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
topcat
December 31st, 2010
8:54 pm
roll tide try a blackout
Eaassyy
December 31st, 2010
8:55 pm
Simply pathetic offensive display. Players looked lost and completely unprepared. Offensive line couldn’t put a hat on anybody. Running game was pathetic. D was ok.
Bill serious question, did Bacari suffer a concussion in the GT game. Remember when he made a big hit and tried to run back on the field and fell flat on his face? If he did have another concussion when is he going to be recommended to hang it up? The kid tackles scared on 50% of his opportunities. Plus some major health risks
Marcus
December 31st, 2010
8:56 pm
Urban Meyer had a terrible season with Brantley, great with Tebow, and Richt did the same with Murray, great with Greene & Stafford.
Better pick the QB guy right, or season’s a bust.
Lemay or Mason will get this thing back on track.
first tier program
December 31st, 2010
8:56 pm
You losers your AD does not have the stones to fire CMR. He is coming back and next year will be just as bad. Get use to it this is your new normal. hahahahahahahaha
onegadawg
December 31st, 2010
8:56 pm
Obviously, the football program is broken and chances are that CMR can’t fix it. There is no execution, pride, discipline, or sense of urgency. With everything that has gone on this year, how do you get your behinds handed to you by Central Florida? UGA is far behind UF, LSU, AU, AL, SC, and ARK. McGarity has his work cut out for him but at least has a year to evaluate potential coaches. I now think CMR can’t succeed as UGA’s coach and will not survive.
dawg
December 31st, 2010
8:57 pm
Surprised Richt wasn’t punting on third down. After the first drive Murray looked like a true freshman. Doesn’t he realize that sometimes you have to just throw it away. We used to be known as Tailback U. but now we have no running game. Fan for 50 years but enough is enough..Good bye Mark…
Burroughston Broch
December 31st, 2010
8:58 pm
You should print these comments, put them in an envelope, and review them in July BEFORE you think of predicting that 2011 UGA team will be National Champion and the greatest thing since sliced bread. It could save you considerable embarassment.
Ace
December 31st, 2010
8:59 pm
Bobo is brilliant.
True DAWG
December 31st, 2010
8:59 pm
Please someone put Richt out of his misery and fire him=
stw
December 31st, 2010
8:59 pm
Someone please explain why we call a timeout when the clock has been stopped when the runner went out of bounds. Next year CMR will install the quick kick as his new offensive weapon…
stw
December 31st, 2010
9:00 pm
McGarity–what the hell are you waiting for ???
TimDawg in Florida
December 31st, 2010
9:02 pm
This makes me ashamed to wear the new UGA jacket my daughter bought me for Christmas. I agree, what good will it do to give him another year? Suck it up, fire his donkey and hire a true high profile coach that will command instant respect from those who are already here. That would improve recruiting too and I’m pretty sure just about anyone who fits this description wouldn’t require more money than the over paid CMR……..
Buzz
December 31st, 2010
9:02 pm
Where is Joe Cox when you need him?
red hill
December 31st, 2010
9:03 pm
Expect more of the same next year unless McGarity wakes up in the morning with a different point of view. If Richt was going to get it done he would have done it by now. Lousy is the right word for the effort (or lack thereof) in this game.
FLA DAWG
December 31st, 2010
9:05 pm
A Letter To Mr. Mark Richt,
Sir,
In the first half of your position at The University of Georgia you performed admirably. UGA students, fans and alumns were very proud indeed.
However, the last five years of your tenure have shown a consistent downturn resulting in what may be the worst and most embarrassing Bowl performance ever shown in modern day by a UGA Team.
Mus & VanG were allowed to depart under your administration.
Martinez & Bobo were hired and elevated under your administration.
During this time you relinquished your dual role as head coach – offensive play caller which was your specialty.
You have had two years to improve this team. Please don’t quote records – look at the teams we beat and those we lost to.
I therefore respectfully submit to you sir that you tender your resignation immediately.
Please think of The Players and their future, the students, the alumns and all of the fans.
We have endured more than our share of your failure. Any other SEC University would have sent you packing at least one year ago. In my opinion Mr. Adams has a big heart – to a fault and Mr. McGarity is still too new to pick up the phone.
It’s up to you. Do you do what is right or do you continue on knowing in your mind and heart what will happen next season if you remain.
Respectfully,
FLA DAWG
Class of ‘79
thekitster10
December 31st, 2010
9:05 pm
What the hell makes you think you can offer thoughts on the UGA program as you are not with the Athletic Office, The Football Staff or the Team. Actually you are just a person looking for some sensational comments which never reach such a level. Acutally doubtful if you provide any worthwhile value to Georgia, the Team, the Players or those fans who support all such as I do. Go pull for someone you can kiss each night!
Big Dawg
December 31st, 2010
9:06 pm
The numbers for Mark Richt don’t lie……..
2 wins and 8 losses against the Gators.
6 wins and 7 losses this year apparently continuing the downward slide.
Almost twice as many arrests this year as victories.
4th and inches and he kicks a field goal against UCF.
Calls a timeout in the 4th today after we already ran out of bounds.
Waited three years too long to fire Willie Martinez (best man in his wedding).
Waited three or four years too long to fire Bobo (inexperienced ‘yes’ man married to Dooley’s niece).
Waited far too long to replace Van Hallenger as strength coach (best friend).
Fell asleep four times during today’s game (not really, but who would know the difference?).
Don’t prolong the inevitable and the agony of one more year….let’s get Malzahn or Smart or Petersen or Willingham….the list could go on. Look around the SEC, most teams are getting better. McGarity has a great opportunity to get this right. Hope he shows what he can do!
drunkyard dogs
December 31st, 2010
9:06 pm
looks like the doggies are the new CHOP BLOCK U, cannot make that up
gacoastalguy
December 31st, 2010
9:07 pm
Did anyone else happen to notice that when the defense rushed the passer and got close to him as he threw, their hands never came up??That’s stuff kids in rec ball learn..geez, and UGA is paying the DC how much?
Tallahasseedawg
December 31st, 2010
9:07 pm
As a Uga fan this has to be one of the most embarrassing games i have seen.CMR did not represent the bulldog nation or the sec.This team has no pride.The coaching is pathetic.The effort on both ends is a disgrace.CMR hasnt given any real uga fan hope that this crap will turn around.CMR you brought this on yourself, you made the team soft.Remeber CMR a team mirrors there coach.3 million for this man please.
Honolulu Dawg
December 31st, 2010
9:08 pm
I knew we were doomed when our retard coaches let Murray where gloves on both hands. No way in hell Saban would let his QB where gloves. I have grown dawg tired of this coaching staff. I’m officially on the fire Mark Richt bandwagon
JD
December 31st, 2010
9:08 pm
Coach Johnson would have gone for it on 4th down. No way he would have kicked a field goal.
Tech Man
December 31st, 2010
9:10 pm
Sanford Drive…I like how you think!!!
drunkyard dogs
December 31st, 2010
9:11 pm
where is boogie at the lake, did he drown himself…what about sanford drive, did he drive himself over the cliff? the thing about it you won’t learn from this, after signing day, you will all hold a parade and beat your chest about all your 5 stars like you do every year, now you will be living 31 years in the past and counting
stendek
December 31st, 2010
9:13 pm
Lou Holtz just gave Mark Richt a vote of confidence. Fire him immediately! STENDEK
Boca Baby
December 31st, 2010
9:13 pm
Sanford Drive: If you want to be a Tech fan then so be it. Good riddance, jerk.
Dogs’ bowl showing pretty much sums up the season: Lousy – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Best Dog Store
December 31st, 2010
9:14 pm
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techengineer
December 31st, 2010
9:15 pm
I feel bad for UGA. You can see that UT, ARK, UA, AU, SC, KTY, MISS ST, are all on the rise while GA is falling apart. I just don’t understand it. Is it as simple as the former D coordinator at GA was just that good? GA D improved this year but their O line and RB play is just putrid. Like I said GA may win 7 or 8 games next year but they are a long way off from an SEC championship. Sad sad sad.
What do you dawg fans think?
December 31st, 2010
9:15 pm
Don’t worry UGA fans—It’s a new year and now you can celebrate the 31st Anniversary of Herschel Walker and your one national championship (as if it has any current relevance)!
BTW Mark Richt–I heard Aloha Tans was hiring. Maybe you should have spent more time preparing for the game instead of talking to recruits about your F150 and trying to get your wife to say “go dawgs!” I guess Uga wasn’t the only sick dawg today…you bunch of dang rednecks!
Willie Martinez
December 31st, 2010
9:16 pm
Adios, suckers.
ozzfest
December 31st, 2010
9:16 pm
Greg McGarity…YOU NEED TO HAVE A VERY SHORT MEETING WITH MR. RICHT TOMORROW MORNING, FOLLOWED BY A VERY SHORT PHONE CALL TO BOISE, IDAHO…A THREE MILLION DOLLAR A YEAR PHONE CALL.
MY GOD…GLOVES??? RICHT CONTINUALLY PLAYING WITH HIS HEADSET AND MICROPHONE KNOB??? MIKE BOBO TRYING TO LOOK ALL BAD WITH THAT DEVIL-BEARD THING? WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE COACHING YOUR OFFENSE…WEIS OR BOBO? I FEAR THE WORST FOR OUR VERY UNTALENTED 2011 TEAM.
UGH.
Lou Holtz
December 31st, 2010
9:17 pm
On ESPN Sports Center Lou Holtz couldn’t remember Richt’s name, but he said UGA should stick with him.
Laughable
FLA DAWG
December 31st, 2010
9:17 pm
the kit,
To whom are you addressing?
Boca Baby
December 31st, 2010
9:17 pm
It was very obvious to me that A.J. Green was playing not to get hurt. I will be floored if he announces that he intends to stay. Too many alligator arm attempts at catches today.
Guinness Book of World Record
December 31st, 2010
9:19 pm
Hands down…UGA had the largest group of rednecks in any bowl game of 2011!
Sentientone
December 31st, 2010
9:19 pm
4th and inches, at the opponent’s two yard line. If the coach has so little confidence in his offensive scheme, and offensive players, that he can’t go for a first down, or the touchdown — well, that speaks volumes. Richt apparently has little confidence in his offense, or his OC. Why should anyone have any confidence in him? Why would heralded recruits want to come to a program where coaching is sub-par? 2011 will open with losses to Boise St and South Carolina. Georgia football is a sad affair. The decline continues with no end in sight. The shot of Kris Durham crying after the game is iconic now, and represents our status in the football arena. Thank goodness it’s just football.
Roll Tide
December 31st, 2010
9:19 pm
Flying tigers…ncaa is still out on your final verdict.
They may be making a 30 30 espn special on the similarities of Auburn and SMU.
Alabama still owns you all. Roll Tide
John Gruden
December 31st, 2010
9:20 pm
Relax Dawg fans I got Jaws looking at film on AM and let me just say this he is one heck of a competitor and he will be excellent to bring water to Lemay next year.
Snake Plissken
December 31st, 2010
9:20 pm
I’d like to see what Murray could have done this year on a good team.
3rd Party Observation
December 31st, 2010
9:21 pm
As a visitor to the state of Georgia, why does UGA have so many grown men who paint their face?
UGA Season Ticket Holder since 1986
December 31st, 2010
9:22 pm
A thoroughly disappointing game to end a thoroughly disappointing season. Beating Tech is (and always is) a highlight.
Four comments. 1. The defense needs to learn that the most successful way to block passes is by putting your hands up. 2. The defense needs to learn that on the trips screen, you don’t dance with the blockers, you shed them and crash the receiver. 3. Please, son, you can not take a sack when you don’t have any timeouts. Even intentional grounding the ball will stop the clock. You simply can not take a sack with less than a minute and no timeouts. You just can’t. And you especially can’t take two sacks. 4. Offensive linemen. You simply can’t dive at somebody’s legs when they are engaged above the waist. You can’t. So stop. Unless it’s that Auburn guy and then I authorize it for one time only.
The timeout was called because the runner was not out of bounds and the clock was still running. The TV announcer was wrong.
If you are a recruit from Georgia, please come to Georgia and help us. Your state’s flagship university needs you.
Coach Richt. I’m behind you and youv’e got another year, but the players simply HAVE to learn the basic rules of football. It really is a live or die issue for your tenure.
‘86
Curtis E Flush
December 31st, 2010
9:22 pm
Can’t wait til Richt puts together his “dream team” next year! I’ve never been more excited to be a UGA fan!
Reality Check
December 31st, 2010
9:23 pm
OK – so I am not the guy who writes on these blogs. Actually, this is the first time I have ever written anything. I am fed up – I have had enough – there needs to be change in Athens. This was the worst game I have seen a UGA football team play in a long time. I just don’t get it anymore. We need to think long and hard about what the future looks like for this program. I hope everyone has a happy new year.
bardawg
December 31st, 2010
9:25 pm
A NA NAH NA NA Hah hey hey hey , goodbye! hope this is the line Greg McGaritty has for Po Ass non performing Mark (mediocre) Richt when they have their meeting after the abbysmal excuse of a game the dawgs did’nt play . I’m so damn disgusted !
blazer
December 31st, 2010
9:26 pm
Beast from the SEC east!!!!!!! a red panty year!
KZGuy
December 31st, 2010
9:26 pm
Well fans do you think Boise State is licking their chops right now. Maybe its not too late for McGarity to get us out of that game. Even if Boise loses most of their starters next year they still beat the Dawgs. Now I know why McGarity scheduled this game because it will be another nail in you know whose coffin. Look for Bobo to be gone within the week.
JRW7
December 31st, 2010
9:27 pm
Enought is Enought!!! A whole month to prepare and we score 6 POINTS!!!! Give me a break!!!! When CMR mouthed,, FIELDGOAL, at the 2 yard line!!!! I said enought is enought,, AD GM CMR has to go!!!!!
Jonathan
December 31st, 2010
9:27 pm
You guys alway tease jacket fans about how weak the ACC is and winning it is like winning the second tallest midget contest… Ok so losing to a conference USA team in a bowl game… umm that suggests you couldnt win that conference championship or the SEC… what midget contest should you guys be entering this new year??
blazer
December 31st, 2010
9:28 pm
Thought they had a dream team every year with their super classes!!!!
Don't fear TheXman
December 31st, 2010
9:30 pm
“TheXman
December 31st, 2010
8:10 am
“ucf? conf usa champs? haha..no way the bulldogs lose this game and the only way its close if uga gives the ball up 5 times on there own 15.
“the UCF hasnt really played anyone like the dogs all year and when they see how much bigger and stronger these guys really are look for ucf to lay down.”