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
6:56 pm
@Bill 6:37 – Why don’t you go ahead and tell us? You’ve obviously hacked in to the NSA database on “people who blow stuff up”, so something as simple as the demographics at Georgia Tech should be right at your fingertips.
JB
September 27th, 2010
7:01 pm
Auburn also came after Dooley later.
Tom B. Stone
September 27th, 2010
7:03 pm
I’m sure it’s W’s fault…
Maybe it's not just the offense...
September 27th, 2010
7:14 pm
Maybe we need to add CTG’s defense to the vote!
This just in…Marcus Lattimore had only 33 yards on 14 carries against Auburn.
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
7:16 pm
Well, “Bill” is not going to answer the question about diversity at Georgia Tech, so I’ll contribute this:
“Diverse Issues in Higher Education has ranked Tech No. 1 at the bachelor’s level, No. 2 at the master’s level, and No. 1 at the doctoral level in terms of producing African American engineering graduates.”
Cardinal Sin
September 27th, 2010
7:19 pm
Come on guys it is not the coaching but the freakin THUGS that the school has recruited. Most of these morons can not even read on a sixth grade level but somehow they have managed to get academically accepted at a Div 1 school, and now they spit in the face of a program that literally gets the red carpet treatment everywhere they go. Also, they do not have to buy used books and the like, but they get first class on everything. I am sick and tired of this type of non-respect that some of these THUGS feel that is owed to them. These are TAKERS of a once respected program. This not only has bitten GA’s program but a lot of programs across the US.
The bottom line is if a player can not qualify on his own, then no scholarship should be given to these HOOD minded you owe me attitudes!
Gators win the East again in 2010!
Enough Said!
SOUTHGADAWG88
September 27th, 2010
7:19 pm
POAD…got a little ticked huh?
PappyHappy
September 27th, 2010
7:21 pm
FOr Pete’s sake!!! WHAT IS THE HEAD COACH RESPONSIBLE FOR??? A DAWG WALK?? UGA started down the wrong road years ago!! We are now paying for it. Adams better call Vince Dooley back for some consulting, or Adam’s job will be on the line when money starts drying up!
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
7:25 pm
@Maybe it’s not just the offense… – Gene Chizik’s defense figured out Lattimore’s “same zone read play that I ran in high school.”
DAWG DRUNK
September 27th, 2010
7:27 pm
Ohhh! The season has begun? I thought that the preaseason just ended saturday in Stark Vegas. That was the fourth game this year… Damn preseason is only in the NFL. Somebody, please! Let Richt know these games actually have counted as W’s and L’s (Mainly L’s. JUST DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!
aj green
September 27th, 2010
7:29 pm
Do you idiot uga fans really think I care about my team? I just wanted $1000 and I got it. I could care less if I get suspended. I could care less if I disrespect my coach in the the process. Who cares? I certainly don’t!
I’m just a greedy uga bull dyke!
Cardinal Sin
September 27th, 2010
7:35 pm
In addition to what I said earlier, it is the same stupid people who now raise up and put on a pedestal M. Vick, Obama, and the newest on the list Bishop Long! These THUGS, LOSERS, & MORONS are the same type of people that GA and most Div 1 colleges are going after. It is all about winning and the mighty dollar instead of who can we offer a scholarship to that will give us 4 years of dedicated hard work and will also get it done in the classroom. These are the youngmen that all programs should be going after, not the losers and THUGS of the world.
Enough Said!
nub
September 27th, 2010
7:37 pm
???? How much does CMR make each year and how many years are left on his contract????
beezlebubba
September 27th, 2010
7:40 pm
666th….. hahahahahahhaa…………..
(dogs suck)
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
7:41 pm
Bill, why do ASIANS and MIDDLE EASTERN Immigrants get out of or off WELFARE and Govt. Aide by the second generation, but the American born Africans still need WELFARE, HOUSING and ASSISTANCE when thay have been OFF the BOAT for 200+ years? We just keep them down right? “IRISH need not Apply” remember that phrase? The Illegal Chinesse have made a WORLD in NEW YORK and SAN FRAN. WHY don’t all the RICH black Athelets create their OWN bank and fund Black business to grow their COMMUNITY?
WHY was there a “FOR SISTER ONLY” meeting in the Ga. World Congress Center? I would have a for WHITE PEOPLE JOB FAIR too. Why can’t that happen? Why do we still have KATRINA REFUGEES still getting paid and still living in Atlanta?
Dawg Whisperer
September 27th, 2010
7:41 pm
Jeff, I confess… it’s really all my fault. I didn’t wear my holy underwear… on second thought I did. And I didn’t ly on the floor when UGA got behind (I didn’t feel like wallowing on the floor all night).
Ed
September 27th, 2010
7:42 pm
AJ Green’s return will help. The only problem with that is Georgia really hasn’t had much of a problem in that area. Durham has far exceeded expectations. So has Murray considering his supporting cast; In my opinion the wideouts and Murray have been the only bright spots so far. The offensive line and running backs are dreadful, though. Unless something improves in those areas then it will continue to be a long season.
Romedawg
September 27th, 2010
7:42 pm
Did anyone watch the Mark Richt show last week where he was getting on the scout team for not going all out and the guy said that the first team players got mad if they put out any effort. Now I know why they are so soft.It doesn’t look like they get too mad when their Saturday opponents do not lay down for them.
Snoop Dawg
September 27th, 2010
7:48 pm
Duh, it’s Mark Richt’s fault, stupid!
He’s the commander pulling in $3M a year–what a joke.
He’s the buddha on the sidelines with absolutely no energy or emotion.
He’s been exposed to be the imposter that he is.
If he’s such an honorable fellow, why doesn’t he just resign and save us all the turmoil and money? Because he’s not…
SOUTHGADAWG88
September 27th, 2010
7:50 pm
ED are you serious?POAD…POAD…I don’t know man maybe African Americans got off the boat 400 years ago but were only freed from slavery 120 years ago and didn’t get full citizen rights until about 50 years ago.I dunno that might just have a thing or two to do with it….just saying.
dylandawg
September 27th, 2010
7:52 pm
name 5 coaches with a better record then CMR the last 10 years? I would hire them. If they are not available…I will stick out another year or two with CMR. Compare his record to St Vince. See what that shows. Vince never had 2 down years in a row? Vince would have been fired 5 times over today and he worked out just fine. Quit whining and support the dawgs.
From Where I Sit
September 27th, 2010
7:53 pm
AMEN 5150 P.O.A.D
AMEN!
The reason that will never happen with the White society is most of us are TOO SCARED to do something like that since it makes sense to do it! I am sick and tired of scholarships being given to Blacks whose parents give ZERO back to the program. But see, now that I have said this I will be labeled as a racist. You see this is a one-way street. Blacks can have racists on the radio like Al Sharpton, Tom Joyner, Steve Harvey, Ricky Smiley, and Michael Basiden, but do not DARE mention a WHITE show or programs like scholarships only for Whites. This is the reason that the GA program like others are in trouble. It is because college scouts are only looking for Black athletes, not Whites. Hell, just look on the field for football in college or the NFL. Also, look on the basketball court for college and the NBA, but yet, who is in the stands paying and supporting the programs?
GA is in trouble because of Thug recruits and the do not care attitudes of their players!
dylandawg
September 27th, 2010
7:55 pm
POAD you are an idiot my friend, really, really stupid…read a book
dylandawg
September 27th, 2010
7:56 pm
its getting dumber by the minute
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
7:56 pm
Mark Richt read the last chapter of the BIBLE. Revelations dilivers JUDGMENT on those that make mistakes.
dylandawg
September 27th, 2010
7:57 pm
and there are no racists in the tea party
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
8:04 pm
So, SGDAWG OFF the BOAT ASIANS from the 1970’s are just smarter than the American born Africans that LOVE the GOVT. AIDE and never want to get better? The greatest statement on FOX5 when the 96 Olympics were coming to Atlanta. A reporter asked a TECHWOOD HOMES person about having to move for the new construction of the Olympic Village housing. The American African said that she had lived in that home for 30 years and “THEY” were making her move. AHHAHAHAHAA. BI..H, GOVT. HOUSING is not PERMANENT. Govt. housing is for you to get on your feet and move the F..K out. Sec. 8 housing is not a lifestlye either.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
8:05 pm
dyland and there are no racists that are BLACK either I guess.
dylandawg
September 27th, 2010
8:06 pm
to compare the experince of any minority with that of blacks is absurd…your comments only prove it
Fair and Balanced
September 27th, 2010
8:07 pm
Of course it is Richt’s fault. He gave the job to Bobo! Duh!
OneDawgFan
September 27th, 2010
8:08 pm
Bobo got to Gogo. Stats don’t lie. Since he took over, the offense has gone straight downhill. Richt is a better QB coach and play caller. This was discussed a few years ago when Richt handed over the offense to Bobo. Recall your own blog back then. When the couch potatoes and fans know what the play will be when we line up, I guarantee the coaches and players who study game films will know.
KimZ'sPackage
September 27th, 2010
8:08 pm
I don’t see a bunch of white people BEATING down the door to get in a Black Country Club, but I do see many black people Beating down the door to get in a White Country Club.
dylandawg
September 27th, 2010
8:09 pm
what does that mean?
Dan Hawkins - Colorado HC
September 27th, 2010
8:13 pm
As a special favor to UGA, I am letting my starters have the game off against Georgia. We want them to be fresh for Missouri the following week. We will play mostly freshmen and maybe even a few volunteers from the stands. After all…….it is Georgia we are talking about….easy W. Azz whooping coming courtesy of the Buffaloes!
John
September 27th, 2010
8:14 pm
I’m sitting here hoping and praying that all Georgians aren’t like the ones posting on this blog.
oklahomadawg
September 27th, 2010
8:15 pm
I just got back from the Miss State game. I am totally disgusted with the entire offense. We are horrible!!!!!! As we were leaving the game, we were being heckled by their fans. I’m OK with being heckled, but by Miss St fans, you got to be kiddin me. How far have we fallen?
Notso Fast
September 27th, 2010
8:15 pm
When you are the one to get the credit and the big bucks when you win, then coach R has to step up and take the blame when it’s not working. He is the offense. He is the only one that can make the changes. Bobo is a quarterback coach plain and simple. The SEC is not where you learn to be a OC.
Derek Dooley
September 27th, 2010
8:16 pm
Hey Dawgs….Choke on this. UT 24 Pups 10
Write it down…….you heard it here first. UGA….the new Vandy of the SEC East. LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KimZ'sPackage
September 27th, 2010
8:19 pm
Dyland: IRISH were minorities and were not welcome, but they are the heart of many Northern Police Forces and Fire Departments. Who was not a MINORITY in the US? EVERYBODY that didn’t come over to the NEW World with money. I am IRISH and my family started in the Applatation(?) Mountians. I am a MASHBURN. Do you think that was our name from EUROPE? NO! My family made MOONSHINE in the No. Ga. Mountains. A MASH BURN is what you get on the back of your hand from mixing the sour mash to make Moonshine.
SOUTHGADAWG88
September 27th, 2010
8:19 pm
POAD you sound like a lot of my grandfather but you know the truth is the truth.One thing that has always kind of puzzled me about the history of America is this.George Washington had to resort to using free blacks and former slaves as solders to keep the Revolution going because too many white men wanted no part of the war.African Americans have fought in every single war in American history yet it took until the 60’s for those in the South to get the right to vote.A lot of Asians came to America from Vietnam and received a fairer shake than then the black solders who died in their country to help them gain their freedom.It’s a weird story history maybe you should read up on a few things I know I learned a lot by doing so.
FBI
September 27th, 2010
8:23 pm
First we need to look at our strength and conditioning coaches. They need to put these prima donnas to work. Second, every time one of them breaks a team rule or fails to perform to the best of his ability, kick him off the team and give the scholarship to some JUCO transfer who would lay it all on the field to be able to play for UGA. I would rather have OK talent and 110% effort than lots of talent dragging around waiting to go to the pool or to town.
KimZ'sPackage
September 27th, 2010
8:24 pm
So they FAUGHT in wars? Why then don’t they clain to just be AMERICANS and Work to better the country as a whole? Why do Immagrants off the boat do better in school and start more businesses? DID you see the turnout for SEC8 vouchers in ZCollege Park? The Blacks complained that they had to stand in the HOT sun and wait for a HANDOUT!
Lotsapots2pn
September 27th, 2010
8:29 pm
Dawg gone dawgs! Better get a running back before worrying about a head coach. However, the coach did seem defeated before the game was over. Not a good attitude to show your players:( Murray looked dang good, he’s a keeper.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
8:29 pm
When does it END SGDAWG and Dyland. How MUCH is enough? TIGER WOODS could rebuild most of the Katrina destroyed 9th ward, but that ain’t going to happen because he wants his money in the WHITE WORLD. Why ain’t Mike JORDAN making Phil KNIGHT pouring BILLIONS in the GHETTOS where his shoes help make the next NBA star? Why does Phil Knight make his shoes in some poor Asian country instead of the GHEATTO neighborhoods in the US that buy his product? WHY WHY WHY?
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
8:30 pm
John – I don’t believe that prayer works, but hate speech does, to the detriment of society. Not much hope for homo sapiens sapiens, and evolution is very slow.
Romedawg
September 27th, 2010
8:31 pm
@Derek Dooley
You hillbilly’s have a horrid team but aren’t smart enough to be the new Vandy of the SEC East…..I think you are overestimating yourselves….LOL
SOUTHGADAWG88
September 27th, 2010
8:32 pm
Kim I would explain it to you but judging from your post your head might explode.
SOUTHGADAWG88
September 27th, 2010
8:32 pm
Durham and Green are going to eliminate that 8 in the box strategy
45ACP
September 27th, 2010
8:33 pm
Where the white women at?
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
The fact is “all men are created equal”. What you choose to do with that equality is on you…
Big L
September 27th, 2010
8:34 pm
Am I the only one pissed that Washaun fumbles the ball in the end zone, the acts like he doesn’t care. No matter what you think, when the ball comes out, you elfin jump on it. You don’t sit there and damn well watch the other team get on it. This team is clueless to fundamental football. They can’t block and tackle. Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!