Mike Bobo’s playcalling didn’t do his young QB any favors
Aaron Murray did get to use his running ability a bit more Saturday. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
We talked here earlier this week about Georgia’s game against Arkansas as something of a test for Dogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.
Well, it was.
And he failed.
Yes, there were defensive lapses Saturday that the Razorbacks capitalized on, including biting on that play fake on Arkansas’ first score, but thanks to too many three-and-outs again this week the Georgia D was on the field entirely too long to try and keep a high-powered offense led by a talented QB like Ryan Mallett in check.
And showing a lot of grit the Dogs did battle back from a 24-10 deficit to tie it up 24-24 with 3:55 left in the game.
But after a fine defensive series got the ball back for Georgia and the Dogs had moved to midfield thanks to runs by Washaun Ealey and Carlton Thomas, the bizarre playcalling by Bobo that had plagued them all day reared its ugly head again.
Third and 4 and rather than a quick slant pass across the middle, or sending Ealey or Thomas wide, or rolling Aaron Murray out with the option to pass or run, instead Bobo sends all the receivers at least 20 yards downfield and has his QB standing back there way too long. The result is a sack that took Murray’s helmet (and nearly his head) off and the Dogs let a chance to win the game get away from them.
I’ll grant Bobo that Murray has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long in some situations. As Bobo said after the game, “We need to work on getting rid of the ball a little bit quicker.” But that’s to be expected of a redshirt freshman and Bobo knows that. So why put Murray into those situations?
And the play of Georgia’s offensive line continued to fall short, with run blocking up the middle virtually nonexistent and Murray’s protection falling apart too often.
But time and time again Saturday, Bobo showed a lack of a short-yardage game outside the red zone. On an earlier third and 1, Murray was sacked waiting on receivers to get open on long routes. All they needed was 1 yard and he’s looking to throw long??!!
This wasn’t a great defense the Dogs were facing in Arkansas, but at times Georgia made them look that way.
Yes, the Dogs missed suspended ace receiver A.J. Green on some plays, but especially in the second half Dogs receivers, including Kris Durham, Tavares King and the little-used Israel Troupe, came up with clutch receptions.
And because of the poor line play, the running game was inconsistent, though it occasionally showed flashes of what we had expected.
I’ll also give Bobo credit for at least loosening the reins on Murray and allowing him to take off with the ball, which resulted in Georgia’s first touchdown. But where were the tight ends for most of the day? Why didn’t Georgia make more use of the screen and quick hits over the middle?
And there was the predictability factor again in Bobo’s playcalling. When fans in the stands are consistently calling out what the Georgia play is going to be before the snap, you know your offense has a problem.
And I hate to say it, but I think that problem is Mike Bobo. Absent the superior talent of playmakers like D.J. Shockley, Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno, who made Bobo look good in the past, he is revealed as a rather pedestrian offensive mind.
I’ll have more on Sunday, but for now, have at it. …
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
612 comments Add your comment
Rumbo
September 18th, 2010
11:50 pm
If Grantham holds them to 2 cheap TDs instead of 3, Bobo comes out smelling like a rose. But that’s asking a little too much. Bobo has to go.
Lane
September 18th, 2010
11:51 pm
Georgia Football moto should be: We play to just not lose the game! We dont try to WIN THE GAME! arent you all sick to death of saying what IF or MAYBE or NEXT YEAR, if we just get this recruit or what if AJ was healthy or in the game… im sick of it… im sick of MAYBE NEXT YEAR, no more excuses… get rid of this staff.
The #1 Team
September 18th, 2010
11:54 pm
Lane please take a Valium and chill out. Life goes on buddy.
srcdawg1
September 18th, 2010
11:54 pm
GT FAN, As long as we have gt on our schedule it will always be a cream puff. Thank god we don’t we dont have play KANSAS. that would be a step up.
Disappointed Dawg Fan
September 18th, 2010
11:56 pm
I’m tired of hearing if only we had AJ Green.. Sometimes you have to win without your best Player. The Point is GA is NOT that good.. I can live with Busted Plays,Fumbles,Interceptions,Sacks..that’s part of Fottball However, I can not live with Personl Fouls and Players acting Thugish. It is time for the Dawgs to grow up (Grow a Set) and act like
MEN.. Alabama does it. Ga will Loose to Miss. State,Tenn,Auburn,Fla,Col,Kentucky,Vandy and GA Tech. I wil go out on a limb and say,”They will not even make a bowl appearance.”
G DOG
September 19th, 2010
12:03 am
Mr. Mcgarity the state of Georgia takes great pride in there college football teams particular UGA. It is EMBARRASSING to have this type of product on national tv before the nation. Please do the state of Georgia a favor an FIRE Mark Rick and the entire coaching stall. I heard Coach Mike Leach was looking for a JOB
Lane
September 19th, 2010
12:03 am
hey #1 i got your valium right here…why dont you take a rock hard weekend and hit up a gay bar, you might get lucky this time.
Jerry Glanville
September 19th, 2010
12:03 am
Psstt…..Thug-Dawg fans..
I am tan, rested, and ready.
Crappy to a core
September 19th, 2010
12:03 am
Isn’t anyone happy with how hard we played? Bobo called a good game, Murray played hard, the players never quit and like Richt I think we improved. Our defense was much better, and yes we have work to do, but this was a fighting group today.
A Fan
September 19th, 2010
12:04 am
Enter your comments here
srcdawg1
September 19th, 2010
12:09 am
Was it just me or did it seem that the ESPN broadcaster’s were so embarrased by our play calling. That they used A J as an excuse for our bad play. My last count his name was mentioned 77 times and 8 times on defense!! Please CMR take over the play calling immediately. You need to put your frienship and business seperate. You kept your friend WM around too long and almost cost you your job. Don’ let BOBO do the same. greg want keep you if cant manage the business.. Good luck and let’s move foward.
Jughead Obama
September 19th, 2010
12:09 am
“We’ll be very lucky to win 6 games this year and go to a bowl. There’s clearly a major problem in Athens.”
Well, your problem is my opportunity. Me encanta!
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:10 am
Richt, gave the team a great speech in the locker room after the game. The players were upbeat and proud of the toughness they showed. The dog players after prayers whooped it up and although down we pumped for next week. Richt told them how proud he was of their effort
Joel
September 19th, 2010
12:10 am
Bobo called 41 passing plays, and about 26 running plays, Murray tucked it and ran on 14 of those 41 passing plays so they looked like running calls in the stats, but Murray didn’t get 10 yards rushing on the 14 plays, would have liked to have seen 14 running plays called for the RB’s on those 14 plays instrad of Murray, since Ealey and Thomas both got 5 a carry, while Murray averaged less than 1 yard a carry.
You cannot win the SEC throwing the ball. When will Bobo learn this.
On the last series where georgia had the ball and all the timeouts, I’d like to have seen running calls, since Arkansas was in a pass defense. But calling all passing plays flopped. Trust Ealey & Thomas & King & the O-Line, you won’t win an SEC game without them.
Jughead Obama
September 19th, 2010
12:11 am
GATA means Georgia Ain’t That Amazin.
wpww dawg
September 19th, 2010
12:12 am
yeah proud of loosing!?!?!?!
SEC FAN
September 19th, 2010
12:12 am
Richt and Bobo and Defense got schooled again.
Fire Richt please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wpww dawg
September 19th, 2010
12:13 am
OBAMA the DESTROYER!!!
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:14 am
Well no not proud of losing, but proud of the effort. He singled out Murray for his toughness, and the defense for not quitting. He was quite inspirational and mindful the players had work to do, but they could be very proud of the hard work, and effort for the game
SKB
September 19th, 2010
12:14 am
Kind of sad when coaches talk trash about the players.. Mike Bobo is pathetic in blaming Murray, he is only a freshman, Bobo doesn’t even take responsibilities for his own bad calls, just blame everything on others. CMR doesn’t want to fire Bobo, for whatever the reason, maybe they are close friends or Bobo has 5 kids… CMR needs to man up and hire someone who understands offense. UGA is such a program where you coach down and minimize the players talent… I mean that is what has been happening for years, if I was a recruit UGA would be the last place I would go…
George
September 19th, 2010
12:14 am
I will guarantee you Bobo didn’t want Murray to run 14 times for 9 yards. He likely told Murray, hit the deep route, or throw it away if it’s not there or hit a checkdown receiver. Murray made about 14 mistakes, plus the interception.
srcdawg1
September 19th, 2010
12:15 am
Oh my GOD can you believe it another SEC team just beat another acc team. what is this world comming too. congrat’s auburn on your victory. KANSAS 1- ACC 0
BeerDawg
September 19th, 2010
12:15 am
Lane, it is already too late. Do we cut our losses at the end of this season, hire a new coach immediately, give him at least 2 years to retool the team (even the great Saban needed time at AL), and be competitive for the NC in 2013?
Or, do we dither about for another 2 years with CMR, then finally pull the trigger, and not be competitive for a championship until 2015
Planning people, thats what it takes to win championships. McGarrity HAS to start making some phone calls NOW!!!
Ed
September 19th, 2010
12:18 am
Agree that the playcalling was bad and baffling at times, but execution makes any play call look like genius when it works. But the trend continues – fans complain about Georgia’s assistant coaches when things go wrong – Fabris, Martinez, and now Bobo. They can’t all be idiots. It’s time to put the blame where it belongs – on Mark Richt’s shoulders. He’s the captain of this ship. He’s also supposed to be an offensive guru, so it’s quite possible that the offense is more a reflection of his failings than Bobo’s. Remember, Richt wasn’t exactly lighting it up as a playcaller when he handed the offense to Bobo. Bottom line, it’s up to the head coach to have the right assistants handling the right duties, and that’s obviously not happening at UGA.
It’s looking more and more like the Richt era at UGA has run its course.
Thwg
September 19th, 2010
12:18 am
News flash! The razorbacks just scored with .05 seconds left. Boy this must really sting. Tied with 47 sec left, 3 plays and a TD. It’s great day to be a yellow jacket. Sole possession of last place in the weak SEC east – to hell with Georgia baby!
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:18 am
I almost hate to inform you dedicated Dawg Fans, but the University is not going to fire Richt, Bobo or anyone else. First, we are focusing upon the needs of the Athletic department for Building funds and quite frankly do not have the funds to pay off coaches. Richt is here for at least 2 more seasons, Bobo has 1 more year left of his contract.
BeerDawg
September 19th, 2010
12:20 am
Joel you are absolutely right, you cannot win the SEC unless you have a dominant running game, a smash mouth–you’re D-line is no match for my O-line–type team.
It goes without saying that a stud defense is a must. Currently, we have none of those.
Thwg
September 19th, 2010
12:21 am
It’s so great to have a solid coach and program AND see UGA heading down the toilet. Please don’t fire Richt – we love he and Bobo in Atlanta. And who could have dreamed the DC you hire is worse than the one you fired! This is a gift!
Joel
September 19th, 2010
12:21 am
With 2:28 to go, Georgia got the ball in great field position with all timeouts.
1st play- Ealey runs for 10 yards.
2nd play- Murray sacked for 4 yard loss
3rd play–thomas runs for 10 yards
I’d have kept running it, it was there for 10 yards a pop. 3 more runs, kick the field goal, Georgia wins.
But, Bobo abandoned the run, went to the pass, which wasn’t working, put the game in Murray’s legs, which wern’t working, and lost the game.
Next time, when a team’s in a pass defense and you got timeouts and 2 minutes to go, and you’re getting 10 yards a run, and -4 a pass, RUN THE BALL!!
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:22 am
When we hired Grantham, it was a tough for the University to justify the money. We did it with the understanding that no other changes in long term contracts would be allowed until after this season. We are not going to be making any changes.
White&Gold Forever
September 19th, 2010
12:23 am
0-2 jn the SEC!!!!! HA HA HA!!! Have fun next wknd in Starkvegas. Can you say 0-3, rednecks?
BeerDawg
September 19th, 2010
12:23 am
G-means GATA, if what you say is true, this program is going nowhere.
Hard to believe that the second most profitable college program in the country can’t AFFORD to hire an elite coach and staff
Thwg
September 19th, 2010
12:23 am
I see an 1-4 start in the dawg future. No way you beat Miss state or CO on the road. I love this!
White&Gold Forever
September 19th, 2010
12:26 am
I agree, Thwg. 1-4 sounds about right for these morons. I seem to recall a lot of them saying they were a BCS sleeper team……
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:27 am
BeerDawg, I share your frustration, just want everyone to know the facts. We are in a bad economy, our revenues are down somewhat from last year, and we hired and spent money on our AD, and Grantham. Other programs have seen their costs go up for Assistants as well. I assure you Bobo will not get an extension, but to fire him and pay 1 year salary, plus hire a high priced Asst, is just not going to happen. The University has made that clear to its large donors, who have expressed many of the same concerns you and others share.
monty
September 19th, 2010
12:29 am
Sad day when Arkansas and South Carolina beat you in back to back weeks. Good thing we don’t play Kentucky or Vanderbilt next week! Sheesh! That would really be sad. But hey! We can all look forward to another top recruiting class next February! We can’t coach em up but we can sure bring them in! Keeps all of our hopes up at least until reality sets in.
Mr. Positive Thinking
September 19th, 2010
12:29 am
It’s going to be a long season for the SEC. Alabama looks unstoppable, but no one else looks worth a damn. Nothing I saw today sold me on Arkansas. Great QB and receiver, not much else. Florida looks like the worst version of that team I’ve seen in years, Auburn looks above average at best, and Georgia, Tennessee and Ole Miss are just plain awful. Not sold on S. Carolina, either. A lackluster performance against Furman today. Expect their usual second half swoon.
FLA DAWG
September 19th, 2010
12:30 am
It only took this game for you to figure out Bobo is a problem!?
We’ve known it for years – now Richt and Bobo are the problems.
Get Smart Fire Richt
Thwg
September 19th, 2010
12:32 am
Beerdawg – second most profitable? You should stop drinking and head to bed. We all love how stupid you ugh rednecks are. We love winning at GT, but it’s almost more fun watching how hard you uga idiots take it. It’s hysterical how ugh fans think their program is so relevant. Bama, FL, OSU, TX, are world class programs and ugh isn’t even close to them. GT owns this state now. You better watch out four GSU!
E City
September 19th, 2010
12:32 am
Defense needs to learn to play DEEP 1st, then short. Been burned for 5 big touchdowns in last 3 games. For some reason, all the Georgia secondary is playing short first.
SoCal Dawg
September 19th, 2010
12:32 am
let’s face it boys …we suck!
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:32 am
I don’t mean to hog space here (no pun intended), but it is far more likely we can force Richt to retake the Offensive play calling (and OC operations), and demote Bobo to QB coach again. Much like Steve (Spurrier) did with his son.
monty
September 19th, 2010
12:33 am
Ealy should have to practice picking up a blitzer all week. He did terrible today in that area. He blocks like he runs, with no heart.
BeerDawg
September 19th, 2010
12:33 am
G-means GATA, thanks for the inside scoop….reality is a bit depressing for dawg nation right now. Guess we’ll have to get used to mid-level bowls for a few more years.
At least there’s tomorrow, go Falcons!!!
Night all
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:35 am
We donors have expressed our concern about Bobo. Richt will likely make this move sooner than later.
FLA DAWG
September 19th, 2010
12:37 am
G means GATA,
Well my friend, it is the UGA Football Program which brings in the millions of dollars to the school annually. Whomever you / we are better open you eyes and realize that Dawg Fans are ripping up their tickets in disgust and hiding or throwing away those Bulldog Caps, Shirts, etc.
I would be completely embarrassed to wear a Ga Bulldog Cap now. As for going to any games – Ha! My donations ended three years ago and will not return until I see a high caliber, SEC Team between the hedges.
Get Smart – Fire Richt
dawgster
September 19th, 2010
12:38 am
while there are many things i could address..i will state one that is very important based on what i have seen…doesn’t have anything to do with Coach Bobo’s play calling, which at times is mind boggling…but i remember in 1979 we lost at home to virginia 31-0..the next year we got a stud of a RB and won the NC..there is a young man down in South Ga that we need very much, no not a Hershel Walker but one darn good back with speed and power…To me this is something that the dawgs need is that game breaker to go along with the other weapons we have…If we can get him and with what we have committed so far the next few years could be great…However, with that being said i’m not sure if the dawg nation will be patient another year with the current coaching staff..i think the defense will be fine and very good in time, but this offense and the lack of consistant production unfortunately has to be put on the coacheBut s..Yes the kids have got to make plays, hold blocks, acutually block someone, catch the ball and make good decisions just to name a few things…But i don’t think we are using the talent we have as well as we could, especially the tight ends….One ball thrown their way today…none to O.Charles..Again if we can get a great RB as SC did last year and you can see how that opens the offense up even more…I know we have some good RB’s but i don’t think they get the respect that the young man from South Ga will get…
BeerDawg
September 19th, 2010
12:38 am
Thwg, I was wrong. UGA is The Most profitable college football program in the nation:
https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/104941
I’ve refrained from responding to the GT fringe fans who seems oddly obsessed in this blog, and will continue to do so. Might want to check the Rock Chalk Jayhawk blogs…..
G-means GATA
September 19th, 2010
12:40 am
Fla Dawg, I agree with you, but in these circles, money talks. For us to impose our will upon the program, it takes money and loads of it. The most we can hope for is the demotion of Bobo this week, and Richt agree to the play calling duties. But this is Richt’s decision, but would be a smart one in light of Bobo’s comments today about Murray.
we run this state!!!
September 19th, 2010
12:42 am
that one cracks me up every time