UGA

By HomeDawg

September 16, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Pressure from the start; send a message. Colt Brennan got it. Prevent defense can prevent a win. 77-yard punts are great, until you give ‘em half of it back on the next play. And we’d better figure out how to convert a first down (for ourselves, this time) when it’s crunch time. Airing it out on first down ain’t the answer.

By Andy in Ohio

September 16, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Those zone coverages that we’re running are giving up 5-10 yard passes consistently. I can understand trying to limit deep passes, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t give up any of those if the other team can move down the field steadily with short passes. That serves to get their offense in the game, and wear our defense out mentally and physically. We’ve got to get pressure on the QB’s and have them running for their life the whole game. If we can’t generate pressure with only our front 4 at this point in the season we’ve got to bring some corner blitzes or something. Mix up the blitzes and don’t go after them the same way every time. A pocket passer will be able to sit back there and do short passes to his heart’s content if we sit back in a zone coverage.

I don’t get the zone coverage anyway, we have good cornerbacks and safeties. Let’s use them.

By jfergNCdawg

September 16, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Rather than asking us, fans, the question about pass rush and pass coverage and overall defensive strategy…could you ask Coach Martinez? We’d really like to know what he learned from Saturday’s game, if anything, and what he’s going to do to correct some of those mistakes you pointed out above. Are they experimenting with “quicker” options at end, such as lining up a fast LB at end for obvious passing situations?

By DawgFan24

September 16, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

I agree, we are going to have to pressure Carpenter into making mistakes. So far, I have been pretty disappointed with our pass rush. One of these DEs needs to step up! GOOOO DAWGS!

By Mark

September 16, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Pressure pressure pressure early. Then confuse him periodically by dropping into zone coverage…

By CDawgs8

September 16, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Chip, I have a few questions for you. I have only seen the SC game once, so can you let us know how Kade Weston played, and if he will be starting this week? That could be a big help in getting pressure.

Also, what about Munzenmaier? Will he see any action at fullback this week? Or primarily just special teams again? Thanks Chip!

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Chip, you are going to confuse a lot of people who are convinced that Martinez never went to the nickle and never had a DB on Cook. We did and it wasnt the answer. In reality we were better when we did what we do best.

By rawdawg

September 16, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

How about changing the packages more, please Willie lets try to trick Rudy bc you know he wants to be aggressive. A little disguise would be nice…we never show blitz and then back off into coverage and vice versa. Come on WILLIE!!

By Dawgbyte

September 16, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

The execution was bad at times but the scheme was bad—period. If we were not going to double-cover Cook, why not at least have our best cover corner on him? And particularly on those drives in the 4th. I thought Willie had improved greatly but he took a giant step backwards in the SC game.

By DawgByte

September 16, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

On several plays I noticed Georgia DB’s giving up WAY too much cushion to SC WR’s. This has been a trend over the first three games. Opposing OC’s are also noticing it and making the appropriate adjustments by having their QB’s take shorter drops and releasing the ball prior to the WR meeting up with our DB. We’ve got to play more bump and run coverage. We’ve got the athletes to play tight to the line and not give away the short pass plays. I think we’re all waiting for Reshad Jones to have a breakout game, as well.

We’re devastating on the run. So far nobody has run on Georgia, but we need to do a better job against these pass happy spread offenses. I’m confident Martinez will figure it out.

By stendec

September 16, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I do not mean this to sound ugly because I love the Dawgs but… It seemed like #3 was in the vicinity every time a South Carolina player caught a pass. I am sure with grandiose defensive schemes and other such things not all were his fault but… I finally told my wife that #3 could not cover a one-legged elderly woman in a wheelchair. Have not heard her laugh like that in quite a while. Oh well. Get a trio of interceptions this week #3. God bless. GO DAWGS!

By reality check

September 16, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

South Carolina didn’t score in the second half.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

jferg, werent you the one yesterday wanting to know Why he didnt do exactly what chip said caused the worst issues?

By Dawg in Denver

September 16, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I say bring the heat! Let Rudy know we’re not gonna leave him alone all night.

And can somebody help me out and translate “GATA” for me. I’m new to the whole realm of blog acronymns…thanks!

See y’all in Tempe!

By Spike

September 16, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Let’s GATA as in the UF game and the Sugar Bowl! If Reshad Jones can stop the late hits and holding, and that is a big if, unleash him. The guy is a beast!!

By ace harris

September 16, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

There’s one simple solution to rectifying Ga’s. defensive woes. fire Willie. If you will take note Ga. has not been that good on defense since he took over.
The pitiful part is the worse part of their defense is their secondary which he just happens to coach. They get all these great athletes and have no one to coach them up. He will never get fired though because Richt has never fired a coach since he has been there. We would still have that moron Callaway if he hadn’t left on his own volition [therefore no Searles] which is frightening. You have to admire Spurrier in that respect, if his assistants aren’t doing the job he finds one who will {i.e. fired Zook hired Stoops} results national championship. Loyalty to assistant coaches will get you fired which I think will eventually catch up to Richt.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I wouldnt think, just my opinion, that commiting your best corner to the TE is a good idea, when you have 3 and 4 receivers split wide.

By Spike

September 16, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Dawgs in Denver.. GATA is Get After Their A$$. Happy to help, but what kind of Dawg fan are you if you need help with that? (Kidding ends)

By Rick S

September 16, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

As a Tennessee buddy told me after watching the UGA/South Carolina game, “Georgia has championship caliber Head Coach & players, but average Offensive & Defensive Coordinators.” After watching the first three games especially on the defensive side of the ball I tend to agree. It’s time to get it in gear Willie!

By junk

September 16, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

everyone is talking about the lack of defense. but I find it funny that know one is saying anything. about the poor offensive play calling made by bobo and company. and I have been a dawg fan for over 30 years.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 16, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

stendec,

You are right in your assumption, #3 or Bryan Evans is a poor excuse for a nickle back. I hate to speak ill of the young man, he is more of a football player than I ever was or will be, but the fact of the matter is it is inexcusable to have this young man in the games. Bryan Evans time and time again has been abused by our opponents. We need to have one of these young men to step up and battle Evans for this position. It is of the most imperative needs we have.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By YoungDawg(formerly MDawg)

September 16, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I liked the fact that we mixed up coverage’s which should help keep Carpenter off balance. However we must execute the scheme’s better & not allow them to have big gains off of simple routes. We also need to get more pressure on the QB if the DE’s can’t get there then let’s add blitzing with the coverage changes. A way to make the latter me effective would be to go 3-3-5 let the dl play contain then let our speed at LB & DB do the work. If Willie insists on playing 3 LB’s then this would definitely help. Really the best thing to do is mix it up while keeping the assignments simple for our guys. So instead of being vanilla &/or predictable in a given down & distance we’re mixing up alignments, personal, but playing the same techniques. If you’ve got the talent to play base D & execute then that’ll work but if it’s not working then let’s mix it up. If you have both then it helps keep the O off balance.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

junk didn’t you know……fail to get a first down, oh well guys, give up a first down, somebody screwed up on the sideline.

By mark

September 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

IF WE DON’T GET PRESSURE ON THE QB WE WILL LOSE 4 GAMES THIS YEAR!!! WE HAVE TO START GETTING PRESSURE ON THE QB!!!! HE HAS ALL DAY TO THROW THE BALL!!!!

By Mobile Dawg

September 16, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Coaches can’t comment this week jferg, they are winded after running steps for their lackluster performance Saturday. Granted a lot of credit goes to SC, they were ready to play. Not saying our guys weren’t, we just didn’t execute the best gameplan. I finally accepted an ugly W is OK after my milk and cookies were taken away.

As for the pass defense, the roughing, and pass interference calls seem excessive and could be in their heads. How do you cover close when everytime you touch someone a flag comes flying in your face.

I’m kinda disappointed they aren’t flying out to Tempe a couple of days early to practice and get somewhat acclimated to conditions in the desert. The dry heat is a different animal.

Agree with you HomeDawg, we have gone to that pass on first down way to many times in Richts career at UGA, only to go 3 and out when it’s crunch time. Almost came home to roost again Saturday. Look back through history and you will see it’s cost us some big games.

All you making the trip to Tempe, enjoy the trip, we should come home with another W. No speculation on scores, spreads, or polls anymore, let’s just win’em all one at a time, and I will keep my critical remarks of the staff to myself and go back to doing what I like to do, enjoy watching the Dawgs, win or lose.

By kansasdawg

September 16, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

It’s about controlling the line. Come on DAWGS MAN UP!!!

By pcjeff

September 16, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Junk,

You are right, what was that horrible play calling, running Stafford when we needed 2 yards for the first that would have put us in position to score another TD. Bobo is way under qualified to be an offensive coordinator. Did we ever try to get the ball to Moreno in the Flat? That is how you get the runner in space when he is being stopped at the line.

By 1eyedJack

September 16, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

The best corners in the nation can only cover for a couple of seconds. You have to bring some pressure, get the QB out of his comfort zone. Any QB can pick apart a defense if given enough time. We have to find a way to get pressure on the QB.

By lynninsavannah

September 16, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Where is the black jerseys we need some kind of motivation same as last year no 3 has to go and chip how many tickets did georgia receive for arizona Just curiois

By Eric C.

September 16, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Reality Check…you are right on…I’ll take giving up 7 pts every time. 21, 17, 7…I like that trend. AzSt has a sub-par OL and we should be able to expose that rushing 4 or 5 most of the time. The worst thing we can do is sit back and let a great QB like Carpenter pick us apart.

By dawgthabootyhunter

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

I’m not an expert on defensive schemes. But, I do know when our secondary is getting picked apart. This happened last year, until we started getting pressure from the ends. That made the QBs hurry their pass. Martinez continued to let a our linebackers cover their excellent tight end who ran like a WR. This is something neither I, everyone @ my house watching the game, nor the cbs commentators could understand. He also is too conservative in that prevent defense he always runs. I wish he would just get aggressive in his play calling. Look @ USC’s defense and how aggressive they are. Notice something guys, they’re very successful as well. We cannot go against a team with a great quarterback and not be aggressive, he will kill us!!

By TM

September 16, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

UGA’s defensive linemen do not raise their hands when they pass rush. Doing so affects the perception if not the vision of the QB. I’ve seen them only do it a few times, but in no way have they made this the habit it ought to be. I noticed on a 3rd down and 7 during the South Carolina game that Georgia did not bother to blitz anyone. Smelley had all day and took full advantage to make the completions for a first down. Georgia players do not seem to be the thinkers that a good team needs. The coaches seem to be in a fog of their own and appear barely to be able to manage the game.

By boots

September 16, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

The pass coverage is even worse when you factor in the defensive holds and pass interference calls. Is this a coaching problem, or are the players just not getting up for these early games like they were for the big games last year? To me, the team is playing tight and doesn’t seem to be having much fun.

By P Dawg

September 16, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Carpenter will be hangigng his head on the sidelines just like Colt Brennan did back in January. The DE’s will start to produce sacks this week. Knowshon runs for 200+ and A.J. green catches 200+ yards too! We’ll want to play in the desert more often.

By swimdawg68

September 16, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

The old axiom the best pass defense is a good pass rush is still true today. We failed most of the day to put pressure on their QB. Martinez for some unknown reason has always loved the 2 deep zone. It works if you have great defensive ends applying heat to the QB. it stinks if we have no pass rush. Carlonia (as will anybody else) just through underneath the zone.

We need to use a blitz package more often. Stafford was sacked twice by a corner blitz. I never saw us deploy such a blitz last Sat.

Hopefully Martinez will wake up before somebody puts the wood to us and begin mixing in more blitz packages. A hurried QB can be just as effective as a sack, witness the interception with 13 seconds left.

One more thing, do we have anybody at the UGA campus capable of kicking the ball into the endzone on the kickoff? Or are we dealing with an idiot Coach (Fabris) who still thinks its better to give the opposing team the ball on the 35 to 40 yard line than the 20. Just wondering.

By aaron in arizona

September 16, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

in all the years i have seen a 3 man rush, when a game is on the line, it almost never works/is successfill!!!

the only game i’ve seen where it worked was the boise st game in 2005, and that’s because they threw most of the time, was not expecting that type of defense since we almost never ran it, and their qb zabransky (sp?) was definately not ready for that uga team. and that was w/a new dc and many wholes to fill on defense for uga.

remember when bc qb matt ryan threw that winning score against va tech last yr? 3 man rush. have you seen bombs thrown by qb’s at games end to help pull out a miraculous victory? see what rush they had? 3 man rush. point is if even an average qb in D-1A is given time he looks like a great qb. i am not saying you have to blitz all the time and leave oneself open to plays behind the defense but 4-5 man rushes are the answer and blitzes thrown in to get to or hurry the qb.

remember fla/uga games 05 and 06, 3 man rush helped those early fla leads, and remember aub/uga 05? that play aub qb threw to go ahead late in the game. when the aub receiver went in almost for the td. caused them to go ahead and eventually win. a 3 man rush on that play when willie M. finally made adjustments in 2nd half to help stop aub then reverts to 3 man rush near end of game. even the announcers commented on it. i remember!!

last yr, against vandy, when willie M. seemed to start to go away from 3 man rush defense as set defense, is when more aggresive defense was seen and the team started to win all those games. i remember vandy in 1st half last yr had a 3rd and long and they converted on long pass cause defense stays back, and i see that a lot w/3 man rush. however, w/o the 3 man rush we have better success. all has to do w/the qb getting pressure or sacked or being hurried. also, helps plug the wholes in the line causing running game to go east/west more often.

i am a uga dawg fan, and have lived out here in arizona since 1986 - moved here the day uga beat/upset auburn and the uga fans where soaked w/fire hoses. i do not like to complain, but i feel willie M. took a few steps backwards w/his defense this last saturday w/that continual 3 man rush to give them the field in the 4th qtr. who knows what was going on on the sidelines, why that strategy was used, but i don’t like the 3 man rush, especially when used so consitently.

i am overjoyed that the dawgs are coming out here!! i can’t wait to meet more uga fans, and, i’m telling y’all, one needs to stay well hydrated out here in the dry heat. one does not feel the dehydration as early as in the humid areas. bring sunscreen and have plenty fluids.

thanks for reading my blog, God bless our troops, and GOOOO DAAWWGGSS!!!!

By PracticalDawg

September 16, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I know Coach Richt likes his freshmen players; I do, too, but he has been playing some of them a bit too much. Despite the fact that he wants to give them game experience and probably for recruiting reasons, he loses far too much advantage from the older, more experienced players when he does not play them. Then, in situations where a freshman might be helpful, he ignores them. When Tripp Chandler dropped 3 passes against South Carolina, that would have been an excellent time to discover the talent level of a freshman or redshirt freshman tight end or to go to Mr. Figgins. But when the older experienced players are doing a great job, why remove them from the game for lesser experience and skill. Knowshon Moreno can manage playing more than he does. It would seem that he is the featured running back who is most capable of making important plays in key spots. I do commend Coach Richt for playing freshmen, but I believe sometimes his judgement is poor on when to use them. AJ Green should have been playing more since game #1. It is obvious who makes the plays and who doesn’t. He does. If Coach Richt uses his freshmen more effectively against ASU, we will win. If he does not, we won’t. Coach Richt says he is going to use Green more, but why hasn’t he already? I certainly hope he discontinues the practice of pulling Knowshon out of the game just as he is warming up.

By Dan

September 16, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I think there are a couple factors that need to be considered. One being that I don’t necessarily think we have great talent on the defensive side of the ball in comparison to what the offense has in Stafford and Moreno. In Mark Richt’s first few season’s he had NFL caliber talent on defense: Charles Grant, Will Witherspoon, David Pollack, Boss Bailey, Tony Gilbert, Sean Jones, Charles Johnson, Greg Blue, Thomas Davis, Tony Taylor. These were great players would could change the outcome of the game. I think they kids on defense now try hard and make plays here and there, but the bottom line is defense wins championships in the SEC, and UGA has underrecruited on that side of the ball. Willie Martinez isn’t great, but his defense came through when it needed to on Saturday, which is more than I can say for Mike Bobo’s offense. This team strength is on offense, and for this team to be successful they have to be able to sustain drives. For that offense to only get 14 points in unacceptable: South Carolina’s defense is good but it’s not THAT good. And finally, I’m sick and tired of UGA WR’s dropping passes! Stafford finished with 146 yards but it very easily could have been 250-300 if his wideouts and tight ends would help him out. There was no reason for the offense to not score at least 24 points on that defense, and they constantly put the defense in bad field position. That kind of stuff can’t happen anymore.

By stendec

September 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I understand enthusiastic reasoning behind thought but black jerseys in Arizona heat NOT a good idea. GO DAWGS!

By GaDawgs7

September 16, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

  Y'all do know we WON last Saturday and we're 3-0......don't you? :)

By jfergNCdawg

September 16, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Alt,

Yes, I had questions yesterday. They centered around Coach Martinez watching the USC (trojans) games and picking up some of their more sophisticated schemes. Also, swapping RJones and CJ. Putting faster guys at DE for some plays. We, to my knowledge, have not done any of this….definitely not with any success. I’m just trying to offer my arm-chair ideas and see if somehow they’ll filter through Chip to our coaching staff! I like the idea of immediate pressure like we did on Hawaii. Bring it hard and often Dawgs!

By OchreBugMan

September 16, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Competitive Math: Let’s Play!

UCLA 27 Tennessee 24, 27-24=3; UCLA>Tennessee by 3 BYU 59 UCLA 0, 59-0=59; 3+59=62, BYU>Tennessee by 62 BYU 62 Tennessee 0 Tennessee 35 Georgia 14, 35-14=21; Tennessee>Georgia by 21; 62+21=83; BYU>Georgia by 83;

BYU 81 Georgia 0

**Computed using house rules.

By ATLDAWG

September 16, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Will someone please Willie Mart that he does not have to lose his mind everytime we play the Mad Genius. Five offensive lineman and three down lineman on defense. Ya’ll do the math. Plain and simple, please put more pressure on the quarterback. Could we also get AJ & Chris Durham more involved. Tripp Chandler keep your head up. You are a DAWG. Suspended DAWGS, now do you realize how important it is when people are preaching about doing the right thing and watching each others back. Stay focused and do not look at the polls. Our schedule will take care of itself. One more thing, How does Mark Sanchez get all this hype and he has not even played that much before this season. Knowsho at leaset proved he was big time last year. I would love to see the Hollywood boys play the SEC schedule every year. They would cry like babies. GO DAWG NATION

By WildBill

September 16, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Dawgs, yes we are 3-0, so what? What does that count from here on? I have been whining about #3 for weeks. He has a demented approach to covering. He runs up, lets the receiver run by, and then he chases…. I have also whined about play calling. The draw play on the first and second play is equally demented, which follows with a pass play. Reminds me of high school play calling. One last comment (for now), somebody find that darn drawing board and sit the offensive and defensive coaches in front of it for about 24 hours……

By JudgeRoyBean

September 16, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

All bloggers should know that it is against the rules in this blog to disagree,complain, or offer reliable facts. All Bull, all bias, all the time.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Black Out the Bama game!

By Mobile Dawg

September 16, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Jferg, somehow I don’t think our thoughts will descend upon the coaching staff. This is merely a forum for us fantasy coaches making fantasy millions to share our thoughts with each other. They do it for the money, and satisfaction. We do it because we love the Dawgs.

Love the insight and humor brought here by many.

By PAUL3084

September 16, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I agree w/ both PracticalDawg and Dan. I believe when the game is tight like you know many will be this season put your premier players in the game. The punt return by Knowshon was a great idea. It can give a team the spark it needs along w/ throwing more to him in the flat give him the ball and see if he can make plays. If not, get him out of there, he has proven over and over again he’s the best athelete we have, why fight it? If it were USC he would handle the ball 35-40 times a game and that basically creates oppurtunity for big time plays (look at the Florida game last year). Also, the receivers that drop the ball need less playing time, it hurts when you drop 2 or 3 first down passes and a pass or two in the endzone. Those are killers. Also, bring the heat on defense don’t let the qb set back there and get comfortable. If the front 4 can’t pressure him somebody needs to mix it up. You have someone stick the qb a couple or three times early in the game he’ll be looking over shoulder all afternoon. Mix it up. We look to predictable.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Figgins was in quite a bit in the second half. Chandler had a great game blocking. Stafford was mostly to blame for the first incompletion to him. How does Chandler get ALL the blame for not making an acrobatic catch behind his back and over his head on a horribly thrown ball? Thier TE droped a few as well BTW, as does every TE at any level.

By Mobile Dawg

September 16, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Hell Altamaha, lets black out all of them and go fishing soon, lest another one of those dang storms might encroach and draw a fowl, pun intended.

By ARdawg

September 16, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Chip

I too watched the SC game on DVR and I am not seeing it as “that” bad either. Our defense didn’t begin to get noticed with good numbers last year until they started taking chances. I know, I know, live by the blitz, die by the blitz.

Carpenter is a dual threat and much the same type QB LeFevour with CMU was. We need to take the chance and blitz early and often. He needs to be on his butt more than looking down field. Get the DB’s out of zone and let them corners and safety do what they do best.

I know it was a close game but the prevent D almost always comes back to bite Georgia in the azz and it just about did against SC except for the fumble.

Other than the dropped passes and penalties there wasn’t much wrong with the offense except for some suspect blocking on part of the O line. Take them penalties and dropped passes out and Ga is up 2 maybe 3 td’s more. Stafford made the throws, Moreno and company delivered the running game. It wasn’t as easy against SC as their D was stout but they got the yards when needed and given the chance.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Somehow I wouldn’t think that Chip Towers would ever pose the question to the UGA defensive coordinator as to if he thought he didn’t really know which positions his guys needed to be playing. Although I dont doubt that coaches do actually look at what other teams are doing.

By Rick

September 16, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Save the black out for the Vols. We need to get pressure, but not from the blitz. The D-line needs to figure out how to get pressure on their own. And, please don’t use Hawaii as an example. I assure you ASU’s o-line is not as pathetic as Hawaii’s.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

And we dont bench Stafford when he bounces one off the ground, or throws (twice) in one series to the side of the field in double coverage, missing a wide open TD on the other side. Now do we? Because he is still our best choice there and does many more things right than wrong???

By ARdawg

September 16, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Altamaha

Chandler had two that hit him in the hands. and another he touched. He had a serious case of the “can’t help its”. I like the kid and he pulls through more than not. I think his drops against Carolina last year that apparently haunt him.

By TooCasualDawg

September 16, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

I like the Georgia Bulldogs whether they win or lose equally so. I am not disappointed because someone has to assume the loser’s role in a game; the Bulldogs have to assume this role at times just because that is the way it is. Now that doesn’t mean they should habituate to such a pattern, but they do need to be able to take their medicine when it is due them. I would like them just as much if they didn’t win another game this year. They would still be my team and they would still get my support. Heck, winning is a lot of trouble anyways. Just to have a winning team, the alumni has to pay a coach a king’s ransom and the fans have to wonder into all kinds of excuses as to why they ain’t winning ever game. It don’t seem like its worth all that trouble. Yeah, you get a crystal football at the close of the year, but I see one ever time I go to my fortune telling lady, excepting it ain’t shaped like no football. Being a good fan means saying your team is good when they really might not be. Why, thats what fans are for. It’s just fun to go to the game and sit a spell and eat some good hotdogs and barbeque and not worry too much bout how your team is going to play. Besides, ain’t nothing you can do much about it, now is there? So if you cain’t do ere thing bout it..why worrry. Relax, be happy!

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Naw, black and orange will look like candy corn out there. There is a LOT at stake when TN comes to town. That one needs no additional flavor. Got to be a night game for the Black Out too.

By Truthyness

September 16, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Wow, how many did they score against us? I must’ve missed it but it looked like they only scored 7 points on a perfect pass.

Did they have 28 points or more?

Seriously, if holding a team to ONE SCORE doesn’t satisfy you, you need to get over it. Bending but not breaking has definitely gotten old as a Dawg fan, but 7 points is 7 points.

This D that yall are saying is so terrible is exactly what won us the game Saturday! What were yall watching???

By More of the Same

September 16, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

This wait and react defense is the same ole crap even when Van Gorder was here. I call it chicken sh1t defense because Richt and Willie is afraid to get burned. the old excuse was that Uga didnt have the speed to be aggressive. Now UGA is supposedly to have all of this speed and now is doing worse. UGA needs to be more aggressive just like Alabama was to Clemson and give no cushion when covering receives.. Its Called smash mouth football. Apparently our Strength coach don’t know what the hell he is doing either if our guys are getting pushed around so much on both sides of the ball. On defense there is no Pass rush, no pressure, no stunting and not even putting arms up to try to attempt to bat passes down. So ho hum dawg fans its gonna be the same ole Richt Coached football team. A few good looking wins and a few games in which UGA will play to the opponents level just like this past Saturday and a few heartbreaking losses here and there. Its more of the same so get used to it!

By QuickDrawDawg

September 16, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg, Perhaps we should! Actually, Joe Cox is an excellent quarterback and it is possible that he could do a better job than Stafford, but fan and media opinion don’t lend that idea much support. UGA would benefit greatly if this happened. And Logan Gray would make a great case for an offensive changeup. Congratulations on a great idea!

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Well the one that he touched darn sure got touched by Stafford first. I’m just saying a QB is far more expected to make a half decent pass, than a lineman is of contorting his body and snagging a ball behind and high. Coulda shoulda maybe, but if the pass is on target its a done deal. Just trying to be fair.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 16, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Slow down people you are typing too fast. Willie can’t catch all these great ideas you are throwing his way (for a completion and 1st down). I would find it hard to believe that the secondary isn’t as disappointed in their performance as we are. Relax, these guys will figure it out. They were the same guys that shut down Hawaii last year. The new DE’s will start getting around the corner and cutting it up inside. These kids will be facing some experienced QB’s and very smart OC’s in the coming weeks so they better study hard because, Rudy & JP Wilson know how to throw underneath and long and to the flats. I still hate to see the up the middle runs when it obviously isn’t working. Hit Moreno in the flats and he will make the guys miss. Nothing more demoralizing than seeing #24 working his way down the field for a defense.

Have faith. Last year at this time we a loss under our belts.

By Dawg Fud

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

i think not having donovan baldwin and quentin banks in the secondary is hurting us some, but not as much as not having sturdivant and owens on their repsected lines.

GO DAWGS! Beat the Sun Devils!

By TheItalianDawg

September 16, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Defense, this is my favorite subject and I have been furious and frustrated with our defense and Martinez since 2005. and I agree with most people here in the blog our defense is not as good as it used to be and Martinez is still the same. no improvement what so ever. he is so obsessed with zone coverage and I believe if he could rush one player or maybe none he would do it. I remember Brian Vangorden when he call for zone coverage our defense was still very effective. Georgia has to mix up the defense and blitz the damn QB a$$. I think Martinez knows all that but he doesn’t know when to pull the trigger and that’s why he is very inconsistent. and also our players need to study more films and be better prepared.

By GATOR CHOMP

September 16, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Your offense and defense is a MAJOR problem and the GATORS will destroy the mutts “book it” u Athens trailer trash lozers. GATORS RULE!!!!!!!!

By TroubleMaker

September 16, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Let’s try a new defense. How about a 2-6-3 2 defensive tackles, 6 linebackers, and 3 defensive backs. Of course some of the linebackers that are used would actually be conventional defensive backs, they would just play in the conventional area of the linebackers. The three safeties would play the thirds of the deep field. If that didn’t work, then how about a 1-7-3. One really large nose tackle, 7 linebackers who could play up on the line or act as a defensive back, depending on the down situation. Another new idea is to be very unconventional on offense and just not use a punter at all. Truly play fourth down football the entire game unless you are inside your own 35 yard line. And why settle for just one point after the score. Go for two points every time. But to do this, you must have a hell of a defense. We don’t forget it!!

By FLA DAWG

September 16, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

There were two problems;

1. Inadequate pass rush - that’s a skill & coaching issue that needs to be addressed quickly.

2. Open zones down the middle - that a W. Martinez issue.

Like the tv commentator asked during the game, “Why give South Carolina the only weapon they have ?” (referring to a passing offense)

The middle was open all game and Spurrier gained big yardage by using it.

By shane #1

September 16, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Alt, if We had benched Stafford We would have lost Saturday. He carried the team, completing passes with very little help from the O line, and making timely runs to keep drives alive. Whatever offensive success UGA had Stafford and Moreno did on there own. Do You see Cox breaking a tackle in the backfield and completing the pass on the run? As for not seeing open recievers, the front seven of USC gave Stafford very little time for second and third options. Many times he was flushed out of the pocket and throwing on the run. That does not make it easy to see the field. When Matt has time to set up in the pocket He is as good as it gets. He completed 60% of His passes as it was. The passes that Tripp dropped were not easy, but He was hit right in the hands on both plays. Not easy, but they should have been caught. Durham’s drop was right in the breadbasket, he seemed to try to trap the ball against His body instead of catching it with his hands. Samuelwas not in posistion to catch the ball,freshman mistake. One thing I like about A J, He catches the ball in His hands! As for CWM’s defense in the second half, it worked. The opponents were not allowed to score, that is the bottom line for a defense. In every game except UT last year CWM had UGA in a posistion to win.

By PBR=America in a can

September 16, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Damn people calm down….. Yes we have things to work out but guess what we are 3-0. The offensive line will continue to get better. Remember last year??? Our defense will be fine, i don’t think i have ever heard anyone bit@h and moan over a defense giving up 7 points. Yes we saw some weaknesses but guess what…. its only game 4. The only thing that im concerned about is our kickoffs and im sure they are working on that too. Georgia got a much needed wake up call last Saturday and won…If South Carolina can find some offense they will beat either FL, Tenn, or LSU, their defense is that good.

By hop

September 16, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

chip, i have never seen you or anyone else state that georgia has question mark at the defensive end. they played terrible,but when you rush only three,as you started in your article you won’t get much push.

we spend way too much time playing zone and we have the players to play man coverage.

we need to biltz saturday if we do not get a rush, with please four down lineman.

By ARdawg

September 16, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

shane#1 — excellent post! I concur

Altamaha— I understand and agree on being fair but as for Stafford it he put the ball in his hands and in catchable places. If the receiver can’t contort then it’s a receiver problem. Being a lineman is no excuse when he’s hit in the hands. Chandler is worth his weight in gold for his blocking and I’m confident he’ll come through this like he did last year. The coaches must think so too because they continue to throw to him. He is a valuable weapon but only if he’s going to catch the ball.

By Gen Neyland

September 16, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Tuesday : Time to look ahead. AZ ST is rumored to have a younger O-Line this year than last. True/False..? In 2007, many of Carpenter’s sacks were coverage related and Carpenter’s inability (reluctance) to check down past the #2 or throw it away. Has he learned..? BTW, Buck would be proud of his boy MS last week. I’d like to say UT wins against UF, but with a new QB, a new OC, a new Krispy Kreme in Knoxville, I’m not taking bets…

By AZDAWG5

September 16, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Willie Vanillie is an absolute Joke…Bozo is a clown…Ariving Friday night to a 3 hour time zone to walk on a 97 degree field Saturday seems a little dangerous…”Houston we have a problem”…If lady luck doesnt already have a date on saturday night I hope CMR sends multiple invitations…By the way, does anyone know what she actually looks like??? God I am nervous on this one…Go Dawgs!!

By NICE FAN

September 16, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

GATOR CHOMP, Let me help you with a couple of seemingly important issues. The trailer trash losers that you cite in your blog comment are all at work. WalMart discourages truancy and because they are very good employees who work at earning a living, they are able to be responsible, take care of their families, and pay their bill, mostly on time. It seems that these very decent individuals who perhaps do struggle in life more often than most are not the losers that you intended to insult. They are actually, much like our beloved Bulldogs, winners all the way. I am confident that there may, indeed , be individuals who live in Florida who joyfully tolerate similar circumstances and who are loyal Gator fans, but they are not losers either. Living in a trailer does not make one a loser, nor does losing a football game make anyone a loser. Whether such an idea is expressed by a GA fan or Fla fan makes no differnce. Individuals who work for a living and reside in trailers are truly winners regardless of the team they root for. This blog is not suppose to used to express such ugly ideals. In the future it would be best if you refrained from making such remarks. They are not true and they don’t benefit you or the team that you support. The ugliness of your remarks is far beneath the dignity of college football and Florida Gator Athletics. College football is only a game, the lives that these people live are not games.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Thus my point, Stafford is the best chance we have to win , and even in light of a few absolutely unrefutable mistakes, he is our Guy. Same for Tripp. BTW, he didnt do it all himself, lets not go overboard here. The line had its issues, but he ain’t a one man show. Chandler for example stood up a pass rusher allowing that long Green completion and had a critical block on the Moreno run. On Several other pass completions I saw Chandler running a route that took a LB out of position.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 16, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Does anybody remember thinking how good it would have been to have Calvin Johnson playing for the Bulldogs? With A J Green we now know.

I see ONV Paul Johnstone is well on his way to being another legendary TECH HC.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Guys I’m not even talking about the SAME pass here. I’m saying Chandler dropped a couple that he should not have (and one that would have been remarkable for anyone to catch) BUT Stafford bounced a couple off the dirt to other people Saturday, time to throw, set his feet, and made a physical mistake. He flat out missed a couple. It happens. And I dont see the same level of critisism. TE’s can’t ever miss something in thier vicinity, but a QB can throw one poorly? Olineman can’t always be the best receiver is a far more plausible excuse than a QB can’t always being the best passer.

By ARdawg

September 16, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

zoo…..I like AJ Green. I think for us to have a chance at the NC we’ll have to get the ball to him much, much more. He has the potential to be better than Calvin Johnson and that speaks volumes. Quite honestly Julio Jones is good but I wouldn’t trade AJ Green for him. AJ is a play maker and one of those rare WRs that make an entire team look good.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 16, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

General, New Krispy Kreme? Is that at Phil’s house? Good luck Sat. What is the feeling on that beat down that UCLA got? That didn’t make UT look any better. If you guys keep it close we might only drop 2 spots in the polls if we win. Hard to tell if Rudy got any better or not. Didn’t ASU take a dive at the end of last year when everybody thought they were going to bust it open?

By Chuck

September 16, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Have you heard anything about where people will be tailgating this weekend? I’ve driven by the stadium in Tempe once, but have no idea where people could meet up. Ideas?

By ARdawg

September 16, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Altamaha

I didn’t see a bad pass to Chandler that was the fault of Stafford. Although Stafford did throw a couple. I will check again this evening to make sure. Chandler is a good TE with possibilities of being a great one. He already is getting more balls than any UGA TE in recent memory. The last getting as many passes as Chandler that I remember was Larry Brown and that was long ago.

There is no answer to your question because there are too many variables but, yes Stafford can throw a couple of bad passes but Chandler cannot drop a couple of good ones. It is much easier for Stafford to redeem himself for throwing a bad one than it is for Chandler to redeem himself for dropping a couple of good ones. Make sense?

By NewnanDawgCF

September 16, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Chuck,

 The official Alumni Association gathering pre-game is at GordonBiersch. This and many other restaurants, etc. are at "The Mills?" I may have part of the name wrong, but it is right by the stadium and campus. I know a ton of people that will be ther from the motorhome crowd, alumni assoc. growd, and others. I can't remember the place for post game and don't have it with me, but reservations are required for that one.

Go Dawgs!

By Dawgbyte

September 16, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

No, normally I wouldn’t advocate putting my best cover-corner on a tight end. But, WM himself had said Cook would be treated like a wide-receiver. By the 4th qtr it was obvious that he was SC’s biggest weapon. So, double-cover or best corner. Your choice.

By gdawginkalamazoo

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

ARdawg, yeah the kid looked awfully good Saturday night didn’t he. Only a true freshman too. The reason he will be better than CJ is the QB’s throwing to him.

By AltamahaDawg

September 16, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

On a lighter note, WHERE the heck is Ol’ Henry? Come on man, stick your head in, its not going to be that bad. Chrissy darlin, I dont think you even know who won the game, we’ll just catch you next year.

By NewnanDawgCF

September 16, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Computer went haywire

Chuck, GordonBiersch at “The Mills” pre-game is hosting the Alumni Assoc. among other UGA groups. This is a shopping/restaurant area next to the stadium.

Go Dawgs!

By Dawgs1

September 16, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I have never been impressed with Willie Martinez’s style of coaching. The objective is to brand your “D” with a personality which will translate into your coordinating philosphy. If you sit back in zone or two deep coverage 60-70% of the time you are being reactive as to indicate your lack of confidence in your players. I believe with the type of talent that currently exists on the defensive side of the ball that Willie needs to rethink his “style”. UGA has recruited successfully well within the past five years and they should be 2 to 3 deep at every position on defense. He needs to adapt his system to the strengths of players and become pro-active and cause disruption…I am not saying blitz on every down, but for God’s create an identity. They are too good to be this bad!

By jfergNCdawg

September 16, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

any practice updates from yesterday or today??

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 16, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Altadawg, “the chickens have gone home to roost” to quote the Rev Wright.

By BlackberryCobbler

September 16, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I remember that UGA’s defense and Coach WM was much maligned for most of last season. The best game was against an overrated Hawaii team. That game seemed to make us feel good about this years defense.

Sorry, I just don’t see it. The defense is too soft and slow.

By ARdawg

September 16, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Zoo

Yeah he looked good. He’s certainly a big time threat to any defense when he is on the field which is why he needs to be there much more often. He’s got the talent and mobility to catch any ball thrown in his direction. Earlier in the spring and then fall camp there was much buzz about Tavarres King. Is he redshirted or what? I haven’t seen him

By Whitegoat

September 16, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

kalamazoo, we lost some feathers on Saturday but the Gamecocks have not gone home to roost. I stated my kudos on King’s blog.

By gdawginkalamazoo

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

ARdawg, I am not sure about King. Makes me laugh about the USC/OSU game. Every once in awhile the cameras would pan to the sideline and catch that Pryor kid standing there chewing on his mouthpiece. He should have been in the game making plays. Well, either in the game or up here starting for Michigan. I think I say that look on his face once or twice. Lesson is if you got the weapon use it.

By LifelongDawg

September 16, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I haven’t read all the posts and it’s probably been mentioned already, but what disturbs me the most about the Dawgs’ pass defense is that most of those passing yards came when everybody* knew what was coming. Not only that, but the same routes repeatedly worked for SC. Credit Smelley for hitting his receivers most of the time, but they continually had a 2 to 3 yard gap on the defenders. I don’t understand that.

By LifelongDawg

September 16, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

BlackberryCobbler,

These guys aren’t slow by any means. I think confused is a better word. They do seem soft on the coverages, though. Looks a lot like the old Falcons- let the other team complete the pass, then run up and hit them.

By Big Dawg

September 16, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Fellow Dawgs it is time to focus on Arizona State. This past weekend is now history, hopefully the coaches have reviewed the film over and over and have identified the problems and are working on fixing them. As all of you know I hadn’t been a supporter of Coach Martinez until after the Vanderbilt game last year when he threw caution to the wind and started playing aggresively on defense. It is obvious to me that because of the injuries to Jeff Owens, Quintin Banks, Roderick Battle, Marcus Washington, Charles White and others on the defensive side he has gone conservative. But in his favor is that this Saturday the # 1 Defense played the entire game and only gave up 7 points. Hopefully Coach Richt will put a burr in Coach M’s behind and we will see the same type of Dawg’s D that dominated FL, Auburn, GT, Kentucky and Hawaii last year the rest of this year.

As for the O-Line I have been quite until now because I wanted to see how they would perform against one of the better front seven in the SEC. What I had been suspecting happened this Saturday in that the true freshman blew a lot of assignments as SC was stunting and creating mismatches along the line. I understand that he has put forth tremendous effort in practice and in time will be a great OL. IMHO they should move Boling back to right guard and put Josh Davis at Left tacle with Tripp at Right Tackle. Josh Davis has graded out higher than any of the OL in each of the 3 games and is a natural left tackle while Tripp is a natural right tackle. This in my opinion would go a long way in eliminating the inconsistency that was obvious this past Saturday.

BTW where is Cuz today? I hope he hasn’t used too much of the General’s Special Recipe in cleaning his guns.

Go Dawgs “Earn It”

By BAMADAWG

September 16, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

HEY CHUCK, TO DAMN HOT TO TAOLGATE OUR WAY. NO TREES TO SIT UNDER. THE BARS & RESTAURANTS ON MILL STREET IS WHERE WE WILL BE,HOPFULLY WATCHING FLA. GET THAT AZZ SPANKED.

By lamar

September 16, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

HEY CHIP* HEY CHIP**

IS RICHT PLANNING ON BENCHING TRIPP CHANDLER THIS WEEKEND??? HE NEEDS TO THE WAY HE DROPS THE BALL ALL THE TIME!! ARE THEY PLANNING ON GETTING THE BALL TO GREEN MORE??? HE CAN CATCH THE BALL!! AS ALWAYS THANKS.

By Kevin

September 16, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Message to the UGA coaches: (as stated above many times…)

1. Let’s find a pass rush. Raise your hand if you plan on stepping up, GA!
2. Our pass coverage is too soft and too conservative. How ‘bout some PHYSICAL D?
3. No kicking game. PLEASE find someone/anyone who can kick it in to the end zone!
4. Reel Stafford in at times. His bombs on first down are not smart, high percentage plays. (I would be curious to see what his completion rate is over the last two seasons on these hail Marys)

I’m sure the coaches are smart enough to figure it out, but the more we say it, the better…

GO Dawgs!

By I-DOG

September 16, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Great information. I didn’t realize that we held them to 105 yards passing through 3 quarters.

I agree with the poster who mentioned that it would be great to see us show a blitz pre-snap and then drop back sometimes to keep the offense off balance. I don’t see any negatives to doing this every now and then as it can confuse and frustrate an offense.

I also agree that the defense played much better than the offense did on Saturday. While there are scheme, rush, and coverage questions that need to be addressed, they did only give up 7 points. That should get you a W each and every week!

Martinez certainly deserves some critisicm, but then again Spurrier is averaging 3.5 points per game against him in Williams Brice Stadium. That isn’t too shabby.

By Gen Neyland

September 16, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Zoo

Donut of the week, The Jelly Philed…Guaranteed to bring a clap to your hands. Now, I’m still hoping for change. Wait, did somebody already use that line..? Nonetheless, Crompton is what Clawson had when he arrived. If he’s not the type of QB for this offense, too bad. He’s what’s in place and build the O game around his talents, not try to create on the fly. UCLA was an example I hope Clawson will learn from. MANAGE THE CLOCK FOR ONE THING. The learning curve isn’t over, but to experiment this week outside of practice isn’t gonna keep UT in the game. And to Mr. Chavis, if you get 4 picks in the first half against UF, don’t go prevent in the 2nd for the full 30 minutes…

Big Dawg

I hand wrote a disclaimer on every quart jar I sent him. Dang, he only fired one shell…

By Reality Dawg

September 16, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

If you taped the game and played it back in slow motion, you will see that the C** defensive back got a hand on the ball and ripped it out just as it reached Chandler on the short hook pattern that he looked like he dropped. Also, on the last throw it looked like he dropped, the DB grazed the ball and chageed the trajectory of the ball about a foot before it reached his hands. You could not see any of this at full speed.

By Denver Dawg

September 16, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Nothing’s ever changed. Willie Martinez still is and has always been the problem.

By BLITZKRIEG IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE!

September 16, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

BLITZING THE QB IS LIKE BRINGING DOWN THE SPIRIT OF THE TEAM! BLITZING IS BLISS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL! NOT BLITZING IS LIKE LETTING THE SPIRIT OF THE OTHER TEAM FLY FREE LIKE AN ANGEL.

WE GOT OUR BUTTS KICKED IN THE 4TH QUARTER: INEXCUSABLE!

BY MIRACLES WE STAND WHERE WE ARE.

GLAD TO SEE Y’ALL CHIP IN!

Will somebody PLEASE GET THE ALUMNI TO CALL FOR THE BLITZ! I MEAN REALLY! THAT IS THE SECRET TO THE SEASON. WILLIE MARTINEZ SHOULD STOP BEING A WEAKLING AND GET THE BOYS BLITZING. WATCHING THE GAME WAS LIKE HOPING TO DODGE BULLETS HELPLESSLY! DID Y’ALL FEEL THE SAME? BLITZKRIEG OR BUST BULLDAWG NATION! GO DAWGS, SICK EM’ AND SICK WILLIE! GET HIM TO BLITZ! GOD BLESS GEORGIA!

By GATOR CHOMP

September 16, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

I’m gay, I love sweaty 19 year old boys named Timmy, I have to buy BLOW UP DOLLS to make believe I have friends. I ride a HUFFY to work at the toilet plunger factory, where they use me for a test bench. I don’t a real life so I wear my moms dirty underwear out to truck stops and try to pick up big burley men. Please be nice too me, i’m such a loser in life i have to cheer for the GAYTORS! BOOK IT! I’M a LOSER!

By TybeeDawg

September 16, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Stafford can throw a few bad passes cause he is throwing 25-30 times a game, give or take. But when Chandler only gets 5-6 balls thrown at him per game, missing a couple is pretty big, especially magnified in critical situations. He has been a good tight end for us, just not as consistent as we have come to expect. He has a bad game occasionally, but so do most atheletes. Consistently great is what puts you in that elite category, as opposed to mostly great, or sometimes great.

I said a couple weeks before the season began that I thought AL or TN would be a blackout game…I still think that will happen…probably AL.

By RoystonDawg

September 16, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Hello, any practice updates? You know, it has been really difficult sitting here over the last few days reading the garbage that so many of you non-Dawg fans continue to spew. Are you telling me that just b/c UGA had an off day against a strong defense, this absolutely means with no exception that our season is over. Good teams win tough games when it doesn’t seem they deserve to, bottom line. Also, I don’t seem to recall UGA fans complaining more than any other team has that has been in this same situation. UF fans, you would be equally frustrated if you had been dropped in the poles following your narrow win over SC in 06’. I didn’t fault ya’ll then, nor do I think any team should be discredited for winning against a conference opponent on the road, regardless of point margin. UGA will get it together real soon, if they don’t, then so be it. It won’t be the first time the pollsters didn’t get it right. GOOO DAWGS!!!

By talent scout

September 16, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

CHIP CHIP CHIP Do you know of a way we can E Mail Coach Richt? So many times I have mentioned on your blog to pass on to CMR that he should hav Willie run rhe steps every time he calls a stupid 3 man rush like he does the players when they screw up. There is no place in modern football for the dreaded 3 man rush. Most of the time we have been burned when we use this give up defense. As previously mentioned we used a 3 man rush that gave up the first down on the play prior to the TD pass (4 man rush) by USC. Also we lost a game to Auburn a couple or three years ago on 4th and long and the dumbest play in football gave them time to complete a pass down to our one yard line (approx). Not to mention the 3 man rush against a punt in the W. Va bowl game that the punter ran for a first down and sealed the game. If the coaches (not just ours) cannot see the stupidity of the 3 man rush I would like to see the rules committe make it a penalty for illegal formation to protect the fans from this abuse. OUTLAW THE 3 MAN RUSH

By More of the Same

September 16, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

You people continue to say that UGA is 3 - 0 and that we dawg fans shouldn’t complain. Well in my book the first two games doesn’t count and all the while UGA still continues to struggle against teams like Vandy and S. Carolina is beyond me. there is no excuse the way UGA played this past Saturday against S.Carolina after what happened last year. We didn’t man up against that team and the motivation was lacking. Thank God for the Georgia Band!. It was a pathetic performance and quite frankly we were damn lucky not to have lost that game.We again played not to lose.We have had three weeks to improve on silly penalties and this dates back to last year which we seem to be going in the wrong direction. Now our Coaches are snipping at each other. What the hell is going on down in Athens?

By BIG DAWG 17

September 16, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Can anyone tell me why we never try to block a punt. We always drop everyone back in coverage trying to get a good return i guess i would just like to see us get more agressive at it.

By BobDog

September 16, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

We’re giving up too good a field position off kickoffs. Why do we keep trying to kick it into the corner and let them return it? If the kicker can put it in the endzone, it seems they should do that.

By Denver Dawg

September 16, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I’m going to play a stupid Dawg Fan:

What is everyone complaining about. USC has a great defense, we played them hard and we won an SEC road game. Quit complaining you bandwagon fans.

There is nothing wrong with Willie or our “D.” They are as strong as ever and looked great against Carolina. Hey, we held them to only 14 points!

The team is as motivated as ever. Did you see the way they celebrated then Curran caused that fuble in the end zone and Georgia recovered.

Bobo call great plays. Why give it to Moreno on 3rd and goal when you can call a QB run. Stafford can run the ball and he’s powerful, like Tebow.

So our recievers dropped a few passes. Do you expect them to be perfect?

Bad execution? It was just first SEC game of the year jitters - that’s all. They’ll won’t have one penalty this weekend against ASU.

Look fellas, we won the game. That’s alll that matters. It doesn’t matter how we did it or what we looked like or what opponent we were playing. We play up and down to opponents.

Remember this was only Carolina. Willie and Bobo were just running “Vanilla” offenses and defenses so that ASU wouldn’t see our real playbook.

The offensive line will mature throughout the season and protect Stafford just enough to continue to win games. Remember we just to win ‘em, by 1 or 100.

And finally, Georgia looks as good as USC, Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida and LSU. If you guys and the national media don’t see that, you and they are the blind ones.

Go Dawgs, woof, woof ,woof!
National Champs 2008

By tom

September 16, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

We have whiffed on signing a couple of defensive ends lately who might have really helped. Hopefully, we get some in this next class. Thanks, Chip!

By Embarrassed Georgia Fan

September 16, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Look at the last 10 years with USC, the games are all the same type of score. Most of you are idiots that give Georgia Fans a bad name. Evidently some of you have to much time on your hands, it would be a good idea to put your time to good use by actually reading and having knowledge on a subject.

By Eric C.

September 16, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

From rivals.com…an interesting stat, makes since, but shows the importance of getting pressure this Saturday…

“The Sun Devils are 7-9 when Carpenter, a four-year starter, has been sacked more than three times, compared to 19-3 when he isn’t.”

By Royston Dawg

September 16, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Wow Denver, lay off the the high test stuff! I didn’t know I was blogging along side such greatness and collegiate insight, explains the lambasting I just received for having a varying opinion. Too much altitude I guess for a true Dawg fan, huh Denver? GOO Dawgs!!

By Willie Rules

September 16, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

No wonder the national media is having a good laugh at the whining UGA fans… just read this board. Willie’s defense held USC to 7 points. Yes, it was a “bend but not break” scheme in the 4th qtr but Richt mentioned that the D was totally drained by the 4th. This is WHY THE 3-MAN FRONT was used and guess what it worked… good coaches adapt schemes based on the talent… without Jeff Owens, the defense front is limited and Willie has adapted well based on this current D front. Stop your freaking whining… trust me, Willie and the rest of the coaches have more experience in their pinky finger than ALL OF US combined… by the way, I am sure that Richt, Willie, Bobo, etc would welcome your coaching advise… darn it, Willie, why didn’t we think of that? The bottom line is… spend some time with your family and just enjoy the ride!

By Cuz

September 16, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Just woke up after drinking, uh cleaning my gun last night with some of the Generals sipping solvent.

Holding a team to 7 points aint that bad. Yeah they drove down the field, but we stopped them each time in the fourth.

Rudy is going to wish he had stayed at Notre Dame after this weekend. I see alot of pain and rubbing his face in the dirt, can’t have any grass out there, no water and too hot. I wonder how many rattlesnakes they find in that stadium every game day?

By Reply to Denver Dawg

September 16, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

You are obviously one of those dudes that call into the Richt Show on Monday nights and offer up your advise. “Coach, I did not like the play-calling in the 4th qtr - let’s try to run more slant patterns - we also need to blitz on every 3rd down - thank you, I will hang up and listen”

By Arizona-bound Advise

September 16, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Listen up… anyone heading out to Tempe needs to do all of us UGA fans a favor. If you have an ugly wife or girlfriend, DO NOT GO! UGA has a reputation to uphold of having the hottest chicks. We are up against a tough competitor in ASU because they put out some hot ones. Only the hot coeds, trophy wives and girls that can pull off the skimpy sundress are allowed ANYWHERE near Phoenix. We DO NOT need the ABC camera scanning into our section and spot an overweight chick with a tattoo on her arm. I realize most UGA girls are pretty darn HOT but we do not need the ugly ones ruining it for the rest of us. Thank you for your cooperation. By the way, I will be in the stands with my HOT wife.

By SOUTHGADAWG88

September 16, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

A few things I think after watching this game and the previous two on my dvr.1.We must get the kickoffs together quick!!So far no damage but when we start going up against teams with explosive players we cant give up this kind of field position on a regular basis..can u imagine us going down the field in a big game to score the go ahead td with a minute left and then turn around and kick it off to the other team’s 30-35?10-15 return and they are at midfield!!!2.I seriously doubt the DE play is gonna improve much..(THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!!)I knew this would be a problem since spring.Hey we have seen many a stud DE come thru ATHENS in recent years… enough to be able to spot a playmaker when we see him…we don’t have one.. sorry the kids are playing hard but I see why they were hyping Toby Jackson and praying he qualifies!!We will blitz the crap out of people this year.Which leads to 3.DB’S if you saw my post a couple days before the game you saw me call out EVANS/MILLER.IM not gonna keep bashing the young men at least EVANS tackled the man after he caught the ball.Rashad JONES stood up on the last 4 plays of the game.I see an intimidator in the making back there.He reminds me of Blue with more speed and range I know BLUE was a ss but he’s more BLUE than Sean JONES right now.Since there will probably be a lot of passes completed on us this year it wont hurt to have somebody out there taking peoples head off!!Willie though is going to have to drop the prevent scheme it’s not a good look we all know that.Increased blitz packages coupled with big hits will lead to more turnovers as well as a few more big plays we give up..I think that kid will be big time before its over.4.AJ looks like the goods!!!I can see more plays for him each week.Samuel…well I see the LUMPKIN/LARS TATE style of running BUT…Caleb King looks more fluid and he runs with purpose…That kid has talent and I think we will see a lot more of King as the season progress…remember T.brown rushed for close to if not a 1000 yds last year too!!Over all though the D is solid DT AND LB PLAY stellar against the run we need more blitz packages to compensate for shaky coverage skills and subpar DE play.

By More of the Same

September 16, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Cuz … you idiot we were playing S.Carolina, a team with a lousy offense, yeah we stoped them but if that were LSU, Alabama,Florida and hell even Vandy we would have had our a*******es handed to us on a plate. Willie and Bobo are not getting it done. The only thing that went really well for UGA was the Georgia Band! I was there and I saw it with my own two eyes just like the rest of UGA fans who were around me and was dissatisfied. Plus like the rest of the college football world who were not impressed.

By Phoneguy

September 16, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Nice reply to Denver Dawg. No joke.. “relax” people. Yes there are some issues, hopefully that will be resolved. Pass rush, drops etc. But listen, its early season. Lets let the coaches do their thing. THEN we can b#tch if it doesnt improve.

By Bubba

September 16, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Hi Arizona-bound …. you wouldn’t mind a third wheel or threes company not a crowd with your hot wife? I promise to brush my tooth if you let me join you it will be fun. Bubba

By TM

September 16, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

With just a few adjustments, the Dawgs will be just fine. They are an excellent team. They have the skill and talent to win a lot of games. If they play their best game, it will be difficult for any team to stop them. I am predicting a win against a very good ASU team. The Dawgs will have to play very well, but considering how talented this team is and their road record, I like their chances. This will be one of the best games of the entire season. Go Dawgs!!

By Poned Up Face Mabel

September 16, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

H i Da WG S Fans Th i s is Mab el My Eyes a r e sw ollen shut an d I can ha r dly see. h ope to ge t b etter a nd h o pe d aw gs pla y bett er S atur d ay Mab el

By AbeDawg

September 16, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Why did we play a 1 man front against the Cocks? Shouldn’t we have blitzed a time or two? Shouldn’t we have played little Joe Cox at least a couple of times or so? Maybe them folks at Nike can come up with one of them watches that an ole football quarterback can ware in case the big clock goes bad like in the Carolina game. Shoot, them Cocks shure know how to mess up a game real fast. Them end fellers are goin to have to catch that ball more better. I showly hope they got ice out in AZ.

By J who?

September 16, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is the Dawgs haven’t shown the kinda fight that should warrant a top five standing. Bobo is inconsistent as a play caller. He sucked last year calling nothing but screens. Martinez has NO imagination on defense and as a result hangs his coverage out to dry. The fire that burned in the Dawgs after the Florida game is missing, coach Richt needs to find a way to get that fire back. I would rather Georgia not make it to the championship game then to make it and get 50 hung up on them by USC. I love the Dawgs but they clearly aren’t on the level of the Trojans and playing how they’ve played I think 50 is being generous. Hopefully the Dawgs will find their bite but first they need to find their heart………….again.

By rabiddawg

September 16, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Ok, let’s talk about defense. I can not stand the way people are bashing willie Martinez. He does a good job overall. You people calling for his job were probably the same saying how great our defense looked at the end of last season. If my memory serves me right, the only times that our defense got shelled in the regular season under him were the last two years against Tenn, and lets face it… Cutcliff is no longer there so that won’t happen. Second, for those of you saying that Cox would be better than Stafford… Are you kidding me? People, these are kids, they make mistakes, I am as big a dawg fan as the next guy but the negativity is atrocious. Spare me the We have a right to question play calling and defensive schemes because we are fans. Please. Lets not forget the Donnan and Goff eras. And lastly, for the gator fans flooding this board, kinda sucks to have to be constantly worried about your arch rival all year doesn’t it. You need to stop worrying about us and worry about the loss that Tenn is about to lay on you and Teabag.

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

September 17, 2008 6:13 AM | Link to this

.

.

We are an aggravated football team. Arizona State has not beat a team like South Carlolina, who will be 9-4 this season.

The source of our aggravation is the PAC-10. Much of this is the vols going out there and Losing every year to inferior crappy football teams.

Arizona State is a must win for UGA and for The SEC.

I am tuning out the AJ-C. The sky is always falling with them.

It’s going to fall.

It fell.

How would you like to be Arizona State ? Now, on paper we don’t match up with Arizona State because they don’t run the football. The AJ-C says their passing is great. Excuse me, they don’t run the football.

And, don’t play defense. And, don’t have our special teams either.

They don’t have our depth.

They get us at their home at 8 p.m. Saturday night. Their fans have to be quite brought down to earth already losing to an already defeated UNLV team who doesn’t look that great.

All week long Arizona State players have been quoted as dissin’ the UNLV team after they beat Arizona State.

Do you mind naming me 1 team Arizona State has beat yet with Dennis Erickson ?

You cannot, because they have not.

UGA beat 9-4 Top 19 Final Polls this season Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina team, who lost to a very good Vanderbilt team who most likely is on their 1st Bowl Game season in 26 years. Bobby Johnson is a fine football coach.

Give up the points. UGA covers. We don’t have to stop their run. They don’t have 1. Figure it out.

.

.

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

September 17, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this

PAC-1 fan,

You’re welcome for the URL Link. We Southern Football Fans know where the Official NCAA SoS URL Link is. And, where the SoS formula for this season used by the BCS is located. We know too that Southern California beat 1 team in the BCS Top 25 all last season. LSU, of The SEC, beat No. 3, No. 5, No. 12, No. 16, and No. 23.

**Get a life. If you don’t know that Notre Dame sucks, telling me the tradition, is going to help you know that. As for Virginia trying to tell me what they were last year, Southern California didn’t play Virginia last season, but this one. Virginia is a horrible team slaughtered by among other Connecticut this season. The rest, residue, remainder of your schedule are all PAC-1 teams. There are 5 SEC Teams ranked in the Top 10. How many PAC-1 teams are there ?

1.

The best win by Southern California last season was the win over Arizona State. It’s the only BCS Top 25 team Southern California beat to get a BCS Bowl Bid.

They look good ?

Who did they beat ?

Arizona State.

Now, we play Arizona State at their house.

Our SoS is No. 1 in the nation. Southern California’s SoS last year was No. 71 and this year is No. 62. Last year, UGA played the No. 7 SoS.

The PAC-1 sucks.

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

September 17, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this

I also read the 1 PAC-1 fan saying that Southern California is not going to win every game playing LSU, Georgia, Florida, Auburn and Alabama. They also would not win every game playing Tennessee, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Kentucky.

You play in a horrid lousy 1-team conference.

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

September 17, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

Southern California could have played us last season. Your stinking Rose Bowl wouldn’t let us play. You prefer beating up on the Big 10. Everyone beats up on the Big 10. Beating the Big 10 is like beating the PAC-1. Meaningless.

Southern California also would lose playing in the Big XII.

Don’t tell me Southern California is playing anything like the SoS of UGA.

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

September 17, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this

Vanderbilt is 1 vote outside the Top 25 at No. 26 this week. They will be Top 25, if they take care of business this week. Then, they have an off-week to prepare for 1 of the 5 Top 10 SEC teams, Auburn.

You don’t have games like that in the PAC-1.

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

September 17, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

.

.

That’s why we have 3 million more fans every year watching SEC games than you do watching PAC-1 games.

You asked me for the URL Links to these SoS. I gave them to you. Try using them and discuss them.

Or, do you need the Attendance URL Link too ?

PAC-1 is the Best. B.S.

.

.

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

September 17, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this

Southern California’s Strength of Schedule was No. 80 last year before the bowl game.

By Kraig

September 17, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Watch USC defense. They run down hill from the opening whistle. They press and blitz and force quarterbacks to think quickly and react. Georgia defense, when it has been successful over the years, has played with a ‘we’re coming to get ya’ mindset, and then occasionally fall back into a zone coverage to entice a pick; but at all times- they pressured, non-stop. If you study the tape last year, it is no coincidence that our team began playing with more passion when our defense starting to play in the quarterbacks face. It began with the constant rush we put on Tebow and did not relent, until the Ga. Southern game where for some reason, we reverted back to a ‘bend but don’t break’ scheme.

Those never work against the good teams and make average quarterbacks seem better because of the time we give them to find open receivers. To your point Chip, and Willy’s- we put the whole success of our defense on the shoulders of our secondary, and that single point of failure nearly killed us Saturday. That is the exact reason we are falling in the polls, because we are playing passive and not aggressive on the defense.

That is what my eyes have shown me for three weeks, without DVR, and until it is fixed, we will continue to win ‘ugly’ and fall in the polls.

By SOUTHGADAWG88

September 17, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I don’t get you guys thing about the polls.There are 5 teams from the SEC in the top 10 …what are you talking about?UGA plays the other 4…it doesn’t matter rather we win big or win ugly as long as we win.USC blew out a top 5 team they deserve to go up.Okl looked good I don’t care about them moving up.We will have our say when we play the top teams in our conf..and when we win the dogs will rise back to the top.I could care less if we won all our games by 6 points or less..so what?That’s the reason we have polls to compare teams…. when you play other ranked teams it shows how good you are.Name me 1 school in the history of the polls that finished unbeaten,1 loss or hell 2 loss that beat 4 top ten or top 12 teams in the same season and didn’t finish the reg season !!look it up!!

By Big Dawg

September 17, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Dang General how much of that special recipe I mean gun cleaner did you send him?

Cuz glad to see that you are still kicking. I guess things are a little hazy at this point, you should have cleaned your guns in a well ventilated area so you wouldn’t have sniffed so much of the General’s Gun Cleaner.

By AZDAWG5

September 17, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

By AZDAWG5

Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez was asked if he played too conservatively late in the game.

“No, because we bring pressure out of that,” he said. “You ask enough offensive guys, they don’t know where the pressure is going to come from. It’s really a 3-4 defense. There could be eight guys coming or seven guys coming. There’s some illusion to it, too.”

Are you freaking kidding me…the only illusion here is Willie Vanillie…And the scary thing is that CMR is letting this guy call the defense…I hope they bring the A game to the Desert if there is such a thing…I wonder if Vanillie makes these comments so we do not pick on Bozo?? Any idea as to how many fans are travelling to the AZ…

By 25,000 Dawgs strong in AZ

September 19, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Regarding Bug man’s idiotic post earlier… Where is the logic behind using your “at-home” method. Even if it made any sense at all, why are you using Ga-Tn score from last season. Go throw darts or something. That may or may not keep you entertained.

By G DAWGS

September 19, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

gerogia pass covreage wasant best aganist Carolina but i bet were going to own arizona in defense run and pass coverage no matter how good they say they are

By jkuyqvs zownsukf

March 6, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

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