This is why they pay Seth Emerson the big bucks. (Or at least more than Jeff Dantzler takes in.)
Seriously, I think we’re pretty much at the point where it’s become an established narrative. Seth mentions that Kirby will no doubt try to downplay it, but it will be interesting to watch how he handles rising expectations with the team.
Get The Picture 
I seriously doubt your second sentence.
LikeLike
Just trying to provoke an early morning response. 😉
LikeLike
He could have at least started with “FIRST!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure Kirby can downplay it with the media and the fan base. He was hired to play for and win a championship. We took the lumps of a throwaway season with a QB not ready for prime time and a leaky offensive line. I’m calling BS on the quality of players at wide receiver. It’s hard to get open when you can’t get one-on-one opportunities because backs and tight ends have to stay in to help protect. Assuming Trent Thompson returns ready to play, this defense should be nasty. Of course, who knows what we’ll have on special teams after spring? The East with a trip to a New Year’s 6 bowl game should be the minimum goal for this team.
LikeLike
We certainly should have goals in the range of your final sentence, probably including winning the SEC, but expectations from staff,team, and fans should be the East at a minimum. We have the talent and schedule to say not winning the East would be a fail, but winning the SEC and/or finishing among the top teams looks like a stretch to me. Don’t disagree it isn’t obtainable, just think “expectations” might imply we could be substantially better in 2017 but still consider a 10-4 type season a disappointment. Also think we are better at receiver than many feel.
Nonetheless, I would also be disappointed if KS doesn’t embrace higher expectations after last season. I believe he will, and that he will challenge the players with that.
LikeLike
10-4 will be a disappointment and probably not likely because 3 regular season losses against our schedule probably doesn’t get to Atlanta. I don’t think we’ve had 3 regular season losses in a season where we played in the SECCG. If this season ends with us on the outside looking in at the New Year’s 6, it will be extremely disappointing.
LikeLike
No. Disappointment would be not taking serious steps at improving. We’re going to have a better o-line, a better defence, a better quarterback, CKS has another year of experience, the staff understand how better to work together – it’s all about heading the right direction. Whether or not we win the East this year is not the question; whether we continue to exorcise the spirit of mediocrity lingering from the previous regime and instil an aggressive, smash-mouth, ‘we will run it down your throat just because we want to’ mentality – that’s what will make this year a success. Of course we want to win more games than last year. But winning is merely the fruit; the root is the process CKS is establishing, the culture he is building, the fanatical attention to detail in every dimension of the game approach being instilled across the board. We will win more games than last year, but it will be 2018/2019 before the seeds of excellence being sown really blossom. It will be beautiful in the Classic City again.
LikeLike
So now it’s 2019 … got it. Two more throwaway seasons … sounds great.
LikeLike
I was thinking maybe 10-2 or 9-3 in the regular season but losing the SCCG and, maybe, the bowl. And I am not ruling out that we could be pretty good by the end of the season and perhaps win there if we are heakthy. Not sure this is a championship level team (SEC) unless we really get some positive answers to a few questions we still have but it is possible. That is how I got to 10-4, we don’t have to lose three in the regular season. But we really need to see progress next year, that was what bothered me most about 2016, looked about the same at the end as we did in the beginning.
LikeLike
why wouldn’t Kirby be expected to win the East this year? WTH did we hire him for, if not to win the East? He’s had two “stellar” recruiting classes, he now has a starting QB who’s got a year under his belt (and some pretty good wins, along with a couple of head scratching losses) who was the top QB in the country coming out of HS, and he has a pretty good group of returning starters and talented upper classmen to choose from. Plus, as we’ve heard to no end, the East is pretty mediocre.
Is it fair to expect Kirby to have us in the NC playoff this year? No, we still need depth, better OL play (!), and better game day decisions by the staff. But is it unreasonable to expect UGA to win the East this year? Not even a little bit. If he’s a championship level coach, its time to start proving it. We know he can recruit. Half the team is talent he brought in, the other half has some pretty good players. Quit poormouthing about 5 year plans, and show some of the better coaching/playing/execution he was specifically brought here to provide.
LikeLike
That stellar recruiting class of his first year may not be so stellar. Looks like Ben Cleveland is not going to live up to his billing and Mecole Hardman is still waiting.
LikeLike
Do not remember either getting much opportunity to play last year. Think part of that was coaching not player ability.
LikeLike
Yeah, two 5* “busts” in one class? I’m not seeing it’s the players’ problems, mainly because they haven’t been given any chance.
LikeLike
Hard and played O in HS and was recruited to D at UGA. Huge learning curve. Probably be best in the slot now that iMac is gone but IDK if they’ll move him in the Spring. If they move him in the Fall it probably another year again. Disappointing nonetheless.
LikeLike
Cleveland just turned 18 last August 25…he was simply too young last year.
LikeLike
Cleveland too stiff and too slow. Although he’s the strongest player on the team, if he doesn’t become a yoga-ninja, he won’t play this year either.
LikeLike
And you know this how?
LikeLike
so you’re saying Kirby cant develop 5 star recruits? or that he can’t identify true 5 star recruits? Either way, that isn’t exactly a point in his favor, if you are correct.
LikeLike
+1
Kirby was brought in to be better than the last guy. I’m so sick of this “I won’t judge him until 2018” bullshit that gets thrown around here by some folks. If we’re fine with “throwaway” seasons, then why bother making the change?
And yes – disclaimer to prevent the neverending argument – this wasn’t an endorsement of the previous guy, just pointing out the reason he was replaced.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve got a great long snappah.
LikeLike
It depends (for the lawya’s). We have a qb who showed little improvement, lost starters off a bad o line, special teams are anything but dependable and an offensive coordinator who can’t even find Bobo’s crayons.
LikeLike
Sniffer, I agree, offense will be worse especially at line and special teams will be worse without McKenzie. Defense should be better, but that’s not enough to win the East, got to have another unit step up.
Here are my grades for UGA:
Special teams 0
Offense 2
Defense 9
You need offense or defense to score a 9, and then you need another unit to score a 5. And you can’t be last in the conference in the third unit like Special teams. This team overachieved in 2016, they had a 0 special teams, 1 on offense, 8 on defense.
LikeLike
This is the most rigorously applied analytical comment in the history of GTP. Fantastic, my man. Really looking forward to more of your work.
LikeLike
Awesome.
LikeLike
I was too generous on defense, should have scored them a 7, I thought they finished in the top 20 in defensive scoring, they were at 35. Offense finished at 102 in scoring. Special teams were just terrible. So in hindsight:
Special teams 0
Offense 1
Defense 7
Without an oline, you can’t run or pass. That’s the crux of the problem for UGA. And losing the 3 on olinemen, means the oline got significantly worse and less experienced in the off season. Inexperienced olines don’t fare well in the SEC East, especially against a Florida team that always finishes in the top 10 under McElwain. There will be some great defensive coordinators on the schedule that will make mincemeat of inexperienced olines: Muschamp, Mason, Grantham, Shoop, Shannon, Elko, Odum at Mizzou, Eliot at Kentucky turned around FSU. Ap St finishe din the top 20 versus the run. Steele at Auburn can stop the run.
LikeLike
Amen Senator. Actually, I would simply call it dumber than dirt.
LikeLike
You’re agreement with sarcasm is breathtaking.
LikeLike
The Qb did not show improvement, he got worse as the season went along. Just doesn’t have “wow” numbers anywhere. You were right on, accident or not, in your assessment of the oline and special teams, both got significantly worse in the offseason, and both were horrific last season. So you feel Chaney is great OC eh, taking out sarcasm, which numbers of his last season impressed you most? This I got to see, someone calling Chaney the best OC in the nation.
LikeLike
You eat at the Varsity too much.
LikeLike
I think Chaney was at least a 6 at OC. Maybe even an 8. Of course, overall, Smart was a 5.5. I think Tucker was an 8. But we need an average of 8 across the board. Maybe even 8.5.
LikeLike
Let me get more granular on Chaney.
UGA ranked in the SEC:
11th in scoring
13th in 6.6 yards per pass (wow).
9th in yards per rush
Also, how’d Chaney do against strong competition?
bottom 3 vs ranked teams in the SEC in:
yards per rush
scoring
passer rating
Nothing average about that.
LikeLike
“Granular”?
You’re really bringing your A Game now, boyo.
LikeLike
Speaking of getting granular, here’s something interesting.
1- In 2016:
When Chubb goes for 100+ rush yards, record is 5-0
When Chubb is held to under 100 yard rushing, 3-5
2- Kirby is 3-0 when he finishes +2 or more in turnover margin.
3- Kirby is 4-1 when holding teams to 23 points or less, 0-3 when teams score 28 points or more.
Formula for UGA =
1- Chubb 100+ yards rushing
2- + 2 in turnover margin
3- Hold teams to 23 points or less
Might have a top 25 year just doing:
1- +2 in to margin in games
2- holding teams to 23 points or less
LikeLike
You realize you’re still here only because you have amusement value, right?
LikeLike
Of course, obviously UGA recruited the best oline in the country and will dominate, has the best 2 backs in Chubb & Sony who got 200+ rush yards in last 3 games, UGA recruited some tall talented receivers and db’s which should solve the red zone and Hail Mary woes, the qb outperformed Matt Stafford’s first year which should be the context, and UGA will swap playmaker I McK in a snap with a guy like say Hardman, field goals improved, and UGA returns a defense which should finish near the top, and Head coaches perform best in their 2nd full season. Did I miss anything?
LikeLike
Did you miss anything? Are you referring to the football program, or your upbringing?
LikeLike
My upbringing was rather exotic, started in Europe, long story. I missed out on mentioning the upgrade at dline coach, Tray Scott for Garner was a great move as he is loads better on technique. I thought Beamer did a great job at Special teams, and Chaney really impressed with his use of the tight ends for blocking, and earned their salaries, also, the new indoor field should result in a few more wins, easy.
LikeLike
Fair point on the amusement angle….the first time. But after hearing a joke once, they become irritating quickly. Without an ignore feature, the follow-ups just go downhill. And then there is the the pity angle that dampens my spirits. I suspect SC or TN fan, few else know so little about football but run their mouths anyway. Plus, man, those STs next year have me excited, and now he pissed in my grits.
LikeLike
Truly, you have a dizzying intellect.
LikeLike
Turnover margin going from sad face to happy face, along with defense improving from B to A will probably result in more wins. But, if the offense stays with two thumbs down, then it may be all for naught. If Smart/Chaney can’t get from 2 stars to at 4 stars, our team overall stays at a 6 instead of getting all the way to 8. And that’s what we need to be ranked.
I’ve tried to tell Smart this, but he won’t answer my emails.
LikeLike
UGA could win the East with a top defense, average special teams, and terrible offense, just ask Florida.
LikeLike
It seems the players are all in on Kirby so if I were him I’d go badass and embrace being the East favorite. Talking the talent down turns into a self fulfilling prophecy.
LikeLike
“Talking the talent down turns into a self fulfilling prophecy.”
Yes indeed. At some point he HAS to stop complaining about the talent…their HIS picks now. He is going to give these kids complexes in self esteem.
LikeLike
Well, see, that’s where you switch to the “experience” card.
LikeLike
Kirby wants to be the favorite every year…yeah, he will downplay it..that’s just what you do.
LikeLike
I expect UGA to win more games than 2016, but to go from 3rd to first, with a weaker offensive line, which was the main reason for the 7-5 season, is a big stretch. The inexperience on the offensive line, and the wide receiver lack of productivity, and the ineffective quarterback, will put too much pressure on the running backs. Love to see an East Championship, but until someone dethrones Florida, they will remain the favorite of course, and Tenn has been right on their heels as a deserving close 2nd, UGA has lost to both for 2 years. UGA has lost in blowouts to Florida, not even competitive. UGA has lost close ones to Tenn, so it’s really a battle for second between Tenn & UGA.
LikeLike
Ok, I’ll bite. What was the handle you used last week?
Next time just call yourself “Troll”
LikeLike
So another one who feels UGA is the easy first pick to win the East, other than UF & UT, even thought UGA hasn’t won a game against either in 2 years. Hilarious, do you guys even watch SEC football?
LikeLike
Come on, man. You can’t argue with his analysis. Florida is a 7. Tennessee is 3 stars. UGA is one thumb up. If UGA can improve their OLine from a D to a B+, keep their defense at 85%, and improve special teams to a happy face, then Smart will get a gold star.
LikeLike
UGA defensively had serious red zone issues, and the offense did too, one of the worst red zone teams in college football, it’s as if they never practiced red zone on either side of the ball, that’s where I’d focus.
But dline was solid against the run, however not as good as UF against the pass.
Offensively, UGA recruited some big highly rated olinemen, if they produce quickly, it could really help things in the run game and pass pro.
Special teams I don’t expect to get better because you don’t replace I McK and the special teams coach’s career track record on special teams suggest he is clueless.
LikeLike
But UGA was 16th in passing defense and total defense. They were 9th in opponent first downs and 10th in allowing plays over 10 yards.
That kind of production doesn’t just disappear. You can build on that. Analysis shouldn’t be done on a discrete basis. One year obviously influences the next. So I’m not worried about defense. At least a B+ for them, out of 5 stars.
LikeLike
You need to be worried about defense, because unless it rises to a top 10 nationally ranked unit, UGA has no chance at winning the East. It’s the strength of the team, but has to really improve like scoring defense. B+ isn’t good enough, has to be an ‘A’.
LikeLike
B+ out of 5 – that would be great!
LikeLike
LikeLike
UF not going to win it 3 times in a row…my pick would be the either UGA or UT..
LikeLike
UT & UF have both finished in the AP top 25 the last 2 years, UGA has not. That would be a start, and a better goal, which in my opinion, is within reach. UGA’s realistic baby step needs to be finish in the AP top 25.
LikeLike
Hereinbelow, a condensed version of the troll’s previous comments: We’re worse than dog doo on a shoe.
LikeLike
No dude, I think UGA will win more games in 2017, mainly due to a better defense. Just won’t win the East, not even a chance. But could finish in the AP top 25 which would be a great improvement.
LikeLike
If you had a degree from UF, you could post like this, Mr. Spradlin. You would also have an affinity for jorts.
LikeLike
The off-season must be hard on the trolls as well. This guy came up with an obvious troll name and isn’t even making an attempt to conceal the intent in his comments. I’m too bored to respond to them.
LikeLike
UGA will likely win more games.
Two losses were the result of being outmanned, UF and Ole Miss. In 2017 we may still have two games like that, Auburn with a QB and UF.
3 losses were winable with better execution, Vandy, Tech, and UT. We should only maybe have one of these, but it feels like talent will prevent 3 from happening. ND, Miss State, or one lesser East loss will be the risk here. Point being 3 losses is the likely scenario. Does a 2 SEC loss team win the East? Feels reasonable.
O will be better with Eason having a non freshman understanding of the playbook. Line is a question, as are receivers who did not get separation and dropped passes in 2016. D is solid, and should be better. Nobody talks about how much better they played in 2016 after Ledbetter returned from Betty Ford.
LikeLike
Receives often got separation but in the SEC separation is fleeting..Eason didn’t have a quick enough release to hit them as as they were coming open. Maybe that will improve. If not, there are two more QB’s that may be able to push him…and that will almost certainly be a sign that 17 ain’t going the year the Dawgs will be great again.
Yes, I’m crazy…but if the offensive line is once again pitiful, then we may have the answer in Stetson Bennett… He’s a scrambler with a lightening fast release and though he’s only 6′, he gets outside the pocket where he can see. His scrambling also gets receivers open…he really could be the answer if plans A and B aren’t working. But given last years coaching propensity to stick with a plan even if it isn’t working, I remain worried.
,
LikeLike
Why wait for next year? Why shouldn’t we just go ahead and win the off-season?
The players will be buying in. We will be seeing great Senior leadership at the volunteer workouts. Eason will be throwing very catchable balls.Chubb will be becoming a more vocal leader. The conditioning program will be really ahead of last year. The players will have reshaped their bodies thanks to S/C and nutrition. Everyone will be holding everyone more accountable. WRs will be getting great technique on route running while our DBs will be great at man coverage. Players will be staying after volunteer workouts to get extra reps in. Kirby will say we’ve got to get better.
Did I forget something we’ll be hearing this off-season?
Oh, The Great Kevin Butler will be working with our kickers.
LikeLike
Not sure where this will show up on the comment timeline, but I am referring to the entire thread until this time stamp:
Damn, that got sideways in a hurry.
LikeLike