Is Georgia the Real “Kicker U”?
I was going to post this last year and never did. Now, as of yesterday, I am working the Georgia Kicking Camp next Tuesday June 1st. Dax Langley is running the camp. It will be great to see him.
Ole’ Bill King of Junkyard Blawg fame or infamy depending on who’s posting, was apparently short on material one day. He posed the question that I am sure was on everyone’s mind at the time. Who is the best kicker in Georgia history?
I have no delusions on this one and actually posted a vote. UGA has had it’s share of successful kickers, whether on the college level or in the NFL. But is Georgia the true Kicker U?
I had to know!
Here is my UGA list:
Bobby Etter – Falcons – 1968, 1969
Alan Leavitt -All-America 1976 - Buccaneers – 1978?
Rex Robinson – All American 1979-1980 - Patriots – 1982
Kevin Butler – All American 1983-84 – Bears, Cardinals 1985-1997?
John Kasay – Seahawks, Panthers – 1990-Present – Holy Crap!
Todd Petersen – Giants, Seahawks, Falcons – 1991- 2005?
Billy Bennett – NCAA leader in FG’s (87)
Brandon Coutu – Seahawks – 2008
Blair Walsh – Lou Groza Finalist 2009
Who will be next? We may see him Tuesday.
Any guesses of the other Kicker U? The University of California-Berkeley
Ray Wershing – 49er’s – 1973-1987
Jim Breech- Bengals – 1978-1992
Mick Luckhurst – Falcons – 1981-1987(could have been longer)
Doug Brien – 49ers, Saints, Jets, Bucs, Colts, Bears -1994-2005
Ryan Longwell – Packers, Vikings – 1997-present
That’s a pretty strong group, but a couple of the guys I thought went to UC, Berkeley actually went to other California schools. Frank Corrale went to UCLA. So maybe UGA does out- shine Cal. It has been an amazing run for those who wanted to be a part of a great group of guys at Georgia.
Kickers? Different? Well yeah, you have to be to do what we do. It’s hard to put a finger on what came first. Crazy people being drawn to kick or kicking making them that way. Either way, you have to have a different mindset or you will be cuckoo for cocoa puffs.
As I mentioned earlier, I cast my vote on AJC.com. As much as I love the young guys, Kevin Butler is still the man. But who was the man that made the man, wanna be the man. Hmmm? Yeah, that’s right. lol. If you look, Kevin is still ranked #3 in career field goals and #4 in kick scoring in SEC history, nearly 25 years later!
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?
Phil, Tiger and Down 17
Why does Georgia’s G-Day Game coincide with The Masters? Does that make any sense? Bernie, see what you can do. I know that as good as attendance was at G-Day, it would be even better with no golf to compete with.
As last week wore on and Tiger was being described as some kind of victim, I grew more and more weary of the commentary. Tiger brought whatever scrutiny he was under on himself. No sympathy here.
What a juxtaposition between the Woods family and the Mickelson’s. Could they be any more different? One family’s future still very much in doubt. The other bonded by real adversity(cancer) and seemingly stronger now than ever.
The irony of it all is delicious. Isn’t karma a Buddist teaching anyway? Just asking.
For those of you not named Tarpley, I weighed in “down 17″ pounds this morning(4-13-2010). I had a rough weekend, especially Saturday, but I am back on the beam. Again thanks for all the support.
Gem City to Classic City and Back
The next few days in the Dawg Nation will be ones to remember. I can’t remember a stretch over a weekend with such promise. The Rotary Club of Marietta Park to Park Fun Run is the first of what I hope will be many race tee shirts for me. The starting line is at the First United Methodist Church in Marietta and begins at 8:00 AM.
After that, we’ll head to Athens to meet Chris Troxel of the Retractable Awning Canopy Company to see a great product that I hope to at least promote if not sell through Total Team Sports. Chris will be at the Tate Center Parking lot before the game and East Campus after.
Look for him!
We may have to stop by Glory Glory in Lawrenceville on the way to see the Lewis’. I can never drive that close to such a great selection of Dawg Stuff and not stop in. We may try and run by The Blind Pig Tavern to see the DawgVent folk. They kinda scare me so that is subject to change.
Oh yeah, then the G-Day Game!
After the game, I need to run by and see some old team mates at the Lettermen’s Bar-B-Que, but I want to go see the baseball game. Tomorrow, Chance Veazey is throwing out the first pitch. You should all come support the Diamond Dawgs and Chance. I know a lot of you are planning to anyway.
As Ole Lady Luck would have it, both of my sons will be in Athens tomorrow. Ryan lives in Athens and works for UGA, Sean will be coming up from Milledgeville(Georgia College and State University). I may get the see them as well.
How’s that for a Saturday.
Sunday, I will be out with some kickers in the afternoon. I start with a new kid from Wheeler HS. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.
Monday, I will be playing in The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Golf Tournament at The Marietta Country Club. You may want to avoid the vicinity. My old room/team mate, Frank Ros is playing this year.
Have a great weekend Dawgs! As the kids say, it could be epic!
A Miss Georgia You Never Heard Of
For the sake of doing something different and positive for Georgia Bulldog fans, here is Miss Georgia 2004, Salome Chikviladze. We’ll call her Sally.
The fact that this is the country of Georgia matters not to me. See her profile here and by all means see her swimsuit pic below. I swear I’m not going to do a “Babe of the week” like my son does on his blog.
I just ran across this profile while doing a very innocent search for a University of Georgia background on Google. I love me some Google, don’t you?
Go Dawgs!
Memories of Mel, and The Other 1980
When I hear the word Olympics, it takes me way back. Once again back to early1980 and a stolen opportunity for so many phenomenal athletes who had dedicated themselves to reach for the Rings. The boycott of these Summer Olympics in Moscow was a travesty (click). One of the athletes most affected was a Georgia Bulldog, Melvin Lattany (click). I had the unique pleasure to watch Mel, one of the top athletes in any sport to ever attend the University of Georgia.
I have attached links to some great stories, that tell the tale much better than I ever could, but suffice it to say, Mel was awesome. Between the present Olympics being underway and two plaques that are on my wall, Mel came to mind today.
About this time of year in 1980, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame held it’s award banquet, just as it does to this day. I was nominated for amatuer athlete of the year in 1980 and 1981, an award that was for any athlete of any sport at any college in Georgia. That’s right….me…a kicker.
Only one problem. In 1980 so was Mel and in 1981, so was Herschel. D, JD.
Here are the two guilty parties at a meet in Athens. Notice how Mel sort of left HW in the dust? Herschel weighed nearly sixty pounds more than Mel though. Herschel at 222, and Mel at 165. That fact was far more amazing to me than any football accomplishment of #34. Mel told me that at age 50 he weighs 195. He trains five days a week and can still run a 4.7 40. Wow.
Mel lives in London now. I reconnected with him about 2 months ago. In researching my first post on Herschel’s MMA debut, I read an article that Mel actually commented on. The “intrawebs” made it very easy to find him and trade emails within hours.
1980 has vastly different memories for Mel and I. Both historic, but on different ends of the emotional spectrum. I, along with my team mates found the ultimate in joy and triumph. Mel and his Olympic team mates saw only frustration and disappointment. Let’s hope no aspiring Olympian has their hopes dashed by politics ever again.
Chance Veazey Fundraiser in Tifton
This is my invitation to all of you , to come to a Chance Veazey Fundraiser in Tifton next Friday, January 29th. Several members of the 1980 team will be on hand to lend our support to the young Bulldog baseball player paralyzed in a scooter accident last fall.
The event will be held at the Tifton UGA Conference Center and starts at 5:00 PM with an autograph signing and a memorabilia auction to follow.
I hope to see you there.
Why Grantham?
You may have questions about the process we have endured to finally name a DC at Georgia. You may even have questions about Todd Grantham himself. After all, his only stint as a Cleveland Browns DC was less than stellar in some people’s minds.
The only stat I need to see is the flowing:
Coaches who hired Todd Grantham
FrankBeamer/Bud Foster
Nick Saban
Romeo Crennel
Dom Capers
Wade Phillips
That’s a veritable who’s who of great defensive minds to have learned from and coach for. The fact that each of these men hired Todd Grantham, says it all to me. Congratulations to Coach Grantham and Coach Mark Richt!
Proceed with GATA! Go Dawgs!
2010 Will Be Better
The year 2009 will go down as an off year, a down year, for Georgia Football and life in general. The Dawgs should recover nicely with the changes that are imminent. New coaches, a new attitude that is apparent from Coach Richt and the likelihood of a renewed focus on every level. But hey, 13 consecutive years with 8 or more wins ain’t bad.
I feel the same way about my life. I started Total Team Sports in early 2009 and while things have gone well, in looking back, I made a lot of mistakes. In the sporting goods business these days, having access to “brand name” merchandise is crucial in certain circumstances, but as a new “Team” dealer without a retail presence, I can’t get every single brand out there.
I will continue to provide practice gear for every sport and especially in packages for fund-raising efforts. No need to go to the “BIG BOX” stores and pay retail when you can put it in a practice pack and pay a “team price”. Contact me for details at rexrobinson5@gmail.com or click here or here for just a couple of examples.
Late in the year, the opportunity to sell a great quality lettermen’s jacket presented itself. Stewart and Strauss has sold directly to the public for over 30 years on a retail basis. I contacted them in the summer and I am now one of only six dealers in the country that sell their jackets on a “wholesale” basis. I am very fortunate in that regard. There is no doubt, 2010 will be a huge year for lettermen’s jackets for Total Team Sports.
Another major difference in where I am headed with TTS is corporate apparel and not just athletic gear. I can supply any need for your business. For corporate, industrial, and institutional applications, I have some great alternatives. Just click on the Total Team Sports, LLC ad at the top of the page or here.
Just like with the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs, the main thing is to learn from the mistakes that were made and not repeat them. Learn, make adjustments and move forward, never looking back. Get better every day.
Happy New Year and Go Dawgs!
The War of Southern Derision
The Georgia Bulldogs lost in remarkably stunning fashion Saturday night and that’s all I have to say on that subject. The glaringly obvious. No keen insight here. I don’t want to dwell on it one more second, because we can’t afford to. There is only one chance to make this season of regret, a season to remember. That my friends would come true with an upset of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
What used to be inept, is now adept. What used to be a punchline, will now punch you in the face. If we are to have a chance to leave Atlanta victorious, it will take an epic performance on defense. Will it happen? No Rextradamus here. Can it happen? Absolutely. That’s why they call them upsets.
What a perfect spot to resurrect a season, a team and even a program in flux. Atlanta was burned in “The War of Northern Aggression”.
Let’s “burn” it again in THE WAR OF SOUTHERN DERISION.
Here’s an example for your consideration Dawg fan.
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
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.
Georgia Bulldogs – That 70′s Show
The Georgia Bulldogs were very fortunate to escape the confines of Home Sweet Hedges with a victory this past Saturday night. The South Carolina game final score was close as usual, but with some offense thrown in for a change. 41-37? That was supposed to be last weeks score at Okie State! Man, I’m confused!
Back in the day, we didn’t score 41 points in our two SC victories combined(28). That was strange. Something that did look familiar though is the bend don’t break defense, big plays on special teams and winning ugly. I felt like it was 1978 all over again.
I want to apologize on behalf of those late 1970′s and even the 1980 team. I hope you all will forgive us for putting you through such torture, such frustration and contributing to your collective drinking problems. I was at home watching that dang game Saturday night and even though Rennie Curran kept me among the living, I still lost several years off my life.
I never knew why people criticized Coach Dooley so harshly. Now I do. Heck, I’m even mad at him right now. Just kidding coach! I can’t tell you how many games we were outgained and seemingly outplayed but still found a way to win.
People said we were lucky.
Coach Russell said, “I’d rather be lucky than good”.
Coach Dooley said, “Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet”.
I sure hope we continue to court ‘Ole Lady Luck and treat her right and make her happy. I wouldn’t want to piss her off. I think we are going to need her.
This Naked Pig is Smokin’!
Georgia Bulldog Fans! It’s true, I was there. Last Saturday while many of you were in Stillwater, I was in Acworth, Georgia gettin’ busy with some pulled pork and ribs. I’m not ashamed, I’d do it again if I was invited again.. You should too.
Earlier this year the idea for The Naked Pig was conceived by one of my oldest friends, Anthony Swiatek. We’ve known each other for over 40 years, which pains me to say, but the alternative sucks even more, if you know what I mean.
Anthony invited me to his Super Bowl Party and I was able to sample his BBQ for the first time. Everything was great but his ribs hit me in the head! They were awesome! Later in the year we started talking about him doing a tail-gating biz where he does all the work for you…all you do is just show up and party! Well one thing led to another and circumstances thrust Anthony together with another old high school friend, Terry Decker.
Terry’s family has been in the restaurant business for over forty years. Together, these two Georgia Fans bring more than great food to the table.
But you may be asking yourself, ” why they would call their business “THE NAKED PIG”? Well if you knew these two guys you wouldn’t give it a second thought, but it actually does make sense. Their Q is so good, it does not need to be dressed(with sauce). It’s very true. The Naked Pig is a full service event planning company available for Tailgate parties, Block parties, Reunions, Fundraisers, and Corporate Outings.
Contact terry@thenakedpig.com or call (678)740-PIGS(7447)
I have a feeling we might even be in Athens sometime this fall. I will let you know. Just FYI, I am not receiving any remuneration for this post. Heck, I just want some more ribs down the road.
Terry, the Kicker and Anthony in happier times…about an hour before Okie State!
Georgia’s Biggest Rivals, Real or Imagined?
The pundits are always talking about how competitive SEC football is and how much natural rivalries play into the weekly grind. In looking at the new UGA Media Guide, I noticed some interesting tidbits. Some folks have handed it to the Dawgs, some series are competitve and some we dominate more than I realized.
Alabama has an eleven game lead in a series that until recently was very on again off again. In the olds days we rotated those teams that are now mostly SEC Western Division teams, except Auburn and Ole Miss who we played every year.
This is our record against our traditional rivals:
Alabama 25-36 -4
Auburn - 51- 53-8
Clemson-41-17-4(ACC)
Florida -47-38-2
Georgia Tech -59-37-5
Kentucky -49-11-2
LSU -12-14-1
Mississippi -30-12-1
Mississippi State -16-5-0
South Carolina - 45-14-2
Tennessee -16-20-2
Vanderbilt - 49-18-2
What jumped out at me and maybe you too is that as tough as the South Carolina series seems, it’s on par with our record against Vanderbilt. That blew me away. It’s the same way with Clemson, Kentucky and for many years Florida also. Games like this week with South Carolina always seem close, but we do dominate the Gamecocks.
The Dawgs have some work to do this week to beat South Carolina, but they can do it.
Go Dawgs!
Bulldog Fans Find Muddy Water Hard to Swallow
Stillwater was pretty clear. The Georgia Bulldogs have a lot of work to do. The Dawgs really did disappoint in their first game and I have waited to see if the water would clear up. After Saturday’s loss in Stillwater, all the questions supposedly answered during pre-season practice have been dredged back up again. Is Joe Cox the man to lead us at quarterback? Who is our running back? Can we cover kick-offs?
I don’t know, do you?
What I do know is that if it’s still a question mark at this point, it’s falls back on the coaching staff. Whatever your criticism of choice; play calling, conditioning, or choosing to directionally kick-off, it all comes back to the staff and particularly Coach Richt.
I understand that Joe Cox was under the weather. To what extent, I don’t know. If he was physically unable to perform, he should not have been put in that position. COACHING. If he had recovered sufficiently to play near 100% of his abilities, then we have a problem. Joe is a fifth year senior and did not look it at all. From decision-making to telegraphing his passes to his throwing motion, it was not good. COACHING. How can a young man be in our program for four plus years and have such bad mechanics? It’s not about MS vs. JC, it’s about doing it the right way and if MS was stronger then so be it.
Richard Samuel looked good at times, but he runs hard and goes down easy. He looked very much the same to me, minus the fumbles, which is good. Carlton Thomas had some flashes but got blown up and fumbled. He definitely needs more touches whenever possible.
The kickers looked pretty good. I think Blair Walsh did all that was asked of him. Drew Butler had a great punting average but needs more hang-time for sure. The other aspects of special teams were fairly poor. Too many return yards and too many penalties really hurt us, obviously.
To be going into the SEC schedule with this many question marks is very scary, but most of these issues are fixable. COACHING.
Until further notice muddy water is all we have.
Georgia Football…My Pre-Game Preparation, Then and Now
The “IveyLeaguer” has posed a question I should have answered already. My old routine included mentally covering every conceivable scenario and how I would react. A concept I learned from NASA procedures, believe it or not. I liked the idea of knowing what you would do in the “heat of battle” well before the battle. NASA wrote it all down, I just visualized it all, over and over and over.
This created a sort of self- induced nervousness that meant many sleepless nights during game week. I roamed the “halls” of McWhorter Hall many, many nights. While my team mates had visions of Sugar Bowls dancing in their heads, I was a zombie. But what it translated into on Saturday was a feeling of complete confidence and no doubts.
On Game day, I had a definite ritual involving everything from what I ate and drank at the pregame meal, to watching a little LOONEY TUNES on TV…Yep, Bugs was always a favorite. I also got dressed in a particular order…socks first then pants…then jersey. Nothing superstitious but like Coach Russell always said.”Why take chances?’
Prep these days is much simpler..plenty of football food..a variety of beverages…my new Sharp Aquos I got for last bowl season…and simply assuming the position at 12:00 noon and then game after game after game.
Go Dawgs!
Follow-up Friday
- For the answer to the question, “What is your Pregame Ritual? The acquisition of an adequate supply of beer was not just the NUMBER 1 answer, it was the only answer. I guess I forgot who my readers were!
- It’s Game Day Eve and I am about to bust for real. I think writing this blog and interacting with the Dawg Nation has heightened the anticipation for the season for me. Sort of a like..well never mind.
- The South Cracka-Lacky LameCocks and NC State WoefulPack were hard to watch…Don’t get over confident, though. Let’s stay focused next week so we can pound Spurrier into retirement!
- I am sooo glad that Oregon and Boise State shook hands before last nights game. Almost immediately after, they had to be separated due to trash talk and posturing near mid-field. I love it when I’m right! Oh yeah, an Oregon RB sucker punched a Boise State player who looked to be trash talking after the game.. Wow.
- I sincerely hope Richard Samuel is ready for a heavy work-load tomorrow. Caleb King’s hammy has been slow to heal and is not even going to Stillwater. I bet he will be at the Parkview or Greater Atlanta Christian Game tonight.
- Georgia’s defense is scary good when focused. Think Hawaii…I look forward to them being that defense tomorrow.
- Prediction for the Georgia Tech-Jacksonville State game….224-0….Paul Johnson will try and set a new Tech record. The Cumberland score of 222-0 has stood long enough.
- The Florida score? Who gives a….
Sportsmanship a Bad Idea
The Georgia Bulldogs and Oklahoma State Cowboys meet this Saturday to play Big Boy football. This season opener has more hype than a Hannah Montana Concert, but with less testosterone. OSU Head Coach Mike Gundy does not want to comply with a pregame hand shake requested by the AFCA and Director Grant Teaff. Gundy is concerned that bringing these two teams together for a receiving line could precipitate a brawl. I am not sure why he thinks Georgia would start anything.
Maybe he’s concerned we would finish it…you know..we do FINISH THE DRILL!
It’s perfectly reasonable and customary to shake an opponents hand after doing battle. There is nothing wrong with a grateful winner and gracious loser. What the AFCA is proposing is taking two hyped up groups of finely tuned, aggressive athletes whose whole summer has been dominated by thoughts of kicking off this season with a bang, and then throw cold water on it.
This is the “G” of today, not the “U” of old. Even so, keeping the players apart during this crucial time of pregame build-up has been the priority, not thrusting them together.
I’m not sure why this is happening now. It’s been a couple of years since any major fights have occurred. All I know is all of a sudden it feels less like a Georgia game and more like the Little League World Series. I don’t like it.
LATE BREAKING NEWS…OSU has decided to NOT participate in the ceremonial handshake.
The BCSAT, UGA’s Test Begins at OSU
The new look Georgia Bulldogs have a long season ahead. Each week a new question in a long test. The BCSAT. It’s difficult to know if Georgia can answer all the questions in the pundits minds. The questions change every year. The opener in Stillwater this week could effect the final grade. Answering the bell and building some confidence will go along way towards competing in the “EAST” and ultimately another 10 win season.
Anyone who professes to know what will happen on Saturday is delusional at best and a liar at worst. How did we do on our BCSAT’s last year? I’m glad we get a re-do every year. There are way too many questions on both teams to know how we will do for sure . You know all the names, so I won’t rehash that. At this point, it’s about the little things.
Can Georgia stay healthy? Can we minimize penalties and other mistakes that plagued us last year? Until we establish ourselves, we cannot afford to shoot ourselves in the foot. The offense does not need to be spectacular, just consistent. The defense does not need to be oppressive, just fundamentally sound. Obviously, the special teams need to pull their weight for this to be a complete team, but I think they will.
The pieces are there. Some are very young talented pieces, but they do have leadership in key spots. That’s something that may have held us back a year ago. Back in the day, we surprised some people when no one expected much from us.
Maybe we’ll ace the BCSAT’s this year!
So Far, I’m Wrong and Loving It
Georgia Bulldogs running back Richard Samuel has bolted into the lead as the heir apparent at Tailback U. I for one am pleasantly surprised because of his struggles to fully adjust to the college game last year as 17 year old true freshman. Sometimes it’s difficult to judge when it’s a boy in a man’s body. But boy oh boy, that’s no boy now.
Just a few weeks ago I had predicted a different outcome, but Caleb King pulled a hamstring and Richard and red-shirt freshman Carlton Thomas have both had two outstanding scrimmages. I have no problem being wrong, in fact I’m ecstatic. As many have said, the prospect of a true thunder and lightning combination could be just what Georgia needs this year.
On top of that, the Bulldogs offensive line has been heaped with praise and expectations this year. If they can fulfill that promise, these two running backs could find themselves thrust into national prominence as a top backfield combo. The icing on that tasty cake is that a even an above average running game should allow QB Joe Cox to go out with bang this year, with his many targets at wide receiver and now some young, talented tight ends.
I believe the continued emergence of Richard and Associates will be an answer to prayer and The Bulldog Nation is very, very thankful for that.
Those Vainglorious Beesturds
I am so sorry, but I just could not resist. Is it not perfect? After winning the “State Championship” for the first time since 2000, you’d think that Tech had won an ACC Championship or a National Championship or something. The seniors of 2008 voted to put 45-42 on their Chic-fil-a Bowl ring? I can actually understand that. The 1990 Tech team won a share of the MNC, something unique in Tech’s history. The 2008 squad did something just as unique. They beat Georgia.
I found a very informative article in the Bleacher Report, published just two weeks after last year’s game. The writer was very prophetic in his guess that Tech would act as if this somehow put them on par with THE University of Georgia. That is a worthy goal to be sure, but a goal measured over years and years of success against the toughest of competition, the SEC.
Or maybe winning more than 12 games in 45 years against your in-state rival.
((((((((12-33))))))) – Hahahahahahahahaha!
Coach Mark Richt Misquoted
I have been misquoted a few times in my life, nothing too serious or damaging, just frustrating. Coach Mark Richt does interviews almost every day of his life. I am sure he occasionally has to deal with some corrections. I am sure he was quick to call a certain newspaper last week, because they obviously misrepresented him in a big way. That’s the only thing that makes sense. In an article about Brandon Bogotay and the possibility his kicking abilities might bring about a change in the kick-off philosophy Coach Richt allegedly said this about Brandon:
Man, if I was Coach Richt I would be ticked off. There is no way Mark Richt said that. He knows better than to think that kickers can kick a ball 75+ yards and to a spot. As I’ve written before, the best kick-off man in America last year was David Buehler from USC. He ”only” kicked 54% of his kicks for touchbacks and number two was not even close. David is a 6’2″ 225 lb. true athlete that is in training camp with the Dallas Cowboys. But Coach Richt knows that. I am sure Coach Jon Fabris, who was also blatantly misquoted, has done the research and passed it along to Coach Richt.
Boy, I bet the roof of Butts-Mehre is still in orbit from when the coaches found out. I would be mad too. It makes the coaches look like they don’t have an understanding of what rules have been changed and what is reasonable to expect from a kicker these days. I don’t believe that for a second. They are too good at what they do for this one area to be so deficient, so weak, so totally in the dark.
I have not seen a retraction yet, but it should be forthcoming. It has to. It just has to.
UGA, Who Do We Think We Are?
I have not posted anything in 4 days. I’m still steamed about something reported out of Athens and as of this posting, still don’t have the “cajones” to say all that I want to say. Anyway, I hope that title grabbed you, because it did me. I found it on ugasports.com, The Dawgvent. A member named “davisinga” had it on his profile. He may have posted it awhile back but I never saw it. I thought it was worth posting here, lest there be any doubt in anyone’s mind. DawgNation, Who DO we think we are? I have printed it as it was posted, without regard to typos and the like. I just like the sentiment.
Who do WE think WE are?
WE are THE University of Georgia! (U-G-A)
Who does UGA Think It is?
UGA is the Flagship University in The State of Georgia
UGA has a winning tradition that spans back to 1892
UGA is the largest institution of higher learning in the State of Georgia
UGA is 58th overall (public and private) in the nation
UGA is 38,831 students proud and strong
UGA is Larry Munsun and Lauren Smith blaring on an AM transistor radio
UGA is Fran Tarkenton, Herschel Walker, Charlie Trippi, Hines Ward, Garrisom Hearst, Terrell Edwards, Jim Cagle, George Woodruff, Wallace Butts and The B-52s,
UGA is Dominiqoue Wilkins, Chip Beck, Champ Bailey, Bill Goldberg, Billy Payne, Bill Stanfill, Vince Dooley (and Barbara), Pat Dye, Lewis Grizzard, Theresa Edwards, Knowshon Moreno, Mikael Pernfors, Bubba Watson, and REM
UGA is the greatest of all sports mascots… UGA I – VI (Watcha got Lauren)
UGA is the school that beats its in State rival so consistently they strive to be like us
UGA is surrounded by schools in the SEC with bigger budgets, richer traditions and more name recognition yet UGA never backs down
UGA is the team that historically has beaten Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, LSU, and others
UGA is the Rock that SEC Conference was built upon
UGA is Tailgating on Saturday afternoons in the hallowed confines of Athens
UGA is not defined by any one man or woman but by tradition
UGA is not satisfied with mediocrity and 3 loss seasons
UGA is not satisfied with finishing 2nd in SEC Conference (or nation)
UGA is not satisfied with going to Bowl games before New Years Day
Who do WE think WE are?
WE think WE are the heart and Soul of SEC Conference and should compete for the championship every year
WE think WE are program that should be a top 10 program most every year
WE think WE are a program that should be competing with USC, LSU, and ND as BSC annual contenders
WE think WE should have played and beat USC in the Rose Bowl this year
WE think WE are a program that should excel in all academia and athletics
WE think WE are a program that not only meets but exceeds expectations
Who do WE think WE are?
WE ARE THE UNIVERSITY OF ” BY GOD” GEORGIA!!!
I don’t think I can add anything to that…oh yeah.
To Hell with Georgia Tech!
Tell me what you really think!