Proud to Be A Georgia Bulldog?
Since I am nothing more than a Georgia Bulldog fan with a name you might recognize, I’m approaching this post as such. I’m a Georgia Bulldog fan and I’m proud of my team this day. Happy? Not really. Satisfied? No. But I’m proud to see a team that seems to care.
There have been games in recent years where I was not so sure. Now whether that is because of a love for Coach Mark Richt or just a team whose level of vigilance has reached a new level, it matters not to me. That focus that comes with caring put’s them in a position to win. Chuck Oliver of 680 the fan was saying yesterday that if Georgia fans were satisfied with just “good effort” and “not quitting”, that the program had indeed fallen.
I’m not satisfied, I’m encouraged. This program has fallen on hard times, but it is showing signs of life. A program that had been on life support is close to breathing on it’s own. It still needs intensive care, but all of you that want to “pull the plug”, just need to chill. If this Georgia team can build from here, we have a lot of reasons to believe we have turned a corner and can still make this a great year.
The future does indeed look bright.
They ARE Trying To Kill Us
You may remember my post about Hardee’s a couple of years back. Hardees has come up with some great foods that are sure to kill. Now, I get a flyer filled with coupons in the mail today from our friends at Burger King. It was chock full of great savings on many of their best menu items. The front however was reserved for a new offering, the California Whopper. It has a 1/4 lb. burger, swiss cheese, bacon and GUACAMOLE!
Check out these reviews if you give a rip(here). AND here.
This bad boy has 820 calories, 56 grams of fat & 1400mg of sodium. There is nothing healthy about that.
Mark Richt Can’t Win
Mark Richt announced today that Caleb King will be suspended for the next two games for his Monday morning arrest for failure to appear in court. Fan reaction ranged from “not strong enough” to “way too harsh”. Let me be the first to say, “It’s perfect”! You may ask why? Well, I’m glad you asked. Let me explain.
First, let me go back to when Washaun Ealey was in a bit of a pinch(click here). Washaun was guilty of the hit and run of a parked car while driving with a suspended license. The discussion on Atlanta sports talk radio was varied. My boys Buck and Ole Kincade couldn’t come to a meeting of the minds.
Surprise! Surprise!
While John Kincade wanted heads to roll, Buck kept saying Coach Mark Richt had to be consistent in his choice of punishment. I actually disagreed with both. My take on this growing issue of mostly irresponsible behavior with some downright appalling criminal behavior is this. The only type of consistency I want to see is the heat consistently turned up on these players until they get the message. To me, that’s what happened today.
As I stated yesterday, an expulsion from the team would have been too harsh. A one game suspension for similar offenses had not yet worked had it? It reminds me of when my two sons were coming along. Neither were bad kids but we had the occasional issue to resolve. My philosophy was to find where their pain was. If it was a couple of smacks on the backside, fine. If it was taking the Nintendo away, great, but I was committed to finding what hurt the most and worked the best.
For most players, that means playing time.
Once again, I believe that CMR has pressed the right button, the perfect balance. The heat has been turned up, but we haven’t lost our player. It’s not just a different verse of the same old song. It’s a new song. He is definitely on a roll in the last eight days.
I hope he can keep it up.
Irresponsible vs. Criminal
The Georgia Bulldog fans who were experiencing the relative joy of a much needed victory Saturday got derailed by the news that RB Caleb King was behind bars this morning. There were rumblings over the weekend that something might be going on with Caleb, but today’s happenings were different.
It seems Caleb got a speeding ticket in Walton County back in the summer. He failed to either pay the ticket or show up for his court date. A bench warrant was issued and when Caleb went to help a brother out, literally, he was arrested. His brother Brandon had been stopped early this morning and was driving without a valid driver’s license. The vehicle in question belongs to team mate Brandon Woods. Although Woods went along to pick up his vehicle, Caleb was going to be the one driving it home. I’m not sure why that would be, but it prompted the ACC police to check both Woods and Caleb’s licenses and that’s when the warrant for failure to appear was discovered.
Many people both in and outside the Dawg Nation are outraged that yet another player has been arrested. I understand that completely, but unless Caleb has done other things that we don’t even know about, this particular transgression does not rise to the level of him getting kicked off the team. It’s irresponsible, not criminal.
I see fans refer to these players as men, just because they are 18-22 years old. How does a number translate into true maturity and responsibility? The young people that make up any team are not only diverse racially and socio-economically, but in maturity as well.
Mark Richt can only do so much. He lives his life openly, as an example of what these players could and maybe should consider for themselves. Many will follow a similar path based on the comments I see from players I follow on Twitter, but not all of them will, obviously.
I had a conversation with one of my old team mates Saturday before the game. Neither of us could imagine how difficult it must be to even attempt to keep track of all these guys. It was tough enough when we were all under one roof at McWhorter Hall. When the NCAA did away with athletic dorms, the intent was for athletes to have a more well rounded college experience. That would be great if it were not for the fact that the expectations are so much greater for the athlete than the regular student.
We had curfews and a coach(Kasay) that lived on the same property and although stuff happened from time to time, it can in no way compare to living at another dorm or especially off campus in an apartment or house. I don’t know how they do it.
The bottom line is Caleb was irresponsible in this matter, but in no way deserves the consequences of an offense where he could have endangered lives like a DUI. Again, I say this with no real knowledge of any other extentuating circumstances or prior offenses.
Somewhere along the way, there has been a disconnect between the Athletic Department and the surrounding law enforcement agencies. There is obviously no attempt to handle things discreetly and still have consequences. How many people in Walton County with knowledge of this situation watched Caleb King and the Dawgs all year long and no attempt was made to resolve the issue. It’s not like Caleb is some secretive figure that no one knows where to find him. There knew how to find him.
A Few Good Fans
“Hey Fan, we live in a world that has footballs, and those balls have to be kicked and passed by men with heart. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Dawgvent?
I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for another coach and you curse the Dawgs. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that losing to Mississppi State, while tragic, didn’t cost lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives.
You don’t want the truth because, deep down in places you don’t talk about at tailgates, you want me on that sideline, you need me on that sideline.
We say things like Go Dawgs and Finish The Drill. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent pursuing a dream. You use them as a punchline.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a fan who rises and sleeps under the banner of the very success that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said “thank you” and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a helmet and hit somebody. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to.”
Coach Mark Richt
What’s Red, Black & Green All Over?
I don’t know, but it’s worth $1,000 and a four game suspension apparently. Georgia’s AJ Green has been suspended for three additional games, pending a UGA appeal for selling a game worn jersey to someone technically considered an agent.
The Dawg Nation is beside their collective selves, which is understandable. What I don’t understand is why they consider AJ a victim. He knew the rule and he broke the rule. If you think the rule sucks fine, but don’t place victim status on him.
AJ was and is dead wrong. I have no love for the NCAA, but just as in any real world working relationship, there is the “BOSS” and the “employee”. The NCAA controls the activities and the amateur status of athletes under scholarship at their member institutions.
Unlike other decision makers, the NCAA has chosen to up the ante in order to nip this type of thing in the bud. Four games is harsh, but harsh was what was called for, I guess.
As a Georgia fan, I am convinced that we have plenty of offensive weapons to survive the early slate of games. Our defense is the question and many of those questions have already been answered in a near shut out of Louisiana Lafayette.
The Dawgs will survive this nightmare. I believe it to my core.
Former Players Must Remain Mum?
A truly hot topic today is the brewing verbal sparring match between former Chicago Bears greats, Gale Sayers and Mike Ditka and present day stand-out Brian Urlacher. Sayers was speaking to a group in Nebraska earlier this month, and pointed out some question marks for the Bear’s 2010 season. Namely Jay Cutler’s sub-par year and Urlacher’s return from off-season surgery on his wrist. Urlacher took exception(click here).
Instead of answering the specific questions Sayers posed, Urlacher went on the offensive. “How many championships has he won?”, speaking of Sayer’s career, etc, etc. If you listen to the video or read the article linked, you will probably understand that Sayers was not taking cheap shots at his old team, but based on last year’s performance, speaking the truth. But does speaking the truth even matter in this situation?
Many of you realize that I got into some hot water last season by choosing my words carelessly in some blog posts. In my situation as well, I felt strongly that some of the negatives I pointed out were true, but many Georgia fans feel I as a former player should never, ever speak ill of the program. I don’t think that’s fair. As long as the statements are based in reality and are not some inflammatory position taken just to recieve page-views as some bloggers are wont to do, then it’s all good.
I have learned a lot in my year of blogging, but I will always try to be honest. I may lose some fans, but maybe I will gain a few in the process as well.
At the risk of opening old wounds, what say you Dawg fan?
Roethlisberger at Scene of the Slime
It remains to be seen if Ben Roethlisberger is guilty of sexual assault, but one verdict is in. He’s a schmuck. Sure he’s only 28, but to resort to hanging out in a small college town such as Milledgeville and Georgia College with 18-21 year old GIRLS is unseemly. Now he has admitted to sexual “contact” with the girl in question.
I talked to my youngest son, who is a senior at GCSU and usually goes to Capital City, the “scene of the slime”. He usually goes on Thursdays, but didn’t go last week. He has plenty of friends that did though. What he described to me was like any scene from your favorite movie depicting a King sending out his guards to bring in an endless procession of young maidens. Once in the inner sanctum(VIP Room), he was able to check them out and grab some ass. Not just one, but many. Schmuck.
Schmuck is most often used in American English as a pejorative or insult, meaning an obnoxious or contemptible person; one who is stupid, foolish, or detestable.
Now, their is no law against being a schmuck, but Ben has put himself in a bad situation for a second time and has created the perception that he has issues with women. At the very least he has proven that he sees them as playthings here to do his bidding. It may come out that it’s much worse than that.
Ben in better times. Not last week.
Am I missing something? Am I just an old fart? What say you?
College Football and Social Media
There are quite a few Georgia Bulldogs who jumped in the deep end of social media in 2009. From Facebook to Twitter, and probably some Myspace thrown in for good measure, being “social” with friends we don’t know has become all the rage. Although, I can see some positive aspects to this phenomenon, the negatives keep piling up in my mind’s eye.
Going back to last year when I jumped in the pool myself, it was interesting to connect with so many Dawg fans of all ages. As a former player, it was fun and a little bit of an ego boost to be perfectly honest. I can’t even imagine how crazy it could get for a present day player….wait, yes I can.
I have followed Jeff Owens and Mike Moore from the beginning of the 2009 season. I added Darryl Gamble, Tavarres King, Neland Ball, Bacarri Rambo, Drew Butler and AJ Green. Along the way I picked up on some players from other teams as well. I’m going to hold off on their names, you’ll understand shortly.
On the surface one would think it would be great to follow and understand the day to day routine of a college football player. At times it was true, but there were other times it was disappointing. When the season did not go according to plan, it gave over zealous fans the ammo they needed to criticize some players. It was ugly.
One in particular was Jeff Owens, who tweeted early and often about his daily grind, never missing an opportunity to let his followers know when he got his grub on. Jeff received some some serious heat after the Florida game, I believe it was. In addition, none other than David Pollack was relentless in in the fall, telling #95 to try a salad from time to time. Sometimes brutal, sometimes funny, but #47 was really just trying to help I think.
This has been a bad week for college players and social media. Elijay Fields of the Pitt Panthers was dismissed for pictures he posted on Twitter (click and also see picture below). If thats not enough, try Oregon’s Jamere Holland, upset because he thought,(mistakenly) that one of his boys had been kicked off the team for a DUI. He let loose on Facebook and now he’s the goner(click).
Like I mentioned earlier, I have been following some players from other schools besides Georgia and I have seen Tweets about partying, getting high and even one guy watching his room mate having sex in the room. It’s crazy. It’s like these kids think the only ones reading it are their friends and or team mates.
Another example is the fan pressure exerted on Facebook pages during recruiting season. Da’Rick Rogers was supposedly bombarded by Georgia and Tennessee fans. Now Rogers and Baccari Rambo have had a verbal sparring match online. It seems to have subsided for now, but I have a feeling it’s not over(click).
All in all, as a fan I think social media is cool. It gives you an unequaled access to players and their thoughts day to day. But the abuses are so numerous, if I were a coach, I would want my players to steer clear. I think any player willing to risk exposing himself to the fringe that exists out there, better be thicked skinned, because people will put you on blast in a hurry. And by all means watch the “Twitpics” and keep your mouth shut!
My own personal time on Twitter and Facebook has been dwindling because of having to devote more time to my business, but I feel sure when the season gets here, I will be among those barking…
Gooo #Dawgs!
Racing to the Finish
The show “Full Color Football” was on the NFL Network over the weekend. One episode points out the fact that as recently as 1963, the NFL was not exactly an open door when it came to African-American players. Right off the bat, I was taken aback by the statement that if an NFL team did have black players it was a small number like 2 or 4, never 3 or 5. That way, with an even number, the black players could room together on the road.
The AFL on the other hand, was slightly more flexible. Partly because of the need for players, but also because they wanted to get the best players possible. They might sign as many as 15 black players, but only at certain positions. Weak safeties, middle linebackers and of course, quartebacks had to be white because of the mental demands of the position. Wow.
At this point you may wonder why I am even discussing the issue, after all, this was nearly 50 years ago. Well, each example of racism listed above, is of a subtle variety. In a sense, even the supposedly progressive AFL was saying, we will give you an opportunity, but it will always be the opportunity we choose. By the way, can you name the player to the right? He was the first Black player ever drafted number one overall by either league.
Obviously things are much different in the NFL, but what about the real world, where you and I live.
I grew up in west Marietta, Georgia near where several black families lived. They were sometimes my only friends, because there were no other white kids my age in the neighborhood. That fact and playing baseball and football with numerous black players as a kid, I didn’t have a racist bone in my body. Fortunately, my family didn’t foster any such bigotry. Living with players at McWhorter Hall at UGA only deepened my affection for all people, well except this one guy we called THE FUNK. He was white, but from Alabama…nuff said.
Because of those relationships and spending time out in the world with my team mates, I have witnessed the subtle prejudices perpetrated against them. It doesn’t have to be as ominous or violent as days gone by to damage the psyche and the soul.
Something as innocuous as a double take and stare when an old team mate visited me in the Dunwoody Townhome Complex where I lived in 1995-96, can cut deeply. Since apparently no black families lived in the complex, my friends presence could only mean he was there with bad intentions. Holy crap.
Sure we have an African-American man in the white house, but that doesn’t change the realities on the street. Whether subtle or not, things have not changed as much as we think.
Do you agree?
Tiger Woods Brought To His Knees?
How many times have you heard a public figure, whether pro athlete or politician, ask for forgiveness because of a “mistake” in judgement. It could be DUI or drug related, a weapons charge or infidelity in a marriage (click). Tomorrow at 11:00 AM, Tiger Woods is going to speak in public for the first time since his rapid descent into humanity.
I believe tomorrows “mess” conference will be a farce(click). He will make a prepared statement in a room of familiar and friendly faces, save the camera’s glaring lens. Most people in this position have learned that there is a formula that works. If that formula is followed, regaining the public’s adoration is usually assured.
- A public apology admitting whatever transgressions are applicable.
- Characterize said transgressions as mistakes thereby avoiding the label as a purposeful cheater.
- Contrition and a resolve to make restitution to any injured parties.
- A statement of re-dedication to his family and the sport that he loves, golf.
That should just about do it. But when did the definition of “mistake” get so skewed? It’s one of the most over-used and mis-used words in the language. Webster’s defines mistake as follows:
mis⋅take
[mi-steyk] 
Show IPA noun, verb, -took, -tak⋅en, -tak⋅ing.
| 1. | an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc. |
| 2. | a misunderstanding or misconception. |
Notice how the definition speaks in the singular? To me that implies that a repeated action over time is no longer a mistake but a habit or lifestyle, a conscious decision (click). Now don’t misunderstand, I’m not being overly judgmental of Tiger Woods. I’m just weary of public figures apologizing for actions when the real regret is that they got caught.
Tiger can try to control the rehab of his public persona all he wants. The real challenge will come on the golf course when he can’t keep John Q. Youdaman! from heckling him. Don’t think for a second it won’t happen. It won’t happen in the gentile environs of Augusta, but whenever the PGA Tour circles round New York/New Jersey, strap it on!
Those unequaled opportunities for abuse will come in August. The first is in The Turning Stone Resort Championship in Verona, New York. The second is The Barclay’s in Paramus, New Jersey. He probably won’t play in both if he plays in either one. If I’m his agent, I tell him to stay out of the northeast for 2010.
All in all, I don’t have any disdain for Tiger Woods, just a better understanding of him. Most peoples view of him was not real. I certainly don’t want his life to disintegrate further. I’m just reminded of the old character Fletcher in the movie “The Outlaw Josie Wales”, when he said:
Don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining (click)
Dawg Food For Thought
The recent controversy related to the last minute “change of heart” by a few commits, has had me thinking. I know, I know, I’m trying not to hurt myself. That’s why it has taken this long to put it in a post. A fairly common theme has been, “well if a kid doesn’t want to be a Dawg, we don’t want him”. I have even echoed that sentiment myself, but here’s the rub(click).
While the Nance family influence on one defector, Da’Rick Rogers was primary, I’m not convinced that the Tennessee staff didn’t have another ace in the hole. Charlie Baggett was named to the new staff in Knoxville on January 18th, just in time to become a factor in the Rogers Saga (click). Baggett had been an NFL assistant for 11 years and has coached the likes of Cris Carter, Randy Moss, Andre Rison, Plaxico Burress, Muhsin Muhammad, Derrick Mason, and Chris Chambers. Wow.
Now here is Tony Ball’s bio from www.georgiadogs.com
Ball is credited with coaching some of the school’s(Virginia Tech) greatest receivers including Ernest Wilford (2002-03), the school’s all-time receptions leader, the first player in school history to post two 50-catch seasons, and a fourth round choice in the 2004 NFL draft. In addition, Ball coached Andre Davis, one of the Virginia Tech’s top three receivers in career catches, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions. Davis was a 2002 second round NFL selection of the Cleveland Browns.
Okay, you tell me which seems more impressive to a young, 5-star athlete who wants to play in the NFL someday. Hell, even if that’s not in the forefront of a recruits mind, a coach can plant that seed and make it grow.
As a old school Georgia fan and former player, I don’t think the letters N-F-L should carry the weight they do in “college” recruiting, but that’s the reality. Our hiring of Todd Grantham is in the same vein, so why do we rip a kid to shreds when we as a program are not always fostering a true “Red and Black” allegiance? We’re playing the same game. Sometimes we will win and sometimes we will lose.
But by all means, as the kids say, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game”.
What do you think?
Georgia Bulldog Recruiting
There is much weeping and gnashing of teeth in the Bulldog Nation as SIGNING DAY approaches. Many lives hang in the balance, and I’m not talking players and/or coaches. It’s the fans that seem to feel that their lives will be somehow changed if one player or another makes the “wrong” decision. One Bulldog commit has played his late recruitment to the hilt and the firestorm it has caused is remarkable. I wanted to make a brief comment on the phenomenon.
Get a freakin’ life!
The day I let a 17 or 18 year old kid dictate the ebb and flow of my day, is when hell freezes over. Obviously, I want to have the best players possible. Some folks think that means 5 Stars by a kid’s name. I think it’s about a kid with talent and a real desire to wear red and black.
I believe with all my heart that the Georgia Bulldogs of the future will be dramatically improved. Not because of a dramatic influx of 5 Stars, but because of a renewed focus of Coach Mark Richt and the hiring of a defensive dynamo, Todd Grantham. The future is indeed bright, so sit back, take a chill pill and enjoy the ride.
The reception is not that great, six feet under.
AP Lazy Picking All-SEC
The Georgia Bulldogs had three 1st team All-SEC members announced by the AP today. WR AJ Green, LB Rennie Curran and P Drew Butler were easy choices as they were statistically superior compared to other players. By statistically superior, I mean “most” or “highest”. AJ was second in yards per game recieving(83.4). Rennie led the league in tackles(122) and Drew far outdistanced the other punters in gross average by over five yards(48.8). Net punting was a little closer. So far so good.
Kickers as you know are different, all the way down to how you judge who had a better season or career. Obviously the AP voters chose Leigh Tiffin over Blair Walsh because Tiffin had 29 field goals and Blair only made 19. Forget the fact that Tiffin had eleven more attempts than Blair. Forget the fact that Tiffin actually had misses of 36, 39, 43, and 49 yards and three missed PAT’s. He also had a long kick of 50 yards. Forget that Blair on the other hand missed one kick of 32 and one of 55 yards, period. He did not miss a PAT(37-37). He was 4-5 from over 50 yards with a 50, 51, 52 and a long of 53 yards.
Blair also had 17 touchbacks on 67 KO’s(25%). Tiffin had 13 on 89 KO’s(15%). There is no easy and quick way to know how many of these kick-offs were deep attempts, so I’ll just leave it at face value. Georgia fans know Blair was not allowed to kick deep at times, so his numbers could have been even better.
To make a long story a little shorter, Blair got hosed. I’m sure he knows it, and numbers don’t lie. He should have been 1st team.
Tiffin had better not win the Groza Award. That should probably go to Kai Forbath of UCLA, who is 26-29 on field goals. All three of his misses are from over 50 yards. Not bad.
Congratulations Blair on an All-American type year, much less All-SEC.
Tech’s Johnson is a Huge One
Georgia Bulldogs Fans are the ones buzzing for a change today. Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson went on local sports radio and issued marching orders for Yellow Jacket fans who didn’t like the backlash of a year of dishing it out. “Develop a thick skin. If a (Georgia)guy is giving you a hard time, punch him in the face”.
Sound like somebody unaffected by getting his ass kicked?
I never liked losing either, but had enough personal fortitude to not lose my cool under pressure. He has repeatedly tried to downplay the significance of the instate rivalry with Georgia. It’s to his benefit to do so because he knows he will always be second fiddle. I don’t mind the idea of Tech not being intimidated by Georgia, but this is over the top B.S. and he should be reprimanded by Tech officials, but I bet he won’t be. Being intelligent does not make you an ass, but in Georgia Tech’s case, it sure does help.
Is the Drill Finished?
The Georgia Bulldogs stand at 5-4 and even though they are coming off a nice win against Tennessee Tech, many fans doubt the Dawgs ability to “Finish the Drill”. That’s understandable. This year’s team has been like that box of chocolates you gave your wife for Valentines. At this point, whatever is left, I’m not sure I want it.
Auburn, Kentucky and Georgia Tech remain. There could be three wins or three losses just as easily. You would think that at this point of the season, you would have a feel for what team will show up this Saturday. Do you? I don’t have a clue. It reminds me of a Bulldog Club meeting I attended years ago.
Jim Broadway, the old punter and my holder my senior year, invited me to a Roswell Bulldog Club meeting back when Ray Goff was coach. Roswell always does it right and we were having a great time until Ray spoke and then took a few questions. Now this was coming off the 1993 season when the Dawgs went 5-6 and fans were frustrated to say the least.
One old Dawg got up and in an even tone asked the following: “Coach, even if the Dawgs record is not dramatically different this year, can we as fans at least expect 60 minutes of hard-nosed never quit “Georgia Bulldog” effort? Coach Goff hesitated. I thought to myself, “Oh no”! That’s the least you should expect! He went on to say the following:
I wish I could promise that, but kids are different these days…
If kids were different in 1994, how much different are they now? A great number of the decisions made today are made to try and motivate “the kids”. Black Jerseys, pants and helmets. Allowing the “soulja boy” to become our anthem in 2007. Auburn is watching that this week…over and over. Believe it.
I don’t think the coaches have any more clue as to how this team will perform than we as fans do. This week we will all find out at the same time if this group will finish the drill or if the drill is already finished.
Ealey Pays For Cox’s Mistake
Georgia’s Mark Richt announced Tuesday that Caleb King will start this weekend instead of Washaun Ealey at running back. Seems Washaun missed a block that allowed pressure on QB Joe Cox. Cox threw the ball up for grabs and it was intercepted. Cox would go on to throw two more interceptions, with one being a deflection off A.J. Greens hands. That one is not really Joe’s fault. But the first one was, and yet Washaun sits and Joe continues to start.
Now I’m not one of the bench Joe Cox crowd. When Mark Richt says Joe gives us the best chance to win, I try and accept that as the gospel truth; but when he benches Washaun over this, I question his judgment all over again. Washaun had started the last two games and was one of the only positive things that Georgia had going in the Florida game, gaining 70 yards on 17 carries.
I along with nearly every Georgia fan I know believes Washaun Ealey is our best running back right now. He missed a block. He may have missed more than one, I’m not going to study the tape.
I don’t care…
Washaun’s primary function is to run the ball. Blocking, while important, is a secondary function for him. Now, he along with every player should strive to improve in every phase of their respective games. Now, follow me on this. Georgia’s problems on offense are not because of Washaun Ealey’s deficiencies in a secondary function. The offense has struggled because of our inability to adequately utilize his talents in his primary function, running the ball.
I just don’t understand.
It’s as if Richt is shining a bright light on Washaun’s weaknesses to distract us from Joe’s continued struggles. Spreading the blame around to lighten Joe’s burden. This staff has always harped on it’s running backs having to be able to block to get on the field and I understand that this is a crucial issue in most situations. But do you really think that is Georgia’s biggest issue on offense? Please.
Black Dawg Down
Alpha Company, Alpha Company…we have men down! Too many casualties to count! You may not recognize our guys because they are not in UGA issue. For some reason, they are in black helmets and black pants. Something about juice?
Folks, it’s far worse than any of us imagined. If you need “juice” to get ready for Florida, you are a loser and have already lost . We have misplaced whatever degree of substance we ever had. It’s all about the fluff, and fluff don’t get it.
I almost titled this post, “So you think you can dance”?
Don’t think for a second that the Urban Crier did not use the 2007 celebration as continued motivation. They must have been insulted more by our dancing than we were by their time outs last year.
And why was this necessary? Just play football…
I know many of you relished in the original black-out game against Auburn and the accompanying soulja boi dance during the time outs..hell…even Verne and Gary joined the party. I liked the jerseys(past tense), but not the dancing. That was rubbing their nose in it. Well those chickens are all coming home to roost. Do you not think Auburn will be playing those replays in a few weeks? Please.
What used to be a meat and potatoes program has regressed in to a cake and icing program and I’m sick at my stomach. Georgia doesn’t need new jerseys, the red ones are fine. Georgia doesn’t need new pants, the silver britches are fine. Georgia doesn’t need new helmets, the red ones are fine. By the way, one of the most recognized and best looking helmets in all of college football. Thank you very much.
What Georgia does need is players that are motivated from within. That is something you can build on and have a sustained effort with. Motivation imposed from outside is superficial and temporary. Apparently Mark Richt doesn’t think they are sufficiently motivated, without the fluff. Why else would he do it?
Additional “juice” for the Florida game…my ass.
What Offense Does Georgia Run?
After a Tennessee game where our offense seemed lost and ineffective, it occurred to me(again) that we have no identity. If someone had to say, it is a mix of Pro Set, I-formation and some Spread Option sprinkled in to confuse things. The problem is it confuses us more than them(opponents).
For a while now I have felt like we really were running the FTS Offense. Have you never heard of it? Well about 4-5 years ago I met a high school coach from South Georgia. We were at a coaches clinic and since coaches are my primary customers, I try to go to as many clinics as possible. I asked this coach what offense they ran, trying to break the ice. He proceeded to tell me that they indeed ran the FTS offense. FTS stands for FEED THE STUD.
Aha! Sound familiar?
For quite a while Georgia has been dependent on “playmakers” making plays. From Fred Gibson and Terence Edwards to A.J. Green, just throw it up and let them make a play. David Green, D.J. Shockley and Matthew Stafford were playmakers. Knowshon Moreno? Playmaker. How many plays did Knowshon make totally on his own the last two years? Plenty.
Seldom has there been a time where Georgia had the identity of a hard-nosed running team that could dictate the line of scrimmage. That’s why we have usually struggled in the red zone. Do you realize that in Mark Richt’s first eight years, Georgia had three of the top ten seasons of most attempted field goals in SEC history. Billy Bennett attempted and made more field goals than any kicker in NCAA history. In 2003, he attempted just as many field goals as PAT’s(38). That’s an NCAA and SEC record for attempted field goals in a season. What does that say about an offense?
I am by no means an offensive guru, but I have heard it said enough and so have you. To win consistently, you have to be able to run the ball and defend the run. I’m not sure why we are running spread option plays when we don’t have spread option personnel on the field. Joe Cox….Richard Samuel? Joe Cox is no threat to run. That’s not a criticism of him, that’s a criticism of a coach putting him in a no win situation.
Logan Gray…Washaun Ealey…Carlton Thomas….
Now those guys could pose a threat in a true spread option attack.
I’m not talking about benching Joe Cox, but just allowing Logan to have a series or two, with a chance to succeed. One predictable play at a time just makes no sense. It just stalls drives.
We have time to turn it around!
Go Dawgs!
Richt is Still My Choice
Mark Richt is navigating uncharted waters. As far as I know this is the most adversity he has faced as a coach and maybe ever. It would be one thing if it just effected him, but his decisions effect many men, young and old. Now, he does need to act, just not over-react. For him to make rash decisions will come across as panic. Battle-field demotions could demoralize the players.
Right now, Coach Richt’s faith and even keel is being used against him by some. I know some Georgia fans would like to see a newer, nastier version of “Evil Richt”. Well, maybe he will kick it up a notch, only time will tell. But for my money, I would rather have him than Meyer, Saban, Miles, Spurrier, P. Johnson or especially Kiffin. Lane Kiffin is brash and talking trash, telling his players that Georgia will never beat Tennessee as long as he’s there. That’s okay, we’ll see.
In the public eye, all those coaches seem more intense than Richt and they may be. But being a prick is not in the job description as far as I know. People have always said that Georgia fans would feel differently about Spurrier if he was our coach…nope…still a prick. Just a prick that’s been humbled a bit. Saban? Once after receiving a compliment on a haircut from a female employee at Alabama, he issued a memo to all athletic department employees. Don’t speak to me unless spoken to. Wow.
Now, don’t think for a minute that all Coach Richt does at practice is stand on the sideline and quote scripture. No sir. He is a football coach in every sense of the word. Hopefully you all know that this is a no spin zone and when I feel he is wrong, I have said so. I just think he deserves a chance to right the ship, whatever that involves. Right now, they better get ready for Vanderbilt…period.
Inside & Outside, The Lines Are Drawn
They say there’s nothing like being a Bulldog on a Saturday night after a win. I’m not sure there’s anything like being a Bulldog on a Sunday after a loss either. Especially when the loss was a one sided affair that feels like another step down a deep, dark cellar you have never been in. The anxiety is palpable, questions fly through your mind at the speed of fright.
What lies ahead? Can we turn back?
Where’s the light switch?
Well, the “State of the “Nation” didn’t happen overnight and probably will not be fixed overnight. I don’t know how, but it doesn’t take a genius(thankfully), to see that there are problems in Athens. Some problems we might not even know about yet. Hey, some other problems may rear their ugly head in the near future.
I have determined to not join the chorus of fans looking for heads to roll. As bad as things seem, and they are bad, piling on the coaches and/or players does not solve the aforementioned problems.
Rubber-neckers can see the wreck, you don’t have to scream it as they drive by.
As a former player at UGA and a former coach at Marietta High School, I have experienced bad seasons. I was a freshman on Coach Dooley’s only losing team in 1977. I rode the roller coaster that was the season of 1979. I have been in Sanford Stadium when my coaches and even a few team mates were booed.
It ain’t easy.
I can tell you with some authority that at this point, the wagons are being circled. The lines are being drawn. One of the common themes in all of football is this. It’s us against the world. The ONLY people that matter at this point are the people “IN THE ROOM”. This is as it should be.
The players and the coaches are the Georgia Bulldogs.
We cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs.
It begs the question:
Which came first, the football or the fan?
Since I have absolutely no influence on the coaches or players, I can only speak as a fan. In my opinion, these lines between participant and supporter can best be described this way. It is not their job to entertain or edify us as people. It is our job to support them if we choose to call ourselves fans.
If you are going to be embarrassed at work tomorrow, that’s a YOU problem. If your self-esteem is dictated by how a football team performs on Saturday, that’s a YOU problem. I don’t receive a lot of grief from opposing fans because I don’t talk smack when we win. I just smile a lot.
I’m not smiling today, but I’m not dreading tomorrow either. I didn’t do anything wrong yesterday, why would I be embarrassed?
Neither should you.
Forgiveness Fridays
This has certainly been an interesting week. Georgia Fans expressed strong feelings about my perceived attack on Coach Mark Richt. I consider this “attack” an aggressive defense of Blair Walsh and nothing more. Anyone that is a regular reader of RTK knows that I respect Mark Richt as a man and a coach. You also know how much I have written about my support of Coach Richt. But does that mean I have to agree with everything he says or does? Or does it mean that if I do disagree, I have to just to keep my mouth shut as some have suggested.
Well, you can forget that. As I said earlier this week, if I’m going to do this blog, I have to be honest and say what I really feel. There are some real problems going on in Athens. I am not privy to any strife that could be contributing to our struggles as a team and/or coaching staff.
If the Dawgs suddenly click and play a complete game, a lot of you will feel differently about things. Winning always cures what ails you the most. But what most of us complain about are the symptoms of the problems in Athens. There is something systemic that has gone awry.
One thing thats important to add is this. I don’t think Blair Walsh has performed his job perfectly. There is always room for improvement. But even when he has kicked perfectly acceptable kick-offs, our coverage has been lacking.
Many Georgia fans have called for firings of certain coaches, while I have not. You will never hear me cry for the amputation of the “withered limb” that failed us last week as some fans do. I just want to encourage the “head” to make it stronger, and not ignore it.
And above all else, don’t blame the toe for what the arms aren’t doing.
Throw-up Thursdays – Georgia Bulldog Style!
The highlighted section is a linked excerpt to David Hale’s blog.
For the second straight year, Georgia’s kickoffs have been an adventure, but this season there is one big difference: Richt has an alternative to kicker Blair Walsh.
The Bulldogs signed junior college transfer Brandon Bogotayduring the offseason to push Walsh for the kickoff job, and while a change hasn’t come yet, Richt said the team has given some thought to handing the job to Bogotay if Walsh continues to struggle.
First of all, it’s the kick-off coverage that is the adventure.
Many of you have left positive comments on my attempts to be frank and honest about issues concerning Georgia Football. I do try, but I bite my tongue quite often.
I am sure many of you will understand my growing disdain for any coach…any coach, that would utter the nonsense written in this section of this blog post. It is beyond my comprehension.
The kicker is a convenient target. Because admitting you can’t motivate players to cover kicks and make tackles reflects poorly on you as the special teams coach and of course that kind of thing goes all the way to the top.
And what does it mean that the “team” has considered “handing the job” to Bogotay….
Who is in charge Coach Richt?
Georgia Football Keeps it All in the Family
It is very difficult to write openly and honestly about Georgia Football sometimes. There is an unspoken rule of not being too critical of your coach or team in the public eye. This is true for former players as well. This blog has been a tight rope because if I can’t be honest, it’s not worth doing. And blind loyalty is just that…blind.
But something that has occured to me lately is this notion of “family”. In the best case scenarios it is real. I believe Coach Mark Richt has fostered that environment at Georgia. I’ve seen recruits mention it as a big reason they chose Georgia over other schools. That’s great. The team should have that feel. But what about the coaching staff?
A head coach should foster the feeling of trust, good chemistry and maybe even family, but there is a point of diminishing returns. I keep thinking of the company I worked for prior to starting Total Team Sports. It was a family run business that had been around for over 30 years. They liked to think it was a family atmosphere, but there were just a few true family members and close friends that were in the inner circle.
The problem inherent in some “family” situations is it clouds business decisions. And make no mistake, college football is a business. You know that. In any event, any response to the cries for the firings of Bobo, Martinez, Jancek and/or Fabris have been and will be slow in coming, as they should be. Continuity on a staff is sometimes just as important as year to year results.
It may take Damon Evans taking Coach Richt off the hook and imposing his will to make any significant changes. I’m not saying he should at this point. I think at the end of this season, every one should be honestly evaluated without emotion. I believe Damon is that kind of person, which again is good.
Some Georgia fans seem to be unable to stop the micromanaging game to game, forget year to year. In this his ninth year, Mark Richt has orchestrated the DawgNation to it’s best run in history. And, most of the coaches in question were in the mix from the beginning. Do they need to continue to step up? YES. Do I want see anybody fired? Not really. But I am sure you are held accountable for your job performance.
They should too.
Tell me what you really think!