And the 2nd best conference is…

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… the SEC leftovers.

Allow me to explain; every year heading into college football season the debate continues as to which conference is king.  As crazy as it sounds there are still people that don’t think the SEC is the premier conference.

When in reality the SEC is so overwhelmingly on top that I think you take out the last 7 national title winners (Bama, Auburn, UF, LSU) and what teams remain still make up the best conference.  Here is a look at how the 10 remaining teams stack up against other conferences:

Now if you match up those 10 teams game by game with any one of those other conferences, I think the SEC would go at least 6-4 or 7-3.  Insert the other 4 teams and it would get out of hand… So if I can make a credible argument for the SEC to be the best even without Alabama, there shouldn’t be an argument with the other guys included.  Go Dawgs

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Time to face Reality SEC fans…

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This title streak isn’t going to last forever, it will come to an end… eventually.

Eighty some odd days out now and I’m getting more excited.  The more I read on different blogs and sports sites, the more I laugh at how much everyone outside of the south hates the SEC.  When you look at the numbers we’ve put up just during the bowl season it really puts things into perspective.

This has been one hell of a streak, it will end at some point and most of the country will rejoice but until then let’s enjoy the ride.

How about them Dawgs, Roll tide, Geaux tigers, Gig ‘em Aggies, go (other) dawgs… and so forth

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Dream Team enters Junior year, part 2

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This is part 2, for part 1 go to previous post…

 

Hunter Long, OL – Played in 3 games in 2011, injured in 2012.  His brother Austin hasn’t had a whole lot of playing time, he may not either.  Grade:  NA

Nick Marshall, ATH – 5 tackles over 13 games in 2011, dismissed in 2012.  We may face him in 2013 as I thought he went to auburn, but I didn’t see him on their roster.  Either way, he sucks.  Grade:  F

Chris Mayes, DT – Hasn’t had any playing time yet for UGA but could be counted on for a lot in 2013 in addition to Mike Thornton at Defensive tackle.  Grade:  NA, I think he could be descent though.

Malcolm Mitchell, WR – Freshman all SEC and newcomer of the year in 2011.  4 touchdowns in both 2011 and 2012.  2011 numbers were maybe a bit better because of his split time at CB in 2012.  Lucky for us, he is only going to be a WR in 2013.  Look for lots of homerun plays in 2013 much like the touchdown he had against the gaytors last year.  This kid is a superstar.  He will be in next April’s draft.  Grade:  A

Corey Moore, S – Has appeared in 26 games for the dawgs but no major statistics to talk about.  A semi big recruit, was projected to be a solid contributor.  There is still time but it looks as though the Matthews and JHC have inside track at safety spots.  Grade:  C-

Jay Rome, TE – Big time recruit out of Valdosta.  Redshirted in 2011, played in every game last year.  Had 11 catches for 2 touchdowns, if he has similar 2013 numbers then the Dawgs offense could be in trouble.  Grade:  D+, his effort was called out a few times in practices… I’m not worried this guy will step it up and be at least a “B” grade player the next 2 years.

Chris Sanders, ATH – Released with Sanford Seay and Nick Marshall for undisclosed reasons.  Grade: F

Justin Scott-Wesley, WR – Redshirted in 2011.  Limited action, played well against Nebraska.  This guy will never likely be a stud, but he doesn’t need to be, the WRs are loaded and I think he will be another solid contributor.  Grade:  B-C, average to above average for next 2 years.

Sanford Seay, WR – Released with Sanders and Marshall, I think he stole some stuff out of dorms… douche.  Grade: F

Damian Swann, DB – This guy is a stud, toss up between him and Malcolm for the best recruit of the class, and I think I’d have to take Swann.  Watching him in high school, I never thought he would be this good.  Played in a lot of games in 2011, no crazy stats but you could see what was coming.  Broke out in 2012, started every game, lead team in INT, and won team’s most improved player award.  With all the defense we have to replace in 2013, it’s great knowing we have an all-conference corner to help all the new kids.  Grade:  A+, I’ll be a bit surprised if he doesn’t win a 1st or 2nd team all-American award at some point.

Nathan Theus, OL – It’s a long snapper’s dream for no one to know who you are… so far so good.  Grade:  B

Kent Turene, LB – Never actually enrolled at UGA due to grades.  Grade: NA

Xzavier Ward, OT – Redshirted in 2011, nothing of note in 2012.  Grade: NA

Ramik Wilson, LB – Descent playing time in 2011.  Even more playing time in 2012, played pretty well.  He will be one of the more important players on this year’s team, as he is one of the few returners on Defense.  Will be anchoring the middle with Herrera.  Grade: B, if he were to play at an elite level, our defense would be nasty.

 

Sorry for all the NAs, but it is hard to give a guy a grade who doesn’t play or wasn’t ever a big recruit.  Thus far overall, not a “dream” team type of class.  However, there are some very solid contributors and a few all conference players.  I hate that there were 5 guys that were dismissed; clearly the dawgs need to start recruiting more on character (vis-a-vis Keith Marshall).  This class should still end up being elite though, I don’t think anyone on this list has yet reached their ceiling, and some studs like Jay Rome have no where to go but up.  We shall see.

Top 5 players in this class I think look something like:

5. Chris Conley
4. Amarlo Herrera
3. John Jenkins
2. Malcolm Mitchell
1. Damian Swann

Go Dawgs

 

Dream Team enters junior year, part 1

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One sign of a good recruiting class is seeing how many starters come from it.  The much heralded “dream team” will be in its junior year this fall. A player’s third year in a system is when you typically see the most improvement.  I decided to take a look at what the 2011 recruiting class has done in it’s first 2 years and make a few projections as to how the class will sort out.

David Andrews, C – A consistent starter on the offensive line, should start 2 more years.  Grade:  B

Sterling Bailey, DE – Redshirted in 2011, made 1 assisted tackle in 3 games in 2012.  Grade:  NA, potential average player next 2-3 years

Devin Bowman, DB – Redshirted in 2011, spot starter during early suspensions of 2012.  Got beat a few times against mizzou.  Most likely will remain a second stringer for career.  Grade:  C

Chris Conley, WR – Caught 2 touchdowns during limited action in 2011.  In 2012, played in all 14 games, started 3 games, and caught 6 touchdowns.  Torched Nebraska in finale for 136 yards and 2 TDs.  Will be a great compliment to Mitchell for at least one more year.  Grade:  B+, potential A

Isaiah Crowell, RB – In all honesty, was pretty good his freshman year… but doesn’t have half the smarts or drive as Gurley and Marshall.   Grade:  F,  obviously

Watts Dantzler, OL – Has appeared in 9 games in his first 2 years.  Wasn’t really expected to be a huge recruit to begin with.  Grade:  C-

Zach Debell, OL – Redshirted in 2011, appeared in 5 games last year.  Grade:  NA, I really have no idea what to expect out of him

Ray Drew, DE – Limited action in 2011.  Saw more time in 2012 but really didn’t have a big impact, not nearly what everyone is expecting out of him.  It appears he may not have a starting DE job locked up either for 2013.  Many others and myself saw him as a can’t miss recruit.   Grade:  C, would love to see more out of him

Quintavious Harrow, DE – Special teams action in 2011.  Gone in 2012.  More of a package deal with Crowell than we even thought.  Grade:  D, goes from an F to a D just because of the way he laid out that auburn dude

Amarlo Herrera, LB – Solid contributor in 2011 making eight starts and earning newcomer of the year award on defense.  In 2012 had 70 tackles, a pick 6, a forced fumble and recovery.  I’m expecting a great year in which he alleviates the losses at ILB.  Grade:  B+, should be an A in 2013 and hopefully will return

John Jenkins, DT – A complete monster, could be argued his 2011 was better than his 2012 in which he had more sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers.  As good as he was he could have been even better.  Should be a solid NFL player.  Grade:  A-

Christian LeMay – A similar DJ Shockley situation although not likely as good as Shockley.  Has really done nothing to speak of in real games.  I would like to see him in a few different packages every now and then but I don’t think it will happen.  Grade:  NA, can’t give the guy a low grade seeing as part of his absence isn’t really his fault

 part 2 coming soon

5 reasons why Dawgs will DOMINATE in death valley

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To be honest, Clemson is just one of those teams I’ve always hated.  Which bodes well for me and my upcoming move to Columbia, SC.  I started thinking about our opening with them and I came up with a few reasons that should ease the mind of Georgia fans:

Aaron Murray:  I know at times Murray has taken some flak during his career at Georgia.  However, he is going into his fifth year and I feel much more comfortable with him than giving Mason his first start in a hostile environment.  Murray threw for 19 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in his last 6 starts.

Clemson playmakers?  We all know Tajh Boyd is coming back to lead this vaunted ACC offense, but who is going to help him?  Andre Ellington, Deandre Hopkins, and Brandon Ford are off to their mediocre NFL careers.  With that Clemson is losing their top rusher, top receiver, and #1 tight end (have since lost new #1 to injury).  Unlike UGA, they have a very thin receiving corps.  Damian Swann covering Sammy Watkins means Boyd is going to have to make a lot of plays on his own in order to put up points.

Our veteran offense helping young defense:  I know the biggest worry of the 2013 Dawgs is overcoming the losses on defense.  I’m a big stats person and I can tell you that all the big names on the 2012 defense really didn’t result in that good of defensive stats.  If the 2013 defensive stats are worse, than we could be in trouble, but there is a lot of room for improvement.  The offense is going to help along the defense in the early going, in particular Todd Gurley.  The preseason all-American will keep moving the chains.  A young defense will play much better when they are on the field for 20-25 min a game.

Clemson’s secondary:  Clemson is losing 5 starters on defense.  No big deal, UGA is losing more than that but they are losing the same amount in the secondary as us (3).  But it’s easy to see whom the advantage should go to in the passing game.

Clemson’s very thin receiving corps – Tray Matthews, JHC, Swann, Dawson

Or

Clemson’s 3 new secondary starters – Mitchell, Bennett, Lynch, Conley, Wooten, Rumph…

It’s Clemson:  It seems like every year they are preseason ranked pretty high, right?  Well, last year was the first year in the BCS era they actually finished in the top 15.  2013 will likely be just another hyped up season that will end in disappointment for them.
I hope.

 

2012 Braves, Dawgs, Falcons – What could have been

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The 2012 sports season was in many ways the best and the worst season ever.  The Dawgs beat Florida, the Saints and Mets both missed the playoffs, the Falcons won a playoff game, but yet the way all 3 teams finished out still stings.  Let’s recap the 3 postseason games that left us wanting more.  This article may seem pessimistic, but I promise to end on a bright note.

2012 Atlanta Braves – Unlike 2011 when the Braves faded in September to let the Cardinals take the wildcard on the last day, the 2012 Braves held a 6 game wild card lead most of September.  But because of the new stupid wild card rule the Braves had to host the Cardinals in a 1 game playoff.  With unbeaten Kris Medlen on the mound, you had to feel good about our chances, but due to some self-made mistakes the Cardinals were leading 6-3 heading into the bottom of the 8th.  With two runners on and one out, Andrelton Simmons hits a pop fly to left field that lands between two fielders, but is ruled out due to the infield fly rule.  The worst infield fly rule ever kept the Braves from having the bases loaded with one out with McCann on deck.  Now the Braves may have not won that game anyway, but it sucks to see your momentum taken away by the umpires.  Little did I know that this game would be the least heartbreaking of the three.

2012 Georgia Bulldogs – There was an absurd amount of expectation put on last season’s Bulldogs.  The crazy thing is they actually almost lived up to it.  There were certainly ups and down during the course of the season, but heading into the SEC championship game against the best team in the country, we all felt we had a shot.  The game was an instant classic.  Emerging freshman Todd Gurley showed the country why he will be regarded as the best RB heading into 2013.  Aaron Murray lived up to the big game hype and put up a strong, resilient performance.  But in the end, the rush defense, as it had many times before, doomed the Bulldogs.  The late surge by Murray and the Bulldogs was stopped on the 5 yard line as time expired.  It was the most heartbreaking game I have ever witnessed.  But honestly I suppose we shouldn’t expect to win when we give up 350 rush yards.

2012 Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons have been repeatedly knocking on the door in the Mike Smith, Matt Ryan era.  However, 2012 seemed like their best shot.  Home field advantage doesn’t happen every year.  With Matt Ryan losing his first 3 playoff games, the pressure was starting to mount.  Ryan took that highflying offense to a divisional round victory in the dome.  The Falcons then hosted the heavily favored San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship.  The Falcons jumped out to a big lead only to watch it fade away in the second half.  Much like the Bulldogs, the Falcons found themselves with one drive left, touchdown or bust.  The Birds had a 1st down on the 15 yard line with about a minute left.  After a few measly no gainers, Roddy White was robbed on 4th down but the official never threw a flag.  Season over.

2013 outlook:  First off, I’m proud of all three teams for the strong seasons they had, it’s better than cheering for teams that don’t even make the playoffs.  The good news is there is no way we will ever have to endure so many tough losses again in the same season.  And all 3 teams are still in great shape for the years to come.  The Braves signed the dynamic Upton brothers and have the best outfield in baseball, to go with the game’s best closer.  The Dawgs have record breaker Aaron Murray returning to play one more year with the best running back duo in America.  The Falcons have the best receiver corp around and are likely to make a big free agent splash next week.  So I guess after all those devastating losses we are left saying the same thing as every other fan:  “Just wait till next year”.

For once, I respect the B1G 10

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I saw the B1G 10 has reached an agreement within their schools to stop scheduling FCS opponents.  It could begin as soon as 2014.

I wish that all the big conferences would do this, i would much rather see the big schools play Central Michigan than Savannah State.

A message to Tunsil and other Ole Miss recruits

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Dear Ole Miss recruiting class,

The University of Georgia is sending 11 people to the NFL combine this year, all 11 are likely to get drafted.  Ole Miss is sending zero.  Yep zero, but I’m sure you will get drafted higher having played at a school who finishes at the bottom of their division every year.

Best of Luck

Relax guys, The sun will come up tomorrow

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So we missed out on the top guys in our own state.  Part of me will laugh when Kamara rides the bench or when Tunsil and Adams duke it out for 4th place in the SEC west.

Whatever, I want guys who are pumped to come to Georgia.  Guys like Brendan Douglas or Tray Matthews.  Our class is still great, not good, GREAT!  Aj green, gurley, murray, marshall, moreno, stafford, all came out of state.  I just want good players, i don’t care what state they come from.  We filled some needs and compete for championships for years to come.

GATA

 

This weekend could shape the 2013 season

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This weekend, there will be several high profile recruits visiting America’s best college town, aka Athens, Georgia.  Here are some of the recruits that could have a big role in the 2013 Georgia football team should they decide to play in the classic city.

Reuben Foster, LB:  Foster is a big time inside linebacker who could fill in nicely as a freshman and potentially start with Herrera in the middle.  I remember thinking after he got that awful auburn tattoo, “whatever screw him”, but now with the early departure of Ogletree, I’d love to see him suit up in the red & black.  Him and best bud Tray Matthews have always said they would play together in college so it bodes well for the Dawgs that Tray is his host this weekend.

Montravius Adams, DT:  Defensive tackle is perhaps the most important position of flux heading into 2013.  Losing Jenkins and Geathers really opened the door for anyone to step up.  If Adams wants immediate playing time there is no place better than Georgia.

Alvin Kamara, RB:  Funny how 2 years ago we would have killed for a guy like Kamara, now I look at him as a cherry on top of the sundae.  With Gurshall for 2 more years and AJ Turman coming in, Kamara is more of a want than a need.  But I still want him.  Odds are if he committed, either him or Turman would redshirt and the other would be 3rd string.

Davin Bellamy, DE:  Florida state commitment.  Remember the South Carolina game.  Did you see the difference between the ends at USC and the ends at UGA?  It was night and day.  We need this guy, unless you are really comfortable with Garrison Smith and Ray Drew in 2013…

 

These 4 guys and Tunsil are the 5 I really want.  If we get 3 of them that would be amazing.