Poll time: Who deserves most blame for Georgia’s offense?
Mark Richt, Aaron Murray and Mike Bobo are wondering what happened to the offense.
Before getting to the point of this blog, let me quickly weigh in on Georgia coach Mark Richt’s decision to kick Demetre Baker off the team for a DUI and underage drinking: kudos.
This isn’t to celebrate a foolish youth’s mistakes. Baker isn’t the first college kid to be involved in underage drinking and driving. But Richt’s only hope of getting through to players in his program — which has seen 10 arrests since the spring — may be a zero tolerance stance because clearly nothing else has been working.
Loading ...Baker will be fine. Public humiliation is a shock to the system but it can be good for one’s personal growth.
Now, about the Georgia offense: No kudos.
The Bulldogs were held to two field goals at South Carolina, smothered for a good part of the Arkansas game and were limited to two field goals Saturday at Mississippi State until a meaningless touchdown with 1:27 left in the game.
Pass protection has been erratic and run blocking has been poor, surprising given that the offensive line was supposed to be the strength of the team. Quarterback Aaron Murray has made typical freshman mistakes but for the most part he has been impressive. The running game has been disappointing and Kris Durham has been the lone receiver to make big plays in the absence of the suspended A.J. Green (who returns this week).
So who should take the most blame for this? Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has been the most criticized. He deserves some credit for falling on the sword in Starkville, saying: “You can’t turn the ball over, and you can’t have penalties. That’s coaching. It’s our fault.”
But by now, you should know where I stand on this: Issues always start at the top. To me, the problem is less play-calling (albeit, that’s some of it) than it is attitude and intelligence. That’s on the head coach.
Whom do you blame for the struggles? Here are some options:
♦ Richt: The Dogs did not look prepared to play Saturday in Starkville, nor have they looked well prepared in the past several SEC games (2-7 going back to last year). They often don’t play with a sense of urgency. They’re not committing as many personal foul penalties in the past but we still see too many mental breakdowns and times when they get beat physically. The head coach sets the tone.
♦ Bobo: He has been criticized for not using more high-percentage short passes in the game plan, and for a lack of creativity in the game plan. But as we’ve previously discussed in this corner, Xs and Os don’t work if a team isn’t knocking over the opponent.
♦ Stacy Searels: Either Georgia’s linemen have been way overrated or the offensive line coach isn’t coaching them up. Searels is in his fourth season in Athens. He was highly regarded when he arrived from LSU in 2007 and was believed to have been given a raise to not go to Auburn with new head coach Gene Chizik last year.
I’ll throw two other choices into the poll: All of the above and none of the above (which is a vote to blame the players).
So who takes the hit for this?
♦
SACK SCHULTZ: Dude, this contest is like totally ruining my street cred. Went 10-5 last week. At 31-14 overall. Two guys named Ills (Georgia) and Axmann (Wisconsin) lead at 39-6. I’m pretty sure they’re cheating. If you haven’t played, it’s not too late too humiliate me! Click here for details and then here to enter.
♦
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845 comments Add your comment
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
4:31 pm
Paul – Drops, stopped routes, running into other receivers, no pass blocking, plus the bad passes. Ugh. Wilson looked g-r-e-a-t.
Craig
September 27th, 2010
4:31 pm
If Richt is to go, and I am not say he is, we need to ask Peterson at Boise State how much and how long. And bring your staff with you.
bugsquacher
September 27th, 2010
4:31 pm
I heard Mike Leach is available
DIT
September 27th, 2010
4:31 pm
Just want to throw this one out there. Say CMR demotes Bobo and takes over play calling starting today. How much time do you give CMR to turn things around? Do you wait to see if he hires another OC next year and if so, then how much time do you give the new OC?
Tired of Hype
September 27th, 2010
4:32 pm
Not sure what you are smoking @ Tired of Hype. Heisman winner at Tech? Heisman used to coach at Tech, but I haven’t heard of any potential candidates coming from there. Ingram may have the Heisman Duece come December.
Section242
September 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
We have better talent than SC, ARK, & Ms St and lost to all three. That says coaching. We are 2 & 7 in the last 9 SEC games!!! That should Vandy not UGA. We have little chance of beating FL or Auburn and maybe not KY. We should have competed for a national championship with Stafford and Moreno. This is a downward spiral that has gone on for 3 years keeps getting worse. I wil be happy to see Richt head back to FSU.
Taylor
September 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
wreckmaniac –
I question if you are even really a Tech fan. A real Tech fan would know the distinct difference between the two programs. That being, Tech fans are content with any season as long as they beat UGA. The Dawgs however, wish and intend to beat Tech every year but expect more.
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
carlton smithee – It looked to me like Ealey wasn’t aware of what had happened or where he was. That was a big hit he took.
Dawg Winner
September 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
Megalomaniac as university pres, an AD that was more concerned about chasing panties than his job, a fawning media to coddle the fan base at every turn, recruiting services that are more worried about selling subscriptions than true talent evaluation, a prima donna culture of spoiled athletes, way too much drinking and drug use (and driving while using)…. Georgia has a larger systemic problem than just the coaching staff.
IN DISGUISE
September 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
I am done so here goes
ROLL TIDE !!!!!!!
never thought i would type those words but it feels nice to pull for a winner
@Tired of Hype
September 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
Yeah, your boy Nesbitt. What’s wrong with him?
For what its worth
September 27th, 2010
4:34 pm
Coach Dooley went 5-6, 9-2-1,and 6-5, before going 12-0 and winning the National Championship.
CDog
September 27th, 2010
4:35 pm
Anyone who spells genius as “genious” is not one either. I really like Mark Richt, so it really pains me to put the blame on him, but that is where it belongs. If it were only in one area that UGA had trouble, then you could blame the coach or player in that one area. But the problems are many: penalties, suspensions, jail-time, defense, offense, etc. The head coach has to take the blame when there are this many things wrong. CMR is the one recruiting these players and determining who is on his team. He does not seem to be a very good judge of character when it comes to recruiting. I hope he can make adjustments.
They Lied To You
September 27th, 2010
4:35 pm
MONEY ain’t top tier son. CHAMPIONSHIPS are top tier.
CHAMPIONSHIPS talk,,,
and UGA ain’t talk’n nothing but trash. The fans year-in and year-out talk junk about how great they’re going be and now REALITY has struck. How does this sound for all your MONEY?
10 – 1 – 3
10 Arrests
1 Win
3 Losses
Tired of Hype
September 27th, 2010
4:36 pm
No Clue. My tech fan friends say he is highly inconsistent and should never try to throw a pass. Kind of like Mike Vick when he played for the Falcons.
jasper
September 27th, 2010
4:36 pm
Anyone who thinks Richt doesn’t care or isn’t listening must be blind. The man has clearly aged 10 years over the past 2 seasons.
ricejc
September 27th, 2010
4:36 pm
Also, players should understand that scholarships are handed out on a year-by-year basis contrary to the belief that it’s an automatic four-year free ride. Georgia should review those scholarships with a close eye…
Dawg Winner
September 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
You ‘think’ you have better talent then ARK and SC? Maybe that’s your problem.
You may be even in talent with MSU. I’d say Georgia has a better QB and RB than MSU and that is it. Your OL and DL got whipped soundly. Your TE is very good but we have two great one who unfortunately were injured. Marcus Green (our TE) is a play maker, he would have been huge last night. I bet we could have scored at least 2 more touchdown with him!
@Tired of Hype
September 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
Oh ok, gotcha. Your Tech friends” told you that. LOL!!!!
Jqueen
September 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
It starts with Richt and has trickled down in all areas of his coaching staff and recruiting….
#1 UGA has lost its edge in recruiting. Most of the state’s IMPACT blue-chippers are going elsewhere to be coached by great coaches. Rodney Garner’s time is up. People forget that players talk and UGA’s reputation is in the toilet among players–especially when you have former players who don’t even acknowledge the school anymore…..T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
#2 Richt has lost the players and lost his edge: He doesn’t even coach with intensity anymore. Something’s going on.
#3: Mike Bobo needs to go—enough said.
#4 Todd Grantham needs to go–when I’m looking at Auburn, UT, FL & AL knocking the teeth out of each other compared with UGA non-tackling softbodies, I get disgusted. What happened to our ‘Junkyard Dawgs’? Players who use to bullrush opponents and put the pop on them? When will teams be afraid to come ‘Tween The Hedges’ again? It’s time to bring back some of our old alumni players who are coaching to bring some pride back (Travis Jones, go after Will M & Kirby S again, George Wynn, Mike Jones, etc….)
#5 UGA needs to get out of this REGIONAL mentality (programs & fans): There’s no way UGA should continue, year after year, to be thought of as a second-tier program, but that’s what’s happening. I bleed red and black but am tired of seeing this program continue to lose the big game or lose to opponents they should beat. It’s time for us to demand EXCELLENCE out of our program and NATIONAL RESPECT.
Top Dog
September 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
Wonder if McGarity met with CMR today and ask for the itinerary and game plan on how he was going to fix this mess? I believe we the fans should know his agenda as well. Maybe it would restore a little confidence in the fan base and players that there is a plan in place if executed will start showing progress.
bamaguy
September 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
I don’t have a dog in this fight, so to speak. But CMR just seems to wander up and down the sideline. I don’t see any passion or fire in him. Calm under pressure is usually a good thing, if you are a CEO, but it just doesn’t seem to work in college football. You can be too much of a hot head, but you need to have some fire.
I attended the Alabama Penn State game and even antique JoePa was more into the game than Richt appears to be. I seriously thing he needs to take his 8M and retire and pursue a new profession. I mean, you can invest the 8M and live off it the rest of your life.
They Lied To You
September 27th, 2010
4:38 pm
man, I hope no one can tell I’m really a die hard Tech fan!!!
For what its worth
September 27th, 2010
4:38 pm
There are some on this blog who act like A J Green would not have made a difference in the out come of these games that UGA lost, well I beg to differ, in 1980 UGA was losing to Tennessee when they sent Walker in, well it changed the hole out come of that game. Anyone who thinks one player can’t make a difference in the out come of a game, don’t know Jack, one player can make a good team, a great team, it all depends on who that player is, look at Tim Tebow without him Florida becomes a good team, instead of a great team.
DawginLex
September 27th, 2010
4:38 pm
eaglenation,
Richt had Greene waiting on him but he never played a down under Donnan.
Shockley was Richt’s first recruit he ever signed. Donnan had nothing to do with him.
We are a train wreck right now but Jim Donnan would have NEVER won the SEC at UGA. Richt took his players, called the plays and used Brian Van Gorder’s defense to win a lot.
Donnan was a joke.
Paul in RDU
September 27th, 2010
4:38 pm
Delbert – Wilson is a great QB. He reminded me of Joe Hamilton out there on Saturday. I expect him to carve up the Hokies in Carter-Finley this week.
richie
September 27th, 2010
4:38 pm
bamaguy,
That’s been his MO since day 1. I don’t think it’s a good thing or a bad thing.
Bobby Bowden
September 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
I hate to break it to you Mark but the “Bowden Way” does not work in 2010. Sorry old friend.
john
September 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
overrated recruitment. every year we are told we have the best prospects. Don’t we have the top super recruiter in the universe or so we are told.
General Sherman
September 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
Adams since AJ Green Washedup Ealey will both attempt to go pro at end of year, why not save money & release them now. If they were around when I came thru Ga the 1st time I would have handled the situation.But what surprises me now is how all the Smack talk has left the building. Where is we are #1 ranting we had hear all the time about how great the Dawgs are and it just Poofed. If all you ignorant inbread Dumb A$$es had any common sense it would be different. You are no better than the arrogant A$$wipe worthless players. So Ferk all of them.. Hope the Hound dogs wear y’alls A$$es out.
future engineer
September 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
I think I just went stinky…..
Now You Know the Rest of the Story
September 27th, 2010
4:40 pm
Bobby Bowden,
Amen Brother!!!
Nick Saban
September 27th, 2010
4:40 pm
Bamaguy is on to something- I’m an absolutely miserable human being but I’m the best coach in the country.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
4:41 pm
If you are looking to see who is to blame for UGAs Offence not being able to score, then look no farther than BOBO’s new STOCK purchaces. He is buying stock in “Two Men and A TRUCK” moving services and “Atlanta Haul It All” debris removal.
the dumb get dumber
September 27th, 2010
4:41 pm
General Sherman,
Ealey has another year before he can declare. Please, if you’re going to talk trash at least know what you’re attempting to insult. You just look foolish.
Paul in RDU
September 27th, 2010
4:41 pm
EagleNationRising
Penn State was the 4th most profitable football program in 2009 – behind TX, UGA and UF.
Tired of Hype
September 27th, 2010
4:41 pm
I have never watched him play other than a few plays in the Orange Bowl, but can’t imagine he would be much of a Heisman candidate. Not sure why you accuse me of being a GT fan. I am just a Bama fan tired of all the UGA rah, rah in the local media around here. Even is a lousy year, you should still crush Tech. They have become your in-state whipping boys for a while now.
258DAWG
September 27th, 2010
4:42 pm
Growing up in Jacksonville Florida as a UGA fan I obviously run across more than my share of gator fans, my own brother being one of them. talking to him last night I believe we hit the nail on the head.
The difference between UGA and UF is brought out by USC. Like USC, UGA has run the same offensive plays for the tenure of its coach. Ever since Spurrier left UF he ran the plays but didnt have the same talent at WR to let a RB or QB to succeed, obviously he’s got a good group now and he is reaping the fruits for this reason.
UF and Bama change their scheme based on the talent they have for each particular year and this is the main reason they will rarely have a rebuilding year yet they will just reload ever year with what talent they have.
UGA has missed its best WR yes, but no other WR has threaten a defense enough to have them play at regular dept out of respect. we basically have nothing but possession WR’s after AJ. throw in a redshirt freshman QB that more than likely has defenses even closer to blitz him every down and even blitz to stop the run because that makes it where the QB has to beat the other team, which hasn’t happened.
With this said I would say play with what you have – this isn’t the same team we have had for the last 10 years. The team that comes out this week against Colorado isn’t even the same team that played MSU so why are the same plays being called???????????? in 10 years I’m sure there is a graph of what we call and when. with a Agile QB why isn’t he rolling out hitting the TE? shuffle passes out of the shotgun? WR slant routes? passes to the RB down field??
Please let me know if you think this makes sense. I hope I got this accross right.
Pack Man
September 27th, 2010
4:42 pm
Clearly the man at the top is responsible for the continued slide in the UGA program, HOWEVER, what really, profoundly, makes me see red is the lack of intensity in the UGA players. That is a coaching problem. Period. You can call out Bobo for his poor play calling but that it can also be argued that a draw play on an MSU blitz is a great play call IF, IF, IF, the Offensive Line does it’s job.
CMR looks like he needs a friend right about now. A very tough friend who can help him right this ship, quickly.
He Hate Me
September 27th, 2010
4:42 pm
It start at da top man. Richt be half-steppin’ and frontin’ all da time. Too many homeys with dem 5 stars rates to be dis bad. UGA get a 5 star player and turn hims into a no star hater. Richt need to looks in da mirror.
http://ugasportsandathletics.blogspot.com/
September 27th, 2010
4:42 pm
Check out this blog….upcoming
http://ugasportsandathletics.blogspot.com/
September 27th, 2010
4:43 pm
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258DAWG
September 27th, 2010
4:45 pm
As far as the defense – has anyone seen a blitz in the last game or so? I thought we were blitzing from somewhere on every down? only other thing is – I hope I never see a Prevent defense at UGA ever again!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
4:45 pm
HTTP: change your name or start typing your post a few more spaces away from your name. we cna’t read it.
EagleNationRising
September 27th, 2010
4:45 pm
BlountDawg: I am a die-hard Georgia Bulldog fan. I love the Dawgs. Our Dawgs have not finished in the top 10 since DJ Shockley was starting at quarterback…with the exception of the 2007 season when the National Champion had two losses for the first time in college football history.
That season had a signature loss to a hapless Tennessee team that lost 45-21 to Cal, 59-20 to Florida, and 41-17 to Alabama. Mark Richt lost 35-14 to that bunch. We also lost to an even worst South Carolina 16-12 in Athens. That Gamecock team went 6-6 (3-5 in the SEC, but beat us).
Georgia is far…very, very, very far from a Top 10 program. Mark Richt needs to focus on getting our program ranked. Amazingly Nevada is ranked and we are getting violated by every Tom, Dick & Harry with a football team. I don’t know if this Georgia team could beat Georgia State. I am serious!
Jawja
September 27th, 2010
4:45 pm
Come on Jawja fans. Let’s hear about how great all those 4 & 5 stars you recruited? About all those championships you’re going to win.
I understand there’s rioting in the trailer parks all over Jawja. All the budwieser had been sold out at the convenience stores. Wife beating have sky-rocketed, pick-ups being over-turned and burned, 4-wheelers run up under trailers. Shredded camo clothing hanging from the trees. Anarchy all of the State of Jawja.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO REDNECKS!!!!
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
4:45 pm
“Yeah, your boy Nesbitt. What’s wrong with him?”
Well, having to play the 3rd string center, for one. Lost the All-ACC center early in the NC State game. But that doesn’t explain Kansas or even SC State. Stone-handed receivers, and the similar OL and DL problems as Georgia. Can’t block, get pushed around. The LBs and DBs tackled better against NC State’s receivers, once they got close enough to actually touch them.
Furman Bishop
September 27th, 2010
4:48 pm
That’s an easy question, Schultz. Richt. Lock, stock and barrel. There’s really no one else.
Loyalty, Where Are U
September 27th, 2010
4:48 pm
Where were all the “Richt must go” people earlier this decade? You know, when UGA was consistently in the top 10, and nobody was saying “you’ve done a lot, but what have you done for me lately?”
I guess the SEC is the conference that’s the most like the pros….the “Not For Long” league.
Chickasaw
September 27th, 2010
4:48 pm
Jeff, is your question rhetorical or do you just enjoy stirring up fans on what must be a lazy Monday afternoon? Clearly it’s Richt’s responsibility. Vince Dooley said more than once that he always wanted the upcoming opponent to say “Better buckle up your chin straps, boys, we’re playing Georgia today.” That attitude trickled down. You ask older fans of any opposing school and they’ll tell you what one older Vol fan said to me when Dooley retired as HC: “I hated playing his teams. They’d fight, kick and scratch then put it away on a long drive in the 4th quarter. Thank God he’s gone!” Goff squandered that mental edge, Donnan started to bring it back, and Richt’s teams had that same authoritative feel for the first 5-7 years, but no one fears the Dawgs anymore, and I do not pick up that iron edge from Richt himself. I hope this year’s team is akin to those of ‘77 and ‘79 rather than those of the Goff era, but I’m not optimistic.