Georgia’s embarrassment grows more historical by week
Mississippi State's Arceto Clark leaps high to catch a touchdown pass over Branden Smith, one of many plays to not go Georgia's way Saturday. (AP photo)
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Was this convincing enough? Georgia just made Mississippi State look like a major force in the SEC. It’s seldom a force even within state borders.
Last week the Bulldogs lost to Arkansas for the first time in 17 years. This time they lost to another conference opponent for the first time in 36 years.
Doesn’t that suggest this isn’t some aberration?
The Bulldogs are 0-3 in the SEC. They stand alone in the conference in that regard. Behind Mississippi State, behind Vanderbilt, behind the schools you used to joke about. They are no longer the team that can beat everybody except Alabama and Florida. They are the team that can lose to every team well below Alabama and Florida.
After a 24-12 loss to Mississippi State on Saturday night, Georgia is 2-7 in its past nine SEC games. That’s not trivial, and it’s certainly not an aberration. The opponents in those seven losses are LSU, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi State.
Such widespread failure screams this isn’t about missing one suspended player, no matter how good A.J. Green is.
“We’ve got to fix a lot of things,” said the maligned offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo. “It’s not just A.J. Green. We got beat on the field. You’ve got to go earn it.”
Turn back the clock. Cover your faces. The Dogs just lost to Mississippi State for the first time since 1974 and the first time in Starkville since 1951. Their humiliation becomes more historical by the week.
Embarrassed?
“It’s one of those things where you’re not embarrassed to be a Georgia Bulldog,” wide receiver Kris Durham said, “but we’re embarrassed at the way we’re playing.
“Our season could turn into a catastrophe if we don’t stay together.”
Georgia was coming off losses to South Carolina and Arkansas. Mark Richt remained optimistic (of course). He didn’t believe his team would come into Starkville in a funk. But in the first three minutes of the game, the Dogs went three-and-out on offense and allowed Mississippi to drive 53 yards to a touchdown in four plays.
If that’s not a funk, it’s the early stages of rigor mortis.
Offensive-line play remains mediocre, particularly in the running game. The offense had three red-zone possessions in the first half, resulting in a net of six points (two field goals, one fumble). Georgia’s only touchdown came with less than two minutes left.
At least give Bobo credit for throwing himself under the bus: “You can’t turn the ball over, and you can’t have penalties. That’s coaching. It’s our fault.”
Starkville is cowbell central. Think vuvuzelas, only slightly less obnoxious, thanks to an SEC rule that allows fans to ring their bell only during the pregame, timeouts and following Mississippi State touchdowns and field goals. The video board at Davis Wade Stadium even carries the message, “Respect the bell.”
Regardless, coach Dan Mullen implored Mississippi State fans to make life as miserable for Georgia as possible. Just 15 minutes before kickoff, he stood in the end zone with a microphone and yelled: “Our team is ready to go, and I know our students are ready to go!”
Glad somebody was.
Many of Georgia’s early problems were self-inflicted. Washaun Ealey fumbled at the Mississippi State 1 following a 20-yard run after he was clocked by safety Nickoe Whitley. The Dogs also fumbled when a Mississippi State punt inadvertently was touched by Bacarri Rambo, then quickly recovered by the home team.
The offense has gone from a mild concern to a five-alarm blaze. Bobo has replaced Willie Martinez, the departed defensive coordinator, as fans’ primary punching bag.
But this is about more than one assistant coach or one suspended player. Once again, Richt did not have his team ready to play. The Dogs should have played desperate. They didn’t. They certainly didn’t play smart or play well.
They are 0-3, having lost three in a row under Richt for the first time. They are somewhere south of ordinary. And it’s not a blip.
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1,247 comments Add your comment
Bama fans = UGA employees
September 26th, 2010
9:07 am
For all you lame fans calling for a “fan out” – you are worse than the coaches. There are some players who are playing their hearts out such as Chris Durham and Aaron Murray. You are a bunch of immature idiots to do that to kids who really, really want to win. How sad are we as a program????
Just asking
September 26th, 2010
9:07 am
How did this become a place for non-college grads to complain about a football team they have no connection?
Nice
September 26th, 2010
9:08 am
A guy is charged with 4 counts of sexual coercion and they all get up and cheer the man! Just like obama they blindlessly cheer! And they wonder why people have no respect for them.
John Galt
September 26th, 2010
9:09 am
For all the people who feel the need to go on this message board and tell football fans to get a life….get a life.
Neutral
September 26th, 2010
9:10 am
Let’s all watch the rats jumping off the sinking ship. Who ever thought a pair of red panties would be the iceberg that brought down the SS UGA?
Mark
September 26th, 2010
9:10 am
Next year won’t be easier with durham and aj gone from the receiver list.
Ramguy
September 26th, 2010
9:12 am
Well it seems that UGA finally found a way to score….another player got arrested last night in Athens……I think that makes 10 this year.
The UGA downward spiral continues
September 26th, 2010
9:12 am
Oh how funny this is. Last year I was called out by so many of you saying it would get worse. Not just with the football team but with the culture. –DE arrest was the icing on the cake.
And now your football team is 0-3. All I can do is laugh at your misery. Go on scream. Yell. You reap what you sow. Enjoy the long slide down.
Jeff
September 26th, 2010
9:14 am
Colorado had this week off. I don’t see us winning that one but maybe getting out of the South will help.
dawg doc
September 26th, 2010
9:14 am
hire john gruden or bill cowher. hell hire anybody and do it NOW! this nice guy ACC coach has never been a good coach. Way to SOFT. We haven’t hit anybody since Van Gorder left.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 26th, 2010
9:15 am
I like mark Richt even though I have never liked UGA, except when they play Alabama. That being said, I don’t think he is respected or feared by his players..how could he be when they keep committing multiple class A misdemeanors and felonies after his multiple “laying down the law” speeches.
When you recruit in the ghetto, you get what you get..and most teams have to recruit ghetto players…but the diff is (this sucks to say something good about alabama , for an Auburn alumn)..I think saban’s players fear him, Richt doesn’t inspire fear..
John Galt
September 26th, 2010
9:17 am
I’ll tell you the honest truth about Richt…never in the history of sports has a coach done so little with so much talent. These problems were here from the beginning, only now they are bubbling to the surface. Florida in 2002 should have given us a clue. How could we lose that game?
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 26th, 2010
9:17 am
TampaGator, YEPPERS…We have to stop using a 2 TD deficit as motivation…but a win is a win, I’ll take it over a fast start loss , so far
bart
September 26th, 2010
9:17 am
Grantham is the most overpriced DC in the country, and Bobo has to go. Ifn fact, we need to clean the whole house.
Neutral
September 26th, 2010
9:18 am
With the “thugery” that has been going on under Richt’s regime, it is time that the bad guys lose and the good guys start winning. The only offense UGA has this year is what their lawyers have to defend them for in court. The only scoring that is going on is the players forcing themselves on coeds. Hope you are happy Dawgs. It is time to pay the piper for all the crimes in Athens.
Sidnole
September 26th, 2010
9:18 am
I’m a Nole, and I told all the UGA fans back when Richt came to Athens that eventually he’d go down…I’ll never forget what happened at halftime of the 2001 NC game between FSU and OU….Bobby Bowden came to Richt after OU shut our offense down in the 1st half and said…”Mark, I guess we need to go to plan B”….and Richt told Bowden “…there is no plan B”…that is when I knew that I never wanted Richt back as the head coach at Florida State.
There’s been some comments on here that none of Saban’s assistants or ex-assistants would do well at UGA…Well, I believe that we’ve got the right guy, Jimbo Fisher, at Florida State, and he’s basically become a Sabam clone. Now that the program is his, the Noles will be a top 10 team by ‘12 if not next year.
UGA really oughta take a look at Kirby Smart IMHO…
Dawgs73
September 26th, 2010
9:18 am
I don’t know why anyone would be surprised by the outcome of this game. I (unfortunately) predicted this loss as UGA is in steep decline. It’s not about one game, it’a about FULL regression of our beloved Dawgs. The reality is that Richt has NEVER fulfilled or EXCEEDED expectations in any year as coach. He is not prepared to handle the current level of SEC coaching competition and is evidenced by other programs trending upwards, while UGA is going South.
Again, I ask all Bulldog faithful- WHAT HAS RICHT SHOWN US THAT WOULD GIVE YOU HOPE THAT HE IS CAPABLE OF TURNING THINGS AROUND?
Bama got their man (saban)....
September 26th, 2010
9:20 am
no matter what it took ( $$$$$$$$ ). Now is your turn Georgia to get your man ( Mr Peterson ). NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES !!!!!! …. GET IT DONE !!!!
Kerry
September 26th, 2010
9:21 am
If Ealey jumps on the ball after the fumble, it’s a td. Instead he gets up and just looks down at it. We should have tied a piece of chicken to the ball.
Dawgster
September 26th, 2010
9:21 am
Anybody have any info on the Baker arrest? All I heard was DUI at 4:30 AM.
BigDawg
September 26th, 2010
9:22 am
For three years I have screamed that Richt needs to go. I was scorned by many of my friends for this suggestion and many on this blog called me unfaithful. FACT is he simply is not the coach that many other teams in the SEC have. We have the talent but lack the head man to get us to play at the highest level. Shoot his best year had two SEC losses and his best win was against Hawaii. Ridiculous. Not to mention that 10% of our team has been arrested since March.
Sidnole
September 26th, 2010
9:24 am
UGA isn’t going to get Peterson, and I’m not so sure his stuff or his lack of recruiting ties would work here anyyay…If not Kirby Smart, then what about Patterson at TCU????
Steve Martin
September 26th, 2010
9:25 am
Is UGA’s loss to Missy State historical or hysterical? I’m leaning towards the latter.
Mike Slive has baned the “SEC SEC” chants from Athens; in his words “you clowns ain’t hitching your sorry little wagon to my star”.
Reality Stinks
September 26th, 2010
9:26 am
Ok
If the status quo remains, then Dan Mcgarity
Stop making fans have to pay excessive donations for season tickets
Ramguy
September 26th, 2010
9:26 am
I would love to have Bill Cowher coaching the Dawgs. I don’t think it will happen but we can always dream. Cowher was a winner year after year even with the Pitt front office moving players out each year. Maybe what UGA’s problem is that their talent is overrated. Cowher produced resultsl with what he had each with much success.
What at least Tech is bad to....
September 26th, 2010
9:26 am
Well well 1-3 and we play col buffalos next we should win that easy be 2-3 and be whip bad by fla gators so bad we cry uncle and CMR will say like a certain mananger for braves if the bounce went there n here we be 4-0 also ha ha…and Greene is not answer either BooBoo Um BoBo calls leave us well thinkin…Oh best was after game on wsb radio aftr game the kissy but accouncer for bulldogs said bulldogs played well i wonder which one he mean’s one in starkville are athens Team!Either way Richt need quit drivin trucks for Tv and Learn coach us now are U be Fired soon!
Made famous by Hershel
September 26th, 2010
9:26 am
Ok Kin’Kaid, you win, Temple is better than UGA
Gatormeat
September 26th, 2010
9:27 am
When a football team finishes a season with more arrests than wins, you might want to look at the direction you are heading. Just sayin
Roy Massey
September 26th, 2010
9:27 am
Yall Hush! It’s a rebuilding year. How bout that crazy Lindsey Lohan!
John Galt
September 26th, 2010
9:28 am
I’m with you all on firing Richt, but not on the Ealy fumble. He got pasted at the goal line and didn’t know where he was for a few seconds. That’s why he looked like a confused person going after his helmet. That was just a great play by Miss State, but we still should beat them every time we play them.
Ironwood
September 26th, 2010
9:29 am
We just have three losses. There is a lot of football to play. Next week we have Colorado. We own them. Go UGA.
BoWeevil
September 26th, 2010
9:29 am
Alphere
843 am
Stick it where the sun doesn’t shine, Bible-Thumper sir, we just had
ANOTHER ARREST Demetre Baker DUI
Earl
September 26th, 2010
9:30 am
Is anybody going to do anything about this economy?
Jan Kemp
September 26th, 2010
9:30 am
Here are the SEC teams Mississippi State has beaten in the past two seasons:
2009: Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Ole Miss.
2008: Vanderbilt, Arkansas
U(sic)Ga is now on par with Vandy. Oh, the humanity! LOL
CrackDaddy
September 26th, 2010
9:32 am
UGa has more bull than dawg in its bite.
Camel
September 26th, 2010
9:32 am
The clearest statement made by your readers ….
This is the most pitiful, inept, lazy, disrespectful, lethargic, sluggish, slow, directionless team I’ve witnessed since the Donnan years.
I might have used the “Butts years”.
Alabama Jack
September 26th, 2010
9:32 am
Cellar dwellers are irrelevant
RussDawg
September 26th, 2010
9:33 am
We will lose to UF and Auburn that is 5
We have a slugfest coming with UT
Vandy can beat this team, I mean if we can’t score touchdowns ANY team on our sch can beat us. looks like 6 – 6 is best and 4- 8 is possible.
If new AD gonna make a change NOW is the time since we are such a mess already
BoWeevil
September 26th, 2010
9:33 am
georgiavol
848 am
Impact our recruiting class ?
What recruiting class on offense ? We didn’t get anyone in-state 2010 on offense and have no one in 2011 on offense.
Earl
September 26th, 2010
9:33 am
Does anybody know If Alvin and the Chipmonks are still together?
hobnailboot
September 26th, 2010
9:34 am
I’m a big Mark Richt fan but I’m finding it harder to defend him. The only way we should make a change at the top is if it is a significant upgrade like a Jon Gruden, Kirk Ferentz or Chris Pederson.
Phil
September 26th, 2010
9:34 am
Schultz and Mark Bradley will cover for Richt just like they have been for Bobby Cox the last 15 years.
Richt has taken us as high as he will, and that was winning the SEC. We will never sniff a NC under Richt. That was the high.
Now, he’s taken us to a new low. If anybody thinks we are going to finish 6-6 this year, you are dreaming. I see 1, MAYBE 2 more wins this year. 10 years of Richt is enough.
Peterson wouldn’t take ths job, it would be a step down for him. I would go after Jim Harbaugh, he has Standford playing tough physical football. His style is the kind we need to compete in the SEC. Richt’s no blocking, no tackle style doesn’t work.
Time for a change in Athens people.
JH
September 26th, 2010
9:35 am
We don’t even teach the players to jump on the ball after the fumble. Even when it would be a TD!!
That is coaching
Endzone Dancing!!
September 26th, 2010
9:35 am
for the colorado game, richt needs to get the entire team to storm the field with an exotic endzone dance like the florida game in 2007! It worked then—the dawgs won! Come on richt—order another endzone taunting dance if the dawgs score against the mighty buffalos!!!
FLA DAWG
September 26th, 2010
9:36 am
For THREE YEARS many of us have been saying this would happen. No, we did not have crystal balls. It was EASY to see this coming. We were called every name in the book.
I am totally disgusted that you guys have not taken a stand until now…………..I hope Bradley does the same………and Tony, etc.
Richt Owns This Entire Problem.
He Must Go…………………………..Demand It Dawg Nation…………………!
Earl
September 26th, 2010
9:36 am
I have a 1997 Toyota Corolla for sale. Radio works, cold air,188,000 miles, sweet ride. $12,500 firm.
dawg doc
September 26th, 2010
9:37 am
should’ve been fired then
What??
September 26th, 2010
9:37 am
It isn’t a Bobo issue.
It is a Richt issue. Simply because Richt chooses to keep Bobo in his position. In addition to Bobo, how about Stacy and his wonderful job with the O line.
Overall, Richt has made major mistakes in recruiting the “right” players to implement his game plan. Richt has failed to manage hiring/ firing coaching staff to implement his game plan. And last, but not least, Richt has failed to motivate his team.
The last time I saw the Dawgs fired up was the Florida game where we drew first blood and stayed after the Gators.
The Mississippi State coach was full of fire and had his team ready to play. He made some impressive calls catching the Dawg defense off guard. And their defense,….wel lets just say they kicked our ass!
Pete Van Weird
September 26th, 2010
9:38 am
Numbers do not lie. Mark Richt is the most successful Georgia head coach in recent history, and he will continue to be so. You’ve all forgotten the awful six and seven win seasons of UGA in the mid to late seventies, when Athens people referred to Vince as VD. Ease up on Richt. He is the best man we could have right now, and for the future.
GAborn BAMA fan
September 26th, 2010
9:38 am
UGA has more loses than Vandy.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE ROLL!