Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Full Contact Tuesday: Game 1

The calendar says it is September. I didn't think it would ever get here. The Bulldog Boogie CD is in, the volume is up, and I am ready for some Bulldawg football!

I saw my first live Georgia Football game in 1982. Still, every season's opener feels like another first. I can only imagine how the Seniors and the Freshman must feel in practice this week. The Seniors preparing for their final campaign, the Freshman are not only going to play, but get their first taste on the road in a hostile environment. I can hardly wait!

The best thing about this opener is the opportunity to pop the bubble that is Oklahoma State. Their fans are talking all kinds of smack on their blogs. I can't wait to let the air out of that stadium.

A Prediction
After having a running play stuffed on first down, Zac Robinson will drop back to throw it on second down and will be introduced to Rennie Curran in an overly violent way. The tone will be set!

Some Bad News
BUI is pulling for Caleb, pardon the pun. I really hope this kid gets healthy, physically and mentally. He simply has too much God given talent to not have it shared with the world. Our schedule is just too difficult and the defenses are too physical to not have quality depth at running back. Get well soon CK!
King still not quite ready - University Of Georgia - Macon
Tailback Caleb King did some minor workouts with the team during Monday’s practice, but he is all but out for this weeke’s game at Oklahoma State.
Head coach Mark Richt said King would likely need to practice by Wednesday to have a shot at playing, and King said he wasn’t sure when coaches would allow him to resume full workouts.
Some Good News
We may not have Caleb King this week, but getting Ben Jones and Chris Davis back is huge. I would rather have the starting line in tack with Kalvin Daniels running the ball than have a make shift line going into T. Booneland. We have talked about it many times, bt controlling the line of scrimmage is where it all starts and I have to feel good about our chances in that regard.
Bulldogs Blog: Practice Notes: Week 1 Unlikely For King
Offensive linemen Ben Jones and Chris Davis both returned to practice Monday after missing time with ankle sprains last week.
More from Hale:
NO MORE TACKLING
Georgia wrapped up its final practice in full pads Monday, and head coach Mark Richt said the day's work was particularly encouraging.
"It's our last day in full pads, last day doing any kind of tackling drills," Richt said. "I think the guys are beginning to really sense it's here. I feel a little more excitement and animation from the guys in practice, and I'm excited about that. Tomorrow in shells and two days in shorts, get a little crowd noise, and we'll be ready to go."
Cox said the team looked sharp and the energy level was high as the Bulldogs get set for their final three days of work before starting the season.
"You can tell it's getting close, and it'll only get better as the week goes on," Cox said. "Wednesday we'll go in shorts, and that's the first time we've gone in shorts, and that'll be the first time we've gone in shorts in a long time. But everybody's excited about it. We had a lot of energy today, and it's just going to keep getting better until the game."
No Caleb, would you settle for Robert Edwards? That is the comparison Mike Bobo makes with Richard Samuels. Talk about high praise. As a little reminder, I believe it was 5 touchdowns scored by Edwards in his first big game (USC) as starting tailback.
On Jon Richt’s debut, Richard Samuel’s speed and Logan Gray’s role | UGA Sports
Bulldog Nation might not fully realize the speed of its new No. 1 tailback, Richard Samuel, who got only 26 carries last season.
“Richard can run. Richard is very fast,” UGA offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “When he gets out in the open field . . . compared to some guys that we’ve had in the past, I’d say he’s the fastest.”
The fastest?
Bobo said that assessment covers tailbacks Georgia has had in the nine years he’s been on the coaching staff, as well as when he played at Georgia from 1993-97.
“He’s similar [in speed] to Robert Edwards,” said Bobo, referring to Georgia’s tailback of his own playing days. “Richard might be a little bit faster.”
This and That
T Kyle talks scheduling and I tend to agree with him. I understand we are in the SEC and are in-state rival is a non-conference game, that certainly muddies things up and does not provide for any easy comparisons with other programs. I still like playing out of region non-conference games against quality foes. I do buy the travel argument and hope that can be taken into consideration in the future. If it is possible to have an off week, or a patsy week, following any long travel games I think we could have the best of both worlds.
Kyle Gets Contrary: Why I Agree With Damon Evans, and Disagree With David Hale and Mark Richt, Regarding Out-of-Conference Scheduling - Dawg Sports
We here at Dawg Sports are huge David Hale fans, as evidenced by MaconDawg’s recent interview with the man himself. David is thorough, insightful, and informative, and he offers measured, reflective opinions without passion or prejudice. Respect for him in these parts is substantial. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean we always see eye to eye, and this is one of those times when reasonable bloggers disagree.
One of BUI's favorite Dawg Blawgers talks about breaking the familly chains to Orange. We are very proud of you Bernie.
Bernie's Dawg Blawg: Red Flags Over Clempson
If you were not already aware, I am the product of an IPTAY marriage. Luckily my parents had enough sense to raise me in Athens. I tell them it was so Child Protective Services would get off of their backs.
AuditDawg, who obviously is spending way to much time on his CPA exams, forgets that past performance does not gurauntee future performance and goes out on a twig in his predictions for the year. FYI, I HATE Auburn!
Some more early predictions « The Hobnail Boot
(11) Saturday, November 14th, Auburn @Athens, GA: Loss
The dreaded 1st year Auburn coach playing in Athens syndrome strikes again and Auburn wins between the Hedges. This serves as Gene Chizik’s only memorable victory of the year as Auburn is on its way to another 5-7 season.

Go DAWGS!

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