UGA

By Jeff Patton

September 29, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Think God for the Bye week. Its early and we still may have a shot at Bama again. FINISH THE DRILL!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 29, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

You are 100% correct. I disagree that thi loss was bigger than the UT game last year. The coaching staff and players had all the reason to come out with fire and heart. Gameday, Black Jerseys, Florida lossing and they came out and got pummeled. The BIGGEST issue is penlaty’s we gave the 30 yards on that opening drive and cost ourselves that turnover.

I find it funny that we go 3-0 and drop to number three. The number 8 team in the country beats us and they jump to number 2. It shows you how funny the voters are.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 29, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

You are 100% correct. I disagree that thi loss was bigger than the UT game last year. The coaching staff and players had all the reason to come out with fire and heart. Gameday, Black Jerseys, Florida lossing and they came out and got pummeled. The BIGGEST issue is penlaty’s we gave the 30 yards on that opening drive and cost ourselves that turnover.

I find it funny that we go 3-0 and drop to number three. The number 8 team in the country beats us and they jump to number 2. It shows you how funny the voters are.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By chazz

September 29, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Lots of young players now know what a real game is like. Keep hammering home the fundamentals. They’ll keep getting better. Because of the second half, it was a character builder instead of a wash out (that is a compliment to Mark Richt). This team is going to click (hopefully in two weeks), and then stand a pretty good chance of playing Bama again in Atlanta. I said at the beginning that it would all come down to the center and the kicker, and we have a couple of freshmen who seem very capable. It will be great watching them dominate for four years.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 29, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Hey Chip, can you tell us when we might be getting Beanie back?

Now we are double #1. #11. Which is way better than being just the single 1.

What about our “zone” coverage? I thought out DB’s were supposed to be able to play with anybody. That soft zone tore us up at ASU and Sat. Need a first down? Just hang it out there in the flats for an easy 11 yrd gain. Can they play man coverage?

Next, why all the long balls? IF the line can’t protect should they be running the short patterns, across the middle, outs? Down by 17, 3rd and long and we heave a hail mary down the field. Got get some positive results in that situation. Again at the end of the half zipping it down there for the int. Could we have gotten in field goal range?

Stafford was on target Sat. Man he was putting the ball where it needed to be. Still love my dawgs and this is just one loss. Keep your heads up and keep playing for that chance to revenge this loss Dec 6th in the dome. I got a feeling that Bama might win that West if LSU trips up.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

September 29, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

Hey, but what about Knowshon’s hurdle against that team no one has ever heard of?

That was something, ESPN Highlights baby!!!

BACK IN BLACK!!!!

Those jerseys sure were cute too.

Good luck against the Vols., I don’t think this game will be over at halftime.

By squarebush

September 29, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

“…especially considering all the stock that was put into it with the blackout and all”

I live in Athens, read the papers, read blogs, and listen to sports radio. Yes, the fans were talking about the “black”, but for the life of me the media blew that thing entirely out of proportion. ESPN, ESPN.com, CNNSI.com, CBSSportsline.com, AJC.com, onlineathens.com, etc. From all media reports you would have thought that UGA thought its only chance to compete in this game was to go “black”.

I heard enough about “black” last week that I was ready to vomit in my mouth.

I think the jerseys are smooth and a blacked out Sanford looks incredible, but with the media hype last week I will not lose any sleep if I never hear another word about “black” from the media again.

By Mikey in the SAV

September 29, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Voters ? I think that we cemented our place in history with the voters. Everything in the world lined up perfectly to make a statement - except the team.

At what point in the first half should CMR have called time and gathered the entire bunch together and raised some holy hell ?

Changing on the fly…reacting to the current conditions

Add this to the list above !!

Make changes as needed…do not wait until halftime, otherwise you might find yourself down really bad…like 31 or so…

Having said that, congratulations to the Tide…you wanted it more.

By FLA DAWG

September 29, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Chip,

I remember discussing, “are we really as good as we think we are” last summer and the general consensus was - yes.

In retrospect the allowance of 21 & 17 pts by Ga. So & C. Mich followed by the So. Carolina Game all with inadequate pass rush should have been enough to tell us otherwise.

But without a doubt we should have known when Richt made adjustments on the O Line. I think we were caught up in the hype of the win against Az State too much with its National Audience to realize it then.

By Andy in Ohio

September 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

The pressure (or lack thereof) from the DE’s didn’t bother me that much considering how incredible Bama’s line is. What bothered me was how we were playing in zone coverage against Bama and consistently giving up 10-15 yard passes. We have good corners and good safeties, I just don’t understand that zone coverage when most of those passes could have been prevented, or at least made a little harder by not giving them a 10 yard buffer to catch the ball.

Not too much positive to take out of the game other than that at least we made the score respectable at the end, Stafford had a good game considering he was running for his life (but made some bad decisions, probably out of desperation and running for his life), AJ Green is a monster (as is Julio Jones), and that’s about it. Our OL is just not getting the job done, but everyone knows that. Maybe getting Southerland back and punching some bigger holes for Moreno will help out. I don’t see how Moreno would miss a game against Tennessee in two weeks. Granted, it must be a considerable bruise, but if he can walk and put a brace on (get some pain meds), I think he’ll be playing. I saw some times where one or two or our offensive linemen were not blocking anyone while their neighbor was getting obliterated by a superior player from the other team. Obviously our OL is young, but we’re definitely suffering because of a lack of leadership and communication over there.

The penalties were obviously very costly, wiping out a turnover and several big stops as well. Sometimes I do think that we’re judged a little tougher than other teams because of what happened last year in the end zone against Florida, but even if that is the case, Richt needs to make some adjustments or this could happen again with LSU or possibly Florida. And I agree about the blackout, after this game, I think it should be retired for a few years.

By #1bamafan

September 29, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

I was very proud of my Alabama Team. Georgia still has alot to play for and I hope they have a good year. I did predict a dominating performance and that Sanford Stadium would be almost empty at the end. But like my high school coach in Alabama used to say “act like you have won a ballgame before” good luck dawgs and RTR.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 29, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Lowcountry, they were just waiting to pounce on us. If Florida hadn’t of loss to Ole Miss? we would be the laughing stock of the SEC. You know the only thing that stopped Bama that first half? Halftime. Thank God for halftime. That cooled them down. They got nothing during the third quarter which was awesome by our defense. I refuse to believe that Bama can play the game with only 2 penalties for 9 yards?

Better get after UT in a couple weeks. Heal up and Sic’em.

By bpdawg

September 29, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Chip,

I completely agree with everything you said. We need to learn from this loss and put it behind us. Let’s not worry so much about the rankings and just take care of business every week so we can reach that goal of getting to ATL. You mentioned last season’s shalacking to UT. After that loss, we turned around and won 12 straight. It can be done again.

ALSO, if Southerland is back in full force against UT, how big of an impact do you think he will have on our offense??

By 82DAWG

September 29, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Biggest issue is the lack of effective lines (both offensive and defensive). This is not something you can fix in two weeks (unless the NCAA suddenly says its okay for UGA to trade Samuel to Tennessee for a Junior Offensive Lineman and a prospect to be named later). In fact your solution, while I can’t seem to see any other, is to play “Chuck and Duck”. Defensively your solution is to blitz the linebackers more and leave the overwhelmed secondary in man coverage. This is dangerous ground and yet is there any other choice?

Right now every fear we had in the pre-season has come home to roost. Last season we met a similar cross road after the Tennessee game. Georgia found answers and ran the table (despite a “fortunate” win over Vandy) over the meat of the schedule. Today we are in the same place. Last season motivation was the answer. This year, I am afraid the answers are much more obvious and more difficult to produce.

By Mike

September 29, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

First the Dog then the Team - UGA RIP

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 29, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo,

My wife and I were watching the game. It got 7-0 I said we are in trouble. It got 10-0 I said this S.O.B is over. Called my uncle and my aunt said he went to bed. You knew right off the bat that we were in absolute trouble.

IMO I think the black jersey’s get retired for the season. These Dawgs to to prove to the coaching staff and themselves that they deserve the honor of wearing the black jerseys.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By Worried Dawg

September 29, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

No offensive game plan, two screen passes in the first 4 downs, no defense at all, Martinez is still as bad as he was last year, no intensity, no passion, the Dawgs, look like a Div II school at best, somebody better step up and become a leader on this team or we will be playing in the Copper Bowl…..

By Don

September 29, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

The blowout in the first half was a big surprise. Nothing else about the game was much of a surprise in the end. Georgia’s offensive and defensive lines were suspect from the very beginning of the season especially with the loss of Sturdivant and Owens on each side of he ball respectively. This was Georgia’s problem last year. By the time they played Vanderbilt things were coming together and things were solid by kick-off for the Florida game. No reason the same can’t happen this year.

Georgia lost this game because Alabama’s offensive and defensive lines dominated the first half of the game. Green’s fumble after the catch and Mimbs 10 yard punts giving Alabama short fields to work with did not help. Georgia clearly did not look like a team that was mentally prepared to do battle in the first half.

They will be more focused for the rest of their games and win them all. I look forward to them playing Bama in the Georgia Dome in December for the SEC Championship.

Go Dawgs!

By BuzzFactor

September 29, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Your boys showed some heart to come out with heads held up and playing tough in the 2nd half. And the fans were still pushing hard. Tough loss but don’t hang the heads.

Also, I agree the media took the blackout thing way too far.

By LostDawg

September 29, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Martinez doesn’t have a clue about defense. Hopefully, Richt takes over some of the defense and gets Martinez out at the end of the season. Also, Bobo needs to get it together—-I’ve seen better offensive game plans in my middle school league that I coach in. The dawgs better run the table and win the SEC, or this season will be a big bust.

By aaron

September 29, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

the dawgs better use this bama beatdown as their wake up call. they have to come ready to play for the entire game every week. no gimmicks, no jerseys, no trick plays are doing to do it. fix the penalties and strengthen the lines or we might just lose 2 or 3 more games.

plus, the only way we get back in the national title picture is to hope bama makes it to the SEC title game and we beat them there.

it’s a long shot, but really the only option we have right now.

By BigGameCocks

September 29, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Are you DAWGS back down to reality? Do you now know that you will NOT win the National Championship this year?

Please keep winning the pre-season and recruiting National Championships!!

Ya’ll dressed up in black to put a spotlight on the action on the field. HOW EMBARRASSING!!

By too tough44

September 29, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

it aint over yet! I know Coach R. will reset! Cant win um all even when ya want too. I am DAWGS all the way! However, I did sort of think some of our players are more interested in how they look than play! How cool they can be. Just get back to down and nasty! Go DAWGS!

By JB

September 29, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

As a good sport, I tip my hat to Bama. Great team. I hope we go back to work. now, I’m on record in the off season that we have to many wide receivers on the team (12) We need to sign more meat. I would have liked to see us play at full strength, but that’s football. I think we will work harder , and Richt’s teams normally get better as the season goes on. Bama plays a good man coverage in the secondary….It looks like we need some work in that area…Everyone has success passing on us. we do need to gamble more on defense. We don’t have the horses to stop people straight up……..

By Maniac is accurate

September 29, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

The game showed Georgia has some weaknesses, but still lots of strengths. They can lose a game big against a really strong team (31-0). Or they can soundly beat a really strong team (30-10). I never really thought this year was going to be the year, though it still might. Too young on both lines. Still, I think UGA’s the best bet to win the SEC East. And if you can get to the title game and win it, who knows what happens after that? The Dawgs are still a really strong team and I’m proud they didn’t quit.

By whatacrock

September 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Chip, look, I am trying to get my hands around Martinez’s system. In almost every game, he starts the defense soft on the corners. And Alabama enjoyed a cushion wide enough to drive a gas truck through, which they did.

So my question now is, can we continue to play that soft and are our corners not worthy of confidence to defend the receivers? I just don’t think we can any longer allow ourselves this type of space at the corner.

And against UT, with their pitiful quarterback system, don’t you think we can play man and live to tell about it?

By Billy Bob

September 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Georgia is simply relying on too many young players right now. That is issue #1. They aren’t just playing them. Many teams simply play the younger players. Georgia takes it up a notch by relying on them to be integral parts of their system. I’m not sure what you do about that. I guess you’ve got to play your best players, but would a veteran WR fumble deep in your own territory like Green did? Maybe he can’t make the catches Green can, but he also is less likely to make such a costly mistake. You rely on these young bucks and you roll the dice. Its as simple as that.

I think Georgia will improve as the season goes along, much like they did last year. In fact, I predicted that this season would go alot like it did last year for Georgia and so far I’ve been right. Unfortunately, much like last year, it probably won’t be enough for a title. Brace yourselves Dawg fans because here it comes: Georgia is still a year away.

Ouch. Sorry, I just call it like I see it. Good luck the rest of the way.

By Emily Posted

September 29, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Hey SquareBush, what do you mean the media blew the “blackout” way out of proportion? That was its entire purpose wasn’t it—get a lot of pub and everyone fired up. UGA just laid a big egg on national tv. You can’t tell the world “hey, look at me” and then complain when it does.

By Nick Saban

September 29, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

SCORE ALERT - This just in..Bama scored again.

By David

September 29, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Hopefully we will use the bye week to coach up the O- & D-lines and make the necessary adjustments with pass coverage to remain competitive with a sub-SEC D-line.

Here are some areas that I think could use work (besides the lines):

1. Stafford needs to look for receivers that are less than 30 - 40 yards downfield. Granted we were playing catch up, but it seems like we have left open receiver hanging that are on shorter routes.
2. Tight end - unfortunately we are very thin here now and Chandler hasn’t been the best target, but what happened to great tight ends at UGA???? They are non-existent in our offense. I know we lost a big recruit last year and Ward left UGA, but we are really hurting to have an impact tight end.
3. Penalties/Disciplined play - I know CMR doesn’t want to see players lose aggressiveness and the point he used was offside calls…well I don’t recall too many offside call this year and there may have been none against BAMA. The aggressiveness was all terrible,stupid penalties…

Thats all I can think of right now….

By knoxdawg

September 29, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Hats off to Bama for coming to play. Shame on UGA for not being ready for Bama’s A game. They could have cared less what color jerseys we wore and that is the way it should have been. You don’t just show up and expect to win.

Very poor defensive plan. Playing a soft zone coverage in first half, adding dumb penalties to it, is what made it easier for Bama to score. Add a poor punting performance and it put a nail in the coffin. CWM needs to play a man defense, lock the receivers down and the rush will get to the quarterback. We didn’t GATA on defense in the first half like we should.

I was proud of the fact that the Dawgs picked up the intensity in the second half and never quit. It is over and is a loss but not all is lost.

If we want the possibility of a rematch then we need to work hard to get it. Start now on working to get better. Learn from this and put it behind you.

UT will come to Athens ready to play. We owe them from last year and the time to get ready starts now.

By AuburnFan

September 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

The Dawgs showed strong guts to come back out in the third quarter and pull as close as they did. Many teams would have given up at halftime.

I agree the black out was blown out of proportion. I think this probably fires the opponent up as much as it does the dawgs. I know it was spun by the media here in B’ham all week.

To my second fave team and who I still think is probably the best in the SEC (although they did not look like it Sat), Gooo Dawgs!

Oh, and War Eagle!

By aaron

September 29, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

classless bama fans need not post here.

you won the game, you’ve got the better team. so move along! there is no reason to come back and talk smack now. if you do so, you’re only proving and/or reinforcing the bad reputation of your fan base.

By Nachos

September 29, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

What happened to Knowshon Saturday night? He became “Unknownshon” real quick. Choke on that you arrogant trash talking dawgs fans… I cant stop laughing at you.

By Joel in ATL

September 29, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Forget the Black, ESPN Gameday, etc etc so forthand so on. Who cares I could care less. Now we don’t have to worry aou tthat until the first saurday in Dec. Why? Becasue GA will make their climb their way back and play their best ball when it needs to play their best ball. The Media blows EVRYTHING OUT OF PORPORTION, that’s their job. The most shocking thing to me is that Were still ranked above Florida, now that was shocking. Bye week, get some rest, heal up , get the mental framework back in order and start the second half of the season strong. Dawgs have 2 games to play before the “Real Rankings” come out on Oct 19th. Settle in Oklahoma, Bama, Penn State the rest of the SEC and Big12 will beat everydoy else up, who will survive is the key. See you at the Dome in Decemeber… why? Coach Richt isn’t going out like that trust and believe. Go Dawgs!!

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 29, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Lowcountry, I was feeling like a Buckeye that first half. I didn’t give up on them but damn it was hard to watch.

By bo1921

September 29, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Dear Dawg fans, please don’t misunderstand me, but I’m here to tell you there’s a sleeping giant waking up in Tuscaloosa. If the Team and the Tide fans really buy into Nick Saban’s program and don’t get the big head and all that, then you can believe that the SEC is going to have a real foe to deal with in Alabama - and it’s not going to be a flash in the pan - it’s going to be long term.

By Pago Flyer

September 29, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

For the past 5 years, UGA always has a top recruiting class, and nothing happens!

By SMT

September 29, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I think this is a very undisciplined Georgia team. When these types of things (boneheaded penalties) happen, you are going to lose games. I also believe that Georgia did not take Alabama serious. Georgia has superior talent on both sides of the ball. Alabama was good ON THAT NIGHT but I still think we were and are the better team. This loss will humble as well as refocus them. There is plenty of football left to be played. GO DAWGS!!

By its great to be a bigg bbbigg buggg

September 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

leave this blog insects, this is a football blog. georgia now will probably only…beat tech by 28 in athens…have a good thanksgiving buggies

By Buzzboy

September 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I’ve never seen a coach or school or fan base continually resort to pre-school antics such as ‘blackout’, ‘dancing in the end zone’, etc. Unlike other great coaches and programs who focus on fundamentals, Richt and UGA have to resort to circus acts to cover up his marginal coaching and team. Another year at a second teir boal for the dawgs - some things never change. And if getting spanked by UF and now AL on a regular basis isn’t enough, wait till Johnson gets the players to match his system. You heard it hear - Richt back to Miami by 2010.

By rick

September 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Chip, I agree with your view. When we saw the UGA schedule most sane Bulldog and SEC fans realized that going undefeated was near impossible. Then with the two major injuries to the O and D lines, only added to the probability that UGA would not go 13-0. I for one told my children before the game not to get their hopes up to high because AL was playing at an extreamly high level and if we had to lose a game this one would be the best case scenerio. Lose early and to a great opponet. Our greatest hope is to meet a 12-0 AL for the SEC Championship and maybe we will play better.

By ouktast8244

September 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

You are welcome for the a* kicking we gave you for saturday and another is waiting for you if you can make to the SEC Championship.

By Music City Bowl Invitation Committee

September 29, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

TO ALL GEORGIA FANS, y’all are going to love our city. As y’all know, we can host an entertaining bowl week. Make your plans now before it’s too late. [And FYI: we’re working on lining up the 4th place team in Conference USA as y’all’s opponent. It’ll be exciting.]

By Braver

September 29, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Willie Martinez is the slowest learner is all college football. I could have told you Georgia needed to scheme to ramp up pressure on the QB. We have the athletes to man up in coverage and send extra guys after the QB. It can’t be any worse than the soft zone coverage giving up 10 yard chunks every passing play.

By JB

September 29, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I love my Dawgs, But Bama has been so bad for so long this guy has them playing well. I hate to say this, we have got some coaching issues….Let me call them out: Def. Cord…….Def end and spec teams ( same) and this hurts, but Bobo. I’m not pleased. Anybody, and I mean anybody can pass on us. Our Defensive front in the past has covered that weakness, but now, a Dawg is nowhere near a receiver who catches the ball. Mark needs to help Bobo. QB sweeps, long passes on third and 5……come on….think. Recruit lot’s of 325 pound offensive lineman. Knowshon was helpless. No blocking. Go Dawgs….I still luv ya.

By WSP Dawg

September 29, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Chip, I wrote this last night and I am going to write it again. We need to get rid of Willie Martinez. Your only comment about the defense is on the pressure from the defensive ends. So you are saying that front four pressure is the primary way CWM’s defense can be effective? What’s wrong with that statement? There are many more very effective defensive coordinators out there that have much less talent on the D-Line. Why can’t UGA ever play effective man on man pass defense?

This garbage will continue as long as he is UGA’s defensive coordinator. When you compare the level of talent with the overall defensive production, especially the pass defensive, Willie Martinez is the Worst Defensive Coordinator in the SEC and in the bottom half of the nation. Please tell me who is worse.

I’m sorry, I like him personally and wish the best for him and his family, but he’s just not up to SEC standards. With the talent UGA has in the secondary, how can we be so awful at pass defense?

By snapshot

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

The leg humpers will loose two maybe three more times. They are about to play some football teams.

By DAWGS_Tag

September 29, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Bama’s O and D lines played great, their play action game plan worked very well, we just got whupped, learn from it, regroup, move on.

By snapshot

September 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Another sleeping Giant is waiting for their turn against the mutts. Georgie bull mutts will go down several more times this year.

By Top Dawg

September 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

We need fewer penalties and tighter pass coverage (no more big cushions).

By Big Dawg

September 29, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

ouktast8244 and other Bama Fans - I recall that on three consecutive prior occasions the Dawgs reigned supreme..it is a long season and many tests are yet to take place…Hopefully both teams make it to Atlanta for what is sure to be a great rematch.

By Kealin

September 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Great points. However, one thing that needs to be addressed is the coaching situation. Coach Richt is a great coach but his schemes are predictable. Coach Saban and his staff outshined the Bulldogs and pretty much put on a clinic on how to “mix things up.”

The Bulldogs’ coaching staff may want to take note.

By Charles Pledger

September 29, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Blackout? Don’t you mean “BLOW-OUT”?

By ron

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

richt continues to get outcoached by the sec heavyweights.

By Mobile Dawg

September 29, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Congrats Bama, excellent game.

Chip, it’s easy to be a Monday morning quarterback and dissect everything that went wrong. I’ve never coached at a high level, I’m not qualified to judge our coaches and I won’t. My only question to them is what happened. It’s their job to prepare a game plan, both offensively and defensively, to handle potential situations as they develop, good or bad. Our guys failed there again. We got whipped, sorry, second halfs don’t count, only the final score. Game was over before halftime.

I’m tired of all the analyzing and excuses. My two cents are, while our guys were taking a long weekend to spend with their families prior to reporting for fall practice, Bama was already practicing, while our guys took a day off to go swimming, Saban and staff were working on game planning and discipline. Enough said.

The sun came up this morning, I still have a great business to run, a wonderful family,friends, and am blessed with good health. I realized today that I have taken my football to seriously.

OleDawg, Cuz, I read your posts from yesterday, they were inspirational and accurate. Your comments lend true to Gentlemen of ettiquite. In spite of my questions and criticism, I support the Dawgs and feel for the young men, they will be back, tougher and smarter for what they endured Saturday night. Hopefully things will work out and there will be a rematch in the Dome.

By Built to beat the Gators

September 29, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Chip:

You have made 3 good points as to what the Dawgs need to do fundamentally to get better. However, I think we have to look at this situation with an even bigger microscope.

I truly believe that our current team and style of play is built to beat Florida..and unfortunately, that makes us very susceptible to losing to teams like Alabama and Tennessee. Our defense is built to beat teams that run the spread, or play an otherwise “finesse” brand of football (pass happy teams, ala Ariz St).

I know that I would love to see the Dawgs be able to play any style of team, and win…but let’s face it, the team that all UGA fans insist on beating and means the most to our chances getting to the DOME yearly - is the Gators.

I will say this though…we would have been much better equipped to beat bama IF we had Jeff Owens and Sturdivant, as they were the 2 most physical guys we had on the team. And as much as I LOVE Rennie Curran, he will always have a tough time with an offensive line like BAMA or Tennessee (Luckily, they have about the 2 best O-lines in CFL). As a line backer against a team like bama, you don’t play the ball in space…you have to stand up o-linemen and shed blocks. That is when it helps to be a 240lb linebacker.

Finally, our Offense needs to pick an identity and stick to it-ala Alabama. In college football, you don’t have to have a completely balanced attack like in the NFL. You can run 70%, or throw 70% of plays and have tons of success. I personally think we should be committed to the run, and find our 5 most physical and “agressive” attitude-type guys on the O-Line, and feed Moreno, King, and Samuel 40-45 times a game.

By DirtyDawg

September 29, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I don’t know who’s beat up the most…our players after Saturday night’s game or our fairweather-ers from jumping on and off the bandwagon? You can get hurt from that boys and girls, so just stay put - wherever you happen to be now, we’ll do just fine with or without you.

If you folks haven’t figured it out by now then maybe we are a bunch of dumb peckerwoods. CMR and staff are as good at it gets and they’ll work to get us ready for the ‘rest of the season’. We now know that Florida and Auburn are vulnerable…that Tennessee is ripe for the taking…and that Vandy, Kentucky and Tech will be tough but beatable. The big questionmark is LSU and a re-match with Alabama in the SEC Championship.

Show some pride and spit in their eye. Don’t wimp out and whine about the staff and players - they’re working hard and deserve our support and loyalty. Get over it and remember, we were given up for dead last year and we did alright.

PS - About those penalties…

By AltamahaDawg

September 29, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Bama just played a great first half and and did what they had to do in the second half and thats all there was to it. Hats off to them and I hope we get a chance for redemption. Did UGA screw themselves time after time, sure, but Bama flat played lights out.

To me the bright spot was that our guys did walk off the field haven just scored 30 points. I know Bama was playing to protect the lead, BUT thats ton better, than walking off thinking they have totally lost the ability to compete. I think can’t underestimate how important that was.

I’m glad to see the proper perspective this morning. I usually wait a couple of days to even read this stuff (win or lose)as everyone seems to want somebodies scalp, but most folks seem to be focused on the bigger picture. All the goals are still in place. Were never going to be undefeated. Lost to a top 10 team early….would have taken that back in the summer. Pretty slim margin of error now, though.

A little surprised at the polls today, but looking at the team ahead of us, you just have to shrug. Whatever. If ever there was a week that it doesnt matter, it’s this week. Win a few more and right back up there. There are plenty more top 10 teams that are going to lose before the end of the year.

Win the EAST, let the rest work itself out.

The scare with Moreno, and I hope thats all it is, might be a blessing, as we will most certainly give more attention to the passing game now. And since its pretty obvious we arent just going to line up and pound it up the middle, we’ll probably need to get that short passing game going a bit more. Which helps the running game in the end too.

By saint nick

September 29, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Chip,

Do you Hate Bama Fans More now??????Are we irrelevant now??????Remember your blog????Bama fans have nothing to cheer for except our 12 NC’s???? DOes all this ring a bell???? We did nothing Saturday except prove that we are indeed a football team that IS RELEVANT, not only in the SEC, THE NATION!!!!!!!!!!!ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!

By mcdawg

September 29, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

there is nothing wrong w/ W. Martinez as a coach or his defensive style—fact is we are playing w/o 3 starters on the Defensive line

-we gave them the first 2 TDs with penalties and bad punting

i look forward to seeing them in the Dome

-Our O-tackles got their a#$^% whipped but B. Jones played well

Stafford was awesome

time to pick it up and get ready for UT

By Wayne

September 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

“Georgia is simply relying on too many young players right now. That is issue #1.”

That argument doesn’t really hold water… Alabama is playing 15 Freshmen. The 2nd most in the NCAA….

Face it Dawgs… the difference in the two teams is the difference between Nick Saban and Mark Richt.

One is a maniacally focused perfectionist who was not even happy with the win Saturday night…

The other is an excuse-making PR agent. His half-time interview was embarrassing. ANY boss who makes the statement… “I’m not in charge of that”…. needs to be fired. Bosses are in charge of EVERYTHING.

By bama3712

September 29, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

I guess Saban is still overpaid and not worth the $$ he is paid. The problem with that is he made CMR look like a powder puff coach Saturday night.

I love the UGA fans who are complaining about how far the DAWGS fell in the polls. Those are the same fans that were more concerned about jumping back to number 1 after the USC lost than playing the game Saturday night. Face reality for a minute, you can’t talk all week about throwing the “Black” jerseys on the field for the automatic win and then complaining about the attention the media gives it. Richt brought that on himself, that should have been you first clue your coach was pretty concerned about this game.

Regardless of the final score and the garbage yards/points UGA got at the end of the game, they got embarrassed at HOME between the hedges. Bama got conservative in the 3rd quarter on offence and that is what let the big bad DAWGS back in the game. I wouldn’t even put it passed Saban to have allowed UGA back in the game just to have a reason to keep his players down to earth.

Penalties!! As an SEC fan I am embarrassed for UGA leading the nation in penalties. Richt calls it aggressive play, but everyone in the nation can see it is a lack of discipline. Maybe you guys are still so envious of the Gators of the Spurrier days that you look the other way. You beloved coach has brought his “The U” and Florida State mentality to the SEC and it just looks that much worse when you are getting owned.

I have to comment on Billy Bob stating that UGA’s problem is playing young players. Maybe he doesn’t realize that Bama has 15 true freshmen playing this year and only 9 scholarship seniors. The only team younger than Bama in the nation is FSU and they play 22 freshmen.

Good luck on getting to the Dome for the big game in Atlanta. I think you will not have a problem reaching that lofty goal. The only problem is it will not be on December 6th for the SECCG, it will be in the Chick-fil-a Bowl.

By GT Aficionado

September 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

To all the Dawg Nation who were so full of themselves and talked so much trash about how invincible they were….it is time to have a healthy serving of some ‘Humble Pie’

To the Crimson Tide, thanks for the clinic that you put on display for all to see and for exposing the Dawg’s weakness…their O-Line

Remember this name; “Michael Johnson” Unless your o-line improves from now until NOv 29th, Stafford will get to know him very well.

By Dan

September 29, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Good points Mark. UGA has consistently under-recruited on both sides of the line at the expense of the skill positions. I hate Mark May, but he was right about the matchup problems for the Dawgs in the trenches. The truth is a great O-line can make a mediocre back great, but stud WR’s, QB’s, and RB’s will have a hard time being good and staying healthy with a bad O-line. Did UGA REALLY think that makeshift line really had what it took to get the job against BAMA. And I don’t like to take assistant coaches task, but I don’t know why Willie didn’t blitz more. The defense did NOTHING to disrupt the Tide’s rythm. What did Martinez think, that his small defense could line up and play smash mouth football with Bama? That’s either stupid or arrogant, maybe both. It isn’t just about who’s tougher, it’s about who’s smarter, and UGA was neither against BAMA on Saturday

By Harris Poll

September 29, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

1.Oklahoma (102) 2.Louisiana State (3) 3.Alabama (7) 4.Missouri (1) 5. Texas (1) 6.Penn State 7.USC 8.Texas Tech 9.Brigham Young 10.Georgia………..

NUFF SAID

By Dawg Fud

September 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I think we will see a repeat of 2003 when LSU continued to get better and Georgia pretty much stayed the same.

we have not developed maturity on the O & D lines. Bama beat us up front. the losses of Sturdivant and Owens are starting to take effect.

we were outcoached as well.

it would be a shame to see Stafford, Knowshon and a lot of these guys leave without a SEC crown.

…but I still those Bulldogs!

GO DAWGS! Beat Tennessee!

By Dawg Fud

September 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I think we will see a repeat of 2003 when LSU continued to get better and Georgia pretty much stayed the same.

we have not developed maturity on the O & D lines. Bama beat us up front. the losses of Sturdivant and Owens are starting to take effect.

we were outcoached as well.

it would be a shame to see Stafford, Knowshon and a lot of these guys leave without a SEC crown.

…but I still love those Bulldogs!

GO DAWGS! Beat Tennessee!

By jfergNCdawg

September 29, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Chip, I agree that if, and that’s a fairly large if right now, but IF the coaches can sell the story of “our goals are still in tact” to our players…this year could still turn out great.

Can you comment on a few things for me? I was in the 600 level and did not get to see the game “up close”.

1. how did ben jones do vs the fridge version 2.0?

2. can you explain our defensive scheme when we play zone coverage- the DB’s play 10 yards off and stay put for the “short passes” and our safeties play 25 yards back to prevent the “deep ball”. The 15 yard curl or out is open all day. What’s up with this?

3. Lastly, one at least 3 occasions, most notably the 4 yards touchdown run by ‘Bama, I commented that our DT’s were lined up too fars apart and that the middle was wide open. Sure enough, ‘Bama simply ran up the middle and walked into the endzone. On what planet does it make sense to compromise your interior in GoalLine Defense? Never! That was emarassing because we covered that in 7th grade football.

Thanks for the help Chip!

Jferg

By SEC FANS

September 29, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Big 12 is the toughest conference in the NCAA. Look at all the polls.

By jake

September 29, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Toughness and discipline. Yeah the O line is young, and Alabama outschemed Willie Martinez at every turn — and Mike Bobo in the first half — but the most obvious weaknesses were lack of toughness and no discipline.

The discipline issue is especially troubling. The problems with penalties is a natural extension of the problems UGA players have had with the law off the field.

Coach Richt is a fine man, but Saban — who’s clearly a jerk — and Paul Johnson are disciplinarians who don’t tolerate the kind of stupidity and slackness we see from UGA players on a regular basis.

By Elvis

September 29, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

I dont see where people think The Dawgs have such a great secondary. IMO this is the weakest group in the last 8 years. Add to that a slightly above average D-Line and Willy does not have the tools he has had in the past. If he blitzed every down in order to get pressure, it would be even worse. The horses just are not there to run a high pressure D, folks. All year we will be watching a “bend but dont break” team…unfortunately sometimes they will break.

Observations:

1.Bama is WAY more physical

2.UGA receivers STILL have issues RECEIVING

3.As bad as they played, without the roughing the passer and if Green holds on to that fumble(14 point swing), Dawgs could still have won. I know…if’s and but’s…

4.Richt was rattled at half. The worst I have ever seen him look during his “interview” with Rowe.

5.There is still alot of ball yet to be played. To count any team out or in at this point is crazy.

By GATORZONE

September 29, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

The Blackout BS was way overhyped. Richt was out coached and UGA looked undisciplined. THat being said, I would rather have an undisciplined, physical, tough football team than that finess bunch of pantywaists that I witnessed in Gainesville on Saturday. Urban Meyer better change his game fast or Florida will have 4 losses this year… again

By Dawg Fud

September 29, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

GT Aficionado

Michael Johnson is a special player. You are correct in that the Dawgs O-line must contain him.

Now, remember this number: 7

As in how many times we have beaten you in the past 7 years.

GO DAWGS!

By Fleischman

September 29, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I hear Richt just doubled up his daily dose of Propecia.

By GATORZONE

September 29, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

What was up with St. Mark’s halftime interview?

By 2dawg

September 29, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

One loss to a very good football team does not mean this is the end of our season. We still have plenty to play for. What DAWG fan seriously thought we would go undefeated with the schedule we have this year and with the injuries to “key” players on both sides of the ball. I saw two different teams (as far as motivation) between the first and second half. For the life of me I can not understand why we continue to play so soft on “D”. Why are we playing scared? Fellow DAWG fans, I believe that the naswe is that we get out-coached in every big game that we have. Spurrier/Saban/Cutcliffe all outcoach Martinez and Bobo consistently. Thank god Cutcliffe is at Duke now…we may have a chance. This team will hit it’s stride after the TN game (win or lose). GATA DAWG’s! Let’s handle our business and give ourselves a chance for redemption.

By Chip Towers

September 29, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

ABOUT DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR WILLIE MARTINEZ

I don’t agree with you guys that say Georgia needs to fire him. I think the notion is ridiculous and here’s why:

No. 1, the Bulldogs have been top 20 in defense every year he’s been here and top 10 some of those times. It’s not like he has no record of success;

No. 2, the style of defense Georgia employs is a choice it makes based on personnel. The Bulldogs, like a lot of teams with frontline talent, chooses to create its pressure with superior talent up front. Usually that works because they have the personnel to pull it off. It’s not working so well this year;

No. 3, it’s not like Martinez is operating in a vacuum. CMR is his boss. They meet as a staff every day. They discuss what is the best strategy every week. What you see on Saturday is what that staff, which has averaged more than 10 victories a season, has concluded;

That said, No. 4 is it’s not like Martinez is a one-trick pony. He’s an very experienced and knowledgeable coordinator who has had success here and before he arrived. He has worked for great coordinators such as Brian VanGorder and played as a defensive back for some great ones at Miami. He is fully capable of putting in twists and stunts and elaborate blitzes if and whenever he chooses. For whatever reason he hasn’t done much of that so far. I’m saying they might need to do a little more of it because it’s not working well otherwise but that doesn’t mean he will or even that I’m right. But I know CMR and Martinez and the defensive staff or neither idiots or obstinate. They’ll do what they think they have to do to be successful. I don’t see anybody getting fired over it regardless.

By Bolton

September 29, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Two issues stood out during and after the game.

1. This isn’t the first time we have had a chance to make a statement game (see UT 2004) and have fallen on our faces. As much as I like CMR, this is typical of our teams, not prepared to play in the big game, especially when there is a chance to show everyone we are a great team.
2. CMR has to learn that he cannot gimmick his way to a win in a big game. We will not grow as a team nor will he grow as a coach if he cannot get his team prepared for a game this big. Honestly this game never needed to be a blackout. We should have been able to wear PINK jerseys and go out and play this game because of what was potentially riding on it.

I do understand that we are pretty beat up at this point and that we need this off week but it would be a lot nicer going into the off week with the #1 or #2 ranking instead of #11.

By BAMA12

September 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

FIRST OF ALL ROLL TIDE BAMA HAS BEEN PUT DOWN EVER SINCE THE FIRST OF THE SEASON BUT JUST LIKE THE BEAR SAID (IF YOU HAVE PRIDE AND DEDICATION ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE ) THIS YOUNG BAMA TEAM HAS BOTH BUT I GIVE THEM DAWGS SOME RESPECT THEY PLAYED AGREAT 2ND HALF BUT ALWAYS IN THE END THE TIDE ALWAYS ROLLS IN I HOPE BOTH GEORGIA AND ALABAMA PUT A WHOOPING ON AUBURN!!!! ROLL TIDE AND LOOK OUT SEC WERE BACK

By George in Bama

September 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Can’t wait for the rematch in Atlanta in Dec. Bama loves to play in the dome. See ya.

By Dawg Fud

September 29, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Elvis, i agree with all of your observations.

Hopefully will Georgia will use the week off wisely and come out strong against the hound dogs (bluetick coonhounds to be exact)!

GO DAWGS!

By YET ANOTHER YEAR...

September 29, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

The worst part about UGAY not winning a NC AGAIN will be having to see in the AJC and hear from all kinds of deluded UGAG fans about how next year will be the year they bring home another national championship.

We’ve been reading and hearing this CRAP for 28 years now. I’ve been tired of it for equally as long.

NEWS FLASH: The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have won a national championship in that time frame. I wish U(sic)GA fans would simply let go of that one season, and realize they’ve ALWAYS been a mediocre team in the SEC, and an almost never-have-been in the national football picture.

PREDICTION: Georgia Tech will win ANOTHER national championship before the corndawgs. When that happens, what will the mutts do? I hope they all go Jonestown on us. Good riddance.

By bama3712

September 29, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Yes DAWG fans keep calling for more man coverage in the secondary. Review the game tape when Julio Jones made the grab to put Bama up 31-0. Maybe that is why UGA doesn’t run more man coverage?

By La Jolla Dawg

September 29, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Chip, thanks for a blog that is neither doom and gloom nor pie in the sky. I agree with what you said and appreciate the way you said it.

Georgia has everything left to play for—goal is always to win the SEC east. I think we will learn a lot about this team and its coaches in the first half of the UT game. Will they come out flat? Or will they play like they should have during the first half of the Bama game?

I am not big on the fire this coach, fire that coach mentality but I do wonder about John Eason. Haven’t we had problems with receivers (be they TE or WR) being able to consistently catch the ball for years now? I remember some really big drops over the past 7 years and not just one or two per game and not just one or two players doing the dropping. Someone like AJ Green is naturally gifted and probably doesn’t need to be coached as much. What about the rest? This is an area I do think needs to be addressed and soon.

By Dawg Fud

September 29, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I don’t know GATORZONE but Holly Rowe was certainly taken aback by it.

By GT Aficionado

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

Dawg Fud

You are correct and right now, the prospects of that streak ending this year just got ALOT better.

You would think after Sat and the Tide Rolling, you would’ve learned some humility….but I guess you will continue to have to learn the hard way….

By Red and Black

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

BAMA 3712-YAWN your coloring book got burned up in AU’s library fire too.After all you cant even bring enough brain matter to the computer to think of your own nickname on here,there are 3710 idiots standing in front of you.Hey you must be one of those closet fans-like the UF fans that only show up when they win a game.15 freshmen is nothing UM has 33 freshmen on their team and kept UF scoreless for allmost 3 qtr’s.What was the bowl bama’s been for so long-think it was the tidy bowl.6 years of losing to auburn must suck huh you lil crack head.All my kin folk live in dothan maybe they’ll kick the door in to yur trailler and tar and feather you,leave you tied to a tree with a d* in your mouth and your pants pulled down.It will be posted on Pee Wee hermans web site tittled small fry gets loose.My dawgs were not embarrashed we fought back within 10 points.You will eat those words in Dec you lil punk.

By Red and Black

September 29, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Buzzboy stick to buzzing all your gay GT friends.CMR is in a group of coaches that only the Bear,Dooley and spurrier belong to-the 7/10 club.7 years of averaging more than 10 games a year.@ conf. titles out right and 4 east conf.titles.Whens the last time GT has even won their conf. outright?#35 is going to sack your qb 4 times this year.nuff said.

By mcdawg

September 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

many people on here have no clue as to what they are talking about

we are playing w/o 3 starters on the D-Line (J. Ownes, R. Battle, Lomax “turf toe”-plays but not nearly 100%)

we lost our best O-Lineman on an already inexperienced O-Line (K. Tripp needs to get tough)but a very athletic O-Line-i think we found a center

these attacks on the coaching skills and abilities of CMR et al.(although the QB sweep has to go) are absurd

the team came out in the 2nd half and played hard w/ emotion and intensity and this loss can go a long way towards the SEC championship

By Dawg Fud

September 29, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

George in Bama

your “rematch” may be with Vandy!

GO DAWGS!

By WYDOG

September 29, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Look, good coaching means you line up and put your players in the best position to make plays. Alababma played smash mouth football which puts them in the best position to win. Why we did not try to keep them guessing by constantly changing looks and blitzing is beyond me. Willie cannot make an adjustment until halftime. We need a defensive coach with some fire to compliment Richt’s low key personality. I want somebody on the side line with some intensity to coach the defense. Willie looks like he should be behind a desk pushing paper. Please come back B. Van Gorder.

By GATORZONE

September 29, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Eliminate the penalties and Stafford from throwing into triple coverage, and that would have been a totally different ballgame

By Dawg Fud

September 29, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

GT Aficionado

I just gave props to Michael Johnson. I have been saying for a long time that he is a great player. PJ is an awesome coach, too.

I have tipped my cap to every one of my Bama friends.

If you can’t face the facts perhaps you should get off the Georgia board. Looks like you are the one who needs a lesson in reminding him who his daddy is…

By Dawgface

September 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

The Dawgs simply got out coached. Our defensive coordinator is responsible for this and most of our other losses in the past four years and needs to be demoted because nobody in the county is going to hire him away.

By Hey mcdawg

September 29, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

“mcdawg

September 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

many people on here have no clue as to what they are talking about……the team came out in the 2nd half and played hard w/ emotion and intensity and this loss can go a long way towards the SEC championship.”

You’re the one who needs to get a clue. The game wasn’t even close. The Dogs were never in it.

Alabama came out in the secound half with a huge lead and stated playing the clock (expertly), they did exactly what they needed to do, to win. They beat UGA on both sides of the ball. If they continue playing the way they did Saturday, NC #12 is on it’s way. BAMA IS BACK.

By N2Pain

September 29, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

The cheap shots and late hits, all trademarks of the Richt era, didn’t receive home cooking as usual in Athens. If this had been a fight, they would have called it in the 1st half. Total domination by Bama. Total humiliation by the puppies. Now, let’s find a realistic ranking for this rank group.

By GATORZONE

September 29, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Red and Black…

CLASSY POST!

By bama3712

September 29, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hey Red and Black,

More like Black and Blue. Thanks for showing your true colors and reassuring the nation that UGA will still easily win the National Championship for the most obnoxious fans.

Even Georgia Tech has won a National Championship in the last 30 years!

By the way the Bama3712 has a little something to do with me being a football fan. See #37 was a pretty good running back at Alabama. He happened to be there watching from the sidelines on Saturday night. I am sure his view of the second half was better than yours from your car in the parking lot after the, how did the announcers so eloquently put it “public mugging.” His name is Shaun Alexander he also was pretty descent in the NFL. If I need to explain #12 in Bama lore you are worse off than I thought.

By N2Pain

September 29, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Dogs should wear black again on the blue carpet in Boise for their bowl game.

By GT Aficionado

September 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Dawg Fud

You have never beat us 8 times in a row in the history of your football program…..that and your weak o-line is something for you think about…

By murfdawg

September 29, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Bama finished 6-6 with their offensive line last year.What a difference a year makes. I hope our two freshmen and three sophmores grow up to play like Bama’s line. We still have lot of football to play and it is going to be a really good year. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!

By GATORZONE

September 29, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

BLACKOUT…

IT’S JUST LIPSTICK ON A PIG!

By WSP Dawg

September 29, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Chip, Thanks for your response about CWM. I concede that it is probably extreme to fire him, and it’s sad to even be discussing someone’s fate. But certainly something is in order here (perhaps a new hire and a demotion) to shed some new perspective.

So, let me ask a few of questions: Is it acceptable by many of you to get absolutely throttled once or twice a year (by UT the last two years, this loss to Alabama, etc.)? Shouldn’t we at least be competitive in our losses? If we have top 10 recruiting classes, is it acceptable to not have a top 5 or top 10 defense almost every year? Can we win a national championship finishing out of the top 5 or 10 in defense? It’s been a long time, so Is it acceptable this coaching staff to not win a NC for a while? How long?

And for those of you who keep saying “We’ll see you in the SEC championship!” or that “We are still in the National Championship picture We have no right to talk about an SEC East championship or National Championship right now. The Dawgs have just got to keep innovating and continue to try to get better and worry about UT.

By MoDawg

September 29, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Dawg fans, we need to gain some perspective from this game and work to improve moving forward. First of all, Tech fans talking smack ought to make you laugh, or at least smile a little. That aside, the fact that our fans nor our team gave up, is the best thing to take away from this game. We had some things not roll our way and our penchant for penalties finally caught up to us against a very good, more physical team and we lost the game. I tip my hat to Alabama and their coaching staff. They played like champions, and deserve the win. Our guys played with heart in the 2nd half and should be commended for “growing up”. Matt Stafford NEVER gave up and was fitting some passes into places some pros would not be able to do. With the exception of a couple of throws, he showed poise and leadership. Ben Jones, being a true freshman worked his @$$ off all night and did a phenominal job against Mt. Cody. Alabama was the better team Saturday night. Let’s move on, there’s a lot of football left to play. If you need a smile or laugh to help you move on, read most of the Tech posts (BUZZFACTOR, thanks for the civil posting) and Gamecock fans’ posts. Their attempts to mask their own sorrow is quite funny.

By cb@cb.com

September 29, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Good thing Saban is a classy coach and called off the assualt after halftime. It was really classy of him to not blowout a lesser team and let them put some points up on the board. He is really classy, not like Spurrier who would really put it on a lower-tier team like the Tide played on Saturday. I like that young man.

By JV4629

September 29, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Fire Martinez and Bobo! Get a defensive coordinator who attacks the offense with his schemes, get an offensive coordinator that understands how to play call and make a game plan. Until then we will never win a NC. GA is a nice little top 15 team, nothing more, nothing less until changes are made to CMR’s coaching staff!

By devildawgNC

September 29, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Thanks for some nuance on the WM situation. But what I see a lot of people asking about is the soft zone. Back before the season started we all heard how our db’s could run man with pretty much any set of wide-outs in the country. Any word from coaches, or any observations of your own, on why we haven’t even seen them attempt to do that? I mean, do they get schooled by the UGA receivers in practice day after day?

By Buford Dawg

September 29, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

**Chip,

At the game I saw a player wearing #83 with Tripp on his name plate & was trying to figure out who this guy was & what potion he might play. After looking at my program I figured it had to be Kiante Tripp. After seeing that Bruce Figgins & Bryce Ros were not dressed to play I figured they made Tripp a TE just for blocking situations just for this game. Please give us an update on Kiante Tripp, has he changed positions again? Or was this just a one game emergency deal?**

By T'VILLE DAWG

September 29, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

As we saw with some type of return that Richard Samuel has some unique abilities, put him at tailback while Moreno convalesces.

By Catsmeow4

September 29, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

If Georgia and Alabama,met in the SEC championship game.Georgia will be more than ready to handle the Tide.GO DAWGS,all the way to the National Championship.

By TheItalianDawg

September 29, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

y’all, why r u making a big fuzz out of this loss, its one loss so what, and beside Alabama fans are delusional, I bet they will lose to ole miss or even miss state. the point here is this loss could very well have a positive impact on Georgia, and the season is very early. I do have one wish however, please fire Martinez, he is not creative enough and the opposing offense play our defensive schemes very well! in the SEC you have to have constant pressure on the QB, SEC QBs are not that good but when you give them time they all appear like Tom Brady, look at Smelly and Parker Wilson. Martinez you are killing us if you play zone against Tennessee, Crompton will look like Payton Manning especially with their good offensive line. I want you to pressure his a$$ until it explodes, i want to sack him, I dont care if he get some completions. If Georgia get Auburn DC, Georgia should win the NC. mark my words, Auburn will give Alabama hell and Parker Willson will be running for his life.

By Pete

September 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

UGA is a very good football team. Not a GREAT football team. Back in late August when everyone was raving about a No. 1 ranking it was worse than ridiculous. No. 1 of what ?? State Teachers Colleges ?? Look at their schedule………..especially their first 2 games……….EVERY year, all at home, against NOBODIES !! How can you respect a program like that ? Hiding behind their mothers apron. Please.

By say hello to peach bowl

September 29, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Well I doubt we will get another blackout this year, or even next.

By I-DOG

September 29, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Alabama. They played a terrific game and deserved the win.

My thoughts:

JPW played the game of his life for Alabama. He was just about perfect!

We just killed ourselves with defensive penalties in the first half.

Alabama had a hard time running the ball for most of the first half. On the first 2 drives, they really didn’t get much at all running the ball. The announcers claimed that AL was controlling the line of scrimmage, but I did not see that at all early in the game. They were able to pass the ball VERY effectively against us. Much more so than anybody thought.

Hats of to UGA and the fans as the team did not quit and not many stadiums would be FULL and LOUD in the 2nd half down 31-0. UGA made a valiant comeback.

The play calling on offense in the first half was poor. When your down 17-0 and it is 3rd and 8 and your d has been on the field the entire game… it is not the right time for a 40 yard pass attempt into double coverage. You need the 9 yard pass.

The OL gave Stafford pretty good protection early in the first half when we were still run/pass. Obviously it is tough when your down 24-0 and you can’t really attempt many runs.

This was the best game UGA could lose. Ranked Opponent, early in the year, from the SEC West.

After our last dissaopointing loss, Richt and Company ran off 11 straight wins… IF we can do that again… and that is a BIG IF… we can still win the SEC East, play for the conference championship, and maybe must maybe sneak back into the MNC picture.

There isn’t anyone on our schedule that we cannot beat. There are 3-4 very tough games, but we are still in the thick of it.

By Sid

September 29, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Stop the _ _ _ n stupid penalties!

By PBR=America in a can

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

Let everyone get their jabs in…. yeah we lost but we still control our fate in the SEC east. I want Bama in the Dome. Go Dawgs!!! GAYTORZONE Yall lost to OLE MISS…enough said. Techies you know the ACC is bad when Tech playing Duke is a big game.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 29, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t even put it passed Saban to have allowed UGA back in the game just to have a reason to keep his players down to earth. WTF? Saban wouldn’t give up a yard if he could help it. He is one intense, focused, competitive coach. The focused part is the reason he was unhappy at the end of the night.

Until the bees beat us, buzz off.

WSP Dawg, good point. I haven’t checked yet but is seems that we do get “blown out” once a year. However, if you look back on those it has always been a team effort. For example, offensive turnovers, dropped passes that go for three and out or kill drives. D being on the field too long without a break. Like Sat night. Offense kept going for the long ball instead of first downs. 3 and out, bad punts, short field our D was exhausted. That’s why it is called a team.

Kudos to Ben Jones for one hell of a game. I was truly amazed by Stafford’s accuracy Sat. night. Laser precision and on a rope most of the time.

By reservoirDAWG

September 29, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Saturday was embarassing. It’s over so I’m letting it go. We have two weeks before UT to shore up the lines and get a handle on these penalties. As the Italian Dawg said, maybe this is the shot in the arm we need to make this a memorable season yet.

By bigdawg

September 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Why don’t the coaches put Prince Miller as kick/punt return specialist and get him the heck out of the defensive backfield? Miller is 5’ 7 going against 6’ 4 receivers?

By tom

September 29, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

You do a fantastic job every day! Dr. Thomas Johnson Class of ‘74

By Ted

September 29, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Georgia has been in the top 20 recruting for the past 8 years and each year I hear we are building, guys face it hes a good coach but not the best, with the talent we have its crazy to loose like that. We are not going to get a better class than we have now and he cant win it all with these guys then he cant win it all with any.

By kansasdawg

September 29, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

We fans are always there for the DAWGS but the DAWGS are not always there for their fans. We were out coached and out played in our very own house. The least they could have done was fight.

By WallyButts

September 29, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I’m embarrassed, not Ohio State humiliated, but really, really embarrassed! Getting blown out by 31 in the first half in our own house raises serious questions about the state of Dawg football. We aspire to be a top 10 team, year in and year out, always in the hunt for the national championship. It isn’t happening and it isn’t going to happen with this coaching staff. We have an “A” program with “B” coaching. If you want to see what an “A” coach looks like, just peer across the field at Nick Saban. The Tide showed up in Athens ready to play; the Dawgs showed up ready to play Wofford.

Here’s why Richt and company have to go:

• Last year the Dawgs were good enough to play for the national championship. Losing to inferior South Caroline and getting blown out at Tennessee prevented us from getting the chance.

• National powers do not play Hawaii in the Whatever Bowl.

• “A” coaches have their teams ready to play big games. Competing and losing is one thing. Rolling over to and getting rolled by the Tide is yet another.

What’s Vince doing these days?

By No dog in the hunt

September 29, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

It pretty obvious that Georgia was ranked too high after the SC game. GA is a good team, but not a great one. Too many people bought into Stafford being a pro QB already, and that Moreno was a top tier RB.

By Fat Dawg

September 29, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

DAWGS, let’s reflect. Bad calls against us hurt. A couple fo brakes go the other way and we’re in business. We STOMPED them in the 2nd half! Be proud.

I thought the penalties were a lot of bad calls. In the 1 quarter, my man touched the QBs facemask. Hardly intenional.

We ought to start wearing black pants instead of jerseys. Then we can call the blackout for the fans but not a blackout for the DAWGS. We’re still the best college team. We just had some bad brakes.

By Fat Dawg

September 29, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Don’t disgrace the name of Wally Butts you fake fan! Coach has done a perfect job hear at UGA. Well almost perfect. We’re on the cover for #1. We lose a game. One if you can count that high.

Just so you know, we didn’t play in the Whatever Bowl. We played in the Sugar Bowl & there’s no higher honor since you can’t spell sugar wihtout UGA.

Alabama cheats to win. Spurrier is a bad coach & don’t even get me started on the phonys at Florida. They always loose to bad teams, see Ole Miss. We’ll kill them when we play them.

Vince in enjoying retirement like he should. His time of greatness will allways be remembered. But Richt is great to!

By Dawgstephen

September 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

For all those who want to fire Richt, remember what we had before him. 3 in a row down to Tech, as well as a 1-9 record against TN.

Richt has winning records against TN, Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss, MSU, a 7 yr win streak over tech (the biggest ever at UGA), as well as the momentum over FLA now.

I support CMR, CWM, CMB, and everyone else on the staff. 1 game isnt the end, its the SEC, and we have a good team who fought hard. We were schooled Saturday. Lucky for us there may be a makeup exam in December. Go dogs.

By Jon

September 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Brilliant coaching job by Saban. He played the safeties over the top of our best receivers but we continued to try and force the ball downfield anyway. You have to take what the defense is giving you. Our defensive line is too small. This will be a problem when we play Tennesee and LSU. We needed to play our corners in tight coverage and not give up those easy throws in the flats. I know your vulnerable to big plays but we needed to take some chances instead of letting Alabama march methodically down the field using up clock also.

By Stephen- Ringgold GA

September 29, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

CHIP

Thanks for the articles…any updates??

By Chip Towers

September 29, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

jferg: CMR says Ben Jones actually did pretty well. of course he rarely had to go it alone. I focused on it early in the game and Cody never really did anything but tie up the two blockers, which is essentially his job… .

I couldn’t tell you about the zone coverage. Every time I bring it up with CWM he gets into such long and convoluted answers I can’t really make much out of it and certainly couldn’t write about it succinctly… .

I’m not sure what was going on on the goal-line play you cite but Georgia came into Saturday second in the SEC in redzone defense so I don’t really agree that there is an issue there.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 29, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Let’s all move forward after this thing. It isn’t the end of the season and we hopefully learned everything we needed to. Nobody is more upset than the team. We heal up get ready for UT. Come out and play like the second half of Saturday night.

Bad thing about Saturday is that we now have to listen to the Bama fans run smack for a year (or at least Dec 6th hopefully). But the Tide team definitely earned it for them with one hell of a game. What’s the saying? Put up or shut up! Time for us to shut up and listen to them. Dadgummit. I still have full faith in the coaches. I just hope they don’t take anymore Saturdays off.

By gator the dog catcher

September 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

DawgStephen said - For all those who want to fire Richt, remember what we had before him. 3 in a row down to Tech, as well as a 1-9 record against TN.

And then came Ron Zook and Chan Gailey. Gone was David Cutcliffe and Steve Spurrier.

By next year Richt will be playing a schedule comparable to what Donnan had…….and his record will be comparable to Donnan’s as well.

UGAY is 0-8 vs Tennessee with Cutcliffe by the way. College football goes in cycles. UGAY had a favorable cycle and still was not able to win a NC. What will Richt do on the other end of that cycle?

Good coaches do lose some, but Good coaches don’t get beatdown!

By GWJ

September 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Chip, You are right on the money. Excellent analysis. All our goals (that we can control) are in front of us. Lot of football left. I have complete confidence in ALL of UGA’s coaches.

By gdawginkalamazoo

September 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

gtdc, tough one for you guys Sat. Damn. Didn’t that one but good for Houston Nutt. Regardless of what people above are saying about our coaching staff I wouldn’t trade 100 Sabans for one Richt. He has been getting the job done and he will continue to get it done. Long season folks hang in there.

By Sautee Dawg

September 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip, I agree with you, Willie has had some good years and stats don’t lie about the type of defence he puts on the field on saturday. I personally don’t think he should be fired, I just question the timing of his changes on defence, why does he wait until halftime to make these changes?

By Dog44

September 29, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Good post, Chip. I appreciate your perspective.

Could you give us a little insight into what’s up with Kiante Tripp? From starting LT to back-up TE in a couple of weeks… I know we’re desperate on the TE front, but beyond that, what has caused this? Has his play been that bad? If so, that is surprising

By WSP Dawg

September 29, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo, good counter point about it being the fault of the team as a whole. But I just remember the defense always being the strong point of our team while BVG was our D Coord. A team should be able to score 30 points in the SEC and get a win. Period. You just can’t expect more than that. But CWM’s defenses are consistently getting 30, 40, and yes, even 50 points hung on them by multiple teams. At almost no time in history have we gotten this many points scored on us in our own stadium this many times in this short of a period. It should’ve been a defensive war on Saturday night, and it wasn’t. To me, the big reason why, is that we cannot play man or even zone coverage AT ALL. And what is CWM’s main task? THE SECONDARY! We saw this coming during the GA Southern game, and then we saw it coming during the South Carolina game when Smelley (of all quarterbacks) looked like freakin’ Tom Brady. I know the excuse is that we don’t have a pass rush, but I’m sorry, IMHO, we didn’t learn anything from this loss except for what we already knew (but were maybe not facing the facts about)

By Jason

September 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

!st of all we were not EXPOSED or OVERRATED for all the haters and stupid people out there!We deserved the good ranking we had in the begining. But since then we have lost :#1 best off. lineman,#2 best def. lineman, #3 a great fullback,#4 a two year starter at defensive end,#5 first string and second string middle linebackers,and #6 now both of our best two tightends are out! I don’t know how you can right that ship,but we will find a way I’m sure.So please stop saying we were OVERRATED o.k. it just shows that you don’t really know what you’r talking about.We will find a way to right the ship because CMR wins most of the games he coaches, I think that has been proven over the years. I would like to say to Bobo and Martinez that there have been times when the other teams game plan looked good, while we looked like we were just guessing, and trying stuff.I am proud to have them both and I think they are good coaches,but I would just like to say to them both : coaches must adjust and get better every week just like the players are expected to do. And remember this , a coach should never expect his players to out play the other players , unless he is prepared to OUT COACH the other coaches !!Let’s get it together guys, (more dicipline) and show everybody what we are really capable of. GO DAWGS !!

By AltamahaDawg

September 29, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Sautee dawg, I think the biggest change at halftime was that the Offense actually had a drive longer than 5 plays in the second half. Can you really point to anything that dramatically “changed” at halftime in terms of WM strategy? I’m personally not that expert to map it out, but I find it hard to believe that IF there were a much better way to defend, anyone would sit on that idea till the 3rd quarter. But I don’t know that for sure. I do think it is absolutely for certain however, that he has a better unit on the field when they are not having to play against BOTH offenses at the same time?

By Ken

September 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Martinez and Bobo HAVE to go. And for that matter if CMR can’t fix the penalty situation then he needs to go also.

This …. I don’t want the players to lose their aggressiveness … is a bunch of crap. Sound football fundamentals is the cornerstone of any good team. A false start or a hold once a game or so is one thing but Un-sportsman like calls on what seems every series shows very poorly for the dogs.

By WSP Dawg

September 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Jason, Great comment!, “And remember this , a coach should never expect his players to out play the other players , unless he is prepared to OUT COACH the other coaches” This is something I am always a little concerned with, our coaches always seem to be making the point that they hope our guy will just beat the other guy.

Don’t get me wrong, folks, I love what CMR has done with our program. No doubt about that. I am just wondering if we are continuing to innovate and get better on the defensive side of the ball.

By AltamahaDawg

September 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

WSP, if you look at records and result WM is NOT lagging BVG.

A team should be able to score 30 points and win BUT they have to be able to do it controlling the game and over 4 quarters. Not punt, punt, fumble, punt, int, and THEN go get 30 points. The games you are talking about 40, 50 points were games where the offense was totally incapable of staying on the field for long stretches. It is in fact a group effort to win and lose. TN last year, we punted SEVEN times. There is not a DC in the world thats going to be able to keep that close. Sat night, we didnt have a drive over FIVE plays till the second half. (when not so coincidentally we did in the second half, our defense looked a lot better)

I’m not even saying we have a good defense right now, we seem pretty average at best right now, but why folks think that UGA is going to have the BEST defense, and the BEST defensive players in the SEC every year is beyond me. We have also hung 40’s on some of the most respected DC in the league at times too. Why is that different? It happens. BVG also got his butt handed to him at UGA on a few occations I can name right now.

By PBR=America in a can

September 29, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Chip Where was Richard Sammuel for the second week in a row.

By Larry M

September 29, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Where are all the apologists who were on here after the game vs. South Carolina and telling us “aw, it was just another tough SEC road game - nothing to worry about.” And “UGA/SC games are always like that, nothing to worry about.”

I and many others were on here saying “WAKE UP.” Our problems were exposed vs. SC and the Tide rightfully took advantage. Obviously we have problems on both lines - we knew that going in, and an off week of practice isn’t going to fix it. The more serious, fixable, problem right now is the play of the DB and our pass coverage.

Why did it take an entire HALF for CWM to realize the soft zone play vs. Bama’s receivers wasn’t working? We were giving them 8 yards on each play, so they marched right down the field when their o-line wasn’t creating gaps the size of Grand Canyon for Coffee to run through.

SC ran over us and passed at will. Alabama did what SC did to us x 10. LSU, Florida - hell, maybe even Tennessee - will do the same. If we didn’t have this week off, I would be seriously concerned that Tenn. would whoop us again and UGA would be responsible for saving Fulmer’s job for the second year in a row.

By Sautee Dawg

September 29, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Chip, Do you think the officals are still p** about the celebration in the endzone last year in Jacksonville? Every since that game we have taken a beating on penalties. Do you think officials hold a grudge against teams or certain coaches for things said on the sideline during a game? Ever since that game last year we very seldon get a break on calls, and saturday night the ref called a before the snap holding on the defence. How is that possible before the snap? I just don’t see how Alabama can come into our house and only have 2 penalties for 9 yards. We ended up with 10 for 80 something yards. If thats a sign of things to come we’ll have 20 in Jacksonville this year. And i’m talking penalties not points.

By Sautee Dawg

September 29, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg, you are correct about having to play against both offences, i guess. I am certain though that we have enough talent to stop a drive somehow. And in the first half we didn’t.

By Hey Sautee Dawg

September 29, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I think you’re onto something, it wasn’t the s** way you played it was the refs; they hate jawga.

Wait, it may have all been a bad dream Dorthey, just click your heels together three times and keep repeating, there’s no place like home, there’s no places like home,….LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL…

By secpuller

September 29, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I agree that if the dawgs had to lose one, this would be it. notice how i used the words one and it. They desperately need to stop the yellow laundry from hitting the field, all other mistakes can be corrected in practice.

GO DAWGS!!

By hey Sautee Dawg

September 29, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

I think you have figured it out. It’s not that jawga played like crap, it’s the refs; they hate jawga.

O! Wait this may just be a bad dream. Try clicking your heels together three times and keep repeating, There’e no place like home, There’e no place like home, There’e no place like home……..

By Dhoo

September 29, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Install the triple option

By AltamahaDawg

September 29, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

No we didnt stop a thing in the first half, BUT we can’t score one time, not one time, in the first half? Our defense has to face a near perfect Bama run and they get absolutely ZERO help? 7 points changes that game, probably still lose, but a different game. And for sure 10 points, which I dont think is asking too much from our offense, obviously changes the outcome, and the perception that somehow this is all on WM. Some is , some is not. Same as everyone else. Its mind boggling to me the pass that Bobo gets in here, when you look at where those 2 units are right now, compared to what was reasonably expected this year. I’m not on Bobo. Same as WM, if he had a EZ button to push, he would have. I think if any one of us had to sit in a room and have a serious conversation with either coordinators, we would leave looking pretty stupid.

A couple of decent punts would have made WM look a little smarter too.

By pcdawg

September 29, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I agree, why is Bobo getting a pass, he is consistently out coached. I would gain a great deal of respect for CMR if he goes out at the end of the year and hires an OC with experience. I think this is too much for Bobo, he is not ready for the big time. I’ve never been sold on him in that position anyway. His offensive schemes are way too predictable, most of the time is the talent of the team bailing him out of stupid play calls. He likes that deep pass way too much, when all you need is 10 at a time.

I have been saying this since he got the position as OC, fire him and get someone with a clue.

By shane #1

September 29, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Alt, I talked to a buddy that runs a little book on the side before the game and he was going with Bama. He didn’t want to give out too much info, saying simply “it’s the lines, Sturdivant is out and everybody is playing a new posistion. He then said that Southerland is out, Chandler is banged up and Figgins is out, so the young guys won’t get any help. He also said UGA’s D tackles are good but they don’t have a rush end.” He thought Bama and seven points was a lock. I don’t bet against my own team so I didn’t place a bet. Now as to what can be done. I don’t think making UGA a spread O team will help. That can’t be done overnight, look at AU and Michigan, and they have coaches that know the offense. What will help is maturation of the O line, now that We have a set lineup that will happen, but We must be patient. Firing coaches now would be foolish, as is blaming everything on CWM or Bobo. Again look at last year, so many wanted to fire Willie after the UT game but against the Gators and the Warriors he looked like another Buddy Ryan. I guess he learned how to coach, then forgot it all this year against Bama. What kind of scheme would have worked against Bama? You try to take away what they like to do, run the ball, and make JPW beat you. UGA did and he did. Nothing Willie can do about that. It’s like a basketball game, your D tries to take the ball out of their scorers hands and make the other guys beat you. If those guys start hitting their shots, you lose. That is not because of bad coaching, just the breaks. Have you noticed how much better Willie coaches when the O moves the ball? That’s because football is a team sport, and when EVERYBODY does their job the team wins. Better yet, name a game UGA lost when the O showed up at all in the first half? UGA has a good team and good coaches and it’s just one game, don’t give up and don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

By bamaguy

September 29, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Alabama will likely be in the SEC Championship game. But the guys on the other sideline will be reptiles in orange and blue.

By CapeCodDawg

September 29, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

I gotta give Alabama their respect.They came out and executed very,very good football. That being said they were given 30 or so yards on penalties,but that doesn’t guarantee anything,they still had to put the ball in the end zone and we couldn’t stop them. Which brings me to my problem. Being from Massachusetts I’m used to seeing Championship quality teams, this team does not,no matter how much i want it, seem to have the ability to step up yet. If the Celtics were down by 7 with 31 seconds left I just wondered HOW we were gonna win,same with the Pats and the Sox. At times the DAWGS can’t seem to make that big tackle or that big turnover causing hit interception. Someone has to step up and be a leader and NOW! Prince Miller was getting tea-bagged for the whole first half and the penalties just show that the players,in this game, were playing with too much emotion and not enough technique. Alabama called a superb game. All that being said, we almost caught them. I think in the long run this is gonna serve them well. They can just relax and play football now . I’m a little worried about the impression some of the recruits had,not the commits so much,but the recruits.

By matt

September 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

UGA should worry less about jersey colors and mohawks. You could see this coming with all week the talk was Blackout this and Blackout that. There was little talk about Bama’s nasty OL and dominant DL controlling the line of scrimmage.

Stafford’s arm was the only highlight—he continually threw into double coverage and got lucky with only one pick.

If UGA runs the gaunlet the rest of the way undefeated (unlikely) they should hope Bama is not on the other side of the Dome or it will be a repeat performance.

Alabama continues to get better and play smart (only 2 penalties) and do not give up a short field. Only way they lose is if they get key injuries or fail to fix their coverage teams (although the PR was aided by at least 2 illegal blocks).

By AltamahaDawg

September 29, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

pc. Not that I agree with you about firing Bobo. He has had as many great halfs and horrible halfs. But I appreciate somebody not going the “easy” route blaming the DC for everything.

Bobo is young, BUT I still think he is an extension of Mark Richt. I can’t see Bobo going against what Mark Richt wants to do in theory, or not getting the full benifit of Richt’s years, so your issue may be more philisophical, than experience related. I see Richt going out and getting a new OC that doesn’t share his ideas on how to run the offense.

One of the things about both jobs: I think we all assume those guys are robots (or virtual) and coordinators just need to move the joystick correctly. Players do make mistakes. Others team do make great plays too. Every play is great if it works.

shane, you are correct sir.

By rob

September 29, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

I agree 100%. The o-line has to play a little smoke and mirrors against LSU and Auburn to get the run going, and the defense has to start taking more risks to create big plays. W/o Owens, Georgia just doesn’t have enough interior push to make mediocre DE’s look unstoppable. Most of all, the penalities have to get under control.

By TybeeDawg

September 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

A few observations:

John Parker Wilson had a phenominal night. He was hitting every receiver (10-11) in first half. I dont care what kinda coverage you have, you cant stop a QB that is that dead on accurate on every pass.

Stafford showed a gimpse of his fresh and soph years. He tries to do too much and force passes when we get down by several scores. He has to take what the defense gives. A game like that makes me believe he is not going to be ready for the NFL next year which is good for us.

We need to settle on one punt returner and now it looks like it should be Miller.

It is one game only and rest assured that most, if not all of the 9 teams ahead of us will lose at least one game each between now and the rest of the season.

USC’s thumping of Virginia in week one does not look so impressive now does it?

I missed on my upset pick a couple weeks ago with TN but I have another one for this week………Alabama will have a let down and lose to Kentucky.

By Sautee Dawg don't know Jack

September 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

By Sautee Dawg

September 29, 2008 3:42 PM * *Chip, Do you think the officals are still p* about the celebration in the endzone last year in Jacksonville? Every since that game we have taken a beating on penalties. Do you think officials hold a grudge against teams or certain coaches for things said on the sideline during a game? Ever since that game last year we very seldon get a break on calls, and saturday night the ref called a before the snap holding on the defence. How is that possible before the snap? I just don’t see how Alabama can come into our house and only have 2 penalties for 9 yards. We ended up with 10 for 80 something yards. If thats a sign of things to come we’ll have 20 in Jacksonville this year. And i’m talking penalties not points.*

What a fool - If that were the case, the block in the back would have been called and the punt that was returned for a touchdown would have been called back. That would have taken the fans out of the game and the final score would have been as lopsided as the game realy was. Unbelievable you are!!

By dizzy to death

September 29, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

With all the spinning coming out on this blog, I feel a little woozy. I honestly think uga has a good team, but some of you bone heads already talk about meeting Bama again in the SECCG (by the way-they shouldn’t drink the koolaid just yet…see UGA last week). My goodness, talk about getting up for UT, and then the game after that, and then the game after that, and then the game after that, OK I’ll stop. Same to all my fellow JACKETS, one at a time. See yall at the Flats. P.S. Go Jackets and THWG!

By ES

September 29, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Bama 3712 The pass to go up 31-0 Julio was a perfect pass Bryan Evans was right with him!I’ve read this whole blog and I’m really missing something!!!!!!!!!!!!Since when does 45 rushes for 129 yards constitute running over a team!BTW thats 2.9 yards a carry!

By Lets Face It

September 29, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip …… You are probably correct that calling for Wllie being fired would be absurd but on the other hand many fans and myself included do not see the Emperors new clothes. Yes Willie defenses has some good stats but if you examine them closely when playing in the big games they are average at best. Chip you have pointed out that Wille bases and runs his defense around the personnel that UGa has recruited. Well why is it no matter who Georgia plays be it a Vandy , South Carolina, and programs who are not at the talent same level that UGA has had some GLARING issues on pass defense. Willie has always had issues with the soft coverage and Fans are sick of it and rightly so. With all the TALENT that UGa has recruited, I think fans just want to know when will UGA force a lot of three and outs, plus be an imtimidating and dominating defense. Fans understand that UGa wont win every game. They do expect that when the other team does win, is because they earned the win and know that they played the dawgs in doing so!! Go DAWGS GATA!!!

By ES

September 29, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

BTW, All you Ala fans talking about how young you are,counting the Tight End you have 3 seniors and 3 juniors on your offensive line,so hush with the stupidity comparing our O-lines!!!!

By bamafan

September 29, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Georgia played with a lot of heart in the second half against Bama. I think that the dawgs will get better and finally cut the penalties down and get some of the starters back from the mash unit!! I am still mad Bama gave up those 2 touchdowns late in the game!! I just wanted to really beat the dawgs bad! Best of luck to the dawgs and its fanbase!! ROLL TIDE FOLKS!!

By ES

September 29, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Chip, I’ve watched Parker Wilson for years hes up and down.This year he was only 6-14 against Ark and 11-23 against Tulane. I would rather make him beat me than let them run all over us.But the fact is there first runs we stuffed them pretty good,but then just backed off and let him have the real real easy passes for first downs that built his confidence IMO that got him going. I hope if we get to face them again we get up on the receivers.Thats the thing I think most people on here are bothered about.Are we not so conservative at times on DEF that we give shaky QB’s confidence?

By Sugar Coat Dawg

September 29, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Its so comical to see all of these dawgs fans claiming a moral victory in the second half. The dawgs got punched in the mouth, got it rammed down their throats and was asked how did they like it. The Defensive Coordinator is a joke, always has been and always will be. UGA s offensive and defensive lines were man handled period. Remember dawg fans that it was late in the game and Bama had it in the bag at 41 - 17. Down 31-0 and CMR on a 4th and 6 and kicks a field goal? what an idiotic call! Yeah I know he says he needed something good to happen for the pups but the problem is is that sometimes you got to MAKE something better to happen in order to have a chance in winning. Bottom line is ,dawgs need to man up and in a hurry if it wants to be a contender instead of a pretender.

By ES

September 29, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

By Sugar Coat , 2.9 yards a carry man handling?Just one more Moron to add to the list.Join a long list of other idiots.

By big o

September 29, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Everyone just relax !!! we will be ok. We were not running the table with this schedule anyway. We just played the best team on our schedule. we have fellow doug high alum battle coming back which will help the pass rush. southerland should help pass protection and energize the run game. I think we will win the rest. we cant sleep on vandy or tech. Every game is a championship game. We will get our revenge at the ga dome

By The Sanford Circus

September 29, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Come one! Come all ! Step right up to see BoBo the Clown and the opening act of Willie Vanille! Watch them perform eye opening feats and perform stunts that no one can humanly explain! Watch the Knoshow Freak show where he hurdles the big red elephant blind folded! Sorry folks no refunds on tickets!

By Sugar Coat Dawg

September 29, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

ES…. Yes it was dominating 3 yards and a cloud of dust in man handling. You too need to take off your rose colored glasses! The dawgs got whipped in every phase and I’ll send you a copy of the game if you need to watch it again while sober!

By Frustration Dawg

September 29, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Well ole Willie had be been seen on TV chewing out the inept special teams coach John Fabris. Now the Dawgs get pummeled by Bamma and CMR is cussing like a sailor on tv and post game. Whats next?

By ES

September 29, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I’ll repeat you moron it wasn’t even 3 yards,it was 2.9.That three yards and a cloud of dust was just and old saying,no one with half a brain should think that 2.9 yards acarry is dominating someone.

By Red and Black

September 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Bama3712-Maybe a lil Dothan native in your black and blue a* will bring you back to earth.Im looking in the trailer you live in as we speak,just as i thought-your momma’s doing all your posting.That damn crack you been smoking killed all your brain cells.You see in the marines we look at things differently than lil maggots like you.The dawgs faught back within 10 points.The way i see it-Ga beat BAMA 30-10 in the second half….Secondly not one off my relatives{BAMA NATIVES}said any unkind words to me.Seems only trailer trash like you talks that way ie-that saban slacked off GA,your dreaming maggot,GA just kicked Bama a* in the second half.Too bad GA fumbled on the 6 yrd line,it would have put us on the board in the first half.As i grew up i heard a lot of good things about BAMA from my dad and cousins{TRUE BAMA FANS}fans with class.One of my cousins was a great football player who ended up going to GA,one of those Sellers boys from Dothan who went on to do great things at GA.Nuff’ Said!!!!!GO DAWGS/GO TIDE/GO MARINES-AAARRRTTT.

By Red and Black

September 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Bama3712-Maybe a lil Dothan native in your black and blue a* will bring you back to earth.Im looking in the trailer you live in as we speak,just as i thought-your momma’s doing all your posting.That damn crack you been smoking killed all your brain cells.You see in the marines we look at things differently than lil maggots like you.The dawgs faught back within 10 points.The way i see it-Ga beat BAMA 30-10 in the second half….Secondly not one off my relatives{BAMA NATIVES}said any unkind words to me.Seems only trailer trash like you talks that way ie-that saban slacked off GA,your dreaming maggot,GA just kicked Bama a* in the second half.Too bad GA fumbled on the 6 yrd line,it would have put us on the board in the first half.As i grew up i heard a lot of good things about BAMA from my dad and cousins{TRUE BAMA FANS}fans with class.One of my cousins was a great football player who ended up going to GA,one of those Sellers boys from Dothan who went on to do great things at GA.Nuff’ Said!!!!!GO DAWGS/GO TIDE/GO MARINES-AAARRRTTT.

By Sally Suckemsillie

September 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Delusional idiots! You won’t win more than seven games this year.You will have your hands full with every team you face from here on out. You are about to play some actual football teams. Visions of grandeur! Run the table? Hah! Nice moral victory in the second half against BAMA! Oh yeah, it was the refs fault, loosers!GA is perceived as the new “U” or Criminoles. They got away with it there for so long it has finally caught up with Richt. So long puppies.

By War Eagle

September 29, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

I read about 1 inch down the blog and was in awe at the UGA excuses:Defensive Ends, young players(Recruiting has been the best in SEC), zone coverage,penalties, defensive coach, offensive line. there was one excuse left out…NOT PREPARED AND OUT COACHED…THIS WAS A STUNNING LOSS TO AUBURN FANS AND SUPPORTERS. WE WERE REALLY TRYING TO STRETCH IT FOR YOU, BUT THE ABOVE HAPPEN i GUESS??

By Hines Ward

September 29, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Sat. night the dawgs beat the dawgs.

Not excuses, just the facts:

Penalties, turnovers, poor offense and punting in the first half lost the ballgame.

UA should have scored 17 max. We held them to less than 3 yards per carry for the entire game. The D played up to their ability with consecutive 3 and outs to begin the 2nd half. GOT AFTER THEIR A55ES!

The blackout was maybe a little premature (ya’ think?)

No more gimmicks, just win baby!

By War Eagle

September 29, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Red and Black, you live in a dream world, I am not a Bama fan by all means and pull for dawgs except Auburn, BUT UGA could played all night and never beat Alabama. They are 3-4 TD better than UGA Sat. night, get over it and think about Kentucky, which will be a close game…

By billybobbumkin

September 29, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Darn, and I just paid $3000 to get my RV painted black from grey and red. Oh well my daughter didn’t need to go to Athens Tech next year anyway.

By Red and Black

September 29, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

SUGERCOATDAWG-only a pathetic loser looks at the game the way you do.THE NARINE WAY OF THINKING-IS WE BEAT BAMA 30-10 IN THE SECOND HALF.GA WILL NOT LIE DOWN AND QUIT-GA IS GOING TO COME OUT SWINGING AND DID SO IN THE SECOND HALF.THE TRUE BAMA FANS-my cousins dont talk trash or smack like you,were much more reserved and respectfull,could be some of us sellers boys that ended up going to GA had something to do with that. .Must be your upbringing in some trailer park somewhere near the GT campus.

By wreckmaniac

September 29, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

As a devout Techster, I say to both UGA and Tech fans, how does any team lose 7 straight times to a team like UGA ? Tell me how such an abberation is possible ?

By Hines Ward

September 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Posssibly b/c tech sux a$$???

By Hines Ward

September 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Possibly b/c tech sux a$$???

By ES

September 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

War Eagle, Nick Saban said it on espn to Reese Davis,Nick Saban teams don’t set on leads (when Davis was trying to belittle what Ga done in the second half).With there # 8 ranking every style point has always mattered to him to win a NC,so don’t fool yourself for a minute they didn’t just go into prevent defense and try nothing on offense.You know people on here worry about being politically correct!I don’t!!!! Do you think that missing, Roderick at one End and Lomax having turf toe at the other end,and the Linebacker that was on the cover of SI going out on the third play of a game doesn’t matter?Wow i’ve normally respected your blogs.

By Jimmy

September 29, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

For all of you who want to fire Mark Richt, you must not have been a UGA fan in the 90’s, or would you rather relive that decade again??

Secondly, even if UGA loses to LSU(more than likely at this point), if we win the rest of our SEC games, we’ll be back in the SECCG. Win that, and Orange Bowl here we come.

First things first though, let’s get healed up and whip the Mighty Pumpkin!

By eDAWG

September 29, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

…remove the blinders…we have coaching issues…see the light…

By Number#11

September 29, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

ALL UGA LEE FANS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR ACTING LIKE YOU WERE THE SECOND COMING OG GRITS, AND TAKE THE HITS.

By Nachos

September 29, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the music shi*ty bowel puppy followers! hahahaha couldnt happen to a nicer bunch of fans. choo choo the karma train got ya! lol

By Nachos

September 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the music shi*ty bowel puppy followers! hahahaha couldnt happen to a nicer bunch of fans. choo choo the karma train got ya! lol

By Nachos

September 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the music shi*ty bowel puppy followers! hahahaha couldnt happen to a nicer bunch of fans. choo choo the karma train got ya! lol

By Nachos

September 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the music shi*ty bowel puppy followers! hahahaha couldnt happen to a nicer bunch of fans. choo choo the karma train got ya! lol

By War Eagle

September 29, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

ES, I am not taking anything away from UGA, they just got beat, hopefully they can rebound and beat Florida and LSU. I hope you understand EVERY Auburn fan was pulling for the dawgs, our month was wide open at half knowing Bama goes 2-0 in West.. I did not watch third quarter and 5 minutes into fourth, too much pain.. good luck

By Tired of this crap

September 29, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute people! If Martinez is the problem and you say he must go… then why would you keep someone who is his boss?? Ultimately, Richt makes the final decisions as head coach. The buck starts and stops with Richt. Get rid of Richt!!! Again, another so-called top 5 recruiting class, but no results beyond average. I mean how can you take him seriously as a great coach, when he uses playground plays against a well coached machine like Bama. i.e. a pass to Stafford!!! Slow Stafford?!?! Get rid of Richt and get a coach to take Georgia to the next level ‘cause Richt cannot!!!!

By Red and Black

September 29, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

WAREAGLE-IM A REALIST-I JUST STATED THE FACTS.WE OUTPLAYED BAMA IN THE SECOND HALF.I KNOW WE LOST THE FIRST HALF BUT GA NEVER GAVE UP.We were down by 10 points not 3-4 td’s like you stated.I never make excusses and tell it like it is period.I LOVE BAMA VERY MUCH.I grew up hearing how great BAMA was from my dad and cousins-those who helped dothan grow.BAMA is starting to be a great team and i rooted for BAMA even when they sucked the last few years.GA LOST BUT GA WASNT BLOWN OUT.AU WAS BLOWN OUT BY 25 POINTS LAST YEAR.10 points is a small loss, AN L not a W is still bad-im not denying that.GO DAWGS!!!.

By Sugar Coat Dawg

September 29, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Red and Black….. Did you have a blackout Pal? Bama had it in the bag early and late. They Kicked the dawgs overrated and undercoached A*******es period. Almost dont count in smash mouth football pal. You marines boys cant beat good ole country mean ,corn fed, watermelon eatin, potato eatin Alabama redneck urchin boys anytime.If the damn marine were so bad they would have won the war and have Bin Ladens head on a platter already. They just like UGA aint man enough and soft. They just enroll in the armed services to get a check and an education from the government these days Pathetic! Face it UGA got Stomped!!!!

By Whowritesthisstuff?

September 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Chip, i am already over the game and excited for the rest of the season. with that said…I won’t be traveling as well as I expected this year. injuries and a bad economy are a beotch.

By Red and Black

September 29, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

NACHOS-POS-LEAVE THE FOOTBALL TALKING TO MEN FOLK.GA AND LSU ARE THE ONLY… TWO TEAMS THAT ARE 9-1 IN THE LAST 10 GAMES.IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH KARMA,damn maggot swim back across the Rio Grande and stay there to you grow up.

By Ocenguy21

September 29, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Tennessee is not man enough to beat the Dawgs.

Sic Em Baby!! Power to the People! Luv ya Larry!!

By robbie

September 29, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

i rewatched the game today on espn360 and counted 18 missed chances/bad plays in the first half alone. the coaching staff is also going to analyize it a lot more than me, so obviously id look for MANY changes by the tennessee game. this season is DEFINETELY not down the drain yet. if we run the table from here on out we could face bama or lsu in the champ. game, and the winner of that will probably end up in the NCG, just like the last two years. if georgia for some reason cant turn it around, get ready for next year. we lose mo mass, cj byrd, ellerbe, southerland as far as big time starters. we got owens and sturdivant along with our whole o-line, and in my opinion, if georgia doesnt win the ncg this year stafford and knowshon will stay. so with stafford, the running back trio, green and company, reshad jones, prince, rennie, durham, and asher back, that could be a VERY dangerous team. but as i was saying before, this season is far from over, so us dawg fans need to not freak out and enjoy the team.

also, anyone else sick of hearing roll tide roll?

By Red and Black

September 29, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

My daddys bigger than your daddy, and I have a UGA friend named Casey-Tiffany that will hit you with his/her black and red purse.. Mommy Cuz, these mean folks are bothering us losers Cuz their team kicked our asses on Saturday, and I want ice creme or I am gonna write a poem. Hush lil loser, dont you cry, Mamas gonna buy you a Dawg real Stout, and if that Doggy keeps losing, please dont Pout. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

By Blackandblue

September 29, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

We just beat up and now we are black and blue. this dawg is jumping ship and will now support the vols or them gators or maybe even dem dores. yeah baby thats right. ya know it. CMR is a jokey. Doing da hokey pokey or something out there. But it aint futbol ya know what i’m saying boyee!!

Overrated and done boys. Get over it!

By ARdawg

September 29, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Bama jumped on every Georgia mistake and miscue in the first half like a shark to blood. Resulting in a short field on almost every possession. Yes we had some serious concern on both the OL and DL lines and we knew that going in. What coaches do in those situations is adjust. We didn’t. Is this cause for calling for new coaches? Are you people on crack? It was one football game and we got our azz handed to us. Tip our hats to Bama and look forward to the next game.

CHIP I do agree with your summation. We also had some serious flaws in our game plan X’s and O’s. Specifically on defense. We were not prepared for Bama. The soft coverage has been a trait of CWM thus far this year and it isn’t working. It is as if he was banking on a bad John Parker Wilson. This vanilla defense is going to get our hat handed to us in the SEC schedule

I say we let up on the coaches and let them do what they do. Calling for somebody’s head is absurd. Take the loss and learn from it. We still got lots of football to play.

By Bobo the clown

September 29, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Boy Im glad i dont have to match witts with Cutcliffe this year and maybe we wont lose as bad this time to the Vols.

By War Eagle

September 29, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Red and Black, Dothan is a fine town. when I lived in Destin, I drove up several times to see my buddies from Auburn days. Dothan is a Bama town, but has great restaruants and night life…I have high school friend who married into the Farmer family. I know football is just a game, but I was more disappointed in UGA loss to Bama since Bama beat Auburn 6 years ago

By AltamahaDawg

September 29, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

ARDawg, its all well and great to label the defense “soft” but the reality is that we play pretty much the same defense as most folks do. Vanilla is a catchy phrase, but it doesnt mean anything. You say that as if its just a matter of doing something else guaranteed to work. What do you suggest would have been a better plan?

Just watched the replay and I can count at least 3 plays that I noticed, others I’m sure, that we did bring somebody else in on the rush and it was absolutely our ondoing giving up the first down.

The game plan WAS to put in all on the arm of JPW. Every dawg fan in the world said, stop the rush and make him beat us, we did and he did. Bama was one of the best rushing team in the country. Obviously we were going to try to contain that. That s done with vanilla defense. It didn’t work.

By monty

September 29, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

I think our present offense is a finesse type offense designed for the quick score, not designed to grind it out against tough physical teams(South Carolina, Bama. Of course we can run against weaker opponents)Now is that due to the type of linemen we are recruiting or because of injuries and inexperience?

Does CMR’s moving that big defensive tackle to offensive lineman signify that he realizes we need bigger tougher linemen or is it beacuse of the lack of depth?

Ga has produced several NFL Defensive ends in the last several years, but somebody dropped the ball on the current crop.

By SickandTired

September 29, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Did you know Stafford had a strong arm?

By Chip Towers

September 30, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

PBR=Americainacan: Richard Samuel was on the kickoff return team. Actually had one nice return… . You have to realize, these guys practice every day with their position coaches, who decide who plays and how much. for whatever reason coach Tony Ball has deemed Caleb King more capable than Samuel.

By shane #1

September 30, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

Monty, You don’t blow a 365lb nose tackle off the line with an 18 year old center starting his first SEC game, also a three four defense with active lbs is difficult to run against. That is one reason so many pro teams use the 3-4. If You noticed Bama kept their lbs moving, this was designed to confuse UGA’s linemen, and since they are young and had never played a three four with Bama’s talent,it worked. UGA is using young linemen because, that is all they have, UGA has one jr,the other 13 are freshmen and sophmores. Chandler is a good blocker, but he is banged up. Figgins and Southerland,two other good blockers, were both out. Our best OT, Sturvidant, is out for the year. All of those guys were healthy last year when UGA made it’s run. Saturday, UGA was down at one point to a rFr TE, at 230 lbs, trying to block those Bama DEs. Read my earlier post, the friend that gave me the lowdown is a pro gambler and has no favorite team, he can’t afford one. Gamblers have to bet with their heads, not their hearts. Searles will get these guys coached up, he did last year, and Jones is young, but he is a mean sob, the line will come arouns and hopefully Figgins and Chandler can get to full speed with the bye week. The season ain’t over, but as Richt said before the season started, UGA needs to take it one game at a time and concentrate on winning the east. Thes boys are elite athletes and aren’t used to having their butts handed to them. Maybe now they know how hard they will have to work to make it in big time football. There is nothing like a good butt whippin to get a young man’s attention. Also, we fans have to give some credit to Bama, they are a damn good team.

By georgiagirl

September 30, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Nachos you should know about the sh#ty bowls you been in them a lot in more than one way. Jerk

By physicsDawg

September 30, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

Along with FINISH THE DRILL, CMR needs to add the following mottos this week, and we’ll be all set:
1) HOLD THR DRILL STILL UNTIL THE BALL IS SNAPPED.
2) DON’T HOLD THE DRILL.
3) DON’T TROWN THE DRILL INTO TRIPLE COVERAGE.
4) KICK THE DRILL INTO THE ENDZONE!
5) DON’T HIT THE DRILL AFTER IT HAS TROWN THE BALL/STEPPED OUT OF BOUNDS.
6) DON’T HOLD THE DRILL WHILE THE BALL IS IN THE AIR.
Did I miss any DRILLs?

By shane #1

September 30, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this

Physics Dawg, I see a little humor in Your post, a very little, but at least You made the effort. Some of Our fellow fans seem to have panicked. It is a good thing they aren’t UGA players or coaches, as panic leads to disaster. I have lived longer than most on these blogs and if I have learned anything it’s that life sometimes kicks Your butt, and usually from the blind side. That happened to the Dawgs Saturday. It will be a valuable lesson to a young team. You guys that want to fire Richt and fire Bobo and Willie need to get a grip. Richt has averaged 10 wins a year. He has the best road record in Div 1, or whatever the hell the BCS calls it nowadays, at 27 and 4. UGA is the third largest money maker in college sports, and the new SEC TV contracts might move them into first place. Last year UGA passed UF and is now second place in the APR ratings to Vandy in the SEC. So the program is strong financially, academics are improving, and it has been among the best in recruiting the past few years. Some say that UGA should have done more with the recruits thay had, well who recruited those guys? I’ll tell you who, it was those assistants some of you want to fire. I can remember the time that a 5 star player wouldn’t let UGA in the front door and I don’t want to go back! Fire Richt? Who would You rather have as head coach? Saban, Meyer, Tubbs, Pete Carroll, Tressell, or Les Miles? I hate to break it to You but those guys probably aren’t going anywhere, and I really don’t see one I want. Well maybe Carroll, but just the other day I read some pundit that said HE was overrated. We could offer Petrino double Richt’s salary and lure him away from Arky next year, but I don’t want him either. Richt has said he wants to stay in Athens and has NEVER asked for a raise or blackmailed UGA with another job offer. UGA has a stable coaching staff and I would like for it to remain that way. Trust me, Bobo and Willie will leave one day for greener pastures, then what? Hiring even a successful OC or DC doesn’t always work out. Let’s look at some of the offensive gurus that have been hired lately, Charlie Weis, Jimbo Fisher, Clawson, Dick Rod, Franklin, see anybody setting the world on fire yet? Well, Norm Chow did win ONE game, with the help of Clawson! Or we could go back to Chan Gailey. I believe a man should be allowed to do what he was hired to do.Richt has done that in spades. Let’s let him run his program and support him. I am sure he knows more about coaching major college football than we do.

By Dawgs are bad tippers

September 30, 2008 3:34 AM | Link to this

Blackout! Just like nearly every Bulldog player after a late night of drinking! BRILLIANT!

By Dill

September 30, 2008 3:34 AM | Link to this

I said it last year and I’ll say it again. You do not win championships without a strong defense. We seem to have resolved the middle game. I have liked what I’ve seen when teams try to go up our gut. Even Alabama had trouble with that in the first half. What really killed us was our pass defense. Maybe it’s the scheme, maybe it’s poor coaching, I have a hard time believing that we don’t have talent in those DB positions. Either way, we need to fix that before we can expect to be in the dome.

And Chip, I think that Jones did very well against that mountain of a man. I was afraid that he would just blow up our line but Jones kept him very busy all night. It’s one loss, folks. We are still in this thing and I have faith that the DAWGS will rebound and make a good showing. This may not be a NC season but I think it is reasonable to believe that we may get a second shot at Alabama, or whoever is the West champion in the Dome.

By Lane4411

September 30, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

How exactly does Kiante Tripp go from:

*Starting RT *Starting LT(move understood-TS injury) *4th string tight end???

At the end of spring practice CMR, Marcus Washington and Velasco felt Tripp was the 2nd coming - NFL/All American potential. Velasco when discussing Tripp was giddy.

Realize the OL is not relevent, could someone please explain the above.

By Lost Dogs?

September 30, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

Hey what happened to Dawgy and Bull……..dawg? What’s the matter boys, elephant got your tongues?

Roll Tide!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 30, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

You would think the season is completely over. It was a terrible performance by the Dawgs and you have to give all the credit in the world to Bama for taking advantage of those chances! Again the game was deceided up front! Bama playing Juniors and Seniors on the O and D lines and UGA playing Freshman and Sophomores. The Defensive line is banged up and is without a playmaker.

UGA fans clamoring for the firing of Bobo and Martinez are insane. Stop reading enemy bloggers comments and start rationalizing those P.O.V. Yes UGA has had top 10 recruiting classes for the better part of this decade without a NT, but we also have finished in the TOP 10 almost EVERY YEAR!!! Get a grip Chicken Littles the sky is not falling, with the UF loss uga still has everything to play for. Have we forgot so wuickly how last season played out? LSU w/ 2 losses playing for the NC? Is it likely to happen again? Chances are small, but if it happened once we know its possible.

The ship has gotten smaller w/ all the bandwagoners leaping from it, so Dawg fans enjoy the extra room!!!

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By jerry

September 30, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

This was the fourth time that the Dawgs have lost while scoring at least 30 points since Willie Martinez became defensive coordinator. He has yet to prove that he can consistently prepare a superior defensive game plan against top opponents. Achilles had his heel, Richt has his Willie.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

September 30, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

You would think the season is completely over. It was a terrible performance by the Dawgs and you have to give all the credit in the world to Bama for taking advantage of those chances! Again the game was deceided up front! Bama playing Juniors and Seniors on the O and D lines and UGA playing Freshman and Sophomores. The Defensive line is banged up and is without a playmaker.

UGA fans clamoring for the firing of Bobo and Martinez are insane. Stop reading enemy bloggers comments and start rationalizing those P.O.V. Yes UGA has had top 10 recruiting classes for the better part of this decade without a NT, but we also have finished in the TOP 10 almost EVERY YEAR!!! Get a grip Chicken Littles the sky is not falling, with the UF loss uga still has everything to play for. Have we forgot so wuickly how last season played out? LSU w/ 2 losses playing for the NC? Is it likely to happen again? Chances are small, but if it happened once we know its possible.

The ship has gotten smaller w/ all the bandwagoners leaping from it, so Dawg fans enjoy the extra room!!!

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By just sayin

September 30, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Should ajc change the name of their piece called “know your dawgs” to “could you pick them out of a lineup”?

I’m not sayin….I’m just sayin…

By AltamahaDawg

September 30, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Lowcountry, its pretty comical when we lose huge games, and folks want to blame the very men who make huge games even possible. I guess it would be better to have a coaching staff that doesnt make 10 plus wins so disappointing.

Jerry , is the history of college football is that so many other coaches have teams that never get beat up 10% of the time????BTW in 3 of those, our offense was completely dead for half the game, and THAT’S why we lost, not that a 30 point effort just wasnt enough to overcome a horrible defense.

Name which of those 4 you want to start breaking down what really happened, and lets discuss. I promise you I am not claiming any one of those was a tremendous defensive effort, but thats FAR from the whole story in any of those. I can name more than 4 games in which his defense DID play a very good game and the OFFENSE failed to score enough to win. Just to be fair.

Incidentally in those games how many of the points did the other team score off of turnovers and special team blunders that contributed to the 30 points going wasted?

By bearcasey

September 30, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Has anyone ever seen a “Top Five” team beat down AT HOME as badly as UGA was bull-whipped in the first half on Saturday?

By pcdawg

September 30, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

If the defense is struggling, you need to take pressure off of the defense by scoring points with the offense. With all the skill and talent we have on offense UGA could not score a point in the first half. I put this squarely on the OC. There are too many times where I am left scratching my head on the call Bobo makes. I know he and CMR are buddies, but maybe CMR needs someone at OC that will not always agree with him.

Why are we not making adjustments on the fly? If they are stopping your game plan for an entire quarter, why would you keep doing it? Change it up. Bobo is always slow with the adjustments, he is consistently being out coached.

Example in the SC game, 3rd down and 2or3, he calls a QB draw play with one of the best running backs in the SEC. We got stuffed and SC almost came back and won the game.

Example, ASU game, they come out and throw three straight passes and punt, what was that about? You have this stud of a running back and you try that crap.

Example, do we not know how to get the running backs the ball in the flat? can they not catch the ball or something?

He relies on the screen too much when you can get the ball to the running back in the flat and let him make the first guy miss.

Get the ball to the running back in space, basic concept, does Bobo not get this one? Or am I missing on this totally?

By Eric A Dawg Fan

September 30, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I agree with you Chip Towers,

This is not over yet. Let Nick Saban, Their Team, and The Bama Fans,voice Ring From Tuscaloosa about the so called beating they did to the Dawgs.

There is an old saying that “HE WHO LAUGHS LAST LAUGHES THE LONGEST”.

The Dawgs have this week ,and next week to prepare for the Tennessee Game who routed us last year. Even though The Tennessee Volunteers are going through their storm, The Dawgs can not afford to relax on them, and think that this will be a cake walk.

We all must know by now that in this South Eastern Conference Power House Of Football Teams that are in this Conference, on any given Saturday, an S.E.C. Team can be beaten by another S.E.C. Team regardless of the Poll Rankings.

We all know this by the upsets to Georgia, Florida, and Auburn. Yet we still have undefeated Vanderbilt, Kentucky, LSU, and Alabama still out there moving toward their quest for a BCS Title.

From this point on, I advise the Dawgs to just be quiet, and allow their wins to get from this point on to speak for them. I am pretty good at predictions, and I do believe that Georgia will see Alabama again in December 2008 for the S.E.C. Championship.

There is an OLD expression that says: “They Got Us In The Wash, But We Will Get Them In The Rinse”. Which means you won the battle, but not the war.

So Dawg Team, Bama Got Us In The Wash, But We Will Damn Sure get Them In The Rinse.

The Dawgs just need to stay focused, cut out the penalties, and protect the Quarter Back. You will have no problem winning out the remaining games on the schedule.

You will be well on your way to the BCS….

HUNKER DOWN DAWGS!!!!!!!

By AltamahaDawg

September 30, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

PC, 2 of the first 3 plays were to Moreno on a short dump off to get him out in space. First one worked, second one stuffed. Tried it several more times I could count in the first few drives. And ran him both on a sweep and up the middle in the first few drives. Looking at the first half replay, they tried about as many different ways to involve Moreno as there is.

Do wonder why we run the occational headscratcher though. Trying to catch somebody napping, OR setting up for something else is all I can imagine. I guess in 40 so playcalls, we’re not going to love em all.

By AltamahaDawg

September 30, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

The other point to the play calling is that its been fairly discussed that Stafford changes the play at the line the majority of snaps now. So its not like Bobo sends down the word, “run the QB keeper no matter what you see”.

The screen passes that you believe are overused are decisions that Stafford makes going through the progression of receivers.

By pcdawg

September 30, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Guess I do need to watch the game film a little more, it is just a recurring pattern with Bobo and team. It has cost us in more ways than one.

I understand Stafford is making changes at the line, but those plays are usually also setup by the OC. Bobo and company really need to rethink the game plan preparations. Also, I can’t figure out why we are so slow to adjust to what the other team is trying.

It seems if you are running up against a team like AL you would want to run more two minute drill football to try and get them tired. We are always in the huddle, it looks like we have no urgency at times.

I guess I’m saying there are more ways than one to skin a cat, but it seems like we just keep trying the same things hoping it will work.

By ARdawg

September 30, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Altamaha

I can’t bear to watch the replay again. Actually vanilla does mean something. It is generally referred to the same defense play after play. Meaning the scheme and the look are the same.

You probably know enough of me from my posts that I am a fan of blitzing and pressure on the QB. Which in my mind was required when JPW was 7 of 8 in the first half and eating our lunch on the short slants. If you want JPW to have a bad game, put him on his butt a few times and rattle him. He felt no pressure.

We were not stopping the run or the pass. CWM didn’t adjust at all during the first half. We got away with it in the first four games but it was evident Bama was 3 notches above those opponents in talent early.

What do I suggest in such a scenario? Show blitz every play and actually go after JPW half the time. Let him guess which half. We have talented corners and safety. I know it’s a lot to put on them and we could have easily gotten burnt but we were getting hacked to death on the line and secondary.

I like CWM and all of our coaches. But when there is complete meltdown and no adjustments are made. That dog needs to be called out.

By AltamahaDawg

September 30, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Well if you could always count on the other team NOT making adjustments to your adjustments, that would be helpful.

My deal is this. UGA has had plenty of great game offensively recently with these same guys at the helm, using the same philosophies, so its not just a matter of overall failed thinking as the only obvious answer to a loss. The wins arent luck either. The best any OC can do is be correct a high percentage of the time, and I think Bobo record is exactly that. Far from perfect. Certainly he will be learning for the rest of his coaching life, but what is the standard here to guessing correctly 100% of the time. I really don’t see this history of just repeating something that doesnt work. The record certainly doesnt back that up.

I have no idea if a 2 minute drill would have been smart of not. No idea. But picture this: you in a room having a serious discussion with Coach Bobo about the merits of running a 2 minute drill and why he should have been doing that. How do you think that goes?

By AltamahaDawg

September 30, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

You are seriously going to blitz a team that is first in Rushing and dead last in passing and whose plays are 3-1 runs?

You need to watch the replay because we did not use the same thing play after play (never have, never do) and got burned a few times when we did mix it up.

There’s not a person in the world that is NOT a fan of pressure on the QB. If it was as easy as just blitz all the time, we would do that. Every team in the country would. For some reason, most do what we do, including on Sundays.

By ARdawg

September 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Altamaha

LOL….He’d make me look like a fool I’m sure and your point is well taken. It is plenty easy enough for me to watch the game knocking back a cold one and point out what he is doing wrong after the fact.

No I don’t expect him to be right 100% of the time but in this league he has to be right more than 50% of the time id he is going to be a successful coach.

Georgia has the best talent in the country on both sides of the ball. Talent will only carry a team so far the remainder is coaching. It’s X’s and O’s and preparing for the team you’ll meet this week. What in that first half lead you to believe our defense was prepared?

Do I blitz a team that is #1 rushing? Certainly when the QB is 7 for 7 and I’m down 17 points. CWM is vanilla is that he is not willing to make needed adjustments and change his game plan. I hope it is because he is sure it will work as opposed to some ego inflation.

I like and support all our coaches. I think they are quality coaches. We know WM can do it, he’s proven it before on many occasions but this doesn’t make him infallible.

By ARdawg

September 30, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Altamaha

LOL….He’d make me look like a fool I’m sure and your point is well taken. It is plenty easy enough for me to watch the game knocking back a cold one and point out what he is doing wrong after the fact.

No I don’t expect him to be right 100% of the time but in this league he has to be right more than 50% of the time id he is going to be a successful coach.

Georgia has the best talent in the country on both sides of the ball. Talent will only carry a team so far the remainder is coaching. It’s X’s and O’s and preparing for the team you’ll meet this week. What in that first half lead you to believe our defense was prepared?

Do I blitz a team that is #1 rushing? Certainly when the QB is 7 for 7 and I’m down 17 points. CWM is vanilla is that he is not willing to make needed adjustments and change his game plan. I hope it is because he is sure it will work as opposed to some ego inflation.

I like and support all our coaches. I think they are quality coaches. We know WM can do it, he’s proven it before on many occasions but this doesn’t make him infallible.

By pcdawg

September 30, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I agree, that is why some refer to it as a chess game.

I actually think talking about the merits of a 2 min. drill might go over pretty well. If you have noticed, we do pretty well with the 2 min. drill. I think it is a great way to catch a team off guard because you are going against your tendencies.

Tendencies are what got us in trouble, not only in this game, but past games as well. Good coaches figure out what those tendencies are and exploit them.

If you look at his record closely, he is very below par. How many times have we seen the defense bail out the offense in a game?

I guess I’m just not sold on Bobo, I just think the players and the fans deserve more than what we get from him. I have been saying this from the beginning, I always thought it was a mistake by CMR to put him in that position. I will eat my words if they get it together, until then, I will have to be disgruntled.

By AltamahaDawg

September 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

pc, you are a bit more confident in that meeting than I would be. I am pretty sure about the time he got 7 levels over my head, I’d be feeling pretty unprepared to tell a football coach how to do his job.

I agree with the offense not being as good as possible. You and I are in the minority that actually think most of our losses are on them.

WAY below potential, and exciting to imagine when they hit it.

I dont agree its any sort of tendencies though. I think you and i define “par”, differntly. Par to me is the norm, what everyone else does. He is not operating below par, nor does his record show that. Whatever they are doing its been at or near the top in the SEC so far in production. I am not convinced we have the best all around players at all positions right now, so we are definetely working around some issues, and I trust folks who study those to know more about it.

By pcdawg

September 30, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t really be telling him how to do his job, just that it should be considered. I think it would be a surprise for any team UGA played, to see them come out and start off in the 2 min. drill.

I am looking at more than just the win loss record against Bobo and Company. I think there have only been a few complete games by UGA since he has been the OC.

Not that I’m looking for blow outs, but it would be nice to see the Offensive team play for four quarters on a consistent basis.

If I had to grade Bobo, he would get a C+ or a B-, Average at best. But that is IMO.

Our Line is lacking at best, this has been the weakest part of the team for years. But I think they can be coached up, much like what happened last year. But I think that is to my point a little, if you know part of your line is really weak, what would you run to counter it? It is like Bobo can’t figure that part of the game out.

quick drop passes and fire away, more shotgun? Something should have worked to allow us to score at least once in the half.

What I’m really getting at is not position should be guaranteed, even a coaching position. If Bobo can’t get the job done, then he needs to be replaced.

I guess we shall see what he is really made of the rest of the year. if we have another dismal performance by the offense, I would say he is below par. but again, that is IMO.