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
Call it like it is..
September 4th, 2011
9:28 am
The Alumni Association, needs to losen the purse strings and put OUR money, that WE have been contributing to the school to good use. This BS needs to stop here and now. This is an embarrassment to our school and STATE..Bring in someone who will Change it all. Quit building buildings and upgrading the locker room… for what? to embarrass us. These kids do not deserve what we have built up and we do not deserve the product on the field…Plain, Pure and Simple…..
01HAWK
September 4th, 2011
9:28 am
Everyone raved about BIG JOHN JENKINS…………………………..Well, he looked out of shape and got pushed around.
UGA…………………………….Seems like he has been at that new training dinner table to much like alot of the other DAWGS.
PATHETIC looking O and D line as you will see in the SEC.
Chop blocker
September 4th, 2011
9:29 am
Crow server
September 4th, 2011
9:24 am
The only thing that is worse than the uga football program is its fans! How about STFU all you loud and proud re-livers of yesteryear!
CLASSIC!
Phildo
September 4th, 2011
9:29 am
Pathetic. Forced to wear Power Ranger jammies on national TV and thrashed by a team in Idaho of all places. How does it feel to be the byotch of a sleazy commercial entity and a team whose defense was outweighed by what, 50 lbs a man, and with an in-state recruiting network equal to the Bahamas? And, speaking of recruiting, anyone notice where most of the fine in-state talent is going, now? It ain’t UGA. Dream team my rear end. More like wet dream team. Nice job, Rev. Oh, and great sideline demeanor as usual, no emotion, nothing. What has happened to the once proud pups? Erk, oh, Erk, whereart thou. More like Erkel, now.
DeadDawg
September 4th, 2011
9:30 am
Crowell was a complete JOKE ! Wonder why he kept losing his helmet ? Kept slipping off that poodle he had stolen and stuffed under his helmet. BAHAHAHAHAHA !!!!!!!!!!!!
sec
September 4th, 2011
9:31 am
A & M in, Georgia out.
Maddox
September 4th, 2011
9:31 am
Just like always, all we heard this Summer was how Ga would win this game. How they were back. How the defense would be so better. Yeah a guy who does a choke hold sure shows maturity and intelligence. Richt is just waiting to be let go. right now he’s just trying to teach these kids how not to screw up in life. Football comes down the list. Where are all the posters who said the D would be “back”. I wrote that when you lose 75% of your offense, are playing a hesiman qb, that it’s insane to think you will win. And all I heard was idiocy from uga fans. Enjoy youe pathetic losing season, losers.
Steve johnson
September 4th, 2011
9:31 am
Three penalties on first possession pretty well showed the preparation of this team. The coaches failed to have this team ready and then got out-coached as the game went on. I do not see the desperation to be better in our coaches or players. It was an embarrasing performance.
Maurice
September 4th, 2011
9:31 am
For a team whose strength has always been making fashion statements, I must bluntly say the uniforms were appalling. Dear Dogs, the helmets were dreadful and those red pants! Shocking! I was so embarrassed I was immediately compelled to put a scarf over my head. I beseech you, puh-leeeeze hire a new fashion coach!
Rahvi
September 4th, 2011
9:32 am
What does it take to get this Clown fired? UGA football has become a complete farce. Teams all over the country will want to schedule them as a “tune up” to start the season. Love to see them play against my University of South Florida, who kicked ass in South Bend.
Mark Ricth
September 4th, 2011
9:32 am
Boise State does not have superior coaching. I make more money than their head coach, so I know I’m better. So what if my team can’t line up without getting penalized. I’m a multimillionare, so, F…. yall. I got me two cheerleaders and we going to have a few drinks and laugh about this silly game.
Auburn Man
September 4th, 2011
9:32 am
DREAM TEAM 2……………coming in feb 2012
McGarity
September 4th, 2011
9:33 am
I came back to Athens for a nice quiet time as I ease into retirement over the next few years. I wish you people would calm down and just laugh about this, as Mark Richt did on the sidelines during all those 1st quarter penalties. It’s just football, for gosh sakes. Mark is such a nice fellow and can laugh about all this. I don’t see any reason to ever make a change there. We’re all happy over here in Athens just being mediocre, just being Georgia. So, leave us alone. I need a nap.
Jim
September 4th, 2011
9:33 am
That strength and conditioning sure paid off. Looks like they spent more time eating seconds and thirds at golden coral.
DawginLex
September 4th, 2011
9:33 am
My inside sources tell me that I have been misleading you good people for about 3 years now.
Auburn Man
September 4th, 2011
9:34 am
Georgia State has requested uga for their homecoming opponent next year.
Chillahill
September 4th, 2011
9:34 am
Can Boo Boo call a game or what Masterful!! Dream team out played by a team from Idaho.
Idaho? Really we are talking about Idaho! Really? Idaho? Idaho? Idaho? Really? I mean we play hard but we sitting here talking about Idaho? Idaho? Really? Football frim Idaho?
Wow Man get real !!! Idaho? Geeze Idaho!
Auburn Man
September 4th, 2011
9:35 am
GATA GATA GATA GATA
Really?
September 4th, 2011
9:36 am
Hey @Really?… I’ve been Really? for months. Get your own name….really!
UGA = Yawn
September 4th, 2011
9:36 am
Steve Johnson, you are dead on. Like lipstick on a pig.
sheepdawg
September 4th, 2011
9:36 am
integrity and character – displayed by the student athletes representing Boise St. 5 star recruits also need integrity and character to be successful student athletes. That small fact has escaped CMR and Thuga fans – keep signing marginal citizens and you’ll keep getting the same as you witnessed yesterday. Greasy dreadlocks, chest thumping over routine plays, total lack of discipline and team concept, a fanbase dominated by illiterate rednecks with high school degrees who trash all in sight when they lose. UGA represents all that is wrong with college athletics at the top level. The red power ranger uniforms, the prima donna attitudes, and CMR joking and laughing during the post game that yet another 5 star marginal citizen would definitely be playing next week — all embarrasing to any educated citizen of our state. Quit with all the THUGS, get a coaching staff and sign kids (yep, these are all teenagers remember) capable of successfully comprehending college level courses with no predilection for criminal behavior (such as smashing mailboxes as a high school senior). See Boise St. quarterback if you need an example of the type of students UGA needs to shed THUGA culture.
Buckeye
September 4th, 2011
9:36 am
BYU wanted to send a shout out too………….
SEC! SEC! SEC!
DawginLex
September 4th, 2011
9:38 am
I sincerely want to appologize for my need to impress people with who and what I know about college football and uga football in particular.
Jesse
September 4th, 2011
9:38 am
Told you nothing will change. We will lose 5-6 again and tech will beat us this year.
swgaboy
September 4th, 2011
9:39 am
UGA football isn’t fun anymore. That has nothing to do with winning or losing. It has a lot more to do with watching the same mistakes over and over and over again. Whatever good Richt did for UGA, and I’m sure it was considerable, the program fell apart on his watch. He’s fired almost everyone that he could. He should do the honorable thing and resign because he’s done a terrible job as a coach. I think that’s been obvious since the 2009 Tennessee game. But I’m comforted to know that he still finds things to laugh about.
really?
September 4th, 2011
9:39 am
Just be glad we dont play utah state
Buzz 2011
September 4th, 2011
9:40 am
Who in the world had UGA ranked at #19 in the country. I think they meant #219..
My gosh if UGA had deserved a #19 ranking, Vanderbilt should have came in at #18
Tech Fan
September 4th, 2011
9:40 am
Richard- No UGA did not open up to Western Carolina online instead you opened up to Boise ( who plays nobody) on national TV where EVERYBODY could see how bad UGA SUCKS!! Also lets not forget that y’all do play Coastal Carolina and New Mexico State! As far as the nerd part…..lets compare salaries of UGA and Tech graduates:)
Jesse
September 4th, 2011
9:41 am
Amen Sheep. Problem is too many rednecks control Uga and they don’t care about morals or ethical behavior. They just want to win.
really?
September 4th, 2011
9:41 am
Georgia = Notre Dame
AH’s despeartely trying to recapture some of the distant glory years!
pop
September 4th, 2011
9:42 am
fire bobo he is the stupid guy calling the offense the bulldog nation needs to speak up fire bobo
Buzz 2011
September 4th, 2011
9:42 am
It just takes a ” little while” to become a dream team
really?
September 4th, 2011
9:44 am
Face it dawg nation. You are no better than Central Florida, South Florida and Troy State and Jacksonville State.
you ARE better than Georgia State at this time.
Charles
September 4th, 2011
9:44 am
Another disappointing performance, more excuses offensive looked totally lost defense equally bad. The only thing worse in the whole evening were those awful uniforms. Next week will set the tone for the year I do hope they have a better game plan than last nights.
Auburn Man
September 4th, 2011
9:45 am
woof woof?
Where is athens dawg?
September 4th, 2011
9:46 am
Poor little guy must be crying. He said the defense would be soooo strong this year. All you cowards who talked crap about how you would win and dominate this year and criticized anyone who said you would lose, where are you now? Losers just like your football team. Isiah!!! yay he’s the next walker. MORONS!! Now just wait for SC to get all their kinks out. See how many points they scored!
South Carolina 52
Univ of gorga 20
YOU ARE IRRELEVANT
Stinger
September 4th, 2011
9:46 am
There is one way out. Report all your recruiting violations to sign all these over rated thugs and get the death penalty. You can then clean house and start over as a Division 111 Program by recruiting solid individuals and rebuild. It is the quickest way for you to get back to respectability. Otherwise you will continue to get the same results. LMAO
The Fat Lady
September 4th, 2011
9:47 am
I’M SINGING (I hope you can hear me) TO ALL YOU GEORGIA PEOPLE OUT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuck your shirt!
September 4th, 2011
9:47 am
An added benefit from Saturday’s gack job in the Dome is that today I don’t have to see a bunch of rednecks strutting around the grocery store wearing their stupid “G” shirts! The silence will be deafening at work this week too. Funny how after a loss, those shirts seem to get tucked away and there’s not much barking going on. A big loss on prime time national TV, unhappy fans (read the blogs), and shattered dreams for another season. It just doesn’t get much better! Plus, here comes Spurrier and the Gamecocks! LMAO!!!!!
TLN
September 4th, 2011
9:49 am
Embarrassing loss for all UGA Fans. Wheels came off on the beginning drive with penalties. Team is always unprepared. Staff is a joke, Coach gotta go!!
Jackets
September 4th, 2011
9:49 am
Where are all the ignorant UGA fans??? Probably still trying to find their way home from the Dome…….
Mark Ricth
September 4th, 2011
9:50 am
Ha ha ha ha….LMAO…..Who gives a damn…..pass me another joint….hey dont get that match too close to your greasy dreadlocks…ha ha…
Carlton Powell
September 4th, 2011
9:50 am
BTW, what’s the story on the red shoes on the coaches?? Trying for the Bobby Bowden toad, Chuc Amato, goodfella look, are we?? What’s next tinted eyeglasses and ID bracelets?? Come on guys, you’re supposed to be adults, look and act like it. Oh, I forgot, the red shoes were just another component of the Nike “bribe,” right??
TampaGator
September 4th, 2011
9:51 am
Did you really think the Dawgs were going to beat the 4th rated team in the country? 35 to 21 is about right. You put the Boise QB and the Boise coach on your team…..and the Dawgs win….that simple. Mark Richt does about a little with the talent he recruits as any coach in America. HIs time at Georgia may be coming to an end. I think….at this point….Georgia will be 0-2 after next week. But maybe the Dawgs will improve a lot this week and pull off an upset. But not likely.
But….I can tell you this…..Muschamp and Weis’ time at Florida is just beginning. Florida Atlantic is not very good……but Florida looked like a completely different team. They are extremely well coach….and they are very talented on both sides of the ball. But I am not sure the Gators could beat Boise right now….but they would sure look better losing to them than Georgia did. Based on what I saw last night and this weekend…..Florida will most likely be 4-0 when they play Bama in THE SWAMP. And that game will be big.
Clownville
September 4th, 2011
9:51 am
Since there aren’t any hedges in the Dome, where did Israel Troupe urinate when he had to go? Or was he wearing a diaper under his clown costume?
paid $500 for my ticket to the game
September 4th, 2011
9:51 am
Will never make fun of Georgia Tech or Georgia State again
ClakeCountyDawg
September 4th, 2011
9:52 am
We will road grade the Gamecocks next saturday in Athens. Crowell will run for 150.
Chuck
September 4th, 2011
9:54 am
@DogDawg: I agree with you. It’s been my feeling for quite some time that Coach Richt, and Mike Bobo are the reasons this team is suffering due to not getting better. Ultimately, I blame the booster club for insisting that you have a coach who is easy to market to the fans of GA football instead of insisting on a coach with a verifiable, quality track record…The same booster club that insisted on firing the defensive coordinator Martinez while keeping GA family Mike Bobo…Now it’s time to pay for that as well as arrogance based recruiting philosophy can sadly affects not only football but all other sports at Georgia. Gonna be a long season.
ClakeCountyDawg
September 4th, 2011
9:54 am
We will road grade the Gamecocks on saturday. Crowell for 150.
Chillahill
September 4th, 2011
9:54 am
It is what it is!!!!!
What it is – or was ? A program that is undisciplined. The inmates run the assylum!!
Spare the rod and spoil the program!! A good old fashioned butt whupping by those non athletic over rated boys from Idaho! Overtones of rascism? No! Again it is what it is! The undisciplined system they call UGA football!! Better more athletic team beaten by a program that understands team concept.
Look at me! Look at me !! Uga. Cant you see!!! Its me its me its patheticly!!!
Well we still can win the East! Yea and the next Pope will be St Pious Muhammed Raji from Iraq!