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
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:27 pm
Delbert D you are right. Bulldog fans forget VINCE left for AUBURN on a Thursday and said NO on a SUNDAY, but Dawgs forget that.
Where did VINCE coach after UGA?
Where did Goff coach after UGA?
Where dod Donnan coach after UGA?
Who is calling to steal awat Richt?
Who is calling to steal away Bobo?
Where did UGA find Granthan?
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:29 pm
It is all BARBRA’S fault!! She is wearing ORANGE PANTIES and making Vince drink OJ every morning.
J Scott
September 27th, 2010
9:30 pm
Buckhead Bulldog sees the same games that I do.
Big L
September 27th, 2010
9:30 pm
Georgia points given up thru first 4 games in 2009-119. This season-79. A forty point difference. The offense is putting the d in a bad place . I ain’t blaming the d at all . They are only gonna get better . They are still learning and getting a feel. The offense has gotta help them out.
Buckhead Bulldog
September 27th, 2010
9:32 pm
What is up with the ‘5150′ this year, P.O.A.D? I ain’t gettin it.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:32 pm
Truth be told AJ can make the game change from 15 yrd passes to 25 yrd passes and getting to FG range fast. If AJ get behind a D then he can score fast if the dawgs don’t have to hand the ball off to Ealey to score.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:34 pm
5150 is the police code for a person that needs a CRAZY hold in the Psych ward for 72 hours before they can be released. HAHAHAH AIN’t THAT about right for me? HAHAHAHA
Buckhead Bulldog
September 27th, 2010
9:38 pm
Ah so…Good stuff : )
frank
September 27th, 2010
9:41 pm
I love Coach Richt. Couldn’t ask for a finer human being, but seeing a disturbing trend in the last few years with the team. Reluctant to fire assistant coaches? Slack practices? Burn out? Delegating too much authority to others? Recruiting wrong talent? Not there so no idea, but it’s soul-searching, go-to-meetin’ time — yesterday.
Whistlin Dixie
September 27th, 2010
9:42 pm
Richt was quoted after this past week’s loss saying that he needs to evaluate himself to get the team to where it needs to be. He’s taking over play calling again. Bobo can keep his focus on developing Aaron. Richt knows there must be drastic changes (other than end zone stompings and black jerseys) made to a) WIN and b) keep his job. He knows that the o-line isn’t getting it done, and must develop a scheme around that reality. UGA has a pro style offense, and successful pro-style o’s have successful o-lines. He’ll do what it takes. Unless the o-line hits its stride, by the end of the season UGA’s offensive scheme will be like night and day compared to what it looks like now.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:43 pm
You KNOW I wear a STRIGH JACKET GOOD. I thought it was a Tuxedo without a bowtie for the first 28 years of my life. HAHAHAA!!!!!!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:46 pm
I am James Bond with no ARMS! I prefer to be Shaken not Stirred.
Buck Belue wears a toupee
September 27th, 2010
9:47 pm
Auburn = overrated
UGA = total disgrace
Northern Sympathizer
September 27th, 2010
9:49 pm
Agree with Jeff 100% about the offense. I don’t think Bobo’s ability has been fully realized under Richt. The same may be true of Martinez. It is probably true for most of Georgia’s players. Lets face it. CMR can’t motivate.
Buck Belue wears a toupee
September 27th, 2010
9:52 pm
Are any of Herschel’s personalities still eligible ?
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:53 pm
BUCK are you sure AUBURN is OVrated? or was USC east OVrated? USCeast beat the dawgs so if the dawgs beat Auburn what does that mean? I am not sure. UGA needs to play nOCC teams that matter. You guys hate the ACC but we play in the Kickoff Classic against the SEC. FSU, VT, and Miami played BIG OCC teams when UGA plays the weak sisters of the por and Bama adds in Ga. State in their first year. I hope the SC don’t break a sweat on those OCC games.
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
9:54 pm
frank – I think that Coach Richt probably loves you too, even if he doesn’t know you.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
9:55 pm
I hope the SEC don’t break a sweat on those OOC games. Sorry
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
9:57 pm
Hershel eligible? Is there a statute of limitations that allows regaining eligibility after playing pro football? Based on the MMA fight I saw, he could be a 1st team ILB.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 27th, 2010
10:01 pm
Delbert will you be at Homecoming against UVa? I will be at the BUZZ buss right outside the Eastand North endzone. They setup every game. do you know who I am talking about? It is right across from the Jewish Frat @ Bobby Dodd and Techwood.
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
10:18 pm
POAD – I’ll watch it on TV. Maybe I’ll sell something on eBay (no, not an AJ Green jersey) and get tickets to a game. It’s been too hot for me so far. Retired, 401k in the pits, can’t cash it yet, not during this depression. Supporting our daughter and teen-age special-needs grandson, as well. That’s life; who am I to complain? Thinking about Cuz and Baylie keeps things in perspective.
Romedawg
September 27th, 2010
10:36 pm
@Brandon
That attacking defense will come when CTG gets his players in the system. When you bring pressure the secondary is put in man coverage and I guess he’s tired of watching our DB’s running 20 yards behind the receivers into the end zone. The defense will be OK in time but Bobo is in way over his head.
Richt stays
Bobo gone
Strength coach gone
RB coach gone
WR coach gone
Searels stays. Bobo’s play calling and the ovrerall physical weakness of the lineman are crippling him Neither his fault..
We can turn this around with Coach Richt as the head coach but he needs to be calling the plays and get in top notch assistants. Also discipline is a must for him to remain.
Moot Point
September 27th, 2010
11:06 pm
Having trouble remembering what happened in Atlanta sports last week? You probably blocked it out subconsciously. http://dealingdominiquewilkins.blogspot.com/
Brandon
September 27th, 2010
11:26 pm
@Romedawg
Yeah, that’s the same thing that me and my brother talked about this weekend… I guess Grantham doesn’t have a “true” nose guard in the system yet, and some other players he needs, so he’s just doing what he can with what he has. I just get tired of not getting any pressure on the quarterback AND leaving people open by 20 yards.
PMC
September 27th, 2010
11:54 pm
Primadonna players not living up to thier abilities are most at fault.
They all have plenty of talent. They aren’t getting enough credit for not playing hard enough.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 28th, 2010
12:14 am
Delbert are you close to the DODD? If I give you tics will you go if I cna get them to you? 2 Tics on th 5 th roe in the east stands. We have the padded stadium seat too.
Georgiabuckmaster
September 28th, 2010
12:31 am
I’ll put my two cents in this race. S. Carolina opening drive second half. Moving ball and all of sudden wild dawg, time out used, flow stopped. Not that the wild dawg wouldn’t be effective at some point but not when moving and have S. Carolina on their heels. 2nd point, the famous go long on 3rd and 4. Mobile QB put him on the edge to run or throw. You could even run the ball but don’t go long with no draft pick receiver. Third, play power with double tights and stick to your guns and get physical. Nuff said, Bobo is not the person needed at our school. Mark is great for our university and will right the ship. Look at Super Steve’s record at S. Car. You saying he can’t coach. Some of the problem is not really finding out who football players are and going too much on ratings. 4 stars that don’t practice hard in high school end up 2 stars in college. Can’t coach that but have to do a better job of getting the inside scoop.
joseph
September 28th, 2010
1:41 am
GO RICHT AND TAKE BOBO WITH YOU
macrotech
September 28th, 2010
1:54 am
I’m a Tech fan, and we have our own issues. However, I’ve been watching this uga team and I don’t think that the Dawgs are lacking the talent. There coaches are solid, though Bobo COULD get a little less predictable with his calls. UGA has always done well when they’ve had that OBVIOUS leader on the field. Stafford led with his tenacity, David Pollack led with his passion, etc….last season AND this season….there seems to be a void in these type of players. Sadly, CMR can’t teach this…it has to rise from within the ranks….Perhaps, these two teams in Georgia can find the answers and respond accordingly…by winning some games. Best of luck!!!
DawgByte
September 28th, 2010
2:18 am
Recruit Hienz Ward for head coach and Champ or Boss Bailey for d coordinator. HW has commented that he wanted to come back to Athens when done playing with the Steelers. I understand BB is back in the Athens/Atlanta area doing some radio commentary. We would have true Bulldawgs with a real passion for winning football.
peggyled
September 28th, 2010
2:38 am
While I agree with your comments, Mr. Shultz there is one scenero I have in my mind: I think the year was 2006. Sept.-Oct. young quarterback and team couldn’t quite learn their coach’s schemes. Then all of a sudden, the young quarterback took leadership, demanded perfection from himself and his team, and the rest is history. The quarterback’s name was Tim Tebow Now I’m not expecting UGA’s quarterback to do the same for it’s a different type of problem, but maybe some other player or even a coach could instill this kind of motivation and discipline in our team. And the rest could be history—UGA’s.
Ellis
September 28th, 2010
3:00 am
Isn’t it the responsibility of the coaching staff to demand that after every play – big or small – the players react professionally and with poise, as if they’ve done this before? The ludicrous spectacles of engorged adolescent egos displaying behavior potentially harmful to the bedrock upon which team sport is built – teamwork, unity and trust – are nothing but immature AND individual spotlight grabs. They distract from the sense of esprit dis corps that makes team sports so alluring and rewarding. It seems the more confident and successful teams don’t usually tolerate much individual grandstanding. Instead, they follow a more traditional definition of team – one without the “I”.
TheAntiMe
September 28th, 2010
4:24 am
Blame it on the Bossa Nova.
TheAntiMe
September 28th, 2010
4:40 am
I will say that the play-calling could be just a tad more imaginative. I mean, handing the ball off to the Running Back out of the Shotgun formation on 1st down isn’t likely to fool anyone on defense this century or next.
Loran, whatdayagot?
September 28th, 2010
5:02 am
`
There is no excuse to be 0-3 in the SEC.
.
southside dawg
September 28th, 2010
5:05 am
The O line has to be able to open holes and/or keep the qb protected for 4 seconds for any O to work. This line was advertised as one of the tops in the league. Not this year. It does not matter what is called by the coaches. If the line is not in sync, it just ain’t going to work.
Dawg Gone It
September 28th, 2010
5:07 am
The new UGA Athletic Director should KICK something.
Yellow Fuzz
September 28th, 2010
6:53 am
Hey DawgInLace, What do your inside sources tell you about this week’s game?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
Joe Biden
September 28th, 2010
7:11 am
Plain and simple: George W. Bush!
papadawg
September 28th, 2010
7:20 am
The Dawgs have no heart, intensity, fire or desire to win and this is not something you all of a sudden have. I really hate to say it but maybe we do need a change of coaches
Mikw Vick
September 28th, 2010
7:28 am
IT’s my fault!
Rob
September 28th, 2010
7:30 am
Responsibility starts at the top.
Keith Strawn
September 28th, 2010
7:32 am
Isn’t there a way to filter out these “first!!” idiots?
eastofA1A
September 28th, 2010
7:33 am
Thank you, Jeff. Somebody finally said it: Intelligence. Richt doesn’t intentionally recruit thugs and criminals, but what he does recruit is sht-for-brains. Ealy’s hit-and-run wasn’t so much an act of criminality as it falls into the sht-for-brains category. UGA isn’t necessarily a team of thugs, but they are an extremely unintelligent group, and that makes it harder to coach them, and harder for them to stay out of trouble. Who you recruit is a coach’s decision.
Keith Strawn
September 28th, 2010
7:33 am
Enter your comments here
archangeladidas
September 28th, 2010
7:51 am
Still waiting Jeff. Just in case you forgot ANOTHER uga player was arrested.
loving a good show
September 28th, 2010
7:58 am
Dawg fans keep up the tiny tears. Love it, love it!! Neil Boortz put the number of arrests of the thugs in the proper perspective the other day. 10 arrests in the last year equals to about 15% of the team. What other organization or group has a 15% arrest ratio? And you blame the losses on the coaches. too many of the players are a bunch of total idiots and thugs who could not learn a playbook if you had a gun to their heads. Richt is a great coach and a greater man-but you go ahead and get him fired with you bleats and squalling.
simplythetruth
September 28th, 2010
8:06 am
Given UGA’s recent recruitment of overrated players(according to some of the”experts”),a UGA recruit would be stupid to back out now. After all, he probably wouldn’t get any offers from some of the other schools, that have REAL recruiting coordinators, that can really judge an athlete’s potential. Now, who’s fault is that?
Bayside
September 28th, 2010
8:07 am
Get behind your team, be loyal, or find another team. Quit bashing the hometeam. With friends like this, who needs enemies? Geez, imagine if you bailed on a family member or close friend who had a track record of success after success and suddenly went through a tough time?
RussDawg
September 28th, 2010
8:10 am
Too many arrest
Too many losses
Still have O’line problems, we have O’line issue’s EVERY season
CMR has lost this program
Look at rest of this schedule and find 4 wins.
Time for a change. No better time.