Georgia is showing problems are deep and widespread
There are more than a few problems with Mark Richt's football team, as evidenced by a 2-6 record in the last eight SEC games.
ATHENS – It’s not about one player not being here. It’s not about playing a freshman quarterback or having a certain soft spot on the depth chart or the big, bad NCAA being out to get Georgia.
When a program sinks to lows not seen since the Ray Goff administration, it’s not an aberration.
The head coach (Mark Richt) is 2-6 in his past eight SEC games. The vaunted offensive line coach (Stacy Searels) frankly hasn’t done bupkis since his arrival, recent evidence being that his supposed top group of linemen just allowed six sacks to a projected average defense. The new defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, isn’t looking much better than the old one (Willie Martinez).
When all of those things happen, we’ve transitioned from downward trend to potential new identity. Georgia is an average team right now.
The Bulldogs lost to Arkansas 31-24 on Saturday for the first time since 1993, dropping to 0-2 in the SEC for the first time since opening 0-4 in that same season under Goff. Richt has built far more credits than Goff ever dreamed off, including two SEC titles. But there’s as much uncertainty about direction right now as ever before.
This latest loss was not devoid of positives. The Dogs displayed the kind of resolve that seemingly was missing last season, scoring two touchdowns in a four-minute span in the fourth quarter to tie the score at 24-24. But one late-game rally can’t whitewash the flaws.
The question now is: What direction do they go? Next week’s game at Mississippi State hardly is a gimme. Then comes a non-conference game at Colorado, before the Dogs return to Sanford Stadium for an emotional meeting against Tennessee and the new coach with a familiar last name (Derek Dooley).
Is there any game one can mark down as an automatic win right now?
Richt maintained Georgia continues to “get better,” but he conceded: “When we reach that peak [later this season], hopefully the games will still be meaningful. Right now it’s hard to say if they will be.”
Aaron Murray goes down for one of Arkansas's six sacks, a poor showing by the offensive line. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
It’s easier to project success when the problems are limited. Not the case here. Consider:
♦ Last week at South Carolina, the defense got ripped by the ground game. Saturday it got ripped by the pass. Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns. He was sacked just once (with three minutes left). Almost as disturbing: Grantham put it all on the players, seemingly accepting no blame. Quote: “Guys have to do what the calls tell them to do. If you don’t do that, that’s why there’s inconsistency. You may play for 60 plays and 54 of them you look good, but then all of a sudden you give up six explosive plays and those can override a lot of good things.”
Coach: 54 out of 60 doesn’t get it done, especially when there’s not a defender within a zip code of a receiver on touchdown plays of 57, 22 and 40 yards (the decider with 15 seconds left).
♦ The offensive line was supposed to be the strength of the team. The Dogs ran the ball better this week, but quarterback Aaron Murray was sacked six times. Some of that was Murray holding onto the ball too long, but most of it was poor protection. Searels has not lived up to his billing since leaving LSU in 2007.
Murray was knocked dizzy at times and afterward wore a bandage under his chin to cover cuts (he said from his chinstrap).
Bobo looked like a wounded soldier himself, as if he had been punched in the nose. A gash ran down the top of it, but he said he didn’t know how it got there.
“I just saw blood trickling down [in the first quarter],” he said.
Maybe it will show up on film. All of the wounds will. They’re significant, they’re widespread and there is no indication that they’re going away any time soon.
♦
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981 comments Add your comment
Bobby Petrino
September 18th, 2010
6:31 pm
Suck it, Schultz.
tt33
September 18th, 2010
6:32 pm
You saw how long it took for CMR to get rid of Willie it will take twice as long for Bobo to go cause he was our QB.
Hurtin Dawg
September 18th, 2010
6:32 pm
SOMETHING HAS GOT TO CHANGE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE LOST TO FREAKIN ARKANSAS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE LOST TO FREAKIN PETRINO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS NOT MY DAWGS !!!
BLUE
September 18th, 2010
6:33 pm
Richt apologists, are just like Obama apologists they always blame someone else
Borodawg
September 18th, 2010
6:33 pm
You folks are such drama queens over one game. Yes it is disappointing to lose these last few games but there is no reason UGA can’t go on a run. FLA does not look strong and I think Auburn is suspect. Let the season play out then get mad but don’t bash these kids now and come back in two months praising them. Tech fans…congrats you play in the ACC, the Big East is laughing at you.
larry
September 18th, 2010
6:33 pm
only disagree with one point you made that Georgia is average,BS, it is time to clean house and start over , I posted this week that 2 sec wins were more realistic than 2 sec losses now I am doubting myself on that . Offense looks like a middle school team, never thought I would see the Dawgs get this low again. We have played down to the opposing team for years never played up to the competetion.
David Granger
September 18th, 2010
6:33 pm
Two of the Arkansas touchdown passes and one key third down completion for a first down came when Georgia was blitzing.
Something about our blitz just ain’t right. Either we telegraph it, or our deep prevent is too deep or not paying enough attention to react…but we’re getting killed when we try it. The occasional sack or pass hurry we get out of it is NOT worth what it costs us week-in, and week-out. Shades of Willie Martinez!
We beat Tech last year
September 18th, 2010
6:33 pm
30 – 24 HAHAHAAHA
athensdawg
September 18th, 2010
6:34 pm
well another week, and the athens ladies flag football squad drops another one.
i see 2 more victories….(vandy and idaho st.) even vandy isn’t a sure thing with richt and bobo at the helm.
i wonder how long our new AD is going to put up with this embarassment. CMR now has an AD who is focused on athletics not other things that begin with an A………
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
6:34 pm
Could you imagime CPJ with UGAs talent? CPJ does have pass plays in the play book.
Bobo if you lose another game MAN UP and fall on your sword early and allow Richt to keep his job for one more year for sure.
shift of dominance
September 18th, 2010
6:34 pm
If G Tech is down in the 4th quarter they’re geting chewed out by coach Johnson. Richt is over there praying with his guys. This is football not sunday school. This is also why GT is passing UGA in football. Your 8 year winning streaks are over. Hope you enjoy your 1 year streak cuz its over come November.
Hog Fan
September 18th, 2010
6:35 pm
I stopped by yesterday and mentioned that, while I wasn’t making predictions, based on the South Carolina game, Georgia didn’t look very good this year. After today’s game, I still think that’s the case. I think Arkansas fielded a better team today, and I know the play calling and execution was better on both sides of the ball. Our QB and our receivers are as good as any you will face this year – probably better. Georgia’s a great program and I think Richt is a good coach. Hopefully your administration doesn’t do anything rash. It can always be worse. Good luck with the rest of the season.
Heckspawn
September 18th, 2010
6:35 pm
Dawgs are in last place in the SEC East behind USC, TN/FL winner, UK, Vandy, & TN/FL Loser.
SteveW
September 18th, 2010
6:35 pm
I’m a huge BullDawg fan, and anybody who expected different this season was just dreaming. When you install a 3-4 defense, with personnel recruited for the 4-3, you will have a learning curve. When you have a RSh. Fr. starting at QB in the SEC, you don’t have much chance. When you lose your top WR recruit and top CB recruit right before signing day, when CB was your biggest quality depth area need, and your top WR is ruled unable to play, your going to have problems.
I said before the season we would be 8-4, I’ll stick to that (ok, maybe 7-5). You give Grantham, Lakatos and company a couple of years to recruit the right personnel, we have Nat’l Championship caliber teams coming. Give it time and root like crazy for the Dawgs!
BTW – we lost to the #12 and #13 teams in the country – don’t hang your heads – we have war next week at Miss St.
P.S. – I actually thought we may start 1-3, then end up 8-4. Let’s be realistic. And if we can Richt now, we have years of re-building to wade through, and there’s no gurantee we hire a Nick Saban caliber guy. I would say Bobo’s job, and maybe Searels are on the line however…
dawgerbrown
September 18th, 2010
6:36 pm
Bobo has to go! Move the pocket…move the pocket…roll out you idiot. How can you put your QB in a position on third and 4 with 55 seconds left to not have an outlet? Just let him sit in the pocket while all the recievers are 20 yards downfield! The team gave great effort but there is still a lack of discipline, too many mental mistakes. BOBO HAS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric C.
September 18th, 2010
6:37 pm
I’ve got to say I’m sick of some of the show-boating. Once a game is in hand, feel free to get a little animated, but when the game gets TIED up…don’t make fools of yourselves with ill-timed celebrations. Just strap the @#$%@#$ helmet back on and get ready to hit someone again!!
SteveW
September 18th, 2010
6:37 pm
Tech fans – don’t get to arrogant – you beat a team missing 12 players today – barely….
Dawggone
September 18th, 2010
6:38 pm
Mike BoBo has become the best offensive coordintor for the rest of the SEC, Hey Mike on 3rd and 4 with time running out and time outs in your pocket. The best kicker in the world standing on your side of the field GET THE FIRST DOWN!
BLUE
September 18th, 2010
6:38 pm
Its CMR OFF not BOBOs please stop the excuses CMR has to go
wag
September 18th, 2010
6:38 pm
Every year i count the days til football season. I make sure my saturdays are free so I can watch Georgia. During the off season I read blogs, keep up with recruits, etc. etc. As fall approaches I get excited and I hope “this year will be the year”, but every year I get disappointed. I love Georgia with all my heart. The Red and Black means a hell of alot to me. Its time!!! The players deserve better and so do the fans.
jellybeandawg
September 18th, 2010
6:38 pm
When will people wake up and realize that RICHT is the problem! No doubt Bobo will be the fall guy this year however It has not and will not matter who we bring in to coach the OL, Defense, or the Offense when Bobo gets the hatchet at the end of the year.
The team is a reflection of the lousy HC and as long as RICHT is coach regardless we will always have the same result regardless of who is brought in. He has become to UGA as to what Phil Fulmer was at the end to UT. A liability!
long year
September 18th, 2010
6:39 pm
there is always next year
BLUE
September 18th, 2010
6:39 pm
@ Eric C. that is called a lack of discipline
cellar dawgs
September 18th, 2010
6:39 pm
at least you have a good gymnastics team
Kenny
September 18th, 2010
6:40 pm
To fight the way they did after getting behind, I’m impressed with them and I’m proud of them,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “If you make a mistake here and there, I can live with that. That’s better than a team that doesn’t have the heart to fight back.”
The key phrase in that quote is “make a mistake here and there.” How about here, there and everywhere? I don’t call giving up over ten plays of 15 yards and three touchdowns on blown coverage “here and there.” Richt has lost it. Too many “moral” victories. “Well, we played hard.” Doesn’t everybody at this level? Terrible coaching.
SteveW
September 18th, 2010
6:40 pm
Caleb still hurt? Sure need some depth at RB – and we need the best OL in the country to show up – where is it? Proclaimed 2nd best OL in the country by SI I think it was, I thought it should have been #1 – but not now.
UGAnut
September 18th, 2010
6:40 pm
Every year Richt brings up some other scape goat for an excuse for underperforming! The year we started #1 it was that we lacked offensive line depth. Last year it was the defense. Well shoot this year he can simply blame the whole team. Offense and Defense! He is the one that recruits these players but apparently fails to coach them up or worry about depth. We can’t blame the NCAA for missing 13 players like UNC. We simply can ask…Why don’t we have a GREAT SEC coach like the top notch programs???? Quit Chritianizing and start Coaching! But I personally am ready for some fresh coaching blood.
Bobby Johnson
September 18th, 2010
6:40 pm
Put me in Player. I’m ready to Coach, today!
Come’on everybody now.
StraightJacket
September 18th, 2010
6:41 pm
I disagree with other posters.
This will prove to be an AWESOME loss; the kind that “sticks with ya!” Having Arky score with just 15 seconds with the great bull-fighter “ole” move by the safety was just fun to watch.
Perhaps Ugag can carry the memory into Starkville and play with great trepidation. A loss there would be tremendous! Go dawgs! … uh, … the MSU type, that is …
KMac
September 18th, 2010
6:41 pm
“South of Hell” isn’t looking so bad right now…..
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
6:42 pm
SteveW do you really think USCeast and Arkansas are top 15 teams? Please! UASeast and Arkiesaw are getting benifit of being in the SEC, but they are not that good.
The real USC, Penn State, Michigan
BLUE
September 18th, 2010
6:42 pm
when the coach learns to accept losing so do the players
RAMBLE ON!!!
September 18th, 2010
6:42 pm
Hmm, now it’s fire Bobo time. You fleabags are so predictable.
Hey Cuz!!!
Long time, no hear. I hope you and your family are doing well.
backflipped into a pile of dog crap...
September 18th, 2010
6:43 pm
and got covered with hog turds….
wag
September 18th, 2010
6:44 pm
I agree Hog fan.
Angry Fan
September 18th, 2010
6:44 pm
When will people wake up and realize that RICHT is the problem?
Most fans have woke up. The problem is that Adams and McGarity haven’t woke up.
Someone please wake them up so this nightmare will end.
monkey says
September 18th, 2010
6:44 pm
You know you have to love these guys who go back to the same line as it is their only hope:
Saban will bolt for the NFL or leave for another job. Wish in one hand and put the other one down your pants and see which one gets the first attention…
5150 P.O.A.D
September 18th, 2010
6:44 pm
sorry: The real USC, Penn State and Michigam are better than Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina, and LSU.
Hairless Dawg
September 18th, 2010
6:44 pm
Wow, how about our “intense” defense? Awesome baby. Grantham is the man. We will finish the drill and leave all receivers wide open. He is sooooooooo much bettet than groh. Who? Man, we stink. So much for losing 2 and winning the east.
jellybeandawg
September 18th, 2010
6:45 pm
I don’t even think we will have a good gymnastics team this year.. Fortunately UGA’s Basketball program is on the rise!
browndog
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
Each and every game will be difficult for UGA as right now it is at best an average team in the SEC. A .500 season this year is certainly not a given. Hopefully SC and Arkansas are very special teams. Just have to keep hoping for better results, and stop thinking UGA is a cut above. Next week will be another difficult game and this time we definitely shall not be favored.
Eric C.
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
Blue, you bet…is CMR letting the players have a little too much fun? I don’t have a clue not being on the field, in locker room, nor at the practices…but the product speaks volumes.
MCGARITY GET RID OF RICHT IF HE CANT BEAT FLORIDA THIS YEAR
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
PAY THAT GUY THAT HIT BOZO IN THE NOSE!
P.S RICHT HOT SEAT BECAME A HELL SEAT!
Fitten
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
Richt looked great with Donnan’s players & Van Gorter’s insane firing D.
But since beating Hawaii, we haven’t had a quality win.
Angry Fan
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
Shreveport is just a distant, fading memory after the fiascoes of the last eight days.
Cuz
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
POAD, I don’t cuss at games. It does not seem to make a difference. I have to set an example. Kind of like the guy that posted first but did not post, “FIRST”. Now wasn’t that refreshing.
Ryno
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
Still light years ahead of Tech
E.Bay Green
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
Dawg faithful, I am taking bids on the cute little jersey I was wearing today on the sideline….you know, the one that looked like I was wearing little-league shoulder pads.
Highest bid wins!
Don’t forget that those red panties are still a hot item on my website.
I am also taking pre-orders for my next Shreveport Bowl jersey….uh, provided we are bowl eligible.
BLUE
September 18th, 2010
6:46 pm
CMR has already told coach Grantham to take it easy on the boys and us mistakes as teachable moment not to get on there a$$ he did this after the LaLa game
POAJacket
September 18th, 2010
6:47 pm
First, Bobo need to be fired before sunrise tomorrow. I am available to call the plays. Really! Call me!