Oakley Holbrook MotoGp Limited Edition Emerald Iridium Polished Black Review Unboxing

Oakley Holbrook MotoGp Limited Edition Emerald Iridium Polished Black Review unboxing

So I was able to buy a pair of MotoGp Edition Holbrooks and here just a quick video of them. Sorry for the quality I shot this with my cellphone ...

MotoGP Bus Tour Of London!

MotoGP Bus Tour of London!

We can't make the MotoGP at Silverstone this weekend, so if Mohammed can't get to the mountain..... We managed to get the best and brightest ...

Glory, Glory

I made this about 4 years ago. It was designed to mimic the pre-game videos at that time. We've come a long way in scoreboard entertainment since those days.



Go Dawgs.

PWD

The Curious Case of the SEC East

"In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king."
- John Skelton (1522 A.D.)
I've finally come to grips with the fact that right now the Gamecocks are the one-eyed man of the SEC East. In a league full of deeply flawed teams, the chickens shockingly appear as the most complete unit. Although, that hardly makes them world beaters.

Everyone points to Garcia as the biggest weakness for SC. The theory being, he's always one good bender away from spending the night in The Newark of the South Columbia jail. However, history shows that Johnny Fun Time QBs with a penchant for finding the head coach's doghouse have been known to pull it together for their senior years.

See Bobo, Mike. Remember what he was like as a college student before his senior year? In 1996, he was routinely on the fringe of doing something dumb, and always good for a turnover...or 6 if you're in Lexington. The first half of the AU game in '96 Donnan benched him in favor of a one armed walk-on rather than look at him. One year later, he was the model of efficiency.

Granted, Mike never had the arrest recordGarcia had. Not even remotely close, but at some point self interest in one's future can trump one's self destructive tendencies. That's why I'm going to have to pick the Chickens as SEC East champs.

I will say that UGA could win the SEC East, and it wouldn't shock me. But our issues along the offensive line the past few years combined with the intestinal problems (GOOGLE TRANSLATE: Did You Mean "Guts") lead me incapable of picking us #1.

I'm going...

1. SC
2. UGA
3. UF
4. UT
5. UK
6. Vandy

In the spirit of wrapping up my initial metaphor...Let's hope we find our eye balls. Those being the GATA spirit of 2001-2005 and our ability to Finish the Drill. If so, our two eyed team would definitely trump the one eyed man in Columbia.

PWD

ESPN upgrades UGA Hoops Commit

Charles Mann was upgraded by ESPNU into their Top 100 recruits for 2012.  Like I said earlier...there's no way Jim Calhoun is flying 800 miles to recruit a 3 star kid. Ht - dawgwithabone via dawgpost.

PWD

Moto GP 2 Fantastic Start

Moto GP 2 fantastic start

moto gp 2 starting the bestt

Random Thursday Thoughts

A few things I have had rumbling around in my mind the past couple of days:

• The Jarvis Situation. While I know there is an issue here, it is unclear to me what the nature of that issue is.  Did he receive an impermissible benefit? If he did, what was his knowledge of the situation (the Cam Newton Rule)? If he knew, what was the relationship of the dude that cut the checks with him/his mother?  I don't trust the NCAA to be fair, but the proactive response by Georgia will help keep the NCAA response less punitive.  Hopefully.
• The Kentavious Caldwell-Pope situation. I am less hopeful here.  I don't see anyway he suits up to start the season.  I hope he'll be around by the time we start the SEC schedule in January.
• Alcohol at the Georgia Dome. Several hours of prime bourbon drinking time+beer until halftime=fail.  I just don't see anyway around it.
• The Running Back situation. I'm a bit worried about the coaches keeping the wraps on Crowell.  On one hand, I see why.  On the other, it just makes me wonder why.  Also, I hope the extra muscle Samuel has gained helps him hold onto the football better.  I have a feeling we'll see much more of him than we might think.
• Freshmen Receivers. I made it to July 28th without buying into off season hype. I can resist no longer.  One thing this team desperately needs is a go to receiver that will make Dcordinators think twice about putting corners on the line with our receivers and dare us to take 3-5 yard pass and running plays.  I hope the AJ Green comparisons Malcom Mitchell are drawing are real.
• Richt at SEC Media Days. I don't share the consternation that Quinton does about Richt's performance at media days.  After answering that question for the past ten years, I don't think we should expect him to go Spurrier on us and be glib.  However, I was very happy with the forthright demeanor Richt had in Birmingham.  As PWD put it to me, 'he kept it real.'  He didn't sugar coat what happened last season, especially regarding the running backs.  He acknowledged, in his own way, that this season means more than past seasons.  I can't say it'll mean anything on the field, but he put on a very different face than what we had been seeing.

TD

Valentino Rossi - DUCATI Corse - Moto GP 2011 ドゥカティ・デスモセディチ

Valentino Rossi - DUCATI Corse - Moto GP 2011 ドゥカティ・デスモセディチ

ドゥカティ・デスモセディチ Valentino Rossi - DUCATI Corse - Moto GP 2011 - Rossi & Hayden / バレンティーノ・ロッシEngine:liquid-cooled, 90 degree ...

Anything you can do, I can do better

I have to admit, it was surprising to see South Carolina's QB coach suspended for "public nuisance."  Admit it, you thought it was going to be Garcia.

I think Garcia enjoys sharing his nuisance, but only in private.

Not sure what the big deal is.  He'll be unsuspended by lunch tomorrow, unless Spurrier has another QB coach that will do as good a job already waiting.

TD

 Carolina's QB coach suspended 

2012 Hoops Recruiting Update

As most of you saw earlier, Charles Mann (6'5" PG) committed to Coach Fox last week. Mann is rated at 3 star guard by both Scout and Rivals. Rivals has him listed as a Top 150 player nationally.

Both Rivals and Scout listed Mann as having an offer from UConn. If that offer was legit, I can assure that he's better than the 140th ranked player in the nation. Jim Calhoun doesn't come all the way to Atlanta unless he thinks the kid can ball.

Additionally, Mann is on the same AAU team as Marcus Hunt (6'6" SF). Hunt is ranked as 4-stars by Rivals and Scout. Hunt is a Top 100 player from Rivals. Signing a true SF would ensure that Kentavious Caldwell could stay at the SG position where his body type is more ideally suited.

Mann is also good friends with uber recruit William Shaq Goodwin (6'8" PF). Goodwin is ranked in the Top 26 players nationally by both Scout and Rivals. He hasn't decided which sport he wants to play in HS, but UGA is very much in the mix. He's the must have difference maker in this class who still lists UGA very highly.

Lastly, UGA appears to be in good shape with Kenny Gaines (6'4" SG). Gaines also plays with the Georgia Stars AAU program with Hunt and Mann. He is listed as 3 stars by Scout and Rivals. The Dawgs need to ink all four of these kids to build a sustainable recruiting pipeline.

Was Mann's signing the momentum the class needs for 2012? Hopefully. The early signing period is mid-November so we'll know soon enough.

PWD

Richt's ATL Bulldog Club Recap

Seth Emerson has a recap of Richt's speech at the Atlanta Bulldog Club meeting. He spends quite a bit of time on the running back issues.

Additional, our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Kirk Olividatti (LBs) and his family. According to Emerson:

The four-year-old daughter of new inside linebackers coach Kirk Olividatti has been battling leukemia, Richt announced. Olividatti’s wife Keely hasn’t left the hospital for 30 days, the head coach informed the crowd; she spoke to Richt on Monday, and agreed that Richt could make the daughter Kasyn’s fight public.

PWD

Moto GP's Cal Crutchlow Vs Mirror.co.uk At Sliverstone

Moto GP's Cal Crutchlow vs Mirror.co.uk at Sliverstone

Cal Crutchlow takes on Mirror.co.uk's Matt Kelly, there is only one winner...

MotoGP 10/11 | Gameplay Trailer (2010) XBox 360 Playstation 3

MotoGP 10/11 | gameplay trailer (2010) XBox 360 Playstation 3

Moto GP 2010 / 2011 is coming from the press release SAN MATEO, Calif. - Capcom a leading worldwide developer and publisher of videogames, today ...

MotoGP Action From Indianapolis 2009

MotoGP action from Indianapolis 2009

The best of the action from the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix, the twelfth round of the 2009 MotoGP World Championship.

Moto GP 10/11 Preview

Moto GP 10/11 Preview

The new Moto GP will be with us shortly so a first hands on, not going into too much detail here, we'll have some new reporters putting it through ...

After The Flag From Qatar

After the Flag from Qatar

a look ahead to the new season with Azi Farni, and you can also find out what Colin Edwards’ worst habit is! ... MotoGP Qatar Losail After+ ...

Who Needs Superstars? Uh, We Do.

I was watching Richt at Media Days yesterday.  I thought this sounded familiar:

Q. In retrospect, how much did the situation with A.J. have to do with last season? Looking ahead, how do you replace his capabilities on your offense?
COACH RICHT: I don't know how much A.J. not playing the first four games made a difference. I mean, we were 1-3 after that. I mean, I think we probably would have had a little better record if he was there the whole time.  The other thing that was frustrating, not only was he not there, week by week we weren't sure if he was going to play the first game, the second game, whatever it was. You're trying to halfway prepare with him thinking he might get the word he could play. It did change the dynamic of the game plan quite a bit.  Absolutely not making an excuse. Those teams we played, they whooped us. We played Colorado. He came back and Colorado whooped us. It wasn't like as soon as A.J. showed up, we were going to win every game. That's not the case. But to replace him, and Kris Durham by the way, a third- or fourth-round pick, whatever Kris was, a lot of offensive balls being thrown to A.J. and Kris, now they're gone. You have a bunch of guys that have opportunities to make plays. When you have Matthew Stafford, when you have Knowshon Moreno, you have A. J. Green, I think there's a tendency for the teammates to look at those guys and to say, A.J. is going to win the game for us, Stafford is going to win the game for us. Now those guys are gone, these 'superstars' are gone. Now everybody is thinking, I have to pull my weight, my opportunity is coming. I've got to do my part. I think that's going to be real healthy for us. 

Didn't we hear those last few lines almost word for word in 2009 when Stafford and Knowshon left? 

Quinton

Excellent Interview with Stinchcomb

I got the chance to interview Matt Stinchcomb a few years ago, and I came away predictably very impressed.  This interview with DawgPost.com is must see TV.  I really enjoy his takes on ESPNU.

PWD

Moto Gp Extreme Crash

moto gp extreme crash

cool music -_- no and a cool crash and an azazing crash :) yes

Why DVRs were Invented

Holy crap this look good. HT - Blutarsky.



PWD

Moto GP 10/11 Moto GP 125cc Bradley Smith

Moto GP 10/11 Moto GP 125cc Bradley Smith

This time we take a spin as Bradley Smith round the Silverstone circuit looking much it did last year. Please join us at www.facebook.com and ...

Profiles in Hope: Defensive Front Seven

(Image: Hipple)

The only way to go is up. The only way to go is up.

I try not to think in terms of reversion to the mean much.  Because up isn't the only way to go.  In theory, it can always get worse. Or stay the same.  That might be harder to comprehend than getting worse.

In 2010, the Dawgs were a middle of the road defensive team.  They ranked 36th in scoring (5th in the conference), 23th in total defense (4th in the conference), and were in the upper 40s and mid 50s in sacks and tackles for loss.  However, we were bad at stopping the run.  Georgia was an embarrassing 56th in the country and 7th in the conference, giving up just under 150ypg on the ground.

Red zone conversion defense was even worse. Teams scored TDs nearly 75% of the time they got inside the red zone.  Good for 107th in the nation, with the likes of Washington, Minnesota and Utah State.  Georgia gave up 22 rushing touchdowns from inside the red zone. They only gave up four passing TDs inside the red zone, but opponents only attempted 24 passes all season from inside the 20.  For comparison sake, that is tied for 2nd in the nation for the fewest pass attempts by opponents in the red zone and is 13 fewer than Mississippi faced as the next lowest in the conference.  Teams decided that they didn't need to pass to open up the run when they got close, in effect saying we will man handle you up front. And manhandle us, they did.

Most telling is that teams only had to settle for field goals 4 times out of 38 red zone possessions.  Fortunately, Georgia only allowed 38 red zone possessions, good for top 20 in the nation. That is how we were as strong as we were in scoring defense.

No one thought the conversion from 4-3 to 3-4 would be painless.  I don't think anyone would have thought our rushing defense would look like UABs, either. We get 23 returning starts from the projected starting linebackers.  Add in Jarvis Jones, provided he is eligible, and I like that starting group.  As for the front three, it is imperative John Jenkins is all that and a bag of chips.  By all accounts, he is.  Putting Kwame and Jenkins on the line together at times will create some very advantageous match ups.  That also gives the other end and any OLB that we bring up to the line the opportunity to wreck havoc in offensive back fields.

One other thing that strikes me is that we didn't bring as much pressure from the front seven last season as I thought we would under Grantham.  I don't know if that was situational or intentional, but with another year of study and practice, plus having a couple of key players that fit the 3-4 better makes me think we'll see more stunting and blitzing up front.  Last season, Georgia had trouble handling the most basic thing a defensive player has to do: protecting their territory.  We got whipped on the line of scrimmage and got caught not covering basic run plays. 

Stop getting whipped and protect the basic run plays, and Georgia's rushing defense and red zone TDs allowed goes back to merely average, resulting in about 3 fewer points per game allowed.  That would put us at 20ppg, good for top 25 in the nation or so in each of the past five seasons.  Do both of those and significantly improve tackles for losses (thus taking some pressure off the secondary) and Georgia should be solid on the defensive front.

TD

It is Football Season

A little something to get you going.  Media days begin today.  It is 45 days to kickoff.

Enjoy.

TD

MotoGP 2 Video Game, E3 2K3 Trailer - Game Trailer - MonsterMMORPG - Pokemon

MotoGP 2 Video Game, E3 2K3 Trailer - Game Trailer - MonsterMMORPG - Pokemon

www.monstermmorpg.com Free To Play Monster MMORPG Game MonsterMMORPG Free To Play Online Pokemon MMORPG Game PokemonCraft : www.pokemoncraft.com ...

I'm Going to Have to Disagree with You There

Fifth Level Warlocks don't give back rings

Jeff Shultz talked to Paul Johnson about the sanctions handed down to Georgia Tech by the NCAA.  Apparently CPJ doesn't like being told that trying to hide a possible violation is a big no-no.  His retort:

"At the very least, Johnson wants it known that the Yellow Jackets gained no competitive advantage before the conference title win over Clemson. Also, he’s not giving his ring back."

I guess that is one way to look at it.  As PWD pointed out, there is an alternative view. Thomas caught a 70 yard TD pass on a 1 play drive in a game decided by five points in which he should've been sitting down pending the outcome of his investigation. Anyone think AJ Green would have given Georgia a competive advantage in the first four games last season?

Tech rolled the 12 sided dice and came up with whatever the worse possible roll in Dungeons and Dragons is. I didn't bother to look it up on the Intertubes.  I understand Johnson's frustration with the Monsters in Indy (ok, I did a little research), but trying to alibi after the fact only serves to make them look even more smarmy.  It makes Johnson look like an bigger jackass, to boot.

TD

Boise State Tickets Available

A few upper level Boise State tickets will be available at $55 each beginning at 9 am on Monday, July 25.  

Link to article about season tickets and Boise State seating cutoffs:

http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071911aab.html

Season tickets will be mailed the week of August 8th.

 

MotoGP Valentino Rossi OnBoard 2009 - Assen

MotoGP Valentino Rossi OnBoard 2009 - Assen

A lap in the warm up sesson in 1'38.413 (not fast). In this day Valentino made his 100th victory

Carlton Thomas Suspended for First Game

According to the AJC, Carlton Thomas has been suspended for Game 1 (or longer) for a violation of team rules. The suspension stems from a violation that occurred...wait for it....wait for it...back in the Spring. Back when they knew there was almost no chance for Caleb King to qualify and they knew there was little chance for Washaun Ealey to pull his head out of his ass.

(Note: Carlton Thomas wasn't arrested, but the photo can't be passed up)
Viva Richard Samuel.

PWD

Tyler's Note: I guess they told him he'd be the starting tailback and he went and acted like the last two starting TBs. Damn.

PWD Note: So...what does the depth chart at RB look like for Game 1 according to our commenters I wonder?

Moto GP 10/11 Moto 2 Class

Moto GP 10/11 Moto 2 Class

A ride in the Moto GP 2 class, the game certainly playing better if you ignore the racing

Moto GP Fuel Cell

Moto GP Fuel Cell

About the Recruiting Haul

Nice work by the coaches. The commitment of Theus is especially enormous because of the challenges UGA has faced the past four seasons recruiting and retaining healthy players.

Benedict is gone. Harmon is gone. Long has moved to another position and hasn't been healthy enough for live action. Xavier Ward is injured. The coaching staff was all-in on Theus in a huge way.

Weekends like send the message to recruits that we still have the "marketplace momentum." Now, if the basketball program could just get some recruiting momentum.

PWD

Samuel as Running Back

I know this is old news, but I can't get too excited about it.  One one hand, Samuel had his shot at TB, was serviceable, but is a natural linebacker. The running back deal was a recruiting promise kept.  Why wait to make the switch back now, especially considering they knew King was on thin academic ice and Ealey was out? On the other hand, if the coaches need to find another body to ensure the necessary depth to run the play book, who else do they pick?

There are two things that come to mind:  One, they just don't trust one of the players they have at their disposal to be the player(s) they need at tailback, either as a co-number one or as a primary back up. That is puzzling and a bit strange.  And scary as hell.  Two, had Samuel been at LB his whole career, the coaches would not have to worry about moving him, as I believe he'd be too important to the defense to move around. 

The constant position swapping is putting players' careers in bad places and is wasting talent. I realize we are very deep at places on the defense, but damn. At least Richard is in a good place about it.

Valentino Rossi MotoGP Interview, Sebring 12 Hr Preview

Valentino Rossi MotoGP Interview, Sebring 12 Hr Preview

On this week's edition of FastLaneDaily's motorsports segment, Shakedown, Leo Parente interviews MotoGP Champ Valentino Rossi from Qatar and also ...

2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship - Catalunya (ESP)

2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship - Catalunya (ESP)

Highlights of the 2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship - Catalunya (Spain)

GT goes down over $312

I remember UGA basketball fans saying, "I can't believe we got in all of this trouble over a $300 payment to Tony Cole and a bogus PE class."

My retort to all of those Harrick apologists at the time was pretty simple. It wasn't the violation that killed us. It was the moment where Jim Harrick allegedly told Chris Daniels and Reshad Wright to lie to the investigators about the PE class that got us slaughtered.

There's nothing worse than a cover up to the NCAA. That's why Bruce Pearl was fired at UT. It's why Jim Harrick was fired at UCLA. It's why Jim Tressel isn't at Ohio State, and it's why Georgia Tech is no longer the ACC Champion from the 2009 season.

As for GT fans who think the punishment is too harsh....Thomas caught a 70 yard TD pass on a 1 play drive in a game decided by five points in which he should've been sitting down pending the outcome of his investigation. Even UNC had the good sense to sit their guys when the NCAA started snooping around.

Read the report sometime. It's amazing how inept their cover up attempt was.

That said...all those who think DRad is a bad AD because this happened on his watch, I present an alternate theory. Any AD who can keep an NCAA investigation a secret for over 20 months is running a tighter ship than most. It also helps to have a hometown newspaper completely and totally asleep at the wheel.

Georgia fans get three days of articles on the transfer of Brent Benedict and a full article on the assistant recruiting coordinator (a guy I had never heard of) leaving while GT is going through an investigation in two sports without a peep.

Amazing.

PWD

Tech and the NCAA

What does it say about the status of Tech's football program that the AJC spent three days on Brent Benedict transferring to Virginia Tech, but never picked up on an NCAA investigation (apparently a big one) at the North Avenue Trade School?

Or does that say more about the AJC?

Looks like Tech might get to vacate the Orange Bowl debacle against Iowa, though.

--------------
More response:
-Bud Peterson: "We didn't mean to do anything wrong and we aren't sorry we did," AJC
-Dan, you ignorant slut, Bradley
-It was UGA's fault!, Stingtalk
-We thought Georgia Southern was already on probation, ESPN

Poking the Bear

Either Chizik is starting to believe the Alabama press about his intelligence or getting a pretty ring to wear has made him very arrogant, but I don't think trying to show up the NCAA's head of enforcement is a good idea, either way.

Maybe he should have Gus Malzahn with him all the time.

TD

What he said

My reaction to the 2012 schedule was almost the same as Blutarsky's reaction.  Placing Georgia Southern the week before Tech now that they've returned to the Triple Option is incredibly intelligent manipulation of the schedule. 

Also interesting to see so much better spacing of opponents.  The toughest back to back games vs. Tennessee (home) and then at Alabama in weeks 5 and 6.  From a structure/spacing standpoint I have nothing but praise for McGarity on this one.

Flip side...that is one craptacular home slate. We'll end up with Buffalo, FAU and Georgia Southern all kicking off between 12:00 and 1:00.  Ole Miss is hardly a barn burner, and then you have UT.  It's about as easy as it could possibly get.

PWD

Ducati MotoGP Night: Valentino Rossi E Nicky Hayden Arriving In Ducati

Ducati MotoGP Night: Valentino Rossi e Nicky Hayden arriving in Ducati

Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden arrive in Ducati for the great Ducati MotoGp Night organized for all the fans of the Ducati MotoGP Team.

Benedict on S&C Program

Check out Brent Benedict's Q&A with Chip Towers.  Good to see the kid is taking the high road.

One thing stood out: 

Q: I understand this mainly had to do with not seeing eye-to-eye with new strength and conditioning coach Joe Tereshinki about training techniques with respect to your injury. I know he’s employing some old-school philosophies with a lot of lower-body work. Is that what this was about?
A: “Coach Tereshinski came in and he has his own philosophy and he and the coaching staff believe that it’s going to work and there’s no reason not to believe that. So,  there were a few things going on and I wasn’t able to resolve that. Of course I hope Georgia does well, extremely well. I’ve told all my buddies back there I wish them the best of luck and I really believe it will be successful.”

Not trying to read too much into this, but it makes me wonder how tough the other regimen was if doing squats is too much for a guy that got hurt nearly two years ago.  I get everyone needs to rehab on their own schedule and all that, and no one should be asked to re-injure themselves, but it is hard to imagine Joe T and his crew asking a kid to do that.  Either he is ready to go or he isn't. 

What am I missing?

TD

Over / Under?

Branden Smith (Image: Hipple)
A commenter yesterday reminded me that Isaiah Crowell and Branden Smith are both going to wear jersey #1 this season. This means they can't both be on the field at the same time.

So...what's the over under on the number of penalties we get because they are in the game at the same time? I say 1.5 and I'm taking the over.

Flip side...what's the over/under on the number of times we hear Richt say that he can't play Smith on offense more because of the confusion their jersey situation creates. I'm going with 2.5 and taking the over again.

Thoughts?

PWD

► BMW 1M Safety Car Moto GP (First Images)

► BMW 1M Safety Car Moto GP (First Images)

The motorcycle road racing world championship -- or MotoGP -- ranks among the world's most popular and spectacular sporting events. The ...

Profiles in Hope: Aaron Murray

Image: Hipple
Let's get the obvious bad part of this post out of the way: Who will Aaron Murray throw to? Georgia doesn't have a go to player to replace AJ Green. Brown, King, Toupe and Bennett were all highly recruited, were all full of promise and all have talent. None have stepped up to show themselves to be the rightful successor to AJ as The Man in the receiving corps. Conley has already jumped to third on the depth chart, so you can throw him in the mix, too. It might be weak sauce, but if we are to believe the 'recruit enough 4-5 stars at a position, you will have a someone work out' theory, one will work out.

We also have two possible All-Conference candidates at TE and at least one more that is a potential starter. The tight ends could be a whole separate profiles in hope article. Then there is Ray Drew Jay Rome, who would probably start as a freshman for half of the teams in the country.

The good news: Murray was sacked 24 times last season, yet only threw 8 interceptions. He completed 61+% of his throws and had 24 TDs. And 3000+ yards. Georgia was in the top 20 at long passing plays from scrimmage (30+ yards) last season. We probably won't go slinging it down field, especially until (or unless) one of the WRs step up, so I expect that yardage to go down. But given the opportunity to make good decisions, I trust Murray to do so. I think he'll complete 65%+ of his pass attempts in 2011.

One last thing, Aaron has another year of maturity and study under his belt. He'll be given more leeway in checking off at the line and we'll see the wrinkles in plays that naturally develop between guys that play ball together for a long time come to the forefront, which gets me back to the tight ends. Murray and Charles have been playing pitch and catch for seven years now. I look for them to have a Dan Fouts/Kellen Winslow type thing going this season.

Our problem last season wasn't offense. I'll grant we had some...lulls...on offense. I attribute those lulls to a single minded devotion to game plan, without the ability to adapt that plan. Having a QB that is in a better position to make on the field adjustments, and the confidence of his coaches in doing so, will provide a natural deviation to the game plan. Hopefully, that will be enough to prevent those lulls.

TD

MotoGP 500cc GP,Transatlantic Challenge,Donington Park,Race 5,April 1984 ...

MotoGP 500cc GP,Transatlantic Challenge,Donington Park,Race 5,April 1984 ...

The crash that Freddie Spencer had,ruined the start of his 1984 500cc GP season.

The Margin for Error

Fear the Elf (Image: Hipple)
As I've said before, the program in 2011 has very little margin for error. It's not that the program is on life support or that there's a seat of unmanageable heat. It's also not as if the program is incapable of course correction and returning to 10+ win seasons.

All of those things are within our reach given the schedule and starting talent. The problem is that there's just no margin for error as there's simply no proven depth.

We're an injury or suspension away from scenarios like:

-- Playing Carlton Thomas in the Wild Elf Formation
-- Going from 32+ starts to zero at LT or Center
-- Dropping from Jarvis Jones to Chase Vasser at SAM

Other than tight end, what position has proven, reliable SEC-caliber depth? Any?

Dean Legge talked today about the 2007 "What Could Have Been" recruiting class. While he's correct overall, I think that particular recruiting class is water under the bridge. Most of the impact players from that class were in the NFL by Year 3 or 4. Very few are left for this season.

My concerns are more focused on the 2010 offensive signing class. How does a coaching staff with no offensive turnover deliver a class that in Year 2 has only one sure fire starter and only two more obvious meaningful contributors for the upcoming season?

2010 Signing Class (Offensive):

Starter:
OT - Kenarious Gates

Potential Meaningful Contributor in 2011:
RB - Ken Malcome
FB - Zander Ogletree

Who Knows When They'll Contribute:
QB - Hudson Mason
WR - Michael Bennett
OG - Kolton Houston

Didn't Qualify (yet):
WR - Lonnie Outlaw

No Longer in School:
OT - Brent Benedict

This is fixable. We just can't afford the bad luck injuries of 2003, 2006 or 2009. Nor can we afford to ever have a recruiting class on either side of the ball like the 2010 group above. Note: I'm not giving up on those guys. I'm just pointing out the lack of anticipated contribution in Year 2).

PWD

Georgia's Rushing Situation

After reading Quinton's post about King's departure, my first thought was there is no way Carlton Thomas has 86 career carries.  Lo and behold, Carlton had 64 rushes for 272 yards last season, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, and 22 rushes for 92 yards in 09, averaging....4.2 yards per carry.  There isn't a line in the world that would make Carlton a successful feature back in Georgia's current offensive scheme, but if he improves a little bit on that 4.2ypc while getting 20-25% of the rushing touches (7-9 rushes per game), I think I'd take that. I don't want to see him carry it more, especially if we continue to view him as a magical being that can run untouched through a line of players that outweigh him by 130 pounds, but thinking about him as a change of pace deal, I'm trending towards ok with him.

One other thing that popped up that I hadn't thought about until I looked at the stats:  Murray had 60+ non-sack rushes, averaging over 5.5ypc on those rushes. I wouldn't be surprised would love to see Aaron be a part of the change of pace, as well.  He is pretty quick and ran a bunch in high school.  We have a couple of QB keeper plays that work well, especially considering teams have to respect Murray's passing ability and the strong TE group that linebackers will have to cover.

I am not saying all is well, but factoring in what Branden Smith adds, I don't think the picture is as dire as I had feared, and it offers opportunity, through necessity, to open up the offense.

TD

Yamaha 2011 MotoGP Team Unveiling

Yamaha 2011 MotoGP Team Unveiling

Yamaha Racing unveils its 2011 MotoGP team and livery. Video courtesy of Yamaha Racing.

Faster The Movie MotoGP - Rossi Vs Biaggi

Faster The Movie MotoGP - Rossi Vs Biaggi

Faster The Movie MotoGP - Valentino Rossi Vs Max Biaggi

Terry Bowden on Line 1?

Well, with King gone, Bowden Jack Crowe might get the band back together. Imagine Ealey and King running the Capstone State for JSU.  Galactically stupid came way before game 13.

Anyone that thought King had more than a puncher's chance at playing this fall after failing to get six credits in the fall while needing 18 for the year was crazy.  Does it suck? Yes.  We are desperately thin at running back now.  Oh, and anyone that thinks Richt isn't serious about getting rid of problems, remember: He knew King was in this predicament, yet he parted ways with Washaun. 

Either that or he made a very strong allin bet with Crowell. 

TD

*Thanks to the commenter for pointing out the inconsistency.  This is why you don't write a post during a cookout that more than one person has brought small batch bourbon to...

Valentino Rossi Makes His First Outing With Ducati

Valentino Rossi makes his first outing with Ducati

awaited debut on the Ducati Desmosedici. More exclusive footage available on motogp.com ... MotoGP Valencia Valentino+Rossi Ducati+Team ...

Uh, Crowell Better Be Good. Like Now.

Do you remember how badly you wanted Caleb King to sign with Georgia?  I remember waking up in a cold sweat one night after I dreamed that King signed with Auburn.  "Brad Lester and Caleb King IN THE SAME BACKFIELD!  MY LORD, HELP!"  That's why I don't take recruiting seriously anymore.

King is now ineligible for his senior year because he couldn't get it together in the classroom.  You'll recall he missed that epic Liberty Bowl showdown because of books too.  King finishes his career at UGA with 10 TDs and 1,271 yards.  He has to go down as another wildly heralded recruit who wildly disappointed in Athens.  The obvious comparison is Jasper Sanks, who had 12 career TDs and 1,651 yards.  Good luck to you, Caleb, in whatever you end up doing, but this certainly leaves UGA in the lurch for 2011.

We have Carlton Thomas, Ken Malcome, and Isaiah Crowell.  That's 86 career carries between all of Georgia's tailbacks.  Holy crap.  Crowell better be a damn horse. Not a centaur, but an actual horse.  I know Ken hasn't gotten live snaps yet, but Carlton Thomas as my starter makes me burst into tears.  He's a third down back that we squint at to convince ourselves he's an every down back.  I'm sure he's tough and fast and a good guy, but he just isn't big enough for first and second down.  Malcome certainly has size, but he doesn't get me excited or even confident.  Maybe he's the answer to bridge the gap while Crowell figures it out, but no body knows what he can do when the band is playing and the lights are lit.  Crowell's in the same boat, except he's hyped and everybody knows who he is.  Basically, we are all in on Crowell and Malcome this season. 

Also, given our reluctance to play any back who doesn't have a masters degree in pass protection, will we have any pass plays with a tailback in the formation? 

Quinton

I know it's been a while, but the wife and I had twins in January.  I've had both hands full.

Varney Leaving DOJ

Wonder how long it'll take the BCS to hire Cravath in some capacity? Varney was the Assistant Attorney General that was spearheading the DOJ's inquiry into why the NCAA doesn't host a football playoff for the Football Bowl Subdivision.

No word on if The Senator from Utah is in the President's ear about the next selection.

TD

Gameday Enhancement

It is probably the cynic in me, but the news of the new virtual matrix board doesn't make me think it is the fan experience enhancement that they are saying it is.  Unless you count Hairy Dawg ringing the bell on a huge screen for 10 minutes a fan experience that we enjoy.

The new scorboard is impressive.  I saw it when they were working on hoisting it.  Think of an 83 feet wide HDTV. Look for the SEC to ban live action replays being shown in the stadium any time now.  It also should be easier for those that are interested in following Uga in the hidden ball trick to do so. 

Now, I am jonesing to tee it up. 

TD

SEC Media Days Schedule

KICKOFF 2011 • SEC FOOTBALL MEDIA DAYS

July 20-22

The Wynfrey Hotel • Hoover, Ala.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS sec(All Times Central)

Wednesday, July 20

11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. -- Luncheon

12:30-6 p.m.

- Commissioner Mike Slive

- Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi State, South Carolina

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

- Reception (sponsored by The Senior Bowl and Wynfrey Hotel)

Thursday, July 21 (8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)

- Coordinator of Officials Steve Shaw

- Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee

Friday, July 22 (8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

- Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt

Valentino Rossi 2011. MotoGP Monster Energy

Valentino Rossi 2011. MotoGP Monster Energy

Valentino Rossi 2011. El Doctor n°46. MotoGP Monster Energy .

What a Great Day

An absolute blast in Athens.



PWD

Big City, Little Lights

I read an interesting story on ESPN about 'major' college programs that share a city with NFL teams getting together to compare notes on expanding fan bases.  In the article, they discussed Georgia Tech, but Tech didn't participate in the round table of ADs and Marketing Directors that got together.  Apparently, these programs all feel they have struggles with attracting fans. After getting emails from Tech to buy their four tickets and a hot dog package, I'd say they are looking to the wrong place.

After looking at the list, I'd suggest they have problems attracting top flight football players:

Arizona State (Pac-12)
Boston College (ACC)
Cincinnati (Big East)
Houston (Conference USA)
Maryland (ACC)
Miami (ACC)
Northwestern (Big Ten)
Pittsburgh (Big East)
Rutgers (Big East)
San Diego State (Mountain West)
South Florida (Big East)
TCU (Mountain West)
Temple (MAC)
Tulane (Conference USA)
Washington (Pac-12)

Besides TCU, only one of these programs have had sustained success in the past 20 years, and it has been 10 years since they were much of a factor in the national discussion (Miami). 

So, is the problem attracting fans or players?  Would filling Raymond James Stadium substantially change talent level of the players going to South Florida?  Washington has world class facilities in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, so what gives?  Is going to college in a college town as big a deal for blue chip football players as it is for the average college student?

TD

Moto Gp 2011 Riders

Moto Gp 2011 Riders

First test session of 2011.

Football Season Starts Today

The media is back from vacation, media days are two weeks off, kickoff is in 60 days, and South Carolina fans are already crowning themselves national champions.  Ah, I love July.

A few things to catch you up on what is happening around the SEC...

• Alabama gets in the secondary violation market.
• Arkansas is in the market for a lineman that likes to take care of business.  Guess he is buying into Petrino's 'Its just business' attrition philosophy.
• Auburn has got to be counting the days until they have to give back that pretty trophy.  Toomer's Oaks might live.  Cecil Newton doesn't want to live in the past, either. 
• Florida bloggers are waxing poetic about...Spurrier.  Everyone loves a front runner.
• Kentucky will get the new pro-combat look this season.  Meh.
• LSU's dreams big with Steve Kragthorpe.  Will Brian Brohm also be in Baton Rouge?
• Mississippi State's resurgence in football is being credited to a guy that left after two years for Arizona State.  That will tell you everything you need to know about the state of affairs there before Greg Byrne showed up.
• Meanwhile in Oxford, a list of bold moves that reads like some we'd probably like to see Georgia pull.  I'm depressed now.
• South Carolina has season football tickets to sell.  Really.
• Health Schuler is thinking of leaving Washington again. This should quell any Norv Turner to be Dooley's Ocordinator rumors.
• Vandy has the State Run Media worried a bit.  

I have to admit, besides Tennessee's visit with the NCAA and the fall out from that, this has been an extremely quiet summer.  Compared to past years, especially in Athens, I am ok with that.

TD

MotoGP 10/11 - Launch Trailer (2011) OFFICIAL | HD

MotoGP 10/11 - Launch Trailer (2011) OFFICIAL | HD

The motorbike racing game MotoGP 10/11 launches in North America with this celebratory trailer. MotoGP 10/11, the latest title in the series ...

Happy Birthday, America

Hope everyone has an enjoyable July 4th from all of us at the Georgia Sports Blog.

Football season unofficially starts tomorrow.  Media days are only a couple of weeks away.

After The Flag From Estoril

After the Flag from Estoril

Flag presenter Gavin Emmett reviews the third round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship, the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal. ... After+the+Flag ...

Paschall on CBS's SEC Football Schedule

He's been more right than wrong, but the Chattanooga Times Free Press' David Paschall must think post-Cam Auburn is going to be really bad for Tennessee at Arkansas game to get on CBS before Georgia vs. Auburn.  Either that or he thinks ESPN will grab the South's Oldest Rivalry for its prime time tilt that night. I still think we'll be in Sanford at noon on November 12th.

Nothing too surprising here. Other than Georgia/Florida and LSU at Alabama, I don't think there are too many games that greatly interests me.  Well, the Iron Bowl does, but only because it is likely 'Bama won't stop scoring on Auburn until the officials take the football away from them at the end of the game.

TD

2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship - Doha (QAT)

2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship - Doha (QAT)

Highlights of the 2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship in Doha (Qatar)

Ducati MotoGP Night: Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden And The Ducati MotoGP Team On ...

Ducati MotoGP Night: Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden and the Ducati MotoGP Team on ...

Ducati MotoGP Night: Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden and the Ducati MotoGp Team on the stage

Chip Kelly, Bargain Shopper

Maybe after watching Auburn's $180,000 QB up close, Chip Kelly probably thought $25,000 was a steal.  I mean, even a QB on spec is a deal at a seventh the price. 

The steaming pile of crap the 'recruiting service' head left for Kelly will certainly get the NCAA fired up.

“The service I provided went beyond what a scouting service should … I made a mistake and I’m big enough of a man to admit I was wrong.”

The bad news for Kelly is his conference's commissioner isn't named Slive or Delaney.

TD

There Has to Be a Good Punch Line Here, Right?

New turf for Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium

Do your best in the comments. All I have is something snarky about the number of sellouts, but my coffee hasn't kicked in, so I keep fumbling it.