Coaching Rumor Update, episode V

You know, Bristol has trained Schad as well as any of their other jackholes.

It seems as if Vic Koenning will stand in front of a podium and be announced as the next defensive coordinator for Illinois today. I say seems because last night Joe Schat my Pants Schad logged into his twitter account. I think Hale put it best when he typed that's the world we live in now.


It appears as if Koenning was told to move forward with his process at some point last week when Coach Richt was not ready to make an offer. Koenning did just that earlier this week, but with some reservations.

From what I've read, Koenning's family did not follow him to Kansas State once he left Clemson. They do plan to follow him to Champaign. But...they also have a home in Florida. So Athens has been his first choice (and not just because of the beach front property).

And it also appears as if Richt came back to the table last night. The Illinois deal is thought to be for 2 years at $345,000 per. It is also thought that Koenning will stick to his word he gave to Coach Zook. But this is one where it may not be decided for sure until Koenning is spotted beside Zook's podium.

Or maybe even after that. Anyone remember Glen Mason?? (heh heh...) I've read some stuff from out west early this morning and they sound as nervous about the 2pm (1pm central) Illini presser as can be. And when your barometer is a twitter account with a Connecticut IP address...you just never know. (FWIW...I stopped following Schad on twitter right after he reached puberty.)

Some last thoughts:

• I think this makes it official that Smart is off of CMRs radar.
• I would surmise that the Koenning offer from UGA would be in the same ballpark as the Illinois offer. Otherwise it would be easier for Coach Koenning to go back on his word.
• But these things usually go pretty quietly until both parties agree to agree.
• As I pointed out earlier, I'm not sold on Koenning. He did some good things at Clemson. However, PWD builds a compelling case for the guy. 
• The numbers don't lie. Koenning has gotten it done in the places he's been. But from what I've seen he's similar to Coach Willie with better results. 
• A point can be made that with better tackling, coverage...overall enthusiasm...Martinez's scheme could work consistently. It did during the Van Gorder years.
• All that being said, what worries me most is that the Dawg Nation is pissing their pants something fierce. They're so distraught embarrassed distracted by the fact that Van Gorder, Muschamp and Smart aren't coming that whoever is hired will be debunked before the Butts-Mehre mic is turned on.
• So if Koenning pulls a Mason on the Zooker today...count me as one of the ones very proud of Coach Richt.

As for who to believe. Right now, I look to those I trust. PWD always has great analysis and good info. Scout's Dean Legge updates his Coaching Report whenever it's relevant. And as always, I appreciate Hale's truthfulness when it comes to things like this.

We'll call it reliability over premature twitterings...and that's who I'll be checking along and along as I head north...I'll update when I'm available. Speaking of UPDATES: check out Exhile's stuff. Afterall, he's in the middle of Illini country. Literally.

Yes Virginia...there is a Bernie

Linus has loaded the Tahoe with gifts of great tidings and much joy. For the next 10 hours, I-85 is my arch nemesis once again! DAMN U p o t h o l e s...

(Update: Yes, I've heard of the twitterings...I'll have a I have a Coaching Update as well) I counted myself among those disappointed that the new DC was not announced this week. Tuesday was the first possible day and I'd held out hope that the Evil Richt had planned a big time [quote] FU Chumps...I genetically rebuilt Erk Damn Russell [unquote] presser. The timing of Kyle's announcement only fueled my frenzy.

And yet, we wait. Which is likely good news. For one, a genetically re-engineered Erk Damn Russell would not have bled from his forehead; instead his skull would have ripped through his defensive charges' helmets like a hot knife through Country Crock, ultimately leaving our defensive depth chart depleted. And second, as I mentioned yesterday (as well as actual BDB Readers and bloggers on the internets)...Coach Richt has a better than passing score in hiring assistants.

Promoting assistants...eh! But hiring, yessir!


the Friday Feedbag

• To lead off, a PSA: Blogger has a new editor I've recently switched to which has some features I like. BUT...it has a bad habit of F*$%!! screwing things up once I click PUBLISH. Yesterday, things came to a head when the post was riddled with gaps and spaces that were not present in editing. If you experienced technical difficulties, I apologize. I shall persevere!
• Congrats to all UGA graduates. It's your day, you've earned it and no one can take it away from you.
• Can't really call it a read, but this is an interesting glance from Low on the SEC bowl records.
• On Wednesday I gave a balanced preview of Texas A&M. But really, the posts that are preparing us best for all things Aggie have come from Quinton at Georgia Sports Blog. Here's the one on the cheerleaders and here's the one on the band.
• While you're there, check out PWDs DC Search Update. 
• Leather Helmet has some pics of floriDuh recruits having fun with fingers. Luckily, it appears no hostesses were harmed. Go gatuh!
• Yesterday we noted that DawgsOnline had the skinny on what officials would be Christmasing in Shreveport. Now he asked a very interesting question about replays. He even drops some legalese knowledge on ya.
• Chilling yet inspiring article on Bacarri Rambo. Looking back, I'm guessing Rambo sees it as a helluva way to garner extra Facebook Friend Requests.
• Rex has some Post Season's Greetings. Suck it St. Simons!!
• I really enjoy bowl season. Whether you do or not, surely you agree that a bowl pick 'em helps make the games interesting. Last year I actually learned what a MagicJack was. So if you're still in the market for a challenge...remember Bubba N Earl's. If you beat Streit...he'll even put your name in lights.

Trivial Update

Q -  As the Dawgs prepare for the Agreeculturals, they undoubtedly want to stop the guy with the girl's name. Who is the 2009 Big XII Offensive Freshman of the Year?

A - Christine Michael

After a week playing second fiddle to @Stuff_of_Legend, @allyugadawg turned the tables back around and got her tweet in just ahead of Scott and @MikeInValdosta. For first place Ally will get her own personal 12th Man...to yell, start a bonfire or just take Lassie Reveille for a walk. Meanwhile Scott and Mike must share eight maids a milking.

Hey! it's the season to be merry. Take your fabulous prize and move along...be happy.

Need to give a shout-out to Exhile and Mike for their help in deciphering the phrase Courier and Ives yesterday. I plan to check your answers against what the wife says as we take a sleigh ride up to the northland. And speaking of my friend up in Big Ten/Golden Homer country, I guess this is another opportunity to experience life as a Dawg in exhile. But I'll draw the line at the official exhile hairdo.

Meanwhile, hope you're able to steer clear of malls, rooftops and Wal-Marts this weekend Reader. I'm trying to give the BDB staff some time off as well. So if I'm not back in time to mold the meatloaf Monday, let's try and get together for some eggnog next week.

Bernie

(A)Musings of Randomness - Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

No matter how much paint we have and how many brushes the media is armed with, Coach Richt just isn't gonna step into that corner. So we are forced to settle into a Holiday Season full of rumor mongering and airport hangar gossip. Should be delightful. And now that I've typed that, the new DC will be named just as I'm leaving to go out of town tomorrow. 


Joy to the World!

And although there are a number of intriguing scenarios as to why the timing points to Kirby Smart...the logic still isn't there. I hope I'm wrong about that, cuz like many Dawg fans I'd like it to play out that way.

However, I'd be just as excited about whomever CMR eventually names. I think it's extremely important to remember that he has done a pretty bang up job when hiring folks. Unfortunately, there are many fans out there who will let the taste of this hire sour in their mouths before they even swallow.

• Mike Mcintyre is the new head coach at San Jose State (h/t @bulldogsblog).
• Groo discovers some zebras heading for Shreveport.
• Free shout-out to the Reader who can explain to me the phrase Courier and Ives?
• I'll eat my weight in mistletoe if Hutson Mason isn't our next commit by the time the egg nog's properly chilled.
• Rocky Flop finally got a Simms at QB. He doesn't rob gas 'n sip patrons from a Prius, but he does carry extra baggage...filled with Mary, Jane and Goose. Matty Nice should fit right in.
• cocknfire gives three reasons why the Big Ten stays at eleven and also is in the market for a floriDuh assistant. Slurban's such a trendy douche.
• If a music group establishes it's niche with a song entitled Dancing Queen...they shouldn't even be allowed to carry Ace Frehley's smoking guitar. I'm just sayin'.

Found this video last night while surfing. Surely, you've seen similar ones from this scene in the movie Hitler: The Rise of Evil. Well, this one spoofs the Aggies, the Taco Cabana of football teams.

Enjoy.

Texas A&M, epitomizing balance

I try to keep my finger on the pulse of the Dawg Nation, and what I'm feeling is that most are not real worried about the Aggies. Maybe it's their 6-6 record, maybe it's their porous defense...maybe it's Shreveport apathy. I dunno. But I wanted to take a look at what our guys are preparing for. And what I found is an opponent that is as balanced as any I've seen.

They have a Yin squad and a Yang squad. Yet there's plenty of tilt in their totter...

In fact, they can best be summed up in one simple statement: When they have the ball they're good, but when they don't...they're bad.

• The Aggies average 33.9 points a game, yet they give up 32.7.
• The offense moves the ball effectively on the ground and through the air, averaging 190 yards rushing./game and 274 passing.
• In terms of passing vs rushing attempts, they maintain that balanced attack with 37 passes and 42 rushes per game.
• The defense allows 168 yards rushing/game and 262 passing. So while the offense moves fluidly down the field, the defense acts as a sieve.
• In the Redzone the offense is not quite as potent, scoring 46 times in 60 trips or at a 76% clip. Defensively, they've allowed 41 scores in the redzone in 52 trips, for 78%.
• The defense has caused 24 fumbles (collecting 10) while the offense has put the ball on the turf 24 times as well (losing 15).
• They average 5.8 yards a play, yet give up 6.

So the Texas A&M Aggie record is not 6 wins and 6 losses for nothing. Coach Sherman's crew redefine the term balance as do your damndest to outscore the opponent and hope to possess the ball last.

The gameplan from Coach Richt will be clear: chew up yards/time with the offense then contain Jerrod Johnson and the Aggie attack defensively.

Gig 'em..?? Nah...just GATA!

Coaching Rumor Update, episode IV

"This Bud's For...Who?"

For all we know, Coach Richt called Coach Foster to ask about the skiing in Wintergreen...but this was our first confirmed contact.


When Coach Donnan broke the news on 680theFan, I contacted some in-laws I have up in Virginia. As expected, most are quite familiar with this routine from Foster this time of year. In fact there were a number of reasons to be skeptical Foster would leave Blacksburg at this point in his career. In the end it looks like it was his relationship with Frank Beamer (not to mention what sounds like a lot of zeros) that took him out of play.

Today is the first possible day that Coach Richt could announce a decision. I'm not crossing my fingers. In fact, it'd be swell with me if there was no presser today...just a lot of questions thrown at CMR at tomorrow's Indy Bowl Media Day. Although I've heard more than a few people say post that at the Gala, CMR was telling people he had his guy. Which is similar to what's being played out on recruiting message threads.


As the wife says...whatevs.


Regardless of what you think of CMR calling Blacksburg, it's encouraging that he would go after someone with a pretty hefty contract. Prior to Foster and VA Tech agreeing on a new contract, he was making over 400K. It at least appears that Evans is putting his money where his mouth is.


Another encouraging sign is that the recruiting class has gone from cautious since the firings to enthusiastic. More on that later.


A last note on a David Pollack rumor. Here's his tweet from yesterday:

Looks like Ga Football program still might have some more changes coming, the strength and Cond staff might be adding a member. (next tweet) I think it 

will be an addition to the staff not a subtraction.

Not sure what to make of that since it's hard to believe we'd add another S&C coach unless he'd also have other responsibilities. On the other hand, it's a position that desperately needs new blood. Later, another tweeter asked Pollack this:

I heard a whisper about you being a position coach? Even it is false, 

would love to have your intensity back on the field. 

To which Pollack responded:

don't listen it's not true.

And that reminded me of a time about a year ago when I emailed the former All-American. Given the promotion of Bryan McClendon, I was curious if he'd ever consider a return to Sanford as a coach. His response:

I would love to coach but it will never happ.  I would not want to go 

recruit and deal with all of the off the field stuff.
It would be great but not going to happ. Thanks for the email

For those of you not familiar, Pollack tweets kind of like he played...with reckless abandon. Although I'll remain as skeptical about another S&C coach as I am of the Kirby's Coming rumors, I will take the time to smile at the thought of #47 bringing discipline and motivation to the workout regimen around Butts-Mehre. Of course, he'd have to relinquish his twitter account....and then Bill King would have less to write about.

Monday's Meatloaf - Tis the Season

You know that scene in Elf  when Miles Finch is pitching his Children's book ideas just as Buddy bursts in? I just love it when Buddy says "He's an angry elf!"

Makes me think of Nick Saban for some reason.

Starting to get that feeling that we've turned the corner on easing into the Holiday Season and are suddenly in the thick of the Oh Crap! Christmas is almost here!!! frenzy. I've used the Santa's watching threat a few too many times with the kids lately. There's reason to believe they have the hotline number too. I wonder what they're telling the big guy about me.

Whirled peas would be okay and all. But I've been counting on the soft glow of electric sex gleaming from the window. It's a major award!

Today's Ingredients

• Bowl season is nearly upon us. Streit at Bubba 'n Earl offers you to a challenge. 
• The downfall of Tim Tebow compared to Sex Day in a high school auditorium. Classic! (h/t Leather Helmet)
• Saturday night's Gala saw some big-time trophy case bling distributed to some DamnGoodDawgs.
• Before the annual banquet, the Dawgs began preparations for Texas A&M without much sense of normalcy. 
• Weiszer tells us Coach Garner is 100% committed to preparing for the Independence Bowl and that Ole Miss defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix hasn't spoken to Georgia about it's DC opening.
• Lots of recruits in town this weekend. Frostproof star Nickell Robey came to town with plenty of questions. Dean Legge tells us whether he left with any answers. ($$)
• The Senator serves KiffyBaby a tall glass of STFU.
• Before the first Heisman trophy even arrives on campus in Tuscaloosa, Don Kausler of The Birmingham News wonders if Bama's Ingram is now the greatest Tide player ever.
• cocknfire brings news of a new job for our favorite embattled pro golfer.
• And just when the Tiger Woods' drama couldn't get any smellier, it turns out that the Swedish retreat has no indoor plumbing during the winter. And that should complete the 180...from penthouse to outhouse.

People all around the world are making their Christmas wishes and laboring through their Holiday plans. Darling Nicky wants a BCS ring, size two. Joe Schad desperately wants a big scoop. Tiger wants his claws back. Coach Johnson wants a defense. Dr. Lou only needs a clue. Tuberville is pandering for a job. Timmy Tebow surely will get that box of tissues while his coach just wants some company. Where's everybody going?

Meanwhile in Athens, Coach Garner is helping his defense make the best of a difficult situation and Coach Richt is filling holes. Sure hope he gets more than a bowling ball this year.

Yes, tis the season. Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn. The clean, cool chill of the Holiday air.  An asshole in his bathrobe emptying a chemical toilet into my sewer.

Hey Philmer! Get off my lawn!!

Here's your napkin Reader. You got a little on your chin there...

Bernie

Coaching Rumor Update, episode III

Happy Heisman Saturday Reader! Sometime before tonight's ceremony, take just a minute to envision what it'll be like this time next year as we await the inevitable presentation to Adriel Jeremiah Green. Maybe it's just me, but I imagine him wearing a red tie.

Then of course our smiles will fade just a little as we watch him play his last game as a Dawg.

Ok. Back to Christmas Present. Practice starts today, which means that the team will be prepping for Texas A&M finally. But it also means Coach Richt will finally be in front of some microphones and digital voice recorders. Sure, we can't really expect to hear much. But I'll be eager to hear him dodge questions.

Some thoughts on the DC search:

• Wherever CMR is in the process, it looks like we can't really expect to hear anything before Tuesday.
• Since the position is quite obviously Smart's to accept or pass on, we can expect some kind of response from CMR as to what kind of conversation they have had.
• FWIW...the prospective Nat'l Chumps are still at least a little nervous about losing Smart.
• Many thanks to someone at Let's Go Guins for clearing up the Mark Stoops rumor on Wednesday. We figured the 80% chance was much closer to ZERO, but the somewhat anonymous commenter hit the nail on the head.
• Since that commenter was right about Stoops, we can only assume that the Visor will now be looking for a new OL coach and running game coordinator.
• Although I've personally written one potential candidate off, Westerdawg compiles some numbers that beg consideration.
• Although I still hold out hope for Smart...the million dollar question is what happens after he says no?
• I've stated that if that should happen, all bets are off. Coach Richt has done very well filling holes on his staff, and many of them have seemingly come from thin air.
• There are rumors out there that after Smart, the name that will surface to the top will come from the Big XII. To read more on that, click here ($$).

Spotlight: Travis Jones

current: assistant DL coach for New Orleans Saints

Jones is a popular name among message boarders as a former Dawg with a strong resume and even better recruiting experience. A former defensive captain 'tween the hedges, Jones was a four-year letterman during the Goff years. Since his playing days he has cut his coaching teeth under Nick Saban at LSU and with the Miami Dolphins.

Although he has never coordinated a defense, he has coached both LBs and defensive lineman as well as developed a legendary record as a recruiting coordinator while in Baton Rouge.

Although I doubt CMR would hire an unexperienced DC at this point, Jones could be an intriguing name. Getting him to jump from the NFL back to the college ranks would be difficult from a workload standpoint. But a phat checkbook could get him to the table. And it would definitely be worth a phone call. He's a Georgia native and still runs football camps during the off-season for Georgia youth.

So...what do you think?

A Silent Night? Not So Much...

I don't know about you, but...THE SILENCE IS DEAFENING!!!

As I type and you read, either details are being ironed out on a contract for the new DC or...not. I'm sure Coach Richt has enjoyed not having to face the media this week, but it hasn't made the paint dry any faster.

It's anything but quiet in the blawgosphere however. Rex has called it like he saw it, which led to this by the AJCs Bill King and Rex clarifying his point here and here. The criticism has been sharp...and to a large degree a little out of focus in my opinion. From anonymous bold comments not even made on his blog to blowhards on talk radio who can't even seem to remember the name of his blog. (By my count, John Kincade mentioned the Junkyard Blawg 7 times, while we still wait for the phrase Roughing the Kicker to escape his fat mouth.)

As magnificent as the internets are, they tend to create much bravado where there is only cowardice. They tend to make others sound foolish when they get too lazy with their mouse. And they also allow (crap)weasels a place for their (refuse). Case in point...the nerd who spat all over Georgia Sports Blog a couple days ago.

I don't know Paul Westerdawg at all, but I do know what a pain in the ass it is to have to clean up after someone else at your own place. I don't know Rex Robinson real well, but I know enough that his heart is in the same place as ours Reader. He loves the University of Georgia enough to call a spade as such when he sees it.

You know, there's no harm in disagreeing. We all have differing opinions and they should all be welcomed at the table. But every opinion should be an informed one. If we jump to conclusions and let our red and black spirit devolve into a cess pool of raw emotion and name calling...well, we are then no better than the reptiles to the south.

I rarely read the AJC anymore, and when I do I certainly don't waste time in their unmoderated comments section. And to listen to the talk radio guys, I'm not completely convinced that they even read Rex's blog...instead just took the cliff notes version. For those that can't don't read, maybe they'll at least take the time to tune in at 12:15 today when 680theFan's Chuck and Chernoff finally let Rex speak to his point.

I know I will.

Trivial Update

As mentioned, Drew Butler won the Ray Guy last night. So I thought it fitting to tweet a question for ThursdaysRTrivial related to the award's namesake. It was rare for a Ray Guy punt to be blocked. In fact, when his NFL career came to a close he left behind a streak of how many unblocked punts?

For the second consecutive week, @allyugadawg came in second place. But this week it was@Stuff_of_Legend who beat her to the correct tweet of 619. @phr34k also entered the mix to add that Guy only had 3 of his 1049 career punts blocked.

Well done. Enjoy the signature single bar Raiders' facemask Scott, while Ally and Tim attend a free Pilates class in an attempt to gain Drew Butler type flexibility. The rest of you can check out Scott's blog Stuff of Legend with one simple click.

the Friday Feedbag

• First and foremost, let me make this one thing perfectly clear: I have NOT had sexual relations with Tiger Woods. I was holding out for a big paycheck to keep that under wraps. But I think now it's time to move forward and hope for a Barbara Walters interview.
• A lot of head coaching dominoes will now fall into and out of place, South Bend tapped Kelly. Which for some reason caught Marty Gilyard by surprise.
• Kiffybaby made some news this week...at least his kitties did. And the rationalization is thick, as expected. And Groo sees Travis' points, but thinks he goes a little off the map.
• Speaking of news, the biggest of the week has been from Kyle at DawgSports. Erk has his nomination. I haven't stopped smiling since I read his post.
• Coach Fox's Hoop Dawgs fell to St. Johns Wednesday night despite Trey Thompkins' 19 points.
• SicEmDawgs has all the updates you would need for your next visit to Foley.
• Coach Richt's staff may be slim, but they've been busy leading up to the upcoming dead period. Chad Simmons has all the latest recruiting info in his Insider Report ($$).
• Also at Scout, Legge has an update on the DC coaching search ($$) and wonders if the end is near.
• Make sure you regularly check out Hale's series Dawgs of the Decade and click over to Macon.com cast your vote.
• Blair Walsh had the best season of any kicker in the nation...but still fell short of the Lou Groza Award. Luckily, Drew Butler's dominance was too much to ignore. Congrats to both young men on a fine season.
• With the Heisman tomorrow night, cocknfire takes a look at who should win.
• A lot has been made of the BCS Title game featuring two former Dawgs as defensive coordinators. Coach Magill provides a nostalgic approach.
• And finally, it looks as if the Erin Andrews' peep hole has been boarded up.

Hope all the recruits in Athens this weekend have a great time and the team enjoys the annual Gala. Especially the seniors. Our Supper Club is concluding another successful year of supping with a kidless night out at something called a restaurant. Evidently they have people there who bring you your food and refill your drink. Sounds fabulous.

Just hope my Tech buddy Miranda and I can get along enough to share a beer long without him getting jealous at the Dawgs’ de facto ACC Championship…ahem!

You have a great weekend too Reader. Only 13 shopping days left. No socks this year...please!

Bernie

They Kick'd Some Serious Ass

Without them, we woulda maybe won three. So now it's time to tune in.

Tonight the awards are given out for college football's finest players. Blair Walsh is up for the Lou Groza and Drew Butler the Ray Guy. They are our lone finalists.

Be sure to tune in tonight at 7pm on the mutha.

Walsh shakes his groove thing.

Holy Groin Pull!! Just Chillin'.

Coaching Rumor Update, episode II

As promised, some names I'm not so thrilled about. When I type that, understand that it is a mixture of ignorance, cold research and educated guesses. Also understand that this is not a comprehensive list, just the ones I've taken the time so far to look into. The names below have been gleaned from three different sources, two I trust and one I frequently ridicule. I think by the end you'll see which is the latter.

Feel free to disagree, agree or even add your own.

Vic Koenning

current: DC at Kansas St

PA - 23.3 Sacks - 20 INTs - 13 Fum - 11 TFLs - 62 PBUs - 27 QB hurries - 2

Koenning was the Clemson DC during the Tommy Bowden era. He was basically fired/let go when Dabo Swinney took over. So he's been at KSU just one season. His time at CU was much like Bowden's, littered with stellar highlights (holding Calvin Johnson to zero catches in a 31-7 2006 win) and epic fails (take your pick). I asked my IPTAY connection about the Koenning tenure and it sounds like overall the fanbase was pleased with him. But when Dabo took over Koenning's inability to inspire his troops the way the new HC was looking for led to his dismissal. Given what we've seen from the Dabo tenure so far, I take that to mean he's too laid back.

Overall, I guess the resume just doesn't impress me. His defense from what I have read and remember seeing are a mirror of Martinez's. I recall going with my dad to see a Clemson/Central Michigan game a couple of years ago. It was a Georgia off week, so I figured I'd scout a future opponent. The Tigers destroyed CMU as expected, but the defense really only tried to contain LeFevour and relied on some turnovers to hold them to 17 points (if I remember correctly).

But..on Koenning's side is the fact that he has ties to CMR through the Bowden family.

Kevin Steele

current: DC Clemson

PA - 21.0 Sacks - 34 INTs - 21 Fum - 8 TFLs - 96 PBUs - 42 QB hurries - 30

Took over for Koenning in Clemson this season and was really the reason for their success this season. Steele you may remember, left Saban's sideline in the off-season to assume his role in Death Valley. Again from the land of IPTAY...the feeling on Steele up there is that he's had his troops in the right place all season and that they've done very well all season except for about six quarters against the trade schoolers.

This is a name that at least intrigued me until Saturday night. Dad agrees that the Tigers failed miserably at stopping Dwyer and Nesbitt, as Martinez had the week before. During the drives when they did stop Dwyer, the pitch hurt them badly.

Maybe that's putting too much weight into just one game against a team we play on the last game of the season...maybe not. I mean, when you break your hand trying to fire up the troops before the game and then let them score 39 points...well, I think we've been there before.

Mark Stoops

current: DC Arizona

PA - 23.2 Sacks - 34 INTs - 12* Fum - 7 TFLs - 69 PBUs - 36 QB hurries - 1

Stoops name has surfaced thanks to the mutha up in Bristol. From what I can tell that is the only place it is being mentioned in connection with Georgia's opening. However, one apparent source is a Gamecock site which states that there's a 80% chance that the new Dawg DC will either be Stoops or Sunseri.

So I give this little weight until I hear it from a different source. Right now it sounds like some nervous chickens anxious about the long shot of losing Ellis Johnson.

* just wanted to point out that this number is actually inflated by 5 INTs against Central Mich the first game of the season.