Dogs show it’s how you finish that counts
Caleb King and his teammates celebrate his game-winning touchdown against Auburn. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Still smarting from the Soulja Boy-dancing-Dawgs Blackout two years ago, the Auburn Tigers took the opportunity to do their own dance in Sanford Stadium Saturday night as they lined up for the second half kickoff with a 14-7 lead over Georgia.
Unfortunately for the faithful in orange and blue, they learned the lesson that what really matters is who dances last, as the Bulldogs shook off an abysmal start to come from behind and notch their fourth consecutive win over Auburn, 31-24.
Not many of the capacity crowd at Sanford would have seen such an outcome after watching what had to be the ugliest first quarter of football the Dogs have played in a long time.
The Georgia defense came out of the gate looking like it never had watched any film on Auburn, as the Tigers methodically marched down the field twice for easy scores to go up 14-0 with 3:15 still left in the first period.
Likewise offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who at the outset ignored the advance evidence that the way to beat Auburn was to run the ball, opening instead with unsuccessful screen passes that prompted the evening’s first of several choruses of boos from so-called Georgia fans.
Finally, though, Georgia’s rushing attack got on track, with 169 yards on the ground mainly through the efforts of Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, whose 24-yard scamper for the winning score was a big-time run.
And wonder of wonders, Georgia even won the turnover battle!
That, and a key pass breakup in the fourth quarter by Bacarri Rambo that left him with a concussion, were what sealed the deal for the Bulldogs.
Again, this group of Bulldogs made it hard on themselves but showed a resiliency that paid off in the end.
Hopefully that’s what all those high school prospects will take away from the game, rather than the sorry showing by the boo-birds.
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110 comments Add your comment
U Gotta B Kidding Me
November 15th, 2009
12:05 am
As bad as UGA has been this year, at least we can still beat Auburn!
SSTeacher
November 15th, 2009
12:07 am
It still bothers me to see JoeCox smiling when his team is losing. One play does not make a game.
what's that coming down the tracks
November 15th, 2009
12:09 am
GO DAWGS! We can build on this win. Kentucky, Tech and whoever in a bowl. I like what I’m seeing from the young guys. A little fire tonight. Good win.
logo on credit cards
November 15th, 2009
12:10 am
Damon Evans needs coaches and quick. He needs to quit the commercials for Bank of America which open accounts for illegal aliens. Richt needs to stop the Ford and Dalton Carpet peddling too
Mike
November 15th, 2009
12:15 am
@SSTeacher – it bothers you that a college kid who has felt like the weight of the program is on his shoulders finally gets a chance to smile?!? This is the biggest win of his all too short college starting career…COLLEGE career.
These aren’t pros getting paid millions per game. I guess you probably thought the refs got it right when they flagged AJ Green for showing any emotion, right? He probably should have had his thoughts on the job he is paid to do…wait…he’s not paid either.
Tulsa Lama-ding-dong Dawg
November 15th, 2009
12:27 am
Well, hell, I’ll go ahead and say it:
FIRST!!
SickandTired
November 15th, 2009
12:29 am
Congratulations to Georgia for once again competing in a football game. We must admit however, that Auburn is a soft team that really isn’t very good. A win is a win at this point for Georgia. Kentucky must be licking their chops over next weeks game because it gives them an opportunity to win. Tech will put a beat down on the Dawgs because the Georgia defense will have no answer to stopping Paul Johnson. Why is this? Because Georgia’s defense doesn’t have the heart or the willpower to play hard every down. They’ll get jacked up and play a few plays then they’ll be grasping at air. Once again, GREAT win Georgia. You certainly needed it.
Georgia: The Wisconsin of the SEC
Georgia Tech
November 15th, 2009
12:31 am
I REALLY hope GT take this time off to finnally put together a complete GAME!! We need to quit missing tackles…
I hope Our team is Better than Auburns!! I really do Auburn really looked bad to me..
Tulsa Lama-ding-dong Dawg
November 15th, 2009
12:33 am
S&T: Get a life or go back and hang out with the rest of the geeky virgins on North Avenue.
Frank Lane
November 15th, 2009
12:35 am
I hope the recruits will be impressed by the determination of the Dawgs. If we can win the turnover battle, I think we can knock off the jackets.
But Kentucky first.
MauiDAWG
November 15th, 2009
12:52 am
GLARING statistic, Mark Richt is 17-0 when we commit zero turnovers in a game. I wonder if anyone has the stats on penalties, like an over/under amount and win to loss record?
Great game….even bigger impact will be on recruiting. Man I hope we get that Jeff Luc kid out of Florida (who attended the game).
Even though I feel good about the win on so many levels, I still keep having that feeling of insecurity about our secondary and it’s consistency. Hopefully something clicks from here on out and as mark richt said “possible coming of age” for this team.
dawgonit
November 15th, 2009
12:52 am
As I was sitting there yelling at the TV with Auburn going down to score the tying touchdown at the end of the game, after I had screamed at the TV all night and all season for that matter, Rambo got hurt and laid on the ground for ten minutes. And I finally remembered that these are kids out there playing a game. A dangerous game. And I felt bad. I felt immature for saying negative things about kids playing a game.
Go dawgs.
Cuz
November 15th, 2009
1:01 am
dawgonit, yours is the best comment I have seen all night.
I was subdued myself after yelling and screaming at the TV, like it matters. Prayers for Rambo and AJ to get well and live out their dreams. I will try to remember that their dreams are not mine.
Inteljumper
November 15th, 2009
1:03 am
A lot of folks are noting a turn around, but no one is stating the significance of this win (a few are downplaying it and our opponent, that’s for sure). This is the first time in almost 2 seasons we’ve had less than 3 penalties (I think that was the final total) and no turnovers. The DAWGS were back to fundamental football. Good game for CMR and the outstanding young athletes, but I have to side with many who want to see WM gone…too many 40+ point games given up.
One last point. There are many who want to slam Joe Cox, but that young man has not had any support outside of AJ Green. He will never be a Stafford talent wise, but there’s obviously something great about this kid when the rest of the Dawgs (the real ones…the ones playing the game) want him as their on-field leader. All nay-sayers need to go back to eating their Cheetos and shutting the hell up.
Denver Dog
November 15th, 2009
1:05 am
Sick and tired. I didn’t know that UGA was playing against Paul Johnson, I thought that he was a coach, not a player. I just hope we show up aganist Tech. They are a good team.
Darian
November 15th, 2009
1:14 am
You can count me in as one of those “so-called Georgia fans” who was booing during the 1st quarter and rightly so. Any true fan would have been booing as well. Bill King obviously doesn’t understand that sometimes it takes a bit of booing to motivate the team and get them into reality. I booed when it was necessary as all TRUE Georgia fans did and we cheered when it was called for. I just don’t like the tone of this Blawg as if booing made you less of a fan.
Denver Dog
November 15th, 2009
1:18 am
I guess that they are so oblivious that they don’t understand that poor plays are unaccpetable. You pay your money boo or cheer, it is up to you.
SatillaDawg
November 15th, 2009
1:22 am
Great win, Dawgs! I was worried about the lousy start and yelling at CMR and company. And I knew there was waaaayyyyy too much celebrating going on when we finally pulled ahead. Sure enough, Auburn capitalized on the lack of concentration and rammed the puck right back down our throats with that great kickoff return. But then the defense settled down and, for a change, played some great football, and the offense kept finding the end zone. At times, it reminded me of Dawgs of old, but let’s not go overboard. I’m still no Willie fan, despite the love-fest he was getting from those ESPN2 bozos (who sucked big time BTW – running their mouths all the time about everything except what was happening on the field). The special teams still need work, and could we PLEASE just kick the frickin’ football into the endzone?!!! But all in all, I’ll take a win any day over some of the hapless stuff we’ve had to endure this year. Dawgs better stay focused, because Kain-tuck ain’t gonna be a pushover. And GT looms on the horizon. God Bless Rambo and Green, and thanks, Dawgs…we really needed this one! We’re very proud of you. GO DAWGS!
Sam
November 15th, 2009
1:37 am
UGA had 4 penalties for29 yards (that were accepted). Much better. A few offsides and the all to common stupide personal foul penalty.
So not less than 3 but a huge improvement.
KJ
November 15th, 2009
1:39 am
Yeah, I don’t get why it’s unacceptable to boo Mike Bobo’s play calling during the game, but it’s ok to trash him in a newspaper article. Pretty inconsistent opinions, IMO.
DBalcer
November 15th, 2009
2:38 am
Booing college kids is classless. If people have a problem with the coaches take it up with them. It was a great game. Our freshman class is awesome. Can’ wait for next Saturday. I hope Rambo and AJ heal quickly.
JTH
November 15th, 2009
2:44 am
Dawgs never die!
MauiDAWG
November 15th, 2009
3:24 am
Anyone making some case for booing in the game doesn’t get it….Fans booing may motivate some players (which I doubt)…but it also may discourage other players (especially younger players).
So just shutup. You may feel entitled to boo or be critical because your a passionate fan but don’t do that crap at a game…and especially at a game with so many recruits. It’s classless. So as a fan at the game…either cheer to support your team, shut the hell up or don’t go to the game.
DawgFan
November 15th, 2009
3:44 am
I don’t typically boo, and I didn’t tonight…but I know people were booing the play calling. When I have the guy beside me who says before the play and it’s third and 15 “Watch, draw play to Caleb King,” and that’s exactly what happens…something’s wrong with the play calling! If we know what’s going to happen, surely the other coaches do, too. Now, when we mix it up, or do something that has been working…keep doing that and in the second half, that’s precisely what happened. Thanks Bobo for realizing the running game was killing it! It was a fantastic game, and if he could be more consistent at calling good plays (no more swing passes! no more toss sweeps!) then our offense would probably be able to perform a heckuva whole lot better.
Macon Dog in Middle East
November 15th, 2009
4:53 am
Bill, thanks again for telling it like it is. Way over here, at the end of the earth, I could not even listen to the game (not even on the Auburn network)! These quotes from Mark Bradley’s column helped to soothe my anxiety:
“There was time enough for Auburn to answer, but something about Martinez’s men was different this time. They were hitting harder, closing faster…. Georgia would not wind up 5-7. Georgia would not cede recruiting ground to Gene Chizik. Given every chance, Georgia would not back down. Georgia reached into its storied past and finally offered up an effort worthy of the nickname ‘Bulldogs.’ ”
AMEN!
Still, I believe many of my fellow bloggers are also correct. I would still like to see Richt replace Martinez with Van Gorder. My comments, which I sent to Jeff Shultz last week, still apply:
“I know it doesn’t often make much sense to compare games that common opponents have against each other, but in regard to last season, please tell me why we couldn’t handle Tech’s option? We handled LSU pretty well, and LSU throttled Tech. Why did we permit them to come back from 16 down to kick our tails at home?”
I’d still like to have an answer to that question, Bill. Donnan couldn’t keep Tech down. Now Johnson intends to become Richt’s “Daddy.” Will our resurgent Bulldogs put him and the insects in their place?
lanier
November 15th, 2009
5:16 am
can’t wait for the Sat after Thanksgiving. Thought it would be a Jacket landslide like 52-17. now i’m guessing 49-31 if Cox doesn”t get hurt early
Macon Dog in Middle East
November 15th, 2009
5:35 am
To “SickandTired”: You certainly do write as if you are! Although Tech fans have never had a pen that was mightier than a pocket knife, you could trust some computer program to align your metaphors correctly. Not even a swatted bee “grasps at” air. You fair-weather Tech fans, however, will surely be “gasping for” air when our Bulldogs chew you up and spit you out! In doing so, the Red and Black will put more heart and willpower on display than your program has had since Bobby Dodd. Next time, get Bill Curry to proofread your “contribution” before your turn it loose. With lots of effort, he learned to string sentences together. He’s at your night school now. Give him a call.
Go Dogs! GATA!
BuLLdawg
November 15th, 2009
5:37 am
10ACGRL
November 13th, 2009
11:02 am
I think everyone should lay off Kiffin. Just because it was his first year recruiting class, does not mean the actions of his teammates have self-control. That is a decision that was made by the players and had nothing to do with Lane Kiffin. I think that he will end up doing great things for Tennessee and that he will respond to this situation in the way it needs to be depending upon the investigations.
So far the only thing that has been publicly spoken of are only accusations in regards to the arrests. You can coach your players on the field and you can teach them wrong from right but it is initially up to the players to apply it to their life. So LAY OFF KIFFIN.
This could have easilty happened to any other coach at any other university. I am not giving a sympathy vote. What they chose to do was irresponsible and disappointing to the VOL nation, but I stand behind my team
and know that the staff at UT will handle the situation accurately. Again, just GIVE KIFFIN A BREAK.Vols will show class and win going away today in Oxford….
VolFan4Ever
November 14th, 2009
8:30 am
Vols will show class and win going away today in Oxford….
ken
November 14th, 2009
6:38 am
Lets see if they report on the Oxford ass whipping forthcoming today
TJ Vol
November 12th, 2009
11:56 pm
Let them play Saturday and kick some rebel ass
BuLLdawg
November 15th, 2009
5:46 am
No one was booing the players.
If you are that much of an idiot that you think we booed the players, shut up. You’re making a fool of yourself in public about which you know nothing.
We have a coaching problem.
A documented coaching problem of a group of coaches on Coach Richt’s staff whom he himself has been criticizing too.
We have no NFL experience on his coaching staff.
When you have 3rd down and long, you pass the damn football.
Call a running play and get booed because this is what he HAS done nearly 80 percent of the time on 3rd and long.
I’m tired of it.
After the booing, you will note there were more attempts to actually make 1st downs.
And, we actually did make first downs.
Macon Dog in Middle East
November 15th, 2009
5:52 am
Hey BuLLdawg: How does that flourescent orange “CAT” hat (also aptly described as UGLY) look in the mirror? Bought your Big Urunge doubleknit slacks yet? I could not care less what Kiffin does for the hillbillies! I just can’t wait to kick his checkerboard tail with another Bulldog hobnail boot!
Just for good measure, answer this question: What team has dealt UT its worse home and road losses? If you are a real fan of the Red and Black, you know.
YAD
November 15th, 2009
6:14 am
Did no one else notice that the lane opened on the Auburn Kickoff Return TD was opened due to Richard Samuels being held? He almost got his jersey pulled off!
Felix the Cat
November 15th, 2009
6:43 am
Auburn is our new Georgia Tech due to the win streakkkk!
godawgs
November 15th, 2009
7:07 am
question for the dumb@ass boo birds.
do u think the players and the recruits know who you are booing?
Brian
November 15th, 2009
7:11 am
Wow!! Apparently so of you so called “fans” watched a different game than I did. What I saw was Auburn come out swinging, and UGA taking it’s best two shots. The rest of the game it was UGA delivering blows, courtesy of Mr. Ealey and Mr. King. Oh, and there was the 3 sacks, numerous QB pressures, two INTs. Dawgs defense held them to one FG in the last 3 quarters. Yes, Auburn is no Florida or Alabama, but give credit where credit is due. It would have been just as easy for this team to pack it in and say “maybe next year”. Good job DAWGS!!!
Dawgtime
November 15th, 2009
7:13 am
First and foremost, lets remember Bacarri Rambo, A.J. Green, and the young baseball player that are battling injuries. Bacarri appears to have a concussion. Take all the time you need to head. Don’t rush it. Same to you A.J.. Give the shoulder time to heal. The entire Bulldawg family is praying for each of you. Great win for UGA. I was very impressed with Auburn. They have a great program that is rising. Great fans that avoid all the stupid drama. We found a running game and rushed the passer which made a big difference. GO DAWGS…..
Monty
November 15th, 2009
7:14 am
Papa Smurf (aka Bill King) apparently has never booed the Georgia Bulldogs in his entire life. I guess were not worthy. Who in their right mind could have been happy with the beginning of that game. With that said, that is why you play 4 quarters and finish the drill. What a game and what a performance for the Willie and the Defense.
IntelJumper you hit the nail on the head about Joe Cox. He sat on the bench for 3 years getting rusty playing behind Matthew Stafford or not playing because the coaches failed to get him games more often. Could anybody have really expected him to play like a polished QB this year. He’s a gutsy player and good kid.I bet good ole Bill has been 100% supportive of him all season and never called for him to be replaced by Logan Gray or Aaron Murray????
Go Dawgs!
Dawgtime
November 15th, 2009
7:23 am
To the true Bulldog fans, realize that a lot of this stupid stuff on the blogs are a couple of useless p-brains that write instigating stuff in hopes of starting some pathetic controversy. They switch screen names to write other stupid stuff. To be honest, I don’t even read those remarks anymore because they are useless. Sadly, our society seems to be cultivating morons that have no class or respect. They develop a sense of computer courage to talk trash. Yes, it is very sad. If you need to boo our UGA kids, stay home. They played hard and with pride. I’m proud of this team. Say what you want but Coach Martinez had them ready to play a great offense. We took some early damage but he made some changes. A great number of people take shots at the offensive line but they played well. Auburn has a very good football team that has an explosive offense and a physical defense. We defeated an excellent team and I am PROUD TO BE A GAWGA BULLDAWG. HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS. Sic em.
Dawgtime
November 15th, 2009
7:26 am
Props to Richard Samuel. The kid is playing on special teams to help his team. He is not complaining or causing problems. I’m proud of you young man. Hang in there. With your talent, things will happen for you. Great kid and player.
Silver Classic
November 15th, 2009
7:42 am
I am glad the Boo Bir….uh, Jerks are a topic for discussion. I can’t imagine that you would not be booing family or anyone that you care for. I can only assume then, that your over inflated view of your own self worth is your motivation.
If you are one of the classless who boo, you should be ashamed, but you probably are not.
Jax FL Barfoot Go TECH
November 15th, 2009
7:42 am
Great win over Auburn. Dawgs better stay focused, because Kentucky isn’t gonna be a pushover. But Ga. Tech looms on your horizon.. Tech went out and took the Coastal. Tech didn’t have go through any sort of tiebreakers, or hope someone loses; we seized the day! But I hope we (tech) will play all 60 min in Atlanta and beat your Dawgs. What an awesome season so far Tech, but we have some work left to do to make this really special year!! Go Tech and beat Ga Dawgs!!! then beat the Atlantic!
Hey, is Mark. (Bowden’s) going to ND?
Nub
November 15th, 2009
7:48 am
This win was like kissing your sister…. AU hasn’t had a off weak all year….. They are very thin on both sides of the ball…. Changes must be made!
Tombo
November 15th, 2009
8:11 am
Good game but remember that we were on the edge of our seats until the very end of it. It’s not like we rolled all over Auburn. Typical Martinez defense spots the other team 14 points and we have to play catch up the rest of the night. Then, our continued poor kickoff coverage bites us again. Offense was pitiful to start. Some good things after that first quarter: lots of hard play, passion evident on the field, no turnovers, penalty bug gone after first quarter, better play calling (after first quarter again). Hope the kids found their mojo again and can carry it forward into the next few games.
I think the injury to AJ kind of sparked the team. It seemed a lot of guys stepped up their play after that injury.
Matt in Athens
November 15th, 2009
8:14 am
Bill, I hate to admit that I booed at the beginning of this game, but I did. It was a terrible performance by the two coordinators, and THAT was what I was booing. It wasn’t the players’ fault, those were two schemes that failed miserably. And as much as I hate to say it, the booing was needed. The insulating bubble around Bobo and Martinez needed to be cracked ever so slightly.
After that first quarter, I have zero complaints about the team’s and coaches’ performances (with the exception of the kick coverage). Bobo and Willie did a great job adjusting after the opening disaster, and the team played with more intensity, discipline, and precision than I’ve seen since 2007. Great performance, it puts a sweet taste in your mouth after such a bitter season. And here’s to Rambo and A.J., hope they get better soon. GO DAWGS! TO HELL WITH GEORGIA TECH!
Mikey
November 15th, 2009
8:16 am
Prayers for Rambo and AJ- hope you recover from your injuries soon.
lagadawg
November 15th, 2009
8:19 am
Hey BuLLdawg,looks like lame Kiffin and the vals are the ones that got their arse handed to them,and I loved it.I tell everybody my two favorite teams are Ga. and whoever are playing Tenn.
Barkin'Dog
November 15th, 2009
8:26 am
Auburn was averaging 35 points a game before this one, and the Dawgs held them to 24, and that was with a lucky KO return for a TD. After spotting them 14, the defense held their offense to 3 points. I sense there are a lot of ‘Fire Martinez’ folks who are more upset with that than the win overall. And that my friends, is what’s wrong with bit time sports. It’s more important to some to be right, than for the home team to do well. CMR teams finish each season strong (albeit the GT game last year, after leading by 20+ points). But, I’ll take that this year. Finish the drill – win the last 3 and a bowl, and we’re all proud of a 9-4 season… the best almost anyone expected with this young, dynamic team. Get well soon, AJ and Rambo, and Go Dawgs!
MIKE ON LAKE HARTWELL
November 15th, 2009
8:29 am
2 more and its NEW YEARS DAY!
Barkin'Dog
November 15th, 2009
8:38 am
It’s not my idea, as I read it last night on the game blog… but, what a great game it would be for our Dawgs to play USCw. I also heard the SEC never plays the PAC10 in a bowl, but that would be a great game to watch. Something a lot of college football fans would get excited about. Could be one of the better match-ups, and a game we all wanted a few seasons back instead of Hawaii. Go Dawgs!
Gem Dawg
November 15th, 2009
8:48 am
When the booing started, my wife said “Ohhhh, that’s really bad.” I told her they were booing the play calling and not the players. She asked how the players know that. We have to remember that these guys have given much effort, sweat and blood for this university. They gave a good effort for three quarters yesterday. I’m hoping they have a couple of four quarter games left for the end of the season. Let’s focus in on Kentucky and put another W on the board. This year didn’t turn out like the fans or the players wanted it to but they are still our dawgs and still fighting hard so let’s support the guys.
dawgma
November 15th, 2009
8:49 am
BOOING WAS A WAKE UP CALL TO THE COACHES AND PLAYERS THAT THEY NEED TO MAN UP AND PLAY BALL! THEY CAME ON THAT FIELD LAST NIGHT AND PLAYED LIKE SNOT IN Q1. THE BULLDAWG NATION MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE HAD HAD ENOUGH & GUESS WHAT – THE COACHES AND TEAM RESPONDED TO BOTH THE CHEERS AND THE JEERS OF THE 12TH MAN ON THE FIELD.
I CHEERED – I BOOED – I NEARLY CRIED & DIED AT THE END!
DON’T TELL ME THAT YOU CAN’T LOVE A TEAM/SCHOOL AND BOO THEM AS WELL. THAT’S LIKE SAYING YOU CAN NOT LOVE YOUR CHILD AND SCOLD THEM WHEN THEY ARE DOING WRONG.
B.K. YOU ARE A TYPICAL MAMA’S BOY. THESE AREN’T LITTLE 6TH GRADERS ON THE FIELD. THEY R MEN AND WILL BE TREATED AS SUCH.