Should Georgia rest Crowell against Tech for SEC title game?
Isaiah Crowell had only two carries against Kentucky before leaving. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
This is not to short-change the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry in any way. Whichever school wins the annual game owns 12 months of bragging rights — or to be more precise, mocking and taunting rights.
But no matter how big the Tech game is to Georgia, the potential LSU game next week is bigger. Ten years from now, whether the Bulldogs won an SEC championship in 2011 will carry far more weight than whether they defeated the Jackets, rivalry banter notwithstanding.
That’s why Georgia coach Mark Richt has to answer a difficult question this week: Should the Dogs rest running back Isaiah Crowell against Tech?
The Bulldogs have to believe they have a chance to win the SEC championship because, even if they’re a heavy underdog to LSU or Alabama, it’s not far-fetched to believe they can win one game in the Georgia Dome. But without a reasonably healthy Crowell — and with Carlton Thomas lost in a blur of suspensions — the running game takes a hit.
Richt says he expects Crowell to play despite ankle issues. Crowell has battled health issues much of the season but a sprained ankle is particularly problematic. Ankles are slow healing, and seeing Crowell pulled after two carries against Kentucky set off alarms.
Sitting Crowell against Tech is a risk. Richt would run the risk of hurting Georgia’s chances to beat Tech, especially if the Jackets can run and control the clock and keep quarterback Aaron Murray and his receivers on the sideline. But if the SEC championship is bigger, shouldn’t the plan this week be made with next week in mind?
What are your thoughts on this subject? Should Crowell be rested this week? Or should the thought process be: Go all out to beat Tech and worry about next week after this game?
By Jeff Schultz
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887 comments Add your comment
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
November 22nd, 2011
9:17 am
We all pretty much agree…start him….he’ll take himself out after a few plays anyway.
Let’s hope and pray UGA recruits some SEC type rb’s.
Murphy
November 22nd, 2011
9:19 am
Sit Crowell against Tech? HE.. NO!!!!!!!!!! We need to beat Tech and keep our momentum heading into the Dome! What in the world would you be thinking to possibly losing this game by sitting Crowell after winning 9 in a row? If he is can go stick his butt out there!!!!
Murphy
November 22nd, 2011
9:21 am
I like Crowell’s running ability but all our coaches knew he was a bit of a head case and prone to injury when they recruited him.He showed these same signs in high school.
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
9:22 am
Jeff, you sleeping or what ? What did Carlton Thomas do to deserve a 3rd game suspension ? You know reporters find this kinda stuff out for their readers ?
RedandBlackDawg
November 22nd, 2011
9:22 am
CHDAWG,
Yes Malcome did a fairly good job last week, but he needs to shake off some ring rust. Harton did all you could ask of him, but the little guy is not just the right size to run up the middle like UGA tried last week.
Everybody also needs to understand that UK was able to use a defense to put extra pressure on Murray, because they knew the could contain UGA to short yardage running and therefore could use the blitz and stunts necessary to overload our OL. He wasn’t given time to pass, because KY did not have to respect our running game. I would have like to see Harton get to the outside more than trying to run him up the middle. It was obvious he should not have been running up the middle by the way the LB’s and safeties of KY. manhandled him. Harton has a big heart, but the physical attributes aren’t there. I hope this week, they get him out wide on these runs and can use Malcome up the middle. He has the size to bruise the DL and I don’t think one person will take him down, or stop him dead on at the point of contact. He will still get a few tough yards. Notice how Crowell is not mentioned much, because I am not even sure he will play, and if he does, most UGA fans now expect that he will not be able to go a whole game, as he hasn’t shown durability or fitness, to play a whole game yet. If UGA’s running game gets going, Murray will find he has a lot of time to spread the ball around. Tech.’s DB are hopelessly out manned against the WR’s of UGA so with a little bit of a running game and a smart game plan, Murray will have a field day against GT’s defense.
GO DAWGS and GATA
Ray
November 22nd, 2011
9:22 am
No, next.
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
9:23 am
malcome is the 4th best rb. If Crowell & Thomas are playing Malcome doesn’t even get off the bench. Malcome ain’t nothing.
Real Dawg Fan
November 22nd, 2011
9:24 am
I love how everyone talks about how fragile IC is, couple points then Im signing off:
1-True frosh in the SEC
2-He was hurt his senior season of HS (in reality only a few months ago)
3-He never played a full game in HS (in reality only a few months ago)
4-He got hurt against SC and still played his @$$ off
5-He got hurt against Ole Miss and still played his @$$ off
6-He’s been playing hurt all year and still played 100% everytime he touched the ball
7-A 300lb MAN fell on his ankle and he stayed dressed out (but wasnt needed)
Sincerely,
IC Supporter and SEC EAST CHAMPS
Murphy
November 22nd, 2011
9:25 am
@Red and Black Dawg,
We need to use Malcome like we did a few year back with Veron in the Tech game.Its time to challange our O-Line to win this game and let our Defense rest a bit.This will be key for the game in the Dome.We must have our D fresh.
OkieDawg
November 22nd, 2011
9:26 am
Play him. Did he come to UGA to play or sit? If he is able to go, suit him up and let him play. If not, go with the next best option and let him sit. If he is able to play but decides he had rather sit, give him his release and let him go to Jacksonville State for the rest of his career. Then when he leaves JSU, he can go to work and live life like the rest of us. There aren’t any prima donnas in the real world. He needs to wake up because his little dream is slipping away. And he can take Bryan McClendon with him. What kind of influence has McClendon been on our RBs?
Wikijunkie
November 22nd, 2011
9:27 am
Does it really matter if Crowell plays or not. I mean we beat Kentucky without him and they were a tougher test than Tech will be. I feel as this will be one of the games the passing game will open up the running game. I look forward to tech maybe having 100 yards of offense anyway. Tech can only do one thing right and thats run the ball and against Georgia’s run defense that won’t happen.
Jborodawg
November 22nd, 2011
9:27 am
I think the question is inane. Do we rest Murray or J Jones?
I’m with DawgInaTruck…Crowell was held out by Courson. I don’t understand all the hatred for Crowell (unless you’re new to football). No heart, a wuss…how’d you like to have your ankle crushed by a 300+ lb lineman? You ever tried to run with a bad ankle? I reckon y’all think that Niles Davis with Ark and Lattimore with SC have no heart. A little banged up? geez No doubt he hasn’t shown the maturity that Lattimore showed during his freshman year; not many do. That’s why freshmen are always question marks. Many don’t blossum until later. We also have freshmen in other positions that haven’t played well; or haven’t cracked the starting lineup. As has also been stated, he’s still in position to be a 1000 yard RB. I say cut him a little slack.
Floyd
November 22nd, 2011
9:30 am
Seriously? Is this some kind of a joke?
AMRAAM
November 22nd, 2011
9:32 am
All kidding aside, folks, read where those westboro idiots are planning on the OSU coaches and the Arky player’s funerals…also saw where they had Munson’s in their sights…
True Dawg
November 22nd, 2011
9:33 am
Play him! Tech is a HUGE game!
AIM-9X
November 22nd, 2011
9:36 am
Something about sports and the sin of pride, etc…Those Westboro are true idiots
Big Quick
November 22nd, 2011
9:36 am
Every one just think LSU is just going to run all over Ga, Ga is a big Team and when you are big
you can play with anyone. Ga have the the largest O line in college football and the two 330 pounds
nose gards on the d-line. If Ga. dont trun the ball over. Take Ga. and the points.
Jborodawg
November 22nd, 2011
9:37 am
Should have added, I don’t see the same vitriol for Harton and Malcome’s three fumbles or Murray’s 55% completion rate and an INT.
GATA against the North Ave Trade School!
01HAWK
November 22nd, 2011
9:39 am
CROWELL is a WUSSY. If he can not handle the SEC, what does he think the NFL will be like.
Glad now that he went to UGA instead of BAMA. Drug problems, trash talking,admitted that he did not go to class alot at Columbus High School, and hurt alot.
blue
November 22nd, 2011
9:39 am
No need to rest him; just put him in for a play or two, and he will talk some smack to someone after an incredible 7 yard run, and then remove himself because he is hurt.
DIT
November 22nd, 2011
9:41 am
Hey, does anyone know how close Samuel is to coming back or if he will be able to come back?
RedandBlackDawg
November 22nd, 2011
9:43 am
Murphy,
I agree 100%, the offense has got to not depend on the defense to always either hold onto the win, or actually win the game for the team. The offense has done it’s job most of the time, when the game plan has been put together to be successful. We are now the SEC champs so it is time to get rid of the conservative play calling and open up. Tech. I don’t see as a big problem and since CPJ doesn’t like to kick or give up the ball, because he has no confidence in his defense, the UGA defense will have to play a little more than normal, but those guys are together and will control the offense of Tech. Our DC is just too good, to not utilize the tools he has now to control their offense.
In the championship game, UGA should just open up and go for it. Nobody expects us to be in the game anyway, so what have we got to lose. Let’s find out how well our opponent can stay with our WR’s, and let’s find out how well they can cover the ends on sweeps and slant passes. If a certain part of our offense proves to be successful, keep doing the same thing until they stop us. Then go to a different formation, play or soft spot on their defense and put it in there. A big part of how successful we are in the championship game depends on solid imaginative play calling and let’s hope Bobo does that. We aren’t going to represent the east very well, if he tries ball control, and forces the defense to stay on the field all day long.
GO DAWGS and GATA
AMRAAM
November 22nd, 2011
9:46 am
DIT, from what I am hearing is that Samuel won’t be back until the SECCG
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
November 22nd, 2011
9:52 am
Bama or LSU will kill the punk! This guy will never make it to year 3 at UGA…never.
Will
November 22nd, 2011
9:56 am
Hey Smiity, name the top two programs playing in the SECCG!! That’s right one othem is UGA biaaaatch. Now go back to mommy’s basement you troll.
light up
November 22nd, 2011
9:58 am
richt should get some good weed to IC to help him better relax and “rehabilitate.” It will do the trick.
Grantham 4 Prez
November 22nd, 2011
9:59 am
North Ave Nerds……try building a parking deck that actually doesn’t collapse and leave the football to the Dawgs….wasn’t CPJ working at Penn State in 2002?
Puff Daddy
November 22nd, 2011
10:03 am
It doesn’t matter if UGA plays crowell or not, because this matchup will come down to the defenses of the two teams. And to clarify I am not particularly a fan of either team just football in general. Watching many games of both teams this season tells me that Tech cannot matchup with UGA’s Defense. Therefore, when this happens UGA will shut down the sometimes effective triple option and the UGA offense will look good enough to win the game with any running back they have available.
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
10:04 am
And for the 3rd time… Why was Carlton Thomas suspended Jeff ?
DawgJohn
November 22nd, 2011
10:06 am
I think we should rest our entire first team on both sides of the ball! Sorry nerds…..you get what you deserve!
shankit
November 22nd, 2011
10:09 am
Dawgs – Second longest winning streak in college football behind Houston.
Dawgs vs. Houston for NC>
Wikijunkie
November 22nd, 2011
10:10 am
Fact of the Day: Georgia is 16-4 against Tech in the last twenty meetings. Seems like Tech has the same mental game against Georgia as Georgia does against Florida
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
10:11 am
I guess LSU’s being undefeated don’t count huh shankit ?
shankit
November 22nd, 2011
10:12 am
Correction – Dawgs third in nation behind Houston and LSU.
Assuming Dawgs run table, then second longest win streak,
Dawgs vs. Houston.
timthebrave
November 22nd, 2011
10:12 am
Simple…If he is healthy… play him
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
10:12 am
LSU versus either Alabama,Ok St. or Va Tech for NC. Write it down clown !
DIT
November 22nd, 2011
10:12 am
@AMRAAM – Thanks
timthebrave
November 22nd, 2011
10:13 am
Samuel will not be back until bowl game at earliest
timthebrave
November 22nd, 2011
10:14 am
Murray’s Protection, you named all the schools that have even a remote chance of making it to nc..Why even predict???
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
10:14 am
Even if UGA beats LSU then LSU only has 1 loss (along with OK. St.,Va. Tech,Stanford,Bama,Boise St. all with 1 loss). So UGA is gonna jump all these 1 loss teams with them having 2 losses ? Nope.
Gator Mike
November 22nd, 2011
10:15 am
Crowell needs a haircut! I am pulling for the DAWGS to beat GT, but I will be neutral on the SEC Championship Game.
Good luck to UGA!
Jacketss
November 22nd, 2011
10:15 am
We will win, count on it. They can’t stop the option when we execute!
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
10:15 am
Because UGA isn’t on my list but is on yours.
timthebrave
November 22nd, 2011
10:17 am
Murray’s Protection, you name all the teams and say bank on it…great analysis
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
10:17 am
The game to blame the 2nd loss on is the SC game. Murray throws int’s,fumbles. Walsh misses 2 field goals. Win that game and you might play for NC.
DawgJohn
November 22nd, 2011
10:18 am
35-10 I like that. Sounds good! Represents the third team in the 4th quarter. Yeah….that sounds real good! Word on the street is Bobo sat Crowell the second half. What’s the word on Thomas? What did he do? We are going to get called for violations this Saturday too. WE are going to violate the nerds secondary all day long!! Sorry nerds, we are not going play you score we score this year. Defense has a bunch of pride. Major pride. Jones gets his record and Rambo takes what he wants. I hope we have a Mic on the side of the helmets this week men. As a matter of fact I am not so sure they wont look better on the back of the helmet instead of the bone. Maybe not but we lost a legend. We lost a Dawg lover. We lost some of the glue that held us together during some hard times. Thank you Larry for all that you did for the University of Georgia. YOU will always be with us. The beginning of each game on the scoreboard will always echo the voice of the best there ever was. Keep up the great work Scott and Eric! You now have an angel with you. Keep a chair in the box for him. Even an angel wants a good seat for Dawgs!!
Murray's Protection
November 22nd, 2011
10:18 am
Ok. Bank on UGA not being one of the two teams. How’s that ?
DesignerJacket
November 22nd, 2011
10:19 am
What a fine lot we Georgians are presenting ourselves to be today! Well, if you can’t beat ‘em (the haters, that is) join ‘em. Fatten up on turkey, dawgs, because GT is bringing the hammer this weekend!
THWg! Go Jackets!
gbal
November 22nd, 2011
10:20 am
472 hits on this piece???
Wow, bus be a slow week for everyone.
Pretty simple question.
If he’s OK, he plays…
If he’s not OK, he doesnt play.
I hope a lot of TB recruits are watching whats happening here. We need some dawgs that can tote the rock next year.
Need some DAWGS… Not Kittie cats!!!!
Wikijunkie
November 22nd, 2011
10:21 am
Any chance you think UGA pulls out the Black Jerseys for Munson this Saturday?