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
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
12:43 pm
@ Dan – so while your business dies you’re going to stick with the CEO killing it? That makes no sense!
Still Proud Dawg's Mother
September 26th, 2010
12:44 pm
Reality… please call me at your earliest convenience. I miss you!
Put on your red panties, its gonna be a long year.
September 26th, 2010
12:45 pm
1 and 3 and ten percent of the team has been arrested along with the AD. No problems here.
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
12:46 pm
oops this should read – And who ever said we could dig up Bear Bryant and put him on the sideline and it would not be any worse then what we are have now. that is a correct statement LOL
BigDWAGinFL
September 26th, 2010
12:47 pm
UGA is one of the top 3 football programs in the country – we may be a little down this year but that happens to very good teams. We have the best high school football in the country in GA (I know, I played and would have been a Dawg but blew out my knee) for recruiting and have 5 National Championships in our tradetion rich history.
The DAWGS will be fine and CMR will get them there!
DIT
September 26th, 2010
12:49 pm
1eyedJack
Love the idea about Brad Johnson. Could not possibly do any worse.! He might actually score a couple TD’s in a game
Put on your red panties, its gonna be a long year.
September 26th, 2010
12:50 pm
BigDWAGinFL is in denial….top 3 football programs in the county???? Maybe top 3 in the state of Georgia! Maybe.
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
12:50 pm
What’s happening girl? How you doin? [picture me licking my lips]
We need to hook that thang up again… when can we get up?
Still Proud Dawg's Mother
September 26th, 2010
12:52 pm
Ooooohhh Reality… how are you? It’s been so long. I am ready to back this thing up… when can we hook up?
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
12:53 pm
UGA – Top 3 is state of GA? I have them in 4th place
1. GSU
2. Kennesaw State – don’t even have a football team yet!
3. Ga Southern
4. UGA
LOL
Before you all attack me, its just a joke!
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 26th, 2010
12:53 pm
Still Proud mother I hope you have a back-up beeper on that Fat Junk Trunk of yours.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 26th, 2010
12:54 pm
Snake we know it is a JOKE TECH beat Miss St the last 2 years. So, TECH has to be ahead of UGA on that list for sure.
Still Proud Dawg's Mother
September 26th, 2010
12:56 pm
5150: Baby I do! That Reality Dawg is one hard hittin longshoreman if you know what I mean. Mmmmmm!
Hunker down
September 26th, 2010
12:56 pm
So why didn’t CMR get rid of Bobo last year?? Blamed it all on Cox I guess but then why didin’t he play Murray last year? Too many excuses, not enough ansers.
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
12:57 pm
5150: Have you ever seen a picture of Still Proud Dawg’s mother without clothes on?
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
12:57 pm
With Tech’s loss to Kansas this year, The little juco/high school team doesn’t even make the top 10 this year. If any defense is worse then GA’s, it has to be Tech. HAHAHAHAHA
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
12:57 pm
Time for more football. later!
Still Proud Dawg's Mother
September 26th, 2010
12:59 pm
Reality… don’t you go showing those pictures of us at that Motel 6 now. That was some freaky shiznizzle!
Outsider Looking In
September 26th, 2010
1:01 pm
Time for real football.. Screw the amateurs..
Hunker down
September 26th, 2010
1:01 pm
Snake Doc, you think that makes us feel better???? What’s next, you want us to join the ACC?
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
1:03 pm
Baby… get over here… I am going to slurp you up like an oyster. By the way… did your kid ever play football?
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
1:04 pm
@SRS – One last thing. Trenton Stuyrdivant is an example of a player with a great work ethic, a team leader, always gives his best, plays his heart out, and is someone to look up to!
This man has suffered two knee injuries, never complained, might’ve been an NFL prospect if not for the injuries. He is someone to be proud of and look up to as a leader!
Outta here!
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
1:05 pm
@Hunker Down – I want us to be the top Team in the SEC and the country. That ain’t happening with the tanned one running the mess that is UGA today!
Still Proud Dawg's Mother
September 26th, 2010
1:05 pm
Mmmm… break me off some Reality. Why you asking about my kid? He never played football… he was a punk frat boy at UGA. He don’t be knowing nothing about being a real man. Let’s hook it up at Skyy’s bar on Tuesday night… we on?
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
1:07 pm
See you there.
Still Proud Dawg's Mother
September 26th, 2010
1:07 pm
Bring that Barry White CD baby!
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
1:08 pm
You know it, girl.
Tweets that mention Georgia's embarrassment grows more historical by week | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
September 26th, 2010
1:08 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jeff Schultz, Chase Cain. Chase Cain said: HISTORICAL EMBARRASSMENT #UGA — http://bit.ly/9TmcP8 [...]
Dan
September 26th, 2010
1:11 pm
Can’t share my company name on this blog. It is a nationally known organization. I serve as the President of the organization. We have had some down years–that did not mean firing key people. We worked through the challenges and are stronger now. If I were to hire someone for key leadership this year I would be looking for a person like CMR. Yes, you have to ask questions to make sure the organization is not in decline due to bad leadership. That is not the case with CMR. There are many reasons for decline in a company or a football team. Unless Richt resigns on his own the administration will not force him out. There are probably more constructive ways you guys can help our program. Rally the troops. Support the coach. Stick around to the end of football games. Look long-term. CMR is the best coach in the history of UGA football. I for one am not willing to throw that away without a fight. I will bring whatever influence that I have to support our coach. Call me all the names you have and will. I believe in this guy and I believe that UGA is led by sound men–though I often disagree with some of them.
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
1:13 pm
You are wrong Dan… CMR should be fired! And my company is bigger than yours.
UGA Guy
September 26th, 2010
1:18 pm
Reality Dawg,
If your going to post like a teen age idiot, please do us a favor and leave.
UGA Guy
September 26th, 2010
1:21 pm
Gents our program has officialy come off the tracks completley. It is not helping to post completely
retarded comments on here that have nothing to do with anything.
Downed Dawg
September 26th, 2010
1:27 pm
Dan worked for enron
SirTennyson
September 26th, 2010
1:28 pm
Hi TrishaDishaWarEagle,
So you’re a War Eagle? Oh, dear God! I know you’re feeling good right now, kinda like the buzz stage of what’s sure to end up pukin-laced drunkeniss. Rest assured. You’re time’s coming. It’s just around the corner. I wouldn’t worry about Tennessee’s “offensive” shade of orange. It’s that nasty, colon-blood colored “crimson” that would have me sick at my stomach if I were you.
UGA Guy
September 26th, 2010
1:31 pm
I do not believe firing Mark Richt is the answer to our problem. I know alot of people get upset with fans that think like this, and I understand. I honestly believe if we fired Richt we would be sorry. We would be a program in a funk, and Richt would go somewhere else, possibly even an SEC school. That would be just fitting. We fire Richt and he goes to an SEC school and hands us our butts every
year, then everyone would want Mcgarity fired for firing Richt and all the Richt haters would post under different names saying that they always supported him and knew he would get things turned around. This stinks, what the program is going through, but if we stick together we will be back sooner than you think.
dawgman
September 26th, 2010
1:32 pm
I think Dan might really be CMR.
What company does not react when a once successful leader has his organization headed south? Mistakes start at the leadership level. Just a matter if time before the money dries up…in Dan’s company the bank wakes up; at the athletic dept the donars dry up.
Ziggy
September 26th, 2010
1:37 pm
I think this team is not done I believe they are going to win some big games.. The damage has been done but I still believe that this team is a sleeping GIANT that will seriously upset some teams later this year.
Hairy Perry
September 26th, 2010
1:41 pm
Dogs please pull yourselves together, alot of this venom is from being embarrased about all the Tech fans posting insulting comments. How many Tech fans would bet their paycheck they will beat even this UGA football team looking at what they have this year. The correct answer is………..0.
Hunker down
September 26th, 2010
1:47 pm
Dan, how many people in your company got arrested under the sound leadership of your company? Are they still around?
GO GATORS !!!
September 26th, 2010
1:48 pm
THUGA 0- 3 In the SEC! SWEET!!!!
Hairy Perry
September 26th, 2010
1:54 pm
I love the team, coaches and all the dog fans. I know we are upset, but please stop the hateful insults. When you take it to that level you have gone way to far in your passion for what ever team you pull for. Yes, I do believe these coaches need to earn their paychecks and be held accountable.
As the bulldawg nation we need to stick together and support our team. Let’s show the nation that win or loose we will still fill our stadium. We rag other fans for being fair weather, but I here so many of us on here saying they are not going to even watch anymore.
Hunker down
September 26th, 2010
1:54 pm
Firing Richt would be a gamble. Thinks could get better or they could get worse. No way to tell for sure until you do it. The question is how long you want to put up with the current state of affairs. Recruiting hasn’t suffered YET but that day will come if things don’t improve. Once that happens you’re definitely rebuilding the program.
Dan
September 26th, 2010
1:55 pm
Difference is that the leadership of my company is not the same as Adams, AD, Trustees etc. There are lots of people beyond Richt who determine how student athletes are treated. And…we are talking about volunteers (regarding players) and not paid (hopefully not) folks. And…UGA has determined to be somewhat of a place of mercy and second changes for athletes in trouble. Not sure how they handle the rank and file student. Point being–much of that is beyond CMR. As a long time leader of an organization–I can tell you this. CMR has all of the qualities that a board would be looking for. Agree with previous blog post that if we fire CMR then he will be instantly snatched up by a major program (assuming he wants that). We will rue the day we let CMR get away from UGA. This is not just any coach–this is probably the best coach in the history of UGA. That is not simply a blind statement from a blind follower. I have followed UGA football for half a century. Loved Dooley but not even in the same league as CMR as a coach and leader of men–thought Dooley had outstanding qualities and would never disparage him. Support Richt.
NBA
September 26th, 2010
1:57 pm
To those of you UGA fans who were laughing at other teams and other conferences…who’s laughing now? You’re no longer even in the national college football conversation about ranked teams and haven’t been for a few weeks now.
Boat Drinks
September 26th, 2010
1:57 pm
Lets see, I can stay in Boise go undefeated in the Mtn West and play in the BCS, they will put a statue of me outside the stadium or I can take the Georgia job and try to satisfy all the unrealistic goals of the bulldog fans…hmmmmmm. People, Petersen is not gonna take the job !
Hairy Perry
September 26th, 2010
1:59 pm
I will be at the Tennessee game. Please guys show up and get loud. I think these kids will respond if they feel an unconditional outpouring of dog fan support. Yes we need to get better, but turning our backs on these young men when they need us most is not the answer.
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
2:05 pm
I’m back.
Reality Dawg
September 26th, 2010
2:08 pm
You make a good point Hairy Perry, but football is about all we have over the Techsters. Let’s be honest… that is a top tier school that is fairly competitive. Their graduates run Atlanta. Ours run assembly lines. We are a bottom of the barrel school that is moderately competitive. My opinion is that if we are going to put emphasis on something, then we should strive to be the best. We are not even close to that now.
Wally
September 26th, 2010
2:09 pm
Hairy Perry:that sounds really swell can I bring the Beaver!
Hairy Perry
September 26th, 2010
2:11 pm
Gentlemen please do not respond to these people who get on here like NBA,who don’t like UGA and want to be annoying. When you get mad, that’s what they want. We need to band together even if we disagree about Richt, Bobo, or whatever. As the dog nation we should be respectful and civil to each other, we all want Georgia to win. As fans lets show up to the games and get behind this team.
Basically the message from alot of dog fans to these young men is we only support you if you win. If you don’t we could care less about you. That’s breeds a gap between the fans and the players when they see a lack of loyalty, Recruits also notice this.