I think most UGA faithful are not really thinking much about the 1st game opponent. Fans are thinking about watching Todd Gurley, or that big Theus kid at right tackle, maybe watching Mitchell play both ways or various other positions or players but most of us, myself included, are not talking about our first opponent. Most I am sure have moved past that and are talking about our first SEC contest the next week at Missouri. So, for those loyal readers of this blog (yes, that means you Mom and Dad), I figure I should do a little research about our first opponent of the season, Buffalo. First of all, let's clear something up really quick, this is NOT the Buffalo Bills we are playing, rather the Buffalo Bulls who play in the MAC. They finished last season 3-9 overall, 2-6 in the MAC eastern division. They are coached by Jeff Quinn who will be entering his 3rd season at the school (he followed Turner Gill who won pretty big at Buffalo and then departed to coach at Kansas and has since been fired). So far Quinn, who came to Buffalo after a successful run at OC at Cincinnati, has not had much succes as his first year he was 2-10. Buffalo will have a new QB starting for them this year as recently Quinn name JR Alex Zordich his starter for the UGA game. Zordich was the backup last year. Buffalo does return 16 starters from last year, including RB Brandon Oliver who is the only MAC player nominated for the Maxwell award-which is given to the top player in college football, as well being nominated for the Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards. Last year Oliver ran for nearly 1400 yards and 13 TD's, he appears to be THE offense. As I mentioned a new QB, all new WR's, it would appear the key for UGA will be shutting down Mr. Oliver. On defense the top player is without question Khalil Mack, on the preseason lists for the Nagurski and Lombardi awards. Only one problem though, Mack has been suspended idefinitely for violating team policy-not sure what that means but we can certainly relate to player suspensions. As for Georgia connections, looking at their roster, they do have a few kids from the state playing for them-
5 Tony Daniel QB from Hiram
12 Cordero Dixon WR from Suwanee
22 Najjia Johnson CB from Atlanta
92 Kendall Roberson LB from Decatur
A few more tidbits about the school itself in case you were wondering, per wikipedia-
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, also commonly known as the University at Buffalo, SUNY Buffalo, or UB, is a public research university with multiple campuses located in Buffalo and Amherst, New York, United States. There are 28K+ students with over 19K undergrads. As for famous alumi, I would say the most popular would be Wolf Blitzer!! But the 13th president of the US Millard Fillmore (I hate to admit it but I can't remember that name when I think of US presidents), also attended as did current Green Bay Packer James Starks.
Ok enough on Buffalo, I still think of the Bills when I think of Buffalo but I just had to look at that program a little bit so I was not totally in the dark when the visit next Saturday.
As for UGA, I think the depth chart is really pretty much settled, the coaches are not saying so but in the little bit of news we do get, I think it is pretty clear the direction we are moving here. So, here is the Haney starters for game one, based on who I think will be eligible to play that is.
QB-Murray
FB-Hall, followed closely by Samuel and then Hicks
TB-Malcome, followed closely by Marshall and Gurley-will be interesting to see who comes in second.
WR-King and Brown
TE-Lynch, Rome will play a lot as well
RT-Theus
RG-Burnette
C-Andrews
LG-Lee
LT-Gates
DE-Abry Jones
NT-Jenkins, followed by Geathers
DE-Garrison Smith-I think Washington will start at OLB
OLB-Jarvis Jones
OLB-Washington
ILB-Gillard
ILB-Robinson, I think Tree sits out game one
CB-Swann
CB-Smith
S-Williams
S-Moore, although Norman could get the nod as I think Rambo sits out at least game one
I think Mitchell will play nickel, I think Harvey-Clemons will be in the rotation at safety, Jordan Jenkins will get serious look at OLB with Vasser out, Herrera will get serious time at ILB as will Ramik Wilson at one of the LB spots, Ray Drew will get plenty of time at DE as well.
I also believe the two FR kickers will win those jobs as kicker/punter. Now as for what players in the 2012 class that I see NOT playing this season, based more on depth at their positions-
John Atkins-didn't enroll so easy call here.
Faton Bauta-will provide a good athletic QB for the scout team this year.
James DeLoach-he still could end up playing, Grantham has said publicly he really likes this kid but it appears to me Josh Dawson has passed him and I think that means this kid will redshirt.
Lenoard Floyd-see Atkins above.
Greg Pyke-I still think the coaches would like to RS this kid, get him bigger and stronger but it appears he could earn his way into playing this year-especially if we have injurires on the OL.
Jonathan Taylor-it appears due to depth issues, this kid will redshirt.
Blake Tibbs-he could see the field but I believe ONLY if one of the WR's go down. Remember, we awarded scholarships to a walkon WR Rhett McGowan.
So, out of a 19 player signing class, (17 of which are actually on campus), I will go on record as saying 7 will not play this season. I can't believe we are a week and one day away from kicking off the 2012 season. I look forward to seeing if this team can finally take that next step. I am SOOOO sick and tired of everyone picking Bama/LSU every year in the SEC, I want UGA to bust through and take it from those boys this year. We shall see if we have enough to get it done.
All for now, hope you all have a great weekend. My 8 year old Grayson Rams will enjoy the off week in our schedule to go watch the HS Rams play at the Georgia Dome tomorrow, as part of the Corky Kell Classic. Game schedule sets up like this-
9a-Kell vs. Chattahoochee
11:45-Grayson vs. McEachern
2:45p-North Gwinnett vs. Colquitt County
5:30-Peachtree Ridge vs. Camden County
8:30-Brookwood vs. Walton
Go Dogs and Go Rams!
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