UGA OUTLOOK 2010

Judging by the numbers from last season, Georgia began to really take shape mid season as the ground game took full stride. It started upfront with a healthy offensive line for the Vanderbilt game. UGA was unable to harness that energy for remainder of season on a weekly basis. The DAWGS were stricken with penalties and really battled with sustained balanced production from the run and the pass. Sure there were some great victories in the 2nd half of the season, but look for a strong emphasis on smash mouth football in 2010.

It starts up front with Offensive and Defensive Lines.

First off, the O-Line brings the starting 5 all back. If the DAWGS handle themselves the way they ended 2009, as they rolled Georgia Tech and Texas A&M, then predictions going into Spring Practice centers around DAWG fans being very pleased. CALEB KING and WASHAUN EALEY will have good holes to run through. The fullback and tight end play will continue to hit them where it hurts, and A.J. will catch whatever is thrown to him. It should be nice to see A.J. Green catch the ball in stride this year. It seems like A.J. was having to make a ton of circus catches to bring in off-target throws last year.

Looking ahead at the D-Line, UGA is starting with a proverbial clean slate. As Grantham and company install the 3-4, everyone is focused on the future. No one is complaining about the new staff, and for good reason. Coach Richt and Damon Evans, have assembled an All-Star cast. Look for an aggressively sound Defense in 2010 with an emphasis on the fundamentals. Look for in-state defensive recruits to keep Georgia at the top of their list from here on out. Coach Grantham and company will lead the Georgia Defense back to national prominence.

(Photo courtesy Parker Moore)


There are new faces upfront and a number of returning players. Look for key players to step up big. A couple names come to mind. The defense is being re-crafted currently, and we will know a lot more after the spring game, but speedster JUSTIN HOUSTON is a standout. Whether he's rushing off the line or lining up a linebacker, he will impact games. He speed and rushing abilities should be a huge asset for 2010.

I'm also looking for big things from DEMARCUS DOBBS. I'm very excited about seeing what KWAME GEATHERS and DEANGELO TYSON bring to the table in 2010.

Georgia will have to work out the kinks quick as the season opener against Louisiana (September 4th). The DAWGS play the following week in "The Southern Man's Classic" against against South Carolina in the SEC opener. Both dates will be here before you know it.

Georgia Football Loses Some Players But Looks to Fill in the Gaps for 2010

By my count, Georgia is losing a total of 24 football players following the conclusion of the 2009-2010 season:

• Defense
o DT – 4
o DE – 1
o DB – 6
o LB – 4
o Total - 16
• Offense
o QB – 2
o WR – 3
o FB – 1
o OL – 1
o Total - 7
• Special Teams
o PK – 1

Starting upfront on the defense as Jeff Owens, Kade Weston, Geno Atkins, and Roderick Battle who combine for approx 1,100 lbs. and all leave as seniors.

In addition Georgia losses some key linebackers including first team All-SEC Rennie Curran. Also on the LB list departing are Darius Dewberry and Marcus Washington.

Next comes the secondary, where Georgia takes a hit from the losses of Bryan Evans, Reshad Jones, and Prince Miller.

What Georgia has done to address these losses?

Bacarri Rambo, Justin Houston, Darryl Gamble, Branden Smith, and Brandon Boykin all look to step up their game and become even bigger leaders on the Defensive side of the ball in 2010.

In addition, Georgia signed 11 Defensive players in the 2010 recruiting class. The list includes:
• Demetre Baker (LB)
• Brandon Burrows (DE)
• Marc Daes (DB)
• Jalen Fields (DE)
• Jakar Hamilton (DB)
• Dexter Morant (DE)
• Alec Ogeltree (DB)
• Derek Owens (DB)
• Garrison Smith (DT)
• T.J. Stripling (DE)
• Mike Thornton (DT)

In addition Georgia has new leadership in the Defensive coaching staff headed by Todd Grantham (D Coordinator), Scott Lakatos (Secondary), and Warren Belin (Linebackers). Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting whiz Rodney Garner returns as well to continue his great efforts with the D Line.

On the offensive side of the ball Georgia losses clutch receive Michael Moore, Vince Vance and Joe Cox. But the offense does retain big names like A.J. Green, Caleb King, Washaun Ealey, Orson Charles, Aaron White, and a stellar offensive line, who all return.

A number of players look to fill in the gaps, some already on the roster like Marlon Brown. At 6-5 and 220 lbs. he looks to jumping in the fray a lot more in 2010.

In addition, the 2010 Recruiting class brings on 8 additions for the Offense. The list includes:
• Brent Benedict (OL)
• Michael Bennett (WR)
• Kenarious Gates (OL)
• Kolton Houston (OL)
• Ken Malcome (RB)
• Hutson Mason (QB)
• Alexander Ogletree (RB)
• Lonnie Outlaw (WR)

The offensive coaching staff remains intact with Head Coach Mark Richt, Mike Bobo (O Coordinator and QB’s), Tony Ball (WR’s), Bryan McClendon (RB’s), Stacy Searels (O Line & Running Game Coordinator), and John Lily (TE’s).

2010 is going to be a very interesting year. Be sure to check back after the annual spring practice game for full G-Day coverage, post game notes and commentary.

US Justice Department Reviewing Legality of BCS

At the heart of the matter, we are talking about the Sherman Antitrust Act. As Senator Orin Hatch (R-Utah) eloquently wrote in a letter to President Obama in October 2009:

“After a careful examination of both the written and oral testimonies presented at this hearing, I believe a strong case can be made that the BCS is in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Therefore, I respectfully request that the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division look into this matter,”
(Courtesy http://hatch.senate.gov)

The Sherman Antitrust focuses on preventing cartels and monopolies, and with the track record of the BCS, undefeated teams can win all their games but still not have a chance to play for it all. As we saw this last year as Utah went undefeated but was outside looking in. Again this year we saw it happen again, another undefeated team was left out of the national championship discussion, Boise State. Neither of these teams have the popularity, enriched history or prominence on the college football scene, but both of those could have very easily played it down to the wire - if given the chance.

The system (BCS) as it stands is a series of rankings and ratings, with the sole purpose of putting #1 versus #2. This boils down to a beauty pageant. A beauty pageant which is inherently flawed. And Senator Orrin Hatch is doing his part to resolve this issue.


Imagine for a minute, at the close of the past December 5th, as we knew all the conference champions. We could have taken 8 conference champions and played a true playoff bracket to truly determine the winner. Imagine coaching staffs, athletes, and teams controlling their own destiny. Teams rewarded for winning their Conference and taking a seat at the after-party.

Here is the playoff bracket if you take the conference champions:



Hopefully, this will continue to move forward and real progress can be made, as the only way we can truly know who the actual champion is, is to first ensure that there are not multiple teams undefeated at the end of college football season. A playoff quite simply would achieve this.

For more information on the latest, please read all about it at Senator Orin Hatch's website.

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide Bring Home the Crystal Ball

The Alabama Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, Jim McElwain, and Kirby Smart defeated Texas in the National Championship game with a score of 37 - 21.

(Photo courtesy of ESPN)


Unfortunately the fans did not get to see the game we had been waiting for all season as Texas called an option left play very early in the game. Colt is right-handed, so this left his throwing arm exposed to the teeth of Alabama's defense. It did not turn out good for Colt and company as the throwing shoulder was damaged pretty badly. Many thought Colt would come back, but he did not. With a pro career and a big contract looming, Colt did not risk it.

So all eyes turned to 6-4 Freshman from Austin, Garrett Gilbert. He played a good game considering he was up against the best defense in the land.

Early on, Will Muschamp's defense came out looking hot. Alabama attempted a fake punt which failed and resulted in a brief heart attack for the BAMA faithful.

Texas got in the redzone twice, but only came away with a pair of field goals. This would not hold up against BAMA. The first half ended with a crazy play as Texas called a shuffle pass. The play was good in theory and maybe it would have worked with Colt in, maybe it would have worked if they were facing a different defense. Maybe didn't work as BAMA defensive lineman, Marcell Dareus snagged the ball and took it the house on a 28 yard touchdown interception. It was a huge play that left Texas with 3 seconds on the clock before the half.

The score at the half Alabama 24 - Texas 6.

The second half got better as Alabama got conservative chewing up clock. Texas' defense led by Will Muschamp got some stops, and Garrett Gilbert settled down and got the ball to Jordan Shipley. Shipley finished the night with 10 catches for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Texas cut the led to 3 points with time winding down, but Alabama marched it down the field when it had to and stuffed it with a power play to the left with an incredible effort from Mark Ingram. BAMA finished the night with 205 yards on the ground and 4 Touchdowns as both Ingram and Richardson got a pair of TD's a piece on the ground.

Ingram's touchdown put the exclamation on his Heisman Trophy season and marked the victory for Alabama. Alabama was clearly the better team throughout the season and in this game, when it counted the most.

Coach Saban brings in another National Championship, and apparently there are talks in Tuscaloosa about a new statue at Bryant-Denny Stadium’s Walk of Champions plaza.

Congratulations Alabama on a perfect 14-0 season.