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
FAN
September 26th, 2010
12:33 am
The players UGA recruits can’t read these blogs because they are not written in Ebonics.
dissappointed
September 26th, 2010
12:33 am
WOW I thought it couldn’t get any worse. Bad, bad, bad year for sure. Not sure another win is possible now. We have no look of a team.
Any time we do something good, touchdown run, we fumble, touch down catch we hold. Interception, we jump off sides. Get the ball back on a 3 and out and we let the punt hit our rear end and give ball back.
Hard to understand for sure….. we have lost how to win.
Dallas Dawg
September 26th, 2010
12:34 am
This is, indeed, a new low in Georgia Bulldog football history. Some dramatic changes need to be made now. I’m trying to support Richt and will continue to do so if he makes some changes mid season; if he waits until to the end, he’s lost my support. I don’t see UGA firing him this year even if we don’t win another SEC game because he’s a good Christian man. He’ll lose his job only if we don’t win another game at all including (horror) Idaho State and (more importantly) Ga. Tech.
dissappointed
September 26th, 2010
12:34 am
Our vaunted O line is a joke for sure. No run game at all.
New Bama Fan!
September 26th, 2010
12:35 am
At least I wont be disappointed now.
BEEFENSE
September 26th, 2010
12:35 am
LOL–How does it feel butt-sniffers being a second tier bottom feeder in the SEC–Can’t wait til ya’ll play Florida–they will SLAUGHTER you, But, please do not self destruct before season end ’cause GT wants a big piece of your sorry inbred a**es. Hats off to CMR and BooBoo for an excellent season thus far–LOL.
gadawgs
September 26th, 2010
12:36 am
I have never in my life been ashamed to be a Bulldog until tonight. I will no longer defend CMR or this program. PATHETIC!!
G8TR
September 26th, 2010
12:36 am
Look at the bright side, Dawgs. Your players won’t have any Independence Bowl jerseys to sell this year.
1980 may as well be 1890.
Dawg H8R
September 26th, 2010
12:36 am
Richt.Bobo.Gone.
B-Rock
September 26th, 2010
12:36 am
It’s George Bush’s fault!
UGA's New Song
September 26th, 2010
12:36 am
I just thought of a great new fight song that the UGA should play or the song played in the stadium during pre-game: Glory Days by The Boss. Maybe on that HUGE Megatrone in the stadium – they can play highlights of UGA’s early 1980s (with Glory Days playing). That is all UGA Dawg fans have left – Glory Days.
UGA Season Ticket Holder since 1986
September 26th, 2010
12:37 am
I think Coastal Dawg has some sense.
I think Ealey didn’t really know where he was so it’s hard to know what he was looking for. That was a hard hit and his head whacked the ground without a helmet, so I can’t really fault him for not diving on the ball.
However, wouldn’t it be great to have players who would dive on the ball even if they didn’t even know where they were? Just unconsciously, they would now that the ball was so valuable that they would dive on the ball even if they were just seeing stars?
It’s tough to be on the other side of all the fumbles that we used to win games by recovering.
The Thin Guy
September 26th, 2010
12:37 am
Miss State ends up wearing the Red Panties. More Cowbell. Next week AJ Green returns. Need new excuse for debacle. Uh Oh. Late Word Just In. UGA and AJ Green have just transferred to Georgia State.
bigcalidawg
September 26th, 2010
12:37 am
Not feelin too optimistic……
This team must have the lowest football IQ of any team I have seen.
Washaun Ealy has no clue as to ball security.
Why does Aaron Murray try to throw to Orson on every play?
Why is our running game so unimaginative?
Every time we have a play of over 15 yards, I ask myself “Where is the flag?”
This is a major college football program, in a major conference, looking like we are ready to join the ACC, or Big East.
Also, I’m not seeing the “attack style defense”. I think our backers are too undersized to stuff the B gaps.
I could go on and on. I didn’t even feel upset we lost. Just kinda……..shocked and numb and thinking this is how it feels when your team sucks. I’m used to it from the Falcons over the years, but the DAWGS.
It’s time CMR resume play calling duties if he values his job.
marietta dawg
September 26th, 2010
12:37 am
As much as I hate to say it, CMR has lost control of the program. He is now fighting for his job, and if he continues the status quo, he should be let go. Washaun Ealey had fumbled twice this season while mere feet from the goal-line. It could be argued that Ealey’s lack of play has cost us the last three games. Why is he allowed on the field? Why is Bobo still employed? Richt must answer these questions or face unemployment.
Miss State -- really?
September 26th, 2010
12:38 am
If Richt is a goner – which I don’t see happening — The guy(s) you want is Jim Harbaugh or Jon Gruden. Muschamp a distant 3rd and Smart not on the radar. Chris Peterson??? Not sold on him.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 26th, 2010
12:38 am
Now the UGA coeds will be getting drunk and hitting on the male fans from other schools. Even the UGA girls don’t want to date a UGA guy anymore.
Urban ,Nick, Steve, Paul, Gene
September 26th, 2010
12:39 am
Why do idiot fans want Kirby or Muschamp, they are unproven and are assistants Harbaugh, Petersen, and if not them Gary Patterson.they are all proven winners.
Richt ties Goff with 0-3 SEC start
September 26th, 2010
12:40 am
NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE UNTIL RICHT IS SENT PACKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
athdog
September 26th, 2010
12:40 am
scott- posts like yours, pretending to have ‘inside knowledge’ absolutely crack me up…and do nothing but inflame the easily fooled on this blog. you don’t know jack, dude.
Miss State -- really?
September 26th, 2010
12:40 am
Hay Big Cali – why does our O-LINE get blown off the ball on virtually every play? That is, when they are not whiffing on blocks. I saw Boling pull tonight and touch absolutely no-one. Coach Searles?
UGA Season Ticket Holder since 1986
September 26th, 2010
12:41 am
yomama…………..EXACTLY. A full 85% of the posts here are an astonishing waste of time for the reader (and probably the poster). 5% are insightful. 10% are simply like chewing gum with no flavor (neither particularly enlightening or harmful).
gadawgs
September 26th, 2010
12:43 am
I hate to say it but CMR has to go. McGarity probably wishes he would have stayed at Florida.
UGA75
September 26th, 2010
12:43 am
Our play calling is so stupid that it defies logic. We are a poor team, whomever thought this offensive line was decent can’t judge talent at all. Our new DC had tried to force a system designed to shut down the pass in a league that everyone runs first and often at least on us. We don’t seem to have a clue and that starts at the top. I think Coach R has to go and it hurts to say that.
Sam
September 26th, 2010
12:44 am
I do not worry about Murray, that kid is trying and will improve with experience and maturity. What worries me is the (supposed) experienced, best in the business O-line. It is almost laughable to think that the only worries most fans had at the start of the season was the new defensive scheme and a new QB. The worries reach far beyond that now. I have never seen such a careless Dawg team. Ealey is worrisome and should sit out for the rest of the season. That kid is costing us in key situations. The penalties are also costing us, as widely illustrated in this game. I had said originally that we would probably go 9-3 this season. Now I would be pleased with a 7-5 season. Even that looks suspect now. I foresee guaranteed losses to AU and UF. Heck we may even lose to TN, Vandy, and Kentucky. I just don’t know about this team anymore, I am losing any shred of optimism whatsoever.
Blind Homer Dawgs
September 26th, 2010
12:45 am
Our QB has played well. Those suggesting we should expect to struggle because we have a freshman QB, I would like to ask just whose fault do you think it is that we are depending on a freshman QB. Joe Cox’s, Zach Mettenberger’s, George Bush’s?
Lack of control of the program. Against Ark, Ealey and OL get stuffed for no gain on 3rd and 1. During timeout to decide whether to go for it on 4th down, Ealey is dancing hip-hop at midfield. That behavior speaks volumes!
I respect CMR as a man of faith. If you do not have the fire or discipline to control this program and THINK that you can and will WIN EVERY game, then apply for team chaplain. This football team and its outcome ranks very low on the list of important priorities; don’t use that approach when we complain about the state of the program. For what these schools take in regarding revenue and from what the coaches make in salary, it must be important to a lot of people.
Oh Come Now
September 26th, 2010
12:45 am
Enough player bashing. Coaching staff, have at it…no more excuses or sympathy from me, but good grief, leave the players alone. Washaun Ealy got his head taken off trying for extra yards for crying out loud. Murray has an arm no doubt, and legs for that matter, but he is not hitting the receivers in stride, and they are getting hammered. We keep failing to play to our strengths. Murray is a gunslinger, keep him in the shotgun or run the option…he has the legs for either. Absolutely no creativity on offense. We redshirt players to learn this system? Unbelievable. We should just hire opposing coaches to teach our offense…they seem to grasp it in about a week. I’ve given the D a pass up until this point, but come on CTG, get off the field on 3rd down! It’s all abot pride now.
DeweyGator
September 26th, 2010
12:45 am
I love the sound of Dawgs eatin’ their own.We Gator Fans can feel the pain of teams that suck because we used to. And you Ga. fans gave us more crap through the years of our suffering than anyone can imagine…except ya’ll….because you are a team that REALLY sucks….Get used to all the future arse whuppins…. because they are coming ya’ll like a locomotive coming down a mountain with no brakes….and the best part about is ya’ll know it.
kane
September 26th, 2010
12:46 am
since 2009 georgia is 9-8.
Big Dawg
September 26th, 2010
12:47 am
The answer to our problems may have been right in front of us all tonight on the other side of the field. Dan Mullen, Head Coach MSU. Dan worked closely with Greg McGarity at Florida during their National Championships, and he has MSU winning some now and playing competitive ball. Keep a close eye on that scenario, could be just what our program needs. And it’s very obvious we need a lot more than we have now.
Rowan
September 26th, 2010
12:47 am
I want to see CMR and Boo Boo go before Trump in the board room. Now that would be entertaining to hear them squabble and give excuses…..
Bobo’s playbook looks like the playbook for the 1st Techmo Bowl…………
G8TR
September 26th, 2010
12:48 am
Any way Richt’s contract can be renewed? We’ll be glad to pitch in. He makes the SEC East so much less competitive.
gadawgs
September 26th, 2010
12:48 am
Our offensive line is “offensive”. They are getting their a**es handed to them every snap and afterward they just stand around and look stupid. It’s not just SC, ARK & Miss St. Our offensive line could not get a push on LaLay in the first game. Look at our rushing stats from that game. They are a bunch of useless fata**ses.
dan
September 26th, 2010
12:48 am
UGA vs, Tech should be called the Toilet Bowl this year. If both teams keep this up, that is the only bowl they will be playing in.
WE RUIN THIS STATE
September 26th, 2010
12:49 am
What makes you people think that changing coaches will change anything ? Since 1985 UGA has underachieved. This program is doomed to mediocrity.
athdog
September 26th, 2010
12:50 am
Miss State…..ouch
Opie
September 26th, 2010
12:51 am
Mark Richt is a joke. This program is a joke. Thug U.
Chris Peterson wouldn’t come here in a million years. Keep wishing.
CMR
September 26th, 2010
12:52 am
UGA75: it’s “whoever,” not “whomever.” And it shoulda been a semicolon before that, instead of a comma. Sheeesh. Did you actually GRADUATE from UGA? I know it was a long time ago and everything. Whomever. Please, people – this is a serious blog for people who (whom?) have real insider information or are very knowledgeable about college football. Let’s keep our posts grammatically correct, shall we? Whomever.
reepwhatyousew
September 26th, 2010
12:52 am
Hey you completely irrelevant ‘dawg’ fans….guess you got excited about tech’s loss a little too soon today. First of all…NC St and Russell Wilson >>>>>> Miss St. Second of all, tech is 2-2, 1-1, not 1-3, 0-3. PATHETIC, regardless of what conference. Georgia and Tech both have the same length in years of bowl eligibility. I say Georgia’s is in serious danger, and no way tech misses a bowl. Tech will AT WORST be a 5 loss team, if Georgia loses at colorado next week, you can kiss your own bowl streak goodbye and your entire program sinks to the bottom of the ocean. YOU IGNORANT @$$ES Get what you deserve!
The Curse of Loran
September 26th, 2010
12:52 am
Ever since Loran got fired………….
Sean
September 26th, 2010
12:52 am
If this team “wanted” to win, then I would feel more optimistic about the chances of their shaking off the last 3 weeks and starting anew. There has been no evidence, aside from Murray and Durham, of this team playing to win. They are beating themselves out there with stupid penalties and fumbles. I have gotten to the point to where I am not sure if I want to tune in for another disappointing showing. If they show at least a little heart out there, then the losses wouldn’t be so bad. Time for the team to man up and play ball.
Sad Day
September 26th, 2010
12:52 am
We do not need to fire Richt, but I do agree with just about everyone else Bobo has got to gogo
UGA Season Ticket Holder since 1986
September 26th, 2010
12:53 am
How pathetic is it that somebody who purports to be for another team (who probably hasn’t played a down of football since 7 year old peewee ball if at all) has to come on a UGA post and taunt people that they will never know or even meet? Pretty pathetic. If I was a Florida gator fan, I certainly wouldn’t be wasting my time posting on (or even reading) a UGA blog. Tech fans. Of course, What else is there to do in your mother’s basement on a lonely Saturday night as a 55 year old unmarried goob than get on a UGA blog and insult people? But for a purported gator, that has to be pretty pathetic.
kane
September 26th, 2010
12:53 am
since 1964 georgia has finish below .500 four times not counting this year.
realist
September 26th, 2010
12:53 am
I love the Bulldog nation SCREAMING that Richt is great and to fire him would be a great mistake..It’s like Spurrier said, “Every year Georgia gets the great players and every year when we play, we have the graet players”.. Hhahahah Georgia SSSUUUXXXXX
chickenman
September 26th, 2010
12:53 am
Athens is falling…its upseting to see…this team looked horrific from the stands tonight…im driving to NOLA tonight for Falcons game… but from me to yall..
This team quit on these coaches tonight..no desire to attack a 5th tier offense is sad…OC change needs to be made… hearing NA NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE almost made me vomit tonight
realist
September 26th, 2010
12:54 am
Sorry, great
Veritable Quandary
September 26th, 2010
12:54 am
Chris Peterson is not coming to UGA. The delusional talk about hiring successful coaches is evidence of arrogance in the Georgia fan base. Richt wasn’t a proven headcoach, but he sure was an improvement over the “proven” Donnan who was a headcoach before coming to UGA. Some of these comments are just ridiculous. It’s like people have never heard anything about Chris Peterson – he is not leaving Boise State and if you followed college football outside of your own little Georgia box you would know that. 1-3 sucks but the vehement calls for firing Richt are not well thought out. He needs and deserves another year.
G8TR
September 26th, 2010
12:55 am
How’s that Richt record on the road working out? Maybe you should try adding in his losses in Jax and see how it looks. The most delusional fan base in the NCAA.
Dawgfan88
September 26th, 2010
12:55 am
We arent Alabam or Florida. UGA is second tier in the SEC and we need to face it. We have our moments in the sun now and then but we are not what everyone thinks we are.