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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWho’s the franchise player?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia fans are all too painfully aware that the Bulldogs stand a very good chance of losing both Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to an early departure from school for the NFL draft.
Of course, we’d love to have both of them return next season to see if they can win a championship ring before turning pro, but even wishing for that out loud feels like tempting fate.
There does appear to be at least a decent chance, though, that one of the dynamic duo will come back for another year. So here’s the question that came up in a couple of Dawg fan conversations this weekend: Which loss would hurt more, Stafford or Moreno?
You can make a good case either way, but based on what I’ve seen on the field so far my first inclination is to say losing Moreno would probably be the bigger setback.
Here’s my thinking: Joe Cox might not have the abundant natural physical prowess that Stafford has, but he appears to be a better than average passer and a smart player. Could he make a game-winning pass like the one Stafford threw against Kentucky? Well, his game-winner against Colorado a couple of years ago might not have rated quite as high on the difficulty scale, but it showed he can win under pressure. And if we need to change it up a bit, there’s Logan Gray, who is a running threat.
Put it this way: The prospect of Cox as starting QB is, as of now, a heckuva lot less scary than was the impending ascension of D.J. Shockley at the end of David Greene’s senior season. Remember how bad D.J. looked in relief of Greene, even in that last game of 2004? The Bulldog Nation shuddered. But we know how it worked out once D.J. had the starter’s job: an SEC championship.
Meanwhile, the drop-off from Moreno, who’s always a threat to break a long run any time he gets the ball, to off-and-on backup Caleb King looks to be quite a bit steeper at this point in King’s development … the key phrase being “at this point.” (Yes, we also have young Richard Samuel, who currently is No. 2, but I’d put my money on King to take over if Moreno leaves.) There’s no question King is a talented runner (though probably not in Moreno’s league), but his difficulties with blocking, a crucial job for a tailback in Georgia’s balanced offense, have been well documented and cost him the backup spot and drastically reduced his playing time late in the season. Of course, by next year that all might be behind him. But having Moreno back for another year definitely would keep Georgia from becoming a one-dimensional offense and take some of the pressure off Cox.
On the other hand, the case arguing that the loss of Stafford would hurt more is also pretty compelling. Quarterback is, frankly, a more crucial position than tailback, and Stafford is good enough to win games even when he doesn’t have much of an offensive line. Chances are he could continue to do so with King as his tailback. So on second thought …
Anyway, bottom line: If either one of them returns, Georgia’s offense should still be pretty damn good.
It’s the defense we’ve got to worry about. …
SPEAKING OF STAR PLAYERS: I saw the basketball Dawgs in action Sunday against North Carolina A&T and came away with two thoughts: First, winning over a team like that by 30 points is what Georgia should be doing, as opposed to the two previous games coming down to the buzzer. So it’s not a win to get excited about, though it was enjoyable to watch. Which brings me to the second thought: Trey Thompkins (once known as “Little Howard” out in Gwinnett County) looks like the real deal. Hampered much of this season so far by injuries, the much-hyped freshman really hadn’t asserted himself much until Sunday, when had 22 points (including five of six 3-point attempts), a dozen rebounds, four steals, two assists and a couple of blocks. An all-around player, in other words. The Dawgs are probably too young and raw this season to do much in the SEC wars, but if Dennis Felton can land another star to go along with Thompkins next year, his hot seat might cool off considerably.
Comments
By No more laughing on Bench
December 28, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
I totally agree if I had to pick for next year, I would want Moreno. I am starting to wonder why King was so highly recruited. He may shock me and turn out to be great. I just don’t see it now. Stafford has been great and one of the top QB’s to ever play at UGA. If he plays one more year, with some key wins, could go down as the best ever.
As for basketball, I was at the horrible showing last Monday to see UGA lose to the worst group of athletic talent I have seen in the Coliseum since I started going to games in 1989. Texas A&M Corpus Cristi was horrible. I guess we were even more horrible. I noticed during the end of regulation as we were losing Albert Jackson and Chris Barnes having some laughs on the bench when Barnes went to go in the game and pulled a muscle or something at the scorers table. Instead of thinking about their next comic moment, they should have been thinking about saving their coach’s job and the disgrace it was to their University. With Jackson’s size and strength, he should be dominating on the inside. Instead of laughing, he needs to do some ball handling every night in his dorm room to help his below average hands. No more laughter guys…it’s time to get out of the basement of the SEC East. One three day span of wins in March doesn’t scare UT and Florida this January!
By Columbus Dawg
December 29, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to lose Moreno either. A season with a more experienced line will help whoever is running the ball, but just imagine having a good line and Knowshon! That being said, I believe we may get both back after the news about the salary cap being another year out. Stafford would benefit greatly from another year in the SEC. He still has some issues that need tweaking, between the ears mostly. Every QB is going to throw a pick once in a while, but Stafford still throws too many bonehead, momentum changing picks at crucial times. He has to learn to eat the ball when there is no other good option. People are pointing to Matt Ryan as an example of how four years of college ball has helped him a great deal, and it shows in his rookie season. With Searels decision to stay on at UGA, and what I think will be an honest showing of improvement on the D in the bowl game against Ringer & Co., that they may just decide to give it one more run. The Dawgs should respond to this challenge in the bowl game nicely. It kind of sets up like the game against Wisconsin some years back when all you heard about was Ron Dayne, I think he got about 40 yards against the Dawgs in that game. GATA!!!
By Buster
December 29, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
yeah!!! Go GATAs. Beat OU !!!
By Mikey
December 29, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
I believe Staff will stay.
No one wants to be drafted by the Lions, no matter how much $$… Personally, I would like to see him in Jacksonville or Tampa Bay, not Seattle, KC, or St Louis.
I think K will go and we will have to see what King and Samuel will do. At the same time, dont forget about Washaun Ealey…He might just pass them both on the depth chart.
By Carlton Powell
December 29, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Stafford really needs another year. I hate to point it out, but even with the 3d qtr. meltdown agaisnt the Jackets, GA would have won if Stafford had not thrown the “pick six” directly to Morgan Burnett. Wonder of David Greene would have made that throw at the end of his 3d year?? As for the BB ‘Dogs, they certainly have NOTHING to be lauging about. All the three days in March last year did was buy Dennis Felton another year. They should be winning 50% of the road conference games, and about 60-65% of home conference games. Maybe Trey Tompkins will be “the real deal.” I’m witholding judgement ‘til they play against the Gators or Vols.
By GW
December 29, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I don’t see many backs that can “be your own blocker” runner like Moreno so losing him will make things tough with or without Stafford. I hate to hear about the basketball team hitting a bunch of 3s in a game. That may be all they shoot the rest of the season. Maybe Felton needs to encourage this team to run a little more than run a halfcourt offense down to 2 seconds on the shot clock.
By 82DAWG
December 29, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Not worried about Georgia’s offense, we have the players and the O-Line with talent, seasoning and Searels is going to be unbelievable. We will score points. The problem will continue to be the defense under Soft Willie to stop the opponents from scoring points by the truckload.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 29, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Hey bill one of these “suddenly delusional nerds who now think this triple-option gimmick is going to make them a dynasty.” just wanted to say
45-42!!!
the record is 8 straight
Happy New Year
see ya next post.
By Red Elephant
December 29, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I agree with you that losing Moreno will be bigger for you guys. He was a dynamic player that occasionally was a game changer.
Stafford had unbelievable talent but was prone to mistakes. John Parker Wilson was proof that all you need is a smart, experienced, competant QB that doesn’t make mistakes.
Stafford can easily be replaced. Moreno? Not so much.
A deeper question to ponder is the lack of mental toughness. UGA didn’t have it this year. Granted you guys had a ton of injuries……which leads one to ask what is going on with the strength and conditioning progam.
With a more favorable schedule next year, one thing stands in your way……the boys from Old Florida…..but you already know that.
By bank walker
December 29, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Staff needs another year. Moreno is gone! I’m a Dawg fan, but neither are franchise players.
By Blackberry Cobbler
December 29, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Stafford could use another year in college— he’s got a lot of maturing to do both physically and mentally. But, him leaving wouldn’t bother me at all. I’d much rather have a more athletic type QB than just an “arm” anyway.
I’d like to see Moreno stay but my gut tells me his a goner.
By Bob
December 29, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Another vote for Moreno right here. He would be a huge loss. Samuel and King simply cannot replicate what he does for the offense. I think Cox would be very good at QB next year if Stafford departs.
I hope they both come back. I think at least one of them will, probably Stafford.
By SugarHillDawg
December 29, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Hey Ramble On, Get all your frustrations out while you can because the DAWGS are gonna start another streak next year you Mom’s-basement-living LOSER!!!I can’t wait til we come to that dump of a stadium next year and make things right—BEATING the GEEKS!
By Dave In Tampa
December 29, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Red Elephant: “A deeper question to ponder is the lack of mental toughness. UGA didn’t have it this year.”
This Dawg could not agree more. Have we ever played a full season being mentally prepared? I would have to say no.
By JB
December 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
What makes college ball great is the dynamics of guys coming and going. I would like to see CMR Tweak his Style of running his program. What you say: Tougher physically. a little meaner. more defensive formations. learn to tackle would be nice. Db’s need some real coaching. Watch Bama tape…Then watch us. quit playing not to lose. with 5 minutes or so to play with a small lead, we crawl in a shell and always have 3rd and 8 and punt. Off tackle to Knowson everytime. I know it. you think the other teams DC knows it. We all love 9 or 10 wins. To be 12-0, the above MUST happen. We could have easily been 7-5 this year. go DAWGS.
By Dr. Leo Marvin
December 29, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
They both are two of the best to ever put on a Georgia uniform. Georgia fans have become so jaded and spoiled. Its embarassing.
By Student of the game
December 29, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Bill, as a member of Bulldog Nation, I would like to point out what a shame it is that someone as stereotypically good ole boy as yourself has been chosen to represent any portion of the team or fan base. It would be refreshing to see a more modern minded person blogging on behalf of the Bulldogs. I for one, am tired of being lumped together with Walmart rednecks that have nothing better to write than a bunch of uninformed fluff.
By 74dawg
December 29, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Moreno will be harder to replace. And as far as the team being tough all year, are you kidding me? You don’t win SEC championships if you are not tough. You don’t beat Alabama twice in a row at their house if you aren’t tough. You don’t go 13 and 1 (in the sec) if you are soft. Get real. Next year they start 5 and 0,the same people will be screaming they are # 1 again. Happy new year Bill. Enjoy your posts. Happy New Year Dawgs. The new year starts in 3 days !
By Altamont
December 29, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
the fire in the belly from last years’ second half of the season was just not there. it just wasn’t. no electricity. a seeming lack of motivation and commitment. its like they gave up after the early O-line injuries and just went thru the motions.
By KJ
December 30, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this
Hey bill one of these “suddenly delusional nerds who now think this triple-option gimmick is going to make them a dynasty.”
Glad you could finally admit to it. Step 2 is getting psychological help. Good luck.
By ceph
December 30, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Richard Samuel is on the wrong side of the ball, period!!! He goes down if he is even touched and he can’t find a hole with a flashlight, radar, etc. He even said he liked defense better. The most excited I have seen him was on a tackle he made on a kickoff. Just watch him, he is lost with the football>
By arx22dawg
December 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Obviously, losing both of them would hurt. I don’t expect Stafford to stay nor do I expect Moreno to stay, but we’ll be alright. Joe Cox is a heck of a QB and would start at any other SEC school. I too believe he is similar to a D Green tye of QB. We did alright with him if I seem to remember. Of the three backs, Richt will play them all. That could eb a problem. We saw it with Brown, Lumpkin, and Ware. None of them would get into a rythym during a game. However, we don’t neccessarily need a knowshon type player, just a 100 yrd a game rusher. I think we get that out of at least King, Samuel, and Ealey. The D is what worries me. I thik we are too vanilla in our schemes. I’ve heard it mentioned that the problem was that we didnt have the players this year or that it’s all Willie’s schemes. I think it’s a combo of both. Willie is too conservative & too easy to predict. He is outcoached in every game where he faces a tough Offensive minded coach (i.e Cutcliffe, Meyer, etc). I hope Richt keeps to his word and analyzes our system from top to bottom in the off-season and makes some changes. We have too much talent coming through our campus to be religated to a 3 rate SEC team. We at least need to be competitive and we were not this year. I think we beat MS but have to score 35 points to do it. Still a Dawg fan and look forward to the future.
Go Dawgs!
By Class of '98
December 30, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I agree about Samuel. He is a superb athlete, but when he carries the football it looks like his goal is to run up the back of one of his blockers, at full speed.
He needs to relax and look for holes.
By Screwball Willie
December 30, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
First off I gotta say GO DAWGS!!! That goes without saying. Next I must tip my hat to the NFL Commish for coming out this week and speaking out against a NFL rookie salary cap. This should be just enough to keep KM and MS in the land of milk and honey for another year. Besides, there’s gotta be a lot of fine white women KM hasn’t had relations with yet!
By BigDawg63
December 31, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
I have said this before and I will say this again. Ramble On, Why are you on a dawgs site? You have your own little pathetic bug nat site to play on. I know for a fact, you do not have the balls to say any of this stuff you put on here to any dawg fans face. Go Away, Nobody cares about your pathetic little comments, Better Yet, Bill, Just ban this stupid bug nat!!!
Go Dawgs!!!
By Douglas
December 31, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe some of the negative comments some of you have about Stafford. Yes, he has made some interceptions but he “runs” the offense. How many college QB’s constantly have to look to the sidelines for the calls to make — Stafford doesn’t. He hasn’t played behind a healthy or experienced offensive line since he has been here. Concerning David Green, he was never the same after LSU pounded him with 5-6 QB sacks in his Junior year — go back and look at the games following the LSU game — he quit throwing the ball down the field and kept throwing it to the sidelines — he became predictable. I like Green but he was never the same. We can always get another quality RB — you cannot always find a quality QB.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 31, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I think Roddy Jones just scored another TD
By George
December 31, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
I think we’re better off with ought Stafford. He’s not capable of putting a team on his back and making average players great. Joe Cox would be a better system QB for us. I’m also convinced that the “bonehead” calls we’ve seen are from Stafford changing the plays at the line. I’m sorry, I’m just not a fan or believer in this kid. Hate to say it but he’ll be a bust in the NFL.
On the other hand, Moreno has that “it” factor that you can’t teach. He could be the best back in the country if he comes back for ‘09.
It really all boils down to the “D” and the “O” line.
Maybe we can finally cover against Mich State.
Go Dawgs!
By savannah dawg
January 1, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this
If Moreno can find an NFL team that will let him take himself out of the game after every two plays, then I look for him to go pro. GOOD RIDDANCE!
By WillDawg
January 1, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
Hey Ramble on! 38-3 in front of a national tv audience. Talk $ hit get bit! You and your smart mouthed coach need to shut the hell up cuz now everyone knows how to stuff that garbage. Enjoy a losing season next year.
NERDS NERDS NNNNNEEERRRRDDDDSSSS!!!!
By stendec
January 1, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this
Somebody tip off the NCAA! Richt and numerous Dawg players (offense and special teams) have bets on UGA to lose. Can there be any other explanation? I have watched football for over half a century. That was the absolute worst offensive bullshet half I have ever seen! Three points against Michigan State? **Damn Michigan State? What the Hell was the punter doing? What the Hell was the offense doing on its last possession. Is it as obvious to everyone else that those give-up throws by Stafford are intentional? I knew the bestard was bad but I did not think he was this bad! Send his heartless a$$ to Detroit. The Dawgs may still win but I am so ashamed to be a UGA supporter right now. Losing with a valiant effort is one thing. This is something damn else. Hope all you guys received great odds on those bets! Sorry defense, this is one time you fellows are going above and beyond the call of duty.
By falcon21
January 1, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
stendec,you are stupid.And also if anyone thinks Joe Cox can play QB is even more stupid!!!
By longtimedawg
January 2, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this
Stafford & Moreno are both great players and great representatives for the University of Georgia. It will be sad to lose either! Any real DAWG fan feels that way. they both Bleed RED & BLACK. Go Dawgs! Thanks to all the UGA players for another 10 win Season.
By falcon willie
January 4, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
SAMUEL will run for 1000 yards next year, send MARENO to the NFL.
GRAY is much more mobile than STAFFORD and will not be picked off trying to force throws that should not be attempted.GRAY will also make those down field fly and post throws that STAFFORD always overthrows by 10 or 15 feet.