First Place Hawks

Fifteen games into the regular season, the Atlanta Hawks are doing a great job of proving me wrong. I expected the loss of Jamal Crawford to set this franchise back quite a bit. But so far...I stand corrected.

Fueled by Joe Johnson's 18.9 points per game, Atlanta is currently in first place in the Southeast standings, following a 92-89 victory over Crawford and the Trailblazers on Wednesday night. Jeff Teague has played well at the point, averaging 5.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Starting center, Al Horford, has been lost for the season, which could catch up to this team at some point.

But, the Hawks will continue to succeed, if they stick to the formula that's gotten them off to an 11-4 start...great defense and rebounding (ATL is 6th in NBA by allowing just 90.8 ppg, 10th in rebounds with 43.5 per game), along with a balanced scoring attack. Joe Johnson is the team's leading scorer, but role players Vlad Radmanovic, Willie Green, and Janero Pargo have filled in nicely off the bench.

On Friday night, the team will be in Philadelphia, as they take on Lithonia, GA's Lou Williams and the 76ers. The 25 year old point guard leads his team with 15.7 points per game. Click on the title of this post to watch the multi-talented Williams in his music video titled Imma Boss.

Martans at Fernbank IMax

Blues fans, you don't want to miss the opportunity to hear the Martans perform tonight at the Fernbank IMax. This group of local musicians, including Matt Wauchope and Melvin Zachary, is very talented. Tickets are just $7 to hear the band and $13 to hear them perform and see the IMax movie. I've seen these guys on stage and can say it is definitely money well spent. Hope to see you there.

Losing Crawford will cost Atlanta

As a fan of the Atlanta Hawks, I am greatly disappointed, discouraged, and disgusted by Rick Sund's inability to retain Jamal Crawford. Atlanta's GM was unwilling to pay the luxury tax in order to keep the purest scorer this city has seen since Dominique Wilkins put fear inside of NBA rims.

During his 2 year Hawks career, Jamal Crawford was the most prolific scorer on Atlanta's roster. And, he was consistently capable of hitting game altering shots, regardless of any deterrents in his path. In his role as 6th man, the former Wolverine routinely ignited an offense that stagnantly revolved around Joe Johnson.

The Hawks will miss Jamal Crawford more than I do. Without his efforts, they'll digress to such a level that the playoffs are merely an unfathomable dream. As for the dinero Atlanta would have ponied up toward the NBA's luxury tax? It would have been recouped at the gates preceding and during the playoffs. Instead, this team will resemble its ownership...

For video evidence of how much Atlanta will miss Jamal Crawford, click on the title of this post.

Remembering Larry Munson

Although I never met the man, it saddens me greatly to know that Larry Munson has passed away. As a play by play announcer for the Georgia Bulldogs, he was able to paint pictures with more than his words. Listening to Larry call a game, one could feel the momentum change tides, along with the inflection in his voice. The love he had for the University of Georgia was more than a sound you heard. It was as if you could feel Munson's emotions climb right through the radio.

Most fans recount his calls of Herschel Walker running over people or Belue to Lindsay Scott. But, what I loved most was hearing him Munsonize such a simple phrase as, "And we intercept it!" Larry Munson was the greatest announcer of all time. And as Georgia fans, we were blessed to hear him speak.

Brandon Harton 101 Yards

A couple weeks ago, I had an opportunity to be in the Sanford Stadium stands as Georgia trounced New Mexico State 63-16. Knowing I'd see no Isaiah Crowell or Carl Thomas, I quickly became a fan of Brandon Harton. What captivated my eyes the most, was the Thomas Brown like swagger, in which this former walk on toted the rock. There may have been an early issue with ball security, but overall, Harton excellently rushed toward a 98 yard effort.

I thought about that today, as Isaiah Crowell nursed a first quarter injury against Kentucky. His absence gave Tattnall County's version of Darren Sproles another opportunity to showcase his talents. And, Brandon Harton proved himself to be a capable option at running back. Given 20+ carries, the 5'6" phenom posted 101 yards for the first time in his collegiate career.

And in case ya'll missed it, this former walk on is in the process of proving that opportunity + preparedness = success. On this day in UGA history, Brandon Harton helped carry his Dawgs toward an SEC title game in Atlanta. He may not seem flashy, but #20 has proven himself to be an invaluable asset for the eastern division champs. Game ball goes to Brandon Harton and Georgia's defense. Go Dawgs!

It's great to be...Wrong

Today, I've decided to make a painful admission. After the first week of football, I did not believe in this group of men called Bulldogs. What bothered me the most, was that I thought I saw the same unfixed problems from 2010 continue to plague Georgia on the field. Mainly, I was concerned about the defense and the team continuing to get yellow hankies tossed their way at inopportune times. What I failed to understand, is that these Dawgs just needed some time to improve.

Since then, the Georgia Bulldogs have proven themselves to be a LOT tougher and more resilient team than I had given them credit for. Before they even teed it up vs South Carolina, I was knocking Georgia's chances of competing in the SEC, regardless of their LSU and Bama-less schedule. I was wrong for that, as well. A little over two months later, this team currently sits in the drivers seat in the east. With a win over the unpredictable Auburn Tigers, Mark Richt's squad could take a giant leap towards returning to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.

Writing these words makes me feel like a fan that had gone astray. My take on the Georgia Bulldogs was unsound and a little bit left of center. But, I've also learned that sometimes it's great to be wrong.

Game ball goes to Brandon Harton

One thing I've learned about college football over the years, is things can always change. And, sometimes opportunities are born from adversity. As you've heard by now, Georgia will be without running backs Isaiah Crowell, Carlton Thomas, and Ken Malcome this Saturday because the trio violated a team rule.

That brings us to former walk on, Brandon Harton. The 5'6" scatback from Reidsville, Georgia seems poised to get the first start of his collegiate career. Previously buried on the depth chart, Harton has had very few opportunities to tote the rock. But, #20 held his own with a respectable day vs Coastal Carolina (11 carries for 33 yards). Until then, the high mark of his Bulldog career had been a 65 yard touchdown run in the first scrimmage of spring practice. And now... Harton is the leading candidate to start at RB vs New Mexico State.

I don't know what to expect, but nobody else does either. The Dawgs could use a combination of Zander Ogletree, Brandon Boykin, Branden Smith, and Kyle Karempelis to split time with Harton in the running game. Also, TE turned FB, Bruce Figgins may be used in some one back sets when Georgia wants to play action pass.

What I hope to see, is the Bulldogs offensive line overwhelm New Mexico State's defense. If they impose their will on the Aggies, there outta be rushing lanes big enough for me to run through. That could be good for Brandon Harton, who is a LOT faster than I'll ever be. I believe #20 will make the most of this opportunity and play well enough that Mark Richt never forgets his first name again.

Game ball goes to Brandon Harton. Go Dawgs!

Click on the title of this post to view Brandon Harton highlights from his Tattnall County days.

RS Sports...Fear Less. Live More.: October 29 in the SEC

RS Sports...Fear Less. Live More.: October 29 in the SEC

October 29 in the SEC

The two greatest teams in college football, LSU and Alabama, have a bye this week. But, #10 Arkansas travels to Nashville to play the 'Dores in an early afternoon contest. Petrino's Pigs are too powerful for Vanderbilt. Hogs 38, fightin' James Franklins 20.

At 3:30, CBS will broadcast the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party live from Jacksonville, Florida. Mark Richt hopes to improve on his 2-8 record in this contest, but that will be no easy feat. Although his team currently sports an un-gatorlike 4-3 record, Will Muschamp has explosive playmakers in Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey, and Trey Burton. With two weeks to prepare, offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss will have some trump cards ready to play on Saturday. For Georgia, talented linebacker, Alec Ogletree returns to a Bulldog defense that brings a few tricks of its own. Don't know which way this game's gonna go, so I'll make this prediction straight from my heart. Dawgs 20, Florida 16.

Both schools from the fattest state in America 6 years running are gonna be in action at 7 PM. In a game worthy of ESPN3, Dandy Dan Mullen will get his first SEC victory of 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. No offense + issues on the defensive side of the ball doesn't bode well for the Wildcats. Mississippi State is less bad. Dogs 24, Kats 14. Meanwhile, the Ole Miss Rebels will be looking to exchange their conference doughnut for a biscuit in the win column. Ain't gonna happen. The Rebs will be on their way to another loss inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. War Eagle Tigers 31, Rebs 12.

Bringing the conference back to relevance, Tennessee hosts #13 South Carolina at 7:15 on ESPN2. No Lattimore, no Stephen Garcia, no visor atop Steve Spurrier's head. Major upset of the day, as Derek Dooley gets the biggest win of his Volunteer career. Vols 24, Gamecocks 17. You're welcome, Barbara.

These are my picks for the week. Can ya'll do any better? Feel free to leave comments or join me on twitter.

P.S. Click on the title of this post.

RS Sports...Fear Less. Live More.: Todd Grantham Appreciation Day

RS Sports...Fear Less. Live More.: Todd Grantham Appreciation Day