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
Dawgs1965
September 3rd, 2011
11:58 pm
How do you talk about a game for 8 months and come out on the opening drive and look like we looked? How does it happen? With everything riding on this season for Richt (and by extension Bobo et al.) we come out and looking like a confused, befuddled mess. New conditioning coach? REALLY?! Guys sucking wind and going down left and right with cramps in the air-conditioned Georgia Dome. I suppose we have to wait until the end of season to fire CMR? But I hope McGarity is making his plan right now.
SSfailboat
September 3rd, 2011
11:58 pm
Good job Georgia.
SEC
September 3rd, 2011
11:58 pm
Georgia fans were chest thumping on the radio all week about how they’ll destroy them just like they did in 2005. They felt entitled, just because they’re in the great SEC that they’ll step on the field and beat the little inferior Mountain West team. The UGA isn’t good enough to make those kind of predictions and it showed tonight. If it wasn’t obvious before it definitely is tonight, UGA is the red head stepchild of the SEC East. Ole ball coach will destroy you next week. Can’t wait to see Marcus Lattimore show out lmaoooooo
NewbombTurk
September 3rd, 2011
11:58 pm
I’m disappointed, Jeff. You’re sounding like the rest of the idiot people who call themselves fans and are ready to pull the plug one game into a season. You’re supposed to have some intelligent insight. Do something other than join in with the mob mentality of kicking a dog when its down.
As for you “fans”…give up. As in, give up your tickets. There are some real fans who still want to see this team play and are curious about what they can accomplish this season. I’m not giving up on them, not by a long shot. Sorry, Jeff. You can’t convince me to do that.
Robards
September 3rd, 2011
11:58 pm
Actually, tlaw, I think CMR was 1-2 against Zook. Not sure his record against Shula. Maybe he’ll get another chance against Zook if the Dawgs can go 7-5 or so and meet the Illini in a low-tier bowl game.
swampjacket
September 3rd, 2011
11:58 pm
Aaaron Murray for Heisman-Not!
Joe T. turned’em into Ironmen!-Not!
Crowell’s the second coming-Not!
Boykin’s gonna kill’em with run backs-Not!
A 6-7 team that lost all it’s offensive weapons is somehow a top 20 team—NOT!NOT!NOT!
Yeah we’re playing a million freshmen and Jucos but this is the Dream Team-Not!
But at least Richt has a great tan and the unis were cute!!
Howard
September 3rd, 2011
11:59 pm
Just think Dawg fans…Boise left its starting receivers at home…those tonite were “newbies” and look what Kellen Moore did with them…and many others he threw to. I had no favorite tonite but just an observation: Georgia always has the talent and facilities and money…and even head coaching. I just think the school goes the cheap route with hiring asst, coaches. Those are the guys in D-1 football that do all the work and prepare the players. Look at Alabama and how much money they spend on quality assistant coaches…what does Kirby Smart make?? A lot of damn money…that’s why he stayed in Tuscaloosa.
CG
September 3rd, 2011
11:59 pm
Who does everyone think we were playing tonight…Louisiana Lafayette? Boise State is a great team, no matter what conference they play in.
Fire this preacher!
September 3rd, 2011
11:59 pm
He sucks! I never watch another UGA game if he coach this team again. I tire of this lose saying one game doesn’t matter and wanting to be nice and be everyone friend during a game.
Dream Team
September 3rd, 2011
11:59 pm
Boise
This will be the 4th toughest Uga is a laughing joke. LOLOLOLOL
swampjacket
September 4th, 2011
12:00 am
Let’s see if Boykin Tweets they got their Arses handed to’em!
mirandalambert2012
September 4th, 2011
12:00 am
Wow. This was similar to the Packers-Falcons playoff game. BSU really handed it to the Dogs.
louie
September 4th, 2011
12:00 am
hows the dream team working out for ya?
Iam4GT
September 4th, 2011
12:00 am
Just like The Liberty Bowl, maybe GA didn’t want to be in The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic ….. Well, at least that’s what the delusional dawg fans will have you believe.
Where were those two GIANT nosemen that were going to walk all over BSU’s 5′11″ 288lb center??
BSU just laid out a pretty nice blueprint for UGA’s remaining opponents.
ATLBadger
September 4th, 2011
12:01 am
DREAM TEAM!!!
National Championship Hopes Dashed-Again!
September 4th, 2011
12:01 am
And yet another fine nugget of wisdom from the most drunken delusional fanbase in America. Don’t worry, I’ll keep them coming all night. I have plenty of material.
BIDDAWG
August 29th, 2011
6:47 am
34-10 Georgia, mark it down!
Ok, it’s marked down BIDDAWG. You got your a$$ whipped!
Tech Man
September 4th, 2011
12:01 am
I am sure the Tech man who heads WalMart is disappointed. It is going to be a down year for UGA apparel at WalMart’s all across the state.
5150 UOAD
September 4th, 2011
12:02 am
Chuck DoLittle just said Coach Richt’s Doodies. AHHAHAHA
I bet there are plenty of Georgia High School DC’s that would to coach against BoZo
ace1611
September 4th, 2011
12:02 am
Wow, what a horribly played game by the DAWGS. Totally out-coached and out-played on both sides of the ball. Keep playing like this, and Richt’s turkey a$$ will be cooked way before Thanksgiving……
Wow
September 4th, 2011
12:03 am
Hey leghumper, remember when you played W. Carolina in 07? Sugar bowl year right? Niiiiice. I think you guys put up 45 points. Weak point Slugger…
cmac22
September 4th, 2011
12:03 am
Excellent analysis Jeff!! The bullpup faithful that continues to drink the kool-aid being served in Athens are getting just what they deserve. I have not seen a team that unprepared to play since the stellar performance by uga in their last game.
All these overpaid coaches & overhyped players can’t hide the fact that georgia is a bottom tiered SEC football program (right there with Vandy, Kentucky & Ole Miss)! McGarity should have done what was needed after last season & got rid of richt & the alleged coaching staff he has assembled. Instead, he was drinking the concotion as well.
Instead, we get the another gimmiky uniform that, unfortunately, can’t hide the fact that there are very few football players actually putting them on.
If uga were serious about the state of the program, richt would be canned tonight!! It was hilarious to drive home from the Dome & listen to the clowns on the uga radio broadcast talk about how the “goals for the season were still attainable” ….. after just ONE GAME!!! What a bunch of clowns.
I personally took note of the sponsors of uga football (texaco, kroger, regions bank, delta) & plan to begin my boycott of them tomorrow. I hope others will join in.
Next sat will be an embarrassment in athens
Vince Lombardi
September 4th, 2011
12:03 am
So what the heck were GA players doing celebrating every hit they made or 3 yd gain? Face it these guys aren’t rocket scientists –heck most of them really wouldn’t have made it through HS if they hadn’t been football stars –when your team continues to lead the nation in penalties –three to start the game????? You have a bunch of dimwits that can be outsmarted in every game!
Fred Dawg
September 4th, 2011
12:03 am
Boise in ATL …….UNCLE!!!
Yep, I have read your comments this past month – and you have been a good sport getting abused by a lot of UGA fans.
AS much as I hate to admit this – this was not a big victory for Boise – as UGA just does not have a good football program at this time.
Here are my revised predictions – based on tonights performance – yes, I drank that KOOL_AID and thought UGA was going to win this game and go 10-2.
But after seeing how we were physically dominated, ill prepared, stupid game plan, out executed, out coached – I see UGA losing to USC, one of the Mississippi schools, Tennessee, Florida – thank God Vandy and Kentucky suck this year.
I love coach Richt – but unless UGA”s football fortunes turn – and turn quick – NEW LEADERSHIP is needed in UGA’s football program.
Pray4Murray'sSPINE
September 4th, 2011
12:04 am
HOLD UP, HOLD UP, HOLD UP…..does this mean UGA will not win a NAtional Championship??? My prediction is at least one DREAM TEAM member gets locked up tonight. Ed Tolley on call tonight!!
Mama Murray
September 4th, 2011
12:04 am
Why oh why didn’t I make Aaron go to the Gators, or FSU, or Miami, or USF, or UCF, or FAU, or FIU..well you get the picture
JLC
September 4th, 2011
12:04 am
I can’t believe all of UGA’s players had the same last name. What are the chances of that?
Dawg fan
September 4th, 2011
12:05 am
All of you criticizing UGA just remember one thing.
UGA runs this state!!!! ((((((((((((( 42-34 )))))))))))))
Newnandawg
September 4th, 2011
12:05 am
Richt did one good thing since he came to UGA, he hired Van Gorder as DC. Van Gorder’s been gone for 6 years now, and we’ve sucked ever since.
McGarity, Get Dan Mullen on line 1.
Gator Nation
September 4th, 2011
12:05 am
A couple of thoughts:
1)Boise State was the better team, hence the disparity in the rankings. Georgia could have played better, but they did not totally embarrass themselves. The better team won. #5’s usually beat #19’s.
2)Please get rid of the new uniforms and get back to the traditional silver britches and red/white tops. You aren’t just ruining your brand by losing, who wants to buy a highschool looking jersey?
3) Georgia is a desperate team and program. That usually does not translate into a successful season. You’ll upset someone, but you won’t have the year that Richt needs get folks off his back.
hengis khan
September 4th, 2011
12:05 am
What would the final score have been if Boise hadn’t been missing three starters?
tdawgmoney
September 4th, 2011
12:06 am
Bobo should be nicknamed “Mr. 3rd and 8″. He is more predictable than a Mother’s Day sermon on Mother’s Day. Zero creativity. I’m sure he is a nice guy…..but he is Appalachain State material…….in WAY over his head in our league.
cmac22
September 4th, 2011
12:06 am
It was good to see a team actually make adjustments!! Also, was fun to watch a team utilize their tight ends for short crossing routes!! I remember when ugaly used to do that.
Nike was a god
September 4th, 2011
12:07 am
Having all the bulldog players show their name as “Georgia” was a good test run. Soon, they can start seeking paying sponsors, like “Athen’s Toyota” or “The Varsity.” Until then, I expect to see them all wearing “Your Name Here” on every jersey.
National Championship Hopes Dashed-Again!
September 4th, 2011
12:07 am
And the hits just keep on coming. Another drunken delusional blogger from earlier in the week. You guys make this too easy!
dawg85
August 29th, 2011
7:28 am
Glad they play the game on the field and not in the news, otherwise Georgia wouldn’t have a chance. Dawgs 38-17.
Don’t you now wish they played it in the news and not on the field dawg85! By the way, how many yards did Herchel Crowell have? (Sorry, I can’t help it, I am laughing out loud at this point).
damngooddawg!
September 4th, 2011
12:07 am
I don’t care how much coaching you give dumb, knee jerk players. They ain’t gonna respond. Georgia still has too many guys who aren’t diciplined enough to win. Example, we’re 4th and short, a running play. On the right side Orson Charles has responsibility for the outside pass rusher. Instead of taking him on, he sidesteps to the right, lets him in and runs as if going out for a pass. What the h was he thinking…oh, but he wasn’t.
JackDennis
September 4th, 2011
12:07 am
Dawgs just need several good years of recruiting. No, wait a minute….
SSfailboat
September 4th, 2011
12:07 am
How about them dawgs!!!
I can’t wait for more great play like I saw tonight. It made me so happy to see yall dressed like a under funded high school team and then to get beat up and down the field. Looking forward to next week when the old ball coach come to town. Hey yall should do a black out game it would be so cool.
Herschel Talker
September 4th, 2011
12:07 am
FIRE MARK RICHT
RICHT SUPPORTERS – GOT A CLUE YET?
Saban
September 4th, 2011
12:07 am
Boise is a good team. Wonder if we can get them into the SEC. Georgia is just pitiful.
01HAWK
September 4th, 2011
12:08 am
THE DREAM TEAM…………………………………………..LOL
The Ole Ball Coach
September 4th, 2011
12:08 am
Playing in the GA dome with those uniforms, UGA reminded me of the Falcons when they really, really sucked!
BUZZ 2011
September 4th, 2011
12:08 am
Good call Jeff…I think you may get a clear picture soon of the right pick to make as the Dawgs visit North Avenue. Keep a very open mind..
Disappointed Dawg
September 4th, 2011
12:09 am
PowerMad…you’re absolutely right. This is about coaching, and Boise State may not have the biggest, strongest athletes out there, but they are extremely well disciplined, execute a game plan, study and know their opponent’s tendencies, and exploit their weaknesses. The fact that Georgia continually has stellar recruiting classes, yet their seemingly superior players fall flat on their faces year after year astounds me. This appeared to be total lack of preparation. I love Schultz’s line, “If only the Dawgs had more than 8 months to prepare…” What joke of a football team. What a joke of a coaching staff.
George Stein
September 4th, 2011
12:09 am
Who thought red shoes on the coaches were a good idea?
another one bites the dust
September 4th, 2011
12:09 am
When you recruit a bunch of prima donna’s this is what you end up with…the creamed team! Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
5150 UOAD
September 4th, 2011
12:09 am
How much are 1/4 Tickets for the USC v UGA game next weekend? I want to buy some for the 4th Quarter and the USC Party in Sanford. It will be just like Kentucky 3 yrs ago.
Jvillebil
September 4th, 2011
12:10 am
If we lose to South Carolina, we might as well start accepting resume’s.
sam
September 4th, 2011
12:10 am
I see no change from the last couple of years. I have gone over to the Richt needs to go crowd. First call should be to Boise to see if Chris Petersen is interested and if he will bring Brent Pease with him (or get Hartsine from Texas).
Not Disappointed!
September 4th, 2011
12:11 am
Dawgs was out played all over the field! Boise St’s Coach could take UGA to the promise land. He’s just that good and has a discipline team. The Gamecocks aren’t that good, in my opinion, I think UGA could give them a good run for the money! I still believe in my heart that Ralph Friedgen, the old Marylands coach, could when a national championship as Offensive Coordinator for UGA. Any way, it’s not the end of the season. The Dawgs will beat Auburn for sure!
SEC
September 4th, 2011
12:11 am
The problem with SOME UGA fans is that they can’t accept the fact that Mark Richt is not an elite coach and UGA is not an elite program. You haven’t been in a long time if ever.