DEVELOPING: UGA's Caleb King Ineligible

And if this doesn't mean that Isaiah Crowell will get the first hand-off of the 2011 season, the HQ doesn't know what will...

Caleb King is academically ineligible for the 2011 season.

Commence the appropriate amount of laughter and finger-pointing...

And, remember, Washaun Ealey, who led Georgia in rushing last season, left school in May after two suspensions for discipline issues. He's now over at Jacksonville State.

King was suspended for two games last season after failing to appear in court on a speeding ticket violation, and he missed the Liberty Bowl because of academics. He rushed for 430 yards and 2TD's on 80 carries last season.

Richt says King's "unfortunate" situation provides opportunities "for others to step up."

If the HQ could classify "busts," Caleb King would certainly apply...

More when we know more...

This is what Georgia fans wished they had more of if only King would have kept his head screwed on straight...
((HT: SEC on ESPN youtube))

Apologies to TBH, but these were the only highlights we could find...

Positive Pub's Week In The SEC: Chizik And Camp Sunshine

((HT: Positivepub.com))

FOSG ((and contributor)) Gil Tyree has been a very busy boy this summer before he heads back into the high school bunker...

He and fellow FOSG Lisa Weiss have been making the rounds checking in on all that is good about the people, places, and things of today...

Thus, the name of the gig- "Positive" Pub...

His first stop was checking in with someone who would make TBH very happy...
Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik's new book is out- entitled "All In..."

Of course...
And here's where Lisa and Gil caught up with the man...

Positive Pub: Gene Chizik from CWI Viewer on Vimeo.

Item #2: The University of Georgia Bulldogs football squad went out to Camp Sunshine to hang out with kids who have a different fight on their hands- cancer. For the last three decades, Camp Sunshine has been a place where the "C" word is the last thing on family's minds and they get the opportunity to be treated like they should be 100-percent of the time...

As normal human beings...

Once again, here's Lisa and Gil...

Positive Pub: Camp Sunshine from CWI Viewer on Vimeo.

BREAKING: UGA's Ealey To Transfer

((From the University of Georgia their own selves))

The University of Georgia has granted tailback Washaun Ealey "an unconditional release" to transfer to another institution for the 2011 academic year according to UGA head coach Mark Richt.

"Washaun and I have had several conversations in recent weeks," said Richt in a release by the school. "We both have come to the conclusion that a transfer to another institution would be in his best interest."

Ealey played in 21 games during his two-year career at UGA and rushed for 1,528 yards- 717 in 2009 and 811 in 2010.

And with highly-sought after recruit Isaiah Crowell coming in from Carver-Columbus, Ealey knew his playing time would get smaller and smaller...

But Ealey's run-ins with the law didn't help Ealey's worth on campus either...

More when we know more...

Mark Richt Uses A Bad Word... For Him...

((HT: Macon Telegraph/Lough))

You all know that coaches do these caravans during their off-season to address the faithful and allay any fears as we all head into the new football season...

University of Georgia head coach Mark Richt was in Macon, Georgia for one of those exactly-described meet-and-greets. But it wasn't all rainbows and glitter...

One fan was critical of the team's lack of output, and Richt responded...

From Lough:

"I see your frustration, I understand your frustration,” Richt said, politely but sternly. “I wasn’t born yesterday, I’ve coached football for 25 years, so I know what the hell I’m doing, OK?”

Yep, it's true... Richt used the word "hell..."

He asked Lough to change the quote and use the word "heck" and apologized for using what he referred to as "h-e-double-heck..."

But he got his point across and the crowd ate it up...
CMR showed a fire that a lot of folks wish he would have started showing a long time ago...

Richt Makes Honorary Bulldog In Valdosta

((HT: Valdosta Daily Times/Malone))

A lot of times, we get wrapped up in the whole idea of someone doing something just to get their name out there in a blatant swing of self-promotion.

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt is not, and has never been, one of those guys.

Valdosta High ((GA)) senior James Eunice was a two-sport player at VHS. He had talked about trying out as a walk-on in Athens to Richt himself as two teammates, Jay Rome and Malcom Mitchell were heading that way as well.

Eunice drowned while duck hunting last month.

At his memorial service, Rome and Mitchell opened a box that contained a UGA jersey in it. It had Eunice's name and number stitched on the back. Richt had, posthumously, given James Eunice a spot on the 2011 roster ((the jersey is pictured on the right, held by James Eunice's father, thanks Valdosta Daily Times)).

Absolute class...

From Malone's piece... Rome and Mitchell now know another way that they're playing for a great man...

“I’m going to play for an incredible man,” Rome said. “Coach Richt is just incredible. He’s the best. Just to know that he had that in his heart, just to do that for James and his family, means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to the family.”

“He cares about (people),” Mitchell said. “I don’t know how well he knew James, but just to do something like that, not really even having a full (knowledge) of who the person is, shows that he cares about people, and just is a caring person.”

The story by our friends at WALB-TV in Albany on when Eunice's body was finally found is hyah...

AJ Green Declares For NFL Draft

Surprising no one...

From the university their ownselves...

"While it was a difficult decision, it came down to the opportunity of pursuing a dream I've had since early childhood," said Green. "But Georgia is a great place and I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to be a Georgia Bulldog. I want to thank the coaches, my teammates and the fans who have supported me and helped me grow not only as a player but as a man."

Green also indicated he has only two semesters of school left to graduate and intends to work on that as well.

"A.J. has made an immeasurable impact on our team over the past three seasons and we wish him nothing but the best," said UGA head coach Mark Richt. "I've enjoyed the blessing of working with him and getting to know his family and we wish him all the success in professional football.

"Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog."

Here's a reminder of what he was to the UGA program... regardless of the QB...
((HT: FSN/youtube))

TWTW Bowling: UCF Reinforces UGA's Mediocrity In Liberty Bowl

Latavius Murray scored on a 10-yard touchdown run with a little more than nine minutes left, and UCF beat Georgia 10-6 in the Liberty Bowl. The win gives the Knights the best season in school history and the program's first postseason victory.

The Knights (now 11-3) had never won more than 10 games in a season and had lost their first three bowl games, including their last visit to Memphis three years ago.

Georgia (now 6-7) snapped a four-game bowl winning streak with their first loss since the 2006 Sugar Bowl. They also have first losing season since going 5-6 in 1996.

Here's the last play, shot on someone's I-Phone with reaction from Orlando...
((HT: Youtube))

Who Wants The Miami Job? Chucky Not Interested?

Will the glory days ever return to the "U" or is 7-5 seasons the norm? With the firing of Randy Shannon the Miami Hurricanes are at a crossroads and finds itself trying to find the right fit for a head coach.

The Jon Gruden to the "U" rumors have been flying but Chucky himself has said he is content with his ESPN gig. Gruden would be nothing but a short term fix for Miami and would serve as an audition for the next NFL job. It would be a great hire but not one that would serve the programs long term interests. Of course I could be wrong.

Miami Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt has a list and these names just might be on it.

Mark Richt - If Richt is going to move on from Georgia this seems to be the time to do it. The Bulldogs have been mediocre at best the last two seasons which hasn't endeared Richt to the fan base. Keep in mind Richt was Jim Kelly's back up as a player at Miami so he's a alum. Richt has had some discipline issues at Georgia recently which might work against him. Bottom line, I would be shocked if Richt bolted Athens for South Beach.

Mike Leach - I know Leach has a big mouth and is a nightmare for his bosses but he his offense just might work for the Hurricanes. Leach's Texas Tech defenses weren't that good but does the same kind of athlete attend Texas Tech compared to Miami? Don't get me wrong, Leach at best would be maybe a third or fourth option but he's a proven coach and would bring some much needed excitement from an apathetic fan base. Does the "U" want to carry his baggage?

Tommy Tuberville - His credentials are tremendous. A winner in the SEC at Auburn. A successful first season at Texas Tech with a 7-5 record. Tuberville spent seven years at the "U" as an assistant coach so he knows the ins and outs of the program. Could Tubs be pried away from Lubbock, Texas after just one season?

Dan Mullen - The guy can coach offense. I think Mullen would be a great hire for Miami. Young coach whose done a tremendous job at Mississippi State. Mullen should get a call.

Gus Malzahn - Hottest assistant coach out there. Kirby Hocutt should have Malzahn's number on his speed dial. A must call.

Brent Ventables - Another assistant coach on many athletic director's list. Lack of head coaching experience will hurt his chances but he's is a known commodity to Hocutt, they were teammates at Kansas State in the early 1990's.

Jim Leavitt - Way to much baggage.

Clean, Old-Fashioned Meh...

So, what happens when a 5-6 team takes on a 6-5 team...???

One needs a win to become bowl eligible, the other is already bowl eligible and doesn't have their starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Yep, we're talking Georgia and Georgia Tech. A game that's, traditionally, wacky regardless of records even if this year the two teams are headed to the Independence, Liberty, Fight Hunger, Military, Chick-Fil-A, or BBVA Compass bowls.

Translation: Shreveport, Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, DC, San Francisco, or Birmingham- and you're done before New Year's Day.

Both of them...

And in the year that a team like Texas is not even bowl eligible, Georgia was on the verge of being the same for the first time in 14 years. And, rest assured, Mark Richt's leash would be very short for 2011- even shorter than it is now.

Aaron Murray will be a very good QB in the SEC- that's a given if his growth curve continues the way it has. Orson Charles, while identified as a tight end, is more a flanker that will be the security blanket all QB's have. But since they have the history from their time at Tampa-Plant, it's a natural assumption.

They'll need that once AJ Green checks out faster than the Hurricanes told Randy Shannon he was out the door after losing to South Florida in Miami over the weekend. The defense will need to grow with young guys like Abry Jones and Alec Ogletree just as quickly.

Paul Johnson is, admittedly, short-handed after Josh Nesbitt's injury a few weeks ago. Tevin Washington is the new guy under center and he's had to learn on the job. And the offense is a precision-first way to go about life. It takes a special athlete to work in a system that has proven itself to be very successful when done correctly.

Remember, what's the phrase...?

Practice doesn't make perfect.
Perfect practice makes perfect, and that's what you need for that offense.
It has to be perfect for it to work.

So, what does the game come down to...??? Momentum, mistakes, and driving the other guy off the clock. Just like a game where everyone is 9-2 and trying for a bowl game that is a lot later in the bowl season.

Tech was down twice by 14- once in the first and once again in the fourth and came back both times. Tech ended up with 512 total yards of offense, Georgia had 425. Both teams had 95 yard scoring drives.

But Tech turned the ball over four times- three of them fumbles. Georgia also had four fumbles, but only lost two of them.

Mark Richt is now 9-1 in his first ten games against Tech- the most lopsided edge in a ten game stretch since 1947 to 1956.

Aaron Murray completed six of his first seven passes two for scores to a vastly-improved Kris Durham and the other to security blanket Orson Charles. He finished the first half going 11-of-14 for 220. Tech's Anthony Allen, on the other hand, finished with 166 yards rushing, mostly up the middle of the Georgia defense.

What did we say about youth on defense for UGA...?
And athletes on the edge for Tech's defense...?

But there were two signature moments late...

The first was when Tech came back to trail 35-34 in the fourth, but kicker Scott Blair missed his point-after in 78 tries as a Yellow Jacket.

The joke is an easy one there: Who does he think he is...? Kyle Brotzman...???

That made it 35-34 and, going unnoticed by a lot of people initially, gave Paul Johnson the idea to let Georgia's Washaun Ealey score unchallenged so Tech could get the ball back with a little over a minute to go. The Tech offense wouldn't have had the chance to come back from 8 down otherwise.

A lot of you will point to the incompleted pitch from Tevin Washington that Justin Houston ran home from 18 yards away toward the end of the third quarter, but two stops by the Tech defense and the UGA offense reinforced the comeback in the fourth.

Georgia's season collapsed when AJ Green sold his jersey and they couldn't beat a horrific Colorado team in Boulder.

Which one of the teams fired its coach this season...???

Tech lost its axle when Nesbitt was lost...

And that's what the margins of error are these days in Division One- big boy college football. If one thing goes wrong at a skill position, mediocrity awaits...

Again...

But, Georgia fans, there is hope. Carver-Columbus running back Isaiah Crowell was there in his UGA hat and matching pullover.

No word on if he hugged Mark Richt after this win, though...

Canes limp home, Randy Shannon gets fired....

Randy Shannon/Courtesy: miamiherald.com

It was inevitable. The rumors had been circulating most of the day on Saturday. The empty seats in Sun-Life stadium and the lifeless performance of the "U" against South Florida re-enforced it. It was time to change coaches.

Randy Shannon got four years to turn the University of Miami back into the power that they imagine themselves to be. It didn't happen. So he was fired Saturday night.

More from the Miami Herald RIGHT HERE

Shannon went 28-22 in his 4-years. Not exactly earth shattering. Though for some strange reason, the school gave him a 4-year extension on his contract before this 7-5 season even started. To buy that out will cost them some money. But that's what big time schools who think they are something they are not do.

This is the first, well with Robbie Caldwell's resignation, actually the second coaching opening of the Carousel season. Usually that season starts after conference championship games. Not this year. No word on the suspects in line for the gig, though we bet that this years wonderkind, Jim Harbaugh will be among them.

The "Official" press conference will be Sunday afternoon to announce this.

J-DUB UPDATE 10:30am: Shannon's offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland, will take over as interim 'Canes coach through the bowl game, according to the Associated Press.

And there's more: The rampant speculation has already begun. Those who's job it is to throw random names are throwing Jon Gruden and possibly Georgia Head Coach and Miami grad Mark Richt as potential contenders. Expect anyone who's ever had success as a college coach short of Joe Paterno and Nick Saban and maybe Gene Chizik to have their name bandied about.

In the meantime, here is some discussion on it from our pals at ESPN:

TWTW: Richt Saves Hawkins Job, Buffs Beat UGA

((HT: KDVR-TV/Fox31 Denver, Athletix Nation))

The HQ will readily admit that the Georgia Bulldogs should never schedule a game west of the Mississippi River ((see Arizona State, etc.))

This time, everyone and their mother going was thinking that Colorado was SO bad that Georgia was going to have no problems at all and it would be another step in the evidence in the "Fire Dan Hawkins" case put before the court of Colorado Public Opinion.

Well, so much for that idea...

It was nice for Aaron Murray to have AJ Green back ((as you'll see below)), but the defense let the Buffs back in the game. And we're still unsure as to whether or not Caleb King was trying to flea his flick with Murray late to cause the fumble that turned it once and for all...

We can tell you that Mike Bobo isn't long for this world, and that Greg McGarity may have Mark Richt follow in Bobo's footsteps...

Here's your highlights...


And just so you know... Georgia fans have beaten New Mexico fans to it...
Richtsgottago.com is up and running...

DEVELOPING: AJ Green Is Out Until Further Notice: Translation "Four Weeks"

It has to do with the selling of a game-worn jersey of his... for less than a grand, and not found on eBay...

All that according to the four-letter's Mark Schlabach...

Schlabach also reports some "twists and turns" in the investigation despite Green's being honest about the whole thing...

Remember, though, a case involving Georgia players selling their 2002 SEC championship rings led to the NCAA instituting rules that prohibit players from selling their own gear. In 2003, nine Georgia players sold their rings to a jewelry broker, but the NCAA ruled it could not take any action against them because their rules weren't all that specific about selling your stuff...

All that in addition to his "not ever being to Miami" investigation about alleged involvement with a sports agent that he doesn't know...

1645 UPDATE: Green is suspended four games by the NCAA... Tim Tucker over at the AJC says the sale was to an individual the NCAA would classify as "an agent."

The jersey was Green's Independence Bowl jersey, and he has apparently repaid the thousand bucks to a charity. AD Greg McGarity is appealing the decision on the notion that he would like the number of games in the suspension reduced.

Green and head coach Mark Richt have released your standard, stereotypical statements on the matter. The HQ might put up some quotes, but you've seen them before... just with different athletes and different coaches.

Here's the Breaking News as it was treated by our friends at MyFoxAtlanta/WAGA-TV
FOSG Ken Rodriguez 'splains...

DEVELOPING: Bulldogs Athletes Charged Hits Nine In Off-Season, Add Ogletree...

Georgia safety Alec Ogletree has been suspended for at least one game following a misdemeanor theft charge dating back almost three months.

Bulldogs coach Mark Richt says in a prepared statement that he's "disappointed" and Ogletree will miss the game against Louisiana-Lafayette.

The HQ also suspects a lot of early mornings and an equal amount of running...

Athens ((GA)) Police Chief Jimmy Williamson says the APD had spoken to Ogletree and that the freshman planned to turn himself in.

Williamson says the warrant stems from a June incident in which a student reported a scooter helmet missing from one of the student centers on campus. Williamson says the helmet was later reported to be in Ogletree's possession.

A warrant was then issued for Ogletree's arrest.

Williamson says the safety from Newnan ((GA)) High School will be booked on a theft by taking charge and likely released on bond.

More when we know more... but we wonder what his twin brother, Xander, thinks about the whole thing... since they're both on the roster...

Here's some video of Ogletree when he was being recruited from Newnan High...
((HT: Youtube))

Ess-E-Cee Media Daze Day Two: Richt Speaks, UGA Front and Center...???

((HT: al.com, McAlister))

Georgia head coach Mark Richt was asked about the elephant in the room, and he answered as good a non-answer as he could have considering the circumstances...

Georgia's Mark Richt speaks at SEC Media Days

And AJ Green still says he's never been to Miami...

Georgia's A.J. Green speaks at SEC Media Days

UGA Players In Trouble...Shocker... Two More Suspended, One For DUI...

Really, haven't the folks in Athens had enough with DUI's these days? On the heels of the unceremonious self-destruction of former AD Damon Evans, which began with a DUI stop, comes this.

2 Football players were arrested early Saturday morning and charged with underage alcohol possession and a slew of other misdemeanors. Highlighting the stop, a DUI charge against Sophomore reserve running back Dontavius Jackson.

We bring you more from AJC.com RIGHT HERE

Really, we don't know what to say here. Both players, Jackson and Tavarres King, a wide receiver were expected to contribute to the team this year.

With practice starting in just a few weeks, it will be interesting to see what exactly, Coach Mark Richt will do with them.

Here's some file tape of what King really should be doing with his time...
((HT: ESPN/SEC/captkool1447))


SUNDAY UPDATE: Both Jackson and King were suspended by head coach Mark Richt. In Tim Tucker's piece in the AJC, Jackson is to sit out the first half of the season and King is out for the Louisiana-Lafayette game at present.

“I’m disappointed in their decision-making and lack of judgment, and they will both pay a stiff price,” Richt said in a statement. “All our players need to understand that it’s a privilege to be a Bulldog, and their conduct needs to reflect the standards we expect.”

UGA's Logan Gray "Weighing Options"

University of Georgia Associate Athletic Director Claude Felton is confirming that Logan Gray, the only scholarship backup behind quarterback Aaron Murray, met with head football coach Mark Richt on Monday.

Felton's issued a statement in response to rumors Gray may transfer from Georgia. He says Gray is "weighing options for the remainder of his career." Felton adds Gray's "status has not changed."

Murray, a freshman, ended spring practice as the Number one QB after Richt kicked Oconee County High graduate Zach Mettenberger off the team for violating team rules.

Richt previously suspended Mettenberger for one game after Mettenberger's arrest on alcohol charges. Mettenberger participated in the Bulldogs G-Day contest, but only played with projected second-team athletes in the game. He was removed from the team the next day.

Incoming freshman and Lassiter High School ((GA)) quarterback Hutson Mason is slated to be the third QB on the UGA roster. Butler ((NC)) High quarterback Christian LeMay is set to announce his plans for his "finalists" on April 30th.

Georgia is in the running for LeMay along with Clemson, Auburn, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame. There is talk on the remainder of the southern fried blogosphere that Gray is considering a move to Division II Valdosta State.

Here's some highlights of Gray, Mettenberger, and the rest of the Dawgs from G-Day
((HT: HerschelTalker))

BREAKING NEWS: Scratch Mettenberger from UGA

***BREAKING NEWS****

It appears as though the 3-way competition to be the starting quarterback at the University of Georgia is now down to 2.

The school announced today that Coach Mark Richt has dismissed redshirt Freshman Zach Mettenberger from the team.

Mettenberger had been arrested recently in the south Georgia town of Remerton for underage consumption and/or possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct, obstruction and two counts of having false identification back in early March. While bad, they would not under normal circumstances be enough to hasten his departure.

The release, did not go into details, You can read what ajc.com had to say...RIGHT HERE

Mettenberger was just involved in this year's G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium, so this does seem a bit odd in the timing department.
((HT: CSS/HerschelTalker))


6PM UPDATE: Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution caught up with Associate Athletic Director Claude Felton late Sunday afternoon. Felton told Tucker that “there was not a new incident involving Zach.” He said Richt informed Mettenberger today that he would be dismissed from the team.

From Tucker's updates, again...

8PM UPDATE: Reached by the AJC on his cell phone Sunday night, Mettenberger said: “I’m not going to talk to you, sir.” Asked if he wanted to address the dismissal, Mettenberger replied: “No thank you.”

So, was G-Day an audition for anyone willing to chase after the currently-troubled Oconee County High grad...??? Looks that way...

Wonder if Jacksonville State would bite again on a quarterback with the alleged baggage Mettenberger has...???

Mark Richt calls his shot!

Stumbled across this video mention from our friends on AJC.com courtesy of their Twitter feed. Well, actually, they got it from Georgia Basketball Coach Mark Fox.

It's pretty cool. Head Football Coach Mark Richt goes trick shot this afternoon before the Georgia/Tennessee basketball game. Not bad and apparently his first try.

Oh...and make sure to check us out on Twitter too, me-OSGPhil, Jon-OSGJon, Wilkie...well we are still waiting on him. Not sure about J-Dub either...help me guys.

Check out the video...from PassersRemorse.com and the You Tube:

TWTW: Dawgs Defense Beats Aggies

((HT: KBTX-TV))

Those of us at OSG HQ would love to know where this defense has been all year long...

With UGA Head Coach Mark Richt teaming up with Recruiter Extraordinaire Rodney Garner and two Graduate Assistants, the Bulldogs held Texas A&M to 20 points in the Independence Bowl- winning 44-20.

Caleb King ran for two scores... ((Where has this been all year...???))
QB Joe Cox managed the offense to a 15 for 28 performance with two TD's thrown in...

But the offense will be either Aaron Murray's or Zach Mettenberger's next year. And it will be interesting to see where Richt goes for his new DC...

His own job future depends on it...

Here's your postgame wrap from our friends at KBTX-TV in College Station...


We still think Mike Sherman will either be out on his keester himself, or he'll have to let some coordinators go before the 2010 season starts...

Having 30 straight points scored on you will do that...

TWTW: Fired UGA Coaches Turn Richt Down

((HT: AJC))

Remember the three coaches that Mark Richt fired earlier this week...???

He asked them if they wanted to come hang out and prepare for the as-of-yet-unknown-but-probably-Shreveport-based bowl game they'll be playing in...

All three told to perch and rotate...

Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, defensive ends coach Jon Fabris, and defensive co-coordinator coach John Jancek were offered the opportunity to coach through the bowl game, but have declined, according to Richt.

Richt says that he will work along with defensive line coach Rodney Garner, and graduate assistants Todd Hartley and Mitch Doolittle in preparing the defense for the bowl game.

That's a good one... Richt, Garner, and GA's...

Those of us at OSG HQ wonder if the equally-unknown-Big 12-opponent is licking their chops over that one...