From Athens - Friday Thoughts

ogredawg wrote: We will not go to the final 4 or a New Years 6 bowl when you have guards playing tackle and no go to pitch and catch wide recievers. Don't care how much $$$$$$ a program has.......or 5 stars you sign........

Haven't seen the opening starters released as yet, have read a lot of media "stuff" as to who will and will not open the season on the offensive line. Not sure any coach in the SEC is ready to "release" his starting 11 on each side of the ball at this point. Maybe the media is ready, not buying that from a couple of years watching and participating in football.

Watched the Gamecocks Spring Game on Saturday.

Appears to me that they have a pretty good offensive line.

Quarterback will not or should not be a problem.

Kicking game is covered. Punting, do not know.

Not a lot of depth on the defense.

Georgia "should" win the game in Athens on depth.

Still have problems with some of the things that Muschamp had to say about Georgia when he arrived in Florida.

Muschamp was faced with the same thing that Kirby Smart was faced with in Athens, no depth, players out of position as you suggest ogredawg. We are talking football, I think.

Believe this, the gators are not to be overlooked on the East side of the SEC.

I am still one of those that would like to see a home and home for the game. Folks in Florida see the game in JAX as a "home game". Will not change . . . . "politics", arranged by those in the "Upper Levels". Anyone doubt that both stadiums would overflow if the game were played in Athens or Gainesville.

Still reflect on SS having some fun in Athens under our multi-million dollar head coach at that time.

So much to be said, so much to be left alone, eh Mahogany Row . . . .

Allow me this, off subject, but . . . . believe most on this board and others have read the following.

^{The full letter from McGarity:}

"In an effort to enhance the game day experience for our fans, we are pleased to report that planning for Phase III of the Sanford Stadium restroom renovations currently under way and scheduled for completion prior to the start of the 2017 season. Previously, restrooms on level 100 of the south and southeast side were renovated in Phase I prior to the 2015 season. Phase II, completed prior to the season, included renovations to restrooms on the 300 level of the south and southeast side. Renovations on all remaining restrooms on the 100, 200 and 300 levels throughout the stadium concourses will be expedited and completed prior to the 2017 season.

“These renovations will include the addition of all touchless fixtures, LED lighting, new flooring, new exhaust fans, and new paint matching the recent renovations (as seen below). We look forward to these renovations and the continued improvement on our gameday experience.

“Also of note, several improvements in concessions services throughout Sanford Stadium will also be in place for 2017 and we will update you with those improvements later this spring.

“As always, thank you for your support of our program! Go Dawgs.”

Back to football ogredawg . . . .

Wonder when the 2017 Season starts if the media and coach "news/media speak" will line up as the starting offensive line as outlined prior to kickoff?

If for some "unknown" reason we have an offensive line that can and will move "forward" against the defense . . . . will our talent in the backfield be able to make a "first down" on three handoffs?

If our offensive line gives Jacob Eason a "little" more time to set up, as you suggest a "direct/long snap" will he be all that we want him to be? I would guess "yes". For this reason, and what I believe the BS that is going on in the media and elsewhere about Jacob is totally false . . . . Eason as both of us know came from a different high school football program. Fact. Conversation now from the media and others talk highly about Jake Fromm. Nothing wrong with that, Jake played a different game than Jacob did in high school. Fact.

Where you and I agree . . . . I think . . . . Coaching is now the main thing in moving our "talent" forward in Athens and the SEC. Whether you or I agree or disagree, 2017 is a huge year for our Offensive Coordinator. Too much talent to falter, and as you suggest, proven "high school talent" has to step up. Can some of the names mentioned do that . . . . in 2017 we, you and I and others will see.

One of the biggest games on our schedule . . . . "media wise" . . . . Notre Dame. Head Coach Kirby Smart understands what has to happen, if not . . . . I shudder to think and remember 2016, GT and others. I believe I understand where you are coming from, know damn well where I am coming from.

Looking over the 2017 Schedule . . . . again.

Hard for me to believe that we (UGA) cannot be in the game with everyone on our schedule.

Have never been in favor of the early games that some of us refer to as "warm ups". Another area that I think are not good for our program, or any program. Understand that many do schedule this way, also understand that the colleges below the D1 level play for what . . . . the "money". College football. Yes, it is all about the "money", don't believe that . . . ask Greg McGarity.

This is the reason that "butts" in the seats are not "there". At this point the Athletic Director(s) could care less, knowing full well that M&M has filled the needed basket with coin.

Next step in the program . . . . Football Program . . . . Young men will be paid to participate in college football. Is that wrong? THAT MY FRIENDS IS THE QUESTION.

Most or many of these young men do not make it to the next level . . . . Maybe a bit like semi-pro, get paid, but not at the level those that make it to the NFL do.

There is going to be a major change in college football in the next two or three years. My guess is it is hard to stop what the NFL has started. Won't go into that now, maybe later. Say this . . . . the NCAA has no control for what is coming down, far past what they can and cannot do.

Spot on with your assessment of our 2017 schedule..... Buc....

Year two.....HC has learned somethings.... polishing takes time.....his biggest plus he won't be

Out worked....same with his assistants...... players are getting the message also....

Go Dawgs