LIVE: Georgia tries to overcome hangover, finish strong
Don't expect the Bulldogs to remain scoreless for long today against Idaho State.
ATHENS — Welcome to Hangover Week. Most of us just lie on the couch. Georgia plays Idaho State.
Seriously, this was intended to be Relax and Rejoice Week. When the schedule was made, the Bulldogs’ hope was that they would be coming off a victory over Florida and would use this Division 1-AA (FCS) opponent as a relative bye week before having to go to Auburn, as it looked to secure a spot in the SEC title game.
The only thing that held form was that this game still should be a walkover. Idaho State isn’t even a good Division 1-AA team. The Bengals won their season opener over Montana-Western (an NAIA school with an enrollment of 1,290). But they’ve lost seven straight since. They’re 3-32 since October of 2007. They’re 1-14 against Division 1 (FBS) opponents since 2000.
In other words, don’t expect any drama today. Georgia not only should win but should be able to flood the field with backups by the second quarter. It would be surprising if No. 2 quarterback Hutson Mason didn’t play half the game.
The bigger question about the Dogs is the mindset from this game forward. They played poorly at the outset last week against Florida, then fought back from a 21-7 halftime deficit to tie it in the fourth quarter, only to lose in overtime, 34-31.
That leaves them 3-4 in the SEC and 4-5 overall, which means hopes for an SEC East title or an upper-tier bowl game are cooked. They would have to win their final three games (Idaho State, at Auburn, Georgia Tech) to have any shot at a good bowl like the Chick-fil-A.
More likely, they are headed for the Birmingham or Liberty bowl (the last two in the SEC pecking order). That’s assuming they go anywhere. They need two more wins just to qualify but that seems more likely now that Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt is out after suffering a broken arm Thursday night at Virginia Tech.
Back to the mindset thing: How the Dogs play these last few weeks could indicate more about next season than this one. If they play hard, smart and show some resolve, it’s a positive sign. If not, it leads to more questions about the program’s direction going into the offseason.
Finally, a word about coach Mark Richt. As much as his future has been debated in blogs and on message boards, I still don’t believe he’s on the firing line. Now, that could change in the next few games. But my sense of the situation right now is the same as it was before the season — that if the Dogs had a bad season (and this is a bad season), Richt would be on the so-called “hot seat” next year.
The only way I see that changing is there’s a complete implosion in the last three games. Again, that’s just my opinion. As always, I welcome yours.
I’ll be back shortly to start live blogging. Meanwhile, about that hangover: Has anybody ever run into Mike Tyson after too many beers?
“This is my favorite part”
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724 comments Add your comment
Eric C.
November 6th, 2010
12:16 pm
UGA 63 – ISU 3
JB
November 6th, 2010
12:17 pm
The real question for 2011…..How many wins keeps Mark in Athens beyond 2011? 7 ? 8?
Supes
November 6th, 2010
12:17 pm
Aaron Murray doesn’t have the physical stats to be a top 3 draft pick…but he could be another Drew Brees type pick in the draft if he continues to improve. Last time I checked Drew was doing OK in New Orleans. So yeah, kid’s got great potential but lets not turn him into a Matt Stafford yet!
jack bull
November 6th, 2010
12:17 pm
oh speaking of Mike Tyson, i actually did see him in Vegas one night, at the Rhino(i’m sure some of you know of that place), with his small group of friends..he’s really really short..
Billy
November 6th, 2010
12:17 pm
Idaho State is an excellent team, they’ve played well of late, according to Mark Richt, they only lost by a field goal, in each of their last games to Montana St and Weber St, two up and coming powerhouses.
Supes
November 6th, 2010
12:19 pm
JB….Mark Richt beyond 2011??? Are you serious? Lets just first finish this season and THEN worry about the next…you talking beyond 2011 is crazy at this point.
2011 is going to be the make or break Richt season. If He has another 5-6 loss season he’ll be out by the end of it….book it.
Hairy Dawg
November 6th, 2010
12:19 pm
and another thing is that potatoe chip state is goning get fried and mashed today as we pour on the gravy.
Stewart
November 6th, 2010
12:19 pm
I think Georgia will go 4-8 this year, Richt will get a year to get Georgia back to a winning season, then, if he goes 7-6 or better in 2011, he’s fine.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 6th, 2010
12:19 pm
By the way Jeff, I am predicting Alabama and Oregon in the BCS title game and here’s why:
1. Alabama will win today over LSU.
2. Either TCU or Utah will lose today, thus knocking one of these out of the top 5, moving Alabama to #5
3. Alabama will drill Auburn in the final game of the season, thus moving them to 3 or 4.
4. Alabama will drill South Carolina or Florida in the SEC title game, thus moving them to 2.
5. Oregon will run the table and has enough strength of schedule in the Pac-10 to remain #1.
Oregon vs. Alabama in the title game will be a rantings blowout, most likely bigger than the superbowl and believe me, the networks are praying for this BCS outcome.
Joe
November 6th, 2010
12:20 pm
Billy-
I like Montana St. too, Idaho St played them tough. Id St’s a very capable team.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 6th, 2010
12:21 pm
UGA will go .500 at best and might land back in Shreverport or Music City at best. They also run the risk of no bowl at all, but CMR will come back for more misery next year. I just cannot understand why UGA remains so patient with an inept coaching staff and AD….oh that’s right, they are in love with Dooley.
News for Athens, Dooley is failed your program, but you were too blind to see. Mal Moore or Jeremy Foley are light years ahead of UGA.
Alphare
November 6th, 2010
12:23 pm
The 4-5 UGA team against 1-7 ISU team.
I pick UGA because of the home field advantage, UGA 3-1 vs ISU 0-4.
He Hate Gator
November 6th, 2010
12:23 pm
I’ve heard some $$$ supporters are pushing for SEC East title, # of wins in not as important as winning the East. With the number of programs that are down in the East, no excuse for not winning it with what will coming back for UGA next year…
Observation
November 6th, 2010
12:24 pm
Can you feel the love from all these friendly Gator bloggers?
What’s up with that?
Well Dawgs lose to them most years and come down and help pay Florida’s taxes.
They are sure hoping you are stuck with Richt for 2 or 3 more years.
With his millions, he is never real bummed about losing like someone who cares now, is he?
He Hate Gator
November 6th, 2010
12:25 pm
Richt is fine if 7-6 next year? …that’s back to winning? are you being facetious?
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 6th, 2010
12:29 pm
No Gator blogger here, but nice try attempting to justify the criticism.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 6th, 2010
12:29 pm
No Gator blogger here, but nice try.
Hairy Dawg
November 6th, 2010
12:32 pm
Another? Coach Richt hasn’t gone 5-6 and losing season since he in Athens, and that why he is not hot seating. He led us to dominants as champs and is more Christian than other coachs. We just got to cut stinky players for more SECs talents.
Fitten
November 6th, 2010
12:32 pm
Even in Richt’s best years, there’ve been signs that he can be outcoached.
The year of the Florida celebration, Auburn black out & Hawaii Sugar Bowl crush… Richt got destroyed by Fulmer’s Tenn Vols?!?!?! To lose in Knoxville was one-thing, but to not even be close?!?!? To be destroyed so bad when UGA had so much talent?!?!?
How many times has Richt lost to a less talented Florida team? It’s not just this year!
Richt’s seat is already hot. And don’t blame Bobo– Richt hears the calls, approves everything.
It’s Richt’s fault!
dawggirl
November 6th, 2010
12:32 pm
This game is on ABC, I thought it wasn’t being televised? Local feed obviously.
DOG HATER
November 6th, 2010
12:34 pm
This is a BUY GAME. Do you GA fans know what a BUY GAME is? Its when you pay a tiny school big money to come play you so you can beat the crap out of them so you look good to your fans and the Bowl Committee. Cheese and Rice.
Jeff Schultz
November 6th, 2010
12:34 pm
Kickoff temperature will be about 48 degrees.
Sid
November 6th, 2010
12:36 pm
Murray, he’s a senior right?
jack bull
November 6th, 2010
12:36 pm
that was pretty funny when Durham said about being hit last week, “i think it worried them a little when i started coughing up blood”……ya think??
Sojourner
November 6th, 2010
12:37 pm
When you see the players from the 1980 team today, keep in mind that very few of them ever attended a regular college class. Instead they spent four years in “remedial studies,” which means they were just retaking the basic courses they should have learned in grade school. Most of these players were functionally illiterate when they entered UGA, and they weren’t much better when they left. As a result, most of them have worked in low-paying menial jobs since they left UGA.
Pathetic, really pathetic, and just another reason why UGA is known far and wide as The Cesspool of the South.
Jeff Schultz
November 6th, 2010
12:37 pm
First play, pass to Green. He can catch 50 today if they want him to.
jack bull
November 6th, 2010
12:38 pm
fooled the cameraman on that one didn’t they?
Reggie Balls
November 6th, 2010
12:38 pm
Pathetic,You GA fans will be bragging tonite,please.I can hear you now.National Title Bound IF you win this one.Pathetic.
jack bull
November 6th, 2010
12:38 pm
man, i would love to see that play go to B Boykin myself..
Jeff Schultz
November 6th, 2010
12:39 pm
Three plays. Three first downs.
jack bull
November 6th, 2010
12:40 pm
one, he does miss a whole lot of guys wide open….i’m keeping count..he’ll get 2 knocked down at the line also
Suntan Salons International
November 6th, 2010
12:40 pm
Richt’s suntan looks great.
Jeff Schultz
November 6th, 2010
12:41 pm
That’s crazy… Why kick a field goal?
dawggirl
November 6th, 2010
12:41 pm
Pathetic showing.
Jeff Schultz
November 6th, 2010
12:42 pm
Sorry. That’s very weak kicking a field goal there IMO.
KB
November 6th, 2010
12:42 pm
Well what a great way to start the game……….A FIELD GOAL……….joy
sarcasm included
dawggirl
November 6th, 2010
12:42 pm
Maybe they wanted to get Walsh more practice, but yeah. Stupid.
Reggie Balls
November 6th, 2010
12:43 pm
whats you prediction Schultz? you were right on last week.
sonofadawg
November 6th, 2010
12:43 pm
What a weak call on third down Bozo!
Hairy Dawg
November 6th, 2010
12:43 pm
Herschel mades more money than all you Yechies combined and was best ever in collegs.
dawgfan
November 6th, 2010
12:43 pm
not a great start. a field goal? now a long return by the potatoes.
larry
November 6th, 2010
12:43 pm
typical
Holy cow...
November 6th, 2010
12:44 pm
Dawgtards are leading mighty Idaho State. National champions, for sure!!!
sonofadawg
November 6th, 2010
12:44 pm
3-0 dawgs, I am so excited!
larry
November 6th, 2010
12:45 pm
if we can’t run the ball down their throat we should cancel tech and auburn games
jack bull
November 6th, 2010
12:45 pm
Rambo’s been a little disappointing this year, imo..
sonofadawg
November 6th, 2010
12:45 pm
How many times did A.J. touch the ball on that opening drive?
Harley Race
November 6th, 2010
12:45 pm
The only way we beat Auburn is to throw the ball because Auburn will stack the line on defense….we need to throw the ball all day today…..
Choker Bokeh
November 6th, 2010
12:46 pm
Has Grantham choked himself yet?
jack bull
November 6th, 2010
12:46 pm
i’ll tell ya why he kicked a FG, he doesn’t like to run the score up on people. plain and simple..