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
Rod
September 4th, 2011
8:33 am
They are I’m a Tech fan but to be real we are both 4 star schools imagine if Paul Johnson had those Ga lineman he would have had 1 ACC championship and Aaron Murray was terrible the play where Crowell whiffed on the block take a sack or throw it out of bounds Crowell a true freshman what do you expect he has no awareness yet Ga”s gonna get pounded this year I’m sorry I’m enjoying it too
UGA ALUM
September 4th, 2011
8:33 am
It amazes me how many people like to jump on the put UGA down bandwagon. Yes, the football team is having major problems and it made me sick to watch the last part of the game last night. I like Richt as a person and I have been very supportive but I think we need a whole new coaching staff. We should not be playing like that with the talent we have. And to the guy you mentioned the G on the front of cars and the bulldog statue in the yard. I have both of those along with lots of other UGA stuff in my house. That will never change because I graduated from there and I love UGA. The football team winning or losing does not change my love for the school.
Peachtree John
September 4th, 2011
8:33 am
The end result is expected when you and your coaching staff is out coached, your players are out conditioned–mentally and physically, and the head coach does not lead. Come on, UGA, we deserve better. Mark, take a knee and go into the ministry. God will bless your work. Just get out of coaching and let the Dawg nation begin to play the game.
Notatereshinskifan
September 4th, 2011
8:33 am
I admit I wasn’t a fan before last night as I don”t care for the guy. But I wonder if his hire was the worst Richt haS made. He’s the strength and CONDITIONING coach correct? I assume the players are getting stronger with him but they are woefully unconditioned.
UGA2002
September 4th, 2011
8:34 am
I think Jordan Jeffords was kicking CMR in the head the other week.
Just kidding.
Seriously, after UCF and after looking at BOI and looking at what South Carolina is becoming how could anyone really see us winning either one of these two games? We’re going to have to have SC collapse Saturday and with Garcia that’s always possible but not likely. SC did great last night as did Garcia.
0-2 start.
Buck
September 4th, 2011
8:34 am
UGA team is mostly a bunch of Non Student Prima Donnas who are not team players. They are not smart as a group and much like Florida State’s annual bunch of non student hot dogs of old, Make a pretty good win loss record but few Championships. CMR learned well from Bowden, but don’t expect championships from his recruiting non student players.
UGA - SEC Champions! TRUE DAWG FANS STILL BELIEVE. by Golden Dawg
September 4th, 2011
8:34 am
UGA!!! SEC Championship – I still believe.
Just beat South Carloina and the ship is righted.
UGA Dawgs!!! Please Don’t Take These Dawg-Haters and Fair Weather Fan’s Comments to heart. True Dawg Fans are with you -through thick and thin.
We have the talent to hang with anyone in the nation. Like everyone else, here are a few things I’d like to see done: for what its worth:
Grantham- Please Blitz a few times: Keep TE/RBs from catching passes across the middle. Dictate what they do instead of reacting to it.
LB/CB/S: Yall got to Put fear in everybody coming across the middle -even thinking about catching a pass- like Thurman, Blue and Davis did.
Running Backs – Hang in there. It will come. Study tape of USC all week.
Receivers – (Tough game) Here is tough love! Step Up!! We need you.
Bobo – We were very predictable! Roll Murray out alittle; give him options: DeepPass, DumpOff or Run. He is smart enough to make the right decisions and he’s a tough guy. This is not the NFL – Trust Your QB! He will save your job.
Tight Ends – Keep Carrying Us. But now expect teams to put more effort into shutting you down.
Like I said in the beginning: Keep Your Heads Up.
Based on yesterday, USC, Bama and LSU are very beatable.
Just beat South Carolina and UGA is back in the driver’s seat.
DAWGS “We Got This!” SEC Champions!
TRUE DAWG FANS STILL BELIEVE.
Atticus
September 4th, 2011
8:35 am
The offensive gameplan was pathetic. The playcalling was a joke. The defense was playing well but the offense did nothing. Richt’s stubborness at keeping Bobo is the end of him.
Jed Clampett
September 4th, 2011
8:35 am
Pitiful, jeeest pitiful !
old dawg fan
September 4th, 2011
8:36 am
UGA started right back where they left off last year. Poor coaching-poor tackling, simply poor playing. The game next week againt South Carolina is going to be very ugly!!!!! We have assistants who can step in and finish the season-send CMR, BO BO and GRANTHAM HOME!!!!!!
jaydawg
September 4th, 2011
8:36 am
I’d like to apologize to any that were offended or whose feelings were hurt by my earlier statements-a little to much coffee this morning.But I would like to challenge ANYONE that disagrees with or is offended by Fran’s speech on Mark Richt & the state of UGA’s program made earlier this year.And I know there are plenty of you out there.Give me one FACTUAL and INTELLIGENT reason as to why any one of Fran’s statements were not or are not truthful and I will shut the H*ell up, admit I’m wrong,&be gone from these blogs FOREVER.But remember,its got to be an intelligent & truthful reason. I can appreciate a smartass but any fool with !/3 of brain& a mouth can do that but I guarantee there wont be one single factual one given.And later on today I’m going to state the TRUTH why our Dawgs havent had a single unbeaten season or won a Nat’l Championship since Reagan’s first year in the White House(Inthe meantime Alabamas had 2-1992,2009Auburn 3-1993,2004,2010Tennessee 1,Florida 3).
Ct
September 4th, 2011
8:36 am
No accountability whatsoever…most telling sign to me was down 35-21, the freshman wide receiver gets a first down and starts celebrating a 15 yard catch…instead of getting ball to ref and lining up to save time…also, u can’t tell me the helmets don’t pop off on purpose for ga. Boise players never lost theirs…
Maryland Jacket
September 4th, 2011
8:37 am
Actually, did a georgia player flip off the stands after scoring a touchdown? I remember seeing him scoring, making the G, then raise his middle fin-cut away to another camera.
jerry
September 4th, 2011
8:37 am
A note of optimism: South Carolina is as dumb as UGA.
Canton DAWG
September 4th, 2011
8:37 am
I have been a MR supported but have to admit he and TC was out-coached by CP. I am predicting UGA will be 4 & 4 after the Fla. game and expect the UGA fans and media to be howling for a coaching change. If I am the UGA AD I would be courting CP.
Phil
September 4th, 2011
8:38 am
Schultz,
Agree 100% with everything you said. Boise didn’t beat us with gimmicks or trickery, they whipped us on both sidesof the ball.
Our guys couldn’t block their guys. So much for that move to replace the strengh coach!
And where was Ken Malcome last night????? We were short on running backs and Samuel even got hurt. Why did Malcome play? Was he suspended?? Samuel sucks at running back.
Richt said at the end of last season that he was going to study during the off season to become a “Football Expert”. Remember that stupid statement?? Well Richt, I’m giving you an “F” on your first test.
joe taxpayer
September 4th, 2011
8:38 am
What would the score have been if Boise had not have had 3 starters suspened.
boohoo
September 4th, 2011
8:39 am
Just goes to show , all these five star recruits need to act like they have played a down or two, you see it every year @ GA. NO DISCIPLINE u must control these kids. Ga biggest problem too many stars not enough team. when richt goes most of these kids could not handle a hard disciplined coaching staff because mommy and daddy told them at young age U R THE BEST, what they should have told them after a play is GET YOUR ASS BACK IN THE HUDDLE use that energy on the opponet not the fans
Old School
September 4th, 2011
8:40 am
SIAP but it seems that every time UGA comes out in a new uniform they get their butts kicked. Why can’t they just concentrate on football and quit worrying about keeping up with Oregon in the style department. It seems Richt believes this to be a motivational tool. How about kicking their butt in spring and fall camp and coach football and leave the shopping and style to the women. This is football not a GQ shoot.
juice
September 4th, 2011
8:40 am
Bosie is just a better team….better coached, better prepared, and smarter…and being smarter does count for something…they have around 20 5th year smart seniors….bottom line…Georgia IS NOT a power team any more and Bulldog nation needs to get over thinking they have a God given right to be a top 10 team every year.
USMC
September 4th, 2011
8:40 am
Our players, UGA, are more concerned with their Hair Weave ATTACHMENTS, as their helmets kept flying off every other play, than actually playing football as a team. EMBARRASSMENT!
IM SO GLAD UGA LOST
September 4th, 2011
8:41 am
WHY IS MIKE BOBO STILL CALLING PLAYS IN THE SEC?
THANK YOU MARK RICHT FOR KEEPING BOZO I MEAN BOBO!
Fran T.
September 4th, 2011
8:41 am
Told you so!!!!!!!
Coach P
September 4th, 2011
8:41 am
Dear Boykin,
It’s probably hard to talk more sh!t with my d!ck in ur mouth!
Coach P
Maryland Jacket
September 4th, 2011
8:41 am
USMC, I also remember seeing a georgia player actually ripping off his own helmet…while the play was still going.
Not A UGA Fan But I Don't Hate You
September 4th, 2011
8:42 am
You know, the most disturbing thing about this game was the absolute lack of CLASS of the Georgia players. Boise State went about their business with no demonstrations of taunting, while the Georgia players did those high stepping things everytime they gained five yards. Folks, CMR has lost control of this team, he has lost control of recruiting players who would bring a little class to UGA Football, instead what he’s gotten are a bunch of overrated, ego seeking, can’t spell my name type of, and I hate to keep using this word, players who the University of Georgia should not even look at to represent our flagship university…….the whole state of Georgia should be outraged by this classless display. CMR will be gone by next Sunday……as well he should be.
Mark Richt's Successor
September 4th, 2011
8:42 am
The good news is that when I get there, I will change the uniforms and we will look like a college team versus a ghetto JV team.
juice
September 4th, 2011
8:42 am
boohoo…5 star recruits does not mean 5 smarts intelligence…it’s not just speed and size that wins
Atticus
September 4th, 2011
8:42 am
Old School, please KNOW what is going on before you pop off. Richt did NOT pick the uniforms, Nike pays a ton of money to UGA and Boise and it was that contract that created these uniforms. Call McGarity if you are unhappy but the unis didn’t lose the game, the poor offensive gameplan and preparation did.
Wild Bill
September 4th, 2011
8:43 am
I feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.
USMC
September 4th, 2011
8:43 am
Boise State played as a fine tuned TEAM.
We played like a bunch criminals in the Jail yard.
I guess CMR never taught our players that there is no “I” in TEAM. And it’s obvious.
UGA2002
September 4th, 2011
8:46 am
The predictions prior to the game that someone posted are pretty damning of not being in touch with the reality of the situation. UGA is a sinking ship and Andy Staples (I think it was him) was right to call us the most out of touch fan base he’s ever seen. We’re living off Herschel Walker and 1980. He was at the game last night. You know who pulled this same “get in touch with your past” move was Chizik over at Auburn with Bo. But that was year 1 of Chizik’s time at Auburn. The Herschel thing looks like a “me too!” It’s fine by me, but it’s not an original thought, it’s copy cat.
Original thoughts are for national champion caliber teams and coaches like an Auburn. Who may go on a tear after their win-loss game yesterday. Now I know bringing up Auburn irritates some of you, but get over it. Auburn > UGA. Because UGA = Ole Miss.
Get a grip, learn to accept where we are, and then we can rebuild with a new coach and a new attitude. But this is 3 or 4 years in the making to get this bad and frankly you could see it coming for longer than that.
jerry
September 4th, 2011
8:46 am
This could be a good time to get on the UGA bandwagon. Nobody else they play will be as good as BS, UF is Tebowless, Auburn is horrible, and then there’s the whipping boy, GT. They could run the table, therefore giving the illusion that they are now Super Duper, and getting Richt a contract extension before they run into a real team again.
IM SO GLAD UGA LOST
September 4th, 2011
8:47 am
LOU HOLTZ JUST STATED THAT WHY ISNT MARK RICHT CALLING THE PLAYS?
MARK MAY SAID LES MILES HAS WON A AVERAGE OF 10 WINS A SEASON,BUT HE WON A NATIONAL TITLE,SO THAT MEANS MARK RICHT WITH HIS 10 WINS AVERAGE WITH NO NATIONAL TITLES MUST GO!
GT Falcon
September 4th, 2011
8:47 am
At what time today are the AP rankings out? Hoping to see the Jackets break into the top 25 and Dogs (sp?) go out.
UGA2002
September 4th, 2011
8:48 am
You knew when we were going to really suck – after the end zone dance against FL. You realized we’re nipping at peoples heels.
USMC
September 4th, 2011
8:48 am
@Not A UGA fan but don’t hate you 8:42
You Sir, win the award for the most precise/accurate evaluation of last night’s game; CLASSLESS.
We continue to embarrass ourselves by the way we ACT and conduct our business on AND off the field, and it all starts with the head coach; CMR.
Phil
September 4th, 2011
8:49 am
4-8 coming season just like I predicted last year when all the Richt loyalist where screaming that Richt desereved another year. Well you morons got what you asked for, another long embarrassing season.
Old School
September 4th, 2011
8:49 am
Atticus – want to explain the blackouts in the past. If UGA is at the mercy of the uniform police for what they where on the field then the person signing that contract should be fired. Are you not late for your Sunday trip to Macy’s? This is football sonny not soccer.
K
September 4th, 2011
8:49 am
Let’s just agree: GA was Manhandled!
gtfanfrom1951
September 4th, 2011
8:49 am
Georgia fans drink the kool aid of all the those “experts” those who know it all but could not do it themselfs. Every time Tom lugbill shows on they tell he played QB at Tech but realy played water boy or something because I’ve been a tech fan all my life and I don’t remember him. David p was a great DE at Georgia but picks with heart not his head. Tech will be 4-0 and UGA 2-2 its up to both teams what happens to season after that.
Thogwummpy
September 4th, 2011
8:50 am
Gee, I would have thought Georgia’s line coaches and linebacker coaches would have come back from vacation before pre-season practices…but evidently, they’re still out camping somewhere. That wasn’t Bulldog blocking…it was Bullfighter blocking—-”O-Lay!”…step aside and let the rusher by. To quote the great sage philosopher Jed Clampett” “Pitiful…jes’ pitiful!”
JD
September 4th, 2011
8:50 am
Were those uniforms horrible? At least they matched the equally awful play. UGA is just a bunch of undisciplined thugs who act like they have won a National Championship everytime they do their job. There was such a contrast with the Boise State players, who were extremely disciplined, well-coached and didn’t jump around like a bunch of Wilda Beasts every time they made a good play. Wow, what has happened to UGA?!
The Ole Ball Coach
September 4th, 2011
8:50 am
I think I’ll bring my grandkids to Athens next week…they love the power rangers!
Dawg Fan
September 4th, 2011
8:50 am
Dawgforlife! Dan Mullen Era Really? You might as well figure Dan is settled in Starkvegas building a championship team.. He will give you a sample or Mullen Ball in a few weeks
K
September 4th, 2011
8:50 am
The look on GA fans faces: Priceless
UGA2002
September 4th, 2011
8:51 am
@Jerry, you’re nuts. South Carolina will destroy us. Mississippi St will destroy us. Florida will destroy us. Auburn will destroy us (you’re looking at them now, a couple of games in they will be a different team as they’ve replace 16 of their 22 starters from 2010 with top ranked recruiting classes which still means something unless it’s attached to us), GT could be a threat… Cuban was probably right to say 5-7.
But thanks for the day after starting the “we’re going to go undefeated from here on out!” That’s not to unlike “we’re going to beat Boise!!!!” Means nothing with this team. They’re not good.
HardTruth Soldier
September 4th, 2011
8:51 am
Coach Bobo simply is way over his head, QB’s coach is where he needs to be, all night long he didn’t run more than five toss sweeps, never did anything to stretch the defense out to tire them out. I was a proponent of his against all the negatives UGA FANS have put on him, but it’s soooo obvious he can’t coach and don’t know how to utilize what he has. Get rid of him. Or this program is dead this year.
Troll Power Ratings
September 4th, 2011
8:51 am
Congratulations Boise State. That was an impressive performance and there is NO DOUBT who was the better team.
What we saw/learned:
Men beating boys.
Discipline and scheme trumps unbridled athletic ability.
Coaching can make a huge difference.
Georgia is, unfortunately, still probably the Georgia of the past 2-3 years (and I am perhaps the world’s biggest “homer”).
Once again, very well done and good luck with your season.
Atticus
September 4th, 2011
8:52 am
UGA2002, how bout you geta clue. I could give a rats a$$ what Andy Staples or whoever says. Every program has delusional fans. Fans aren’t living off of Herschel Walker. They are expecting to field a team that can compete. They have far superior players than Boise but one team was preapared and the other wasn’t. Fans may think Georgia could be better than they end up because they put out great players into the NFL and have had multiple Top 10 finishes the last 10 years including 2 SEC titles and have done so in the past. They SHOULD expect more.