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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA signature game?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With most successful college quarterbacks, there comes a particular game where you know they’ve arrived, that the lightbulb has clicked on and the steep learning curve has leveled off.
Sometimes, of course, you get a sort of false-positive in such tests. Remember Quincy Carter against LSU his freshman year? There were a lot of reasons he never lived up to his promise, but let’s not go there. He didn’t. Enough said.
But then there was David Greene leading the Dawgs down the field to beat Tennessee in Knoxville. You knew watching that game that he was something special, and the end result was college football’s all-time winningest QB.
Then last year, we had a pretty good idea after the Boise State game that D.J. Shockley the starter was head and shoulders above D.J. Shockley the backup. But it wasn’t until the Tennessee game, again in Knoxville, that you KNEW D.J. was the real deal.
Did last Saturday’s win over Auburn mark Matthew Stafford’s signature game as Georgia QB? It kinda felt that way, though we’ve been down this road before this season, with people declaring him the Second Coming of John Elway after the South Carolina game. A couple of weeks later, folks were wondering if they’d been wrong.
No, just premature.
Stafford is going to be a remarkable quarterback. But the win over the Gamecocks wasn’t a true measure of where he was in his development at that time. He still had a bunch of learning (and a whole lot of interceptions) ahead of him.
But the Auburn game felt different. He still made a few mistakes, but they weren’t momentum-killers. He didn’t throw any picks and, to his head coach’s delight, he actually threw the ball away when the play wasn’t there rather than trying to force it. As Coach Richt said after the game: “He finally listened to me. That was nice.”
Stafford also showed himself to be more of a running threat than anyone had predicted. (The Athens Banner-Herald summed it up nicely by noting that his rushing output against Auburn was just two yards shy of Shockley’s career high of 85 yards against Boise State last year, and was 12 yards more than Florida’s much-heralded running QB Tim Tebow’s single best game so far this season.)
Yeah, he fumbled a couple of times, leading QB coach Mike Bobo to say he “ripped him pretty bad” after the second one, telling Stafford that after he gets a first down he should go down. Period. “But, coach, I can score,” Stafford protested. “I don’t give a crap,” Bobo told him. “Go down.” And the next time Stafford ran for a first down, he then slid, even with no Auburn player near him, rather than risk losing the ball or getting knocked out of bounds and stopping the clock.
The sight of a student athlete learning is a wonderful thing.
Obviously, Stafford still has a lot to learn and a lot of room for improvement. But watching him in the Auburn game, I got a feeling that the worst is behind him (and I don’t just mean the Kentucky game).
Whether or not he leads the Dawgs to a victory over the Jackets, you get the feeling he won’t be responsible for Georgia beating itself.
Comments
By big dave
November 16, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
i agree he had better decision making later in the AU game than he had shown. but let’s be clear, the WRs finally caught the ball. in fact they caught everything. i think Stafford made better decisions overall, but i think a lot of the success last weekend is due to the fact the guys caught the ball. i’ll need another game or 2 to know what Stafford really is made of. We win out and do so like we beat and i’ll be ready to say he has arrived.
By Robert Hays
November 16, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
The victory over Auburn was sweet,and the defense finaly showed up .Go Dogs, Beat the Hell out of Tech
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 16, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this
I have no problem saying right now that the AU game was Matthew Stafford’s signature game. Forget the big things he did, it was all the little details he handled that was the difference. I can’t for the life of me figure out why everybody was so supprised by his running. He and MR have been slowly working that in all year and waiting for the right moment to spring him loose. Like any top notch QB, his teammates have to do their job then he becomes the difference maker. Reptiles picked up on what happened Sat., big time. SOS would give a lot to have him in Columbia but we’ve got the QB we need in Athens. I’m darn glad he wears Red & Black.
By Bryan G.
November 16, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
If Stafford beats Tech, that would be even better. Going 8-4 this year would be pretty good. If we beat Auburn and Tech, I can forgive the Vandy and UK losses.
By tim
November 16, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
fire [___]!!! or, uh…
By ATLUGA
November 16, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
I seem to remember that one David Greene went 8-4 in his first season under CMR and we know what happened the next 3 years. Only good things lie ahead for this Freshman QB and all the great young dawgs that will get there chance in 2007!
By 77DAWG
November 17, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this
Stafford is our answer to NC and Martinez is our problem. I drank for the AU won but I also remember all of those drives to score on us, it were quick and shockingly effectives. I am very proud of our defensive and offensive efforts, critical mistakes on defense (ZONE on the long field = easy first down)will results in no NC anytime soon. USC main goal is to win NC often, conference champs are only by-products. Are we really happy with just SEC champs? If YES, then go ahead don’t change any coaching staff. / Love My Dogs.
By techman
November 17, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this
The coaching staff did notwin or lose your games UGA. It is a transition season with completely new players not in synch until now. I knew they would get it together before they played Tech unfortunately.
By godawg
November 17, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
I believe the Auburn game was definitely a “breakthrough” game in the development of Matthew “Gunslinger” Stafford. Other components of the team came together as well, notably the receivers catching the ball and the D putting pressure on the QB.
If the Dawgs can play this type of inspired ball for four quarters next Saturday it will be ANOTHER long day for the Bees.
We all need to vote for Mike “Big Dawg” Woods to win Aaron’s Superfan of the Year. I know it’s hard not to vote for the Bailey Twins from Alabama, (I barely resisted the temptation myself, sorry Mike), but it’d be nice to see the “Big Dawg” win this.
By Dawgbone
November 17, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
Can’t wait for the Tech game, should be good. Tech is an awesome team and a part of me is actually happy to see Tech thriving again! Go Dawgs!
By austindog
November 17, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
I remember Quincy’s coming out LSU game, and I also remember he’s the only QB to lose to Tech in the last 15 years.
By DirkDawggler
November 17, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this
Stafford not only showed tremendous pocket presence against Auburn, he also displayed his accuracy on the deep ball. One pass to Kenneth Harris should have been a long touchdown due to holding. I was equally impressed with some of the touch passes. The Nice throw in traffic to Milner and Lump’s screen pass touchdown. Let’s see what he can do against a pretty good Tech defense.
By LADAWG
November 17, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
Aren’t we holding on to this win a little to long. Yes a great win but it was only one of a few good games we have played in a whole season. Still not much to be proud of.
By MadMerf
November 17, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
Hey Buck, looks like John Wayne’s got a new sidekick……..Caleb King!
By Not-A-Blogger
November 17, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
Yes, Stafford played great. Yes, the receivers caught the ball. Yes, the defense rose up.
But lest we forget, Georgia ran the ball against Auburn 46 times. Lumpkin became the first back to get 20 touches in a game this year.
It will help take pressure off MS if we use the power-I and RUN THE ROCK.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 17, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
godawg, I am suprised that the elephants trunk was still hanging down. Can you tell me whether or not the ACCCG will televised anywhere? I know that they might not be showing it up here due to lack of national interest? What time are they kicking it off 11:30 like our Auburn game?
Yes Bill that was a defining game for Stafford and the team this year. Something we had not gotten out those guys ALL year long. I hope we rest up and hand it to the bees.
By toemeetsleather
November 17, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
one reginald ball will show the puppies what a real winner is like in the nov.25th skirmish…maybe stepford i mean stafford can learn something about making things happen…ENGINEERS ROLL!!!!!!!!!!
By Hunk Erdown
November 17, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
There were so many little things that showed vast improvement/confidence by Stafford. Of course the WRs catching the ball made a huge difference, but take that screen for instance that scored- he sold that so well with the fake and looking downfield, it was a thing of beauty. He seems to be doing much better on selling the fakes, which is big in my view. Pinpoint accuracy, nice touch, seeing the whole field, and not giving himself up by watching only the intended rec.
Buck, your right, you can really tell that CMR has worked on his running, but the reason it has surprised me is because he’s not exactly a speed demon and with the bit of pudginess, I couldn’t believe his balance and ability to cut. He just needs to tuck the ball and protect it more. I think Bobo is probably right in having him get the 1st and get down, but I sure like the guts he shows in running over folks. We are in for some fun for the next few years, just hope he can stay healthy. As far as a breakout game? To me its been more like a progression that has led Stafford to a milestone. The kid is risilient and tough as nails. All he needs is the maturity that can only come with time, and Caleb King lined up in the slot.
Go Dawgs!!
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 17, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
I don’t know about the Tech game this year guys. I hear dressed up like a blind squirrel for halloween.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 17, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
I hear REGGIE dressed up like a blind squirrel for halloween.
By godawg
November 17, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this
lipsmeetsscotum: one reginald ball will show the puppies what a real winner is like in the nov.25th skirmish… Stop it…you’re killing me.
‘zoo, I think the ACCCG will only be available pay-per-view or on ESPNz. And yes it is surprising that pachyderm trunk’s not swollen but that whole team seems to have been limp all year. I pity them tomorrow as Auburn is going to come PO’d.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 17, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
godawg, kalamazoo and Hunk Er, my boy done good! I say “my boy” just because I was with’em from the git go, as were other, but I knew this was coming. NOT-A-BLOGGER, it’s important to understand that the Dawgs, under MR, will use the pass to set up the run, just like he did Sat. and not visa versa. He’s got the kinda QB who’s agile, hostile and mobile as hell who, oh by the way can hit a dime at 70 yds. down. We’ll be watching that attack attack and attack FSU “O” of the 90’s. WHOOOOOO YA!!!!!! Now Im’ focusing on the “bugs”. How will they try to stop “my boy”?
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 17, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Buck, You’re unwavering support of the kid has been great. I know this is shoulda, woulda, coulda, but I wish the decision could have been made sooner. Having the consistency of one QB for the year (Cox or Barnes name could be inserted here as well )might have made a big difference overall. Of course as we have seen the game can be totally different when the receivers catch the ball and the turnovers are in our favor.
By Reality
November 17, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
STAFFORD SUCKS…..THE JACKETS WILL STOMP ON HIS UGLY MUG WITH A HOBNAILED BOOT…..What a buffoon Larry Munson is !
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 17, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
Kalamazoo, thanks for the kind words. My disapointment was that when Joe T went down, that he didn’t stay with Matthew all the way. Wastching the game, I was more than willing to lose to Colo. in oreder for him to continuet to fight throu thr mistakes. When Joe T came back I posted then that it was a mistake to go back to him. MR said later that he almost didn’t make the change. But that’s history and I prefer to look forward to the “bugs”. BTW, if they think they’ll stop Stafford from running the ball, guess again. 1 fumble was just a bone headed play, the other was just an outstanding Defense play. Stafford says, “I’m running to score a TD.,not just get a 1st down.” For better or worst, that man has end-zone on the mine.
By gdawginkalamazoo
November 17, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
Oh man! Just saw the headline. Bo Schembechler passed away. Can you imagine the pressure on Lloyd Carr now! Come on guys we got to win this one the the Schemie!
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 17, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Reality…. I promise you, there ain’t no fence around Stafford’s a$$!!!!! COME ON!!!!!
By PropellerHead
November 17, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
Buck Cochran - We’re on the same page. I’ve been a fan of Stafford’s since I watched 40 plus video clips of him last Spring. After getting Goose Bumps watching Stafford throw 45 yard frozen ropes I became impressed with how well he ran the ball. Make no mistake, Stafford is going to run a lot at UGA and pile up yards. Stafford is a big kid and loves to lay the wood when given the opportunity. I think he runs better than Tebow, because Stafford can run East/West to elude tacklers. Tebow is like watching a DE run with the ball. He only knows how to run North/South.
Stafford is going to have a great career at Georgia and I’m damn glad to have him wearing the Red & Black.
By GREG
November 17, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
AUBURN’S QB HAD A HUGE DAY TOO!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!
By Carlton Powell
November 17, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
toemeetsleather must be a fake Jacket fan. “Reggie” a real winner?? Man, no human could be that dumb!! Look at what he did in the ‘03 and ‘04 games. In ‘03 had to be removed from the game against UGA for almost starting a fight, and in ‘04 he was so out of it he didn’t even know what down it was at game’s end. That’s a winner for you, for sure!! Heck, he might have a “career” game against the ‘Dogs, but let him do it first, then brag. Enough said.
By DawgByte
November 17, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
Buck Cochran - I’m also one of the DAY ONE Stafford fans. I see nothing but plus signs with this kid and look forward to watching the maturation process.
Can you just imagine if Richt wavered on Stafford (mid-year) and suddenly switched back to Cox or Joe T. - that would have been a HUGE mistake. Instead, Richt saw the incredible raw TALENT and said, “This is my guy and I’m sticking with him through thick and thin.” That takes GUTS!
By CJ
November 17, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Buck, that doesn’t take guts. Those other guys suck. My granny has a better arm than Joe T. He had no choice.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 17, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
CJ, you talking to me? I didn’t post that last post; however, there were a lot of folks that implied that I was an idiot for saying we should have gone with Stafford from the git go. Whole lot of people were rasing hello about staying with Matthew.
By BadgerDawg
November 18, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this
CJ, I still believe that Ball would be 5th string at UGA, maybe 4th if he was lucky. The only thing saving him is having the best receiver in the country. He is the same terrible QB he’s been the last 4 years. There’s a reason he’s at Tech, and that’s b/c no one else wanted him.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 18, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball could be all-american as far as I’m concerned because OUR QB will be the key to thew game. Get use to it because it’s going to be a common theme, for a couple of years to come. Defenses have to firgur out what Matthew is going to do, not a RB, or WR or anyone else on “O”. This is what will make our “O” so hard to stop as MR puts the right people around him. I promise you that the “bugs” will go after Tra Battle in a couple of key situations. Have no idea what WM is going to do with the “D”, but what we want is to use our “O” talent and get into a scoring contest. I’ll say it now so anyone that want’s to can take a shot, we’ll put at least 30 pts. on the board.
By Matt
November 18, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
Seriously, we’re hanging on to this win a little much. Stafford had a good game, finally, but auburn probably played their worst game in years. Tech is gonna bring it against our O line, and we better be ready. Also, Caleb King is not our savior, so don’t get too excited. We were his second choice.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 18, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
Like I’ve said, all I know about King is what I’ve read and that’s why I’ve just asked questions about him and mainly about “can he catch the ball”. He hasn’t taken his SATs so I’m not counting on anything. As for what we score against Tech? I’m factoring in the whole season and not placing the prediction on just the AU game. If we look back, even in the Ky. game, we scored on drives. I posted after the Miss. St. game that again all of our scores came on drives. Short field, long field didn’t matter. The AU game was when the long pass stepped up to the plate. I do think we’ll hit a couple of long ones that’ll either be TDs or set them up. I betting on the type of drive that MS has done in the past. He may throw a int. but it won’t be like earlier in the season. He’s finally learned to throw the ball away and that’s a hugh lesson to learn.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 19, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
YO !!!!!! robinro, guess you think your post is funny for Sunday morning, eh? I’ll bet you’ll be happy if any children lok on and see it?
By SamoanDawg
November 19, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Hot RUMOR.. Spurrier going to the U?
Cutcliff/Borge/Fisher or Chow or Tenuta too, could be the candidates if the rumor does panned out…
But anyhow, I’m looking forward to swat some beezwine.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
November 19, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
Samoan Dawg, are you guessing about those rumors?….. You’re right, the most important thing for the Dawg Nation is 11/25/06. That is all that matters.
By b'ham dawg
November 20, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
hey matt, wat r u smokin? the dawgs r goin to be the hell out of tech. Dawgs forever baby!