes.. we did not scramble the secondary. We just played very basic fronts and a cover two in the D backfield. I think what you will see from the Dogs this Saturday in SC is a flurry of defensive pressure that will result in at least 3 turnovers.. mark it down.

By Frank

September 10, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Actually, Marcus Howard was an excellent pass rusher but only average in run situations. He accounted for 1/4 of Georgia’s sack count, meaning that other guys on the team accounted for the vast majority of the sacks and those other guys are likely still playing this year. There is not one guy that makes or breaks Georgia’s defense. Never has and never will.

This whole discussion is quite frankly absurd. Stats and rankings aren’t worth the paper they are written on two weeks in to the season.

By Kdawg

September 10, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

hey Mdawg shut the f*** up. a true fan supports their team every week. a true fan thinks his team will winn every game until it is played, then if they lose u dont go dissing your team. you move on. so quit living in lala land, get the hell outta here before you wake up with a boom boom in your eye!

By 87Dawg

September 10, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

spotts,

Out of 81 posts, I saw 4 that had “GOOO DAWGS” at the end, and at least 2 of those were from the same person. That hardly qualifies as “everyone”. Aren’t you being a little hypercritical?

By devildawgNC

September 10, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

I figure the scheming will get more complex in order to throw off offenses. 18-19 pts a game is fine by my book as long as we keep it there. I’d like to see the DE’s make more of an impact, but I’m willing to wait a few weeks to see what happens there. There’s a lot of talent so I’m sure they’ll be fine. My main concern: the safeties. There have been several late breaks toward receivers that have allowed big plays for considerably weaker teams. Gotta get that nailed down.

As for your question, Chip, about confidence in WM: most people here have to assume that WM is hiding the more complex, more aggressive schemes in order to lay the smack down on USC and other SEC opponents. If that were not the case, sure, I’d be worried about WM. But I’d lean toward “keeping things up their sleeves” personally—much better to give up 18 pts to weak teams than shut them out and give away the high octane aspect of your D.

By Chip Towers

September 10, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

PRACTICE UPDATE

Nothing to report… .

Well, not much anyway. LB Akeem Hebron came off the field with a stinger and he’s had a few of those the first could of weeks so that could be a developing issue… .

DT Kade WEston and WR Kenneth Harris still in green but hearing both will play… .

Knowshon Moreno leaped over a tackling dummy.

That’s about it… .

As for today’s topic, some great dialog. I honestly don’t think we know enough yet. But …

For those of you that say Georgia’s second- and third-stringers were in there late are forgetting that the same is true of Southern Cal and Florida and these other teams in these blowout wins.

By I-DOG

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

You can tell the Dawgs have come a long long way from the days of Goff and Donnan when our fans and the bashers are examining the minutia of how good a particular part of our team “really” is and lamenting that another team scored some points on us in a game we won.

4th best winning percentage in Div 1A of any active coach

Longest winning streak in the country of any team from a major conference

ranked 2nd

and the program actually seems to be improving overall.

No doubt that there is a lot of football left to play this year and there will be 3-4 very close games… but we are arguing about wins and whether we deserve to be ranked #1 each week and who might or might not give us game!

Not too shabby.

By shane #1

September 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

The lack of pressure bothers Me. I would prefer to see more sacks, but remember that the sacks and interceptions did not come early last year. It seemed that the defense picked it up after the offense started to click. UGA played 69 guys in the GSU game and 68 in the CM game. I think playbooks had to be kept simple on both sides of the ball. With two games under their belts, with a couple of guys coming back, and with more practice things should begin to improve on D. IMO, the offense is ahead of last year’s O and Stafford seems to be in late season form. The losses to UT and Carolina cannot be blamed on the defense alone. The O did not score enough points to win a SEC game in either. Hopefully Bobo learned His lesson and will not call 45 pass plays in Columbia.

By 87Dawg

September 10, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I’m not sure I understand the part about second and third stringers being in the game late for UF. That was Tebow throwing to Brandon James in the last minute of the game against Miami, and the issue was already long settled by then.

By WSP Dawg

September 10, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

I still don’t have any confidence in Martinez’s defense. Chip, Have you heard if he is as much of a scheming coach as VanGorder? It just always seems as though his secondary is out of position.

I am aware of the nationally ranked numbers Chip refered to, but I believe it has been a deep talent pool and an offense last year that finally found Knowshon. In fact, last year, after the UT game, it was getting very hot for Martinez, and it could have been really bad for him if the offense didn’t come alive as much as it did. I am still not sold that he is as good of an X’s and O’s coach as many of the top defensive coordinators in the nation.

By Bob

September 10, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

“For those of you that say Georgia’s second- and third-stringers were in there late are forgetting that the same is true of Southern Cal and Florida and these other teams in these blowout wins.”

Actually that’s probably not true Chip. Southern Cal’s second string QBs barely saw the field against Virginia, despite the blow out win. And Virginia only scored 16 on Richmond for god’s sake, so who cares anyway. Southern Cal didn’t prove any more in that game than Georgia has thus far. Nor did Florida’s reserves get very much work in what was a very close contest for most of the game against Miami. That’s probably not a fair or accurate statement Chip in my opinion.

Why don’t you analyze the Georgia defense based on what you’ve seen on the field instead of all these meaningless comparisons to other teams? I think that’s the gripe most people have with this blog.

By no fan

September 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

For God sake, let them play someone in their division like South Carolina this Saturday to really see how well they are;& if they win & win a few more in THEIR division, then say they are a team, until then, they should not be ranked. I would LOVE to see these GA boys play a real team like USC…what a game that would be!!! Can you GA supporters think of a score between these 2 teams….I say GA 10, USC 57!!!!!! And thats playing “between the hedges”!!!!

By Andy in Ohio

September 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Average so far. We have played a couple of unconventional offenses so far and we’ll enjoy going up the more traditional offenses in the coming weeks. So things could definitely change, but so far, looking pretty average.

By Red Dawg

September 10, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

I believe the Dawgs have the athletes and they will step up. I do wish we could have seen a little more intensity in the first two games. That should come as we play better teams that pose more of a challenge. We also should get Darius Dewberry, Cade Weston and Neland Ball on the field against the yard birds this week.I enjoy the comments with the exception of a few (that I won’t mention because they don’t deserve any attention). Go Dawgs!!

By 87Dawg

September 10, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

no fan,

That’s an apt name. I assume you mean that about college football in general. Otherwise, you’d know that your post is ludicrous. UGA might not beat USC (then again, they might), but to think that the game would be lopsided only exposes your ignorance. Try to be realistic.

By TALENT SCOUT

September 10, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Our defense has looked great when we pressured the QB but only average when we did not put on a rush. Defensive coordinators should come to the realization that the dumbest play in football is the 3 man rush. More big plays are given up in the give up defense known as the dreaded 3 man rush. HEAD COACH SHOULD MAKE DEF COORD RUN STEPS EVERY TIME HE CALLS THIS STUPID DEFENSE. Tenn dominated UCLA in the first half when they presured the QB (4 int) but went into a lame prevent defense for most of the scond half allowing UCLA to come back for the win. UGA PLEASE DO NOT FALL INTO THIS TRAP ON SATURDAY AND FOLLING GAMES. BE SMART NO 3 man rush. Listen up Willie.

By TheFIsh

September 10, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Nothing like seeing the world through those rose colored glasses. You can say that GSU scored it’s three TD’s against the 3rd team all you want, but if you look at the tape you’ll see that GSU’s first two scores came against mostly starters with a few second teamers in there. The last score at the end of the game was scored by a true freshman third teamer for GSU against the UGA third team.

When GSU went right down the field after the Samuel fumble in the first half and threw the interception, don’t tell me that was against the third team. Fact is that the GSU RB scored on that series and the referee put the ball on the one. If Hatcher had asked for a replay, it would have been a TD.

That being said, I am a Dawg fan, so don’t think I’m flaming UGA. Just stating facts. I was at the game and have watched the tape a couple of times to verify numbers of starters and #2s from the game day program. So get off that third team stuff. Go Gawgs!

The Dawgs will get better each week on D, and I expect them to be pretty good this week in Columbia. I think you’ll see a bit more of a pass rush this week.

By IOP Dawg

September 10, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Everyone knows Coach Richt is not about winning games 77-0. We’re gonna give up some points with second and third stringers in the game, but when we’ve actually had our first team in the game we’ve looked pretty impressive. I don’t necessarily think this weekend is a real test of our defense anyway.

By LifelongDawg

September 10, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Surely you don’t believe this defense is average. Most of the same starters who gave up fewer TD’s than LSU’s vaunted D last year are back. You don’t seriously think they’ve forgotten how to play, or that Coach Martinez has lost the ability to coach, do you?

A blog of this nature serves no purpose except to embolden the UGA haters and give them fresh material. You’re better than that, Chip, I think.

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Chip I think it’s like this: Try writing an article with your editor witholding all the adjective. I’m guessing its going to look pretty average.

And I dont think those other teams were wholesale substituting across the board quite like we did in game one. I’m sure they substituted but not like that. I never saw USC Or Fl with thier third string QB on the field. Not controlling the ball very long probably played a part in giving up a few late points the other way. We will see who runs out of horses first, as the year progresses.

Against CMU, I didn’t see any big concerns. Obviously when you run one defensive look over and over, a team like that is going to figure it out eventually. The pressure and run support up the middle were great and anytime they did blitz, it was very effective. OK, we dont have an end that can beat the blocks no matter how many, But it seems to me thats usually later developing. Even Pollack’s sack total balloned later in the year, as I recall.

By lamar

September 10, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

HEY CHIP** HEY CHIP** I AM WONDERING, HAVE YOU ARE GA SEEN THE CLIPS FRON THE ASU GAME LAST WEEK WHEN ALL THE FANS WERE HOLDING UP SIGNS SAYING”“BRING ON THE BULLDOGS!!”” IF NOT THIS WOULD BE GREAT BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL FOR GA!! THEY MADE NEED THIS EDGE!! LAST, WILL SUTHERLAND BE BACK BY NEXT WEEK?? THANKS & GO DAWGS!

By Uncle Dave

September 10, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

It is definitely too early to tell about this defense, but there is no guarantee that they are going to be world beaters either. The lack of a pass rush from the outside is the thing that really concerns me. They may get away with it this week, but ASU will be eating up yardage if they cannot generate pressure.

I do think that having Kade Weston back will help. He plays tough. Somebody has to step us and intimidate… we have not seen that yet.

By Jimmy

September 10, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Through 2 games, the D has played on talent alone, not schemes. As many have stated thus far, their play have been basic cover 2 zone schemes. I dont even think we’ll see much change against SC, as their O is so horrible-we should be able to stop their running game and pressure their QB’s w/ our front four only. Now next week against a pass happy ASU team, i’m sure we’ll throw different schemes at them.

Also, i’m lazy, I wonder what our 3rd down conversion percentage is on D? That and turnover margin are better ways to analyze your defense than PPG or YPG against weaker opponents.

By Red and Black

September 10, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

FOOLS GOLD-Where is that lil punk.I have a cice seashell for you.

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Chip you Ignorant Slut. Did you actually think about this topic for more than thirty seconds or are you now channeling Carter Strickland. You are the Beat blog reporter, I expect a well thought out topic that is prepared and worthy of a response longer than an immediate answer.

What are you smoking, read Sun Tzu “The Art of War”. Never give away your intentions to your enemy. For God’s sake man, do you actually think that the defense you saw against the scrimmage teams is what we will see against USC. We will blitz more than Rommel on his way through France.

Another hot tip for you, like it or not, VanGorder is gone and he aint coming back. Why do you continue to compare Martinez to VanGorder. I have a better idea, lets compare Martinez to Erk Russell, I believe we have the same chance to get either one of them back.

The updates were okay, your topic, not so much.

By FLA DAWG

September 10, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

The Defense looked average because they were supposed to look average in games one and two. Richt has been playing poker and winning.

I believe (and hope) we will see a Dawg Defense against So. Carolina and Arizona State that will show what they really have.

Frankly, I’m not so sure we’ll need a great defense to beat The Gamecocks. Their offense is not good. Yes, they will get “up” for this game but that will last about 6 minutes.

Against Arizona State The Dawgs will have to play excellent ball. The win will have to be at least somewhat impressive as it will be our formal introduction to the college football nation outside the SEC for an away game.

UNCHAIN THE YARD DAWGS ‘N LET ‘EM EAT !!

By Red and Black

September 10, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

GATOR CHUMP-UF is allready down as in bottom feeders-The MIGHTY CANES ALMOST TOOK UF DOWN.T-blow was running like a scarred rabbit most of the game.UF squeeked out of a whoopin.You said yourself that you drive a big dawg size BLACK truck.True gater fans drive BLUE/ORANGE/or GREEN trucks.DAWG FANS DRIVE WHITE/BLACK/or RED Trucks.Guess last years whoopin from GA turned you into a DAWG fan at least in your lil’subconcious mind.BOOK IT LIL BOY.DAWGS OR DEATH!Course another loss to the DAWGS might be the end of your fascination for those losers GA calls lizards.

By Uncle Dave

September 10, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Cuz: Get over it. You are so obviously jealous of Chip because he gets to follow GA football and write about the Dogs for a living. So am I, but I don’t need to constantly whine like an absurd little child. I am sick of the whining… especially when it is for no good reason. If you don’t like this blog, then go away so those of us who enjoy it can move along. Try saying something clever every now and then and you might earn a little respect. It is very relevant to talk about the defense given the teams we are about to play.

By Dancing Bears Pass Rush

September 10, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Lets Face it these pups don’t have a Dominating D. Its been very Evident and doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Dawgs are not well disciplined on both offensive and defensive lines. Too many silly penalties and that will not cut it in SEC play. Dawgs may have depth but its still missing Quality play in that depth which means nothing. Dawg’s don’t need to counting their Chickens just yet!

By GARNET and BLACK

September 10, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

The College Football world knows UGA is not Good on defense. The offense which has some Great plays but that is expected coming against patsies. Plus too many dumb mistakes against those teams as well. Uga Will win some games this year no doubt, but there will be some heartbreaking losses for the dawgs too.

By Unfocused Dawg

September 10, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

These puyps really need to get it going or we will be in trouble. Coach Richts used excuses about dawgs cramping up in the first game. and the overall play of the dawgs really wasn’t impressive against clearly inferior competition. He complained about bad weather one day and took his team swimming. He should have had his dawgs working out, studying plays, improving footwork or watching films. The dawgs need to be living and breathing football instead of a nice swim day at the pool. Now Richt is running around and has his own website and will blog, whoopee.! He and his assistant coaches needs to be studying game film to improve his team and have passion for football. These dawgs are getting caught up in the hype and its gonna catch up with them you just wait and see.

By Barbie Doolies

September 10, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Hi Dawg Fans…. just to let you know we received our last shipment of Pepto Bismol came in today and they are going fast. I know I know… that ole sick feeling is starting to creep in as the game nears. We will be at the Fair Grounds just before kick off passing out packets of Tums and Rolaids for all you Dawg fans! CYA There !!!!Barbie

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave have you ever heard sarcasm? Do you remember Carter Strickland? He would think up topics three minutes before deadline. It appears Chip was busy and fell into the Carter style. The topic says little and mostly whines about getting the great VanGorder back which will not happen in my liftetime. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. He asked for a response, I gave one in my usual sarcastic style.

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks Barbie, the food at Brice really suks. Maybe you should change vendors. Most of us are planning a big tailgate with plenty of fried chicken. You can join us if you bring the tater salad. Either that or that Humble pie that is always so satisfying after another gamehen loss. Enjoy the SEC cellar, I hear it is cool this time of year.

By TybeeDawg

September 10, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

interesting comments from CMR today on the Lizards running up the score:

I don’t know what to say about that. I don’t know what to do in that situation. I mean, do you take a knee? Is that as big a slap in the face? I don’t know what coaches feel like. I mean, if it’s fourth-and-3, do you go for it? Do you try and score a touchdown? I guess the only thing you can do is take a knee if you feel the game is in hand, and that’s usually what we’d do. If I’ve got a bunch of young guys in there, I might say, run this freshman back and let these linemen block one more play. I think if you have your starters in there at the end when it’s absolutely over, I just don’t think it’s very wise. Now if you’ve got a bunch of youngsters in there, just let them play. And if somebody got mad at me, I’d just say, We’ve got some young guys in there we’re trying to get ready for the future.’”

No doubt, we have the classiest coach in college football.

By Zeb

September 10, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Uncle Dave, I’ll defend Cuz to the end. Don’t dog him, he’s been on here defending the dogs in an absolutely classy maner for a looooooonnnngggg time….And why don’t you try not being such a total d!ck on here and We(the vets) might show you some respect. Cuz and a ton of us have been on here for years…..when we had to pay so idiots like you wouldn’t say stupid sh!t. If you’re gonna be a dog fan….Cuz is the last person you need to be f’cking with. Now…unless you’ve got something positive to say about out bulldawgs….then why don’t you just STFU and GTFAway. Now….come on….whatcha got????

By mdawg

September 10, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

dawgsrule - i wouldn’t call chip pessimistic. did you read his story yesterday on cmr? i think he is a balanced journalist!

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

studying game film to improve the team, why didn’t I think of that!

By War Eagle

September 10, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

UGA defense is probably solid, the real test will be against SEC foes and Arizona state. It difficult to get a charge on against GSU and CMU, they are pink panties..

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

can’t concentrate, good call, I noticed that he left out SC rush defence woes as well.

In the words of one of my great pals in here, whose name I cannot recall………”our defense will be better than thier defense” End of story.

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Tybee, I have to agree, when the game is in hand, I care not about brownie points for the almighty BCS. As I have said many times on this blog, my goal for the team is to win the SEC. It is a real championship. And the championship of the greatest conference in the NCAA. The MNC is a beauty contest, fun to win, not a disaster if we get Miss Congeniality.

By Mobile Dawg

September 10, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Chip, our defense has played largely uninspired but the results weren’t that bad. I, like others don’t think we’ve shown many schemes. We’ll see how good our coaches are Saturday, if they’re as good as advertised our team will look good. No matter how well USC plays we should win. Our players are talented, AGAIN, if the coaches do their job in getting and keeping them focused the results will speak for themselves.

The trap we’ve fallen into the last two years is what has some of us worried. Being unprepared early in the season for some big games. If we’re a contender for the SEC crown it will show. Now matter how you spin it, South Carolina will come prepared to play. As Larry might put it, if we come out and put a “hob nosed boot” up their a$$ they will deflate. I’m ready for a close first half, and a blow out the second, kinda like the Auburn game, last year. Turnovers, penalties, injuries, anything can happen, that’s why we play the games on the field. Go Dawgs, be ready, EARN IT

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

and learning what position Kade Weston plays wouldn’t hurt either.

By TybeeDawg

September 10, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Cuz, Right on. The SEC championship IS the NC in my book…toughest conference..by default the winner might as well be the NC. I therefore proclaim it…ok, someone notify the press, the BCS has been revoked.

By the way Cuz, how is your daughter doing? I remember she was going through some tough times last year this time.

By Mobile Dawg

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

Heard some interesting comments on Sports Radio yesterday about that Tybee. Seems the more aggressive dominate male types, i.e. Cowhead and some new guy here in Mobile, Seth Harp, think that’s the way it has to be nowdays. Style Points.

Seems kinda like rubbing a kids nose in their mistakes to me. I prefer a little class.

Man, if Zeb’s your friend you don’t have to worry about your back!

By Cuz

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

I still think that we blitz early and often. Hit their inexperienced QB’s in the mouth and grind them in the turf. Let’s see how good a Colt Brennan imitation they can do.

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

I saw a couple of references about GSU driving the ball and could have scored more. First of all, their longest drive was 34 yrds. Secondly, isnt it pretty certain that IF they had scored earlier, the intensity and game plan would have been ratcheted up a notch or two by UGA for the rest of the game? I don’t think its fair to assume the score would have been any closer. Actually I wish they had scored early, and the Dawgs wouldn’t have lost interest by the 4th quarter.

By TybeeDawg

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

Mobile, it just boils down to sportsmanship…like I said earlier this week, I dont have a problem with it if you got your 2 deep or 3 deep guys in there trying to get reps and experience. I am all for that. But leaving you number one guy in and throwing for the enzone with a 3 td lead and 2 minutes on the clock? I would not want a coach like that. And miami’s coach was p**!!!!!

By TybeeDawg

September 10, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Mobile, it just boils down to sportsmanship…like I said earlier this week, I dont have a problem with it if you got your 2 deep or 3 deep guys in there trying to get reps and experience. I am all for that. But leaving you number one guy in and throwing for the enzone with a 3 td lead and 2 minutes on the clock? I would not want a coach like that. And miami’s coach was p**!!!!!

By desertdawg

September 10, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

pacwin, go back in your hole in LA and wait for Sat’s game against OSU—probably a USC blow out. Our D is good enough—we score more and win. Oh yeah—ASU has played great— but against the last 3 teams with any speed—Texas/USC and Oregon that got stomped. See ya in Miami—good luck against those powerful pac 10 teams—AZ/Wa/WaSt/OSU/Stanf/etc…that conference SUCKS!!!

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

hell how about a fake punt with a 28 point lead….

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Mobile, I agree about the Zeb comment, If in a bar fight with Zeb I expect him to say bada$$es line up, wimps pair off.

Tybee, Baylie is going through some tough times but is taking it like a true Dawg. Lotta pain, very little griping. This 12 year old girl has the heart of a champion. She missed half of the year in school last year in absences and still made the AB honour roll in Middle school. She even made top reader in her grade on the CRCT test. I took her out of her wheel chair and I am making her use crutches. She has got as much fight in her as Renne Curran. She is my hero. I try to live up to being her Dad. Thanks for asking, it means alot to me. Friday night I am going to take her to eat dinner with the UGA cheerleaders. They will be in Augusta for Border bash, they lavish attention on her and she loves it.

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

was talking about gsu longest drive in the first half, before you try to correct me.

By LifelongDawg

September 10, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Face it, Uncle Dave: the blog was lame and unfounded. UGA finished 14th in the nation in total defense last year. As I said earlier, the defense gave up fewer TD’s than LSU, and the Tigers were supposed to be the benchmark for the rest of the conference (BTW, Auburn was the SEC leader in total defense and the Dawgs rang up 45 on them while giving up exactly their season average).

Unde Brian VanGorder from 2001-2004 UGA finished 49, 15, 4, and 8 in total defense. Under Willie Martinez, they have finished 18, 8, and 14. There is very little appreciable difference in both the statistics and the Dawgs’ overall record.

All in all, there was not much of a reason to be raising about the defense concern given the fact that UGA did, in fact, play an extraordinary amount of back-ups after each of the 2 games were decided.

By Mobile Dawg

September 10, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

I agree, the young guys needs their reps. Speaking of sportsmanship, the Ole Ball Coach, has anyone forgotten he used to be the king of lighting up the scoreboard when he had the guns.

Tuberville complemented Richt last year, or year before, can’t remember like I used to, on not running up the score.

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Alt, I watched the game, understood.

By LifelongDawg

September 10, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Cuz,

I wasn’t aware of your daughter’s illness. Glad to hear that she’s fighting through it. Unfortunately, I know what it’s like. I damn near died myself a couple of years ago. I’ll put her in my prayers.

By LifelongDawg

September 10, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

That last paragraph on my 10:30 post was severely garbled. Hope people could make sense of it. All the words are there, it’s just in the wrong order. Oh well…

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Understood Life, and thanks for the concern about my daughter. One year up at the Mayo Clinic we were having a tough time. The bloggers gave us support, encouragement and prayers that helped sustain us in a tough situation. You guys mean the world to me and my daughter Baylie.

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

We never was raising some wondering that what talking about you were.

By AltamahaDawg

September 10, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Fortunetely she gets her looks from her crazy mother. Very pretty young lady.

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah Life, it is called an Alt, named for the famous purveyor of the garbled quotations. Alt, you make me laugh. Check my house for any wind damage for me. Hope to see you in October.

By TybeeDawg

September 10, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I do remember Tubby singing CMR’s praises….be willing to bet he has the respect of nearly the entire coaching community.

Cuz, I know you would swap places with her in a heartbeat if you could….hardest thing in the world to be a parent and feel so helpless when your children are sick and you cant do anything. Friday sounds like a blast…hope she enjoys it. I’ll keep her in my prayers.

By LifelongDawg

September 10, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Gotcha, Alt. I understood that perfectly. Cuz, I have to go the Mayo Clinic in Jax next week. I’m not out of the woods yet. Is that the one Baylie went to?

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I’ll take that as a left handed compliment. How about her smarts from her Dad, okay I don’t know where she gets them but I am glad she is brilliant. And tougher than leather.

By TybeeDawg

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

Alt, your sense of humor reminds me of a good friend of mine.

By LifelongDawg

September 10, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Where the heck is Gamecock Henry? He’s usually got something to say even if it doesn’t concern our Sunday Dinner main course.

By Toccoa

September 10, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

It’s undetermined.

Coach Martinez has run a vanilla defensive with a lot of substitutions and little or no stunts. If Martinez called a stunt, I haven’t seen it yet (but I didn’t get to see the whole Central Michigan game). Also, it looks like that every defensive player on the Dawg depth chart has at least played in one of the last two games, which speaks volumes about building experience.

Central Michigan offensive line is better than average and I’d say it’s the main reason why QB Dan LeFevour’s career stats are so good.

The Gamecocks do not have the offensive line that the Chippewas have, and you can bet Steve Spurrier wishes he had the experience on his OL that Central Michigan exhibits.

I’d say this Saturday Martinez is going to chew up and spit out Spurrier’s offensive line.

One good thing for Spurrier is that after Saturday’s game the Dawgs may have solved his problem of having to choose betwwen two QBs. We’ll see.

GO DAWGS!

By TybeeDawg

September 10, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Be careful Cuz, he might be ambidextrious.

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Life, I just said a prayer for you. Baylie has to go to the main in Rochester MN. It is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. If Jax is half as good as Rochester, you will be in great hands of the Doctor’s and in God’s hands also. Good luck and God bless. Google Baylie Symms and you can read all about her.

Yeah you know it Tybee, unfortunately there is no cure only treatments. I have had my own medical problems, one life threatening, but mine go dormant, hers is ongoing. We prefer to think of her abilities, she can play a mean guitar. Google her name, she is impressive. No new stories from the papers in a few years though. Pretty much the same still, just more of the same every year.

By Mobile Dawg

September 10, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Make sure ya’ll’s stock of the Beast, OMB, Light version is in good supply for the post game celebration. Night pups….

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Tybee, Altamaha is many things, but most of all a great friend, and we have never met. I plan to change that soon though. He and I have an island in common. This year I plan on meeting him there before the Jax game, saving vacation time just for it.

By Cuz

September 10, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Sleep, perchance to dream. Over and out.

By Hunk Erdown

September 10, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Cuz

I agree about the blitz… On offense, I think we just need to line up and run it at ‘em. If they do that jumping around junk, just go off first sound and blow ‘em off the line.

By Hunk Erdown

September 10, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Let us not forget, we’ve got that angel on our shoulders this year… ‘Ol Buck will help us through any rough spots.

By LifelongDawg

September 11, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Cuz. I’ve done the same for Baylie, and I’m gonna google her now. Take care and God bless. Talk to y’all soon.

I’m calling out the peckerhead who thinks it’s cute to post under other’s names. C’mon out, you coward. Tell me where I can find you to administer that beatdown you must seem to want. If you’re man enough and can get your mouth off that guy’s knob long enough, that is. Stop with the sh#t. Everybody knows it’s not the real person posting, you retard.

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

September 11, 2008 5:39 AM | Link to this

” It’s hard to draw many conclusions off of two games whether they come against a pair of Top 10 teams or a couple of Sisters of the Poor. But early returns on Georgia’s defense after games against Georgia Southern and Central Michigan don’t offer much evidence that coach Willie Martinez’s unit is going to be much more than average this season. “

I guess that would follow Chipper Towers for the guy who just finished telling us that ” Dannell Ellerbe is NOT a Star ” as the leading tackler on the team that ended No. 2 in the Final AP Poll last season and is No. 2 again this season in your daily quips and SHOTS you take at UGA repeatedly such as there are ” More BUSTS than Stars ” for this No. 2 team.

By Florida Dawg

September 11, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this

I think Chips blog is on target based on the factual information given…no reason for anyone to be upset. I’m glad he pointed this out and he should…hello! That’s his JOB. I would rather address it NOW than do it after the first loss? I’m sure the UGA coaches know this and they should have concerns as well. I want UGA to come into the Florida game as intimidating as possible.

By Nodog

September 11, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

Who cares.

By AltamahaDawg

September 11, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

Good lord 39, no wonder you made such excellent grades, you must have taken the same class over and over and over and over.

By AltamahaDawg

September 11, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

You care obviously nodog.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 11, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Not to get all political this morning,but for all Americans and our troops serving overseas, god bless! 9/11 we will never forget. So many heros lost there lives that day. So many family’s were torn apart. As quickly as we are to roast each other for the teams we follow, we still are united by that common thread of pride in the American flag! God bless and go Dawgs!!!

By Chris

September 11, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Chip, You are a sole member of the ID 10 Tee Club. If you cannot write something that has any relevance to at this point in the season, just copy and paste something from CNN/Sports Illustrated .com

By 82DAWG

September 11, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Problem with Martinez’s defenses is that they take a LONG time to gell. Often by the time they do, we have already a couple of L’s in tank. Then we come on like gang busters and finish strong. The next season starts and instead of picking up where we left off the previous year, we seem to start the process all over again with a “vanilla” defense. That “vanilla” defense we supposedly played in the first 2 games is just crap. You have to come out gunning with all your weapons from the beginning and learn to play at a high intensity for every down in every quarter in every game. I know the response coming from Altamaha and others is that you can’t tip your hand in the early games. Uh, all teams have to do is look at the films from last year; there isn’t anything we won’t be doing now that we didn’t do then. Now there was mostly good intensity at the CMU game, but UGA’s defense still took off about 10 minutes at the end of the first half and beginning of the second. Do that against SEC teams and you go home with an “L”.

By DuMb DaWG

September 11, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

82 DaWG……. UgA dOeS NOt hAVe a VAnIlLa dEFfeNsE. iT’s cHoColATe aND dAWgS nEEd MOrE VAnIlLa sO DAwGs cAn PlaY gOoD oN dEFfeNsE!!!!!!

By two in a row by SC

September 11, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

mr 82 dog, that slow start is why Honest Mark schedules two cupcakes to start the season.

By UofF

September 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Have you humped someones leg today?

By WareDawg

September 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I think its really just been a case of staying vanilla. Everyone brings up that GaSo should have scored twice in the 1st half, being inside the 5 and all. But doesnt that say something about the D that they stood up and didnt let them score.

At times I have been a little worried about the secondary this year. But I think they still have alot to show us scheme and intensity wise. I am not worried until after a couple of SEC games and if they havent stepped it up by then.

By DuMb DaWG

September 11, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

wAReDaWG……… ONce AgAIn…. UgA dOeS NOt hAVe a VAnIlLa dEFfeNsE. iT’s cHoColATe aND dAWgS nEEd MOrE VAnIlLa sO DAwGs cAn PlaY gOoD oN dEFfeNsE!!!!!!

By Ga Hokie

September 11, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

You guys are right— GSU did not score until your 2nd/3rd stringers were in (some).

But that also did not stop them from driving the ball to your 1 yard line on two different occasions in the first half— both times against your first string defense— only to stall out on penalties and drive themselves back to the 10+ yard line.

GSU… a team with 45 freshmen/red shirt freshmen.

I guess that shows UGA’s massive depth I always hear about.. right?

By ga hokie

September 11, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Waredawg:

Yes it would show something about the D— if the D actually imposed their will and stopped GSU from scoring.

But the fact is that GSU stalled out on penalties, and had a missed field goal. Yes UGA ultimately stopped GSU from scoring, but it was not because they impose their will.

It is what it is.

By AltamahaDawg

September 11, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

No man, you feel the way you do about our D coordinator and we agree on enough thing other than that. Honestly, since you called last years unit the “worst performing defence in the history of the program” I sort of figurred that ship had sailed. Of cource you were exagerating, but to even say something like that leads me to believe Willie is never going to be on your Christmas list.

But surprise, I have never said it was about showing your hand. I think we played Vanilla simply because we could. I imagine every team in the league starts out with thier simpliest formation and adjust if/when needed. Beat the crap out of somebody, I really dont see the problem. I just dont get uptight about giving up a few yards or points. If either game had been remotely close, we would have ratcheted up whatever it took.

BTW it seems to me that you are arguing out of both sides. Was it scheme OR intencity. Both of which you seem to blame Martinez for. Run the same look enough times and a team like CMU is going to catch on eventually. Doesnt the timing sort of tell the story? Is it more likely that the other guys hugely prolific offence caught on about the end of the half what we were doing (and what we were willing to give up) and we had to adjust around the middle of the third quarter, which once again totally stoned them OR was a case of nobody on either side doing anything differently ever, and we just “lost intensity”.

Plus isnt there something to be said for trying to making sure your simpliest defence is as good as it can be? Meaning, we ARE going to be using a 4 man front more times that stunting or blitzing. Why wouldnt we run that as much as possible given the chance? It’s not about proving anything, its about winning ball games. As I’ve started before FORGET about CMU scoring and worry about LSU. I think we can agree, professional coaching staffs know what thier teams need to be doing now to survive the season.

By AltamahaDawg

September 11, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Had GSU actually scored there, the coaching staff would have changed what they did the rest of the game. Less substitutions, a handful of more agressive calls, CERTAINLY a lot better player focus. I think the second have would been dramatically different. I wished that had scored earlier. Maybe UGA VII and team wouldnt have been asleep by the 4th quarter.

BY the way, gets your facts straight . That “march to our 1” started from our 35, and it happened once, not twice. Unless you count the punt GSU downed on our 1, which was a good play.

By 82DAWG

September 11, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Yea, Willie is not on my Christmas card list, but I do respect him. I would just like to see the defense gell in the beginning of the season and not wait until midway through. Altamaha, you have a terrific memory; I didn’t even totally remember saying the defense was the “worst performing defense in the history of the program”, but I do remember not being particularly pleased. Given that I survived the Bill Lewis and Marion Campbell years, that, in hindsight, might have been a bit rash. Be that as it may, we can’t take any series off now that we are playing “real” games.

By AltamahaDawg

September 11, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

What makes you think they have not jelled yet?

By PACWIN

September 11, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

desertdawg We are looking forward to Saturday. As far as LA being a hole; your entitled to your opion. But I am pretty sure that LA’s the only CITY in the country that has had TWO teams in the top 25. Granted it didn’t not last long, but remenber the 2nd best team in LA beat TN; didn’t TN whoop the doggs last year?

By SEC IS THE BEST

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

Ok, first off the DAWGS are the best team of all time!! I bleed red and black through and through!!! But I’m also an advid SEC fan!! There is definately no better conference in the nation!!! USC and OSU play the most Candy A* schedules every year!!! Yet ESPN is on their Dcks every single year. I always chear for any SEC school. Even if it’s gay a** Florida or Tennesse. So good luck to ALL SEC teams this year. I hope the DAWGS bring it home this year but if it’s not them, then let it be another SEC team once again. I just opened a beer so cheers to all SEC teams, except when you’re playing my DAWGS!!!

GO DAWGS!!! FCK the PAC TEN, FCK the Big TEN, FCK the Big Twelve, and any other pssy a** conference that thinks they want some of the SEC!!!!!

By joe_h

September 12, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Mike Bobo 17 INT, you are the dumbest b*stard I’ve ever run across.

As for you PACWIN, what would a SLACK-10, or more aptly named PAC-1, know about defense. Nobody in the PAC-1 can even spell the word. So do us a favor and shut up you simple-minded tw*t. Your beating is coming next weekend.