Georgia gets needed win but leaves room for improvement
Isaiah Crowell rushed for 147 yards but felt Georgia should've scored more touchdowns.
OXFORD, Miss. – Since the first two games of the season adjusted everybody’s expectations, let’s start with this: Georgia won a game on Saturday. Over an SEC opponent. On the road. These things aren’t taken for granted any more, not after a 2-6 stretch in the conference on non-hedged fields.
So in that sense, the Bulldogs’ 27-13 win over Mississippi was a step forward. It just wasn’t quite the sledgehammer maybe some had hoped for.
This was Ole Miss, one of the worst teams in the nation. It lost to Vanderbilt 30-7 last week. One group among the program’s normally relatively staid fan base, whose greatest focus generally is on picnicking in The Grove, even was moved to purchase full-page advertisements in five area newspapers. In so many words, they asked the school’s administration to strap coach Houston Nutt to a catapult and fire him into the gulf. Even angry Georgia fans haven’t gone that far when it comes to Mark Richt.
So the bar should’ve been set high Saturday for the Bulldogs. In many ways, they dominated an inferior opponent. They killed in real estate. The final yardage totals: 475 to 183. First downs: 25-8.
If this was Monopoly, the Dogs had hotels from Pacific Avenue thru Boardwalk, while Mississippi was mortgaging Baltic.
But the fact that Georgia struggled to score touchdowns and put this game away reaffirmed some of the team’s flaws. The Dogs scored three touchdowns (in the first six possessions). Then they fizzled. By game’s end, they had attempted five field goals (Blair Walsh missing three).
Richt accurately summarized, “When we get a defense tired, we need to stick a fork in them, and we weren’t able to do that.”
A road SEC win is better than losses to Boise State and South Carolina and a win over some pipsqueak from Myrtle Beach. But to beat Mississippi State, Florida, Auburn – maybe even Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky – Georgia will need to be better. Because every other conference opponent is better equipped than the Rebels to make you pay for a mistake.
Some of what happened could be attributed to the usual: dropped passes, missed blocks, etc. But some of it is on Richt. He didn’t send a great message to his players at the start of the fourth quarter. On fourth-and-1 from the Rebels’ 30, he sent in the field-goal team. The Dogs led 24-13. It seemed like the perfect time to try to pound the opponent for a yard and pass up a 48-yard attempt (hardly a sure thing). Richt played it conservative. Walsh missed.
Question: When a team starts the season 0-2 and the only win thus far has come over Coastal Carolina, shouldn’t there be a more aggressive approach?
Players tried to convince Richt to go for the first down. He later explained, “What I told them was if you want to get a first down, do it in the first three downs.”
Oddly, on the Dogs’ next possession, Richt took a huge gamble when he decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Dogs’ 44. Richard Samuel “made it by a thumbnail,” Richt said. (He later second-guessed himself, saying he should’ve punted.)
Georgia never was in danger of losing this game. It just never had the look of a wrecking ball, which is what you would’ve hoped for. Ole Miss had two touchdowns called back by penalties. Richt conceded, “It was a two-score [lead], and all it would’ve taken was one big play for them and it could’ve gotten really nasty and ugly, but the defense never allowed them to do that.”
There were positive signs. The defense was solid, allowing only one touchdown. Isaiah Crowell is turning into a game-changer. He rushed for 147 yards on 30 carries, including a 29-yard gain on third-and-9 from the Georgia 2 that launched a 99-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter that Richt called “the biggest play of the game.”
But even Crowell, after the biggest day of his young career, found himself talking about flaws.
“I’m happy with how the team played, but I thought we could’ve played better in the second half,” he said. “We should’ve scored [more] points.”
By Jeff Schultz
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719 comments Add your comment
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:13 am
SEC FACT FINDER Lsu and Bama will have their way with the GATORS. wake up you are dreaming. And by the CAROLINA WILL WHIP THEM ALSO.
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:17 am
DAWGS thanks for the win,the true fans appreciate it. GO DAWGS!!!!
World Be Free
September 25th, 2011
11:18 am
Jeff, sorry you have many d-bags here that somehow have learned how to post what they consider meaningful materials.
Bottom line is this is a win, something the teams needs against an inferior SEC opponent. It is easier to build on a win than a loss, so it is a step forward. Tough tests ahead.
My observations....fwiw
September 25th, 2011
11:18 am
SEC FF….come back to earth. UF just beat the 9th & 11th ranked teams in the conference. We will find out how good or bad the Gators are next week.
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
11:18 am
SEC Fast Finder…..
Obviously…my laptop typing is as bad as your blackberry texting.
Florida has two short-yardage runners in Gillislee and Burton….both very good inside runners with power….and a young one in 240 lb. Hunter Joyer. I expect you might see a lot more of GIllislee and Burton in the Bama game because Bama will key on stopping Demps and Rainey…and they are good at that. Brantley is going to have to play the game of his life if Florida is going to have a chance. That makes me very nervous.
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:18 am
Jeff thanks for the article. A least you see a little progress. We have some things to perfect,but we are making progress.
Beast from the East
September 25th, 2011
11:19 am
Pierce County DAWG,
You may be right about Bama and LSU having their way with the Gators, but rest assured that the Gators will have their way with the Dawgs…..as usual. Enjoy living off of others success?
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:23 am
JEFF SCHULTZ thanks again for this article and support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully this will build some momentum!!
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:24 am
BEAST FROM THE EAST PLAY THE GAME THEN RUN YOUR MOUTH. URBAN CRYER IS GONE.
SSIgator
September 25th, 2011
11:27 am
Another game like that and Russ will be looking for the anti-freeze.
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:29 am
BEAST OF THE EAST You played a bunch of junior colleges and you would think you had won the national championship. BEAST OF THE EAST AT LEAST WE SCHEDULED TOP 5 TEAMS THE FIRST OF THE SEASON. See where you land when the season plays out. Vanderbilt may take you out. That would be great!!
Beast from the East
September 25th, 2011
11:30 am
“BEAST FROM THE EAST PLAY THE GAME THEN RUN YOUR MOUTH. URBAN CRYER IS GONE.”
This from the same guy that is said LSU and Bama will have their way with the Gators BEFORE the games are ever played? Can’t have it both ways. You talk crap but can’t take it? Try beating us more than 3 out of 21 and yu can talk crap to your superiors. By the way, Meyer was only there for 5 of those 18 wins. Zook even owned Richt.
Beast from the East
September 25th, 2011
11:33 am
“Vanderbilt may take you out. That would be great!!”
Once again, trying to live off of others succees. By the way, the Gators do not lose to teams like Vandy and Kentucky. That’s UGA you’re thinking about.
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
11:33 am
Pierce County Dawg….
Any Dawg fan telling a Gator fan to play the game and then talk…..if completely beyond funny.
SEC Fact Finder
September 25th, 2011
11:37 am
Pierce County Dawg..
Did I say UF would beat Alabama or LSU? No! As an Alabama fan first , S E C fan second, while working multiple games a year for the conference, I have seen Florida, USC, LSU and Alabama all play and I was speaking of defenses only. Anyone with a brain knows that in road conference games that on many many occasions a great team can get beat by a good team. UF is good, very good on defesne but will need more time under Muschamp to be there with the LSU’s and Bama’s with the talent and coaching those teams have. After Charlie Strong left UF the philosphy changed with the new coaches, then Myers left and more new coaches arrived. That is the nature of the game and why most coaches like to keep a good core of coaches year after year. Look at MSU, Diaz left and they are learning under new coaches and they have regressed.
But UF is one of the top 4 or 5 teams in the league if not higher even after the coaching change. Florida has depth and loads of talent and speed. Bama and LSU should win, but for Bama it is a road game and road games are always a reason to fear a loss.
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
11:37 am
Pierce County Dawg…..
When your guys play the Vols…..be sure to tell them to tell the Vols players they are a Jr. college team. That is all they need…..a little more motivation when they play the Dawgs.
P.S. Have you looked at the point differential concerning those Jr. college games the Gators have played? Florida has dominated everyone they have played. You have dominated Coastal Carolina….and struggled somewhat against an Ole Miss team that was completely dominated by Vandy.
Red Stick (formerly Jumbeauxtiger)
September 25th, 2011
11:38 am
tth.net:
“jeff: in spite of what some of these fans say, thanks for pointing out CMR not going for it on 4th down and 1. It is significant. The call was stupid. It shows that even though we are running the ball like crazy. coach Richt does not have any confidence in the team. ”
I was watching the game and at the time I was really surprised that Richt didn’t go for it. The ball is on the 30 and even if you don’t make it Ole Miss takes over on the 30. If you miss the FG Ole Miss takes over on the 30, which is what happened. I think there is a greater chance of gaining 1 yard than kicking a 48 yard fg. I don’t understand Richt’s thinking.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
Beast from the East
September 25th, 2011
11:41 am
Red Stick,
Your boys look dang near unbeatable. Miles had done a GREAT job this year with all of the adversity before the season. Tell ‘em to take it easy on us in 2 weeks, will ya?
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:43 am
SEC FACT FINDER TAMPA GATOR Play the game then run your mouth the season is young. You started out really slow against a weak kentucky team that give you 21 to 28 points on turn overs. Do not get your hopes up the season is young.
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
11:43 am
My observations fwiw……
Based on what I have seen, I certainly would not rate the Vols as the 9th or 11th best team in the SEC. Frankly, I think they have looked better than Georgia, Auburn, MSU, Kentucky, Vandy, Ole Miss….so that would currently place them at the 6th spot…behind Arkansas, SC, Florida, Bama, and LSU.
…..and Florida easily beat that 11th team…..Kentucky…..48-10…..and it could have been 70 to 10.
Desert Dawg
September 25th, 2011
11:44 am
The solution is very simple. With all of the talk about conference realignment UGA needs to switch with West Virginia and go to what is left of the Big East. Even though UGA sucks they still have a big name and would bring some much needed “Star Power” to the Big East, just the way an aging Rock Group would by playing at your local Bar. And who knows they may even be able to win that conference every 5-7 years. Go Dawgs. (to the Big East)
Red Stick (formerly Jumbeauxtiger)
September 25th, 2011
11:44 am
I think Florida is the best team in the East. However they have a huge disadvantage in having to play LSU and Bama while USCe and UGA don’t. I said the same thing during the off-season.
The Gators will not be easy to beat. LSU and Bama will have to play well to beat them.
It’s going to be exciting in the Swamp on Saturday.
Pierce County DAWG
September 25th, 2011
11:44 am
REMEMBER THE SEASON IS EARLY AND LONG. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
11:45 am
Pierce County……
Really slow????? 21 – 0 with 4 minutes left in the first quarter. Yep….started out really slow. About as slow as Demp on that 84 yard TD run.
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
11:47 am
Pierce County Dawg…..
Based on last season and the Dawgs perfromance in the Memphis Bowl game……you should know how really long a season can be better than anyone, right?.
SEC Fact Finder
September 25th, 2011
11:48 am
Tampa Gator.
Saban and Muschamp know each other very well. I see a chess match, with very big pieces( LOL).
Speed on the corners for Florida, and Alabama stopping the inside, I expect the quarterbacks from both teams needing smart games to get a win for their clubs.
As for the big back at UF they really need to find a constant force to keep defenses honest.
Good luck to you and see you on saturday.
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
11:53 am
Red Stick……
I think the Bama game will come down to just too much SEC tested experience on the Bama side next Saturday…..on the defensive side of the ball. The Gators D is very good….but they are still young and lack the big game experience that Bama has on D. Bama wins 27-14. I think the Gators will play well in LSU for one half (14-3, LSU at the half)…..then LSU takes over and wins……31-10. Then the Gators learn from the big game expereinces and comes back and wins out….including beating SC up there in an upset….and wins the East. Then play even better against LSU or Bama in the SEC title game.
SEC Fact Finder
September 25th, 2011
11:55 am
Pierce county puppy,
Once again, I am not a Gator fan. Sorry to burst your red and black balloon. My balloon is crimson. And we may get our burst next weekend. But I do know one thing. We are much closer to getting to the BCS title game than UGA is today. That is not a slap against UGA. UGA is getting better each week. Get by MSU and a few others in the east, and if we can get by UF, LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn and Vandy we can meet in Atlanta. But I know this is a long season I unlike you I respect every team we play.
Ga Tech
September 25th, 2011
11:59 am
GT is Wofford on steroids!
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
12:00 pm
SEC Fact Finder……
The Gators have one coming in next year from the Tampa area…..and another good one coming down from Georgia. Plus Gillislee and Mack Brown are good inside runners for next year. The Gators are not going to try to pound the ball this year with Demps and Rainey….why should you? They are going to try to attack teams on the edges and with draws and screens with that kind of speed. Problem is…..Bama LBs and corners are just too fast and big. Problem for Florida.
Beast from the East
September 25th, 2011
12:03 pm
Tampa Gator,
I think you’re probably right on your predictions fo the Bama and LSU games. We’ve still got alot of growing up to do. While they did a great job on the reduction in penalties yesterday, the turnovers will kill us against a good team and we are about to face 2 of the best in the country. All in all, I like what I’ve seen so far. Even saw them throw it downfield to the WR’s a little more last night. If we can keep from turning it over, then we can keep it close with Bama, as I don’t know if their QB can beat us and we are stout against the run. Gonna be interesting to see how they do the next 2 weeks. I just hope they play well and not get embarassed.
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
12:06 pm
Beast…..
My brain say Bama and LSU win…..but my Gator heart is telling me “upset” in both games. I can dream just like Dawg fans….while being realistic at the same time…which is hard for Dawg fans.
SEC Fact Finder
September 25th, 2011
12:07 pm
TG..
Muschamp will do a good job and keep UF in the BCS picture for many years.
I suspect very shortly that Kirby gets the title coach in waiting at Bama. I see many good battles between UF, LSU ,Bama and even Tenn. In the very near future.
There is a ton of talent in the league right now.
Sam Robards, Dawg Fan
September 25th, 2011
12:07 pm
Wow, the trolling on this board is absolutely pathetic, to say nothing of the individuals performing said trolling.
Georgia WON yesterday. Yes, it wasn’t a 100-point blowout, but it was a win that slightly surpassed the official line, which I believe was 10-points.
That isn’t to say there isn’t room for improvement.
Special teams defense needs work (two blown returns today plus that fake against SC equals need for improvement), and Blair Walsh had a horrible game. That doesn’t mean he’s a bad kicker: he just had a bad day (remember Brandon Coutu against Carolina in ‘07? Great kicker, but he missed at least 3 or 4 easy FGs that day).
The offense looked good overall. It was nice to see Aaron spread the ball around to a bunch of different receivers (Mitchell, White, King, Charles and Bennett all caught passes) as he’s done all year. Crowell also had a great game: heck, I think little Carlton Thomas might be the best match with Crowell. He came in and made some great runs, and speed at the RB position is never a bad thing (ask Florida). I will, however, say that we got too concerned with clock management later in the game, resulting in a few too many three-and-outs. For goodness sake, if they’re hitting your backs behind the line, bring ‘em in and dump off on a screen. It’s practically a running play anyway!
The defense, however, played great, with the exception of the substitution mania that, in part, caused Ole Miss’s only offensive TD. However, we seemed to get that under control in the second half and took over. Also, shouldn’t Christian Robinson be coming back either this week or next? And I imagine Ogletree’ll be back for Florida, so this D’ll only get better in the coming weeks.
To revisit a previous point, the trolling here is absurd. Ole Miss never lead at any point. Heck, they didn’t even come that close to tying it up, and some people here are acting like we had to win in triple overtime.
Now, I understand that some of these so-called “fans” are actually Techies (or other random fans like Clemson) masquerading as Georgia fans to sow dissent, which is sad in it’s own right. Congrats to Tech and Clemson, by the way, and I mean that.
However, some of these trolls claim to be actual Georgia fans, and, if that’s the case, then quit watching ‘em and get off the boards. No one wants to hear a fair-weather fan complain. If you have genuine criticism (and can say it without being a complete douche), then that’s one thing. But those crazies that want to scream about firing the coaching staff or benching our best players every week for no discernible reason need to just shut up and get off the boards. You’re not doing any good and are only proving Ivan Maisel right when he talked about our fanbase (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/6956421/despite-starting-0-2-georgia-bulldogs-building-blocks-college-football).
As for the next few games, I’m expecting big things out of our Dawgs. Mississippi State has clearly regressed since last year (their defense is awful: losing Manny Diaz to Texas clearly hurt), and Tennessee has ZERO running game and only one reliable receiver, as well as an unproven defense. If you think we don’t have a good chance of winning both of those games, you’re a damn fool.
That said, sermon over.
Go Dawgs!
Beast from the East
September 25th, 2011
12:09 pm
TampaGator,
LOL! I’m afraid it’s just a dream, as you said. All we can do is expect the worse and HOPE for the best.
Heard anything yet on Halapio’s injury?
Commentary
September 25th, 2011
12:12 pm
A few comments about UGA:
1. Four different SEC teams have won the last five BCS championships.
2. UGA was not one of those teams.
3. During that period, UGA did not win the SEC championship.
4. During that period, UGA did not even win its SEC division.
5. Red panties.
In other words, UGA has sunk into total irrelevancy both regionally and nationally.
So why is UGA paying Muck Wretched millions of dollars a year?
Dawgfan in FL
September 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
Awwwww, Pollyanna, did Murray steal your girlfriend? You lose all credibility by being so over the top against him. Quoting records against winning teams just shows you’re a moron and don’t understand that football’s a team sport. Saying it’s Murray’s fault for the interception also shows how ridiculous you are. Get a life and stop being such a hater. Taking some meds might help
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
12:18 pm
Beast…..
Nothing on Halipio…….but he did walk off the field under his own power without a limp. Doesn’t mean it is not serious. The Gators cannot take a big hit on the OL….especially someone as good a Halipio at guard. He is one of the top OGs in the conference. Big step down with Kohene in expereince and strenth if Halipio is out for Bama and LSU.
Red Stick (formerly Jumbeauxtiger)
September 25th, 2011
12:21 pm
TampaGator,
I don’t see LSU beating the Gators by 3 scores. It will be much closer than that.
I think you have a good chance of beating the Gamecocks but if you lose to LSU and Bama, you will need some help from someone else to win the East. You may get it as I don’t see USCe going 7-1 or 8-0 in conference play.
Broken Record
September 25th, 2011
12:21 pm
Commentary at least gets it……somebody said it earlier “cockiest 2-2 team in the nation”
TampaGator
September 25th, 2011
12:22 pm
Got to go out for brunch with the wife now. Enjoy the day. Falcons are “blacked out” down here today. Wife would not let me have two football days in a row……it is going to rain at the game anyway. But Go Falcons! I will never become a Bucs fan no matter how long I live down here.
Again…..Go Falcons.
…………but can the Braves beat the mighty Nationals today? If not, Cardinals take the wild card….anyone think the Braves will win one against the Phillies this week? Not likely. Last chance Braves.
Broken Record
September 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
Commentary just summed it up perfectly.
Xenophon
September 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
Congratulations on beating the weakest team in the SEC. No doubt about it, we are back on the right track. (Snicker.)
chazzo
September 25th, 2011
12:24 pm
UGA pretty much dominated Ole Miss, as they should have. The problem is the score doesn’t indicate how thoroughly the Dawgs won. The Dawgs cannot play this slack and expect to beat MSU, UT in Nashville, and particularly the Gators. I am in hopes that this was a hard game to get up for and UGA was down a few starters.
The no huddle doesn’t have a big affect if the players all look to the sidelines for a play for 10 seconds. Special teams weren’t sharp, particularly punting (not knocking Walsh here). For the second week in a row, the announcers were questioning play calling. That three strikes and a punt with a minute eleven left in the half was simply buffoonery. WTF? There are times that the Dawgs look unprepared. One of those times (note UF game last year) is when time is ticking off the clock.
Still love my Dawgs, and I am hoping to see this team firing on all cylinders. Vast improvement last year and this year in the penalty department. The dream team is proving to be just that (albiet still a little green). Guys are stepping up to fill in for injured teammates. There is a lot to be excited about. They just need to tighten it up.
5150 UOAD
September 25th, 2011
12:35 pm
UGA fans are really scared that A&M and Mizzou come to the SEC and Bama & Auburn move to the EAST. UGA will be fighting Vandy and Kentucky to NOT be every other SEC teams HOMECOMING date.
I ask the Question
September 25th, 2011
12:40 pm
How long will Fox leep putting Pam Oliver on TV. She has balooned like a fat pig the lasst 2 years. She is a jock sniffer and gets on TV and thinks she is sexy and she is fat as hell. Get her off TV!!!!!!!
Runnin With The Dawgs
September 25th, 2011
12:45 pm
What gripes me with Richt is things like not calling time out right before halftime yesterday and giving the offense one more chance to score. We’ve got the ball with 45 seconds on the clock on our own 35 yd. line and he lets the clock run out. I don’t understand it. He wants the players to give their all yet he throws away a time out and a chance to score. Anybody can come up with mamby pamby reasons to say he’s right, but that’s totally wrong. TOTALLY!
Realist
September 25th, 2011
12:47 pm
Every August, the Dawgs are like one of those penis enhancer potions. They’re going to be huge. Other teams, when playing them, will look on in shock, horror, and envy. Nobody’s going to believe how tremendous they are.
Then comes the season, and here come the shriveled, flaccid, under-performing Dawgs. Many fans want their money back, alleging fraud. Some remain deluded, believing that some other potion will restore the former glory and vigor. A few urge waiting till the potion has had more time to work its wonders.
When will they ever learn?
Dawg fan on leave
September 25th, 2011
12:49 pm
Same as always ,poorly prepared,poorly coached team that looks for a way to beat themselves every week. No offensive identity with Barf Bozo running the show. You can always count on him going away from the run if is working and you can always count on all passes inside the twenty. The dogs do have the record for most helments to come off per game though. Sad to say it is hard to watch them these days. People really blasted Ray Goff when he coached but he was a much better coach when he was fired than when he was hired. Can you say that about Richt?
5150 UOAD
September 25th, 2011
12:55 pm
Is Ole miss as bad as Kansas?
Tech was close with Kansas at the half then the DAM broke. UGA was close with Ole Miss at half and then UGA did nothing special.