Archive for October, 2010

With A.J. Green, the Dogs looked sharp. Without him … (Associated Press)

Fifth verse, same as the second, third and fourth.

Anyone who says one player doesn’t make that big a difference didn’t see the Dogs play Colorado Saturday night.

After starting out slow, as usual, and falling behind 14-3 to the Buffs, Georgia’s offense started clicking thanks to A.J. Green, returning from NCAA suspension for his first game this season. Green had a big run on an end-around, a couple of touchdown receptions, one of which was one of his patented unbelievable circus catches, and Georgia came roaring back to the delight of the sizable, spirited contingent of Bulldog fans at Folsom Field.

When Georgia went up 24-14 early in the third quarter, it looked like Mark Richt’s team finally was turning things around.

And then Green cramped up and had to leave the game and eventually go to the locker room for fluids, and the Dogs’ offense once again became punchless.

Green’s absence …

Continue reading For hapless Dogs, it’s the same old song »

A.J. Green's return has made an impression on the oddsmakers. (Associated Press)

You know the old bromide about being careful what you wish for? Georgia’s current offensive woes — mainly the dismal showing of the running game — bring that saying to mind.

For years, old-line, Dooley-bred Dogs fans have groused about Mark Richt and Mike Bobo needing to commit more fully to the run. Now, this season, probably wanting to baby a redshirt freshman quarterback, Bobo has been employing a run-first philosophy that has basically gone nowhere, thanks to opponents stacking the box in the absence of A.J. Green, the Georgia offensive line getting pushed around, and mediocre running by the backs.

Meanwhile that quarterback, Aaron Murray, has been the lone bright spot for the offense and shows signs of becoming a real playmaker.

So at this point, I’m really hoping the return of Green sees Bobo opening up the passing game a lot more and using the run (and some quarterback draws) as a …

Continue reading Georgia vs. Colorado: Dogs need to air it out »