Couple Quick Thoughts...

I'm sick and disgusted just like you. I'll try and have some more cogent Sunday Thoughts in the morning.

But right off the bat, two things. I certainly underestimated the job Shawn Elliot has done with the Carolina offensive line. I thought they would play over their heads, but they were good. Not dominant by any stretch, but played solid.

Secondly, I underestimated that kid Lattimore. He did his share to make his line look good and we were not up to the challenge of stopping him. My gut tells me Spurrier kept just enough under wraps with this kid against Southern Miss to keep us off balance. At least in the first half. And give the freshman credit; in the waning moments when his team needed him and a few yards, he was no chicken little.

Not looking forward to the rewatch. But when I do I'll be looking for these things:

• why Nick Williams didn't factor more into the safety rotation
• how many yards Ealey missed by succumbing to first contact
• offensive play-calling; how much does Bobo trust Aaron Murray thus far...??

If you were at the game, at least you have plenty of time to get outta Hell. And if you're at home, at least you have time to digest this loss before bed so you don't wake up with that complete feeling of despondency.

In Remembrance

Carolina Preview - Get'N Cocky

I've had my doubts about this game. And now we have to throw the AJ Green suspension on top of it. But suddenly...if I'm that old dude on that ESPN day of the game show, I've got that wooden pencil in my hand and am about to shove it down Herbie's throat.

Not so fast dear Reader!

It's true, we played our best offense when AJ was out last year. Like ecdawg's reader pointed out, it's not that we're a better team when AJs benched...we just seem more focused. Our offense clicks more readily.

Why is that? Perhaps it starts with Coach Bobo's mindset and filters down to his playbook. But it also has something to do with the defense we're up against. They suddenly have more questions in their heads than answers. At least that's the way I see it.

Would I like Aaron Murray to have #8's hands to depend on in his first SEC road test? Sure. But getting Ealey back may be a bigger key.

All that being said, I think this game comes down to one thing: offensive line. Carolina's defense is stout. They're missing some pieces, but Ellis Johnson is always prepared and has them well coached. Our line is going to be stretched to their capacity, called on to be ready for a difficult challenge. And I think they'll be ready.

At least more so than the chickens. Our defense may have been going against a mediocre mid-major last week, but the key components were evident. They tackled, they hustled, the LBs covered midfield and the flats...they dictated the play. All that and I don't think Grantham's even begun to show his hand, yet.

In short, I don't think the Lamecocks are ready for Justin Houston. And they're certainly not ready for Coach Todd Grantham.

Dawgs 30

Fowl    13

Trivial Update - Running Thru the Chicken Coop

#ThursdaysRTrivial ep. 59 coming up right after this PSA: Grab a chicken Dawg. Almost time to smoke em!

#ThursdaysRTrivial episode 59 "Running Thru the Chicken Coop" It's time for the Twitter Twivia Show that never has that tired old chicken $hit smell. At least not on gamedays. REPLY back your answer for a chance at a fabulous prize. The last time the Dawgs barked in Chickumbia, this player was second on the team in rushing yards, but led the team in longest rush after a 30 yard jaunt down inside the Visor's 5 yard line. Who was he?

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Just two years ago we went into Lamecock Land pretty full of ourselves. High ranking. All star QB and an electrifying running back. But like most trips there, we quickly began to realize that this time would take as much guts, determination and quick legs as any other.

Stafford's legs weren't quite fast enough to take him to Glory, Glory...but it certainly stirred up the fowl. (about 2 minutes in if you're pressed for time)

Good stuff. A h/t to Mackie on the video sequence.

Back to the trivia, it was Adam who chimed in first, but he quickly redacted his tweet. Let's just say his reasoning was there, but his logic was off. Then came Scott who correctly guessed the current Detroit Lions QB (and reserve QB on my fantasy team) followed by Ally. These three tweeps are clearly ready to taste the chicken.

I've got some framed pictures to give out today. Although none are autographed, I can assure you they are chicken waste free. Scott gets one of the game saving fumble recovery. Ally claims the one of Spurrier's curious and quizzical jaw jut. Classic! And Adam...he gets one of Carlton Thomas.

Remember where to place the beer cans tomorrow Reader.

About AJ...and his jersey

Am I mad at the NCAAs ruling? Yes. Does it jive with Marcel Dareus' two games? No. But this is about one person, Adriel Jeremiah Green. My surprise at the ruling yesterday doesn't come close to the depths of my disappointment in AJ.

We thought we knew him. He's the kid that not only makes plays, but then carries himself just as gracefully when he returns to Planet Earth. He's as humble off the field as he is talented on it. But he turned his back on his teammates. He took a calculated risk knowing his coaches trusted his judgment; the same coaches and staff who undoubtedly had warned him of the NCAAs rules. He got caught. And now those players must go on without their 1st string All-SEC wide receiver. Those coaches must gameplan without their greatest weapon.

The fans...? Most are lashing out against the NCAA. Again, I get that. They've made themselves an easy target. As PWD pointed out using Clay Travis' twitter feed, a felony counts as less punishment than something that is legal. But AJ knew the rules. He risked it anyway. He lost. The talented receiver who catches everything thrown his way was caught himself.

We've all made mistakes. God knows I've made plenty. And I've never had mine so publicly played out for the world to digest. But AJs no victim here. I don't feel sorry for him. It was AJ who decided that a few hundred bucks was more important than playing college football. At some point he decided he would defy the rules, and turn his back on the coach who's been there for him for nearly a decade.

Can we win games without AJ Green? Absolutely. We will, in fact. Can we forgive AJ? Certainly, he's still a Dawg. But that doesn't mean he's the one who's been wronged. My point is simply, he's the one who was.

Focusing on PRACTICE Jerseys

AJ Green is gone for four games, pending appeal. I guess I shouldn't be stunned that Chuck Oliver's source inside Butts-Mehre is actually a crack dealer on Ponce. I'm still a little surprised by the ruling, but it is the NCAA we're talking about. However, neither touches my disappointment in AJ.

But for now, Coach Mark Richt:

Certainly I’m disappointed with the outcome. However, we have games to play, and that’s where our focus needs to be in the coming days and weeks. Other players will have to step forward and I’m confident they will do that.

Go Dawgs! 

About AJ - UPDATED

BREAKING: AJ suspended for four games. UGA appealing.

UPDATE: Schlabach reports on the jersey and some twists and turns in AJs case

UPDATE II: Estes says there's precedent for a possible multiple game suspension

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He'll be cleared, soon. Chuck Oliver broke the story from what I can tell. I checked around some other sites last night that followed his lead. The consistent conclusion is that whatever punishment in terms of games will be time served. It apparently had to do with a jersey AJ sold to a third party. He evidently has made restitution and is ready to crush some souls in the Carolina secondary.

We all knew it was never about South Beach. But it just goes to show you how powerful words can be. That tmz entertainment conglomeration isn't in the sports biz. But they interrupted their coverage of millionaire whores to do a little whoring themselves, stating that AJ was also a guest at the party in Miami that had implicated the UNC players among others.

Evidently some pencil pusher in NCAA Compliance also logs onto tmz every now and again to catch pictures of Megan Fox's latest tattoo. So as a result AJ had to be investigated. Which leads me to my bigger point.

Because AJ had to answer investigators' questions as well as those from Coach Richt and the Butts Mehre brass, the truth about the jersey was certain to emerge. I'm sure they checked into his recently purchased insurance policy. Perhaps that lead to discovering an extra $1000. One false story lead to a dirty subplot. 

The fact that AJ Green is playing Saturday tells me he was honest and forthright with his coach first and the NCAA foremost. It tells me all I need to know to put this ridiculousness behind me. Words are indeed powerful tools that can be wielded as weapons. AJ chose the right ones to clear his name and make amends instead of wielding them on himself.

Dawg fans who've come to understand the person he is, expected nothing less.

Locker Notes - Tastes Like Chicken!

If there's a word for low functioning genetics, it sprung out of Chickumbia.

• AJ Green - Now that the NCAA has found the napkin that they wrote Butts Mehre's phone number on, I fear for the hapless poultry that is charged with covering you. 
• Aaron Murray - If Timmy Tebow can get sent to the hospital on a stretcher by a KenYucky LB, a chicken can easily do you great bodily harm. Eat the ball when necessary and live to play another down.
• Derek Owens - It was nice to see your swagger firsthand. It should look even better in your first road trip.
• Drew Butler - Still trying to figure out how you could possibly have gotten better in the off season. But it's one mystery I don't mind. Especially heading into this historically difficult matchup.
• Ben Jones - I'd rather have him yelling at me than my mother. Just imagine Coach Searels in one ear and Momma in the other.
• Kiante Tripp - Saw you Saturday. There's holes in this garnet and black offensive line too. GATA!
• Jakar Hamilton - Every Saturday is bittersweet, and yet you still provide us with highlights. Amazing.

Also, for an interesting story on the truth behind Gamecock's fandom and season ticket sales, check out ecdawg's story on being in exclusive feathers. Other than that, feel free to add your own below. Here's a sharpie...

Consider the Source...

The self-proclaimed Kang of college football has tweeted. If his source is right, it brings good tidings of great joy:

From Athens: A.J. cleared tomorrow. NO Miami, NO ebay. Did sell jersey, has paid back the $$. Should be 1 game. www.chuckoliver.net for more

 

kingcfb

A Lamecock Update...

In his weekly news conference, the Visor intimated that he would have DB Chris Culliver back from NCAA Limbo in time for Saturday's game against the Dawgs. Culliver sat out Thursday night's opener against Southern Miss do to an NCAA investigation, one separate from WhitneyGate.

While this could mean that AJ Green's status should also be known soon, it is likely unwise to make assumptions when it comes to NCAA compliance due diligence.

Culliver recently moved from free safety to cornerback for his senior season. His experience against Aaron Murray's targets would be welcome news to all chicken farmers.

In other garnet and black headlines, Spurrier also opened up the possibility that his defense's quarterback, Shaq Wilson may miss the entire season. Wilson sat out Thursday's game with a pulled hamstring. So the injury may be deeper than originally believed. 

Why is that important? Because Wilson is exactly the type of player that would not be easily fooled by Murray's play action. Wilson's replacements on the other hand are...

Tony Straughter and Quin Smith were fine there Thursday against Southern Miss -- Straughter even picked up, and returned, a fumble -- but you don't get to play Southern Miss all season.

Physically, there might not be an incredible dropoff from Wilson to, say, Straughter. But mentally it's not even close. Wilson knows every little facet of Johnson's scheme - and he's seen most SEC offenses by now.

That's all for now. I'm off to fax the NCAA...again.