Welcome to Tuesday, Bulldog fans! And not just any Tuesday, but a Tuesday that… okay, it’s probably just a normal Tuesday. No Georgia football this week, and thankfully not much news.
It is mostly around who is available and who isn’t. Potential depth issues are caused by the omnipresent transfer portal, whose window opened last week. Current Bulldogs in the portal are wide receiver Michael Jackson, defensive lineman Jamaal Jarrett, safety Justyn Rhett, defensive back Julian Humphrey, outside linebacker Sam M’Pemba, inside linebacker Troy Bowles, and safety Jake Pope. As far as I know, only Humphrey has found a home so far, announcing his intention to attend and play for Mike Elko at Texas A&M.
While I don’t like to see anyone transfer away from Athens, I’m sure there are some good reasons for doing so. Most of these didn’t see much playing time and getting a chance to compete for a starting job might be the best thing for all involved. Unless you’re the clear backup starter for a team hosting a CFP playoff game this weekend, as that is not the best thing for all. Not everyone might be on the same page if you announce you’re entering the portal and leaving the team at this critical juncture. But we listen, and we don’t judge.
It looks like there is no possibility for Colbie Young to suit it up for Georgia again. His charges were not dismissed, but there is an early January hearing where it might be. Yet there is also a rumour a tall wide-out from the west coast is visiting UGA this week as a potential replacement.
Penn State 2nd string signal caller Beau Pribola did just that. Penn State hosts SMU at noon Saturday in the 1st playoff round and the timing is awkward for a Nittany Lion team with a real chance to advance towards a national championship. Pribola isn’t just a backup for mop-up duty. He spelled injured starter Drew Allard against Wisconsin, throwing 13 times. He has specific plays/packages drawn up for him by the Penn State offense, rushing at least once in every game this season, and passing in half of them.
The underlying reason, at least as stated by Pribola, was the timing of the portal window and the playoff schedule.
The overlapping CFB playoff & transfer portal timeline has forced me into an impossible decision.
This might spur more action by the NCAA… or more likely by the conferences to address this December blizzard of football deadlines. This is a real impact for James Franklin, and I feel just so, so bad for him. But we listen, and we don’t judge.**
The AP men’s basketball poll was released Monday, and the writers are judging the 9-1 Bulldogs with a cautious eye. After winning Saturday, against a Grand Canyon squad that has played in the NCAA tournament the last 3 years, and at a neutral site, I expected to see more votes for UGA and on the cusp of the top 25. Georgia received 18 votes total, 3 less than last week and about 160 votes short of getting to #25. The only loss by Mike White’s squad was to a #9 Marquette team in the Bahamas.
It won’t get any easier, because the Hoop Hounds start conference play January 4th and the first 5 SEC games are against currently ranked top 20 teams (and 6 of the first 7 games). The SEC is starting to look like the Big East of the 80’s and 90’s.
That’s all for now. I hope everyone has a great day, and as always…
GO ‘DAWGS!!!
**Except when it comes to James Franklin. I’m gonna judge the ever-lovin’ hell out of him.