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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEven millionaire coaches can be wrong
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No, I don’t get paid $2 million a year to coach football.
But you know what? Just because you get paid millions of bucks to do something doesn’t make you infallible. (Witness: “Gigli”. Martha Stewart’s version of “The Apprentice”. And Saturday night in Oxford, Mark Richt trying to run the fullback out the shotgun. Like the Ole Miss fan sitting next to my friend J.P. put it: “What in the hell was that?”)
And just because you don’t get paid millions to do something doesn’t mean you can’t make valid observations about it. Otherwise there’d be no movie or music critics and certainly no sports columnists.
Now, the Bulldog Radio Network’s Neil “Hondo” Williamson, in trying to defend that particular call on last Sunday’s “Bulldog Brunch” call-in show, said that we fans in the stands don’t spend hours studying film and don’t know what all went into the call, in terms of personnel on the field, etc.
No, we don’t. But maybe the view from the stands occasionally provides a little perspective that the million-dollar coaches lose down there on the sideline, all wrapped up in their X’s and O’s. Maybe occasionally they’re wrong (gasp) and the rest of us are right! You don’t have to be a millionaire to figure out that if you’ve got the wrong personnel on the field for a particular play, you probably shouldn’t call it.
And you don’t have to be paid millions to know that when you need to kill the clock, throwing low-percentage passes isn’t the best way to do it.
So with that justification for us unschooled amateurs analyzing college football, here are some thoughts about this Saturday’s Georgia-Tennessee game:
Tennessee no doubt will put eight men in the box to try and slow down Kregg Lumpkin, and dare us to throw it to our unreliable receivers. We need a receiver to break away from the pack and start making some catches. But we shouldn’t just rely on that. Increase the odds by throwing lots of quick 10- to 15-yard dink passes. They may not be as pretty as those longer passes Richt prefers, but they’ll move the chains, and they make us less reliant on our poor offensive line. It also would build our quarterbacks’ confidence and should loosen up the UT defense and make more room for running Lumpkin, which the Dawgs should do early and often. Richt himself said this week that “we’ve just got to feed him the ball a little more,” so let’s hope he does it. And like I said a few days ago, we need to use Thomas Brown as a receiver, not a running back, and throw it to him in the flat, where he can use his speed.
Our defense has been the strength of this team (and should keep us in this game), but what’s been wrong with our defensive effort mainly is the play of the linebackers. Tennessee hasn’t had much of a running game so far, and it’s up to the linebackers to make sure that doesn’t change, because their quarterback will keep our secondary plenty busy.
So there it is. The view from the stands. Free of charge.
MORE ON TAILGATING: Blawg correspondent Graham Coffey visited the famed Grove at Ole Miss last week and reports: For those that don’t know, the Grove is a large oak-filled grassy space on Ole Miss’ campus a short walk from Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium. At Georgia, the administration is slowly trying to kill tailgating. At the University of Mississippi, they cherish it. Even Georgia fans, which there were plenty of, couldn’t help but be impressed by their opponent’s setup. Travis Dean, 24, an Athens native and Georgia graduate, said, “Tailgating at Georgia doesn’t compare to this. We have the championships, team, and stadium, but this is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” Mark Wyatt, a sophomore at Ole Miss said, “This is what we do. Some of these people won’t even go into the game today because our team is down right now. Georgia has the better program, but this is what we do right.” And who can argue with him? The sight of tents as far as the eye can see mixed with the aroma of perfume, bourbon and barbeque is a wonderful thing for anybody who loves tailgating. And don’t worry, even if you drink too much, the portable Hotty Toddy Potty, named after Ole Miss fans’ favorite cheer, is right across the street.
MORE ON ACADEMICS: With all the talk about how poorly the Georgia athletes who entered 10 years ago ended up doing, I thought I’d just remind everyone about an item that ran in the AJC a few weeks ago. It said UGA’s 489 athletes (the ones enrolled last spring, not a decade ago) combined to post a 2.91 grade point average, the best in the SEC. It’s what’s happening now that counts the most.
Comments
By 82DAWG
October 5, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Again, please, if the game goes UT’s way this Saturday, show class and do not boo our Dawgs. No matter how frustrated you get, remember these kids are trying hard and it only makes our fans look bad. It does no good whatsoever!
As you said, Bill, “but what’s been wrong with our defensive effort mainly is the play of the linebackers”. This has been true for a while. These are not the stoutest or the swiftest linebackers we have had at UGA. This was blatently evident in our inability to stop the run time and again (see West Virginia) from top teams. Not to downplay their effort, but the LB starters were not highly recruited out of high school. With the new guys coming up (i.e Dewberry, Hebron & Dent) we will be better. Now its up to the Defensive line to keep up the pressure.
BTW It appears that our O-Line top recruit (Sturdivant) is wavering on his committment.
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 5, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
Bill,
I say give Joe T a stick and let him draw up the plays in the dirt when they huddle up. Now THAT, my friend, would keep everybody guessing. Opinions are a dime a dozen, sticks are free.
By SamoanDawg
October 5, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
Everyone is not perfect and we all make mistakes. We learn from it.
It’s quite obvious we had the wrong personnel when we ran the FB from the shotgun. Matt probably didn’t want to burn another timeout and pursue the play anyway.
Everyone know our O-line/WRs need to step it up. I think MoMass will have a big game. TE needs to get more involved in this game.
Need to go back to the 2003 game vs. Vols. We used a lot of misdirections in that game with Tyson Browning. It baffled their defense the whole game.
I watched the replay of the Ole Miss game. I noticed Brandon Miller was out of position almost the entire time he was in there. Unless Martinez stunt him inside. We gave up great amount of yardage on his side. Taylor had to pursue from the Will to make a stop. I wonder if Brandon can play the Mike. I like Verdun but he’s too slow. C’mon Jarvis we need you in this game! Heck, bring in Dew.
Dawgs 24 Rocky Flop 6
Go Dawgs!
By GIZMO
October 5, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
M.M. may play better with Joe111 in there. he sure won’t play for M.S.
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 5, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
I thought through the preseason chatter that our LB’s were suppose to be the studs on defense, next to the DE’s. I just have trouble believing that the OL is that big a problem. We have been producing NFL talent there for a few years and yet we can’t get the guys to step it up a notch.
I think when said and done we do well recruiting this year at those postions. Heck if any, four or five star lineman were to read these post he should know that he has a good shot at playing early and often.
This week it comes together. I hope the defense stuffs them early and often and keeps the offense working the entire game for a change.
By Carlton Powell
October 5, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Good Blawg, Bill. I agree with other observations concerning Tailgating. I too have been to “The Grove” at Ole Miss. The description fits to a “T.” Our gameday experience has degenerated to the point that I don’t even try anymore. That is sad. I always walk by the spot we tailgated as a family when I was growing up. No chance now. I feel sad. Mike Adams and his collection of cronies SUCK. Presently, I only give my $35 a year to maintain my Alumni Assoc. membership. No more will be forthcoming ‘til the current adminsitration changes. Yeah, I know I’m no Don Leebron, et al, but if more of us felt the same way maybe change would be afoot. UGA deserves an elightened, smart, personable administrator to lead the institution.
BTW, you assessment on the Fullback draw was exactly my reaction as well. My son David said it best saying, Mark Richt needs to quite trying to be a pretty boy with a good suntan, and get with the business of coaching.” Not having sufficient players on the field is pitiful. These mistakes will be magnified as we get into the “meat” of the season. We’ll definitely know what kind of team we have by Saturday night. But no matter what, it IS only a game. Let’s maintain our support of the ‘Dogs win, lose or draw.
By AltamahaDawg
October 5, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
Bill, the problem with your theory that a casual fan from the stand has some different perspective is that the coach has about 5 highly skilled spotters up there too, with a perfect seat, yammering in his ear. Yes a coach can be wrong, obviously. No coach in the history of the football game has called the perfect play every single time. Why is this something to point out? Has anyone ever said that CMR every single call was right? He certainly has said quite the opposite. Play calls are educated guesses at best. If they work nobody questioned it, even if it wasnt the best choice , and if it fails it was obviously the wrong call. The thing I think hondo was saying is that is it easy to pick a particular play out, but those guys have a larger picture. Some play may be totally for some reason down the road. I’m not defending that play. My suspicion is that a couple of better blocks and your friend doesnt ask the same question though, even if they might have been a better way to go. Its easy to the fairly educated fan to know just enough to critisize, but they dont have to make the call. The only call that matters is the one he makes. Its his call. I have never thought of a play call as right or wrong, just works or doesnt and folks are free to disect why that is. It sounds like you somehow got your feelings hurt this week over something said and just wasted half your article arguing something irrealvant. I guarantee if you sat with him and debated that call,any call, you would come away looking less qualified. I’m betting he could win that argument even just making up a call he knew to be downright silly against your seemingly obvious argument. Thats what hondo was saying. That being said, maybe that call you question (out of the hundreds he makes) was just plain wrong call..sooooo? Whats your point? I’m sure it not the last either.
And oh my gawd, can we get over this administration trying to kill tailgating . geeze. The City Of Athens has made it 20 times more difficult to park game day as this recent minor change that affected all of a hundred parking spots. Restricting parking and talking politically correct about cutting down on illigal underage college student drinking is trying to kill tailgating at the University of Georgia????? I guess the admin at LSU, and Tn are on a downright witchhunt then. Ol’ Miss has a totally different geographic situation in its town, its campus , and, different locality to a major city, comepletely diff fan base I’m guessing. Until a few years ago that staduim held what less that 60,000. Can anyone do the parking Math? They seem to embrass tailgating more , ok whatever. If thats true, that was long before this so called perceived “killing of tailgating” from this administration. We cut out a few grass parking spots on campus. Wow. Ol’ Miss has a 6:00 Am rule, we have a 7:00. If we move ours back one hour, would we be back in the tailgating business like them? Well thats easy. (actually they dont let you in till 6:00, we let you in anytime before, just cant set up) So now, which of those building should we tear down so we can plant oaks trees in a big field next to the Staduim. You just said it, some of the fans dont even go into that game, they are there to tailgate. How is that some comparison to what the administration is trying to “kill” here?
I realize this is a “fan perspective” blog and is here to echo the latest buzz, but seriously. I enjoy your article better when you try less to pander to the hysterical minority.
Other than that , right on the money.
By 'Dog Fan / Richt Fan
October 5, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
Bill,
Excellent observation and I agree. I’ve said it to my friends in the stands for 3 years now “throw the short possession passes and mix in the run”. Then, when you get the matchup you want go deeper with the ball.
I wouldn’t trade Richt for any coach in the country, but his only drawback is “willy-nilly” offensive play calling. We rarely establish an offensive game plan and simply seem to be all over the place offensively during a game.
Our winning record under Richt is great, but our offensive numbers (points and yds per game) under his tenure are middle of the pack in the NCAA. We can be even better than we have been with a more consistent offensive scheme that utilizes our run game and more ball control passing to not only the receivers, but to the tight end and running backs as well.
Again, I wouldn’t trade Richt for any coach in the country - he’s done more for this program on and off the field than I ever would’ve dreamed. There is, however, always room for improvement.
Go ‘Dogs!!
By AltamahaDawg
October 5, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
Carlton the situation on campus has changed in 30 years, really? I think you do have the right idea though, dont but tickets. Increases my chances.
So the problem is that CMR is trying to work on his tan now? I’m out of comments now. If you can beleive that.
By AltamahaDawg
October 5, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
His numbers may well be middle of the pack in the NCAA, most of which plays in an inferier conference. He has manitained very high standings in offensive production in the SEC, which is the only meaningful comparison. (this year we obvious have some issues, i wish it were as simple as a handfull of bad play calls). And I would bet that no coach/OC has had more balanced numbers or averaged better over the past 4 years. (SEC) Somebody prabably can correct me. Not sure willy nilly wins that many tropies. “rarely” establish an offensive game plan? In his years at UGA? Really? I do agree that we would do well to establish the run and pass effectively to the receivers, TE and Rbs. That does seem like a recipe for success. Also that short pass and run then go deep…gold.
By robdawg06
October 5, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
Bill, you and I are definitely on the same wavelengths. I said throw the quick slant passes to the receivers before the Colorado game (if you call it that). With DB’s playing 5 yards off the receivers the quick slants are unstoppable. And when they crowd the receiver on the line of scrimmage to try to stop the slants, throw the deep ball. Coaching isn’t rocket science. A good team will see what the other team is doing (on offense & defense) and adjust accordingly. The no-huddle offense should catch teams with the wrong personnel on the field and be a huge advantage. I really don’t think any one of us could do worse calling the offense. Show me something Mark Richt. You are the play caller on offense !
By physicsDawg
October 5, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
My wife thinks Richt is a “good looking man,” but that doesn’t make him a “pretty boy” that worries too much about his appearance, and not about the game. Someone mentioned him running his hand through his thinning hair all the time; maybe he’s got an itchy scalp and spends too much time on his team to shop for the right shampoo. But seriously, it’s probably just a nervous habit.
About the Grove, and our own parking: You know there’s that beautiful grassy cemetary just behind the East end of Sanford…
By AltamahaDawg
October 5, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
Rob, You could do better calling the play for the University of Georgia Bulldog football team, than CMR? Is that what you said? And its just as easy as seeing the defense and adjusting huh. Ok. I think we need to have one of those contest. Pick a guy from the stands to call the game every week. What the he11, just complete a few short, run it a bit, (but not every single down like your previous post?) then throw it long. baadabing. Hunny come over here, I was going to call this thing, but really, here’s all you do, I’ll be over there talking to Hairy Dawg.
By Bill King
October 5, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Anyone who would even consider turning Oconee Hill Cemetery into a park for tailgating deserves to hang out on North Avenue! It’s a beautiful and historic place (and not UGA’s to begin with). If UGA did ever want anything like the Grove, there’s probably room over on East Campus.
By orangeman
October 5, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Just some musings from 300 miles to the NW -Dawgs haven’t seen the speed of the likes of Meachem, Swain and Smith! Coker at tailback is like Jamal Lewis in that Jamal sat untill someone finally noticed him. Hmmm! Cutcliff makes all the difference in play-calling for the Orange. We’re all praying that the Dawgs stumble around as they have recently and they’ll be trailing 21-0. This is a vastly improved team coming between the hedges. It will be a battle of wills Sat nite with both kicking games under the gun. Here’s to a fun Sat nite.
By DAWG97
October 5, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Whether you are right or wrong Bill I am not sure, but I agree that CMR’s play calling has to be questioned. He is a great coach and a great OC but everyone has good and bad days. After 5 games of offensive ineptitude it’s OK to question CMR, really it is…
Here are a couple of predictions for Saturday night… Our Offense will play better than most people think and our Defense will play worse. Richt will call at least 1 trick play Saturday night and you will see heavy doses of a part of the playbook we haven’t seen all year. The kicking game/Coutu will win or lose this game.
GO DAWGS!!!
By reality check
October 5, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
Short passes aren’t the answer per se. The receivers have been dropping the 10 to 15 yard passes. The passes over 15 yards have been relatively successful.
The drops have tended to come on out routes, but it isn’t as simple as throwing over the middle more. The field needs to be spread horizontally as much as vertically.
The offensive line has not been poor in pass protection. Georgia has had 6 sacks all year, which is about where we were this time last year. Only LSU and Tennessee with 4 each have been better in the SEC.
The offensive line has been poor in the running game. That is a big reason Richt hasn’t gone to it more.
A different offensive philosophy is not what we need. We need better execution primarily in 2 areas.
The receivers need to execute and catch the ball. That has been a horrible problem. The quarterbacks can’t throw the ball and catch it too. By and large it hasn’t been the QB’s fault.
The offensive line needs to execute a better job of run blocking.
Execution. Sooner or later AJ Bryant is going to break out.
By physicsDawg
October 5, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
It was a joke, I assure you Bill. But it begs the point: Are you saying UGA tailgaters wouldn’t respect the beautiful and historic Oconee Hill grounds? OK, OK, but they could pour a drink on the ground of deserving graves while they were at it…
By reality check
October 5, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
I don’t think we will see a different playbook this week. A trick play or two, maybe. But it is unlikely we will try to add much we haven’t shown when we haven’t executed the basics well.
Offensively it all comes down to execution. I remember in 2002 the line had shown no ability to run block before we played Alabama.
Our defense can play well and Tennessee is still likely to put up points. They put up 20 against Florida, and Florida’s defense is good.
I don’t know how to call this one. We will have to play much better than we have so far to win.
By GW
October 5, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
The Grove is overrated. Wall-to-wall tents and people elbowing each other just to be in “The Grove.” The Bulldog Nation is in full panic mode right now just like the Goff/Donnan days. It sounds like we might as well mark down a 7-6 season and cancel it. I hope the team is more together than the fans are.
By BirdDawg
October 5, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Wow. Altamaha disagreeing when someone criticizes Coach.
Didn’t see that coming.
Look, Tennessee proved two years ago that you could win with nothing more than a defense, running game, and kicking game.
Starting Joe T is a mistake. I’ve spoken about it ad naseum, and really don’t feel like going over the 100 reasons why Joe T cannot win against an SEC team. But it is a mistake. Just like last week, Stafford will come out in the second half, and the guy who started the game will find a permenant seat on the bench.
Coach is jut too damned stubborn for his own good.
Someone needs go remind him that his mentor, Awe Shucks Bobby didn’t win a National Championship until he let someone else call the plays. Until he delegated authority. Until he trusted someone else. Who was that guy whom Bobby trusted, whom he delegated that authority to? Oh yeah, it was Mark Richt!
Coach needs to learn to trust the guys whom he’s been teaching. This team will not win one of those Mythical Nat’l Championships until he does. Coach Bobo deserves a shot at calling the plays. And maybe sitting up there in the coach’s box will give Bobo a better perspective.
At least with someone else calling the plays, we would have seen the last of the sprint draw from the shotgun formation!
But what I’m saying is true. Awe Shucks Bobby never won a Nat’l Championship while calling the plays. It pulls the head coach in too many directions. A Head Coach already has to have his fingers in every other piece of the pie to make sure everything is going smoothly. You add the fact that he has to spend all that time you have to spend as the OC, and some areas will not get the attention they need.
That’s the only reason I can come up with why Coach still thinks that the sprint draw from the shotgun works.
By TN Jacket
October 5, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
Cuz, You are the one throwing shot. I am a GT fan that gives UGA it’s due when they earn it. You are the one that started talking trash. And also, I have never once said we when talking about GT. I always say “The Jackets”. Lastly, just because you drove a bus doesn’t make you a part of the team! People that are a part of the team are ones who make a sacrifice themselves to make the team better. The Bulldogs wouldn’t play any different if you showed up or not. If you were a part of the team you wouldn’t criticize UGA. Only fans criticize not members of the team. So, you are not a “we” (part of the team); you are a fan.
By BulldogBorn
October 5, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
Has anyone thought that CMR’s pass play calling has been dictated by the fact that he needed to see how these freshman reacted under pressure before he had to make this weeks decision on JT3. Has not anyone else noticed that balls have come out slow and off the mark most of the time? Late, behind the WR or at the ankles, you name it. With the Freshmen in the game, the reads are just not there and our WR’s know they are going to get hammered. Every player on offense knows that MS and JC are feeling their way and don’t really know what is going on. I am sure that every kid on that team has doubts at this point. From the looks of things, the games get uglier as the doubt increases. UGA’s best bet is for JT3 to come out and execute the offense. Then, like I have said all along, MS’s playing time should be dictated by how much of the playbook/game plan he can manage. Nothing to loose now, the RS is off his back.
Anyone looking for anything else is just asking for it to get uglier! This, of course, depends on JT3 ability to put my Dawgs in good situations and move the chains! Something that MS and JC can not do through the air with their limited knowledge of the system!
HUNKER DOWN YOU HAIRY DAWGS!
By Tired of ND
October 5, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
CMR never gave the freshman the right chances. He has been running the same weak five plays all year, and frankly for the last 5 years. The RB and FB screen, the infamous DRAW, and 2 off tackle runs. Tennessee and Fat Phil know this by now and its not gonna be a pretty weekend.
I love the dawgs, but Richt has really gotta get a G.D.’ed OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR!Watching his offenses for the last few years has been painful.
Saturdays gonna be fun till kickoff.
I hope Im wrong …
By mcdwag
October 5, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
WE need Jarvis Jackson back badly-Brandon Miller just has not stepped up-plays way too soft and inconsistient-i still think our D will take care of business-looking for turnovers and ball control in a tight game UGA 16-UT 10
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 5, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
Joe T has at least been watching film of UT’s defense for four years and has actually had game time against them, albeit on special teams.
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 5, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Maybe the other good thing is it that UT really doesn’t have a lot of good offensive film footage of us for their defense to work with. You know, like what the receiver may do after they catch the ball. All they have right now is a bunch of guys putting their hands to their helments. How do you prepare for that?
By JDawg
October 5, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
“we’re doomed!!!”…gotta love being the underdogs baby..this thing is setting up perfectly for a Dawgs victory. We were overconfident in 04’ and this year the shoe is on the other foot. It’s not the 90’s anymore and the talent gap has closed. Dawgs definately cover and win outright.
By robdawg06
October 5, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
Altamaha, you critique everything I say and spin it into a negative. I’m disguted with the offense and the play calling for the offense. You seem to be in the minority here that thinks MR is doing fine with the offense. I know quick slants will work. They worked with Shockley & Greene. Its much easier to catch a 2 yard pass and run with the ball then it is the 25 to 40 yard passes that get dropped by the WR’s. 4-0 really means nothing right now. We both know 2 of the wins were lucky. Its time to find out what we are made of. A top 15 team coming to town and a rival also. If the play calling on offense is like the CU & OM games then Tenn. will smoke us. And it won’t be pretty either.
By monty
October 5, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
watched a replay of the Ga -Tenn game on Espn Classics the other day. One where Tennessee led by Heath Shuler beat us. I used to think CMR looked kind of detached on the sideline until I watched Ray Goff meander up and down the sidelines. No head-set on, looking like a farm boy walking through a pature on a beautiful summer day without a care in the world, and Tennessee driving the ball down our throat late in the game.
By Wes
October 5, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
Joe T has spent the last 3 weeks DROOLING over the thought of getting back on the field. I’m calling it now…200 yards passing and 3 TDs from Joe T.
By JT
October 5, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
If our offense does anything at all, we win this game.
All I’ve heard is how bad our offense is. If our offense puts up 20 points, which it is certainly capable of, we win because our defense is that good.
UGA’s defense matches up very well with UT’s offense. They are the total opposite of CU and Ole Miss. They rely on the passing game and they have a slow, methodical, QB.
Coupled with their injuries on the offensive line, there is a good possibility that Ainge will be in a significant ammount of pain Sunday morning. UGA will be able to get pressure on Ainge with Moses and Johnson and drop eight into coverage. UT doesn’t run well, so unless they figure it out soon, UGA will be able to do that all day.
Having Joe T back will give Coach Richt the confidence to open the offense back up. Stafford and Cox have been on the “Joe T in Jax” game plan the last few weeks, and we all remember how that turned out. Any conservative notions will be out the window with Joe T back, and I think this will make for a good day for the Dawgs.
UGA 24 - UT 13
By Truedawgfan
October 5, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
Man I hope CMR reads this and picks up on your outstanding tips……I bet he reads your blog every morning so he will know what to practice that day.
By Cuz
October 5, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this
Bill, I can and sometimes do critisize the play calling. But I do not call the plays and I admit it. CMR is the one making the call at the exact moment. I can plan a better play through hindsight. Don’t know if I can do it through foresight.
TN Jacket, several blogs away, you questioned my ever having anything to do with football. I gave you my explanation that I used to take the team to Sanford on Friday’s to practice and Saturday to play. Before they ran out on the field on Saturdays, I was in the middle of them, they knew me. Slapping them on the helments, smacking their shoulderpads and doing my best to get them fired up. Unless you played for the Jackets, I got you beat. Check.
By BIGNCDAWG
October 5, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this
Those of us that don’t critize MR are the silent majority. We couldn’t do better than MR. I am glad we are underdogs, maybe it will give us a spark. We are young and we will get better.
By Cuz
October 5, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
You are correct NC. I still say we win, glad to be the Underdawg. 1978, from Underdawgs to Wonderdawgs. I was there. All you have to do is believe in the power of the Dawg. Have faith in God and trust in CMR. Now everybody say Amen!
By AltamahaDawg
October 5, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
No rob I am in the overwhelming majority who think you could NOT do a better job, as you said you could.
By AltamahaDawg
October 5, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
rob, wasnt trying to rattle ya, just poking a lil fun. Run the ball 30 times with lump in the “i” and only the “i”, hit the quick slant, then a few long. And never ever hand off from the shotgun, (not even 2 times like last week). Sounds like a winner.
But seriously. saying that “anyone of us could do better” really didn’t require me to spin that into something negative.
By AltamahaDawg
October 5, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
Did anyone just see NC State advance the ball about 20 yrds with the handoff to the full back from the shotgun position? Fakes the same thing on the next down, drew the Lbs in and fade pass for the TD. That damn stubborn Chuck Amado, obviously isnt much of a christian.
By physicsDawg
October 5, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this
Wes, have you watch Uga VI much? “We” are Bulldogs! If all it took was drool to play well, we’d be undefeated every year. :)
By physicsDawg
October 5, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this
Go Wolfpack, Dadgummit!
By brad
October 6, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this
Does anybody think that UGA tailgaters would like a setup like the Grove at Ole Miss? Think aobut it - these are the people who whined when told that they could no longer park their cars on the lawns of the campus. At the Grove, it is my understanding that you have to park elsewhere and carry all your stuff into the grove… I’m all for turning the quad on North Campus into a tailgate party - with no vehicles allowed on the grass.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 6, 2006 07:05 AM | Link to this
A couple of trick plays and IMAGINATION ON “O” is what we need to win the game. Hope MR takes some chances and I don’t think anyone will raise cain if they backfire. We don’t have the sure FG so things ARE going to be interesting. Stafford throws a TD and the world of naysayers shakes at the foundation!
By Dbow
October 6, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
Are you 100% certain that this play wasn’t a check-off from an inexperienced Freshman QB who forgot who was standing beside him? I still think CMR has been attempting to develop the “kids” while having a great deal of faith in the ability of our defense to keep us out of trouble. I also believe the medium-range passes have been attempted but have been dropped an inordinate number of times just the same as the longer attempts. 5-0 is great but I don’t expect to win every SEC game every year or any year. Home or away, the SEC is tough!!!
By Wes
October 6, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
Everyone on this blog is intelligent enough to know that CMR isn’t going to pull out his best stuff for teams like UAB, Colorado and Ole Miss. This is our first “true” test…we have our “starting” QB back. I feel another “hobnail boot” coming on.
By AltamahaDawg
October 6, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
Buck if you think that your prediction that Stafford couldl come in in releif and throw a touchdown pass on saturday is some revelation, you havent been reading this week. Or that somehow that will rattle anyone expectations. I think everyone who has thought this lineup was a good idea, predicted MS would play better game because of it. Actually if he does throw a TD, that will be about 6 less than I would have thought so far. Its irritating to me that the NO JoeT, YES MS gang has been so damn black and white, amd failed to see the least bit of nuance to this situation.
By AltamahaDawg
October 6, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this
Dbow, those guys arent 100% sure of anything exept how easy it is to criticize a play that didn’t work. Thats a slam dunk and doesnt require a whole lot of “courage”.
By Lee
October 6, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
A 2.91 gpa is the best in the SEC? Even with all those tutors and graduate assistants writing term papers, the best they could do would not even allow them to maintain the Hope Scholarship (not that any of them would qualify for it to begin with).
All I can say is thank goodness for the womens teams. Be interesting to see what all those “Sports Marketing” majors on the football and basketball teams gpa is.
You can try to spin it all you want, but you can’t cure stupidity.
By M-Dawg
October 6, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
I think that the Home-Field advantage wins it this week. (I just found out I scored a ticket to a box seat for tomorrow night! I better go buy a lottery ticket today.) Anyway, the fans and the team are going to be super-hyped. The Dawgs need to go out and score big early. I’d like to see CMR take the ball, if we win the coin toss, just this once, instead of kicking off. It would show some kind of confidence and also change up a pattern and put the coaches on the other sideline on notice- i.e.: Tonight is going to be a little bit different. I have said all season that CMR is no idiot. I truly think he has been holding back the playbook to not show his hand too early in the season. GOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!
By Wes
October 6, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
M-Dawg, couldn’t agree with your more about the playbook. I know receivers have had a case of the drops and we’ve had a few bad play calls (which I think is due to not being able to run the full playbook), but it all starts with the QB. Not only does Joe T have full knowledge of the playbook, but the offense has confidence in the fact that he knows the playbook as well. I’m not saying Joe T comes out like the field-general Greene was, but I think he gives the offense a lot more options than we’ve had the last few weeks and gives the other 10 guys around him the confidence they need to break the game open.
The only place I disagree is w/ the kickoff. I’ve heard it since I was an 8 year old playing little league ball…defer to win.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 6, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Altama, you’re being to sensitive. I was just having some fun and have no idea what you mean with this black & white. Joe t is back, MR feels comfortable and thinks this is the way to go and MS will play. My main comment about the last game was that the line up that started the 2nd 1/2 did a good job and I hope the same group is on the field when he puts MS in. I don’t understand what the problem is.
By AltamahaDawg
October 6, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
Buck you are right, I have been a bit too fired up in the past few days, and the B&W comment wasnt directed at you. I should have put an asterick there.
By geechee
October 6, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Finally a true test. A real opponent, an underdog status, and a need to overcome adversity.
HOW ‘BOUT THEM SILVER BRITCHES GO DOGS!!!
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 6, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
Yo geechee! “ditto”! I can’t think of a game in the last 5yrs. where we need to just let’er rip & see what happens. This team needs to be fired up AND LOOSE AS A GOOSE when they take the field. We don’t have anything to lose so don’t worry and hit somebody! I’m ready!!
By Wozzo the Wonder Dog
October 6, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
If you aren’t up for this game, you’re probably dead.
Place your bets on which of the following UGA will run, how often, and in which quarter.
Toss sweep. Shovel pass. Reverse. Flea flicker. Long bomb pass. Interception by UGA for a touchdown.
Go Dawgs!
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 6, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
Just read Bradley’s column and he says that MR maybe be a little miffed by so many people asking if his team is any good. As I posted, IF MR IS MAD THEN THAT’S THE BEST NEWS I’VE HEARD IN A LONG TIME! MAYBE THAT’LL PASS ONTO THE PLAYERS AND THEY’LL COME OUT BLOWING AND GOING! We really need to play that type of game because we haven’t so far this year. Nows the time so COACH, I’M GLAD IF YOU’RE MAD NOW LET’ER RIP!! WE’LL WIN!
By robdawg06
October 6, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Richt calls shotgun handoffs,deep passes,and 10 yard tosses to the tight end that all usually fail. I would call quick slants to the WR’s,screens to the RB’s,run the ball out of the I-formation that would likely work. But I’m the dumbass I reckon because I’m not the coach ? Foresight,hindsight, or whatever you wanna call it. Obviously the offense struggles executing Richt’s plays. I’m with the majority who think we need an OC calling the plays. Mike Bobo maybe ?
By Cuz
October 7, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this
geechee, I missed you brother. Your insight is what has been lackiing on this blog. Glad to have you back.
Finnaly a worthy opponent. The season starts Saturday. We control our destiny. Lets control the clock and the ball.
Oh an TNJacket if my saying we offendend you, EMRBG.
By MadMerf
October 7, 2006 02:31 AM | Link to this
If I was in charge of firing up the defense, I would show a tape of the final play in last year’s game in K’ville. Georgia led 27-7, and our vaunted ‘D’ was showing why they were ranked among the top scoring Ds in the nation, holding the Vols to a mere TD in their house. As time expired, UT “scored” on a long pass play that clearly showed WR Meachem tackled at the 1 yd line. That little “gift” cost the D a couple spots in the ranks.
I agree with you NW about a ticked CMR being a good thing. It doesn’t take much to get the guys up for a war like this, although having a fired-up leader certainly can’t hurt!! If he could only get ‘em going like he did at last year’s SECCG, UT doesn’t have a chance.
Weeks ago, I was worried about us being overconfident in this game, but the oddsmakers have taken care of that!! Good to hear from ye, geechee!! I think we handled a real adversity test against Colorado. That comeback will help us down the line, I’m sure.
……….Dawgs, 24-10!
By jim
October 7, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
Let’s see now, it’s early 1st quarter AR leads Auburn 10-0. Who’s overrated?
By william cranman
October 7, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
Arkansas leading 24-10!
By AltamahaDawg
October 7, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Rob, I apreciate your Bulldawg passion and am not calling you a dumbass. If you want to banter in here, somebody is simply going to challange you, be prepared. Nobody called you any names. You just keep saying things that sound like you have been following UGA just this year. I think you may have something on the quick routs. The problem with you saying that the coaches somehow inexclicably have forgotten a fairly basic play, is that its not so much a CALL, but a check off. If we havent been doing that its becasue the Qb hasnt been checking into that. Maybe today you get your wish. As far as the sprint draw, we do that MUCH less than other folks do. I’ve already seen it a dozen times today. NC State beat FSU with it. We ran it twice if I am not mistaken last week, once for a gain, once the ill fated stop on 3rd down that has everyone jumping off a cliff. That play is ALSO a check off for the QB, who decides if its there or not. Not sure I’d pick on that short pass to the TE, its about the best thing we have done in the passing game so far. As for the long bombs, all 5/6 we have tried this year, yes, lets work on that one a bit more during the week.
By DAWG
October 7, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
WAR EAGLE, I never noticed ARK. in any of your “top teams in the SEC.” I guess Tubber will quit whining now.
By Hunk Erdown
October 7, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Houston Nutt and the Razorbacks. Playing to your strengths, pounding the rock still works in the SEC, whatta ya know. That was a fine exhibition of old time SEC football.
By MadMerf
October 7, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Click-clack……Under-Arkansas!….The ESPN sponsor jinx continues……sorry WarEagle. That young team sure looks scary good! They got our attention last year.
How is it that SoCal plays SEC teams at the most opportunistic times?!!!!!!
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 7, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Washington is giving SoCal all they want at the half. Upsets eveywhere.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 7, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
Spread option? I’ve said for a long time that anyone who didn’t think it wou;ld work in the SEC was wrong. Check out the Reptile-LSU game. Freshman QBs? They’re every where in big games. Ark.- Mustain 7-10 passing and his coach stayed with him last week after 3 ints. and he beat ALA. Colt McCOY? Terrible game against Ohio State but Brown stayed with him and today he’s tearing Okla. apart. Ga.? If Joe T doesn’t get the job done thewn I hope MR will play his freshman and stay with him all the way. If he does we’ll all be a winner in the end.
By ConyersDawg
October 7, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
What’s your point Buck? You act like Fl. is lighting it up with the spread. They don’t know how to put a team away. LSU lost this game more then Fl. winning it to me.
Your right Bill, you don’t get paid millions and you have no clue what it takes to coach or win as a coach. I would have more respect for your opinions if you actually had any experience as a winner in anything.
By K-DAWG
October 7, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
How many times do we have to get our asses kicked because the third rate defensive jack a* does’nt know how to blitz a quaterback. If I recall last year mr. Leak kick us in the nuts because we would not rush the passer. For God sake somebody make his azz run some damn gassers!!!!!!!! Why in the world would we throw the damn ball on 3rd and ???????? Especially when you are on or about the 10 yard line we are about to blow this game!!!!!!!!!!!
By MadMerf
October 7, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
Can’t blame JT3 for this one. Defense/Special teams give up 37 points in 2nd half, worst I’ve ever seen,…..ever!
I still bleed red and black, my flags still fly, and I’m a Bulldog to the end! If you true dawg fans claim to be the same, you’ll keep the criticism to a minimum.
MadMerf!
By B'ham Dawg
October 7, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
Ouch! How do we blow that big of a lead at home. Has Martinez ever heard of the blitz. We will be back but this is hearbreaking.
By B'ham Dawg
October 7, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
Have I ever heard of question marks…?
Our offense finally shows up and our defense stinks it up. The sad thing is our vaunted DE’s can’t get a pass rush…against anyone.
By trouble.in.athens.again
October 7, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
OVERRATED OVERRATED OVERRATED OVERRATED OVERRATED I guess this shows that when you play the easiest teams in college football, a defense may look like a great one but really isn’t. Half a hundred? UGA begins its decline like I have said all along. Couldn’t have happened to a better redneck school if I ever saw one. You puppies got 50+ hung on your ‘great’ defense at home again. Remember Florida in ‘95 or was it ‘96? Who cares? You still lost and will lose 4 more games before the season is over with that pitiful offense and now proven crappy defense. I love it! Go Jackets!! Dawgs lose!! Ha Ha Ha….. Where are all the big mouths who rag the Auburn, Florida, and Tech fans? Where are you losers?? What a waste of college football. You barely beat the two worst teams in the nation 2 weeks prior and then got whipped by the team that almost lost to Air Force. What a joke. You will still be in the top 25, but after your next 4 losses, you will end the season unranked. I guess this is when you guys start saying wait until next year again. Ha Ha…half a hundred points allowed. Overrated defense.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
October 7, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Conyers, I’d say that the Reptiles did pretty good running the spread. Again, congratulations to the Vols, they deserved to win. I’m not pointing any fingers period. Every one can make up their own minds because it was there for all to see. Now, MR will have to bring the team back together. He’ll earn his money. I have my own thoughts but for now they’re not important. Later
By Doggone
October 7, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
How is this loss not Joe T III’s responsibility? He personally turned over the ball 3 times in the 2nd half putting our defense out there for a LONG time. By the 4th quarter they were totally worn out.
Joe T III does not have the talent to be a backup QB on any other SEC team.
By robdawg06
October 7, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
Poor tackling by the defense, blown coverages on almost every pass by the DB’s,Joe T turning the ball over 2 times,same old punt unit can’t block gives up another TD = LOSS ! Leading 24-14 at the half and stink it up the 2nd half. Pretty sad.
By Hulk Smash
October 7, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
Hulk sad…we had a great first half, but Richt should have taken out JT3 earlier b/c it was obvious he wasn’t 100%, and it would have sparked our offense.
Where was Ware? Lumpkin did okay, but he failed to make some crucial blocks, and we paid dearly for it. Game ball goes to Southerland, Thomas Brown, and Massaquoi.
Keep your heads up Dawgs!!!
By gahdangsonbit
October 7, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
Time for Mark Richt to do what he really is qualified to do: Find a church and be the preacher. This Dawg is tired of bone-headed play-calling and inability to manage the clock.
By MadMerf
October 8, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this
Doggone,
The blocking broke down in the 2nd half, the 1st pick was tipped at the line, and JT3 was running for his life most of the time. Surprising ‘O’ came out flat after the break, and DON’T EVEN try to predict what woulda, coulda, shoulda happened with the backup qbs.
trouble.in.atl.,
Don’t forget CMR dawgs have never lost to GT, ever! That translates to: WE STILL OWN YOU! WE STILL OWN YOU! WE STILL OWN YOU! WE STILL OWN YOU! WE STILL OWN YOU!
By SamoanDawg
October 8, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
That Tech guy sounds like a little imature brat. Your mama is calling you.. it’s bed time.
No excuse here at all. Tenn were the better team in the second half. We just couldn’t finish the drill.. PERIOD.
We still have a lot of games to play for.
Go Dawgs!
By SmokeyDog
October 8, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
Too many times I hear bloggers say that the GA pups OWN Tennessee. Thought I would drop some knowledge on ya’.
TN’s Overall record agaist GA: TN-19 GA-15 Tie-2
TN’s Overall record IN ATHENS: TN-10 GA-7 Tie-1
And the one that KILLS GA fans…….
Phillip Fulmer’s record against GA:
Phil Fulmer-10 GA-5
Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, puppy fans!!!
By SmokeyDog
October 8, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
Too many times I hear bloggers say that the GA pups OWN Tennessee. Thought I would drop some knowledge on ya’.
TN’s Overall record agaist GA: TN-19 GA-15 Tie-2
TN’s Overall record IN ATHENS: TN-10 GA-7 Tie-1
And the one that KILLS GA fans…….
Phillip Fulmer’s record against GA:
Phil Fulmer-10 GA-5
Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, puppy fans!!!