The Countdown 2011: 98 Days to Go

Brandon Boykin – Chasing Records

When Brandon Boykin decided to return to Georgia for his senior season, Georgia not only got its best defensive back to return but also one of its most important weapons in controlling field position. Ask Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, or Texas A&M who Georgia’s most explosive player is and I am sure they will at least mention Boykin. This fall, Boykin has the chance to become the most prolific kickoff returner in SEC history despite only starting at that position for three years (including this fall). Here is why.

Start with Boykin’s career totals. He has returned 72 kicks for 1,810 yards (25.14 avg.) with 4 kickoff return touchdowns. That includes an NCAA record 3 of 100 yards. If Boykin’s 2011 season is on par with previous, he could break every major performance record for an SEC kickoff returner:

Career Returns

SEC Record: 112

Boykin’s Total: 72

Chances of Breaking: 35% - He would have to record 41 kickoff returns this fall, meaning the Georgia defense would have to give up a lot of scores. Since his previous career high was 38, I don’t see this one happening.

Career Return Yards

SEC Record: 2,718

Boykin’s Total: 1,810

Chances of Breaking: 75% - Boykin has already had a season in which he eclipsed this amount. If he is the primary returning for the Dawgs this fall, he should be able to reach the mark.

Return Average

SEC Record: 28.2

Boykin’s Average: 25.138

Chance of Breaking: 15% - He would need an amazing average to bring his career average up three yards.

Kickoff Return Touchdowns

SEC Record: 4

Boykin’s Total: 4

Chance of Breaking: 50% - Yes, he has already tied the record and is one away from tying the NCAA record of 5. But returning a kick for a touchdown is a difficult task. After scoring three in 2009, Boykin only scored 1 in 2010.

The Countdown 2011: 99 Days to Go

Statistical Preview: Aaron Murray

Heading into the 2010 season, the quarterback position was one in question for the Georgia Bulldogs. Aaron Murray had won the job, beating out Logan Gray following the dismissal of Zach Mettenberger. With his play last fall, Murray proved that the job should have been his all along. Named as a freshman All-American by a number of publications, Murray had the finest first season at quarterback in Georgia history. As a matter of fact, if he had not struggled in the bowl game, he may have broken the single season records for both touchdowns and passer rating. For the year, he completed 209 of 342 passes for 3,049 yards and 24 touchdowns. He had only 8 interceptions and also rushed 87 times for 167 yards and 4 scores. So what can we expect from Murray in 2011?

First and foremost, expect Murray to continue to display smart decision making in the pocket. With the exception of one bad game against Florida, Murray averaged less than a half of a turnover per game. Very impressive for a freshman. I would also expect Murray to run a little bit less than he did last season. While his legs are a great weapon, he will now be counted on to lead the offense and I see him more willing to throw the ball away than try to dance for a three yard carry.

Overall production wise, Murray’s completion percentage and touchdown to interception ratio should remain unchanged. I expect less pass attempts this fall, especially if Isaiah Crowell can be the back everyone expects.

Projected statistics:

Passing: 214 of 310, 2,750 yards, 22 touchdowns

Rushing: 67 for 150 yards, 5 touchdowns

The Countdown 2011: 100 Days to Go

Words of Wisdom from Erk Russell

Erk Russell, Georgia’s legendary defensive coordinator from 1964 – 1980, was known as a master at motivating his players. During his 17 year career at Georgia, the Bulldogs’ defense help opponents to 17 points or less in 135 of 192 games. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Russell.

Explanation of a Junkyard Dog:

"By our own definition, a Junkyard Dog is a dog completely dedicated to his task, that of defending his goal line. Further, he is very often a reject (from the offense) or the runt of the litter. Nobody wants him, and he is hungry. We had three walk-ons, four QBs, and three running backs in our original Junkyard Dog starting cast, which averaged 208 pounds across the front. In short, a Junkyard Dog is one who must stretch and strain all of his potential just to survive. Then he can think about being good."

On the once famous Railroad Track people:

"The railroad track crowd. These are my people because they love the Dawgs almost as much as I do...they choke me up!" - Erk Russell

On the impact of the defense:

"If we score, we may win. If they never score, we'll never lose."

And, my personal favorite:

“Run three miles, hate Georgia Tech four times!”

Offical Post Spring Depth Chart: Instant Reaction

Coach Richt has released the official post spring depth chart and there are definitely some surprises. Here are my thoughts:

Tailback - We all knew Caleb King would be #1 coming out of spring. But Carlton Thomas at 2 and Brandon Harton (all 5'6'' of him) ahead of Ken Malcome? What did Malcome do to piss Coach Richt off? i thought he ran the ball well in the G-Day game. Something just doesn't seem right. But I guess it won't really matter too much once Crowell gets on campus.

Corner - Boykin on one side was a given but the other side was a guess. Sanders Commings has the lead, can he really hold off Branden Smith and the incoming freshmen?

Linebacker - Depth seems to be an issue. I guess it is a good thing that we have a lot of freshmen who could come in at outside linebacker. I also think signing Kent Turene was a big pick up after seeing all the walk-ons in the current depth chart.

Safety - Wow, that position looks pretty weak. I know Ogletree will be a beast at linebacker, but dang, that leaves the cupboard dry.

So what are your thoughts?

One Week

In just one week, we begin the countdown to the 2011 Georgia football season. In previous years we have covered specific themes on the BNE Countdown (Numbers in 2009, 100 Greatest Players in 2010), but this year, we return to open topics about Georgia in general.

So, here's my task for you. Are there any topics you would like to see covered in this year's countdown. The articles are short, so it should be something that can be covered in 3 paragraphs or less.

Leave your ideas in the comments section.

Jake Scott Elected to the College Football Hall of Fame

Georgia legend Jake Scott has finally been elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. It took long enough. Here is a look at the profile we did of Jake during the countdown last summer.

Congratulations on t

Publish Post

he well deserved honor, Mr. Scott!

Good Luck, Washaun

While many of us expected it to happen, the news yesterday that Washaun Ealey is leaving Georgia is still a bit shocking. After being suspended indefinitely earlier in the semester, Ealey fought hard to get back in the good graces of the staff. But an injury in spring practice and continued talks about Isaiah Crowell seemed to be the rock that tipped the scale.

Yes, Ealey had his share of troubles during his two years at Georgia. But he also contributed some key plays over the last few years. After being held out for the first few games of the 2009 season, he came off the bench in the game against LSU. His provided spark almost led to a Georgia victory on that Saturday. He paired with Caleb King to run all over Georgia Tech in 30-24 victory to close out the 2009 season. And, he is one of only a handful of players to ever score five touchdowns on the ground in a single game.

I wish him the best, wherever he ends up. I think Georgia Southern would be a good destination for him to continue his career.

80's Music Video of the Week: AJ Green's Car Edition

Last week just prior to the draft, AJ Green celebrated his future career in the NFL by purchasing a new Porsche. In honor of AJ's new ride, this week's vidoe is Billy Ocean's 1988 hit "Get out of my dreams, get into my car." The video, in true 80's fashion includes animations. The "car" in the video is even a Porsche.

Monday Random Thoughts

Here is what is on my mind right now:

- Osama. Dead.


- Shame on 32 NFL clubs for not drafting Mark Herzlich. I know it is a busieness, but drafting a defensive tackle from North Wichita Community College in the 7th round over a former ACC defensive player of the year who survived cancer is wrong. Herzlich was still a productive player in 2010 after recovering from cancer, recording 65 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Was he still a first rounder? Heck no. but definitely worthy of a 7th round pick.

Now, because of the lockout, Herzlich will have to wait to sign a free-agent contract. The good PR alone from taking this guy would have made the draft pick worth it. Instead, players like Jimmy Smith and his four failed drug tests are first round picks.

- Congratulations to all the Dawgs drafted. I was especially excited to see Kris Durham go in the fourth round. Mel Kiper may not like the pick, but I think Durham will prove all of them wrong.

- With the draft over, there is not much left until summer practice. I am getting ready for the 100 day countdown to the new season. I know I haven't been writing much lately, but that will soon change.

GO DAWGS!!!

Draft Predictions

The Georgia Bulldogs have 11 players who are hoping to hear their names called out at the NFL Draft in New York over the next few days. Here are prediction on when they go.

AJ Green - First Round, #4 Overall to Cincinnati
- I would love to see AJ fall to #6 at Cleveland, where he could team up with fellow Bulldog Mohammed Massaquoi to catch passes from Colt McCoy. But I don't think that will happen. Hopefully they find a quarterback who can actually get AJ the ball.

Justin Houston - Second Round, 1st Pick (#33 overall) to New England
- Houston is a first round talent but the quesitons after his failed drug test will drop him to the second round. But not far. The Patriots will be glad to take Houston on with the 33rd pick.

Clint Boling - Early Third Round
- Boling performed well at the Senior Bowl, but most people are confused whether he will play tackle or guard at the next level. I see him going in the early third round.

Akeem Dent - Fourth Round
- Rennie Curran went off the board in round three last year and expect Dent to be gone by the middle of the fourth. While not as productive as Curran at the NCAA level, Dent has better size and improved every year he was in Athens.

Kris Durham - Sixth Round
- Durham could be the steal of the draft. Great size, good hands, and decent speed make him a perfect third down, possession receiver. If he is available, the Falcons may pick him up to replace the departed Brian Finneran.

Shaun Chapas - Seventh Round
- Fullbacks still have value, but questions about his health and quickness will make him a late round pick.

Vance Cuff - Seventh Round
- BNE readers know I hate Vance Cuff, but someone will take a flyer on him for his speed alone.

Josh Davis, Demarcus Dobbs - Undrafted Free Agents
- Both players will make it to someone's camp, but I doubt they are on rosters this fall.

Darryl Gamble, Fred Munzemaier - Undrafted
- Neither player impresses you that much on the field. For Gamble, his biggest highlight was the 2008 game against LSU (which was an amazing game). But what else did he do after that? For Fred, he just didn't play enough and had some character issues that will lead to teams passing on him.