By Vince

June 6, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Go with Chapas. He’s got experience and we will need the other fellas down the line against the latter teams in September.

By Twilb Dawg

June 6, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Our offense needs a good blocking FB. However, I would not mind seeing them mix it up a little with the two RB system, similar to AU did with Ronnie and Cadilac.

If we are going to win “the big one”, we will have to overcome some injuries.

By Dr. Ray

June 6, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Tough break (pardon the pun). Southerland is one of the unsung heroes of the team. One of the best fullbacks in the nation if not the best. People don’t realize how much we need him.

By Twilb Dawg

June 6, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

I AGREE Dr. Ray — He is the BEST FB in the Country!

By columbusjacket

June 6, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Sutherland is easily the best fullback in the country. Pups shouldn’t be tempted to use 2 HB’s, they need that lead blocker. Unfortunately, they’ll be fine until he comes back. Can’t wait until Nov. 29. Go Jackets!!!!

By Joe

June 6, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Go with Chapas and get Ros involved at working at fullback, he would be an excellent blocker.

By Joe

June 6, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Man, that hurts. Southerland is the best player on the team. He absolutely dominate people in the running game.

Chapas is a quality player, but nobody can replace a guy like Southerland.

By Mike

June 6, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Go with Chapas. The fullback position has been used last year to support the young line with blocking duties. Although Southerland is the best F.B. in the country, Chapas is no slouch …

By Nate Dawg

June 6, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

I love Southerland, but i’m sick of watching us try to run with a logjam of players up the middle. We need to spread things out and give our skill players more room to operate. I say we go to the two tailback system for mis-direction and throw in an extra wideout at other times. good luck stopping that!

By I-DOG

June 6, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid we are going to find out just what a valuable blocking back Southerland is… I think we can replace his carries and his catching the occasional pass out of the backfield. However, he opened some mighty big holes last year and can protect against the blitz as well.

On the positive…I bet he comes back earlier than expected. Maybe game 4 against ASU?

By Vision

June 7, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Don’t forget Richard Samuel, Dontavius Jackson, and Kalvin Daniels as additional “possibles” to the ones you mention. The Bulldogs have a plethora of RBs and will be ready to make the Georgia Southern Eagles an endangered species soon enough.

GATA Dawgs, GATA!

By Johnny Danger Dawg

June 7, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

No shot in heck of a two-tailback system. All TBs except Moreno need to prove they can block in the regular GA system before they can start learning a two-tailback system (which Richt mostly avoided back when he had 3-4 experienced TBs).

By Zach

June 7, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

Man this hurts. Bad. Like earlier posts, I don’t think people realize or appreciate how good of a blocker he is. Now I am not selling Chapas short. He is a big, smart, physical kid and can certainly get it done. But this will cause us to change some things up for sure.

By Bill W.

June 7, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Not good. We will miss Southerland big time. Chapas an Fred M. will need step up and give us a peek of what is to come in ‘09. They also have Nick Stiles which I do not know that much about. If they have a two back set with Moreno and King, throw Logan Gray in there for the QB draw.

Sic ‘em GATA

By Zeb

June 7, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this

We will definitely miss Sutherland, but I promise you Bobo will have this offense ready to go. With the multitude of backs we have now, I expect more of a spread. I’m thinkin the use of our 2 premier guys, some dinks and dunks, and then……all the way to the highway!!!!!!

By famous_bt8

June 7, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this

Here is to a speedy recovery to one of our unsung heroes. We really need a good blocking fullback, Caleb might be ready to run, but lead block on the sweep? Hurry back Brannan… GATA

By mq

June 7, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to lose a player like Southerland, who is a senior leader and the best fullback in the nation, but Chapas will fill in just fine. If worse comes to worse, we have Bruce Figgins who is a beast when it comes to blocking, and Tony Wilson who is a beast in his own right.

By shane #1

June 7, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this

I hope Southerland recovers quickly and rejoins the team. Chapas will do fine as a sub. I look for big changes in 2009 if Stafford goes pro. Gray and Murray are dual threat QB. We have offered 4 WRs, no FBs and only one TE. Chandler is graduating, Ros will probably red shirt and switch to DE, Figgins is more of a blocker than a reciever, and White is a TE-WR hybrid. Can You say——-spread? We may see the last of the power I this year. I look for a spread in the WVa style, rather than the UF, UK, or UH mode. We have some stud RBs and Murray and Gray have enough speed to get to the corner, it should be a very potent O.

By LT

June 7, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

Southerland’s an unsung hero Dr. Ray? Only if your talking about college football fans outside of the bulldog nation, and the guy gets his props everytime the dawgs play on TV.

By Bull-Spit

June 7, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Stick a fork in us……We’re DONE !!

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Nate, one of the complaints heard on these boards in the past several years is how we DON’T just power it up the gut enough. Prabably if it were charted, we would see its been pretty balanced. More importantly, I imagine its been very “situational”.

On the subject, I have never understood the advantage of 2 TB on at the same time. Could somebody explain to me what you can do that you cannot do with one.

About Southerland, aside from the set-back to the team, the real shame is that he seems like a really great kid, and I hate it for him.

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Shane, Stafford is going to be the starting QB of the ‘09 team.

By chris in athens

June 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Not so fast alt, at the atlanta south touchdown club meeting, coach eason said moreno and stafford have already told coaches they are gone after this year!!

By Dude

June 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Well, on the bright side, we will have a fresh fullback in game six. The beating he would take over an entire season, especially this year’s season, could be brutal. This could be a blessing in disguise.

Although… it would be nice to have seen an all-GACS backfield (at least for a play or two) at Georgia in game one with Southerland and King versus Georgia Southern with Lee Chappel at QB.

By dawgs gone wild

June 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Get King and Knowshon on the field at the same time running formations similar to AU 2004.

I think Samuel has a chance to be that goal line power back when we need to get it in from 2 yards out.

By chazz

June 7, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Sutherland will be missed greatly. He is a phenom. But, Chapas shows signs of greatness. He can definitely fulfill the role. G. Southern and C. Michigan don’t present enough of a threat to chnge the game plan midstream. It will be okay. Get well, Brannon.

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Chris, there is not way on earth that a coach is going to betray the trust of a player and reveal that. Nor would any player know for certain what he is going to do a season ahead. And if Stafford is going to go against every professional football advicer, history, and widely accepted facts about a pro-style QB’s leaving early………I certainly wish him the best.

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

As much as I hate it for him, the team is going to be ok. Too many options, that I’m sure have already been explored, detailed, practices, and counted on, in just such a case. It would also be the exception if one of our TB doesn’t miss a few games, which might the very reason not to have them out there at the same time, increasing those odds.

By Vision

June 7, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg, you wrote On the subject, I have never understood the advantage of 2 TB on at the same time. Could somebody explain to me what you can do that you cannot do with one.

You only have to look at the 2004 Auburn team that went undefeated with 2 TBs, albeit 2 NFL 1st round pick TBs. There’s a lot you can do with 2 TBs, especially since Bobo, Ball, Eason, Lilly, and Searels have months to plan and adjust.

The good news is Richt has already been playing Chapas quite a bit.

By Proud dawg

June 7, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Im confident we will be fine. Yes, Southerland will be missed, but Chapas is more than capable. Im also sure there are others on the team that would gladly learn new positions in order to get playing time! Sometimes it can change a career (Anybody remember a kid named Robert Edwards?)

By Bull-Spit

June 7, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I remember Robert Edwards…..I also remember that he stayed hurt a lot, and I also remember that the 95 season went to sh1t as soon as he got hurt. Hope the same thing doesn’t happen this time.

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Vision, there are 2 pretty good back on a lot of teams. UGA has had 2 very capable back for a lot of years, including last year. I’m saying there are reasons teams do what they do. Auburn 2004 might be an example of why you could, if you had to….maybe they had fewer option. I’m asking why would you here? Specifically, not because somebody once did it. Why should THIS UGA team do it? What plays, what strategy? Lots of things….like what?

By chris in athens

June 7, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Alt?, so are you telling me that when I sat there in that meeting that coach eason just told a complete lie when he said stafford and moreno said they are both gone after this season? Have you seen the draft projections where stafford is the #1 QB taken because of the weak QB senior class? maybe you should donate more so you can hear the real scoop from the coaches!

By newteamgear.com

June 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

We just received a new batch of UGA socks. Display your team spirit on game day this fall.

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

What I’m saying is that had a UGA coach announced in a public meeting that Matthew Stafford had confirmed to anyone that he was not going to return for his senior year….we would not be getting that scoop from you. I’ll believe it when I see it.

By sobedawg

June 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Chapas and all the “young superstar backs” will take care of business. Hopefully Brannan will be back by at least the Tennessee game. Throwing Chapas in the SEC fire might get his motor going too…watch out for him! Oh…and then there’s that A.J. Green kid… Dr. SobeDawg

By Bull-Spit

June 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

WHAT??!! Some coach putting it out there that Moreno and Stafford will be leaving after the 08 season? Sounds like bull-spit to me.

By sito

June 7, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Boyd has agreed to move to FB and help Chapas carry the load.

By chris in athens

June 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Alt, I completely understand your point of view, it would be hard to believe that a coach would release that sort of information even in a “private” meeting. Here is another tidbit from the meeting. A lawyer in town asked about the status of Mo Mass. and how he has been doing. Coach E said that he never knows what he will get from Mo, but he expects big things this year because incoming freshman AJ Green will start opening day. He said it will be the first time that Mo Mass lines up on a team for UGA and will look across his shoulder and see a receiver BETTER THAN HIM on his same team. He believes that Mo Mass will step up and become more consistent because of it. Just another tidbit from coach E.

By hey, Alt

June 7, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

you may see first hand the advantage of using several backs at one time…just watch the Johnson Express this fall!

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

so much for “private” huh.

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

My bet is that you have no idea what the Johnson Express is even going to look like, and couldnt name 2 tech running back without looking them up.

By Huh?

June 7, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

“He said it will be the first time that Mo Mass lines up on a team for UGA and will look across his shoulder and see a receiver BETTER THAN HIM on his same team.”

Does the name Sean Bailey ring a bell? You are full of S**T.

By Frank Dreben

June 7, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Georgia just needs to stay the course and do what it does best. The loss of Southerland is no doubt a setback, but its not like they are now completely without a fullback. I have little doubt that he has capable backups behind him. Moreover, Southerland’s role was somewhat diminshed last year by the emergence of Moreno. He wasn’t called on to run the ball as much. Georgia will be fine.

By Obnoxious Georgia Fan

June 7, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

I cannot think about a bigger way to waste one’s life than to make stuff up on the internet about a college football team. Good grief kid.

By Big Dawg

June 7, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

I say we should all be praying to God through Jesus for a speedy recovery for Brannan. As for the Dawgs we will be fine as Chapas made great strides last year and was pushing Southerland for the starting job at FB by the end of the season. Plus Daniels who would be starting for a lot of teams probably will get a few reps at FB until Munzenmaier returns for South Carolina.

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Does the Please-dont-repeat-any-of this-as-it-would-cost-me-my-job Salad Bar come with that $75 Bulldog Club ticket your dad bought you?

By Who cares?

June 7, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Good post, Cousin Huh.

But……….

By Shark dog

June 7, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Go Dawgs, use Chappas and moled Richard Samuels or D.Jackson at fullback . Now you have Knowshon and King and Samuels or Jackson in the same back field. Open up the offense……

By Nate Dawg

June 7, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

I’d actually prefer to not have two TB’s in for most of the time, i’d rather spread things out w/ an extra wideout. Two TB’s, especially one’s like ours, would be great for some misdirection plays where one could go out in the flat and the other could go for a run up the middle (or a fake). It would keep the defense honest and make them less able to just stack the box and gear up on knowshon. I’ve always thought that it was easier to pound the ball up the middle if the offense can spread the defense out (Tebow and the Gaytors)

By AltamahaDawg

June 7, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

I dont know fellas. I get that there are a number of things that you could invent if you really wanted to play both your TB at one time. I’m sure its possible to dream up an entire play book. But is it better? Maybe on some rare occation for just good ol fashion chaos, but if you are going to be a successful running team, you are going to have to line it up and use that lead blocker.

As far as “misdirection”, doesnt that work best when you are actualy fooling somebody? When the play so clearly should go one way and you give every indication it is. It seems to me having an unusual set of players in the backfield does not set up any sort of surprise element, but brings attention to it.

By Bird-Dawg

June 8, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Hey guys, sounds like many are already writing Southerlands obituary. He’s out for 5 or 6 games. He’ll be back for crunch time. In the meantime the Dawgs have the BEST backfield in the NCAA, even without Southerland. We’ll be fine.

Oh, and TECH SUCKS!

By sobedawg

June 8, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

What’s the latest on Tavares King…and Israel Troupe? SobeDawg

By bdeyes

June 8, 2008 4:43 AM | Link to this

Aaron White is 6’4” 230, just a little smaller than Southerland weight wise. If he is a WR/TE he obviously has athleticism and is somewhat strong. Maybe he could be moved into that role. He could definitely be an option so not to put any RBs in there that we may need. Get well 36!

By Paddy

June 8, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

WOW, slow down Bill W. Did you say a peek of whats to come in ‘09? We have not even gone to the pre-season camp for ‘08 yet, then we play the ‘08 season and so on and so on. I think you might like more updates on that 10th grade right guard out of Watumpka Iowa Sr High. Am I right?

By Fools Gold

June 8, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Dont Worry it will be another year of Fools Gold for the dawgs no matter who is injured. Gamecocks are really licking their chops!

By AltamahaDawg

June 8, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I’m guessing we arent going to make an radical position changes, just play reserves we already have.

By charlotte dawg

June 8, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

None of the backups or potential backups are 6’0” and 240. That makes you a complete bowling ball. Chapas is 3 inches taller weighing less. Height doesn’t help here…it hurts the center of gravity.
so either get Chapas to the ‘Golden Corral or start experimenting with Samaul. he could fill out to 230 in a year or so and you get him on the field with our other talented TB’s.

Anyone knows which recruit it was that didn’t qualify?

By RxDawg

June 8, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Two tailbacks? Only if one can knock the stew out of the other teams defenders and create some running room. Tough break there.

By Eat More chicken

June 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Fools Gold…eat more Chicken.

By Zeb

June 8, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Alt, I don’t much care who leaves after this year, we just need to take care of business now. We are absolutley LOADED with talent. Chris, please tell us what secret meeting you went to, and who were the MAJOR players in said meeting? Not saying it didn’t happen, but please elaborate. Inquiring minds want to know.

By T

June 8, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

* Any news on Knowshon’s drug test?*

By Bill W.

June 9, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

Paddy, I said a peek at whats to come in ‘09 meaning we arent done just because a starter will miss a few weeks. I also like to project : )

By mdawg

June 9, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Those silly Chickens really crack me up.What was the Bowl game they played in last year? Oh yea, they didn’t. LICK ON THAT!!!! How bout them Diamond Dawgs, It’s on to Omaha. Don’t think those chickens will be making that trip either LICK ON THAT!!!!

By shane#1

June 9, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

T, do You know something about a drug test? If so then give it up! All I have been able to find out is an “attitude problem”, and that is “unofficial”. This unofficial offical statement will be followed by three “no comments” and a non-denial denial! Reading between the lines, which is hard because there aren’t any lines to read between, it seems that young Moreno was un-happy with the way spring practice went, ie-being held out of most contact drills and the spring game, and copped an attitude with the coaching staff. He may have also been reading His press clippings. He was sent home to “get His mind right” where it seems that someone in His family gave Him an “attitude adjustment”. Mom went up side His head? The word is that he is chomping at the bit to get back for fall practice, attitude in check. Moreno must be one of those perverse people that actually enjoys football practice, so hopefully the UGA staff will turn Him loose and let him hit somebody this fall. IMO, He is one of those high-energy kids that have to be kept busy, leave Him on the sidelines watching at practice and You are asking for trouble.

By AltamahaDawg

June 9, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Can Gordon Beckham play fullback?

By jferg NC dawg

June 9, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Let’s be completely honest…Chapas will get the job done vs the first two teams. If it were a top SEC team, I’d be more worried. But I don’t expect Ga Southern to bring a ton of SEC caliber d-line and LB’s to the game….just my two cents.

Also, I expect Sutherland to be back, in limited capacity, by ASU. Whether they use him or not depends on the job done by Chapas and Fred M. I also could see them using Figgins in goal line situations…

By Bill W.

June 9, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

What’s this about Knowshon and a drug test….? Anyone know anything we dont know?

Shane, where did you hear this about his attitude issue?

By suzy

June 9, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

I know for a fact that Bobo has spoken with two other players to step up and help Chappas. The coaches have this situation under control. Southerland will be back and finish out his fine career with the Dawgs in his usual stellar fashion.

By njdawg

June 9, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Chapas should start. However, I would hope that Richt was looking to throw some two tail back sets on occasion and in specific situations anyway.

By mcdawg

June 9, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Moreno has a winning attitude and that was on display last year-it helped carry the team

when have we not needed two tailbacks??

i think chapas is going to be great but is anybody a better lead blocker than southerland? and a great pair of hands-need his senior leadership as well

By shane #1

June 9, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Bill W, nothing official is out there, at least that I can find, so take this with a grain of salt. Rumors of failed drug test, bad grades and so forth have been circulating on the various sports blogs. The first info I got on an attitude problem was posted by Orsen Swindle on the EDSBS blog. Supposively He checked with a source He has within the UGA program. I double checked with a couple of friends I have down here with ties to the program. As I said, there is nothing official out there as of yet, but this makes sense to Me. UGA does random drug testing and one failure results in suspension and manditory counseling. I think such info would have leaked out by now, following a suspended for violating team rules announcement. Since none of this happened I lean more toward the “attitude adjustment idea. I will be checking with some more people that I haven’t been able to contact so far. If I hear anymore I will let you guys know. Ya’ll do the same.

By Dawggone

June 9, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Anyone remember ole Allen Bailey being recruited a couple of years ago..and turned down the Dawgs because he wanted to play linebacker instead of DE (which is where UGA wanted him to play)? Heres a funny update to that story. Too bad he didnt sign with the Dawgs…now that the DE position is untested this upcoming year!! [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=feldman_bruce&id=3420212]

By Cuz

June 9, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

I have a cousin whose step-sister’s best friend has a brother who uses the same Mexican yard service as Coach Eason. In complete confidentiality, they said that Matthew Stafford said “No mas” for coming back in 2009.

By Cuz

June 9, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

The yard crew also said that the reason Moreno copped an attitude was because he was not allowed to play the maracas in a Mariachi band for a local Cinco de Mayo celebration. He said what is the use in practicing all spring if I can’t play on game day, uh Cinco de Mayo day. Well that is what I heard and of course it has been hushed up by Coach Richt, Damon Evans and Karl Rove.

By B'ham Dawg

June 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I hate the idea of a two running back system. Chapas already has the talent to be good. Althogh Brannan is irreplaceable, i see chapas filling in and doing a great job. The spread wont work this year at least because of Staff. He is a mobile guy but i dont see him escaping from speedy sec defensive ends as well as linebackers.

By B'ham Dawg

June 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I hate the idea of a two running back system. Chapas already has the talent to be good. Althogh Brannan is irreplaceable, i see chapas filling in and doing a great job. The spread wont work this year at least because of Staff. He is a mobile guy but i dont see him escaping from speedy sec defensive ends as well as linebackers.

By Cuz

June 9, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Since Southerland is hurt, why don’t we scrap the whole play book and start using the veer. I saw it on “We are Marshall” last week. What an exciting game that was against Xavier. Oh yeah the team only won two games that year. In the words of the late great American newscaster, Emily Latella, “Nevermind!”

By shane#1

June 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Cuz, thanks for the updates, what about the flex bone? With Stafford’s speed, uh, nevermind! Your idea for the veer might work. Can We bring Dooley out of retirement? All We have to do is get Dr Adams on board and, uh, nevermind. I was just on my GF’s patio, after enjoying Her pool, and a medium sized snake crawled out fromn under My chair and headed for the bushes. I am glad She isn’t home now because She would have raised heii untill I killed it. It was not a venomous snake, thin body, round head, but I couldn’t identify it. It had a black body, but didn’t look like a black racer, it didnt look long enough and wasn’t shiny enough to be a racer. Do any of you guys know what it was?

By Cuz

June 9, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

What color was the underbelly? Well I know it was not a Moccasin, it would have bit you on the way to the shade.

By Cuz

June 9, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

probably a non-venomous water snake.

By CarolinaJacket

June 9, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Well, I will let you UGA guys argue over whether to use two running backs or one with a full back. I only hope that Southerland recovers well from his injury. It’s a shame when any player, from any school, gets knocked down by injury.