Top 5 reasons Georgia wins it all in 2008
With the 2008 season rapidly approaching, much has been said about the Georgia Bulldogs and their preseason ranking. While many “experts” continue to say Georgia is No. 1, just as many point to the tough schedule and say, “not so fast.”
No one will deny that Georgia is an extremely talented team. No one would disagree that Georgia will almost certainly have a great season. But many expect Georgia to fail.
Some accuse the masses of creating this hype. The media picked Georgia No. 1, not the fans.
So it is now their spot to win or lose. I think they can win it all.
Here are my Top Five Reasons.
5) The Schedule. This years schedule lines up as one of the toughest in recent memory. The SEC is tough year after year, so no surprise here.
But Georgia plays six teams this year who are ranked in the preseason top 25, tough even by SEC standards. But instead of looking at the schedule as a stumbling block, I choose to look at it as the momentum builder.
Here’s why.
Two early tests against South Carolina on the road and Tennessee at home, give Georgia the opportunity to gain some revenge. The two early losses last year against these two teams kept Georgia out of the Championship game.
Coach Richt will have his team ready for these two match ups. Momentum gained.
On the tale end, trips to LSU and Auburn would worry even the most optimistic fans. But the Dawgs have won the last two meetings with LSU, and those Tigers from Auburn are still reeling from a “Black Out” in Athens last fall.
Throw in a game down in Jacksonville against the Gators, and you get a true sense of just how tough this schedule will be. Urban Meyer may be planning a dance of his own, but will he get the chance to use it?
- B/R Ticket Guide
Games against Arizona St., Alabama and Georgia Tech could all be nail biters.
But, since what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…I honestly look for the Dawgs to get off to a fast start, and build on that momentum. Call me crazy.
4) The Fans. Saturday afternoons in Athens are truly a wonderful experience. 92,746 friends will gather game after game to cheer on the Dawgs. This year the excitement will be at an all time high (at least since number 34 roamed the sidelines).
The buzz around Athens has been building since January. While the fans don’t make any tackles or complete any passes, they do generate the energy that should take the Dawgs through their home schedule unblemished.
Dawg fans also travel well, and will certainly represent and make their presence felt from Arizona to Baton Rouge to Auburn.
3) UGA VII. A mascot would not normally show up on a list of reasons you plan to win, but UGA is no normal Mascot. After losing UGA VI this past offseason, a new UGA will step on the field come August 30 (I know football normally starts in September, but not this year).
Winning a National Championship in his first year would be a feat no mascot could touch. UGA VII will be determined to make that happen. Other SEC mascots beware. UGA VII will be patrolling the sidelines this fall, and he will take no prisoners.
He will make the Dawg Nation proud.
2) Coach Mark Richt. Coach Richt has moved into some very elite company in his first seven seasons as the UGA head coach. A record of 72-19 puts him fourth in winning percentage among active head coaches. Two SEC titles, three SEC East crowns and a 5-2 Bowl record make for a nice resume.
Georgia under Richt is 29-2 against non-conference opponents, and 25-4 when playing on an opponent’s home field. Coach Richt is one of only nine coaches in history to win 60 games in their first six seasons, and 70 in their first seven seasons.
Only six Coaches have won two SEC Championships in their first five seasons, Coach Richt makes that list as well. The list goes on and on.
Coach Richt will be a steady influence this season. The stakes are high, and his calm demeanor will keep his team focused on the game at hand.
1) Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. Georgia fans are extremely excited to start the season with these two in the backfield. Who could blame them? Moreno is already generating Heisman talk as a sophomore, and Matthew Stafford has become the leader of a team loaded with talent.
Both players lead by example on the field. Stafford shows poise and calm in the huddle, while Knowshon's energy and enthusiasm stand out to everyone who watches. These two players stand ready to lead this team, neither appear unequipped for the job.
Moreno will add to his impressive freshman season (1,334 yards and 14 TD) and Stafford should continue to improve as he has since he first took a snap between the hedges. Last year his numbers improved (2,523 yards and 19 TD) and there is no reason to believe he won't add to those this season.
Georgia is deep at the skill positions as well. RB's Caleb King and Richard Samuel could both make significant contributions. AJ Green even as a freshman, could give Stafford a big target to throw to. The defense will also be a strength, and should be able to "hunker down" when they are needed.
So there you have it.
Hype? Not really. The Nation is just acknowledging a very talented team.
Over rated? Time will tell, but I don't think they are. After all this is the SEC, when you do lose it's generally to another very good team.
It's a long season, anything can happen.
Who knows, Vanderbilt might win the East this season. It could happen!!
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3 months ago
There is 5 potential losses on the schedule before the Florida game, including away games at South Caolina, LSU, and Arizona State. They play at LSU the week before Florida. Florida has revenge on its mind. So, in order to win it all this year, Georgia better bring black jerseys, black pants, Herschel Walker and his 22 personalities, UGA's VII through XII, and whatever other karma they can, because its just not going to happen, seriously.
from 3 months ago
Michael-
Wishful writing, I see. It's sad to hear that coming from a florida fan. What chance did anyone give florida or LSU the last two years? It's sad how soon we forget, you know? Five losses before the florida game?! That must have been a joke. Oh wait, you said "seriously", my bad. In that case, florida has 7 potential losses before Georgia. Florida better bring more than a counter-endzone dance with them. How about a defense? Revenge doesn't mean beans if you don't have a team to back it. I like Tebow, but I don't think he can handle the Dawgs, seriously :)
from 3 months ago
Actually, LSU started last season ranked #2 in the preseason, and was favored by many to win the National Championship. And, they were given a chance even with 2 losses to play for a National Championship. Florida was given a chance by the BCS and look what they did to Ohio State.
Notice I said 'potential' losses for Georgia. Florida has maybe 2 on its schedule before the Georgia game.
Florida isn't going to stoop to Georgia's level with a BS endzone dance to get fired up. If you can't get fired up for a rivalry game and you have to resort to that stuff, that says a lot about the character and quality of players you have. Don't worry about Florida's defense, they will be much improved and ready to shut down Georgia's offense. Stafford doesn't have the talent or the firepower around him to compete with Florida in a shootout. All he has is Moreno. Georgia better bring a defense to stop all of the playmakers Florida has on offense.
from 3 months ago
Yes....gooood. I sense the anger in your voice. Give in to your hatred and turn to the Dark side.
"Florida isn't going to stoop to Georgia's level with a BS endzone dance to get fired up. If you can't get fired up for a rivalry game and you have to resort to that stuff, that says a lot about the character and quality of players you have."
Maybe you should tell that to Urban Crier, because he's worse. Did you know that when Crier coached at Utah, in an attempt to "fire up" his team, he placed BYU logos on the bottom of every urinal in their locker room. Which would make you angrier, the Dawgs dancing in the endzone or peeing on the gator logo?
"Actually, LSU started last season ranked #2 in the preseason, and was favored by many to win the National Championship. And, they were given a chance even with 2 losses to play for a National Championship. Florida was given a chance by the BCS and look what they did to Ohio State." I'm sure how this statement proves anything other than the obvious. Do you mean Georgia couldn't do the same?
Stafford doesn't have the talent?! For a guy without talent, he sure made florida's defense look like crap. Oh wait, that's because they are. All Georgia needs IS Moreno. No one has stopped him yet, and until it happens, all you haters can do is dream.
from 3 months ago
"All he has is Moreno"? Sounds like famous last words to me!
Remember the name CALEB KING.
Coming soon to a stadium near you!
from 3 months ago
Darth Dawg. You forgot that Florida actually did resort to that. Before the Michigan bowl game they danced on the middle of the field.....its just that it didnt work for them....
from 3 months ago
Urban has pulled some stuff in his coaching time, but no worse than Richt. Mark Richt is out there one week all high and mighty shoving his players off of the Vanderbilt 'V' and telling ESPN that they don't do that stuff at UGA, blah blah blah. Then he lets his team pull that crap against Florida, give me a break. He learned from the master of team dances, Bobby Bowden; who's teams go to midfield to 'pray' before games. Yeah right.
from 3 months ago
Now you're mocking Bobby Bowden's Christianity?! Spoken like a "true" gator fan, I suppose. I have cousins who are crazy florida fans and they would never stoop THAT low. Come on Mike, stick to the subject.
Richt has pulled ONE thing in his coaching career, so now every hypocritical hater freaks out. Urban, on the other hand, is known for his attempts to "fire up" his team. But he doesn't need to do that does he? Before the NCG against Ohio St, he printed up false articles that he "claimed" were published in the Ohio newspapers and taped them all over the locker room. Motivation by lying?! Pretty low by anyone's standards.
There's no way on earth that Crier wouldn't have used the "endzone tactic" if he had thought of it first. After all, peeing on your opponent's logos and making up lies about them is MUCH worse than celebrating a touchdown. Right?
It is unavoidable Michael, you WILL turn to the dark side...
from 2 months ago
Although I disagree because of Georgia's lack of experience of being in the limellight plus a brutal schedule, I appreciate your optimism and as a GA Bulldogs, fan, I hope that you are right!
3 months ago
Thanks for the comments Michael. You may be right. Time will tell.
3 months ago
By the time they get to the Cocktail Party they'll be trying to salvage the season, it's going to be a rough year in Athens. Bad coaching, troubles off the field and a brutal schedule isn't the recipe for a National Title. Cool dog though.
from 3 months ago
Bad coaching? C'mon Mitch get serious. Look at Richt's credentials again... bad coaching. Hardly. Most SEC Teams have troubles off the field. Brutal schedule... I agree. Sometimes it just all comes together.
from 3 months ago
Bad Coaching, really??? I guess you are sour about Richt coming to UGA instead of going back to his alma mater.
Off the field issues, you are correct, but I can remember FSU/Miami having off of the field issues and still making title runs.
But I cannot disagree with you in regrards to UGA's schedule. Highly, unlikely to run the gauntlet this year, but you never know.
Losing Sturdivant and Left Tackle is a major MAJOR setback. That may become the dawgs achillies heel.
Nonetheless, I will be wearing Red and Black this year through thick and thin.
Remember, "there aint nothing finer in the land, than a drunk obnoxious Georgia fan, Go Dawgs."
from 3 months ago
No doubt about it, if the dawgs run the table they may be one of the greatest of all time.
3 months ago
I'd have to agree with Michael. Not dissing UGA, cause they are flat out loaded this year, but to run the table is just too hard to do in the SEC. Eexspecialy if you have that #1 target on you back. Only 10 teams that have been preseason ranked #1 have won the NC in the history of the AP Poll. Plus the schedule is brutal!! War Eagle and good luck.
from 3 months ago
I would make a comment about losing 5 games and what I would do if we did... but this is the SEC. I just think the talent gets us there this years. Besides do we really want to see Ohio State again? Of course they have abrutal schedule as well... Youngtown St., Ohio and Troy.
Thanks for the read.
from 3 months ago
Well written column, for a Bulldog fan. Little too much fan and far too little objectivity. No. 1 gives you nowhere to go but down. Example: LSU drops to #7 after getting beat by Arkansas last year. Not that LSU didnt deserve to be in the title game, but they wouldnt have been there had West Virginia and Missouri both not lost on the last day of the regular season.
I know theres a rebuttal coming about how Georgia should have been in the title game here, and thats another topic. all im saying is that being number one gives you nowhere to go but down and then your destiny isnt altogether in your hands.
Please read my column, "Georgia Bulldogs Need to Beat Their Opponents and The Odds To Stay On Top" It will illustrate how tough it is to stay atop the charts, especially when its going to be extraordinarily tough for Georgia to run the table.
from 3 months ago
David... this was meant to come from a fans perspective. I realize that the odds are against the Dawgs. But I'm a homer... I admit it. Thanks for the read.
3 months ago
#5 You're right the schedule is BRUTAL! #4 The Fans? What does that have to do with a Night game in Baton Rouge? All fans in the SEC have a passion for their teams. Just like UGA #3 UGA VII is a great mascot don't get me wrong. Mike the Tiger would win in a fight. #2 Mark Richt? Really. To quote the Nature Boy Rick Falir, "To be the man you've got to beat the man." Unfortunately, Les Miles has the National Championship Ring. #1 Stafford and Moreno? You betcha! They can lead the Dawgs to the National Championship. If they stay healthy the will be a force on a National level. Will they win it. Magic 8 Ball says "Unlikely."
3 months ago
The Fans are just part of the formula this year. Like I said, they will give the team a boost. That happens at HOME games... every team has them.. I agree.
If Les Miles is the man we are all in sad shape. I will take Richt any day. We will see what Les does this year without a QB.
If Stafford and Moreno stay healthy Georgia losses one game max. That gets us to the NC game.
Finally, NEVER.... EVER... quote Ric Flair on this site again... PLEASE !!!
3 months ago
"Winning a National Championship in his first year would be a feat no mascot could touch."
2007 was actually the first year of Mike V here at LSU, and if Uga doesn't stay in his cage on his trip to Baton Rouge he will be tiger bait.
from 3 months ago
Very true. I remember hearing that. There is a funny story about one of the UGA's and Mike. This particular UGA was going deaf, so Mike's roar had no effect on him. UGA charged the cage. Pretty funny stuff. Two great Mascott's no doubt. We can at least pet UGA.
3 months ago
You'll bring up good points why the Dawgs can't, won't go all the way. As a Dawg fan it doesn't get any better.
ranked #1
playing the toughest schedule.
It will be hard enough to win the Conference, while playing the toughest teams the SEC has to offer, much less winning the MNCG.
But if GA can get it done, it will be the greatest accomplishment in the history of the program, and even a GA hating Gator fan will have to say," Dam Good Dawgs."
3 months ago
Like I said Mark... I just think it all comes together. We may lose one, and still get there. Two could happen as well, but not as likely. As I stated earlier, Ohio State and their "brutal" schedule could stand in the way, along with our tough schedule. ;-)
from 3 months ago
What does Ohio State have to do with Georgia?
from 3 months ago
sorry k. Just a little hired of the hype OSU gets.
from 3 months ago
haha i love it, its really about point of view, as an OSU fan i can tell you all i heard last season was the national media trashing OSU and talking up the SEC and all SEC fans hear is OSU getting undue press. It all depends on which side your sitting on. Selective hearing on both sides.
3 months ago
Good points GDawg. CMR has had the teams but the system just didn't shake out in our favor.
I think despite the Schedule, this might be the year it all comes together.
3 months ago
If Georgia does not win the National Championship, the SEC or even SEC east, will this season be considered a failure?
from 3 months ago
Good question. I think it depends on how it all falls out. It's a long season. A lot depends on the voters. I think we should wait and answer than question in January.
3 months ago
Great article Dawg!!! Finally, an article on Georgia, written by a Georgia fan! I love to read the gator fan's comments on how we can't do it. How easily they forget about 2 years ago, you know?
3 months ago
Meyer is still crying about last years game, and you Gators can talk about revenge all you want to. Why is it when the Gators lose that you fans are such sore losers. You always have an excuse. Be a man and admit you got your ass handed to you last year.
from 3 months ago
You can read my article about how Florida can beat Georgia this year, and in the article I stated that Georgia thoroughly whipped Florida from the opening kickoff.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/46731-how-the-florida-gators-can-beat-georgia-in-2008
from 3 months ago
I have to defend myself here, as a Gator fan. Yes, of course I'm going to talk about revenge, but so do the Dawg fans after every time they have lost. There's nothing wrong with talking about revenge. I, for one, am not a sore loser. I have no problem saying we lost, fair and square. I don't have excuses, we just lost. Last year, Georgia proved themselves to be the better team. So do me a favor and don't lump all fans of one team together as "sore losers". I've heard many an excuse after Georgia got beat by the Gators, but I don't assume that that makes all the Dawgs sore losers. Quit complaining about the the attitude of Gator fans!
from 3 months ago
Hey Lauren, Stop whining, complaining and being such a sore loser......
Gator fans are the worse!! ;-)
3 months ago
I think it breaks down this simply:
Coach Richt is good for 9-10 wins a season, most years. I think everyone can agree. Same goes for most very good coaches. For the Dawgs, or any team, to go all the way, they need a couple of breaks. A turnover. An opportune blocked Field Goal (FL vs. SC in '07). Three teams ahead of you to fall in the final weeks (LSU '08). A tie breaker. Whatever.
You also need luck for bad stuff NOT to happen. Not to have two teams ahead of you go undefeated (Auburn '04). Not losing your starting QB to injury--or any major player really (D.J. Shockley or Oregon '08).
3 months ago
Isn't it funny? You give a Dog (or Dawg) a bone...and all of sudden that Dog (Dawg) thinks its the best thing since sliced bread.
Georgia needs to prove a few things before they book their hotels in Atlanta and Miami:
1. Stafford needs to prove that he can complete more than 55% of his passes.
2. Knowshon needs to prove that he can be the man all season when defenses are gameplanning primarily for him.
3. The O-line needs to prove it can protect Stafford without Sturdivant.
4. Georgia needs to prove it can beat Florida twice in a row.
5. Georgia needs to prove it can beat Tennessee and South Carolina if its going to win the SEC east.
6. And like all teams, Georgia needs to stay healthy to win.
from 3 months ago
#2, and #3 are concerns that I have surrounding this season, as a Dawg, fan, especially #3.
#2 Caleb King will get a ton of carries this year to rest Knowshon. CMR does not run his horse into the ground like Coach Dooley did. Caleb's emergence will save Knowshon from the dreaded Sophmore Slump.
#3 Sturdivant. Ouch that hurts, he was not only the Dawgs top pass blocker, he was probably one of their top run blockers. It is never a good sign when your starting LT goes down, Stafford's back may take the brunt of that loss.
#1 I am a believer in Stafford's right arm. And his receiver's dropped a ton of passes last year. Yes it is primarily the same bunch from last year, but they started to come around by season's end. Jury still out.
#4 Agreed. But we are not longer scared to play the Gator's
#5 UT doesn't scare me as much as Spurrier. The game in Columbia will be telling.
#6 Of course.
from 3 months ago
Justin, great points. I would add... watch out for two TRUE FRESHMAN. AJ Green and Richard Samuel could be big this year. AJ could be the big target that Stafford needs, and Samuel is pushing King for the backup tailback spot.
3 months ago
Nick your comments are so predictable.
1) Stafford had a ton of drops last year. He is only a Jr. He's getting better every year (as stated).
2) Knowshon won't be alone in the backfield. Depth will be our friend. He started the last 5 games last year. Did anyone game plan then? He got better as the year progressed.
3) The O-Line is more than just Sturdivant. He will be missed. But they can overcome the injury. Most good teams can do that.
4) Georgia has split with UF the last 4 years. All four games were close. DJ's injury cost UGA a win during that span. Florida is not the dominant team they were in the 90's. Meyer is NOT Spurrier.
5) This one is almost comical. Do you know nothing about UGA? UGA has beaten SC 5 of the last 6.. check that one off. Richt is 4-3 against Fulmer and the Vols. Two bad losses last year, no doubt. But there is nothing to prove. If you lose to Alabama and Az State, the results will be the same.
6) We can agree on this one.
from 3 months ago
1) Stafford didn't drop those passes, it was the WR's - the same ones you have this year. Plus, Bailey and Henderson are gone.
2) Moreno won't sneak up on anybody. Teams have to focus their game plan around stopping him, and making Stafford beat them.
3) Time will tell on this one.
4) "DJ's injury cost UGA a win during that span." That's an excuse like Zook's firing cost the Gators in '04. I agree that Meyer is not Spurrier. It didn't take Meyer 7 years to win a title, only 2. The only reason why Florida isn't is as dominant is that the SEC has gotten a LOT tougher.
5) Georgia has to beat Tennessee this year. If they had beat them last season, they're playing for an SEC championship.
6) Agreed.
3 months ago
1. You obviously haven't seen any tape on the progression of GA's receivers the last two years. They were horrible and now they are good. Not great. But with Troupe, Greene, Harris, MoMa, etc. and experience they could be great. (I'd be satisfied with "very good" because "good" got them to 10-2. "Very good" could get them to 11-1.)
2. Florida sure as heck game planned against Moreno last year. So did Auburn. Are you telling me they forgot to watch game tape before those games last year. He might not have hit the media's radar but the Def coaches knew about him. They aren't stupid. And they still couldn't stop him. GA ran the ball EVERY play the first drive last year. They DARED you to stop him. And we all know what happened.
4. Tebow having a bruise on his non-throwing shoulder is an excuse. DJ being out and us losing by less than a TD is a reason.
5. Yes GA needs to prove it can beat Tenn and SC. And Auburn. And ASU. ALL THE TEAMS. Just like every team needs to prove it can beat everyone on their schedule. Just like Fl needs to prove it can stop the pass.
from 3 months ago
1. I know that since Reggie Nelson left for the pros, Massaqoui can finally make a catch against Florida. Georgia will continue to rely on its running game.
2. Really?? If they game planned for him, I didn't see it. Florida's Defense got pushed around all game long.
3. Tebow ran the ball 13 times, scored twice, and still lost, no excuses needed.
from 3 months ago
Michael, Since Reggie left for the NFL there are many WR's who breath easier. That comment should not be limited to any UGA WR. Nelson is a great talent.
3 months ago
Well said Robert.... It is obvious that Michael is wearing his Gator blinders. Nothing can be said that will change that. When Georgia wins AGAIN this year, because they are the better team AGAIN this year... maybe.. just maybe, he will give Georgia some props.
BTW... Urban won his NC with RON ZOOKS Defense,... Sorry to beat a dead horse, but since that time.. UF has gotten worse on defense NOT BETTER.
from 3 months ago
Blinders??
Who are we kidding?? We all have on our own teams' blinders right now. Every team is undefeated right now.
BTW, I have given Georgia plenty of props for beating Florida last season. Read some of my articles and you will see that I've said Florida got whipped last year.
Defenses usually get worse when you lose 9 starters, including 7 to the NFL.
3 months ago
Very true Michael.
Of course, if Urban is ALL THAT... would his new recruits not step in and keep his D up to par in the SEC? I'm just saying that much of what I am reading is saying that UF has some holes on D, and may be worse than they were last year. If that is the case... Georgia will beat Florida again. Maybe not.
Thanks for the banter. We can take this one up in November.
from 3 months ago
Well, as bad as the defense was in '07, it was almost up to par, as every team in the SEC lost at least 2 conference games, so it was right there with the rest of the conference.
Florida's D returns 9 starters, and one of the two players they lost (Tony Joiner) didn't do much over the course of the season anyways. Plus, between the Georgia and Michigan games, they played their best defense of the season.
Time will tell, but from this article, they seem to be getting better:
http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20080819/NEWS/152993/1016&title=UF_defense_packing_a_punch
I always enjoy battling intelligent rivals.
3 months ago
Please Friends!!!! We are all neighbors!!! Our beloved states are right next door to each other! Why all of this fighting and criticizing. I beseech my fellow DAWGS to leave the Gators alone, and let them enjoy the fantasy of victory.
Reality will be a rude awakening!
3 months ago
Georgia is very good and is definitely one of the title favorites. They are good in the running game with Moreno and Stafford is a solid quarterback. The defense should also be stellar with all of their returning talent.
However, that schedule is a monster. It can either serve, as GeorgiaDawg mentioned in his article, as a momentum builder or it can seriously hurt morale. If Georgia stumbles out of the gate, they could very easily lose two or three games.
However, if they start strong, in the words of Lee Corso, "Watch out!"
3 months ago
Great point Joseph. A good start is a must. If we get by Ga Southern and CM as expected... the early matchups with SC, Az St, UT and Bama are BIG... WIN those games, and I honestly believe we could run the table (barring any crucial injury)... Here's hoping it happens.
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