'Dogs O-Line Key in 2012
Just a few days remain in 2011. And what a bounce back season it has been for the 'Dogs. Richt is officially off the hot seat and about to sign an extension. The Bulldogs are back playing in a good bowl game. The car is back on the road.
A bus load of talent returns for next season too. And that's all good. Maybe the Bulldogs take that next step forward in 2012. Win the SEC. Contend for the big title. Play in a BCS bowl. Get back to the big-time.
One of the big keys in that happening lies up front. The O-Line has some holes to fill. Both tackles exit. And to me, that's the key to the 2012 team...replacing the 3 senior starters.
The 'Dogs did a smart thing in attracting a JC OL into the fold. Mark Beard will enroll in January and should have an opportunity to play immediately.
At center, I'd have Chris Burnette stepping in to replace Ben Jones. I realize Coach Friend has been complimenting freshman David Andrews, but the educated guess here says he's not ready. Burnette is now a veteran, after starting most of the season at guard. That's who I would plug in. He's ready. And this is a critical spot on the O-Line.
At guard, it looks like Dallas Lee will lock down one of those spots. He looked good this season getting his first action. Kolton Houston should get a long look at the other spot. Could be a Buford duo at guard.
Of course, the tackle spots are critical in the SEC. Got to block those talented DEs. Kenarious Gates should be able to slide over and grab one of those spots. He's huge and he came on strong at the end of the season. The other tackle spot looks wide open.
Wonder if Austin Long can stay healthy and compete? He'll be a junior. Maybe Watts Danzler can play ball as a redshirt freshman. Xzavier Ward was a machine in HS. He's coming off a knee injury. Anxious to get a look at him in the spring. Zach Debell is another redshirt freshman who has some upside. One of these guys has to emerge.
Highly-rated recruit John Theus could be a star, but asking him to step in as a freshman is simply asking too much.
Wish we were in a place where a junior or senior was set to step in. That's what most of the big boy programs do. Not us. Not lately. Got to get these underclassmen ready to rumble.
what is georgia bulldogs alltitme bowl record
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26-17-3.
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Buck you are right on-what about the jc transfer that cwf is familiar with? also I know folks are talking about the 5 star FR Theus--I hope he is great--but personally I have high hopes for Chester Brown a little under the radar but a BIG man with a Hugh Nall attitude bottom line we need to stock up on the big boys as attrition seems to hit the OL hard---enjoy your posts-your rugbybulldog brother Bruce
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I look for Theus to step right in.
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Buck,
I respect you and all that you have done to support GA since your playing days. By most accounts, your a good Dawg. But I must tell you that your support of Bobo on today's show (1/3/12) is hard to swallow for a few reasons.
1) As QB coach and OC Bobo has a mediocre record at best, with his major faults being unimaginative, and predictable play calling in key situations; an inability to get the most from the talent he has; and a QB that shows signs of greatness at times but often underperforms when pressured. After 2.5 years under Bobo's wing, a person would expect more from Murray, particularly considering your feelings about Bobo ("he's a good coach").
No doubt Bobo is a loyal coach, good family man and likable as a person. But he is in over his head, pure and simple.
GA fans are tired of mediocrity! We want a national title like others in our league. Whether you want to believe it or not, Bobo isn't going to get us there.I won't waste my time watching another GA game until Bobo is gone.
GO DAWGS
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