Richt doesn't expect any staff changes

Who has two thumbs and thinks this headline is awesome?* (Image: Hipple)
This is all in how you want to read it. Richt says he's not changing any coaches. On the one hand, what did you expect him to say? He's not, nor will he ever, throw any of his assistants under the bus. So to think he was going to come out and say "Yeah, I might fire somebody." It just wasn't going to happen.

Does that mean it won't happen? Or that a coach won't leave one way or the other? Who knows.

The other news.....is that he does acknowledge the severe tackling problems and proposes solutions such as more tackling to the ground in practice. That's a good thing. In his early Richt years, the Bloody Tuesday practices caused many of our injuries, but they also helped create our strong tackling approach. Richt also says that everything (other than coaching changes) is on the table in looking to take the program to the next level.

PWD


*Yes. I will never get tired of that joke / caption.

Richt doesn't expect any staff changes

Who has two thumbs and thinks this headline is awesome?* (Image: Hipple)
This is all in how you want to read it. Richt says he's not changing any coaches. On the one hand, what did you expect him to say? He's not, nor will he ever, throw any of his assistants under the bus. So to think he was going to come out and say "Yeah, I might fire somebody." It just wasn't going to happen.

Does that mean it won't happen? Or that a coach won't leave one way or the other? Who knows.

The other news.....is that he does acknowledge the severe tackling problems and proposes solutions such as more tackling to the ground in practice. That's a good thing. In his early Richt years, the Bloody Tuesday practices caused many of our injuries, but they also helped create our strong tackling approach. Richt also says that everything (other than coaching changes) is on the table in looking to take the program to the next level.

PWD


*Yes. I will never get tired of that joke / caption.

The Defense is Broken

There are talent gaps on this team. Some of those talent gaps were caused by injury, and others were caused by recruiting mistakes. Regardless of the cause, you have to accept that there are talent gaps.

If you're being honest, you also have to accept that the roster that was ranked #1 preseason never really materialized due to injuries.

It isn't easy to scheme around some of Georgia’s defensive talent/injury problems. The lack of play makers at defensive end is particularly problematic. When you can't get to the QB with a four man rush, it puts stress on your linebackers and defensive backs. The result is a cascading problem. Sort of like a rolling blackout where breakdowns in coverage and scheme happen in different spots.

All of that said. UGA did NOT lose to Georgia Tech on Saturday because of talent problems on the defense. UGA lost because:

• You have to wrap up when you tackle.
  
• You have to approach the ball carrier with bad intentions.
  
• You can't shoulder nudge your way to victory.
  
• You have to play assignment football against the option.
  
• You can’t take a record number of bad angles in pursuit of the runner.

And UGA lost because of special teams and penalties…which we will cover in a separate post. Georgia lost because the Bulldogs did the same things that they've done all year.

You want to know why I haven't blogged much the past few weeks? What's to say? From mid 2005-2008, the song has remained mostly the same. We got a 6 game reprieve from our problems in late 2007, but it's been the same problems for most of that period. It gets redundant saying the same things over and over. “If we tackle well, don’t get lots of penalties and score points in the redzone, blah, blah, blah.” It gets old talking about that every week.

Bad tackling, bad angles and a lack of violence have been eroding the play of the defense. I've bent over backwards to excuse the problems away to talent and injuries. But that wasn't the problem on Saturday.

It's one thing to get your ass handed to you by the #1 and #2 teams in America. It sucks, but it's part of football. The Gators and Tide are most certainly more talented than Georgia. Georgia Tech most certainly is not more talented. Our players should not be giving up 45 points to a program with Tech's personnel. Ever.

In my opinion, the underlying problem appears to be that the Georgia Bulldog coaching staff is clearly settling for this level of play. That starts with Mark Richt.

He has settled for the penalty situation. He has settled for our keystone cops kickoff coverage. He has settled for the off field discipline issues. He has settled for the erosion of quality in the defense. He had settled for half-assed offensive line recruiting until UAB mercifully took our problem in that area out of town.

You get what you settle for in life. And Richt’s problem with apparently settling for this level of play is bigger than Brian Van Gorder versus Willie Martinez. Why? Because it’s a problem across the board.

The defense is broken. I have no idea how to fix it, but I’m not paid $2-3 million a year to figure that out. If it were as simple as firing Willie Martinez, I’d say “do that.” But the bigger issue is Mark Richt needs to decide that playing this style of football is as much fun, personally rewarding, or successful as playing the style of football that he initial brought to Athens. The style of football we all fell in love with.

In early 2006, I posted a note about Why I Believe in Mark Richt Football (link fixed). Unfortunately, Georgia didn’t play with the violence, mental toughness or aggression in 2008 that I described back then.

The problem is bigger than just the defense. Heaven knows the special teams are a wreck and penalties are killing us. But it’s the defense where our problems showcase every wart of the program.

It’s up to Richt. Is he going to settle for this? Because this isn’t about Wins and Losses. This is about an erosion of a style of play that will be his undoing over time if he doesn’t reel it in now.

This off season will be interesting to watch.

See Also:
-- Georgia's Loss Falls on Coaching - Mark Bradley
-- Recipe for a lost off season - Get the Picture
-- Bulldog post-game notes - David Hale
-- Post-game thoughts - DawgSports

PWD

The Defense is Broken

There are talent gaps on this team. Some of those talent gaps were caused by injury, and others were caused by recruiting mistakes. Regardless of the cause, you have to accept that there are talent gaps.

If you're being honest, you also have to accept that the roster that was ranked #1 preseason never really materialized due to injuries.

It isn't easy to scheme around some of Georgia’s defensive talent/injury problems. The lack of play makers at defensive end is particularly problematic. When you can't get to the QB with a four man rush, it puts stress on your linebackers and defensive backs. The result is a cascading problem. Sort of like a rolling blackout where breakdowns in coverage and scheme happen in different spots.

All of that said. UGA did NOT lose to Georgia Tech on Saturday because of talent problems on the defense. UGA lost because:

• You have to wrap up when you tackle.
  
• You have to approach the ball carrier with bad intentions.
  
• You can't shoulder nudge your way to victory.
  
• You have to play assignment football against the option.
  
• You can’t take a record number of bad angles in pursuit of the runner.

And UGA lost because of special teams and penalties…which we will cover in a separate post. Georgia lost because the Bulldogs did the same things that they've done all year.

You want to know why I haven't blogged much the past few weeks? What's to say? From mid 2005-2008, the song has remained mostly the same. We got a 6 game reprieve from our problems in late 2007, but it's been the same problems for most of that period. It gets redundant saying the same things over and over. “If we tackle well, don’t get lots of penalties and score points in the redzone, blah, blah, blah.” It gets old talking about that every week.

Bad tackling, bad angles and a lack of violence have been eroding the play of the defense. I've bent over backwards to excuse the problems away to talent and injuries. But that wasn't the problem on Saturday.

It's one thing to get your ass handed to you by the #1 and #2 teams in America. It sucks, but it's part of football. The Gators and Tide are most certainly more talented than Georgia. Georgia Tech most certainly is not more talented. Our players should not be giving up 45 points to a program with Tech's personnel. Ever.

In my opinion, the underlying problem appears to be that the Georgia Bulldog coaching staff is clearly settling for this level of play. That starts with Mark Richt.

He has settled for the penalty situation. He has settled for our keystone cops kickoff coverage. He has settled for the off field discipline issues. He has settled for the erosion of quality in the defense. He had settled for half-assed offensive line recruiting until UAB mercifully took our problem in that area out of town.

You get what you settle for in life. And Richt’s problem with apparently settling for this level of play is bigger than Brian Van Gorder versus Willie Martinez. Why? Because it’s a problem across the board.

The defense is broken. I have no idea how to fix it, but I’m not paid $2-3 million a year to figure that out. If it were as simple as firing Willie Martinez, I’d say “do that.” But the bigger issue is Mark Richt needs to decide that playing this style of football is as much fun, personally rewarding, or successful as playing the style of football that he initial brought to Athens. The style of football we all fell in love with.

In early 2006, I posted a note about Why I Believe in Mark Richt Football (link fixed). Unfortunately, Georgia didn’t play with the violence, mental toughness or aggression in 2008 that I described back then.

The problem is bigger than just the defense. Heaven knows the special teams are a wreck and penalties are killing us. But it’s the defense where our problems showcase every wart of the program.

It’s up to Richt. Is he going to settle for this? Because this isn’t about Wins and Losses. This is about an erosion of a style of play that will be his undoing over time if he doesn’t reel it in now.

This off season will be interesting to watch.

See Also:
-- Georgia's Loss Falls on Coaching - Mark Bradley
-- Recipe for a lost off season - Get the Picture
-- Bulldog post-game notes - David Hale
-- Post-game thoughts - DawgSports

PWD

About that season opener in Stillwater next year

Image by Jim Hipple
Not sure if you saw the Big 12 South game tonight or not, but Oklahoma State's offense is ridiculously good. They put up 41 points and 452 yards of offense against a strong Oklahoma Sooner squad. Granted, the Cowboy defense couldn't stop a red rover game, but their O is amazing.

According to the O-State Illustrated Depth Chart, the Cowboys return 8 starters on offense for 2009 including all the critical skill positions. They only lose their tight end and two interior offensive linemen. Defensively, they lose most of their secondary and both starting defensive tackles.

In other words, Mark Richt has to get our defensive woes figured out at a DNA-level pretty quickly because things don't get easier next year.

The 2008 Schedule never actually ended up being as tough top to bottom as people thought it would. Yes, UF and Bama are world beaters, and we just got beat by Tech. But we only played three teams that will finish the season ranked. Plus, we faced the worst LSU, Auburn, Tennessee and Arizona State teams in a decade or more each. It could've been much worse.

Lastly, one positive note about opening the season against Ok State. Our overachiever seasons under Richt have come in years where the team has started with a strong or heavily hyped opener. Our underachiever teams have started with cupcakes.

Year: Opening Team = Record
2001: vs. Ark State = 8-4 season (underachieved)
2002: vs. Clemson = 13-1 season
2003: at Clemson = 11-3 season
2004: vs. GSU = 10-2 (underachieved)
2005: vs. Boise (hyped) = 10-3
2006: vs. Western Kentucky = 9-4 (underachieved)
2007: vs. Oklahoma State = 11-2
2008: vs. GSU = 9-3 (underachieved)

Maybe starting with a strong team next year will be one more reason for Richt to take a long hard look at everything.

PWD

About that season opener in Stillwater next year

Image by Jim Hipple
Not sure if you saw the Big 12 South game tonight or not, but Oklahoma State's offense is ridiculously good. They put up 41 points and 452 yards of offense against a strong Oklahoma Sooner squad. Granted, the Cowboy defense couldn't stop a red rover game, but their O is amazing.

According to the O-State Illustrated Depth Chart, the Cowboys return 8 starters on offense for 2009 including all the critical skill positions. They only lose their tight end and two interior offensive linemen. Defensively, they lose most of their secondary and both starting defensive tackles.

In other words, Mark Richt has to get our defensive woes figured out at a DNA-level pretty quickly because things don't get easier next year.

The 2008 Schedule never actually ended up being as tough top to bottom as people thought it would. Yes, UF and Bama are world beaters, and we just got beat by Tech. But we only played three teams that will finish the season ranked. Plus, we faced the worst LSU, Auburn, Tennessee and Arizona State teams in a decade or more each. It could've been much worse.

Lastly, one positive note about opening the season against Ok State. Our overachiever seasons under Richt have come in years where the team has started with a strong or heavily hyped opener. Our underachiever teams have started with cupcakes.

Year: Opening Team = Record
2001: vs. Ark State = 8-4 season (underachieved)
2002: vs. Clemson = 13-1 season
2003: at Clemson = 11-3 season
2004: vs. GSU = 10-2 (underachieved)
2005: vs. Boise (hyped) = 10-3
2006: vs. Western Kentucky = 9-4 (underachieved)
2007: vs. Oklahoma State = 11-2
2008: vs. GSU = 9-3 (underachieved)

Maybe starting with a strong team next year will be one more reason for Richt to take a long hard look at everything.

PWD

as always a moment to pause

Comments stopped for a day or two. We're all pissed. If you want to vent find a message board or a bar. Damn. Just damn. Personally....I've found a bar.

as always a moment to pause

Comments stopped for a day or two. We're all pissed. If you want to vent find a message board or a bar. Damn. Just damn. Personally....I've found a bar.

Thank You, Seniors

When you score 42, you should win. 

Mohamed Massaquoi and the rest of the seniors, you deserved better. More to come.

Quinton

Thank You, Seniors

When you score 42, you should win. 

Mohamed Massaquoi and the rest of the seniors, you deserved better. More to come.

Quinton

Kiffin to Rocky Top

No kidding, Tony Barnhart, it looks like Lane Kiffin will be the next head coach for Tennessee's football program. Kiffin has no previous ties to Knoxville or the South, other than a brief stint as an NFL underling for the Jaguars. He's been known as a solid offensive coordinator at USC, a good recruiter, and the son of Monte Kiffin, NFL defensive wizard. Kiffin is better known nationally as the boy that Al Davis hired to coach the Raiders in 2007. Davis fired him four games into the 2008 season after 20 games. Kiffin will be the youngest head coach in the FBS. (Image: USC)

Most of the reports I've seen don't necessarily hype up Kiffin, but instead hype up the staff he could build. The first name mentioned is dear old dad, Monte. Kiffin the Elder is now the defensive coordinator at Tampa Bay, where he invented the Tampa 2 defense and rode it to a Super Bowl win. He is considered by many as one of the best defensive coordiantors in football. He'd be a very formidable presence in the SEC.

The other name consistently mentioned is Ed Orgeron, former Ole Miss head coach and current Saints assistant. The two coached together at USC and Kiffin took over the recruiting coordinator slot on that staff when Orgeron left for Oxford. Coach O might be a goofball and the punchline to a lot of jokes, but he can recruit. Just watch Ole Miss.

This is a a potential home run for UT and way better than the end I had foreseen. They just seemed destined for disappointment. Give some credit to Mike Hamilton for coming through with a hot name before the season is even over. If, and it's a big if, Monte and Coach O join the staff, Kiffin will have a powerful recruiter and a defensive X's and O's alchemist. Tennessee is the only traditional SEC power without a natural, native talent base to pull athletes from. Thus, UT has to recruit nationally. Kiffin has reeled in kids from all over the country at USC, so he's can attract elite athletes. Orgeron has proven he can sell Ole Miss to big recruits. Selling the Big Orange should be easier.

On the other hand, staffs are hardly ever composed of the first names floated. Kiffin's been a great recruiting coordinator, but it's easy to recruit to USC, where a kid can compete for a national title every year, hang out with Will Ferrell and Snoop Dog, and date a song girl. Is UT just as much of a national draw? Plus, the guy is ridiculously young. Is he ready for the intensity of SEC media, fanbases, and the other coaches in this league?

We'll find out what kind of recruiter Kiffin is quickly. Marlon Brown, the Memphis wideout, is down to us and UT by most accounts. The Vols were leading before Phillip got the ax. Brown was waiting to see who the new guy would be in Knoxville. I'd suppose Mr. Brown can expect some callers when the contact period begins tomorrow.

Quinton

Kiffin to Rocky Top

No kidding, Tony Barnhart, it looks like Lane Kiffin will be the next head coach for Tennessee's football program. Kiffin has no previous ties to Knoxville or the South, other than a brief stint as an NFL underling for the Jaguars. He's been known as a solid offensive coordinator at USC, a good recruiter, and the son of Monte Kiffin, NFL defensive wizard. Kiffin is better known nationally as the boy that Al Davis hired to coach the Raiders in 2007. Davis fired him four games into the 2008 season after 20 games. Kiffin will be the youngest head coach in the FBS. (Image: USC)

Most of the reports I've seen don't necessarily hype up Kiffin, but instead hype up the staff he could build. The first name mentioned is dear old dad, Monte. Kiffin the Elder is now the defensive coordinator at Tampa Bay, where he invented the Tampa 2 defense and rode it to a Super Bowl win. He is considered by many as one of the best defensive coordiantors in football. He'd be a very formidable presence in the SEC.

The other name consistently mentioned is Ed Orgeron, former Ole Miss head coach and current Saints assistant. The two coached together at USC and Kiffin took over the recruiting coordinator slot on that staff when Orgeron left for Oxford. Coach O might be a goofball and the punchline to a lot of jokes, but he can recruit. Just watch Ole Miss.

This is a a potential home run for UT and way better than the end I had foreseen. They just seemed destined for disappointment. Give some credit to Mike Hamilton for coming through with a hot name before the season is even over. If, and it's a big if, Monte and Coach O join the staff, Kiffin will have a powerful recruiter and a defensive X's and O's alchemist. Tennessee is the only traditional SEC power without a natural, native talent base to pull athletes from. Thus, UT has to recruit nationally. Kiffin has reeled in kids from all over the country at USC, so he's can attract elite athletes. Orgeron has proven he can sell Ole Miss to big recruits. Selling the Big Orange should be easier.

On the other hand, staffs are hardly ever composed of the first names floated. Kiffin's been a great recruiting coordinator, but it's easy to recruit to USC, where a kid can compete for a national title every year, hang out with Will Ferrell and Snoop Dog, and date a song girl. Is UT just as much of a national draw? Plus, the guy is ridiculously young. Is he ready for the intensity of SEC media, fanbases, and the other coaches in this league?

We'll find out what kind of recruiter Kiffin is quickly. Marlon Brown, the Memphis wideout, is down to us and UT by most accounts. The Vols were leading before Phillip got the ax. Brown was waiting to see who the new guy would be in Knoxville. I'd suppose Mr. Brown can expect some callers when the contact period begins tomorrow.

Quinton

Weather Tomorrow = Epic Suck

Weather.com calls for 90% chance of rain and temperatures around 47 degrees at kickoff tomorrow. The winds will be around 10 mph with a mixture of steady rain and thunder showers. So we've got that going for us.

Now, the debate rages on. Who benefits the most from the rain?

The triple option is a precision system dependent upon well timed inside hand offs and outside pitches. For all of its strengths (unpredictability and the pressure it puts on defenses), it's weakness is fumbles. Even the old Nebraska teams struggled with fumbles.

Can Tech protect the football tomorrow?

BTW -- If the weather forecast bums you out, just remember....it'll be colder, more windy and awful in the 600 level. Suck on that Tech fans.

See Also:
-- Thoughts on the Game - Blutarsky
-- Over analyzing the Weather - DawgsOnline
-- GT game preview - HeyJennySlater


PWD

Weather Tomorrow = Epic Suck

Weather.com calls for 90% chance of rain and temperatures around 47 degrees at kickoff tomorrow. The winds will be around 10 mph with a mixture of steady rain and thunder showers. So we've got that going for us.

Now, the debate rages on. Who benefits the most from the rain?

The triple option is a precision system dependent upon well timed inside hand offs and outside pitches. For all of its strengths (unpredictability and the pressure it puts on defenses), it's weakness is fumbles. Even the old Nebraska teams struggled with fumbles.

Can Tech protect the football tomorrow?

BTW -- If the weather forecast bums you out, just remember....it'll be colder, more windy and awful in the 600 level. Suck on that Tech fans.

See Also:
-- Thoughts on the Game - Blutarsky
-- Over analyzing the Weather - DawgsOnline
-- GT game preview - HeyJennySlater


PWD

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last night I was in Athens for the UGA Women's Game vs. North Carolina Central University. When the Dawgs were up 69-8 mid-second half, my dad and I tried to split...but the driver (mom) would have no part of it.

Anyway, we saw it through to the bitter, glorious end. UGA won so big that Andy Landers played the walk-ons, trainers, score keepers and a couple of injured alumni just to keep the score to a more presentable 85-31. It's rare that you see a scoreboard show 69-8 and think, "It's really not that close."

From Georgiadogs.com:

After leading 4-2, the Lady Bulldogs embarked on 11-0, 20-0 and 14-0 runs before entering the locker room [at the half]. At the break, five different Georgia players had as many points individually as N.C. Central had as a team.

So today, I am thankful that I'm not a women's basketball game.

Happy Turkey Day to All.

PWD


(Image: Dreamtime.com)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last night I was in Athens for the UGA Women's Game vs. North Carolina Central University. When the Dawgs were up 69-8 mid-second half, my dad and I tried to split...but the driver (mom) would have no part of it.

Anyway, we saw it through to the bitter, glorious end. UGA won so big that Andy Landers played the walk-ons, trainers, score keepers and a couple of injured alumni just to keep the score to a more presentable 85-31. It's rare that you see a scoreboard show 69-8 and think, "It's really not that close."

From Georgiadogs.com:

After leading 4-2, the Lady Bulldogs embarked on 11-0, 20-0 and 14-0 runs before entering the locker room [at the half]. At the break, five different Georgia players had as many points individually as N.C. Central had as a team.

So today, I am thankful that I'm not a women's basketball game.

Happy Turkey Day to All.

PWD


(Image: Dreamtime.com)

Why does Chris Fowler hate America?

Jason Whitlock of FoxSports rips ESPN to shreds in this column (ht - Scott Kennedy). It's an interesting read regardless of whether or not you agree with him.

I personally don't hate ESPN. I do recognize that ESPN College Gameday and SportsCenter are simply cross promotional vehicles for Disney/ABC/ESPN, and that they threw non-partisan coverage out the window years ago. I also recognize that their power is too great.

But I am hopefully that ESPN's self-interests are now aligned with my own. Consider:

• ESPN will invest $2.25 billion over the next 15 years in the Southeastern Conference. It just so happens that I love the SEC.
  
  
• ESPN also invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the BCS which will prevent us from having any sort of a playoff discussion until after 2014. It just so happens that I'm anti-playoff.
  
  
• ESPN now owns six crappy small bowls. It just so happens that I like televised crappy small bowls.
  
  
• ESPN employs a myriad of sideline reporters not named Holly who have nice ta-tas It just so happens that I like nice ta-tas

So pardon me if I don't join the ESPN Hate Wagon. Should I hate them simply because Herbie loves Ohio State more than UGA and pushed UGA out of the national title discussion last year in favor of Ohio State? No. That just means I hate Herbie.

Even if I do agree with much of what Whitlock says, I've waited 10-15 years for the World Wide Leader's interests to finally align with my own. Why hate now?

Separately, am I the only one that thinks Jessie Palmer, in spite of being a douche Gator QB and reality TV tool box, is actually exceptionally good at both in-game color commentary and in studio work? Does that make me less of a Dawg?

PWD

Why does Chris Fowler hate America?

Jason Whitlock of FoxSports rips ESPN to shreds in this column (ht - Scott Kennedy). It's an interesting read regardless of whether or not you agree with him.

I personally don't hate ESPN. I do recognize that ESPN College Gameday and SportsCenter are simply cross promotional vehicles for Disney/ABC/ESPN, and that they threw non-partisan coverage out the window years ago. I also recognize that their power is too great.

But I am hopefully that ESPN's self-interests are now aligned with my own. Consider:

• ESPN will invest $2.25 billion over the next 15 years in the Southeastern Conference. It just so happens that I love the SEC.
  
  
• ESPN also invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the BCS which will prevent us from having any sort of a playoff discussion until after 2014. It just so happens that I'm anti-playoff.
  
  
• ESPN now owns six crappy small bowls. It just so happens that I like televised crappy small bowls.
  
  
• ESPN employs a myriad of sideline reporters not named Holly who have nice ta-tas It just so happens that I like nice ta-tas

So pardon me if I don't join the ESPN Hate Wagon. Should I hate them simply because Herbie loves Ohio State more than UGA and pushed UGA out of the national title discussion last year in favor of Ohio State? No. That just means I hate Herbie.

Even if I do agree with much of what Whitlock says, I've waited 10-15 years for the World Wide Leader's interests to finally align with my own. Why hate now?

Separately, am I the only one that thinks Jessie Palmer, in spite of being a douche Gator QB and reality TV tool box, is actually exceptionally good at both in-game color commentary and in studio work? Does that make me less of a Dawg?

PWD

GT: "What opponent has scored the most in Sanford"

Well...I guess we know for sure now that the Miami beat down issued by Tech has most certainly thrown all sense of reality out the window. Tech fans on The Hive and on Stingtalk are discussing what's the most points ever scored in Sanford ... so Paul Johnson can know what to shoot for.

You have got to be kidding.

It amazes me that there's so much discussion of our defense vs. their offense and so very little discussion of how on earth their defense is going to stop our offense. (Image: The Hive at Work. From Si.com)

See Also:
-- Tickets: UGA vs. GT - Stubhub

PWD

GT: "What opponent has scored the most in Sanford"

Well...I guess we know for sure now that the Miami beat down issued by Tech has most certainly thrown all sense of reality out the window. Tech fans on The Hive and on Stingtalk are discussing what's the most points ever scored in Sanford ... so Paul Johnson can know what to shoot for.

You have got to be kidding.

It amazes me that there's so much discussion of our defense vs. their offense and so very little discussion of how on earth their defense is going to stop our offense. (Image: The Hive at Work. From Si.com)

See Also:
-- Tickets: UGA vs. GT - Stubhub

PWD

Hoop Dawgs throw Mississippi Valley State a Beating

Last night, I was in Athens to catch the basketball game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils. It was the fourth and final game of the Preseason NIT.

I was beyond pleasantly surprised by the 98-57 victory. Yes. It was an HBCU bottom feeder that had around nine new players from last year's squad. Yes. Their center was under 6'5". And yes. They are terrible.

But Georgia looked good. They looked the kind of good that Georgia Basketball generally hasn't looked when shooting in an empty gym...much less against live tissue. Out rebounding the other guy 50-21, and shooting 72% from the field in the second half has a way of leaving you a little warmer and fuzzier than normal.

Here are some observations regarding the freshmen:

• Trey Thompkins - Felton's best recruit most certainly lives up to the 5 star billing. We haven't had a 6'9" player with the hands, body control, foot work and basketball instincts like this in a long, long time. For fans my age, imagine a black Alec Kessler that was blessed with broader shoulders and much more natural athletic ability right out of high school. His stat line from the night was 21 minutes, 23 points, 8-9 shooting, 6-7 on free throws, 7 rebounds and one turnover. He showed nice touch from outside and around the hoop. He is still not 100% healthy, and he's most certainly not in shape yet (recovering from dual ankle injuries makes conditioning dicey). If he can work himself into shape, he'll be a legitimate candidate for SEC Rookie of the Year and 2nd Team All-SEC Honors. He's a 4 for us, and he'll be starting soon.
  
  
• Drazen Zlorvaric - The Serbian Diversion* looked unexpectedly impressive. He shot 7-8 from the field including 2 of 3 from beyond the three point line. He actually had four more threes that were taken from the "women's line." They moved the NCAA line back 12", and his first 4 makes were between the two stripes. He also had a nice finish inside, and he plays with great passion on offense. Drazen's game also includes a pretty solid handle for a 6'9" guy. My smart ass comment about his ball skills during the game, "He has the ball handling ability that Terrence Woodbury thinks that Woodbury has." He's not a 2 guard because he lacks that type of quickness, and he's still extremely raw defensively. But the kid has upside. He's the kind of kid that will look great one night, and awful the next until he figures things out. He's not Dirk Nowitzki or Tony Kukoc, but he does have the classic Euro big man game. Long, lean, good offensive fundamentals and soft. He's going to play the 3 for us.
  
  
• Travis Leslie - He has all the physical tools you want in a small wing player. For comparison sake, he's a thicker and more complete version of Mike Mercer without the baggage. He also has a much more polished shot than the train wreck jumper that Mercer brought to Athens. However, Leslie doesn't yet play with the defensive intensity that Mercer played with. He can do things around the rim and in transition that guys like Mercer and Shandon Anderson might have done in Athens. Offensively, he's raw and defensively the consistency isn't there yet. Big upside.
  
  
• Dustin Ware - Ware is probably closer to 5'8" than 5'11", but he's cat quick. His stat line was 16 minutes, 6 assists, 4 points and only 2 turnovers. Depending on how his offense evolves, I think he'll probably push Zac Swansey out of the point guard position next year. I imagine this year will be a huge learning experience for him.

All four of these kids have solid upside potential with Thompkins having elite All-SEC potential once he gets in shape and develops his body. Speaking of developing bodies...the UGA Strength Coach for Hoops really doesn't get enough credit. The work he's done with Albert Jackson, Corey Butler, Jeremy Price, etc is impressive. Jackson has the body of a grown ass intimidator. Unfortunately, he hasn't totally figured out how to use it or what his thumbs are for, but he's got the body that suggests Trey Thompkins' physical future is in great shape.

The problem with this roster and the future rosters is the complete lack of a shooting guard. In six seasons, Felton has signed only two SEC caliber "makers" at the two guard spot who could also play SEC caliber defense -- Billy Humphrey and Levi Stukes. The recruiting at that spot has got to improve. For the past 6 seasons, many long time hoops fans like me have said..."We need a Katu Davis type juco shooting guard to transform this lineup." I still feel that way. I'll probably feel that way next year to based on how recruiting is going for 2009 enrollments.

As for last night, we beat Mississippi Valley State. It's not exactly the Invasion of Normandy in terms of great all-time conquests. But, we looked promising, and the hoops fan base needed some kind of hope. I still have pretty low expectations for the season, but it's nice to know that there's raw material to work with from this recruiting class.

The next three games are:

at Western Kentucky 12/2
at Illinois (Chicago Neutral Court) 12/6
vs Virginia Tech (home) - 12/9

We'll know more about what we have after those three games. Win two of those, and we can write off much of what happened vs. Loyola-Chicago to Trey Thompkins not playing. Go winless, and we'll have some visibility into the length of the season.

See Also:
-- Dawgs hammer Delta Devils - ABH
-- Good, better, excellent - Daugman

PWD

*I'm working on nicknames. Feel free to suggest them.

Hoop Dawgs throw Mississippi Valley State a Beating

Last night, I was in Athens to catch the basketball game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils. It was the fourth and final game of the Preseason NIT.

I was beyond pleasantly surprised by the 98-57 victory. Yes. It was an HBCU bottom feeder that had around nine new players from last year's squad. Yes. Their center was under 6'5". And yes. They are terrible.

But Georgia looked good. They looked the kind of good that Georgia Basketball generally hasn't looked when shooting in an empty gym...much less against live tissue. Out rebounding the other guy 50-21, and shooting 72% from the field in the second half has a way of leaving you a little warmer and fuzzier than normal.

Here are some observations regarding the freshmen:

• Trey Thompkins - Felton's best recruit most certainly lives up to the 5 star billing. We haven't had a 6'9" player with the hands, body control, foot work and basketball instincts like this in a long, long time. For fans my age, imagine a black Alec Kessler that was blessed with broader shoulders and much more natural athletic ability right out of high school. His stat line from the night was 21 minutes, 23 points, 8-9 shooting, 6-7 on free throws, 7 rebounds and one turnover. He showed nice touch from outside and around the hoop. He is still not 100% healthy, and he's most certainly not in shape yet (recovering from dual ankle injuries makes conditioning dicey). If he can work himself into shape, he'll be a legitimate candidate for SEC Rookie of the Year and 2nd Team All-SEC Honors. He's a 4 for us, and he'll be starting soon.
  
  
• Drazen Zlorvaric - The Serbian Diversion* looked unexpectedly impressive. He shot 7-8 from the field including 2 of 3 from beyond the three point line. He actually had four more threes that were taken from the "women's line." They moved the NCAA line back 12", and his first 4 makes were between the two stripes. He also had a nice finish inside, and he plays with great passion on offense. Drazen's game also includes a pretty solid handle for a 6'9" guy. My smart ass comment about his ball skills during the game, "He has the ball handling ability that Terrence Woodbury thinks that Woodbury has." He's not a 2 guard because he lacks that type of quickness, and he's still extremely raw defensively. But the kid has upside. He's the kind of kid that will look great one night, and awful the next until he figures things out. He's not Dirk Nowitzki or Tony Kukoc, but he does have the classic Euro big man game. Long, lean, good offensive fundamentals and soft. He's going to play the 3 for us.
  
  
• Travis Leslie - He has all the physical tools you want in a small wing player. For comparison sake, he's a thicker and more complete version of Mike Mercer without the baggage. He also has a much more polished shot than the train wreck jumper that Mercer brought to Athens. However, Leslie doesn't yet play with the defensive intensity that Mercer played with. He can do things around the rim and in transition that guys like Mercer and Shandon Anderson might have done in Athens. Offensively, he's raw and defensively the consistency isn't there yet. Big upside.
  
  
• Dustin Ware - Ware is probably closer to 5'8" than 5'11", but he's cat quick. His stat line was 16 minutes, 6 assists, 4 points and only 2 turnovers. Depending on how his offense evolves, I think he'll probably push Zac Swansey out of the point guard position next year. I imagine this year will be a huge learning experience for him.

All four of these kids have solid upside potential with Thompkins having elite All-SEC potential once he gets in shape and develops his body. Speaking of developing bodies...the UGA Strength Coach for Hoops really doesn't get enough credit. The work he's done with Albert Jackson, Corey Butler, Jeremy Price, etc is impressive. Jackson has the body of a grown ass intimidator. Unfortunately, he hasn't totally figured out how to use it or what his thumbs are for, but he's got the body that suggests Trey Thompkins' physical future is in great shape.

The problem with this roster and the future rosters is the complete lack of a shooting guard. In six seasons, Felton has signed only two SEC caliber "makers" at the two guard spot who could also play SEC caliber defense -- Billy Humphrey and Levi Stukes. The recruiting at that spot has got to improve. For the past 6 seasons, many long time hoops fans like me have said..."We need a Katu Davis type juco shooting guard to transform this lineup." I still feel that way. I'll probably feel that way next year to based on how recruiting is going for 2009 enrollments.

As for last night, we beat Mississippi Valley State. It's not exactly the Invasion of Normandy in terms of great all-time conquests. But, we looked promising, and the hoops fan base needed some kind of hope. I still have pretty low expectations for the season, but it's nice to know that there's raw material to work with from this recruiting class.

The next three games are:

at Western Kentucky 12/2
at Illinois (Chicago Neutral Court) 12/6
vs Virginia Tech (home) - 12/9

We'll know more about what we have after those three games. Win two of those, and we can write off much of what happened vs. Loyola-Chicago to Trey Thompkins not playing. Go winless, and we'll have some visibility into the length of the season.

See Also:
-- Dawgs hammer Delta Devils - ABH
-- Good, better, excellent - Daugman

PWD

*I'm working on nicknames. Feel free to suggest them.

Get Your College Pick 'em Selections In

Get your selections in for the Pick 'em. Thanks.

Get Your College Pick 'em Selections In

Get your selections in for the Pick 'em. Thanks.

Charlie Weis' hot seat to benefit Urban Meyer?

Image: Victors Valiant
The pressure on Notre Dame's Charlie Weis is now at diamond creation levels in the wake of their loss to Syracuse, and the Midwest media is beginning to line up and pile on in hopes of pushing the Irish to make a coaching change.

Here's some of the best hot seat articles:

• Limping into the Future - Chicago Sun-Times
  
• Irish don't look up to the task - Chicago Sun-Times
  
• Pressure starting to snowball - South Bend Tribune
  
• It's Time to Change - ND Nation (I think the Pope runs this site)
  
• The Players aren't Responding - Chicago Tribune
  
• An Irish Conundrum - NY Times**

In the midst of the shouting, the call seems to be "Call Urban Meyer and offer him The Universe!!!11!" Even the Florida press is suggesting that it simply makes sense that Meyer would consider the Irish.

• Meyer and ND seem a perfect fit - Florida Today
  
• A dream marriage - Tallahassee Democrat*

I personally think that Weis will be given one more year at Notre Dame. It'll be a close shave decision, but ND should be at a bowl low enough on the totem pole that the bowl losing streak will be broken. That may be enough to buy a small window of grace.

They would also still owe as much as $24 million to Weis if he left this season. Next year, that total should drop by another $3.5-4 million, and he would've been given every imaginable opportunity to succeed.

Yes. Meyer would make an excellent fit at Notre Dame. In his new book "Urban's Way" he still refers to the Fighting Irish job as his dream gig. And if the Gators win the SEC this year and play for the national title, what's left to prove in Gainesville?

The biggest things working against ND if they were to pursue Meyer are:

• The Gators know Meyer is a target. They can preemptively work to keep him financially.
  
• It is easier to recruit at Florida than at Notre Dame. I'm talking logistics. Proximity to talent.
  
• Jeremy Foley is a better AD than just about anyone.

The biggest things working for ND are the total size of their wallet, and the fact that they are Notre Dame. My prediction: Meyer will be the highest paid coach in football starting next year, and the beneficiary of the ND rumor mill. And still a Gator.

At best, we can hope for disruptive rumors.

See Also:
-- Fake Notre Dame Fan on the ND Job - EDSBS

PWD


*Yes. That's hardly a non-partisan source given the topic.
**Obviously not mid-western media. But who cares really.

Charlie Weis' hot seat to benefit Urban Meyer?

Image: Victors Valiant
The pressure on Notre Dame's Charlie Weis is now at diamond creation levels in the wake of their loss to Syracuse, and the Midwest media is beginning to line up and pile on in hopes of pushing the Irish to make a coaching change.

Here's some of the best hot seat articles:

• Limping into the Future - Chicago Sun-Times
  
• Irish don't look up to the task - Chicago Sun-Times
  
• Pressure starting to snowball - South Bend Tribune
  
• It's Time to Change - ND Nation (I think the Pope runs this site)
  
• The Players aren't Responding - Chicago Tribune
  
• An Irish Conundrum - NY Times**

In the midst of the shouting, the call seems to be "Call Urban Meyer and offer him The Universe!!!11!" Even the Florida press is suggesting that it simply makes sense that Meyer would consider the Irish.

• Meyer and ND seem a perfect fit - Florida Today
  
• A dream marriage - Tallahassee Democrat*

I personally think that Weis will be given one more year at Notre Dame. It'll be a close shave decision, but ND should be at a bowl low enough on the totem pole that the bowl losing streak will be broken. That may be enough to buy a small window of grace.

They would also still owe as much as $24 million to Weis if he left this season. Next year, that total should drop by another $3.5-4 million, and he would've been given every imaginable opportunity to succeed.

Yes. Meyer would make an excellent fit at Notre Dame. In his new book "Urban's Way" he still refers to the Fighting Irish job as his dream gig. And if the Gators win the SEC this year and play for the national title, what's left to prove in Gainesville?

The biggest things working against ND if they were to pursue Meyer are:

• The Gators know Meyer is a target. They can preemptively work to keep him financially.
  
• It is easier to recruit at Florida than at Notre Dame. I'm talking logistics. Proximity to talent.
  
• Jeremy Foley is a better AD than just about anyone.

The biggest things working for ND are the total size of their wallet, and the fact that they are Notre Dame. My prediction: Meyer will be the highest paid coach in football starting next year, and the beneficiary of the ND rumor mill. And still a Gator.

At best, we can hope for disruptive rumors.

See Also:
-- Fake Notre Dame Fan on the ND Job - EDSBS

PWD


*Yes. That's hardly a non-partisan source given the topic.
**Obviously not mid-western media. But who cares really.

Georgia's Bowl Situation and other Projections

It is not a total lock that Georgia would go to the Capital One Bowl if we lost to Georgia Tech. If South Carolina and Ole Miss close their seasons at 8-4 with a win over a heated rival, that might make them as attractive as a Georgia fan base coming off a loss to the Jackets. However, it does look like a high probability either way that we'll end up in Orlando.

Saturday is a bigger game for Tech's bowl opportunities. A Tech win puts them squarely into Peach or Gator with the obvious shot at the Orange Bowl if they back door the ACC Title game. A Tech loss would devastate their bowl opportunities. Tech will never win an ACC Title game coming off a loss to UGA. Plus, their fans are notoriously weak travelers following a loss to the Dawgs. They could fall to the Champ Sports or Music City Bowl with a loss.

Other Bowl News:

• BCS Bowls: No SEC Championship game loser has ever made a BCS Bowl before. That will change this year unless Florida were to lose to both FSU and Alabama. In that scenario, it is possible that Georgia (if we beat Tech) would make the Sugar Bowl (likely against Utah) over the Gators who would have 3 losses. Most pundits predict Florida in the title game and Bama in the Sugar. The Tide hasn't been to the Sugar Bowl since Jan. 1, 1993.
  
  
• Capital One Bowl - Georgia is most likely destined for Orlando. Oddly, the game to watch for UGA fans is the Oregon State vs. Oregon game. If the Beavers beat the Ducks, Ohio State will likely be bumped from a BCS at-large birth. The Buckeyes would be ranked 9th or 10th and Georgia would likely be ranked 11th or 12th heading into that game. If the Beavers lose, Georgia will likely face Michigan State. One local Spartan newspaper thinks a date with UGA would be bad news for MSU.
  
  
• Outback Bowl - The State in Columbia says that the Gamecocks may be headed to Tampa regardless of the outcome of their date with Clemson. Michigan State and Iowa seem to be front runners for the Big 10 spot. (See Also - Mandel on the Big 10 Bowls)
  
  
• Cotton - the Dallas Morning News would love to see UGA vs. Texas Tech. It ain't gonna happen. They say it's more likely to be Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss in a gross mismatch, but good for the Rebels. If they get Croomed by Mississippi State on Friday, then LSU will slide into this slot.
  
  
• Chick-Fil-A Bowl - If the Atlanta Sports Council finds LSU vs. Florida State under their Christmas Tree, it would be the luckiest break their bowl has caught in a while. Any combo of LSU vs. FSU or Georgia Tech would draw well. Boston College vs anyone would be a ticket fiasco.
  
  
• Music City - The Music City Bowl has stated that it isn't opposed to selecting Vanderbilt. After back to back trips to Nashville by Kentucky, it would seem that Vandy staying local wouldn't be a bad idea. The Music City and Liberty Bowls actually pick at the same time. They both make a list of the teams they want in order 1-3, and the SEC works with those lists (plus the desires of the teams affected) to place the teams. Vandy or UK will end up here barring a combo of UK beating UT and LSU falling to Arkansas. The ACC is too complex to know where anyone will land this far down their pecking order.
  
  
• Liberty - See the comments above. Vanderbilt vs. the Conference USA Champ is my prediction, but UK could end up here as well.
  
  
• Independence - The fellas in Shreveport need Auburn to beat Alabama, Notre Dame to beat Southern Cal (and the Cotton to take ND instead of Ole Miss) or some other calamity in order for the SEC to have enough bowl eligible teams for the Independence Bowl. The Bowl also needs Colorado to beat Nebraska in Lincoln in order to have a Big 12 team for the other slot. A match-up of UL-L vs. Northern Illinois isn't out of the question.
  
  
• PapaJohns.com - There's no SEC team for this bowl. Their best hope is to squeeze Troy into their game vs. a Big East also-ran.

See Also:
-- ESPN's Bowl Projections
-- Sportsline.com Bowl Projections
-- Bowl Tickets to Any Game - Stubhub

PWD

Georgia's Bowl Situation and other Projections

It is not a total lock that Georgia would go to the Capital One Bowl if we lost to Georgia Tech. If South Carolina and Ole Miss close their seasons at 8-4 with a win over a heated rival, that might make them as attractive as a Georgia fan base coming off a loss to the Jackets. However, it does look like a high probability either way that we'll end up in Orlando.

Saturday is a bigger game for Tech's bowl opportunities. A Tech win puts them squarely into Peach or Gator with the obvious shot at the Orange Bowl if they back door the ACC Title game. A Tech loss would devastate their bowl opportunities. Tech will never win an ACC Title game coming off a loss to UGA. Plus, their fans are notoriously weak travelers following a loss to the Dawgs. They could fall to the Champ Sports or Music City Bowl with a loss.

Other Bowl News:

• BCS Bowls: No SEC Championship game loser has ever made a BCS Bowl before. That will change this year unless Florida were to lose to both FSU and Alabama. In that scenario, it is possible that Georgia (if we beat Tech) would make the Sugar Bowl (likely against Utah) over the Gators who would have 3 losses. Most pundits predict Florida in the title game and Bama in the Sugar. The Tide hasn't been to the Sugar Bowl since Jan. 1, 1993.
  
  
• Capital One Bowl - Georgia is most likely destined for Orlando. Oddly, the game to watch for UGA fans is the Oregon State vs. Oregon game. If the Beavers beat the Ducks, Ohio State will likely be bumped from a BCS at-large birth. The Buckeyes would be ranked 9th or 10th and Georgia would likely be ranked 11th or 12th heading into that game. If the Beavers lose, Georgia will likely face Michigan State. One local Spartan newspaper thinks a date with UGA would be bad news for MSU.
  
  
• Outback Bowl - The State in Columbia says that the Gamecocks may be headed to Tampa regardless of the outcome of their date with Clemson. Michigan State and Iowa seem to be front runners for the Big 10 spot. (See Also - Mandel on the Big 10 Bowls)
  
  
• Cotton - the Dallas Morning News would love to see UGA vs. Texas Tech. It ain't gonna happen. They say it's more likely to be Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss in a gross mismatch, but good for the Rebels. If they get Croomed by Mississippi State on Friday, then LSU will slide into this slot.
  
  
• Chick-Fil-A Bowl - If the Atlanta Sports Council finds LSU vs. Florida State under their Christmas Tree, it would be the luckiest break their bowl has caught in a while. Any combo of LSU vs. FSU or Georgia Tech would draw well. Boston College vs anyone would be a ticket fiasco.
  
  
• Music City - The Music City Bowl has stated that it isn't opposed to selecting Vanderbilt. After back to back trips to Nashville by Kentucky, it would seem that Vandy staying local wouldn't be a bad idea. The Music City and Liberty Bowls actually pick at the same time. They both make a list of the teams they want in order 1-3, and the SEC works with those lists (plus the desires of the teams affected) to place the teams. Vandy or UK will end up here barring a combo of UK beating UT and LSU falling to Arkansas. The ACC is too complex to know where anyone will land this far down their pecking order.
  
  
• Liberty - See the comments above. Vanderbilt vs. the Conference USA Champ is my prediction, but UK could end up here as well.
  
  
• Independence - The fellas in Shreveport need Auburn to beat Alabama, Notre Dame to beat Southern Cal (and the Cotton to take ND instead of Ole Miss) or some other calamity in order for the SEC to have enough bowl eligible teams for the Independence Bowl. The Bowl also needs Colorado to beat Nebraska in Lincoln in order to have a Big 12 team for the other slot. A match-up of UL-L vs. Northern Illinois isn't out of the question.
  
  
• PapaJohns.com - There's no SEC team for this bowl. Their best hope is to squeeze Troy into their game vs. a Big East also-ran.

See Also:
-- ESPN's Bowl Projections
-- Sportsline.com Bowl Projections
-- Bowl Tickets to Any Game - Stubhub

PWD

It's True, It's True

I feel fairly confident that the Georgia offense can score enough points to win Saturday.  On defense, though, there are a host of concerns that have been well documented by Paul and myself all year long.  What we need this week, however, is a little lesson from Olympic champion and pro rassler, Kurt Angle.  Kurt has numerous fake accomplishments to go along with some very real ones.  How did Kurt do it (other than following the script)?  The three I's: intelligence, intensity, and integrity.  These three I's are exactly what the Dawgs defense needs Saturday.

1. Intelligence:  Defending the triple option is all about assignment football.  The Dawgs need to stay focused on their keys and maintain discipline on their assignments.  A missed assignment can turn into a big play.  Don't be stupid trying to make a big hit by coming off your assignment.  You'll get burned.

2. Intensity: Not only does the defense need to focus on their assignments and keep with them, they also need to finish their assignments by wrapping the Techsters up and bringing them down.  We've struggled tackling this year.  Everybody knows it.  If you miss tackles against the triple option, this is what it looks like:

(Not that Josh Nesbitt is Tommie Frazier, but you get the point.)  We must wrap up and bring the ballcarrier down. No nudging, Rashad Reshad.

3. Integrity:  Do the right thing, boys.  Keep your hands off the quarterback's facemask.  Don't hit them out of bounds.  Every extra snap is an extra chance for someone to miss an assignment.  Play clean.  

None of these points have been particularly evident this year.  The frequency of defensive penalties, particularly 15 yarders, have been laughable at times.  Tackling has been inconsistent.  Despite the heat he takes, Willie Martinez will have the guys in position to execute, but they have to do when they get there.  

One thing I really like about the match up is that one of our big weaknesses, pass rush, is largely irrelevant this weekend.  Josh Nesbitt isn't going to drop back and light up our secondary.   The defense has had some excellent games against the run, including three where they've held the opponent to less than twenty yards rushing.  We're not going to hold Tech to less than twenty, but they shouldn't be running up 472 like they did Thursday night.  We just need to play smart.

I don't think I'm asking for a complete reversal of our defensive efforts this year.  We have had some good defensive games, but they haven't come lately.  The week off should help clean up the tackling issues.  Guys that are healthy are more likely to tackle better than guys who are banged up and tired.  Plus, the extra week  gives everybody extra study time for defending the option.  If we can follow the three I's, I like our chances.

Quinton

It's True, It's True

I feel fairly confident that the Georgia offense can score enough points to win Saturday.  On defense, though, there are a host of concerns that have been well documented by Paul and myself all year long.  What we need this week, however, is a little lesson from Olympic champion and pro rassler, Kurt Angle.  Kurt has numerous fake accomplishments to go along with some very real ones.  How did Kurt do it (other than following the script)?  The three I's: intelligence, intensity, and integrity.  These three I's are exactly what the Dawgs defense needs Saturday.

1. Intelligence:  Defending the triple option is all about assignment football.  The Dawgs need to stay focused on their keys and maintain discipline on their assignments.  A missed assignment can turn into a big play.  Don't be stupid trying to make a big hit by coming off your assignment.  You'll get burned.

2. Intensity: Not only does the defense need to focus on their assignments and keep with them, they also need to finish their assignments by wrapping the Techsters up and bringing them down.  We've struggled tackling this year.  Everybody knows it.  If you miss tackles against the triple option, this is what it looks like:

(Not that Josh Nesbitt is Tommie Frazier, but you get the point.)  We must wrap up and bring the ballcarrier down. No nudging, Rashad Reshad.

3. Integrity:  Do the right thing, boys.  Keep your hands off the quarterback's facemask.  Don't hit them out of bounds.  Every extra snap is an extra chance for someone to miss an assignment.  Play clean.  

None of these points have been particularly evident this year.  The frequency of defensive penalties, particularly 15 yarders, have been laughable at times.  Tackling has been inconsistent.  Despite the heat he takes, Willie Martinez will have the guys in position to execute, but they have to do when they get there.  

One thing I really like about the match up is that one of our big weaknesses, pass rush, is largely irrelevant this weekend.  Josh Nesbitt isn't going to drop back and light up our secondary.   The defense has had some excellent games against the run, including three where they've held the opponent to less than twenty yards rushing.  We're not going to hold Tech to less than twenty, but they shouldn't be running up 472 like they did Thursday night.  We just need to play smart.

I don't think I'm asking for a complete reversal of our defensive efforts this year.  We have had some good defensive games, but they haven't come lately.  The week off should help clean up the tackling issues.  Guys that are healthy are more likely to tackle better than guys who are banged up and tired.  Plus, the extra week  gives everybody extra study time for defending the option.  If we can follow the three I's, I like our chances.

Quinton

Hoops: Georgia defeats Santa

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team raised their record to 4-1 with a win over Santa Clara in the Preseason NIT consolation bracket. The 54-48 win was made possible by strong defense and ok performances by the Georgia front court as Woodbury, Albert Jackson and Howard "Trey" Thompkins III all scored in double digits. (Image: No. The other Santa)

The most important news of the game came from the debut of Thompkins. The box score shows 18 minutes, 10 points, 2 rebounds, 5 blocked shots, 1 steal, 1 turnover and no fouls. Thompkins played physical enough to shoot 5 of 6 free throws, but didn't play recklessly enough to draw fouls. Interesting.

I'll see him play up close tomorrow night, and I'm intrigued. He'll see his minutes slowly rise from here as Felton works to get Thompkins in shape without re-injuring his ankles.

As a team, the problem area is (as always) offense. Chip Towers talks about the offensive woes including another sub-40% shooting night from the floor. Still, they won.

Tomorrow, they get a warm-up game against Mississippi Valley State before facing Western Kentucky (road), Illinois (Neutral Site in Chicago) and Virginia Tech (home) in a row. The next two weeks will give us more visibility into what sort of team this is than the past two weeks did.

PWD

Hoops: Georgia defeats Santa

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team raised their record to 4-1 with a win over Santa Clara in the Preseason NIT consolation bracket. The 54-48 win was made possible by strong defense and ok performances by the Georgia front court as Woodbury, Albert Jackson and Howard "Trey" Thompkins III all scored in double digits. (Image: No. The other Santa)

The most important news of the game came from the debut of Thompkins. The box score shows 18 minutes, 10 points, 2 rebounds, 5 blocked shots, 1 steal, 1 turnover and no fouls. Thompkins played physical enough to shoot 5 of 6 free throws, but didn't play recklessly enough to draw fouls. Interesting.

I'll see him play up close tomorrow night, and I'm intrigued. He'll see his minutes slowly rise from here as Felton works to get Thompkins in shape without re-injuring his ankles.

As a team, the problem area is (as always) offense. Chip Towers talks about the offensive woes including another sub-40% shooting night from the floor. Still, they won.

Tomorrow, they get a warm-up game against Mississippi Valley State before facing Western Kentucky (road), Illinois (Neutral Site in Chicago) and Virginia Tech (home) in a row. The next two weeks will give us more visibility into what sort of team this is than the past two weeks did.

PWD

Tech Wants It More? So What.

Georgia Tech hasn't beaten Georgia without Ralph Friedgen on the sidelines since 1984. The Yellow Jackets also haven't won against us without playing 10 or more documented ineligible players since 1990. (video: 2006 game from ugamummra)

The idea that Tech wants it more is laughable or irrelevant. Tech probably does want it more. Some would argue that they always want it more. In fact, for many of their fans it's the ONLY thing they want. And what has all of that wanting it gotten them since 1964?

If you're looking for intangibles, look to the pressure on the Yellow Jacket sideline. This game is as much mental block for them as our game with Florida. It is perhaps a larger mental barrier given the overwhelming emphasis that their fan base puts on this game.

How many times have you heard a Tech fan say, "I'd gladly go 1-10 as long as the one was to UGA." That's absolutely dumb.



You would be hard pressed to find a group of Yellow Jacket fans who honestly think that Tech could win the ACC Championship game the week following a loss to Georgia. So even if Tech were to backdoor the ACC Title Game with a UVA win over Virginia Tech, they would most certainly walk into a loss against Boston College or FSU...if they drop Saturday's game to the Dawgs.

And realistically, what Tech fan would care either way if they drop Saturday's game?

It is a fact that more Tech "fans" hate Georgia far more than they love Tech. So, I ask you....Can they handle the pressure?

See Also:
-- Defending the Drought - GT Sports Blog
-- Georgia and Tech trade places - Bradley
-- Tech's order of priorities - AJC
-- So Close to Tampa - AJC
-- Defending the Triple Option - DawgSports
-- Tickets: UGA vs. Georgia Tech

PWD

Tech Wants It More? So What.

Georgia Tech hasn't beaten Georgia without Ralph Friedgen on the sidelines since 1984. The Yellow Jackets also haven't won against us without playing 10 or more documented ineligible players since 1990. (video: 2006 game from ugamummra)

The idea that Tech wants it more is laughable or irrelevant. Tech probably does want it more. Some would argue that they always want it more. In fact, for many of their fans it's the ONLY thing they want. And what has all of that wanting it gotten them since 1964?

If you're looking for intangibles, look to the pressure on the Yellow Jacket sideline. This game is as much mental block for them as our game with Florida. It is perhaps a larger mental barrier given the overwhelming emphasis that their fan base puts on this game.

How many times have you heard a Tech fan say, "I'd gladly go 1-10 as long as the one was to UGA." That's absolutely dumb.



You would be hard pressed to find a group of Yellow Jacket fans who honestly think that Tech could win the ACC Championship game the week following a loss to Georgia. So even if Tech were to backdoor the ACC Title Game with a UVA win over Virginia Tech, they would most certainly walk into a loss against Boston College or FSU...if they drop Saturday's game to the Dawgs.

And realistically, what Tech fan would care either way if they drop Saturday's game?

It is a fact that more Tech "fans" hate Georgia far more than they love Tech. So, I ask you....Can they handle the pressure?

See Also:
-- Defending the Drought - GT Sports Blog
-- Georgia and Tech trade places - Bradley
-- Tech's order of priorities - AJC
-- So Close to Tampa - AJC
-- Defending the Triple Option - DawgSports
-- Tickets: UGA vs. Georgia Tech

PWD

Now that you mention it. Tech does suck

Really, Daddy? A Reggie Ball jersey? (Image: AJC)

I took advantage of the bye week, and I didn't post much. Next thing you know even the Tech folks are emailing me asking...why aren't you making fun of Tech? What's wrong with you? Are you ok?

When The Sporting News says:

"Georgia plays Georgia Tech this Saturday, and if there is one thing Georgia fans will be doing this week, it will be finding new and elaborate ways to call Georgia Tech fans nerds without girlfriends. No one does this better than Paul Westerdawg on the Georgia Sports Blog, where you may also find the latest UGA news, discussion and pictures of Florida fans in jean shorts."

Hell, even Wes Durham emailed me to give me a heads up on the TSN news (not to ask my why I wasn't making fun of Tech). You know you're falling down on the job when the Tech folks are disappointed in your lack of mockery.

So, I'll step it up.

See Also:
-- Recycled Tech Week Smack- GSB

PWD

Now that you mention it. Tech does suck

Really, Daddy? A Reggie Ball jersey? (Image: AJC)

I took advantage of the bye week, and I didn't post much. Next thing you know even the Tech folks are emailing me asking...why aren't you making fun of Tech? What's wrong with you? Are you ok?

When The Sporting News says:

"Georgia plays Georgia Tech this Saturday, and if there is one thing Georgia fans will be doing this week, it will be finding new and elaborate ways to call Georgia Tech fans nerds without girlfriends. No one does this better than Paul Westerdawg on the Georgia Sports Blog, where you may also find the latest UGA news, discussion and pictures of Florida fans in jean shorts."

Hell, even Wes Durham emailed me to give me a heads up on the TSN news (not to ask my why I wasn't making fun of Tech). You know you're falling down on the job when the Tech folks are disappointed in your lack of mockery.

So, I'll step it up.

See Also:
-- Recycled Tech Week Smack- GSB

PWD

Rennie IS the Georgia Way

Rennie Curran (Image: Jim Hipple)

"His persona, the way he carries himself in here, it's such a great help to our strength staff, because he uses that leadership. Now, even as a sophomore, I can point and say, ‘Hey, if you want to do it the Georgia way, do it that way.' Because he does it."
- Dave Van Halanger on Rennie Curran

If you haven't read it already, you should really check out the series of articles on Rennie Curran from David Hale. The first article appeared in the Macon Telegraph discussing Rennie working towards his goals. It's a good read, but I especially enjoyed the extra content that didn't make the hard copy newspaper.

The longer, second article includes interviews with Coach Van and several of Rennie's teammates who discuss his work ethic and approach to football. It's a great read.

See Also:
-- Monday reading -- Dave Hale
-- On Massaquoi -- Travis Fain
-- Tickets: UGA vs. Georgia Tech

PWD

Rennie IS the Georgia Way

Rennie Curran (Image: Jim Hipple)

"His persona, the way he carries himself in here, it's such a great help to our strength staff, because he uses that leadership. Now, even as a sophomore, I can point and say, ‘Hey, if you want to do it the Georgia way, do it that way.' Because he does it."
- Dave Van Halanger on Rennie Curran

If you haven't read it already, you should really check out the series of articles on Rennie Curran from David Hale. The first article appeared in the Macon Telegraph discussing Rennie working towards his goals. It's a good read, but I especially enjoyed the extra content that didn't make the hard copy newspaper.

The longer, second article includes interviews with Coach Van and several of Rennie's teammates who discuss his work ethic and approach to football. It's a great read.

See Also:
-- Monday reading -- Dave Hale
-- On Massaquoi -- Travis Fain
-- Tickets: UGA vs. Georgia Tech

PWD

Presidential Involvement in College Football?

As most of you know, President-Elect Barack Obama has publicly said that he would like to see College Football move towards a playoff system. Set aside for a moment if you will whether a playoff is a good thing or a bad thing.

How is government involvement in a private enterprise at that level of detail a good thing? Shouldn't the free market decide what sort of product (or method for deciding victory) is "best."

College Football ratings have an aggressive upwards trajectory. TV rights are selling for an all-time high for the sport as evidence by the $2.25 billion deal TV between the SEC and ESPN. It's not a product that needs government intervention to be "fixed."


Be Careful What You Wish For
All of that said. A College Football Playoff is a "Be Careful What You Wish For" endeavor. If we could get a system whereby the "Best" 8 Teams would battle it out for post-season supremacy, I'd be opened minded about it. That will not happen. To think that's what you would get would be to ignore everything that's happened over the past 20 years politically within college football.

The "Best 8 Teams" model is not what the NCAA, BCS Conferences and Non-BCS Conferences would give us. Instead, we would get a system with rules very similar to this:

1. An 8 Team Playoff whereby the 6 BCS Conference Champions are guaranteed an automatic birth. Any BCS conference commissioner agreeing to a system whereby his "champion" didn't get automatic access to the playoffs would be fired on the spot.

2. An accessible entry point for the best non-BCS Conference Champ to enter the playoffs. They would open the door for them slightly wider (like Top 10 or Top 12 finish) in order to avoid pesky lawsuits from non-BCS Conferences. Also, the 53 teams not involved in a BCS Conference would never vote in favor of a playoff system that didn't give them an accessible entry point.

3. Most years there would only be one at-large spot left. What criteria would be created to make sure that an independent like Notre Dame would be invited to fill that spot? A Top 8 Finish? A Top 10 Finish? There would most certainly be a loophole to grant them access, and no one is forcing ND into a conference against their will.

If you are an SEC or Big 12 fan, your conferences are most likely to produce a playoff champion. That's why all other conferences would aggressively work to limit your access to that one remaining at-large spot.

For instance, Big 10 Conference members -- who don't play an championship game -- would have a much easier path to the one at-large spot.

In the scenario above, it's very easy to see the #4, 5 and/or 6 teams in the nation being left out of an playoff in favor of lesser ACC, Big East, non-BCS conference members and/or Notre Dame. This year either the SEC runner-up or the Big 12 runner-up would be sitting at home in favor of a 4 or 5 loss Big East or ACC Champ.

How is that a better system? How does that bring on less controversy? Because that's the outcome you most certainly will get if we make a change for an 8 team bracket.

I keep hearing, "It's what everyone wants." I would argue that's only because "everyone" doesn't understand what it is that they are going to get if they make their request.

See Also:

-- How can it be a good idea if Mike Adams supports it? - AJC
-- How can it be a good idea if Urban Meyer supports it? - Blutarsky
-- Recognizing the Complexity - Mandel

PWD


(NOTE: This is a FOOTBALL discussion. If you hate / love the president-elect or the sitting president, I respect your opinion. But I don't want to moderate a discussion on The Presidency. I'd rather...if at all possible...have the comments centered around the existing BCS debate. I know that's asking a lot. But please help me out. You're not going to convince anyone reading a football blog comments area that their views on the 43rd or 44th president of the US are "wrong.")