FRESHMAN QB - WHAT TO EXPECT?

I AM MORE OPTIMISTIC THAN HISTORY DICTATES

I am excited about many aspects of the Dawgs offense heading into the 2010 campaign but first let me address my biggest concern - QB. In Richt's tenure in Athens, we have had two seasons in which a freshman QB saw the majority of snaps. In 2006, true freshman Matthew Stafford became the starter several games into the season on the way to posting a record of 9-4 and finished the year with a flurry of wins over Auburn, Tech and Va. Tech and was ranked #23 in the final AP poll. In 2001, red-shirt freshman David Greene started from day one and led the team to and 8-4 record, an AP #22 ranking, and Greene was the consensus SEC Freshman of the Year. I suppose if we use these two seasons as a guide, we should expect to finish the season ranked about where we are now in the AP at #23 and would be looking at four losses. I am more optimistic than that.

I do not expect Aaron Murray to have as many career victories as Greene nor do I expect him to be the first pick overall in an NFL draft. However, barring injury, I am expecting him to win more games as a freshman starter than Greene or Stafford did. The top reasons for my optimism are - in no particular order: favorable schedule, veteran/talented offensive line, AJ Green, stable of NFL tight ends, improved and aggressive defense, brilliant kick returners, best duo of kickers in UGA history (arguably- apologies to Rex), no Tebow, two-headed tailback combo of King-Ealey, 3rd year starter at FB with Chapas, and an improved and aggressive defense (worth mentioning twice.)

Murray will have a solid core of offensive talent around him to ease the burden placed on him to carry the offense. The most important thing he will need to do is limit mistakes and learn learn learn every week. If our rushing attack gets off to a fast start he should find him self in favorable down and distance scenarios throughout the first several games and that should give him time to learn, adjust to the speed of the game and gain confidence. Without a doubt he will make freshman mistakes, but the timing of those mistakes will make all the difference. We could use some old lady luck in this regard.

Having AJ Green as a primary target will help any QB but we will really need the other receivers to create sufficient threat so that AJ can't be doubled on every snap. Having Kris Durham back will help and good seasons from Tavares King and Rantavious Wooten are critical. Marlon Brown, are you ready for some football? The tight ends are the deepest and most talented group probably ever assembled in NCAA history. Aron White and Orson Charles are consistent threats to go long and Figgins/Lynch make a formidable blocking and sure-handed combination. Lastly, Chapas coming out of the backfield on the FB screen or wheel route represents the best receiving threat at that position since Haynes. Hopefully Murray won't be put in too many positions where the game will come down to his arm, but if it does, he will have plenty of talent on the field to help him out.

One additional note on Aaron Murray that isn't insignificant is that he has enough athletic ability to elude the rush better than Cox could last year so he could, at times, make things happen with his feet. While that is not something we want him to do too often, the ability to move out of the pocket and tuck and run if necessary will save a few drives this season. Again, the timing of those saves will make all the difference.

Final note: Murray must stay healthy! I don't even want to consider the alternative right now. Dadgummit Zach Mettenberger!

Single Digits and Oh the Discipline

Single Digits and Oh the Discipline

Being that this is a blog about college football, and more specifically, the University of Georgia college football team, can you imagine the discipline it takes to write nothing at all for the interminable months between the bowl game and the season opener? Sure, some bloggers write about recruiting, spring ball, off-season scooter incidents, AD’s Gone Wild, etc. But not me. No sir. I have such mad discipline that I am not even sure that it is yet appropriate for me to awaken this blog from its hibernation. But as of today, we are within single digit days from kick-off – nine to be exact – and I am on vacation so I have enough time on my hands to break protocol and start talking football.

Actually, I am the kind of person that tries to not get too excited about things too far in advance. For example, Leslie and I are on a flight to Aspen where we will spend 4 days and then will go to Red Rocks to see David Gray and Ray LaMontagne on Monday night. This is basically a dream vacation and I cannot wait to get boots on the ground in Aspen. But until American Airlines took our checked luggage and charged us $50 for the privilege, I could not start relaxing and feeling like I am on vacation. Naturally, I did enough research to formulate some ideas about how to spend our days in Apsen and I splurged for second row/center tickets at Red Rocks and downloaded Ray’s newly released album “God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise.” But I won’t really be fired up until I see the first Rocky Mountain and taste my first Colorado made craft brew. That’s just me. I think it is a Pisces thing.

Anyway… that’s how I am about football season as well. I watch and wait and bide my time and save the adrenaline until I can smell the freshly cut grass of Sanford Stadium on the morning of the opener. I think this mentality is compounded this pre-season because of all of the unknowns surrounding our football team, some of which are anticipated with great optimism (new defensive philosophy) and some of which cause more than enough anxiety (freshman QB with no depth.) I have followed the practice reports and the heavily trafficked blogs daily and the news is so bland and vanilla that it actually makes me happy. The absence of bad news has been good news. Also, the absence of irrational exuberance has been comforting. This is my kind of season. We will go in barely in the Top 25, with little or no national spotlight and pressure and being given only a slight chance to win the SEC East. Under the radar, as they say. I like this. I prefer to be underrated. As a former Naval Officer, I appreciate the tactical advantages of the element of surprise. I just hope the surprises are pleasant ones for us Dawg fans.

I think the over/under on wins this regular season is 10. I think that I think that every year. It might have something to do with the multiple 10 win season we have enjoyed under Mark Richt in the past decade. In my view, if we win less than 10 games, I will be disappointed. If we win more than 10 games, I will be elated and if we win exactly 10 games, can I pick the ones we win? If so, I could still end up elated! Based on the so-called experts, my expectations are inflated. But, I will stand by them and I will hold out much optimism for the following primary reasons (to be discussed in greater detail in subsequent posts):

AJ Green – if he remains healthy… Oh boy!

Veteran and beastly offensive line – Lord, please let Sturdivant remain healthy all year and let this line run block like they did against the nats in the season finale.

Tight End U – How do we utilize all of these guys enough?

Two-headed Tailback King/Ealey – Like the O-line, please start this season like you finished last season.

This quote: “Our defensive philosophy is that it is not our job to stop the offense, it is their job to stop us.” No more of the old bend until you break mentality.

Speed on the corners and Hammers at safety. B. Smith, Boykin, Cuff, Rambo, N. Williams, et al. This should be fun to watch.

Death from the Edge – This means you Justin Houston and Darryl Gamble.

Groza/Guy Winners? – Walsh and Butler

Indeed, I can find ample reasons to think that this team can win at least 10 regular season games. What do you think?

SAINTS SAINTS SAINTS

Way to go Saints! I thoroughly enjoyed your great victory!

Here is a cool video of the celebration in New Orleans.

Saints Superbowl Victory Celebration from Cottage Films on Vimeo.

Good For Pulpwood - The Real Pulpwood Smith

My friend Andre Pulpwood Smith is doing well back home in Coffee County...

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Andre ‘Pulpwood’ Smith Testimony

Mon Feb 8^th, 6:30pm at Crossroads Celebrate Recovery (Day after Super Bowl)

(See attached photo of Andre (#35) rushing for almost 200 yards and 2 touchdowns in Georgia’s 24-14 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in 1984)

Former Georgia Bulldog leading football rusher, Andre ‘Pulpwood’ Smith, plans to share how the Lord helped him overcome drug addiction and redirect his life to serve the Lord and assist others seeking recovery from destructive hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Pulpwood’s testimony is scheduled for 6:30pm Monday, February 8^th, as part of the Celebrate Recovery Ministry of Crossroads Church at 1846 S Peterson Av, across from the entrance to the Douglas Municipal Airport on Hwy 441 South in Douglas (former 84 Lumber). Few names are more synonymous with athletic excellence in Coffee County than the legendary Andre ‘Pulpwood’ Smith of Broxton. Electricity seemed to fill the air when # 5 stepped onto the playing field for the Coffee High Trojans. Andre went on to the University of Georgia and led the Bulldogs in rushing yardage his Sophomore year in ‘84. Many across the Bulldog nation thought they might be witnessing the emergence of next Herschel Walker.

Andre’s illustrious football career came to an abrupt halt following the ’84 GA – FSU Citrus Bowl game regarding a UGA drug policy. Coach Vince Dooley, who remains friends with Andre, encouraged Smith to take some time off and return the University of Georgia to continue playing football. Sadly, the next year of Andre’s life led him down a path that would cost him, not only a continuation of his career at UGA, but in many football expert opinions, what would have most likely led to a prosperous NFL career as a running back. Many may remember that Andre was also a star player on all three of Coffee High’s Baseball State Championship teams. Some say that Smith could have played Major League Baseball as well, but Coach Dooley preferred that Andre focus on football at UGA. Andre aspires to use his Christian faith and knowledge of athletics to inspire younger generations to reach their greatest potential in life by doing their best, making wise choices, and avoiding the destructive path that substance abuse, immorality, and arrogance will lead to.

Celebrate Recovery is an international ministry designed to help those seeking on-going recovery from all kinds of harmful addictions, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Celebrate Recovery, based on the eight principles taught by Christ in the Beatitudes, includes healing truths, not only for drug and alcohol addictions, but also for many other unhealthy compulsions such as overeating, anger, lust, co-dependency, pornography, discouragement, unforgiveness, immorality, greed, ingratitude, etc. Celebrate Recovery supports and includes the 12 Step Recovery Program of AA & NA. A light meal will be served for all who attend at 6:30 with the recovery ministry immediately following at 7pm Monday February 8^th at Crossroads Church. Crossroads normal Celebrate Recovery is held 5pm each Sunday, but this special 6:30pm Monday Celebrate Recovery is so those who may attend other churches can come hear Andre Smith share his story. Pulpwood extends a special invitation to all local coaches, athletes, recreation staff, participants, and fans. For more information, please call or email either Marty Wilkes at 260-1160 CrossroadsPastor@windstream.net or Celebrate Recovery Leader Mitchell Justice at 260-1450 dmitchelljustice@yahoo.com . The public is welcome to attend, and childcare will be provided. Crossroads is a Smyrna Baptist, GBC & SBC affiliate

Todd Grantham is a Dawg

It is now official and barring a Glenn Mason about-face, Todd Grantham will be our new defensive coordinator. From what I have read, it appears he is a hard-nosed teacher who gets results. In Dallas, his defensive linemen have appreciably raised their level of play. You can read all about his defensive units and their results over the past several years at the link provided.

He has played and coached under Frank Beamer and Bud Foster and also coached under Nick Saban. In my view, Beamer and Saban are the two coaches in the college game with the most impressive defensive philosophies and results. (Charlie Strong gets a nod as well. Monte Kiffin too, but he has only done the college thing recently to help out little Laney.) To learn from Beamer and Saban is about the best preparation one can get. Now it is Grantham time to make his mark on the college game. GATA CTG!

DC Search Over?

It is being reported that Todd Grantham is expected to sign a 3 year deal to be the Dawgs new defensive coordinator. This sounds reliable, but I will wait until I hear it from Coach Richt and/or Coach Grantham before I accept it as dried ink.

For the record... I think this is as good a hire as Kirby Smart or Tim DeRuyter. All three look great on paper, so I have high hopes if Grantham indeed signs the deal.

Runaway Lane

With regard to the Lane Kiffin affair: Res Ipsa Loquitur - it speaks for itself. But, this thing is perfect for song...

Runaway Lane

This is perfect.

Like the Energizer Bunny, the DC search is still going... still going

So Kirby Smart stays at Bama. Ok. If he doesn't want to come to UGA then, by default, he is not the man for the job. Who then?

It seems that Bloggers, Tweeters and Venters are focused on three guys and a ghost. Todd Grantham in Dallas, Travis Jones in New Orleans, Tim DeRuyter at Air Force and the Ghost of Erk Russell. I am not sure if folks are looking at Travis to be DC or on the new staff as a position coach. Either way, he is well-respected and would be a great addition.

I think my favorite from this group may be Tim DeRuyter. Check this out:

Against Navy's triple option (hello PJ) - held them to 209 total yards and lowest point total of the season at 13 in regulation.

Against Utah's spread (hello Urban Meyer) - held them to their lowest scoring output of the season at 16 in regulation.

(Both of the above games went into OT so I didn't count the 10 points allowed in OT)

Against Houston's air show (hello 5600 passing yards) - held them to lowest scoring output of the season at 20.

Also held TCU to their third lowest scoring output at 20.

Air Force played some pretty potent offenses of all styles and held their own with service academy defenders. This guy knows what he is doing. He is smart and he is a service academy grad - which earns extra points at the HDD Blog.

This is from the USAFA Athletic Dept. Bio:
All told, DeRuyter has 18 years of coaching experience, all at the NCAA Division I-A level, and has coached in nine bowl games. He has experience with both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes and in pressure, attack-style philosophies. DeRuyter's defenses have traditionally been ranked among the national leaders during his 18-year coaching career at three different I-A schools.

And there is this from the The Gazette in CO. Springs:
DeRuyter’s defensive unit was among the nation’s best in 2009. The Falcons finished the season ranked 10th in scoring defense and 11th in total defense. And the unit’s performance in the Armed Forces Bowl against Houston was a masterpiece. The Falcons limited the nation’s top-ranked passing offense to a season-low 222 yards through the air and picked off quarterback Case Keenum six times.

DeRuyter earned $205,000 in 2009. He will be a head coach one day. But perhaps a 4 or 5 year stint at a Top 10 program will be the perfect stepping stone.

Your thoughts?

Georgia's New Defensive Coordinator will be...

I have not yet opined in this space regarding our DC search. A month ago, I had no idea who we would get. Now, after filtering the scant public information bouncing around and trying to find credibility in the glut of rumors, I am ready to commit. At the time of this writing (Sat afternoon 1/10) I believe Kirby Smart will be our next DC. I am not alone in this thinking and this well-reasoned article by Dawgs BUI reflects my sentiments perfectly.

I have heard the chorus of reasons why we are too ambitious in our hope that Kirby will come to UGA. But, Dawgs BUI makes the case that this is not a basic lateral move. I would add that padding an extra $100-200k on your compensation is not "lateral." If UGA can offer Kirby a contract worth more than $600k, that is a compelling reason to come back to his alma mater. You know what else, I knew Kirby when he played at Georgia and he was not just a brilliant All SEC safety and a great student, he was a Bred-in-the-Bone Bulldog who loved UGA and being a Dawg. That matters. You don't just turn that off when you graduate. Trust me, Kirby wants to see the Dawgs win the SEC East every year and if he wasn't coaching against the Dawgs, he would want them to win the SEC every year. I believe Kirby would want to come back to UGA and help lift us to our first National Championship since he was a little boy.

Finally, I think the largest point to consider is one succinctly made by Dawgs BUI and that is for Kirby to move out from under the Saban shadow to prove that he can build and run a great defense without an overlord. There is no doubt that UGA can bring in top flight defensive talent and Kirby knows he can coach them up and get the most out of them. That is what we have been missing. When Coach Richt announces Kirby Smart as our next Defensive Coordinator, we will all expect an immediate dividend in 2010 and I am confident we will get it.

Go DAWGS! GATK (Get After That Kirby)

Final Mumme Poll Ballot

Top Five

• Alabama
• Florida
• Boise State
• Texas
• Ohio State

Next Seven

• TCU
• Iowa
• Penn State
• Cincinnati
• Oregon
• Virginia Tech
• Nebraska

Who did I leave out that has you angry?

Mike Leach is Colonel Jessep

Monday 12/28/09

---

Coach Leach to Chancellor Hance: I run my team how I run my team. You want to investigate me, roll the dice and take your chances. I coach in front of 40,000 armed season ticket holders who would kill for me, so don't think for one second that you can come down here, flash your C.V. and make me nervous.

Tuesday 12/29/09

Coach Leach to A.D. Myers: You see Gerry, I can deal with the two-a-days, and the pulled groins, and the high ankle sprains. I don't want too much money, and I don't want medals. What I do want is for you to stand there in those faggoty white patent leather shoes and with your West Texas mouth and extend me some fucking courtesy. You gotta ask me nicely.

Wednesday 12/30/09

A.D Myers: Coach Leach, did you order the Isolation?
Attorney Ted Liggett: You don’t have to answer that question!
Coach Leach: I'll answer the question!
[to Myers]
Coach Leach: You want answers?
Myers: I think I'm entitled.
Coach Leach: You want answers?
Myers: I want the truth!
Coach Leach: You can’t handle the truth!
[pauses]
Coach Leach: Son, we play in a conference that has great teams, and those great teams have to be defeated by men with guts. Whose gonna do it? You? You, Chancellor Hance? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Adam James, and you curse the Pirate. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That James's isolation, while tragic, probably saved games. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves games. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me as that coach, you need me as that coach. We use words like cover two and zone read. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent coaching football. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who cheers and accepts praise for the glory of the very victories that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide them. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a playbook, and start coaching. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.
Myers: Did you order the Isolation?
Coach Leach: I did the job I...
Myers: Did you order the Isolation?
Coach Leach: You’re GD right I did!
Coach Leach: [Hance dismisses the Board of Regents after Leach's revelation about the Isolation] What is this? What's going on? I did my job, I'd do it again!
[stands up defiantly]
Coach Leach: I'm gonna get on a plane and go on back to the Alamo Bowl.
Chancellor Hance: You're not going anywhere, Coach. ESPN... vilify the Coach!
[Joe Schad takes his post]
Chancellor Hance: Coach McNeill?
Coach Leach: What the hell is this?
Coach McNeill: Coach Leach, you have lost the right to coach the Raiders. Any statement you make...
Coach Leach: I'm being fired from coaching? Is that what this is? I'm being fired from coaching? This is funny. That's what this is. This is...
[turning to Myers and lunging at him]
Coach Leach: ...I'm gonna raid your village, plunder your homes and enslave your women! You fucked with the wrong Pirate!
Coach McNeill: Coach Leach! Do you understand you are fired as I have just stated to you?
Coach Leach: [contemptuously] You fuckin' people... you have no idea how to run a football team. All you did was weaken a football program today, Myers. That's all you did. You put winning football games in danger. Sweet dreams, son.

Dawgs Independence Bowl Wrap Up

Apparently, we don't need a new Defensive Coordinator. Did you see those strange plays by our defeinsive backs where they stayed close to the receivers and when the ball came near, they used their hands to reach out and knock it down or to grab it and run the other way? Weird!

Our pass rush disrupted the Aggie QB's rhythm all night and forced him into lots of bad throws. And... we did it with a 4 man rush on most plays. Wow!

Loved how our running game finally got going once Bean Anderson replaced Vance at Right Tackle. We certainly missed Josh Davis, but once Bean came in, things started working. Happy to see Chapas rip off a few double-digit gainers.

While it was great to get AJ Green back, Joe couldn't seem to hit him in stride on a single pass. Every reception was a leaping grab and no chance to run after catch. But... how about Aron White stepping up for two TD grabs! Also liked the way Mike Moore played his last game as a Dawg.

Last thing... It sure was a beautiful thing to be on the receiving end of costly turnovers deep in enemy territory. Thanks A&M.

And one big Thank You to all the seniors and any other players who played their last game as Dawgs. Your hard work and commitment has provided us with many thrills in the past few years and I wish you well as you move on to your next challenge.

Go Dawgs. GATA!

HDD Prediction and Predilection: Texas A&M Edition

As a blogger, I have been a lot like Hank Moody lately... the writer who doesn't write. Trust me when I tell you that I have successfully wasted that time in other worthwhile pursuits. Regardless, I have followed all of the Dawg Bloggers who actually blog and Tweet. Since our search for defensive coaches has produced less reliable information than an FOIA request to a Democrat Administration, I haven't bothered to opine.

But, I do want to go on record predicting a narrow victory by the Dawgs in the Independence Bowl today. By my reckoning, both teams will have success moving the ball and scoring points. I am concerned about the Aggies' QB who has a good arm and is extremely mobile. He looked great against Texas and they have a speedy receiving corps that has me concerned that our pass D could be exposed again. But, the good news is that Baccari Rambo will be back and hopefully will continue to make the same impact he made in his last couple of games before his concussion.

On the other hand, I think Joe Cox will take advantage of his last chance to throw footballs to AJ Green and Company. Man it seems like an eternity since we were able to be thrilled and awed by AJ's talents. It will be great to have him back on the field. It will be twice as nice if we are able to run the ball like we were at the end of the regular season. However, the loss of Josh Davis will hurt. (At least I think he is out or at a minimum, he is ailing.)

My expectation is that both teams will eclipse the 30 point barrier. In fact, I think this game will be won on the toe of Blair Walsh at the end of regulation or in overtime. Yes, I am expecting nothing less than another close nail-biter, which is a fitting way for this season to draw the curtain.

Pay special attention to Rennie Curran today because it may be your last chance to watch him in a Dawgs uniform. I hope not, but just in case! We need Justin Houston to bring the vicious pass rush and be a disruptive force in the Aggie backfield. In addition, let's hope to see a grand finale from the tremendous trio of senior tackles - Owens, Weston and Atkins.

Lastly, how great would it be for OchoDos, Mike Moore, to finish his career with at least one more TD grab.

HDD Final Score: DAWGS 34 - Texas A&M 31.

GO DAWGS. GATA!!!!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Merry Christmas Dawgs and non-Dawgs alike.

Can't wait to see what Santa brought my kids that I can play with!

Footie Picker Bowl Edition

I am in last place in my Footie Picker league of about 12 guys. I have been utterly awful this season, as in most seasons. Before you get angry with me for picking A&M to cover, be aware that I expect the Dawgs to win, but by less than 7 points. I won't mind if we win by more, however... as I said... I am in last place anyway. Here goes nothing...

Fresno State 11.5 Wyoming
Rutgers 2.5 Central Florida
Southern Miss 3.5 Middle Tennessee State
Oregon State 2.5 Byu
California 3 Utah
Nevada 15 Smu
Ohio 2.5 Marshall
Pittsburgh 3 Unc
Southern Cal 9 Boston College
Clemson 7.5 Kentucky
Georgia 7 Texas A&M
Ucla 3.5 Temple
Miami (Fla) 3 Wisconsin
Bowling Green 1 Idaho
Arizona 1.5 Nebraska
Missouri 6.5 Navy
Houston 4.5 Air Force
Oklahoma 8 Stanford
Minnesota 2.5 Iowa State
Virginia Tech 4.5 Tennessee
Auburn 7.5 Northwestern
West Virginia 2.5 Florida State
Penn State 2.5 Lsu
Oregon 3.5 Ohio State
Florida 10.5 Cincinnati
S. Florida 6.5 Northern Illinois
South Carolina 4.5 UConn
Ole Miss 3 Oklahoma State
Arkansas 7.5 East Carolina
Texas Tech 8 Michigan State
Tcu 7 Boise State
Georgia Tech 4 Iowa
Central Michigan 3.5 Troy
Alabama 4.5 Texas

Tiebreaker #1: How many points will Alabama score in the BCS title game? 27

Tiebreaker #2: How many points will Texas score in the BCS title game? 13

Tiebreaker #3: How many points will Georgia Tech score in the Orange Bowl against Iowa? 31