SB Nation User Blog: DavetheDawg

A chance to close the gap with the Florida Gators

DavetheDawg — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:56:19 -0000

Change. The one constant. The Georgia Bulldogs are going through an upheaval and the fortunes of this program are in the balance as Mark Richt begins the process of selecting Willie Martinez' successor.

Similarly, down to our south, another program is about to go through their own vicissitude. The great Florida Gator team, winners of 22 consecutive games and two National Championships in three years - with a possible third looming - could see the end of one of the great runs in the college game. Some of it by the rules of eligibility as they pertain to one of the all-time great college football players in quarterback Tim Tebow. Much change is bound to occur by the nature of the beast; many key players are probably going to make the wise jump to the NFL just in time to take advantage of escalating rookie salaries before a "cap" is imposed. And it is entirely possible that Charlie Strong, one of the best and brightest defensive minds in all of college football, will be moving on to the next logical step in his career progression as someone's head coach. Will UF promote form within if this comes to pass? Will the Gators and Bulldogs be competing in yet another arena for the best possible defensive minds?

In the next weeks and months, Georgia will be hiring a new defensive coordinator. Of all the coaching positions, this is the most critical. Mark Richt may or may not have his ideal candidate in mind at this moment, but he will make the best possible choice. In doing so, the opportunity to close the gap with Florida is within reach. We had a chance to do this in the early part of this decade when Georgia immediately ascended beginning in 2001 and Florida slipped under Ron Zook. Yet here we are again, with the chance to once again rise up after years of defensive decline. With a new defensive coordinator comes a whole new philosophy, hopefully a philosophy that is singularly devoted in stopping the type of offense our biggest rivals employ.

The decision to make the necessary changes were undoubtedly painful for Richt to make. The decision to hire his replacement will be his most important to date. I believe in our coach today more than I ever have because he had to the courage to act. And I believe that we are going to start winning our share of games against our biggest rival, the Florida Gators.

"You want answers?.. I want the truth. You can't handle the truth!"

DavetheDawg — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:10:36 -0000

Just a few thoughts. Feel free to expound upon my diatribes. It's cathartic.

I now hate Florida more than Auburn.
Losing Asher Allen a year early was devastating.
I don't hate Joe Cox. I think he's gritty and has done some things well. But Joe simply lacks the talent necessary to execute and his decision making has not improved. He's a damn good Dawg, but he's just not equipped to get the job done.
All those "1/2 yard and a cloud of turf formations" Logan Gray participated in up 'til Saturday really prepared him for throwing out of the end zone against the Nations #1 defense. Bad long-term coaching, stupid Football...
...which leads me to the fact that you've got to work in your backup QB a couple of times per game in situations which involve running the offense. Did anyone really expect Gray to just run onto the field and save the day (from further embarrassment, at least). Spurrier did this to great effect at Florida.
In the SEC, the defensive coordinator trumps all other positions. At the risk of losing a recruit or two, the time to make a change is now. Let the chips fall.
The penalty situation is, and has been, totally out of control for years now. It ensures blowouts against good teams and close losses against average to poor teams.
Instead of spending thousands of dollars on gimmick uniforms and helmets, we should have hired a team of psychologists to do some real good prior to the WLOCP. It's now become beyond psychological. Ask yourself right now: Do you think we have a chance next year? I thought so. I bet the players are already thinking the same thing. Zig Ziglar, where are you?
If Richt is not on the phone to Mike Slive this morning with a YouTube link of Brandon Spikes practicing unlicensed ophthalmology, then he's not protecting his own.

I've got many, many thoughts on everything, but my head still hurts. Feel free to chip in.

Go Dawgs!

UPDATE

Corch Meyers suspends Spikes for 1/2 game vs. Vandy. Well, I'm pissed! We're all pissed. Dawgnation is outraged. Coach Richt is indignant. He's on a moped right now headin' towards Birmingham. This is an outrage! This should be a rallying cry for next year's Cocktail Party. Rally the troops. Here's the motivation we need. Revenge is a dish best served cold!....

...ah, nevermind. We'll probably come out next year in Red Tops, Red Pants, Red Helmets, Red Shoes, and forget our underwear.

Ten Questions for Jacksonville.

DavetheDawg — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:31:51 -0000

Question #1.

Who is the officiating crew? Please, God... Not Penn "Down remains third" Wagers. No one has blacker, beadier eyes than that guy. Not a Great White Shark, not a Vampire, not a Chupacabra.

Question #2.

Who is in the replay booth? If it's Mr. Magoo again (who obviously did not stay in the Holiday Inn Express, Starkville) I am not liking our chances.

Question #3.

How creative can Bobo get with A.J. Green? By creative, I mean getting him a few more touches than 4. I think about 20 would be about right.

Question #4.

Can we run the ball? We are going to have to. And between the tackles because there ain't no way we are going to do anything out on the edges. Florida is just too fast. LSU was too fast. ASU was too fast. Hell, Vandy was too fast for about 3 quarters.

Question #5.

Penalties. This weekend my dad was lamenting the fact that Tennessee was the 3rd best team in the Division 1 in penalties (at least until the 'Bama game). Here's a team that is being run by that former fat kid who used to stuff hand towels in the toilet at McDonalds. How can this happen?

I think we're about par for the last 3 or 4 seasons...which means we're so bad, we've actually dipped into the next division and rank 19th (behind Western Carolina). Discipline. We must play a damn-near perfect game.

Question #6.

This one relates to question #5. Focus and concentration. Every damn snap. Assignment football. Especially on the defense. DEE FENCE. Defend. Be smart. Pressure #15.

Question #7.

Attitude. This is a dangerous thing. The wrong kind will get you into trouble (see Question #5 above). The right kind can carry you when adversity strikes.

Question #8.

Luck. Haven't seen much of it in a while. As in "Ol' Lady Luck." No matter how good you are, you need some luck from time to time.

Question #9.

Health. We seem to have it...at least as much as we've had in a few weeks. Florida? Who knows. But if this guy is gimpy, it can only help. And none of our players will run the risk of any STDs, too.

Question #10.

You let me know what your question #10 would be. Mine would simply be "play your best players."

Go Dawgs!

The Saturday that was: Conspiracies

DavetheDawg — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:20:47 -0000

I've got to wonder if there really isn't something going on with the SEC officials. It's all been said before: Why doesn't Tebow ever get a penalty for excessive celebration. No one draws more attention to himself than this guy. And I really don't fault Tebow. It's in his DNA. It is how he expresses himself. But the trouble is, how he expresses himself reveals the double standard in the league. The Conference is pre-determining the outcome of games and ultimately predetermining the outcome of the post-season matchups. And by not flagging Tebow (or any other player in the league) for 'doin' that thang they do' is wrong.

Horrible pass interference call on Arkansas' Broadway. Then, an even worse no-call on the creepiest receiver in all of college football. I mean, seriously. Keep Riley Cooper away from your mom, your sister, your wife, girlfriend, money, chocolate, beer. The guy's got his hands everywhere. He'd make a great Italian. The dude wouldn't have half the catches he makes if offensive flags were justly thrown his way. I bet all of Arkansas' cornerback couldn't wait to shower after it was all over.

Florida gets away with more holding calls than anyone else as well. I think #96 on Arkansas was hooked on every single play where Tebow dropped back into the pocket. It's incredible. The Black Crowes sang about it once. It's a Conspiracy.

A 'Bama player pulls off his helmet and no flag is thrown at a point in the game where the outcome was still in doubt? Conspiracy. Yep, part of the SEC's diabolical plan to pit Florida and Alabama at all costs. Ironically, they probably don't need the extra boost, but why take chances when the league has decided what they must do to keep two Evil Empires happy.

And while I'm on the subject, does anyone else think that maybe, *just maybe* the whole "balloon boy" thing out in Colorado was actually staged by the makers of Jiffy Pop? Think about it. Definately a conspiracy.

I still think Oswald acted alone, though.

Anyone else see anything?

Evil Richt 2: The Heretic

DavetheDawg — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:07:17 -0000

GEORGIA THRASHES VANDY; RICHT PUNCHES MASCOT Nashville, Tn. (AP)

Georgia, showing no ill effects from back-to-back losses, came out firing. In one of the most lopsided victories in recent series history, Vandy had no answer for a 63-3 thrashing. However, the bigger story was not the hits on the field. In an uncharacteristic act of aggression, Vanderbilt's mascot "Mr. Commodore" was punched in the face just prior to kickoff by Georgia coach Mark Richt. Television cameras caught the incident just after the pre-kickoff huddle.

Video shows the venerable mascot affectionately known as "Mr. C" approaching the Georgia sideline. Suddenly, and without warning, the usually mild-mannered Richt burst from the player's huddle and threw a perfect upper-cut to the size-able jaw of the Vandy icon.

Penn Wagers, the head SEC official for the game, threw an unsportsmanlike penalty flag on coach Richt. However, the game had not officially started and the penalty was rescinded. On the ensuing kickoff, Wagers did penalize A.J. Green for excessive smiling, giving Vanderbilt a first down in Georgia territory on their opening drive. Vanderbilt managed it's only points of the day as Georgia completely dominated the game from that point on.

"I don't know what got into coach Richt," said Georgia's all-SEC linebacker Rennie Curran. "But every now and then a little of the devil might just be a good thing."

"Maybe this will carry us through the rest of the season," said beleaguered defensive coordinator Willie Martinez. "I know it sure fired up my defense. In fact, we just played lights out and the only adjustment I needed to make all afternoon was to alternate my thumbs-up...from one to two and then back to one again."

Mike Slive, commisioner of the SEC, has already sent a remprimand to Richt. The context of the warning has yet to be released to the media. However, shortly after the game concluded Richt did not answer any direct questions.

"I am no longer talking to the media," Richt said immediately after the game as the media swarmed the Georgia coach. "From here on out, if you want answers please refer to our new media contact Pulpwood Smith. I'm out, biotches." He then promptly French kissed his wife for, in the opinion of this writer, a long, long time.

"Rest assured, there will be repercussions," Slive stated at a post-game teleconference. "Georgia can certainly expect more penalty flags for no particular reason."

Georgia has an open date before the annual showdown against top-ranked Florida in Jacksonville. Could be interesting.

In my dreams. Oh, Lord...I can dream.

Ten things that probably, maybe, could, should happen in the SEC this year:

DavetheDawg — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:25:37 -0000

Hello again, everyone. I’m feeling a bit frisky these days and decided I’d add a few thoughts as the pre-season is officially upon us.

1. Carolina does not win a road game this year. They’ll play the Dawgs close again, but this time we actually throw to the wide open tight-end instead of forcing the ball over the middle and win in the 4th quarter. Spurrier will go into exile after the season is over, never to be seen in public again. In fact, he stays indoors for the rest of his life and he loses all his pigmentation. Sad, really.

2. Florida whips Mississippi State. This year will be no different. However, traveling to Mississippi has been very hazardous for UF over the years. A key Gator goes down and is not available for the Georgia game the following week. I’m thinking Urban Meyer gets a large parasite.

3. Lane Kiffin does not beat Florida...ever. His Reign of Rhetoric will last exactly two years. His record is not what does him in. At a boosters meeting, he’ll accuse General Neyland of only being a Major.

4. Alabama underachieves. They’ve set the bar mighty high and in a hurry in T-Town. However, they’ll win 8 games this year and finish third in the West. They will, however, beat Auburn. Unfortunately, Saban oversigns by 57 players and some parents are getting a little fed up with his methods, to which Saban says, “I really don’t care.”

5. LSU is improved, but not enough to win the West. With time running out in a key late season game at Alabama, Les Miles tries an end-around on 4th and 27 from his own 2. The quarterback steps out of the end zone for a safety. It was a risky play because LSU had been up by one…

6. Kentucky loses 5 of their first 6 games, and then disbands football in early November. I wonder why?

7. Ole Miss will go undefeated, but get trounced in the SEC championship game. More to follow…

8. Vanderbilt. Nothing to see here…move along.

9. Arkansas is improved, but only slightly as Bobby Petrino quits mid-season to run for Governor. No explanation, other than he just couldn’t finish what he started…but politics seemed like a logical career shift.

10. Georgia runs the table. A #1 running back emerges early, and is supported by everyone else named Washaun, Richard, Caleb or Dontavious. Yeah, I think Carlton Thomas will be the one. All freshman skill players do contribute; some break out. Orson Charles is named SEC Freshman of the Year. Rennie Curran is All-American, and Joe Cox sets a Georgia single-season record for passing efficiency. We whip the West champion Ole Miss in a rout in the dome. Then, we meet Oklahoma for all the marbles. Dawgs win.

Gordon Beckham: En Fuego (with addendum)

DavetheDawg — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:51:52 -0000

We interrupt this reguarly scheduled football news:

Whether you like baseball or not, you've got to be impressed by former 'Dawg Gordon Beckham's rookie campaign. After starting his major league debut by going 0-14, he's now batting .311 and is settling in at 3rd base quite nicely. In fact, Beckham is a doubles machine. White Sox nation love him, the ladies love him, hairstylists from around Chicagoland are in awe and he's really making a push for the American League Rookie of the Year.

A few quick stats through Sunday (8/2)

Games: 52 At bats: 183 Hits: 57 Home Runs: 5 Doubles: 17 RBI: 36 Slugging: .486

I was watching WGN's coverage on Sunday and Steve Stone (The Joe Lieberman of sports broadcasting) said the smartest thing anyone has ever done for Beckham while he was in the Minor's with Birmingham and then Charlotte was this: Nothing. The coaches left him the hell alone. He's a natural with great instincts.

Beckham is hitting to all fields. He's light years ahead of where most rookies are in terms of plate discipline. He's a contact hitter and is already drawing comparisons in his approach to Derek Jeter. Beckham certainly has power, but that's not what he is about. He's cat quick and able to pull the ball on the inner-half of the plate. During Sunday's game, he hit a C.C. Sabathia pitch that was a foot high and on the outer edge and drove it down the right field line for a leadoff double in yesterday's game. Later, he drove a ball down the third base line for an RBI single. It's fun trying to watch opposing teams try to defense him. He's now batting 2nd and setting the table for the heavyweights behing him (Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko).

A Damn Good Dawg. Got get 'em, Gordo.

Now, back to football talk, already in progress.

Check out the lovefest at SouthSideSox:

http://www.southsidesox.com/2009/8/3/976124/gordon-beckham-allows-white-sox

A much better breakdown than I could ever do, but that's why they make the big money.

Tell Dr. Dave: When did these symptoms first appear?

DavetheDawg — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:40:43 -0000

What I am referring to is a basic question. When or how exactly did you become Dawgly? In my opinion, there are two ways to get there:

1. You were influenced by family, friends or geography. Yeah, I know it's kinda' broad, but it's like being born with big feet or a Methodist (or a big footed Methodist). You can't help it because it has always been this way.

2. You had a revelation. An ephiphany. Something that inspired you.

For me, it was November 25, 1971. I saw the light (and a 4th down conversion late in the game...)

Earlier that day, the nation was treated to the "Game of the Century." Nebraska, behind Johnny Rodgers, whipped Oklahoma 35-31. These were the pre-cable television days. ABC was THE the only source for college football.

However, I distinctly remember not seeing that game because our Philco black and white television blew a picture tube. I'm sure we had a wonderful Thanksgiving day dinner, but it was sans football in our household. My old neighborhood in San Antonio was all about college football. One side of the street was "for" Arkansas, the other side "for" Texas. This was back in the old Southwest Conference days...and when those two hooked up, at least for a day, things weren't so neighborly. I digress...

Later that afternoon, my father said we were going to a friends house for a post-dinner celebration. Normally, I would not have been so keen on this idea, but they had a daughter named Bobbie. She was blond, had this awesome dimple in her chin and was 13. An older woman! I was 10 and the reigning 4h grade Bicycle Rodeo champion. I had a lime-green Spyder bike with a sissy bar, tiger striped banana seat and 5 speed shifter. Surely Bobbie was still impressed.

After dessert, we gathered around their Magnavox color tv and joined game two of ABC's double header already in progress. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech at Grant Field in Atlanta. The Goodyear blimp was high above the stadium, beaming live pictures in color! This convinced my Dad to ditch the old Philco and buy a color Zenith. What a game. Georgia converts late in the game on 4th down to a tight end to keep it's last drive alive after trailing all night long. Jimmy Poulous (I'm pretty sure) sneaks over for the winning touchdown. Dogs (pre-"Dawgs") win 28-24. And I'm hooked.

I don't know what happened to Bobbie that evening. Whatever shot at love was gone forever. Perhaps she saw a man with his priorities totally in order and realized she could never compete (much like my wife today during the bulk of the Fall). And I don't know what it was about this Georgia team that just entranced me. But those red helmets, and smart white pants with the red and black trim just stood out. And the way they won. I thought it was an even better game than the earlier match that I did not see.

About a year later, my father called the family together after dinner. He told us that we were going to be leaving Texas. He had accepted a job at the University of Georgia. It was very difficult leaving all my friends behind, but move we did. In August, '73, we settled outside of Watkinsville, Oconee county (population about 250 at that time, I believe). The next month, I saw my first game at Sanford Stadium. A 7-7 tie against Pittsburgh...featuring a freshman named Anthony Dorsett (pronounced Dorsett, like "corsett"...before he got all phonetic). It was magnificent. Not the result, but just being there.

Through the ups (my freshman year was '80...what a great time to be alive!) to the downs (most of the 90's), it's been life changing...and a lifelong obsession (hey, if it weren't, I guess I would not be typing right now would I?) But I remember the moment when I knew, was changed forever. In the living room of a neighbor whose last name totally escapes me almost 38 years ago. I became Dawgly.

Tell me: When did you know? Or has it always been?

Thursday morning optimism.

DavetheDawg — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:16:52 -0000

I don't know why I feel so hap, hap, happy this morning. Is it because my 401(k) has actually earned $25 over the last 2 weeks? Is it because the Propecia I've been taking is actually showing results? Is it because every single day Lane Kiffin gives us all a reason to live? All of these things are truly reasons to celebrate, but this morning after my third cup o' Joe and 7 pushups, I think I know why:

Our Offensive and Defensive lines. Where games are won or lost.

On the D-Line, there is tremendous talent. Most importantly, it is tremendous senior talent. Jeff Owens, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston who are not only going to dominate their position, but teach by example. DeAngelo Tyson will continue to develop under the tutelage of some future NFL'ers. Our rush ends, certainly a question mark, will undoubtedly benefit from our ability to take away the middle of the line. Having Jeff Owens back will make the rush ends more effective, I promise you.

Perhaps no position on the team has me more excited than our offensive line. You read correctly: The O-line. As exciting as an underwater earthquake, the power to destroy. If you are into plate tectonics, then indeed you're jacked right about now. It's a force, my friends. To quote Phil Steele (God bless his 3 point type and color layout that could only be designed by Mr. Magoo):

"This year not only do all 5 starters return, but they get back (Vince) Vance and Sturdivant. Eight players have starting experience and their 99 career starts are 10th (tied) most in the FBS."

Do we have questions in our running game? Of course. Personally, I believe we are going to rotate the hell out of fresh backs until the right mix is found; perhaps a running game by committee...or perhaps one guy steps up and becomes the feature guy, or until the other team cries "uncle." We are in the best shape on O-line since, well, forever. Ben Jones, Chris Davis, Cordy Glenn, Trinton Sturdivant, Vince Vance, Clint Boling with a ton of capable youth waiting in the wings. These guys are going to be around for a while. If that doesn't get you excited, you don't have a pulse.

The 2009 Dawgs are primed to surprise alot of folks. I think they might just amaze.

I'm getting hairy just thinkin' about it.

Bama spring game: Kinda creepy, actually...

DavetheDawg — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:15:30 -0000

I've been cooped up the last few days because of knee surgery...so naturally I proceeded to nothing differently this Saturday as I reclined on my couch and watched some Diamond Dawg baseball with the occasional flip to see if Cleveland would score 30 on the Yankees..and finally the Alabama Spring game.

Last week, Georgia drew about 42,00 fans to Sanford Stadium. Some folks felt this number reflected poorly on a game that was on national tv. I'd call this "healthy." In comparison, Alabama very nearly sold out Bryant-Denny stadium with the threat of tornadoes, large hail, urban flooding and halitosis. 42,000 at a scrimmage is healthy. 85,000 is fanatical. Having your head coach miked up and running around the field whilst shouting instructions in an ill-fitting suit that looks like a recent purchase from the Boy's Collection at Sears was, well for me anyway, a bit creepy. It came off as incredibly vain, at least to yours truly. "Hey...look at me! I have time for this shit." What a tool.

Is this a great conference or what?