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
edumacated
September 18th, 2010
8:18 pm
This is easily the worst team UGA has fielded since the days of Golf. How can anybody even think South Carolina or Arkansas were good teams? Both of them were one dimensional and I expect both will be exposed sooner rather than later starting next week on CBS. Then folks will begin to understand just how weak UGA is this year. Just be thankful our out of conference game is with Colorado.
As for Murray? He is mediocre at best. Let’s be truthful. He is undersized, isn’t accurate with his passes, has trouble moving in the pocket, and only has average speed. The sad thing is that in this inept offense, he is the only highlight.
It’s gonna get much worse. Baton down the hatches!!!
Minnesota Dawg
September 18th, 2010
8:20 pm
Arkansas won the big play battle today. Two passes 40 yards for touchdowns, 1 interception, 1 fumble, and 6 sacks. Georgia needs to make some big plays! The only difference between Georgia and Florida is that Florida is making big plays. Their quarterback is not that good, yet they still find ways to make up for it. Come on GA make a big play!
Mike Gunter
September 18th, 2010
8:21 pm
Give the guys a little more time, we’re going to get it turned around. We Ga fans are way too impatient. I saw much improvement this week, better tackling, Murray continues to improve, receivers making good catches, there was some fired up folks on the sidelines. Still need offensive line improvement, Murray has to be quicker on his reads and release the ball quicker, Bobo needs to incorporate the TE into his play calling. Fans need to support and stay in the game til the end, win or lose!
Before the season started I thought we’d go 9 – 3 ……………..I still think we will !
georgiadawgg
September 18th, 2010
8:21 pm
NO BOWL GAME THIS YEAR.AND I AM SICK AND TIRED OF HEARING PREACHER RICHT’S EXCUSES.
Delbert D.
September 18th, 2010
8:22 pm
Since the days of Golf?
Tom B. Stone
September 18th, 2010
8:22 pm
There’s a blue light special on rose-colored glasses on aisle five and from what I hear they’re giving free kool-aid as you leave the store…Hurry while supplies last! Look em’ over but don’t overlook em’!
Aaron Murray
September 18th, 2010
8:25 pm
Psst. Can anyone tell me when Bobo coming? I need to hide. I’m afraid of him. He tried to get me killed today!
michael
September 18th, 2010
8:26 pm
You would never know that the Dawgs have the deepest talent in the nation playing the tight end position.
Clark County
September 18th, 2010
8:28 pm
HEY!! Look on the bright side—-nobody got arrested today!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
T Grantham
September 18th, 2010
8:30 pm
You just wait….you just wait until Petrino says something…Boy I’ll show him!!!
Right On Time
September 18th, 2010
8:31 pm
Overrated recruiting classes.
Look at Richts record in the SEC the last 8 games. It is Vandylike.
OneDawgFan
September 18th, 2010
8:32 pm
THANK YOU! A great comment about the play calling. Most of the 92,000 + fans agree that we need some better plAY CALLING. If not for some great catches from some young receivers and some individual effort, we wouldn’t even have tied the game up. Then after we did tie the game, we went away from what got us the 2 TD’s. I thought the defense stopped Arkansas when they needed to in the end and gave our offense a chance, then our coaching let us down.
Boo Boo's boo's from Sanford Stadium.
September 18th, 2010
8:32 pm
Fire Gene Chizik !!!! Clemons is whoopin Awburn !
3rd & Long = PA Pass
September 18th, 2010
8:33 pm
Is the Play Action really needed in the 3rd & Longs? What away to take time away from a new QB. I don’t blame anything on any other coach any more. It’s Richt’s fault…. Period the end.
edumacated
September 18th, 2010
8:33 pm
oops, Coach Ray Goff, otherwise known as Goof.
Boo Boo's boo's from Sanford Stadium.
September 18th, 2010
8:34 pm
Complete domination by Clemons. UGA needs to hire DABO !!!!
Right On Time
September 18th, 2010
8:35 pm
ga gator:
bobo is actually on the field, not in the press box. It just seems that way
edumacated
September 18th, 2010
8:35 pm
To Mike Gunter,
How much time do these guys need? Yeah Green is out, but everyone there other than Murray is experienced. Why should the fans have to wait for them to be able to execute.
Deffensive Thugs
September 18th, 2010
8:36 pm
Hey we made a routine play, let’s over celebrate…… O the next play is going already…. Crap 50 yard TD….
Boo Boo's boo's from Sanford Stadium.
September 18th, 2010
8:36 pm
Marh Richt is a CEO not a coach !
kerryb
September 18th, 2010
8:36 pm
This article says everything I was thinking watching this offensive debacle. When you got commentators calling him out for bad play calling it’s getting pretty bad. How many years have we been talking about how bad Bobo’s play calling is. We won 2 SEC titles with Richt calling plays and have been going totally down hill for the last 3 years. It was okay in 2007 because we had good players but they are not here anymore.
S Spurrier
September 18th, 2010
8:36 pm
Well….same ol GA….all those recruits. Love your new DC. Give him kisses for me. *kiss *kiss*
O Line Thugs
September 18th, 2010
8:37 pm
Hey we are the best in the country… they should roll over for us…. hey why arent you rolling over for us?
FORTY ONE POINTS to your seventeen points
September 18th, 2010
8:39 pm
Hidee boys…
(((((((((((((((((((((((41-17))))))))))))))))
jdawg81
September 18th, 2010
8:40 pm
Bill, I couldn’t agree with you more. I am so tired of that run play up the middle that never seems to be working.
stendek
September 18th, 2010
8:42 pm
I Love Bulldogs But They Are Second In State As Of Now…
http://stendekk.wordpress.com/gritty-jackets-upend-host-north-carolina-30-24/
Muhammed Ali
September 18th, 2010
8:43 pm
I really liked the right cross your #19 tried to lay on the ARK player. Nice “THUG-U” style. Should have been ejected. But then again, wasn’t he the one beaten for the winning TD? Poetic justice.
LOL! GO HOGS!!!
Chris
September 18th, 2010
8:44 pm
Bill, I think Richt was still calling the plays when Shockely was there. I believe Bobo started calling plays during the 2007 season. He actually did a descent job that year of calling plays but that was obviously a result of a great running back, QB, and oline that were on a roll. You could have drawn up plays in the dirt that year that would work.
It’s been obvious now for 3 years that Bobo is a terrible O.C. 92,000 fans in the stadium can see it, everyone at home can see it, a blind man can see it, so why can’t Richt????
This is not like the defensive problems we have. Richt is an offensive coach, we run his offense, and he can take over the play calling whenever he feels like it.
I personally think this year will define Mark Richts career. If he doesn’t take over the play calling, which I don’t think he will, then it’s time for change. Richt has always been bad about making the tuff decisions that need to be made. He desperately needs to make changes now, or we will continue to free fall.
Richt was hired to build this program back up. We are now right back where we were during the Golf years.
Delbert D.
September 18th, 2010
8:44 pm
Vandy won an SEC game today.
OneDawgFan
September 18th, 2010
8:44 pm
Reply to Right On Time. A great recruiting class, not over-rated. This is a good team with more than enough talent to play anyone. We have a very experience O-Line, great RB’s,FB’s,TE’s and a great Defense that is learning each week. Good D-Line,LB’s,CB’s and Safety’s. We have a young QB corp that needs to be coached properly. Because of some butt chewing, our QB now seems timid on when to run and took a big hit at the end of the game. COACHES!!, Do your job, coach the talent you have and stop trying to change them in 1 or 2 games. Arkansas was afraid of our QB whenever he rolled out of a play action or other schemes. Watch your game films and learn to use the talent you have and encourage it. Just a thought for you old-timers, when Roger Staubach joined the Cowboys, he had a tendency to take off running every time he thought he was in trouble, it drove opposing teams crazy also. Coach Landry was furious most of the time, but in time he taught Roger how to play the position, maybe some remember one of the nickname’s he was given en-route to the Super Bowls he played in the 70’s, Captain Comeback.
stendek
September 18th, 2010
8:45 pm
Suppose the Bulldogs line up in shotgun formation on ever play? Could not hurt. Obvious QB has been instructed not to scramble. Kine cannot block. Why have QB take those unneeded steps backward? Just a thought.
kerryb
September 18th, 2010
8:47 pm
I wanted to laugh when I read the article with Bobo saying that the line didn’t block well and Murray held the ball too long. I guess the block head doesn’t have a clue that it’s his stupid play calling as well. He actually said that Murray held on to the ball too long on the last play. I guess it had nothing to do with his horrible play call. Sending receivers 20 yards deep with no outlet when you only need 4 yards. What a moron.
Delbert D.
September 18th, 2010
8:48 pm
edumacated – “oops, Coach Ray Goff, otherwise known as Goof.”
Thanks. The days of “Golf” would have been about 900 years ago.
Minnesota Dawg
September 18th, 2010
8:48 pm
Did any of the great coaches have a couple of bad seasons ever? Oh yeah they did!! The only thing about today is that there is no place for losing whatsoever! It’s still great to be a Georgia Bulldog!
Boo Boo's boo's from Sanford Stadium.
September 18th, 2010
8:52 pm
Furman has scored as many points against S Carolina as THUGA did. THUGA offense sucks !!!!
muttsuck
September 18th, 2010
8:54 pm
And Marcus Lattimore is still runnig over the GA D!
jdawg81
September 18th, 2010
8:54 pm
I would agree with most that our defense needs to improve, but unfortunately with converting to the 3-4 we arent going to be that great for another year or two, the guys have to learn it, and we have to recruit some beasts for 3 line positions. I thought AM looked great, for a redshirt freshman in his 3rd collegiate game, and his second in the SEC. Have faith….he will improve..and so will our D.
Clarke County
September 18th, 2010
8:56 pm
Uh-oh….with this loss today, might be some arrests tonite.
2nd Tier
September 18th, 2010
8:56 pm
I say blow it up, I’m watching football all day and my dogs seem like the only team on TV that’s sleep walking, not motivated,in bad position to make plays, I can go on and on. It’s coaching people, even UT looks better prepared under first year coach. Where are the playmakers on offense, you mean we don’t have anyone on the sideline that can catch a hitch or screen and take it to the house? I’m am so embarrassed, we are losing to Kentucky, SC, Arkansas and prob. Miss State next week, blow it up and run all of them out of Athens. When was the last time we won a big game. Nice guys finish last……..uuuggghh, horrible. Bobo should have left with Willie, they show up with Petrino calling plays, and we got Bobo…..wow
DC
September 18th, 2010
8:56 pm
Who pop Bobo on the noise???? There can a LONG LIST!!!! Take a number!!!! BTW>>>> can we get a center that will snap the ball when a D-lineman comes across. I have never said it before until now>>>>> CMR …. on any givin Saturday…. doesn’t know how to put his foot on the throat on a team>>>
Facethefacts
September 18th, 2010
8:56 pm
We can change coordinators every year, it is not going to change the direction the program is headed. Down.
Delbert D.
September 18th, 2010
8:58 pm
Paterno has 6 losing seasons out of 44.
athdog
September 18th, 2010
8:58 pm
3rd and 4, late in the game, driving to kick a winning f.g. and we go deep. Takes too long to develop and we take a sack. The prevent defense, once again, prevents nothing and Ark, even if we do the unimaginable and actually MAKE the tackle on the last play, has moved from deep in their territory to field goal range in 30 seconds. Even if we make that last tackle, they still win on a field goal. Two lessons here: 1) the use of the tight ends would enable us to pick up 3rd and 4, keep the drive alive and kick our own winning f.g. as time ran out. and 2) the prevent defense, as is so often exposed in high school, college and the NFL, is a great way to enable a team to come down the field in minimal time and put themselves into a position to win. Why it’s called ‘prevent’ defies logic.
Another slow start to the season. Wondering why we ever recruit tight ends if we’re not going to use them.
Jake
September 18th, 2010
8:59 pm
Dawg on a stick, I’ve got some waterfront property in Atlantis…..
Then McGarrity said to Richt
September 18th, 2010
9:01 pm
Whats that song by ABBA? waterloo?
DC
September 18th, 2010
9:01 pm
Who cares about Paterno…… This could ..as always …been the year the EAST was open for us. Again , UGA BLEW IT!!! We can’t beat a top ranked team in OUR HOUSE!!! Grantham has been locked downed … What can we do?
Taco
September 18th, 2010
9:02 pm
Bring back Willie Martinez? This just shows all you cry baby morons, the players make plays. You could have Vince Lombardi over there and it will not help. Thugs recruited, thug style, thug attitude.
Get some discipline in Athens soon or this thing is toast.
Did AJ not realize seeling his jersey was illegal? Dummy deserves wht he got.
daddydog
September 18th, 2010
9:02 pm
None of the coaches had a game inwhichthey could brag on the play of their players or their calls. Tackling was much better. Is it improvement or just not facing a stud back?
mikeaddington
September 18th, 2010
9:02 pm
All I can say is that ai never saw a Dooley defense play like ours has the last few years and wht in the heck has happened to three of the best tight ends in colloege footablee? What do they have ? something like 3 ballsthrown to gehme in three games? are yu coaches out of tyour minds/
Got Bling ?
September 18th, 2010
9:02 pm
AJ do !