What...no Dawg updates?

[Bulldog Bry]

I lifted this from.........somewhere else, they are not my predictions. I added full names:

(re: Wednesday's practice)

Paul Oliver and Geno Atkins were out there at practice, they may have
showed up late, but they were there.

Defense got the best of the offense today, but it was not by much. 1
Offense and 1 D were very even.

Reshad Jones plays the run VERY well. He met [Knowshon] Moreno on a sweep at the 2
and drove out at the 4. He also would have destroyed [Blake] Barnes on a play
if he could hit the QB.

Our young FB's are VERY good and there will not be a drop-off when
Southerland leaves. Both very athletic and will run you ass over.
[Shawn]Chapas was very impressive. Fred Munzenmaier had a TD catch on the Goaline drill.

[Dannell]Ellerbe looked very good today and returned a fumble 50 yards for a
TD. Also met [Kregg]Lumpkin at the goaline and stood him up. He is very emotional.

Brandon Miller really looks like a captain out there and was making plays,
period.

DO NOT underestimate Marcus Howard. He is soooo fast around the edge
and I saw him make a handful of plays on run D. He is small, but he
can play, period.

[Justin}Wynn is very impressive and I think he will make a big impact. He
constantly provides a pass rush and plays the run just as well. Once
he learns the D, watch out.

Stafford had a good day and made a few unreal throws. Hit Tripp Chandler
with a 30 yard bullet over the middle of the field that Tripp caught
in stride. I did see him get picked off by [CJ]Byrd, but you are going to
have that.

Kenneth Harris caught a 70 yard TD on Prince Miller from [Joe]Cox. Cox might have been
sacked in a real game, but oh well.

The O-line played very well, and they did not let the D line have
there way with them. [Trinton]Sturdivant is very impressive for a true frosh. Vince Vance was in green (non contact).

Rod Battle is a very good pass rusher, and I honestly think he can be
at least as good as Quentin Moses was this year, if not better. I am excited
about him.

Demarcus Dobbs played very well today and he has impressed me more and more.

Jeremy Lomax also had a nice day until he got shaken up. I think he was fine.

I am no longer concerned about DE.

Moreno had one run that was unreal and had the sidelines going crazy.

Kregg Lumpkin is so good and his vision is still the best. I am very excited
about Moreno, but Lump is a very polished back. He did have one fumble
when he got destroyed, and that is the same play where Ellerbe took it
back.

Darius Dewberry met Lump at the goaline and rocked him. The Defensive coaches and
players were giving him a lot of props.

Mohamed Massaquoi looked good today, and looked a step quicker.

Stafford had a 50 yard pass to Mikey Henderson who was being covered step for
step by Bryan Evans, that Staff absolutely put in his breadbasket. It was
beautiful.

Blake Barnes is really struggling.

Reshad Banks destroyed someone on a play, but could not see who it was.

It was a very spirited practice and man I am starting to love this team.

FWIW....

[QC_Dawg]

Sounds good to me. I can't wait for the G-day game. I realized when it was and had to call my folks and tell them I wouldn't be making it home for Easter

[Dmldawg782]

Thanks for the update. Man I wish I was able to watch them practice and play this coming weekend. Keep us out of staters up to date with information. It gets me salivating for the fall.

[QC_Dawg]

man was g-day fun. knowshon moreno looked fantastic. he and lumpkin are going to light it up next year. chris durham was a surprise too, granted he was up against the 2nd string D. reshad jones looks nasty as well. I cant believe he's a freshman. wow... its going to be a while before it all settles in, but i sure am excited about the fall

[hmsdawgs]

QC...any more info on Gday? How did Stafford look...the OL...the DL...any other updates?

[Bulldog Bry]

I just got back. Will post some info tonight.

[SeanVol]

I Seen some of the Gday Game and I think UGA will finish second in the SECE now!

[QC_Dawg]

QC...any more info on Gday? How did Stafford look...the OL...the DL...any other updates?

Stafford looked alright. There were a few mistakes early, but they were mostly caused by the o-line not holding up. By the end of the game tho, the O-line was playing a lot better, and Staffords play also jumped a level. He had a beautiful pass to Mikey Henderson, who looks like he's going to be a huge offensive weapon this year. Vince Vance looked like he wouldn't be moving up to the first team anytime soon.

The defense looked pretty good, despite the high offensive production. We definitely have a lot of depth. There didnt appear to be much drop off from first to second team. In fact, I expect there to be some shuffling with the LB's, possibly the secondary. Asher Allen and Kelin Johnson weren't very consistent in my opinion, but I'm not worried about them for the season. Bryan Evans look like he hurt his wrist, hopefully its not too bad. Luckily theres a long time before the season starts.

Lumpkin and Moreno are going to be deadly.

Our special teams really need practice, it was sloppy.

if you have any specific questions, just ask.

[Bulldog Bry]

Just random notes:

Warmups and sidelines:
Brandon Coutu was punting and doing a pretty good job.
Someone was in my way of shooting some video down at the hedge. I noticed his name on his jacket - Israel Troupe (he was signing autographs). Of course I wanted to ask him if he's really going to play football, but I'm sure he's heard it all before.
I had read that they were playing the #1 offense against the #2 defense and vice versa, but it was #1 vs #1 and #2 vs #2
I caught Coach Searels chewing out #72 on the white team (Vince Vance, I think). I've heard he really gets on those OL's - now I see what they mean. Nothing against Calloway, but I hope that translates into better production this year.


The game:
I saw one of those "hits" that Reshad Jones made. It seemed like he was all over the field.
We sure do work Jason Johnson hard in the Gday games. I'm not sure why he never plays, even in mop up duty.
I understand why everybody's excited about Moreno. He's solid and can run east/west and straight up the middle. But Lumpkin is no slouch.
I'm not sure what it is that makes Southerland such an offensive weapon, but he continues to amaze me. And Chapas and Munzenmaier don't look far behind.
One thing I saw from Cox and Stafford today was that they were hitting receivers in stride. Seems like it's been awhile since we've had that
I know Blake Barnes came around late in the game, but he looked horrible in the first half. I'm glad Joe Cox decided to stay.
The TD pass from Stafford to Henderson was really pretty. I hope Mikey stays healthy this year. In fact, I'm not really worried about the receivers this year. They look like a different bunch. I've said it before, if that group catches even half the ones they dropped last year, we'll be in good shape. Durham looked great today, he's definitely got the best hands.
I think the only people who aren't worried about the linebacker situation are the coaches. I didn't see anything spectacular other than the fact that Akeem Dent can lay a lick on somebody.

Overall, I heard a lot of debate about whether or not it was good that the first team offense scored so many times on the first team defense. I've said before that I thought this would be the first year since Richt arrived that the defense won't carry us. I'm not saying that the O will score at will, but there are so many good changes (Searels, Bobo, Sean Bailey's back, etc) that I think they will be that much better.

[hmsdawgs]

Thanks QC and Bry for the great updates.

[Grady]

Just random notes:
We sure do work Jason Johnson hard in the Gday games. I'm not sure why he never plays, even in mop up duty.

In fact, I'm not really worried about the receivers this year. They look like a different bunch. I've said it before, if that group catches even half the ones they dropped last year, we'll be in good shape.

I think the only people who aren't worried about the linebacker situation are the coaches. I didn't see anything spectacular other than the fact that Akeem Dent can lay a lick on somebody.

Overall, I heard a lot of debate about whether or not it was good that the first team offense scored so many times on the first team defense. I've said before that I thought this would be the first year since Richt arrived that the defense won't carry us. I'm not saying that the O will score at will, but there are so many good changes (Searels, Bobo, Sean Bailey's back, etc) that I think they will be that much better.

No, Jason Johnson played last year for The Bulldogs. He returned a kickoff and played in 12 of the 13 games.

2006 SEC Football - Georgia (http://www.secsports.com/new/sports/fbc/06stats/ug.htm)

Jason Johnson has done very well and commented upon by Coach Richt frequently through the years, every year. A senior now, it is not easy to play behind Brannan Southerland who scored 10 TDs last season, and is a great pass and run blocker destined to the NFL.

Our opponents did not seem to have any problems holding on to the football, gathering in 6 fumbles lost by Matthew Stafford of the 10 he put on the carpet while rushing for only 3 TDs and gathering in 13 interceptions from Matthew Stafford while throwing for only 7 TDs. Drops happen. 23 miscues by the Starting QB alone last year while scoring only 10 times both passing and throwing, is what needs to improve this season - not some concept that in fact the receivers were the problem or the OL was for Matthew Stafford having 10 scores to 23 miscues.

Our linebackers are not the issue : It's no-name Brandon Miller, who supposedly was ranked the Number 1 Football Player in the State of Georgia, and now as a senior has done nothing.

I do not know how the NCAA's Number 90 Total Offense could possibly be worse than last season, but suggesting it will be stronger would seem to be a safe bet. Eh ?

But, as for 55 points in ostensibly half a football game, this defense sorely needs to have Reshad Jones Starting in it game 1 against an explosive exciting Oklahoma State team who plays a very hard schedule strength every year like UGA does, and also like UGA has a stout offense and returning stars on its offense also like us.

I have read the theory that G-Day Games are set up for players to shine.

Of course, it is 'Tween The Hedges on Television, highly viewed, and as important as games against Vandie and Kentucky, both of whom our Starting QB did not one good thing against as we lost to both for the first time in 4 decades. Our OL last season gave up the 2nd fewest sacks in the SEC; so it was not their fault that our opponents caught the high-velocity throws and our receivers did not. There were many flings behind the receivers on this day by our Starting QB, and once again the only long reception was credit to the receiver for Yards After the Catch. The QBs, all of them, did well yesterday. This is where we have to improve, instead of acting like it is not their issues that led us to be the Number 90 Offense last season.

We have not punted the ball well for years.

As for the Defense, tackling players 50 yards downfield by Brandon Miller and by Kelin Johnson just doesn't cut it. Knowing what to do has to be weighed against making plays.

Reshad Jones made the plays and Kelin Johnson did not yesterday; therefore, one should be in the line-up and one not.

I have issues with the middle linebacker who is starting; the rest of the linebackers get after it well.

I have issues with the Starting Strong Safety Kelin Johnson who was not in the least strong as our Safety and never has been. Reshad Jones would be far better at that position. But, that is based upon what I watched - not what I read that Kelin knows what to do. Knowing what to do is not as obvious as in fact making plays as Reshad Jones did.

Besides the MLB Brandon Miller and Strong Safety Kelin Johnson, the entire Defensive Line including Defensive Ends and Defensive Tackles were the problem yesterday. I am not in the least ready to concede that we have no talent on Defense this season; we do, and need that talent on the field of play as demonstrated in the Game G-Day Game on TV.

As for the theory that Knowshon Moreno, like Reshad Jones, were given some conspiracy theory opportunity to shine for me yesterday; the facts are that football ability is not subject to hype when on the football field against the Best we had to offer, they in fact did steal the show according to everyone else - not just me.

[Bulldog Bry]

No, Jason Johnson played last year for The Bulldogs. He returned a kickoff and played in 12 of the 13 games.

2006 SEC Football - Georgia (http://www.secsports.com/new/sports/fbc/06stats/ug.htm)

Jason Johnson has done very well and commented upon by Coach Richt frequently through the years, every year. A senior now, it is not easy to play behind Brannan Southerland who scored 10 TDs last season, and is a great pass and run blocker destined to the NFL.

Our opponents did not seem to have any problems holding on to the football, gathering in 6 fumbles lost by Matthew Stafford of the 10 he put on the carpet while rushing for only 3 TDs and gathering in 13 interceptions from Matthew Stafford while throwing for only 7 TDs. Drops happen. 23 miscues by the Starting QB alone last year while scoring only 10 times both passing and throwing, is what needs to improve this season - not some concept that in fact the receivers were the problem or the OL was for Matthew Stafford having 10 scores to 23 miscues.

Our linebackers are not the issue : It's no-name Brandon Miller, who supposedly was ranked the Number 1 Football Player in the State of Georgia, and now as a senior has done nothing.

I do not know how the NCAA's Number 90 Total Offense could possibly be worse than last season, but suggesting it will be stronger would seem to be a safe bet. Eh ?

But, as for 55 points in ostensibly half a football game, this defense sorely needs to have Reshad Jones Starting in it game 1 against an explosive exciting Oklahoma State team who plays a very hard schedule strength every year like UGA does, and also like UGA has a stout offense and returning stars on its offense also like us.

I have read the theory that G-Day Games are set up for players to shine.

Of course, it is 'Tween The Hedges on Television, highly viewed, and as important as games against Vandie and Kentucky, both of whom our Starting QB did not one good thing against as we lost to both for the first time in 4 decades. Our OL last season gave up the 2nd fewest sacks in the SEC; so it was not their fault that our opponents caught the high-velocity throws and our receivers did not. There were many flings behind the receivers on this day by our Starting QB, and once again the only long reception was credit to the receiver for Yards After the Catch. The QBs, all of them, did well yesterday. This is where we have to improve, instead of acting like it is not their issues that led us to be the Number 90 Offense last season.

We have not punted the ball well for years.

As for the Defense, tackling players 50 yards downfield by Brandon Miller and by Kelin Johnson just doesn't cut it. Knowing what to do has to be weighed against making plays.

Reshad Jones made the plays and Kelin Johnson did not yesterday; therefore, one should be in the line-up and one not.

I have issues with the middle linebacker who is starting; the rest of the linebackers get after it well.

I have issues with the Starting Strong Safety Kelin Johnson who was not in the least strong as our Safety and never has been. Reshad Jones would be far better at that position. But, that is based upon what I watched - not what I read that Kelin knows what to do. Knowing what to do is not as obvious as in fact making plays as Reshad Jones did.

Besides the MLB Brandon Miller and Strong Safety Kelin Johnson, the entire Defensive Line including Defensive Ends and Defensive Tackles were the problem yesterday. I am not in the least ready to concede that we have no talent on Defense this season; we do, and need that talent on the field of play as demonstrated in the Game G-Day Game on TV.

As for the theory that Knowshon Moreno, like Reshad Jones, were given some conspiracy theory opportunity to shine for me yesterday; the facts are that football ability is not subject to hype when on the football field against the Best we had to offer, they in fact did steal the show according to everyone else - not just me.

Grady, I read your campaign on the other thread about Jones. I'm not saying that he's not ready, but I still trust the coaches. I get it, you don't like Kelin. If Reshad is ready, they'll put him in. As far as stealing the show, again, I don't put much faith in the Gday game. My point about Jason Johnson was that he had a GREAT Gday game last year, then did not play much in 2006. If he's so great, why didn't they bring him in at the end of the Auburn game when Lump and Ware got hurt? He's supposed to be a hybrid FB/TB. We'll have to agree to disagree on "making plays" vs "knowing what to do". I think they are equally important. Reshad was playing against the #2 offense. Kelin against the #1 offense. And like I said, Jones' team gave up 21 quick points, so he missed some plays, too.

And you are honestly going to sit there and tell me that dropped passes were not the BIGGEST problem on offense last year? Then we watched different games. The Florida game alone was altered by Milner's drops. I know because I was there. They dropped 7 passes in the VT game and still won, which was a positive sign. Ask anybody here, I was not a huge fan last year of putting Stafford in so early last year, because I knew he would make mistakes and I wasn't sure he was the wonder boy everyone said he was. So to call out his miscues as a freshman, well, that's what everyone wanted and they got it.

Just so I'm clear, did you actually say that the Gday was as important as Vandy and Kentucky?

[Bulldog Bry]

Update on a sideline report from yesterday:

(from the Dawgrun)

Players really respect R. Jones. Will be surprised if he does not
beat out Byrd very soon.
You may be right after all, Grady.

I don't know how knowledgeable this guy is, but he also said this:

Overall, the staff seems to be more harmonious than previous years,
but not like when they first arrived in 2001 and 2002. Seeing Bobo
and Searles interact pre-game collectively, and seeing their
competitive fire on opposite sidelines yesterday leaves a very
positive impression. Not to read too much into one practice, but I
really worry about our DL and LBs. It seems to be a significant drop
off from what we are used to. Fabris always gets good play from the
DEs, but his material is very raw right now. This OL will struggle
this fall, but look out in the future. Our OLs will finally be
developed, and actually improve with consistent play over time. Will
our DLs and LBs? This fall, we will find out.

I found the bit about the LB's interesting since Richt had been so high on Dent, Dewberry and Miller.

[Grady]

As far as stealing the show, again, I don't put much faith in the Gday game. My point about Jason Johnson was that he had a GREAT Gday game last year, then did not play much in 2006. If he's so great, why didn't they bring him in at the end of the Auburn game when Lump and Ware got hurt? He's supposed to be a hybrid FB/TB. We'll have to agree to disagree on "making plays" vs "knowing what to do". I think they are equally important. Reshad was playing against the #2 offense. Kelin against the #1 offense. And like I said, Jones' team gave up 21 quick points, so he missed some plays, too.

And you are honestly going to sit there and tell me that dropped passes were not the BIGGEST problem on offense last year? Then we watched different games. The Florida game alone was altered by Milner's drops. I know because I was there. They dropped 7 passes in the VT game and still won, which was a positive sign. Ask anybody here, I was not a huge fan last year of putting Stafford in so early last year, because I knew he would make mistakes and I wasn't sure he was the wonder boy everyone said he was. So to call out his miscues as a freshman, well, that's what everyone wanted and they got it.

Just so I'm clear, did you actually say that the Gday was as important as Vandy and Kentucky?

Yes that is exactly what everyone witnessed last season, that the biggest problem on the offense was that despite the fact that we gave up the 2nd fewest sacks of all the SEC, that we had a not ready QB who admitted himself he was not ready, who had these 13 interceptions (7 TD passes) and 10 fumbles (6 lost to 3 rushing TDs).

When we can quit making excuses for the fact that that is what the games such as Vandie and Kentucky and Florida and the vols games turned on, and not dropped passes, then we can get on with scoring TDs and quit with the turnovers.

Florida was a game lost because we had a dropped pass ?

Look, dropped passes happen - especially when the passes are flung as hard as they can be behind the receivers and at their feet, or 10 feet over their heads. Defenders have a decided edge in such passes, as demonstrated to Bulldog fans last season.

Florida was lost because of dropped passes ?

Huh ?

Our Frosh QB had 4 turnovers, 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions and we lost by 1 score.

Now, please pray tell to me that some dropped pass was the difference ?

Great Scott.

I already read you say that the G-Day Game means nothing and that a guy who played in 12 of the 13 games last season including kickoff return he had because of his exploits in the G-Day Game, has no value.

Yes, losing to Vandie and Kentucky that no other QB at UGA in 4 decades accomplished doing nothing but miscues, ended up being games last season; but, we learn much more in G-Day Games normally than those games.

As for the 4 miscues that cost us the Florida game by our QB, losing by 1 score, being instead a dropped pass that cost us the game, then yes sir.

We watched different games. Actually, you watched the same game, and made up excuses that we wanted it, and got what we wanted. What I saw in the G-Day Game Saturday was more of the same carrying the football that way wanting to run the football instead of guys we have 4 deep to run the football far better and who "Value the Football" more than Matthew Stafford still does.

And, this year with the Defense giving up 55 points in half a game, just as clearly as Reshad Jones and Knowshon Moreno stole the show according to every report of the G-Day Game but your own, we are in for some soul-searching as to this current released Depth Chart.

It doesn't jive.

[GoDawgs123]

Hey guys, are there any videos online or anything that I can watch of GDay? I didn't get to go and I'd really like to check it out if I can. Thanks!

[Bulldog Bry]

Hey guys, are there any videos online or anything that I can watch of GDay? I didn't get to go and I'd really like to check it out if I can. Thanks!

I don't know where you live, but you can watch it on CSS in the Atlanta area on Thursday night at 7pm. Also, if you subscribe to Gxtra on georgiadogs.com, you can watch it online anytime. Now I will tell you that even though the spring game in particular has bad audio, Gxtra is well worth the money. You can listen to all the games on the internet and they have player interviews and things. For those of us outside SEC country, it's a Godsend.

[Bulldog Bry]

Yes that is exactly what everyone witnessed last season, that the biggest problem on the offense was that despite the fact that we gave up the 2nd fewest sacks of all the SEC, that we had a not ready QB who admitted himself he was not ready, who had these 13 interceptions (7 TD passes) and 10 fumbles (6 lost to 3 rushing TDs).

When we can quit making excuses for the fact that that is what the games such as Vandie and Kentucky and Florida and the vols games turned on, and not dropped passes, then we can get on with scoring TDs and quit with the turnovers.

Florida was a game lost because we had a dropped pass ?

Look, dropped passes happen - especially when the passes are flung as hard as they can be behind the receivers and at their feet, or 10 feet over their heads. Defenders have a decided edge in such passes, as demonstrated to Bulldog fans last season.

Florida was lost because of dropped passes ?

Huh ?

Our Frosh QB had 4 turnovers, 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions and we lost by 1 score.

Now, please pray tell to me that some dropped pass was the difference ?

Great Scott.

I already read you say that the G-Day Game means nothing and that a guy who played in 12 of the 13 games last season including kickoff return he had because of his exploits in the G-Day Game, has no value.

Yes, losing to Vandie and Kentucky that no other QB at UGA in 4 decades accomplished doing nothing but miscues, ended up being games last season; but, we learn much more in G-Day Games normally than those games.

As for the 4 miscues that cost us the Florida game by our QB, losing by 1 score, being instead a dropped pass that cost us the game, then yes sir.

We watched different games. Actually, you watched the same game, and made up excuses that we wanted it, and got what we wanted. What I saw in the G-Day Game Saturday was more of the same carrying the football that way wanting to run the football instead of guys we have 4 deep to run the football far better and who "Value the Football" more than Matthew Stafford still does.

And, this year with the Defense giving up 55 points in half a game, just as clearly as Reshad Jones and Knowshon Moreno stole the show according to every report of the G-Day Game but your own, we are in for some soul-searching as to this current released Depth Chart.

It doesn't jive.

Several things.
Martrez Milner dropped FOUR passes during the Florida game. Two on one drive. Go back and watch the game, those drops were crucial. Dropped passes absolutely KILL drives by wasting a down and then allowing the defense to adjust. I'm not saying that Stafford doesn't deserve some of the blame. He does. But during that game and many others, he put the ball right in the basket and our receivers had numerous drops. Everyone BUT you seems to agree on that. Again, I didn't really want Stafford in there at all last year. But everyone was DYING to get wonderboy in the game and look how it worked out. Was he the best option? I'll leave that judgment up to Coach Richt (as I do all of them).
By the way our frosh QB had ONE fumble and two INT's. look it up. And ask a Gator fan which was the most important fumble. That would be the one Lumpkin coughed up inside our 10 yard line. They punched that one in for 7.

As far as Jason Johnson, my point was, why does he get so much playing time in the Gday games and then never gets the same amount of work in the games? I don't care how many games he played IN. According to the season stats, he had ZERO rushes for ZERO carries. Yet in the Gday game, he burned new wonderboy Reshad Jones for a TD pass.

Grady, I don't want to argue with another Dawg fan. I want every single one of these guys to succeed. Any of them doing poorly does not benefit me as a fan. I just get tired of everybody second guessing the coaches. Last year with Joe T, the year before with DJ, etc. I WANT Moreno and Jones and Banks and all those guys to be as awesome as advertised. But I'm not ready to toss aside the opinions of the coaching staff and declare that I know what's best for the Dawgs. But the fact is that the WR's dropped a bunch of passes last year AND Stafford did not play well. I think we all expected the latter, but not the former.

[GoDawgs123]

I don't know where you live, but you can watch it on CSS in the Atlanta area on Thursday night at 7pm. Also, if you subscribe to Gxtra on georgiadogs.com, you can watch it online anytime. Now I will tell you that even though the spring game in particular has bad audio, Gxtra is well worth the money. You can listen to all the games on the internet and they have player interviews and things. For those of us outside SEC country, it's a Godsend.

Actually, I do live outside Atlanta, so that's perfect man, thanks!