UGA vs. UT
I must admit, I’m a little concerned about today’s game. Sure, Tennessee is still struggling to reach the level of their glory years of the 90′s. But Georgia has yet to play a complete game either. This game could be a relative blow-out either way, or a six overtime marathon.
Pass the Maalox…again.
The best thing I heard all day was from a Tennessee student last night at the Marietta High School football game. Former AD Jeff Wheeler was there with his daughter who is a senior at UT.
She said that their offense was “inCrompetent”.
I thought that was beautiful. Let’s just hope that they don’t find their Crompetence today. All I keep thinking is complete game…complete game…complete game, we can do this.
I do believe it. Do 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?
Are the Georgia Bulldogs Coached Up?
I was reading THE Bulldog’s Blog and one of David Hale’s readers used the term “coached down”. It’s not a very commonly used phrase, but very descriptive and it made me think….no comments please! Especially you Bernie! It reminded me of a conversation I had with one of Thomas Brown’s high school coaches several years ago. Thomas was probably a junior at UGA at the time.
He was expressing some frustration because he felt Thomas was having his natural running instincts and abilities “coached out” of him. He said Thomas had shown a game breaking ability that I am sure helped him get recruited and a scholarship offer. Why then would the Georgia running backs coach go against that grain?
It could be as simple as the coach wanting the backs to run north and south and not to go east and west. That’s a pretty common mantra, but sometimes you have to go east and west just a little. These days that hole that was supposed to be there just isn’t there. Some of our backs run there anyway and fall down.
One of my favorite books as a kid was Run to Daylight by Vince Lombardi
That’s some basic stuff, but do we do that? Seriously.
Here’s a question for you. Since when do we recruit running backs as projects? The comments from Coach Richt recently regarding Richard Samuel prove to me that he is an ongoing project at running back. The fact that he is “still learning the position” doesn’t ring true to me. He’s been on campus 18 months and still doesn’t know what to do or how to do it? How can that be? And he’s starting again this weekend vs. Tennessee.
Now I have an occasional reader that feels I dislike Richard Samuel. That’s not the case. I want Richard to be successful. It’s up to the coaches to give him a chance to be successful. I’m just not sure that running back is the spot. If this weekend is Richard’s coming out party, I will dance naked in the street and kiss him square on the mouth, I swear I don’t care.
To clarify, I will get dressed again before said kiss on the mouth.
I think the more likely scenario is it could be Washaun Ealey’s coming out party. A fractured jaw and concussion for Caleb King may have created that opportunity for Washaun. It took an injury to Thomas Brown in 2007 for Knowshon Moreno to get the numbers of carries that proved his true value.
Bottom line is, I want to win. I am very concerned about our ability to run and consistently stop the run. Monty Kiffin will have his defense ready. He will put the onus squarely on Joe Cox to win this game. Joe will be hit early and often if we can’t slow the Tennessee pass rush by running effectively.
This will need to be our best over-all game to win.
Let’s do it! Go Dawgs!
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.
Georgia Fans, Time To Get a Grip
The 2009 Georgia Bulldogs are exactly who we thought they were, so why don’t you let them off the hook! All summer long the majority of reasonable bulldog fans saw a season with three or four losses. Well, we are on that schedule, as hard as it is to watch, these Bulldogs are not of championship caliber. The sooner we understand that, maybe we can cheer for them with a new perspective and level of understanding.
Now, if you have problems with the coaching that’s another blog for another day.
It has always amazed me how fans can have such unrealistic expectations when the facts point to something else. For instance, Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno were two of the more exciting and prolific offensive players Georgia has ever had. That’s ev-er, as in his-tor-y. How could you think we would not miss a beat?
Something that has always bothered me is the notion that just because a particular player is not the All-American player of yester-year, then he sucks! Really? I’ll give you an example. Joe Cox. Joe has most often been described as a QB of adequate physical ability, smart and a game manager. Well, because Georgia can’t run or run block Joe has been put in the position to try and win games, and he has. But he can’t do that week in and week out, he needs help.
By forcing Joe to be a world beater, he has to try and do more than is reasonable for him to do. Does that mean he sucks? Hell…and no. Our being so one dimensional has put Joe and the Dawgs in a bad position.
45 yards rushing vs. LSU on 24 attempts
Joe Cox was 18 for 34 for 229 yards…2 TD’s and 1 INT at the very end. I bet if Matthew Stafford had had that line you wouldn’t be running your mouth Mr. Know-It-All Dawgfan. Again, get a grip.
Not So Fast My Friends
I wrote my last blog not realizing a definitive announcement was going to be made about a specific plan for the possible reinstatement of Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount. Coach Chip Kelly has again suprised me with a thoughtful explanation as to why he feels this is the right thing.
The press conference video is in the right sidebar.
Oregon’s Chip Kelly is Ducking a Great Decision
The Oregon Ducks have rebounded from an early loss to Boise State back on September 3rd. You may remember what a blow that loss really was when senior running back LeGarrette Blount decked a trash talking Bronco, Byron Hout. The most played highlight in the history of television put new Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly in a bad situation. Even so, he made what appeared to me to be the perfect decision.
He kicked Blount off the team in terms of eligibility to play in games, although he would remain on the team and practice. This would allow him to stay in shape, improve as a player and attempt to rehabilitate his image, which after this blow-up was severely damaged. It was bad enough that he punched the Boise State player, but on the way to the locker room he had to be restrained from entering the stands to go after Boise State fans. Suffice it to say, he lost it.
Now today, word is coming out of Eugene that LeGarrette Blount may have a chance for reinstatement. What the..? Coach? Just weeks after one the most thoughtful disciplinary decisions I can recall, you are going to even consider a reinstatement? How can any future decision you make be trusted?
As a parent, my belief has always been, say what you mean and mean what you say. Leave no doubt. It’s the only way for a kid or kids to respect what you say. If Chip Kelly, who is a defacto parental figure alters his decision, it can only be for a couple of reasons.
First, with his team having won a few crucial games including a 42 -3 thrashing of California, now has a chance at a special season. But not without their top running back. Secondly, Coach Kelly may feel pressure to allow Blount to come back to improve his draft status, which was severely impacted. Neither one of those is a good reason. If time off for good behavior was a stipulation, it should have been detailed that way.
Obviously Coach Kelly does not need my approval or respect to continue as Oregon’s Head Coach. He does need his teams respect to build a legacy of discipline and long term success.
What do you think?
See the video to the right.
The Pig Hits The Road!
I told you all a couple of weeks ago about THE NAKED PIG, a new BBQ, catering and event planning venture started by some old friends. Things have taken off for these guys and they are hitting the road this weekend. They will be in Athens for the LSU Game and they will be bringing the heat, the smoke and the taste that they made famous before they were famous.
Call 678-740-7447 or 678-439-3499 to place your order.
Then pick up your order at:
Meats and More
1580 Lexington Road, Athens, Ga. 30605
Throwback Thursday, I GarawnTee!
The Georgia Bulldogs of 1978 were dubbed “The Wonderdogs” because of our regular flirtation with defeat, but a resilience to comeback almost every time. SOUND FAMILIAR? That was also true the night we played in Death Valley against the LSWho Bayou Bengals.
When we got off the bus on Friday night for our walk through, a dorm adjacent to the stadium was obscured by trees and darkness. Out of that darkness came the ominous words…TIGER BAIT….TIGER BAIT…VERY LOW AND SLOW…TIIIGER BAIT! It was kinda freaky because you couldn’t tell where it was coming from. Walking into Tiger Stadium was really something because as you walked in from the visitors side, the home stands went up and up and up. Very imposing.
During pre game the LSU mascot Mike the Tiger was pulled around the edges of the field. I SWEAR they poked him and made him ROAR! The microphone in the cage piped the sound throughout the stadium. The damn cheerleaders did that once right behind me during pre-game and let’s just say, I’m glad we were wearing the red pants that year.
LSU bolted ahead 14-0 on a Georgia fumble on it’s own 30 yard line and an 82 yard bomb from Steve Ensminger to Carlos Carson. SOUND FAMILIAR? Willie McClendon scored with 4:43 to go in the half to get Georgia on the board. Then lightning struck.
LSU kicked off to us to begin the second half and Lindsey Scott, a freshman went 99 yards for the score. That was a Georgia record until Brandon Boykin went 100 yards against South Carolina just two weeks ago. Lindsey’s return sparked what had been a sluggish effort but then Willie McClendon scored again after a Hokie Gajan fumble. Isn’t that a great name! Hokie Gajan. That TD plus a HUGE field goal(29 yards) gave us the victory 24-17, giving LSU their first loss of 1978.
Hmm, SOUND FAMILIAR?
Herschel, Herschel, Herschel…
When Georgia Bulldog fans speak of Herschel Walker, the reverance expressed is only rivaled on Sunday mornings in our fair state. If you were among those that witnessed the physical gifts bestowed upon him from “On High”, you would know the connection. God woke up early the day he created Herschel Walker, because he knew he needed the extra time to get it right.
No amount of running, pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups could have created the specimen that is Herschel, much less was Herschel Walker. When you hear someone described as a “freak” in sports, it’s a compliment to be sure. But what they are really saying is this person is so uniquely gifted of God, that we are the ones “freaking” out.
There are many people who enjoy the process of challenging themselves physically. Can you imagine being one of the greatest athletes who has ever lived on the planet and feeling that way? What do you do? Uh, go out for the USA bobsled team? Check. Ride bikes 200-300 miles in ultra-marathon bike rides? Check. How many degrees are possible in a black belt, five? pfht! And this after a 3 time All-American college football career and Heisman Trophy and an under appreciated professional career.
Herschel is the only player in NFL history to have 10,000+ yards from scrimmage and 5,000+ return yards (all of which were on kickoff returns). He is the only player to gain 4,000 yards three different ways: rushing, receiving, and kickoff returns. He is one of six players (Jim Brown, Lenny Moore, Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk, and Thurman Thomas) to exceed 60 touchdowns rushing and 20 touchdowns receiving. Another NFL record he possesses is that he is the only player with a 90+ yard reception, 90+ yard run, and a 90+ yard kickoff return all in the same season (1994). Not bad.
The last time I actually saw HW was at a autograph signing about three years ago in Macon. He was talking about an MMA reality show pitting former pro football players with MMA fighters. The only other name I heard attached to this ill-conceived idea was Bill Romanowski. You remember him right? What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear the name Bill Romanowski? C…R…A…Z…Y…NUTJOB… was I right?
I don’t know why that “opportunity” fell through but of all the things I have heard about Herschel doing, this bothers me. I don’t know why. Now he has signed with a promoter to enter the MMA arena as a fighter. Obviously Herschel can take care of himself…physically…but now he is challenging UFC President Dana White to step in to the ring for criticizing this latest development. This on the heels of wanting to fight Steve Spurrier last year. Now I have long held the belief that somebody needed to spank that smart azz, but Herschel?
What’s really going on? If you read his book, you know that he at various times has been on the edge. Why is he calling out famous people to fight? There is a point of diminishing returns when someone flirts with the fringes. Herschel has done it repeatedly now.
I hope he’ll come back soon, safe and sound.
Georgia Fans, Why Corn Dogs?
I have to tell the DawgNation that until recently, I had never heard that LSU fans smell like corn-dogs. Really? If that’s true, I’ll take three with mustard. I love a good corn-dog. Alton Brown did an episode of GOOD EATS on how to make a home-made corn-dog…It just as easily could have been called porn-dogs, it was so good.
Why couldn’t the Cajun Crew be called Chitterlings, “Chittlins”? Do you know how bad those smell when being cooked? Do you know why? Ewww. What about cooked cabbage? I’ve alway heard the old, “he or she smelled like hot dog water”. Again. Is she single?
As a single guy back in the day, don’t ever think smelling like one of my favorite foods was a bad thing. In fact, I once went out with an order of Nachos, a Lasagna, and a Cuban sandwich with Black Beans and Rice.
Anyhoo, I hope the C##nA## Bayou Bengals go home smelling like losers. My prayer is that somehow Georgia puts together that elusive complete game and take a step closer to reaching their full potential.
Go Dawgs!
Blair Walsh, My Man!
I have waited to talk about Blair Walsh and his game-winning 37 yard field goal Saturday night against Arizona State. I was as nervous as I’ve been in a long time. Not because I was not confident in Blair. I always get nervous watching young kickers in pressure situations and this one was worse because I actually know him.
In the past year or so I have seen Blair ride the proverbial roller coaster that is a kicker’s existence. He started out very well last year, particularly on field goals, but the challenges of directional kicking derailed him temporarily. He finished strong but the seed of an idea was already growing in Mark Richt’s mind. Maybe Blair was not the answer after all. He even said as much in a press conference when he said he would go as far as Poland to find some one that could kick-off through the end zone. I can’t tell you how angry I was at this uninformed flippant statement from some one I had grown to respect very much. It was a low blow.
Following up on his promise, Georgia signed a junior college kicker, Brandon Bogotay based on nothing more than a recruiting video. Now I believe Brandon to be a very good kicker as well. He, like Blair is not allowed to kick as he did previously.
As most of you know, I have been an advocate of Blair’s for several reasons. First, I knew how well he had performed in high school and after meeting him last summer, I knew his resolve to succeed at this level. Secondly, I knew the flawed philosophy he was being forced to employ. Third, he was being unfairly criticized by coaches and fans alike for struggling at times with said flawed philosophy.
This past off-season has been a time of tremendous growth for Blair I’m sure. He has already surpassed last year’s number of touch-backs with five. Even so, he is not allowed to even try but from time to time. As of now, he is a perfect 8-8 on field goals with two over 50 yards. Just so you know, he will miss someday, so don’t have a hissy fit when it happens.
I could not be happier for this young man who has been through so much from fans and coaches alike, for no good reason. I have never met his parents, but I’m equally happy for them.
Billy Bennett, Brandon Coutu & now Blair Walsh,
aka The Killer B’s,
Coach Richt must think he’s in heaven already.
All he ever knew before Georgia was WIDE RIGHT.
Georgia Fans, Check Your Balls Again
Okay Georgia Bulldog fans, be honest. Have any of the first four games gone like you thought they would? When you were fretting all summer and looking into your crystal balls to foresee this year’s version of the Georgia Bulldogs, is this what you saw? When I read posts this summer on DawgVent and even now on Twitter, those that speak with authority always make me laugh.
No one knows how this team will perform week to week. Not you, not me, no blogger or sportswriter, not even Coaches Martinez, Bobo or Richt have a clue. If I were a reporter having to attend practices or press conferences in person or via telephone, I would be very frustrated. Because when I asked a question, why would I trust the answer?
How many times can a coach say we are making progress and that our running backs have more to learn, blah blah blah. I always thought the most important aspects of being a great running back were instinctive. But I’m tired of being critical of Richard Samuel. I still believe Caleb King has looked better in the last two games, but the offensive line, a supposed strength of ours is under-performing and defenders are blowing up our backs before they even get to the hole. But at least Coach Richt has finally called them out. In addition, Georgia has reverted to the old pre-Knowshon habit of not letting anybody get enough carries to develop any kind of rhythm. See Thomas Brown-Danny Ware-Kregg Lumpkin. Every back I have ever heard talk about this issue says the same thing. I need the ball.
And why would anyone put stock in the notion that these Georgia Bulldogs would be more disciplined? Mat drills might help with agility and team building, but I always heard focus and discipline were in the mix as well.
I call B.S.
I would be perfectly happy with a lesser record in 2009 if I felt every player and coach were doing their best, but they are not and it’s not even close. It should not take until the fifth game to come together. I challenge anyone to tell me different. I hate to write negatively about the Dawgs, but an old mantra that seems to have died is the whole idea of getting the most from the players you have.
Do you feel we are getting the maximum performances from top to bottom?
At Georgia, Team Means Team
The Georgia Bulldogs are 3-1 after Blair Walsh’s last second field goal against Arizona State. The Dawgs kept ASU in the game with turnover after turnover. At one point in the fourth quarter, I was pretty sure no one wanted to win this thing. Then it seemed the Sun Devils wanted it more. Luckily for the Bulldog Nation, A.J. Green wanted it most.
A.J. caught 8 balls for 153 yards which is basically a normal night for this superior talent. I am pretty sure A.J. was recruited for his offensive prowess, but has now proven to be a shot blocker as well. His block of a 37 yard field goal with 4:31 to go in the game, opened the door for Blair Walsh’s heroics.
Ugly does not adequately describe this game. Believe me, I have seen ugly. I played for the Dawgs when winning ugly was raised to an art form. Plus, I went to O’Malley’s many a Tuesday night in 1980-81…..but that’s another blog post for another day!
Believe me, I know how hard it is to watch a Bulldog team where absolutely nothing is assured. Life for these Dawgs really is like a box of chocolates. Too bad it’s Ex-lax. My stomach can’t take this stuff man! One week it’s the offense that struggles, the next the defense stinks and then there’s the kick-off coverage(special teams). On the flip-side, when one is down another picks up the slack, and that’s a very good thing.
It’s the epitome of “TEAM”.
I have said it before. Finding a way to win when things aren’t perfect is a rare commodity. How many times have you seen the Dawgs win games they had no business winning, ten, twenty, a hundred? If you are an “OLD DAWG”, you’ve seen it plenty.
Prepare to see it again soon, at a stadium near you!
Georgia Kick Coverage, Like GroundHog Day
Have you ever watched a Georgia game and felt like you were actually watching Groundhog Day instead? The same song starts playing and you get that pit in your stomach. Well, the first quarter of the season is done. I wanted to check out the kick-off stats around the country and was really not suprised with what I found. Blair Walsh is better, coverage is not. Blair has already matched the number of touch-backs(4) from last year on only 21 kick-offs. Even with this being true, the coaches are not letting him consistently attempt kicking it deep. His two kicks out of bounds did bother me, but it is a risk inherent in the directional kicking philosophy. He had one lucky bounce last week, two were not so lucky.
I thought we had turned a corner with the South Carolina game. Blair’s kicks were deeper and/or placed well. One kick was kicked deep, but a coverage breakdown allowed the returner to reach mid-field. I think that squelched Coach Richt’s willingness to kick deep. Forget the fact that even with the long return, SC’s average starting field position was the best in recent memory.
Even so, our coverage is worse overall, giving up 26.73 yards per return.
That’s another category where our national rank is in triple digits.
Bowl Subdivision (FBS) National Team Report
Kickoff Return Yardage Defense
| Year: 2009 | Thru: 09/19/09 Minimum Pct. of Games Played |
| Rank | Name | Returns | Kickoff Return Yardage | TDs | Yardage Per Return | Kickoffs | Touchbacks | Wins | Losses | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FIU | 4 | 43 | 0 | 10.75 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | Pittsburgh | 15 | 221 | 0 | 14.73 | 22 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Washington | 15 | 226 | 0 | 15.07 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 4 | Arkansas St. | 10 | 154 | 0 | 15.40 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 5 | Colorado | 12 | 186 | 0 | 15.50 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 6 | Navy | 12 | 187 | 0 | 15.58 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 7 | UCF | 12 | 191 | 0 | 15.92 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 8 | Rutgers | 17 | 275 | 0 | 16.18 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 9 | Vanderbilt | 11 | 180 | 0 | 16.36 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 10 | LSU | 18 | 296 | 0 | 16.44 | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Louisiana Tech | 12 | 198 | 0 | 16.50 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 11 | Mississippi | 12 | 198 | 0 | 16.50 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Iowa St. | 15 | 248 | 0 | 16.53 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 14 | Air Force | 20 | 336 | 0 | 16.80 | 23 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 15 | Florida | 22 | 370 | 0 | 16.82 | 25 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | Baylor | 7 | 118 | 0 | 16.86 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 16 | Kent St. | 7 | 118 | 0 | 16.86 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 18 | Duke | 12 | 203 | 0 | 16.92 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 19 | TCU | 15 | 257 | 0 | 17.13 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | La.-Lafayette | 13 | 229 | 0 | 17.62 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 21 | Tulsa | 14 | 250 | 0 | 17.86 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 22 | Houston | 15 | 270 | 0 | 18.00 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 22 | North Carolina St. | 21 | 378 | 0 | 18.00 | 21 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | 21 | 378 | 0 | 18.00 | 22 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 25 | Cincinnati | 17 | 314 | 0 | 18.47 | 25 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | California | 22 | 411 | 0 | 18.68 | 25 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 27 | Boston College | 15 | 281 | 0 | 18.73 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 28 | Marshall | 8 | 151 | 0 | 18.88 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 29 | Illinois | 10 | 189 | 0 | 18.90 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 30 | Northern Ill. | 16 | 303 | 0 | 18.94 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 31 | Western Mich. | 9 | 171 | 0 | 19.00 | 14 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 31 | BYU | 13 | 247 | 0 | 19.00 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 33 | Boise St. | 21 | 400 | 0 | 19.05 | 22 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 34 | UNLV | 12 | 229 | 0 | 19.08 | 17 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 35 | Ohio St. | 15 | 287 | 0 | 19.13 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 36 | Clemson | 22 | 421 | 0 | 19.14 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 37 | Idaho | 13 | 251 | 0 | 19.31 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 38 | Virginia Tech | 16 | 314 | 0 | 19.63 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 39 | Eastern Mich. | 10 | 197 | 0 | 19.70 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 40 | Oregon St. | 15 | 296 | 0 | 19.73 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 41 | Kansas | 20 | 397 | 0 | 19.85 | 23 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 42 | Texas Tech | 14 | 278 | 0 | 19.86 | 20 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 43 | Arizona | 12 | 241 | 0 | 20.08 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 43 | Memphis | 12 | 241 | 0 | 20.08 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 45 | Buffalo | 10 | 201 | 0 | 20.10 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 46 | Southern Miss. | 20 | 403 | 0 | 20.15 | 21 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 47 | Rice | 11 | 222 | 0 | 20.18 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 48 | Kansas St. | 8 | 162 | 0 | 20.25 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 49 | Northwestern | 17 | 345 | 0 | 20.29 | 20 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 50 | Stanford | 15 | 305 | 0 | 20.33 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 51 | Iowa | 14 | 286 | 0 | 20.43 | 16 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 52 | Utah | 11 | 225 | 0 | 20.45 | 16 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 53 | Ohio | 10 | 205 | 0 | 20.50 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 54 | Mississippi St. | 18 | 370 | 0 | 20.56 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 55 | West Virginia | 18 | 371 | 0 | 20.61 | 20 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 56 | Indiana | 15 | 310 | 0 | 20.67 | 18 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 57 | Syracuse | 13 | 270 | 0 | 20.77 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 58 | Fla. Atlantic | 6 | 125 | 0 | 20.83 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 59 | Michigan | 14 | 292 | 0 | 20.86 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 60 | North Carolina | 17 | 355 | 0 | 20.88 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 61 | Arkansas | 14 | 293 | 0 | 20.93 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 62 | Tulane | 6 | 128 | 0 | 21.33 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 62 | Hawaii | 15 | 320 | 0 | 21.33 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 64 | South Fla. | 20 | 427 | 0 | 21.35 | 23 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 65 | Texas A&M | 12 | 258 | 0 | 21.50 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 66 | Miami (FL) | 11 | 240 | 0 | 21.82 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 67 | Akron | 12 | 262 | 1 | 21.83 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 68 | East Carolina | 13 | 284 | 0 | 21.85 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 69 | North Texas | 10 | 219 | 0 | 21.90 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 70 | Oklahoma St. | 10 | 220 | 0 | 22.00 | 19 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 70 | Central Mich. | 15 | 330 | 0 | 22.00 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 72 | Ball St. | 11 | 243 | 0 | 22.09 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 73 | Georgia Tech | 17 | 376 | 0 | 22.12 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 74 | Arizona St. | 15 | 333 | 0 | 22.20 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 75 | Connecticut | 8 | 178 | 0 | 22.25 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 75 | Kentucky | 12 | 267 | 0 | 22.25 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 77 | Nebraska | 11 | 245 | 0 | 22.27 | 21 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 78 | UTEP | 12 | 268 | 0 | 22.33 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 79 | Maryland | 15 | 338 | 0 | 22.53 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 80 | Wake Forest | 11 | 248 | 0 | 22.55 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 81 | Texas | 16 | 362 | 0 | 22.63 | 24 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 82 | Southern California | 14 | 319 | 0 | 22.79 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 83 | Missouri | 18 | 412 | 0 | 22.89 | 23 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 84 | Oregon | 16 | 367 | 0 | 22.94 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 85 | Michigan St. | 19 | 439 | 0 | 23.11 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 86 | Bowling Green | 12 | 278 | 0 | 23.17 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 87 | Troy | 9 | 209 | 0 | 23.22 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 88 | Tennessee | 14 | 326 | 0 | 23.29 | 18 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 89 | Army | 13 | 303 | 0 | 23.31 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 90 | Purdue | 14 | 327 | 0 | 23.36 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 91 | Notre Dame | 19 | 444 | 1 | 23.37 | 20 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 92 | New Mexico | 9 | 212 | 0 | 23.56 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 93 | UCLA | 15 | 354 | 0 | 23.60 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 94 | Western Ky. | 6 | 144 | 0 | 24.00 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 94 | Wisconsin | 14 | 336 | 0 | 24.00 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 96 | SMU | 12 | 292 | 0 | 24.33 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 97 | Toledo | 14 | 342 | 0 | 24.43 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 98 | Florida St. | 11 | 270 | 0 | 24.55 | 20 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 99 | Auburn | 20 | 491 | 0 | 24.55 | 23 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 100 | UAB | 14 | 345 | 0 | 24.64 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 101 | Alabama | 22 | 547 | 2 | 24.86 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 102 | Temple | 7 | 175 | 0 | 25.00 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 103 | Colorado St. | 16 | 408 | 0 | 25.50 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 104 | San Diego St. | 13 | 332 | 0 | 25.54 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 105 | Fresno St. | 19 | 491 | 0 | 25.84 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 106 | Penn St. | 14 | 362 | 0 | 25.86 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 107 | Utah St. | 8 | 211 | 0 | 26.38 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 108 | Georgia | 15 | 401 | 0 | 26.73 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 109 | New Mexico St. | 4 | 107 | 0 | 26.75 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 110 | Middle Tenn. | 15 | 405 | 1 | 27.00 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 111 | Minnesota | 11 | 302 | 0 | 27.45 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 112 | Nevada | 2 | 56 | 0 | 28.00 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 113 | La.-Monroe | 15 | 442 | 2 | 29.47 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 114 | South Carolina | 16 | 473 | 1 | 29.56 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 115 | Washington St. | 10 | 301 | 1 | 30.10 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 116 | Wyoming | 8 | 241 | 0 | 30.13 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 117 | Louisville | 13 | 397 | 1 | 30.54 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 118 | Virginia | 9 | 306 | 1 | 34.00 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 119 | Miami (OH) | 3 | 106 | 0 | 35.33 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 120 | San Jose St. | 8 | 283 | 1 | 35.38 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Throwback Thursday, ASU Style!
I know you’ve heard of Jon Fabris, but have you ever heard of Frank Kush? Coach Fab doesn’t know what intense is compared to the former Arizona State Head Coach. During his time at ASU, Kush was known for being one of the most physically demanding coaches in the game. His daily football practices in the heat of the Arizona desert are still the stuff of legend today.
One of his drills was known as “Bull in the Ring”, whereupon he would have the players form a circle. He would put a player in the middle (most often, a player he felt needed “motivation”), call out a uniform number, and blow his whistle. That player would charge the player in the middle and the two would engage in contact until Kush blew the whistle again. Whichever of the two players gave the best effort would go back to the circle, while the player “dogging it” would stay in until Kush decided he could quit. Former NFL and Arizona State player Curley Culp once broke a teammate’s facemask during this drill.
In September 1979, former Sun Devil punter Kevin Rutledge filed a $1.1 million lawsuit against the school, accusing Kush and his staff of mental and physical harassment that forced him to transfer. The most dramatic charge was that Kush had punched Rutledge in the mouth after a bad punt in the October 28, 1978, game against the University of Washington. In the weeks after the suit was filed, overzealous fans turned things ugly when the insurance office of Rutledge’s father suffered a fire and the family’s attorney received two death threats.
And you thought Dawg fan’s were crazy!
Coach Frank Kush on a better day…
Jacksonville, Home Sweet Home!
Well, it seems the “powers that be” have chosen to keep the Georgia -Florida Game in Jacksonville for now. Damon Evans made the announcement today that UGA will play UF in Jax for at least 6 more years. President Michael Adams said he was in full support of Evans’ decision. Okay, we’ll go with that.
Earlier this year, the WLOCP became a divisive issue for Georgia fans. Strong opinions supporting a home and home or even an occasional Atlanta game in the Georgia Dome seemed to gather some momentum. I think this issue was pretty clearly divided between Old School Dawgs and the Bark Nouveau.
I understand the young fans have pretty much never seen Georgia beat Florida. Does the fact that we were once something like 44-20 versus Florida not tell you something? All but a very few games were played in Jacksonville. We are STILL 47-38-2 in the now lop-sided “rivalry”.
Having been 3-1 against the lowly lizards myself, I don’t think, I know that geography has nothing to do with it. He who shall remain class-less brought Florida up from the abyss and after a slight “bump in the road” with Ron Zook, the Gators program has obviously been light years ahead of not just the SEC, but the entire college football world. Maybe not this year. Based on the games so far.
I believe Alabama wins this year’s SEC Championship.
Coach Mark Richt has brought the Georgia program to it’s highest level to date. There are now other hills to climb. Time will tell if he can do it with his present staff.
The SEC just keeps getting better and better.
Georgia’s Membership in SEC is Under Further Review
The gradual but accelerating decline of defense as a philosophy at The University of Georgia has caught the eye of the Southeastern Conference office in Birmingham. Michael Slive as the head of the conference has expressed a growing concern that UGA may not be up to the SEC standards of defensive football. Last night after the Bulldogs 52-41 “win” at Arkansas, he was over heard saying, ” I hear the WAC is looking to expand”.
The SEC By-law that has been called into question is 5.3(a) which reads…an SEC defense must exhibit at least some desire to stop the other team’s offense while defending one’s end zone with aggressiveness, toughness and actually covering receivers and tackling the opponent.
The first two paragraphs of this post are a total fabrication, but it could happen! If things don’t change, we are in deep kimchee. Forget the bend don’t break thing, our guys look completely lost in pass coverage. Linebackers neither getting to the quarterback nor dropping into pass coverage, but settling into no man’s land. Not enough catches are contested. Potential interceptions dropped.
Now, on quite a few occasions the Georgia defense has been put in tough situations. Turnovers are great for breakfast, in football, not so much. The fact that we have won with such a high number of fumbles can be looked at two ways. If we can possibly correct this and maintain our offensive production, we could have a special year. But that is a big IF. A failure to make said corrections will doom us to a very mediocre year.
Based on the Arkansas game, I’m betting Caleb King will have earned more carries and maybe even start. Almost any running back could have made the big run Richard Samuel made. Aside from that run, Richard was largely ineffective.
Back to the defense. I understand why Willie Martinez is still using a soft zone defense. With young guys like Brandon Boykin and sometimes Branden Smith, you can’t afford to risk man to man. Our men are too inexperienced. Bryan Evans has become quite the hitter, but has always been a weak coverage guy. Reshad Jones is pretty much the same kind of guy. These two are the new Thomas Davis/Greg Blue combo. Great in run support and make the occasional huge hit. But you can count on them getting sucked up and burned deep every single game. Georgia does not have the athletes to run a high pressure defense. Not enough pressure up front and our defensive backs are not talented or experienced enough to man up.
So smart guy, what is Willie to do?
Dawgs Win 52-41…
Yes….it’s still beating. But just barely! Check back for my next insightful commentary of Georgia Football!
How ’bout dem Bees!
(((((((33-17)))))))) hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
It’s good to know that losing is always an OPTION!
What’s that Coming Down the Track?
A serious, full fledged heart attack. If the Georgia Bulldogs continue to ride this roller coaster they’re on, taking pre-game medications will become a part of the tail-gating ritual. Do you want a Beta-Blocker Burger or a Digitalis Dog? Last Saturday I failed to take care of things before the game and by the second half I was feeling my blood pressure soar!
The only good thing about this ride we’ve been on is that we have such an upside. I feel like our defense is like Forrest Gump before the braces came off his legs. They are being held back. Let ‘em run Forrest! To be fair, our guys have been a patchwork of players trying to deal with injuries and suspensions. This week should be better as some of the missing pieces like Justin Houston come back.
Offensively we saw flashes of what could be. Richard Samuel, AJ Green, Branden Smith and Orson Charles all showed signs of fulfilling the promise of their recruiting hype. Caleb King will probably see his first action of the season. The fact that Marlon Brown and Rontavious Wooten are still waiting in the wings, is very exciting. Logan Gray, the one snap wonder, has to be a little frustrated. It would be better to not play at all, than to go in for no apparent reason.
I really believe we need to continue to give these young guys reps because they need to get over any jitters now. Let them build some confidence, so as the conference schedule progresses and Halloween approaches, this arsenal of weapons could be formidable. Sounds like Coach Richt may understand the need to open things up more and more. I hope so.
Today is Throwback Thursday… Arkansas Style!
The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t play Arkansas on a regular basis back in my day. The Razorbacks were in the now defunct Southwest Conference, which initially consisted of schools from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. One of my favorite stories of those days was when Arkansas played Oklahoma in the 1978 Orange Bowl. This was the end of the 1977 season. An awful season for us at Georgia, but this was a memorable bowl game. This is back when I liked their coach…..LOU HOLTZ. He was only known as “Coach” back then. He had yet to receive his PHD in Jibberish.
Anyhoo, The 6th ranked Razorbacks were 18 point underdogs to the 2nd ranked Sooners. Then the un-thinkable happened. Arkansas’ star running back, Ben Cowins was suspended right before the game. Roland Sales, a sophomore who had only gained 399 yards all year long went out and ran wild for 205 yards in this one contest alone. His performance, along with some great defense, allowed the Razorbacks to pummel OU 31-6.
It was beautiful!
I remember the TV folks saying that suspending your best running back on the eve of such a huge contest, was a death sentence to the Arkansas cause. Dr.Lou would later practice this same form of nonsensical rambling to the dismay of millions. Only wetter. Even so, He was a great coach. And what a great lesson. Do the right thing and win.
Keep in mind, this was Coach Holtz’ first year at Arkansas. This win in the Orange Bowl gave them a final record of 11-1 and put them in a four way tie with Alabama, Texas and Notre Dame, the eventual National Champion.
I have always admired that decision. Not enough coaches follow that line of thought. You break the rules, you suffer the consequences the NEXT game. Our Coach Richt is in that camp. In fact, Justin Houston makes his first start this weekend after a two game suspension. I wish him well.
Roland Sales runs for part of his 205 yards on 23 carries
Arkansas, the Other White Meat
The Georgia Football Bulldogs have shown signs of life. After looking rather dead in Oklahoma, they were on life support again last Saturday night. Rennie Curran answered the 911 call and the DawgNation took in a collective breath of life. I literally took my blood pressure medication in the 3rd quarter before my head popped off.
Some one said it was a crazy game but fun to watch. Hey, I don’t need fun in my life. I need life in my life, thank you very much. I won’t go over all the game’s details because they have been discussed plenty. All I want to say is this:
Thank the Lord for touch-backs. Or even the chance for some!
Great Job BW! Keep it up!
I am concerned about this weekend. I am really hoping Bobby Petrino gets a job offer today and maybe he’ll be gone by Saturday. If that does not happen, then we better get a better pass rush or pass coverage. I don’t care which, either one will help immensely. Justin Houston will be back from suspension and that’s a good thing. Going with four tackles was not the ticket.
Last week Ryan Mallett, who sat out last season after transferring from Michigan, went 17 for 22 for 309 yards and a touchdown for the Razorbacks. Backup Tyler Wilson also played and threw for 138 yards and two TDs. But that was against Missouri State.
Hopefully the Dawgs can slow-cook the Hawgs.
The reason I am optimistic is Joe Cox played better. He still needs to do more. Richard Samuel was an under-utilized bruiser. Branden “That little joker is fast” Smith finally had something go right for him. A little end a round action and a 61 yard touchdown.
Pssst. Branden! You can take a knee in the end-zone. Nobody will boo.
They might even cheer at this point.
Here’s the clincher. Dawg Fans have been screaming for Marlon Brown and Rontavious Wooten, our speedy freshman. I think Coach Richt and Co. are slowly adding the ingredients that as the season progresses, will be come a potent mix on offense. I think this eventually will include Logan Gray as well. We have so many weapons, it must be tough to decide which to pull out.
But even the biggest knife loses in a gun fight , remember?
Tell me what you really think!