UGA Runs Over Louisville in Belk Bowl

He's only a freshman. And University of Georgia running back Nick Chubb may have already established himself as a leading Heisman Trophy candidate for 2015.

Chubb ran for 266 yards and 3 TD's to lead UGA to a 37-14 win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl Tuesday night.

The game which featured the Bulldogs offense matching up with the teams former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, now the coordinator at Louisville, was never close.

Grantham's Cardinal D, one of the top defenses in the country at stopping the run had no answer for Chubb who just kept getting the ball. And UGA really didn't do anything other than run it after the half as starting QB Huston Mason left the game with vision issues and the Bulldogs had redshirt freshman Bryce Ramsey who had limited experience running the club.

Here are the highlights from ESPN.com, mostly featuring #27...

Morning Wrap: Louisville RB Dyer Ruled Ineligible--Again

((ht: courier-journal.com))

The saga of former Auburn/Arkansas State/Lousiville RB Michael Dyer may have reached an end.

Dyer was ruled academically ineligible for Louisville's Belk Bowl game with Georgia next week. The  senior was the 2nd leading rusher for the Cardinals and had missed the 1st three games of the season due to a thigh injury.

Dyer's journey through college was confusing and seemingly always filled with trouble. He began at Auburn where he got playing time on the Tigers 2010 National Championship team. At that point his future looked bright.

But when then offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn briefly left to coach at Arkansas State, Dyer followed. He had some success there, but eventually was dismissed from that team due to academic and other issues.

He landed at Louisville in 2013, but didn't play much his first season due to injuries.

Reports: UGA Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo to get Colorado State Job

((ht: ajc.com))

Well it appears University of Georgia football fans will have to find another offensive coordinator to whine about.

According to reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Denver Post, UGA Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo is going to be announced as the new head coach at Colorado State on Tuesday.

More from AJC.com RIGHT HERE

The Denver Post story is RIGHT HERE

The Coloradan newspaper in Ft. Collins is reporting it's a done deal RIGHT HERE

We should note the Rams are waiting until Tuesday according to several reports as to not interfere with Monday nights Broncos/Bengals game in Denver.

Bobo would replace new Florida head coach Jim McElwain, who left Ft. Collins to take the Gators job just a couple of weeks ago.

Bobo is respected by most in the College Football business as one of the nations best coordinators. His Bulldog offenses have been among the top in country for several years.

However, he leaves Athens with mixed reviews among the ignorant Georgia faithful who too often blamed losses or play calls they did not agree with on him. We would add not all fans--but a vocal group of them. Those fans will come to find out Bobo was a little better than the TV bound pseudo coaches think he is.

We've gotten to interview coach Bobo several times, he's truly one of the nice guys in the game. He also is very smart and commands respect from his players.  We wish Coach Bobo the best in Colorado, we have no doubt he will be successful. And who knows, once he gets some head coaching experience under his belt, he might find his way back some time in the near future. We wish him the best.

Rivalry Week Hype Videos: UGA Asks How Ya Like Me Now?

((ht: georgiafootball))

Okay, due to the lack of morning content, we'll post a couple of hype videos here for your Thanksgiving day entertainment.

In this corner, the folks at the University of Georgia, who always do a stellar job producing videos. This week, the Video team finishes strong with a hype video for Saturday's interstate rivalry clash with Georgia Tech...

Watch and enjoy:

Finish The Fight from Georgia Football on Vimeo.

Bless You Charles Barkley: He Sings Glory, Glory to Ol Georgia on National TV

((ht: nbaontnt.com))

We are pretty certain Charles Barkley is gods gift to internet sports bloggers. Why else would he do the things he does?

The latest: Paying off a lost bet to University of Georgia grad and NBA on TNT Host Ernie Johnson Jr. The two had a wager on last weekends UGA vs. Auburn game (Barkley's alma mater). Georgia won.

So in the spirit of fun; Sir Charles paid his debt by singing the UGA fight song on the show...

Okay, so he tried to...

Morning Wrap: UGA Hype Video for Auburn Featuring Return of Gurley

((ht: sports.yahoo.com))

Okay, we're suckers for a good hype video.

Maybe because we work in the video business. Maybe we just like cool stuff.

Whatever...

Check out the latest hype video produced by the talented guys at Georgia Football.

It's not long...nor is it incredibly fast paced. But it's effective in getting across it's message and exceptionally well edited and shot.

And yeah, the folks in Athens, besides their brain fart vs. Florida which cost them a shot at the College Football Playoff, are pretty excited to play SEC Rival Auburn this weekend.

We Return from Georgia Football on Vimeo.

NCAA: Todd Gurley Has to Sit Two More Games

Oh boy...

If you thought the Georgia natives were restless over the suspension of star RB Todd Gurley before, they are even less thrilled now.

The overlords at the NCAA announced Wednesday morning Gurley will have to sit for two more games, making his suspension a 4-game suspension.

He would be eligible to return November 15th against Auburn.

The NCAA said Gurley, who appeared to have been accepting money for autographs for the past two seasons, has to donate the approximately $3,000 he is said to have received to charity and complete 40 hours of community service.

The school (UGA) also announced immediately after the ruling that they would appeal the decision since Gurley has already sat for 2 games. The NCAA membership committee is supposed to take up the matter by the end of the week.

Which won't help the Dawgs before they play archival Florida....this week.

The NCAA says the suspension is consistent with their rules and it could have been worse had the University and Gurley not been as cooperative as they were.

In the meantime, the Bulldogs will no doubt continue relying on super freshman Nick Chubb who has filled in quite well for Gurley. Chubb has run for 345 yards and 2 TD's in Georgia's last two games.

Coming off a bye week and preparing to play Florida means you will probably see Chubb continue to carry the rock.

Our friends at Saturday Down South give us video of Mr. Gurley in action:

UGA Moves To Get Todd Gurley Eligible Again

The University of Georgia will file paperwork Wednesday to ask the NCAA to reinstate suspended star tailback Todd Gurley.

The school released a statement that said; "Todd has confirmed his desire to seek reinstatement and the University fully supports Todd's request. The University plans to file the necessary paperwork with the NCAA later today (Wed.)"

Gurley has been on indefinite suspension since word began circulating he took money to sign autographs for a memorabilia dealer who in turn was selling the items.

A video was alleged to have been give to a dealer--a Bryan Allen, who also is alleged to have shopped the video and information to various media outlets before sending it to UGA. The video is alleged to have shown Gurley signing items, but stopped short of showing money changing hands.

UGA also added this in their statement; "The University hopes for and expects a prompt ruling by the NCAA so that Todd, his coaches and teammates can adequately prepare for our next game"

What this means: The investigation is done. And Georgia seems to be confident they can get their Gurley back. And they'd like him back to play in their rivalry game vs. Florida. It also means they feel confident the NCAA will agree after having him sit for 2 games.

We will keep an eye on things the next few days as we suspect they'll get their answer no later than Friday.

Hmmm....Did Jameis Winston Do Same Thing Todd Gurley Did?

((ht: racingtoaredlight.com))

With all the hubbub over University of Georgia running back Todd Gurley's suspension over possibly getting paid to autograph memorabilia, someone decided to look and see if anyone else's name might show up on the same EBay website.

And lo and behold someone did.

We can't take credit for doing the original search, the Website Racing to a Red Light did it first.

Read their story RIGHT HERE

But after reading their story, we decided to check it out our own selves.

And not surprisingly, guess who's name shows up in the same authenticated NCAA memorabilia page next to Gurley.

None other than the Famous one himself, FSU Quarterback Jameis Winston...

((Note--This is only a partial list on the screen grab to the right))

The page itself is RIGHT HERE

Yes, there are 7 signed Gurley items on the page, ranging from $49 to $246. And the other 5 items on the page have Mr. Winston's name attached.

Mind you...this may be perfectly legitimate. Nothing here says overtly that Winston was paid to sign anything. Nor does it say Gurley was paid either.

But the items have been authenticated by the same service, Spenceloa.com that was used to authenticate the Gurley items.

If in fact, this is what incriminates Gurley with the NCAA and is the cause of his being suspended the rest of the season, since the video only alleges to show him signing but not being paid, then should the same thing apply to Winston?

We are just raising the question. One that won't be answered now, but probably needs to be asked sooner rather than later...

Decide for yourselves...

In the meantime, check out this story done by our friends at 11Alive TV which asks the question--Could the man named as the person who paid Gurley be sued by Georgia?

Good question:

Breaking: Todd Gurley Suspended at UGA for Possible Rules Violation (UPDATED With Possible Reasons)

((ht: georgiadogs.com))

Uh oh!

Heisman Trophy candidate Todd Gurley from the University of Georgia will not play Saturday when the Dawgs play Missouri and quite possibly could be done for the rest of this football season.

Per the team website, Gurley is suspended indefinitely "During an ongoing investigation into an alleged violation of NCAA rules."

No word yet what that "Violation" might be.

Said UGA coach Mark Richt; "I'm obviously very disappointed. The important thing for out team is to turn all of our attention to Missouri".

Whoa!

This obviously is huge news as Gurley, a rising Junior, has seemingly carried the Bulldogs to a 4-1 record and was considered a frontrunner for this years Heisman Trophy

More when we find out more....

A little more:

Per the Macon Telegraph...

It's believed that Gurley may have received money in exchange for his autograph or use of his likeness.

Read the Macon Telegraph story RIGHT HERE

If this proves out to be correct, it will be a haunting reminder to Dawg fans still reeling from A.J Green's 4-game suspension a few years ago for selling a signed jersey.

1900 UPDATE: From Seth Emerson at the Macon Telegraph

A source said the investigation involved whether Gurley received money in exchange for his autograph or use of his likeness. That echoes a report by Fox Sports reporter Bruce Feldman.

Feldman's sources say that the investigation is looking into whether Gurley accepted extra benefits for his likeness with memorabilia brokers.

Gentry Estes over at Georgia's section of 24-7 Sports reminds us: A key part of #UGA statement on Gurley was this is a self-imposed penalty and currently in-house investigation.

The Johnny Manziel/Northwestern/likeness discussion resumes in 3, 2, 1...

CFB: S.Carolina Beats Georgia By Inches

This was a pretty good game. Georgia vs. South Carolina in Columbia a place where the strange often happens and Saturday's game was no exception.

After a 1hr 15min delay because of storms in the area, both teams came out swinging and never stopped.

The Gamecocks rode 3 TD passes by Quarterback Dylan Thompson and 93 yards on the ground by Brandon Wilds and held on for a 38-35 win over the Bulldogs.

The game, which featured 850yds of offense went back and forth and ultimately came down to two plays.

One: Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan, who earlier in the game hit his 19th straight field goal to break an SEC record, proceeded to miss a relative chip shot late in the 4th quarter. Although Georgia had a golden opportunity to win outright when Damian Swann intercepted Thompson and returned the ball down to the 4 yard line.

But UGA Quarterback Huston Mason was called for grounding and two plays later, Morgan was forced to try the Field Goal.

Two: South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier decided to go for it on 4th and inches, with the ball at midfield and just under two minutes left in the game. Thompson converted, but based on the spot of the ball and measurement, if he did, it was by millimeters.

The Gamecocks ran out the clock and celebrated. But what is cracking us up is the reaction of the Georgia fans who are screaming "Fire Mark Richt, fire Mike Bobo, we suck".  Remember, just two weeks ago before beating Clemson, you had no idea whether your team would be great or not. Stop whining!

Anyway...here's the highlights from CBSSports:

Both Driver and Auburn Football Player Very Drunk at Time of Fatal Crash

((ht: ajc.com))

If you want a class about the dangers of drinking heavily and driving, this might be a story to include in your classwork.

A former Auburn football player and another man died in a crash early in the morning of June 29th near LaGrange, Georgia.

The driver, Joseph Davis of Dunwoody, Ga and Philip Lutzenkirchen who was sitting in the backseat of the car and was the aforementioned football player...had blood alcohol levels well above the legal limit toxicology reports stated.

Davis registered a 0.17 and Lutzenkirchen a 0.377.

Mind you according to Georgia law, a 0.08 BAC is enough for you to be considered legally intoxicated.

Two other passengers in the car were injured, but not seriously.

It may never be known why the group decided to go for a drive that late at night after drinking, though there were some reports they were familiar with the area and thought they could get to where they need to be.

But they were drinking and rarely does something like that end well.

For those wondering, Lutzenkirchen was a highly successful Tight End prospect who played a big role in the success of Auburn's 2010 National Championship team. He was briefly on the roster of the St. Louis Rams.

He had graduated, and according to reports was trying to establish a coaching career.

Davis, a University of Georgia student had recently transferred to Athens with the hope of making the baseball team. He was not able to secure a roster spot.

This was a very unfortunate accident that took the life of two men far too early. And it could have been avoided.

Without trying to preach...we hope this will be a lesson, even if it's just for one person, as to why you should not have a lot to drink and then get behind the wheel of a 1-ton car. It almost never ends well...

More Trouble for UGA Football: Linebacker Arrested for DUI

Davin Bellamy

((ht: macon.com))

Safe to say it's not been the quietest offseason in University of Georgia football history.

The Macon Telegraph reports early Saturday morning, backup linebacker Davin Bellamy was pulled over and arrested on DUI and speeding charges by the Athens-Clarke County PD.

Just 4 days ago, the Dawgs had to deal with DL Jonathan Taylor getting arrested and charged with assault. Taylor was dropped from the program the next day.

In Bellamy's case, the charges are technically misdemeanors and whether you call this trivializing things or not, it's something college students do. Quite frequently.

Read the full story on what happened from the Telegraph RIGHT HERE

Per the Telegraph, the school has the ability to make Bellamy sit out for two games. Since this incident just happened (5am Saturday, we're posting this at 8:30a Saturday), the University nor coach Mark Richt have commented or had a chance to review what happened.

Only time will tell what they decide to do.

And yes, this season's camp opens in just a few days. It's this time of year coaches get nervous because they don't technically get to keep close tabs on players. And like we said, so far, the week for the Dawgs can't get much worse.

UGA WR Produces Star Wars Fan Movie: It's Really Well Done

((ht: onlineathens.com))

If University of Georgia senior WR Chris Conley doesn't make it as an NFL Football player, he most definitely has something to fall back on.

Conley, a communications major, wrote and directed a film shot mostly in and around the school's Sanford Stadium. The film is a Star Wars fan film set in Athens. It also features appearances by coach Mark Richt and teammate Todd Gurley as a certain superhero.

It's almost a half-hour long, but really well done. Take a look:

Erik Compton Makes A Helluva Statement

((HT: Golf Channel/USGA))

For those of you unfamiliar with the story, Erik Compton is a two-time heart transplant recipient (1992 and 2008). And to see what he has done in sports as a professional golfer is really cool...

What he did at Pinehurst is flat out awesome- especially when doctors tell you that you're not going to play golf after the second translplant.

Rex Hoggard's piece over at the Golf Channel is required reading about this weekend for Compton.

And having covered Compton during his time at the University of Georgia, the HQ has seen what he can do as a golfer- a tremendous golfer who, just happens to have a rather large medical file for his doctors to look through.

Here's his thoughts after finishing tied for second when he thought he could have done better...
Which is typical Erik Compton

Legendary UGA Swim Coach Suspended for NCAA Allegations

Photo Courtesy: UGA

((ht: onlineathens.com))

It's not one of the "Big Ticket" NCAA Sports, but Swimming and Diving are sports that many Colleges have had great success.

One of the most successful, the University of Georgia under the guidance of coach Jack Bauerle.

Bauerle has run the school's wildly successful programs since the l979 and has been an Olympic Coach. He's also in the swimming and diving hall of fame.

He's now also on the short list of coaches under investigation for serious violations of NCAA rules.

Bauerle is accused of getting one of his star swimmers admitted to a class after the enrollment deadline and according to the NCAA's investigation, got that swimmer, Chase Kalisz a passing grade despite Kalisz not doing any course work.

The school has been cooperating with the NCAA in the
investigation and suspended Bauerle until all investigations are completed.

Read more from OnlineAthens.com RIGHT HERE

For his part, Bauerle has been apologetic, but the question now is; "Is it too late?"

We've interviewed Bauerle many times and he's been nothing but the widely respected, class guy everyone says he is.

Which makes what happened perplexing and may put Georgia in a very difficult position. How do you part ways with someone who's taken your program to unprecedented heights?

We suspect the answer probably will lie in how severe the NCAA Penalties are...

Jeremy Pruitt to UGA: Trouble Ahead or Just Rumors?

((ht: 1010xl.com))

Much ballyhoo was made over the speed that the University of Georgia hired Florida State defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

The obvious one being: Why would the D-Coordinator of a National Championship team leave so quickly, aside from the pay raise, which he may have gotten in Tallahassee?

Well, there may be an answer….

Rick Ballou, from 1010XL Sports Radio in Jacksonville, Florida says Pruitt was running from something. He says Pruitt lived an "Active" nightlife and was out…carousing…a lot.

Ballou quotes sources in Tallahassee who said today that Pruitt, who was set to be engaged to a 23-year old, was in an illicit relationship with someone "Very Young" in the Florida State Athletic offices--who was not the 23-year old. He characterizes Pruitt as a "Player"….

He goes on to say Pruitt had a good relationship with FSU coach Jimbo Fisher, but that Fisher was very concerned with Pruitt's "Philandering" ways. And "Everybody knew it" about Pruitt.

Ballou also says FSU was prepared to come close to or match the $850,000 salary that Georgia is going to pay Pruitt, but Pruitt chose to run to Athens.

You can listen to the Radio Podcast RIGHT HERE

Here's a Tweet from Ballou earlier today:

Many rumors on why Pruitt really left. I think its safe to say his leaving for Ga.wasn't a football only move. #FSU
— Rick Ballou (@Ballou1010xl) January 15, 2014

Don't hate Georgia Fans, we are just passing this along. We know Georgia coach Mark Richt well and are very sure that he would not put up with someone who is a "Player" with that kind of night life for long. But it is interesting.

Considering the time frame this was accomplished in, we wonder about the background checks that may or may not have happened here. Yes, Pruitt by all reports, including from Ballou is an amazingly talented football coach who will undoubtedly be successful in Athens, and this may be nothing but sour grapes by the FSU contingent.

But be aware that quite often where there is smoke, fire is not far behind. Let's hope the change of scenery will do him well.

Georgia Grabs FSU Defensive Coordinator

((ht: ajc.com))

Okay, this admittedly is a bit of a head scratcher and we post it because of that reason. While we cover College Football extensively, assistant coaching hires rarely make the news.

On the heels of losing defensive coordinator Todd Grantham to Louisville on Sunday, the University of Georgia appears to have grabbed his replacement from the defending national champion Florida State Seminoles.

Multiple reports say Jeremy Pruitt has agreed to take the vacant job in Athens…that was open a total of two days. Pruitt has been labeled by many an upcoming coaching star and the Seminoles gave up the fewest points per game of any team in College Football.

AJC.com was 1st with the story. You can read it RIGHT HERE

He replaces Grantham, who despite having a ton of "NFL Caliber" talent, led the Bulldogs to a "Top 60" ranked defense. Though Grantham, to his credit, parlayed that into a pay raise at Louisville.

Pruitt will essentially inherit Grantham's salary and jump from the defending title holder to a team that finished 3rd in the SEC last season.

But….the 'Dawgs return arguably 10 of their 12 defensive starters from 2013 and should be much improved this upcoming season.

One note, we wonder what this says about ACC Football. Pruitt, who was making slightly over $500K in Tallahassee didn't wait to see if he was getting a raise this season, he moved quickly. Does it mean the ACC can't compete with the SEC? Does the ACC (or FSU) not have the money to pay an assistant what an SEC assistant makes?

All good questions. All makes us (well, me) wonder about how out of control money is in College Football. But that's another conversation for another day. Enjoy your fortuity Georgia Football fans, and applause to you Mark Richt. Somehow, you ended up trading in a mediocre car for a newer model that looks a whole lot better and more than likely, but not for sure, is….

Edward Aschoff discusses the coup pulled off by CMR
((HT: ESPN))

UGA Season Wrap-Up Video: Nicely Done

((ht: coachingsearch.com))

Okay, as a long time Videographer, Editor, Writer and Producer, I can appreciate great work. And quite honestly, this is damn impressive.

The guys on the University of Georgia Video Team put together a season ending video called "One Dream", and it's about as pitch perfect as one of these things could be.

There are several messages in here, and quite honestly, for even the most cynical of college football fans, they are the good messages, the one's the game is supposed to be about.

So for our friends in Athens, we post this for you. Your football team may not have achieved all the goals it set out for, but the video guys, well, it would be hard pressed to find better.

Well done. Very well done.

Targeting Rule Costing SEC Teams Key Defenders and Draws Complaints

Hmmm....it's been an interesting early round of college football games with a couple of SEC defensive football players getting booted from their respective games due to the new NCAA "Targeting" rule.

That rule says it's an automatic penalty and ejection for any player who leads into a tackle with his helmet and hits an opposing player in the helmet.

If you skim through the Twitter world, there's outrage over a play in the UGA/Vanderbilt game that cost Georgia arguably their best defensive player.

Check out Ray Drew trying to pull back on hitting Vanderbilt QB Austyn Carta-Samuels:

Check out this Tweet about the play from former NFL Referee and current FOX Sports anaylist Mike Pereira:

Ejection of Georgia player has to be reversed!!
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) October 19, 2013

The South Carolina Gamecoks aren't exactly thrilled with the rule either as they lost Safety Katdetrix Marcus early in the 1st quarter of their game vs. Tennessee. Marcus was filling in as an injury replacement himself.

The idea behind the rule is understood. The NCAA is trying to protect players by getting them to stop head-hunting...or leading with their helmet with the intent to injure opponents.

However in the case of the Drew play, it's pretty obvious there was no intent to injure anyone. Marcus's play, we saw on TV but don't have a clip to show you of it. Suffice to say, it was a little closer to the intent of the rule, but arguably he didn't appear to be trying to injure anyone either.