After Georgia claimed their Sugar Bowl trophy this past January, the entire nation seemed to jump on the Bulldog Bandwagon. But while Georgia certainly has the talent and the coach to win the national championship, here are five reasons why they will not.
1.) The Hype
Riding the wave of their monster win over Hawaii, seemingly every pundit tabbed Georgia as the next dynasty, and several have projected Georgia to win this year’s title. The Bulldogs now have a huge target on their backs—and everyone will look to give them their best shot, including a handful of teams with payback on their minds.
2.) The Schedule
I’ve looked at this schedule what feels like a million times. And there just isn’t any way around it: this is a gauntlet.
The much ballyhooed early season game at Arizona State has been widely publicized already.
And not only do the always formidable East opponents await the Bulldogs, Georgia also has to face off against tough West opponents Alabama, Auburn, and LSU. Ironically, these are the three West teams Florida had to face during their championship season.
Georgia really gets only two “breaks” in the schedule: a bye week before the Tennessee game and what will probably be a mediocre Georgia Tech team for their season finale.
Other than that, it’s ugly. Lots of tough road games, and lots of teams looking for redemption. Speaking of which…
3.) Florida
You can bet Urban Meyer will be showing Georgia’s celebratory dance from last year a few times. Florida was humiliated in that game, and revenge—plus a loaded offense—will roll into Jacksonville after a home game against Kentucky. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs must travel to Baton Rouge the week before.
Recent rival history is not on Georgia’s side either. Richt is 2-5 against Florida, the Gators have won 15 of the last 18, and the last time Georgia won this game in back-to-back years was in 1988-1989.
Yikes.
4.) Inexperience in Big Games
It might sound strange, and I’m sure Bulldog fans will take offense, but Georgia really didn’t have too many big wins last year—and they were dangerously inconsistent.
They barely escaped Alabama with an OT win, and they struggled to put away Troy and Kentucky in back-to-back weekends.
Remember, this team did not even win the East last year. Too much has been made about their wins over Florida’s suspect defense, an unpredictable Auburn team, and a completely overmatched Hawaii team.
On top of that, the Bulldogs were beaten at home by South Carolina. Tennessee destroyed them, and, if not for a Vanderbilt fumble—deep in Georgia territory, no less—the Bulldogs would have left Nashville 0 for the state of Tennessee.
5.) Brandon Coutu
Coutu was about as reliable as you can ask of a college kicker. He never missed a PAT in his entire career, and he nailed every attempt 39 yards or closer last season. He also came up with several clutch, late-game kicks. The Seattle Seahawks thought enough of him to select him in this year’s draft.
Now Georgia must replace him with an inexperienced kicker, never an easy task, especially considering that the Bulldogs appear to be in for several close games.
Overall, I see Georgia winding up with two SEC losses and missing out on the SEC Championship game, this time to Florida, whose schedule is much more manageable.
And that’s the catch with the SEC. I’m not convinced that Florida is a better team in any way, but with the way the SEC rotation works, Florida now faces West teams LSU, Ole Miss, and Arkansas—a much easier task than Georgia’s three contests.
All that said, Georgia is an extremely talented team and should be fun to watch in 2008. If Stafford can find the consistency he lacks and Moreno can build on last year, who knows what can happen.
After all, they said Florida’s schedule would prevent them from winning in 2006-2007—and things turned out all right for the Gators.
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3 months ago
I like your assessment of their schedule, its the same way that I've been feeling. They really got a bad draw in having one of the three or four most talented teams in the nations but one of the most difficult schedules.
Missing Coutu will have a bigger impact than Dawgs' fans want to realize because freshman are a coin toss in terms of their immediate kicking success, especially in big games.
I don't necessarily buy the hype argument simply because Rix, to me, is a guy who has got his finger on the teams collective pulse and he's capable of pushing the right buttons.
-The Cocktail party and his pushing the team knowing that was a swing game coming out of the bye into the 2nd half of their season
-The Black Out against Auburn, I think that drubbing speaks for itself
-The Hawaii game, not letting his team fall asleep or feel snubbed for the title game, going out and taking care of business.
Florida is going to be a daunting task, possibly the best game of the year nationwide right now only USC and OSU is more appealing.
The biggest problem I see is how many Dawgs have been spending nights in the Clarke County Jail, 7 so far since the Sugar Bowl. But then again, Richts tutor Bobby Bowden led the "Criminoles" to a couple titles so maybe its not that bad haha.
Good argument and solid article
3 months ago
Good assessment. GA plays all the best teams in the toughest conference. The good news, win and you can't be denied.
Richt's been there before, he should be able to guide them through the hype.
from 3 months ago
Do you think they can go undefeated, Mark?
from 3 months ago
man undefeated will be hard for GA they will have at most one loss going out west will be tough and GA as always seemed to slip up in one game (Vandy) so one loss may still get you a shot at the title cause i see no Sec goin unbeaten this year.
from 3 months ago
and i meant SC is the team they slipped up on last year
from 3 months ago
If they can keep their players out of jail they should be ok. But they can't and they won't. 3 losses for the pups.
3 months ago
Good analysis. I can't see Georgia going undefeated this year, no way. If they do go to Miami, it'll be with at least one loss.
3 months ago
There schedule is hard but I think they will beat ASU. I remind you ASU gave up 55 sacks last season and if that is true this season too UGA will eat them alive with that fast defense they have. Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, and LSU are all possible losses but lets be honest UGA is level above all of those teams. The UF game will be HUGE becuase there is good chance that these two teams may both end up with 1 or 2 SEC losses and the winner of that game will hold the tiebreaker.
from 3 months ago
I agree that GA will beat ASU.
As the season goes on, though, an injury here and a missed field goal there could do them in.
from 3 months ago
Its ridiculous to say that Georgia is "a level above" Tennessee. How can you quantify such a statement? Its absolutely ludicrous for reasons below.
The '08 Vols absolutely destroyed Georgia on both sides of the line a year ago. Knowshon rushed for 30 yards against the Vols last year. The team only rushed for 69. TN rushed for 190. Knowshon/C. King is a good projected backfield, but hardly a "level above" Foster, Hardesty, and Lennon Creer.
e.g. According to Mark Richt a year ago, "They beat us soundly today. Both sides of their line handled us, and they didn't have to do much in the second half."
Tennessee returns 4 of 5 on the OL. TN returns plenty of experience across the DL, although there appears to be a question of depth. So of the two units--which clearly determine the outcome in football games in the SEC--TN remains as good as last year, at least on paper barring injuries.
Stafford is legit. But QB's have little impact when losing the battle upfront, so that will obviously have a lot to do with his success against the Vols. Not to mention TN experiences a significant upgrade in the secondary with the return of D. Morley, and one of the deepest and most talented units since '98 (FS Morley, SS E. Berry, CB--Vinson, Willingham, Rogan, and M. Johnson all have significant experience, unlike last year where Chavis was dealing with a very "green" unit.)
Tennessee loses 2 key starters in Ainge and Mayo, but upgrade or retain experience everywhere else. The team heading into Athens will look a lot like the same team that gave the Bulldogs their worst loss in years.
So, I guess I'm confused as how you qualify your statement that Georgia is on a different level than Tennessee. I realize you guys finished well, but so did Tennessee. UT's loss against LSU in the Championship Game is hardly evidence of that, as they dominated LSU (national champs) before two of Erik Ainge's worst QB decisions in his career that cost them to lose the game (and a trip to New Orleans) by one possession.
Yes, Georgia won convincingly in the Sugar Bowl, but one can hardly look for that performance against Hawaii as comparable to the SEC talent. Georgia's wins against UF and AU were convincing and quality wins, but how does that completely negate the terrible loss in Neyland? Not to mention, the last time the Vols rolled into Athens they hung up 51...
It seems silly to claim superiority and a different "class/level" over a team that beat Georgia by 21 last year and won the Division, don't you think? Surely you see the lunacy, or perhaps blind cockiness, of your post.
3 months ago
Is there a possibility of 00 Bama or 05 Tenn?
Now that would be some comedy.
from 3 months ago
Are you putting your money on your conference when GA plays ASU, bowlbasaur? You've been talking some real smack on the Pac-10 articles...
from 3 months ago
In 2000 the #3 ranked Crimson Tide traveled out west, only to have their season crushed by the Bruins before it really began. The SEC is 2-5 in games played on the west coast since the BCS began, so even if the Sun Devils don't win its likely the Bruins will have won vs the Vols.
If only the Bears played an SEC team this year, guess we'll have to settle for beating up the Big 10 (mich st) and ACC (maryland, crab cakes and football baby)!
from 3 months ago
As to putting money on it, I might if the line is right... UGA -5 or so and I'd throw down, but thats a lot of points for the road team, although you never know with the SEC hype machine.
from 3 months ago
How quickly you forget that the Vols embarrassed Cal the year before. Kind of a wash, isn't it?
As for this year: Tennessee will beat UCLA, and GA will beat ASU. What happens to your argument then?
I love how you throw out win-loss records, and then you want the line for the ASU game. Cop-out, son.
from 3 months ago
IF both Pac 10 teams lose on the West Coast, the record would change to 4-5 on the West Coast for the SEC, and 8-9 vs the Pac 10 overall in the BCS era... that is all.
As for the UGA-ASU line, that would be what I'd take right now without having seen either team play and going off last year... obviously things can change in the first 3 weeks. As for UT-UCLA, I'd say its a pick em right now, Tenn getting 3 points as the road team... who knows what QB UCLA will throw out there, and who knows if UT's D will be able to stop anybody this season.
from 3 months ago
I can't believe that I am responding to some clownish GB fan who has the audacity to insult Alabama or Tennessee.
A Golden Bear's fan? My God, is this for real? A fan of a team with an overall record of 613-466-52 is going to play super good fan of a super good team and engage in smack talk?
Instead of 'Bama having a repeat of their '00 year, I think it much more likely that the Bear's have a repeat of their '01 year, back when they beat Rutgers and ? Oh yeah, that is the only team they beat.
Or just pick just about any random season you wish to pick for California. They have pretty much always been a horrid little team.
from 3 months ago
Cal vs Alabama- 1-1, with cal's win coming in the Rose Bowl
Cal vs Tennessee- 2-2, including the most recent season
If Cal is so horrible, shouldn't UT and Bama at least have a winning record vs them?
from 3 months ago
bowlbasaur wrote these two statements:
"Is there a possibility of 00 Bama or 05 Tenn?"
"In 2000 the #3 ranked Crimson Tide traveled out west, only to have their season crushed by the Bruins before it really began. The SEC is 2-5 in games played on the west coast since the BCS began, so even if the Sun Devils don't win its likely the Bruins will have won vs the Vols."
dude, you can't be serious... about the possibility of a 2000 Alabama.
I know that Alabama was preseason ranked #3 in 2000... but they finished the season 3-8. Besides in 2000, Andrew Zow threw 6 TD's and 19 INT's :)
I HIGHLY DOUBT that Matthew Stafford will throw 6 TD's and 19 INT's... THIS SEASON :)
Although, I have to admit that the 2000 Alabama Crimson Tide football team... is the MOST DISAPPOINTING team, in the HISTORY of College Football :)
3 months ago
nice article & assessment Tim. As an UF alum, there is nothing sweeter than to avenge and give a beatdown on those naughty dawgs from last year loss. Make no mistake about it, Urban will get his team pump up for that game.
3 months ago
no doubt UGA has a tough road.
but i've said it before and i'll say it again now, UGA-ASU will be the LSU-VT game from last year. the dawgs will roll.
from 3 months ago
I agree... UGA will roll big time against ASU. UGA is just to much for the Sun Devils.
from 3 months ago
I don't know. I think GA will win, but I don't think it will be a beatdown. What areas of the game do you guys think GA will take advantage the most?
from 3 months ago
tim,
i think uga wins with defense taking advantage fo asu's o-line.
i also think moreno will take his toll and wear down the devils in the 2nd half.
i don't think it'll be a 40 pt game lik e lsu-vt but uga wins by 3 td's.
3 months ago
Great article!
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the read, Jordan.
3 months ago
I would say Alabama is more of a potentially tough opponent rather than just flat out calling them tough.
Only 2 breaks?? UGA starts with 2 breaks with Gerogia Southern and Central Michigan. And Vanderbilt and Knetucky arent going to exactly be top 25 teams either.
from 3 months ago
I think he was meaning off weeks.
Central Michigan isn't terrible. They have a good QB in LeFevour. Kentucky is in a perfect trap game when UGA plays the Cats. They have @LSU, UF(neutral), @UK, then @Auburn... All in consecutive weeks. They better be ready to play and not over look UK.
from 2 months ago
Vandy and Kentucky have SEC talent and just like last year, UK put a scare into Tennessee. Never count them out.
Pac-1 outta know, USC lost to Stanford. That was sweet.
from 2 months ago
Stanford wanst the worst team in the conference as many people like to believe.
USC losing to Stanford last season is like UGA losing to Vandy in 06
3 months ago
I would also add that making it to the SEC championship game they would likely have to play Auburn or LSU again.
3 months ago
tim is right for the first time. dammit.
from 3 months ago
Glad to know I finally got something right, John. The 67th try is always the charm.
3 months ago
Tim.. I'll have to say they can go undefeated, they have the talent, but I don't think they will.
I think it's almost impossible to go undefeated in a conference as stacked as the SEC is today.
It will probably come down to who wins the GA- FLA game and both could finish the regular season with two SEC losses.
from 3 months ago
I hear you, Mark. I agree that both could very well have 2 losses (GA because of the schedule and FL because of their defense), meaning the winner would advance. It's a shame that should GA get to the SECCG they'd have to play LSU, Auburn, or possibly even Bama again.
Then again, we all wrote off the Vols last year after they started 1-2, and they somehow found their way to Atlanta.
3 months ago
Tim I agree, The second game against LSU, Aub, or Bama will make you crazy, but that's also one of the things that make the SEC what it is. Also I think the best team win's that second game.
3 months ago
Very good artical I really like your arguments it's very convinving!
3 months ago
1 reason they will win: They got stiffed last year when the voters launched LSU over them. That's all the motivation they need for the off-season and to play their best.
3 months ago
I tend to agree with you. Georgia's schedule is brutal no doubt. But Florida has question marks, so does USC, and we all know Ohio State's issues.
So even though Georgia has some obstacles, so does everyone. I like their team and their defense. Oh, and they have Moreno.
So I think they have as good a shot as any.
3 months ago
USC............................................Go Trojan....
3 months ago
Good article Tim. All great points, however just as you mentioned it can be overcome. I think they will at least lose one conference game and I think it will come before the Florida game.
IMO if they beat Florida, they'll win the SEC and go to the National Championship, if not, then that will be it.
3 months ago
I also think GA's schedule will work against them. Mark it down. GA will return from their trip to Auburn with their tails tucked between their legs. As talented as GA might be on defense, at QB, and with Morino at RB; Auburn has too many offensive weapons at RB, WR, and TE for the Dawgs to overcome. My prediction... Auburn beats Georgia, plays FL in the SEC Championship game, and Florida goes home with a loss with Tebow and company thanking their lucky chomps that they are not on Auburns schedule again NEXT year.
from 2 months ago
obviously a Auburn fan with little to no insight about the real picture.
3 months ago
Good article Tim, the Dawgs are good, Stafford is the real deal but I think they lose one with their schedule, it will come down to the SEC championship game with the winner heading to Miami. As for that bowlbasaur dude he ain't worth the time.
3 months ago
Good points. Keep in mind, Georgia doesn't have to go undefeated to win the SEC. The Bulldogs felt they were so close last year they could taste it.
With Moreno and Stafford in the backfield, they will be tough in 08.
JH
www.SECsportsReport.com
3 months ago
Tim, You should write more about the baby. Go ahead explain to everybody how you named him Eli before Manning and the Giants won the Superbowl. Come on, Tim. Who names their child after a Superbowl QB? There is more to life than sports.
3 months ago
Nice job, you make terrific arguments. Georgia finished strong last year, and that's always a good indicator of the next season's potential.
But here's the problem....some commentators here say the Dogs will beat ASU by 3 TDs.
That's a mighty big order and a little disrespectful of the Sun Devils. ESPECIALLY SINCE GEORGIA DOESN'T HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE STATE FOR NON-CONFERENCE GAMES SINCE THE 60'S.
Do you know how hot it is in Tempe? 100 is the average. That dry air will suck the life out of them. Luckily, it's a night game...it may only be in the 90s.
Who will win? Hard to say...but I think it will be a lot closer than the SEC fans think it will. It might even be shocking.
Erickson is a hired mercenary....he hates to lose and will have the Devils pumped up. Georgia has a better RB but I like Carpenter more than Stafford.
It should be a great game. I'm thinking the spread will be under 6 points, but it's hard to tell until some games get played.
from 3 months ago
Lisa, Good comments; thanks for the read.
I really don't remember the last time the Dawgs went out of the South for post-season play. That said, it gets pretty darn hot down in the South, too, you know. Ever been to an early September 12:30 kickoff in the SEC? Brutal.
I agree that the game will be closer than most think, but I'm definitely not a Carpenter fan, although maybe our West/East coast biases are speaking. Dude is tough but seems to make some crazy decisions at times. GA has an incredibly fast defense, and I think they will give Carpenter some fits.
Like you say, should be a great game either way. It's almost August...
3 months ago
* and by "traveling outside the state" I mean for regular season play. They have traveled outside the South for post season play, haven't they?
from 3 months ago
Yes, UGA played in Hawaii after the 2000 season in the Oahu Bowl and dominated UVa 37-14.
It will be a tough road trip for us, but I think UGA will win a close game. Dennis Erickson is my only hesitation, because like you said, he is a hired gun and has had success everywhere he has been at the college level.
I am actually just as worried about the game after ASU- Alabama. We have to travel back from Tempe on Sunday and then be ready for a tough week of practice within 24 hours of arriving. And Alabama will be much improved from last year. And UGA had to go to OT last year to defeated the Tide.
Don't forget that the last time Saban coached in Athens his LSU team was humiliated 45-16. That is one of the worst beatings any of his teams have ever taken. I am sure he will be out for revenge...
3 months ago
Oh gosh...I know all about the humidity down South....what I meant was the Dawgs have never experienced desert heat before....they are in for an experience.
As far as the Dawgs...Sc scored over 40 pts on them, and I expect the Dawgs to do the same if they are as good as advertised. The Devils are used to fast Ds though. They may not be able to answer it, but they are accustomed to fast D.
3 months ago
UGA hangs 7 on ASU.
Shocked by UF.
Scrap by with potentially two losses.
They can win the title, but it will be similar to what LSU pulled off last year, close games down the stretch.
from 3 months ago
I think that's the point, though, Brandon. If GA has two conf. losses and one is to FL, that would mean FL would have to lose 3 conf. games for GA to pull off an LSU maneuver into the NC game.
I can't see FL losing 3 in the conference again.
3 months ago
...and you still all seem to be discounting the Vols... that was a mistake last year, if I remember.
from 3 months ago
Dave,
Are you predicting that the Vols will win the East again?
from 3 months ago
Not necessarily, but they'll make it difficult for everyone else and I think they'll be in the mix in the last couple of weeks. Y'all are talking about not losing two games, but one could easily be to the Vols.
3 months ago
I agree with Tim. No way Georgia goes undefeated.
I dispelled Mark Richt's voodoo magic by burning all my black clothes and splashing him with Holy Water as he ran into the locker room after their win over Hawaii. Rue the reckoning Georgia! Rue it!
3 months ago
btw you forgot number 6. espn and herbstreit.
3 months ago
Great article, Tim, and I have to say I agree with you.
This team only really played well for half a season last year and, like everyone in the universe has said, we have a ridiculous schedule this year.
I think the celebration versus Florida and the blackout/sideline dancing vs Auburn may cause teams to be even more motivated to play us. If there is one thing SEC teams hate besides losing, it is being shown up on the field.
The suspensions and the injury to Brannen Southerland are also problems for Georgia. Our first two games may be the easiest we have all year, but it will take a while for the suspended players to get back in the flow with the rest of the team.
However, I think any talk of UGA repeating Alabama's nightmare in '00 or Tennessee's nightmare in '05 is foolish. This is a very solid team with an excellent coaching staff. Anyone that has looked at Richt's coaching record at Georgia knows that the Dawgs will be in the think of the league race and will likely make a New Year's Day Bowl at the very least.
We may not win the SEC, but we may be the best three-loss team in the nation...
from 3 months ago
Points well made, Stephen. And unfortunately for Richt, he seems to always have the best "two-loss/three-loss team in the nation," and never just flat out THE best team in the nation.
I appreciate the unbiased comment from a Dawg fan!
3 months ago
Georgia didn't exactly struggle with either Troy or Kentucky and didn't play them back to back. Both wins were by double digit margins.
The rest of your points are valid:
1. We've got a huge target on our backs.
2. We made a lot of people upset last year by beating them :)
3. We have an absolute meat-grinder of a schedule
4. Freshman kicker.
The other chink in our armor is this:
No one comprable to Brannan Sutherland to pound it in in short yardage situations. This is my big worry as you don't win games with out converting the short yardage 3rd downs and scoring goalline TD's, to say nothing of National titles.
from 3 months ago
Evan,
Not to nit-pick, but GA was up 34-27 on Troy in the 4th quarter. Yes, they pulled away, but for three quarters, they struggled to do so. It took Moreno eventually wearing down a Troy defense. Also, Haugabook had a great day, going 29-45 for 310 and 2 TDs. Compared to FL, who was up 49-7 on Troy and Arkansas's 20 point 46-26 win, GA definitely had the hardest time with them.
Meanwhile, Kentucky had them down 10-0 early, and it took a third quarter blocked punt to change the momentum for good. Still, with a little more than 2 minutes left, the lead was only 8.
I'm not downplaying their wins; my point is that I think they will end up in more games like this in the upcoming year, making it that much harder to get through the schedule unscathed--especially with, as you pointed out, a freshman kicker.
As for short yardage, I think you guys will be fine with Moreno.
Thanks for the read and comments.
from 2 months ago
In my opinion, Troy DESERVED to win that game against Georgia, last season :)
3 months ago
Carolina beat Georgia last year but, Georgia wasn't finished losing. Georgia always finds to way to lose a game during the season. The only time they haven't in the past 50 years was 1980, their last natl title. Even the 1959 SEC champions with Fran Tarkenton and Pat Dye lost a game during the year. To Carolina.
A man in coaching told me once that Georgia's players have a hard time concentrating for 60 minutes. That sums up Georgia about as well as anything I've heard.
from 2 months ago
Ouch. I think most SEC programs "find a way to lose" during the season.
In fact, there have only been four SEC teams to have undefeated seasons in the last 25 years- Alabama in 1992, Auburn in 1993 (no bowl or SECCG), Tennessee in 1998, and Auburn in 2004 (no BCS title game).
Florida has never gone undefeated and untied throughout an entire season and LSU hasn't since 1958.
Besides 1998, Tennessee has not had an undefeated season since 1938.
I am actually very proud of our undefeated seasons in 1946 and 1980, as that is more than most SEC programs can say as far as undefeated and untied seasons. Only Alabama has a bevy of them in the modern era, and they only have one since Bear Bryant retired.
from 2 months ago
Yeah, right. Every other team in the SEC goes undefeated every year. Michigan never loses to App. State, ND never has a losing year, Ohio St always wins the national champ. And, couldn't you find another example without going back almost 50 yrs???
Obviously, you did not see Ga's last few games and the way they cleaned up on the competition. What's your problem with UGA?
2 months ago
As you know Uga VI died last week, so the Bulldogs will be breaking in Uga VII this season. This is my reasoning for why Uga won't win a championship this season, and this reason only. Here's how the previous 6 Ugas have fared in their inaugural runs:
Uga I (1956) - 3-6-1, no bowl
Uga II (1966) - 10-1, Cotton Bowl win
Uga III (1972) - 7-4, no bowl
Uga IV (1981) - 10-2, Sugar Bowl loss
Uga V (1990) - 4-7, no bowl
Uga VI (1999) - 8-4, Outback Bowl win
As you can see only one time in an Ugas' inaugural season has Georgia won 10+ games and won their bowl game. The odds aren't on their side, but don't blame me. It's the Dog Gods.
from 2 months ago
Uga III must have gone crazy in the 1980 NC celebration.
Let us make sure Corso does not get his hands on this info; otherwise we will have to hear it a million times.
Thanks for the post, Ryan.
2 months ago
It's not that Stephen. I noticed it first in 1967. Georgia had the best team in the country. I had a little sports news letter at the time and I picked them to win the national championship. Why not? They went 10-1 the year before and almost everyone was back. They literally laid down at Ole Miss 29-20. Ridiculous, they had twice the power of the Rebels, they lost for no good reason. In '71 the undefeated Dogs collapsed against Auburn. The '76 team had no business losing during the year. Same in the 90s with Garrison Hearst, Zeier, and company.
It may be that Georgia is really the strongest team in the league each year and for some odd reason they lose. If they were the worst team, or so-so, then nobody would notice it. It's a lot better to be good and worry about the strange loss than to be nowheresville like some SEC schools.
Regarding unbeaten seasons, remember Ole Miss was unbeaten in 1960 and 62 and unbeaten in the regular season in '63. I'm always pointing out to folks that when Walker was at Georgia they didn't lose an SEC game for 3 years. That might be the most impressive record of all of them.
from 2 months ago
Georgia had a lot of injuries in 1967, if I am not mistaken, and Ole Miss was a solid program back then, like you referred to. I did look at their era under Vaught, but they only had one undefeated and untied season and did not win the AP national title that year. They had one other team that was undefeated but they had a tie.
I don't think UGA is the strongest team in the SEC very often at all. I think since Herschel's era, UGA has probably been the most talented team in the conference only in 2002. Besides that, there is usually at least one other team more talented as us.
And BTW, we did go undefeated during the regular season in 1982. It is just really difficult to go undefeated in the SEC any more. And I seriously doubt we will do it this year with the schedule we play. If we want to do that we will need to play a schedule like Auburn did in 2004.
Basically, I don't feel like it is fair to single out Georgia for not going undefeated more than once in 50 years. Not many other SEC programs have.
2 months ago
Here are two offbeat facts about Georgia. 1) They have not played a game outside the confederacy since 1965. Why? Last time out they beat Michigan at Michigan. 2) The '67 team, preseason #2 by SI, lost their Bowl game to NC State which was quarterbacked by Jim Donnan. Hey, maybe that's why you all sacked him!
Have you noticed how much brighter Donnan seems now that he's not coaching? Nutty isn't it?
from 2 months ago
I've got to go on record saying that I think Jim Donnan is still every bit as dim as he was while coaching at Georgia. ESPN made a bad pickup with that guy.
from 2 months ago
Technically that is incorrect because of bowl games, i.e. the loser bowl out in Hawaii Georgia played in a while back.
2 months ago
I must agree with Eric on this one. Donnan rarely does his homework, which seems odd, seeing as all you have to do is watch terrific football, and his picks are way off.
2 months ago
Good article as always Tim. I agree, I think Florida will represent the East in the SECCG. Georgia's schedule is just too tough, and in the SEC, any weekend could be a surprise. Just ask the Tigers last year. I am not sold on the Georgia hype from last year, maybe it is because I watched them the entire season and not just the last 7 games. Moreno won't be able to just run run run through the schedule. Just like Tebow struggled mid-way through the season last year. But then again, I have been wrong a few times. LOL
2 months ago
Great article, you made some excellent points. Your most important point that NO ONE else seems to be making is that Georgia was so inconsistent last season, and this is essentially the same team. When people narrate Georgia's 2007 season, they treat as though Georgia was slow out of the gates (losses at home to So. Car. and at Tenn., and a near-loss to Vandy) and then turned the corner with the victory over Florida. They hardly turned the corner, though. As you pointed out, they dominated Auburn, but struggled mightily with Kentucky (and Troy apparently, though I didn't see that game). Their defense was fantastic and should be again (though criminal issues have come up), but their offense (especially Matthew Stafford) is way overrated, period. Knowshon Moreno is a beast, but there aren't weapons all over the field, and Stafford only completes what, 56% of his passes?
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the read, Sean. I 100% agree about GA's offense. Stafford is inaccurate (your number is correct), and his WR's are not athletic enough to make up for it. The guy can, however, throw a good deep ball, meaning GA's play action should be pretty nice, especially if Moreno stays injury free.
It will be interesting to see how teams choose to defend GA.
2 months ago
Great article
2 months ago
Tim, you should know that all college players are basically kids. Do you think all of a sudden that the opponents on Ga's schedule will start playing like pros? The first 4 of your points may have some merit. But, who in the preseason top 10 do not have similar obstacles? I think this is mostly wishful thinking by you.
2 months ago
Mike, you can't be serious. Of all the points made, it would seem the last one would be the easiest to concede. A senior kicker with experience and clutch kicks vs. a freshman kicker?
You are right about every team facing obstacles, but so far, we haven't seen a Richt team be able to overcome them on the way to a national title game.
As far as wishful thinking, I'm not really sure what you mean.
from 2 months ago
We used to call Donnan, Jim Dullard.
Georgia's gonna be shakey on that trip to Arizona State. The Bulldogs say,"remember how we handled Boise St a couple of years back?" That was a different scenario, at home etc. Dennis Erickson can whip you. You know, when Miami won those 5 natl titles between '83 and '01, only Erickson was a multi-champ with '89 and '91 and lost national championship games with the '92 and '94 squads.
2 months ago
You guys are all missing it here. Its easy logic: none of this matters until November 1st in Jacksonville. Florida will play Georgia and the winner takes the East, the Conference, and books their trip to Miami. Its that simple.
Why is this? Because neither team will lose two games within the conference if they win in Jacksonville, thus, they will automatically represent the East. Winner of the East is about as much of a lock to win the SEC as you'll find, and with one step further- the winner of the SEC (with one loss or less) should and will be playing for a national title.
Florida over Southern Cal by 4 in Miami.
2 months ago
So I guess you think SC can pull it off instead of FL and UGA? UGA may have a tough schedule as you pointed out above, but I believe if any team can pull it off this team can. What you are not looking is why they can win it, and possibly go undefeated. Depth. Defense. Speed. Line. Backfield. If Georgia gets through the first 4 games (GSU, CM, SC, ASU) they will not drop a game. You said inexperience in big games. However, by the LSU or FL game they will have played in several! Several last season, and this season. I think that the biggest game they played in was the Hawaii game because of all the pressure and expectations, and making sure there was not an emotional let down after being left out of the NC game (though I don't think they should have been there). I said at the beginning of last season that if they got through the UT game they would win out because they needed time for their line to gel, and the upperclassmen to break their terrible habits taught to them by former OLine coach Neil Calloway. Unfortunately, Georgia lost to UT and SC but won out because of their tremendous line play among other things. This year I believe it is the same thing but for a different reason, the early FB situation. For the first games Georgia will only have 1 FB, the 3rd stringer. 2nd string Muntzenmeir is suspended for the first two games, and Southerland is out until after the ASU game. Georgia should dominate ASU because of their defense, and should defeat SC because of SC's issues. As far as Cotu is concerned, yes he will be missed, but Blair Walsh was phenomenal in the spring. As for your blurb at the end, I don't think it's Stafford's consistency Georgia has to worry about. It is whether or not the receivers are capable of being consistent.
from 2 months ago
AJ,
I never once mentioned South Carolina in this article. But no, I do not think they will win the SEC. Speaking of them, though, what are the Gamecocks' "issues" of which you speak? A one-dimensional SC team beat GA in Athens last year.
As far as the first 4 games go, that should be a relatively easy part of their schedule. The first two should not be close, and you already stated that SC has "issues" and that GA should "dominate" ASU. So why is that 4 game stretch so important?
So you put all of Stafford's average stats on the receivers? The 55% completion percentage is all on his teammates? The 10 INTs, too? The fact that he never had over 240 yards passing in one game last year?
from 2 months ago
A one dimensional SC team beat a UGA team that had a brand new offense line, and a new coach which was attempting to get them out of their terrible habits. Also, an SC team that has Corey Boyd on it is barely one dimensional, unless you are just talking about him being that dimension. SC has QB issues, replacing a fantastic RB in Boyd, and most of the other offensive positions. SC will be better later on after their O has had time to come together but that usually takes at least a couple of games. Their D will carry them. If Georgia can get by them and ASU without Southerland they should be good to go. Georgia usually struggles early on. I know most people will be over looking the first 2 games, but it is essential that Georgia get through those two games with the injuries and suspensions they have. Georgia is having to play at Columbia and at ASU, I don't know about ASU, but Columbia is a very hostile environment regardless of how good their team is. Georgia needs to be able to get through these two early hostile games in order to preform at LSU and at Auburn later in the year. That experience will be essential to give them confidence going into those games.
As for Stafford, I put a lot of his passing problems on his WRs, especially Masaqoui who has not lived up to expectations, and TE Tripp Chandler, who almost lost Georgia the Vanderbilt game. As far as passing yards, you can't put that all on Stafford either, playing calling plays a large part of that, as well as the receiver's ability to make a move in open field and go for the big play. I remember seeing SC play VA in Columbia a few years ago and the QB threw a bubble screen pass on like the 1 to Troy Williamson, Troy makes a move and he's gone for 99 yards and a TD. Which means the QB just added 99 yards to his passing total and a TD, even though it was just a little bubble screen.
from 2 months ago
AJ,
Valid points all of them.
Cory Boyd was good but not one of the elite backs. He was, after all, a 7th round pick.
True that Williams Brice is a tough venue in which to play. I'm sure ASU will be tough as well. My point, however, is that it will take a lot to get through those--and then the real comp starts--meaning the more highly ranked teams.
For the record, the one dimension I was referring to was the Gamecock defense.
Thanks for the objective comments. Good luck to your Dawgs...
from 2 months ago
I may be a Georgia fan, but I loved Corey Boyd. He may have been a 7th round pick but he had more heart and desire than any other RB in the SEC including Knowshon and Thomas.
I understand what you're saying. You could pick the toughest four games to be LSU, Florida, Kentucky, and Auburn. All "away" games in a row with no off week. I just really think those first couple of games will show whether they are going to be able to handle the hype and the away games.
Richt's incredible record in away games should be mentioned. However, in Georgia's only trip to LSU since the Richt era began we lost, of course LSU did win the national championship that year (details, details, details).
My referring to SC in my original post, is because you have 2 articles that list the five reasons why Florida and Georgia, the perennial favorites of the East, will not win the SEC.
Also, to all the Tennessee posters out there who think UT will "sneak up" and take the East again this year, you all need to be reminded that David Cutcliffe has left.
2 months ago
Carolina beat Georgia at Georgia.
One sentence sums up Georgia this season: Ga at Arizona State, the first time the Bulldogs have played outside the old Confederacy since 1965.
Some of the players' Fathers weren't even born the last time Georgia ventured away from Dixie, no one can predict how these players will react.
A message of reality to Georgia fans: Rudy Carpenter is a better QB than Matt Stafford.
from 2 months ago
Bold statement about Carpenter, Tate. I'm surprised it didn't draw more interest.
I'm not sold on Stafford just yet (too many "potential" references with the kid and not enough actual production), but the few times I've seen Carpenter play he seemed to be all over the place. I'll definitely keep an eye on Carpenter this season.
2 months ago
Tate, you do know UGA has been to Hawaii this decade, right?
2 months ago
wow a lot of people rag on the troy game. the dogs had the lead the whole game, and the final 7 pts was scored by troy on the 4th string with 20 seconds left to make the score closer. i have season tickets. they looked lost in the carolina game, the OL was not ready at all and it showed. Tenn just had a bye week and their number. KY, fumble on the 1st possession on the 5 yd line and it was catchup from there. struggled maybe a qtr. dominated FL, AU. The team's light bulb went off after the vandy game. I think both teams will be undefeated in JAX, book it. but i think the dawgs will have teabow's number the next two years, like a deer in headlights.
2 months ago
Although I'm a GA Bulldogs fan and although I disagree with some of your specifics, I agree with your general assessment that GA is not quite ready for prime time primarily due to (1) a brutal schedule and (2) inexperience at handling the media hype of the preseason #1 ranking.
While GA did what they supposed to by destroying Hawaii, they didn't beat a top notch opponent either in the Sugar Bowl. A GA-USC matchup would have been much more entertaining. If Stanton stays for his senior season, I do like Georgia's chances in 200 better than 2008 due to the inexperience factor.
Good column. Thanks.
from 2 months ago
Thanks, Silver Fox. I appreciated the unbiased response.
2 months ago
Tim: nice write-up. very objective. some interesting comments from readers along the way too.
couple of points for you that I have mentioned in other posts: georgia did not play very well during the first half of '07. most predictions are focusing on the win over florida, waxing auburn & the bowl game. can georgia sustain that level of play for 12 games?? (apparently, babytate doesn't think so!!). plus, I'm not sold on stafford. statistically he was the 4th best qb in the SEC last year. except for lighting up auburn he didn't have another big game.
again, thanks for the article. good spin on the georgia season.
2 months ago
I hope you're right man.
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