UGA

By Oh God

February 13, 2009 8:02 AM | Link to this

Go ahead and sign them up for another PRESEASON NATIONAL CHUMPIONSHIP!!! LMAO! So now “chemistry” was the problem last year. You guys sure have a lot of excuses.

By hoopergdawg

February 13, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this

Good read, Chip. Glad to hear that other teammates are now holding others responsible…by this time last year, UGA already had some arrests I believe. Looking forward to seeing Joe Cox SHOW what it means to wear the ‘G’. He’s bulldog thru and thru.

He was already a leader, as I recall as a freshman, “Men, we need two scores, if we can’t score twice, we don’t deserve the G on our helmets.” Don’t look now but UGA normally does better when they aren’t extremely high expectations…expect another 10 win season next year. Can anyone believe Richt will start his 9th season next year?

10 win season 6 out of last 7 years (9 wins the other season), top 10 6 out of 8 years…it’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog.

By Spike

February 13, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this

We wiil surely miss Mo Mass. What a talent and a fine young man.

By OG

February 13, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

OG obsession noted, btw, your school bus is late.

By Lilburn Dawg

February 13, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

I’m so glad Stafford is gone!!! Watching last year’s games, I wanted Joe to be put into the game. Even if we don’t do any better this year than last year in the win-loss column, I think most of the Dawg nation will somehow not feel as bad about it. Unless it’s the defense that lets us down. Then you’ll see see a call for someone’s head (you know whose)!!

By Gene

February 13, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

If Georgia recruits are making college decisions based on the number they will wear, it is no surprise that the graduation rate is near the bottom.

By Atlanta Gator

February 13, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

I have a funny feeling that Joe Cox will be a strikingly better on-the-field leader for the Dawgs than Matt Stafford was. Stafford had the Big Gun, but I could never get past my impression of him as having kind of a dumb-jock mentality, even though he was a solid student and athlete blessed with talent. Cox may make occasional mistakes, but I doubt they will be what-the-hell-was-that head-scratchers. When you have a talented team, sometimes the best quarterback is one who showcases his teammates’ talent, and doesn’t lose the game with forced passes.

By lars from metallica

February 13, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

does anyone ask why the Dogs have 22 injuries going into preseason practice? some injuries are inevitable. however, given the myriad injury problems with this team over the last 5 years, why is no one talking about van Halanger, Joe T. Jr. and the strength and conditioning program? I don’t know any of the science of conditioning, but isn’t part of their job strengthening areas of the body that are injury prone? It’s entirely possible they are totally not to blame. it’s just that i have never heard anyone even address this.

By Big Al

February 13, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this

Nice article Chip. I definitely noticed a lack of leadership and chemistry last year. Jeff Owens is the man. I also love all the haters out there who get on our message board and talk sh#t. Does Tech even have a message board? The only people out there who have room to talk smack are the Gators and Atlanta Gator seems to have some class.

By GeoffDawg

February 13, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

Great analysis by Macondawg. I disagree however that Arthur Lynch should be compared to Tra Battle. While I always admired Battle’s determination to excel, there were some games where he left you believing that the only way he should be allowed in the stadium is if he bought a ticket. I think the quality across the board is too high in this class to make that kind of early association.

By Red GA Dawg

February 13, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this

In SEC which is #1 conference for talent, coaches etc. who returns a superior QB, Tebow is one of best hybrids ever, Ole Miss, LSU return top QB’s does any else jump out? There is so much that is intangible, injuries, academic losses, behvioral issues - DAWGS will be fine. 2009 schedule on paper is tough, ACC, Big 12 and Pac 10 only breather late season, as it should be, who wants to pay to see a schedule loaded with FCS teams. I hope that all the out of conference teams are tops in their conferences, then a win means something.

By Otto

February 13, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

Cox won the jobs over Stafford a few years ago. I never did want to see Stafford starting as he relied on his big arm to go for the long ball that more times than not missed. If you doubt it watch the Auburn game from this year. Cox IMO will look at his options better. Stafford did not do our defense any favors by killing drives with the attempted long play either. UGa may not win it all this year but I think they’ll have a better chance.

By Dan

February 13, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

Glad to hear the “team” approach mentioned , FINALLY! The coaches can do just so much to alter a bad chemistry- and it happens to great teams. Having two “superstars” that the media adores for several seasons doesn’t help either. Many of the other troops take on the attitude of “why try”. Again, CMR and his staff have done many things to try and alter this chemistry; however, as a coach myself, sometimes S* just happens! For me, and many of my fellow alums of UGA, we are excited about this new seasons leadership, on and off the field…GO DAWGS!!!!!

By DawgGirl32

February 13, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

Chip- Great article. I agree completely. There’s something about this year’s team that’s just….different. And I like it.

Atlanta Gator- Your post hit the nail on the head. I really like Stafford and thought he was a great QB but I always kind of felt nervous and uneasy when he had the ball. I actually feel more comfortable knowing that Joe Cox is our QB than I did with Stafford all year last year. Sometimes his decisions really left me wondering what the heck he was thinking. I’m not throwing Stafford under the bus or anything;I am just really excited about seeing what Joe Cox can do. He seems to have all the intangibles already in place.

By MC

February 13, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Oh God you must be a GT idiot if you do not think that Chemistry has nothing to do with a football team. Just look at the talented Dallas Cowboys this year.

By dancingator69

February 13, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

I hear Joe Cox works out pressing real weights inlieu of pressing empty beer kegs like Stafford!

By wreckmaniac

February 13, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

So chemistry is the problem ? I thought it was the injuries. Or was it coaching on defense ? Or was it poor special team play ? Or was it a head coach thats too mild mannered? Or was it that Reid went to FSU ? Or was it the offensive line was just too young? Man I can’t keep up the book of excuses on this team. Perhaps if the 3rd moon of Orion is lined up perfectly with the 2nd ring of Saturn which does occur in every 5th leap year then the Dawgs will do something.

By AltamahaDawg

February 13, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

OG, If poor chemistry causes broken bones and torn limaments, then yea, that’s the excuse we are using now. What excuse do you have for trolling a UGA blog at 8:00 on a Friday morning?

lars, I agree that it’s a huge concern, however last year was reported to be “the worst he’s ever been around” from Richt, so I’m betting they are studying that situation closely. It is odd that nobody really has had much of a comment about it. Might have been just a situation, where you dont openly admit weaknesses with games left to play, and no point in commenting on it now. Also, from the myriad of comments in here from folks who profess to be sports knowledgable, refusing to believe that ANY amount of injuries could ever affect the performance of a athletic team, you wonder if anyone really wanted to hear it.

UGA had only 1 truly season ending injury in 2007, so it’s either NOT the conditioning program, or easy to identify what they did differently in 2008.

By uga_b

February 13, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this

I think the question we all need answered about Joe Cox is can he lift a keg over his head? I believe that answer is an emphatic YES.

Where I really think the lack of team unity was apparent was on the defensive side of the ball. So many people out of position who did not play instinctively off each other. We have all harped on schemes (and with some good reason), the bigger problem is we didnt play well as a unit and people were always out of place. D-Line stands out but seconday and LB play werent much better.

Conversely, I think AJ, MoMass, Durham, and Moore had good chemistry that translated. Same with Knowshon and Stafford. It would have been nice to see last year’s offense with a healthy tight end.

Do we have any idea what the TE situation is going to look like next year? Figgins has the shoulder issue. White is still small. One of the redshirts?

By Tom

February 13, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

Any idea on the number of highly-touted signees that will end up having their name pinned to their shirt and put on a bus to Brain Transplant Acad-….uh….I mean Hargrave Academy?

By PTC DAWG

February 13, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

Just so everyone knows, UGA beat GT last year 45-42.

By Will

February 13, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

UGA fans do NOT need to worry much. We have as much talent up there as anyone in the league. Guaranteed! Next year we are stacked at every position with awesome players. Do not be surprised if we are 11-2 or 12-1. All we need is to buck the trend and stay healthy. Marcus Washington will be the run-stopper we didnt have last year and our Defense will be top 10. Book it! Our passing game will be second to none with AJ, Tavaras, Brown and company. I think we are going to get this kid from Tampa and our TE’s will be good at first and then great by the Tenn game. I am fired up and ready for Okie State.

By Fed Up Dawg

February 13, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

Screw chemistry. This team was soft last year. It needs to get mean and play angry. Its the only way they are going to survive. If not, expect more blowout losses to the upper echelon teams in the SEC. Alambama and Florida were very angry when they played us last year and the results speak for themselves. You can bet LSU will be equally p!ssed off this year after the way we clowned them in their own stadium last year. Heck, even Okie State and Arizona State will be looking for a little sweet revenge. Auburn, Tennessee, South Carolina, etc. are not afraid of our “chemistry.” Chemistry does not keep opposing players and coaches awake at night. Aggressive and physically intimidating play keeps opposing players and coaches awake at night. The team, particularly the defense, better man up or we’re in for some long Saturdays. You better just go ahead and prepare yourselves for that. This is SEC football, not synchronized swimming. Chemistry? Spare me the touchy feely psychobable people. Get MEAN Dawgs!!!!

By Otto

February 13, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

Wreck who is GT have offers out on anyone worth mentioning? None GT is a second recond rate program.

Injuries and chemistry played their part. Martinez has never been as aggressive on Van Gorder but he gets the job done much better than many think. It was the offense and the failed drives I mentioned above as well as injuries especially on both OL and DL that killed the season. Atleast UGA was rank #1 in the AP at some point an honor GT has never had at any point in the AP.

By Dawg Fud

February 13, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

Lars, i have asked the same question for years. 2003 was bad also.

Atlanta Gator is usually accurate with his analysis. he watches Georgia fooball and articulates his points. i agree - it helps when your QB is a vocal and demonstrative leader, ie, Tebow.

GO DAWGS!

By 1eyedJack

February 13, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

OG, like most Tech nerds have p*nis envy.

By dap01

February 13, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

What does a GT fan even read these blogs? Why is a GT fan want to blog first, spouting off the old, worn out, rehersed garbage?

Go to the Tech blog. Perhaps you will find one.

By Expert

February 13, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

I guess the question is how many of Georgia’s injuries were contact injuries and how many were non-contact injuries. Strength & conditioning only goes so far in preventing contact injuries. Those just come down to bad luck. No amount of strength & conditioning will save the ligaments in your knee if a 300 lb. man comes crashing down on your leg. On the otherhand, a proper strength & conditioning program goes a long way towards preventing muscle strains, pulls, etc. It would be interesting to see how all of UGA’s injuries in 2008 broke down along those lines. Then you might have some indication if strenght & conditioning is the problem. I remember one year that Georgia had a rash of hamstring injuries. That, in my opinion, was strenght & conditioning. They might have been overworked.

By UGA is Great

February 13, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

1st

By UGA is Great

February 13, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

sorry ya’ll, we just got intraternet hooked up to the trailer and I am new to blowgging.

By Go Gators

February 13, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

Hey dap01

Perhaps he/she is over here because UGA fans are constantly crawling all over the Tech blogs.

but back to why I am here…it’s way to early to speculate how good any team will do except for…wait for it…THE NATIONAL CHAMPION FLORIDA GATORS. It’s safe to say that it will be 3 out 4 years.

By Go Gators

February 13, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this

1eyedJack

So what would your envy of the UF program be…it’s not your fault you were just born that way jack, or should I say tiny…

By UGA is Great

February 13, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

I love my momma

By braveswin

February 13, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

My outlook on ‘09. Fla will be outstanding but repeating is tough. UGA will be improved on D and about the same on offense. UT will be improved but will still need better play @ QB. SC will be about the same as will Vandy and KY. ALA will see a drop-off due to inexperience @ QB. LSU will improve as QB situation gets better. Ole Miss will be as good next year as they were last yr. Ark, Miss St, and Aub still have a way to go. It seems to me that to win in the SEC you have got to have an experienced leader @ QB. I see it as between Fla and Ga in the East and Miss and LSU in the West and again the winner of the east being the best in the land. Of course I’ve been wrong before……..too many times to count……… and of course Ga will avenge the meltdown against GT………on that point I’m not wrong

By dawgone

February 13, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

I wish you bugs from the North Avenue Trade School would pay as much attention to your blogs as you do ours. You remind me of a neighbor’s little rat look alike dog. He comes up and nips at your heals everytime you go out in the yard. You want to kick him back into his own yard. Come next fall Georgia is going to kick Tech’s a* over the moon!

By Oledawg

February 13, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

Expert- I agree with you. Horrific injury occurred in practice as well as game because they hit so hard during practice scrimmage. It must have been tough for the coaches to not practice at full speed at the latter part of the season and it may explain that the D and others weren’t truly “up to speed”, namely game speed in the SEC. That would explain a lot of circumstances that had us all frustrated and baffled about this last year. It doesn’t explain the Stafford inconsistency in the FU game, but it helps in the others.

You might want to be careful with the “expert” moniker. My old major prof said that the word is composed of two words; An “Ex” is an unknown quantity used in Mathematics and a “Spurt” is a drip under pressure. I would avoid the word.

By Go Gators

February 13, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Braveswin, you may be right on those predictions.

Dawgone please see my post in reference to the bugs.

By DogDoDo

February 13, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

Heck yea baby. Lets plan the parade for THIS season. Last years parade got detoured.YOu UGA fans are soooo gullable. The others on this site just troll to make fun of you guys that have orgasmic reactions each time a writer says something good about your teams. Do yourself a favor and learn who your recruiting coordinator is (Garner NOT GarDner).

By george

February 13, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

my preseason predictions: double digit puppies once again end up in clarke county jail. on the field 8-4.

By Oledawg

February 13, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Folks- we are getting sensitized to injuries occurring that are common with football. We also are getting sensitized to anything occurring with teenagers who celebrate and forget about their actions reflecting on the team. Let’s don’t let these issues upset our viewpoint this next year. Ignore the poor jerks trying to come on here and get you involved with insults. You should ignore children especially weak and spineless kids who hide behind insults to obscure the hurt they feel concerning their own team. Some of these wretchbees don’t have a team to call their own and others can’t express their disappointment with their own teams , therefore they come on here and try to insult you into a gutter fight. Ignore what they type and let them blog to each other. Let’s just blog with the article and Dawg fans. Most of us wouldn’t be caught dead on other blogs, but sometimes other schools blog seriously with us. They are mature and blog about the subject under discussion(Atlanta Gator, TampaGator,etc), but most of these interlopers just want you to get upset reading their insults. Children do that when they shout insults out of a moving car because they fear you and have a way to get their scared butts away from you. So it goes with this blog when the kids come on. Don’t reply to them unless they take on a Dawg name. Look out for them trying to lead you into a conversation like they are true Dawgs. They ain’t. They are just wannabees.

By hop

February 13, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

stafford was not a leader and would have a black-0ut about a quarter of the game.

dawgs have leadership this time with cox,curran, washington and others.

this will be a great year for the dawgs similiar to ‘07.

By BILLY JACK

February 13, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this

Joe Cox record as a starting qb-133-0 pop warner-middle school-high school-college.

By 409 yards rushing

February 13, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Oh Boy!! Is it time to start talking BCS title game and national championship …again!?

easy assessment: UGA had it’s best team in years, the best team it will have for years to come …last year. It’s all downhill for Dawg Nation from here.

By Oledawg

February 13, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

Green is indeed a team man. And he learned from Massaqua. And he learned from….well, you get the idea. This bunch of new Dawgs are indeed coming in and playing selfless. Murray is also involved in recruiting. Giving up a number promised you is great. We like to look for #8 on plays, so I have the feeling that a hot new receiver may someday aspire to come to UGA and slip on #8 that Green has made famous (If we don’t retire it.).

By Music City Dawg

February 13, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

I hope everyone can gel together next season and get the job done! Go Dawgs!

By Music City Dawg

February 13, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

What do you all think about next season? I think we’ll fall early to OSU then get our butts in gear and beat Florida! High hopes, but that would be great!

By Houdawg

February 13, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chip …… good article. Although some of the usual hacks out here tried to say now we’re BLAMING lack of chemistry ….. uh, we did get to 10 wins again, nerds ( how ‘bout you ? )….. & before you say 45 - 42, we could play that 2nd half over 10 times & we’d win all 10 of ‘em !

Truth is, the difference between winning & losing is razor-thin, period. It never hurts when a team does come together with a sole purpose. Here’s hoping ‘09 is one of those …… & I really think Joe Cox is the needed spark and will surprise ( if not shock ) some pundits next season …….

By Cameron

February 13, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

You fans on here hating on Stafford are the same ones that wet your pants when he signed with us. Stafford was a good quarterback, and will be a great one. He is still learning the position and tryin gto eliminate all of the bad habits he created by trusting his arm too much. Having said that, WE WILL BE A BETTER TEAM WITH JOE COX AT THE HELM!!!

Stafford has a cannon, Cox has a good enough arm. Stafford is taller and bigger, Cox is tall enough and big enough. Stafford has better footwork, Cox has good enough footwork. Stafford was a great leader by example, Cox is a great leader vocally and by example. Cox knows the playbook inside and out. Cox has the respect of all his teammates for waiting in the wings and not transferring, even when Stafford leaving early wasn’t a given. Cox’s rah-rah attitude will be infectious throughout the offense. I will take the leadership skills and abover average athletice ability over the supreme physical skills but too laid back of an attitude.

We will have a better record next year. Cox may even put up better numbers. But, it will have more to do with being healthier and having more experienced and deeper offensive and defensive lines than anything. Can’t wait to dominate that ridiculously hard schedule. If all you are going to do is ocmplain about your team and our staff, then get off the message boards.

By Cameron

February 13, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

What do you all think about next season? I think we’ll fall early to OSU then get our butts in gear and beat Florida! High hopes, but that would be great!

We will not lose to Okla. St. We make a habit out of showing up for raod games and “statement” games. Yes, their offense is good. But, our defense is going to be nasty. Plus, they’re offense was good against those Big 12 defenses. What happened to all of the Big 12 offenses when they played good defenses in bowl games? They horribly underperformed. Remember, Oregon dominated Okla St with their fourth string quarterback. Okla St. defense is horrible, we will run all over them. Who is going to cover Dez Bryant? Good question. But, who is going to cover A.J. Green? Another good question. We will beat them, it might be close but we will get the W. Florida is a different story. I expect them to go undefeated, honestly. They return their whole team except for Harvin. And, the fact of the matter is Tim Tebow is a flat out winner.

By DawginLex

February 13, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

Good college QB’s don’t necessarily translate into good pro QB’s. Cox will never play in the NFL but neither will Chase Daniel. They are the same size and throw about the same and have some scrambling capabilities.

If the OL is improved, he won’t have to win by himself. If the D is improved, he will get more chances to score.

Let everyone take us for granted.

By Jeffie

February 13, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but I have no interest in black college football.

What? Georgia is an integrated university? You could have fooled me from that list of recruits.

By J

February 13, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this

I definately felt chemistry and leadership were a problem last year. Stafford for all his physical tools lacked leadership skills and I said that about him his entire career. When you have a 31-0 half, 35-7 half, and 26 point 3rd quarter in your 3 losses that is a definately lack of leadership and fight. When momentum turns in a game the leaders pull the team up by the bootstraps and instead the 2008 Dawgs rolled over and got kicked again. I am not making excuses cause we deserved to be 10-3 but I got a feeling that Cox and Owens leadership this year will pay huge dividends for the Dawgs.

By J

February 13, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Thank you AJ Green for keeping No. 8. I just had a number 8 bulldog jersey with “Green” on the back specially made for my son and if you had switched it would have cost me another $85. Go Dawgs!

By J

February 13, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

Oh yea one other thing, for you Tech fans that manage to come out of the wood work once or twice every 10 years how bout getting a winning streak before talking smack. Tech has not beat UGA more than 3 times in a decade since the 1950’s. Thats right UGA has won atleast 7 out of 10 games in every decade since the 50s thats the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and off course now this decade in which we have already won 7. It took the worst statistical defense UGA has had since 1899 for Tech to win this year and they still only managed it by 3 points. What a joke by the Coke.

By POS Mutts

February 13, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

What does it mean to wear the ‘G’? It means you look like dirty foot trailer park trash.

2009? 2nd best in state, lose to UF, crappy defense, etc, etc.

Good luck with that chemistry thing when you got a bunch of thug prima dona’s who only care about working on their chest bumps and getting to the NFL.

By Mark

February 13, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this

Off topic, but ESPNU is picking up one SEC game a week next year. Currently, Comcast in Atl doesn’t carry ESPNU. Does anyone have any info on whether Comcast is going to start carrying this channel? Would hate to miss any UGA games b/c I don’t have the channel.

By Just My Opinion

February 13, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Good posts by lars and altdawg. I have tried to address in other posts. Don’t think any individual is to blame, but feel the system has probably gone awry. I do not think there is enough flexibility. The injuries for the most part were NOT caused by a 300 lb lineman coming down on anyone. Most were from muscles and tendons too taut and unforgiving. The emphasis has become (I won’t say shifted since its always been this way to a degree) so much to how much one can lift and press that how flexible one is has been forgotten. Strength cannot be diminished, but endurance and stretching is what helps to prevent most of these injuries. Shoulder injuries and torn pecs are another subject, however.

By Pi$$onaDawg

February 13, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Get in line all you dawgs to say I Am Sorry to DB TARRANT. All charges were dropped for RAPE. Didn’t your convicts miss just a pushover game or two? Our boy stayed in school and waited to return to the team. I am just waiting for the Dawgs to start the weekend trips to the Clarke County Rec Center.

By MountainDawg

February 13, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

Too many of these over-hyped HS recruits buy into their press. This business of HS kids demanding certain jersey #’s is such hogwash. The downside of landing 4-5 star bluechippers is the primadonna mentality. These modern day coaches pander to the recruits far too much.

No doubt Cox has more heart & fire than Stafford. I hope he has solid success next season. The OL should be stronger & the WR Corps is solid (Durham should be a good #2 WR). TB is the key for offense…that & injuries.

Jeffie @ 3:40 - Valid point. It’s called the “caste system” & it permeates most all top sports (especially football)…

http://www.castefootball.us

By st simons

February 13, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

45-42!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha

By LMAO

February 13, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

This is just too funny. Man, I don’t even know where to begin. You gonna replace Stafford and Moreno with Joe Cox and a collection of average, unproven rbs. And you think “chemistry” is what’s gonna put the dawgs over the top. But I see that expectations are tempered to the point that no one has already annointed the dawgs the preseason no. 1. Also, the chemistry article is a nice, half-hearted, weak azz attempt to paint a prettier picture on what is sure to be a disaster of a season. It will end with yet another brutal beatdown at the hands of the gators. Book it! At the end of the season CMR will begin to feel some heat under his seat after the Fla. beatdown and a 2nd straight loss to the jackets. They are sure to lose at least 2 other games also. UGA goes 7-5 next year. You heard it here first.

By TampaGator

February 13, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

Dawggone…I am a Gator, and you are always ripping us for being on these blogs. But everytime I go to a Tech blog, most of the bloggers are on there just to rip Tech and theri fans, and almost all are Dawg fans. So don’t come on here and rip Tech fans for being on your blog. If you do, then all Dawg fans should not visit Tech blogs. Fact is, everyone visits everyone’s blogs for the fun of it and to past time until it’s time to go out to eat or go to work…or whatever. At least that is why I am here (I am waiting on you know who to get all fixed up for going out to dinner). Unfortunately, you have a lot of people who just get on here to call everyone and everything names or insults or whatever. You have to read 15 blogs to find one intelligent one in most cases. Anyway, I personally like Cox, and I have been impressed with his desire on the field. He is not all that talented, but he appears to be a winner. He played at the same high school as Leak. So he has a good football fundementals, I think. But I also don’t think the Dawgs have a chance of beating the Gators next year. The Gators are simply loaded 2 and 3 deep at mostly every postion. The only weakness might be at the offensive tackle postions depth wise. As always, I am already looking forward to seeing the game in Jax. Spring practice is just around the corner.

By Huh?

February 13, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

How can anyone be unproven and average at the same time? If they are unproven that means you know nothing about them. So isn’t it jumping the gun a bit to call them average? Typical moron hater gets his panties in such a bunch he can’t think straight.

By Atlanta Gator

February 13, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this

“Go Gators”——I hate to chastise a fellow Gator fan on a UGA blog, but you clearly have no sense of “karma.” IMHO, claiming another national championship for the Gators before the season even starts does our team no good, and might perhaps do them some harm.

Just like the team, the fans need to stay focused. Just my two bits worth.

By Vin Stooley

February 13, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

What we need is a cornerback who can really stack Dwyer up after he turns the corner with a head of steam. I mean a tough guy like Rasheed.

By proudofjoe

February 13, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

Excellent work, Chip. I’ve had an opportunity to know Joe a little through a friend here in town. First off, people forget how highly recruited he was out of HS, after breaking Chris Leak’s records. Secondly, I truly believe that he will give us the kind of leadership out of the qb position that UF sees out of Tebow. I’m not saying he’ll win the Heisman, I’m saying he will be an ‘in your face’ leader, such as we haven’t had the last three years, at the qb position. I can easily see him on the sidelines yelling at his defensive teammates, his special teams mates, etc…never really pictures Stafford as the type to do that. Hopefully a nice year is in the offing. Certainly a new dimension in the offense is on the way. Go Dogs

By wreckmaniac

February 13, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

If Cox were the answer he would have played last year. Did he even suit up ? CMR would have played Staff with two broken arms.

By YouSorrySods

February 14, 2009 1:47 AM | Link to this

It’s Friday night and all the ajc blog nerds are busy typing one handed, spit drooling rants while trying to figure out what that little voice in the back of their heads means when it asked them why don’t you have a date tonight.

Hey, Jock-wannabes, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day…do you think you’re gonna hook up here with some other know-it-none college football blogger? Wonder why normal people seem happier and concerned with things that matter? Feeling bad? Then…

Get a life, it’s free and there’ never been a better time.

Call now.

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

February 14, 2009 2:05 AM | Link to this

.

.

Point 1. I’d feel a lot better about it, if our tailbacks were slightly more proven at blocking, taking the ball down field and holding on to the football.

17 Wins and 17 Losses against Final AP Poll Top 25 teams in the Coach Richt 8-Year Era is not bad, but it is not Elite either.

We have not run the football successfully in the games against Final AP Poll Top 25 teams we have Lost to in the 8 Years of the Coach Richt Era. Take last season for example. We Lost to Alabama, Georgia Tech and Florida and handed the football to Knowshon Moreno a grand total of 13 times all 3 games. Thus, we were 1 Win and 3 Losses against Final AP Poll Top 25 teams last season.

Point 2. We missed 9 Field Goals last season, Kicked-Off 9 times out of bounds last season, and have not had a successful season ever at Returning Kick-Offs in the 8-Year Coach Richt Era.

Point 3. We were Number 72 in the nation at sacking quarterbacks last season. We need to sign yet one more bookend type Defensive End in the up-coming days somewhere somehow.

Point 4. We had not 1 Tight End on the Roster last season who caught more than 5 Passes for the season.

Therefore, I am not real big on hearing how great we are right now, or how hard we are trying, or how great we did in recruiting again.

What I want is to run the football against Final AP Poll Top 25 teams, get the ball consistently to our Tight Ends, move someone from somewhere who can actually sack a quarterback, quit kicking the ball off out of bounds, make our field goals and prove we can return a kickoff one time all season long.

We have a lot of issues.

Working hard is not going to fix them all, and neither is being buddies. We need to work on our coaching in these 4 areas of supreme weakness.

Oh, and I would like since this is Year Twenty (20) and we have Won exactly 3 times against SEC East Division foe Florida, for us to quit with the excuses about that too, and actually do something. You know ? Like have 4 wins in 20 years against Florida.

.

.

By DALLASDAWG

February 14, 2009 4:03 AM | Link to this

YOU GA FANS ARE IDIOT`S STAFFORD IS ABOUT TO BE NAMED #1 QB IN THE NFL AND YOU WANT TO COMPARE JOE COX TO HIM IF HE WAS STILL IN SCHOOL WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK CMR WOULD START AND PLAY OH BY THE WAY NAME ANY OTHER QB FOR GEORGIA TO BE NAMED #1 IN THE NFL.

By jerry

February 14, 2009 6:59 AM | Link to this

Chemistry? You mean they can make their own meth?

By UGASlobberknocker

February 14, 2009 7:06 AM | Link to this

I am enthused about Cox, and he seems to be doing all of the right thing. But the people above who suggest that Cox should have been starting ahead of Stafford must have been hanging out with Michael Phelps in Columbia.

Why is it that some people just automatically want to complain about the #1 QB no matter what; always wanting #2. These are the same people who will be hollering for Kelly or Mutt after the first 3 and out by Cox next year.

By DawgBite

February 14, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this

By Oh God

February 13, 2009 8:02 AM | Link to this

Go ahead and sign them up for another PRESEASON NATIONAL CHUMPIONSHIP!!! LMAO! So now “chemistry” was the problem last year. You guys sure have a lot of excuses.

Got rings, dumbazz?

By DawgBite

February 14, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this

By wreckmaniac

February 13, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

So chemistry is the problem ? I thought it was the injuries. Or was it coaching on defense ? Or was it poor special team play ? Or was it a head coach thats too mild mannered? Or was it that Reid went to FSU ? Or was it the offensive line was just too young? Man I can’t keep up the book of excuses on this team. Perhaps if the 3rd moon of Orion is lined up perfectly with the 2nd ring of Saturn which does occur in every 5th leap year then the Dawgs will do something.

Got rings, dumbazz?

By shane#1

February 14, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

BuLLdawg, good post, very thought provoking. I agree that there are issues on this team, and that hard work and team chemistry won’t solve them all. However, team chemistry and hard work are essential to having a successful team. It all begins and ends with the players, since coaches don’t suit up. Some UGA players are stepping up as leaders, players like Curran, Owens, Sturdivant, and Washington. I like the fact they are a collection of tackles and linebackers, since I believe that good teams are strong from the inside out. IMO, team chemistry is the difference between a collection of athletes and a football team. The Dallas Cowboys have better athletes posistion by posistion than the Steelers, the Steelers worked together as a unit toward a common goal, and have another ring.

By Pitbull

February 14, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

The offense and defense will both be fine as long as our LB’s and DB’s learn to wrap when they tackle.

I am more concerned with our special teams play. We looked awful last season with short kickoffs, missed field goals, and kickoffs out of bounds.

It is 1/3 of the game and either puts the offense in position to score or puts the defense in the position of having to continually keep the other team out of the endzone.

We may have beaten Michigan State in the bowl, but the defense had to continually rise to the occasion due to misscues by special teams.

The year we went 9-4, we would have been 11-2 if we had not lost our field goal kicker.

Georgia special teams need to wake up and stand up.

By CHARLOTTE DAWG

February 14, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

Stafford was pretty quick for a big boy. Is Cox as fast? Just wondering. I don’t know as I’ve never seen him scramble and have no 40 yard dash stats.

By Spanky

February 14, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this

Charlotte Dawg,..from what I’ve heard, Cox is a tad faster that Stafford. What’s really gonna make him faster is an experienced O-line coming back next season. A softer schedule won’t hurt, either!

By knoxdawg

February 14, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

Stafford ia a talent but he lacked leadership qualities. I enjoy beating UF as much as anyone but I tip my hat to them for their season. They had their season because of leaders such as Tebow who gave it their all on every play. Now we have to face them and him again.

It will be interesting to see what happens in 09. UF will no doubt be picked to repeat but that is not an easy feat. I believe being talked highly about now can cause problems once the season starts. I feel players tend to slack up in off season conditioning/workouts when picked to finish high in the polls. They get caught up in believing everything that is written about them.

UF is in that position now and it could hurt them. Only the 09 season will tell us if that is the case.They are the team to beat in the SEC. I am sure that UGA, UT, Ole Miss, LSU, SC, etc are all working hard to get bigger,stronger and faster. We will find out in the fall if it pays any dividends.

Injuries are always a factor in how well a team does. Look at how effect UF was w/ Harvin vs w/o Harvin. Lineman injuries are harder to gauge but are sometimes even more critical. One block or one tackle can make the difference in a win or a loss.

The talent on these teams is so close that one play or one area of play can make the difference. A kick off out of bounds giving the opponent a starting position on the 40 vs a kick off in the endzone and starting on the 20 is a good example. More can happen to you or for you in an 80 yard dive vs a 60 yard drive.

No area is more or less important than another. Offense, Defense, Special Teams, Conditioning, Injuries, Motivation, Penalties, etc are all part of the game and are all very important. Timing of a penalty can kill a drive or cause a field goal instead of a touchdown. A fumble at the 50 may not hurt as much as a fumble at your opponents 10 or your 10 yard line. So many variables go into a game and no one can control all of them.

I am loking forward to the 09 season as we are all winners right now. Lets enjoy being free to watch games and to live in a great country like the US. Go Dawgs, Go Gators, Go Tech - lets just have fun!

By AltamahaDawg

February 14, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

Freshman Placekicker.

By Dawg Tired

February 14, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

Nice article Chip. As to those on here who apparently have never played sports (that would be those who are criticizing you and others on this blog who have figured out that one of the problems last season was a lack of leadership, which always leads to poor chemistry), they just continue to demonstrate a lack of understanding about all the many things it takes to make a truly successful team. The indicators that something was amiss last year were blatantly obvious to many of us from the very beginning. I have stated several times on these AJC blogs it was lack of leadership and chemistry (I have also criticized the defensive coaching at times for being too passive).

I, like others who have posted, never really understood why Stafford was not benched on those occasions where he was clearly having a terrible day. Joe Cox has always performed well when given the chance. IMHO, he should have been given that chance a few times last season. Next year may be good, not so good, or even terrible. No way to know until the games are played. However, I am confident Joe Cox will lead more effectively than Stafford. Now, that is not a criticism (as some uninformed folk seem to think) of Stafford. The QB is not necessarily always the team leader. He usually is. Last year no one stepped up. Yes, hindsight is 20-20. With that improved vision, it is also clear to me that Moreno was not a leader. A leader does not take himself out after running the ball three plays in a row when his team is attempting a comeback. Obviously not having Owens all season was more damaging from a leadership role that from a depth role.

With Cox and Owens on the field, we should be fine from a leadership perspective. Will we avoid the injury bug? Will the defense play with more aggression? Will someone step up to run the ball well? Will the coaches make good decisions? Will we get the big breaks every successful season sees? Only time will tell.

By DAWES

February 14, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

you tech fan that keep putting the score 45 to 42 i would not be so happy about 1 game in 8 years the dawes out score your by i don.t know how much in the last 8 years so take that and shut up your mouth

By DAWES

February 14, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

you tech fan that keep putting the score of 45 to 42 i would not be so happy winning 1 game out of the last 8 years i don.t how we have out score your in the last 8 years so shut your mouth go georgia bulldog we are always no.1

By Where is my spoon?

February 14, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

Does that affect chemistry?

By Iceman

February 14, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

All other SEC teams…beware the up and coming monster known as AJ Green. You have been warned.

By AltamahaDawg

February 14, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this

Psst….AJC, there was a basketball game in Athens that ended an hour ago!!!!!

By Dan Halen

February 14, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this

Yep, My dawgs is gonna be number 1 preseason cause we gonna have that there chemistry.

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

February 15, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this

No, we are not going to be Number 1 preseason because we are going to have that there chemistry.

That is just a spin, just like last season when the AJ-C said that Georgia Tech had such a great year. They did not. They ended up Number 22 in the Final AP Poll. That is not great.

Do you want to know what makes great chemistry ?

You start the game with a kick-off return we have absolutely sucked at, or with a kick-off, which we have also totally sucked at.

Against the Final AP Poll Top 25 teams, you have to be able to run the football against them too; and, handing the football off to Knowshon Moreno 13 times only against Alabama, Florida and Georgia Tech is not my idea of being able to run the football. This season, we really do not have a running back who has proven he can block, run the football, nor frankly even hold onto the football.

When you pass the football, you have to pass the football effectively to your Tight Ends in this Offense. 5 catches is the most catches any Tight End had on this team all season long combined. You should approach that number in 1 game. We played 13 and no tight end had more than 5 catches all season long.

We are Number 72 in sacking opposing quarterbacks. We are not going to chemistry our way to sacking quarterbacks and frankly, did a less than stellar job of bolstering defensive end and tight end in this recruiting class.

When we did get down the field, we missed field goals once a game. That, too, is not going to be fixed by any chemistry. Excuse me.

We were Losing 49-3 to Florida when we finally put Joe Cox in. Now, this year is 2 Decades, 20 years, and we have a grand total of 3 wins against Florida in all this time. We are not going to chemistry our way out of even The SEC East. We have a lot of issues, and frankly we are not addressing them with discussions of chemistry, discussions of how great we recruited which we did not for the glaring holes on this football team still remain glaring holes, and discussions of how hard we are working.

Call it like it is, and cease and desist with this crap about chemistry when what we need is far better coaching in these 4 glaring areas of weakness on this football team today.

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

February 15, 2009 12:41 AM | Link to this

And, did I mention DO NOT GET ARRESTED ALL SUMMER LONG, again ?

By joe_h

February 15, 2009 2:09 AM | Link to this

However, I am confident Joe Cox will lead more effectively than Stafford. Now, that is not a criticism (as some uninformed folk seem to think) of Stafford. The QB is not necessarily always the team leader. He usually is. Last year no one stepped up.

No, you’re just another delusional idiot. You have absolutely no clue what kind of leader Stafford was because you were never around him or the team. You were never in the locker room. You are simply talking out of your as*.

You “Joe Cox is our savior” idiots are going to learn the hard way that Joe Cox isn’t even half the QB Matt Stafford was, and it’s not even close. He doesn’t have anywhere near the arm strength, size, athletic ability, strength, or talent of Stafford. Joe Cox couldn’t have made either of the throws Stafford made to win the games against Auburn or Kentucky, Like I said, you’ll have to learn the hard way.

By Columbus Dawg

February 15, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this

I think we will look more like the offense of 2002, with more methodical drives with less of the long strike attempts. Coach Richt as well as admitted that he was giving Stafford the freedom to make his own long ball decisions. Stafford did, as it turns out, have an NFL agenda, so this may have led to his attempting the long ball for his own numbers sake. That being said, I think Coach’s Richt and Bobo will be designing, and calling the deep plays more along the lines of how Richt did it with David Greene, when he had the 2002 offensive line. We think, and surely hope that our lines on both sides of the ball will be improved. I think Coach Richt gets in on the special teams coaching to shore up this area as well.

By Dawg Tired

February 15, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

Joe-H - Would you like to compare any of the following:

My playing football experience against your football playing experience;

My coaching football experience against your football coaching experience;

My IQ against your IQ;

I submit you will be a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest.

P.S. I have been on the sidelines during football games at Sanford stadium. Have you? My guess is that they would not allow someone with your vocabulary down there.

Nothing personal intended but I do not appreciate people who call people idiots on a blog. It is inappropriate.

By Mobile Dawg

February 15, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this

Lot of excellent points made, this looks like a collection of some of the most intelligent posts I’ve read in a while.

I have a good feeling about Cox as quarterback. I remember a lad named Belue that wasn’t great but could find a way to win when it was necessary. He was a winner, but you have to remember all the playmakers around him that could pick up the slack and make a play when needed, Woerner, Hoage, Robinson, Scott, Walker, the list goes on.

To those that dare say “Chemistry” isn’t an important ingredient to success I say re-evaluate your statements and thoughts. The blogger who made reference to the Cowboys, Shane#1 is right on point. This is a team sport requiring unselfishness and committment, to common goals and each other.

I have no expectations for the upcoming season at this point except to enjoy it for what it is, entertainment.

By Dawg Tired

February 15, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

Mobile Dawg - Good and thoughtful post.

By nwizzle dawg

February 15, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

I get sort of the same feelin I had as when I did when Shockley got his turn, which is pretty good….I just think that if Searles can coach that line up like we all know he can, we’ll be tough to beat, but i dont feel as good about the running backs. I believe somebody will step up though