Fan - Respect - Other?
In the eyes of non-biased observers .....
Georgia can never be considered a Sleeper. I consider a Sleeper as a team that exceeds expectations. Our beloved Yellow Jackets were Sleepers last season. This season will determine if last year was a fluke or the start of something special @ GT.
UGA has had a steady stream of pedigree players year after year for the last 10 years. While the teams have had strong winning records, I consider UGA to be "underachievers".
UGA 2009 v 2008 ..... Do not expect a tremendous drop @ QB, RB, or any other position in Athens. UGA has a stable full of talented players, but are they a talented TEAM?
In the '80s and '90's, this was somewhat true at Florida State with Bobby Bowden. He always picked up the best talent available, but I cannot say he dominated (again - an underachiever).
I guess this is much a like a pick up game on the street, but this is the deal .....
20 kids want to play --- I pick the first 10 and you get the rest --- Let's play ball. If I do not consistently dominate, I am an underachiever. If you win or consistently play close, you are an overachiever.
Fan v Respect v Nothing
We can be a fan of any team(s) for many reasons. How many of us are fans of our HS Football Team? Well, most likely, 50% of us will have winning records this year and 50% of us will have losing records this year ..... but we remain fans!
Respect is earned and is based upon individual perceptions. I have always respected (and been a fan of) the military academys. I pulled for Army, Navy, and AFA in season when I hoped they could play .500 football. Yes, most seasons, they were overachievers.
Nothing ..... I am not a UGA fan.
I typically respect programs of character and/or overachievers. To me, UGA does not fit here.
I do not hate UGA (I hate no one). UGA is just another team.
BUT ----- Each time a team I respect or like plays the Puppies, I pull for UGA's opponent. Very similar to the old saying .... I am a fan of 2 teams ..... "GT and whoever is playing UGA".
Go Jackets.