After another flawed win, are Dogs ready for Florida? (Updated with Grantham video)
Aaron Murray and Georgia had some shaky moments Saturday at Vanderbilt. (AP photo)
(UPDATED: 11:50 p.m.)
NASHVILLE – There’s a saying in sports: It’s not how, it’s how many. That assumes, of course, we’re not talking about college football polls or perceptions heading into the Florida game.
Georgia won again Saturday night. That makes five straight. If ever a five-game winning streak can cause discomfort, this is it. Vanderbilt, a team that had managed just three points in its previous two games, scored three second-half touchdowns. One came on a 96-yard kickoff return. Two others came on alarming efficient drives of 75 and 84 yards against a Bulldogs’ defense that was thought to be improving. So much for thought.
The Bulldogs, after leading 23-7, held on a for a 33-28 victory. The words “held on” never should appear before “victory” for a team that aspires to something higher than the Liberty Bowl again.
The Dogs’ four straight SEC wins have come over teams — Mississippi State, Mississippi, Tennessee, Vandy — with a combined record of 1-13. No, it’s not their fault they’re playing lousy teams. But this game wasn’t secure until time expired. A blocked punt with seven seconds hope gave the Commodores one last gasp of hope. An ensuing pass from Georgia’s 21-yard line went off the finger tips of a Vandy wide receiver, Chris Boyd in the end zone.
Is this progress?
The Dogs struggled to finish drives on offense. They wilted on defense. They were absolutely dreadful on special teams. They had discipline problems — from the players down to the combustible defensive coordinator. After this one finally, mercifully came to an end, players and coaches from both teams met at midfield. It looked like the stare-down before a rumble between the Jets and Sharks in Westside story.
At the center of it were Vandy coach James Franklin and Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who exchanged heated words. (Go to the end of the column for the video.)
Georgia coach Mark Richt wasn’t happy after the game, nor should he have been. First, he put an asterisk on the win: “I just don’t know if we’re ready to continue at the top of the Eastern Division the way we played. We’re thankful for the victory but we’ve got a ways to go.”
Then he addressed his team’s lack of discipline and short fuse. He said he didn’t get a good look at the post-game exchange, but commented, “All I know is I hate the fact at the end of the game that we can’t just shake hands like gentleman and walk off the field. … It’s like the end of a play. When it’s over it’s over. Go to the sideline. And we didn’t do a very good job of that. It is heated. It is battle. It’s not war with real bullets but it’s war in a sense and tempers do flare up. I don’t mind our blood [pressure] getting high but we can’t do something that may get us beat, or make us look less than a first-class operation.”
Grantham was cryptic with his remarks, saying only: “Everybody’s competitive. I love my players. I support my players.”
Franklin: “I went to find coach Richt and didn’t find him, so I found one of his assistant coaches and it didn’t go well.”
Was this a Vandy game?
In short, this wasn’t the kind of performance that is going to inspire confidence going into the Florida game in two weeks, even with the Gators themselves struggling. (Less we forget, the Gators were struggling last season when they won for the 19th time in 21 meetings.)
A blown transformer caused four banks of lights at Vanderbilt Stadium to go out with 2:53 left in the first half. Some of the game was played amid dark shadows. Just as well. Most Vandy games are best played in the dark anyway.
Richt was hoping his team would quick start. That didn’t happen. The offense was as dim as the half-lit stadium. The first four possessions: missed field goal (50 yards), punt (three and out), field goal (53 yards), missed field goal (42 yards). Twice the Dogs failed to capitalize on Vandy turnovers. Their first touchdown came only after a botched Commodores punt.
Also contributing to the early problems: The absence of running back Isaiah Crowell. Richt benched him for the entire first quarter. He confirmed after the game it was not injury related but rather for something off the field. But he wouldn’t specify. (The logical assumption: Some kind of disciplinary measure.)
The five straight wins aside, the Dogs still show flaws. The fact they’re showing them against bad competition is the biggest concern. After driving to a field goal to open the second half, they allowed Vandy’s Andre Hal to return a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, which narrowed the lead to 23-14.
Discipline and intelligence remain issues: On the ensuing kickoff, Shawn Williams hit a Vandy player late, drawing his second personal foul of the game. (Later in the game, Kwame Geathers was flagged for punching Vandy’s Logan Stewart on the ground after a play, but officials called offsetting personal fouls.)
Aaron Murray threw for 326 yards but he also misfired at times (22 for 38). The Dogs couldn’t finish drives, and Murray missed a wide open Marlon Brown at the five-yard line for a certain touchdown before the team settled for its fourth field goal of the night. The lead (26-14) was comfortable. The performance was not comforting.
It took two trick plays before they found the end zone against Georgia: a 35-yard pass play on a fake punt, and a 43-yard, half-back pass from Zac Stacy to Jordan Matthews for a touchdown. But there they were, reeking havoc late. First came the kickoff return. Then came the 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that closed the lead to 26-21. When Murray responded with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Brown, Vandy — Vandy! — showed its resiliency with another long scoring drive, this one ending on a 19-yard run by Stacy with nine minutes left.
The Dogs kept us guessing to the end.
Going into the Florida game, that’s a problem.
Grantham goes ballistic
By Jeff Schultz
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958 comments Add your comment
Frank Lane
October 15th, 2011
11:18 pm
this is a team with no Killer instinct. Too many field goals and missed field goals.
kerryb
October 15th, 2011
11:19 pm
Murray needs to work on his accuracy during the bye week. He’s been over throwing too many receivers so far.
Vinings Dawg
October 15th, 2011
11:19 pm
@ old John mc Cain … Would Jeff be a yellow dawg?
Bulldog Fan stuck in South Carolina
October 15th, 2011
11:19 pm
I am a proud Bulldog fan. However, i do live in South Carolina. At school every day i am faced with Carolina (and even clemson) fans telling me how sorry Georgia is for losing to USC. I have already had USC fans text me saying how we barely beat Vandy, well in the OH SO FAMOUS words of the “lovely” USC fans….A WIN IS A WIN! We have another “W” in the books. I can not wait for school on Monday to tell that to all of the gamecocks. And when they have something smart to say i will reply over and over with A WIN IS A WIN….A WIN IS A WIN….A WIN IS A WIN! Can not wait to be in my seat AT THE FLORIDA GAME in 2 weeks! GOO DAWGS! SIC EM’!!!!
David
October 15th, 2011
11:19 pm
Oh…and they did allmof that with “lousy CMR,” “stupid Bobo as OC” and, get THIS, Willie Martinez!
J Clay
October 15th, 2011
11:19 pm
Tampa Gator – I have not seen one fan on here saying we would beat Bama or LSU, I realize though you are trying to deflect attention from your loss. We won ugly but better than a loss. Who knows if we will beat you guys, but you have nothing to talk about right now except maybe your head coach is more of a hot head than our dc
TampaGator
October 15th, 2011
11:19 pm
Hairy Dawg….
Wees gonnas beats thems Gator thiss years. Sics ems.
Red Dog 77
October 15th, 2011
11:19 pm
@kerryb……….I think you might have answered my question, looked like a cut-block is what got Kwamme upset earlier in the game……….can you expand?
monty
October 15th, 2011
11:20 pm
We eke out wins by having more talent on the field. But not on coaching. Established QB, top 10 recruits,and uggly wins against teams alot less talented. What’s that tell you?
NC Dawg 9295
October 15th, 2011
11:20 pm
Schultz is just trying to get the article posted as quickly–mistakes happen when you rush things. Get over it. I am much more concerned that CMR’s Dawgs keep making the same dang mistakes year after year. It has been five or six years of lousy special teams (why are we playing so many walk-ons on special teams?!?), penalties (both the normal and ridiculously boneheaded), the inability to find a consistent rhythm on offense, and the inability to run out the clock in the fourth quarter. I am growing tired of this…
On the flip side, while I would like to know more about the situation leading up to it, I generally don’t have a big problem with Grantham’s tirade. Certainly wasn’t a Woody Hayes type event.
KB
October 15th, 2011
11:20 pm
Tampa Gator looking like pre spurrier in gator land.
Hopelessly Devoted
October 15th, 2011
11:20 pm
Mark Richt should have got some licks in on those dirty Vandy players. I think that would really inspire our kids to play their hearts out!
kerryb
October 15th, 2011
11:20 pm
Frank Lane, I dont think it has anything to do with killer instincts. It’s their QB over throwing wide open receivers. Should have had 2 more TD’s in this game instead of FG’s
FalconUGAFan
October 15th, 2011
11:20 pm
We were very lucky that Vandy didn’t win….I am very embarrassed by this squad for the lack of discipline from the players and coaches.
Jake
October 15th, 2011
11:21 pm
Good night, Sonny Clusters, wherever you are….
monty
October 15th, 2011
11:21 pm
Todd Grantham almost started a riot! Sure CMR isn’t going to be too pleased by that, dirty playing by Vandy aside.
Realville
October 15th, 2011
11:21 pm
Brandon, stop living in the past, you idiot!
You need to forget ‘02, ‘05, when we could play with anybody.
Now, ANYBODY can play with us!!!!
Open your eyes!
Jason
October 15th, 2011
11:21 pm
Ugly Dawgs win, but on the bright Tech and the Gators lost today…can we say perfect day
1eyedJack
October 15th, 2011
11:21 pm
Vandy appears to have found themselves a quarterback.
kerryb
October 15th, 2011
11:22 pm
Red Dog 77, If you look at that replay, the center cut blocked Kwame from behind and he rolled over and gave him a body shot for it.
sprouse27
October 15th, 2011
11:22 pm
It’s a W, but doesn’t inspire confidence. Were the Dawgs playing better teams, we’d be getting crushed I’m afraid. Richt apologists will no doubt see our ‘winning’ season as a reason to keep him another year.
fb
October 15th, 2011
11:22 pm
I do not see a punch thrown by Grantham. Still a horrible example. I am more concerned about the diva sulking of Crowell. Quit whining, pull up your big-boy pants and find the hole.
Arx
October 15th, 2011
11:22 pm
We gotta big can of get-even waiting for the lizards. It may not get opened this year but it will get opened… and when it does, the only thing to save them will be a massive rise in sea level.
Glub glub
TampaGator
October 15th, 2011
11:22 pm
J Clay….
If Georgia had Florida’s schedule and Florida has Georgia’s schedule…..Florida would have your record and you would have Florida’s record. Reminder…….Brantley and Demps will be back for the game in JAX…..and the D played very well tonight. But….again…..if you don’t win this year…..
St. Richt
October 15th, 2011
11:22 pm
LOL at all of the talk about Vandy being dirty. Schultz- pull your head out and get some info on what happened after the game. I replayed it and it looked clearly like Vandy’s coach was pointing and calling out TG on something. Not the other way around..
Harry D
October 15th, 2011
11:22 pm
Prediction: Richt does nothing about Bobo, works out his remaining contract (or retires) and becomes a professional missionary.
I would prefer he make the necessary changes at OC but I just don’t see that happening.
BreakingNews
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
Could be worse….we could’ve lost to Virginia. Tech fans? You still here?
Dawg Gawn
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
Relax, calm down people. Sometime you win ugly…happens. However, CMR set the tone with something like ten field goal attempts.
No matter the provocation,CTG needs to realize that 80 some odd young men are watching and will emulate your actions; leadership 101.
Vince
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
I’m a 1972 graduate of UGA. I love the Dawgs and love Athens. I have never been more embarassed or more disappointed in a football program. What a mediocre football team with little focus or determination!!! Vandy should’ve beat us. We are truly pathetic(or should I say mediocre?) God help us if we have to play BAMA or LSU. When are these morons going to realize that playing ultra conserative football is not going to cut it in the SEC? Is there a worse special teams coach than we have? I think Vandy scored 17 points on special teams–GET A CLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bardawg
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
The title of your column Mr. Shultz has absolutely nailed the pitiful state of Georgia football! these boys aint nothing but piss-poor pitiful
KBP
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
First, give Vandy some credit. They played well in the 2nd half. Having a kickoff run back against you does not make you a bad team nor should it raise any questions about the staff. Second, why do some fans and all of the critics require the Dawgs to play perfect games to justify the win? Take the wins and move on. Questions: Are the Gators ready for the Dawgs? Just who has Alabama and LSU played? Let’s see how their offenses do against good defenses. Go Dawgs, one game at a time.
Ga plays
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
ole miss, tenn and vandy while we play ALA, LSU, and AUBURN without our starting QB and ya’ll think you are all that and talk about how bad we are. Can’t wait to get your tired a$$ over rated team in Jacksonville
Dr. Morpheus
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
@ESPNDawgNation
ESPNDawgNation
#UGA QB Aaron Murray was 22 of 38 for a career high 326 yds passing with 3 td & 1 int. 150.7 QB rating for the game.
heeldawg
October 15th, 2011
11:23 pm
The Dogs were reeking tonight, but not havoc. That term is actually spelled “wreaking.” The former spelling implies something that has a disgusting odor–like Georgia’s inconsistent performances of late. So it still could be accurate in this article, just not in that specific context.
monty
October 15th, 2011
11:24 pm
Richard Samuel 4th is a 6′3″ 235lb guy impersonating a running back.
Randy
October 15th, 2011
11:24 pm
Two Florida / Georgia tickets for sale.
Red Dog 77
October 15th, 2011
11:24 pm
I don’t care what anyone says, any team that plays in the SEC is capable of beating just about any team in the nation on any given week……..RED
dbc
October 15th, 2011
11:24 pm
Please voice your displeasure here: Greg McGarity: gmcgarity@SPORTS.UGA.EDU
As long as Mark Richt is coach –and his clowns as part of the ensemble — we will look for moral victories over the likes of Vanderbilt. I’m done. And before you Richt lovers attack me …. yes he’s a nice man. Yes, he’s a great Christian. Yes, he’s done a lot for UGA. But his time is up. Because I honestly care for the man, he just needs to give this whole thing up. He’s made a fortune, done a lot of good things, and can do a lot more out of the spotlight of Georgia football. His eyes tell us all what he wants to do…
Head Dog
October 15th, 2011
11:25 pm
Jeff, you have entered the place that no “respectable” reporter should go…a need to be “right”. GA played well enough to win! They scored thirty-three points with 2 of their biggest weapons injured (Crowell and Mitchell). Aaron Murray showed he could win when the whole game was on his shoulders. Let me remind how many times Auburn almost loss last year. If there was a story tonight…it was on the defensive side of ball and the effectiveness of the Vanderbilt spread offense. If you have an agenda share it with us.
kerryb
October 15th, 2011
11:25 pm
fb, The guy went down hard on the side line and got up holding that wrist again in the 3rd quarter. I dont think it has anything to do with sucking it up. I dont want an RB in there that can hold onto the ball with an injured wrist.
Troup Dawg
October 15th, 2011
11:25 pm
Techies!!! we know it’s you baffoons on here calling for TG’s head. You’re afraid of his D for your High Scholl offense….
Rodney Allan
October 15th, 2011
11:25 pm
@TampaGator, It’s going to be a real good game this year. Can’t wait
7576DAWG
October 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
I’m sure Grantham had good reason for what he did and I bet it had to do with cheap shot’s from Vanderbilt players or something that he felt compelled to take up for his players. This is going to be very interesting in if CMR supports him or not. I wouldn’t care what the reason was if I was head coach I would say that my Defensive coordinator was pissed off about something, specifically about something, and as head coach I support Grantham 100%.
If Richt doesn’t say something like that a lot of his supporters will no longer be behind him. If CMR and Grantham has an issue about something it should be keep behind closed doors and they work it out.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
Sorry I’m such an idiot. I drink too much.
GT sux
October 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
GT sux!
bucket
October 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
Jeff, were you watching the game? The Vandy players were instigating a lot of the pushing and shoving around the pile. When Shaun Williams got the 15 yard penalty Vandy’s Coach Franklin reamed his guy on the sideline because he clearly knew who started that scuffle. In fact, if you watch the replay one of the Vandy players pushed his own player to the ground because he knew he started it. On the 15 yard penalty against Geathers he was clipped by the Vandy lineman on a play when Rogers was running out of bounds. UGA didn’t play well tonight, but a better explanation of the “discipline” penalties is warranted.
HammerDawg
October 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
So many talented players for Ga. such poor coaching!!!
Somebody's got to say it!
October 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
TennesseeDawg
October 15th, 2011
10:58 pm
Grantham was p*ssed off because Barden stomped on Rambo’s leg on the last play of the game.
*********************
If you are going to give commentary, please give the entire story,not your version. PUNCHES, TRASH TALKING and Classless behavior by the UGA staff speaks for itself.
Rob
October 15th, 2011
11:27 pm
So what happened at the end of the game? My worry is that, in the melee after the game, someone threw a punch that is going to bring a suspension from the conference for the Florida game. All is saw was pushing and shoving, but I’m sure the conference will review the tape closely.
kerryb
October 15th, 2011
11:27 pm
Has anyone seen the Oklahoma vs Kansas score? Oklahoma is the #3 team is leading a 2-3 Kansas team by only 27-17 at the half. It happens. Does Oklahoma suck?