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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTeam ain’t heavy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some highly touted high school phenoms live up to their billing as a college freshman; others are still struggling to deliver the goods consistently midway through their sophomore season.
Thanks goodness New Jersey’s greatest high school running back falls into the former category, as it appears Knowshon Moreno may have to carry this entire Georgia team on his back. He certainly did that Saturday night in Nashville, ending up with 157 yards on 28 carries and practically willing the Dawgs down the field on that last drive despite having gotten dinged up a little earlier.
With his offense having wasted several opportunities in the first half with off-target long passes and drives killed by penalties on the line, Mark Richt told Loren Smith after the game that he decided at halftime Georgia was going to have to run the ball more. Unfortunately, injury-prone Kregg Lumpkin wasn’t around long to help, but Moreno was up to the task, getting 123 of his yards after intermission.
Behind a line that still follows departed coach Neil Callaway’s penchant for being able to pass protect but not block for the run, that meant Moreno often had to freelance, cutting back away from where the play was intended to go. That 32-yard third-quarter run that set up a Bulldog touchdown by the reliable Brannan Southerland was a gem.
And then there’s Matthew Stafford, who continues to be maddeningly erratic. For most of the first half Saturday, his timing was abysmal as he continually threw the ball too late. And for some reason offensive coordinator Mike Bobo seemed determined to keep going for the long ball time and time again until Stafford got it right (which he never did). The worst was that third quarter play where Sean Bailey was wide open and Stafford sailed the ball several feet over his head.
But give Stafford credit for keeping his cool and coming through on that last drive, making some key passes to complement Moreno’s gritty runs as the Dawgs ate up the clock moving into position for the winning field goal.
And kudos to tight end Tripp Chandler, who’s turned his game around in a major way. He had two key catches Saturday night, including one where he got leveled right after catching the ball but held onto it and then jumped right up, Moreno-style.
MORE GOOD AND BAD STUFF: The Dawgs defense looked pretty awful at times in the first half, especially trying to stop a running quarterback. Obviously, Vandy noticed our weakness for misdirection plays and used an end-around and a reverse to great effect on their first scoring drive. In the second half, the Georgia D played a lot more aggressively and had pretty much shut Vandy down until they fell asleep on that long pass play that brought the Dores downfield in a hurry. Thank goodness for Darryl Gamble stripping the ball and Dannell Ellerbe jumping on the fumble. That more than made up for a badly missed tackle Gamble had on a Vandy first-down run in the first half. … Likewise, that was heads-up play by leading receiver Tony Wilson jumping on his own fumble when the ball was stripped after a big catch on the final drive. … Will Bobo or someone please tell Stafford to quit throwing sidearm? He almost got one of those throws intercepted Saturday. … Georgia was seven of 16 on third-down conversions, which won’t get it done against the conference elite.
OTHER STUFF: It was good to see an angry Coach Richt shoving players as he broke up that impromptu midfield celebration by some of the Bulldogs after the game. But as Kevin Butler said on the “Fifth Quarter Show,” it’d be nice to see some of that emotion during the four quarters of the game. … It seemed in the first half like that awful ESPN2 crew was more interested in talking about NASCAR than what was happening on the field.
Comments
By pj
October 14, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
I haven’t openly complained about coaching one single time in the Mark Richt era, but I gotta say this…
There are other “young” teams across the country that are playing with more discipline than Georgia. The defense is maddeningly inconsistent, and I have no clue what our offensive identity is supposed to be. If you take Moreno out of the equation, our offense - bobo included - has shown no… balls.
I have been on the Stafford bandwagon since day one, but I feel ready to jump off. When we are not getting it done through the air, why NOT give Joe Cox a series or two? He’s regarded as very talented and the players like and trust him.
I pray that the off week will do for the dogs what it has done for other teams. Go dogs… get some balls!
By innocent bystander
October 14, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
This was one of your better blogs. But for crying out loud quit trying to change Mark Richt’s personality. Even if you are quoting Kevin Butler . He sould cool it as well.This subject has been run into the ground. The man is what he is.More than one fan has written in comparing him to other cool heads like Tony Dungy, Tom Landry and John Wooden and those fans are right. Whether he shows enough emotion to please you or me has nothing to do with what kind of Coach he is or whether we win or not.We had no pre-season All-SEC’s.Looks like that slight has been vindicated. We’re a year away. I don’t like it but it’s a fact.
By bigdawg88
October 14, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Looking at the season I wonder if some of our problem is picking up too many early recruits. Once you commit to a guy early, what happens if he tanks? Also, there are probably a lot of players that don’t “show up” until their senior year. We only have a few scholarships to give. Aren’t we taking ourselves out of the running on a lot of them, including the #2 LB prospect that decided we don’t want him?
By GWJ
October 14, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
According to “Coach Bill King”, “Georgia was seven of 16 on third-down conversions, which won’t get it done against the conference elite.” We are 4th in the SEC in 3rd down conversions. Actually, UGA has converted 3rd down’s fairly well this year. Concerning your comments on run blocking, I agree that we pass block better at this point. Is that surprising, considering the youth on O-Line?
By Big Buck
October 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
The defense was “better”…but it was Vandy. Too many piggy-back “tackles” and whiffs, however.
The offense was “better”…but it was Vandy. Thank God for Moreno—he is a DAWG. What’s with Stafford? And why not give Cox a chance?
It was nice to see some “fire” from CMR, but as Kevin pointed out, why not during the game?
By Michael Scharff
October 14, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Bill, In terms of CMR’s actions immediatley following the game, I think it continues to show how lucky we are to have a true Class Act as our Head Coach. When and on what station does the 5th Quarter air in Athens. I think our local affilaite in Augusta decided that a 2 hour post-game was more than enough, and therefore I think they dropped the 5th Quarter from their lineup.
By 3 Rivers jacket
October 14, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
When you have to jump on the logo at VANDY you are not a big league program. This will at least get you a 5th placefinish in the division and I guess that is something to celerate. Any win is good nowadays however and cause for celebration. I am curious why people get so upset when a team or player celebrates after the game. I understadn a little why you cant do it during the game as it could be taunting. But after the game come on- if your team is happy Mark let them dance on the V or whatever and explain to the other coach if you have to that you recruit guys that have a lot of rhythm and like to dance.
By Chap
October 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
It is very possible for Ga to lose the remainder of the schedule and be out of a bowl game. Especially when they come out and play like they have. If we cannot stop a running QB Tebow is going to run all over us.
I’m getting tired of the talks about how this team is young….other teams are young as well. Just seems like they’re getting coaching rather than the Dawgs. We need the off week to get healthy. And for the love of all things holy Martinez, do some freakin’ pre-game prep.
By Lee
October 14, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
To those who want an emotional coach, I guess we could talk Bobby Knight to make a cameo appearance a couple of times per game. You know, throw a chair or two out onto the field, get a personal foul, back the dawgs further into a hole.
I remember during the first part of the season, Rashad Jones got a personal foul for punching the other player. Richt chewed on his butt pretty good when he got to the sideline.
I’ve seen numerous times where players would dance on the opposing team’s fifty yard line, break off peices of the hedge, run around the field with a flag, and do other gestures as an “in-your-face” type statement. Offhand, I can’t recall a single coach who reacted as swiftly and decisively as Richt did.
Kudo’s to Richt. I also liked what he said after the game about that incident. Basically said that is not what UGA football is about and he expected his players to show a little class.
By Robert King
October 14, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
I was eagerly awaiting the debut of Matthew Stafford and hoped he might be one of those who actually lived up to the hype.
I never saw him play in high school, but I heard about his more-than-adequate stats.
So what happened? One would think that he must have been passing reasonably well to accumulate that many yards. But after watching him in college, I must at last conclude that he is not a good passer, is not very accurate, and may never become so. Arm strength isn’t enough.
I remember other soph quarterbacks of the past, David Greene and especially Eric Zeir, who were much more accurate than Stafford, even when they were freshmen.
I do think Stafford will be better in other aspects of his game by the time he is a senior. But I don’t believe he is championship material.
I’m not blaming all Georgia’s problems on the quarterback, however. Both offense and defense have played Jekyl and Hyde over the past two seasons in particular. Both have a decent half in them, but look absolutely inept the other half.
Either the Georgia coaches have made some recruiting mistakes, or the coaches are not very good at game planning and motivation.
I’m hoping for three things in the future: Reassess the coaching staff; make an all-out effort to recruit more linemen; and in the near future give Joe Cox a chance.
By Michael Sc herrer
October 14, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
After watching how Coach Mark Richt displayed his actions on saturday night, I was proud to say he was the coach for The University of Georgia!! He displays great sportmanship an nothing less of that, win or lose.
By Ryan
October 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
I’ll also take the win, but we look way too predictable on Offense. Still scratching my head at some of the play-calling.
By Michael Scherrer
October 14, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Also by the way, stop bashing Stafford, remember he’s a damn sophomore not junior or senior. He’s doing fine. On the defense side, we are pretty damn young. To my knowledge freshman an sophomores do make mistakes. Winning against FLA will shut up the damn critics. GOOO DAWGS!!
By bigdawg88
October 14, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
I saw Stafford’s HS videos and I wasn’t impressed. He basically just launched bombs and the receivers made plays. I said before he came to UGA that his backup had a better arm, and it looks like I was right. He is a good qb, but he really needs to develop consistency. Funny how Cox doesn’t seem to get into games - CMR said he would. I guess maybe even CMR didn’t know we’d be struggling this bad.
On the other hand, does anybody know how our pre-signed recruits are doing this year? Are they still dominating?
By Mister J
October 14, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Bobo is the QB coach. Nuff said.
Dawgs are going to lose to Florida, Troy, Kentucky, and Auburn.
By War Eagle
October 14, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Parity in the SEC is a coaches nightmare and a fan delight. The success to Atlanta is “road wins”. KY. proved a win over LSU had home field advantage as the LSU come back win over Florida, as SC road win over UGA.IF Auburn wins at LSU(doubtful)and UGA(tough), after road victories at Florida and Arkansas could be in Atlanta. Auburn has not lost a SEC road game in two years(LSU,2005). I will take 8-4 with a win over Bama and call it a excellent season with our youth.
By NorCal Dawg
October 14, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
I agree, Chap. It’s possible we won’t be favored in any of the remaining games. I guess some of the home games we will be, but won’t be by much. If someone offered me 8-4 right now I’d take it and run away smiling.
I loved Stafford’s arm and bought into the hype, but the guy has to learn how to throw something other than a curl or a screen. Anything deeper than 10 yards down the field is a crapshoot at best. Before yesterday I was cautiously optimistic that the lack of protection could be blamed. Against Vandy he had all kinds of time on most of those throws and just under or over threw them all. Badly.
I’m not ready to give up on Stafford, but I’m scared he’s not going to develop into the stud I thought he would.
By JimmyG
October 14, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
You kill Stafford but don’t mention the 8 or 9 drops. Good job Bill, please watch the game. Stafford had 4 bad throws, thats not bad for over 30 attempts. If they catch half of the drops Georgia hangs thirty points and Stafford goes for 275. Young line, receivers dont get consitant playing which results in poor timing and cold hands. In other words drops and Stafford has no idea who is in the game because we switch receivers every play. Please use some football knowlege Bill instead of the same topic every week. If we stick with 4 or 5 receivers with Baily and Mass in all the time Stafford would have great timing. It isn’t his fault, I mean h8ll when he does throw it right to them they drop it.
By SamoanDawg
October 14, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Good game but a frustrating one.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m worried about our D facing Gators’ option, reverses, quick passes, etc.. We need to take Tebow out of his game early… hit him hard.
Our O better click or Fla will hang 50+ on us.
Go Dawgs!
By Kent
October 14, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
No, people make a big deal out of it because you did it against “VANDY” ! The Georgia program wants to party after a win against VANDY! You bunch of “Homers” You need to stop calling other schools hillbillies because Deliverance was filmed not to far from Athens !
By Kent
October 14, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Name 1 QB Georgia has gotten to this year ? And you think you can take Tebone out ? Look if LSU , Tennessee couldnt then you have as much of a chance as getting your beloved God Hershal to play again !
By Johnson is a Johnson
October 14, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
When our team celebrates for pulling one out against VANDY in the last seconds of the game as if they were FLA, we’re in real trouble. I’m not sure what the problem is, but with the level of recruiting that we’ve had, something is wrong. I’m betting it’s coaching. As CEO of the team, this would fall on CMR to address. We’ll see.
By Pago Pago
October 14, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Actually, we thought the ESPN2 crew were pretty much pro-GEORGIA….
By 1eyedJack
October 14, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
I wanted to wait to post until I had a chance to gauge the Bulldawg Nation. I feel a great disturbance in the force. Some of you guys are being seduced by the dark side. We won!! And that’s the bottom line. We are seeing the effects of parity in the SEC. Seven weeks in and there are no undefeated teams. We just saw a deeper team win. A senior laden Vandy held their own in the first half. Our fresh subs were better than their tired 1st team in the second half. The Dawgs still have control of their own destiny if they can win out. It’s a long shot, I know, but the force has always been strong in this one. Every team in the East still has a tough row to hoe. We are very fortunate this year to have an extra week to prepare for a Florida team that must visit a stout and suddenly confident Kentucky team. It’s a good opportunity to catch Fla. coming off a devastating loss or a tough victory with only a few days to prepare for us. Fla. has to go to Vandy after they play us (can you say trap game?), then will still have to go to SC. Carolina still has to host Vandy then go to Tenn and Ark before finishing SEC play by hosting Fla. I can see two losses there. Tenn still has road games at Ala and Kent and home games with SC, ARK, and Vandy (two losses there?). Ol’ Kentuck has home games with Fla, Missy St and Tenn sandwiched around road trips to Vandy and Ga. Kentucky. WOW!! What can you say? There’s a team with heart! If they can still win the East with a loss to the Dawgs then they are my next favorite team for now. As for or QB, Matt Stafford, he was 16-31 200 YDs. 1 TD and no INTs and I counted at least four or five balls that should have been caught. Might it be that our receivers need to run more precise routes, or learn to adjust their route to the ball? Knowshon is the MAN!!! Debate over. Richt did the right thing at the end of the game shepherding his flock off the Vandy logo. Vandy had just lost with class (no icing the kicker - if they had a TO left- don’t remember). They deserved Georgia’s respect with a hard fought game. On to Jacksonville!! Do….or do not. There is no try!
By HunkeredDownInAlbany
October 14, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Hey Johnson Is Johnaon
Let’s not critsize the Dawgs for celebrating a win. Sure, we would have liked it to not bee so close, but it’s a W. As 1eyedjack spells out the Dawgs can still win the SEC and go on to win our seventh natinal championship. This season is far from over, just remember our incredible history and tradetion of being the elite football team in the country. Go Dawgs!
By SC DAWG
October 14, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
Anyone begging for Cox will be sorry once he gets in the game, because you’ll realize that he can’t make the plays that Stafford can, and we will all see how bad Georgia’s line actually is. On three passes last night, Massaquoi waited for the ball to come to him without making the slightest effort for the ball. Stafford may have been a little late, but he should be able to count on his receivers giving him 100 percent. One-on-one coverage is always an advantage for the receiver, and Georgia’s rarely go for the ball. Stop blaming Stafford, because you’ll be very sorry when someone without the same talent gets behind that O-line.
By dieharddawg
October 14, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
I’m sure that all of us arm chair coaches have certain issues with CMR. However, WE HAVE NEVER HAD A COACH WITH HIS ABILITY. The numbers do not lie.
By bull5251
October 14, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
This is to all the true Band-Wagoner’s out there. As I have been trying to stomach the previous blogs I would like to point out some obvious spots. In regards to what was called the abysmal play of our offensive line. Well there is the fact that we have 3 newcomers playing and a sophomore and freshman playing tight end and there are blocking above average I would say that is very promising. I believe someone commented on the run blocking and I would also like to point out that Knowshown had 157 yards rushing yesterday and have blocked for over 1200 yards rushing for the year. Not to mention only 1 sack was given up against vandy. They are young and extremely inexperienced but there are blocking pretty well considering. They have allowed some pressure to get to Stafford but there giving enough time to make somewhat of a decision for out playmakers. Also, in regards to the people dropping off of the Stafford band wagon. Stay there because all of the bandwagon fans show their true colors in times like these and the team and the cause is better without you. Stafford thru 16/31 last night with 6 dropped passes and I would guess 3 routes were mis-run ; plus the sidearm throws that one of the bloggers wanted someone to tell Stafford to stop throwing were on the money every time last night whether they were caught or not. To conclude I would like to say that all true bulldog fans lets get ready for Jacksonville and keep progressing this program to the point that everyone wants to be and that on top. Keep the faith and go dawgs!
By dawgbreath
October 14, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
I love waking up sunday morning knowing the Dawgs have won. don’t care if we beat the little ole laddies from the deaf-dumb-blind school—-winning is good. And I believe we will win in Jacksonville. It is time for the good guys to win. And keep winning. J-Ville belongs to Georgia—they just forgot that for a while.
By BigDogBite
October 14, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
I was there in Nashville. It was ugly. Even saw Damon after the game and he was not happy from what I could tell. Don’t know him and didn’t talk to him, but I don’t think he liked it. And speaking of not liking it, you’d think as smart as these Vandy people supposedly are, seems they’d design a stadium a man could get out of in a decent amount of time. Anyway, we seemed to have them out numbered in their own stadium. And in 5 years of one road game per year, I have never ever been around such sore losers. We were staying at the Holiday Inn Select behind the stadium. That was an awesome tailgate party and the after party was headed to an ever better plateau until the Vandy fans in the lot called the PD in on us. 10PM their time and the DJ was told to shut it off. The hotel didnt seem to happy about it happening this morning when I told them about it. But anyway the Vandy folks did it. They even put a HUGE door dent in my traveling companions Tahoe sometime during the night. Too bad they were already gone or I believe they would have needed 4 new tires. More on football in another comment. Just had to comment on this. We shouldn’t have danced on their Star, but after the way their fans acted in the parking lot before and after the game, they deserved it!!!
By Get a Clue
October 14, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
For the love of Pete will you people quit calling people who point out the obvious problems with this team bandwagon fans! The difference is we actually support the players who are being robbed of good coaching and the opportunity to be drafted high or even drafted at all. Some of you like to point out selective stats to try and prove a bogus point. Any analyst or person who understands football knows the defense has been pitful, the receivers are very inconsistent, and the QB play has been average at best. Youth…youth…appears to only be a problem at UGA. AU/UF/SC all control their destiny in making to Atlanta with many for freshman playing for them. Our defense especially in the first half was every bit as bad as the prior week. We were lucky to only be down 10 at the half…if they had UT’s offense we would have been down by 5 TD’s. We needed 2 lucky bounces of the ball in the last three minutes to kick a field goal to beat Vandy. Yes much better than a loss but we got lucky to beat a team that got killed by Alabama at home and completely run out the stadium at Auburn last week. I love the dogs win or lose and will continue to support them in every way including financially but if you guys really think this defense will every be competitive under Martinez you are nuts…and the same goes for the WR’s under Eason. Please hold these highly paid coordinators and position coaches accountable for their crappy performance over the past 3+ years!
By ALLDAWG
October 14, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Georgia is just another Vanderbilt in the whole scheme of things in the SEC. Joe Cox was heavily recruited out of Independance High School in Charlotte North Carolina. I believe they had won seven State Championships in a row.Like Chris Leak, Joe Cox never lost a game while playing there. Matthew Stafford came as quite a highly rated QB as well, but has not been the model of consistancy. To compete in the SEC you have to have great players, especially at the QB position. I have to wonder why Joe Cox dosen’t get a chance to show what he can do. Mark Richt is a great person, no question about. My respect for him as a good man is second to none. However,he is a product of ACC football and may be over his head in the SEC. Why should the whole team be held hostage to his belief,that his current QB can get the job done. Even average coaches in the the SEC will make that change when they see that the Team as a whole is being held back. I don’t see a good end to this season as Florida,Auburn,and Tech approach. Playing Georgia in Sanford Stadium used to be intimidating, but now it seems that most teams love coming in and shoving it down our throats.Oh well, such is life in the ACC!
By Big Buck
October 14, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
And Trip Chandler played a great game. Get off his @$$!
By Big Buck
October 14, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
OK, I dropped a “p” off of Tripp’s name but he didn’t drop anything.
By Chuck Carswell
October 14, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
Time to evaluate the coaching staff. I think CMR is good with potential to be great, but he needs a supporting cast to elevate him. Look at his former employer. Bobby Bowden surrounded himself with excellent coaches and won. Once they left, the ship fell apart. Our ship is about to fall apart - better coaches can keep us from sinking.
The experts say the talent is there, we just need people to foster that talent.
By NCDawg
October 14, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Thats right SCdawg. MoMass just doesn’t fight for the ball (i love him anyway b/c he’s a dawg). But, don’t just stand there - come back and get the ball. Make the play. Imagine a 6’11” receiver, that’s been in the weight room, with Moreno’s heart. He would make Stafford a Heisman. CMR is the man! Would you rather have Charlie Weiss? or Steve Spemier? Dink should resign from UGaAA.
By BigDogBite
October 14, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
I agree with the poster who speaks of holding Martinez and Eason accountable. I was in Nashville last night and a rather animated young man told me that if he were Martinez, he would just shot himself in the head if he could not coach any better than that. While I don’t condone anyone’s death by a long run, it is HIGH time these assistants are held accountable.
I mean, take a look at the reverse Vandy ran on us last night. I learned “stay at home” in 7-8 year old football. STAY AT HOME!!! It is basic defense, nothing fancy, nothing trick about it. Then the tackling?? I have never in my life seen worse tackling. Looks like our guys want to give the opposing team players a hug?? WRAP UP!! Again, 7-8 year old football. Nothing fancy about it. Go after the guy, hit him, then WRAP UP!! If Martinez cannot get the job done, then it is up to CMR to get someone who can. I heard several fans in the stadium last night saying somebody needs to go talk to Van Gorder. WAKE up supporters and demand that CMR and Damon Evans hold these assistants accountable to their employers, who are basically the entire paying bulldog nation!!!
By BigDogBite
October 14, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
On the coaching staff note…….
How many assistants at UGA have left to be a coach at a DIV 1 school or have even ever been mentioned as a candidate for one of those jobs??
ZERO
What else do you need to know to see something is not right in the assistant’s staff in Athens!?
By Love Those Dawgs
October 14, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Get A Clue…
You really should “get a clue”. Running the team down on a public blog is not, hmmm, how did you put it, “I love the dogs win or lose and will continue to support them in every way”
By underdawg
October 14, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Well,what are we going to have to bi*h about when Stafford is a Jr., and will STILL be fu#ing up?
By yellowblood
October 14, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
As the old man said, ” You keep doing the same old stuff, you’ll keep getting the same old result”.
By UGASlobberknocker
October 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
We have to take the redshirt of of King today. Give me one reason why not. It only matters if he stays 5 years..thru 2011 season. does anyone think that’s going to happen? No way..he’ll either be in the NFL or out of school. Lets use him now while we have him . And I bet he would agree. We need a spark and there is an extra week to get him up to speed.
Otherwise Moreno is going to get beat to death. He’s already dinged up.
Actually I hope everybody gets up to speed in the off week. I hope Coach Richt sends a message with a physical week of practice, including some tackling drills hopefully.
By Scooter
October 14, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Ok, whether you are jumping on or off the Stafford wagon, at least be objective. I have seen a couple of blogs talking about 6 dropped passes.. no way, no how, maybe 2. Having said that, you never know sometimes whether the receiver ran the route incorrectly, even if only by a little bit.
Look the kid has incredible skills but he still is probably a bit behind where we would want him. Part of the problem seems to be that he simply is not completely in-sync with his receivers. While it is great that we have so many receivers this year that are seeing playing time, deeper patterns require precise timing and trying to get that timing down when you have so many receivers in and out of practice, etc. is difficult. You can only throw to a spot if the receiver runs a precise route and the QB can trust that the receiver will do it correctly. Missing the break by a couple of yards results in an overthrow or underthrow. I think that is why Stafford seems to be waiting to throw until the receiver is already open, etc. instead of throwing before they even break..
By Joe (Atlanta)
October 14, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
I am embarassed by the majority number of Richt and Stafford Bashers.
First off, Joe Cox is a back up and will always be a back up. Stafford is THE quarterback, no questions asked. He is a sophmore, his numbers have improved dramatically this year from his Freshman season. What more do you want from him? Turnovers are WAY down. He is maturing…yes, not to where we all want him to be, but the next 2 years we are going to be thanking God that he led him to our school. Stafford’s main problem is that he only has two true play makers on offense (Moreno and Sotherland). Zier and D. Greene had SEVERAL players that went on to the NFL playing beside them. If Stafford had the weapons that Tebow has (and I HATE saying that) his numbers would speak for themselves.
Secondly, Get the F#$k off Mark Richt’s back. Have you forgotten that we went F*$king 25 years without an SEC Championship? Richt has taken us to 3 championship games in the past 6 years..AND WE WON 2 of them. He is one of the top 10 coaches in the nation. Who do you want to replace him, the guy from South Florida? Please…idiots. True Bandwagon Fans.
We are a young team….and our OL has been our handicap from day 1…thank N. Callaway for that one. He was the only coach that had FULL responsiblity for recruiting and he flat out sucked.
We are NOT going to lose out. Whoever believes that is a F*(King moron and shouldnt be allowed to post again.
What are you all going to say when we beat 3 straight ranked teams again?
You are either Georgia or you are not. This is the last stop. Get on or get off now.
Go Dawgs
By Kent
October 14, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
HunkeredDownInAlbany, Where did the other 5 National Championships come from ? You have 2. Thats right 2. In addition , did you go to georgia? I only ask because I see you cannot even spell tradition. In addition how can you call georgia the elite football program ? Oh wait a minute you’re high arent you ?
By Stafford is Tebow's Kryptonite
October 14, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
im not suprised that we pass block better than run blocking at this point. in order to run block well you have to knock those big defensive linemen off the ball. i dont think our freshmen OL has the strength yet to consistently knock SEC d-linemen off the ball but they are agile enough to not let them speed rush around them to sack stafford. velasco and chester adams are the only starters over 300 pounds.
By Kent
October 14, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
dawgbreath, how can you say you own Jacksonville? Georgia has lost 16 of the past 18 games against Florida. Georgia doesnt own anyone ! Although I know of a couple that own you !
By common sense
October 14, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Hey BigDogBite, we’ve actually lost several coaches to other programs. We lost a running back coach to Texas, a D-coord. to the NFL, a running back coach to the NFL, an O-line coach to be a head coach at UAB, and a Fabris actually went to Oklahoma for about a week and then decided to return to Athens. So, looks like we know who to hire. Searels left LSU to come to Athens because of Mark Richt. We’re in a little bit of a funk right now, but it will pass.
The people bashing Stafford obviously aren’t watching college football this year. Exactly what else do you want? Everybody complains about their QB. Matthew is a great talent and is going to be a memorable player. How many guys at this point in their career have delivered 3 game winning drives already (Tech, Bama, Vandy). Sometimes you just have to win those close games. Rex Robinson at Kentucky was one of those games back in the day and we count it as one of Munson’s greatest calls.
Matthew is in a totally different position from our sophomore QBs in the past. Zeier had the 3rd runner up the Heisman as a sophomore to hand off to. David had 6 offensive lineman and Fred & Reggie. DJ wasn’t near ready as a sophomore, and both he and David were redshirted. He’s not playing perfect, but he’s come a long way since last year and he’s only going to get better.
Sure, we’ve got some problems all across the board, especially on D. But you’ve got to let it play out. Let’s see what happens with the season. You wouldn’t have thought last year would have ended like it did, so who knows what will happen this year.
Go Dawgs! Beat Florida!
By Buck in the NW
October 14, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Bill, I really don’t believe what I just read. Lumpkin is out and CMR won’t pull the shirt off of Moreno because we have only half a season to go. We’re going to switch FBs to TBs and play it out. Brown may be back for the “Party”.(may be) IMO, this is just unbelievable.
By Stafford is Tebow's Kryptonite
October 14, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
i dont think everyone is bashing stafford. i just think that we all expected him to develop quicker than he actually has. i know he is going to make mistakes but he has to learn from them and not try to make them again. thats the problem. we all see stafford making the same mistakes from early in his freshman year to now. something has to be done or else we got another chris rix on our hands
By Matt
October 14, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Anyone who is bashing Stafford is not a true Bulldog!!
UGA’s Offensive Problems are 3-Fold: 1) Our offensive line has trouble holding their blocks for 5 or 7 step drops 2) Our receivers cannot separate from other teams defensive backs (other than Demiko) 3) We rotate way to many receivers. Last year UGA had a timing problem in the passing game b/c we used 3 different QB’s through all of spring and fall practice. This year we are using 11 different WR’s. Its hard to get a rythm going when you are doing that. Pick your best 6 WR’s and stick with them!! (Mo Mass, Demiko, Bailey, Henderson, Harris, Durham)
On defense we are getting better. But when you lose Moses and Johnson + 3 senior starting linebackers what do you expect. I know you say other teams are young and look what they are doing. This off week could not have come at a better time! The Bulldogs will go back to spring practice and fundamentals on tackling for a week and we will be ready to for Florida!!
It’ll be a tough game, but I have a feeling that we will pull it off!!
GO DAWGS!!
By Matt
October 14, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
Anyone who is bashing Stafford is not a true Bulldog!!
UGA’s Offensive Problems are 3-Fold: 1) Our offensive line has trouble holding their blocks for 5 or 7 step drops 2) Our receivers cannot separate from other teams defensive backs (other than Demiko) 3) We rotate way to many receivers. Last year UGA had a timing problem in the passing game b/c we used 3 different QB’s through all of spring and fall practice. This year we are using 11 different WR’s. Its hard to get a rythm going when you are doing that. Pick your best 6 WR’s and stick with them!! (Mo Mass, Demiko, Bailey, Henderson, Harris, Durham)
On defense we are getting better. But when you lose Moses and Johnson + 3 senior starting linebackers what do you expect. I know you say other teams are young and look what they are doing. This off week could not have come at a better time! The Bulldogs will go back to spring practice and fundamentals on tackling for a week and we will be ready to for Florida!!
It’ll be a tough game, but I have a feeling that we will pull it off!!
GO DAWGS!!
By UGASlobberknocker
October 14, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
I cant believe that of all of these doom and gloom blogs that I am the only one who seems to think having only 1 RB is a problem, but I couldnt find a single mention other than my own. Rather than worrying about Stafford for no reasons we better be finding a RB who doesnt need much blocking.
By RTB
October 14, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
The Dawgs need another running back due to injuries to Lumpkin and Brown. Why not suit up Caleb King? Overusing Moreno could very well mean three injured backs.
By War Eagle
October 14, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Tedow and Stafford are two different type of players, although both are QB. Tedow is a single wing tailback. He has complete control of offense, excelling in both., rushing and passing. Stafford is passer who relies on RB`s. Both are very good athletes, but Tedow is unreal,if he prevents injury he will take Florida to Promise Land again before he graduates. Unless this incoming recruits and RS at UGA respond quick, this will not be the case for Stafford.
By War Eagle
October 14, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Sorry Tebow, typing in dark gets me every time…
By bob
October 14, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Laat win of the year!
By KentLovesChan
October 14, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Kent, don’t you have a paper jam to fix with your other Techie co-workers? Get ready for 7 in a row on 11/24.
By Don
October 14, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
I think Moreno’s performance against Vandy and Brown’s performance against Ole Miss shows what happens when you stop changing running backs every other down and let a good RB get into a groove. There is no doubt that Brown, Moreno and Lumpkin are all good backs but we haven’t really seen how good each of them really are until each of them was given a chance (because of injuries) to show what they could do. There have been many other good backs at UGA like Ware, etc. that were never given an opportunity to run the ball 15, 20 + times in a single game. The guys with the play making ability have to touch the ball. To hell with being fair. With that said, Stafford continues to miss wide open guys and the medium and long routes. Time to see what Cox can do. Love to see D. Goodman in the game some more also.
How much more brutal can the SEC East get? Not much! Though the Alabama game was a turning point for UGA but I was wrong. Maybe the gutsy win over Vandy and a week off to get ready for Florida will do the trick. Tough final stretch for the Dawgs. I predicted 3 or 4 losses for this team before the season. They will be fortunate to finish with 3 losses if they don’t get it together starting in two weeks. Go Dawgs!
By Buck in the NW
October 14, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Judging from the posts I’ve read, I in a very small minority when I say this, but CMR made me mad BTW he handled what happened at mid-field. As several people have said, he over reacted when he came running out and started pushing his own players and screaming at them. They had no intentions of embarrassing the ‘Dores, they were celebrating Coutu’s FG. He could have run them off the field with the help of his staff and his explanation was weak. The last thing that I want to see our players do is something that’s low rent and makes the team and the fans look bad. He could have handled the situation with out making his players look bad for something that they weren’t doing. I fully realize that most of you will disagree but I hope that you’ll at least re-visit your conclusions.
By Pleez!
October 14, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
The comment by JimmyG is idiotic. Stafford is trying to do his best and I would never question his heart or his effort. He has had some terrible games including most of his throws in the Vandy game. You guys who count 6-8 dropped passes must watch the game through CMR’s eyes. Likewise, I must take up for the receivers in this game. He consistently missed his receivers, threw sidearm, forced balls into double coverage, and threw too late forcing receivers who had 5-10 yards separation into waiting on the ball and ending up having to play defense. The pass that most looked to be dropped was deflected right in front of the receiver! He has played in 17 games now and played all of most. Just give Cox a series or two especially when we are struggling.
Echo comments by Get a Clue. Just because we are concerned about the direction of the team and won’t drink the Kool-Aid doesn’t mean we are not loyal fans.
common sense, great point! The year Robinson kicked the winning field goal at Kentucky (it was a Munson highlight) we were about as bad as we are this year; we just didn’t have the talent we have now.
We really need to shake up things on D. Vandy was driving the length of the field for the winning score when they lost the ball. A linebacker said in post-game interviews that only after reaching the sideline and looking at the clock did he realize that would have been the game. I don’t believe WM would have wanted him to say that! This same defense was quoted as “riled up and angry” on the Tuesday after the TENN game about the way they had played. They almost got a chance to be riled up and angry a second time 72 hours later. Why the hell can’t they get riled up and angry during the game? Coaching?
Let’s hope the off week helps but quit giving a pass to areas we need to improve just because we eked out a win at Vandy.
Go Dawgs!
By Pleez!
October 14, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Could not agree with Buck more!!! He overreacted and made his players look bad for something that never crossed their minds. I am glad he got them off the logo to prevent the misperception, but feel he owes his players a public apology as he embarassed them on national TV.
By Ed
October 15, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
The thing that should anger coach Richt the most is that south Carolina has a relative new coach,Florida and Kentucky also and they all have better football teams than his… UGA reminds me of the Falcons of the 70’s and 80’s… just good enough to never qualify for a 1st round pick and bad enough to never make the playoffs… UGA’s just good enough to get six wins a bowl game and nothing else…. the other schools have better coaches period.But when you celebrate after a win over Vanderbuilt that says it all.
By gastr1
October 15, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Re; sticking to one back, Lumpkin never got more time, even when healthy, because he can’t be trusted to block. Thomas Brown, on the other hand, does everything well no matter what he is asked to do…the consummate team player, though remember that when poised to be the #1 back in 2006 he attacked too quickly and did not get the expected results.
Richt has alsways stated he would stick with the hot hand in the backfield…there wasn;t as much of a talent seperation before as now.
By Salty Dawg
October 15, 2007 3:31 AM | Link to this
Geez, it was obvious they were just celebrating Coutu’s kick. They like their teammate and knew how he always wanted a game winning FG in the final seconds. Richt’s meltdown has more to do with other things happening this season than any celebration on a logo.
And, Kent, Deliverance was filmed closer to UT than UGA. I guess only a true Hillbilly would know it was not actually filmed in Tennessee. I suppose all the folk up there are still smarting about that. Oh, and BTW, Kent, the “squeal like a pig guys” are not the heros in that film. Just thought you should know.
By Greg
October 15, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this
National Championships-Until they have a playoff-u only have a popularity contest —BCS is total bullsht-and as for the dawgs-playing D wins in SEC and we need one bad-we have a dline that get’s no push and LB’s who can’t run and d-backs that can’t cover.Goodbye Willie!
By Top Dawg
October 15, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
Very good column.
By Jim
October 15, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
Let’s all remember one thing about the game this past Saturday at Vanderbilt. Vandy always, and I mean always plays Georgia tough in Nashville. This was even true in the days of Coach Dooley, Herschel, Erk, etc.
There is now a lot of parity in college football (for all of you Clemson fans, that means most teams have equal levels of talent). As we continue to see each week, there is no such thing anymore as a guaranteed win (Stanford over USC, Oregon State over Cal…..are you kiddin’ me?, at least not in the SEC East (five of the six teams in the top 25). Come on Dawg fans, let’s be happy we won the game. We all knew with the youth on the offensive line and in the secondary this was probably not going to be an SEC championship season. Good things are in store for this program…….Moreno, Stafford, with a more experienced offensive line for the next two years….Caleb King waiting in the wings………let’s show a little patience this year. Mark Richt has taken our program from never having a chance to win the SEC under Goff/Donnan, to winning it twice, and going to the SEC Championship game three times under Coach Richt.
With a week off until we play the Gators, who knows what might happen. Florida is definitely a great team, with an offense that’s hard to stop, but the Dawgs are also capable of pulling the upset. Florida’s defense does give up a lot of yards/points. We have five games remaining (Florida, Kentucky, Troy, Auburn, Tech). We win three of those, we end the season 8-4. With our youth this year, I’ll take that. GO DAWGS!!!!!
By Todd
October 15, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
In the SEC Defense wins games and we don’t have a DC. We need Muschamp at UGA. In case some of you caught the AU vs Ark. game, maybe you caught it when ESPN had the camera/mic on Will when Auburn had stopped Ark. and he was fired up-“That’s the way you stop those MF’s, get your a$$ in here boy, you aint hurt.” Play with some fire DAWGS and put some wood on somebody. H3LL, let Moreno play defense too, he has the heart. One last comment, Let Cox play!!! Nuff said.
By War Eagle
October 15, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Moreno reminds me of Carnell(Caddy) Williams his freshman year at Auburn. He bought spark, desire and will to play hard every down. They even have the same jersey number. I hope Moreno does not have the game against Auburn as Caddy against UGA his freshman,when he rushed 41 times for 171 yards plus several pass reception. I hope he can stay healthy, dawgs RB have been dropping off like flies.
By Jackets Fan
October 15, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
I don’t know why Richt was so angry about the dancing at midfield. That was just a practice run. They are saving the real dancing at midfield for the Troy State game.
Woof!!! Don’t mess with the big dawgs or we might have to get off the porch!!!
Actually they weren’t celebrating the win, Brandon Coutu just saved a lot on his car insurance.
By GW
October 15, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
While I’ve been a critic of Martinez too I did see him jack Dewberry up by the collar and get in his face vs. Vandy. I’m beginning to wonder if this team is playing too tight because they always expect an avalanche of criticism and boos when they don’t win by 4 TDs and an avalanche of criticism and boos when they do win by 4 TDs (Ole Miss). All of us on these blogs needs to get a life and let Richt handle the team as he sees fit. Only he will be held accountable in the long run. Besides, who else would we get?
By ARdawg
October 15, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Geezsus
The Bugs win 1 game out of the last 3 or 4 and all the sudden they’re swarming back on the blog with the arrogance and sarcasism reserved for Bug fans. Good luck with Army next week (snicker)
By boots
October 15, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Ok, enough already about the “stomping on the V.” First of all - This is another BS story by Carter Strickland, a writer who writes about everything BUT football. Carter SHUT UP and LEAVE TOWN already!!! Second, I don’t really care what Vandy thinks about it. Third, our players were just happy, and it isn’t like they took cheap shots or started swinging helmets at other players. Get over it already and let’s have the AJC actually write about the team & the games. UGH!
By GODAWGS75
October 15, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Richt needs to get over the players celebrating and needs to worry about his coaching skills. We looked horrible and we will get beat three more times this year, some decisions need to be made about where he plans to have UGA in a year and what he plans on doing to get there. When would have David Greene or Pollack celebrated a Vanderbilt win????? We are so bad we look forward to wins over schools like this, like I said before Stafford is not improving, he threw balls again to imaginary players and he can not motivate the team.
By GW?
October 15, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
GW? How could you say Ga fans want to win by 4 touchdowns, is that your excuse for fans being upset because we want to see a team play thier best win or lose? Fans like you make me sick, with your excuses on why fans are upset. Hey, maybe it’s because Stafford sucks, or maybe because we look horrible when we play, or we have finally won a win after so many losses in our on conference? Fans like us expect to see some sort of progression towards getting better, not excuses on why we are still barely beating easy win teams.
By Urban Meyer
October 15, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Rest up flea bags during your off week and then come on down to get your annual beat down.
Love,
Urban
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 15, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Jackets Fan,
Actually they weren’t celebrating the win, Brandon Coutu just saved a lot on his car insurance
For Jacket that was good one. LMAO!
By ARdawg
October 15, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Urban Meyer
Yeah thats the ticket. Keep looking past Kentucky and the trip to Lexington this weekend. They’re expecting you to as well
By tim
October 15, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
I thought the defense played really well in the 2nd half. Mark Richt has gotten it done as a coach and I am proud of him. Who else has 2 SEC championships and 3 SEC east championships in the last 6 years? I guess LSU sucks now because they can’t beat KY. It is hard to win in the SEC and I was glad to get a 3 pt win. Go dawgs!!
By physicsDawg
October 15, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
“that awful ESPN2 crew” must have been reading our blogs, and wanted to give NASCARfan some love…
By Pago Pago
October 15, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Let’s hope and pray that our AD doesn’t sked Hawaii, Boise State, Nevada and USF!!!!!
By gdawginkalamazoo
October 15, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
If Richt thought that celebration near or on the V was offensive then the perception would be made by others than it was offensive. Especially a smart crowd like Vandy. We all know that Richt is high on appearances when it comes to sportsmanship. So for the sake of not arguing anymore we should all just drop it.
I do believe it is time to see Joe Cox rotated in for a few series here and there. Change of pace, get something going etc. If Stafford is off we can kill our defense early.
Speaking of defense, UF will kill us on all the option plays etc. Just think of what will happen when they start throwing in head fakes, and body jukes.
By Jen
October 15, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Tripp Chandler has really turned his game around - thank god somebody found him some pine tar or something!
I was also glad to have CMR get on our boys to “win like they’ve been there before.” I’m proud of our classy head coach.
As for Willie Bobo and Eason… boys, ya’ll better have those bags packed and ready to go. I don’t understand why we continue to allow a Willie Martinez defensive scheme that is clearly ineffective in the SEC ruin/lose games for us. Granted we could a better offensively, but those guys, Clint Boling in particular have come a long way since game 1 - whereas the D has been a point of skepticism since Van Gorder left us for the pros. Why do we continue to allow a sub-par DC to coach at this level. I know CMR has relationships with his coaches and their families, and I’m not one to call for someone’s head on a platter after one or even a few bad games, but for the love of God…we are talking bad seasons - defensively… why aren’t they getting any better - Coach Searles is coaching up young guys on the O Line and you can already see the benefits of his influence, why are we still waiting for the D to catch up?
By trojan 93
October 15, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
I hope CMR shows that type of intensity in the locker room or in practice that he showed after some of the players were on the logo. Didn’t Vandy stomp our logo at homecoming last year?? Was there an apology from them? We as the bulldog nation have to understand that most of the players are not use to that nice guy mentality when they play high school ball and they get here and lose that killa instinct that we somtimes confuse as intensity. I wish we had the intensity on defense that we had prior to Martinez!!!!Go dogs but man NICENESS is not on the scoreboard or win loss column…
By Hey Tim
October 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
What a coach did in his past does not relate to what we have today. Many top coaches have done well in the past but were let go because they no longer had the skills to coach a new team. I personally believe Richt could have done a lot better with DJ, Pollack, and Greene besdies a Sec Champ. So keep celebrating the past and as Fla says we need wins this generation.
By Mekvertickleiben
October 15, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Innocentbystander - I disagree. We aren’t a year away! One year of experience will NOT turn a Sow’s ear into a silk purse. Let’s face it, this D line and LB crew is not going to suddenly be struck by lightening and learn to play ALL SEC caliber football. This is without a doubt the worst D line Georgia has put on the field in 30 years. They can’t penetrate the line, they can’t shed blocks, they can’t tackle and they can’t sack the QB with consistency.
What I’ve seen over the last 4 weeks defensively is absolutely pathetic. Another year isn’t going to change the talent we have on that side of the ball. My hope is that DeAngelo Tyson can come in on Day 1 and provide that type of talent we need to change this D around. However, that’s asking a lot of one person.
By DawgByte
October 15, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Get off Stafford’s BUMPER!!! Yes his numbers aren’t going to put him in the same breath as Colt Brennan, but he IS improving. How’s improving you ask? Well let me tell you!
1.) TD to INT ratio. He’s making much better decisions and protecting the ball. That’s a HUGE improvement over last year.
2.) He’s led us to two late drive victories in ‘07… Bama and now Vandy. When it’s crunch time the kid is coming through. Last drive he went 3 for 3 and all of ‘em were on target bullets.
3.) He’s compensating for a very young and inexperienced OL. That’s a lot to put on the shoulder’s of a Soph. QB in the SEC.
Lastly, it’s impossible to compare Tebow to Stafford - two totally different style QB’s with very different offensive schemes. Tebow has the luxury of some very talented WR’s, Stafford doesn’t have a Percy Harvin.
By Mullet Boy
October 15, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Less that two weeks now until you overrated, low life, no class flea bags get your annual beat down at the hands of the Gators. Rest up mutts and then come on down for your beating. Bet you won’t be dancing on our field like you did when you beat that power house, Vandy. You canines are pathetic.
By ARdawg
October 15, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Mekvertickleiben
I agree with most of your statement. Certainly about the defense and you are correct. I also do not see any way given our current course we’ll be any improved at this point next year. The D played better in the second half and I think some of that is attributed to the offense staying on the field and moving the ball. Vandy is not a very good team and came quite close to beating us Saturday. Vandy did not play extremely well. It is not as if they were especially motivated or fired up. They were not. If there is any justice in that statement I should also state the dawgs were not motivated or fired up as well. If it wasn’t for the Vandy fumble in the last 2 minutes we lose yet that game too. I can’t stand to have to say this but I can not deny this basic fact: Even with the plethora of talent on this team, we’re not very good either.
By GradyGrad96
October 15, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
I’d like to weigh in with my nickle concerning the dancing on the logo topic. I was at the Vandy game last year. I remember the end of the game where the entire Vandy team came out at midfield and danced all over the G. I thought that showed a terrible lack of class from that team and that coaching staff. Richt didn’t say aanything about it. None of the coaches said anything about it. None of the players said anything about it. For all I saw my beloved Dawgs didn’t even care.
So, while I was happy to see Richt show some fire and get upset about the handful of players jumping on the Vandy V. What goes around comes around. If Vandy fans don’t like it, I have a nice shiny, pasty white butt they can kiss. Maybe their team should show some class in a win. And by the way, last year, I didn’t see one Vandy coach try and stop it last year. I didn’t see one UGA player do anything about it last year. Maybe if those Vandy folks would have stopped it last year, the UGA players this year might have celebrated on the sideline.
First and only time I will probably type, this. But you folks who want to get upset about are a bunch of a* clowns. Get over it. And Butler was right, where the heck is that fire for the game!
Let’s go DAWGS!!!
By Nolan School
October 15, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Assume, if you will, that Georgia solves its problems by getting rid of a very remarkable head coach named Mark Richt. He is a gracious man, intensely dedicated and a credit to the profession. I personally admire his candor and his deep desire for a classy program as well as a winning program is remarkable in a time filled with obious poseurs like Saban, Franchione, and a few others.
If the dissonance of the drumheads around the hedges in Athens gets too extreme…Mark Richt will be at some school most likely very nearby before Georgia can get turned down by five “top flight” coaches who wonder what it takes to keep the fans happy…I’d take him in a second.
So would any SEC or ACC school wanting to build a program based on success and integrity.
Get a life, dawgs. Work with this man, he is a winner.
By Nolan School
October 15, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
Butler was right…wide right. Remember if you will that Mike Ditka’s working name for Butler in Chicago was “Butthead”.
By DawgByte
October 15, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Nolan School: No Dawg fan with half a brain wants to see Richt get dismissed from his current duties as Head Coach at UGA.
Fans are frustrated with this current team. Here are some of the reasons for that frustration.
1.) Lack of first half productivity - on both sides of the ball.
2.) Georgia prides itself on Defense. The history of this program centers around the attitude created by Erk and his Junkyard Dawg teams. The ‘07 model year is an Edsel, not a Mack truck. Consistently inconsitent play from our LB’s since the departure of CVG.
3.) Recruiting… too much hype and not enough production. Attrition and off field woes aside, we’ve not taken care of our recruiting needs inside the trenches. There is no execuse.
4.) Long term inconsistency at the WR position. We’ve seen WR’s leave UGA with less than stellar careers suddenly flourish in the NFL. See Reggie Brown for further details. Our WR’s consistently drop balls. No execuse.
5.) Lastly - fire. These kids put year round work into this program. Nobody can understand or excuse not being mentally or emotionally prepared to give 110% from start to finish during a game.
By GoDawgs75
October 15, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Nolan School: Thanks for the advice, but you are way off target. Richt is not a bad coach, but he has yet to show he can coach a team without Greene, D.J., and Pollack, which by the way he did not recruit. What was his plan of action for the O’Line, Defense, and he put all his eggs in Stafford who can’t get it together. I understand not winning every game, but we show no signs of improvement, and Richt has not done anything about it. Richt gave us an Sec Champ????? Um no, any coach could have coached those guys to a sec. a great coach would have had a better bowl.
By NW Ga Dawg
October 15, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
The Dawgs won one that’s going to pay dividends in developing maturity. Those clutch drives can only help down the road. I’m not exactly glad our young men had to have that kind of game against Vandy, but hey it’s better than LOSING a game like that—against anybody! Imagine how hard motivation would be for Jacksonville had they fell short late in the game on Saturday night.
As far as the logo stuff goes, if coach Richt thought what the players were doing would send the wrong message, then it’s his team and I trust him. After all, he’s the coach who brought UGA back to the mountaintop (2 SEC titles, and 3 SECE titles). Sure we’re down a little but then I believe many thought that this was not “our year” anyway (funny how amnesia hits when a little adversity comes along).
Stafford was erratic at times, but I looked at my son when the team was on their own 8 yd line and said, “this is the kind of situation he (Stafford) likes.” That final drive was a thing of beauty. That we had to go for a field goal is NO shame at all. Someone above reminded us that Rex Robinson had one of his biggest kicks to beat UK—and that was a GREAT win as well—even when UK wasn’t so good then. I still get goosebumps hearing Larry’s call on that one.
Oh and by the way, seems I recall a LOT of folks poking fun at UGA for losing to UK last year. Well, I guess LSU isn’t any good either huh? R i g h t… At least the Dawgs weren’t ranked NUMBER ONE when they lost to UK!!!
If you can’t see the forest for the trees, please refrain from opining about Georgia football.
As always, Go Dawgs!
By ARdawg
October 15, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Dawgbyte well said!
I know of no one who does not count CMR as a top shelf class act. It is an excellent attribute for a person but it doesn’t necessarily calculate into the win/loss column in the SEC. I am certainly not calling for his dismissal. He is a good man as well as a good coach and apparently the players love him. He is however accountable for his teams production or lack thereof. Richt is unwilling to recognize that this years team has a multitude of problems that do not appear to be improving. We do infact have a serious coaching issue. Coaches or coordinators doesn’t matter, CMR is ultimately responsible. We’ve been supposedly rebuilding now the last 3 years. When do we see a finished product? When do we compete for a run at a national title. Theres still much football in 07 to be played but without some devine intervention we are looking toward the bottom of the east in conference. We were hammered by a mediocre Tennessee team and have to kick a last second FG to beat a muchless than mediocre Vandy team. I know a win is a win but when we accept and praise the mediocrity, aren’t we then “mediocre”?
By Bill
October 15, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Actually, I hope Brandon Coutu saved money on his RENTERS INSURANCE!!
By Jim Bob Cooter
October 15, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
GoDawgs75 I hope your last post was not meant to be taken seriously. It was so stupid I’m speechless!
By DawgByte
October 15, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
NW Ga Dawg
I couldn’t agree more on the final drive. It was beautiful. What was interesting as how I felt during the drive. For some reason I had 100% confidence in Bobo and Stafford to make it happen. I also agree that Stafford thrives when the game is on the line. It seems to suit his personality… it really brings the competitor out of him. Stafford has all the talent a QB at this level requires. The only thing missing is the talent level to rise around him. Knowshon is the spark this offense needed. Now lets hope the rest of the offense catches the fire.
By dawg78
October 15, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
When did the “Wham back go from last year” Taylor… 98 or 45 or what ever the number we used him alot last year and scored. Why is he not in there this year, does anyone know?? I see his number in the DT section of the program, but not on the field when the defence is at best struggling!!?? Someone help me to understand
By Jim Bob Cooter
October 15, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Someone please help me understand what the hell dawg78 is talking about!
By DawgByte
October 15, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Cooter, don’t worry about Dawg75. He was recently took a blow to the head with a frozen Turkey.
By DawgByte
October 15, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Cooter, don’t worry about Dawg75. He recently took a blow to the head from a frozen Turkey.
By North GA. Dawg
October 15, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
FIRE MARTINEZ!!!See if CMR can beg Van Gorder back.
By North GA. Dawg
October 15, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Fire Martinez and beg Van Gorder back
By Stafford is Tebow's Kryptonite
October 15, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
5.) Lastly - fire. These kids put year round work into this program. Nobody can understand or excuse not being mentally or emotionally prepared to give 110% from start to finish during a game
Amen. we always seem to play to the level of our competition. that falls on the shoulders of mark richt. many games it seems like our players are simply going through the motions and show no killer instinct to win.
By Typical dumbazz fan
October 15, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
Fire Willie Martinez. Hire will Muschamp or VanGorder. Bench Stafford and put Cox in. Bench Tripp Chandler cause he can’t catch… oh nevermind he did catch a few. Throw Chipp the ball more often.
By shane
October 15, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
get a clue,you wouldn’t know good coaching if it rose up and bit you on the butt.you may not be a bandwagon fan,it would be better if you were,that way we wouldn’t have to deal with you and your negativity.i have been a fan of uga for over 40 years and IMO richt is the best thing to ever happen to uga football.guys like you were yelling for dooleys scalp in 78 and 79,thank god there was no internet then,and we won the national championship in the 80 season.do you remember how close the uk coach was to being fired just a couple of years ago?now some of those same people are calling for him to be coach of the year.what hypocrites!when the jrs and srs graduate from this experenced uk team and they have to start over those same people will want him fired again.i love it when people say that with our recruiting classes we should be winning the sec every year,just who do you think recruited those players?we had better recruit top teams,or in this league we will be 4 and 8 instead of 9 and 4.look at the top 25 recruiting classes,seven of the top 25 are sec schools and usc will probably be in there before the season is over.in case you don’t know there are only 12 teams in the sec.we have been blessed with great athletes,so have most of the teams we play.any coach that has seven years in the sec and has won 78% of his games is a good coach.you have a right to speak your mind about richt or any other coach,i have a right to call your hand when you say something stupid,like crappy performance the last three years.in 2005 we won the sec,in 2006 we went 9-4,down for us,but not”crappy”.we are 5-2 now,with half the season left to pull something out.our record is the same as ut,uf,and au,who are also young.i don’t see a”crappy”performance in there.not yet anyway.the problem is that we have done too well.you people are spoiled crybabys that think 13-1 and 12-2 seasons just fall from the sky.why don’t you try to grow up?
By hr
October 15, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
I have read the blogs with interest. If you wanted to fire CMR, who COULD you hire that is better. Well, you could get Saban, because he will go anywhere for money, but not as good as CMR. Who could you hire? If you want to fire someone, here’s my list: 1.Michael Adams 2.Damon Evans 3.W. Martinez I’m not even sure you need to get to #3. CMR is as good as you will ever get here, that is committed to stay here (Think about Saban on this one). Bobo is Ok. He comes from as solid football background & is no Dummy. He’s young & has a problem calling plays for this offense, because of it’s limitations. I’m not too sure that CMR was off the mark about the indoor practice facilty. We need the best to compete in recruiting & funds are there. A great deal of the problem, is recruiting. If that was totally on target, there would not be two Freshman starting on the Offensive Line. Spend the money it takes for the absolute best facilities and do a better job planning ahead on recruiting. That is an area that has problems.
By Kissing Your Sister
October 15, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
The Win against Vandy was Dismal at best. I see no improvement in this team except for Mr Moreno! We were Extremely LUCKY to win that game. It was the SOS ! Dawgs stood around and halfway decided to play in the 2nd half and we got a big fat gift (FUMBLE)and we won by a field goal. I LIKE CMR but if this trend continues through next year, well, I wonder what all these people who dont think CMR Shouldnt and be questioned about the performance of our beloved DAWGS and what will they be saying then? Mr Richt needs to do some serious soul searching.Next year there wont be any room for excuses!!!
By Kissing Your Sister
October 15, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
hr…. We dont need to worry about that indoor practice facilty. We need to toughen our team up and let them get some grass stain on thier practice uniforms. Our dawgs need to learn how to hit and tackle and have that never say die mentality which hasnt been around for a while!!!!
By shane
October 15, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
ar dog,as steve spurrie said about the nc,you don’t think about that,too much happens in the nc race that you have no control over.you think about winning the sec,if an opputunity comes for the nc it comes,that is out of a coaches hands.to be honest,the sec is so competitive that IMO it will be difficult for a sec team to get to the title game for a while.it is hard for a team with one loss to get to the title game now,and even an undefeated team,remember auburn,can be passed over.lsu has one loss,i don’t think they will lose another,but if they do they are out of the nc race,usc has one loss,but probably will lose to either ut or uf.uf has two losses,so they are out,as are uga,ut and au.uk has a chance,but must beat uf and ut.so,even though the sec is recognized as the best conference,the only team with a real shot at the nc is lsu,and they will need a lot of luck.that is the problem with the bcs system,i don’t believe that osu is the best team in the country,south fla has played well,but they haven’t beaten anybody but a young,and injury ridden au and overrated wv.like one of the gators said after beating osu in the nc game last year,”we have played at least five teams better than these guys this year”.
By hr
October 15, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
You need the best things possible to recruit, especially when the money is there. Every Major & Minor Program in the Nation is recruiting in Georgia. I am curious as to what you & others think. It is COULD HIRE, not like to hire if CMR was not here.
By Big Buck
October 16, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
This blog must be the tryout for the new reality show The Village Idiot. Congratulations! Most of you made it in to the next round.
By WhiteAndGold
October 16, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Woooooooooooooooooooooo! Thats the sound that you’ll be hearing after Florida lays a stinging back hand (Ric Flair style) across your chests. You inbreds are about to get dropped like a football in a UGA receiver’s hands. I love the “jorts” bowl! Worlds largest outdoor redneck party! Too bad UF will be the only ones to show up. They might just hang 60 on you sorry asses.
By Big Buck
October 16, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
WhiteAndGold is in the lead, however.
By Big Buck
October 16, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Generations of inbreeding turns you in to a wrestling fan(Ric Fair Style)and a yellow insect rooter.
By I-DOG
October 16, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Ed,
What I like about UGA bashers like yourself is that you celebrate the close wins by UGA as if they were losses. I think it is because UGA has so few losses compared to teams around the country, that you need something to grasp on to.
Six wins a year? This is Richt’s 7th year and he has never had only six wins in a year. The two down years for UGA under Richt have been nine win seasons.
This year remains to be seen, but UGA gets between 9 and 13 wins under Richt historically.
By Big Buck
October 16, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
It would be interesting to see how many posters on here have ever even darkened a classroom door at UGA, or any other institution of higher learning.
To those that haven’t: This ain’t the Falcons or Packers or Eagles. This is our University. You didn’t go here; you don’t contribute(except to maybe buy an occasional ticket) you are just a bunch of seagulls—noted because all they do is eat, sh!t and byach!
In short, you don’t have a dawg in this fight so STF up! GO DAWGS!!
That ought to get me some “mail”.
By Big Buck
October 16, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Big Buck has left the building. You had your chance.
By Vince
October 16, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Searels for president
By FLA DAWG
October 17, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
This is the game of the year for me. Being a UGA Alum (‘79)and living in Florida has been tough this time of year - for years. Did you see how close Fla came to beating LSU? Did you see how hard it was for us to beat the SEC Cellar Dweller Commodores? I just hope we are not humiliated on National TV Oct. 27th.
By Bill
October 18, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
Get so sick of hearing how young UGA is. They are no younger than UF or SC. The dawgs’ tormentor is back prowling the sidelines and he’s got players now. It will be a looooong time before UGA beats the visored one again. Deal with it.
By 82DAWG
October 18, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
I am pretty tired of hearing how young UGA is as well. We are young because of poor recruiting and player retention. In addition, every team is young, it’s college football. Will these players who are so outmatched this year suddenly, next year, because they are a year older become a step faster, 30% smarter, more accurate, more aggressive and more focused? Will the defensive coordinator have learned that you have to pressure the QB to force turnovers? Do we continue to put slow corners at our safety positions? Or defensive linemen at our outside linebacker positions? Lot’s of problems.
By ARdawg
October 18, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Bill
Sounds as if you need to refill your prescription of Zoloft and double up on the lithium. The Gamecocks have come in over the radar hence their #6 ranking. They highly overrated and if you don’t see this you are either delusional, blind or both. Yeah they’ll probably get by Vandy this week but they won’t get through the following 3 weeks. Finally some meat to the SC schedule. Come out of that with one loss on the record THEN comeback here and crow like the C** you are. Spurrier is waiting on Lou to retire and take a seat on espn. Kind of like he did in Carolina
By Bill
October 18, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the UGa win wasn’t any big deal for SC but the Ky win is looking better every week.
UGA is really irrelevant now any way. Don’t worry, I’ll be back if we win the east.
By Overrated C0CKS
October 18, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Bill
Great, we won’t be seeing you again.
By tomkat1
October 19, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
UGA will be lucky to win more than one more game this year. I’m a UGA fan but am also realistic.
By Gamecock Chrissy
October 19, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
It’s not like UGA is some big powerhouse or something.
By Henry
October 20, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
It was disappointing to see Georgia Players celebrating a win over Vandy, I thought they had just beaten the Gators. Did they not expect to beat vandy despite what happened last year in this game? A winning attitude and confidence must be restored in Athens. I expected more from Mike Bobo when he was given the play calling responsibility, but it is apparent he is not ready.
By 3volpaul
October 20, 2007 5:50 AM | Link to this
Lighten up on CMR! How’d you like to us stuck with Philapottamus! Half are budget goes for country fried steak and gravy! No styled hair though. caps are sufficient! We even had to but a surplus C-5 starlifter to haul the coaching staff to away games! Good luck with the Gators, we couldn’t do it! We’ll have a death struggle with a mediocre Bama team. Good luck Dawgs and Go Vols!
By shane
October 20, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
3volpaul,the elephant will take the day.not the red one,it’ll be the orange one.somebody had better be watching the usc-vandy game.the obc will be tuning up for ut,watch those plays closely,you will see them again.he will use next week to perfect them.
By tman
October 21, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
All you Georgia fans want too see Joe Cox take some reps. I hope he takes many against Georgia Tech. I would take Stafford any day and let you have Cox. Are you crazy? Stafford is your best offensive playeron a terrible offensive team. Yeah put Cox in there especially in the last game of the year.