The Junkyard Blawg

By Doubledown

January 3, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Trouble is, I’m not sure that we even HAD a strategy. I agree about the wake up call- too bad it didn’t get to the team until the second quarter. I don’t care who you are, when your D puts you in a 28 point hole, it is very hard to dig out of it. I’ll give credit to Shock- he left it out there on the field and played his tail off but he and the offense could not overcome the poor tackling, flat-footed defense.

I hope that we learn something from this and not have to live it again….

By gdawginkalamazoo

January 3, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Bill, Jon Fabris needs a clue. You see this crap and wonder how these guys are employed. Who doesn’t send at least ONE GUY in to put a little pressure on the punter? Maybe the one guy could at least start yelling FAKE PUNT and we have a chance to stop him.

Hats off to WVU. 382 Rushing? Damn impressive. Slaton for Heisman next year. Can we hire a defensive coordinator that can stop the run? Slaton and White are good but 382 yards? I notice that a lot of our attempted tackles were at the guys feet and they just danced right out of them. Schmitt their fullback was a tough dude to tackle. “Blew by Blue” to the tune of Blue Bayou. Can’t hit em if you can’t catch em.

By crs

January 3, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Dogs were definatly flat coming out, that said, WVU runs a gimmick offense that was somewhat impossible to prepare for, their speed in the backfield was quite impressive. It reminds me somewhat of the Georiga Southern game last year, they too run an unusual offense that is tough to scheme and prepare for and certainly WVU’s talent is substantially better than GSU. Most teams down 28-0 would have packed it in but the dogs kept fighting which is a tribute to Richt. Bowl games a month after the season is problematic as I am sure it is tough to get the kids back up for a game post holiday. Auburn had the same problem, they were flat too as was Miami and others. Take this loss with a grain of salt. We lost three games by a total of 8 points.

By Doubledown

January 3, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

I agree crs, 3 games by 8 points, but man, it sure is nice to think what if ?

regarding the punt- I found it difficult to watch them with their schoolyard punting formations, but I have to give them credit- they did work….

By Michael Scharff

January 3, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

This was the second time this season that we began a game completely unprepared to play. In Jacksonville, it took us an entire half to look like we remembered how to play SEC football. Last night, it didn’t take as long, but the results were unfortunately the same. Bill, I don’t know if you were listening to the pre-game show, but at one point, “Hondo” actually asked Coach Richt about their punting game and the rugby style they employ. Coach said that W.Virginia could do many things out of that set, including a fake. So, that makes it seem obvious to me that we at least considered it when studying film. Unfortunately, we only rushed one guy, and when W. Virginia released, we bit hook, line, and stinker (pun intended).
As to the last rushing T.D. by W. Virginia, on t.v., Bob Griese showed how one of our guys (I can’t remember which one now - sorry) was playing out of position, and the W. Virginia back ran to exactly where our guy should have been playing. When there was nobody home, he hit the hole and ran to daylight. Major KUDOS to Shock a classy and wonderful performance by a classy and wonderful athelete and gentleman.
One more thing - I assume that the lousy weather was interfering with ABC’s sattelite feed. My audio was on all night, but about every three to five minutes, the picture would black out for 5 - 10 seconds, making an already frustrating game even more so. And finally, Bill, do you have any idea if there is a rule that says that the networks have to run the feeds on a delay? I wanted to listen to Munson, but it was even more frustrating when he was calling the plays about two to three seconds ahead of the network feed.

By John

January 3, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Just like the Florida game,it took our defensive coaching staff much too long to wake up and make the neccesary adjustments. I cannot believe Van Gorder would have allowed that to happen.

By crs

January 3, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

What about Tunnunu(SP?) at Tech, he seems to get a lot done with little talent. I think we need to make a play for him. obviously Richt knew that WM was not best at defensive coordiantor hence going with Van Gordner. We need to make a change I think now, defense was shaky the last quarter of the season. Also Eason has to go at wide recievers, we continue to lose out on top wr talent because the wideouts never get better at UGA. Anyone else want to make these changes and/or others?

By DoubleDown

January 3, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t really know what to make of it when 2 of the top defensive teams in the country forget how to play D at the same time.

I think the month off affects teams in wierd ways ie: Miami, Auburn, UGA, and even GT…

Shock, thanks for one helluva year and good luck in your future career- you are one classy dude and we will never forget your loyalty and commitment to the U

DD

By JamesD

January 3, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

Great Game neers you came out and did your thing. As for the great SEC Defense that Georgia was support to have what the f. They ran the ball 99.9 percent of the time how we did not put 8 or 11 men in the box on every play is beyond me. They had 4 wideouts lined up every time but their come a time when you have to ignore them and look for the run. If a team has passed 600 yards on you out of a goal line formation you don’t using a rush prevent type Defense. I rarely saw 5 men Georgia’s D line.

With that said not a bad rebuilding year. I wish all the seniors luck in the future.

DJ is the man. Threw more TD then Green did in his best season.

Do you think this will hurt our recruiting?

By Cuz

January 3, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

UUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

Hats off to West Virginia, they showed up to play and to prove a point. They did both. I had fun talking with the WVU fans before the game and they were gracious in accepting my congradulations after the game. The BCS will see a lot of the Mountaineers for the next few years.

Most Dawg fans hung in till the bitter end. I was proud of the way we kept cheering for the team. Everyone around me yelled watch for the fake. I guess the nosebleed section was too far away for Coach Fabris to hear.

DJ was once again impressive trying his heart out to lead what would have been the greatest comeback in bowl history. Hard to overcome a 28 point defict. DJ my hat is off to you. You finish your career as one of my TOP DAWGS of all time. I look forward to watching you on Sundays.

Time to get some rest. We’ll tee it up next year.

GO DAWGS!!!!

By Bill King

January 3, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

The delay between TV and radio is caused by the TV signal having to bounce off a satellite. You get even more of a delay if you’re watching on cable or DirecTV because that signal, again, is bouncing off another satellite. It can make it really weird to listen to Munson while watching the game on the tube.

By crs

January 3, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Loss to WVU I don’t think hurts us recruiting wise. I think kids pick schools based on playing time, position coach, said schools ability to put position in the NFL, and overall comfort with the school itself. I think the #1 thing that really hurts us with dynamic talent is that we don’t crush opponents. Kids like stats and to score points and I think MR has to be a little more open to those things.

By ArmyDAWG

January 3, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

One of the few times Mark Richt was outcoached!! Fire Martinez or start playing aggressive defense!!!! It was very clear that the Dawgs underestimated WVU. UGA thought they won the game before the kickoff! Tough lessons learned!

PS…Urban that is how the spread offense is run!!

By Bill King

January 3, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Actually, that was a one-dimensional spread offense. Imagine how much tougher it will be to deal with when they throw and run equally (like Florida will, once they get it all figured out). Scary!

By AR

January 3, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

I find reading some of these blogs gives me a migrane….. UGA just got beat!!!!!!!!!! Please accept defeat and move on. Yes, UGA has a better, more elite program and team but last night they got BEAT, period….. WVU played a hell of a game. I was glad to see UGA loss, I am a VA Tech fan and I am use to them losing big games so welcome to my world.

By Robert

January 3, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Loved it! Will SEC fans still “poo-poo” the Big East in football now?

The SEC bowl results supports the fact that the SEC is at best the #5 football conference in the nation this year. Live with it!

By animaldr

January 3, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

My thoughts are many following the game.

First off congrats to WVU! They played with emotion and they did what they needed to do.

The WVU fans I encountered at the game were very pleasant, fun group. One guy said, “Maybe we’ll see you again next year.” That would be fun, but we have alot of work to do to get back to the sUGAr bowl next year.

I am also proud of the Dawgs for hanging in there and fighting back.

Some coach on our staff had better figure out the spread option and do it fast.

I will never be able to understand not staying on the line to guard against the fake punt.

One comical note- After seeing a male twirler, and two male flag twirlers with the WVU band my image of a “mountaineer” will forever be changed. It is an odd world we live in today!

The final 3 qtrs were 35-10, but you cannot give a good team 28 pts. and 3 turnovers.

Again congrats to the Eers. Ya’ll will have an excellent team next year and will be headed back to the BCS. I think for us Dawg fans it may be 2 years for us to get back- But, the good Lord willing, we will see you again!

It’s still GREAT TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDOG! GO DAWGS!

By Mark

January 3, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Woof , ouch , woof , ouch , woof , ouch. How embarrasing to be a bulldog fan ,I’m hanging my head in shame. WV had no business winning this game. Georgia wasnt prepared to play football , three fumbles , numerous stupid penalties and a coaching staff that was out coached at every turn. Three loses by eight freaking point’s , just a bunch of underachiever’s. Woof , ouch , woof , ouch , woof ,ouch.

By phillygator

January 3, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

You guys suck!! Hahaha Losers. You keep calling it a gimmick offense yet you are now 0-2 against it. I would like to also add that two teams and a total of 6 possesions were touchdowns against your defense. The gators 1st 2 possesions equaled td’s and west virginia’s first 4. So much for that phrase this offense cannot win in the SEC. I loved “geechee’s” quote that pathetic losers from west virginia would never win against a team like Georgia. Like you guys are some f*** great team! Same record as florida. Next year we a fast team coming in and it is players that are suited for this offense, not Zook’s players. You might as well mark your calender now 15 out of 17. Looking forward to it. Those lizards you love to hate are BACK!! We have major momentum and have accomplished things this year no florida coach has ever done. That is beat Tenn.,UGA, and Florida state in the same year and win the Bowl game. gator country is stoked for next year. Good job embarrasing the Sec last night, losing to the big least. Way to go. That should help you in recruiting. Plus that was a home game for you and you still choked.

By Matthew

January 3, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Mountaineers… and guys on this board like EerMarked…

CONGRATULATIONS

I am one humbled Dawg, and that is not a bad thing.

You gave us everything but the kitchen sink. That call on 4th down was genius, and I blame Coach Richt for not having his guys even consider that it could happen.

But y’all won it fair and square. OUr defense was humbled, and now we know that at least West Virginia out of the Big East has a heck of a lot of speed.

I want a rematch! Next year in the Sugar Bowl. Your guys against our guys (led by Joe Cox and Massaquoi).

Congratulation again, and y’all were good sports on here, accept for Steve Miller and westvirginiawill.

Man oh man… I just wish Shock coulda had one more chance to try. Coach Richt should take the blame for not having the guys prepared for a fake.

BUT

Coach Richt did a great job in getting the guys to come back and make stops and adjust. SO all of y’all lay off!

Blame coach for the fake punt, but after being humiliated for the first 18 minutes, he had the boys calmed down and ready to come back.

I’m proud of this team, SEC Champions.

And remember… after 1980, Dooley lost 2 straight Sugar Bowls with Herschal. So you can’t win them all.

Congrats Dawgs. And congrats Mountaineers.

By mike

January 3, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

ok UGA fans. I took a lot of crap from UGA fans for the last month when I said the Mountaineers had a chance. I was laughed at and heckled at the game for wearing my Big LEAST championship t-shirt. to all the DAWG fans who thought the Mountaineers were not in their league. GOTCHA. I wanted the Dawgs to lose not because of their team(which i like)nor their coach(who I think is awesome) but more to get back at all the arrogance the DAWG fans have. Mountaineers have been waiting a long time for this game. the Mountaineers were ready. If UGA wasn’t who’s fault is that?? The only breathing thing I felt sorry for in the GA dome last night was Uga. Poor dog, seemed to be pretty scared of the musket. All kidding aside, it was a wonderful to be a mountaineer fan. I have a feeling we may be back for a year or 2. Once White learns to pass be afraid, be very afraid.

By Matthew

January 3, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Mr. King…

Terence Moore is a reprehensible human being.

His article today, printed not even an hour after the loss isn’t fit to wrap fish with.

Something has to be done about this reverse-racist bigot who still garners a check every month from this rag.

He is everything that is wrong with America, and spits on Dr. King’s message with every article he writes. The man has no character and no soul. He is Satan incarnate.

By Hairy Dawg

January 3, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

Matthew,

Terence Moore has always written columns like that. That’s why he keeps his job. When a columnist consistently makes the readers angry, he has a job for life. As soon as I read the title of the column and a few lines of it, I just shrugged my shoulders and thought, “Well, that’s Terence.” He’s not going to change for you or anybody else. However, if I were D.J. Shockley, I’d be more inclined to want to punch him in the face.

By Matthew

January 3, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

When I read that article, I got so angry I shook… my hands shook as I wrote my reply, which I admit, I am a bit ashamed of.

That man is the worst piece of filth humanity has to offer. He is a dealer in hate. He is a merchant of discontent and misery.

Something has to be done about him.

He needs to be fired, or reprimanded publicly. I know there is a vast majority out here that believes as I do.

Terence Moore is evil.

He is insidious, deceitful, and a horrible, horrible excuse for a human being.

By GW

January 3, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

I could take this loss with a grain of salt if I didn’t see a pattern developing. Since Arkansas the UGA defense is coming out of the locker room to start a game totally flatfooted. The scheme is very basic, sit-back-and-wait to see what’s coming and the entire defense leaves their feet when trying to tackle. Basic scheme is OK if fundamentals are sound. The LB play has been terrible all year. What WVa. did wasn’t as complicated as reported. We let them outnumber us up front. Two safeties 15 yards deep didn’t help. Alabama faced a weird offense from Texas Tech but still pressured the Red Raiders and shut them down. You can’t play scared on defense against today’s speed. They run by you while you’re videoing the game. The defensive approach must change before 2006 season. Do something aggressive even if it is wrong. It won’t hurt. Two 500+ yard surrenders in last 4 games. No, I’m not a coach but I’m not sure Martinez is a D1 DC either. Is there too much “thud” in practice to avoid injuries? We’re getting hurt anyway.

By Robert

January 3, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

LMFAO!!! What do UGAG fans and radical Islamic militants have in common? A blind and irrational belief in their own way of thinking. Loved the game. Loved the fake punt. Loved the Moore article.

By Reality Check #3

January 3, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Sugar Bowl Tickets: $300

Game Concessions, T-shirts and Hats: $150

Another UGA loss against a highly-ranked opponent to go with a hundred or so others the past 20 years” PRICELESS!!!!!!

By ben

January 3, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

WV wanted it more. Hats off to kids seizing the momentum and doing something with it. Makes you think of Spurrier’s players.We may see a lot of this in the future.

By Myron

January 3, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

UGA fans, If you want to see a real defense, go no further then the BAMA.

By Ted

January 3, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Here’s the plain and simple fact: Willie Martinez is an IDIOT. He couldn’t call a defense if his a* was on fire. I love my Dawgs, but they got what they deserved. They couldn’t tackle spit. Martinez lost the Florida game because he couldn’t blitz - he lost the Sugar Bowl because he wouldn’t put in four linebackers to go east and west on the offensive line.
Nothing to say about the Fake Punt except: Dawgs looked like PeeWee PUPS!!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ….

By paul

January 3, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

I was watching the game last night and after the time out with less than 2 minutes and a punt situation the cameras show 2 bulldogs back for a punt.I jumped up and thought are they nuts?Well they must have 7-8 guys up on the line.They then pan to the line and I see 2-3 guys there.I know a fake punt is coming now.I mean the only way West Virginia would have stopped Georgia after a punt would have been a turnover.Even a punt put down at the one all they need is a field goal.The amazing thing was they had the timeout to dicuss all this.I am no football genuis either but that was the first thing I thought of.And one other thing that did not help was them taking their time down 2 scores.West Virginia used up 8 minutes on the drive to start the second half without scoring.What were they thinking.

By Cuz

January 3, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Gee Mark, is it possible you are a Tech fan.

And what game were you at last night Mike? Most of the fans on both sides I saw were having a great time talking about their teams and their seasons before the game. I came away with a lot of respect for the WVU fan base that made the long trip in support of their team. I said earlier that WVU took control and won the game. Sure every loss is not fun, especially a bowl game, but the true fans will stay and the bandwagon guys will jump ship only to clambor back aboard in August next year.

It is, and always has been, GREAT TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDAWG!!!!

By Don

January 3, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what Richt says they were not ready for the fake punt and everybody that knows anything about the game knew it was coming, except the Georgia coaching staff. Setting up for a return was irrelevant. Ball at the 1 foot line or 20 yard line doesn’t matter. Georgia only needs to get it to the WV 45 to be in kicking range on that turf.

Linebackers were missing in action.

Fumbles were caused by good hard hits.

Personal fouls.

Defense failed to make adjustments.

West Virginia out played then and deserved to win.

DJ should have transferred. I’m happy that he stayed around but he would have been a four year starter at many other schools. Watched him play high school ball. Upset I only got to see him play one year of college. Hopefully we will get to see him play a few in the NFL. He is a class act and will be missed. He is one athlete that is and will coninue to be a good role model.

By dawg hater

January 3, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

told you guys ha ha ha

By Lifelong Mountaineer Fan

January 3, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

I just wanted to check the local paper to see what the Georgia perspective on the game was. I am ecstatic that my Mountaineers won. You guys spotting us a 28 point lead was not a good idea. However, you made me very nervous for the rest of the game, right up until the fake punt. I didn’t think we’d do it, even though I was screaming for it.

Hold your heads high, Dawgs! You have nothing to be ashamed about. You were beaten in a great game by the Big East Champions and one of the top 10 teams in the country. Your team showed great poise and composure to be able to chip away at the deficit and make a game of it. If not for the fake punt, I suspect you would have won the game.

Congratulations to Georgia and it’s classy fans!

But most of all…

Bold: ..HOW ABOUT THEM MOUNTAINEERS!

By DAWGSR1

January 3, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t agree more it was obvious from previous plays that we had left the fake punt open, and more than once. With our touchdown drives ranging from 80-90 yards we were more than capiable of putting together a drive in 1:20 with 2 timeouts left, so why didn’t someone see this and protect against the fake? This game was blown by the coaches. They should have had the team better prepared and West Virginia broken down. Lets face it, WVU isn’t that complicated of a team on offense, defense, OR special teams.

By WVULAWGRAD

January 3, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Wanted to extend my sympathy to all the SE fans who saw a good conference end on some bad notes. Admit it, the bold: BIG EAST is nowhere near as weak as you thought. The SEC is a good conference but the speed which you were so proud of wasn’t enough to hang with Slaton and White…As for your players, all of them but BLUE seemed classy but his comment in teh Atlanta paper that WVU is nto a Top 10 team is funny. If WVU is not Top 10, what are you…25?

I would have thought that underestimating WVU had been taken to the limit by Wake Forest in the 2005 NCAA B-ball tourney but you fans were even more cocksure than Wake and you both fell hard.

BTW, Sugar Bowl Champs and Elite 8 in B-Ball in same year, when is last time UGA did that?

Thought so…Good luck finding a replacement for Shockley, he is a hell of a QB….

By Pittsburgh Bulldawg

January 3, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

Why was Georgia defense so unprepared for West Virginia’s lame @ss spread offense? Living in Pittsburgh, I see West Virginia play 4-5 times a year and they run the same lame a* 5 plays they ran last night over and over again since Rodriguez has been the coach. I doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know, that you play tight man in coverage and keep eight in the box, with your defense ends playing contain and this WVU offense goes nowhere, because Pat White can’t throw down field. I hate to see people fired, but Willie Martinez has to take the blame for last night loss. I can’t believe how much the Dawgs D misses Brian Van Gorder. Even though 10 wins and a SEC Championship is nothing to sneeze at….but since I live close WVU, this loss is going to sting for a long time.

By Other Mark

January 3, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Hell Dawgs - your defense kept you in the games most of the year while Richt’s offense looked like Chan’s. Sometimes great defenses get picked apart and then the offense is not prepared to do it.

Richt came out playing his normal game of protect the ball and by the time he realized he was in a real dogfight, he was down 14-0. Then he got it going, but two turnovers made it 28-0. Game over.

You guys are saying fire Martinez and hire Tenuta - did you see our defense get fired-up by the same damn offense??? You guys need to dry out, think and then go on and cry. You got your asses kicked.

Love - your Jackets

By Gene Coen

January 3, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

Dawgs you got held by the “eers” Congrat to UGA program. D.J. is a class act and will make it big in the NFL. You learn by mistakes. You got beat fair and square so quit whinning. Maybe a rematch down the road. But for now the Mountaineers are real. Be big boys and suck it up.

By wvufan

January 3, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

Dawg fans: Great game. I was expecting Ga. to dominate time of possession with their terrific balance of run and pass. The beginning of the game obviously changed that, and we were able to run effectively more than I dreamed. Our recruiting has picked up recently, though not to the level of a top-tier SEC team like Ga., but getting closer. By the way, is phillygator typical of Fl. responses? I guess those comments are the result of long-term drug affects.

By scooter

January 3, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

Bill.. if you were only the coach. Man, we would NEVER lose a game. Ugh.. The reality is that three turnovers to their zero turnovers were the difference… notwithstanding all the yards. The fact is, WVU scored 10 points after 1st quarter, which ain’t bad for those of you who believe that defense is supposed to keep the other guys from scoring.

Agree with you that we should have had some other set when they keep 3 blockers protecting the punter like that. Take it easy on Fabris though. We have some of the best special teams in the country. We won alot of games on their backs. And the kicking game may be our best offense and defense next year… Look at it as a blessing of sorts. Sort of helps us understand how much pressure this offense can put on an aggressive defense. Better learn our lesson now than when we play gators next year.

By Dennis

January 3, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

When was the last time that the SEC Champion ended the year out of the top ten? That is just disgraceful. The SEC had better take a good look in the mirror and take stock in what has happened the last two years. Auburn goes undefeated and is shut out of the Big game and this year UGA back doors into the Championship and fumbles the reputation of the whole conference. All of the probations (and you can put almost every team in the column of having been on probation at some point during the last 10 years) have made everyone weak and the whole conference has suffered because of it.

By WVULAWGRAD

January 3, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

Maybe SEC teams should stop cheating and those probations don’t happen…Just a thought, not a lot of Big East teams on probation for violating NCAA rules, and we still get ome killer recruits.

UGA, you do realize that you just got outrun by two “2 star” FRESHMEN recruits….

Ouchie!

By vetteDAWG

January 3, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

My hat is off to the Mountaineers - CONGRATS !!! Man - the QB & TB are FAST. W.V. just came out & B*@CH SLAPPED US. When we finally woke up we were OK, it was just TO LATE.

For all these “SO CALLED” Dawg fans calling for everyone’s head - PLEASE RELAX. This was our rebuilding year & we still won the S.E.C. Championship (sorry “SOUR” Eagle fans).We were 5th in the NATION in scoring defense this year & had to fill a lot of holes with injury’s & graduation. I agree that something should of been done on the fake punt. You need @ least 3 guy’s on the line.Prior to that play the guy w/ me made the comment on the previous punt how they probably could of made it on that one had they faked it.We done the same thing !!!

I don’t know what next year will bring, but I HAVE FAITH in this coaching staff.We play 6 out of our first 8 games “Between the Hedges”. Spurrier & S.C. will be the 1st BIG test. We have Tenn/Colorado & Tech @ home.WE WILL BE OK !!!!!!!!!

By rome

January 3, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

I’m pleasantly suprised to see most UGA fans showing respect for WVU football. But to the few who refuse, let me clue you in on what makes a good PROGRAM. Its not just about the team. Saying things like, “If we didn’t fumble…” or “If we wouldn’t have missed that one tackle…” is like saying, “If we would have just scored more points, we would have won.” Yeah, and if my aunt June had balls, she’d be my uncle June. Mental toughness, good ball control, game preparation, and all the intangibles also are part of being a good team, not just 40 times and all-american honors. WVU is on the rise, and has potential to be elite. Gotta give it up. Besides, why would you not give West Virginia credit? Would you rather admit you got beat by a bad team or a good team?

By Dawgah

January 3, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

Let it be known that I respect WV throwing dog s** in the face of Willie Martinez. With that being said, someone need to take Rodney Garner behind the woodshed. For the past two years, our defensive tackles have looked awful (less than 20 tackles in a year). This is a key reason why teams have been able to run on the Dawgs. We are getting some incredible recruits but I fear we are coaching these boys down. I guarantee you that next year, Jeff Owens will chicken fight at the line of scrimmage like Gant, Golston, Swain and Anderson. As for Jancek, this guy is awful. Never before have I seen a LB core that is fundamentally unsound. These guys are slow and have no inclination to wrap up on tackles. Case in point, Gerald Anderson is faster than Verdun-Wheeler. And finally Willie Martinez: before the season started I was drinking this guys hatorade. Last year when he only coached the defensive backs, we only had (minus) 2 interceptions. And he is made DC. Then he attempts to run a zone defense, drop the defensive ends into coverage and rush Tre Battle… What in the hell is this? In my book, Willie Martinez officially ranks with Kevin Ramsey.

By War Eagle

January 3, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

cuz, so much parity now in college football, teams are going to have different wake-up calls. UGA is a talented football team with solid coaching as well Auburn, Florida, and LSU. Auburn had two games Tech and Wisconsin where the players seem to forget it was game time. This was a situation with UGA 1st quarter, not prepared and over confident which cost a Sugar Bowl win. The only team I have seen play solid and consistant this bowl season is LSU. They would beat alot of folks that night and look at the SEC game. There are 6 teams in the SEC could whip up on Wisconsin, yet Bammer plays a team TT, which would struggle to beat ole Miss or Arkansas. It all timing in bowl games wondering who is going to show up. There will be alot of good teams in the SEC next year with Auburn, UGA, Florida near the top.

By WVU_2

January 3, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Congrats to both college,UGA and WVU,my heart to the UGA fans.We have been there too.I seen the tears in the Georgia fans.We”ve been there with what you felt that night.You will rebound and you are the SEC champs.Your Team and fans are a class act and Im sorry that Blue doesn”t feel WVU is a top 10 team but I think he made that statement out of frustration.We feel both programs are top 10.UGA nor WVU was given their dues .It was a game not for the weak of heart the best game I”ve seen in the Bowl series.For you fans who think your coach made a bad decision.Put yourself in his place.I know ,There were 30 to 40 of us,from WVU who were shocked at the call.Great call if it works but if it doesn”t???We still love our coach and team.This time it worked ,no you Guys (fans,coach,team)CLASS ACT…Good Game and remember it’s not about a conference but a team.Good luck WVU-2

By letsgomountaineers

January 3, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Greg Blue, The Mountaineers aren’t top 10? SHUT THE HELL UP. don’t be so bitter. I guess we weren’t top 10 until we beat the #8 team in the country. Glad the fans were more gracious than Greg Blue. I don’t think any UGA fans should freak out about the coaching, hell this is your 2nd SEC championship in about 3 or 4 years isn’t it?? Relax. The DAWGS will return and will always be a force. The Mountaineers have waited a long time for this moment. UGA fans have a lot of them. Trust me, I know how it feels to lose a bowl game, remember I am a Mountaineer fan. LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS….LETS GO DRINK SOME BEERS!!!!

By DAWG FAN 4 LIFE

January 3, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

I LIKE COACH RICHT AND HAS SUPPORTED HIM SINCE HE LEFT MY OTHER FAVORITE TEAM FLORIDA STATE. BUT THERE IS A POINT AND TIME THAT YOU AS A COACH MUST ANALYZE THE SITUATION AND REALIZE THAT A TEAM WHO KNEW THERE CHANCES OF STOPPING YOU IN THE SECOND HALF WERE SLIM, WAS GOING TO RUN A FAKE PUNT ON 4TH AND 6 IN THE 4TH QUARTER WITH LESS THAN 2 MINS LEFT TO PLAY IN THE GAME. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FLORIDA GAME. OBVIOUSLY SOMEBODY WAS WATCHING FILM AND IT DEFINITELY WASNT THE GA. COACHING STAFF. COACH RICHT AND COACH MORA HAVE TO TAKE BETTER CONTROL OF THEIR TEAMS PLAYCALLING AND QUIT LETTING THE ASSISTANTS AND COORDINATORS MAKE THE CALL FOR THEM CUZ IT IS COSTING US THE GAME IN THE END. THERE’S NO REASON WHY GEORGIA SHOULDNT BE SUGAR BOWL CHAMPS AND THE FALCONS SHOULDNT BE IN THE PLAYOFFS AS WE SPEAK U PLAY TO WIN THE GAME COACHES!

By northwestDAWG

January 3, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

If I read where one more person in the South calls the spread option offense a gimmick offense, I’m going to scream and you’ll be able to hear me from way out here(Seattle. My family consist of all Reptiles and they fell into this SEC head in the sand idea that the offense wasn’t TOUGH ENOUGH for the SEC. I watched the “BLIGHT” run the offense out hear and I knew that is or can be deadly. Why do you think the Reptiles have recruited all of those 5 star WRs? Did you see how well the NEERS used the pass and they are a running team? Now picture a team that can do both with the offense and you’ll have an ides what we’ll be facing for a long time to come. Can it be stopped? Sure,but you better study and understand it or you’ll be lost. Think I’n wrong when I blogged quite a while back that the SEC had better get their heads out of the sand and take a look around. Question: did you ever,ever,ever think that you would see of all teams, Ohio St. running a version of the offense like they did to beat ND. last night? Isaid earlier today that my hat is off to the NEERS. They won fair and square. They were prepared, Coach Rod and his staff out coached us and I was proud of the Ga. players because they could quit and didn’t. rebuilding year? don’t understand. We lost 24 Srs. last night. ‘06 will be our re-building year and unless some changes are made it’ll be a long time before we get back to the SEC CHAMPIOSHIP game again. My heart goes out to the families of those trapped miners. I pray they survive.

By mountiepat

January 3, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

It really is quite a shame you Dawgs can’t accept the a__ whipping laid to you. Suck it up. We mounties have been on the short end of many bowl games. We keep coming back and eventually something good happened. You have a great program and great tradition. Don’t blow it by being a bunch of whiny a holes!! Go eers!!!

By Palmetto State Dawg

January 3, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the Mt eers!!! You guys really took it to us early & often. Your QB & TB were great! It was a great game! I am just glad that we won the SEC, made it to the Sugar Bowl. The one thing that bothers me is how our defense just didn’t look ready to play. Too many fun trips to the auquarium, goofing off etc….Why could we never stop them???? I will be asking myself this question the whole off-season!

By jb

January 3, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

hey, where’s that blowhard geechee??? Outplayed, outcoached, outwitted.

By ConyersDawg

January 3, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

It was a great game! The difference was the turnovers people. 35 to 10 from the 2nd quarter on. We were one of the top “D’s” in the country. There is no need to fire anyone. For all you experts of football, it was not the play calling on the first 3 touchdowns. Look at the footage and you will see Tra Battle who let the 4th down against Auburn go for a touchdown, miss tackles on each of the scores. It was his job to stop them and he got juked and was out of place on each.

Mathew, Greg Blue is awesome but he will not help the Falcons!

Quit the “Van Gorder wouldn’t let that happen” stuff. It’s like someone saying “Hershel wouldn’t had fumbled it.”

Also, let’s quit with all the speed stuff in the SEC. Greg Blue looked slow last night.

By CANESTER

January 3, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

SOMEONE SHOULD START A FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ WEBSITES. THAT MAN IS AN IDIOT. THE THREE GAMES WE LOST WERE BECAUSE OUR DEFENSE WERE NEVER PREPARED. I ALSO THINK RICHT SHOULD HAVE TURNED THE OFFENSE LOOSE FROM THE START OFF THE SEASON. GEORGIA HAS ALL THE TALENT A COACH COULD WANT BUT U NEVER SEE IT ON THE FIELD.

By The Rest of College Football

January 3, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Hey, Did Greg Blue make one or two tackles last night? I want to make sure that his “All-American” stats are correct.

I feel sorry for whoever wastes a draft-pick on that low-life thug. My grandma could outrun him in her Rascal scooter.

By mad dog

January 3, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

When will we accept that Richt is nothing more than a metro-sexual version of Ray Goof? He has no brains and lacks a ball-sac on game days.

By John B

January 3, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

I’m a West Virginia grad. There’s no way WVU has the talent Georgia has. That being said, I think this was a case of a Richt simply getting outcoached. Rich Rodriguez is a rising star in coaching circles. West Virginia has been awful in bowl games the last decade. To beat Georgia is a huge feather in our cap. WVU doesn’t get the talent that Georgia gets, but Rodriguez will take the three-star recruits and really coach them up. Great game. Fun as hell to watch that last night.

By Bob Wuxley

January 3, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Bring back Van Gorder! I don’t care how much money it takes. The defense looks HORRIBLE!! And it’s only going to get worse and worse next year and the year after after people who played under Van Gorder graduate or move on.

By wvu-1

January 3, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Just got home from “Hotlanta”. What a weekend! Wanted to read the other side of the coin version of this game. But first, let me say what a great time we had in Atlanta! Watched the peach drop, took in a pro football game, ate at the Westin revolving restaurant (or whatever you call it), and of course partied our a*******es off with 15,000+ Mountaineer friends!!!

UGA - you have a great team. I was thrilled to be up early by 28, but got very nervous at the end of the 3rd qtr because mountaineer fans have had a lot of heart ache with this program throughout the years. Not to single anyone out, but Slaton, McAfee, White and a few others still have 3 yrs. left to go. We return a ton, but lose some great talent like Lorello and a few others. Just want to savor some SUGAR before looking ahead. Great job WVU!!!

The many, many UGA fans we ran into leading up to and after the game were great and gracious. I hope that my Mountaineer friends were the same when you ran into them. Since we don’t have 5,000 pro teams (an obvious exageration) like you do in Atlanta, our ‘eers are our pride and joy in WV - this is our pro team. We are passionate and very protective of the program. Some get a little overboard, but their hearts are gold. Biggest play call (as you know) - fake punt. I had an inkling that this was coming, b/c I didn’t want DJ (great, great QB) to have the ball. Coach Rod’s balls must be bigger than that peach I saw drop on New Year’s eve. Best comment I heard from a local (Marriott bartender) - you West Virginia fans drink more than LSU and Miami fans combined!

Mr. Blue - had you caught Mr. Slaton, Mr. White or even Mr. Schmitt - then you could say we are not a top 10 team. We ran by you, over you and around you. Get some jets then talk trash.

In this bowl season, the dogs (sorry - not the Georgia version)are barking big time - bet on FSU and Texas.

Let’s Gooooooooooo, Mountaineers!!!!!

By Bob Wuxley

January 3, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Oh, and MAD DOG you really are a moron! How many SEC titles did Ray Goof (as you call him) win? How many times did his teams finish in top ten? How many 10+ win seasons? I get so tired of idiots like you forgeting about all the horrible 8-5 years before the Richt era and acting like Richt is no better a coach than Goof or the others. The Dawgs have won 2 SEC titles last few years, and had won none for about TWENTY years before that. Quit with your stupid and ridiculous observations, I don’t want to hear from idiots like you again.

By WVbowler

January 3, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to say thanks to all of the very classy Georgia fans. My wife bought us great seats for my 40th b-day and I’m sure she didn’t realize we’d be outnumbered fan-wise in that section by more than 100-1. We had a great time and everyone was cool during and after the game - must be a southern thing. I’ve been at stadiums where the opposite is true so I really appreciate the hospitality.

Lot’s of speculation pre and post game, but I’m glad to see that at least the team that scored the most points won the game. Playoff anyone? - guess that’s whole other post. The aquarium went great with a hangover.

By Mad Dog

January 3, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Wuxley,

By Mad Dog

January 3, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Wuxley,

Richt is a pu**y; so is your team. Just ask the AU Tigers and the UF Gators.

By The Rest Of College Football

January 3, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

UGA is a “champion” just like BYU was back in the 80’s. The Dawgs get their asses beat in every facet of the game, year in and year out, by quality programs and barely sneak by a bunch of also-rans the other 7-8 games.

Check out the facts if you got more balls than your f* coach does.

By DES

January 4, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this

It was a great game! But we West Virginians were reminded Monday morning that the Sugar Bowl was only a game, played while a life and death struggle went on at home.

Even though I’ve been a big Mountaineer fan for over 40 years, thanks to God, I’m happier that the miners have now been rescued than I am that we beat a great Georgia team last night. Now we can finally celebrate that victory though we must also mourn the loss of one of the miners.

I know that the outcome of the game is painful for UGA fans because we Mountaineer fans have experienced that feeling much too often. Keep the faith in your Dawgs and look forward to better days ahead.

By yarddog

January 4, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this

I have never coached a down of football and I said on the next to last punt that WV should fake the next punt.So did about three other people sitting in the room and we had all been drinking for the entire game. Where was the Georgia special teams coach? Maybe he was drinking as well, because if he could not see that he is pitiful.

By R Dawg (former)

January 4, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this

Not since and not until Jimmy Carter opens his mouth in public again will I be more embarrassed to say that I am a native Georgian. Let me say that Mark Richt is at least 10 times the man I am to be so calm while watching the “defense�. If I were him the entire defense, special teams and their coaches would walk to Athens backwards. They came into this game thinking it would be a cake walk and low and behold it was.

By vin stooley

January 4, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

Bill King: “Not bad for a rebuilding year” Bill, what do you think constitutes a “rebuilding year”? UGA had 13 returning starters by one count (collegefootballnews.com) and 15 by another (madduxsports.com) this year. That is in no way shape or form a “rebuilding year”. If you need to consider it one to make yourself feel better about your team, just say so and I’ll cut you some slack. But if you’re true to yourself you’ll admit that your piece’s headline was a poor choice. Next year, we lose 12 starters if Pope leaves, and more if someone else does. I’d call it a rebuilding year if we lose 14 or more starters. You’re welcome.

By Bill King

January 4, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

I’m not a football coach. Never have been. Like I said, I’m no football genius. And yet I knew a fake punt was coming. And Fabris and company didn’t. So what does that say about the folks who ARE football coaches for UGA?

By Bill King

January 4, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

By the way, I agree completely this was no rebuilding year. But that’s what the sportswriters called it back in August, which is what I was referring to.

You want to see a rebuilding year, check us out NEXT year!

By Nate Forb

January 4, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Did it ever occur to you sour UGA fans that WVU is merely a supreme team this year compared to Georgia? Give credit wear credit is due…excuses just make you look bad.

By BIGNCDAWG

January 4, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Vin you are right, next year will be a rebuilding year, especially with untested quaterbacks.

Bill I have enjoyed you articles all year.

By In Rod We Trust

January 4, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

Seems like the posts on this site are much more complimentary of WVU than on Carter Strickland’s blog. See my post from about an hour ago - no time to repeat it here. I obviously got some things off my chest over there. It was very cathartic, but should be educational for Dawg fans. As for rebuilding years - WVU was supposed to be “rebuilding” this year. We are/were very young and picked to finish 3rd or 4th in the “Big Least” (Sugar Bowl champions). Kudos to UGA for a helluva comeback though. We’ve blown bigger leads than that in the past (35 points in loss to Pitt when Bobby Bowden was coach). Shockley’s very classy. G. Blue is a punk, and I think he is still chasing Steve Slayton down Northside Ave………

THE BIG EAST: IT’S NOT JUST FOR BASKETBALL ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By gdawginkalamazoo

January 4, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

In Rod We Trust, G. Blue is a punk, and I think he is still chasing Steve Slayton down Northside Ave… Hell, Greg Blue lost Slaton 5 yards after the line of scrimmage…. Snorting the turf kicked up by that speed demon. Slaton would be at home watching the highlights by the time Blue saw the blurr go past him.

By northwestDAWG

January 4, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

About a month ago I asked the question: how can people call this a rebuilding year when we have 20 plus seniors and someplace around 12-15 starters leaving? Bill you were right to point out that a writer made that statement but the same thing was said many a time on ESPN. You and a couple of others are right in saying that ‘06 is a rebuilding year. What the “SHOCK” did was the thing for him but I also won’t put down any of the 3 young QBs who transfer to get more playing time if they decide that they don’t want to wait 3 or 4 years to play. I’ll take “LADY LUCK” being on my side any day of the week and not complain and that’s for sure what we had this year. WE DIDN’T WIN THE SEC EAST OURSELEVES. No, we had 2 chances, the REptile game and AU. Lost both and ONLY because SOS beat the Reptiles were we able to make the Title game. MR has some soul searching to do. I’m not smart enough to offer any suggestions but I am smart enough to sense in my belly that something needs to change. I know we played an offense that was unknown to me in the Bowl game. I never saw Ga. play that much of a wide open offense the entire season. we for sure are going to need more of that. He’s needs to let these young QBs run an offense with the thought of playing to win, not playing NOT TO LOSE. That’s just one thing. Me? I’ll just sit back and wait and see how the COACH handles this new team. I jope that we don’t lose any of our recruits because of the game. Shouldn’t, but after watching the lack of prepared coaching who knows.

By Dbow

January 4, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Sometimes when a player signs with a school it’s because he likes the school. Playing time is normally not guaranteed to any player-Shockley got playing time early on because MR knew he had to get him into the game in order to be a decent backup to DG.

As far as the WVU game, I have to believe that was the most unimpressive defensive game we’ve played in years. To me it was the scheme that was totally wrong for trying to stop a spread offense. I’m certainly not a defensive coordinator but my opinion is that our safeties were too deep to offer run support, we only blitzed a few times and always from one direction from the outside, we never made them have to guess where we were coming from because we were never in “attack” mode, etc. Our offense has to share the blame as well because of the field position we gave up with the three fumbles. WE lost-the world did not end-let’s do it again next year!! I love UGA!

By Rich

January 4, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Hey, “Rest of College Football”, what bee got under your bonnet (perhaps a Yellow Jacket)? Perhaps you should engage your brain before your typing fingers. How ‘bout LSU, Tenn., 4 straight ‘New Year’s Day’ bowl games (3 of those wins just FYI — FSU, Purdue, Wisconsin), 2 SEC championships since ‘02?

Also, Greg Blue didn’t have a good game, but what gives you the right to call him a “thug”? As to football, he IS an “All-American”.

WVU won, we lost, but have some class, how ‘bout it?

By northwestDAWG

January 4, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Quick note. did you notice, stunned me, that Ohio St. of all teams used an option type spread to beat ND? Bet W.Va. has more visiting coaches in their spring training than players on the field

By eers fan

January 4, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

Last Week I read the posts and had three comments. 1. Good Luck to UGa 2. Our backfield is fast 3. Don’t run out of beer like they did at JAX landing last year.

One fella repiled and called me a hick and told me to stay home and save my money. It was money well spent! I glad the Ga fans I encounted were not like this moron.

Our backfield is fast!

A dude from Jacksonville didn’t believe me about the beer(why would I make that up?) Unfortunalty at an alumni assoc party at a place called the Tavern they ran out of beer. Luckily they didn’t run out of booze.

Helluva game.

By In Rod We Trust

January 4, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

A few corrections before I go. Rich, I never called G. Blue a “thug.” I called him a “punk.” Big difference. His quotes before AND after the game (WVU - Sugar Bowl champs - is “not a Top 10 team” after being smoked all night) earned him that moniker. He’s right. We’re not a Top 10 team. We should be a Top 5 team, but will probably land at #6 thanks to FSU’s wide right (again).

Also, and I realize the vast majority of you folks know very little about college football outside of the SEC (see my post on Carter’s blog this a.m., no time to repeat here), but Coach Rod essentially started and perfected all of this no huddle, spread offense in college football. Ask your own coach, he knows the history of it. First at tiny Glenville State College in the early 90s, then as OC for Tommy Bowden at Tulane and then Clemson before coming to WVU (Sugar Bowl champs) in 2001, taking over after 20 years of 3 yards and a cloud of turf Don Nehlen (College Football Hall of Fame inductee this year, BTW). Long before Urban Meyer and the copycats began to run it exclusively, Coach Rod was already working on several variations of it, including the version you saw Monday night. Our no-huddle spread is unique b/c it runs much more effectively than all the others. This is really due to the fact that we really haven’t had a QB that could run AND pass effectively. 2002-04 starter Rasheed Marshall (2004 Big East Player of the Year) was a good runner but frustratingly average passer. Plus, WVU (Sugar Bowl champs) had very good tailbacks in the Rich Rod era, starting with Avon Cobourne (#11 all-time rusher in NCAA history), Quincy Wilson (ESPN Play of the Year v. Miami in ‘03 running over a DB on way to touchdown on a Thursday night wild game), Kay-Jay Harris (over 300 yards rushing in opener against ECU last year) and now Steve Slaton (4th string on the depth chart in August/Sugar Bowl MVP - my bad above, misspelling his name). We’ve been running it down people’s throats for 3-4 years now from this spread.

Yes, good football is played elsewhere in the country, even in the East. And no, it’s not some new, novel, tricked up offense. You shouldn’t have any trouble stopping Florida with it - their version is different, and from what I’ve seen, kind of soft. Looks to me like you stopped it OK this year anyways. Once Pat White gets comfortable throwing the ball downfield (and if Rich Rod lets him), watch out. He’ll be a senior in ‘08 when we come down to play Auburn on the Plains, so stop on by. Should be fun.

By crs

January 4, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Blue is a good football player but terrible when forced to cover wideouts 1 on 1. I htink CJ Byrd is going to be a stud for us next year. I think on offense next Mike Moore who redshirted this year is going to be our breakout player. Who do you guys think will be our next stars? Totally off subject but is anyone else offended the media is blameing everyone but themselves for the miner mess in WV, the media never fact checks anymore and continue time and time again to get mud on their face. AJC and others, just go back to reporting the facts and let people decide what to do with the info. The media today is really sickening.

By Sean

January 4, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

West Virginia has a “gimmick offense”? Well, for your information, Texas runs a similar offense. Penn State does as well. Other Georgia fans act as if the only reason WVU won is because Georgia slept through the first quarter. Some claim that UGA actually stopped the run after the first quarter. UGA never stopped the run. The only thing that changed is WVU decided to quit throwing the ball to keep the defense honest. With a 28 point lead, coaches tend to get conservative and that is exactly what WVU did. They stopped blitzing on defense and stopped passing on offense to allow UGA to make a game of it. I am sure if they played again, UGA would play better, but WVU is the better team.

By davem

January 4, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

I am a diehard WVU fan from Charleston WV. I need to talk to ALL of those Dawg fans that are blasting the coaching staff of your beloved UGa. They had to establish a good punt return on that fake punt. Nobody would have suspected a fake with the ball nearly in field goal range while establishing a good return would have went a long way with the 1 minute plus on the clock. Its easy to see with hindsight. You guys have a good team and came out on top of arguably the BEST CFB conference in the land. Be proud….I know i am!!!!!

By d

January 4, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

willie martinez did a bad job getting his defense ready for the game and the speacil teams coach did a real bad job getting the players ready for the fake punt should have rush the punter at the end of the game

By d

January 4, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

willie martinez did a bad job getting our defense ready for the game and our special teams coach did a real bad job at the end of the game should have went after the punter for the block

By burrdog

January 4, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

next year will definitely be a rebuilding year…2007, if we can get by bama and tennesee at their houses, we will be allright…2008 looks rough…at auburn, at lsu, arizona state…maybe stafford will be all-america by then.

By DoubleDown

January 4, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Did anyone stop to think that even if we loaded the line to stop the fake punt, that we would NOT have stopped the punter ? We couldn’t stop anyone all night.

By WVULAWGRAD

January 4, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Brady (WVU Punter) is NOT as fast as Steve Slaton and Pat White BUT he looked faster than most of the SEC speed on his little ten yard jaunt…Probably because he was literally running for his life…

SEC is not beast conference in college football. Overrated. The best conference in college football is…..

By In Rod We Trust

January 4, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

to answer Law Grad (what year BTW?) above, certainly NOT the ACC, or the Always Committing Crimes conference, home of Free Shoes U. and Fighting Punk and Blunt Vick Tech. (Ga. Tech, I’ll leave you out of this one.) Administration and Presidents in the ACC are just as lawless as the Vick boys. I’m glad WVU doesn’t have to play Va. Tech anymore - it’ll just hurt our power ranking and strength of schedule in the future. Maryland is tough enough on our strength of schedule index (until they start getting better), and now Marshall adds another patsy for us. Fortunately we dip into the SEC (MSU and Auburn) and Big 10 (Mich. State) over the next 6 years, then Free Shoes comes on in 2010 or 12 or so. Toughest conference is still the SEC, even though they didn’t show it on Jan. 2.

By Ramblin'Man

January 4, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

You guys lost to a Big Least team…I mean a Big East team. Even an injured Maryland team usually dogs WVU by 30 or more each year. Suck it up and move on Dawgs. You are much better than this…so why even try to explain the loss. Bowl games have layoffs for a real reason. So the lesser teams to can prepare more to make the game better. You got out hustled and out coached but in NO WAY could WVU play with you day in and day out. Go ask Ralph Friedgen..he’ll agree!

By mountiepat

January 4, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

To Ramblin Man: You sound like an ACC Maryland faN. nICE 7-4 showing in a BCS game for your champ FSU. I’m sorry if your special teams in the ACC don’t stand up. How many field goals did FSU miss anyway.

By WVULAWGRAD

January 4, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

To Rod:

SEC is OVERRATED…They do have three to four good teams every year but look at Tenn. and the Mississippi teams…They suck.

That being said, they are competitive and have GREAT rivalry games which the Big East is lacking now that Miami and VT and that other school whatchamacallit left the Big East.

Ramblin Man, what was WVU v. Maryland score this year??? Yeah, shut up!

WVULAWGRAD Class of 1996.

By Bull

January 4, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

I love li

By Ramblin'Man

January 4, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Nope not a Maryland fan, but just being truthful. You guys did put up a good year, but my point to this whole blog was for the UGA fans to quit over thinking this loss. This was an upset and it is not the breaking point of this good UGA team. AND I posted to argue that the SEC IS the powerhouse of conferences.

WVULAWGRAD, don’t get all defensive here…we can do without the “shut up remarks” unless that’s all you got. You guys come on this thread and try to say that the SEC is overrated. Just back up your arguments with facts. Big East vs SEC…Being a law grad are you? You should know not to argue with facts……

WVU had a special year…But it stands a chance to be one that will not be replicated year after year. The Big East just can’t provide the repition of big games that you will need to be battle tested. Once VT and Miami left, THEN did you get to the BCS game. I am so against the Big East getting an automatic BCS bid. Why don’t we just hand one out to the MAC or the Patriot League while we’re at it. That’s not a knock on WVU, but a knock on a failed Big East Administration.

By mountiepat

January 4, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

hey Rambli’man, you must have forgotten that WVU tied for the BIG EAST title two years in a row when Miami and VT were in the league. I think our point is the SEC is not as big and bad as they think and the BIG EAST is better than others think. The SEC was down this year and has been for a few years. Case in point, why didn’t Auburn geta shot last year? Everybody knew what the result would have been.

By northwestDAWG

January 4, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

DAWGS, you won’t believe the hell I’n catching from PAC 10 fans out here. 1 commet, 5 minutes ago: have you fired that special teams coach yet. not rushing that punter was the “dumbest call I’ve ever seen”. That is only ma small part of the grief I’m fighting. I really hope that Texas wins tonite because if they don’t it’ll be as bad out here putting up with PAC 10 fans as you guys are dealing with down there

By Simpson

January 4, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

When Greg Blue does a pushup he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.

Greg Blue has 2 speeds: Walk and Kill!!

Greg Blue is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.

Greg Blue can divide by zero.

Greg Blue does not sleep. He waits.

The chief export of Greg Blue is pain.

Greg Blue can make a woman climax simply by pointing at her and saying “booya”

There are no disabled people. Only people that have met Greg Blue.

When Greg Blue was in middle school, his English teacher assigned an essay: “What is Courage?” Greg Blue received an “A+” for writing only the words “Greg Blue” and promptly turning in the paper.

and finally……at least for now…..

Greg Blue once hit someone so hard that he created a hole in the 5th dimension. He then went back in time through the hole and tried to save the dinosaurs from becoming extinct. He saved a few of the dinosaurs by carrying them on his back through the time portal. The dinosaurs he saved starred in all three of the Jurassic Park movies.

more FACTS about Greg Blue….

Greg Blue doesn’t have internal organs. He had them removed to make room for more muscle.

The last man that made eye contact with Greg Blue was Ray Charles.

Greg Blue was once involved in a head-on car crash, and he was the only survivor. Greg Blue was walking at the time.

There are only four horsemen of the apocalypse, because Greg Blue is going to walk.

Greg Blue does not break wind. He destroys it.

Greg Blue got a perfect score on his SAT’s, simply by writing Greg Blue for every answer

When Greg Blue goes to donate blood, he declines the syringe, and instead requests a hand gun and a bucket.

oh, i almost forgot……

There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Greg Blue allows to live.

By mountiepat

January 4, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

The only problem with Blue is that he can’t catch MR. SLATON

By WVU Soccermama

January 4, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

My son plays soccer for WVU. I have NEVER followed football but came to Atlanta for the party and the game. Repeat. I have NEVER followed football.

And my comment with less than two minutes remaining was “What if they just decide to run with it and not kick it?”

If a SOCCER MOM figured it out…I’m just sayin

We had a wonderful time in Atlanta, by the way. And that Schockley must have a very proud mama.

By SamoanDawg

January 4, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Again, good game Mountaineers. You guys played a heck of a game.

We couldn’t kill that three headed monster of yours… ouch!

Who knows, we may face each other again. Hopefully, our D will figured it out by then.

Mean time, I’m ready for the G-Day game.

Aloha,

Have a great New Year!!!!!!!!!!

By WVbowler

January 4, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Those are great! I’m just sorry that I had to read a few twice to really get ‘em. Blue wouldn’t even get a PRT card at WV, let alone play football - regardless of ability. He’s just another marginal athlete w/o a real “team” attitude who hopefully doesn’t represent the program’s or University’s views.

By Joe Dugger

January 4, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

I am a WVU Fan. I state this up front so that some of you can save your brain by not even reading. I have lived in Atlanta for the past 9 years and can honestly say that UGA has more talent that WVU. I say talent to emphasize that the Sugar Bowl was won by a team that was focused and road to victory on the shoulders of their most talented players on their team. A game of this magnitude is rarely decided by the 25th to -70th players on the roster. If that situation the whole world knows that the Bulldogs would be the superior team.

Pat White, Steve Slaton, Owen Schmitt and a handful of other Mountaineers are talented enough to Start for the Bulldogs. That means 8 out of the 22 best players were Mountaineers. Factor in the focus of running their offence which exploited the absolute outstanding speed of White and Slaton, no turnovers, and superior coaching and you get a WVU victory. I believe UGA has an excellent coaching staff but I have a few observations. 1 - UGA was coached not to let Slaton and White get outside. (how many times were they run out of bounds) This resulted in the UGA players on either end standing outside protecting against White and Slaton running outside. They ran up the middle instead. Forgive my ignorance, but if I am tasked with defending speed, I use the sidelines as defenders. It’s better to give up 20 yards and limit the directions a speedy runner can go than to let Slaton loose at full speed coming at Blue who had no chance. My last point, the Bulldogs are just as guilty of under estimating the Mountaineers as has most of the Bulldog fans. I challenge fans of college football to find the last time WVU lost to a team less talented. There is something magical when a bunch of talented kids who has been overlooked, told they are not good enough to play the position of their dreams, are well coached, and have something to prove come together as a team.

By Dawg77

January 4, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

My Grandmother knew that they were going to fake punt on 4th down. Who called that return play? Was it Richt, and if so, why didn’t he load up the line? It didn’t matter where we got the ball, it just mattered IF we got the ball.

By Dawg4life

January 5, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Congrats to WV. They just plain outplayed us, and they deserve respect for it. Yeah, we played like crap in the first quarter, but that’s because West Virginia played way out of our expectations. Coach Richt should have seen that fake coming like the rest of us, but that still might not have changed the outcome of the game. Congrats West Virgina.