The Junkyard Blawg

By gg

February 21, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

I agree!

I don’t know, but it appears MS came and went with a “ME first, team second” approach. That’s OK, but it’s not endearing. His place in Dog fans’ hearts is diminished by that. His place in the draft means little or nothing to UGA. Good for him, but the team doesn’t benefit.

To me Joe Cox, by comparison, has already shown more dedication to the TEAM, and I believe he’ll be a better leader, even if he’s a lesser talent. He could have left two years ago for more playing time elsewhere, but I think he chose to stay because of his love for UGA. I believe the result will be a better team, and that’s not meant to be knock on Stafford.

By athensdawg

February 21, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

who cares.

i am beginning to believe that matt stafford and knowshown were one of the problems with the dawgs’ inability to be tough. Although, K. Moreno showed some class with his thanks to the fans in the athens paper.

m. stafford will be remembered as another underachieving college talent who took the money and ran. unlike knowshown, he didn’t “need” the money….i think he clocked in, did his time and moved on.

historically, georgia teams have played much better with a pedestrian quarterback (Bobo, Greene, Belue, Lastinger, etc.) than some all star-all world talent. (QC, Stafford.)

looking forward to having a regular guy like joe cox leading the dawgs next year.

By 2N4YEARS

February 21, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

athensdawg, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

By DawgieStyle

February 21, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

You people are ridiculous! These young men owe the University of Georgia NOTHING!!!! The reason we go to college is to prepare ourselves for a better and hopefully, financially rewarding life through the maturation process and honing of our skills. That is exactly what Knowshon and Matthew did. This is what I despise about so-called UGA “fans”.

I’m a two-time graduate of UGA and season ticket holder for thirty years. I’m grateful for the experience of watching these two young men play.

By Chuck

February 21, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

can’t blame a guy for wanting more

By hollywould

February 21, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

DawgieStyle,

You are right on! Man, Some uga fans(so-called) are about as dumb as a rock. A couple of these blogs are why.

By Sautee Dawg

February 21, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

Dawgie Style

i agree with you, couldn’t ask for more. Hope both players do well, I could care less about where their drafted. They both represented UGA well and the future looks good for both. NFL hasn’t seen the passing type of QB that Stafford is in a long time. Moreno will be fine also, maybe not the fastest rb but could be the most valuable with todays offenses spread like they are. My guess is neither will be an embarrassment to UGA during their carrers.

By RealityYech

February 21, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

You can say a lot of it has to do with both Stafford and Moreno not being Georgia boys, and this why their heart wasn’t in it. But this Aaron Murray kid seems to be gun-ho about being a Dawg. So I’m not sure if that makes the case for it or not. Stafford made no bones about it, he has always dreamed of being a pro QB. He chose to come to UGA because his family really liked Richt and they knew Richt and his system would be the best thing to prepare Matt for the pros. Knowshon is just your typical kid that wants the fame and bucks. No different than all of Yech’s “one and dones” on the hardwood.

Programs are now forced to play kids as true freshmen because there’s always that chance they will bolt after the third year is up. I agree, it’s easier to pull for the guys that stuck around for the full 4-5 years when they advanced to the NFL, but you can’t blame them for bolting and taking the money either. Espeically for a Stafford who never hid the fact he wants to be an NFL QB.

By Tampa Dawg

February 21, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

It was a joy to watch Matt and Knowshon. I wish them well. Remember guys, they are kids and they have much to learn. I am happy happy to see Joe get his shot. Sic’em. Is it football season yet? LOL!

By Russ

February 21, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this

These so-called Dawg fans make me sick. Stafford and Moreno gave us some great years watching the Dawgs play, and accomplished some great things. I wonder how many of you would give up their chance for riches? Disgusting!

I’m happy as can be for both of the young men, and they did an excellent job representing UGA while they were here. I wish them both well, and was glad they chose UGA for their school. I for one will welcome them back whenever they can make it to Athens. Thanks guys!

Oh, and the blogger is wrong. UGA having the #1 pick in the draft is a nice perq, and will definitely pique the interest of other HS stars out there.

By Athens dawg

February 21, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this

yep, bill you said it all. Stafford was a decent QB, he will never be remembered for long at UGA he was just another QB to come to UGA. He won some games and helped us out, over 3 great years but he never was that leader who won your heart over. He never won an SEC Championship, or a National title.

However Joe Cox is already a leader, and he has only played in a couple games. The one game we can say Cox played like a leader, was the Colorado VS. UGA game. Thank goodness we had Cox, because if we didn’t we would have lost that game, with a decent overrated Stafford. Go Dawgs!!! 2009 season gonna be better than 2008. WE GOT LEADERSHIP NOW, cant wait till Spring game.

By DawgMike

February 21, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this

I wish Stafford all the best as well. Stafford (and Moreno) going first round does a lot for UGA. It tells Offensive Playmaker recruits (QBs, WRs and RBs) you can go to UGA and play in an NFL pro style offense, get press, and get drafted. CMR has been a great coach for UGA, but it hasnt been until Stafford, Moreno and now AJ Green under CMR and getting all the national press that they have the past two years at UGA, that has really put UGA on the national recuriting map for the elite recruits. Sure we’ve always had Top 10 recruiting classes but we always seemed to miss out on the elite playmakers in the skilled positions. Stafford was the first 5 star highly touted QB UGA has had UNDER CMR. We got 3 good years with Stafford. He did a great job. Will he be considered one of the greatest QBs at UGA based on performance? prolly not, but what he does for UGA as well as Moreno and Green will do, is help UGA land the elite prospects going forward. What they do For UGA is help UGA land 5 star QB Aaron Murray ranked #3 nationally and 5 star WR Marlon Brown ranked #2.

Dont get me wrong, I would have loved another year with Stafford and a couple more with Moreno, but as we all know, the game is a business now. Times have changed and it’s ok. UGA is going to continue to be GREAT!

Good Luck Stafford and Moreno! DGDawgs!!

By 82dawg

February 21, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

Yea, I agree, he never won anything for us, no NC, no SECC, not even a trip to the SECCG. He left behind a lot of unfinished business as took the first ride out of Athens. Moreno, too. I wish them the best, but they are but footnotes of more unfulfilled promise. They may end up being great pros, but they will never be thought of in the Bulldog lore like Pollard, Greene, Shockley, etc. Kind of like Musa….can anyone even tell me off the top of their heads who he is even playing for nowadays…. or if he is even still in the NFL???

By joe

February 21, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

**I don’t know, but it appears MS came and went with a “ME first, team second” approach. That’s OK, but it’s not endearing. His place in Dog fans’ hearts is diminished by that. His place in the draft means little or nothing to UGA. Good for him, but the team doesn’t benefit.

To me Joe Cox, by comparison, has already shown more dedication to the TEAM, and I believe he’ll be a better leader, even if he’s a lesser talent.**

ROTFLMAO! May I ask you what you base these idiotic statements on? You didn’t know Stafford or Joe Cox. You sure as hell weren’t in the locker room, nor were you privy to what went on during practices. So you make these statements based on no facts or evidence whatsoever. What that means is you pulled these completely basesless statements out of your backside, probably because you’re angry that Stafford left. So do us all a favor and shut up you fool.

**but he never was that leader who won your heart over. He never won an SEC Championship, or a National title.

However Joe Cox is already a leader, and he has only played in a couple games. The one game we can say Cox played like a leader, was the Colorado VS. UGA game. Thank goodness we had Cox, because if we didn’t we would have lost that game, with a decent overrated Stafford. Go Dawgs!!! 2009 season gonna be better than 2008. WE GOT LEADERSHIP NOW, cant wait till Spring game.**

Here’s another fool who pulling baseless statements out of his arse. What the h*ll has Joe Cox done to prove he’s a leader? Not a damn thing. Talk to me again at the end of the 2009 season. I’m afraid you’re going to learn the hard way that Joe Cox is a no Stafford, and there will be a significant dropoff at the QB spot.

May I also remind this fool that Joe Cox also won the starting job after the Colorado game, and then preceded to stink the joint up in the Ole Miss game the very next week. He had to be bailed out by a true freshman in Stafford, who led us to the win.

As for Stafford never winning an SEC title or National title, the same can be said of Moreno. I’ll tell you what idiot. Call me when one man wins a championship. The fact remains that Stafford played with mediocre teams at UGA, and he was the only reason we won as many games as we did. Take him off of UGA the least 3 years, and we lose 8-10 more games than we did.

Idiot.

By joe_h

February 21, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

Yea, I agree, he never won anything for us, no NC, no SECC, not even a trip to the SECCG.

I’ll tell you the same thing. Call me when one player can win a title. Only an idiot like you would even suggest such a thing. Had UGA given him an OL worth a shat, a TE, and a defense that could stop a high school team, he would have led us to a title. Joe Montana couldn’t have led this year’s UGA team to a title, or any of the UGA teams Stafford played with.

By gabulldawg47

February 21, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this

I hated to see Matt leave, but I think Joe Cox will handle the QB roll well. I love the heart and fire that Joe will bring to the table.

Note to all young QBs in the nation:

If Matt goes #1 in the draft, it will show the type of QBs Georgia produces.

By DawgMike

February 21, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

Joe said: As for Stafford never winning an SEC title or National title, the same can be said of Moreno. I’ll tell you what idiot. Call me when one man wins a championship. The fact remains that Stafford played with mediocre teams at UGA, and he was the only reason we won as many games as we did. Take him off of UGA the least 3 years, and we lose 8-10 more games than we did.

Amen! You make a very keen observation that DAWG fans seem to ignore. Stafford always had some part of the team working against him every year. If it wasnt the OL, it was the defense, if it wasnt the defense, it was coaching.

By GW

February 21, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

As a UGA grad and lifelong fan those of you now knocking Stafford and Moreno are ridiculous. Why criticize these kids for doing what 99% of us would have done if given the chance. Do you really think we would have won 21 games in 07 and 08 without them?

By George

February 21, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

Good riddance Stafford. No heart, no brains, no championships. Period.

For those of you who say that Stafford had no support, compare the talent in ‘06, ‘07 and ‘08 and tell me it didn’t stack up with 2002 and 2005.

HEART is the main difference in those teams not talent.

By Daisy Mae

February 21, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

I am personally glad that these two players are history. I agree that all they wanted was to increase their stock and they really cared nothing about UGA. I hope MS can at least hit the OPEN man or he will have a short career. We may find out that he started more games at UGA than in the NFL.

By beanuga

February 21, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this

Good luck to both Stafford and Moreno!!!UGA has talent behind these guys.Offensive line will be healthier and experienced also. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By DAWGLVER

February 21, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

Players going to the NFL from our program is huge! Especially with the potential of 2 going in the first 10 picks. High school prospects see a program putting players in the NFL and want to go to that program. It’s all about the next level.

By Georgia Fan

February 21, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this

I hope Matthew Stafford goes No. 1 because I always want former UGA players to be the best they can be at the next level. You ingrates are a disgrace to us all. We were damn lucky to have these guys in the first place. I fail to see how UGA’s worst defense in recent memory is Knowshon’s and Stafford’s fault, but whatever. I’m not a complete and utter brainless idiot so I guess I can’t understand these things.

By Tn Dawg

February 21, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

Like it or not: Stafford didn’t finish the drill! Peyton and Eli did and Stafford will never be the Q.B. they are.

By Valas

February 21, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

You people are really sad! Where was all this hate when we open the season at #1 and Stafford and Moreno as heisman trophy candidates? Every college football player ultimate goal is to play in the NFL period. Stafford and Moreno has nothing else left to prove at UGA. Are you kidding me Stafford is getting ready to be the #1 pick in the draft the only thing he can do by coming back to UGA is drop. He can’t improve… you can’t go any higher than #1 (see Matt Lienart). If Stafford came back I think he would be selfish because he has nothing to prove and Cox would never get a chance to play. Players leave programs early all the time. I guess we just started to experience this since CMR can recruit those type of players. If you want to be on the level with the USC’s and the Florida’s of the world you better recruit the type of players that can be 1st round draft picks after 3 years! Look out AJ… they are going to smile in your face now but when you leave after the next 2 years they are going to rip you apart!

By Valas

February 21, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this

Tn Dawg, Peyton came back for another lose to the gators, 2nd place finish in the SEC East, 2nd place finish in the heisman and NO National Championship and Eli had no choose because he would have been like a 3rd round pick at best if he came out after his junior year!

Another thing Stafford and Moreno brought national exposure to the UGA program. Do you think UGA and ASU would have been on National TV if we had Cox and King as the starters? No disrespect against those guys because I think they are both going to have a great year but let’s be real. They actually give us the ability to go out and recruit a Marlon Brown and Aaron Murray… kids that are not from Georgia. Yes we need to recruit well at home but we are not going to be like the USC’s and Florida’s until we can constantly recruit outside of Georgia as well!

By Preston

February 21, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

As much as I would have loved for them to come back for 1 more season, I can’t blame them one bit. What if they sustain a carrer ending injury? You’ve got to remember that these guys are barely in their 20’s and are about to make enough money from their signing bonuses alone to be set for life. Get real folks and good luck to both of them as well as the other dogs going pro!

By Stafford will be a flop

February 21, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

Just like David Greene in the NFL. How many SEC Titles, NC Titles did “Lazy Fat Boy” Stafford win????? ZERO!! Just another over rated Quarterback from UGA that will not make it in the NFL.

By paul3084

February 21, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this

I hated to see Stafford & Moreno leave (especially Moreno), however, I believe UGA could easily have as good an overall team as last season provided the defense steps up and doesn’t give up a ton of points all season long. The decline in defense the past 3-4 seasons bothers me much more than Stafford leaving. I believe Joe Cox will be every bit the college qb Stafford was. However, I don’t see anyone replacing Moreno’s numbers (although I hope I’m wrong).

By 82dawg

February 21, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this

Good gosh, I don’t hate them, I just don’t care. Besides, college football is all about overcoming weaknesses, be it youth, injuries, poor defensive coaching, whatever. A player can’t win it by themselves, however a LEADER can take the team on their shoulders and lead them to a championship. Names like Tebow, Walker, Jackson all come to mind. Moreno and Stafford didn’t do it. They left unfinished buisness. As for talent, you’re joking right? This was the greatest assemblage of offensive talent I can ever remember on one UGA team peaking at the same time. Yea, we had Ward, Zeier, TD all on the same team once, but they were not at the same level at the same time. This team was, at least offensively. Really, I wish Moreno and Stafford well, but honestly, I …… just …… don’t …… care.

By FL Dawg

February 21, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

We all owe a thank you to Stafford and Moreno for their efforts at UGA. There were a lot of memorable moments. Don’t forget Staffords completion to beat Bama in 2007 and his effort against UF in 2007. Moreno provided highlight material more times than I can remember. They may not have won an SEC crown or NC crown, but they certainly served UGA well. Good luck to both of them in the NFL. I don’t blame them one bit for taking the money. There are not many of us on this blog that could turn down the kind of money they will make. They may not win the fan favorite vote for leaving early, but they were both great dawgs. They may not be the best to play their position, but they were certainly among the greats. Maybe Stafford was not the best leader, but he certainly improved year to year and won games for us. Moreno may not have been the greatest back to play at UGA (Walker, Hearst), but he had heart and fire. It was great to see him bounce up so quickly after a tackle and sprint back to the huddle. They have served UGA well and I wish them the best.

Just I wish them the best it is time to move on and start supporting next years team. There should be a very good battle at QB. It seems that Joe Cox is the leader for the QB job, but after watching Gray and seeing Murray in the FL state championship game he should get pushed early and often for the job. There is a stable full of good backs at UGA and with an improved O line, the RB’s should be better than what they have shown so far. The defense needs to step it up and return to the form they had three and four years ago. The stats have gone down year to year. There is plenty of talent and they have the ability to be as good as any defense in the country. Jeff Owens will be a solid leader in the upcoming year. Renny Curran has already stepped it up and will continue to be a solid leader for the dogs.

With a new QB and a defense that needs to improve, the coaching will need to be at its best this year. Good luck to the 2009-10 UGA Bulldogs. GATA. Go Dawgs!

By FL MUTT DAWG

February 22, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this

Tell everybody how Joe Cox going to do it all at uga. Play that same broken record Georgia fans been playing for almost 30 years. START YOUR EXCUSSES AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Recruitnik

February 22, 2009 1:37 AM | Link to this

Bill you don’t really understand much about recruiting do you nor about the importance of having players drafted early and what it means to the program. Please don’t continue showing your lack of knowledge about some basic concepts.

By Recruitnik

February 22, 2009 1:39 AM | Link to this

I just wish if they are going to have someon represent the University of Georgia they would have someone who has a clue write this blog. I think Bill King needs to be fired and replaced with someone who has a clue.

By jay

February 22, 2009 4:26 AM | Link to this

WHAT?!? Stafford and Moreno are gone? I can’t believe I am just now hearing about this, A MONTH AGO!!!! Why don’t we talk about who IS still at UGA? Put all this Stafford and Moreno stuff where it belongs…on the NFL page.

By Biscuits & Gravy

February 22, 2009 7:48 AM | Link to this

I wish them both well but hated to see any kid not finish his college career with a diploma in hand. But I guess the money was talking to both of them. I hope Cox steps in and fills Stafford’s shoes. I don’t see anyone coming in and filling Moreno’s shoes at this stage. I personally was not impressed with either King or Smith last season. I hope we have someone else who can run the ball.

I hope Stafford makes it in the pros. Yes, he throws the ball with force but I’m not sure his accuracy and ability to hit a receiver in stride at more than 25 yards is there. Time will tell. He could end up being a big bust!!

By ceph

February 22, 2009 7:56 AM | Link to this

Let me ask a question?
stafford was the most talented QB to come out of high-school his senior year, correct? Why would you stay at UGA when you have a position coach (BOZO)who you have never really learned anything from, you were as great as you were on sheer talent, you would not be playing for a national championship, you would not be a candidate for the Heisman (because of coaching) so why wouldn’t you take the money and run? The fans have never really backed him, he is playing under a lousy system where no one will ever win the Heisman, all the things he accomplished were done on talent and talent alone he sure as hell didn’t get any help from those morons running the program so I don’t blame him or Knowshon from leaving!!!!

By ceph

February 22, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this

For all the UGA fans who think Cox is the answer you are nuts. If he was so great why didn”t he win the starting job against the competition? Just another one of Richt’s Tereshinski calls (which was a disaster) why should he be just given the job? He should tell ALL the QB’s everyone of you has a shot at the job and the one who shows he can do the job gets it. McLendon took this approach with the running backs wo why should the QB position be any different? As a matter of fact it should be wide open because of the importance of the position. But as usual Richt will pray about it then screw the whold thing up!

By DawgieStyle

February 22, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this

Can anybody be a bigger BOZO than Bill King himself? Look at that stupid photo at the top left of this column.

One more thing: I’d bet anything most of the fringe lunatic so-called UGA fans hatin’ on Stafford and Moreno on this blog NEVER graced the inside of a college classroom. I didn’t realize the Internet was available in trailer parks. Go wash the mud from your boots, nails and brush your tooth.

Only people who love the whole university, not just our football program, should be allowed to contribute to these blogs.

By Dawgtime

February 22, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

Oh contrary, you are absolutely wrong. If Mathew is selected number 1, that will have a huge impact on recruiting for UGA. We are already an elite program, but that publicity would only enhance our reputation as a school that develops NFL talent. The vast majority of high school kids dream of playing in the NFL, and that selection would support and verify what they desire. A number one selection would be a wonderful recruiting tool. Also, that selection would change the life of Mathew. He is a good kid with a wonderful talent. I am pulling for the most talented DAWG QB in the history of the school. I have met him twice and can verify that he is a good kid. Again, your anti-UGA bias only reflects on your bloggers and their lack of credibility. I am waiting for you to start attacking Knowshon Moreno. I can also attest to how good of a kid he is. Great attitude. In terms of people making fun of high school kids, I say that you need to get a life and a clue. You are trying to make fun of children when your gossip is based on lies, biases, and recruiting propaganda. I have read many people questioning Kwame Geathers academic standing. The truth is that you have no idea what you are talking about. You are just spewing your typical anti-UGA BS. If you are so confident in your school, why do you need to attack other schools? I challenge you to find where I have written a negative blog on a GT site. In terms of the clowns writing inappropriate and irrational comments, I wonder what your motivation is. You are not impressing anyone. No, it doesn’t make you seem cool. It makes you look pathetic and stupid. Go DAWGS.

By Dawgtime

February 22, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

Oh contrary, you are absolutely wrong. If Mathew is selected number 1, that will have a huge impact on recruiting for UGA. We are already an elite program, but that publicity would only enhance our reputation as a school that develops NFL talent. The vast majority of high school kids dream of playing in the NFL, and that selection would support and verify what they desire. A number one selection would be a wonderful recruiting tool. Also, that selection would change the life of Mathew. He is a good kid with a wonderful talent. I am pulling for the most talented DAWG QB in the history of the school. I have met him twice and can verify that he is a good kid. Again, your anti-UGA bias only reflects on your bloggers and their lack of credibility. I am waiting for you to start attacking Knowshon Moreno. I can also attest to how good of a kid he is. Great attitude. In terms of people making fun of high school kids, I say that you need to get a life and a clue. You are trying to make fun of children when your gossip is based on lies, biases, and recruiting propaganda. I have read many people questioning Kwame Geathers academic standing. The truth is that you have no idea what you are talking about. You are just spewing your typical anti-UGA BS. If you are so confident in your school, why do you need to attack other schools? I challenge you to find where I have written a negative blog on a GT site. In terms of the clowns writing inappropriate and irrational comments, I wonder what your motivation is. You are not impressing anyone. No, it doesn’t make you seem cool. It makes you look pathetic and stupid. Go DAWGS.

By DawgBite

February 22, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

By Stafford will be a flop

February 21, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

Just like David Greene in the NFL. How many SEC Titles, NC Titles did “Lazy Fat Boy” Stafford win????? ZERO!! Just another over rated Quarterback from UGA that will not make it in the NFL

This one obviously comes from one of those tech fans with a bad case of p@nis envy. I guess that post makes him feel better about the fact that GT will never ever have anything more than a glorified tackling dummy playing playing QB in the forseable future. He probably also realizes that without a QB that can actually throw a football at least in the general vicinity of a reciever (and they aren’t any Calvin Johnsons at GT either) that offense of theirs will suffer the same fate they did against LSU time after time after time. You just wish you had a “overrated” UGA QB playing at the trade school. Josh Nesbitt? LMAO!! That guy is the worst QB in NCAA football. And he belongs to you mites. ROFL!!

By DawgieStyle

February 22, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

Right-on Dawgtime!

By BullDog Mike

February 22, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

Bottom Line folks….there is not one single person out there, that would not do what Stafford did, after he was told he would be a very early pick. Even possibly # 1.. Not one…that kind of money is absolutely impossible to turn down. Easy for us bloggers to say we would have stayed, but I promise you, we would not have……

By exNFLplayer

February 22, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

Thank you Dawgtime! When a school places as many players in the NFL as UGA does it has a huge impact on a recruit. If any of you have ever been college or professional players the fact of the matter is that every high school star not only dreams of playing in the NFL, but thinks he will as well. And believe me, the schools with a history of placing players in the league have a very valuable recruiting tool. The offensive and defensive schemes that a team employs is a factor. To a QB, the fact that a school utilizes a pro type offense is HUGE. The odds of a college QB making it to the NFL is substantially less likely than any other positon. The better high school QBs with potential NFL ability will always seek out the schools that will prepare them for the next level. Look at Southern Cal and you can validate it. USC is pro style O all the way and they reap that dividend.

By Navigator

February 22, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

I hope he isn’t number one, could you imagine what it would be like to go to Detroit. Few QB’s ever survive a situation like that. Maybe if he drops into a lower first round, he winds up with a team he can grow into a starting position. Wouldn’t it be great if somehow Minnesota got his rights, who could offer him an opportunity to be with a team on the rise.

By hop

February 22, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this

stafford was not a very good qb and he definitely was not a leader.

he will not be a good nfl qb because he is not accurate , poor foot work and does not read defenses.

knowshon will be a better pro than stafford.

By Columbus Dawg

February 22, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

Cox is being given the #1 spot on the spring depth chart, and is the QB to beat out for the job.”It will be up to one of the others to knock him out of the box”, is what I believe Coach Richt said about the matter. It ain’t the same as the Joe T. year, simply because Joe Cox is absolutely not Joe T. Cox always was a winner and a leader, and now his QB skills have risen to the SEC standards by just being a backup. Cox looked really strong and pretty well fleet of foot in his limited appearances in 2008. If you paid attention in 2008, you noticed that Stafford’s arm saved him a lot because our line could only hold them out for just so long, and then he would zip the ball through there just before the protection broke down. Our line should be a real strength this year, and I think the offense will more closely resemble 2002 when David Greene had good protection. Joe’s arm should be just fine behind the deep, experienced OL that Coach Searels will produce this year. The running backs being wide open is a different animal. Samuel can’t compete till fall, and Caleb has blocking issues. Now that being said, I believe Caleb knows that he has to elevate his game to SEC standards, both with his assignments in the passing game, as well as his stepping up his ground game. He will have plenty of help. People will be surprised at the production of our ground game this year. Stafford took advantage of the power Coach Richt gave him at the line by going deep every single chance he got whether it was the best decision for the team or not to feed numbers and his NFL agenda. This offense will be more methodical, with deep plays being designed by Richt and Bobo, like with the David Greene offense, as it should be. I had the bad feeling about the overuse of the Blackout. Coach learned something about Alabama that day. They ain’t nobody to be playing little mind game motivational strategies with. They did’nt get to be the program they are by falling for such foolishness. We as Dawg Fans are now having to listen to the techies beat their chest, as well as the likes of Bama Stan, and others simply because we as Bulldogs felt that we should be #1 in 2007, so when ESPN gave us the love, and the Coach’s Poll and AP followed by ranking UGA preseason #1, it was the manner in which our team and coach’s responded that has all of them ragging us. I believe we will have a team that will make them all want to stay away from our blog this year.

By chris

February 22, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

I completely disagree with this entire article. Being the first overall draft pick from the University of Georgia does nothing but POSITIVE things for our program. It gives us more national recognition and helps recruiting in particular. I also think it could help with future big time quarterback recruits, seeing that our program can produce NFL quality quarterbacks. As for the people who think Joe Cox is a leader, where are you getting this from? The only thing he has done “good” is throw a winning touchdown pass against Colorado 3 years ago in a year where Stafford, not Tereshinski, should have started from day 1. I do think Cox obviously deserves an opportunity to see how he can lead our team. I have a feeling though, that we will be using the 2-Quarterback system midway through the year, and Aaron Murray may eventuall y take over. We will see how much of a leader Cox is when we go to Ok state for our first game. Honestly, I’ll be happy with 9-3 or 10-2 next year. The schedule is even worse than last years.

By dawgfan1911

February 22, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

I agree with most on this particular topic. While Stafford made some great plays and won some games for Georgia against Kentucky and Auburn, he never provided this program with what he was recruited to do and that was to hopefully win a national championship. He will be quickly forgotten if one of these other young qbs come in and at least get Georgia to the championship game. Last year it was the South Carolina game that Georgia was horrible in on the offensive part of the football Stafford had a terrible game and it cost Georgia a chance at the SEC Championship game and a national championship. Georgia was a training ground for Stafford to get to the pros. Now Murray and Mettenburg will fight it out to see who will be the future qb.

By Villa Rica DAWG

February 22, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I can’t blame the kid for going for the money and foregoing his fourth year in Athens. However, he and Moreno both would have been elevated to hero status had they stuck around and given us one more shot (a real one this time) at the National Championship. The fact is, they didn’t. And, at the end of the day, UGA did more for them than they did or ever will do for UGA.

Good luck in the future boys…

By Lame Kitten

February 22, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

I wish I had a QB like Stafford. Maybe then I could talk some smack.

By Cox is a leader?

February 22, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

Yep…he’ll lead you guys to a 8/4 season! Perhaps.

By falcondawg

February 22, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

Stafford always had a big ego, he was put in the spot light his whole life, you could see it on the feild as far as leadership skills. Granted he had a rocket of a arm, but he never did get us to any of the big games we all hoped he would. I do think him going number one in the draft will help highschool kids see that Mark Richt is very good with quaterback. CMR did coach two H-trophy winners at florida state. Maybe with cox we’ll have less superstars and more team players this year(GO DAWGS)

By AJC IS A RAG

February 22, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Matt was at the Combine. Great reporting Bill!

By Darkjuice2

February 22, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Mutt fans nobody is scared of Joe Cox. UGAY fans will have another 3 or 4 game loss this year.

By PTC DAWG

February 22, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

Anyone who can’t see that it would great for UGA to have Stafford drafted #1 is an IDIOT of the highest order.

By AZDevil

February 22, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

Ok PTC just who will they be do?

1 - Of course, Florida 2 - Tennessee? 3 - Arisona State 4 - Georgia Tech

5 - Upset - Arkansas 6 - Revenge - Auburn

Bowling they won’t go.

By KJ

February 22, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

What’s a “3 or 4 game loss”? Did you mean “lose 3 or 4 games”? Might want to brush up on your 4th grade English, kid.

By shane#1

February 22, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

On the contrary Bill, having players go high in the draft means a lot to a program. Do you think all of those five star athletes go to USC for the weather? I don’t think Murray would have gone to UGA if Stafford hadn’t paved the way. Star athletes all dream of playing in the pros, produce a couple of number ones and Your recruiting automatically improves.

By Denver dog

February 22, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this

As a graduate of THE UGA, and a season ticket holder of over 30 years, I can say that Stafford and Mereno were two exciting players to have on the field representing our school. If you ever think that by insulting them on this blog is good, or yu want to run down the perserverance that these offensive standouts showed day in and day out then you are being foolish.

They were and are kids. Stafford did beat Florida, and the rest of the bunch during his career. He was thrust into playing as a freshmen, when he was not really ready to do so. He did it and he did it well. Moreno led the conference in Rushing behind a line that was 3rd team to start the year.

Having had such a terrible time of it, the Dogs still finshed number 10 in the nation. That is after losing 24 players for the year to injury.

THE UGA has a proud football traditon, and yes we haven’t won a MNC since 1980, but if I remember correctly there were some pretty good teams around then, Alabama,Oklahoma, Texas, Penn State, USC, UF, Auburn, Clemson, Miami, oh yes, we beat Notre Dame for that championship.they were all there then.

I am glad we had these two players around the last few years, and yes we will miss them. The greatest part about college football is that the teams, change each year, and players can only play for 4 years. I wish they had stayed around, but they did not. I wish them the very best at the next level. I wish that I could have had a decison to make millions of dollars or to stay in school one more year. I know what I would have done, what would you do?

By Zeb

February 22, 2009 8:03 PM | Link to this

Dam, say what you want to guys, but Staff could read defenses…..did you see him look at the sideline to get his plays???…..NO….you didnt. He was a coaches dream. Did he always check off to the right play…….no sir…but did he make something out of nothing…..hell yeah……you people that think he can’t flourish in the NFL can just take you’re little non UGA thinking and go back to Ga Tech…

By FL Dawg

February 22, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Football is a team game, not an individual sport. Stafford never had a great 0-line and had a number of receivers dropping balls for 2 years. How well Stafford does in the NFL will depend on his work ethic and his team. Same for Knowson. Good luck to both of them.

Cox is the leader going into Spring and will be pushed initially by Logan Gray. Murray and Mettenberg will have a shot, but will have to earn it on the field. There should be some great competition at QB in the fall. Cox or Gray will be listed as number one coming out of the Spring.

The two biggest concerns will be O line and D line. We lost in 08 because of the lines on both sides of the ball. We simply got pushed around up front. Better line play is the key to a good season. How big are the running lanes and how much protection does the QB have are the keys.

By Bad Dog

February 23, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this

A lot of you seem to have a strange idea of what makes a great QB. Stafford has a great arm, but he hasn’t always made the best decisions on the field, accuracy is not his strong suit, and being a team leader isn’t either. Even Kiper is hedging his bets now, from what I read. Unless Matthew morphs into a different player, I wouldn’t be looking for him to have the greatest of pro careers.

By gdawginkalamazoo

February 23, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

Shame on you Bill! Jump off the bandwagon now you fair weather fan. Stafford didn’t exactly have a complete defense to play with or a solid O-line for his time at UGA. You can blame that on coaching & recruiting (lack of O-line men there for a couple of years). Are you really slamming him for following his dream? Pi$$ed that he didn’t come back to play his senior year? Get real. #1 pick in the NFL draft! #1. EVERY kid’s dream that ever picks up a football and plays the game. Even if he is just a 1st round pick. Stafford represented the Dawgs well. Good luck to him. Moreno the same. 1st rounders both of them. Both proud to wear the red & black. Both should go on to good, if not great NFL careers.

It doesn’t mean anything to the program? BS. BS. The results have already been seen with the recent signing of top rated QB’s from past classes and this class. Top rated receivers coming in. Part of that is the entire program getting kids to the NFL but big names like Stafford and Moreno coming through can’t hurt it one bit.

Sorry article you posted there Bill. I would have expected a better. It was a team effort evry game Stafford played.

By DawgGirl32

February 23, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

Bill, I usually agree with your insight on these things but I have to disagree this time. Stafford being the number 1 pick will do a lot more for our recruiting than you think. I really wish he would have stayed for my own selfish reasons, but I can’t say I blame him for leaving. On another note, I feel the need to repsond to some of the absurd things I’ve heard on here.

1. To say that Stafford can’t read defenses is absolutely ignorant. You’ve obviously never watched him in a game. Compare him during a game and Tebow during a game and you’ll see a clear difference in that respect. Tebow is constantly looking to the sideline to get the play from the OC; Stafford NEVER looks to the sideline. In fact, Stafford became very comfortable with calling audibles towards the end of his college career. Tebow never called plays from the line of scrimmage which is probably a big factor in why his draft stock will be pretty low. Stafford is a dream for NFL coaches because of the way that he is able to call plays at the line of scrimmage.

2. It always pains me when someone tries to compare Joe Tereshinski and Joe Cox. Joe T, while a great guy, only started for the Bulldogs because of the legacy of his father. Joe Cox was highly recruited out of highschool, has never lost a game as a starter, and definitely would have started for us had we not had wonderboy Stafford. He also probably could have started for any other SEC school for that matter. I’m not saying that he’s going to lead us to a championship or anything, but Joe T isn’t in the same league as Joe Cox.

3. It’s interesting to me how quickly these “fans” turn on their team’s players and coaches. That’s all I really have to say about that.

By Rick S

February 23, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

I have communicated that I do not have any ill-feelings towards Matthew Stafford in making the decision to leave Georgia early for the NFL but I will say this is one difference between he and Tebow as Tebow is more excited about winning championships for Florida and Stafford is more interested in playing in the NFL. Not saying this wrong but only stating a fact.

By murfdawg

February 23, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

Stafford is probably more excited about making $85 million than circumcising kids on spring break. I do not understand how anybody, even a gator, can criticize Stafford’s decision to turn pro. There are a lot of unemployed college graduates in America today. I wonder what they would have done after their junior year if they had been offerd a job like Stafford will be offered.

By Dave In Tampa

February 23, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

Bill, to me your article sounds like “Sour Grapes” Why are some bitter about Stafford leaving early? He gave us three good years. Come folks, He’s a Dawg and always will be. Under the circumstances with the O-Line, I think he did better than what most, if not all, college QB’s could have done. Don’t whine and sound like you went to Tech people. Congratulate Matthew and get ready for Mr. Cox. He will do just fine.

Go Dawgs!

By gdawginkalamazoo

February 23, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

You can’t compare Tebow coming back to Stafford leaving. Tebow will probably go down as the greatest college QB ever if he can win another Heisman and NC. I watch a lot of football and I honestly can’t name a single NFL team that runs a spread offense. Maybe somebody can help me out here on that one. Tebow has been Florida football the past two years. He wouldn’t be drafted in the first two rounds this year as a QB. Probably not at all. I have heard that UF has hired a QB coach to help get him into the pro state of mind this year. Urban is changing the offense a little to get him better prepared for the pro level. I might have heard wrong but good luck to him. He might give Alex Smith a call to get an opinion.

By Todd

February 23, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this

Stafford and Moreno played hard for UGA.

Won alot of football games b/c of them, particularly FL in 07.

Unfortunately their Dawg lore in my opinion includes “quiting” this past Fall in the Fl game.

Yes, they quit in that football game.

Don’t blame it on them, blame it on CMR and Bobo.

Two of the better football players to ever suit up at UGA, with no rings.

Oh well, GATA Joe Cox, aka the “Rooster” with the red top.

By dwdawg

February 23, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this

Stafford played some great games for UGA. Do I recall a no. 2 ranking after we finally started playing Moreno. Best of luck to Matthew Stafford.

By CWM

February 24, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this

I’m looking forward to seeing what Joe Cox will do this year. As of now it’s his job to lose at QB. I would have liked to see him get more playing time during the past 4 years but we can’t go back and change history. The one thing I have noticed with QBs from UGA is they very seldom lead the receiver or hit them in stride. A lot of the dropped balls in the past were caused by throwing behind the receiver. Moreano may not be missed as badly as one mit think with a healthy O line this year. It it exciting to think what mite have been if he had a better O line to run behind. But didn’t we just say we can’t go back and change history. Yet we can dream. Time will tell and show the flashbacks to Stafford’s freshman year when he took a beating from no protection from his O line. Maybe he should use some of his money to buy two or three O linemen.