Dogs’ bowl showing pretty much sums up the season: Lousy
Aaron Murray saved his worst game of the season for the Liberty Bowl. (Associated Press)
A mediocre season came to a pathetic end for the Georgia Bulldogs Friday as a talent-loaded SEC offense that had prided itself on regularly scoring 30 or more points a game failed to even score a single touchdown against Central Florida of Conference USA.
Unlike most of the rest of the year, Aaron Murray, wearing gloves in a game for the first time this season, looked every bit the freshman in the Liberty Bowl, throwing two interceptions and nearly throwing two or three more picks.
An offensive line that had underperformed most of the season turned in one of its worst outings, especially in the second half.
And playcaller Mike Bobo made no sustained attempt to establish a running game, allowing the Knights to blanket the Dogs’ receivers for much of the day when they weren’t blitzing Murray as he searched in vain for an open man.
Of course, maybe Bobo was taking a cue from his boss, Mark Richt, who in the first quarter apparently had such little faith in his ground attack that on fourth and inches at the 2 yard line he elected to kick a field goal rather than go for the first down and potentially the touchdown.
That capped off the Dogs’ best drive of the day, which featured a pretty nice mix of run and pass. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the day Georgia rested its hopes mainly on the passing of Murray, who never looked comfortable. The Dogs did manage a decent drive to open the second half but it bogged down, resulting in another field goal.
And that was pretty much it offensively for the Bulldogs.
Most of the pre-game talk had centered on the two teams’ freshman phenom quarterbacks, but thanks to rusty-looking offenses and a pair of turnovers each, the game settled into a defensive struggle.
The Knights, however, persevered with their efforts to establish a running game and eventually were able to wear down a Georgia defense that occasionally was guilty of poor tackling (how many times did Bacarri Rambo dive into the dirt at opposing players’ feet?).
Overall, though, Todd Grantham’s defense played well enough to win.
It was the offense that stunk the place up. Yes, UCF has a pretty good defense, coming into the game ranked No. 18 in the country, but Georgia’s uninspired play made them look even more formidable.
The day was summed up pretty well by the drive the Dogs began with a little over 7 minutes left in the game. A good run by Washaun Ealey was negated by an completely unnecessary chop block on the other side of the field, and then on first and 25 Ealey was stuffed. Next play, the woeful line play allowed Murray to be sacked. And then on third and 32, Murray threw the ball out of bounds trying to hit A.J. Green, who probably was playing his last game as a Bulldog.
On that depressing note, I’ll open it up for discussion of the Dogs’ dismal showing in Memphis. I’ll be back Sunday with more thoughts on the game and where the Georgia program goes from here. Until then, I hope everyone has a safe New Year’s celebration.
Oh, one more thing: Aaron, lose the gloves.
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908 comments Add your comment
Dixie Redcoat Band
January 1st, 2011
10:32 am
So what coaches are out there wanting to come to UGA?!
Not so sure UGA could win many games in the Sunbelt or MAC!
Orlando Dawg.
January 1st, 2011
10:32 am
I’m a season ticket holder who lives in Orlando.I was so embarrassed as a set n a sports bar watching the game with the central Florida bulldawg club.The other half of the bar was Central of Florida fans even they were saying Richt should be fired after that game.Next season will not be any better.
MT
January 1st, 2011
10:33 am
Thuga had no business being in a bowl game with a 6 and 6 record in the regular season
I guess that should include Tenn with their 6=6 record and Tech also.
Pitbull
January 1st, 2011
10:33 am
Listen people who is playing good? Who is coaching good? SC? Fla? ND, Clemson, Tech, OK, SCal, M, O.S.? The answer this year is pairty. Everyone is about equal. There are no dominate teams now. I don’t know why. Does anybody know why! If you got a new Coach who would it be, Who. There is nobody!!
Saint Mark
January 1st, 2011
10:34 am
To all the Bulldog Nation:
Please stick with me. I called Saint Bobby down in Tallahasse last night. He said I just need to keep recruiting the thugs like I have been doing and we will right the ship. However, just know that this will result in increased crime in Athens and the state of Georgia.
NoFKNdog
January 1st, 2011
10:37 am
Why don’t you post another photo of the Skipper? I would not make fun of someone’s appearence if I looked like the forgotten 8th dwarf, king.
You dog fans have proven my point. You all SUCK. You all have been barking all year how great you are, slamming Tech, Auburn, Florida, and other fans who have a different opinion than yours. But you all are on the same level as miami fans. You are so dillusional you cannot see the forest for the trees, nor even read. There really is no dog nation, except for in your shallow minds. Bottom line, the dogs are a “regional” team.(J.G.) It has to SUCK being a dog fan.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
USMC dawg
January 1st, 2011
10:38 am
“If you got a new Coach who would it be, Who. There is nobody!!”
I am sorry, but what a dumb statement. was there anybody when Mississippi State went and got Dan Mullin?
It is a $3,000,000 per year job at an SEC university. The AD is the one who is in the know.
People come out of the woodwork for a $3,000,000 per year job.
There are plenty of MORE qualified coaches who would take the Headcoaching job at georgia.
Where did Paul Johnson come from? I bet nooen expected Tech to hire him and he is a great coach.
6 and 7
January 1st, 2011
10:38 am
Is Agnes Scott on the schedule next year? I think McGarity needs to look into that.
MT
January 1st, 2011
10:38 am
So what coaches are out there wanting to come to UGA?!
You may be surprized.
Meyer hired played for NC in two years
Saban hired played for NC in three years
Chizik hired playing for NC in two years
It can be done with the right hire,Fire Richt with the right payout
we can get atleast a better coach, one that would go for it on 4th and inches.
GA Player
January 1st, 2011
10:42 am
same problems for 4 years now. The team looks alot like the Alabama team under Mike Shula, flat with no emotion or sense of urgency. Always on there heels waiting for someone else to make a play. Time for big changes cause it’s not about to get any better.
Also, Bicarri Rambo is pathetic and that offensive line is clueless, weak, unathletic, and absolutely got manhandled yesterday. Georgia nation better get ready cause allowing these problems to go unfixed will take an additional 3 to 4 years to fix even with new coaches.
MT
January 1st, 2011
10:42 am
There is nobody!!
You gotta be braindead!
Georgia is 2nd in the nation behind Texas in football
revenue, wave the cash and a line will form.
Savannah Dawg
January 1st, 2011
10:43 am
Bring Rex Ryan to UGA!!!!
Pitbull
January 1st, 2011
10:44 am
I stand corrected USMC Dawg. I agree, Dan Mullen would be an excellent prospect. I would go after him big time! He is a good motivator, he, left Fla, then Fla went to crap. He made a winner out of a loser, Miss ST. Was he the man behind the man (Urban). Probably was!
USMC dawg
January 1st, 2011
10:47 am
Guys, all coaches say they wouldn’t leave thneir current coaching job to take another university’s open position. What are they supposed to say? Yeah, I am coaching here today waiting for a better offer to take? Do you think Urban Meyer said he would take the Florida job when he was coaching at Utah? No. But when Florida came and offered, he took it.
There are plenty of GREAT coaches out there that UGA could hire. The TCU’s, the Boise’s, the Utahs, that have great coaches that will some day leave for a bigger program because they cannot compete with money, tradition and SEC conference that a school like UGA offers.
icedawg
January 1st, 2011
10:49 am
11, 10, 8, 6 (wins) says it all. These are dark days for UGA football program. Mark Richt is a respectable man of integrity, no doubt. But his head coaching abilities are in question. Is the problem discipline, recruiting, staffing? Maybe a combination of them all. Should UGA suffer another lackluster year before doing something about it? Another year is probably not going to make that big of a difference since the problems have become systemic in nature.
MT
January 1st, 2011
10:52 am
NoFKNdog
Hey you clueless idiot, for every dawg fan your talking about there are
twenty Gator, Tech and Auburn fans just as obnxious. If the Dawgs didn’t win
another game for ten years or more it would still be better than being a fan of
Tech,Florida or Auburn.
LeeS
January 1st, 2011
10:52 am
Never thought Richt would go down hill like this, but people are people. College football players are still kids two to four years removed from high school. You gotta coach them. You gotta prepare them. You have to inspire them, and you have to teach them!
I’m surprised I have not heard “Bring back Ray Goff!”
USMC dawg
January 1st, 2011
10:52 am
Hey Pitbull,
I know what you are saying, though. I should not have said your statement was dumb. I apologize.
It doesn’t seem like there are many coaches out there, but there are. Dan Mullins is just one great example, but there are many “Dan Mullin” type hires out there.
You and I aren’t paid to know who all of them are, but I bet you the AD, Greg McGarity, and others in the “know” know who they have on their radars. It is a $3,000,000 per year position…
Nike vapor jet football gloves
January 1st, 2011
10:53 am
If the gloves don’t fit, . . . . you must acquit
MT
January 1st, 2011
10:55 am
Dawg days are over for this year,Go Falcons.
Pitbull
January 1st, 2011
10:57 am
I say the problem with Mark is no Head Coaching experience when he came to Ga. He was NOT a proven head Coach. When he came to Ga he had a written profile of everything Bowden did at FSU. The longer he stayed at Ga he got away from that plan. Hired his friends, (Bowden taught him that also, he admitted it this year). He quit calling plays. That was his number one STRENGHT! He made bad hires, kept them to long, made the practices to solf. etc etc. He knows this now. But can he Coach? Could he ever Coach? How long will the new AD put up with this. We are paying him big bucks! We deserve answers.
Bill D
January 1st, 2011
10:59 am
The worst “play” of the game was the calling of a time-out–with the clock already stopped-on UGA’s last drive of the game. This is terrible coaching. Another time out was called, with the clock stopped, on 4th down–didn’t we have a call ready for 4th and 7 or so—all the above with less than 3 minutes to go??? Would Mike Smith have gone for it-4th and inches? One TV commentator said “kick the field goal” to get any points because it’s a bowl game. A UGA football team should say “we are UGA” and these points aren’t essential in the first quarter. A lack of effort.
USMC dawg
January 1st, 2011
11:00 am
I recall a Georgia fan calling into the after game radio show two years ago after Bama kicked our ass in Athens, we all remember that game.
The caller said he noticed that in the pregame warmups that Alabama coaches were running their team through disciplined, pregame drills and all of the players had their helmets on and chin strapped, etc.
WHILE at the same time, all of the Georgia players, Stafford/Moreno & company, were over on the sidelines practicing their “chest pumps” and “back bumps” without their helmets on displaying a total lack of DISCIPLINE.
That spoke volumes….
bhdawg
January 1st, 2011
11:04 am
What happened? I was stuck at an ATM with Albert Means and missed the ending!
Pitbull
January 1st, 2011
11:05 am
When Richt first came to Ga he was a River Boat gambler on calling the plays. He would go for it on 4th down many times in the middle of the field. I BET YOU BOBO MADE THE DECISION TO KICK THE FIELD GOAL WITH INCHES TO GO FOR A TD. Richt would have NEVER done that when he first came to Ga!! The team went downhill form there, the Coach showed no confidence in them!
BP
January 1st, 2011
11:06 am
I have supported Richt against family and friends for the last two years. I have gone from a supporter to a “fence sitter”. Bobo and Searels need to go NOW. If Richt will not make the change, then he will have to go now. If Bobo and Searels are gone, then Richt would have a 2011 to show improvement with a new offensive and defensive coordinator. Boy, what a mess…..
Dr. Winston O'Boogie
January 1st, 2011
11:07 am
What happens to all of those great recruits when they get to Athens?
Darkdan
January 1st, 2011
11:10 am
Face it..UCF had a 11 win season. Whether or not your team is in CUSA, SEC, ACC, or whatever FBS conference, that is an outstanding feat. UGA has a fine football history and you should all be proud of that and quit whining like babies. UCF is a young and hungry program that will continue to get stronger and stronger. GET USED to it! In FL there is UCF, USF, FSU, Miami, UF, FIU and FAU all FBS programs. UCF lost to KSU on the final play of the game, bowl team. UCF lost to NC STATE on the final play of the game, bowl team. UCF lost big to Southern MISS a team UCF should have beaten, bowl team. UCF is the 2nd largest university in the USA…In the only other meeting between UCF and UGA, the ref gave UGA the game.. the payback was worth waiting for. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN… keep you heads up UGA will be fine, but keep an eye on the south there are a bunch of teams in FL waiting for you!
Pitbull
January 1st, 2011
11:14 am
How students is there Darkdan?
Smokey
January 1st, 2011
11:18 am
Pitbull
CMR’s decision to kick field goal….TV showed him making the call.
Jay In VA
January 1st, 2011
11:18 am
My wish is that Coach Richt will come to the conclusion himself that he should move into another line of work. He’s just lost it, from what I can see. I love the man, but he’s not doing a good job any more. It’s just that simple!
Ceasar
January 1st, 2011
11:22 am
Hell, let’s go on to basketball!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dawgstradomus
January 1st, 2011
11:22 am
No more money….send the message now or nothing will change….tell McGarity now that if no change is made the dollars will stop. if you believe that the product being delivered is acceptable, then do nothing and it will be business as usual and these type of seasons will become the norm.
Danny Ford
January 1st, 2011
11:26 am
Well at least none of the Georgia players got arrested!
Brucerugby79
January 1st, 2011
11:26 am
Bring Hugh Nall back to Athens We need some fire!!!!
UGAKev
January 1st, 2011
11:28 am
Coach Richts only hope is to land an amazing recruiting class on national signing day. Contrary to belief , Georgia is not getting a top 5 recruiting class every year. Look at last year on scouts.com Georgia’s recruiting class was ranked 21st! And on ESPN it was ranked out of the top ten. Even when Georgia has had a top 7 recruiting class its still ranked like 3rd or 4th in the SEC. Georgia needs a number one recruiting class with immediate impact players! Coaches are as good as there players. Ask Urban Meyer and Gene Chizik…Georgia is letting too many great recruits go to Alabama , Florida, Auburn, Tennnesse and everywhere else.
FEDUP WITH YOU FANS!!!!!
January 1st, 2011
11:37 am
Who do any of you people want to get? Can any of you coach? It is so easy to sit here and prasie a team when we do good, where were all of you then? Oh yeah sitting in the stands praising the team and the coaches. It is one bad season, get over it, do you do everything perfect in your life/job? I want to hear from all of you the next time we win the SEC!! Do you not remember some very bad Dooley years-look it up!
Okeefe/Bob
January 1st, 2011
11:38 am
Ah it’s so nice to see you dawgs having a free for all.Sic’em dawgies.
Dixie Redcoat Band
January 1st, 2011
11:40 am
The new PITT coach will be needing a job when he gets out of jail and Coach Rod at UM will be looking for a job also. Maybe UGA should call them..
I Know Krap When I See It
January 1st, 2011
11:40 am
I’ve been watching the UGA football program slowly implode over the past few years. Just when I thought they had hit bottom they once again proved me wrong.
I may not have the X’s and O’s knowledge that the objective blogger’s have but I know krap when I see it.. It’s painfully obvious that Richt has totally lost control. He’s a fine man and devoted christian but that style simply does not work with the vast majority of UGA ’s self-centered jocks. If you choose to recruit this type of athlete you must demand discipline, performance and instill a degree of fear in your coaching philosophy.. I’d don’t need to list the SEC coaches that successfully use such style.
One more year will not begin to solve this problem. Richt has lost the respect of the majority of the players. They have given up.On top of that his excessive loyalty to the coaching staff and certain Seniors has gotten the program in the horrendous shape it’s now in.
Richt must go and the new guy must clean house. That will not reverse the program overnight. We need to brace ourselves for a slow resurrection.
Tony
January 1st, 2011
11:42 am
Richt must go. But all you guys saying bring in Van Gorder are dead wrong. He showed at GA Southern he is not a head coach. He’s a great DC. Petersen scares me becaise of the total flop Hawkins was at Colorado. I say try to get Mullen. If he won’t come, go after Gary Patterson. Offer them blank checks. We can outpay both Miss State and TCU. Money talks.
Scott
January 1st, 2011
11:43 am
Can somebody explain to me why Aaron Murray was wearing gloves yesterday? Why didn’t Richt demand he take them off after throwing those 2 INT’s? It was obvious the ball was not coming off his hand like it should have. Can’t believe how far Georgia has slipped.
Poleesemenses
January 1st, 2011
11:45 am
Son, I hope you didn’t put the $1,000 down on football season tickets. Please son, tell me you didn’t. Please.
Game Time
January 1st, 2011
11:45 am
Top 10 recruiting classes every year. What happens? I bet UCF hasn’t had a Top 50 class EVER!
browndog
January 1st, 2011
11:46 am
Believe the talent in Athens has been way over rated for several years. O line has not performed for two years. Team get whipped up front most every game and by the 4th quarter they are ready for the game to be over. 2011 will be just as bad, if not worse.
Dumbo
January 1st, 2011
11:48 am
Fire Richt now. Damn another year or 2 of this crap and we’ll be just like GT and they suck.
USMC dawg
January 1st, 2011
11:50 am
“I say try to get Mullen. If he won’t come, go after Gary Patterson. Offer them blank checks. We can outpay both Miss State and TCU. Money talks.”
These are words of wisdom.
It is what it is
January 1st, 2011
11:53 am
Someone give me one good reason why that jerkoff thug Caleb King hasn’t been dismissed and sent home.
The same thing goes for Ealey.
Dawg Fan
January 1st, 2011
11:55 am
I haven’t read anything yet about the fact that Richt took a timeout with about 3:15 left in the game after Georgia tackled UCF out of bounds and the clock was already stopped. His clock management has not improved from the first year he was at Georgia.
jack bull
January 1st, 2011
11:55 am
coaching didn’t lose this game. coaches coach, players play. QB looked real great, didn’t he? having to wear a glove because his hands are too small and can’t grip a cold ball because it’s too slick. holds on to the ball way too long. teams are only as good as their QB’s and Defense’s.