Bleacher Report - Articles by Bryan Grantham

Give Michael Vick a Damn Break

Bryan Grantham — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:40:32 -0400

With just a few hours left in Michael Vick's time in confinement, this writer says clearly and succinctly, "Give Mike Vick a damn break."

Let me start by saying this: Dogfighting is a terrible and atrocious thing.

The fact that there are still people that train and raise dogs, chickens, and other animals for the sole purpose of having them fight for entertainment is a shocking proposition.

I make no excuses for what Vick did and would not excuse him if he continued to engage in dogfighting.

But are animal lives more valuable than human lives?

Many animal rights groups like the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals have called for Vick to be banned for life from the NFL.

Radio call-in shows are blown up with fans who say what a disgrace he is and how he should not be allowed to make a living playing quarterback.

Where is their outrage on cases that involve the loss of human life?

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth allegedly became intoxicated, put himself behind the wheel of a car, and killed someone. He is now looking at facing a lengthy prison sentence for those actions.

However, the peanut gallery has remained mostly silent.

New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant is charged in a Georgia court for involuntary manslaughter. Grant was involved in a fight in a south Georgia bar and someone (a person!) lost her life. An actual person!

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was a co-defendant in a 2000 murder case from the Buckhead bar district in Atlanta.

Although Lewis was cleared of the charges, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. There is no doubt; however, that he participated somehow in an event that led to the loss of a person's life.

On all these three men, the outrage has never been so great as it has been against Vick.

Do we, as a society, value dogs more than humans? Is it that dogs have a stronger lobby than people? Do we need a People for the Ethical Treatment of Humans?

Vick has done his time. He spent two years in prison during what should have been the prime of his Pro Bowl career.

If you find yourself outraged that Vick will once again play in the NFL, ask yourself: Where is the outrage about Stallworth? Grant? Lewis?

If we can forgive these men who allegedly or actually participated in the death of a person, can't we forgive Michael Vick?

Dear Dawgs: A Letter to the 2009 UGA Team From a Fan

Bryan Grantham — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:02:45 -0400

On the eve of the 2009 Spring G-Day game, your humble writer has decided to write a letter to his beloved Georgia Bulldogs.

Dear 2009 Dawgs:

First off, let me start by saying that I know you guys have spoiled me over the past few years. I have seen you win two SEC Championships, and have been to three Sugar Bowls with you men. You guys have given me great play by men like David Pollack, David Greene, D.J. Shockley, and of course, Knowshon Moreno.

That said, you guys really half-assed it last year. While you still managed to win 10 games and play in a New Year's Day bowl, that was not enough for a team with at least two and possibly three future first rounders on offense, and a defense loaded with high school All-Americans. Last year, it appeared that tackling and special teams became optional events.

However, maybe I let you down, too. After the crushing loss to Alabama last year, I kind of checked out. At final count, I only made it to three home games. I even punted on going to the Georgia Tech game because the weather was awful. I missed my first bowl game in the Mark Richt era.

I did, nevertheless, make the trip to Jacksonville—I wish you guys had, too.

So, I propose a deal this year: If you guys play with the heart that was lacking in 2008, I will cheer with the heart that I was lacking last year.

If you mean will play with the hunger that showed in 2003, 2005, and 2007 (and not like 2004 and 2008), I will bring my "A" game, too, as a fan.

(As a side note, I didn't get blackout drunk or yell at a single elderly Bulldog fan all season in 2008. This was a a staple of previous years, so clearly I didn't try as hard either).

I do not expect a National Championship or SEC Championship in 2009. All I expect is that I enjoy my handle of Beam, and you guys go out and play with your hair on fire for 60 minutes. Think Auburn 2007, Hawai'i in the Sugar Bowl, or Georgia Tech 2002—OK, men?

I will do my part. I expect you to do yours. That means you have to actually make tackles, Reshad Jones. That means you have to cover people, Bryan Evans. That means you have to run with a purpose, Caleb King and Richard Samuel.

It starts tomorrow when I make my first G-day game since 2004. I'm doing my part, and not it is your turn. "Get After Their Asses" in '09.

Sincerely,

A Drunk Obnoxious Georgia Fan.

A Braves Fan's 2009 Wish List

Bryan Grantham — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:38:48 -0400

As a Braves fan, this writer has seen it all from 100 losses in 1990 to 104 wins in 1993. Fans have seen 14 division titles and now three straight years of fruitless Octobers. This year, if the Braves get a few wishes granted, the team may once again find itself in Turner Field in the fall.

Below is a wish-list from this Braves fan.

1. 130 or more games played by Chipper Jones

There are two Braves teams out there: the one with Chipper and the one without. The one with him is a viable contender. The one without him has no punch and is stuck with Omar Infante playing third base.

2. A backup catcher

If you suffered through more than five Corky Miller at-bats last year, you should be up for sainthood. Miller is the worst catcher to play for the Braves since...Mike Heath?

Last year, Miller's batting average, slugging, and on base percentage were below his weight. Even Andruw Jones had a better year than Miller.

If the Braves are to start a new run, they need someone in the Eddie Perez-Henry Blanco-Paul Bako mold; a catcher who plays solid defense with some pop in his bat. Miller was not the answer last year.

3. Some power hitting from someone other than Chipper

The Braves' outfield last year was at the bottom of the majors in home runs. This year, they have added the sweet-swinging Garrett Anderson to the lineup. At first base, it will be Casey Kotchman on opening day instead of Mark Teixeira.

To be successful, the Braves will need to find some power in the order from either Anderson, Kotchman, or Jeff Francoeur.

4. Someone to take the ball in the late innings other than Blaine Boyer

Boyer's 5.88 ERA last year was less of a product of ability and more of a product of over-work. Boyer's April, May, and June ERAs were 4.30, 1.80, and 3.46, respectively.

When the dog days of summer hit and the innings piled up, Boyer had an ERA of 11.17 after the All-Star break. This was due to Boyer pitching in 51 games prior to the midsummer classic. In 2009, Bobby Cox will have to find another workhorse to take the load off the talented, but greatly overworked Boyer.

5. On a personal note, no more damn blue jerseys

I understand the need to market your team and to sell more stuff, but the all blue jerseys and hats last year were atrociously boring. Here's hoping that the Braves return to the classic, all-greys in 2009.

What Went Wrong in Georgia's Loss to Georgia Tech?

Bryan Grantham — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:22:11 -0500

After getting run all over in a 45-42 defeat by arch-rival Georgia Tech, the Dawgs have to ask once again what went wrong. Georgia opened the week as a ten-point favorite and closed it watching the Jackets take a knee in Sanford Stadium.

1. Reshad Jones

I'm going to put this as delicately as I can: Reshad Jones is the worst safety in college football.

Jones came to Georgia in 2006 as the number one safety prospect. After two years of playing Between the Hedges, it's clear he was overrated. He is probably the biggest recruiting bust Georgia has had since Sterling Boyd in the early 90s.

Saturday, Tech scored five offensive touchdowns. On three of them Jones was responsible. On one, Jones didn't get the pitch man. On Tech's last two scores, Jones threw a shoulder block at the ball carrier and didn't wrap up.

Someone told Jones he was a good tackler and a hard hitter once upon a time. They need to correct that statement so he will learn how to tackle correctly.

2. Matthew Stafford

Can we please stop facilitating the lie that Stafford is a great college quarterback? There is no question that the junior from Dallas has a great arm and great ability.

Hell, Jeff George has great ability.

Stafford, like George, makes bonehead decisions. The interception in the first quarter was one of the more insanely idiotic throws you will ever see a quarterback make.

Further, when Tech turned the tide in the second half, Stafford made poor decisions with the ball. He either took a sack he did not need to take, forced the ball, and once he ran out of bounds instead of throwing the ball away.

3. Penalties

Georgia continued to kill itself with penalties. There were a few poorly-timed holding calls and also a defensive interference that set up the first Tech score of the third quarter.

All told, Georgia had seven more penalties to continue to lead all BCS conference teams.

A notable omission this week is Willie Martinez. This columnist has continually blamed Martinez for the problems the Georgia defense has had. This week's blame, however, belongs to the players.

Martinez had his men in place all day long. The team just continually missed tackles and assignments.

All-in-all, it is a relief to see 2008 end for the Dawgs. This year was a poorly played season by a talented team that continually looked disinterested. Out of 12 games this year, Georgia only seemed to put forth two good efforts: Arizona State and LSU.

Sadly, this team was far too much like the 2004 team which lacked heart and a killer instinct and too little like the team that closed out the 2002 and 2007 seasons.

Georgia-Auburn: The Best Games in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry

Bryan Grantham — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:55:01 -0500

Of all the great rivalries in the Southeastern Conference, none have been played more than Georgia-Auburn. This Saturday will mark the 113th edition of the Deep South's oldest rivalry.

Here's a look at some of the great moments in the rivalry recently.

1986: Between the Hoses

Georgia came in to play sixth-ranked Auburn without starting Bulldog quarterback James Jackson. However, the Dawgs triumphed on the Plains by a 20-16 score. After the game, the Auburn grounds crew turned the hoses on the Georgia section to keep the Bulldog fans from storming the field.

The incident actually led to much acrimony between the schools and led UGA to set up a student ambassador organization (The Arch Society) similar to the Auburn student ambassador organization (The Plainsmen and War Eagle Girls).

1992: Stay Down Boys!

Georgia came into Auburn 7-2 and ranked in the top 15. Auburn was struggling mightily in what would become Pat Dye's final season in coaching.

The Tigers lined up with 19 seconds to go and down just 14-10 when they attempted a handoff on the one-yard line. However, quarterback Stan White fumbled the exchange.

As referees tried to unpile the men, Georgia coach Ray Goff can famously be seen telling his players to stay on the ground. Time ran out on the game, and Georgia got the victory and finished the season 10-2.

1994: The Streak Is Over

Auburn came into the game undefeated following a perfect 11-0 1993 season. The 9-0 Tigers, however, had a huge fight on their hands with the Eric Zeier-led Georgia team. Georgia tied the game 23-23 in the fourth quarter. Auburn had a chance to win, but the Tigers' 44-yard field goal sailed wide right.

Auburn would go on to lose their next game in the Iron Bowl and finished the year 9-1-1.

1996: First SEC Overtime Game

Georgia came in 4-5 in Jim Donnan's first year against Terry Bowden's 20th-ranked Auburn team, led by Dameyune Craig. Auburn jumped up to a 28-7 lead before halftime. However, Georgia quarterback Mike Bobo found Hines Ward to cut the deficit to 28-14 before the intermission.

During the first half, Auburn's Robert Baker scored on a touchdown pass and decided to go over and taunt Uga V. Uga was having none of it and lunged at Baker. The photo has since become a staple in every Georgia fan's house.

Late in the fourth quarter, Georgia was driving, down just 28-21. Mike Bobo was sacked and spiked the ball at the 30-yard line with just one second left. On the game's last play, Bobo rolled right and found Corey Allen at the goal line for the tying score.

In the fourth overtime, Georgia led 56-49. Dameyune Craig and Auburn faced a 4th-and-3 at the Georgia 18. Craig rolled to his right but could not evade Bulldog defenders. The 100th edition of the game ended with a Georgia win in overtime.

1997: Auburn blasts Georgia

Georgia was coming off a bye week and a win against defending National Champion Florida. In what was the toughest ticket in Athens in years, Dameyune Craig and Auburn came in and dominated the Dawgs. The Tigers won 45-34 and ended Georgia's dreams of a major bowl game.

1999: Ben Leard torches the Dawgs

Georgia won the pregame coin toss and deferred. Embattled Auburn quarterback Ben Leard told Quincy Carter, "Then you'll be down 7-0 when you get the ball."

Boy, was Leard right. Auburn jumped out to a 31-0 halftime lead, capped off by a touchdown catch and goal-post spike by Ronny Daniels. Daniels had nine catches for 249 yards, and Auburn won 38-21.

2001: Sanks stopped just short

Georgia was driving late while down 24-17. David Greene hit Terrance Edwards on a long out at the Auburn one-yard line. The Bulldogs lined up with less than 10 seconds to go and gave the ball to Jasper Sanks. Sanks was stopped short and the clock ran out on the Dawgs.

2002: 70-X takeoff

Georgia was driving in a game it had to win to make its first-ever SEC Championship game. Down 21-17, the Dawgs lined up on a 4th-and-15 in the red zone when David Greene hit Michael Johnson on a fade route (the play was named 70-X takeoff).

The Dawgs won the game and went on to win the SEC Championship and had its first Sugar Bowl appearance in 20 years.

2005: Fourth and Forever

Georgia hit a field goal late in the fourth quarter to take a 30-28 lead. With Brandon Cox and Auburn facing a fourth and long, Cox hit Devin Aromashadu over the middle. Aromashadu ran all the way down inside the Georgia five-yard line when Paul Oliver forced a fumble.

Auburn recovered and virtually ran the clock out. The Tigers hit a field goal with less than 10 seconds to go to win 31-30 in what may have been the series' greatest game.

2007: Georgia Blacks Out Auburn

The Dawgs came out for warm-ups in red jerseys only to change before taking the field. Auburn, however, took a 20-17 lead in the mid-third quarter. Georgia would score the game's final 28 points, though, for a win.

The Dawgs parlayed their success into an 11-2 finish and a No. 2 AP ranking.

Georgia Defensive Coordinator Indicted on Felony Theft Charges

Bryan Grantham — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:21:29 -0500

Georgia Defensive Coordinator Willie Martinez has been indicted by an Athens-Clarke County grand jury on felony theft charges.

"It has come to our attention that Mr. Martinez has been stealing money from the University of Georgia since September of this year," said Ken Mauldin, Athens-Clarke County District Attorney. "Our records indicate that he has taken more than $200,000 from the University in so-called 'salary' this year."

Mauldin added, "Look, they gave up 49 points to Florida and 41 to Alabama. Even Georgia Southern got 21 points against the Dawgs. You call that work that deserves a paycheck?"

Apparently the final straw for the police and prosecutors was the Bulldogs giving up 38 points in a victory Saturday against a Kentucky team playing without its best running back or wide receiver.

Former Georgia and current Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder was stunned by the charges.

"I had no idea when I left Georgia that they were actually going to pay Willie," Van Gorder said. "I thought he was like a graduate assistant working for free or something."

When told that Martinez was drawing a check for more than $200,000 this year, Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt was incredulous.

"We're paying him what?" Richt said. "That's freaking ridiculous. He is definitely stealing from UGA."

However, some coaches defended the embattled Martinez.

"Let me get this straight: Georgia is giving up 25 points a game and they think their coordinator is stealing money?" said Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach. "Where I come from, that's the kind of stuff that gets you in the Big 12 Hall of Fame, my friend."

Martinez could not be reached for fake comments for this story.

After The Fallout: Where Does Georgia Go From Here?

Bryan Grantham — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:20:51 -0500

Although Georgia started 2008 off as the number one ranked team in America, it has become clear that the Bulldogs will have to struggle to finish the year number one in the state of Georgia.

After the throttling Georgia received on Saturday, there is more than enough blame to go around for the failures of this year. Here’s a look at who is to blame and how Georgia can better itself in 2009:

1. Mark Richt

Mark Richt is an excellent football coach. His 79-21 record at UGA and the failures of FSU since he left that program speak for themselves. However, Richt seems to lack a killer instinct. His “just win no matter how ugly it is” attitude seems to be killing Georgia.

What’s the difference in Richt and Urban Meyer or Nick Saban? Saban and Meyer are avowed perfectionists. They demand nothing short of excellent execution and pure dominance. Richt? He’s just happy to win games.

After his team’s lackadaisical performances against Vanderbilt and Tennessee, Richt came out afterwards just happy his team got the “W.” His sort of “aw, shucks, I’m just glad we won” attitude will leave Georgia national championship-less.

2. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford is the best quarterback in America when he is on. Just watch the LSU game and check out what sheer brilliance looks like.

However, great players are not judged by how good their best is but by how good their worst is. Right now, Stafford’s good is excellent but his bad is awful.

His three-interception performance and poor work inside the redzone kept Georgia from winning any championships (other than, say, Outback Bowl champions) in 2008 (or in 2006 and 2007, for that matter).

One has to wonder: Would Georgia be better off in 2009 without Stafford? From 2002-2005, Georgia was extremely successful with David Greene and D.J. Shockley under center.

Both of those signal callers managed the game and protected the football.

Would Georgia be better off with a quarterback who is more Jake Delhomme and less Bret Favre?

3. Willie Martinez

Georgia’s defense is not why the team lost on Saturday. As a matter of fact, they played well enough in the first 40 minutes for the Dawgs to win (until the turnover parade began, that is).

But too many times in the past four years, the defense’s inability to stop the other team has been the problem.

Under Brian Van Gorder from 2001-2004, Georgia gave up 30 points only once. In the four years since Martinez has run the defense, Georgia has given up 30 points on nine occasions. At some point, Martinez has to be held accountable for the Bulldogs’ poor work in some big games.

Where to now?

Georgia can still win ten games this year and they can still play in a New Year’s Day Bowl. However, the Dawgs cannot just sit idly by and play the same way in 2009 if they expect to meet their goals.

Until Richt demands perfection from his team and his coaches, Georgia will be a second-class team behind the USCs, Floridas, and Oklahomas of the world.

Matt Stafford: Will less be more against the Vols for the talented Bulldog QB?

Bryan Grantham — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:23:34 -0400

There is no denying that Matthew Stafford is one of the most talented quarterbacks in all of college football. But do his numbers and the success of his team truly reflect the young signal caller's skills?

Stafford burst on the scene as the number one or number two rated passer coming out of high school in 2006. During his stint at Georgia, Stafford has won more than 80 percent of his games (21-5).

However, are the Dawgs winning because of his skills or in spite of them?

When Stafford throws fewer than 28 passes, Georgia is undefeated (12-0). When he throws 28 or more passes, the Dawgs are a very pedestrian 8-5.

Furthermore, when Stafford chucks the pigskin 30 or more times, the Bulldogs have gone a mere 3-4. When he throws 40 or more, Georgia is winless (0-2).

Are those truly the numbers for a first overall draft choice?

Stafford's contemporaries have fared much better when throwing 30 or more times. Tim Tebow(4-2), Colt McCoy (9-4), and Sam Bradford (6-0) combined win more than 75 percent of the time when hitting the 30 pass mark.

The key this week against the Volunteers is for the Dawgs to be able to run the ball, control the clock, and protect Stafford behind an ever-changing offensive line.

Georgia rarely throws the ball on underneath routes because most of the team's tosses are designed to stretch out the defense with play-action and deep throws.

Although Stafford has shown the arm strength to hit the deep outs and the seam routes, he has rarely shown the patience to take the underneath drag routes and slants when they are available to him.

For Georgia to win, the Dawgs need less Stafford and more Knowshon Moreno. When Moreno runs the ball 15 or more times, the Dawgs are undefeated (11-0).

If Stafford does not have to throw 30 times and Moreno gets 15 or more carries, it should signal another victory for Georgia between the hedges.

SEC Home Field Rankings: Home Sweet Home

Bryan Grantham — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:19:56 -0400

For the past several years, the SEC has led the nation in attendance by consistently having more than one million fans pass through its gates every year. No conference has better fans or venues in which to watch a game.

Having had the opportunity to visit almost all of the stadiums, here is a ranking of the venues of SEC teams by division.

SEC East

1. Neyland Stadium (University of Tennessee)

This is the biggest SEC Stadium and, depending on which way the wind is blowing, in some years the biggest stadium in the country.

There is nothing more entertaining than listening to 100,000 people sing "Rocky Top" in unison.

Lose a game at UT as a visitor, and I promise you too will know all the words. Plus, at UT you can tailgate in a boat as part of the Volunteer Navy. That, like the Vols, is hard to beat.

2. Ben Hill-Griffin Stadium (University of Florida)

I think this and Sanford Stadium are interchangeable in the Eastern division rankings.

I'll give Florida the edge, though, because it has a great nickname in "The Swamp."

Watching Florida fans do the Gator Chomp before a kickoff is pretty impressive. It's also a good site to see the Gator faithful enjoy "We are the Boys" before the Fourth Quarter of games.

3. Sanford Stadium (University of Georgia)

My alma mater! Here's a confession of a UGA alum: Georgia's fan base is a pretty wine and cheese crowd at home games.

The fans are a little too reactive and not very proactive.

However, the stadium is beautiful and the atmosphere at UGA games is great.

Last year for the "blackout" game against Auburn was as great a home crowd as you could ever want.

The stadium boasts the nation's best live mascot, Uga, and also a graveyard for his predecessors. Okay, I can admit: that's a little creepy.

4. Williams-Brice Stadium (University of South Carolina)

South Carolina by far has the best fans in the country. Hands down, no questions asked.

The Gamecocks have never won a conference championship, but their fans continuously show up in droves of more than 80,000 at every home game in Columbia.

Watching the Gamecocks come out to 2000: A Space Odyssey is a must-see for any fan. The only drawback is that the stadium is not on campus, so it doesn't have the appeal to the eye that some of the other stadiums do.

5. Commonwealth Stadium (University of Kentucky)

This is a beautiful stadium, too. However, it's the second-smallest in the division and thus gets the next-to-last ranking.

6. Vanderbilt Stadium (Vanderbilt University)

This stadium isn't very great. It's a patchwork mess of metal bleachers and is generally inhabited by more visiting fans than home fans.

That said, it's in downtown Nashville and so it has a lot of nice things to look at...including Vandy co-eds. They got their daddy's money and their momma's good looks...

SEC West

1. Tiger Stadium (LSU)

This is a fantastic place to watch a game. While South Carolina may have the "best" fans, LSU has the most intense.

There is probably no louder stadium in the country than LSU at night. If you've never seen the tape of the "Earthquake Game", get on youtube and check it out immediately.

2. Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama)

Alabama is also a great place to watch a game. I went to a game in 2002 in Tuscaloosa and the fans were just amazing.

'Bama scored on a Charlie Peprah interception and I literally could not hear myself think. I thought that phrase only existed in theory, but it's actually true. When the PA plays "Sweet Home Alabama," it's amazing.

Side note: If you go to a game at Alabama, you may think Bear Bryant still coaches there. I googled it and apparently he does not.

3. Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University)

This is also a great place to watch a game. Jordan-Hare is probably one of the more picturesque stadiums in the country along with Sanford Stadium.

The design is great and the fans are great. However, don't joke about rolling Toomer's Corner around Auburn fans if your team wins. I almost didn't make it out of there in 1996 or 2002.

4. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (University of Mississippi)

The Grove is probably one of the best places to tailgate in all the country.

It's also a nice touch that Archie Manning's No. 18 serves as the speed limit around campus.

And, as noted above, Ole Miss has beautiful co-eds. The stadium isn't very big, however, and there's just not a whole lot to do in Oxford. It's a great town, though, and a must-do trip for any SEC fan.

5. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (University of Arkansas)

This stadium isn't as big and loud as most of the others and just doesn't have the great feel that some of the others do.

6. Scott Field (Mississippi State University)

I like Blue Oyster Cult as much as anyone, but I do not need more cowbell.

Bobby Cox: Time to Go?

Bryan Grantham — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:46:58 -0400

There are certain figures in sports that are untouchable: Bobby Bowden, Joe Paterno, Phil Jackson, and Bobby Cox. It seems that no matter what these coaches or managers do, their jobs are always going to be safe.

But with the Braves struggling through what will surely be a third straight year without the playoffs, is it time to ask if the Bravos need a new direction?

To be clear, this column in no way means to say Cox is not an excellent manager. His record bears out that he's done a terrific job and may be the greatest regular season manager in baseball today, and maybe ever (his playoff record tells a different story, of course).

Currently, the Braves stand 35-37 with the worst road record in baseball. They've scored the sixth-most runs in the National League while giving up the second-fewest.

In spite of their run differential, the Braves are under .500 and have the eighth best record in a 16-team league. They haven't won a one-run road game since last year.

Watching a Braves game late and close is like going back to how baseball was played in the late '80s and early '90s, when games were 3-2 and 2-1. Cox rigorously insists on having lefty against lefty and righty vs. righty match-ups in the late innings.

Cox has asked Yunel Escobar, probably the second-best pure hitter on the team, to sacrifice bunt in the late innings several times with one on and none out.

Never mind that statistics show clearly that a team has a better chance of scoring with a runner on first and no outs than with a runner on second and one out. Also never mind the fact that Escobar only has about five sacrifice bunts in his entire professional life.

I am not sure who wrote "the book" on managing, but it is patently clear that Cox has become far too much in love with "the book." This can also be seen in Cox's insistence on playing veterans over younger, more talented players.

Is there anyone willing to bet against a Keith Lockhart or Julio Franco-type player coming to the Braves in August or September?

At the end of the day, teams are what their records say they are. Despite the fact that the Braves have had great pitching this year, the best hitter in the game, and perhaps the best group of young players, the team is in a virtual tie for third in their division.

They are tied with a team that just fired their manager in the middle of the night, cloak-and-dagger style.

The Braves are 35-37. From the start of the 2006 season until this point, they are right at .500 (198-198).

If the Braves wish to continue being mediocre, they should continue to be stagnant, rigorous, and play by-the-book by keeping the old guard.

Meanwhile, teams like Florida and Milwaukee will continue to thrive with former Braves coaches leading them and writing their own books on managing.

Georgia Football: A Look at the Bulldogs' Tough Road in 2008

Bryan Grantham — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:32:21 -0400

The Georgia Bulldogs have a great deal of hype in front of them for 2008 after finishing No. 2 behind only conference foe LSU in the final poll of 2007. Here's a look at who they play and what's going to happen when the Dawgs take the field this August.

August 30 - Georgia Southern

If you have ever heard a Georgia Southern alum talk about UGA, you know what an inferiority complex sounds like. Honestly, outside of Columbia, South Carolina, I have never heard a more delusional group of people. I've been alive longer than they have been playing football, and you would think the Eagles had invented football and the triple option.

That said, I'm worried about this game—not because I think Southern can win, but because it's a bad omen. The three most-hyped seasons of UGA football in my lifetime (1992, 2000, 2004) included a game against Southern. All of those teams underachieved by losing a total of eight games and winning no championships.

I suppose there was that really huge victory in the 2000 Oahu Bowl, though...

Dawgs 42, Eagles 10

September 6 - Central Michigan

I hear the Chippewas have a great quarterback who is a poor man's Tim Tebow. I also hear that, like Tebow, he doesn't play defense. UGA is 1-0 against Tebow, and so I think maybe, just maybe, UGA can beat the Wal-Mart brand Tebow.

Dawgs 49, Indian Outlaws 17

September 13 - at South Carolina

Pop quiz: Who has won more conference championships—the mighty Gamecocks or me? If you said "tie" (0), give yourself a point. South Carolina is where Hall of Fame coaches go to die. Maybe after Steve Spurrier retires, they will hire Joe Paterno or Amos Alonzo Stagg.

Fun fact: In the seven matchups since Mark Richt has been at UGA, South Carolina has not scored more than 16 points against the Dawgs. This year the Dawgs will muster up enough offense to make sure they don't have a debacle like they did in 2007.

Dawgs 24, Cocks 14

September 20 - at Arizona State

This game is getting a lot of hype. It's going to be in prime time on ABC, so the whole country will be watching. UGA should be in the top three when this game rolls around, and the Sun Devils will be gunning for the upset.

Last year, the Devils didn't beat a single team with a pulse on the way to a 10-3 record. Their best win was against...Oregon State? Washington State? Cal?

This is the first time since the 1960s that the Dawgs have left Dixie for a road game. Georgia won the last one in Ann Arbor. This one won't quite be as difficult.

Dawgs 35, Devils 21

September 27 - Alabama

Georgia and Alabama have not met very often. It all stems from allegations that Wally Butts had the Dawgs intentionally lose a game in the early 1960s. For those of you who just moved to America, 'Bama was coached by Bear Bryant back then. Did they really need Wally's help? (I think this was before the Tide had Forrest Gump, though.)

This is where the schedule gets interesting and your author has to actually talk about football. Coach Saban is a great recruiter and a great coach. However, he has lost his last two games against Coach Richt.

The Dawgs tend to do a great job against teams that blitz and play man behind it, like Alabama, LSU, and Auburn, as opposed to zone-blitzing teams like South Carolina and Georgia Tech. The Tide will again have a great defense in 2008 and will rely heavily on All-World receiver Julio Jones to spark their offense.

The Dawgs will pick up the blitz, hit a few deep balls, and run the ball just well enough to get by with a close, close victory.

Dawgs 24, Tide 21

October 4 - Off week

Coach Richt plans new team celebration in honor of Tennessee coming to town next week. After their first touchdown, the Dawgs will write an essay about why noise violations in their dorm rooms are bad. See below:

http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper871/documents/p943507i.pdf

October 11 - Tennessee

The Vols have absolutely had Georgia's number the last two years. If that's not enough to motivate the Dawgs, I don't know what will. Georgia has never beaten a team coached by Phillip Fulmer with David Cutcliffe as the offensive coordinator. Luckily for the Dawgs, Cutcliffe is now coaching Lacrosse at Duke. Advantage: Dawgs.

Dawgs 31, Vols 17

October 18 - Vanderbilt (Homecoming)

Analysis: It's Vandy.

Dawgs 45, 'Dores 7

October 25 - LSU

The last time UGA visited LSU, the Dawgs lost. That loss probably cost the Dawgs a shot at the National Championship in 2003. If the Dawgs had beaten LSU, UGA would have played Ole Miss in the SEC Championship game. Georgia likely would have won that game and could have very well played Oklahoma or USC for the whole ball of wax (and the Dawgs would have gotten waxed, too).

On the last trip to Baton Rouge, Billy Bennett missed three field goals in a 17-10 loss, and David Greene fumbled inside the LSU 20-yard line in the first half. It was just a comedy of errors, really.

Georgia has a two-game winning streak against the Tigers, though, having beaten them in Athens 45-16 in 2004 and in Atlanta the next year 34-14 for the SEC Championship. I honestly think this game comes down to how the TV people schedule it.

Fun Stat: Since 1997, UGA is 3-1 against defending national champions. If they get LSU in the daytime, they will make it 4-1.

Day: UGA 21, LSU 10

Night: LSU 21, UGA 17

November 1 - Florida (Jacksonville)

It's the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail party, and it should feature two top-10 teams with two of the best Quarterbacks in the country. I really don't like Florida or Tim Tebow, but it's hard to root against a man who preaches in jails and does surgery on kids in third world countries.

Bad news for UGA: Tebow probably won't be hurt again in 2008 like he was in 2007. Good news for UGA: Tebow still does not play defense. This game could be a shootout like it was in 2007.

The key is whether UGA can run the ball again and control the clock. Moreno ran for more than 180 yards against the Gators last year. If he does it again, Georgia will get back-to-back victories over Florida for the first time since 1988-89.

Dawgs 38, Gators 31

November 8 - at Kentucky

No Andre Woodson? Then this game is no problem. Dawgs roll big 35-10.

November 15 - at Auburn

This is the game that most people are pointing to as the toughest test for the Dawgs. Georgia has beaten Auburn the last two years by a combined score of 82-35. Last year UGA pulled a "blackout" to beat Auburn. I'm wondering if maybe, just maybe, the Tigers come out in Orange jerseys for this game.

At this point the Dawgs are either unbeaten or have one loss and are sitting pretty. I want to think that UGA can run the table, but Auburn has just ruined too many years for the Dawgs, with the most recent being their 31-30 win in Athens in 2005 over a 7-1 UGA team. Auburn rolls Toomer's Corner at our expense again.

Tigers 24, Dawgs 21

November 22 - Off

Georgia studies the intricacies of the triple option by watching videos in black and white of teams that used to be good. Dannell Ellerbe and Rennie Curran almost break a rib laughing so hard and thinking about hitting Georgia Tech running backs.

November 29 - Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is going to be running the triple option this year. Let me say this: When Paul Johnson gets his system going, Tech is going to absolutely murder the middle of the road ACC teams. Seriously, Katie, bar the door when NC State and Duke come to town to play the Jackets!

But with two- and three-star recruits and an offense that major schools haven't run in 25 years (save for Nebraska), Tech is going to get destroyed by the FSUs, Virginia Techs, and Georgias of the world. The Dawgs take a page out of history's playbook by duplicating the 2002 score for this game.

Dawgs 51, Nerds 7

So, 11-1 or 10-2 depending on how the ball bounces in Baton Rouge. Frankly, the schedule is just much too hard for an unbeaten year. As we learned in 2007, though, 11-1 or 10-2 may just be good enough to get the Dawgs playing for the BCS championship.