The Enemy of My Enemy ...

The bowl season for the SEC gets underway today with Vandy and LSU playing their respective bowl games against ACC opponents.  The bowl season always seems to bring up an eternal debate: to cheer for the other members of your conference or to cheer the defeat of your rivals?  Most Southerners choose the former, whether out of a sense of regional solidarity or conference pride.

It is tempting to toe the conference line.  After all, you want the people you beat and the teams that beat you to look as strong as possible.  This, the argument goes, reflects well on you.  You beat the strong and the stronger beat you.  Any team from another conference with a similar record would not have fared as well if they had to play your schedule of heavyweights.  To me, this argument makes no sense.  

If Florida wins the BCS Bowl, how exactly, does that in any way help Georgia?  How does it help us if any SEC team wins their bowl game?  These are the teams we compete with for talent and resources.  A win for a rival isn't good for us, it's good for them.  There is no reflective glory in college football.  Do you think UPS wishes FedEx well?  No way.  Why should we cheer for South Carolina or Alabama or any other SEC or ACC team?

There is an exception this year.  LSU.  Geaux Tigers.

Quinton

The Enemy of My Enemy ...

The bowl season for the SEC gets underway today with Vandy and LSU playing their respective bowl games against ACC opponents.  The bowl season always seems to bring up an eternal debate: to cheer for the other members of your conference or to cheer the defeat of your rivals?  Most Southerners choose the former, whether out of a sense of regional solidarity or conference pride.

It is tempting to toe the conference line.  After all, you want the people you beat and the teams that beat you to look as strong as possible.  This, the argument goes, reflects well on you.  You beat the strong and the stronger beat you.  Any team from another conference with a similar record would not have fared as well if they had to play your schedule of heavyweights.  To me, this argument makes no sense.  

If Florida wins the BCS Bowl, how exactly, does that in any way help Georgia?  How does it help us if any SEC team wins their bowl game?  These are the teams we compete with for talent and resources.  A win for a rival isn't good for us, it's good for them.  There is no reflective glory in college football.  Do you think UPS wishes FedEx well?  No way.  Why should we cheer for South Carolina or Alabama or any other SEC or ACC team?

There is an exception this year.  LSU.  Geaux Tigers.

Quinton

Off to See Mickey

No idea what posting will be like pre-bowl. If we don't post sooner, Happy New Years.

Go Dawgs. Beat the Spartans.

PWD

Off to See Mickey

No idea what posting will be like pre-bowl. If we don't post sooner, Happy New Years.

Go Dawgs. Beat the Spartans.

PWD

Auburn hires Gus Malzahn as OC

Much like ol' Westerdawg predicted. Auburn wasn't going to hire Stacy Searels as offensive coordinator because they couldn't afford an unproven guy calling plays. Chizik needed to make a splash, and he did with the Malzahn hire.

More later.

Auburn hires Gus Malzahn as OC

Much like ol' Westerdawg predicted. Auburn wasn't going to hire Stacy Searels as offensive coordinator because they couldn't afford an unproven guy calling plays. Chizik needed to make a splash, and he did with the Malzahn hire.

More later.

No NFL Rookie Wage Scale for 2010 Draft

Matthew Stafford (Image: Dennis Hodges)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has informed ESPN and others on the record that the NFL will not implement a Rookie Wage Scale for the 2010 draft.

"There will be no change in our current [rookie pool] system, at least until 2011," Goodell told ESPN on Saturday. "I've explained that to some college head coaches, athletic directors and league commissioners. Any underclassman who is hearing differently is probably hearing it from an agent or from another source who is misinformed."

This means that Stafford and Moreno can think about their decision without the fear of losing tens of millions by sticking around for another year.

Unfortunately for David Hale of the Macon Telegraph, he wrote a story on this topic before Goodell made his announcement. Also a bummer for Mark John Clayton making such a strong prediction that there would be a rookie wage scale only to see Goodell state otherwise.

In Hale's article, he talks how much Stafford might have lost if the Rookie Wage scale had been implemented.

For Stafford, who has been projected by many draft analysts as the best quarterback available should he choose to forego his senior season, the salary hit would be significant. Ryan, who was taken third overall in 2008 by the Atlanta Falcons, is earning an average of $10 million per year, with $30 million of the contact guaranteed. Under the proposed salary cap, Stafford could be limited to as little as $3.25 million per year as a maximum in 2010, Clayton said.

Regardless, I hope Stafford and Moreno come back, but I'm still not expecting to see either of them in Athens next year. I hope I'm wrong.

PWD

No NFL Rookie Wage Scale for 2010 Draft

Matthew Stafford (Image: Dennis Hodges)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has informed ESPN and others on the record that the NFL will not implement a Rookie Wage Scale for the 2010 draft.

"There will be no change in our current [rookie pool] system, at least until 2011," Goodell told ESPN on Saturday. "I've explained that to some college head coaches, athletic directors and league commissioners. Any underclassman who is hearing differently is probably hearing it from an agent or from another source who is misinformed."

This means that Stafford and Moreno can think about their decision without the fear of losing tens of millions by sticking around for another year.

Unfortunately for David Hale of the Macon Telegraph, he wrote a story on this topic before Goodell made his announcement. Also a bummer for Mark John Clayton making such a strong prediction that there would be a rookie wage scale only to see Goodell state otherwise.

In Hale's article, he talks how much Stafford might have lost if the Rookie Wage scale had been implemented.

For Stafford, who has been projected by many draft analysts as the best quarterback available should he choose to forego his senior season, the salary hit would be significant. Ryan, who was taken third overall in 2008 by the Atlanta Falcons, is earning an average of $10 million per year, with $30 million of the contact guaranteed. Under the proposed salary cap, Stafford could be limited to as little as $3.25 million per year as a maximum in 2010, Clayton said.

Regardless, I hope Stafford and Moreno come back, but I'm still not expecting to see either of them in Athens next year. I hope I'm wrong.

PWD

Javon Ringer vs. the Bigger Boys

Javon Ringer's going to run all over Georgia? Here are his stats against quasi-quality opponents or better:

vs. Penn State: 17 carries for 42 yards
vs. Ohio State: 16 carries for 67 yards
vs. Wisconsin: 21 carries for 54 yards
vs. Cal: 27 carries for 81 yards
vs. Iowa: 25 carries for 91 yards

But he did put up 282 yards against Florida Atlantic. So there's that.

This isn't like the Tech game. Tech had already run for 300-400 yards against Miami, FSU and UNC leading up to the Georgia game. (Image: Scout.com)

PWD

Javon Ringer vs. the Bigger Boys

Javon Ringer's going to run all over Georgia? Here are his stats against quasi-quality opponents or better:

vs. Penn State: 17 carries for 42 yards
vs. Ohio State: 16 carries for 67 yards
vs. Wisconsin: 21 carries for 54 yards
vs. Cal: 27 carries for 81 yards
vs. Iowa: 25 carries for 91 yards

But he did put up 282 yards against Florida Atlantic. So there's that.

This isn't like the Tech game. Tech had already run for 300-400 yards against Miami, FSU and UNC leading up to the Georgia game. (Image: Scout.com)

PWD

So...how exactly is MSU going to stop us?

Knowshon Moreno (Image: Hipple)
In all the talk about how the Ringer and the Spartan rushing attack will cause problems for Georgia, I don't see enough discussion of the opposite issue. How is Michigan State going to stop Georgia?

Realistically, Ringer will get his touches, and he'll get his yards. However, the Michigan State defense is ranked 71st nationally against the run, 63rd against the pass and 62nd in total defense. By comparison, the Georgia defense is ranked 40th, 33rd and 28th respectively in those categories. In their favor defensively, they allowed 3.7 points per game fewer than the Dawgs.

The only offenses that the Spartans have faced remotely comparable to the Bulldog attack were from Cal and Penn State. Two schools that tore into MSU for 38 and 49 points respectively.

If we show up ready to play, I'm thinking....44-24 Dawgs win.

See Also:
-- No News on NFL Opportunities - AJC
-- Heirs Apparent - Get the Picture
-- Attractions a Distraction? - ABH
-- Tickets: Capital One Bowl starting at $28

PWD

So...how exactly is MSU going to stop us?

Knowshon Moreno (Image: Hipple)
In all the talk about how the Ringer and the Spartan rushing attack will cause problems for Georgia, I don't see enough discussion of the opposite issue. How is Michigan State going to stop Georgia?

Realistically, Ringer will get his touches, and he'll get his yards. However, the Michigan State defense is ranked 71st nationally against the run, 63rd against the pass and 62nd in total defense. By comparison, the Georgia defense is ranked 40th, 33rd and 28th respectively in those categories. In their favor defensively, they allowed 3.7 points per game fewer than the Dawgs.

The only offenses that the Spartans have faced remotely comparable to the Bulldog attack were from Cal and Penn State. Two schools that tore into MSU for 38 and 49 points respectively.

If we show up ready to play, I'm thinking....44-24 Dawgs win.

See Also:
-- No News on NFL Opportunities - AJC
-- Heirs Apparent - Get the Picture
-- Attractions a Distraction? - ABH
-- Tickets: Capital One Bowl starting at $28

PWD

Capital One Bowl Tickets Available at Deep Discounts

The Capital One Bowl showcases the Georgia Bulldogs vs. the Michigan State Spartans, and the financial situation for last minute ticket shoppers is incredibly favorable. Stubhub now has tickets available starting at $28.00 as of the time of this posting. I believe that face value on tickets for the CapitalOne Bowl starts at $80.

The stubhub seating chart clearly shows which side is for UGA fans and which side is for Michigan State fans. Premium mezzanine level tickets (starting at $40) and lower level sideline tickets (starting at $60) are available on the Georgia side.

See you down there.

PWD
Georgia Sports Blog

Capital One Bowl Tickets Available at Deep Discounts

The Capital One Bowl showcases the Georgia Bulldogs vs. the Michigan State Spartans, and the financial situation for last minute ticket shoppers is incredibly favorable. Stubhub now has tickets available starting at $28.00 as of the time of this posting. I believe that face value on tickets for the CapitalOne Bowl starts at $80.

The stubhub seating chart clearly shows which side is for UGA fans and which side is for Michigan State fans. Premium mezzanine level tickets (starting at $40) and lower level sideline tickets (starting at $60) are available on the Georgia side.

See you down there.

PWD
Georgia Sports Blog

What can a bowl do for Georgia?

Rennie Curran (Image by Hipple)

David Ching discusses what this bowl could do for the Georgia attitude going into the off season, and he compares this season's bowl to last year's. The basic thinking is that a win won't smooth over all our rough edges, but an ugly defensive affair will most certainly make things more difficult for the coaching staff.

My prediction on this game is similar to my prediction on most Georgia games where we have a large talent advantage....if we show up pissed off and ready to play we'll win big.

PWD

What can a bowl do for Georgia?

Rennie Curran (Image by Hipple)

David Ching discusses what this bowl could do for the Georgia attitude going into the off season, and he compares this season's bowl to last year's. The basic thinking is that a win won't smooth over all our rough edges, but an ugly defensive affair will most certainly make things more difficult for the coaching staff.

My prediction on this game is similar to my prediction on most Georgia games where we have a large talent advantage....if we show up pissed off and ready to play we'll win big.

PWD

AJC: Richt says Searels is Staying

There is no off season news more important to the UGA program. The AJC is reporting that Richt says Searels told him he's staying. This was done before the bowl practice today.

The ABH has their article up as well. Not sure who was first. Not sure I care. Just happy that it's out there.

AJC: Richt says Searels is Staying

There is no off season news more important to the UGA program. The AJC is reporting that Richt says Searels told him he's staying. This was done before the bowl practice today.

The ABH has their article up as well. Not sure who was first. Not sure I care. Just happy that it's out there.

Recruiting Story: Oklahoma vs. Texas

Jamarkus McFarland is a 5 star defensive tackle out of Texas. Yesterday, he committed to the Sooners, and ended a nasty Oklahoma vs. Texas recruiting war.

Much like you, I really don't care who OU or Texas signs. However, the story is made universally interesting to recruiting buffs because the NY Times followed the process inside and out for six months with inside access from McFarland and his mother.

The NY Times story involves stretch limos, bare breasted Longhorn fans, drugs, booze, financial offers, and maids. Basically, it's everything fun about recruiting for the kids and every parent's nightmare.

It's solid read that is getting press all over the country.

See Also:
-- Recruiting Spawns Captivating Journalism - Chicago Sun-Times
-- "Freakiness" sends recruit away from Texas - Dallas Observer
-- Innuendo, Rumor and Speculation...Oh My! - NOLA.com


PWD

Recruiting Story: Oklahoma vs. Texas

Jamarkus McFarland is a 5 star defensive tackle out of Texas. Yesterday, he committed to the Sooners, and ended a nasty Oklahoma vs. Texas recruiting war.

Much like you, I really don't care who OU or Texas signs. However, the story is made universally interesting to recruiting buffs because the NY Times followed the process inside and out for six months with inside access from McFarland and his mother.

The NY Times story involves stretch limos, bare breasted Longhorn fans, drugs, booze, financial offers, and maids. Basically, it's everything fun about recruiting for the kids and every parent's nightmare.

It's solid read that is getting press all over the country.

See Also:
-- Recruiting Spawns Captivating Journalism - Chicago Sun-Times
-- "Freakiness" sends recruit away from Texas - Dallas Observer
-- Innuendo, Rumor and Speculation...Oh My! - NOLA.com


PWD

Fa Ra Ra Ra Rar

I hope Santa brought you everything on your wish list. Tis the season for receiving....well...that and thankfulness, forgiveness, acceptance and compassion. Oh, and gifts. Definitely gifts.

PWD

Fa Ra Ra Ra Rar

I hope Santa brought you everything on your wish list. Tis the season for receiving....well...that and thankfulness, forgiveness, acceptance and compassion. Oh, and gifts. Definitely gifts.

PWD

Evans working with Richt to keep Searels

Anthony Dasher reports that Damon Evans is working with Richt to develop a package that will keep Searels in Athens. No details, but that's good enough news for tonight.

PWD

Evans working with Richt to keep Searels

Anthony Dasher reports that Damon Evans is working with Richt to develop a package that will keep Searels in Athens. No details, but that's good enough news for tonight.

PWD

Hoops: UGA Lost to Texas A&M Corpus Christi tonight

And no. I'm not joking. The Bulldogs lost to TAMU C.C. 80-79 in overtime. We lost after the other guys hit a 3 pointer from near half court to beat the buzzer.

This is the second giant bowl of disaster for the team this year. Georgia started the Preseason NIT with a loss to Loyola-Chicago. It's one thing to lose to peer institutions. It's another to lose to hyphenated schools.

In Georgia's defense, Terrence Woodbury didn't play due to injury. Although, it shouldn't have mattered. What went wrong? I'm waiting on the autopsy from friends who saw it in person, but if I were guessing...I'd start with 25 turnovers.

Texas A&M Corpus Christi is now 6-6. Against Div I teams (of which there are 344), they are 3-6. They lost to Savannah State last week. Last year, they were 9-20.

Georgia gets UNC A&T on Sunday, and they play Kennesaw on New Years Eve.

PWD

(Image: Fail Gallery)

Hoops: UGA Lost to Texas A&M Corpus Christi tonight

And no. I'm not joking. The Bulldogs lost to TAMU C.C. 80-79 in overtime. We lost after the other guys hit a 3 pointer from near half court to beat the buzzer.

This is the second giant bowl of disaster for the team this year. Georgia started the Preseason NIT with a loss to Loyola-Chicago. It's one thing to lose to peer institutions. It's another to lose to hyphenated schools.

In Georgia's defense, Terrence Woodbury didn't play due to injury. Although, it shouldn't have mattered. What went wrong? I'm waiting on the autopsy from friends who saw it in person, but if I were guessing...I'd start with 25 turnovers.

Texas A&M Corpus Christi is now 6-6. Against Div I teams (of which there are 344), they are 3-6. They lost to Savannah State last week. Last year, they were 9-20.

Georgia gets UNC A&T on Sunday, and they play Kennesaw on New Years Eve.

PWD

(Image: Fail Gallery)

Jason Whitlock on the Auburn Hire

(This has been in my draft folder since Friday. I forgot to publish earlier)

Jason Whitlock, an outspoken black columnist who I enjoy reading, wrote an article for Fox Sports about Auburn's hiring of Gene Chizik. The article wanders around in an attempt to make several points with mixed results. However, there are a few extremely lucid comments including:

1. Tuberville is the real victim of this process. Not Turner Gill.

2. Whitlock feels that Gill wasn't ready for the Auburn job. Rushing him into a meat grinder job like that right now wouldn't be in his best interest. He essentially agrees with the Auburn AD who said that Gill wasn't the right "fit."

3. Whitlock is a former player at Ball State so he's pretty familiar with the MAC. He says that Gill could be a future super star in coaching, but it's still too early to tell. That the media hype around him exceeds his current resume. He suggests that the perfect next job for Gill might be TCU (when it opens) because that's where Gill is originally from.

4. Auburn would've been better off not interviewing him given the backlash they have received.

I agree with most of those points except item #4. Auburn's problem isn't that they interviewed Gill. Their problem is that they gave the job to 5-19 Gene Chizik. His shockingly weak resume creates the sort of disparity / contrast that makes you want to make George Wallace jokes.

Auburn's problems aren't the Turner Gill vs. Gene Chizik comparison. It's the Tommy Tuberville vs. Gene Chizik comparison. So in that sense, Whitlock's point #1 is most accurate.

Charles Barkley was only half right in his tirades following the Chizik hire. As Barkley pointed out, Chizik was most certainly the least qualified man who interviewed for the job based on resume. However, that doesn't mean that Turner Gill was the most qualified guy. Statement A about Chizik's weak resume and 10 game losing streak is pretty much a fact while Statement B regarding Gill's resume is simply Barkley's opinion / preference.

Regardless, Auburn's process was a mess. Those screaming for a Rooney Rule in the wake of the Auburn debacle don't get what the Rooney Rule actually is. It's simply a mandate that NFL owners interview black candidates for jobs. It's not a mandate that they hire them. Auburn interviewed Gill and Rodney Garner. They were probably in more complete compliance for a hypothetical Rooney Rule than any SEC team in history.

It's just that the Chizik hire on its face is so staggeringly bad that you can't help but question the motives and thought process of everyone involved.


PWD


Note: If you're wondering, UGA formally interviewed Ray Sherman after Donnan left. We've had two black head basketball coaches, and we have a black athletic director. We're luckily on the moral high ground for this issue.

Jason Whitlock on the Auburn Hire

(This has been in my draft folder since Friday. I forgot to publish earlier)

Jason Whitlock, an outspoken black columnist who I enjoy reading, wrote an article for Fox Sports about Auburn's hiring of Gene Chizik. The article wanders around in an attempt to make several points with mixed results. However, there are a few extremely lucid comments including:

1. Tuberville is the real victim of this process. Not Turner Gill.

2. Whitlock feels that Gill wasn't ready for the Auburn job. Rushing him into a meat grinder job like that right now wouldn't be in his best interest. He essentially agrees with the Auburn AD who said that Gill wasn't the right "fit."

3. Whitlock is a former player at Ball State so he's pretty familiar with the MAC. He says that Gill could be a future super star in coaching, but it's still too early to tell. That the media hype around him exceeds his current resume. He suggests that the perfect next job for Gill might be TCU (when it opens) because that's where Gill is originally from.

4. Auburn would've been better off not interviewing him given the backlash they have received.

I agree with most of those points except item #4. Auburn's problem isn't that they interviewed Gill. Their problem is that they gave the job to 5-19 Gene Chizik. His shockingly weak resume creates the sort of disparity / contrast that makes you want to make George Wallace jokes.

Auburn's problems aren't the Turner Gill vs. Gene Chizik comparison. It's the Tommy Tuberville vs. Gene Chizik comparison. So in that sense, Whitlock's point #1 is most accurate.

Charles Barkley was only half right in his tirades following the Chizik hire. As Barkley pointed out, Chizik was most certainly the least qualified man who interviewed for the job based on resume. However, that doesn't mean that Turner Gill was the most qualified guy. Statement A about Chizik's weak resume and 10 game losing streak is pretty much a fact while Statement B regarding Gill's resume is simply Barkley's opinion / preference.

Regardless, Auburn's process was a mess. Those screaming for a Rooney Rule in the wake of the Auburn debacle don't get what the Rooney Rule actually is. It's simply a mandate that NFL owners interview black candidates for jobs. It's not a mandate that they hire them. Auburn interviewed Gill and Rodney Garner. They were probably in more complete compliance for a hypothetical Rooney Rule than any SEC team in history.

It's just that the Chizik hire on its face is so staggeringly bad that you can't help but question the motives and thought process of everyone involved.


PWD


Note: If you're wondering, UGA formally interviewed Ray Sherman after Donnan left. We've had two black head basketball coaches, and we have a black athletic director. We're luckily on the moral high ground for this issue.

Dawgs Topple Mighty Wofford. Win Prestigious Title

On Saturday afternoon, the Georgia Bulldogs beat the Wofford Terriers 74-73 in overtime to clinch their first ever Spartanburg City Championship. With victories over both Wofford and the power house USC-Upstate Spartans, Dennis Felton's squad celebrated the city title by cutting down the nets in Stegeman Coliseum.

"This is what it's all about," said Felton*. "We're Spartanburg City Champs and no one can ever take that away from us."

Felton described the opponent eloquently after the game**. "Wofford is the best 4-4 team in the country. Any time you can eek out a win against a Southern Conference powerhouse at home via a miracle buzzer beater three point heave, it's a great program building win."

Zac Swansey, also known as the Sparkle City Assassin, nailed a long jumper as time expired to clinch the win.

The Bulldogs shot a white hot 37% from the floor and 61% from the free throw line while being out rebounded by the dwarf-like Terrier squad. Those "so-called" short comings kept the capacity crowd thrilled til the very end. "To have shot, rebounded, dribbled, defended and passed better might have been helpful, but where's the drama in that," said Felton.**"

With this City Championship, the Dawgs advance to the second round of the South Carolina State Championships with two games against the Gamecocks of Columbia. Before that high intensity drama begins, the Bulldogs must continue their brutal schedule with games against Texas A&M Corpus Christi and UNC A&T.

There was no word at press time on whether or not this win hurt the Bulldogs chances of having the first pick in next year's recruiting draft.

PWD


UPDATE: About this post. I caught a great degree of flack in the comments about being negative after I chastised commenters for being negative. That's fair, and I'm vulnerable to that criticism. However, to defend / clarify my original position. I simply asked that a group of people stop whining and moaning about the football team EVERY DAY...followed by "so and so sucks" comments. This post is sarcasm, and this blog was built on sarcasm/snark. This post also doesn't take a cheap shot at any individual player nor does it call for any coach's head. I think there's a difference. If you don't agree, that's fine.


*No. He didn't say that.
**Or that.

Dawgs Topple Mighty Wofford. Win Prestigious Title

On Saturday afternoon, the Georgia Bulldogs beat the Wofford Terriers 74-73 in overtime to clinch their first ever Spartanburg City Championship. With victories over both Wofford and the power house USC-Upstate Spartans, Dennis Felton's squad celebrated the city title by cutting down the nets in Stegeman Coliseum.

"This is what it's all about," said Felton*. "We're Spartanburg City Champs and no one can ever take that away from us."

Felton described the opponent eloquently after the game**. "Wofford is the best 4-4 team in the country. Any time you can eek out a win against a Southern Conference powerhouse at home via a miracle buzzer beater three point heave, it's a great program building win."

Zac Swansey, also known as the Sparkle City Assassin, nailed a long jumper as time expired to clinch the win.

The Bulldogs shot a white hot 37% from the floor and 61% from the free throw line while being out rebounded by the dwarf-like Terrier squad. Those "so-called" short comings kept the capacity crowd thrilled til the very end. "To have shot, rebounded, dribbled, defended and passed better might have been helpful, but where's the drama in that," said Felton.**"

With this City Championship, the Dawgs advance to the second round of the South Carolina State Championships with two games against the Gamecocks of Columbia. Before that high intensity drama begins, the Bulldogs must continue their brutal schedule with games against Texas A&M Corpus Christi and UNC A&T.

There was no word at press time on whether or not this win hurt the Bulldogs chances of having the first pick in next year's recruiting draft.

PWD


UPDATE: About this post. I caught a great degree of flack in the comments about being negative after I chastised commenters for being negative. That's fair, and I'm vulnerable to that criticism. However, to defend / clarify my original position. I simply asked that a group of people stop whining and moaning about the football team EVERY DAY...followed by "so and so sucks" comments. This post is sarcasm, and this blog was built on sarcasm/snark. This post also doesn't take a cheap shot at any individual player nor does it call for any coach's head. I think there's a difference. If you don't agree, that's fine.


*No. He didn't say that.
**Or that.

Richt confirms that Auburn is talking with Searels

That Auburn would talk to Searels was inevitable. The AJC and David Hale both confirmed that they are talking. Barring Pat Dye Chizik offering Searels a coordinator position, I just can't see why he'd leave...now. If it were a more stable situation over there, I could see going home.

But walking into that snake pit at this moment in history?

Richt should be able to match almost any quasi-rational offer they make him unless they give him the Offensive Coordinator job. For my money, Stacy Searels is the best assistant coach in Athens since Erk left. That includes Wayne McDuffie, Brian Van Gorder and Marion Campbell. Ok, that last one was a joke.

Chad Simmons of Scout.com reports that Coach Searels and Coach Ball are scheduled to be in Bobbie Massie's home tonight. I expect the Searels situation to sort itself out pretty quickly one way or the other.

PWD

Richt confirms that Auburn is talking with Searels

That Auburn would talk to Searels was inevitable. The AJC and David Hale both confirmed that they are talking. Barring Pat Dye Chizik offering Searels a coordinator position, I just can't see why he'd leave...now. If it were a more stable situation over there, I could see going home.

But walking into that snake pit at this moment in history?

Richt should be able to match almost any quasi-rational offer they make him unless they give him the Offensive Coordinator job. For my money, Stacy Searels is the best assistant coach in Athens since Erk left. That includes Wayne McDuffie, Brian Van Gorder and Marion Campbell. Ok, that last one was a joke.

Chad Simmons of Scout.com reports that Coach Searels and Coach Ball are scheduled to be in Bobbie Massie's home tonight. I expect the Searels situation to sort itself out pretty quickly one way or the other.

PWD

Have to get this off my chest

I'm really getting tired of the relentless moaning on here. All this woe is me stuff in the comments is tiring to read. How many damn times are some of you going to post "MSU is going to kill us. Ringer will have a field day." At this point, I think I could write about the equestrian team, and someone would post "Ringer will kill our defense."

Dawg Up.

We finished 9-3 despite 24 season ending injuries, yet we finished 3rd overall in the SEC. It wasn't the season we wanted. It wasn't the season the players wanted. But the petty, whiny Georgia Techish sounding comments over and over and over. It's just beneath most of you. Particularly, the "so and so sucks" comments over and over. About our players? I don't get it.

Maybe I've fostered that tone here. Maybe it's all my fault for letting it happen. Hell, if it is then I'm sorry.

Florida went 9-4 last season with a defense that looked like complete ass, and they are now in the national title game. And they didn't fire their defensive coordinator either.

Have to get this off my chest

I'm really getting tired of the relentless moaning on here. All this woe is me stuff in the comments is tiring to read. How many damn times are some of you going to post "MSU is going to kill us. Ringer will have a field day." At this point, I think I could write about the equestrian team, and someone would post "Ringer will kill our defense."

Dawg Up.

We finished 9-3 despite 24 season ending injuries, yet we finished 3rd overall in the SEC. It wasn't the season we wanted. It wasn't the season the players wanted. But the petty, whiny Georgia Techish sounding comments over and over and over. It's just beneath most of you. Particularly, the "so and so sucks" comments over and over. About our players? I don't get it.

Maybe I've fostered that tone here. Maybe it's all my fault for letting it happen. Hell, if it is then I'm sorry.

Florida went 9-4 last season with a defense that looked like complete ass, and they are now in the national title game. And they didn't fire their defensive coordinator either.

"I can't leave on losing to Tech"

Image by Hipple
As you probably saw yesterday, Jeff Owens is staying. Just as importantly, Owens says that Rodney Garner is staying. I ran into Jeff Owens at the Gala last weekend, and he looked like a guy that needed to return. You can't really enter the draft overweight and with what looked to be a minor limp.

When he gets back in shape / healed up, he'll really help the team. As many people have pointed out in their articles, the leadership he brings is enormous. Senior leadership was one of the biggest things missing from the squad this year.


PWD

"I can't leave on losing to Tech"

Image by Hipple
As you probably saw yesterday, Jeff Owens is staying. Just as importantly, Owens says that Rodney Garner is staying. I ran into Jeff Owens at the Gala last weekend, and he looked like a guy that needed to return. You can't really enter the draft overweight and with what looked to be a minor limp.

When he gets back in shape / healed up, he'll really help the team. As many people have pointed out in their articles, the leadership he brings is enormous. Senior leadership was one of the biggest things missing from the squad this year.


PWD

Hoops: Wofford at UGA on Saturday at 2:00 pm

Saturday's game starts at 2:00 pm, and it is being televised by CSS.  There was some miscommunication about it starting at 4:00.  That information was incorrect.  We've confirmed that it tips off at 2:00.

Georgiadogs.com has special holiday ticket packages available for the game Saturday vs. the Wofford Terriers and the game on the 22nd against Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

PWD

Hoops: Wofford at UGA on Saturday at 2:00 pm

Saturday's game starts at 2:00 pm, and it is being televised by CSS.  There was some miscommunication about it starting at 4:00.  That information was incorrect.  We've confirmed that it tips off at 2:00.

Georgiadogs.com has special holiday ticket packages available for the game Saturday vs. the Wofford Terriers and the game on the 22nd against Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

PWD

Michigan State will be ready

No doubt about it. A victory over UGA would be only Michigan State's third 10 win season in 111 years. The last Spartan team to hit 10 wins was Nick Saban's last squad in 1999. They beat Florida in the Citrus Bowl that year.

The Spartan coaching staff is also heavily selling their underdog status to their players. The Bulldogs are currently a 7.5 point favorite in the game.

The Big 10 has won 7 of the last 10 Capital One / Citrus Bowls. Since 1992 when the game went to strictly a Big 10 vs. SEC match-up, the record is 8-8. All-time the Bulldogs are 2-1-1 including games played when the event was known as the Tangerine Bowl.

See Also:
-- Premium Tickets for UGA vs. Michigan State

PWD

Michigan State will be ready

No doubt about it. A victory over UGA would be only Michigan State's third 10 win season in 111 years. The last Spartan team to hit 10 wins was Nick Saban's last squad in 1999. They beat Florida in the Citrus Bowl that year.

The Spartan coaching staff is also heavily selling their underdog status to their players. The Bulldogs are currently a 7.5 point favorite in the game.

The Big 10 has won 7 of the last 10 Capital One / Citrus Bowls. Since 1992 when the game went to strictly a Big 10 vs. SEC match-up, the record is 8-8. All-time the Bulldogs are 2-1-1 including games played when the event was known as the Tangerine Bowl.

See Also:
-- Premium Tickets for UGA vs. Michigan State

PWD

Chad Simmons has joined Scout.com

I don't do a lot of recruiting stuff here because I think most of you get that directly from Rivals, Scout or the AJC. That said, it's hard not to notice that Chad Simmons is one of the most prolific guys in the Southeast on the recruiting front. Today, he joined the Scout.com network.

That's a big catch for Scott Kennedy, Dean Legge and their crew.

PWD

Chad Simmons has joined Scout.com

I don't do a lot of recruiting stuff here because I think most of you get that directly from Rivals, Scout or the AJC. That said, it's hard not to notice that Chad Simmons is one of the most prolific guys in the Southeast on the recruiting front. Today, he joined the Scout.com network.

That's a big catch for Scott Kennedy, Dean Legge and their crew.

PWD

You won't believe where Fred Gibson is

Fred Gibson's NFL career never really got off the ground. He was on some practice squads, and he made some preseason game appearances. However, he never made an actual NFL roster.  This season, he has resurfaced as an Albuquerque Thunderbird.  The Thunderbirds are a D-League team in the NBA's Development League.

Through seven games, he's averaging 15 minutes, 5.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.  For a good back story on Fred's move to hoops, check out DaugMan's blog.

See Also:
-- Tracking Fred Gibson's Hoops Career - DaugMan
-- Fred Gibson's Stats - Thunderbirds

PWD

You won't believe where Fred Gibson is

Fred Gibson's NFL career never really got off the ground. He was on some practice squads, and he made some preseason game appearances. However, he never made an actual NFL roster.  This season, he has resurfaced as an Albuquerque Thunderbird.  The Thunderbirds are a D-League team in the NBA's Development League.

Through seven games, he's averaging 15 minutes, 5.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.  For a good back story on Fred's move to hoops, check out DaugMan's blog.

See Also:
-- Tracking Fred Gibson's Hoops Career - DaugMan
-- Fred Gibson's Stats - Thunderbirds

PWD

Bowl Pick 'em Mania

The Bowl Season starts Saturday. We've got a College Bowl Games pick 'em contest ready to go via the FunOfficePools web site. To register, just go here. Much like our regular season tournament, it's a weighted "confidence points" type affair.

The more confident you are in the outcome of a game, the more points you give that match-up. We don't pick against the spread, but the betting line is available as a reference point.

All 34 games are available for selection.

Bowl Pick 'em Mania

The Bowl Season starts Saturday. We've got a College Bowl Games pick 'em contest ready to go via the FunOfficePools web site. To register, just go here. Much like our regular season tournament, it's a weighted "confidence points" type affair.

The more confident you are in the outcome of a game, the more points you give that match-up. We don't pick against the spread, but the betting line is available as a reference point.

All 34 games are available for selection.

Coaching Rumors

All remains pretty quiet on the Stacy Searels and Rodney Garner fronts. One of the theories for how Auburn might lure either of the two coaches would be offering coordinator positions. Multiple sources are reporting that Gene Chizik has asked Paul Rhoads, current AU defensive coordinator, to stay on staff. If he's staying on for the DC job, that would severely limit their ability to bring Rodney Garner over via a promotion.

On the other hand, Rhoads may be a candidate to replace Chizik at ISU. Rhoads is a former Iowa State assistant coach. The Iowa State job actually has a solid looking list of potential replacements for Chizik. Turner Gill, a former Nebraska player and coach, joins folks like Glen Mason (former miracle worker at Kansas), and others near the top of that group.

While we're talking coaching search news in general. Rivals.com has a great recap of coaching rumors from places like LSU, Notre Dame and elsewhere. One smaller school of note is Eastern Michigan who is looking for a head coach. I'd like to take a moment to recommend John Jancek for their defensive coordinator job when it opens. The former Central Michigan LB coach knows the area, and he would be a great fit. Did I mention that Auburn's linebacker coach James Willis is probably available to help some lucky SEC school's LB corps play much better?

Lastly, ISU's athletic director spilled the beans on final 48 hours of the Chizik switch. He's understandably pissed, but you have to give him credit for this doozy of a line:

"I give (Auburn A.D. Jay Jacobs) credit for hiring a 5-19 coach," Pollard later added with a wry smile.

PWD

Coaching Rumors

All remains pretty quiet on the Stacy Searels and Rodney Garner fronts. One of the theories for how Auburn might lure either of the two coaches would be offering coordinator positions. Multiple sources are reporting that Gene Chizik has asked Paul Rhoads, current AU defensive coordinator, to stay on staff. If he's staying on for the DC job, that would severely limit their ability to bring Rodney Garner over via a promotion.

On the other hand, Rhoads may be a candidate to replace Chizik at ISU. Rhoads is a former Iowa State assistant coach. The Iowa State job actually has a solid looking list of potential replacements for Chizik. Turner Gill, a former Nebraska player and coach, joins folks like Glen Mason (former miracle worker at Kansas), and others near the top of that group.

While we're talking coaching search news in general. Rivals.com has a great recap of coaching rumors from places like LSU, Notre Dame and elsewhere. One smaller school of note is Eastern Michigan who is looking for a head coach. I'd like to take a moment to recommend John Jancek for their defensive coordinator job when it opens. The former Central Michigan LB coach knows the area, and he would be a great fit. Did I mention that Auburn's linebacker coach James Willis is probably available to help some lucky SEC school's LB corps play much better?

Lastly, ISU's athletic director spilled the beans on final 48 hours of the Chizik switch. He's understandably pissed, but you have to give him credit for this doozy of a line:

"I give (Auburn A.D. Jay Jacobs) credit for hiring a 5-19 coach," Pollard later added with a wry smile.

PWD

Coach Ball Will Stay

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that UT-Chattanooga is down to three finalists in their head coach search. Tony Ball isn't among them.  Ball was an alum and a former standout for the Moc football team, so he was considered a strong candidate to take over Chattanooga's program.  While this is a setback for Coach Ball, it's a positive for UGA.  Ball has a good reputation as a recruiter and has done a good job with the backs during his time in Athens. 

All is quiet on other assistants, including Garner and Searels.

Quinton

Coach Ball Will Stay

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that UT-Chattanooga is down to three finalists in their head coach search. Tony Ball isn't among them.  Ball was an alum and a former standout for the Moc football team, so he was considered a strong candidate to take over Chattanooga's program.  While this is a setback for Coach Ball, it's a positive for UGA.  Ball has a good reputation as a recruiter and has done a good job with the backs during his time in Athens. 

All is quiet on other assistants, including Garner and Searels.

Quinton

Stegeman Renovation Rumblings?

Last night on the Dennis Felton Call-in Show on WSB 750 am, Coach Felton was asked about our facilities plan for Stegeman Coliseum. There was first talk about the $30 million practice facility, and then the discussion moved to renovating Stegeman.

First Felton mentioned the new premium concessions area in the arena. If memory serves, it's located near Section F. Felton tried to talk that up, but it sounded like he really wanted to just jump ahead and get to the issue. So he rather uncomfortably spilled the beans that (paraphrase as I understood it):

"Damon Evans wants to renovate Stegeman sooner rather than later. He's possibly looking at the Spring or Summer to begin renovating Stegeman. Depending on funding and other other things."

The plan to renovate Stegeman isn't "news." The new Master Plan for Athletic Facilities was revealed in September, and the high-level plan makes an enormous amount of sense. However, the initial plan made no mention of an estimated start date for any of what looks to be $150-300 million in facilities across the athletic department. If we get started in 2009, that would be at least one year earlier than I would've guessed.

The fundamental problem with Stegeman isn't the seating area. That issue has been slowly resolved over the past decade via new seating, lighting, scoreboards, etc. However, the concourses, concessions, restrooms and facade are depressingly out of date. The facade is particularly dated. The new plan addresses these issues.

Felton's comments alone would only be marginally interesting. However, Damon Evans discussed facility improvements with David Hale in Part 3 of his interview series.

Hale: What are some of the projects you're excited about in the coming year?

Evans: There may be some facilities that could come along, but I don't want to say anything definite because there are things that need board approval. We just completed a master plan that looks at a comprehensive study of all of our physical facilities, and we may be able to start some of those things. The economy is tough, so I want to be mindful of that. But what I want Georgia people to know is that, while there are things that are going to change, what I want them to see coming is that we're going to work harder this year.

Those comments were immediately following a discussion of expectations for basketball and Coach Felton's future. Maybe I'm just being overly hopeful and reading too many tea leaves. But...renovating Stegeman Coliseum is the single biggest opportunity for facility improvement on the table in Athens in my opinion.

If we have to go shopping for a new coach this off season, having designs, budgets and a time line for stadium renovations in hand will make that search dramatically easier and more effective.

PWD

Stegeman Renovation Rumblings?

Last night on the Dennis Felton Call-in Show on WSB 750 am, Coach Felton was asked about our facilities plan for Stegeman Coliseum. There was first talk about the $30 million practice facility, and then the discussion moved to renovating Stegeman.

First Felton mentioned the new premium concessions area in the arena. If memory serves, it's located near Section F. Felton tried to talk that up, but it sounded like he really wanted to just jump ahead and get to the issue. So he rather uncomfortably spilled the beans that (paraphrase as I understood it):

"Damon Evans wants to renovate Stegeman sooner rather than later. He's possibly looking at the Spring or Summer to begin renovating Stegeman. Depending on funding and other other things."

The plan to renovate Stegeman isn't "news." The new Master Plan for Athletic Facilities was revealed in September, and the high-level plan makes an enormous amount of sense. However, the initial plan made no mention of an estimated start date for any of what looks to be $150-300 million in facilities across the athletic department. If we get started in 2009, that would be at least one year earlier than I would've guessed.

The fundamental problem with Stegeman isn't the seating area. That issue has been slowly resolved over the past decade via new seating, lighting, scoreboards, etc. However, the concourses, concessions, restrooms and facade are depressingly out of date. The facade is particularly dated. The new plan addresses these issues.

Felton's comments alone would only be marginally interesting. However, Damon Evans discussed facility improvements with David Hale in Part 3 of his interview series.

Hale: What are some of the projects you're excited about in the coming year?

Evans: There may be some facilities that could come along, but I don't want to say anything definite because there are things that need board approval. We just completed a master plan that looks at a comprehensive study of all of our physical facilities, and we may be able to start some of those things. The economy is tough, so I want to be mindful of that. But what I want Georgia people to know is that, while there are things that are going to change, what I want them to see coming is that we're going to work harder this year.

Those comments were immediately following a discussion of expectations for basketball and Coach Felton's future. Maybe I'm just being overly hopeful and reading too many tea leaves. But...renovating Stegeman Coliseum is the single biggest opportunity for facility improvement on the table in Athens in my opinion.

If we have to go shopping for a new coach this off season, having designs, budgets and a time line for stadium renovations in hand will make that search dramatically easier and more effective.

PWD

It's LSUFreek's Internet. We just surf it

LSUFreek does the Photoshop work for Orson Swindle's EDSBS. This week, he is absolutely on fire with the Chizik news. His work is here:

• The Chizik Press Conference
  
• The Ballad of Gene Chizik
  

Dear Al Gore,

Thanks for the Internet.

Paul

It's LSUFreek's Internet. We just surf it

LSUFreek does the Photoshop work for Orson Swindle's EDSBS. This week, he is absolutely on fire with the Chizik news. His work is here:

• The Chizik Press Conference
  
• The Ballad of Gene Chizik
  

Dear Al Gore,

Thanks for the Internet.

Paul

Quick Thoughts on the Searels and Garner Rumors

I'm in meetings most of the day, but here are my quick thoughts on the contrived Searels and Garner rumors.

1. Georgia has more money than Auburn. We're posting profits north of $20 million per year. The only wildly unwanted staff defection was Brian Van Gorder to the Jacksonville Jags as LB coach, and how do you stop a guy from taking a *worse* job? It's hard to argue with someone who is doing something irrational. If we want someone, we usually keep them.

2. Georgia has more stability than Auburn because of Mark Richt. An assistant coach was privately asked by one of my parents, "Why did you come to Georgia?" His answer, "Mark Richt's 8 year contract. This is the most stable place in America because of who Mark is and because of that contract."

3. Rodney Garner recently interviewed for the head coaching job at Auburn. Rodney Garner didn't lose 19 games over the past two seasons, and it's hard to imagine him not being insulted by the hire of Chizik. Several people in the media that I've heard pontificate about the situation think Rodney would likely be offended by an offer to work for Chizik.

4. To quote the Birmingham News...."Angry Auburn fans want to know how [Chizik] is now going to lure a top-notch staff to Auburn. By promising them he'll prepare them for future jobs on Mack Brown's staff?"

5. Chizik has no prior history with Garner or Searels.

6. Chizik's LB, DB and DL coach at Iowa State are all likely coming with him to Auburn. Two are Auburn grads and the other guy played for Pat Dye at East Carolina. Why would Rodney Garner go to Auburn and be his defensive coordinator if he can't pick his own assistant coaches? And he has no prior history of working with those assistants.

7. Gene Chizik needs a spectacular hire at offensive coordinator to settle the Auburn people down and to fill his own resume gaps. Does he really want Searels for that role given that Stacy has never called plays before? Why would Searels leave if it weren't for a coordinator-level position?

This is a hire that's getting universally panned as desperate, confusing and non-sensical. ESPN says it the best. It's simply a downgrade from Tuberville. When the hire goes predictably poorly over the first two years, Chizik will have to sacrafice cooridinators and other assistants to save himself. That's the Auburn way, and that's what Chizik had already done at Iowa State.

Auburn would be stupid to not call on Rodney and Stacy. They have to. But to think that they're just going to jump up and leave because they are alums is a very limited view of the situation. They've been alums for a long time, and neither has coached there yet.

That's not to say they won't leave. It's just that it's very far from a no brainer or a lock that they would like Aubies want you to think.

See Also:
-- Auburn's back and forth - Get the Picture

PWD

Quick Thoughts on the Searels and Garner Rumors

I'm in meetings most of the day, but here are my quick thoughts on the contrived Searels and Garner rumors.

1. Georgia has more money than Auburn. We're posting profits north of $20 million per year. The only wildly unwanted staff defection was Brian Van Gorder to the Jacksonville Jags as LB coach, and how do you stop a guy from taking a *worse* job? It's hard to argue with someone who is doing something irrational. If we want someone, we usually keep them.

2. Georgia has more stability than Auburn because of Mark Richt. An assistant coach was privately asked by one of my parents, "Why did you come to Georgia?" His answer, "Mark Richt's 8 year contract. This is the most stable place in America because of who Mark is and because of that contract."

3. Rodney Garner recently interviewed for the head coaching job at Auburn. Rodney Garner didn't lose 19 games over the past two seasons, and it's hard to imagine him not being insulted by the hire of Chizik. Several people in the media that I've heard pontificate about the situation think Rodney would likely be offended by an offer to work for Chizik.

4. To quote the Birmingham News...."Angry Auburn fans want to know how [Chizik] is now going to lure a top-notch staff to Auburn. By promising them he'll prepare them for future jobs on Mack Brown's staff?"

5. Chizik has no prior history with Garner or Searels.

6. Chizik's LB, DB and DL coach at Iowa State are all likely coming with him to Auburn. Two are Auburn grads and the other guy played for Pat Dye at East Carolina. Why would Rodney Garner go to Auburn and be his defensive coordinator if he can't pick his own assistant coaches? And he has no prior history of working with those assistants.

7. Gene Chizik needs a spectacular hire at offensive coordinator to settle the Auburn people down and to fill his own resume gaps. Does he really want Searels for that role given that Stacy has never called plays before? Why would Searels leave if it weren't for a coordinator-level position?

This is a hire that's getting universally panned as desperate, confusing and non-sensical. ESPN says it the best. It's simply a downgrade from Tuberville. When the hire goes predictably poorly over the first two years, Chizik will have to sacrafice cooridinators and other assistants to save himself. That's the Auburn way, and that's what Chizik had already done at Iowa State.

Auburn would be stupid to not call on Rodney and Stacy. They have to. But to think that they're just going to jump up and leave because they are alums is a very limited view of the situation. They've been alums for a long time, and neither has coached there yet.

That's not to say they won't leave. It's just that it's very far from a no brainer or a lock that they would like Aubies want you to think.

See Also:
-- Auburn's back and forth - Get the Picture

PWD

Hey, Westerdawg. Why all the Auburn Coverage?

I've gotten some comments and emails asking, "Why so much Auburn coverage related to their coaching search." My answer is simple. History shows that coaching changes are the one thing that most shifts the power structure in the SEC. Football is a zero sum game. For one team to advance up the conference ladder, another team has to lose.

We play Auburn every year, and they recruit into our state as hard or harder than any rival. The decisions they make matter to Georgia. That's why I'm covering it. That...and...hell...it's December. There really isn't that much happening in Athens right now. Yes, I was at the Gala. There was little to report that would surprise you. Otherwise, I would've given some nuggets. It was very vanilla. Fun. But vanilla.

Back to Auburn. Auburn was dumb to fire Tuberville. That was my position before hiring Chizik, and it's my position now. They tried to cure the wrong disease. The disease wasn't Al Borges or Tony Franklin or Tommy Tuberville. Auburn's core ailments are the lack of a big time quarterback, penis envy related to Alabama, and a lack of self control. Everything else is simply a symptom.

If Tuberville had been left alone to fix the Franklin symptom and recruit a QB, most things would've settled back down to their normal dysfunctional levels on The Plains.

Their best hope for fixing the QB problem was Raymond Cotton, a four star QB prospect from Maryland. This is what Cotton's father thinks about the Chizik hire (source: Rivals.com):

"As a parent, my comment is Auburn did nothing to prove to me they want to be a winner."
...
"I know about Chizik's good background with Auburn, but I look at Auburn as being on the same level with the Floridas and Georgias, a top 10 school in the country. It's a big-time program," said Cotton, Sr. "And then we go out and hire a guy that has five wins over the last couple of years. That definitely brings some concern. I don't know if there is a lot of confidence there from me as a father."

Auburn is on the cusp of blowing themselves up. It's hard to really screw yourself up as badly or as quickly as they seem intent on doing without sanctions. We benefit from this. And until Chizik names his staff, it will still be a source of interest to me. I hope it will continue to be a source of interest to you as well.

PWD

Hey, Westerdawg. Why all the Auburn Coverage?

I've gotten some comments and emails asking, "Why so much Auburn coverage related to their coaching search." My answer is simple. History shows that coaching changes are the one thing that most shifts the power structure in the SEC. Football is a zero sum game. For one team to advance up the conference ladder, another team has to lose.

We play Auburn every year, and they recruit into our state as hard or harder than any rival. The decisions they make matter to Georgia. That's why I'm covering it. That...and...hell...it's December. There really isn't that much happening in Athens right now. Yes, I was at the Gala. There was little to report that would surprise you. Otherwise, I would've given some nuggets. It was very vanilla. Fun. But vanilla.

Back to Auburn. Auburn was dumb to fire Tuberville. That was my position before hiring Chizik, and it's my position now. They tried to cure the wrong disease. The disease wasn't Al Borges or Tony Franklin or Tommy Tuberville. Auburn's core ailments are the lack of a big time quarterback, penis envy related to Alabama, and a lack of self control. Everything else is simply a symptom.

If Tuberville had been left alone to fix the Franklin symptom and recruit a QB, most things would've settled back down to their normal dysfunctional levels on The Plains.

Their best hope for fixing the QB problem was Raymond Cotton, a four star QB prospect from Maryland. This is what Cotton's father thinks about the Chizik hire (source: Rivals.com):

"As a parent, my comment is Auburn did nothing to prove to me they want to be a winner."
...
"I know about Chizik's good background with Auburn, but I look at Auburn as being on the same level with the Floridas and Georgias, a top 10 school in the country. It's a big-time program," said Cotton, Sr. "And then we go out and hire a guy that has five wins over the last couple of years. That definitely brings some concern. I don't know if there is a lot of confidence there from me as a father."

Auburn is on the cusp of blowing themselves up. It's hard to really screw yourself up as badly or as quickly as they seem intent on doing without sanctions. We benefit from this. And until Chizik names his staff, it will still be a source of interest to me. I hope it will continue to be a source of interest to you as well.

PWD

Jimmy Sexton wins at Life

DogInExile discusses Jimmy Sexton's control over the universe. Well, at least the SEC anyway. He now manages Kiffin, Spurrier, Chizik, Nutt and Tuberville...among others.

BTW -- My prediction...Sexton will swap out Steve Spurrier for Tommy Tuberville at South Carolina following next season. Call it a hunch.

PWD

Jimmy Sexton wins at Life

DogInExile discusses Jimmy Sexton's control over the universe. Well, at least the SEC anyway. He now manages Kiffin, Spurrier, Chizik, Nutt and Tuberville...among others.

BTW -- My prediction...Sexton will swap out Steve Spurrier for Tommy Tuberville at South Carolina following next season. Call it a hunch.

PWD

You see...what I meant was....

Gene Chizik on the move from Auburn to Texas:

"I left Auburn because I thought The University of Texas was the best job in the country and I think Mack Brown is the best coach in the country. You come to a crossroads in your career when you've got to make a decision that's the best for your family and yourself."
-- BurntOrangeBeat 01/01/2006

Gene Chizik on the move from Iowa State to Auburn:

"Through my travels in coaching over the last 23 years, there's one place that I've always wanted to return to and that is Auburn," Chizik said. "The tradition of the Auburn football program combined with the passionate fans and their love for Auburn are second to none. My family and I are Auburn through and through, and look forward to being part of the Auburn family and community."
-- Official Auburn Statement 12/13/2008

So...he's really excited to be there. Unless something better opens up.

PWD

You see...what I meant was....

Gene Chizik on the move from Auburn to Texas:

"I left Auburn because I thought The University of Texas was the best job in the country and I think Mack Brown is the best coach in the country. You come to a crossroads in your career when you've got to make a decision that's the best for your family and yourself."
-- BurntOrangeBeat 01/01/2006

Gene Chizik on the move from Iowa State to Auburn:

"Through my travels in coaching over the last 23 years, there's one place that I've always wanted to return to and that is Auburn," Chizik said. "The tradition of the Auburn football program combined with the passionate fans and their love for Auburn are second to none. My family and I are Auburn through and through, and look forward to being part of the Auburn family and community."
-- Official Auburn Statement 12/13/2008

So...he's really excited to be there. Unless something better opens up.

PWD

Damon Evans on the Football Program

Damon talked with David Hale about the program, the defense, off field issues, and expectations. It's a good read into the way Damon thinks.

I agree with pretty much everything Damon says here. I also don't have a problem with him saying some of the things he says publicly (ie...outside of the walls of Butts-Mehre) as long as everyone inside Butts-Mehre has already heard it.

I think Damon has the right approach in managing Richt:

While Evans said the team would undergo a thorough self-evaluation at season’s end, he said he will not ask Richt to make any staff changes, but will trust his head coach to make an honest evaluation of how each coach — Martinez included — produced.

“I think (Richt) will work through what he needs to work through, and my only thing is we need to make sure my response to him is that we hold people accountable,” Evans said. “They need to take accountability for performance in their job.”

That's exactly how I would manage Richt. He's been so successful that you have to trust him to do his job in the way he sees fit. However, even successful leaders need to be reminded how they are being evaluated as they manage their subordinates.

The entire issue as I see it with our football program is simply one of expectations and accountability. Does Richt consistently expect enough from his coaches and players? Great performers want to be pushed to greatness.

I also like the goal of measuring our program against Florida's. First, I like it because everyone needs a villain. Secondly, I think Damon sees Florida's athletic department as his own measuring stick. It's an issue bigger than football. I know that he's compared his vision for our men's basketball program to the Gators. Obviously, we're a long way from his hoops vision, but it makes more sense to compare ourselves to UF in that area than UK.

Anyway...it's a good read. I'm sure it will create heated discussion from every angle.

PWD

Damon Evans on the Football Program

Damon talked with David Hale about the program, the defense, off field issues, and expectations. It's a good read into the way Damon thinks.

I agree with pretty much everything Damon says here. I also don't have a problem with him saying some of the things he says publicly (ie...outside of the walls of Butts-Mehre) as long as everyone inside Butts-Mehre has already heard it.

I think Damon has the right approach in managing Richt:

While Evans said the team would undergo a thorough self-evaluation at season’s end, he said he will not ask Richt to make any staff changes, but will trust his head coach to make an honest evaluation of how each coach — Martinez included — produced.

“I think (Richt) will work through what he needs to work through, and my only thing is we need to make sure my response to him is that we hold people accountable,” Evans said. “They need to take accountability for performance in their job.”

That's exactly how I would manage Richt. He's been so successful that you have to trust him to do his job in the way he sees fit. However, even successful leaders need to be reminded how they are being evaluated as they manage their subordinates.

The entire issue as I see it with our football program is simply one of expectations and accountability. Does Richt consistently expect enough from his coaches and players? Great performers want to be pushed to greatness.

I also like the goal of measuring our program against Florida's. First, I like it because everyone needs a villain. Secondly, I think Damon sees Florida's athletic department as his own measuring stick. It's an issue bigger than football. I know that he's compared his vision for our men's basketball program to the Gators. Obviously, we're a long way from his hoops vision, but it makes more sense to compare ourselves to UF in that area than UK.

Anyway...it's a good read. I'm sure it will create heated discussion from every angle.

PWD

George Wallace's Reaction to the AU Hire

George Wallace Approves of this Hire
I'm not one to get into race very often on the blog because it never ends well. But just how exactly does Auburn justify the differences between Gene Chizik's resume and Turner Gill's resume?

Chizik is 5-19 while riding a 10 game losing streak at Iowa State. Meanwhile, Turner Gill took over arguably the worst program in college football history, and he made them MAC Champs in three seasons. In fact, Gill's winning percentage as a head coach is almost exactly twice the percentage as Chizik's.

The only teams that both programs have played over the past two years are Kent St. and Toledo. Chizik was 1-2 vs. them while Gill was 2-1. As for national titles as an assistant, Gill has three to Chizik's one.

Basically, Auburn's athletic department could've made the search easier if they had simply spun George Wallace's "Wheel of HR Success" to find the appropriate hire.

Ironically, Gill would be an exceptional hire for Iowa State given his ties to the Big 12 North, and his expertise in program building. So this could end up being the best thing to happen to Turner Gill.

See Also:
-- "Nick Saban will eat Chizik for Breakfast" - Birmingham News
-- Tide Fan Rolls Toomers Corner (Ht - Finebaum.com)

PWD


(ht - weaglejohn for the Wallace reference)

George Wallace's Reaction to the AU Hire

George Wallace Approves of this Hire
I'm not one to get into race very often on the blog because it never ends well. But just how exactly does Auburn justify the differences between Gene Chizik's resume and Turner Gill's resume?

Chizik is 5-19 while riding a 10 game losing streak at Iowa State. Meanwhile, Turner Gill took over arguably the worst program in college football history, and he made them MAC Champs in three seasons. In fact, Gill's winning percentage as a head coach is almost exactly twice the percentage as Chizik's.

The only teams that both programs have played over the past two years are Kent St. and Toledo. Chizik was 1-2 vs. them while Gill was 2-1. As for national titles as an assistant, Gill has three to Chizik's one.

Basically, Auburn's athletic department could've made the search easier if they had simply spun George Wallace's "Wheel of HR Success" to find the appropriate hire.

Ironically, Gill would be an exceptional hire for Iowa State given his ties to the Big 12 North, and his expertise in program building. So this could end up being the best thing to happen to Turner Gill.

See Also:
-- "Nick Saban will eat Chizik for Breakfast" - Birmingham News
-- Tide Fan Rolls Toomers Corner (Ht - Finebaum.com)

PWD


(ht - weaglejohn for the Wallace reference)

Auburn's Savior is ... Gene Chizik? Seriously? No, Really?

So, Auburn fires a guy who won a conference crown and went undefeated to hire a guy who's gone 5-19 in his two years as a head coach. Wow.

Chizik has a decent defensive background. He was, after all, the defensive coordinator for that 2004 Auburn team. After he jumped ship to Texas in 2005, the Horns won a national title (although Vince Young had more to do with that than defensive scheme). Chizik had an excellent reputation after the Texas title. He was the Will Muschamp of 2006, but chose to leave Austin for Ames, Iowa in one of the odder coaching decisions I can recall. He was to be the savior of Iowa State, a historical bottom dweller that had inched its way up the Big 12 North standings in the mid-2000s under Dan McCarney. Chizik promptly returned the Cyclones back to the cellar. They didn't win a conference game this year.

It's not just the Barners who are confused by the hire. Paul Clark of CycloneReport.com provides a lengthy, searing indictment of Chizik, observing that "if Mike Sanford and Tom Amstutz and Doug Martin hand you your lunch with inferior talent, what's Saban going to do with superior talent?" Why stop there Paul? Chizik will also battle Richt, Miles, Nutt, Petrino, and now Mullen, every year. I'd take every one of those coaches over Chizik.

If this hire is as bad as most Aubs believe, this is an amazing reversal of fortune. Remember when the SEC writers thought Auburn would win the SEC West this year? Remember when people thought Tony Franklin's offense was going to blaze throught the conference? Not only did that not remotely come true, every bit of news that came out of Auburn this season stunk of incompetence, boiling politics, and fear. I can sort of get that they wanted to improve their head coach because of what Saban did this year. I don't agree with the decision, but I at least can understand the sentiment. But, one would want a better coach than Tubs to properly execute the switch. By what calculus is Gene Chizik better than Tommy Tuberville?

See Also:
-- Reaction from Ames - Mobile Press Register

Quinton

Auburn's Savior is ... Gene Chizik? Seriously? No, Really?

So, Auburn fires a guy who won a conference crown and went undefeated to hire a guy who's gone 5-19 in his two years as a head coach. Wow.

Chizik has a decent defensive background. He was, after all, the defensive coordinator for that 2004 Auburn team. After he jumped ship to Texas in 2005, the Horns won a national title (although Vince Young had more to do with that than defensive scheme). Chizik had an excellent reputation after the Texas title. He was the Will Muschamp of 2006, but chose to leave Austin for Ames, Iowa in one of the odder coaching decisions I can recall. He was to be the savior of Iowa State, a historical bottom dweller that had inched its way up the Big 12 North standings in the mid-2000s under Dan McCarney. Chizik promptly returned the Cyclones back to the cellar. They didn't win a conference game this year.

It's not just the Barners who are confused by the hire. Paul Clark of CycloneReport.com provides a lengthy, searing indictment of Chizik, observing that "if Mike Sanford and Tom Amstutz and Doug Martin hand you your lunch with inferior talent, what's Saban going to do with superior talent?" Why stop there Paul? Chizik will also battle Richt, Miles, Nutt, Petrino, and now Mullen, every year. I'd take every one of those coaches over Chizik.

If this hire is as bad as most Aubs believe, this is an amazing reversal of fortune. Remember when the SEC writers thought Auburn would win the SEC West this year? Remember when people thought Tony Franklin's offense was going to blaze throught the conference? Not only did that not remotely come true, every bit of news that came out of Auburn this season stunk of incompetence, boiling politics, and fear. I can sort of get that they wanted to improve their head coach because of what Saban did this year. I don't agree with the decision, but I at least can understand the sentiment. But, one would want a better coach than Tubs to properly execute the switch. By what calculus is Gene Chizik better than Tommy Tuberville?

See Also:
-- Reaction from Ames - Mobile Press Register

Quinton

Auburn Hiring Chizik: An Analogy

Imagine if Bobby Bowden had retired following the 1998 football season. Imagine FSU's athletic director then announcing that the new coach of the Seminoles was Brad Scott, former FSU offensive coordinator. In 1998, Scott went 1-10 in his final season at South Carolina.

What do you think the nation's reaction to the hiring at FSU would be?

The analogy between that situation and what Auburn has done isn't that different. Chizik was 2-10 at Iowa State last year, and he had to fire his offensive and defensive coordinators this off season to manage the heat.

It's a bizarre move on its best day.

To enjoy Auburn fans at their most miserable following the announcement, check this out.

PWD