Georgia gets hammered and doubts about Richt grow
The looks on the faces of Georgia coach Mark Richt and defensive assistants Todd Grantham (center) and Rodney Garner (left) say it all Saturday night. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
(UPDATED: 12:10 a.m.)
This is when you start struggling to remember the good times. This is when a Georgia fan thinks back to an early seven-year span under Mark Richt when Georgia went 24-11 against ranked opponents and wonders, “Wait, did that really happen? Or was it those brownies I ate?”
If it wasn’t bad enough that the Bulldogs were underdogs (get used to that) in their season opener and a relative home game Saturday to a school from Idaho — something difficult for so many to swallow — the team’s response made all past criticism seem understated. With eight months to prepare since a humiliating effort against Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl, Georgia couldn’t give Boise State any tougher of a game than it usually receives from Wyoming.
Save some trickeration — an 80-yard touchdown run by Brandon Boykin that gave the Dogs an early 7-0 lead — it was Boise State’s night. It was Boise State’s celebration. It was Boise State that played smart and physical, the kind of performance that gets teams into BCS bowls. Remember BCS bowls?
Both teams made loud statements. Georgia just made the wrong one. Following that Boykin touchdown, the Bulldogs saw their opponents real off 28 straight points. Boise State went on to win 35-21, and it didn’t even feel that close.
Georgia’s defense looked as bad in its second season under Todd Grantham as it did in the first. The Boise State offensive line dominated. Quarterback Kellen Moore at times seemed to toy with defenders.
If only the Dogs had more than eight months to prepare.
If only they had completely revamped their strength and conditioning program.
Oh, wait a minute …
Since going 24-11 against ranked teams, Richt is 2-9. That’s more than a trend. The next ranked opponent also is the first SEC opponent: South Carolina, next week in Athens. The level of desperation just went up.
Richt must realize that. He just didn’t show it after the game. In fact, what he showed was somewhat alarming. After some standard introductory comments — “They were better than we were. We’ve got a lot of work to do before next week. But we know everybody is 0-0 in league play” — Richt actually laughed. Yes, laughed. He turned to Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Chip Towers, who had been pestering Richt all week about the status of safety Bacarri Rambo, laughed and said that Rambo would not be suspended for the South Carolina game. Richt had been playing coy with the media, but Rambo was held out Saturday as expected for an unspecified violation of team rules.
Laughter may be a defensive mechanism for Richt. But his team just got whacked with a 2 x 4 in the season opener. Is laughing in the post-game new conference really a good idea?
Richt has been getting a lot of heat. He should. Fact is, Georgia’s slide hasn’t been merely about the ascension of Alabama and Florida in the SEC. In the last two years alone, the Dogs have lost games to Oklahoma State, LSU, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Colorado, Auburn and Central Florida. How long ago was it when you could not have imagined Georgia losing to many of those teams?
The Dogs suffered borderline humiliation on their first possession. They had a false start penalty before the first snap. They had a false start three plays later. They were whistled for delay of game before punting. Before the first quarter was over, the Dogs also were called for an illegal formation for having five players in the backfield (the penalty was declined) and they burned a timeout before a Boise State punt for having only 10 players on the field.
This is why having the biggest, strongest and fastest players sometimes doesn’t matter.
Boykin’s touchdown would be the Dogs’ only score of the first half and it comprised more than half of the team’s yardage (151). The Dogs totaled 71 yards in the other 29 plays.
Georgia’s defense looked strong for the first few Boise State series. But the Broncos appeared to make some adjustments in pass protection and Moore starting find holes in the zone. He moved the offense well in three of BSU’s last four possessions in the half, two resulting in touchdowns (the other, an interception by Branden Smith).
Boise State’s offensive line took over in the second quarter. Moore wasn’t sacked all game and completed 28 of 34 passes, three for touchdowns. He could’ve had a Baracalounger in the backfield to recline before some of his throws. At the outset of the third quarter, Georgia looked lost and overmatched on defense. Moore went 7-for-7 for 69 yards on Boise State’s first possession of the half. Then on second down from the Dogs’ 7, running back Doug Martin faked Smith into oblivion and danced into the end zone for a 21-7 lead.
It wasn’t over. But it was over. Once Boise State’s offense got going, Georgia couldn’t stop it.
The slide continues. It’s uncertain if Richt can stop that, either.
By Jeff Schultz
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1,481 comments Add your comment
BIG DOG
September 4th, 2011
8:00 am
1980 WAS THE LAST TITLE BUT PEOPLE STILL HAVE THERE HEAD IN A HOLE COVER WITH RED BLACK WHITE BOO BOO.
BIG DOG
barry o
September 4th, 2011
8:00 am
this is all george bushs fault..
again?
September 4th, 2011
8:01 am
Draw play on 3rd and 13? Didn’t Bobo learn anything last year?
Dawg for Life
September 4th, 2011
8:02 am
O-line can’t block for either the run or the pass, QB has taken a step or two back, other than Charles no one can get open and catch a pass. One of our running backs still drops when touched by the first arm. the defensive line cannot get any push. the defense cannot get any pressure on the opossing QB. The LBs cannot cover the pass. The secondary cannot cover the pass. The whole team is not in good physical condition. The whole team gets lost sometimes on what they are supposed to do. The only thing that is working is the kicking game. Everything is so bad I don’t corrections can be made in time for it to make any difference. It will be another looong season for the bulldog nation.
Buzzer
September 4th, 2011
8:03 am
Maybe if the uga players didn’t jump around after every play in the first quarter they wouldnt have cramps in the second quarter. Great new conditioning coach tho
ShoNuff
September 4th, 2011
8:03 am
Mr Clark Kent-ish (mild mattered) is a good guy and I like him, but Richt is far too kind to run a big time football program. The team plays with no fire at all. I am not talking about taunting, just pure fire and intensity…they lack that in general. And with all due respect that comes from the top…and it starts with Coach Richt. I hate to see him get fired, but it is clearly the best thing for UGA. But this is what UGA gets for running away Vince Dooley.
Kyle
September 4th, 2011
8:04 am
They will get killed by South Carolina and hopefully that will finally be the beginning of the end of this coaching staff. There is no excuse for the last couple of years.
Mid Town Joe
September 4th, 2011
8:09 am
Spurrier is probably looking past his UGA game and has his sights on Navy.
Bill Grogan
September 4th, 2011
8:10 am
This game was lost long time ago…when your new AD signed boy z.
Gdawg65
September 4th, 2011
8:10 am
Poor coaching, poor play calling. “Rev” Richt has lost it. It was foolish to start against the #5 team in the nation when you know you are under prepared.
A new coaching staff is the only way to go. But what creditable head coach would want to come to UGA now?
Buckeye
September 4th, 2011
8:11 am
Just watched the Sports Center highlights………
Did the dogs think it was a touch football game??
Jeez………………
jerry
September 4th, 2011
8:11 am
Nike did a “messin’ with Sasquatch” number on UGA. Dressing them up in those clown uniforms and them then thinking how cool they were going to look on national tv, only to get their asses kicked up one end of the dome and down the other. You know, come to think of it, it was pretty funny.
Saywhut
September 4th, 2011
8:12 am
It’s over– for Richt, Bobo, Grantham– and the rest of the miserable coaching staff. Also, take Greg McGarity with you.
It was his brainstorm to have us play this game and wear those sorry-looking costumes. and with his Florida connections– we will NEVER move a certain loss out of Jacksonville. They all–HAVE TO GO!
Mike Bobo 17 INT
September 4th, 2011
8:13 am
Jeff:
Thanks for nailing down everything wrong with this program, and actually there is not alot that has to be said.
The taunting, the smack talking and the overall arrogance of the UGA program was shoved down their throats be a very talented Boise State program.
Boykin sends Peterson a message “Daring to kick the ball to him,” before the season starts, and CMR endorses this move, just back it up. Guess what, Boykin could no back it up. Maybe if UGA would spend less time taunting and smack talking, and more time focusing on what needs to get done, they might win a few games.
Then again, I suppose not, since this is a top-down issue, and there is no one at the top.
Voice of Reason
September 4th, 2011
8:14 am
So many holes to fill. Wide receiver, O-line, linebacker. Short handed at running back. Fundamentals still missing (arm tackles, false starts, dropped passes) and basic execution lacking (kick coverage, blocking, pass protection). UGA could play BSU nine more times and would do very well to win three. Those games vs. SC, MSU, UF look a lot tougher this morning, Other than cakewalks against NMexSt and Coastal, can the Dawgs expect better than toss-ups the rest of the way?
Buzzer
September 4th, 2011
8:15 am
The team could go by DragonCon and pick up some Ultraman costumes for the USC game. That all silver look would be sick, dawg
Saywhut
September 4th, 2011
8:16 am
To: GDAwg 65: What coach would come to Georgia? Chris Peterson, Dan Mullen, Urban Meyer. As for Richt– Miami is calling. Al golden will get out of Miami and Richt can take the only job he will be offered.
Tech Buzz
September 4th, 2011
8:16 am
The dawgs are back! Dream Team!!!
Browncoat
September 4th, 2011
8:18 am
Lou Holtz is available
Ga. Tech
September 4th, 2011
8:18 am
At least our players overachieve occasionally with less talent, what’s your excuse for taking top ranked players and coaching them “down” every year Georgia? LOLOLOL
jeff w
September 4th, 2011
8:19 am
Any coach who allows one of his players to publically (or privately) taunt an opposing coach, and then not only lets him play but actually start the game, DESERVES to be fired. Richt is clueless.
USMC
September 4th, 2011
8:20 am
Mark Richt makes approx. $3.5 million PER YEAR.
Is UGA getting their money’s worth?
Mark Richt’s salary:
http://www.coacheshotseat.com/MarkRicht.htm
boohoo
September 4th, 2011
8:20 am
Dressed like an expansion team, Played like an expansion team. All you bandwagon fans need to learn to accept defeat, obviously the team has. As soon as CMR come to town U were the same bunch that went out and spent your entire paychecks and probably your (retirement fund if any ) on apparel, that means hats , shirts etc. Pregame I heard the tailgate show talking what a feeling everybody has about this year ,special year,history making year so on so on. Honestly I think I would rather see ga lose then my team win, thanks for the entertainment UGA on THE AGONY OF DEFEAT how long is too long b4 the change is made way too much talent to only have 2 sec titles to show for it uniforms were hideous
blazerdawg
September 4th, 2011
8:20 am
jeff w – that says it all
UGA What What
September 4th, 2011
8:21 am
I laughed when Mark Cuban had them going 5-7. It might be true. Bobo is a joke. Let’s run a draw play 4 times in a row. This will be the last season for all the coaches. Look for another long and lopsided season.
Bali
September 4th, 2011
8:21 am
Turned it off at 28-7. The whole team just looked lost. The decision making on the field and from the sidelines was just plain stupid at times. Don’t get mad at tech people for givin us grief. Take it like a man and shut the hell up.
TN Jeff
September 4th, 2011
8:21 am
Seems so painfully obvious to me that the sharp decline in performance began when Richt gave up the play calling duties. He is not a rah rah coach, so he just stands on the sidelines watching the weekly debacle and preparing his “You gotta give it to them” postgame comments.
Rod
September 4th, 2011
8:22 am
Ga talks big smack right now they’re on the same level as Ole Miss and Vanderbilt but ask they’re fans they’re really good haven’t won crap since the mid 80s stupid hillbillies look at your team and it’s Head Coach you let a team FROM potato country house you blow out action get ready next week it’s gonna be worse and now you have big sloppy lineman playing spread offense now anyway Crowell will be good once he learns to pass block but you have nothing else sorry this year is wasted
ShoNuff
September 4th, 2011
8:24 am
Will….the problem is not how much better Boise St “supposedly” better than us, but how badly coached these Top-10 recruiting class players are at UGA. Yes sir…there’s a reason why Boise St is ranked in the Top 5 this season, but no way we should have been manhandled by this team…pretty much at home. The fans just hate watching what Vince Dooley tried to maintain continue to go down the drain.
ZMAN
September 4th, 2011
8:24 am
TOO MUCH CELABRATING AFTER ROUNTINE TACKLES.BOISE MADE GREAT PLAY S GOT BACK TO HUDDLE READY FOR NEXT PLAY.GEORGIA OTHER SHAKING HEAD ,CHEST BEATING AND SO ON AFTER ROUNTINE PALYS.MAYBE THEY WOULD’NT TIRE SO EASILY IF THEY QUIT ALL THAT SHOW BOATING AFTER EACH PLAY.
jerry
September 4th, 2011
8:25 am
I really did not like Richt giving Crowell the #1 uniform. He had not done jack squat but it made him look like the most important player on the team.
gatordowneast
September 4th, 2011
8:26 am
Way too early to panic poods. Long season and you are young. Dream team are freshmen. Keep the faith. We think Richt and Bobo are a great team. See you in Jax.
Bronco
September 4th, 2011
8:26 am
Morning boys, that sure was a GREAT game last night. Where’s all the trashtalking everyone was giving me last week on these blogs? There was a “Dream Team” out there last night, it just wasn’t UGA
juice
September 4th, 2011
8:27 am
Read this and weep Bulldog fans.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/09/04/boise.state.georgia/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_sports
It's A Sorry World
September 4th, 2011
8:27 am
Its benn a Looooooong time since I’ve seen uglier uniforms. As I recall , all the gimacky uniforms got their @ss kicked yesterday.
buck b. at 680
September 4th, 2011
8:27 am
Two plays and that would have been a tied game. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the other team.
Bigguy
September 4th, 2011
8:27 am
@Rod…..I think UGA is below Vandy and Ole Miss now.
USMC
September 4th, 2011
8:27 am
@Jeffw 8:19
Great point Jeff. How is it that COLLEGE KIDS feel so arrogant that they Tweet to the head coach of the #5 team in the country let alone ANY other coach for that matter??? EMBARRASSING!
Boykin tweeted Boise’s Headcoach? (Are you kidding me???)
That kind of thuggish arrogance is allowed by Mark Richt. I would have sidelined the kid for the entire first game.
UGA players obviously don’t respect CMR as a Head coach. CMR will NEVER discipline his team because HE doesn’t understand the concept of DISCIPLINE himself. Sad.
Hedley Lamar's Big Brother
September 4th, 2011
8:29 am
4 Tickets
4 Cokes
4 More Excuses by Mark Richt and Bulldog Fans
USMC
September 4th, 2011
8:30 am
“Two plays and that would have been a tied game. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the other team.”–Buck Belue
LOL!!!! And you know that is exactly what “Homer” is going to say all week on 680 the Fan.
Bigguy
September 4th, 2011
8:30 am
Maybe that color the Dawgs played with was the problem…
atlantanole
September 4th, 2011
8:30 am
I am sincerely asking this to all Georgia fans? What have you done in the last twenty, no thirty years that makes you think you should be a top ten team? I understand being upset about a loss, but lets face it. Georgia is an above average program good for about 8 wins a year. That really is historically all you have been.
GTJohn
September 4th, 2011
8:30 am
To everyone,
Did you notice the BSU players? I bet you will not read about them on the front page of the paper, just the sports page.
After every play, they handed the ball to the offial. Nothing else, just handed the ball to the official and went on to the next play. No jungle dancing after a score or a big play, just serious football. Focus and the emphasis on TEAM not the individual.
Get it.
They have been there before, this is not their first time and they act like it.
Would be good to take note of it for all football players, not just Dawgs.
Bum Phillips
September 4th, 2011
8:30 am
Richt can his’n and lose to yourn and he can take yourn and lose to his’n.
Maryland Jacket
September 4th, 2011
8:30 am
The most telling moment I saw was y’alls #12 dropping a pass that hit him in the numbers. And all the shaken-up-on-the-play georgia players. At one point, I was mentioning to a friend how unfair it was that a bully WAC…er, MWC team was beating up on a poor SEC team. Granted, I’m a Tech man, but I WAS hoping for Tech to go 12-0 and uga to go 11-1 with that loss after Thanksgiving.
The thing is, your defense played VERY well the first two possessions. Had some fire and all that jazz. It just didn’t stick.
DHD
September 4th, 2011
8:31 am
A few thoughts. I’m not a UGA or Tech fan, so I am unbiased here. The uniforms suck. Had to get that out of the way. You played #5 in the country. Did you REALLY expect to win? Are you THAT arrogant? Early in the games, I never see any other team celebrate so much about a normal defensive play. They go crazy. Do they not have enough sense to realize they are wasting energy when they do that? Don’t answer that. Now, the “wonderful” fans of UGA turn on their team after losing to #5. It just feeds the stereotype that the average UGA fan is just not that intelligent. Cool it, people. You’ll be barking next week. The Rebel flags will fly again, don’t worry. Mark Richt is class. He doesn’t fit at UGA. All of this said…….UGA is no better than a 4-7 team, so get over it.
jackyldo
September 4th, 2011
8:31 am
offensive coordination from field or booth one is as bad as the other.
NO IMAGINATION and no if they are stopping this how do we change that ?
Pucks N Snot
September 4th, 2011
8:32 am
Stomped in your glitzed up SEC backyard by a team from the mountain west……..EGAD, THAT’S BAD! Almost as bad as those uniforms. Who is responsible for THOSE atrocities, and why does UGA come out in a different color scheme every week all of a sudden? Are they trying to be the next Oregon – minus the wins?
sp9881
September 4th, 2011
8:33 am
relax UGA fans… That was a well coached team with a senior Heisman candidate QB leading it. I came away not thinking about uga’s faults but rethinking my entire beliefs around Boise. They are for real. If it said Oklahoma or USC on their jerseys nobody would give it this amount of thought or anger. Everybody is upset because nobody believed Boise was the 5th best team in the country. Guess what, they are….
ranger bulldog
September 4th, 2011
8:33 am
time to go to church