A.J. Green says Georgia ready to ’shock people’ in Auburn
A.J. Green had two touchdowns. Later, he had a message for Auburn. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
ATHENS – On the same day Georgia commemorated the 30th anniversary of the 1980 national championship team, the current incarnation of the Bulldogs had to embrace something significantly south of that: bowl life.
When a team starts 1-4, even Birmingham starts to look like the promised land.
But forget Birmingham or Nashville or Memphis. There’s an opportunity for the Dogs to celebrate something far more significant a third-tier bowl game — and certainly more tantalizing than Saturday’s 55-7 win over a Division I-AA punching bag, Idaho State.
Hello, Auburn.
“I know we’ve got a chance to win,” A.J. Green said Saturday. “I feel like they haven’t faced anybody else like me and [quarterback] Aaron [Murray] with our offense. We’re really going to show them. We’re going to shock a lot of people.”
This might be the first time in recorded history a player on a 5-5 team has thrown down the gauntlet against potentially the best team in country. But you’ve got to admire the spunk.
Georgia’s quest this season has long since been reduced to that of a spoiler. Embracing that is the Dogs’ best chance for mental and physical survival.
Last week’s overtime loss to Florida hit this team hard emotionally.
Green: “I still carry it with me.”
It was a foregone conclusion they would beat Idaho State. The Bengals are bad even by I-AA standards, having now lost eight straight and 33 of their past 36. Put it this way: Idaho State (No. 206 in Jeff Sagarin’s computer rankings) entered the week ranked lower than even Georgia State’s opponent (Lamar at 204), and lower than the first-year Panthers (185).
Idaho State accepted a $525,000 payment in exchange for the likelihood of getting pounded. That’s precisely what happened.
Upsetting Auburn (10-0) wouldn’t nearly make up for losses in Starkville and Boulder and every other headache associated with this season. But it would ease the pain of the big picture. Imagine being jobless and then hitting a $10,000 scratch-off lottery ticket..
Green again: “A lot of people are probably going to favor them. But that’s just talk.”
“They’re going to be ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation, and we haven’t beaten a ranked team all year,” Murray said. “Our last two games [against Auburn and Georgia Tech] are against teams with winning records. We can still salvage a lot.”
Murray threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Green caught two of those scores and finished with six receptions for over 100 yards. Each played only one possession in the second half.
The Dogs, however, were not without some early hiccups. They started this game like their heads were somewhere else. Jacksonville, probably.
Georgia’s first three offensive possessions produced only two field goals and a punt. Some fans booed, particularly when coach Mark Richt chose to go for three points on fourth-and-2 from the Idaho State 20 on the opening possession.
The score was only 6-0 after the first quarter. I’m not sure, but I think I saw Todd Grantham give Mike Bobo a choke sign.
But any sense of drama left the building in a 35-point second quarter. A partially blocked punt set up the Dogs at the Idaho State 43. Six plays later, Caleb King ran in from 3 yards out. Bacarri Rambo had an interception and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown soon after. Then came another interception, this by Brandon Boykin, and one play later Murray threw a 3-yard scoring pass to Green. Georgia scored 21 points in 2:15. The rout was on.
Here’s the big picture in the SEC: Seven teams are bowl eligible. Georgia isn’t one of them. An upset of Auburn would change that. It also would give the Dogs something significant this season: a highlight.
It’s an obvious long shot. But a team clings to what it can.
♦
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1,074 comments Add your comment
Headley Lamar
November 6th, 2010
10:21 pm
Headley Lamar
I’m guessing that you aren’t a lawyer.
Im not. Ive just seen this kind of thing play out for years now.
do-dah do-dah
November 6th, 2010
10:22 pm
A&M 33- OK 17 wow
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:22 pm
“get a freakin’ life – you have about 30 posts on this one blog entry…don’t they have “War Eagle / Tiger / Whatever the heck you are” blogs for you to post on?”
This blog IS about Auburn, genius.
Dawg555
November 6th, 2010
10:22 pm
Wasn’t it just 2 years ago that auburn was 5-7? And last year, they were 3-5 in SEC games? I congratulate you on the year you are having, and understand your reveling in it, but what are you going to do next year when it’s back to the same ole Auburn?
And…by the way….when was the last time you won a NC? Wait….you weren’t born yet. Guess it’s not relevant.
JJ
November 6th, 2010
10:22 pm
Why would a very bright student want to go to UGA? UGA doesn’t rank very high academically. In fact, UGA is really a second tier school. Graduates there generally make lower wages than most other southern schools – GT, UNC, Clemson, Wake, Duke, Vandy, Florida, Auburn – even Southern Poly outpaces UGA – so stop patting yourselves on the back for attending UGA like it is some sort of bastion of academic excellence that puts its grads in demand – it isn’t
Before you throw your little “but….but…but… UGA is…” fit, here is a link
http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-state-universities.asp
Argument over. I win.
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:22 pm
“Im not. Ive just seen this kind of thing play out for years now.”
How and with who?
Krogunner
November 6th, 2010
10:22 pm
AJ, when you’re 5-5 just keep your mouth shut and play football!
Headley Lamar
November 6th, 2010
10:22 pm
If the NFL isn’t biased and “just wants the best players” then why was Wes Welker not drafted and cut by his first NFL team? Why was Danny Woodhead not drafted and cut by his first NFL team? Why was Jamal Anderson the eight overall pick and Kroy Bierman drafted in the sixth round? Is their scouting that bad or are they biased? How many Wes Welkers, Danny Woodheads and Kroy Biermans are now selling insurance instead of playing NFL football because they were told they can’t? Oh, and did I mention that DahMarcus Russell was the number one oveall pick in the NFL draft….you’re right…they’ve got it down to a science…LMAO.
Anyone can list a few exceptions. They are just that….. exceptions.
Bottom line is the SEC has 3 times as many players in the NFL than the MWC.
That says all you need to know.
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:23 pm
“Ga will be 7-10 point underdogs- MAX.”
Ole Miss was a six point underdog. We beat them by 20.
bgdawg
November 6th, 2010
10:23 pm
@breaking news. don’t you know? the georgia blogs are home to the most trollers in america!!
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 6th, 2010
10:23 pm
We went undefeated in 2004 and 1993 when is the last time GA went undefeated? 1980
GA TECH has bragging rights to championships, in the state of GA..strange but true
bgdawg
November 6th, 2010
10:23 pm
then again ole miss had the worst D in the SEC
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:24 pm
“I congratulate you on the year you are having, and understand your reveling in it, but what are you going to do next year when it’s back to the same ole Auburn?”
You mean, winning?
“when was the last time you won a NC?”
Asks the lady whose team won the title over 30 years ago. LOL
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:24 pm
“then again ole miss had the worst D in the SEC”
And so does UGA.
Headley Lamar
November 6th, 2010
10:25 pm
How and with who?
This year with AJ Green. Originally he was part of a bigger story that was an agent party in Miami.
At first it was just rumors and a couple of guys talking. Next thing you know the NCAA is poking around and that only leads to trouble.
Where there is smoke there is usually fire. Not always. But usually.
Katherine
November 6th, 2010
10:25 pm
Buford…. Actually, if you look at statistics, florida and georgia have about the same requirements for admission which are very high. My little sister, who is a freshman at uga had a 4.0 in high school, national honor society, 8 ap classes before college, and it was still very hard for her to get into uga. Look it up… it is much harder to get into then even 5 years ago. My brother got into bama and well…he sucked in school so there you go lol
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:25 pm
“GA TECH has bragging rights to championships”
GT has more national titles than UGA.
Buford T. Pusser
November 6th, 2010
10:25 pm
@ Katherine
You are correct, thUGA does not have the same academic standards for football as they do for the general student population. To support this fact, look at the number of non-qualifiers thUGA has signed over the last ten years.
And yes, I know how hard it is to get into thUGA; are you smoking crack? Students that don’t qualify for Georgia Tech or MIT make it into thUGA. It’s nothing more than a party school. Not my opinion. Documented in Playboy rankings.
And like you, I have been to football all over the Southeast, “and there are always drunken, trashy fans there.” However, thUGA leads this category by a large margin. So much that I can no longer take my teenage daughter to a game in Athens due to the profanity and lewd comments we are subject too. Not to mention the 10 plus tons of trash generated by your “Highly Educated” fans.
On his high horse, The Sheriff has Spoken.
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:25 pm
“At first it was just rumors and a couple of guys talking. Next thing you know the NCAA is poking around and that only leads to trouble.”
The NCAA knew about it last year. The SEC knew about it last year.
bgdawg
November 6th, 2010
10:25 pm
try the 4th dumbA$$
Headley Lamar
November 6th, 2010
10:26 pm
“when was the last time you won a NC?”
Asks the lady whose team won the title over 30 years ago. LOL
It was 1957. 53 years ago.
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:26 pm
“Where there is smoke there is usually fire. Not always. But usually.”
I’m guessing you know this from all the trailer parks you’ve accidentally set on fire.
JJ
November 6th, 2010
10:26 pm
http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-state-universities.asp
UGA is not a top University. I feel sorry for those top students that don’t aspire for more.
Krogunner
November 6th, 2010
10:27 pm
Him and Aaron? Aaron? I’m sure Auburn is quivering with fear. Put a little preasure on that little guy and he’s a turnover machine!
bgdawg
November 6th, 2010
10:27 pm
and answer this how can two teams have the worst defence in on conference? are you an idiot?
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:27 pm
“and it was still very hard for her to get into uga.”
UGA leads the state in students having to take remedial courses.
Headley Lamar
November 6th, 2010
10:27 pm
The NCAA knew about it last year. The SEC knew about it last year.
But now its becoming a big story. People are going to take second looks because people are going to want answers.
Hairy Dawg
November 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
Crim Newton was just trying to take after Isaic Newton to seeing if laptop fall like apple from gravty. After next week Tigers have inside shot at Atlanta. The bengel tigers of LSU that is after identities crises for War Tigers and clown Coach Cheese Dip losing to Dawgs and Bammers. Awbern goning loose to Dawgs from overlooking and playing Crim Newton. Then they falls apart and exposed by Tides. That chump Louder be hiring new coach in next months after AJ burns AU secondary like burnt Orange toaste.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
@Krogunner… Nick Fairely = pressure
Headley Lamar
November 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
I’m guessing you know this from all the trailer parks you’ve accidentally set on fire.
Only trailer park ive ever been to was in Auburn. College student friend.
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
“and answer this how can two teams have the worst defence in on conference?’
It’s defense, dawg.
“are you an idiot?”
No, but you certainly are.
Party school
November 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
Hey Cam,
GT also has 5 SEC championships.
Dawg555
November 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
You didn’t win a NC in your lifetime….undefeated or not. That’s a fact. Guess they didn’t think you were that good.
Jonathan Seinboldt
November 6th, 2010
10:28 pm
GtMUstang:
f*** You
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:29 pm
“But now its becoming a big story. People are going to take second looks because people are going to want answers.”
Yaaaaaaaawn.
Katherine
November 6th, 2010
10:29 pm
Cam…..no matter what I say you are just going to be an ass……..i wasn’t talking to you. UGA is a very good school…it is very hard to kids from the metro atlanta area to get in…lots of competition. You can think what you want but I know the truth. I guess the rest of us are all just stupid and you know everything.
bgdawg
November 6th, 2010
10:30 pm
lol at this dude trying to teach me how to spell. defense, defence, DAFENCE, who the hell cares
Burma Shave
November 6th, 2010
10:30 pm
Dawgtards ahoy
You won this day
But next week Auburn
Will the big dawg slay.
Burma Shave
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:30 pm
“Only trailer park ive ever been to was in Auburn. College student friend.”
The entire state of GA is one big trailer park.
Mark Richt
November 6th, 2010
10:30 pm
It could be worse. I could be Mack Brown.
AUBC
November 6th, 2010
10:30 pm
UTC got those points on the AU scout team (really!).
DawgNole
November 6th, 2010
10:31 pm
Actually, Auburn cancelled their series with FSU twice–both times before the next game was scheduled for Tallahassee. One of those times, they replaced the FSU game with App State, whom they paid $125,000 to come to Auburn and lose. They (App St.) damn near won it. Would’ve made my day!
Party school
November 6th, 2010
10:31 pm
Kansas 52, Colorado 45 lol
Lets see:
North Dakota State > Kansas > Colorado > UGA
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:31 pm
“no matter what I say you are just going to be an ass”
pot meet kettle.
“UGA is a very good school”
Never said it wasn’t.
bgdawg
November 6th, 2010
10:31 pm
justin houston=more pressure :]
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:32 pm
“Actually, Auburn cancelled their series with FSU twice”
What does it matter what Auburn did over 15 years ago?
Katherine
November 6th, 2010
10:32 pm
I have never even seen a trailer park in georgia…..i have seen lots in the west.
SEC Championship Game
November 6th, 2010
10:32 pm
Florida vs Auburn for the SEC title.
Cam Newton Rocks
November 6th, 2010
10:33 pm
“I have never even seen a trailer park in georgia”
You don’t get out much.
Reality Check
November 6th, 2010
10:33 pm
Cam Newton Rocks- the states of Georgia and Alabama arguing about trailer parks is kind of like Ralph Friedgen and Charlie Weis arguing about who’s skinnier.