SB Nation Atlanta: All Posts by Brandon Klinehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2013-01-02T12:01:58-05:00https://atlanta.sbnation.com/authors/brandon-kline/rss2013-01-02T12:01:58-05:002013-01-02T12:01:58-05:00Todd Gurley looks ahead to 2013 season
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<p>The Georgia Bulldogs had some impressive victories this year, and Todd Gurley is already talking about next season.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Bulldogs</a>' tailback sensation <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158475/todd-gurley" class="sbn-auto-link">Todd Gurley</a> told the press how excited he is for next season. Following Georgia's victory over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2013/01/01/gurley-were-going-to-push-that-much-harder-in-postseason-knowing-how-close-we-came/?cxntfid=blogs_uga_sports_blog">Gurley said</a>:</p>
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<p>"In the off-season we're just going to be pushing that much harder just knowing we came so close to going to the national championship. It's not like we got blown out or something. So while we're working out, we'll be thinking about all the little things because that could be the difference in the outcome of getting those five yards and getting to the national championship game. We're excited because we feel like this is the first win of 2013. We start next season with Clemson and we're ready to play them now."</p>
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<p>In his freshman season, Gurley ran for 1385 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The 6'1 back had nine 100-yard rushing performances. He also caught 16 passes for 122 yards.</p>
<p>While many of Georgia's offensive weapons will be back next season, the Bulldog defense could end up losing most of its starters. Quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78599/aaron-murray" class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Murray</a> is undecided as to whether he will stay for his senior season, but the running and receiving corps will remain intact. The defense, however, will lose starters <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36147/bacarri-rambo" class="sbn-auto-link">Bacarri Rambo</a>, Shawn Williams, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/122357/jonathan-jenkins">Jonathan Jenkins</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36176/cornelius-washington" class="sbn-auto-link">Cornelius Washington</a>, Mike Gilliard, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36150/sanders-commings" class="sbn-auto-link">Sanders Commings</a>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113383/alec-ogletree" class="sbn-auto-link">Alec Ogletree</a>. In addition, Jarvis Jones has not announced whether he plans to enter the draft.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-ncaaf/2013/1/2/3827722/todd-gurley-uga-football-2013-seasonBrandon Kline2013-01-02T11:17:02-05:002013-01-02T11:17:02-05:00Georgia receivers persevere through injuries
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<p>Great depth at the wide receiver position has helped Georgia maintain a solid passing attack all season, despite several injuries.</p> <p>When Bulldogs' wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell left the Capital One Bowl in the first quarter with a concussion, the Georgia receiving corps did what it has done all season. It endured. Mitchell was the team's second-leading receiver this season, but the team's backups were able to help quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78599/aaron-murray" class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Murray</a> set <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/2013-capital-one-bowl/2013/1/2/3827182/aaron-murray-capital-one-bowl-georgia-football">several records</a> during Georgia's 45-31 victory over Nebraska.</p>
<p>Sophomore Chris Conley grabbed two catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns, including an 87-yard reception that became the longest pass in Capital One Bowl history. Sophomore <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136449/justin-scott-wesley" class="sbn-auto-link">Justin Scott-Wesley</a>, who red-shirted his freshman season, had three catches for 67 yards.</p>
<p>The Georgia receivers have been consistently good all season, despite several tough injuries. <a target="_blank" href="http://dogbytesonline.com/georgia-receivers-overcome-injuries-gain-valuable-experience-in-record-offensive-year-66753/">Daniel Kramer</a> points out that earlier in the year, the Bulldogs lost Michael Bennett and Marlon Brown to ACL tears. At the time of their respective injuries, Bennett and Brown both led the team in receiving yards.</p>
<p>The wideouts were an important component of Georgia's strong offense. The Bulldogs wrap up the year having averaged 37.2 points per game, which is third-best in the SEC.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-ncaaf/2013/1/2/3827546/georgia-football-wide-receivers-experienceBrandon Kline2013-01-02T10:39:28-05:002013-01-02T10:39:28-05:00Jones sets UGA record for single-season sacks
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<p>Jarvis Jones set the school record on Tuesday, but he did so in a rather unusual fashion.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Bulldogs</a>' linebacker Jarvis Jones set a school record for sacks in a single season, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macon.com/2013/01/01/2302327/jarvis-jones-breaks-georgias-sack.html">according to David Mitchell</a>. Jones was credited for two sacks during the Capital One Bowl on Tuesday, which brought his season total to 14.5.</p>
<p>Although the linebacker earned two sacks against Nebraska on Tuesday, he did not actually touch Cornhuskers' quarterback Taylor Martinez during either play. After the game, Jones was uncertain about whether he had gotten any sacks. On the first "sack," Jones was giving chase when Martinez fell down behind the line of scrimmage. The second sack came after Jones' pressure forced an intentional grounding penalty.</p>
<p>But the unorthodox sacks he picked up against Nebraska should not diminish Jones' accomplishment, especially considering the junior missed two games this season. In addition, the Bulldogs faced Georgia Southern, who attempted only four passes against UGA.</p>
<p>With many of his defensive teammates headed to the NFL in 2013, Jones has yet to decide if he will stay for his senior season.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-ncaaf/2013/1/2/3827442/jarvis-jones-sacks-record-georgia-footballBrandon Kline2013-01-02T08:46:15-05:002013-01-02T08:46:15-05:00Mark Richt admires Bulldogs' resilience
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<p>The Capital One Bowl was a back-and-forth affair, but Georgia's persistent effort helped the Bulldogs secure a 45-31 victory.</p> <p>In his postgame press conference, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs">Georgia Bulldogs</a> head coach Mark Richt talked about the resilience of his squad. The Bulldogs struggled to maintain a lead against Nebraska in the first three quarters of the 2013 Capital One Bowl on Tuesday. Inconsistency was an issue for Georgia, especially in the first half, when quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78599/aaron-murray">Aaron Murray</a> threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.</p>
<p>But Richt's team kept fighting. After the game, <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2013/01/01/gurley-were-going-to-push-that-much-harder-in-postseason-knowing-how-close-we-came/?cxntfid=blogs_uga_sports_blog" target="_blank">he told the media</a>,</p>
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<p>"It looked to me like we were a little more tired than they were. But I think our guys did a good job of sucking it up when they were tired ... But we fought through. And when you make a big play or two, all of a sudden that gives you a boost of energy."</p>
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<p>After a lackluster first half, Georgia came out much stronger in the second half. Murray overcame early inaccuracy, and went on to have a <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/2013-capital-one-bowl/2013/1/2/3827182/aaron-murray-capital-one-bowl-georgia-football" target="_blank">record-breaking game</a>. In addition, the Georgia defense, which allowed 17 points in the first half, held the Cornhuskers to just seven points in the second half.</p>
<p>The Bulldogs trailed on two separate occasions, but never quit. The Georgia resiliency helped give Murray, a junior, his first bowl victory.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-ncaaf/2013/1/2/3827188/2013-capital-one-bowl-mark-richtBrandon Kline2012-12-26T11:58:26-05:002012-12-26T11:58:26-05:00Ray Edwards may sign with Seattle
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<p>Ray Edwards has not played in the NFL since being released by the Falcons in November.</p> <p>Former <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a>' defensive end <span>Ray Edwards</span> is <a target="_blank" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/25/ray-edwards-could-sign-with-seattle-on-wednesday/">reportedly close </a>to signing with the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a>. After Atlanta released the lineman in November, Edwards got little interest from other teams. But on Monday, Edwards worked out for the Seahawks. Seattle is expected to make a decision on Wednesday about whether to sign the defensive end.</p>
<p>The high-priced Edwards failed to deliver big numbers during his two seasons in Atlanta. Earlier this season, he was removed from the starting lineup in favor of Kroy Biermann. Prior to joining the Falcons, Edwards played five seasons in Minnesota. His best season may have been 2009, when he managed 51 tackles and 8.5 sacks.</p>
<p>The Falcons could end up facing the Seahawks in the playoffs. Many analysts are speculating that Edwards would have extra motivation against his former team. Some even suspect that he could provide Seattle with <a target="_blank" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/25/ray-edwards-could-sign-with-seattle-on-wednesday/">"inside information"</a> about the Atlanta offense and defense. The Seahawks defense is already extremely tough. Through 15 games, they have allowed the fewest points per game in NFL (15.5).</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/falcons/2012/12/26/3804716/ray-edwards-signing-seattle-rumorsBrandon Kline2012-12-26T11:38:10-05:002012-12-26T11:38:10-05:00Falcons vow to end playoff disappointments
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<p>The Atlanta Falcons feel good about their chances in the playoffs, and are ready to overcome a history of postseason flops.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> are familiar with postseason disappointments, but coaches and players are confident that this year will be different. The Falcons have secured the top seed in the NFC, ensuring that the road to the Super Bowl runs through Atlanta.</p>
<p>The Falcons' core of coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, <span>Michael Turner</span>, <span>Roddy White</span>, and Tony Gonzalez is unchanged, but the team has benefited from new additions like <span>Julio Jones</span>, <span>Asante Samuel</span>, and <span>Jacquizz Rodgers</span>.</p>
<p>Despite the lack of major changes, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/12/24/atlanta-falcons-different-team-vows-to-end-playoff-flops/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog">White insists</a> the team is very different because players have matured and chemistry is stronger. Ryan agrees, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/12/24/atlanta-falcons-different-team-vows-to-end-playoff-flops/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog">saying</a> "I think our chemistry is as good as I've ever been around."</p>
<p>Guaranteed home-field advantage is another reassuring factor for the Falcons. At 7-0, they are the NFL's only team without a home loss this season. A win on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> would make the Falcons a perfect 8-0 at home, and give the team a three-game winning streak heading into the playoffs.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/falcons/2012/12/26/3804630/atlanta-falcons-nfl-playoffs-disappointmentsBrandon Kline2012-12-26T11:03:39-05:002012-12-26T11:03:39-05:00Falcons activate Joe Hawley, send Kevin Cone to IR
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<p>Joe Hawley has played in 37 games in his three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> activated center <span>Joe Hawley</span> from the Reserve-Commissioner Exemption list, <a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-Place-WR-Cone-on-Injured-Reserve/57674efa-d266-48a7-a400-e6ea59fce11a" target="_blank">according to Jay Adams</a>. To make room for Hawley, Atlanta has placed wide receiver <span>Kevin Cone</span> in injured reserve.</p>
<p>Hawley has been with Atlanta since the Falcons selected the center in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of UNLV. Hawley has served mainly as a reserve this season, playing in six games. Last year, the 6'3, 302-pound lineman played in all 16 games for Atlanta, he and made 12 starts.</p>
<p>While the Falcons' pass protection has been strong this season (26 sacks allowed), <span>Michael Turner</span> has struggled to repeat his excellent rushing production. In 2011, Turner averaged 4.5 yards per carry, but that number is down to 3.6 in 2012.</p>
<p>The Falcons cleared space for Hawley by ending the season of Kevin Cone, who played primarily on special teams this season. The wideout played in 12 games and was targeted for one pass.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/falcons/2012/12/26/3804552/atlanta-falcons-activate-joe-hawley-kevin-cone-irBrandon Kline2012-12-26T10:30:16-05:002012-12-26T10:30:16-05:00Kelly's defense will make final audition vs. USC
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<p>Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson is hoping that interim defensive coordinator Charles Kelly will be able to stifle USC's tough offensive attack.</p> <p>The 2012 Sun Bowl will be the final audition for interim defensive coordinator <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113011/charles-kelly">Charles Kelly</a>. Georgia Tech fired Al Groh six games into the 2012 season and promoted Kelly, who had previously served as secondary coach.</p>
<p>After seven regular-season games at the helm, the Sun Bowl is Kelly's final chance to prove himself a worthy hire. The Yellow Jackets will face a tough test in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a>, who boast one of the nation's strongest passing attacks. Wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee">Marqise Lee</a> might be the best pass catcher in college football.</p>
<p>When asked to compare Kelly's defense to that of Groh, head coach <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14242/paul-johnson">Paul Johnson</a> <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-tech-sports/2012/12/22/in-audition-kelly-addresses-tech-defense-flaws/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_tech_sports" target="_blank">declared</a>, "For sure, it's better than it was."</p>
<p>But as <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-tech-sports/2012/12/22/in-audition-kelly-addresses-tech-defense-flaws/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_tech_sports" target="_blank">Ken Sugiura suggests</a>, the statistics do not necessarily reflect a radical improvement. The defense went from allowing 30.2 points per game under Groh to 29.7 under Kelly. Still, Kelly may have faced a more challenging schedule during his seven games.</p>
<p>While Kelly might not have dramatically improved the Tech defense, the Sun Bowl represents an excellent opportunity for the interim coordinator to earn a permanent position.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-ncaaf/2012/12/26/3804364/2012-sun-bowl-charles-kelly-georgia-techBrandon Kline2012-12-22T08:00:16-05:002012-12-22T08:00:16-05:00Hawks fall to 2.5 games behind Heat
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<p>The Hawks have dropped two games in a row, but remain in good position in the Eastern Conference standings.</p> <p>With their loss on Friday night, the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> (15-9) are currently 2.5 games behind the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> (17-6) in the Southeast division. Despite dropping two games in a row, the Hawks hold the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta is four games ahead of Orlando for second place in the division.</p>
<p>Around the East, the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> (19-7) hold a comfortable lead atop the Atlantic division. New York lost on Friday night to the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a>, but still leads the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> by 5.5 games in the division. With the win, Chicago maintained a one-game advantage in the Central over the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a> and the <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a>. Milwaukee and Indiana both won on Friday night.</p>
<p>In the West, Oklahoma City holds the NBA's best record at 21-5, and a seven-game lead in the Northwest division. The <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a> have a slim lead in the Pacific, while the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a> and <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Grizzlies</a> are tied atop the Southwest division.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/hawks/2012/12/22/3794168/nba-standings-2012Brandon Kline2012-12-21T22:22:54-05:002012-12-21T22:22:54-05:00Kennesaw State falls to IPFW, 70-47
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<p>Markeith Cummings was in double-digits for the ninth consecutive game. Unfortunately, his mammoth effort was not enough for Kennesaw State on Friday.</p> <p>The Kennesaw State Owls suffered their ninth consecutive loss on Friday night at the hands of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/ipfw-mastodons">IPFW Mastodons</a>, 70-47. IPFW led by just four at halftime, but the Mastodons outscored the Owls, 44-25, in the second half.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52316/markeith-cummings">Markeith Cummings</a> had another great night and was one of the few bright spots for the Owls. The senior guard had 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Cummings also made the team's only three-pointer. Overall, Kennesaw State was 1-for-10 from behind the arc. Offense has been an issue for the Owls all season. The team has averaged a meager 58.4 points per game in its first 11 contests.</p>
<p>IPFW, meanwhile, had four players in double figures. Senior guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53563/frank-gaines">Frank Gaines</a> led the team with 22 points. Senior forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145520/mario-hines">Mario Hines</a> had 16 points and eight rebounds, and Luis Jacobo contributed 14 points and eight rebounds.</p>
<p>On Sunday, Kennesaw State will visit Pitt. The Owls will then be off until Dec. 31, when they'll host Florida Gulf Coast.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/kennesaw-state/2012/12/21/3794100/kennesaw-state-vs-ipfw-final-scoreBrandon Kline