Tempered Expectations

Gotta do this, because it's a "thing" every year. What's the prediction for the Dawgs this season, now that we've got CKS steering the ship? I haven't noticed anyone throw up the annual "we're a shoe-in for the National Championship," and that's a testament to the maturity on this site.

I think we all know that CKS isn't happy with the state of the team, at least in the context that he isn't playing with "his" players yet. He wants bigger linemen, but he's inherited a team that emphasized speed over size. From his comments, I'm gathering that anyone who signs with the Dawgs has a chance to play from day one, another departure from the past where Red Shirts kept the cupboard full. I think that talent and hard work will get kids on the field now, so perhaps we get to see the full potential of those highly touted recruits, not a clipped two-season look before they head off to the NFL. I also get the distinct impression that there will be no more "Coxing" the team, meaning allowing people to take up positions in order to avoid hurting their feelings. Can I get a hallelujah?

So, with that in mind, what's the prediction for the season? Can we win the East? Yes, maybe...we'll need some things to go our way and it definitely comes down to whether or not Kirby's team can coach these kids up. SEC? Again, maybe. I get the feeling that we're 2-3 seasons out from competing for the NC, but I can't escape the fact that the program seems to be heading in the right direction, right now. This is a transition year where CKS is cleaning up with MRs kids. There's talent there, for sure, and the make-or-break of the season comes down to coaching. 9-3. 10-2. Possible, but also 8-4 seems doable too. First season, we have to expect hiccups, but from what I've seen so far, Kirby is loading up for bear, and the future is bright.

I am going to take it one game at a time.

The difference is I think we can win games we gave up on during the last few seasons.

LimeyDawg, again what I would call a "real look".

You said and it leaves little disagreement at this time.

I haven't noticed anyone throw up the annual "we're a shoe-in for the National Championship," and that's a testament to the maturity on this site.

Below Kirby speaking to a group in Atlanta . . . . very sure of himself and as you said starting this thread . . . . everyone has a chance to play. I believe that. Do not believe Kirby Smart is talking out of his you know what.

Many in Dawg Nation want instant results. I believe we will see results. Some of the results will not be on the turf, it will be what is going on behind the scene. Recruiting/building for example, FANS find the "real stuff" out down the road.

Feels good to go into 2016 and feel progress has been made, not pulling the same game plan out from years prior.

Change was needed. Steve do not believe we will see "slumped shoulders/pads" as we have so often seen before.

vimeo.com/176233765

EDIT: Two words that Kirby uses in the video that I enjoyed hearing . . . . FOCUS and PREPARATION.

Go Dawgs

I think how the team plays in the opening game is going to be a good indicator of how the season will go. They are playing a good but not great team and the schedule has four or five teams in the category. To bad bama is not on the schedule this year, that would be an interesting game.

I wonder who will be the qb this year? Kinda think it will be the virginia guy until he messes up.

Im glad to see the fans excited and hope you have a big year. I wouldnt get to upset if the record is not great this year. Got to give Kirby a chance to recruit his type of players.

Going on a trip where the nights will be chilly. Broke out my uga sweatshirt...

I really hope GL is the third team backup for Jason Eason, and I believe it will be that way




GO DAWGS!!!!!!!GATA

We've got a ton of fresh faces to get excited about. Holyfield and Harmon are two I'm particularly interested in seeing on the field. But many more, too.