Replies: 48
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Standout [338]
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no respect for the Tigers
Jun 12, 2014, 10:54 AM
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Sporting News and Athlon rags are out and neither pick Clemson to beat Georgia nor SC........and only Athlon had us at #21 preseason. Confused......defense should be incredible and offense should be okay.
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Rock Defender [54]
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Re: no respect for the Tigers
Jun 12, 2014, 10:59 AM
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I would not have us higher than #12-13 myself. Where do you think that we should be ranked? Curious.
btw: We are better than #21. CLEMSON fans are gonna make some money this season if they like to bet on CLEMSON games and the polls keep us so low.
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Hall of Famer [24820]
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+8.5 @GA should be BANK!***
Jun 12, 2014, 11:00 AM
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Orange Blooded [4854]
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The Tommy years broke me from such.
Jun 12, 2014, 12:06 PM
[ in reply to Re: no respect for the Tigers ] |
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I wouldn't pick against us and we seemed to never beat the spread.
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Heisman Winner [134804]
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Standout [338]
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All-In [28802]
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so Sporting News doesn't have us ranked at all?
Jun 12, 2014, 11:18 AM
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I can see people being skeptical of our offense, but Clemson has enough returning to at least stay in the pre-season top 25 after a top 10 finish. I'm not sure what people see coming back for SC- other than Mike Davis- that would make them think they're a top 10 team.
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Standout [338]
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Re: so Sporting News doesn't have us ranked at all?
Jun 12, 2014, 1:23 PM
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everything I've seen has SC having a great season and some even have them in the playoffs......go figure.
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Orange Blooded [2609]
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LOL...nice try***
Jun 12, 2014, 1:29 PM
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CU Guru [1512]
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Re: so Sporting News doesn't have us ranked at all?
Jun 12, 2014, 4:07 PM
[ in reply to Re: so Sporting News doesn't have us ranked at all? ] |
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they will lose 3-5 games and you may take that to the bank. Too many key losses, D was decimated, QB will falter, and there a.....hole coach is due for his usual "clunker" season.
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Team Captain [453]
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Not sure what there is to be confused about
Jun 12, 2014, 11:21 AM
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We haven't beaten SC in 5 years and we are playing a team we beat in a close game at home last year on the road with 4 impact players suspended.
Now I certainly think we can win those games, but if you are actually analyzing the games with the teams as we know them now (much will change up to kickoff), there are more legitimate reasons that we lose them than there are that we win them.
It's not lack of respect, it's just what we lost, where we play, and how we played those teams last year. It's a fairly logical assessment to assume we lose those games.
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All-In [28802]
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Re: Not sure what there is to be confused about
Jun 12, 2014, 12:17 PM
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One thing I would contest is whether the game against UGa last year was as close as the final score. Clemson was up 10 and UGa didn't have time to tie tie it up when they got their final TD in garbage time. I think Clemson's D probably doesn't let that happen if it's any closer. Yeah, it was a very hard fought game, but Clemson should've won by 10.
I'm also not sure that losing the last 5 games to a team (especially with the way we've lost the last couple of years) is a "legitimate reason" we'd lose to them again this year. We're playing South Carolina at home, and I think we've got a much better team than them on paper (which I would've said the last two years, too).
There are more "legitimate reasons" to think we lose to Georgia, though. They've still got a good group of WRs facing off against what will still be a pretty young secondary, and we all know about their RBs. Their defense should be a little better than last year, especially playing at home. The one thing that continues to be a major problem for them is the secondary, and I still think their LBs are too slow. And I'm not sure Hutson Mason is very good.
But can Clemson exploit Georgia's weaknesses? Will our defense be able to stand up to them without the backing of the crowd? We'll be sending a QB out for his first start on the road in Athens, so I don't know that we can expect a big day through the air. Everybody at the skill positions is unproven, if talented, and it's tough for them to have their first big game where they're being depended upon on the road.
If you just had to plot out the advantages for the Clemson/ UGa game, I think this is the way they'd look right now:
QBs: Even. Both Stoudt and Mason will be starting their first big games (Mason actually started a couple of games, and while he led a comeback against GT, he didn't play very well in either of them).
Stoudt and Clemson WRs vs. UGa secondary: slight edge to Clemson. This would be a much bigger edge if Stoudt and our WRs had more starting experience and we were playing at home or at a neutral site. I'm also a little concerned about the RT spot.
Mason and UGa WRs vs. Clemson secondary: slight edge to UGa. Clemson will put lots of pressure on Mason, who has been shaky in the past, but with two new starters at CB and Kearse at FS being prone to giving up the big play, you have to give the advantage to a UGa team with some pretty good and experienced WRs.
RBs: Big advantage to UGa with Gurley and Marshall, plus the guys that got experience last year with both of them out. I think Clemson's running game will actually be pretty good, but UGa's is elite.
Clemson RBs and OL vs. UGa DL and LBs: Slight advantage to Clemson. Clemson ran the ball pretty well last year with a first year starting RB, and I don't expect UGa to suddenly fill those holes just because Pruitt is their DC and Clemson will have another first year starter. UGa's LBs and DEs are still too slow, and nobody really scares you as a pass rusher except maybe Jordan Jenkins from the LB position.
UGa RBs and OL vs. Clemson DL and LBs: Slight advantage to Georgia. We all know about UGa's RB talent, but that will be balanced out somewhat by Clemson's stout LBs and DTs. Tavares Barnes will need to play well without Corey Crawford (it should be noted that Barnes was very good against UGa last year). Beasley getting in the backfield could also disrupt some of what they want to do. Steward and Boulware will need to make sure they stay where they should be, as I recall a couple of big plays happening last year because Shuey got out of position. Overally, I would think Clemson will stop the run against UGa better this year than last year.
WRs: advantage to Georgia. Clemson probably has more talent at the position, but UGa has more proven talent. In fact, UGa may have the best WRs in the SEC (which actually isn't saying much in a pretty passing- challenged conference). Peake, Williams, Humphries, and Hopper along with a couple of freshman must step on the road if Clemson wants to win. At the same time, Alexander can't play like a freshman and Kearse has to make sure he doesn't get beat on the play action (UGa uses the PA a lot, and Kearse bit on it a lot last year).
If you had to do the same analysis of the Clemson vs. USC before the season, where would you honestly say USC has an advantage? Maybe at RB? But they couldn't run the ball on us last year, and our run defense should be better this year.
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Team Captain [453]
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That's well thought analysis
Jun 13, 2014, 12:16 PM
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But it's something you aren't going to see in a national magazine because they aren't as close to the programs as we are. That was more my point. They are going to look on the surface when making these picks and on the surface there are more easy ways to pick Clemson to lose than to win.
I'd agree with most of your points. My logic would be as follows for UGA and SC.
UGA - Simply put, I'd say there aren't a lot of teams with QB's who have never started a game that have gone into UGA and won. I like what you say about the defense, but we did lose some experience at CB and this could be a weakness. We also lost a lot at LB that people seem to be forgetting. I agree the D-line is one of the best if not the best in the nation, but you have to cover on the back end to help them out. If we can do that we should stay in the game or win assuming we don't make mistakes on offense.
USC - I'll agree that Shaw has been a huge thorn in our side and he's gone, but they've handled us on both lines of scrimmage until last year when the d-line was impactful. Until I see us be the more physical team in that game I'm not going to predict a win. Is it a winnable game - for sure - can you realistically expect to win just because it's at home - I don't think so.
Honestly with this team, going 1-2 vs UGA, FSU, and USC I think will be a good season, not a great one but a good one.
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Associate AD [810]
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Good post _usffl
Jun 15, 2014, 10:58 AM
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For me, a win at UGA will be Dabo's biggest win of his career. I know the wins against LSU and OSU are pointed to as big wins and they look good when reading a list of wins, just based on the name of the opponent. But those wins were on neutral fields in bowl games where each opponent had planned to be playing for a NC until the final week of the season. Neither opponent was exceptionally motivated.
The game in Athens will be played in an environment as tough as any in the country and the opponent will be totally focused and playing at their maximum to try and win. A one point win against the Dawgs will be the biggest of Dabo's career.
The folks on this board predicting a wide margin of victory for the Tigers in Athens must all be kids. No one, not Bama, not Auburn, not LSU, goes into Athens and blows out the Dawgs. A win will be very tough to get but Dabo has shown he can win a big game as an underdog. He just hasn't done it on an opponent's home field yet, and that's why a win there will be his biggest to date.
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110%er [7114]
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The 4 suspended players is a big deal
Jun 12, 2014, 12:20 PM
[ in reply to Not sure what there is to be confused about ] |
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If not for that, I think all these publications would be selling us short. With everyone on board I think we would have a good shot at beating UGA between the hedges. I believe in Stoudt; he's going to do well. I don't perceive near the drop-off others seem to expect. And I think we have PLENTY of firepower at wide receiver. If the OL can hold their blocks and bust a few holes, and we have a running back who can find those holes, I think we win. UGA's quarterback struggled against a pathetic Georgia Tech team last year that Stoudt shredded when he came in to replace Boyd after an injury. Remember that? I think he ran it in for a touchdown, right??? Cole is skrong.
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All-In [28802]
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Where do you see the suspensions hurting us the most?
Jun 12, 2014, 12:24 PM
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Obviously it's going to be tougher to cover UGa's very good WRs with Peters out. We're always in danger of being exposed with Peters out.
The other problem I see is at RT, which was already a position of concern coming into the year.
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Rock Defender [54]
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Re: Where do you see the suspensions hurting us the most?
Jun 12, 2014, 12:37 PM
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I think Crawford being out is negligible with a combination of Lawson/Barnes/Dodd who can play over there. Crawford is the better player, but we don't limit ourselves schematically with a replacement.
I think RT is definitely killer, and could absolutely affect how well we're able to pass the ball either from a talent standpoint or from a lack of confidence from the coaches when it comes to calling those plays. It worries me that Gore has broken through, despite that stretch where Timothy/Anthony struggled the past couple of years.
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CU Medallion [51559]
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Only one game matters this year. Beating USuC.
Jun 12, 2014, 6:51 PM
[ in reply to The 4 suspended players is a big deal ] |
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Clemson isn't beating FSU in Tally, we're not going to win the ACC...this means only one game matters.
Beat USuC.
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Orange Blooded [2455]
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We've beat them in Tally before
Jun 13, 2014, 11:50 AM
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And we were huge road dogs then, too.
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CU Medallion [51559]
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Yep I was there. We had CJ Spiller,
Jun 13, 2014, 1:36 PM
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James Davis and a dominate offensive line. Not to mention FSU was overrated.
FSU of 2006 is not today's FSU.
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Orange Blooded [2455]
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FSU has been perennially overrated until last year
Jun 13, 2014, 2:26 PM
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And this isn't the same team as last year. We didn't even know what we had in CJ/Davis when we played them in 2006.
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CU Medallion [51559]
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Wrong Dude, Davis was a beast and Spiller was a 5 star.***
Jun 15, 2014, 8:08 AM
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Orange Blooded [2609]
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CU Guru [1512]
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Re: Not sure what there is to be confused about
Jun 12, 2014, 4:11 PM
[ in reply to Not sure what there is to be confused about ] |
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Excuse me sir but how we played them last year has absolutely nothing to do with this year.Each year is a new team, new talent and chemistry or lack thereof. Your point about where the game is played is valid. We will win both games because of our "D" assuming that we play the same aggressive, hard defense that we played against OSU. And we must stunt along the D line as it does confuse any offense. Don't believe it??? Look at the film of what Auburn did to FSU for 3 quarters and then for some unknown reason stopped and it cost them the game.
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110%er [5093]
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Why is your defense going to be so much better than last year?
Jun 13, 2014, 11:43 AM
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You lost both of your starting corners and two starting linebackers.
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Orange Blooded [2455]
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We upgraded at corner
Jun 13, 2014, 11:52 AM
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I liked those two guys, but they aren't as talented as Alexander and whoever holds down that #2 spot. Alexander is a Dawkins type shutdown corner.
The two linebackers are harder to replace, but the replacements are, again, more athletic and have a lot of game experience. These aren't just Freshmen/sophs that haven't played stepping in.
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All-In [36450]
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Re: Why is your defense going to be so much better than last year?
Jun 13, 2014, 12:51 PM
[ in reply to Why is your defense going to be so much better than last year? ] |
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High quality talent & depth at D-line. A 100% healthy Tony Steward and a ton of good young LBs. Mackensie Alexander & Adrian Baker at CB. That's why.
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Legend [16629]
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A couple thoughts...
Jun 12, 2014, 11:28 AM
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I really don't think most prognosticators will pick us to beat Georgia on the road, and honestly I don't feel slighted or anything by it. Don't get me wrong, I think there's a great chance we win the game, but I don't think it's going to be a three touchdown whooping like some folks on here. I think it will be really close either way just like last year.
In terms of all the talk about preseason rankings, first of all they are worthless, and no attention should be paid to them. Second, I feel like if we beat Georgia on the road we'll immediately vault up the rankings inside the top-10. I think there are a lot of media folks that probably want to rank us there, but they just aren't quite sure. The respect will follow with a win.
Lastly, about the game itself, I feel great about the situation. I think Cole is more of a game manager, which is exactly what we need this year. He won't force the issue (which Tajh did usually 3-4 times a game), and he's proven to usually go with the high percentage throws. If he can be smart with the ball all year long, we have the defense to keep us in or win any game on the schedule.
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All-In [28802]
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agreed about Stoudt being a game manager...
Jun 12, 2014, 12:20 PM
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but he has made quite a few ill advised throws that probably should've been picked off. I don't recall if those were mostly in 2011 or 2012, but hopefully he's gotten that out of his system.
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CU Guru [1512]
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Re: A couple thoughts...
Jun 12, 2014, 4:12 PM
[ in reply to A couple thoughts... ] |
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Loved your post but key question to me is simply: How is our placekicker going to be. We lost a great one in Cat Man.
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CU Guru [1679]
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Re: no respect for the Tigers
Jun 12, 2014, 11:53 AM
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I have no idea where Clemson should be ranked this coming season. However, I keep hearing that Boyd got all his numbers because of the "system." Well, if Clemson has a system that works that well, it shouldn't matter who we plug in the positions as long as they are competent. The "system" should keep right on scoring points. I think it will. And Clemson's defense will be better. No doubt.
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Rock Defender [54]
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Re: no respect for the Tigers
Jun 12, 2014, 12:10 PM
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One problem with that is that we lost the best WR in Clemson history and a lineman that was able to block JD Clowney pretty much 1 on 1 all game.
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All-In [28802]
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Battle is a reason for optimism there
Jun 12, 2014, 12:22 PM
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I'm more worried about RT, especially with Anthony suspended the first game.
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Rock Defender [54]
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Re: Battle is a reason for optimism there
Jun 12, 2014, 12:38 PM
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For sure. I liked Thomas a lot for his versatility and consistency, though.
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Addict [417]
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Bingo
Jun 12, 2014, 12:15 PM
[ in reply to Re: no respect for the Tigers ] |
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Think the same thing whenever I hear reasoning behind low or no preseason rankings.
Systems swap players out successfully. Let's see if The Chad earns the bucks this year.
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110%er [6132]
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a lot of people picked us to lose last year too
Jun 12, 2014, 12:28 PM
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look what happened
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All-In [40941]
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we lost again for the 5th straight time***
Jun 13, 2014, 3:00 PM
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Orange Blooded [2609]
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Theyre just in denial...its ok***
Jun 12, 2014, 1:28 PM
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MVP [508]
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Re: no respect for the Tigers
Jun 12, 2014, 2:07 PM
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Where was Auburn in their polls last year this time?
I actually love being ranked where we are. We're low enough to keep our players from getting the big-head and to provide motivation to prove the so called "experts" wrong, but we're also high enough to be within striking distance of the top should we beat some of the teams they say we'll lose to.
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Standout [338]
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Re: no respect for the Tigers
Jun 13, 2014, 10:13 AM
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100% agree
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Orange Blooded [2519]
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What is Uga's OL situation? Last yr they had 4 Sr's if I
Jun 12, 2014, 2:17 PM
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recall, and for stretches of that game we dominated them.
Our D line returns, their OL could struggle mightily unless they're just really super talented.
I saw nothing from Mason in their last two games to make me worry, he's decent but not likely to beat you with sheer talent.
I'll probably start watching replays of their last two games when August rolls around, to scout and whatnot.
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Starter [358]
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Re: What is Uga's OL situation? Last yr they had 4 Sr's if I
Jun 13, 2014, 12:13 PM
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The UGA OL shapes up like this:
LT - JR John Theus - Started at RT since his first year on campus. Moving over to the LT spot now that K. Gates moved on. Former five star out of FL, that is going to be counted on for a big year.
LG - TBD - Most likely a former 4-star sophomore, Brandon Kublanow who saw limited PT last year, but the position is still up for grabs.
C - SR David Andrews - This will be his third year holding down the middle. The leader of the OL.
RG - RsSO Greg Pyke - A big spring led to him claiming this spot. Probably the most athletic OL on the team, but doesn't have the length for tackle. Very excited about this guy.
RT - RsSR Kolton Houston - Started 5 games last year at RT and was the first guy off the bench the rest of the time. Has the potential to be a good one, but got abused at times last year both against the speed rush and the bull rush.
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All-TigerNet [14488]
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Athlon has the confuse***
Jun 12, 2014, 4:13 PM
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Orange Blooded [4027]
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Good. I like being the underdog. Locker room material***
Jun 13, 2014, 10:28 AM
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CU Guru [1644]
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this yet another chance for Dabo to prove them wrong.***
Jun 13, 2014, 3:15 PM
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Addict [448]
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Re: no respect for the Tigers
Jun 14, 2014, 4:48 AM
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and none earned...why should they show us any respect..Dabo needs to win a game against Fla St. and more importantly ...USuC..until that happens...regularly...just shut up
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Hall of Famer [24820]
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... GFY.... twice!!!!!***
Jun 15, 2014, 8:54 AM
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CU Guru [1512]
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Re: no respect for the Tigers
Jun 15, 2014, 10:37 AM
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We will beat the Coots by a wide, wide margin! They lost far more than we did and our recruiting of the last couple of years will show itself up this year and for the next few years! When we beat them our goal must be to humiliate them and their a...... fans!!Gpo Tigers
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