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
Greg
September 26th, 2010
9:38 am
Hey russ. Better focus on your next opponent who had a week off.
Fla Boy
September 26th, 2010
9:39 am
Please keep Coach Richt.. We and the rest of the SEC would appreciate it if you kept him. PS… keep doing the Highschool stuff like “Blackouts” and get rid of the bones on the helmets as this team hasnt earned any yet this year.
dawg doc
September 26th, 2010
9:39 am
should have been fired after the dancing episode. just showed poor judgement. like keeping bobo and hiring grantham. We look just like that great Cleveland Brown defense he ran.
JB
September 26th, 2010
9:40 am
Good morning…..Mark did not lose his job last night….But, he was put on unofficial notice. Every game here on out will be graded VERY closely. If he can rally this team and win one or two he shouldn’t, he probably get’s 2011 to TRY to correct this train wreck. 1. We are not talented as we think. 2. Every SEC WANTS it more then us, including Tennessee.3. The coaching schemes and game planning are awful.
4. And the number one killer, …..this team does not come out of the tunnel to win.Everyone is screaming for Mark’s head. How this season plays out will determine that. After last night, I really don’t see anything to give me hope that we will win a single SEC game. As bad as Tech appears, that’s a toss up. I think Mark resigns at tear end if we continue to lose. He’s that kind of guy.
raymond
September 26th, 2010
9:41 am
Hey Durham this season is already a catasthrope.
BoWeevil
September 26th, 2010
9:43 am
TrishaDishaWarEagle
915 am
“I think Nick Saban’s players fear him, Coach Richt doesn’t inspire fear..”
Correct. Coach Richt is NOT OF THIS WORLD.
Earl
September 26th, 2010
9:44 am
Reward: Lost Dawg. May seem confused,disoriented , very gentle and non aggressive, good with kids, very playful. WON”T BITE.
tim
September 26th, 2010
9:44 am
Y’all got to stop my sides are hurting from laughing. Fire this coach fire that one get rid of all of them!! You are priceless, let me tell you something Bulldog Nation you are getting exactly what you deserve for supporting the classless piece of trash,yeah thats right CMR is a classless piece of trash do you think we have forgotten his dance routine we haven’t and Gator Nation NEVER WILL !!!! Ladies and Gentleman the new head coach for the University of Georgia is ? Enjoy your year basketball will be here soon oh wait you suck there too.
Perry
September 26th, 2010
9:44 am
6 and 7 win seasons when you played 11 games is like 7 and 8 wins seasons today. Not great but not awful and that’s what we have today.
I think we’ll be lucky to win 6 games.
'65 Dawg
September 26th, 2010
9:45 am
The problem: Mark Richt
The solution: Close your checkbook
What then: Don’t worry – this will get Adams attention
The WAC
September 26th, 2010
9:45 am
In light of the fact that we are losing our flagship football program, Boise State, to the Mountain West, we heartily invite you Georgia Bulldogs to join our conference since you are so clearly overmatched in your present league. We know that travel costs will be significant but we sure could use a name program such as yours to bolster our ranks. I mean, San Jose State needs someone to beat and we think your Bulldogs can fill that role quite nicely.
Fla Boy
September 26th, 2010
9:46 am
“Wait until next year” SOS
John Galt
September 26th, 2010
9:46 am
Some people need to stop being a fan of the coach, and start being a fan for the team. You can follow Richt when he leaves. We should have at least two national titles this past decade. Just think of where we’d be if Spurrier had been our coach since 2001.
CELLAR DWELLER'S
September 26th, 2010
9:47 am
Hey sully/patick,etc.where are you?? I’m in need of a good laugh this morning i need you to tell me ONE MORE TIME how cmr is MUCH better coach than NICK SABAN……FOOL!!!! P.S. HOW’S LIFE @ THE BOTTOM OF THE S.E.C.???!!! I EAGERLY AWAIT YOUR REPLY,YOU JACKWAGON!!!!
Hit A Single
September 26th, 2010
9:47 am
Georgia ’s talent is slow, weak and dumb! We better start recruiting football players that have talent, work ethic, leadership, and discipline. The only playmakers we have are possbily T. King, Green, and our two kickers.
elohimfa
September 26th, 2010
9:48 am
When Georgia was successful under Richt on offfense atleast, the screen pass and a tight end to throw to was essential. Where have either been the last few years. Would the screen have not been the perfect play for last nights blitzing defense? Why I am I not hearing this being asked more. It is a simple play that all offenses have yet it is totally missing in our.
FLA DAWG
September 26th, 2010
9:48 am
Hey WAC,
The last time The Dawgs played The Top WAC Team it was a Slaughter. Hawaii looked like a high school team…………..Rainbow bodies were being dragged off the field, your players were crying on the bench.
Our worst SEC Team beats your best WAC Team. ……..now about that Boise State Head Coach, we may have an offer for him……….we’ll get back to you soon……………
astrouga
September 26th, 2010
9:48 am
Change the name of our mascot to “ugh” because it is difficult to watch our team play. The QB is the bright spot. He had more rushing yards than most of our RBs last night.
Bobo should resign. He is a terrible coach. Grantham and his new defense stink. Play calling on both sides of the ball is terrible. Never thought I would say this, but it is time for Richt to go. His passion for UGA football seems to be gone. There is no way we are 0-3 in play with the type of players unless it is coaching. Any other coach in the league could have pulled out a win last night.
Brice Hunter
September 26th, 2010
9:48 am
Boobootheclown and all the rest of you Bobo haters…. you all are a bunce of dumbasses. Bobo is not why we lost the game. We are officially not talanted enough to play in the SEC. If you want to blame someone, blame Coach Richt. The team is not ready to play period!!!
Former UGA fan
September 26th, 2010
9:49 am
When Kennesaw State gets its football program up and running the best two teams will be GSU and Kennesaw. Forget the UGA and GA Tech game.
NYC Gator
September 26th, 2010
9:50 am
Congrats to Dan Mullen! UF still beating UGA in more ways then one.Love it!!
Earl
September 26th, 2010
9:50 am
Damn , Eddie Fisher died.
Ironwood
September 26th, 2010
9:50 am
Maybe our basketball team will improve this year!
Noble Lesley Devotie
September 26th, 2010
9:50 am
UGA’s record against SEC East teams 2006 – Today: 10 win 12 loss
UGA’s record against SEC East or West in last 10 games: 3 win 7 loss
And remember, this program lost 7 straight SEC East games in a row during a span from 2006 – 2007 seasons.
It is a disgrace that the UGA alumni base, and so called friends of the program….we do still have those, trust me. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot that MK is not, and never will be DL who would get #$@% done for the love and honor of his school and football program. Same goes for the likes of DH, and any other ultra successful alumni out there that is being courted by our AD to spend big money. Don’t give or commit to any amount of money until you look GM,MR, or for that matter anyone associated with this program dead in the eyes….and demand that they be accountable for what is going on. Then and only then will you find out who the real Dawgs are. Do you think for one minute Mal Moore would stand for this crap. Hell No ! He went through coaches like you know what until he got himself a winner. That is why Alabama is Alabama. Winning is the only thing that matters.
At Georgia, we are more worried about what music is appropriate for our stadium. If you recall, the Auburn blackout was the most hyped and energized Sanford Stadium has been in nearly 30 yrs. But what do we do….our president finds out what Soulja boy and Superman meant, and that was the end of that. Or we worry about who tailgates where and how much alcohol they consume on game day. Alabama and Florida, play the music the players want and that’s the end of it, and they hope the fans drink as much as possible before and after the game.
Let me know if you want me to go on because I will.
NLD
Fla Boy
September 26th, 2010
9:50 am
Dont blame the players, they could be great with proper leadership.
'65 Dawg
September 26th, 2010
9:53 am
The “Wonderlic” might be considered – at least we would be intelligent!
Donny Corleone
September 26th, 2010
9:53 am
At least A. J. Green won’t have a bowl jersey to sell.
FIre BOBO
September 26th, 2010
9:54 am
Don’t blame MURRAY. He and Durham are our only good players on offense. BLAME BOBO. HE MUST GO IMMEDIATELY.
Red Panties Rick
September 26th, 2010
9:54 am
I have a new idea, revive the “black out” idea! Instead of jerseys, instead give all the UGA fans sunglasses with totally blacked out lenses, that way they don’t have to watch what’s goin’ on out there on the field!
Mary Ann
September 26th, 2010
9:55 am
I’m thinking about changing from bikini panties to a thong. Can any girls out there give me some advice.
Bob Silverman
September 26th, 2010
9:55 am
Last night my son and I sat on the ‘phone with each other watching the UGA football game. Both of us called each play before the ball was snapped. If both of us could predict 90% of the next play, what does Mark Richt think the opposing defensive coach would be able to do? Georgia is absolutely a horribly coached football team, starting at the top. If McGarity has any spine whatsoever, he’ll clean house. Make the call to Boise State and offer Coach Peterson whatever it takes. If a change isn’t made,maybe the drop in revenue will.
Greydawg
September 26th, 2010
9:56 am
Did Mark Richt consider M Diaz as a possible DC?
FLA DAWG
September 26th, 2010
9:56 am
I was on campus in the 70s when the slogan was “Dump Dooley”. Dooley manned up and became a fire-breathing son of a b. He hardly communicated directly with his players after that.
The result was SEC Campionships and a NC. I was there.
Richt is incapable of changing his personality – it’s just not in the man. He hasn’t the fire in the belly to do it. HE MUST GO.
Fla Boy
September 26th, 2010
9:56 am
Red Panties Rick: Use Paper bags, its cheaper for the “blackout”
The WAC
September 26th, 2010
9:58 am
FLA DAWG:
We, with our generous invitation to associate with your sad little university in spite of your team’s embarrassing troubles both on and off the field, were simply offering you a chance to win a game or two. We think you could step right in and compete with New Mexico State and maybe San Jose where you obviously cannot compete with perennial doormat Mississppi State. You are not in a position to look a gift horse in the mouth.
hahahhaha!!!!!
September 26th, 2010
9:58 am
Jeff,
Since you are a liberal kook you should appreciate what Richt is trying to do. This is simply Richt’s own personal “stimulus package” for the redheaded step-children of the SEC. Giving each SEC program we’ve laid down in front of a historical first in their victories.
I’m ashamed you’d call this stimulus package “an embarrassment” while yet you praise the Messiah’s. Hypocrite much? hahahahahhaha!!!!!
BIG TECH FAN
September 26th, 2010
9:59 am
I did get to see my Tech team play yesterday “thank goodness I didn’t”! However, I saw the Georgia game and that teamm is absolutely pathetic!!! I don’t know how in the hell BoBo is still an offensive coordinator for you Mutts! You have the dang talent but there is absolutely no discipline with the players! You guys need a tough-a@@ coach and not a panzy bible thumper like Bishop Richt! Can’t wait until we play you loosers…..at least we’ll win one more game this year!!!
The WAC = Deranged Yech fan
September 26th, 2010
9:59 am
at least have the balls to admit who you team is, chief
Bud
September 26th, 2010
9:59 am
Male seeking female. Looking for attractive, open minded gal to help spend my inheritence with. Comfortable out on the town or quiet evening at home watching a good movie.
PHIL STEELE
September 26th, 2010
10:00 am
I am the most accurate college football forecaster in history!!
FLA DAWG
September 26th, 2010
10:00 am
WAC,
We are the worst team in the SEC and we slaughtered the best team in the WAC.
June Jones had to quit after the game. There were more ambulances at that game than after a terrorist attack.
As bad as we are we will always be better than any WAC Team. Your entire conference is a joke.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 26th, 2010
10:01 am
If UGA did get Boise States coach, does he bring the smurf turf with him?
I doubt Richt’s job is in danger unless UGA has a few mega rich boosters who want him gone..avg fans opinions don;t much matter. When AU fired Tuberville it was basically based on one rich booster ..and At the time Tuberville had the highest winning percentage over a 8 year period of any coach in the SEC..I was livid, skipped my Alumn tickets check that year..went to boyfriends Vandy games instead(snorefests)..loud repeated screams of CHIZIK??? WTF!!!
But now, I think Chizik is a really good coach. Sometimes things just work out. Even John Heisman had losing years. (but I doubt any of his teams had 11 arrests YTD)
Brice Hunter
September 26th, 2010
10:01 am
Okay, I really think the majority of you all have never played football. The offense is fine if we actually execute the plays. We do not!!! You FREAKS have no idea how our players think of our program. Take it from a former player, it’s not the DC or OC, it’s the head coach!
AD Stinky Fingers
September 26th, 2010
10:02 am
And yet another Dawg player arrested for DUI and underage drinking. We have a real first class organization of scumbags. Where them red panties at?
Orange10
September 26th, 2010
10:03 am
Richt kept the wrong quarterback.
Greg
September 26th, 2010
10:04 am
Jeff,
What are the odds we had a glimpse of our future head coach roaming on the Miss St. sidelines last night? Given our new AD’s ties to UF and all…..
AJ
September 26th, 2010
10:04 am
Well, my Saturdays just got freed up. Because i am not going to torture myself by watching this disgrace of a team.
LHardingDawg
September 26th, 2010
10:04 am
Well it’s morning here on Lake Harding and I’ve been reading all of the idiot ugly comments from people who have never been to a Georgia game.
And, while I am hughly disappointed with the outcome of the game, the season continues and as a 26 year season ticket holder, I’ll continue to support the team, win or lose.
Thursday afternoon, we’ll be getting on a plane to Denver to watch us play Colorado. While the game has lost any luster it might have had, the trip will still be exciting. I’ve never been to Denver and have never seen the Rocky mountains. The football game is just the reason to go and if we win, then that will be great, but if we lose, we’ll still have a great time.
Real fans, keep your head up, realize it’s not the end of the world, and did I mention, I’m sitting on my porch at Lake Harding with the temperature about 70, the water smooth, and the fish are jumping.
Pete
September 26th, 2010
10:05 am
Gee, what ever happened to the countless “patsy” teams UGA is used to playing ??
Life’s a wee bit different when you play ACTUAL Div. I football teams, huh ??
What a joke.
Weakening Richt defender
September 26th, 2010
10:05 am
As silly as I have always thought it was to fault a coach for idiotic decisions being made by his adult players on a 100 man roster, I think the arrests and off field problems will get Richt fired faster than a humilating season.