Georgia short takes: Dogs should’ve spiked the ball
Jay Rome's touchdown catch gave Georgia 7-0 lead two plays after fake punt. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
(I’ll be back with my column on the Georgia-Alabama SEC championship soon. Until then, here are my three “short takes” on the game.)
1. Great drive until the last decision: Trialing 32-28, Georgia was given a second chance to drive for a winning touchdown when an Aaron Murray interception was turned over on replay, which showed the ball hit the ground. So with the ball at the Dogs’ 28 on second-and-10, Murray then capitalized when completed passes to Arthur Lynch (15 yards), Tavarres King (23) and Lynch again (26), moving the ball to the Alabama 8. However, with the final seconds (from :09 after Lynch’s second catch) ticking down, Murray did not take the ensuing snap and spike the ball to stop the clock. Instead, he ran a play and completed a tipped pass to Chris Conley, who was tackled at the Alabama 5 and time ran out. It was a great three plays and a dreadful fourth. While it’s no guarantee that the result would have been different, spiking the ball to stop the clock would have allowed the Dogs to set up for one more play, potentially a more successful one.
2. It’s still about blocking and tackling: I know Georgia parlayed a fake punt into a first down and eventually a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead, and Alec Ogletree’s 55-yard return of a blocked field goal (by Cornelius Washington) gave the Dogs a seemingly insurmountable 21-10 lead in the third quarter. But we saw again why football is still about being able to knock the other guy over. Alabama’s offensive line, widely considered the best in the nation, took over the game in the second half, enabling the Tide’s Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon to pile rushing yards and the team to drive to three touchdowns after trailing 21-10. As Alabama’s line physically beat up the Dogs’ front, Georgia’s defense started to tire and missed tackles.
3. Georgia proved its worth: It’s probably of little consolation to Georgia fans but the Bulldogs proved their worth in this game. Some doubted their standing of being the nation’s third best team, behind Notre Dame and Alabama (according to BCS rankings). There were criticisms of their perceived easy schedule and the way they were manhandled by South Carolina earlier in the season. But Georgia just narrowly lost a game to a program that has won two of the last three BCS championships and will be favored for another title against Notre Dame. There were four lead changes in the second half. If the Dogs don’t let down, they will have a chance in a bowl game to finish off a 12-2 season with possibly a top-5 ranking.
By Jeff Schultz
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475 comments Add your comment
BLAHBLAHBLAH
December 1st, 2012
8:39 pm
All you SEC homers saying UGA played a weak schedule are hypocrites. If the SEC is the best, like you jokers all claim, then NO SEC schedule is weak and UGA earned their spot.
I think it’s sad they’ll lose out on a BCS bowl in favor of a Gator team they beat.
Roy
December 1st, 2012
8:39 pm
New clowns but same old circus
Dawgs irrelevant again
gomdawg
December 1st, 2012
8:39 pm
simple the bad calls cost us but Georgia should have beat them
Texas Dawg
December 1st, 2012
8:39 pm
First of all, Alabama beat us. They lined up and ran the ball down our throats and we couldn’t (or didn’t) stop it. So great for them. All that said, however, it’s just basic football to spike the ball in that situation. It would have allowed the offense — and the coaches — to settle down; it would have allowed the offense to huddle and call the play they really wanted and it may have even allowed Tavarres King, who had been shaken up two plays earlier, to get back on the field. And, it likely would have given us at least two shots, possibly three, to throw the ball into the end zone from just 8 yards out. Bama’s defense was really on its heels but by not spiking the ball, we really sort of equalized things. I sure would like to hear what Richt and Bobo have to say because Murray clearly was asking if he should spike as he ran downfield after the completion to Lynch.
Dawger
December 1st, 2012
8:39 pm
It’s the sorry Georgia fans that need to get the boot. Sorry as in pathetic.
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 1st, 2012
8:39 pm
Looks like Alabama runs this state.
GT alum
December 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
Well, at least I know our team is no good and shouldn’t consider a bowl game. We should have passed on the game tonight!
Buzz Belle
December 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
I would love to sit here and read all these “woe is me” blogs. But watching the AJC all day, it is truly a shame not one thing on the front page, from 6:30 this morning has a mention that there is another college team who is playing a championship game, from the state of ga, being a jacket fan all my life, I know UGA likes to talk superiority on the football field, but this paper is not Athens Journal Constitution. Pitiful. Just pitiful and very unprofessional.
Rob in Atlanta
December 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
Georgia fans are such losers. Your team played great. Errors were made on both sides. Georgia out coached Alabama tonight. Nice fake punt, etc. Same old story. Georgia fans have no class. And that makes you losers. Get a grip.
BLAHBLAHBLAH
December 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
@ NewnanDawg – the guy in the end zone was covered. Why would Murray throw to him either?
reality time
December 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
How many loses in the Sec champion game for UGA now?
Biggun
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Coulda, woulda, shoulda! Congrats to Bama. This was the most exciting football game that I have seen all year, even if my team did not come out on top! Hope Bama saved enough for the Irish. I’m thinking that Bama will have an easier time with them. We will be hard pressed to find a better bowl game then this one. So GO SEC!
Biggun
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Coulda, woulda, shoulda! Congrats to Bama. This was the most exciting football game that I have seen all year, even if my team did not come out on top! Hope Bama saved enough for the Irish. I’m thinking that Bama will have an easier time with them. We will be hard pressed to find a better bowl game then this one. So GO SEC!
Biggun
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Coulda, woulda, shoulda! Congrats to Bama. This was the most exciting football game that I have seen all year, even if my team did not come out on top! Hope Bama saved enough for the Irish. I’m thinking that Bama will have an easier time with them. We will be hard pressed to find a better bowl game then this one. So GO SEC!
Wrong, Dilligaf
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Tennessee and Auburn have won Nat’l Titles much more recently than UGA.. Other schools take advantage when they have talent and a soft schedule. UGA just throws it away and claims it’s preseason ranking
Biggun
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Coulda, woulda, shoulda! Congrats to Bama. This was the most exciting football game that I have seen all year, even if my team did not come out on top! Hope Bama saved enough for the Irish. I’m thinking that Bama will have an easier time with them. We will be hard pressed to find a better bowl game then this one. So GO SEC!
Delusional Dawgs
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
dawgs played their hearts out…..well get em next year….lets fire all the coaches……we run this state…..rinse, repeat……..
Biggun
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Coulda, woulda, shoulda! Congrats to Bama. This was the most exciting football game that I have seen all year, even if my team did not come out on top! Hope Bama saved enough for the Irish. I’m thinking that Bama will have an easier time with them. We will be hard pressed to find a better bowl game then this one. So GO SEC!
Biggun
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Coulda, woulda, shoulda! Congrats to Bama. This was the most exciting football game that I have seen all year, even if my team did not come out on top! Hope Bama saved enough for the Irish. I’m thinking that Bama will have an easier time with them. We will be hard pressed to find a better bowl game then this one. So GO SEC!
dennydog
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Hard to believe, but Saban has Bama playing for their third BCS Championship in four years…. what a dynasty he has built in Tuscaloosa.
BravesFan77
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
Next year will only get worse. Let me guess, next year will be a rebuilding year. LOL!!!!!
bosshawg
December 1st, 2012
8:42 pm
screw u paul probably got one in your mouth rite now
graphite
December 1st, 2012
8:43 pm
Shrimp and oysters sure taste better with yet another SEC Championship !..RollON…
Justin
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
Who cares about the Capital One or Outback Bowl after that? Sure, Georgia could theoretically beat up on a mediocre Michigan team (or whoever) in such a game, but I seriously doubt the team will bother to show up.
And this just happened to a team set to lose every defensive starter, its best WR, and probably (ill-advised though it may be) its quarterback.
This was Georgia’s best chance at a national title since I was a toddler, and it was likely the last such opportunity they’ll have this decade. And they just couldn’t pull it out.
This is easily — EASILY — the most painful Georgia football loss I have ever witnessed. The only way I could possibly feel worse? If I had paid hundreds of dollars to be there and see it firsthand.
Dogteam
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
Well good game Dogs but we were out coached again, this is the last time we will have a schedule like this, next year we lose most of our defense and pick up LSU , CLEMSON, play SOUTH CAROLINA and a very good FLORIDA team , we only won one game played against a ranked team , FLORIDA. then WE PICK UP BAMA and TEXAS A&M (Mr Football) later. This was suppose to be the year all the stars were aligned . I love the DOGS but I’m a realist , Why we can’t win these games . It will be a long time before we get back in this position , you can’t play in the SEC back to back games as this and expect wins . Look at SC, FLORIDA , and LSU , great teams but the gaunlet of back to back games got the best of them. Expect more disappointment in the future until we learn how tio win big games. Unforunately we we ll hang around the top ten and never see another NC and everyone will be satisfied. SAD TIMES AHEAD
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
One Georgia team still has a chance at a BCS bowl.
slydog
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
#1 Did the very experienced CMR forget about ’spikes’ in football?
#2 Why was Lynch, the slowest, non-athletic, tight end on the field during the last drive when clearly you needed a more adept pass catcher and not a run blocker.
#3 Oh, that defense got so tired again. Georgia has the only football team, both pro and college, whose team looks tired right before halftime.
#4 Penalties and discipline, once again, caused a game that should have given Georgia a comfortable lead back to Alabama which is adept at playing close games.
#5 Great Season Bulldawgs but CMR is not a championship coach nor is this a championship program currently. I liked the fake play call in the second quarter though.
#6 CTG has never told Jarvis Jones to spy on the run if he isn’t pass rushing. Jones’ assignments hasn’t changed all season, hence, he was no factor in this game.
#7 Ogletree gets a lot of tackles but doesn’t make a lot of plays. A bit overrated
#8 Rambo, should have went for a deflection instead of an interception (again) on the play action post route on 3rd and 13 that set up Lacy’s first score.
#9 No screens, no short passes, and no Keith Marshall
#10 Georgia played not to lose, not to win, and the players played such a great game and didn’t give up like some games in the past but the coaching staff as a whole let them down once again.
We all got what we expected so there is no reason to get upset.
ATLBAMABoy
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
Correction to earlier. Bama rolled up over 500 yds on that NFL loaded defense. You guysjust have a bad defensive coach.
Fake punt, interception in end zone and blocked punt for TD gave UGA 21 points. Pretty lucky for UGA to even be close.
Larry
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
I am a dawg fan to the core and it makes me sick to read the trash that comes from so-called Ga fans that post here. We had a great year and got beat by a very good football team. Keep your mouths shut and remember that recruits do have access to the Internet. When Coach Richt starts calling you for help you can pass your wisdom on to him. Until then be a Bulldog and support the team.
Doug
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
Bobo’s awful playing calling has once again been the downfall. He needs to go elsewhere.
poise
December 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
all this ol’well talk, we fought the good fight does nothing but keep the reality seperated from the excuses…we lost, and in big games our quarterback play is suspect….count the 3 & outs when needed 2rest the defense, miss reads and i better not say the happy feet dont force throws plays, just scramble up the middle off play action…aka the quarterback from texas a&m, might know some poise….now he is a freshman heisman trophy candiate
We (did) Run the East
December 1st, 2012
8:45 pm
I have a truck load of Charmin and Quilted Northern. Anybody need a ride over to Grantham’s house?
Saban
December 1st, 2012
8:45 pm
Good try ladies. We did give you a sniff.
Aaron Murray
December 1st, 2012
8:45 pm
On the bright side, I don’t have to go to the store tomorrow. I should have plenty of eggs and toilet paper waiting for me at my house.
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 1st, 2012
8:45 pm
Good point…Georgia might have to play some of the big-boy teams in the West in coming years. No more ducking Alabama, LSU, A&M.
Roy
December 1st, 2012
8:45 pm
Now we only need 2 more national champioships to catch up with GT
yellow jacket 1
December 1st, 2012
8:46 pm
Hey UGA fans you have no idea how much joy those four yards gave GT natin. Say whatever you want about our pathetic team. YOU LOST and it may be 32 more years before you get that close again. ROLL TIDE!
Jimmy
December 1st, 2012
8:46 pm
This ACC championship is like the futility bowl.
Man, it is boring.
Roll Tide with Pride
December 1st, 2012
8:46 pm
Now git back under your porch. The score did not relate to the butt kicking uga received.
Enjoy losing the chick-film-a bowl losers.
National Title number 15 coming up!
Roooooooooooollllllll Tide,
mark
December 1st, 2012
8:47 pm
Proud of a great effort. I am convinced the best team won. Good luck to Bama and I will cheer like hell for them to beat the Irish.. Man, this was a tough loss but hopefully we will get a decent bowl then get ready for next year…Go Dawgs.
Spud
December 1st, 2012
8:47 pm
Good game! UGA did good to keep it close considering that Bama had 512 yards of O and time of possession was 37:35 for the Tide to 22:25 for Dawgs. The Alabama O line made the difference in this one.
Delusional Dawgs
December 1st, 2012
8:47 pm
remember 1980? and Herschel? and sugar falling from the sky? and buck belle? and all that stuff? remember?? REMEMBER????? they can never take away our 32 year old national championship!!
WE RUN 1980!!!!
SWGADAWG
December 1st, 2012
8:47 pm
Bama guy shouldn’t have tipped it. I can second guess as well. What a tool……
GeorgiaSad?
December 1st, 2012
8:47 pm
Yes, very sad. BUT, what a great game. Bobo’s play calling got us down the field in less than 50 seconds. Murray’s arm did too. Tried something that didn’t work. It hurts, but still proud to be a DAWG. We’ll be back.
El-Toro GATA
December 1st, 2012
8:47 pm
Great game! yes we lost but we came along way and we lost by 4 yards to 2 times defending champ! Bama is a great team and so is Georgia!
for all Dawgs fans if you dont have a positive thing to say shut the hell up or you can be a retarded BAMA fan
Go Dawgs!!
NorthstarsDave in NJ
December 1st, 2012
8:48 pm
One of the greatest games I have seen in my lifetime……only wish the Dawgs would have won
….
We UGA fans need to show some class….our guys played their hearts out!
jsmuga
December 1st, 2012
8:48 pm
We deserve this ending as long as we keep this staff……………..
Dr. Phil
December 1st, 2012
8:48 pm
The Bama thug that hit Murray should sit out the NC game. Richt needs to rethink his philosophy that penalties don’t matter. It was the best SEC Championship game I have seen, and UGA could have easily won. The one positive that came out of it was Adams did not get on the field after the game to steal the camera. That probably sent him into a rug-biting fit. Best luck to Murray and the UGA team in the upcoming bowl.
DawgFan
December 1st, 2012
8:48 pm
Buzz Belle
Your loser team is playing. Go to their blog. They are down 14-0 already though
Dawg Fans. Be proud of our team. Just played in one of the greatest games I have seen. Show some class. Fire the coaches indeed. We out coached them in many areas. They have a great power running game and best defense in he country and we gave them hell.
uga1991
December 1st, 2012
8:48 pm
holy cow bobo you blew it. time management isn’t brain surgery!