Sept. 3rd Update: Some regular readers from Young Life was very reasonable in approaching me to find out why they were listed. We talked this weekend, and it's all sorted out. Cool guys.
PWD
August 31, 2006
Georgia Sports Blog's: On Notice Board
As others have said, I can't pass this up. The king of these internets today is the guy who invented this webo-widget for Stephen Colbert.
Sept. 3rd Update: Some regular readers from Young Life was very reasonable in approaching me to find out why they were listed. We talked this weekend, and it's all sorted out. Cool guys.
PWD
Sept. 3rd Update: Some regular readers from Young Life was very reasonable in approaching me to find out why they were listed. We talked this weekend, and it's all sorted out. Cool guys.
PWD
Spurrier Suspends Starting OG for 4 Games
It's official. Spurrier has suspended one of his starting offensive guards for the first 4 games. James Thompson, a junior, will likely be replaced tonight in Starkville by a true freshmen.
This is the 2nd projected starting OLineman from last spring that will miss our game. They had also recruited a Juco OT who didn’t qualify. He was projected to anchor the LT spot.
This really helps balance out the suspension of Dan Inman for Georgia.
PWD
This is the 2nd projected starting OLineman from last spring that will miss our game. They had also recruited a Juco OT who didn’t qualify. He was projected to anchor the LT spot.
This really helps balance out the suspension of Dan Inman for Georgia.
PWD
Blind Date Warning Sign: She's Got a Great Personality (and other QB thoughts)
Joe T in Action (Image: AJC.com)
Jeff Schultz of the AJC runs an article talking about JT3 that all but says, "He's got a great personality." Schultz says:
Even if Tereshinski is voted the least likely to ignite an offense, he’s also the least likely to spontaneously combust. That might be the biggest reason he’s in there: Richt doesn’t feel like it’ll be a struggle to control him.The article is written a bit tongue in cheek, and it's going to do nothing to get 90% of the Dawgnation to throw away their Jeff Schultz pin cushion voodoo dolls. However, he's not totally off base. Richt even says at the end of the day he's look for a guy that won't turn a bad play into a catastrophe (David Ching's Blog). Per Richt:
But there are times when things break down. It should be protected beautifully, but a guy misses a block, it should be open but the guy runs the wrong route. We think it’s a good play, but they happen to have a good defense called at that moment and there’s nothing you can do. Now, what are you gonna do now? Are you gonna throw it up for grabs, are you gonna run around and be a hero? Are you gonna get a 15-yard sack because you’re trying to scramble around and do something phenomenal?All of us want to see the big play. And that's what Stafford brings. That's what sells tickets. But for every ooh and every ahhh with Stafford right now it sounds like there would be two "holy crap that was a dumb thing to do." Big plays may sell tickets, but not turning the ball over wins games. So here we are.
Or are you gonna manage that situation and throw the ball out of bounds or step up in the pocket and maybe get a 3-yard sack instead of a 15-yard sack because you decide you’re gonna spin out of that and do something spectacular. He’s just done a really nice job of not turning any bad situations into a catastrophe – a turnover, a big sack or those kind of things.
If he's Jay Barker, we're in great shape.
If he's Greg Talley, we're hosed.
I'm smiling too. It's almost kickoff. Image: Georgiadogs.com
I think everyone is pulling for Joe T. He's got the great story. And while the UF, Arkansas and G-Day games weren't inspiring, I still worry much, much less about QB than Offensive line right now.
Other Links of Interest:
- Taylor at his natural LB position Will - DawgPost.com
- SEC Teleconference Highlights - David Ching
- More Options for Tereshinski - AJC
- SEC Predictions - DawgSports.com
- Week 1 Predictions - Dawgsports.com
- Official WKU Press Conference - Georgiadogs.com
PWD
Logan Gray's HS Teammate Commits to Dawgs at Tight End
 |
My favorite article is from the Columbia, Missouri Tribune, White's local paper. (hat tip: 2dawgphan from Dawgpost.com)
His body type says "lock to redshirt." And that's a good thing. We need some class separation among the TEs. Physically, he looks more like Randy McMichael did coming out of high school than some of the guys we've signed lately. McMiracle turned out pretty darn good. Also, the description of the kid's hands have been very, very positive.
pwd
Odell on Odell with ESPN's Page 2
Image: ESPN.com
Odell talks about his situation and his suspension with ESPN. I really hope he's telling the truth and playing it straight. It's pretty obvious now that all the meth and crack rumors were b.s. (as I said at the time). You can look at his body and see that there's no way he's on either of those. So at least that much of his story is true.
The rest is who knows. If Odell is playing it straight and if he uses the suspension to change his life, he really could go down as one of the greats. It's all up to him. Here's hoping for the best for him because he has a self-destructive streak a mile wide.
PWD
August 30, 2006
Mascot News: Before Uga. Before Mike and Before Butch...there was Mr. Angel?
Image: Red and Black. Click to enlarge and see a better looking pic
As this is the 50th year celebration of the Uga family of mascots, the Red and Black's Sam Steinberg put together a great look back at UGA's mascot during the World War II years.
Mr. Angel, as he was known, predates all other known UGA mascots (except for the goat our guys ate after the first loss to Auburn). He came before all six Ugas, Mike and Butch. However, he isn't listed as an offical mascot in the media guide.
The Red and Black combined photos from the Dog's owner with old photos from the Student yearbook to validate Mr. Angel's former owner's claims of "mascotness."
Pretty cool article.
PWD
Note: If I were the UGA AD's office, I wouldn't have commented on this story to the reporter either. There's not much you can say that wouldn't be uncomfortable given their lack of knowledge of the topic. Especially with Dan Magill not being up to speed on Mr. Angel. It'll be interesting to see if future Media Guides reflect his presence.
Video: Dooley's Junkyard Dawgs (James Brown Live)
From AVP video's "25 Years of Georgia Football: The Vince Dooley Era" comes this live halftime performance of James Brown doing his song "Dooley's Junkyard Dawgs." It was performed at the Gator Bowl...which I assume to have been the Cocktail Party, and not the Jan 1st Gator Bowl. Anyone know?
I can't decide what's most awesome about this, but I'm leaning towards the Red Jump Suit. GATA.
Note: I looked around and can't find a copy of the video online to link to so that you can buy it. However, here's a link to other Bulldog Videos. (Don't worry, I'm not pimping my store...this time.) The back of the box says you can order more videos by calling 800-688-DOGS, but I imagine this video is out of print. If it's available, I recommend it. It's outstanding.
pwd
I can't decide what's most awesome about this, but I'm leaning towards the Red Jump Suit. GATA.
Note: I looked around and can't find a copy of the video online to link to so that you can buy it. However, here's a link to other Bulldog Videos. (Don't worry, I'm not pimping my store...this time.) The back of the box says you can order more videos by calling 800-688-DOGS, but I imagine this video is out of print. If it's available, I recommend it. It's outstanding.
pwd
August 29, 2006
Video: Georgia's Pre-Game Battle Hymn Tribute
From the person who put this together, "This is a total hack job. I didn't have the software or equipment to do this justice, but it's so close to gameday who really cares. It'll have to do." (If the video doesn't load the first time. Hit F5 on your computer)
While I'm at it...here's the real thing (repost)
Enjoy!!!
PWD
While I'm at it...here's the real thing (repost)
Enjoy!!!
PWD
TV Affiliates for Western Kentucky Game (Full List)
Image: Georgia Sports Communications
Several folks have asked me about the TV Situation for the Western Kentucky vs. UGA game. Here is the full TV affiliate listing from Lincoln Financial Sports. Coverage begins at 12:00. Kickoff is at 12:30 EST. And yes...Lincoln Financial is the old JP Sports.
Bonus Gameday Info:
National Hurricane Center's 5 Day Cone for Hurricane Ernesto
Click the image to jump to the NHC's Ernesto Info Page. NOTE: If I did the link to the map properly, it should auto update every 4 or 5 hours. As of now, it looks like we're fine.
PWD
Dawgs Abroad: The Netherlands
The latest installment in the Dawgs Abroad series comes from Hunkering Hank who talks about being a kid overseas in the early 80s as a Dawg fan.
PWD
- When I was a kid my Dad was in the Air Force. We were stationed in the southern portion of The Netherlands at a base called AFCENT when I was between 9 and 12 years old.
 |
[Image: If you're going to have limited TV options, starting with the A-team ain't half bad]
My dad played basketball at UGA from 1964-66 and is a huge Georgia fan, as am I and my mom who went to UGA too. I got my undergrad and law degrees from UGA. My brother, the dumbass, went to the clown school.
Anyway, my dad decided one year that, by God, we were gonna see Georgia play its bowl game if at all possible (now I'll be danged if I can remember whether it was the 84 Cotton, 84 Citrus or 85 Sun - I think it was the Sun).
PWD Note: It makes a better story as the Cotton Bowl
So we drove to Bitburg, Germany to Bitburg Air Force Base, spent the night in the visiting officers quarters (all in one room as I recall) and stayed up all night waiting on the Georgia game.
We watched every game the Armed Forces Network ran that night and had a hell of a time. I'll never forget being crammed into that little room with my family and we were all exhausted, and, being a little kid of about 10 years old, I was just fighting like hell to stay awake for the Georgia game.
I couldn't make it and passed out at who knows how late, and my Dad woke me up screaming "GO ON BOY!!!" Which is what he screams whenever a Georgia player (ala Garrison Hearst at Auburn in 1992) breaks free (at all) and ought to score.
My Mom was out and my brother was fading fast, but I rallied and the real DAWGS in the family, me and my Dad, stayed up and watched until the end.
That was about the only pure Georgia trip we took, overseas, to see something UGA related. Of course, we made other great trips in the U.S. as a family to see the Dawgs play - like at Auburn in 1982 when I was 9.
Other stuff we did in Europe in the 1980's was fly Georgia flags on our house in the Netherlands. We would wear Georgia stuff everywhere we went, and we gave a Georgia rug (with a big bulldog head on it) to the local youth soccer club in the village of Schinveld, The Netherlands. They hung it on the wall, and I'm sure it's still up there.
Hope I added to your story.
PWD
August 28, 2006
UGA Announces More Info on Family Friendly Zones
Image: Georgiadogs.com
UGA Announces Details of Family-Friendly Offerings
Fans Can Tailgate with SEC Golf and Tennis Champions on Sept. 2
Official UGA Release (non-joke):
ATHENS, Ga., August 28, 2006—The University of Georgia and the UGA Athletic Association announced on Monday detailed plans for Gameday at the family-friendly zones on North and South Campus.
Over the course of football season, fans will have the opportunity to interact with cheerleaders, pep band members, and various athletics teams in these areas. They will also be able to enjoy numerous interactive games, have some laughs at a caricature booth, and do much more. There are no costs for any activities in the family-friendly areas. No alcohol will be allowed in these zones.
To read the rest of the press release, check out the Georgiadogs.com.
(BTW -- who ever at UGA had the idea to send a big tailgating plan critic like myself press releases on this stuff....it was a good one. I don't mind spreading the word on these plans. Even the parts I don't agree with. Keep the updates coming).
pwd
Hairy Dawg does what the NCAA won't do
Sometimes a photo is just too perfect.
From the Anti-Orange Page.
Feel free to propose alternate captions.
pwd
From the Anti-Orange Page.
Feel free to propose alternate captions.
pwd
Georgia Bulldog Preview (finally)
I struggled with how to write this, and I ended up with an approach of looking at:
– Run Defense: Georgia had its worst run defense of the Mark Richt era in 2005. After allowing an average of 108 yards per game on the ground the prior four years, UGA gave up 143 yards/game in 2005.
The drop-off was caused by endless injuries to Kedric Golston, Gerald Anderson and Ray Gant that left UGA thin and feeble at DT. Additionally, injuries to Tony Taylor and Brandon Miller took away the signature speed and tackling of the Georgia linebacker corps.
Jeff Owens. Image georgiadogs.com
With the last year's emergence of Jeff Owens, the progress of man-child Kade Weston and the new found health of Dale Dixson, UGA has more options along the interior DL to compliment a still gimpy Ray Gant. Ricardo Crawford and Geno Atkins combine to give UGA more depth than years past. Best of all, the linebacking unit is healthier this year, and there is more speed available. Assuming the Dawgs can maintain some modest level of health, the run defense should be dramatically improved.
What’s the same / break even:
– Run Offense: Georgia was #3 in the SEC in rushing yards in 2005; however, we seemed to drift away from the running game at critical times. Thomas Brown continues to improve, and necessity will force the Dawgs to run the ball more this year. The center position should experience a big upgrade with Nick Jones vs. the two-headed blow backward tandem of Ryan and Russ. The tackles are about break even vs. last year, but the loss of Max Jean-Gilles at Guard is huge for the running game. Overall, I’d consider the running game to be a wash vs. last year in terms of talent. The personnel is there to run the ball better, but if we can’t pass the ball the stats might not look as impressive. Break even.
Thomas Brown needs the rock! (image: Jim Hipple)
What’s Worse:
– Passing Offense: UGA finished #2 in the SEC in passing in 2005. DJ Shockley was the 2nd best QB in the SEC last year behind Jay Cutler. Joe Tereshinski might be the SEC’s 6th or 7th best QB this year, and all pipe dreams to the contrary Matt Stafford isn’t going to beat him out from 3rd on the depth chart. The scenario that results in a Stafford start has UGA doing so badly under JT3 that we’re in the Peach Bowl anyway. The WR/TE corp loses 3 of the top 4 returning pass catchers in Bailey, McClendon and Pope. On the bright side, Mo Mass should be better. Huge downgrade from last year.
Who's kidding who. These guys don't grow on trees.
– Pass Defense: Demario Minter, Tim Jennings and Greg Blue will be drawing an NFL payday this year. While a more mature Paul Oliver may end up being a break even or upgrade over Minter, replacing Jennings will be tough. Greg Blue was often lost against the play action pass so having Kelin Johnson/CJ Byrd back there with the ball in the air won’t be as much of a downgrade as some think. The pressure from Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses will make our DBs look better than they are early in the season. This area is a minor downgrade, but not by as much as the media is making out.
We'll miss Blue, but more against the run than pass.
Hoping for the Best:
– Special Teams: Brandon Coutu, Gordon Ely-Kelso and Thomas Flowers return for Georgia a little older and a little wiser. The marked improvement will HOPEFULLY come in the area of kickoff returns. UGA has been pathetic in this area since Fred Gibson was taken off the kickoff return team in 2002. Tony Ball is bringing a new single man return system to Georgia from Virginia Tech. Hopefully a little Beamer Ball will rub off on this unit and take it to the next level. At worst, it’s slightly above break even, but the potential is there for soooooo much more. (Oh yeah, and let's not fall for any more fake punts)
Goooood times. Image: Jim Hipple
– Defensive Play Calling: Brian Van Gorder improved by leaps and bounds as a play caller and schemer from 2001 to 2002. The poorly designed blitzes and struggles against balanced offense were replaced by a punishing elite unit after the 2001 season. Hopefully, Martinez learned similar lessons after his debut 2005 season. The game plan vs. WVU was an all-time nut job. Putting 6 men in the box against a run dominate offenses was puzzling. The near total lack of blitzing vs. UF was also bizarre given the success that Bama, UT and LSU had with the blitz against Leak (SC also used it well, but that game was after ours). It was like we didn’t watch film before those two losses. If we get more aggressive and scheme smarter this year, our entire defensive unit could leap forward.
Riddle: Who has two thumbs and didn't blitz Chris Leak?
The Schedule:
– The Good News: With the exception of the South Carolina game, the schedule starts fairly slow and builds over a period of time. This gives our youth/inexperience at positions like DB, QB and WR a chance to develop. If we can get past the South Carolina game with a win, we should be 5-0 going up against a UT team with more flaws and questions than we have. Mark Schlabach said that the SEC East will be decided at the Cocktail Party. That’s probably true.
My prediction is 9-3. If we stay healthy along the OL, get smart play from the QB and avoid the dropped passes of the past, we could win the East or better. If we lose Nick Jones, Dan Inman, Moses, Charles Johnson or Paul Oliver, we’re looking at less than 9 wins.
Unless we win the SEC, I think we’re in the Peach Bowl this year. More on that later.
pwd
- What should be better this year
- What will likely be worse
- What will be more or less the same
- Hoping for the best
– Run Defense: Georgia had its worst run defense of the Mark Richt era in 2005. After allowing an average of 108 yards per game on the ground the prior four years, UGA gave up 143 yards/game in 2005.
The drop-off was caused by endless injuries to Kedric Golston, Gerald Anderson and Ray Gant that left UGA thin and feeble at DT. Additionally, injuries to Tony Taylor and Brandon Miller took away the signature speed and tackling of the Georgia linebacker corps.
Jeff Owens. Image georgiadogs.com
With the last year's emergence of Jeff Owens, the progress of man-child Kade Weston and the new found health of Dale Dixson, UGA has more options along the interior DL to compliment a still gimpy Ray Gant. Ricardo Crawford and Geno Atkins combine to give UGA more depth than years past. Best of all, the linebacking unit is healthier this year, and there is more speed available. Assuming the Dawgs can maintain some modest level of health, the run defense should be dramatically improved.
What’s the same / break even:
– Run Offense: Georgia was #3 in the SEC in rushing yards in 2005; however, we seemed to drift away from the running game at critical times. Thomas Brown continues to improve, and necessity will force the Dawgs to run the ball more this year. The center position should experience a big upgrade with Nick Jones vs. the two-headed blow backward tandem of Ryan and Russ. The tackles are about break even vs. last year, but the loss of Max Jean-Gilles at Guard is huge for the running game. Overall, I’d consider the running game to be a wash vs. last year in terms of talent. The personnel is there to run the ball better, but if we can’t pass the ball the stats might not look as impressive. Break even.
Thomas Brown needs the rock! (image: Jim Hipple)
What’s Worse:
– Passing Offense: UGA finished #2 in the SEC in passing in 2005. DJ Shockley was the 2nd best QB in the SEC last year behind Jay Cutler. Joe Tereshinski might be the SEC’s 6th or 7th best QB this year, and all pipe dreams to the contrary Matt Stafford isn’t going to beat him out from 3rd on the depth chart. The scenario that results in a Stafford start has UGA doing so badly under JT3 that we’re in the Peach Bowl anyway. The WR/TE corp loses 3 of the top 4 returning pass catchers in Bailey, McClendon and Pope. On the bright side, Mo Mass should be better. Huge downgrade from last year.
Who's kidding who. These guys don't grow on trees.
– Pass Defense: Demario Minter, Tim Jennings and Greg Blue will be drawing an NFL payday this year. While a more mature Paul Oliver may end up being a break even or upgrade over Minter, replacing Jennings will be tough. Greg Blue was often lost against the play action pass so having Kelin Johnson/CJ Byrd back there with the ball in the air won’t be as much of a downgrade as some think. The pressure from Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses will make our DBs look better than they are early in the season. This area is a minor downgrade, but not by as much as the media is making out.
We'll miss Blue, but more against the run than pass.
Hoping for the Best:
– Special Teams: Brandon Coutu, Gordon Ely-Kelso and Thomas Flowers return for Georgia a little older and a little wiser. The marked improvement will HOPEFULLY come in the area of kickoff returns. UGA has been pathetic in this area since Fred Gibson was taken off the kickoff return team in 2002. Tony Ball is bringing a new single man return system to Georgia from Virginia Tech. Hopefully a little Beamer Ball will rub off on this unit and take it to the next level. At worst, it’s slightly above break even, but the potential is there for soooooo much more. (Oh yeah, and let's not fall for any more fake punts)
Goooood times. Image: Jim Hipple
– Defensive Play Calling: Brian Van Gorder improved by leaps and bounds as a play caller and schemer from 2001 to 2002. The poorly designed blitzes and struggles against balanced offense were replaced by a punishing elite unit after the 2001 season. Hopefully, Martinez learned similar lessons after his debut 2005 season. The game plan vs. WVU was an all-time nut job. Putting 6 men in the box against a run dominate offenses was puzzling. The near total lack of blitzing vs. UF was also bizarre given the success that Bama, UT and LSU had with the blitz against Leak (SC also used it well, but that game was after ours). It was like we didn’t watch film before those two losses. If we get more aggressive and scheme smarter this year, our entire defensive unit could leap forward.
Riddle: Who has two thumbs and didn't blitz Chris Leak?
The Schedule:
– The Good News: With the exception of the South Carolina game, the schedule starts fairly slow and builds over a period of time. This gives our youth/inexperience at positions like DB, QB and WR a chance to develop. If we can get past the South Carolina game with a win, we should be 5-0 going up against a UT team with more flaws and questions than we have. Mark Schlabach said that the SEC East will be decided at the Cocktail Party. That’s probably true.
My prediction is 9-3. If we stay healthy along the OL, get smart play from the QB and avoid the dropped passes of the past, we could win the East or better. If we lose Nick Jones, Dan Inman, Moses, Charles Johnson or Paul Oliver, we’re looking at less than 9 wins.
Unless we win the SEC, I think we’re in the Peach Bowl this year. More on that later.
pwd
SEC Bowl Predictions
The Bowl Picture is driven by ticket sales, tourism and the old boy system as much or more than by record in many cases. With that in mind, here are some thoughts.
Auburn's Man of Iron (Image: SECSports.com)
Sugar – Auburn
Bad news for Auburn…the SEC’s predicted champ has rarely won the conference over the past 10 years. The good news for Auburn…they’re exceptionally talented, deep, well coached and the schedule is in their favor. The winner of the LSU/Auburn game is probably in the Sugar. There’s a chance for two SEC teams to make the BCS, but it’s not likely given the new rules designed to protect Notre Dame and the non-BCS schools. (note: yeah, I know this pick is in direct conflict with my 1st blog poll ballot where I had LSU over AU, but the more I think about Auburn the more I think it's their year. I'll probably flip flop them in next week's ballot)
A rare moment without pointing
Capital One – Florida
The Gators have only been to the CapOne/Citrus once in the past 8 years (Jan. 1, 2000). However, the Gators have bowled in their home state 7 of the past 9 years. If Meyer doesn’t win the SEC (which he won’t given his schedule), expect them to stay close to home again to guarantee a sellout.
Enjoy the view from the outside because UGA may never set foot in here again
Cotton – LSU
The Tigers have only gone to the Cotton Bowl once in the past 40 years (2003). Auburn has only been once…ever. The Cotton would love to have either set of Tigers, and both teams should be exceptional this year. The only way UGA ever gets a Cotton Bowl birth would require LSU and Auburn both being in the BCS, Florida being in the Citrus and both Bama and Arkansas sucking hind teet. A scenario that Mark Schlabach predicts for this year. I'll believe it when I see it.
Australian for Fat
Outback – South Carolina or Tennessee
The winner of the SC vs. UT game likely ends up here. I don’t think the Vols can go from complete and utter disarray to the SEC East title in one year, and both SC and UT have about 6 wins already baked into their schedule. First team to 8 wins makes this bowl. Gamecock fans get so few bowl trips that they always travel well. The Vols have only been to the Outback Bowl once (1993).
First draft of ad campaign?
Chick-Fil-A Peach – Georgia or South Carolina
The Dawgs have been to the Outback Bowl three of the past nine seasons. Four in 10 seasons seems unlikely. Barring a match-up with Michigan or Ohio State (who’s pegged for much bigger venues this post-season), I can’t see enough fan interest to get UGA into the Outback. It would take an act of Congress to get UGA into the Cotton, and the Citrus will crap themselves to get Urban Renewal. That just sort of leaves us with Sugar or Peach.
Plus, there’s a great chance that FSU will end up here. Richt vs. Bowden II would make a great TV story. Plus, it’s unlikely that we would see the Vols make their 3rd trip here in the past 6 years. However, an FSU vs. UT rematch of the ’98 title game isn’t a bad story line either.
Also known as the Glen Mason Invitational
Music City – Tennessee
God wiling the Vols will end up here so that Spurrier can update his joke to, “You can’t spell Music City without UT.” Fulmer’s gang could do worse, but it’s hard to see them doing much better than here or the Outback.
Shreveport in December
Independence – Bama or Arkansas
Winner of the Sept. 23rd Bama vs. Arkansas game has the inside track with the first one to 7 wins getting this game. The Tide has 5 games that look like lock wins (Hawaii, Vandy, ULM, FIU and Duke). They also play Ole Miss and Mississippi State. I like their chances at making this game or possibly the Music City Bowl. Arkansas needs to get McFadden and Casey Dick healthy….soon.
Best thing about the Liberty Bowl…Fat Elvis
Liberty Bowl – Bama or Arkansas
There must be lights burning brighter somewhere
Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue
If I can dream of a better bowl
Where all my brothers walk hand in hand
Tell me why, oh why, oh why cant my dream come true.
– “If I can Dream.” – Elvis
The first year of the Liberty Bowl’s SEC tie-in. We'll get something along the lines of Arkansas vs. Memphis or Houston (a nice SWC rematch?). If Mississippi State beats South Carolina in Week 1, they can start dreaming about bowling. However, it would take a victory over the Gamecocks, a season ending win over Ole Miss and a heap of luck to get them into the mix for a bowl.
All that said:
If the SEC could put a second team into the BCS, all bowls below the Citrus could shake out differently. However, since the BCS went into effect in 1998 the SEC has only secured 3 of the 16 at-large spots, and we haven’t landed an at-large spot since 2001. The Big 10 has secured 5 of the available slots, and the ACC has never secured an at-large spot.
How far off base do you think I am?
PWD
Other Resources for Bowl and SEC Previews:
PWD
Auburn's Man of Iron (Image: SECSports.com)
Sugar – Auburn
Bad news for Auburn…the SEC’s predicted champ has rarely won the conference over the past 10 years. The good news for Auburn…they’re exceptionally talented, deep, well coached and the schedule is in their favor. The winner of the LSU/Auburn game is probably in the Sugar. There’s a chance for two SEC teams to make the BCS, but it’s not likely given the new rules designed to protect Notre Dame and the non-BCS schools. (note: yeah, I know this pick is in direct conflict with my 1st blog poll ballot where I had LSU over AU, but the more I think about Auburn the more I think it's their year. I'll probably flip flop them in next week's ballot)
A rare moment without pointing
Capital One – Florida
The Gators have only been to the CapOne/Citrus once in the past 8 years (Jan. 1, 2000). However, the Gators have bowled in their home state 7 of the past 9 years. If Meyer doesn’t win the SEC (which he won’t given his schedule), expect them to stay close to home again to guarantee a sellout.
Enjoy the view from the outside because UGA may never set foot in here again
Cotton – LSU
The Tigers have only gone to the Cotton Bowl once in the past 40 years (2003). Auburn has only been once…ever. The Cotton would love to have either set of Tigers, and both teams should be exceptional this year. The only way UGA ever gets a Cotton Bowl birth would require LSU and Auburn both being in the BCS, Florida being in the Citrus and both Bama and Arkansas sucking hind teet. A scenario that Mark Schlabach predicts for this year. I'll believe it when I see it.
Australian for Fat
Outback – South Carolina or Tennessee
The winner of the SC vs. UT game likely ends up here. I don’t think the Vols can go from complete and utter disarray to the SEC East title in one year, and both SC and UT have about 6 wins already baked into their schedule. First team to 8 wins makes this bowl. Gamecock fans get so few bowl trips that they always travel well. The Vols have only been to the Outback Bowl once (1993).
First draft of ad campaign?
Chick-Fil-A Peach – Georgia or South Carolina
The Dawgs have been to the Outback Bowl three of the past nine seasons. Four in 10 seasons seems unlikely. Barring a match-up with Michigan or Ohio State (who’s pegged for much bigger venues this post-season), I can’t see enough fan interest to get UGA into the Outback. It would take an act of Congress to get UGA into the Cotton, and the Citrus will crap themselves to get Urban Renewal. That just sort of leaves us with Sugar or Peach.
Plus, there’s a great chance that FSU will end up here. Richt vs. Bowden II would make a great TV story. Plus, it’s unlikely that we would see the Vols make their 3rd trip here in the past 6 years. However, an FSU vs. UT rematch of the ’98 title game isn’t a bad story line either.
Also known as the Glen Mason Invitational
Music City – Tennessee
God wiling the Vols will end up here so that Spurrier can update his joke to, “You can’t spell Music City without UT.” Fulmer’s gang could do worse, but it’s hard to see them doing much better than here or the Outback.
Shreveport in December
Independence – Bama or Arkansas
Winner of the Sept. 23rd Bama vs. Arkansas game has the inside track with the first one to 7 wins getting this game. The Tide has 5 games that look like lock wins (Hawaii, Vandy, ULM, FIU and Duke). They also play Ole Miss and Mississippi State. I like their chances at making this game or possibly the Music City Bowl. Arkansas needs to get McFadden and Casey Dick healthy….soon.
Best thing about the Liberty Bowl…Fat Elvis
Liberty Bowl – Bama or Arkansas
There must be lights burning brighter somewhere
Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue
If I can dream of a better bowl
Where all my brothers walk hand in hand
Tell me why, oh why, oh why cant my dream come true.
– “If I can Dream.” – Elvis
The first year of the Liberty Bowl’s SEC tie-in. We'll get something along the lines of Arkansas vs. Memphis or Houston (a nice SWC rematch?). If Mississippi State beats South Carolina in Week 1, they can start dreaming about bowling. However, it would take a victory over the Gamecocks, a season ending win over Ole Miss and a heap of luck to get them into the mix for a bowl.
All that said:
If the SEC could put a second team into the BCS, all bowls below the Citrus could shake out differently. However, since the BCS went into effect in 1998 the SEC has only secured 3 of the 16 at-large spots, and we haven’t landed an at-large spot since 2001. The Big 10 has secured 5 of the available slots, and the ACC has never secured an at-large spot.
How far off base do you think I am?
PWD
Other Resources for Bowl and SEC Previews:
- SEC Predictions - ABH
- ESPN's Bowl predictions
- SEC at a Glance - ABH
- Florida Dreams SEC Title - Mobile Register
- Seeking Answers for College Football Season - Nola.com
PWD
August 27, 2006
Are These the Golden Years of Georgia Football?
While we're strolling down memory lane, the AJC's Carter Strickland talked with Loran Smith, Vince Dooley, Terry Hoage, Buck Belue and others. He asked the question, "Are these the Glory Years for Georgia?" Loran Smith has the best line of all:
Wally Butts (image: GeorgiaEncyclopedia.org)
The Glory Years issue is a topic that Kyle King of DawgSports.com has discussed in detail before, but I'll be damned if I can find the link. If Kyle sees this, he'll probably add the link in the comments field.
Personally, I think this is the Third Golden Age of Georgia football. The 40s, '76-83 and then '01 to now. But to call this the BEST era of Georgia football would be crazy without a national title run. Perhaps we're entering the Glory Years? The history books will decide.
PWD
"Who knows what would have happened with coach Wallace Butts if World War II had not come along? Excluding the war years, Coach Butts took his teams to five bowl games. He won two national championships.
He recruited the point-a-minute Bullpups in '39 and had Charley Trippi and Frank Sinkwich in the same backfield in 1942. He recruited some great players in those years, but so many of them went off to war and never were able to regain their skills when they returned home. Coach Butts really had it going. That possibly could have been Georgia's greatest era if Hitler had stuck to painting."
Wally Butts (image: GeorgiaEncyclopedia.org)
The Glory Years issue is a topic that Kyle King of DawgSports.com has discussed in detail before, but I'll be damned if I can find the link. If Kyle sees this, he'll probably add the link in the comments field.
Personally, I think this is the Third Golden Age of Georgia football. The 40s, '76-83 and then '01 to now. But to call this the BEST era of Georgia football would be crazy without a national title run. Perhaps we're entering the Glory Years? The history books will decide.
PWD
Gameday Gear: Nike Dri-Fit Polos (Ad)
Warning: Shameless plug of the week.
From the Web Site: "Go against the grain with the Cut Back polo from Nike. Nike Sphere Dry technology makes it perfect for business casual or the golf course."
Paul Westerdawg's Review: "Uh, it's cool looking, and it's gotta be cool because coaches wear stuff that look just like it."
To learn more or check out other products, click on the image and jump to the store.
Not that you asked, but it's amazing to me how many folks have purchased stuff for preschoolers and toddlers from the store. Over half the merchandise that has been purchased from my affiliate site has been gifts for tiny kids.
Sign of good parenting if you ask me.
PWD
 |
Paul Westerdawg's Review: "Uh, it's cool looking, and it's gotta be cool because coaches wear stuff that look just like it."
To learn more or check out other products, click on the image and jump to the store.
Not that you asked, but it's amazing to me how many folks have purchased stuff for preschoolers and toddlers from the store. Over half the merchandise that has been purchased from my affiliate site has been gifts for tiny kids.
Sign of good parenting if you ask me.
PWD
Who is on the All-Time Georgia Team?
 |
- Tight End -- I agree with most of the selections. However, I would make some changes. First of all, I liked Sadowski, but I'd take Randy McMichael, Leonard Pope and Clarence Kay before Troy.
- Offensive Linemen - I always thought Bernard Williams was horribly overrated. I'd be watching on TV, and they would say "Williams hasn't given up a sack this year." I couldn't help but think "That's because the other guys beat him to it." I'd take Jonas Jennings and Max Jean-Gilles (although not at OT) over Bernard. And yes, I know he's probably the highest drafted UGA offensive lineman ever.
- Defensive Linemen - I'd take Jonathan Sullivan over Richard Seymour if we're basing it on what they did in college.
PWD
August 25, 2006
1 million page views and 500,000 visitors
Sometime this morning in the wee hours, we passed the 1 million page view mark. About two weeks ago, we passed the 500,000 visitor mark. This counts both the current Georgia Sports Blog domain as well as the old, defunct PaulWesterdawg site.
This is also our first 100,000 page view month. We have already broken 110,000 page views, and we'll probably serve up more than 130k pages for the month. Thanks to Dawgnoxious for helping out, and thanks to all of you who keep visiting.
We've got some good things in store for next week.
Until then,
Paul Westerdawg
Georgia Sports Blog
This is also our first 100,000 page view month. We have already broken 110,000 page views, and we'll probably serve up more than 130k pages for the month. Thanks to Dawgnoxious for helping out, and thanks to all of you who keep visiting.
We've got some good things in store for next week.
Until then,
Paul Westerdawg
Georgia Sports Blog
UGA Gameday Parking Update
(not a joke - official UGA announcement)
Personally, I'm of the George Costanza school of thought when it comes to parking.
"I will never pay for parking. To me, paying for parking is like prostitution. Why pay for it, when, if I apply myself, I can get it for free?"
-- George Costanza
pwd
- ATHENS, Ga., August 24 - UGA Parking Services has announced that Friday, Aug. 25 at Noon is the deadline for ordering pre-paid parking passes for deck parking before the first home game. After that time, the website will be closed through the first game to allow all passes to be delivered promptly.
The price for a seven-game parking pass is $140, or $20 per home game. Purchase of a parking pass guarantees a pass holder a spot in their selected deck, regardless of when they arrive on gameday.
After kick-off against Western Kentucky, the site will re-open through Friday, Sept. 8 at noon, and will allow UGA season ticket holders to order a pass for the remaining six home games for $120.00. Parking passes remain available for the Carlton Street, North Campus, and South Campus decks.
More info here.
 |
"I will never pay for parking. To me, paying for parking is like prostitution. Why pay for it, when, if I apply myself, I can get it for free?"
-- George Costanza
pwd
Player Profiles: Latest Round-up
Photo credit: Rebecca Hay on Georgiadogs.com
Around the news sites you'll find profiles and interviews about Dawgs.
Defense:
- Tra Battle - Tra Battle
- Paul Oliver - DawgPost.com
- Dale Dixson - ABH
- Akeem Dent - UGAsports.com
- Darryl Gamble - UGASports.com
- Remarcus Brown - Columbus-Ledger
Offense:
- Mikey Henderson (1) - DawgPost.com
- Tripp Chandler - Macon Telegraph
- Mickey Henderson (2) - ABH
- Kregg Lumpkin - DawgPost.com
- Nick Jones - ABH
- Jason Johnson - ABH
- Danny Ware - Ugasports.com
Coaches:
PWD
Dawgs Abroad: Germany and Saudi Arabia
ArmyJeff gives us his stories about keeping up with the Dawgs abroad. He's currently stationed in Germany, and he also talks about tuning in from Saudi Arabia.
Note 1: If you know of Bulldog Clubs/Gatherings in Germany shoot me an email, and I'll relay that info to Jeff. I'm at decaturdawg [at) hotmail [dot) com.)
Note 2: Neither Jeff nor the US military is responsible for these photos or captions.
- My name is Jeff and I'm a UGA grad, class of '99. I'm in the army and right now stationed in Germany. I don't know of any other Dawg fans stationed here where I am.
Germany
 |
[image: Not exactly SEC country]
I don't know of any places out in the town that would show the games, or have a gathering of alumni/fans. I don't think Germany has an alumni group. Last time I checked the nearest Bulldog club is in Denmark, and that's pretty far away from me.
Saudi Arabia
During 2002, my unit was deployed to Saudi Arabia. The Tennessee game was delayed until the following afternoon. All day I had avoided all news and sports coverage like the plague.
The Saudis are more of a hoops people than a football people.
All my friends were teasing me and telling different scores and such. I knew I had the afternoon off so I could watch the game, and I didn't want any surprises. Well, I was in this woman's office that morning signing some paperwork. She had the radio on and it began to announce college scores from the day before. So I started fake coughing and making noise so I couldn't hear it. She looked at me like I was a freak, so I had to explain myself.
She said she understood because she was the same way about American Idol.
Later during the season. I was watching the Auburn game shown live. I had gone to bed and set my alarm for probably 2:30 in the morning or so. All of us there had our own rooms which had TVs in them. So I get up and I'm watching the game.
Image: Si.com
Of course it was a tense match-up throughout the game. Then comes Michael Johnson's 4th down TD grab to win the game and play for the SEC Championship. I went crazy, jumping up and down, yelling my tail off. I thought the walls to our building were pretty thick and that no one could hear, but apparently the guy in the next room heard me and thought he had overslept and someone was coming to chew his ass.
Man, it was great. -- ArmyJeff
Note 1: If you know of Bulldog Clubs/Gatherings in Germany shoot me an email, and I'll relay that info to Jeff. I'm at decaturdawg [at) hotmail [dot) com.)
Note 2: Neither Jeff nor the US military is responsible for these photos or captions.
Old School Pic of the Week from DawgBone.net
DawgBone.net has this gem up today:
I think it originally ran in Sports Illustrated, but I'm not sure.
pwd
I think it originally ran in Sports Illustrated, but I'm not sure.
pwd
August 24, 2006
Chan Gailey: Lonely Wanderer in an Empty Stadium (video)
EDSBS brings us Georgia Tech's 2006 promo video featuring Chan Gailey's sad and lonely tour through Bobby Dodd Stadium. Highlights:wildly homosexual laughable 2006 GT team poster.
Bonus Hit: Her Loyal Sons compares Gailey to Eeyore from the 100 Acre Wood.
PWD
Setup: Chan Gailey wanders around Bobby Dodd blathering on about academics and standards and stuff. The place is entirely empty but the lights are completely on, clues which can only lead us to believe that the film was in fact shot ten minutes before kickoff sometime during any one of the past three years of the Chan Gailey era.This follows on the
[snip]
When George O’Leary had a problem, he’d do something crazy like hire Ralph Friedgen or Jon Tenuta. When Chan Gailey has a problem, he makes an ad featuring him walking around an empty stadium. Whether this is apology or a documentary...remains to be seen.
Bonus Hit: Her Loyal Sons compares Gailey to Eeyore from the 100 Acre Wood.
PWD
Red & Black Cartoon: Adams Sucks
Funny editorial cartoon in today's Red & Black:
PT Umphress/Red&Black. Although the likeness is uncanny, the pompous bow tie is a dead giveaway.
There was a story on NPR Morning Edition about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which got us to thinking bout a recent article in the Banner-Herald, which quotes Michael Adams as saying, "I plan to be here for a while."
The real loser with Adams staying? The University's endowment. Despite the shell game Adams calls the capital campaign, ten years into the Adams Regime and our endowment is still sucking hind teat. Sure he may have alienated the entire State of Georia potential donors but at least he's protecting us all from the scourge of alcohol.
Dawgnoxious,
Bureau Chief
Adams Antics Division
True Freshmen Expected to Play
Asher Allen. Image AJC.com
Add some more freshmen to the list of people who won't get redshirted according to Josh Kendall. Prince Miller and Geno Atkins have moved to the front of the FR line. Carter Strickland of the AJC adds to the story by breaking down each freshman's chances.
But how could Stafford be on the bubble? Because the Macon Telegraph walks us through the practice rotation for third string QBs. There just isn't enough snaps to catch Joe T.
In Stafford's defense, Jay Cutler told the Nashville Tennessean that Stafford was the best kid out there last year among high school QBs.
pwd
Gator and Wildcat News
Think happy thoughts. Click to enlarge.
Mayor Kyle of DawgSports.com has his review of the 2006 Gators locked and loaded. Here's an odd stat from Kyle's article:
Prior to Coach Spurrier's triumphant return to his old swamping grounds, Georgia had a .662 winning percentage against the Gators and a .680 winning percentage against the Commodores. Before the Ol' Ball Coach came swaggering back into town, Florida was 1.8 per cent away from being Vanderbilt without the excuse of high academic standards.To fully add to that thought, UGA has beaten the Gators the same number of times since '90 that Vandy and Kentucky have beaten UGA (twice each).
Unrelated, but also involving the SEC East...John Clay of the Lexington Herald has links to a variety of SEC articles of interest, and some depressingly pathetic stats regarding UK's road record. Well...it's not depressing if you're a Louisville fan. If you're a Wildcat fan, it would certainly bum you out.
pwd
August 23, 2006
GT Poster Caption Contest
After you've composed yourselves and stifled your condescending chuckles, let's take our best shot try to appropriately caption the 2006 GT football poster.
A few humble entries:
1. Acknowledging the Nix/Ball offense will blow, GT concedes the 2006 season will hinge on its ability to withstand a pummeling. 2. GT is the kind of team that can occasionally take an opponent's best shot, but it will never do that consistently.
3. History has indicated that if GT takes 12 shots from its opponents, 5 will knock-outs.
4. If you want James Brown to sing "Living in America" before homecoming, you're outta luck because he's a Dawg.
Both successful in Georgia. Both think Tech is teh suxorz.
5. Did you steal this theme from Pat Benatar? I hope Tech is paying her a royalty, even though she has been relevant more recently than Tech football.
6. [Insert joke here]
Dawgnoxious,
Bureau Chief/Shooter
Fish in a Barrel Division
ht - dawgneil of theporch.
A few humble entries:
1. Acknowledging the Nix/Ball offense will blow, GT concedes the 2006 season will hinge on its ability to withstand a pummeling. 2. GT is the kind of team that can occasionally take an opponent's best shot, but it will never do that consistently.
3. History has indicated that if GT takes 12 shots from its opponents, 5 will knock-outs.
4. If you want James Brown to sing "Living in America" before homecoming, you're outta luck because he's a Dawg.
Both successful in Georgia. Both think Tech is teh suxorz.
5. Did you steal this theme from Pat Benatar? I hope Tech is paying her a royalty, even though she has been relevant more recently than Tech football.
6. [Insert joke here]
Dawgnoxious,
Bureau Chief/Shooter
Fish in a Barrel Division
ht - dawgneil of theporch.
Video: Bringing the Pain. Pee Wee League Style
Watch #8. Imagine scouting the Falcons' Scott Case 30 or so years ago. It might've looked like this.
ht - SCCDAWGS from ThePorch
ht - SCCDAWGS from ThePorch
Transfer Rumors and Kickoff Times
UGA vs. UAB to kickoff at 1:00 pm (Image: Georgia Sports Communications)
The Ledger-Enquirer interviews Tony Ball about our new one man kickoff return system. Hopefully, Ball's experience at Virginia Tech working around Beamer's special teams flying circus will help improve our woefully pathetic kickoff return numbers.
David Ching, the reporter from the Ledger, also has a blog. Today he talks about the absurdity of the Matt Stafford transfer rumors going as far as to say:
And just to address something that was apparently a big topic of conversation today -- the people who are certain that Matthew Stafford is about to transfer somewhere are idiots. That's just some typical reactionary idiocy. The kid couldn't have been more dismissive of that notion. So chill out, he's not going anywhere now. He wants to play, but he realizes a redshirt -- if it comes to that -- would be good for him. And who says he won't play at some point this season? They haven't even played a game yet and people already having him quarterbacking Texas to a national championship. Good lord, it would almost be humorous if people weren't so crazily serious about it.Couldn't agree more. Ching's article also talks about some of the different team members' preferences on playing NCAA 2007 football.
 |
Also, thanks to those of you who've already purchased stuff from the store the past 2 days. The blog is a hobby, and I never expect to make any real money off it. However, buying stuff here that you would've bought anyway elsewhere helps me justify the time I spend doing this.
PWD
Dawgs Abroad: Norway, Greece and England
Another reader sent in his experiences on the Dawg Fans Living Abroad:
- I'm a 17 year old now living here in Athens, but I followed the Dawgs from abroad from 1997-2002 seasons. From the countries of Norway, England, and Greece, I would listen to Munson's broadcast of the dawgs through the 750 wsb website or from the broadcast on georgiadogs.com. In the '90s when the internet wasn't as developed, the connection would often cut out, leaving us with a typed play-by-play as our method of following the dawgs on Saturdays.
From the 2000-2002 seasons, I listened to every one of Munson's broadcasts, sometimes having to stay up until 3 am to wait for the 7:45 games on ESPN to kick off, and then would stay up through the night listening to the games. Although I am now able to attend all of the games between the hedges, there was something special about not being able to see the game and everything that took place.
Having to wait for Munson tell you what happened on a play was riveting and was what began my love for the dawgs. It also gave me the opportunity to hear many of his great sayings, something most fans who go to the game miss, such as his call of the tennessee game in '01 when we stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose.
Thanks for all that you do with the blog. - Will
August 22, 2006
Casey Clausen Eat Your Heart Out! Joe T's One Armed Game
Unlike Casey Clausen's threats and bragging about playing with one arm tied behind his back, Joe Tereshinksi essentially did it in the 2001 high school playoffs.
His team couldn't pull out the win, but the one armed Joe T ran his team's offense and played a little wide receiver...."as his arm hung limp by his side" after a severe shoulder injury.
JMac gave us a heads up on to this article he wrote for the Banner-Herald that elaborate on the AJC story from this morning.
Image: OnlineAthens.com
Bottom line: JTIII might not be the most talented option at QB, but he's a helluva a competitor.
pwd
His team couldn't pull out the win, but the one armed Joe T ran his team's offense and played a little wide receiver...."as his arm hung limp by his side" after a severe shoulder injury.
JMac gave us a heads up on to this article he wrote for the Banner-Herald that elaborate on the AJC story from this morning.
Image: OnlineAthens.com
Bottom line: JTIII might not be the most talented option at QB, but he's a helluva a competitor.
pwd
Joe T Story in the AJC: Pretty Darn Cool
 |
Joe Tereshinski went down and his shoulder went out.Three games into the 2001 Georgia Class A high school playoffs, just before halftime, the senior was lost.Kudos to Carter Strickland, who usually lays an egg in his articles, for a killer piece. The AJC also has a solid piece comparing Zeier's FR year to Stafford's. Seems like someone else said that would make a great article. lol.
"Everybody in the crowd knew it," said his brother, John Tereshinski. "He was with the trainers. He was talking with the coaches. You could see that he had dislocated his shoulder."
Then Joe Tereshinski walked out onto the field, got back behind center and started the second half.
"He did everything left-handed," John Tereshinski said. "He even passed left-handed. He finished out the game."
Joe Tereshinski never gave up. Still hasn't.
Stafford says all the right things in his article:
"Joe T obviously knew more than all of us. Been that way since I've been here," said Stafford, his head shaved, as is a Georgia tradition for true freshmen. "No question, he deserves the job. He played great during the fall. I'm sure he'll be a great leader for us."More on UGA's newest starting QB:
- AJC - JT3's strengths and weaknesses
- ABH - Finally his Time
- ABH - Stafford Not Giving Up
- DawgPost.com - No Ordinary Joes
- David Ching - Beating the QB issue into the Ground
PWD
UGA Hoops: A Ray of Sunshine
 |
At 6'8" and 240 lbs, he's exactly what this team needs. Tough, physical rebounder who knows what to do with the ball in the paint.
Speaking of big men, Rashad Singleton is the 7 footer sophomore center for the Dawgs. UgaSports.com did a Q&A with him this week.
PWD
hat tip: BoDontKnowHerschel on Ugasports.com's hoops board
Ranking Tecmo Bowl's Greatest Players
 |
I have to agree with Jerry Rice as #1, and I agree with the first comment that says "Kevin Greene was awesome on this game." Indeed. He would've made my honorable mention list.
Why a shout out for Tecmo Bowl? Well...the release of the new Madden game is here. I don't play it, but those that do are nuts for it.
pwd
August 21, 2006
Dawgs Abroad: Tuning in from China
After a long hiatus, I've returned to the Dawgs Abroad series. If you remember, I had asked Dawg fans living all over the world to let me know what hoops they had to jump through to keep up with UGA sports. Below DaveinChina weighs in on his techno savvy methods for keeping up.
 |
I’m a [recent] UGA grad living with two other UGA graduates in China. There is also a girl who lives in my city who is [recent] grad as well.
PWD: How do you watch games? What hoops do you have to jump through?
We all have been getting up to see the football games on the Slingbox, which is a new device that will take your home tv (ie tv in America) to the internet.
This has been great especially considering that most of the dawgs games were on tv this past year. For the couple of games that were not on t.v. we listened to Munson over the internet. The Slingbox has really good quality at 3 a.m. because nobody is using the bandwidth but after around 9 the Slingbox’s speed slows down and it becomes harder to watch because of people getting online.
 |
[image: Typical Chinese tailgate?]
I always give my brother and father a call over Vonage before every game because they go to all the games both home and away. I want to hear perspective about the atmosphere and to know what people are predicting for the game.
I also give them a call after the game to hear their perspective game of the game after they had seen it live. After the game I usually just go to bed and sleep the rest of the day.
Just to give you insight into the culture of SEC football in my city. There are not just UGA grads here there are also 7 Auburn grads who live in my city. They do the same thing for their games as well. The Georgia-Auburn game is huge because of all get together and watch the game. Since the 2005 game was at night in the States the Slingbox worked well for the first 3 quarters then didn’t work and we had to listen to Munson the last quarter. The Auburn fans said we could listen to Munson because they said because he is so pessimistic and is not a guy who during the game at all thought UGA would win.
DaveinChina had to endure way too much of this last year
My roommate says when he first came over to study he could only listen to Munson and would have a webcam setup and he could watch like one frame per ever 2 or 3 seconds. He says this past year has been amazing with the Slingbox even though it did not work perfectly every single game.
One of the nicest things about the Slingbox is that my dad can tivo something in America and I can watch it later, so I usually watch the basketball and baseball games later on in the day.
The best way for me to keep up though with UGA is through your blog, dawgbone.net, and georgiadogs.com. The internet really has been a blessing because otherwise I would be required to only hear about things over the phone or have articles sent in the mail.
I hope all this helps with your blog if you have more questions I would love to answer them. Go Dawgs! ~DaveinChina
