Fortunately, Dogs aren’t about impressing pollsters anymore
Let's assume Blair Walsh and Drew Butler were not declaring, "We're No. 1" after the win. (AP photo)
ATHENS — If after one game you were convinced that this would be a dreadful season, and after two games you figured maybe the quarterback wouldn’t be so bad after all, and after three games you once again were ready to catapult Willie Martinez out of Athens, out of the state and out of a job, well, guess what? They’ve come full circle.
Maybe it’s best to just not assume anything about Georgia this season — certainly not an easy victory.
Blair Walsh kicked a game-winning 37-yard field goal as time expired Saturday to give the Bulldogs a 20-17 win over Arizona State at Sanford Stadium. And that’s really all you want to know without a bottle of Tums.
Given that this is a bottom-line business, the Bulldogs will try not to think about how they got there. There was an offense that committed three more turnovers, leading to 14 of the visitors’ 17 points and left the team at a minus-9 in turnover differential this season. There also was an offense that produced only two field goals (and the three turnovers) in 10 possessions after two early touchdowns.
Joe Cox completed only 12 of 23 with two interceptions after the first quarter. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC).
There was bland and unimaginative play-calling and a stunning decision by coach Mark Richt to pass up a potential winning 45-yard field-goal attempt earlier in the fourth quarter to go for it on fourth-and-one (and the play was stuffed).
Good thing nobody is paying attention to polls this season.
“You’d like to think you’re progressing over the last three weeks,” Richt said. “It’s almost like we’re that record that gets stuck and the same things keep happening over and over again. The good news is at the very end we’ve been winning. We’d like to remove some of the drama if possible.”
The defense was strong. That would be the good news. But somewhere it is written that you should not be tied with Arizona State in the fourth quarter on your home field, particularly after leading 14-3 in the first quarter.
Haven’t figured this team out yet? Stop trying.
It was far different circumstances when these teams met at this time a year ago. The Bulldogs still had national championship aspirations. They won in Tempe 27-10. It was one of their best performances of the season, setting up meteoric expectations for Alabama week.
Then came the blackout. Then came the knockout. Bama jumped to a 31-0 lead and it was over. Neither the Dogs nor expectations were the same the rest of the season.
That wasn’t an issue Saturday. The season-opening loss at Oklahoma State smothered the rankings talk early. The wins over South Carolina and Arkansas were fun to watch, much like cartoons are fun to watch. Great offense, no defense, too many penalties and turnovers and exploding body parts.
The game was tied 17-17 when Georgia got the ball back with 5:40 left. But on first down, Joe Cox threw behind A.J. Green right into the hands of safety Jarrell Holman (who earlier returned an interception for a touchdown). This one he brought back to the Dogs’ 20. But the defense held again, and a 38-yard field goal attempt was blocked — by A.J. Green.
Green also caught a 56-yard touchdown earlier in the game. On the ensuing Dogs’ possession after the blocked field, he made a third-down 22-yard catch at the Arizona State 22. That ultimately set up the winning field goal. Pretty sure he was player of the game.
It looked for a while liked Georgia might have an easy night. Didn’t happen. Maybe we should all just assume at this point that there won’t be any easy days or nights.
First the offense stalled, then it started dropping engine parts on the highway (a fumble set up one touchdown and an interception was returned for another score). Suddenly, ASU led 17-14. The Dogs came back to tie it. After forcing ASU to punt, the Dogs drove into Devils’ territory again. But Richt elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the 28 — passing up a potential go-ahead 45-yard field goal. Result: fullback Fred Munzenmaier ran into a wall.
They seemed destined to lose. But at this point we should just assume they’re not destined for anything. Except maybe to keep us guessing.
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617 comments Add your comment
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
2:50 am
old, our families may be Irish, but they are considered olde english.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
2:50 am
Have 3 children myself
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
2:51 am
where are you old?
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
2:52 am
my youngest is my only son 26 hes US ARMY 3 tours in Irag
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
2:52 am
two that I know of, bragging that I cant back up and pray I never have to.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
2:53 am
Having to leave Army due to Injuries he recieved in his last tour MEdical Discharge
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
2:53 am
Sarasota Fla
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
2:54 am
love it here Pradise except for those gator fans lol
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
2:54 am
I just did a short prayer for him. My neice is a Nat Guard REMF. My Godson is out of Irag for good thank God. He was first on the five man bust in team.
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
2:55 am
Sarasota is nice, even Paradise had serpents.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
2:56 am
Love Georgia too. My wife and I where married in Helen GA
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
2:57 am
Well you cant get much more beautiful than Helen.
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
2:58 am
did you know serpents and gators were related, well that is what I heard.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
2:58 am
Thank you for the prayers, they say he will be fine just walk funny for rest of his life
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:00 am
Get 80% pay rest of his life too, Hell, I think he deserves it !
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:00 am
yes I did and I dont trust either o ne of them lol
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:01 am
It very German thats why my wife loves it so much and so do I
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:02 am
I love German food maybe a little too much at times lol
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:02 am
you damn right he deserves it, he can take it out of my taxes, i feel proud for that. no one deserves our respect, honor, or eternal gratitude than those who give some or all for our country. quote me.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:03 am
Cant wait until next year
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:04 am
thank you, I feel the same way
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:05 am
My wife and I are going to Germany and Austria next fall
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:05 am
old, you may be new here. most know my daughter will never walk normally or maybe at all. she will most likely have her leg cut off above the knee when she is twenty, she is thirteen.
BuLLdawg
September 27th, 2009
3:06 am
Our best games have to be ahead of us, because they sure as hell are not behind us.
This is the worst coached football team at UGA, ever.
You watch the other college teams, and their coaching staff actually makes adjustments.
We cannot coach special teams.
We cannot coach offense.
We cannot coach defense.
Does that about sum it up ?
I have no idea how a head coach can say that he is standing pat on his “coaching staff” and try to deny that with all the obvious talent handed to them by all of us, that his “coaching staff” is a laughing stock.
A. J. Green blocks a field goal with the game on the line after 17 games here. Excuse me, where has he been the rest of the 17 games ? We were not trying to block any of those other field goals ?
Both Caleb King and Richard Samuel and for good measure Carlton Thomas, have all fumbled the football.
I presume this awesome “coaching staff” read that with 2 NFL fullbacks, we should play them. Then, we do play them, and telegraph their plays – even after a time-out on 4th down.
What in the hell is Coach Richt doing with the clock winding down in the 4th quarter and us on the 28-yard line with the score, wait for it now please, tied ? He goes for it ? He, given Blair Walsh to kick field goals who only hasn’t missed a field goal all season. Hello ? That is good coaching, please ?
Dimitri Nance is the only player on the entire Arizona State offense. Let’s see, hmmm. Good coaching that he is not shadowed ?
Instead, with a horrid offense featuring a QB who looks like a goon, and one who never saw the inside of a weight room as now a senior, we cannot figure out that we have to expect every play to be Dimitri Nance.
Dimitri Nance has a CAREER DAY against UGA.
We are playing the team who is Number 1 in the nation in turnover ratio.
So, you figure our “coaching staff” has suggested that if we lose the turnover battle, we will lose the game, right ? These dimwit college roommates of Coach Richt, were it not for Bacarri Rambo would have had nothing positive and everything negative once again this game too.
Our punt returns are fielded one time by one guy and next time by someone else. Is this the I want to give everyone on the team a chance to screw it up for the whole team coaching philosophy ? I don’t understand how a punt can come down and get flubbed by 1 of those guys sent back there willy-nilly to take the next punt. Surely by now, after 4 games we know who is our best punt returner, one would think. That is if the “coaching staff” had a frigin’ clue, they would, right ?
Aron White is not the best Tight End, right ? We saw Orson Charles. I saw him. So, why did Orson Charles have zero yards tonight ?
These are not very good football teams we have played, yet. That is painfully obvious watching the same world-beaters against us, play other football teams. LSU just destroyed Arkansas by 50 points while we just got by them, and now while we just got by Arizona State who will go on to lose, with that QB, at least 5 games.
Arkansas will lose 6 games.
South Carolina will lose 5.
How many will we lose ?
I said 10-3 and another lackluster bowl opponent.
It could end up 10-3.
How happy will you be with that ?
With this “coaching staff” that is the best you can hope for.
Another huge night of turnovers, another huge night of special team gaffes, another huge night of penalties, another huge night of no running back, another huge night of no adjustments by our “coaching staff” and at least 50% of the posts on this blog once again, can summarize only that we must fire Willie Martinez. It’s not Willie Martinez’ fault that he was promoted to Defensive Coordinator for The Georgia Bulldogs’ football program. This is embarrassing. And, even more so, that all the fans can say is that firing Willie Martinez will fix everything. B.S.
7 more penalties. 92 yards rushing again. 3 more turnovers. 1 turnover gained and it by a player never played until tonight. Another Special Team nightmare all night long. Non-existent pass rush again against a totally hapless QB, even when we blitzed. Another lackluster effort by Richard Samuel. Another lackluster effort by Caleb King. Another unbelievable night for A.J. Green – is this coaching ? 2 TDs on the first 3 times we got our hands on the ball. Do you even know what we did with the next 10 times we got our hands on the ball, to sit there and summarize FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ and all is well ? The next 10 times we got the ball with a 14-3 lead, we had 4 punts, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble, and one lost on downs. And then until we are losing and it’s the 4th quarter with the clock winding down, we manage 2 field goals to “win” the game against that team with at most 2 players on the entire team. This “coaching staff” sucks, Coach Richt. Get with it, or move along. I am sick and tired of this kind of effort with all we give you for talent to see you sit there and have the timidity to say that you are standing pat with your “coaching staff” when Albert Einstein says Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:06 am
Love the old churches in Europe they are so beautiful
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:07 am
my heart is with you cuz
Red Dog 77
September 27th, 2009
3:07 am
Hey Stomach turn , If you are quite through calling for ralph in the toilet, consider for a moment:Alot of how you feel is probubly a result of all the beer and jello shooters you had during the game. Mabe you could get shultz to go with next saturday.Sireously Stomach what people like Gravy Train, oldmanfan, WWJD and others like them know is that 2009 and probubly 2010 as well are rebuilding years for our beloved Bulldogs. Stop trying yo play drunk coach, and start to study this teams strengths and weaknesses. I think you will will find in time that these young pups that we have out on the field now , will grow to become MONSTER DOGS and probubly contend for a mnc in the next few years. And just look at the prospects we have coming in next year! And to think we are winning while you are barffing! Hey Stomach, just relax and enjoy.It will be ok my little man, besides you seem like a pretty nice guy, just chill a little, and slow down on those jello shooters Your Pal, Red Dog77
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:07 am
google kt syndrome or kts. she is the worst case her doctor has ever found.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:08 am
I am a PA in a pediatric office
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:09 am
red, I concour.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:10 am
We {PEDS Practice] have a little girl of 10 with it .
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:11 am
old, I have to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester every year for two weeks. I know that town as well as my own.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:11 am
not very common
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:12 am
but its your girl so you do what you have to because you love her and she has something very special going for her. A loving Dad
bulldawginmemphis
September 27th, 2009
3:13 am
JUST WIN BABY!!!…not pretty but we will take it…do not like to see anyone get hurt but tebow’s pop warner style of drop back fake pass put head down and run in to middle of line with 300 pounders awaiting might work in sandlot but not with the big boys…an accident waiting to happen…hopefully tebow and meyer will learn a lesson..if not he will last about one play in the pros…unfortunately for dogs and other foes florida’s defense is so strong they will be tough to beat even without tebow…i predict one team will sneak up on them and they will still get to national championship game and nudge texas…go dawgs!!
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:13 am
old, google Baylie Symms, tell that little girl she can do anything she wants, well, and it brings me to tears, whatever she can do. Baylie does not look at her disabilities, she looks at her abilities. She is one hell of an artist.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:14 am
if its alright with you I will say a special prayer for her and your family tommorow at church.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:15 am
Is that your daugthers name Baylie?
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:16 am
old, if that girl wants to e-mail my daughter, send it to my adress emrbg@aol.com I will forward it to Baylie. She has been an inspiration for others with the syndrome.
Red Dog 77
September 27th, 2009
3:17 am
Hey BuLLdawg, That last little note I wrote to Stomach , Little buddy, that ones for you too!
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:18 am
Baylie Symms. You can find her on google.
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:19 am
Red, ignore Bull, the rest of us do.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:21 am
Well cuz I have to get my old self to bed. I hope we can chat more in the future you seem like a rare find on here, someone with a brain and a heart. Your daughter and you and all your love ones will be in my prayers. I hope I have just made a new friend. AND GO DAWGS
Cuz
September 27th, 2009
3:23 am
old, you do not have to agree with me to be my friend. You just have to have a brain. good luck and God bless. Good night my friend.
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:24 am
good night cuz
oldbrave
September 27th, 2009
3:24 am
Thank you friend
honest_abe
September 27th, 2009
3:32 am
let me be the first to nominate …….
tampadawg for qb
bugkiller for defensive coordinator
theriddler
September 27th, 2009
3:37 am
Worst set of TE/WR’s I’ve seen in a while on that AZ St squad. You think we have coaching problems, how can that OC/HC Erickson still be employed.
Red Dog 77
September 27th, 2009
3:52 am
Well, I think I would like to nominate Cuz and oldbrave co MVPs for this winning night. Goodnight, GodBless, and go DOGS to all RED
Mike Jabaley
September 27th, 2009
4:26 am
Updated Numbers: Listed is the percentage of rushing play selection in the SEC. Florida = 64.1% Run(Don’t let the shotgun fool you); Alabama = 62.5% Run; Auburn = 62.2% Run; Tennessee = 58.9% Run; LSU = 57.3% Run; Georgia = 53.2% Run. Former QB Bobo, “Let’s throw the ball.” Former Safety Martinez, “We have to stop the pass.” Former Georgia H.C. Mark Richt, “I guess I forgot my first game against Auburn when I shook hands with Coach Tubberville and he informed me, ‘If you want to win in the SEC, you gotta run the ball.’, following our 24-17 loss.”