Short takes (UGA): Rambo’s ascent, Gurley’s comfort
Bacarri Rambo (18) stripped David Sims' of ball, set up touchdown. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
ATHENS — I’ll be back with my column off of Georgia’s win over Georgia Tech shortly. Until then, here are my three “short takes” on the Bulldogs’ performance.
1. Bacarri Rambo is in a groove: The Bulldogs’ senior free safety was suspended for the first four games of the season and struggled along with the rest of Georgia’s defense when he initially returned. But he has been playing his best football of the season in the past five games. He had an interception and a sack against Florida, an interception at Auburn, and owned the first half against Georgia Tech: two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 49-yard return to set up the Dogs’ second touchdown and an interception of Vad Lee followed by a 27-yard return to set up Georgia’s fourth TD. It’s no coincidence the improvement of Georgia’s defense has paralleled that of Rambo.
Aaron Murray, Todd Gurley and Georgia's offense seemed to be signaling "touchdown" all game. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
2. Todd Gurley looks like a vet: Last week Gurley became Georgia’s first freshman running back since Herschel Walker to rush for over 1,000 yards. With every game, he looks more comfortable and less like an 18-year-old. He had 10 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone, running through holes created by Georgia’s line and powering over Jackets’ defenders. He finished with 12 carries for 97 yards before being pulled. Gurley and Keith Marshall have given the Dogs’ offense balance, which could be a key against Alabama. Marshall’s afternoon: seven carries for 66 yards and two scores.
3. Aaron Murray: Look at me now: The Georgia quarterback was hammered by critics after throwing three interceptions in the first quarter against Florida, when it looked as though he would fizzle in a big game. But since the fourth quarter that day, when he threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Malcolm Mitchell, Murray has 14 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in the last four-plus games (13 quarters). His efficiency and ability to avoid turnovers also could be key against Alabama.
– By Jeff Schultz
Post-Thanksgiving blog blowout sale
• LIVE: Bulldogs, Jackets vie for more than bragging rights
• Upsetting Georgia would give Tech needed boost for future
• Weekend Predictions: Georgia will win on Red-and-Black-Saturday
• Vince Dooley: Joy from Georgia’s resurgence, pain from son’s firing
• Wonder why SEC is on top? Look at other conference finals
• Falcons win — but run before somebody changes their mind
• Short takes: Ryan awful, defense great, win important
• Georgia’s new reality: From on the brink to BCS title possibility
• Upsets launch Georgia into BCS title picture (updated game column)
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193 comments Add your comment
harleyman
November 24th, 2012
5:04 pm
Your just not relevant Tech. And neither is your conference. I’m really not sure you could compete week in and week out in the Southern Conference either with Ga. Southern, Wofford, Furman, and the like. Disbanding football is an option, but who would we have to whine to us every year. Yes, we have heard the calculus, our boss, and such arguments, but that really doesn’t make you feel any better, does it? So sad.
88 GT Alum
November 24th, 2012
5:10 pm
Good old fashion whooping. UGA was better in every facet of the game. Not surprise as a Tech season ticket holder we are just a bad team.
Congrats to UGA for your on field victory and stellar year on the grid iron.
Let’s be honest. Both schools graduate great kids every year. Whether you’re a Tech Nerd or UGA Redneck, SmartMoney ranks both schools Top 5 http://i.mktw.net/_newsimages/pdf/college-rankings-20120925.pdf
Always looking for the sliver lining. Bama is beating Auburn worse than UGA beat Tech.
Pitbull
November 24th, 2012
5:11 pm
After the UGA – Tech game I switched over to another game.
Saw an interesting news flash across the bottom of the screen.
The NCAA is close to announcing that it is close to passing a rule making it illegal to block below the waist. No joke.
Wonder how Paul Johnson’s offense will work then. Should be interesting.
harleyman
November 24th, 2012
5:15 pm
Of course, disbanding football would make your student make up 75% Asian.
Strange Murphy
November 24th, 2012
5:16 pm
Leghumpers Ahoy is a typical Tech loser. His team and school both suck so instead of being a classy loser he’s just a loser.
Will
November 24th, 2012
5:18 pm
http://youtu.be/Z7JXI_RQC7I
Mike Franklin
November 24th, 2012
5:23 pm
Quote:
“The NCAA is close to announcing that it is close to passing a rule making it illegal to block below the waist. No joke.”
My main concern is that these pacifist rules are destroying this game. Football is not a contest you want to play wearing pink panties with soft cotton crotches. The zebras will be tossing out more rags than a New Orleans brothel on a full moon.
Leave the freakin game alone.
UGA Fan
November 24th, 2012
5:23 pm
88 GT Alum- You are a class act. Need people’s like you on both side.
kingdaddy
November 24th, 2012
5:30 pm
Mike Franklin
Let them pass it. When fans stop coming to the games or watching on TV, they will reverse their decision and simply find someone to blame and fire them. They (the ncaa) are idiots. Might as well be OSHA…
The Grinch
November 24th, 2012
5:32 pm
To the 3:27 poster: This name’s already taken, bro.
South Georgia Writer
November 24th, 2012
5:32 pm
GTBob … you are a loser … suck IT.
St. Simon's Daddy
November 24th, 2012
5:33 pm
Has anyone seen my boy? I heard he is a BAMA fan now. All year long GTBOB has been on here hurling insults and showing he has no life. I think we all know he is a complete idiot. He has no life and continually comes on here to hurl insults. For the rest of the Tech crowd that comes here on a regular basis and tries to trash us. WE OWN YOU….. Your team has the worst defense UGA has faced all year. Your team is a joke, your fan base is a joke, your stadium is a joke and remember one last thing…… We run this state!!!!!!
reasonable dawg
November 24th, 2012
5:36 pm
Except when it benefits UGA, I am always a Tech fan. Both are fine schools with different offerings, and yes, it is harder for Tech to recruit good athletes. That said, I think it would benefit Tech to get rid of Coach Johnson. His coaching and schemes prevent you from getting some of the players that yuou would get. Good luck with the rest of your season!!
Texas Dawg
November 24th, 2012
5:38 pm
We win next week if two things happen!
1st. Sportcasters for todays game on National TV said the same thing I have said for the last two seasons……..Murry must not blow the game …..he has yet to win a high pressure game when he gets pressure…..yea the 4th qtr against Fla he was good but he still threw 3 picks…we don’t win that game if Fla doesn’t turn the ball over six times…………Murry must have a great game for us to beat BAMA……………………..
2. Special teams.
Jimmy Crack
November 24th, 2012
5:41 pm
1) BEES WAXED – Check!
2) SEC Championship – Good vs Evil (St. Mark vs Nick Satan)!
I'm a Georgia fan. It's a license to be stupid.
November 24th, 2012
5:43 pm
Bama will roll UGa just like they are Auburn…42-10 just like last year…
Flagboy
November 24th, 2012
5:48 pm
My roommate Rhanji and I went to the game today and all the stupid uga rednecks were so classless and most didntnhave any teeth and were wearing overalls. Almost home to my wonderful school. we will own the mutts next year. Thank Paul Johnson I am a GEORGIA TECH YELLOWJACKET!!! TECH is No. 1 always!!!
UGA alumnus here
November 24th, 2012
6:01 pm
Great to slaughter GT. Always a wonderful way to wrap our season. After 8 minutes, this game was over.
Can UGA play tough, physical ball in the Dome? If we win vs Alabama, then CMR will be fine. Lose to Bama, attend the Chic Fil A and loose there to Louisville or Clemson and he will be on the hot seat with seasons’s schedule.
This is GA’s biggest game upcoming in 30 years.
Go Dogs
Swami SEZ
November 24th, 2012
6:04 pm
Bama 45 – Dawgs 16
Saban
November 24th, 2012
6:10 pm
We do Beatdowns right……
Flagboy
November 24th, 2012
6:11 pm
Go jackets!!! We are going to OWN fsu next week just like we are going to OWN the stupid mutts next year. CPJ for president (unless Obama can serve 8 more years
) Go Tech, Go Paul Johnson and Go Obama!!!
Dave
November 24th, 2012
6:17 pm
Leghumpers Ahoy – boy you really are upset. I’ve never said bad things about tech when we’ve lost to them. Oh, that’s right, we haven’t…. loser.
Bills fan
November 24th, 2012
6:22 pm
I have been active in some form of sporting activity my entire life and taught PE/Health, play lifetime sports (golf, volleyball).
Sports serve a wonderfull diversion from the demands and routine of life and offer excitment that does not negatively influence our life when kept in perspective.
I like John Wooden’ philosophy of winning and that it is an opportunity to be my best, not just beat someone, demean someone or hate. No! Winning is merely the byproduct of earnest practice and play meant to train and produce character and skills to carry into “normal” life.
I am from the North where pro sports are king and rivalries are strong. It’ fun to root ones hometeam on against a villian. However, I am amazed at the vitriol and pure hatred that is generated by the UGA-Tech rivalry.
People do you not see this for what it is and keep it in proper perspective? OK, I realize that there is going to be good-natured ribbing, but the esclating sarcasm is not healthy or sane. IT’S A GAME, PEOPLE!
Gorilla Biscuit
November 24th, 2012
6:22 pm
Tech sucks, and that pretty much sums it up. No sliderule required to figure that one out.
Bills fan
November 24th, 2012
6:26 pm
For Tech and fans, I am sure they are hoping Obamacare covers “butt whipping.”
Uh Oh
November 24th, 2012
6:26 pm
CPJ= A DAMN GOOD DAWG
Nothing happening here, just move along
November 24th, 2012
6:26 pm
Are the rumors true about Gurley being one of those girly boys?
Uh Oh
November 24th, 2012
6:28 pm
Tech’s problem is. they’re yellow and they jacket.
ZZ Bottom
November 24th, 2012
6:32 pm
A few salient comments about UGA:
1. Four different SEC teams have won the last six BCS championships.
2. UGA was NOT one of those teams.
3. During that period, UGA did not even win an SEC championship.
4. Red panties and Damon Evans.
5. 84% of UGA football recruits would not be admitted to UGA based only on grades and SAT scores. These clowns are called “Special Admits.”
In other words, UGA has sunk into total irrelevancy both regionally and nationally.
So why is UGA still paying Mark Richt millions of dollars a year?
Ghost
November 24th, 2012
6:41 pm
ZZ Bottoms, What a sad little man you are.So thgis irrelvant team is 1 win from playing in National Championship, you’re an ignorant piece of #$it
Circus World Daily
November 24th, 2012
6:45 pm
******* SPECIAL BULLETIN *******
Ringling Brothers has just announced that the famous circus has hired the entire UGA coaching staff. The assistant coaches will trade in their playbooks and whistles for clown costumes and painted faces. Mark Richt has been appointed as Head Clownmaster and will supervise all Ringling Brothers clowns.
Fred Ringling, owner of Ringling Brothers, gleefully announced that Richt was the most qualified clownmaster, having coached clowns at UGA for more than ten years. He then presented Richt and the assistants with their shiny new clown noses.
Richt acknowledged that the circus has been having difficulty hiring enough clowns in recent years, but his first act was to drop the requirement that clowns be able to read and write, and that it was okay if they had a rap sheet. “After all,” he said, “this policy worked well for me in Athens, where I was used to dealing with illiterates and thugs.”
Please join with us in wishing Mark Richt well in his new position.
Cali Dawg
November 24th, 2012
6:46 pm
Sour grapes flow….back to thinking in envy of UGA for Tech fans 24/7/365. Your one day that matters lasted about 30 minutes this year. It’s really time to shut up until you can put up. But then again, you all are our bosses…lol! Yeah right…pathetic.
Jeff Schultz
November 24th, 2012
6:46 pm
Game column is posted. Let’s shift commenting over there. Thanks all, J.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/11/24/georgia-playing-at-level-we-havent-seen-under-richt/
DawgFan
November 24th, 2012
6:50 pm
I can’t believe ZZ Bottom took the time to post such idiot drivel. I love this grasping at straws by Tech faithful. Do they even attend the games or do they stay home pulling their stingers?
The talent gap grows exponentially every year that CPJ stays. Tech D was the worst I have seen in years. Pitiful, pathetic and lacking in effort, talent, heart, brains, etc.
42-10. Go Dawgs. Beat Bama and take us to Miami in January
Leghumper cracks me up
November 24th, 2012
9:25 pm
Nice post. Not based in any fact, but interesting. I suppose then that R Houston and R Ball must be
on the fast track to Fortune 500 fame by now, then.
GA Girl
November 24th, 2012
9:30 pm
you’re an idiot if you think football is the only prideful aspect of being a UGA alum/fan … why don’t you stick with what you know leghumping.
funny...
November 24th, 2012
10:15 pm
I also see that the Tech fans are handling their drubbing with class and grace. LOL
4 in a row
11 of 12
17 of 21
should I go on?
It was complete
November 25th, 2012
7:28 am
Vandy stomped Wake. SC stomped Clemon. Florida stomped FSU.
UGA humiliated, abused an totally embarrassed GT.
The SEC owns the sissy ACC.
Footnote: Hillarious to hear that Paul Johnson ranted in the lockeroom after the game.
FSU is no good and GT might win.
Go Dogs. Now, let us finally focus on a football game, after weeks of being emotionless.
GT's last era with two major bowls in a row ??
November 25th, 2012
7:33 am
Answer: Early to mid 1950s ….. Like in 1954, 1955 GT was invited to two major bowl games in a row.
Sad. Dodd left The Flats because he knew that it was over and his departure was well over 15 years AFTER he did anything of note. Look it up. Early 1950s was GT’s heady era.
What they’re saying in Georgia about Alabama’s opponent in the SEC Championship Game (links) – Alabama – Crimson Tide News
November 25th, 2012
9:57 am
[...] playing at level we haven’t seen under Richt* Bulldogs turn focus to SEC game, BCS shot* Short takes (UGA): Rambo’s ascent, Gurley’s comfort* Notebook: NFL decision awaits Alec Ogletree, who had 15 tackles vs. Jackets* Todd Gurley:: [...]
Jimmy Crack
November 25th, 2012
10:57 am
Sore losers. Out.
RJ
November 25th, 2012
11:08 am
Guys give GTbob some leeway. I don’t agree with his comments most of the time but he never said GT would beat Georgia and he has been as tough on GT as anyone.
As far as Bama yes Georgia can win but don’t know if they will win. Bama should and will be favored but if Georgia can put together a complete game and control the tempo with no turnovers then it has a great chance to win. Realistically speaking we will be playing the toughest team in the nation this Saturday and I firmly believe that who ever wins that game wins the NC. Go Dawgs
John W Holmes
November 25th, 2012
1:31 pm
We get more poon than GT alumni. It’s a game of inches