By TDone

May 17, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Oliver should have just committed some type of felony. Then he would have kept his eligibility and been allowed to play for the UGAngsters this fall.

By Anonymous

May 17, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Get out of here with that crap…we actually suspend our guys for games or send them away for a year to get their act together so don’t give us that crap. We also kick our players off the team. And its for little things like drinking so don’t even start. This is really disappointing. Somebody has to step up. Martinez said that he may play with the idea of moving Reshad to corner but I don’t want to turn Reshad from a potential AA Safety to just a good corner.

By UGA sucks

May 17, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Let’s change the name to UGA Jailers!

By Matt

May 17, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

As much as it sucks for Georgia, it sucks much worse for Paul Oliver. What a bonehead. He would have been a 2nd round draft pick next year at worst in my opinion. Now he’s relegated to the supplemental draft and I don’t even what that is really.

As for Georgia, this is a setback no doubt, but who really know’s what it will mean for the bottom line. Not much in my opinion.

By I-DOG

May 17, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

TDONE:

There have been some really dumb posts by UGA bashers, but you win. Yours is the dumbest of all time, congratulations! Please see the AJC staff to pick up your prize.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 17, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

As a Tech fan and Falcons fan, this is doubly good news from my point of view — not only does GT not have to face him in the annual game, but the Falcons could burn a 3rd- or 4th-round pick in next year’s draft to select a local guy with 2nd- or borderline 1st-round value. Don’t know if they will, but having Oliver in training camp certainly wouldn’t hurt them. Sucks for y’all Dawgs, though. Oliver is a baller.

By reality check

May 17, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Georgia’s defense is going to be good this year, although probably not as good as last year’s D. The problem is not the defensive backs. We have never had more talent and depth than we have there now. The linebackers are less experienced than the past few years but more talented. The interior of the defensive line will be stronger than it has been.

The problem is defensive ends. We will be good there, but not great like we have been.

We will be much better offensively this year and down only a little from our top ten results from a year ago. By the end of the season, depending on injuries, our defense should be very good.

By reality check

May 17, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

What team do you pull for Tdone?

Can you name a Georgia player who was convicted of a felony and ever allowed to play for Georgia again? I don’t believe you can.

The only player I know of to ever be convicted of a felony and still allowed - make that encouraged - to play at any school was Rueben Houston at Georgia Tech.

By I-DOG

May 17, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Losing Oliver absolutely hurts.

While this is the best position to lose a first team All SEC type player because of the depth… it is NEVER good to lose a guy like this.

I agree with the Junkyard blogger that Oliver didn’t live up to his recruiting hype his first few years, but he improved every year and his Junior year was terrific.

This has not been a good off-season for our defense. If he didn’t make the grades, then I totally support his losing the eligibility.

I am more concerned than ever about the defense and we will know where we stand D wise after the first two games against pretty good offenses.

By hardcore

May 17, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

lets get this straight right now!….. Paul Oliver never shut down Calin Johnson….. Reggie Ball shut Calvin down. I was at the game. Calvin was burning Paul, but Reggie kept screwing it up!

Heres a name you should remember: Demaryius Thomas

By Matt

May 17, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

lets get this straight right now! Georgia Tech football is an absolute joke and you speak to a Georgia fan when spoken to first. Capice?

6 in a row and counting…..

By Anonymous

May 17, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Yah yah yah…just like Demario Minter didn’t shut down Calvin the year before. We heard it all before. Good luck to Tech next year and everything but quit with the excuses. And I’ll give you the running game cause you guys gashed us last year with Choice but I’m not going to talk about your passing game or any potential wideout until I see it against us or another elite corner in the ACC.

By Lee

May 17, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

“A case of a player just not making the grades, or did the coaching staff not stay on him hard enough about his academics?”

Give me a break. He had been going to school for 3 years and still didn’t know how to keep his grades up….

I’ve got this crazy idea, but it just might work.. Why don’t you try recruiting STUDENT -athletes? There is a reason they are called that, you know.

BTW, has Caleb King ever gotten his SAT above room temperature yet? Just asking….

By House Divided GT/UGA

May 17, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

This is a devastating blow for UGA. But, I am somewhat happy to see that the University takes charge and reports academic ineligabilities to the proper authority, unlike some other SEC schools nearby. Academics are tough at Georgia. Don’t let any of these Tech nerds say differently, I’m a Tech nerd and a Georgia boy(undergraduate degree), I know from experience. It’s too bad for Oliver, he would have been something special. He was a smart kid too, I knew of him and his family around the Kennesaw area…… Good luck Oliver, fight on Georgia!

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 17, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

1st two games: 1. Okla. St. has a very good offense 2. SOS has 10 starters back on “D” Win those two and we’re off to a running down hill start. Loose to SOS and we’re running up hill.

By Anonymous

May 17, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Well we don’t know about Caleb yet Lee…but thanks for the bashing. Greatly appreciated. I’m sure no other school has had a player flunk out before. I’m sure our graduation rates haven’t gone up any either since Richt has been here. Don’t start bashing unless you know the facts. It is rumored that Caleb has qualified but until he says it im not believing it. We should know in the upcoming weeks.

By House Divided GT/UGA

May 17, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Georgia fans, Oliver did a great job on Calvin, but he’s still the best WR that I’ve ever seen play college ball. Give the man his dues!

By beau

May 17, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Bill, you’re an idiot.

By beau

May 17, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Bill, you’re an idiot.

By DumbDawg

May 17, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

how could oliver not make the grades at u are gay?? any dummy could at least pass with a D. ask harrick jr.

By A-ville Ranger

May 17, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

For those who say we’ll be better by yhe end of the season.That’s probably the case,how much does that matter though ? If it takes 8 games to get it together like last year,just as last year it’ll save a disaster of a year but it’ll still be a 4 or 5 loss season.I’m not saying that’s what will happen,just pointing out that in college ball you don’t get a post season to make up for slow starts.Losing Oliver is a big setback.The talent in the secondary is very good but on a defense already thin on experience it hurts.Somebody wrote that the defense will be good but not as good as last year.For the better part of the season the D was not up to standards.The only two players on D who played tough every game Johnson and Taylor have moved on.We have as good a talent base as ever but can it jell in time to compete foe a title ? I’m optimistic but not convinced.

By RxDawg

May 17, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

You want to know a sign of a truly great program? Its when extremely jealous fans of opposing teams love to jump on our blog sites and trash us whenever the slightest negative thing happens. Its a blow, but we’ll be fine. Our secondary is probably one of our deepest areas w/ talent.

By RealisticDawg

May 17, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

What’s the big deal? Oliver isn’t nearly as good as you morons think. He was toasted by every one he faced (including Calvin who abused him only to have Ball misfire on every pass). I’ll be shocked if any team spends more than a 5th or 6th round choice on him.

By honest_abe

May 17, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

look at poophead coming into the dawg blog. go away nerd.

first of all, oliver was the top rated cornerback in the nation coming back this year and projected to be one of the top picks of next years draft. middle to late in the worst case scenario.

second the falcons would have to give up more than a 3rd or a 4th to get him and that wouldn’t make sense considering they just used an early 2nd round choice on houston.

now all you nerds go back to your bug blog and talk about how good a team tech might eventually be within 10 years or so.

the dawgs are stacked at corner so although the loss hurts, we still have some really good young talent at that position.

By Cujo

May 17, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

So Calvin Johnson’s daddy can shut him down again this football season, except it will be in the NFL this time!

By Football Junkie

May 17, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Somewhere, Calvin Johnson just sharted his pants!!

By techman 72

May 17, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

I watched the UGA GT game objectively and the truth is while Oliver is a great secondary player, Ball,s errant passes to Calvin never gave either player a chance to demonstrate their talents

By Hunk Erdown

May 17, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

We have a lot of depth and talent, but we’re hurting on experience. I think we’ll be okay but who knows for sure? It’ll be interesting, thats certainly a safe bet. My main concern and has been for quite some time is that our guys seem to have a problem with the very basics of discipline off the field. I was watching one of those “Head Coach” shows on Fox last night. They featured CMR and spent a good bit of time talking about his character and leadership training that he starts them all off with and continues through their stay at UGA. It was very impressive and “looked good on paper” but it doesn’t seem to be sinking through with everyone. I realize that in the grand scheme of things that it is probably a low percentage of the total number of players that have problems, but damn… it sure seems like the highest profile and potentially most valuable players are the ones continually tripping up. My most stressful time of year as a fan is the period when there is a lull as far as activity for the team. Drinking, fighting, and grades… the most obvious things that the Coaches and solid team leaders are preaching about are the main sources of trouble. To be in this stage academically for Oliver… well, there’s just no excuse for it. They should all be totally aware if there are issues and between hard work and tutoring should have been on top of this. Do you realize how ridiculous this is? He is a star athelete with a history of struggling; how could this “slip up” on anyone? I don’t get it. The character and leadership program needs to be adjusted bigtime.

As far as Oliver and his coverage of Calvin… certainly Ga Tech had one of the worst QBs to ever put on a uniform, but there was also some great coverage. If it was “all Reggie” then Johnson would have never had a good game, but thats not true is it? No, its not; Oliver held him to a pathetically low performance and there were several passes that he defended against that Johnson normally would have caught. The coverage was so good that even Reggie knew better than to throw his way. It even appeared that Oliver was playing Johnson loose from time to time to try and lure Reggie into throwing to Calvin. I’ve still got the game on tivo and enjoy watching it over and over.

Oliver is a very talented player and I wish him the best, but this was the absolute dumbest thing he could have done. I blame him, his family, and CMR… this should never have happened. It is way too easy to make sure a guy like Oliver has a tutor that is assigned to him to make sure that he is staying on top of his grades. No excuse for this.

By Techman72

May 17, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

These coaches now days are under alot of undue scrutiny. When I was at Tech 1972-1976 all players , students over 18 could drink. We made the headlines at UGA and GT for the same reasons drinking fighting in bars even cops but we were of legal age. Cops back then looked the other way at times, but these kids now days are micro managed by their parents and big brother(internet) catches everyones moves and displays for all to see. a coach cannot control 120 players even Bear bryant had some bad boys but once again the legal ramifications were pretty much nonexsistent because evryone was legal to drink. Joe Namath was even suspended for staying out late and drinking I think the 21 age requrement for drinking and the oversealous police force has more the root of the problem, not poorly judged recruits

By Techman72

May 17, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Thats overzealous cops sorry I didnt have time to take Typing 101 at Tech (probably because it was not a course)

By ReggieBallsack

May 17, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Although I agree with the Tech posters that Oliver didn’t single handedly shut Calvin down, there is no doubt that Paul Oliver covered him better than any DB ever has. Oliver is an incredible talent and I am relieved we will not be facing him again this year. But any UGA fan worth his salt can recognize how special Calvin is based on what he was able to do with Reggie Ballsack at QB. And for the record, Oliver’s INT was a perfect pass from Reggie Ballsack that hit him square on the numbers. Didn’t even have to leave the hashmark. Too bad Calvin was on a go route on the sideline… Oliver is good enough not to have balls thrown his way!!

By 6NAROW

May 17, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

For some reason I don’t think anyone with the name Techman could watch the nerds get pounded for the 6th year in a row and rate the Oliver v. CJ matchup objectively.

By Paul 'Pencil' Oliver

May 17, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Housing major? Goes to UGA? FAILS OUT… baha!

By Newnan Cuga

May 18, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

Calvin Johnson is a baller … but, on the other hand how is is that he has done nothing against the sec for the past 3 years?? SEC = Defense

By SamoanDawg

May 18, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

dadgumit! Losing Paul really hurts. That should force Asher Allen to take his game up another notch. He should be okay though. Hes a very physical talented kid. Just lack experience. He’s going to be another Tim Jennings in the making. He’ll just have to make up experience along the way. We’ll prolly have to play a lot of zone/cover 2… we do it a lot anyway. With safeties helping, it shouldn’t be a problem. Especially with our front providing pressures upfront. We’ll be alright. No panicking here at all. C’mon lets go! Bring it on!

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 18, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Wow, Honest Abe. You are so creative. Nerd? Gee, I have never heard that insult being used by a UGA fan against a Georgia Tech fan before. Where do you get your material? Could you help me out? I’d really love to be able to come up with such original insults one day.

Teams rarely, if ever, use 1st-rounders in the supplemental draft. It’s pretty likely that Oliver could slip to the 3rd or 4th round. If he does slip that far in the supplemental draft, it would be smart for the Falcons to pick him up, since they are not going to get a defender with that kind of value with a pick that late next year. Adding more depth is never a bad thing, especially at a position like CB where you need four or five healthy bodies in a game. As for Calvin, it’s foolish not to give credit to UGA’s defense and Oliver in particular in their role in shutting him down. Of course Reggie was terrible even by his own standards in that game. But few other corners had the balls to play Calvin as tightly and physically as Oliver did, without fear of getting burned over the top. Give credit when it’s due, Tech fans.

By SamoanDawg

May 18, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Losing Paul hurts. But it’s not going to change our game plan at all. I’m very confident in Asher Allen’s skill. He’s a physical corner… plays a lot like Tim Jenning. Cover 2 and our safeties will help out a lot. Our front four will make our corners job much easier. With our front four penetrating to the backfield and forcing QBs to get rid of the ball quicker, our corners should benefit by it and maybe pick off some of those poor throwing balls.

No worries at all brah…

By SamoanDawg

May 18, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Losing Paul hurts. But it’s not going to change our game plan at all. I’m very confident in Asher Allen’s skill. He’s a physical corner… plays a lot like Tim Jenning. Cover 2 and our safeties will help out a lot. Our front four will make our corners job much easier. With our front four penetrating to the backfield and forcing QBs to get rid of the ball quicker, our corners should benefit by it and maybe pick off some of those poor throwing balls.

No worries at all brah…

By hardcore

May 18, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

i dont wanna hear anyone talk about how UGA academics are tough when they have a “Chocolate Tasting” course that mostly football players take. and if you dont believe me, do your research! a good friend of mine took the course and often complained how stupid the football players were.

And Tim Tebow is waiting to thrash you guys once again! HA!

By pswift

May 18, 2007 2:55 AM | Link to this

You anti-uga idiots have got to be kidding, right? The kind of trouble that our so-called “ugangsters” seem to get into overwhelmingly involves an open container or a bar fight.

At least our players are having a good time while in college and behaving somewhat normally for “coming-of-age” young men. I bet the majority of you bashers were a bunch of dorks who couldn’t even get a date during your four years of college, (if you even went to school). In addition, I bet some of you have never experienced the sweet sweet smell of bourbon on a crisp Saturday morning in the late Fall, either.

Get a life. UGA football players have a great one.

By pswift

May 18, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this

You anti-uga idiots have got to be kidding, right? The kind of trouble that our so-called “ugangsters” seem to get into overwhelmingly involves an open container or a bar fight.

At least our players are having a good time while in college and behaving somewhat normally for “coming-of-age” young men. I bet the majority of you bashers were a bunch of dorks who couldn’t even get a date during your four years of college, (if you even went to school). In addition, I bet some of you have never experienced the sweet sweet smell of bourbon on a crisp Saturday morning in the late Fall, either.

Get a life. UGA football players have a great one.

By Dale

May 18, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this

Reggie Ballsack? LOL….

I think Tech will still lose to UGA. UGA owns Tech in just about every sport.

I’m glad my defense (FSU) will be back intact with most starters returning.

By AnnistonBoy

May 18, 2007 5:44 AM | Link to this

Coach Richt is so silly. I saw that film “Facing the Giants” the other day. I couldn’t decide whether it was supposed to be a comedy in the form of a parody of corny bible thumping hillbillies or what. I later decided it wasn’t supposed to be that at all - which in a way was even worse! It was so dumb!

Then who appears but Coach Richt - as dense as all the other characters!

He needs to be dismissed and replaced by a female coach. There are three female head football coaches in Florida now at the high school level and their teams’ records are actually higher than the the state average. So much for the idiot notion that a woman can’t coach! Does the coach actually play? No, I don’t think so! Women may not be as good as men as players with the exception of a few large lesbians. This is because of the difference in the average physical strengths between the genders. However, this has nothing to do with COACHING! As I stated before for those of you who don’t know, the COACH DOESN’T ACTUALLY PLAY! UGA could do something groundbreaking for once by firing Mark Richt and replacing him with the NCAA’s first woman head fooball coach. He is really irresponsible anyhow peddling that Christian evangelical stuff as a coach! UGA is a state university and non-Christians pay taxes to support it!!

By techman72

May 18, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this

Agreed The non christians have to pay taxes but the Christians run the USA UGA GT and support the non christians

By Daniel#12

May 18, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

Now that Oliver is going to the NFL, wonder if Calvin Johnson will reconsider his decision to leave early. My sources say he waited for Oliver’s announcement to stay for his senior year before he (Jonson) decided to leave. Calvin just couldn’t face another year of being shut down by Oliver!!!!

By reality check

May 18, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger I am the poster you referred to

Certainly you and any other blogger has the right to post subjective opinions about our defense’s results the last two years. I prefer to look at the empirical result.

It is a statistical fact Georgia had one of the best defenses in the country and that came against playing one of the toughest offensive schedules in the country, and that definitely includes Kentucky.

We will be good on defense from the first game and we will improve as the year goes on. I believe we will not be a top 10 defense this year, but I do nmot believe the falloff will be huge. If Brandon Miller becomes productive at middle linebacker and one or more of the new players at defensive end comes on, we should have a very good defense again.

There is no poorer predictor of success than what happens in a spring game.

By techman72

May 18, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

Yeah Calvin was worried about Paul Oliver who flunked home ec at UGA

By Techman72

May 18, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

This could be the year the UGA fans beg for CMR’s head on a plate. We at tech will take him over shame gailey

By Techman72

May 18, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

UGA you better hope Matt the beer keg heister stays healthy IF he goes down it will be a long year Weve been without a QB for 4 years any QB we play now is better than the last 4 years

By reality check

May 18, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

AnnistonBoy is obviously very fearful of coach Richt, and he has every right to be.

If I understand your recommendation AnnistonBoy we need to fire Richt and hire a woman to coach the team.

That’s funny, I don’t care who you are.

Speaking of bloggers without much intellect, have you come up with the answer to my question TDone? What Georgia players have been convicted of a felont and been allowed back on the team?

Yesterday the only college player I could think of who fit that profile was Houston at Tech, but as I think about it Tech had some linemen who beat a kid up in a pizza parlor about 10 years ago who were convicted of felony battery and they were allowed to play.

I may have missed something. Details TDboy

By reality check

May 18, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

I agree with Techman I hope Stafford stays healthy. With his potential he will be one of the great ones.

But Joe Cox is a quality quaterback as well. In fact, his statistics are consistently better than Staffords so far. He brought Georgia from behind to lead us to a win over Colorado. He is a proven winner.

It will be interesting to see if Tech is better without Ball. He played very well at times. I’ve never seen a college player more vilified by his school’s fans. He is young and it affected him. A couple of bad games and you will be ripping Bennet too.

By I hate AU, UF, UT, and GT

May 18, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Thank you Mrs. Jan Kemp! Too bad the days are gone when Coach Russell could go in to a profs office for a quarterly chat about ways to improve players final grades.

By D Ellis

May 18, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Botttom line is this loss hurts. Every DAWG knows it does. Oliver was going to be the top cover corner we had…now someone else has to step up…bottom line it sucks this year…but it will allow a younger guy to gt that much needed game exp. It does hurt though…anyone true DAWG fan who realy thinks it doesn’t matter is kidding themselves…I mean a third string corner…who cares….but this was our top corner no doubt. But you know what…the season will still be played..there will be a man in his place….he will play his guts out…and we will still win alot of ballgames without him….AND DO NOT MOVE JONES TO CB….THAT WOULD BE A BAD MISTAKE in my thoughts..he might be the best safety in the country when he’s done during his final year..only time will tell….To the DAWG that steps up and takes Oliver’s place….Go get em’ boy..we’re behind you!!! GO DAWGS!!!

By SamoanDawg

May 18, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Techies, you better worry about the Irish first. They may sting you in the az$ again. I’m sure you have some issues to deal with with your own players as well. We have our own. So, buzz off! Until then, we’ll see y’all in Nov for another a$$ whupping… 6 in a roll.

By honest_abe

May 18, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

heh… poop for brains. i didn’t know you had to come up with something new and creative every time you insult someone. we all know you techies are losers and that’s that. i like how you can’t refute the point but instead you just point to the lack of originality. that tells me i’m right.

as for oliver like i said he’s was rated as the top corner coming back this year. if you think some team can pick him up with next years 4th rounder than i guess we just have differing opinions. by the way i never said the falcons had to give up a first rounder. i just said they’d have to give up more than a 3rd or 4th rounder..

either way everyone knows that the dawgs will beat the bugs once again this year. so scat and talk about something the bugs are half decent in like basketball. oops, you guys just lost both sensational freshmen. looks like its yet another rebuilding year. HA!

By honest_abe

May 18, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

oh ya. final thing poop. in a rivalry that has lasted 114 years how many insults can you come up with regarding the other school that hasn’t been heard before? idiot.

By Gen Neyland

May 18, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

From the Tennessean :

UT Vols lead all-time in the category of SEC Men’s Championships ( Most recent outdoor T&F and Golf ) with 112 titles. UF is second with 88…Congrats to the Gators for being the first loser in the afore mentioned category of SEC Men’s titles.

I had Paul Oliver as All-SEC DB. I sincerely wish him well…

By SamoanDawg

May 18, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

I agreed w/you D Ellis, I’m not sure either if I want Reshad Jones at corner. I rather see him jack some people up from safety position. Is this just a rumor? If Richt recommended, then I’m all for it. Reshad Jones definitely is a pro prospect as a freshmen. He has all the talents and so much potential. He can definitely play any skill positions practically.

OSU and Adarius Bowman is prolly licking their chops right now. I’m ok with the young corners we have. They’re much quicker/faster than Oliver, in my opinion. But they lack the experience Paul had. We have a long preseason lies ahead. Plenty of time for them to iron out some flaws.

Most of these guys: Bryan Evans, Asher Allen, Ramarcus Brown, and Thomas Flowers(hurt all season), had some significant game experience already in the nickle package. Bryan Evans played well replacing Ramarcus. Asher Allen can hold his own. Prince Miller will work his way in in the nickle. We’ll be good on D, not much of a drop off at all.

By SunDawg

May 18, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

There must be two Tech72s out there; one sounds stable the other, not so much.

Calvin’s draft position said it all; best WR in the nation. As far as his relationship with Oliver, when it was crunch time, Oliver kept the ball out of his hands. Blame Ballsack, Tech’s O-line, UGA’s D, whatever you want, but Oliver did the job.

By SunDawg

May 18, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Gen Neyland, where’s your sensitivity? It’s not politically correct to ignore the women-folk.

I hope you realize you’ve opened a can of worms that can only end with an argument over shared national titles.

How many days until kick-off?

By johnny

May 18, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

I distinctly remember about three passes via weggie right in Calvin’s chest but Paul Oliver was there to either rip it or knock it out. They are both top notch athletes that any true sports fan can appreciate. It just sux school wasnt’ PO’s thing. Best of luck, Go DAWGS!

By gt in sc

May 18, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

its great to be a mutt? wally butts spilled his guts to the BEAR and you have a proud heritage? harrick, kemp, et.al. ugay is nothing but a bunch of knuckle-dragging in-breds. you want the image of your school as seen by outsiders? well, you just got it.

By MB

May 18, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Can you imagine the headline contest we could have had if both Reggie Ball and Joe Cox started last year’s game? I would have actually bought a paper just to read what some of us came up with! And yes, I know that sounds juvenile, but I don’t care. It would have been funny!

By Tek aint any better

May 18, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Stephon Marbury, Joe Hamilton, Ruben Houston, Reggie Ball, et al…..cram it nerds.

By Ben

May 18, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

PO, like TO can’t get it together. And we wonder why we never win Nat’l titles with all the talent we have. Thank you for trying to stay even though you knew you could go pro. You can’t go PRO without PO.

By Ben

May 18, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

These people from other schools posting on the UGA blog must be so proud of their school that they spend all their time on the Bulldog site.
Thats school spirit!!! Losers go home!

By AltamahaDawg

May 18, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

What is the obsession with Jan Kemp in here. I doubt very seriously that many of you can even explain what her beef was (with BTW, how every school was doing it back in the day). Even is so, it has to be hard to remember , oh , almost 20 yrs ago. I also think you need to check your facts about Wally. So in review, a teacher 20 yrs ago, a coach 5 yrs ago, what else ya got et.al?????

By DAWGMA

May 18, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

No question this loss hurts. If you think otherwise, you are foolish. At the very least he was a starter with good experience. He was also supposed to be teaching our young studs. He WAS the leader of the secondary. It is a huge loss.

What I don’t understand is why during the last couple months, nobody was up his arse telling him to get his grades up. All players have academic advisers. I blame this on the coaching unless Oliver was just a dumbarse and refused to do any work.

And for all you tech fans…Oliver shut Calvin down and yes we know that he is and will be a great receiver. We give him props. I have the game taped and have watched it numerous times. P.O. was all up in C.J’s guts. Now get back to your Trig and design some bridges or something.

By TD Carey

May 18, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

No doubt USC,Florida, and the Vols, are licking their chops at this news. The SEC races have come down to a very few plays in a few games in the past few years.

Alabama DB makes a 1 in a 1000 hit on a 260lbs. Tennessee FB 2 years ago and the fumble rolls into the end zone. Auburn gets a no call on a pass interference penalty against LSU late in last year’s game.

The Bulldogs may suffer this fall.

td

By Jitterbug

May 18, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

GT in SC you sounds likes you gots some real issues wit dem Dawgs, I sees you with dem salt shakeramuses shakin all over dems Paul Olivers wounds and other Dawgs wounds, but da Jitterbugs be wondering why da hell youse be givin dems dawgs hard times when da Reuben Houston’s not only sells da drugs on campus in colleges but he been doin dat since hims days at Stars Millseramus Highs Schools ( allegedly, so as not to get Jbugs in dem boiling pots of troubles ). Why it be dem GT post boards be silent like da roll call for some decent lookin chicks off some North Avenue and such. In summationeramus da Jitterbugs be sayin to ya lay off dem Paul Olivers, it was hims choice not to excel at dem grades not UGA choice. Jus like it was Reggie Ball choice to throw ball intos da stands on dat 4th down play coupl years ago. I only bring dat up cause he sucks a biscuit and GT can sniff a win against dem Dawgs regardless of who not goin to be on dem fields.

Jitter fo ya

By reality check

May 18, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

gt in sc, you just committed libel. It was proven in court the supposed telephone conversation between Butts and Bear Bryant was a fabrication. They won a huge libel suit. Forunately for you, you are insignificant enough you won’t get sued, but legally what you just wrote is false and libelous. And Dumb

By reality check

May 18, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Altamaha, I think it is really really funny when Tech fans run us down for Jan Kemp. Dooley was following NCAA rules at the time. As I recall there were no NCAA penalties imposed.

The suit Jan Kemp brought resulted in the NCAA’s changing the rules about satisfactory progress toward a degree. Those rules were the ones Tech violated that resulted in mass player ineligiblity a couple of years ago at Tech. They ignored the rules and got penalized. Dumb.

The thing that still has me upset about the Kemp case is she didn’t use any of her settlement money to fix her hair. That kind of ugly walking around loose ought to be illegal.

By Pitbull

May 18, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Well the good news is we had Paul Oliver for the three years that Georgia Toke had Calvin Johnson. Paul shut Calvin down for all three years so old Calvin was not even a factor when we played “the toke by the coke.”

He couldn’t have picked a better time to be here, and UGA has survived and excelled when other outstanding players have graduated or left for the NFL.

Thanks for being a Dawg, Paul, and good luck with your future.

By AltamahaDawg

May 18, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

TD great points there. I have been saying for a long time, the SEC can be decided by 4 or 5 plays all year, including last year. You missed the obvious one, the holding call against Carolina last year in the swamp. For all the bad rap FG attempts get, the conference is decided by a handfull of those.

As far as a gloomy fall, fortunetely, those other schools are going to have key players lost for one reason or the other between now and when we play them. Hopefully UGA’s fortunes were not riding on 1 DB. The drop off will only be in percentaqe points. (and only short lived). Its not like we will only have 10 guys on the field.

By Jitterbug

May 18, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Hey Mr. Reality Checks, she ain’t dat Ugly fo a Techie , man you ever seen dems Troll lookin mamajamas down dere, s** man dey look like dey be livin under ground and s** mos da time and den come up for air and dems copy of Lesbian Weekly. Dems hoes nasty like bunch a feet lookin ya in da face tellin ya how dey from some made up countries like Peru and den dey fan dems gills on dems necks and dive into dem sewer systems to go backs to dems subterranical homes and apartments and all dat.

Jitterbugs is scerret.

By reality check

May 18, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Georgia had great defense on Calvin. Paul Oliver played him extremely well, but it wasn’t just P.O. Tra Battle supported him with text book precision.

Georgia was favored and should have been. We clearly had the better team that day and all the Tech whining is nothing but poor sportsmanship.

By AltamahaDawg

May 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

And actually the Kemp lawsuit (which had nothing to do with NCAA) was for wrongfull dismissal, and she later got her job back. It’s not like she sued the University for breaking any NCAA rules. She did bring to light some issue in the remedial studies department, during that process, as I recall as specific as a 67 or a 69 passing. As you stated, that lead to some review and changes that affected every NCAA school at the time. The “flag” she waived was that she felt that young men were being taken advantage of by letting them play football , attend college, and improve thier situations in life/future, and not being forced to take advantage of the education alloted to them.

By GT Lawyer

May 18, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

“you speak to a Georgia fan when spoken to first. Capice?” - Matt

Matt, thanks for the laugh in the middle of my busy schedule. Now please return to the fry station before the lunch rush starts.

By billy

May 18, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Losing oliver will hurt as i sit back and look at a possible positive to this story is Asher Allen with get more playing time a mature faster and a key corner back.

By reality check

May 18, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Jitterbug, I think I follow you.

Jan Kemp has really bad hair, and while there are many degrees and kinds of ugly, she qualifies is all I’m saying.

Tech fans and Georgia fans ought to be able to agree about that one.

Come on bloggers, can we get some agreement on this one simple thing? I mean, not everything is all that controversial.

By John

May 18, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Matt, GT didn’t lose to Vandy and Kentucky in football - you did. UGA is hideous and will always be. And I liked TDone’s take on ‘UGAangster’! That was creative and innovative - but that is what we are at GT. You guys are just dumb hicks.

By mexdawg

May 18, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

dirt dobbers will lose 7th in a row to dawgs and you can take that to the bank.

By crs

May 18, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Losing Oliver is like a dagger to this defense! He elimanated half the field and with the questions at defensive end and the style of defense we play where we don’t like to blitz, this is a HUGE loss. I was getting more hopeful about the coming year but this team may really struggle atleast early.

By I-DOG

May 18, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Will Tech be better This year?

That is an interesting question. Obviously, Tech fans feel good about the replacment for Ball (no matter who it is). However, losing CJ has to pretty much offset that. Though his stats were never that impressive at Tech, he is an incredible talent.

Tech had a aignificant upgrade in recruiting this year, compared to the last 4-5 years. However, that is not going to pay dividends for another 2-3 years.

I think Tech will be about the same, but in 09 be improved (if they have another good recruiting year this year.

By mexdawg

May 18, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

hey john this just in dumb hicks 6 in a row over creative and innovative bugs.now run on down to your tinker tot stadium for your free hot dog and coke you loser.

By mcdawg

May 18, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Asher Allen did not know what he was doing last year-fast and quick but always out of position when he did play—Oliver’s leadership will be sorely missed-K. Johnson and B. Miller are going to have to step it up as leaders on the field-i think some of these younger players will emerge talent wise but part of what was lacking last year was a true team leader on both sides of the ball

By fayncdawg

May 18, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

The Dawgs had two Top-5 recruiting classes in the last four years! That SHOULD mean that there is somebody ready to step in, regardless of whether or not they were in last year’s starting lineup! Good programs have coaches who know how to groom players (especially if the players were 5-star recruits)! Now is the time for the Georgia staff to show the doubters (which there are plenty of) that they can groom talent! Sure, losing Oliver hurt, but that is NO excuse to go out and lose 3-4 games again! With maybe the exception of Florida, NO TEAM on the Dawgs schedule came even close to out-recruiting them in the last three years! If this coaching staff allows this team to lose more than three games, then EVERY coach needs to be replaced!!

By reality check

May 18, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

John, TDone’s blog was creative allright. So creative there was no basis in fact.

I thought Tech people were trained to respect the empirical, but the more I have heard on this blog the less credibility you people have.

I’ve called TDone out twice now without response, so you pick up the gauntlet smart guy and name for us a Georgia player who has been convicted of a felony and been allowed to return to the team.

Tech had Houston and the linemen who were convicted of felony battery beating up that kid in the pizza shop a few years back. Your turn, John. Just the facts, that’s all.

Maybe I’ve missed someone John, and if I have that is fine, just back up your smart mouth with facts.

Now about that Tech attitude about Georgia fans being hicks…what a bunch of gratuitously insulting crap. You people are so removed from reality in that regard I have to question your intellect as well as your personality dynamics. I have many friends who graduated from Georgia who are multi millionaires, all of them self made. I have friends who went to Tech who have done extremely well also, but where someone went to school and what kind of grades they made is an extremely poor predictor of success.

Your comments reflect very poorly on you.

By Jitterbugs

May 18, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Dems fay in NC be having some knee jerkin reactions. Ain’t no way dat 3 losses or even 4 losses mean dat’s CMR is out on his Ace. You could be seein dems D rehauled and dems Coach Bobo have dem reigns tightened. Remeber, we redshirt almost 80% of class from last year it was some top 5 class up in dat b***. Thomas Brown,Big Daddy Lumpkin,and Freshman of da year candidates Knoshown Moreno be lightning in a 40 oz bottles of ColdCock Malt Liquor. Dems D of dem Dawgs needs to really work it ups for dem Brokeback Mountain Cowboys from Okie…my cousin Rodneramus done told me lossa times dat only ting come from damn Okie is steers and queers and dem boys ain’t got no horns on dem heads but dey can play some foosball wit da bes of em. The slap around pre-Saban Bama like my Aunt Ruthie slapped me after I accuse her of bein a HO at the Family Pinic this Easter. She lata toll me she is a HO, but jus till she gets nuff money to pay off her Dental Bridge. Like dey say , wuz a HO gotta do?

JItter

By GT Lawyer

May 18, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

To the uninformed UGA fans on here (of which there are plenty), Reuben Houston was never convicted of a felony. He plea bargained to a misdemeanor, as a few UGA athletes have done. Feel free to Google this and confirm. And check your facts before you talk smack - it will make you look a little more intelligent and you definitely need the help.

By John

May 18, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

No, what was creative was TDone’s spin on UGA = UGAngsters. I thought that was creative! 2 thumbs and 8 fingers way UP!!!

By Ramble ON!

May 18, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

That’s what you get for signing dumba$$es…anyone ever hear Tra Battle speak, I’ve never understood a word he said.

Caleb signs with Hargrave, comes to the fleabag nation for one year, flunks out of his basket weaving classes and heads to the NFL……..BANK ON IT!!!

Oh yea, GT spanks the mutts for the next four years. Let’s see how much we continue to spank the mutts in recruiting for more forecast.

By UGAG SUX

May 18, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Bill, this is a Paul Oliver problem. When you are a junior/senior and you flunk out, that is your own fault. He is as careless as Reggie Ball. Attention “newnan cuga”, Calvin Johnson made play after play against Auburn in 2005. He made very few catches at all against UGA because of RBALL. GT lawyer has it correct. Houston was never convicted of a felony and only got 9 months probation which is a slap on the wrist. One again, stupid comments from inbred rednecks.

By fayncdawg

May 18, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Hey, jitterbuggy! If dis years team loses fo or mo games, you mite bes de only person in de Dawg Nation to dink that is Otay. Or are you really in the Okie Nation? Seriously, Florida and Tennessee are the only teams on the schedule that even look like a check in the loss column! Two losses per season ain’t nothing to brag in a Dawg Nation! Now if we were recruiting talent ranked an average of #25 in the nation per year like the Okie Cowboys do, then we could deal with 3-4 losses per year! Those two recruiting classes were not just top-5; they were close to #1!

By austindog

May 18, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

GT Caveman Lawyer,

A plea bargain is when the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a lesser charge. It is most definitely a conviction.

The post by reality did not say Houston was convicted of a felony, the second player he mentioned was. Funny enough, when I tried to find out who the pizza parlor player was, I found this article from 1991, back when Tech was good:

“Six Tech athletes were arrested in three separate incidents within 24 hours. Two Georgia Tech football players, including last year’s leading rusher, WILLIAM BELL, were arrested by campus security officers yesterday and charged with possession of stolen merchandise. Two baseball players, including ANDY BRUCE, Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, were arrested early yesterday in Tallahassee, Fla., on burglary charges involving entertainment equipment and released on $500 bond, police said.

In the third incident, Thursday night, Atlanta police arrested two other Tech football players — RICH STROHMEIER and BILL NEUSS, both of Long Island — and charged them with aggravated assault and criminal trespassing. The charges stemmed from an altercation with a bouncer at a bar near the school campus. (AP)”

I know it’s old but 4 football players arrested in 24 hours? Those are FSU numbers.

By LOLman

May 18, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Paul Oliver is yet another in a long line of UGAy related embarrassments for the state of Georgia. UGAy recruits morons that have no business in a place of so called higher learning. This is more proof that some mutts are too STUPID to be housebroken.

By sowega Thug

May 18, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

The lost of Oliver will hurt Oliver more than UGA Oliver was going to be a first round pick in the next draft look at his size and speed the guy was aggressive and had a feel for the position in my opinion he’s the best corner UGA has recruited in along time Uga is loaded with athletes it’s sad to settle for two losses a season when our talent level is one of the highest in the nation, now we are in the sec but we are in a recruiting bed for all around athletes we must land every major recruit in GA, we must get more skill players from the sowega region there is no reason for them to end up at Florida Florida State and Miami these are the best athletes in GA and they have heart and know how to win!!!!!! Lets stop going after the ATL Thugs and Pretty boys and lets get the Country Boys who play from the heart and appreciate the opportunity of representing the Home State Richt must land these players or no National Title ask BOBBY BOWDEN, Bob Stoops and Irvin Meyer!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They’re regulars to the region!!!

By fayncdawg

May 18, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Yeller Nation (esp RambleON and UGAG SUX)! Y’all punks see what happens when your beloved, so-called great academic institution recruits idiots (Reggie Ball and Kenny Scott) and potheads (CJ and Houston)? You Yeller punks call your four loss season a success! And don’t blame your “successes” on Reggie! You had the opportunity to recruit David Greene, DJ Shockley, and Matthew Stafford! Maybe Mike Bobo could have helped y’all! Oh well, the Yeller Nation will simply keep making excuses for losing to Georgia and averaging at least 4 losses every year!

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 18, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

calling for help from the “Dawg Nation”(Bill, off topic but I need some back up in a Dawg fight. In the Seattlepi.com sports today, a columnists, nick named the “Go 2 Guy” wrote and article about something I didn’t pay any attention to because the head line used the term Dawgs. The schools mascot are the Huskies but over the years they’ve tried to call themselves the Dawgs. I’ve maintained for 8 years that there’s only ONE DAWG AND THAT’S UGA! So if you would like to help a little go to the seattlepi.com…..sports..go 2 Guy’s column and respond. I just finished posting and I’m sure there will be a response. I just said that in a singular way, it’ll be plural believe me. Thanks for any help.

By Jitterbugs

May 18, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

FakeinNC,

Da jitters said dat wit 3 or 4 losses. You say I be sayin mo than 4,reads’em again…I’s hooked on phonics Fake, I is a UGA fan and dat is fo sure. I am also a fan of College Foosball,and NFL Foosball. Why splits da hairs between Jitterbugs sayin dey top 5 and you be say dey almost # 1. You done shown da Jitterbuy up dis time, I is so ashamed by you your royal fakednass. I won’ts be thinkins it be OK if my Dawgs lose mo than 4 games buts I know me some good coach when I be seein em and I remeber to much da days of Goff wastin da recruits, and Donnan doin alright but not greats…I agreed wid that firin , but hims not won no two titles in SEC and show nuff not been to no 3 title game in 5 years. Name me other coaches in last 5 years done dat in SEC….gives da CMR some credits and don’t cuts off ya nose to spites ya face…

Jitter

By Dawgggggggggg

May 18, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Losing P.O. hurts. But we’ll still win the national championship. It just would have been easier with him on the field.

By scooter11

May 18, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

ramble: the only things you nerds spank are your monkeys.

By scooter11

May 18, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

ramble: the only things you nerds spank are your monkeys.

By jitterbug

May 18, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

fayncdawg,

I takes away da “fakes” name you be givin it to dem good. I hav da same feelin’ bout the OKS game as I did’s bout dem Boy’s State Broncos few years back. We rocked em like a hurricane, but den de very nex year dey be undefeated and such. Don’t puts too much emphasis on dem recruiting numbers either , don’t get me wrong dey nice and makes me a happy jigger in Februeyrayarry buts remembers dem David Pollacks and dem David Greenes had modest rankingseramus when we done recruit dem and dey turn out to be some da best dogs all time. I felt we were lookin at 2 losses possibly dis year. I hates to say it but dem Gayturs have some ballers, but we do too and dey give us bout as much credit as bank give me. Dem Auburn Tigers or Dem Cowboys ifen we win both we is a BCSeramus Dawgs, but it could be a split very easily or heaven forbid…..

Reality checksa from Jitter

By millagevillebulldawg

May 18, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with Dawgggg. We’re still gonna win the sec and national championship. We always have the best talents of the sec teams. OUr tradition, Stafford will pull us through.

By fayncdawg

May 18, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Yeller Punks! I’m sure that Kenny Scott would love to be drafted in the NFL Supplemental! Fool is probably still crying about not getting drafted! Maybe Scott is as much of an idiot as you yeller punks make Oliver out to be! I’m also sure that CJ will be Oliver’s “girl dog” for another ten years or so! PS: THE DAWG NATION DOES NOT NEED FOUR MORE YEARS OF REGGIE! THE DAWGS WILL WHOOP UP ON YOU YELLER PUNKS FOR THE NEXT THIRTY YEARS, REGGIE OR NO REGGIE! AS MORONIC AS Y’ALL YELLER PUNKS ARE, YOU’LL RECRUIT A REGGIE BALL AT LEAST 15 MORE TIMES IN THE NEXT 30 YEARS!!

By Gadawginbama

May 18, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I really believe this is the year we add our fourth natinal championship. With or without Oliver. Georgia produces the best high school football talent in the country and the Dawgs get the cream of that crop. That means they’ll be plenty of athaletes to fill his shoes. We have a tough schedule but the Dawgs can do it - and we’ll get payback on vandy and ky this year.

By treyinathens

May 18, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

At the end of last year, Bryan Evans was the best corner on our roster anyway. So we lost our second best.

And Tra Battle was a walkon…and headed to medical school.

By I-DOG

May 18, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

LOLman and Ramble On:

You both alledge that UGA has less than intelligent student athletes. Why does Tech offer these same players scholarships. I thought they weren’t real students… just football students right?

When they choose Tech, how do they get through (no problemo) if Tech is such a better academic school? It doesn’t add up.

Can you explain to me why Georgia Tech has offered scholarships to all of the top players that UGA has verbal committments on for 08? EVERY ONE of the best on UGA’s committment list were offered by Tech.

Lets run through the list. Greene, Tyson, Washington, Brand, Allen, King…I could go on but you get the point.

Was Oliver offered by Tech? I don’t know for a fact, but I am willing to bet he was. We know that Q carter committed to Tech and then decided to go to UGA. I have no doubt he would have sailed right through all those calculus courses.

So tell me, if Tech is offering scholarships to the exact same kids… aren’t you throwing rocks at a house that looks an awful lot like glass?

Please explain with some facts or denounce Georgia Tech as a football factory.

By I-DOG

May 18, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

GT Lawyer:

I read your post and I am stunned. So… Houston plea bargained to a misd drug charge after being caught red handed with mass quantities of pot. Everyone knows what he did including the head coach and president of tech. All they care about is winning and burying those kinds of things… no suspension.

Houston might have had good lawyers or a busy court docket made the plea worth taking, but just because he wasn’t convicted doesn’t mean that EVERY Tech fan shouldn’t hang their head in shame that Houston played in the VERY NEXT GAME.

OJ wasn’t convicted of Murder, I guess he would have had to run sprints at Tech for that transgression, but he sure wouldn’t have lost any eligibility.

When was the last time that Tech suspended a player from even one game? for ANYTHING. I honestly can’t remember. Certainly no player that could help them get one more precious “W”

By austindog

May 18, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

I Dog,

Houston WAS convicted. Pleading guilty to a lesser charge is not an acquittal. He was got the plea bargain because he was a GT football player.

Richt and Evans wouldn’t stoop so low as to make alcohol possession charges go away, and here GT bails out a guy caught on the GT campus with 60+ pounds of weed. On the field for the next game (because they needed him for Miami).

By Ramble on!

May 18, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I-Mutt..I mean I-Dawg, we sign these players, guess what? We make them go to class, and give them tutors!!!

Good point about Quincy, You kind of have to feel sorry for him. Let’s think for a minute if he had stayed at GT? A National Championship (it’s getting about our time again), a productive and outstanding member of society, perhaps an announcer, and of course, your boss.

By A-ville Ranger

May 18, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Chk - You’re right there is a certain amount of subjective interpretation in my statement that last year’s defense wasn’t that good.If you look at points allowed it was exactly the average in the Richt era.What I saw was three teams.One in the first third dominated bad teams in points but if you watched you could see they were giving up a lot of yards.The second third was a mess on offense and defense and had four losses to show for it.Then a real team immerged in the last third and salvaged some pride.That brings me back to the point of my last blog,we need to get it together early or suffer the same fate as last year.This much is not subjective,just reality.

By Ramble is an idiot

May 19, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

“We make them go to class, and give them tutors!!! “

Oh, you mean like how Stephon Marbury NEVER passed a single class (or went to one for that matter)? You must be referring to the same tutors that ensured Reggie Ball graduated, right?

Again anoter point was proven yesterday by Taverres King: In-state talent considers Tech as an afterthought. Sorry nerds, you wanted him bad and he didnt even let you get to first base. Losers.

By Matt

May 19, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Joke of the day:

Georgia Tech football and national championship mentioned in the same sentence.

If you can’t be the best team in the weakest BCS conference how can you be the best team in the nation?

Wake Forest 9 Lab Geeks 6

By fayncdawg

May 19, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

RambleON! I’M B-A-A-CK! Back to show you how stupid and ill-informed you are! Quincy Carter, according to a reliable source in my family who works in the mental health field, has bipolar disorder! This is a mental illness which leads a lot of their victims to abuse drugs! Bobby Brown and Whitney are said to have this disorder and everybody knows their drug abuse history! So for you to say that Quincy Carter would have turned out fine had he gone to GT is ridiculous! Reggie Ball, Kenny Scott, and Reuben Houston will fare no better than Quincy Carter and they apparently do not have bipolar disorder! Without a doubt Reggie and Kenny have not earned their diplomas legally! AND NONE OF THE THREE WILL HAVE A BETTER NFL CAREER THAN CARTER!! IF GT COULDN’T PREPARE REGGIE, KENNY, AND REUBEN TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS, THEN GT WOULD NOT HAVE DONE SQUAT FOR QUINCY!! I WORK IN A FEDERAL PRISON! GOOD POSSIBILITY I’M GOING TO BE THE BOSS OF ALL FOUR OF THEM!! AND RambleON, AT THE RATE YOU”RE GOING, YOU’LL ALSO BE MY SUBORDINANT IN THE NEAR FUTURE!! YOU AND YOUR FELLOW THUG ALUMNI OF GT!!!

By reality check

May 19, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

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GT lawyer, you are the one who needs to get his facts right. Reuben Houston is a convicted felon. The Associated Press report is below. The plea bargain resulted in a light sentence, but he is still a convicted felon.

You say Georgia players have plea bargained felonys to misdemeanors. I think you are wrong on that too. Name them.

What was it you said? Check the facts before you talk smack - it will make you look a little more intelligent and you definitely need the help.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

11:09 a.m. April 5, 2006

A former Georgia Tech football star was sentenced to nine months probation on felony drug charges connected to a marijuana-distribution ring. Reuben Houston, 23, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiracy and attempt to distribute 92 pounds of marijuana. He pleaded guilty to the charges after his June arrest.

By reality check

May 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how that first paragraph got in my last post. Here is a clean version:

GT lawyer, you are the one who needs to get his facts right. Reuben Houston is a convicted felon. The Associated Press report is below. The plea bargain resulted in a light sentence, but he is still a convicted felon.

You say Georgia players have plea bargained felonys to misdemeanors. I think you are wrong on that too. Name them.

What was it you said? Check the facts before you talk smack - it will make you look a little more intelligent and you definitely need the help.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

11:09 a.m. April 5, 2006

A former Georgia Tech football star was sentenced to nine months probation on felony drug charges connected to a marijuana-distribution ring. Reuben Houston, 23, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiracy and attempt to distribute 92 pounds of marijuana. He pleaded guilty to the charges after his June arrest.

By reality check

May 20, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Where are you GT lawyer?

Where are those names? If you have facts instead of unfounded innuendo, speak up and be prepared to back it up.

TDone? John?

By Vandy beats USC

May 20, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

NOTICE: Vandy beats out USC in alltime wins!!!!

SEC KINGPINS All-time SEC titles won in men’s sports by the current members of the league: Tennessee 112 Florida 88 LSU 78 Georgia 72 Alabama 55 Kentucky 53 Auburn 52 Arkansas 48 Mississippi State 28 Mississippi 17 Vanderbilt 6 South Carolina 3

By fayncdawg

May 20, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

GT Lawyer! ALLOW ME TO FURTHER CLARIFY A BIT OF HOUSTON’S PLIGHT! HE WAS CONVICTED OF A FELONY!! IF HE WAS CONVICTED OF A MISDEMEANOR, HE WOULD STILL HAVE FULL VOTING RIGHTS AND GUN RIGHTS! WITH THIS FELONY ON HIS RECORD, HE WILL HAVE TO WAIT SOME YEARS BEFORE HE CAN VOTE. HIS RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IS GONE FOREVER. AND SHOULD HE EVER BE CAUGHT WITH A TANK JOHNSON ARMS STASH, HE WILL BE INCERATATED IN MY FEDERAL PRISON FOREVER!! IF YOU ARE REALLY A LAWYER AND HE IS YOUR CLIENT, YOU MAY WANT TO PASS THIS INFO ON TO HIM!!

By DAWG 4EVER

May 20, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

GT LAWYER

YOU ARE A IDOT WHEN YOU PLEA OUT TO A CHARGE THAT MEANS YOU ARE GUILTY THIS IS COMMING FOR ANOTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SO GET YOUR FACTS STRIGHT AND THEN JUST MAYBE YOU WONT SOUND LIKE SUCH A IDOT - MATT

By Imathug

May 20, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Youse peeps can call me anythang buts a crook cuz Ii plays footsball and the coaches takes up for me and my otter jocks cuz wes are BMOC and the gurls thinks wez ar kool.

By Murph

May 20, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Jeez, Louise.

GT Lawyer, RambleOn, and all of you pathetic Tech fans continue to subscribe to the tired notion that somehow Tech’s athletes are any different than Georgia’s academically. Both schools recruit the same people. You only have to look at the last few years’ recruiting statistics to see that. Most of these kids wouldn’t get into either school under standard admissions criteria (i.e the average accepted U.Ga. freshman last year had a 3.75 GPA and a 1232 SAT), so the delusion that these are kids who are just drawn from the general student body of the school and that the Tech kids are academically superior is not rooted in reality.

And what is reality? Reality is that the football players for any 1-A school are largely mercenaries, playing a demanding sport that brings in a lot of revenue and generates a great deal of school pride (which brings in even more revenue) for the cost of a college education. The break they get is a free ride financially and an “exception” status for admission. What they do after that is their business. Some—like Damon Evans, Georgia’s AD—make the most of the chance, and excel in the post-undergraduate world. Some, like Paul Oliver, are unable to handle the academics despite lots of legitimate support (tutors, study halls , etc). Georgia provides a tremendous amount of support for its student-athletes, as do most big-time football schools. It does because it has to. Otherwise, you’d end up with a situation like Tech had a few years back, with 10 athletes simultaneously ineligible because of a lack of academic oversight.

As to the incessant characterizations of Georgia graduates as “knuckle-dragging rednecks,” etc., if that sort of middle-school name-calling makes you feel better about yourselves, fine. Have at it. It’s not reality (you really cannot characterize 500,000 people in one broad category about anything, now, can you?), but I know you have to have something to fall back on. It’s obvious that your self-esteem is largely predicated on how Tech’s football team performs,and that you feel compelled to run down those you have battered that anemic self-esteem into oblivion. With Tech’s record against Georgia over the last 30 years or so (Georgia leads 23-8 since 1978), I can understand your backbiting.

GT Lawyer, RambleOn and others: it’s college football, not life. And there are plenty of intelligent, well-read, powerful Georgia graduates who could easily refute your argument that we are all illiterate hicks, just like we know that not all Tech graduates are socially inept geeks who work in the IT department and talk incessantly about Star Trek as though it were real. The University of Georgia educates most of the state’s eventual college professors, doctors, teachers and lawyers. So get over your academic fantasy trip. Your delusions are about as reliable as “GT Lawyer’s” legal facts about Reuben Houston.

Glad he’s not my lawyer.

BTW, GT Paralegal, where’d you go to law school? DeVry? I mean, if you can’t get your facts straight on an AJC Blog, you must be extremely well-prepared in the courtroom. Unless, of course, that handle is just a fantasy…

By cooter11

May 20, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

you dogs get mad quick…just a blog…

By reality check

May 21, 2007 5:17 AM | Link to this

cooter11 I am more fed up than mad, and it hasn’t happened quickly. Over the years I have become weary of Tech fans whining. There is something negative and insecure about the Tech culture that makes them lash out irrationally - at their coach, their team, and especially teams that beat them. Murph hits the nail on the head about the cause of their low self esteem. Sometimes the Tech whining is so childish it is funny, but they have just gotten stupid about it.

On this blog we have a Tech person implying he is a lawyer who has arrogantly said things that aren’t true. That is offensive to me. If it isn’t to you, fine.

I’m going on a trip and I’m through with this particular blog. GTlawyer’s ignorance has been exposed and I’m done.

By cooter11

May 21, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

YeGads….you mean blogs are not true????

If (ok, a very big if) UGa had what you call the FOC….what would your blogs sound like?

Chill…good clean hate.

By SamoanDawg

May 21, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Nice post Murph… sic’em!

By gt in sc

May 21, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

murph you are correct in saying that ugay educates most of the states teachers and profs.maybe that explains gas low standardized test scores compared to the rest of the nation. very astute observation by you.

By fayncdawg

May 21, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Lame Brain GT in South Carolina: I don’t think you’re in a good position to post that blog. Consider that there is usually NO substantial difference between Georgia’s and South Carolina’s test scores (both of which are quite low). So I pose this question: who educates the idiots in your state? Quite a few of your idiots have worked for me the last 6 years! My earlier blogs should reveal my line of work.

By Ramble ON!

May 21, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

DAWG 4EVER what’s an “IDOT”?

I know what an Idiot is, someone who misspells “Idiot”…twice. LOL calling someone an IDOT! Maybe I’m missing something, is this an inside joke somewhere?

By fayncdawg

May 21, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

ALL BLOGGERS! Realize that Reuben Houston committed a felonious act that calls for AT LEAST a 15 year sentence. NO Parole/Probation in the Fed system! He would have been locked up for close to 13 years. Only reason he didn’t receive that sentence is because he cooperate with the government (I.E. gave up his California source). To sum it up, in my 30+ years of keeping up with college football, I am not aware of a lot of players even being accused of a felony drug charge (and before R.Houston, the number of players playing for a college in Georgia with that distinction was ZERO).

By austindog

May 21, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Who is next in line to start in Oliver’s place?

By I-DOG

May 21, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Ramble on:

I’m sorry, I didn’t understand any of that. Does Tech recruit the same kinds of players or don’t they? It is a well known fact that BOTH schools provide tutors and class is mandatory for athletes. I don’t see any difference there.

“Getting to be about your time for a national title” ?? In what sport? You haven’t won your conference in about 20 years and haven’t had fewer than 4 losses in a long… long… long time.

Finish in the top 10 and we will consider an argument about how tech is on the verge of a national title.

Murph, tell it all brother… tell it all!

By Murph

May 21, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

GT in SC:

Who taught YOU punctuation? Someone in South Carolina? Or someone at Tech?

Based on your post (and your absolute disregard for that funny little language called English), I’d say they did an excellent job!

(That’s sarcasm, by the way, in case they don’t teach that in the English classes you didn’t pay attention in).

My whole point? Tech fans talk a lot of “academics” crap and it isn’t well-founded. Tech’s a good school,as is Georgia, but the school’s academic reputations have very little to do with the football players they recruit, who are all almost invariably exceptions to standard admissions at both schools.

People who live in glass houses…

…’Nuff said.

By AltamahaDawg

May 21, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Yea, I missed that gem earlier. “about our time again”. What exactly would you base that on? I’m not even sure its about our time here again, or when that might be, but we at least hang around in position to think about it. That had to feel silly as soon as you posted that one.

By I-DOG

May 21, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

trey in athens:

Is Tra Battle really heading to med school? If so, good for him.

Two obversations: Where is/are the tech fans making fun of his intel. when he is going to med school. Talk about not having your facts straight!

Also, while I don’t think Battle was a very good player… I do respect him for walking on, earning the ‘ship and working his rear end off every day.

It isn’t his fault that he isn’t 6’ 3’” 220 and fast. I’d rather have another guy in there, to be honest with you, but he was a damn good dawg. I’m glad to hear that he is going to med school (if that is the case)

By Ramble on!

May 21, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

I-MUTT you see we at GT average a NC every 25 years, you at UGA, will be on schedule for your next one around 2055+/- a year.

Tra Battle off to Med. School, BHHWWWWHHHAAAAAAA!!!!!! That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard since DAWG 4EVER calling someone an IDOT!!!

Come on now, you got to admit, Idot is pretty funny, check it out, he said it twice. He’s not the one who told you Battle is off to med school is it? I mean come on, he can’t even speak English.

By Ramble on!

May 21, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

that’s Battle who can’t speak English

By reality check

May 21, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Tra Battle started at Georgia on an academic scholarship, not an athletic scholarship. His athletic ability may not be as great as some, but as a result of character, hard work and intelligence he became a starter and was the national defensive player of the week on 2 occasions. ESPN on draft day showed clips of Tra defending Calvin Johnson adn called it a textbook example of how to shut him down. He may not have as much talent as some, but he has signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers.

He was a chemistry major and he is a person of substance. I too heard he was going to medical school , but I can’t confirm it.

I can confirm RambleOn is nothing but a shrill Bimbo who is incapable of substantive thought.

By SamoanDawg

May 21, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

austindog,

As of right now, I think Asher Allen is the next guy in line to replace Paul Oliver. Asher backed him up last season. I like Asher’s style… very physical corner. He reminds me of Tim Jennings. He’s an exceptional athlete, just lack a little bit of experience. He did play a lot last season, mainly in a nickle situation. He’ll definitely have to step up his game to another notch. I’m sure he knows he’s the man now to manned that position. Martinez already got his hands full with the young corners and OSU’s high potent offense. It’ll be a nail biting type a game. I can’t wait.

Sic’em!

By ameliaislandmike

May 22, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Fact- PO and Calvin are gone. Fact- Ga averages 10 wins a year. Fact -Tech does not Fact- Gailey will probably not win a ACC championship at Tech. Fact- Richt has consistantly taken Ga to the SEC title game. Fact-Ga offense will be much improved and will need to be because the defense has many holes to fill.

By AltamahaDawg

May 22, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Oh, so average a few skewed elements in a data set predicts the future NC huh. That pretty nice. 11,24,38. Yea that one every 25 yrs or so. Rock solid. Actually if you look at the trends (which is prabably better than averaging) you’ll see it should be 54 till next, say 2044. Not sure how you average 5 NC for UGA and come up with 75 yrs, must be that new GT math. Even looking at tracking only concensus (oops sorry to mention a sore subject there with your last one) we are actually due long before you will be.

By AltamahaDawg

May 22, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

And check your records, UGA averages some type of Football NC every 20 yr give or take, so we are actually way overdue. Or at least we did till it started being a beauty contest. But we are looking prettier all the time.

By Ramble ON!

May 22, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

UGA has One NC, period!!! O.ST won the other back in ‘43 you fleabags cling to so dearly. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt by saying the next NC would be somewhere around 2055. I guess I should have said 2070 since you get one every 90 years.

ameliaislandmike gets his facts like the fleabag version of Michael Moore or Al Gore. Here’s a “fact” for you…you are an IDOT as your brother DAWG 4EVER would say.

By AltamahaDawg

May 22, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

But you do agree with my math about GT next NC? If not why?

By Ramble ON!

May 22, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg maybe your thinking of Tennis or something…those men sports no one cares about.

By Ramble ON!

May 22, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg 100/4= 25 (roughly)…I could do that before I got to GT

By AltamahaDawg

May 22, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

It was 1942 and it was concensus.(half the polls). As far as OSU also claiming that year, I dont have any problem with that. That was the system then. I guess we toss out all claim before the current BSC huh. You understand how teams can split right? I mean being a Tech man and all.

By AltamahaDawg

May 22, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Oh, what do you care about? football? Hows that been going lately?

What about me directly calling out your rediculous math on the NC? HUH wise guy. I proved you had absolutely no basis for that comments on NC “about your time” and showed you what you SHOULD have said, and now I’ll ask you again. Care to prove my math wrong where I directly made you look stupid? I’m asking you directly, wouldn’t a trend be more accurate than averaging??? Well?

By AltamahaDawg

May 22, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

hey good job! You are at least as smart as a forth grader. Now next year what they will teach you is how to use math and statistic as they actually apply to situations.

By Ramble ON!

May 22, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Not only can I hold my own with those forth graders, I can spell ridiculous too.

By Ramble On's FOURTH grade teacher

May 22, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

The only person I know who misspells in a statement about others misspelling. He was an idiot then and is obviously still one today.

BBBWWHHHHAAAAAAAA!

By Ramble ON!

May 22, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I’m an IDOT!

By AltamahaDawg

May 22, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

lets see, question about football, (is that the sport that matter to you? )no responce, completely glossed over the split titles issue, (I would too if I were you), and a direct confrontation and outright DARE on your math logic, and you point out a typo. Sounds about right. Now go play on and play little boy, the menfolk need to talk about a few things.

By I-DOG

May 22, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Ramble On:

OK, we will just reward tech a national title every 25 years because tech had a strong program in the 50’s.

Unfortunately for tech, national titles are “largely” won on the field and you can’t have 4 losses and be in position to win. That pretty much disqualifies tech.

I have never heard Battle speak, but if he is going to med school which a few people are starting to confirm, don’t you feel just a little foolish?

How many people are accepted to med school. Would you not agree it is the top one half of one percent or better of intellectuals in our society? Top one percent at worst?

Incidentally, both Keslers and both Stinchombs were accepted to med school. Three of the four of them were All SEC at UGA and all four were All SEC academic. When is the last time a Tech player who actually played and “starred” for their team got into medical school. What were their names?

You can make fun of the guy all you want but if he is accepted to med school he will have accomplished more in his life at 27 or 28 years of age than you will have in your entire life.

I’m sure he has already passed you by earning an academic scholarship, athletic scholarship, twice winning the national defensive player of the week and possibly getting on an NFL roster for a cup of coffee (no small feat).

He also NEVER lost to Tech in his four years. Can you name any Tech players that can say that about never losing to UGA?

I don’t know any of the tech players from the 1957 squad, so you may have to educate us on them and I’ll take your word for it.

By Bill King

May 22, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Another national championship for UGA!

Congratulations to the men’s tennis team!

By I-DOG

May 23, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

LBers

After Hebron was suspended… I posted that I am concerned about our LB Core this year.

I am also concerned about our 08 recruiting of LB’s. The Dawgs are off to a great start overall, but most of the top LB’s we were after, have already committed elsewhere.

I don’t see us signing a 4 or 5 star LB ths year and that concerns me. Any thoughts?

By JaxDawg

May 23, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

I-Dog, We are still in the running for Jerrell Harris and Etienne Sabino both Four Star LBs. So I wouldn’t worry too much. Also, remember we’ll have Rennie Curran and Charles White redshirting this year as well as getting Hebron back. If Dannell Ellerbe sticks around for his Sr Year, then we should have a very formidable Linebacker Corp (Ellerbe, Dew, Akeems, Gamble, Curran, and White). Also, there are some rumblings about putting Brandon Sesay at LB if he re-signs. Go Dawgs!!!

By AltamahaDawg

May 23, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

I would congratulate the Tech fans on thier women’s tennis, but they have made it clear that they dont care about such. Only football I guess, but wait, they dont well in football, can’t figure em out.

By Huskdawg

May 23, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Bill King and all of my Bulldawg Brethren, I had some idiots from DiretTV come in and do some work on my HD DVR and they wiped out all of my saved games(without my knowledge). Could someone please give me a company who has DVD’s of prior games? Man I’ve searched amd have come up short. Maybe I’m not putting in the correct search. Please, please, please give me something. You would think I would be able to come up with this, and I hate to ask something like this on a blog, but I really need to have those games back. Please give me a link if you have one.

By Huskdawg

May 23, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Guys, please, please….someone give me a company email that I can hook up with for these DVD’s cause I know they’re out there. I’m just a DAWG fan that can’t find them. Not an idiot, just maybe not as profcient at google as some of you professionals are. I lost all of my Tivo games in this deal.

By I-DOG

May 23, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Jax,

Thanks for the info. I hope that you are right. I hope we sign both Harris and Sabino. If Richt hauls them both in, I have no more concerns. Two prospects is down from about 10 4-5 star LB’s that were considering UGA just 45 days ago. I don’t like that #’s game.

I like the kid out of Eastman, GA (Tinsley is the name, but I don’t think we offered yet).

I’m not worried about #’s at LB for NEXT year, but the next couple after that. I don’t want to get shut out at linebacker and think we need to sign 3 at the position and would like to see 2 of them be blue chippers.

Miller is a Senior. Ellerbe hasn’t proven he can be the man yet with injuries and suspensions and inconsistant play (but I’m pulling for him) Washington is coming back from serious injury. Dewberry is likely to be an All Star and I like what I am hearing about Gamble. One of the Akeems is one bad decision away from being sent packing and all the others have never played a snap.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to play chicken little. I’m sure that either Curran or White will be ready to play in 2-3 years and Dent might turn into a good player, but this class needs some future stars at LB in my opinion and they are quickly dropping off the board

By godawg

May 24, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Laugh of the Day from EDSBS: How to Make Love to a Tennessee Vols Fan

By godawg

May 24, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Huskdawg try here: http://www.footballvideos.com/

By JaxDawg

May 24, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Caleb King is in!!! Congratulations Caleb! Go Dawgs!

By A-ville Ranger

May 24, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Great news on King,it may still be in his interest to red shirt this year and concentrate on studies.

By Cuz

May 24, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

I agree Ranger. Get King a red-shirt and let him get comfortable with the offence and the academic setting. Also a little extra re-hab on that knee could not hurt. Sure most of us can’t wait to see him play, but I think in his interest, it would be better to have this redshirt under his belt.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 24, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

cuz, we have to agree to disagree on this one. He won’t have to learn the whole “O”, but they won’t put a “Shirt” on King this season. He’ll be given a set of plays, much like the Reptiles did with Harvin last year, and out him on the field in spot situations. If what I’ve read is true, he can also catch so there’s to many ways he can be used to “Shirt”.

By Hunk Erdown

May 24, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Gotta go with Buck on this one. Besides, It is my understanding that part of King’s recruitment was an agreement that he would not red-shirt unless injured.

Man, what a backfield. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a UGA team with so much talent behind center. I want to see Matt throw for a ton, but we can use up a whole lot of clock and rush for a bunch of real estate with the guys we have totin’ the rock this year. I think it is the way we insure a victory in the first two games and finally crack the bubble in Jax.

By Cuz

May 24, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Buck sure I would like to see him play, but is he ready? What is best for Caleb? If he does not redshirt, gets hit by some linebacker who is not say a nice guy in the knee and bent back, is that what would be best for the kid? Do I have to say everything in questions? Well, why not?

By SamoanDawg

May 24, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

I too am concerned about the depth of our LBs this coming season. I hope these guys don’t get suspended or injure before kickoff… crossing my fingers. Dewberry was bothered by the hamstring most of last season. I hope he stays healthy throughout the season and others of course. We’re really only two deep on all 3 spots. Unless, the true freshmen coming in can contribute right away. Pulling a hammie really sux!

WILL: Darius Dewberry, Dannell Ellerbe.

MIKE: Brandon Miller, Marcus Washington

SAM: Akeem Dent, Darryl Gamble

Freshmen: Rennie Curran, Charles White

I think I got the line-up right. Last I heard Ellerbe was demoted from the weak-side. I also heard Ellerbe can play all 3 spots… that’s a plus. We may have to cross train Rennie and Charles at all 3 spots as well. Of the two, I think Rennie may play early.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 25, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

cuz, his break was nothing like Brown’s knee. It also wasn’t a major break so there’s a world of hurt difference between the two injuries.

By SamoanDawg

May 25, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Great to hear Caleb King qualified. He’ll be a third down guy this year and prolly return kicks.

We have to feed Kregg the rock at least 20-25 times. Moreno and Brown are special guys too, but they have to get the left overs. It doesn’t sound fair but that’s the way I see it. I’m sure that won’t be the case. Coach Ball might continue rotating these guys in and out… gosh I hope not.

I think we’ll run more of the 3 and 4 wide receive sets. We have heaps of talents at WR position. Especially now we’re finally catching the dadgum ball. That means, whoever is at tailback better block and knock somebody on their hind end. I prefer Lumpkin in the backfield at this particular set. Yes, he did a poor job blocking vs. Tennessee last season, but I think he has matured since then. I’m yet comfortable with Brown/Moreno blocking, especially Moreno, he has to prove to me first. And I hope he does prove me wrong. So, if Kregg touches the ball 20-25 times a game, he should be well over 1,000 yards this season… no question. Yeah, I know… what about the o-line? Coach Searels got it covered… we’re straight… no worries brah.

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this

I’m all for getting him in if we need him, But why would we put a true freshman(and not even enrolled early like some)in on critical 3rd down situations. Seems like you would want your vets in on 3rd down, its kind so an important down. Help me out with that one. Even if he can catch the ball, donw we have some upper classman that presumable should be able to cath the ball?

Not sure anyone dictates in recruiting anymore than, give him a chance to earn it, I dont get this so-called “understanding”. I also don’t think this is anywhere related to the Harvin situation. As Meyers has said repeatedly and again about a month ago, they simply didnt have enough players. They certainly weren’t already loaded at RB at UF last year. So although I am all for seeing anyone ready to play as early as posible, I think the comparison is wrong. if for no other reason, I havent diagree with buck for a few weeks.

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

And actually Harvin was really a multi-talented WR, not RB. I think he got in as a result of nobody else possessing any better speed. They really needed him in limited situations. King is a RB, somebody explain the need for a True freshman coming in next year at that position to me. All you do there is displace a more experienced RB. Why do you do that? Why do you replace a more experience WR with him (if is just to see if he can catch the ball), or anyone of out back who have proven thay can too. Is he the fastest guy we can use on a reverse. We don’t really have the need.

By reality check

May 25, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

I’m not going to express an opinion at this time about whether or not King plays this year. The coaches will sort it out based on production in practice and injuries and report back to us. When Richt calls to seek my opinion I’ll make sure to consult with everybody on the blog and we can jointly decide who will play and how much.

By SamoanDawg

May 25, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Man, I can’t believe how many weapons we have on offense. With the addition of Caleb, it’s even more lethal. I would love for Caleb to play this year, but not as a spot duty… 3rd down back. I would hate to see him burn his first year as a 3rd down guy only. I guess we’ll find out for sure when August rolls around.

By I-DOG

May 25, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

It will be up to King to earn PT. If he comes in and impresses the coaches, then he will be used in some capacity.

If he struggles or has a light injury that keeps him off the practice field for a week or two in the early going(like a hammie or a badly sprained ankle) then he will likely redshirt.

Nobody knows what will happen, but it is good to have another option. He could even end up starting or playing signifant snaps at RB if there are injuries and/or a guy in front of him has a drink on campus.

There are so many variables that we will all just have to watch it play out.

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

reality, I agree. I’d say if his brother has an issue with deciding based on actual practise, he is not looking at whats in his best interest. Or the teams. Of cource if I had said the coaches would have to evaluate at the time, I would have had to fend off insults for 3 days as a homer. So thanks for saying it. IF he can pick it up to be productive in the 3-4 weeks he has to, I’m all for it. In fact, for any freshman that can, don’t redshirt a one. Thats just such a tall task. I still wonder (and looking for an explaination), why the least experience back would be put in the most critical down. I’m just missing something. I actually would be fine with the idea of him using a year of eligiblity to be a productive spot guy, most players are used in situations that calls for thier particular skill set. If he can help, great. A handful of first down, we wouldn’t have had otherwise, can change a season. I just can’t understand why he would be useful VS other more qualified guys who have put in the time ahead of him.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 25, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg thanks, because I know all is right with the world. You put a “Shirt ” on CK on your team. Me? If I can find a way to get his talent on the field I will. I can’t help but wonder which RBs have put in time ahead of him? Moreno? Nope, he’s a RS. Brown? He’s coming back from a terrible injury and nobody knows when he’ll be ready so I don’t know where all these RBs are that have so much time ahead of him except Lumpkin. Bobo won’t expect him to know all of the play book but the one thing he’ll have to pick up is blocking. Yes, I know Harvin is a WR and CK is a RB but it’s the idea of using the talent not what position they play. He doesn’t have to be ready to run a package of plays in the 1st game. Blocking will be important because he won’t get the ball every time he steps on the field. To say that the coaches will make the decision as to should he play or not, IMO, is not being a Homer because that’s the way it’ll happen. CMR said that if a player comes in and can play, then he’ll have the chance. The top players are getting a chance to play as true freshman and that’s what they come in looking for. R. Jones almost transferred last season because he had a Shirt on him. IMO Caleb King will play as a true freshman. We’ll see how it plays out.

By fayncdawg

May 25, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

If it’s obvious from day one that King is their best player on offense (which is probable), then why redshirt him? If he has a great freshman year on the field, then Georgia just might run the table (the offense should be that good; the defense is not that bad; everybody vying for a starting spot on defense has previous playing time). No college team has been put on probation for winning with a player or two who struggles in the classroom (as long as they are not playing anyone who, at game time, is ineligible). OSU with Maurice Clarrett and GT with Stephon Maubury can attest to that! And King might not be an academic wash-out! Might take him all six years to get a degree, but there are people who do not play college football who take that long to get a degree! The gist of this blog is this: If King gives the Dawgs the best chance to win and he isn’t going to drink Athens dry or knock people over the head, then PLAY HIM!! And who knows! He just might pass his claases! I have not met the guy, but I have a feeling that his character is FAR BETTER than that of Clarrett, Marbury, Reggie Ball, and Reuben Houston! And as Oliver can attest to, classroom struggles are not the end of the world if you have character and NFL talent. He has the opportunity to excel at what he does best! I hope King has the same opportunity!

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

right on brother, all is right. I am puzzled why Moreno being a RS automatically disqualify him to play in front of a True Freshman. he still has a lot more experience of the system, Gday game superlatives, highly rated. We may not agree, but I maintain a RS freshman is WORLDS ahead of a True, talent being equal. Do you believe that CK is that much better talent? I’ll conceed that you know more about King, that I must know. I’ve seen Moreno in a real UGA helmet, I’ve only heard about King’s potential.

Would be interested in your response as to why anyone would assume King is the best option for a critical third down. I hear 3rd down guy a few times today, but no reason why. Seems to me that is usually a passing down anyway, blocking too critical. Even if its a run, why in the world wouldn’t you run Lumpkin or Southerland? J. Johnson IMO , should be considered for spot PT as well. WE do agree, if he proves to be more of a threat, have at it, that’s pretty impressive. I hope so, I just don’t see the logic, the need. I guess my question is why?

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

fayncdawg, I dont think there was ever an opinion that anyone who was the best offensive player on the entire team should not play. Thats a given. I guess the debate is what qualifies as best? Biggest, fastest? I beleive its most most qualified to contribute, and that might very be a walk-on, or a 5 star recruit.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 25, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve never seen CK play so I’m going by everything I’ve read or heard. The why is talent that can be used now as opposed to waiting a year a la Moreno. The players don’t learn much about the play book or anything else when they RS. If a player needs to bulk up or some other thing that’s fine but when they become RSF, they still have to learn how to play, as Bobo said about Moreno. I believe that he has more talent than most of the RBs and he’s probably the fastest RB we have. He appears to have very good hands, doesn’t fumble and can catch. As I posted a couple of months ago, Feb. to be exact, Red Shirting has started changing over the last few years and if a player is talented enough to be used in his Freshman year he should be used. What about a Moreno and King in the backfield at the same time? IF(notice the caps) he can pick up the blocking part with his speed there’s no telling where Bobo may put him or Moreno. He’s got more talent than almost anybody we have at the RB position so prepare him to play from the get go. No way I can know for sure but I really believe that Bobo is or has been thinking of ways to use him.

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Here is your quote: ‘It’s too early to make that call,’ offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. ‘We know Knowshon has some potential, and we’re definitely excited about him, but the key word is potential. He’s got a long way to go. He’s got to learn this offense.’

Funny , how we read that so dramatically different. You see that as saying RS was a total waste. “Dont learn the playbook or anything else”. I read that and see a strong argument for exactly RS. If he still has a way to go, what in the world would he have done out there last year? I really dont see how anyone could have seen that Gday game and thought Moreno wasted a year.

By Hunk Erdown

May 25, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Altahama-

I agree with you on the 3rd down thing. I don’t know who’s idea that was or why its a good one. I sure don’t get why it would be.

As far as the “understanding”, that comes from what I read over and over when CK was being recruited, plus what I heard directly from Athens. The word is that he flat told anyone and everyone that he was not coming to be red-shirted. There was at least an implied threat that a red shirt would mean him moving to another school. Did CMR make that kind of deal to get him? I don’t know, but I would bet real good money that he don’t shirt.

By reality check

May 25, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Lumpkin, Brown, and Moreno were all recruited about as heavily as King. There is so much hype about recruiting and I for one think it is way overblown. There is very little correlation between how many stars a player has in recruiting and how they play in college. In high school, college recruits are not yet mature and they are playing against competition that is not nearly what they face at the next level. Just look at the last few years. Tripp Chandler and Kris Durham were not nearly as highly rated as some of the other players who haven’t played a down yet.

The coaches will decide based on performance and need. I for one think they know what they are doing.

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Hunker, I would be willing to believe that he might have been made a deal, that if he does everything he is expected to, he would not be redshirted simply as a matter of policy. I cannot beleive that any staff would make any promises irrespective of being flat out not ready to compete. King is prabably the wrong recruit for the debate over redshirting. Obviously there are a select handful of recruits that should not, very few. Just like 20 years ago, just like now, just like it will always be. Nobody ever wants to, most should, most will.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 25, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

If a player has to learn the “O” after a RS year then what did he pick up? Adjusting to colllege life? I think so. Bulking up if needed? Yes again; however, when he still has to learn the “O” why not put him on the field for plays in his freshman year. Time will tell, but I don’t think for a minute that things are like they were 20 years ago. Not just Ga. but all over the country we see more and more true freshman playing. Rivals.com just yesterday or maybe today , did a column on 6 true freshmen that played QB and what the results were. BTW, Tebow wasn’t included. You’re right about the RS debate using CK as an example but let’s just count as the ‘07 season goes along and see how many true freshmen play. It’ll be more than any year since CMR has been the HC.

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Hunk, Seems like if the King family was looking for guaranteed PT, Auburn would have been the more logical choice.

Buck, coach Bobo never said Moreno learned nothing and was absolutely not one step closer. He said he needed to learn, you’re reading too much into that simple comment. Dont tell me you honestly thought he accomplished zero all of last year, practising, studying, and then picked up that system in 10 days this past spring to do so well in the Gday game. Come on. The entire quote was an answer to if Moreno should overtake some of the more senior spots in the depth chart and he was simply saying, he doesnt know as much as he needs to to be the clear #1, despite the excitment for him. Hell they all still need to “learn this offence”, its on going.

The rest of that interview was Bobo saying the main thing they needed from a back, no matter who he was, was blocking. That you dont pick up in live action against a SECeast opponent. Thats practice. Obviously he didnt mean he didnt learn much of anything. Moreno got ever increasing rave reviews last year on the practice squad. I think it was a bit more than adjusting to college, dont you? Thats not something that a back not learning does. I’m pretty surprised you would entrust your boy’s hind end to a green recruit over somebody that know what can happen.

you asked why not? One of the reason NOT to put somebody on the field is if they would be running around clueless and cause the team to lose. Another reason that I have never seen a satisfactory answer to, is why,,,, if the idea is to get them experienced, would you take away their most productive year on the back end. Isnt that the very goal? Trading a slightly better start to the sophomore year for a fully prepared last year? I’ve never said that RS prepared them better (for the next year)than playing, I dont think it does, but that not what a RS is for, its to get the 4 best years out of a player. And lastly why didnt Moreno play, it didnt improve the team last year.

Again, I keep mixing up a general debate with a poor example. King may very well be one of the select few. As far as how many true freshman we use this year, who knows. I think its case by case, but the fact we redshirted so many last year, prabably gives us the depth to be very selective.

Coach Meyers was on CSS the couple of weeks ago and he said UF wasnt a great program, not yet. They were a great team last year in an average program. When questioned, he said great program don’t need to play that many freshman, and are much better balanced as far as classes. His words, and I’ve read him say that numberous times.

We are never going to agree, But I still say , the goal is to get kids that could play as freshman, but never need them too.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 25, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Altahama, ,we just agree to disagree on this issue. I pointed out several reasons as to why a kid would have a Shirt put on him. I didn’t add to what Bobo said and I don’t think I read more into it than what he meant because I happen to agree with him. I also agree with Meyer. My point is that more true freshmen are playing now than ever before and I don’t think the trend will go down. It’s always on a case by case basis but what has changed is the idea of playing the freshmen. Recruits, more than ever before are looking at when they’ll have a chance to play and coaches are much more willing to put them on the field. As CMR said if they come in and can play then he’ll play them. Those were new words from CMR.

By AltamahaDawg

May 25, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

We agree on more than we disagree on this. It’s difficult to mix the discussion on an impact player, who have always played, and always will, with the general idea of RS. Its really not the same, I think we agree on that. I don’t agree with you on the “why not go ahead play” somebody. We seem to disagree that Moreno would have had an impact lasy year. We really dont agree or disagree on King. We simply wait for his early camp there.

I do think if you could ask Coach Bobo him if he meant “The players don’t learn much about the play book or anything else when they RS’, well, I think I know what he would say.

I do think that players are going to be more prepared to play earlier because high schools are better and the recent trend of coming in early helps them. That translate to better overall college football program, but eventually they are better seniors, better junior, soph and better RS freshman too. (not just better True freshmen) So to me its all just simple math. Playing more freshman robs PT from more qualified upperclassmen. There is simply no way to avoid that, and I dont see how thats very wise. I dont think uperclassmen are phasing out of the game in the next few years. It’s like getting your paycheck earlier in the month, it only help that first month. After that you are in the same cash flow as before. We might see some occational spikes, but unless you can add a bunch of scholarships, you simply cannot mathematically keep playing more and more freshmen. You might be right more freshmen are getting time now, I’d be interested to see those figures and facts, but in the end that will have to level out. Math, Physics, NCAA. I’ll leave you with this hypothetical, and then I’m off to dream: At some point the Kings, and Staffords and Harvins of the world are going to be upperclassmen, and presumable peaking in ability. Do we take them out of the game to get some freshmen a little PT? Isn’t that counterproductive?

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

Reality Check You’re right about some lower ranked players coming out of high school becoming stars and some hs stars not working out so well.So we might as well trust our own judgement on these kids.As far as King compared to the other highly rated backs who we’ve signed in resent years here’s my take on them.Watching video of Brown from hs what I saw was a player who was faster than the defensive players he faced.All he had to do was clear the line and run, so he really never had to do the tough things you look for.Lumpkin was also fast but not as fast so he had to show other things.He was a good cut back runner but seemed to go down fairly easy when hit.Moreno was more inpressive to me.He didn’t look quite as fast as either Brown or Lumpkin but he showed good speed,good balance,excellent vision and great desire.King was different,he has star quality,he just does things that few can,he is the kind of player I would tune in to see even if I wasn’t a fan of the team.That said if I had to bet on one being a big timer in college Moreno is who I’d put my money on.It’s the drive to succeed, (he just fights to stay on his feet) that makes him the best bet.At least in my mind.

By fayncdawg

May 26, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Altamahadawg, you’re absolutely right! And I would say that if King is no better than the fourth best RB and does not have exceptional PR/KR abilities, then redshirt him! I pray that King will not be cheated out of PT for reasons other than ability (the Dawgs came dangerously close to doing that to Stafford last year). The last thing the Dawgs need is for King to leave and go to Auburn or some other SEC rival. AND DON’T THINK THAT SEC RIVALS WILL NOT DO A LITTLE CHEATING TO ENSURE KING IS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY FOR THEM (ESP. IF GEORGIA IS ON THEIR SCHEDULE).

By fayncdawg

May 26, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Where’s RambleON, GT Lawyers, others in the Yeller Nation?? Haven’t heard from them lately! I guess they are licking their wounds!!

By AltamahaDawg

May 26, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I tell you what, when we start recruiting players who dictate to the staff, how much they play and when, and threaten to go someplace else, I say, we need to help them make the phone calls. Caleb King may be the best RB ever to wear the red and black, but he is still a single player, on a team, in a program, at a school thats been doing this for a long time. (And we will be playing all those other SEC schools long after he is gone). I’ve seen 20 Caleb Kings come and go, here. I’d like to think that all this said about him in here about demanding anything is more speculation than anything he actually said or did. I’d like to think he was just a young man who really wants to help UGA succeed in football, and is grateful for the chance. It seems to me that anyone who made the changes he did befor his senior year, has a pretty level head. Appearantly nobody thinks he will RS, and thats great. It is up to him, but not in the way some elude to. But its not like RS would have been punitive, or would have really messed him up. Ultimately a RS is only used to better not only the long term success of a team, but give a player the best chance to excel at this level. Its not like he would have lost his place in line. Appearantly his chances of being a big star here are pretty good either way. And if he is that fragile that getting X touches this year is all the difference in his college career, if I’m going to say, we need to be looking for the next one right now. Hopefully his entire focus isnt just to touch the ball during regulation 30 times before his 19th birthday. Hopefully its to help UGA win. As I said before, if guaranteed PT as a freshman was his only goal, then the Plains would have been the obvious choice this year. And if keeping him here is the best argument to get him out there, how good is he really. I look forward to him absolutely knocking my sox off to the point of saying, he needs to be out there because we are better for it, not him.

By AltamahaDawg

May 26, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

They are mad because a young man overcame issues to realize a college dream. Caleb King making it to college made thier lives less rewarding, so they don’t have anything to say. BTW Ramble was GTlawyer. He know as much about law as he does about properly applied mathmatical logic.

By Hunk Erdown

May 26, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Altahama—

I would hope that it goes without saying that any understanding between a recruit and the staff as far as playing time would first be contingent upon the recruit earning the spot. Maybe it doesn’t go without saying, but frankly I gave you credit for having enough sense to understand that… without going off the deep end, as if CK would be able to “dictate” how much and when he will play, without actually earning it. No, I feel quite sure that by him saying that he wasn’t coming here to red-shirt that means that he would expect to be afforded the same opportunity as the other players at his position irregardless of his class standing. I certainly beleive Danny Ware saw it that way, and chose to take his chances elsewhere. As far as CK going to TubbieVille to play… all I know is that CK wanted to play for UGA… UGA had at least Ware, Brown, Lumpkin, and Moreno ahead of him on the depth chart… a QB that people are expecting to throw for 300 yards a game, and he thinks he can come in and have a big enough impact to change all that. (again, it scared the devil out of Ware)

I think it shows an incredible amount of confidence for a guy to come in and say I’m gonna come out there and earn a spot on the team, I don’t care how many other backs you have in front of me, I’ll earn playing time… all I ask is if I sign I don’t want to be red-shirted just because I’m a freshman. If I can learn the plays and execute them better than the other guys then I want you to promise me I will get the opportunity.

By AltamahaDawg

May 26, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Hunker, as I said, I believe its very appropriate to tell a recruit they have every chance, even make a deal you do this, and we promise not to do that as a matter of habit. Wasn’t really refering your your comments earlier. My deep ender was directed at a couple of comments that seem to indicate a threat of freshmen in general to leave if not played immediately was a legitamate and recent factor. I do not believe it is, and If i didnt make it clear, I doubted caleb King ever did so.

By AltamahaDawg

May 26, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Everything I ever read or heard including comments from inside the program was that it was Moreno who had convinced Ware his time was going to be limited.

By AltamahaDawg

May 26, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

The thing that does puzzle me is that it’s such a no brainer that a coach recruiting a skill player would tell him if he is better than the other guys and can make his team win more, he gets to play. What coach wouldnt think and say that. Thats doesn’t seem to be any big news, certainly not worth the paper making a special point of saying his brother insisted on it. Thats been my point, why is that even a question. I’ve never known anyone redshirted just because they are a freshman. Thats not the reason they are.

By Hunk Erdown

May 27, 2007 6:19 AM | Link to this

The reason the subject even came up in this blog was because on the same day that King made the grade, people were already saying that he should be red-shirted. I, personally, have always liked being able to red-shirt as many frshmen as possible. A perfect example is Moreno. Very explosive back that being held back for a year makes him even more explosive this year, imo. Could he have made an impact last year? I think a lot of people felt that Moreno was at least as good as some of the guys out there last year, but was held back, and certainly, you get down to a point in the year that you have to make a judgement as to whether you put him in for a few games or go ahead and hold him to preserve an entire year. Whether it is justified or not, there is a perception out there among a lot of recruits that they will have a better shot at playing as a freshman at some schools versus others. This was quoted by several recruits that chose other than UGA last year. In King’s case, it was not like he could look at UGA as a school that had a serious depth problem or need when it comes to his position. It would be easy for a team to tell him what he wanted to hear if they were losing all their backs to the draft, but he was looking at a place that was pretty strong at RB with a QB expected to light up all the pass attempt records. I’m not sure without looking it up when King actually committed, but the fact that Moreno along with around 18 others were red-shirtd only makes it a more legitimate issue that King wanted assurances that he would play if he were good enough to. Moreno could have started at a bunch of good schools as a true freshman.

I think the fact that a guy is a frshman has a lot more to do with the decision to shirt than some people allow. As I said, I have always been a staunch supporter of the “more the better” when it comes to the shirt, but Buck and several others have made some points about the subject that have caused me to look at the issue a little more critically than in the past.

By AltamahaDawg

May 27, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Appearantly I read more into statements than indented. I has always assumed that any player has the ability to compete for a spot, and all the talk that King was the isistant on that, lead me to believe than some thought he………well moving on.

I do believe Buck is correct in that situations are prabbaly having more freshmen gettign a shot recently. 12th game, early enrollement, spot need, so forth. I still maintain that will lever out as those very same guy become what the whoel point was, experienced upperclassmen. Give me a program where there is simply too much talent in the classes ahead, and I believe the recruits will still come. Thats a very strong program , and ultimetely I thinkn kids want to be winners first and foremost.

By Cuz

May 27, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Alt looks like you had a few Crowns before the last post. Since I speak fluent drunkenese, I understand what you are saying.

What dedicated player would want to sign without asking the question, “If I prove it in pre-season practice, will I get a chance to play?” And the reverse of course is what Coach would not want his best on the field and not guarantee that recruit that option. Kid you blow us away in the practices, you get playing time as a freshman.

I wrote earlier, I admit, that I wanted Caleb redshirted because I was afraid of his injury not being completely healed up and did not want this talented young man to not be able to use his potential at UGA and hopefully the next level. I blew my knee 22 years ago when I was 25. I ran, biked, played raquetball, lifted weights and any other sport I could play. I went from being a 15 to 20 mile per week runner to re-habbing just to walk. Hardly a day goes by I do not feel pain in my knee, so often I don’t really notice anymore. I just did not want this to happen to Caleb and I also wanted to be sure that the man would be able to make the grades. Heck the blog started out about Oliver being inelligible.

Remember Pulpwood Smith? Great runner in the eighties and unfortunately, not sharp enough or committed to studies to stay in school. I guess he is a pulpwooder today.

Buck informed me that Caleb’s injury was not as severe as I thought. If that is so and he is willing to take his Lumps, pun intended, and maybe be the third string RB then he just needs to prove it on the field. I believe the kid from Wrightsville was the third string freshman RB before the 1980 Tennessee game.

Go Caleb and Go Dawgs!!!!

By Hunk Erdown

May 27, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Altahama-

First off, I consider you to be one of the more knowledgable ones that post on the UGA blogs, so from my side of things there’s nothing personal, just good, fun debate. Second, I’ll try to make this one last attempt on the subject and will be glad to move along.

I think that to assume that all freshmen, even the high rated ones will all get an equal opportunity to start is possibly a wrong assumption. For instance, last year I think Stafford was given a fair and equal opportunity with upperclassmen to make the OPEN qb spot. I do not beleive that Logan Gray will get anywhere near such a shot to dethrone Stafford. When I say an equal shot, I mean reps with the #1 offense, the whole ball of wax. I think that is the difference in what King wanted when he said he wasn’t coming here to be shirted, and the usual thing where the coaches say, if you come out and earn playing time and show us you have what it takes, you’re the man. There is nothing in that statement that says the coaches will be giving that guy an equal shot. In fact, I would bet the majority of players have to work their way up to earning reps with the 1st team. So the difference in King and other Frosh is that I beleive King will get automatic reps with the 1st team on an equal playing field. The other thing that could have possibly been in King’s mind is the very point that our good friend Cuz made. King wanted to make sure that people were’nt leaning towards a red shirt because they feel like extra time to heal could only be a positive thing.

Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel that a freshman coming in to a team where his position is already laden with depth does not normally get the same shot as one who has asked for a shot, (something beyond the normal rah rah, “show me what you’ve got”) as part of his recruitment, and the coaches agree to do that. I feel that Logan Gray is a fair comparison. In fact, Gray came in understanding that he probably would be red-shirted. If he had sat down with the coaches and said, I don’t care how good Stafford or whoever the qb is… when I get there I want a fair shot at earning the spot. I believe that CMR would have made that deal, but I certainly don’t beleive they make it for every player.

By Hunk Erdown

May 27, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Cuz-

A while back you told me your Dr was going to try you on some new pain meds. Did they? and how do you like them?

By A-ville Ranger

May 27, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

It’s easy to see why CMR decided to proclaim true freshmen would be given a shot at playing.USC and then Florida did it with great success and nothing succeeds in getting a coaches attention like success.I’m neutral on King playing this season as long as he makes the classroom his top priority.Coach Richt would be selling Caleb out if he doesn’t hold his feet to the fire when it comes to his duties as a student.

By AltamahaDawg

May 27, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Did everyone read the article on some coaches trying to get the NCAA to look at a 5th year? No redshirting, no medical hardship, just 5 years played I guess within 5. Now its of cource 4 within 5 unless medical. Think that might shack up resuiting. What I’d like about that is that you potentially play a freshman late in the year, (as they get less of a liablity) why not. And also many more freshmen get to play in mop up duty, which is the perfect situation, but you would never waste eligibility now.

yes cuz, good call. I was on kind of a roll there. I sounded like I was calling some folks out, when in fact I was simply saying I didnt think King should look for anything BUT a fair shot, and while I thought the sentiment was he demanded to play, that doesnt seem to be the case. Oh well, nobody else was ranting, so I filled in a few spaces.

Hunker, I am not as sure that Logan is the perfect example. You really dont think that “normal” times a QB race is wide open at the first of the year, especially with a returning starter But I assume other spots are. Rb should be. I think maturity will alway win out, but I’d never think a RB was automatic. Moreno was obviously 4th, maybe 5th string last year, so great place for that. Perfect redshirt call on Moreno. Buck points out that RB this year isnt as deep as most think quickly with a couple of dings, and he may be right there. I think the King decision will be very obvious and not really a back and forth.

By AltamahaDawg

May 27, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

A-ville I saw an interview with Richt several years ago and he said then, personally he wishes No freshman was eligible, but since they were, they all got a shot. Not sure why that seems like a new thing for him. And you are right, Meyers made it work, but if I may, just add to that a bit. Meyers has said repeatedely he only played those freshmen out of pure nessesity because they had a huge gap in the classes, and the majority of those guys played just fill in spotty special teams and deep reserve. They only had a couple of playmaker frosh. He specifically said good solid program dont need to do that. He just was on CSS a couple of nights ago stating that UF was only a mediocre program that happen to have a great class of seniors last year. He says NO school ever aught to have to play more than about 3/4 freshmen. Now that being said. Richt prabably did follow that model a bit because he certainly did go out and get some number to fill in some gaps. I think its quite easy to say UGA wasnt a great program last year, we’ll see this year, so maybe we have that temporary need to play some youngsters. I see it as something that cycles, not trends. Actually if you look at USC too, that was an odd class with those freshman that year, and they really didnt play many the past couple. OSU didnt, Texas didn’t.

By Hunk Erdown

May 27, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Alt-

Where can I find that article you mentioned? I’d love for them to find a way to at least slow down the early NFL departures.

One thing the military taught me was that the age between 18-20 is a crucial “growing up” point in men’s lives. When you are training guys for combat readiness, the difference between working with an 18 yr old and a 20 yr old is like night and day. Even 18 and 19 year olds… it is probably the most important year in a man’s life when it comes to the difference in maturity. Sure there are exceptions, but not many. Mostly the issue is mental maturity, but you’d be surprised in the amount of physical maturity. A lot of guys finally stop growing during this year; the agility and balance levels tend to catch up after this final growth spurt. But again, the main thing is the mental preparedness. You can sit and preach about things like dedication, pride, and strong work ethics and it just seems to go right over their heads. But in the next year, it starts to click, they seem to finally be able to put their life experiences into perspective and “get” what your teaching them. Maybe that’s why the drinking thing seems to bite so many of them. Ask any combat vet which he would rather go into battle with; some 18 yr old stud that can lift every weight in the weight room and out run everybody in the unit, but lacks even a little bit of the mental maturity of the 20 yr old that is average physically but dependable and grounded. Invariably, the young stud will be the one to trip a wire that takes out half the unit because the breifing that morning was just too boring to hold his attention. Same thing in football… the frosh star knows the playbook maybe, but lacks the experience to know the timing of when he plants his foot on that button hook route, the pigskin will be there when he turns. He11 yes, I wish there was a way to hold out those freshmen til they’re absolutely needed.

By Cuz

May 27, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Hunk, Doc put me on some Vicodin, Codene with some kind of asparin substitute. I think I like the Darvocets better. Eating Vics like they were M&M’s. The least they could do is multi colors and plain or peanut.

Alt, I love your rants. Keep em up. It is so funny how sometimes we all are trying to say the same thing, most of us have never met, the other guy says something, we all agree, but we think we disagree. I love this blog.

Hey Bill, ten days, how about a new topic. Just include football, new players, Mark Richt, last years players, the SEC East, and Darth Visor. Yeah that should do it. Oh and how great it was to go to the Taco Stand on Milledge, Saturday night in the eighties. Cold beer, cheap Mexican food, bikers, punkers, frats, sorority girls and freaks all in one place.

By AltamahaDawg

May 27, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

It was either the Athens Banner or I completely made it up.

Mixed feelings on that whole NFL departures. I liked it back when you had to wait till 4 yrs out of high school. The NFL getting these guys earlier is the same logic to me that playing more freshman is, short term fix but ultimetely counterproductive, but understand league expansion and longer seasons also change the situation. It does seem unAmerican to tell somebody they can’t move on to the next phase at thier own peril, and yet, playing football isn’t some God given right, its a priveledge and certainly the organization or system that grant that should be able to dictate the terms. I don’t have the actual numbers, but I seem to recall that NFL departures arent really esculating but its certainly heartbreaking as a fan. I remember particularly hating the News that Garrison had left. Several others obviously, but I really looked forward to seeing him that senior year. You know, I at least took in consideration what would be in his best interest, you would think he would have considered what I wanted.

By A-ville Ranger

May 28, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

I just read Toby Jackson’s plan to keep his intentions secret.I won’t keep my feelings on where he should go to school to myself however.Toby the school you should choose is…..Alabama…Auburn….Florida..etc..etc..in other words anywhere but UGA.I’m sure I’m not alone in my disgust of players like him and their inflated sense of their own worth.So Toby by all means play the role of diva as long as you care and then take your self centered butt somewhere other than Athens.

By fayncdawg

May 28, 2007 6:57 AM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg, again you’re right! And the reality is that only King, Sturdivant, and Troupe should be the only freshman that will not be redshirted! Believe it or not, this team is loaded enough, even on defense (everybody vying for a starting spot on defense has PT).

By AltamahaDawg

May 28, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

As well, you are correct! And I’m all for 3 or 4 playing. We might even see a couple more reserve lineman getting in. It’s almost inconceivable not to play a few freshmen. That has always been the case. Even Dooley played a few every year. But when we start having to play 10-12 freshmen, thats a very, very bad sign. (not sure how you categorize Juco in that case)

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 28, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Guys, I don’t consider JUCO players as true freshmen because they had some good playing time at a higher level than H.S. As to how many true freshmen will end up playing in ‘07, I thinking 10 including a punter. I have no way of knowing of course until the season plays itself out. Coming out early for the NFL is a risky business. So many things enter into the decision and I’m afraid that a lot of players are given so much mis-informatiom that leads them to make the wrong decision. With that being said , it’s still a fact of life that in todays world leaving early will continue. Then in certain cases you have a guy like Troupe. IF(notice the caps) he s offered a M$ contract from a MLB team, I hope for his sake he takes it. I mentioned him the other day and someone,can’t remember who, said that he wasn’t going to go high enough to get that type of contract. I was also informed that the MLB draft is June 7th so we don’t have long to wait and see what happens.

By AltamahaDawg

May 28, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Gentlemen, anyone who hasnt yet, do a simple search for the Utube 9 minute highlight video of AJ Green. Uh huh.

By AltamahaDawg

May 28, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Buck how about 10 including Juco?

By Hunk Erdown

May 28, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Impressive video, Altahama. Helluva QB tossin those balls to him too, don’t u think?

By AltamahaDawg

May 28, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

I was thinking the same thing, who was that kid?

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 28, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Altahama, I have no doubt about 10 including JUCO. This up coming season is so unusual already that anything can happen. Two big time firsts with CMR giving up play calling and then making Bobo not only in charge of that but naming him the “OC” and then staying away and letting him do the job. Add on to that the fact that Sturdivent(SP) may be the starting left tackle and so many RSF, I’m more excited than I’ve been in a long time. I don’t think we’ve had, in any year since CMR has been here, two more important games to start with than ‘07. Add ALA. on to that and man what a Sept. this will be. All I’ve been able to do is read the players and Coaches comments and I sense a really upbeat attitude much more than I have in past seasons. ESPN has picked us to win the East and I really believe that if we win the 1st two we’ll be running down hill not walking. BTW, having the JUCOs is another big change. The reason doesn’t matter it’s still a big change. Last year I predicted 8-9 wins but this year, we have IMO a real shot at going all the way. ESPN says that LSU win win the Title game. I disagree, we get that far and we’ll be the new champs.

By I-DOG

May 28, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Reality Check:

I agree with you to a point… but most 4 and 5 star recruits work out very well in college. That is unless they have off field problems.

There are examples of lightly recruited kids doing well and some highly touted kids being busts, but for the most part, the players that have the most hype, deliver on the field.

There are some Thomas Davis’ out there and Veron Haynes and on the other end of the spectrum there are some mudcat Elmore’s out there too. However, the list of highly rated players that have an impact in college is a long one.

You mentioned Durhmam and Chandler as players who were modestly recruited. I hope these guye do well in their careers, but what have they done so far? They have about 5 catches between them, so lets not count our chickens just yet… I like them both and think they will become pretty good players.

Some of the highly recruited guys that UGA will be counting on are: Stafford, Mo Mass, Bailey, Miller, Naderis Ward, Brown, Moreno, Lumpkin, Allen, Ramarcus Brown, Byrd, R. Jones, B. Evans, owens, Weston, Tony Wilson, T. Sturdivant, J. Anderson Etc…

All of these guyes were 4 and 5 star players and most have had made significant contributions or are too young to judge at this point (like R. Jones, and N. Ward who were redshirted)

All have NFL potential. Not every one of them will make it, but 75% will and these are the kinds of players we need to win the SEC.

By I-DOG

May 28, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Hunker Down:

That’s a fair statement. I’m sure that Logan was told and understood that he would get a “shot” but that realistically, he would be redshirting and a backup for his first couple of seasons.

Now… God forbid if there are injuries and or suspensions to a couple of guys in front of him… all of a sudden he is right in the thick of things.

The same would be true for the OL we recruit for next year versus the situation this year. An OL could come in and knock everyone’s socks off next year and move into the rotation and then starting role, but it will be much more difficult to get a “real” opportunity with quality reps NEXT year as opposed to this year with T. Sturdivant and Bean and the Jucos we brought in. They were all given a real shot because of need just like Stafford was…they have to earn it, but not every opportunity for Freshman is an equal one (much like life) you have to perform when you get that opportunity.

By I-DOG

May 28, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Altamaha Dawg:

I saw the video a few months back and it is just jaw dropping incredible. I have not seen a better prospect at any position in high school and that was from his Junior season.

It is hard not to get excited about him playing ‘tween the hedges during Stafford’s Junior year with a VERY deep offensive line, plenty of other receivers and Moreno and King as running backs along with Southerland clearing holes during his Senior year.

I’m not real worried about the offense in 08.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

May 28, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

I-Dog, your reasons are why I say that the 1st two games are so important in ‘07.

By Your Alarm Clock

May 30, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Bill, wake up! It is almost June dude! We need a new blog! You are getting close to the record set by “FSU inks Rose” for topics hanging loose. Hope all is well. Lots going on for UGA.