Bulldog Hotline - Sept. 5, 1999

Printer-friendly versionSend to friendMunson opened by commenting on the number of players JD played…especially the backup QBs. JD was pleased with the big crowd, but not by the fact we did not score more points, given that we rolled up almost 600 yds.Both Munson and JD were surprised Utah St. moved the ball as well as they did. JD noted Utah St. did a lot of things to help protect their QB, who still got hit on most every pass attempt. We were hurt defensively on misdirection plays, and need to work on staying home while still being aggressive on defense. We did much better at creating turnovers.

Munson noted that many teams around the country had turnovers and kicking game breakdowns in the opening games. JD is amazed that NC State (his alma mater) is 2-0 without scoring an offensive TD! Plus, SC now leads the nation in total defense (holding NC State to 96 yds.) but could not score. So much for stats, in his eyes.

JD says Holleman is still the primary kickoff man, since he generally places the ball where the coaches want. However, the staff is pleased with Kirouac’s kickoffs into the end zone.

JD pointed out good running efforts by Sanks and QC, and that we converted most short yardage situations (unlike last year). He thinks some longer runs will come as teams focus on our passing game. Remember, we’re playing lots of OL. Kenny Bailey will get another look at RB with Pass hurt and Calloway out for the year (torn ACL).

Sanks got 12 carries (out of 33 plays he was in)..workload will depend on defensive alignment.

DeJuan Green was discharged from the hospital after an overnight stay. Only problem is a hairline fracture and some puffiness around the jaw…about two weeks rest for the concussion and jaw, then back in action. No wiring will be needed JD was impressed with the sense of unity throughout the stadium, from team, medical staff and fan support, in that situation.

Kevin Breedlove got about 25 snaps, has everything it takes to be a college lineman. One of 10 true freshman who played.

Pleased with Wynn Kopp’s improvement, especially that roll (which JD admits to relying on a lot). Competition contines at that position, along with most others. Kopp held off competition by improving his leg strength and getting the ball off quickly.

JD understands that criticism is a reflection of society today - referring to a caller talking about calls on the Fifth Quarter show Saturday night. He thinks callers would understand more if they got to watch the film.

Recruiting needs …continue to look at the top RBs and go for 2 great QBs, in addition more OL as usual. JD was also pleased with the number of prospects in attendance yesterday.

Offensive execution - 35 guys played on offense (about double the usual)…no offsides penalties, 2 loss yards plays, 3 mental error. The problems were 3 fumbles, the int., a couple of dropped passes and a couple of hurried throws under pressure.

Charles Grant will be used depending on how much we can cover with him, much like Champ’s role on offense was gradually expanded throughout his UGA career.
A caller also pointed out that Grant was often the first man downfield on kickoff coverage.

JD still thinks we should have played Jon Stinchcomb last year, but is glad we have him for 4 years. He is very excited about the young OL after watching the tape.

Several pro scouts were in Athens Friday, reviewing tape of the Utah St. RB, Demario Brown (this is common for scouts looking at players on lesser-known teams), so we should not have been surprised at his ability.

We’ll have to find out on the field whether we’re ready to beat Florida and Tennessee in the same year. JD reminded the caller we still have to deal with South Carolina and LSU before we go to Knoxville.

Impressed with Tim Wansley on punt returns. Wansley keeps telling JD he wants to "be like Champ," but coaches tell him to work on defense first.

JD thinks Kendrell Bell’s leap over the blockers on kick coverage should be on Sports Center. Also, Bell will continue in the rotation at LB, along with Jessie Miller.

We expect Michael Greer back this week; he was held out with the headaches as a precaution.

JD made sure Munson was pleased with the play of the TEs…all four on the roster played. The regulars (Johnson and McMichael) caught the ball well, and JD is impressed with Rader’s fundamentals and talent.

JD does not think some of the "scary" scores last night indicate anything about the level of the SEC this year, and thinks it will take 3-4 weeks to establish any kind of patterns. He also notes that he has not seen much of the other teams on highlights or film as yet. He is concentrating on South Carolina.

SC game time is 5:00 Saturday…JD call in show next week is on Tuesday. JD asked Munson about current movies, then thinks Munson should join the team for pre-game dinner and movie on Friday night. The team gets to go to a multi-plex and pick among the movies. (I won’t name the Athens-area theater.)

One fan likes the new seating arrangement, but not the "smoke" - meaning the fire extinguishers. JD is more concerned with the clock, since this is the fourth straight year the clock has malfunctioned at some point during the first game. JD is for anything to create more noise, but figures it will come if the team plays better.

Overall, JD was pleased with the special teams, other than a couple of kickoff coverages. Good punt and kickoff returns, plus Jeff Harris’s blocked FG.

Expect different defensive schemes for SC’s running backs than what was shown last night. Some of Utah St.’s big runs came against pass blitzes. JD still expects our front 7 to be outstanding.

We lost out on Derek Watson partly due to grades, but partly due to a mnor recruiting violation - talked to him on a non-contact day early in the process. We had to break off contact for three weeks, then were unsure about his grades, and lost out.

Jim

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