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
MJ
September 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
JB…No, are you? Seems like it. Some of you people need to get your expectations in check.
larry
September 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
redshirt freshman qb doesn’t have anything to do with all the off-field problems the distractions are way to much and it does affect the team mentally, plus durham and murray have been most of the bright spots.
'65 Dawg
September 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
So, now it’s the media’s fault!
Breakdown
September 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
What we see is a complete lack of discipline and fundamentals. That is coaching.
We also have a badly overrated offense, starting with the o-line (who were recently noted for having an 80% block efficiency, which is poor), then the less than average running backs (who also cannot block or hold onto the football), and a WR corp that has little to brag about (except durham). The only bright spot on the offensive side has been Murray, who has shown that he cannot do it all by himself.
Grantham’s D is also lost. We have a system that is designed around a nose tackle, which we don’t have, outside linebackers that are essentially big safeties looking to hit people, which we don’t have, and a strong pass rush from the ends and middle linebackers (which we dont have). Add the non-coverage from the DB’s, and you have a disaster in the making. We also have exactly 0 headhunters on the field looking for the big hit. in fact, i have seen several players avoid contact on several occasions.
regardless of how poor the defense has played – mostly due to poor coaching (see discipline and fundamentals), they have kept the score low enough that we should be 4-0, not 1-3.
Logan Grey is still fair catching everything, showing that field position is not that important, although, some times it is necessary, like the handful of times every game the other team is punting from midfield because our offense cannot penetrate deep into the other teams territory.
In short, it all goes back to coaching. and when you fall off the SEC cliff that UGA has done, the next thing to change should be the coaching. And the BS about the other teams getting better with more great coaches entering the league – Pi$$ on it. this is competition, if you cannot beat the competition, regardless of who you are playing, then you need to find someone who will – Alabama did, Florida Did, Arkansas did, MSU did.
BOBBY CATHEY
September 27th, 2010
3:35 pm
everybody quit writing, going to games,calling talk shows,etc, uga will figure it out
Castle Pines Canine
September 27th, 2010
3:36 pm
Well here is what I think that the story is all about: How about last year, we bring in one of the freshman and teach them in the game a little bit. Murray or Metz, it wouldn’t have mattered. Then when Ole Joe’s arm was aching and he couldn’t throw it hard or far, someone could have stepped in. How about the line. Maybe another half yard split would help there. That tends to spread the Defense a little, maybe a step, that would help. How about teaching the running backs to cut back. Maybe a reverse play against such an agressive defense. Maybe a drag play underneath, a few more slip screens, something not so predictable.
Now defense. How about if we lost Willie and company in 2008 instead of 2009. How about if we hired Manny Diaz instead of Todd G. Well, I think that Todd G is the right fit, but here again, we run up on a coach Diaz, with a personal stake in stopping UGA. How about our coaches make it personal to themselves and to the players. Who do you blame, the coaches for not coaching, the players for not executing,(inlcuding being so arrogant to comitt these stupid off field blunders) and an AD for these absurd scheduling dates. Stay behind the dogs gang, they are still a better team than last year. The biggest insult of the year was when Arkansas used our play to throw that first TD. That is David Green”s play.
JB
September 27th, 2010
3:36 pm
this is like Katrina……………All we can do is warn before the storm hits…. Newsflash….It’s a cat 5 and it’s hit shore !
The Ol' Ball Coach
September 27th, 2010
3:36 pm
Like I’ve always wondered …. what happens to all those prize recruits when they go to Athens.
'65 Dawg
September 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
It was only a dream.
Furd Burfle
September 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
Vewy vewy intewesting.
JB
September 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
Does UGA have a big big money man that yields power behind the scenes or just a bunch of medium types ?
Elmer Fudd
September 27th, 2010
3:38 pm
Come out of dat hole you wascally wabbit. huh huh huh huh huh
CBB1
September 27th, 2010
3:38 pm
Has anyone heard anything about tension between Richt and Grantham? I heard after Grantham ripped into the defense during the first game on the sidelines that Richt got upset and told Grantham not to yell at the players like that. Is this true? If so, that is sad. Someone needs to rip into them.
CBB1
September 27th, 2010
3:38 pm
Has anyone heard anything about tension between Richt and Grantham? I heard after Grantham ripped into the defense during the first game on the sidelines that Richt got upset and told Grantham not to yell at the players like that. Is this true? If so, that is sad. Someone needs to rip into them.
WonderDawg
September 27th, 2010
3:38 pm
Damn, jack bull, you skipped the Tech game last year? Both King and Ealey broke a couple of long runs.
And i think Murray is accurate, when he gets time to throw, which is less than half the time.
CBB1
September 27th, 2010
3:38 pm
Has anyone heard anything about tension between Richt and Grantham? I heard after Grantham ripped into the defense during the first game on the sidelines that Richt got upset and told Grantham not to yell at the players like that. Is this true? If so, that is sad. Someone needs to rip into them.
Jeff Schultz
September 27th, 2010
3:39 pm
Here we go again — Why you gotta go pick on Canada? They’re harmless.
Jeff Schultz
September 27th, 2010
3:39 pm
Wintervilledawg — Sad to say, no sir.
Jeff Schultz
September 27th, 2010
3:40 pm
Scrap — Get in line.
Top Dog
September 27th, 2010
3:40 pm
Grantham basically said as much in an ESPN interview before the Ark game
Wonderful
September 27th, 2010
3:40 pm
So Bullfart Nation… has Sanford Stadium been annexed as part of the Clarke County Detention facility yet? Red-shirt freshman gets arrested, he’s gone. A starter gets arrested: OMG, he’ ll have to sit out for the whole first quarter. What a joke! Now your program is a joke too.
CBB1 Answer
September 27th, 2010
3:40 pm
I heard the same thing. CMR has those fellas don’t get their feelings hurt.
WHYBABYWHY
September 27th, 2010
3:41 pm
The first two years he was in Athens he was the “anointed chosen one” but after a bad start, one in 10 years he’s the biggest boob in UGA’s football history.I guess thats why they pay these coachs those high salaries. So they will put up with all the so-called “expert fans”. I love college ball, especially SEC football. However I would not in any way tell a man who’s been involved the sport many years how to coach his team. But thats what makes DIE HARD FANS what they are.
Big Dawg
September 27th, 2010
3:41 pm
Of course it starts @ the top with Richt however…Searels,and BoBo are definateley suspect here. The offensive Line Just flat out Are ineffective. Hmmm..One of theTop offensive lines in College football? They really just Stink! Bo Bo Is calling some boneheaded stuff. Mr. Grantham is supposedly coaching the defense..However I would swear Martinez is calling the shots!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t just stand there Grantham …DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
how2fish
September 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
DawgDad good points..
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
“There will be no profanity on this campus, on this team.” Mark Richt
Jeff Schultz
September 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
Lowcountry– Like I said, head coach sets the tone and to me the problems go far beyond Xs and Os. As for specific playcalling, it’s worth noting that Richt can hear the plays on the headset if he desires and can change the play. So he’s obviously signing off on everything.
rincon dawg
September 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
anybody remember that loss to kentucky and they ripped the goal posts down? I guess Miss. St. knew they were gonna win. SAD
Buck Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Lou
September 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
I’m going to get this straightened out immediately. Barb will coach the line and Vince will coach the backs. Herschel will be suited up Saturday.
War Eagle
September 27th, 2010
3:43 pm
Nothing stinks like a wet dawg!
rocketboy
September 27th, 2010
3:43 pm
It is the fault of right wing, conservatiive & Christian talk radio… those church goers can’t block for squat…just ask Rush Limbaugh or Glenn beck.
Bobo The Clown
September 27th, 2010
3:43 pm
Bobo deserves all the blame. A man with 25 kids can’t have time to fully focus on his day job.
MJ
September 27th, 2010
3:44 pm
Murray is a freshman QB! Some of you people are acting like he should be out there winning a heisman or something now! Good god, get it together. Look at all the top QBs around the country…Locker (WA), Pryor (Ohio St), Stanzie (Iowa), Mcelroy (AL), Moore (Boise). What year are they and how long have they been around? Now lets look at some teams that are struggling and their QBs…Murray (GA), Brantley (FL), Gilbert (Texas), Bolden (Penn St.) What year are they or how many years have they played? You know the answer. Give the kid a year or two before you start bashing him.
Army of the GATORS
September 27th, 2010
3:44 pm
If not great production…you look at your OC (Bobo).If thats the problem you let him go…simple as that…its a business also.So is life!
Jeff Schultz
September 27th, 2010
3:44 pm
Sunny Purdue — Guilty as charged. I thought Russ would be better.
dawglifer
September 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
I agree, FORCE RICHT TO FIRE BOBO TODAY AND GIVE HIM TILL THE END OF THE YEAR
dawgmeister
September 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
There is plenty of blame to go around. Too many mental mistakes, turnovers and overall poor coaching are the reasons that UGA is at 0-3 in SEC play.
Delbert D.
September 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
And this isn’t counting 2010:
Jim Donnan’s last 4 years:
10-2
9-3
9-3
8-4
36-12 (75%)
Mark Richt’s past 4 years:
9-4
11-2
10-3
8-5
38-14 (73.1%)
Jim Donnan’s SEC record, last 4 years:
6-2
6-2
5-3
5-3
22-10 (68.8%)
Mark Richt’s SEC record, past 4 years:
4-4
6-2
6-2
4-4
20-12 (62.5%)
Gapicks
September 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
Well I know a running back that is 5′2″ and weighs 135lbs. He is very fast. He would go great with UGA scholarship picks. Until I see big men running agains big men then UGA is a cellar team.
Honky Talkin'
September 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
What does Bush and Obama have to do with UGA’s football team spiraling past mediocrity into the cellar dweller of the SEC. Nothing. CMR and his prayers aren’t working. Wake up people!
JB
September 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
I doubt anybody rips a goal post down after beating us this year…………..Jeff, did I see the post come down Saturday at MSU……I thought I did…………..Sad if true.
rincon dawg
September 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
Jeff is 100% correct. CMR even has a play sheet in his hand, he knows whats going on thats why he cant blame BOBO.
George W. Bush
September 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
I’m not getting blamed? Out of sight out of mind, I guess. He he he he
UGA rap sheet
September 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
You still have gymnastics…
Top Dog
September 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
Singletary says somebody had to be the goat- I just fired my OC.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
September 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
Jeff,
Thanks forthe response. I think you should just lay out an opinion piece and just say what you are insinuating though. No need to sugar coat it. Lay it out there! Like Lewis Grizzard said, “Tell it all brother, tell it all!” Well until the member told of his relationship with said goat, but thats another story Jeff!
Obama
September 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
Would you flea bags care for a bucket of my hopey changey?
Jeff Schultz
September 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
Archangeladidas — When a UGA player gets arrested, I ignore it? Would anybody out there like to straighten this guy out?
rincon dawg
September 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
Hey MJ was it me or did FLORIDA s future QB have 6 touchdowns saturday and im not talking about Brantley
For what its worth
September 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
Kerryb, The reason Coach Richt is not calling the plays anymore, is the Fans where not happy with him calling the plays, and wanted him to name a OC. That’s why you have Bobo now is because no one was happy with Coach Richt calling his on plays, or is everyones memory so short they can’t remember?