DawgNation's David Ching

DawgNation's David Ching
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Welcome to DawgNation! On Wednesday, reporter David Ching stops by to chat about the state of Georgia football.

Ching joined ESPN.com in 2011 after six years covering Georgia for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and Athens Banner-Herald. He lives in Athens, Ga.

Send your questions now and join Ching Wednesday at noon ET!

David Ching
Hi everyone. Hope you're all doing well. Looks like we've got a good batch of questions already. Let's get going.
Dave (Tampa)
Hey David, I have not heard much out of Athens concerning the correction of the special team units. Any word on what changes are being made to strengthen those units? Thanks & Go Dawgs!
David Ching
Yeah Dave, it has quietly been a big emphasis during the spring and preseason. It sounds to me like they didn't necessarily put in more time on kick coverage as they did putting in higher quality work on kick coverage. I think you'll see a lot more veteran/starter players on the coverage teams to fix those problems.
Mark Rohs (Atlanta, GA)
What's the latest on the rumors of Ogletree and Rambo potential suspensions?
David Ching
Same as before. No word from Georgia. Just speculation. My guess is we'll see both of them on the field before September is over.
Tony Broome (Waverly, Alabama)
Do you think the Dawgs can really make it to the National Championship this year?
David Ching
Do I think they CAN? Sure. I think their defense is going to be outstanding and the offense should be pretty good, too, if the offensive line holds up. Saw the other day that some booking line gave UGA the seventh-best odds of winning it all, so they definitely belong in the conversation.
Ryan Casey (Athens)
When could we see Keith Marshall take the field and how do you think he will perform?
David Ching
First quarter of Saturday's game. I think we're going to see a lot of the two freshmen on Saturday. Everything I've seen of them on film and heard from UGA players after practice says they're going to be very good college players.
Frank Mascia (New Jersey)
I'm still of the belief that this Georgia team will never be a consistent force like LSU or Alabama under Mark Richt. He had his moments from 02-07, but it's been all paper tiger from there. The fact that he can't field a full bunch of starters doesn't help. But does Richt ever get past the big boys of the league and win a BCS title or is the Capital One Bowl the best we get???
David Ching
I think a lot of people feel that way Frank. It's a reasonable question to ask. This season could provide your best answer yet. They have the roster and schedule to make a lot of noise this fall. If they don't you have to wonder whether Richt will ever be able to get them over the top.
Wally (Baton Rouge, LA)
What is the word on Bacarri Rambo and Alec Ogletree suspensions? Is former walk on Connor Norman slated to start in place of Rambo and what are concerns of that as we face Missouri week 2?
David Ching
Same stuff. I'm not sure who might start in Rambo's place, but Norman is listed as the second-team free safety behind Rambo. They can always get creative too. It definitely is a concern for the Missouri game, but Shawn Williams' presence back there is going to help a lot whether Rambo plays or not.
Tyler (Athens,Ga)
David Will Ken Malcolme get the start Saturday or will Gurley or Marshall start?
David Ching
Looks like Malcome. He's listed first on depth chart and Richt and McClendon have both said that's the way they're leaning. I still expect a heavy dose of all three.
Bernie (Cumberland District)
Why do you think most UGA fans are just glossing over the Mizzou game as an auto W? Everyone I talk to thinks UGA will just push them around and I really doubt that will be the case given our unproven O-line and more unproven tailbacks.
David Ching
I don't think the team or the coaches feel that way. I think a lot of these spy tactics re: Ogletree and Rambo relate directly to that game. Franklin creates a matchup problem, so I'm sure they're taking it pretty seriously. I don't think Mizzou will be able to handle Georgia up front, though, with a depleted OL and Josey being out.
Vince (Destin)
David - I am not seeing any love for the Dawgs' offense (outside of Murray) from the national media. I know they're young but do you foresee any all-SEC type seasons out of TK, Marlon or anyone else on that side of the ball?
David Ching
Not sure who else has done enough to warrant national attention. TK might be the safest bet there among the skill guys. I think they'd like to see him take another step forward this year. The offense's success all hinges on the OL play, in my opinion. If they're good up front, they'll be really good on offense.
Dawg Gone (SC)
With Georgia's schedule this year, if the Dawgs lose their three toughest contests ... let's say SC, Mizzou and Auburn, will the GA faithful continue to support Richt or look for new leadership?
David Ching
Depends on how they lose those games. Close losses? Probably. Blowouts? Hotseat returns.
Richy (Auburn)
12-0 into sec championship game?
David Ching
Let's not go crazy. Maybe. At this point, I think they're the favorite in every game. Let's see what happens in Missouri in a couple weeks.
Steven (Biloxi, MS)
With the injuries to Mizzou's O-line, will James Franklin be running more than throwing on 9/8?
David Ching
Hard to say. In what little I've seen of him, it looks as if some of his runs came when he was dropping back, looked around and took off. I think they're going to have a really tough time running on Georgia's defense. But we'll see.
Sam (Watkinsville)
Knowing Bobo like you do, will he be ultra-conservative again this year with all the weapons we have on offense? (e.g. sitting on a lead after 2 quarters instead of going for the jugular)?
David Ching
He's a fairly conservative guy on a fairly conservative staff. I think his tendency is to back away from anything that might risk a win when he's got what should be a dominant defense. He might be a little more risky this year with a fourth-year player at QB, but I think that's still his nature and he'll be inclined to let Grantham's guys try to hold onto the win most weeks.
Dawg Fann (ATL)
With CMR still on the hot seat, will he lift the suspensions for the Mizzou game?
David Ching
I don't think one thing has anything to do with the other. But I think it's possible that at least one of them plays in that game. We'll see I guess.
Bill Dance (Atlanta)
How many losses would it take for Richt to be fired after this season?
David Ching
I don't think it's a set number. Too many variables. But I think the number of losses it would take for him to be fired after this season is not a possibility given the difficulty on this particular schedule.

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