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
Chuck D.
December 31st, 2010
9:30 pm
Let’s not overreact. It was just one bad game. Murray was a little off. We’ll be back next year and should be contending for the SEC and maybe the MNC. Coach Richt and his staff are doing a good job.
Jonathan
December 31st, 2010
9:30 pm
Maybe UGA isnt a football school… how is the baseball or basketball???? The football is TERRIBLE!!!… TERRIBLE!!!…. TERRIBLE!!!…. You guys lost to a Conference USA team.. please lets hear how mighty the SEC is??? From top to bottom the best right?? Well maybe you should pluck some teams from Conf USA for that Super Conference…
Ace
December 31st, 2010
9:31 pm
Where is UCF? It that Cal in Fresno?
Orange10
December 31st, 2010
9:31 pm
“I’d like to see what Murray could have done this year on a good team.”
No such thing, he’s not known as Aarron “PICK” Murray for nothing.
Mr. Phelps
December 31st, 2010
9:32 pm
And Richt says no coaching changes will be made for 2011. Is he watching the same team we are?
Ian
December 31st, 2010
9:32 pm
Chuck, put the bong down and step back…
stendek
December 31st, 2010
9:33 pm
Glad Mark Richt is coming back. Ensures last place in SEC for seasons to come! May lead SEC in losses. Will definitely lead SEC in FGS! How about another three pointer loser? Hate that clueless piece of shet! Enjoy another disaster MR apologists. All of you damn sure deserve it! Much proud of Tech bown effort that UGA unefforts. STENDEK
Coach C
December 31st, 2010
9:34 pm
“Edumacated” said it all at his 8:19 post.
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:34 pm
Mike Blow Bo has got to be fired only way CMR will keep his job!
jbb
December 31st, 2010
9:36 pm
Mark has been given sufficient time to turn the program around, It has been down hill since Stafford and Moreno, We should have played for a NC. Let us face the truth, it is the coaching.
Dawgstradamus
December 31st, 2010
9:37 pm
UGA fan all my life….attending games since 1965….season ticket holder since 1977….had the chance to play college football, unfortunatley too small for 1A but played for very successfull D2 school….here are a few thoughts from someone who never air my complaints in these type of forums but i find myself with a feeling i never thought i would have, and that feeling is that UGA will need to let CMR go if they want to compete for championships. Here is some other thoughts to support that.
1- next is is going to be no better. there is not one thing i can see in this team that makes me feel differently
2- Grnatham is not the answer. We are thirteen games into the season and we still fundamentally don’t have a clue…..tackling, covering
3- cannot stop the run….no one coming back who can
4- i believe Murray has the potential to be great but i think he has already outplayed Bobo and Richts ability to coach him. Any improvement he makes won’t be because of anything they do.
5- look around the league and compare who is running offenses- SOS at USC, Malzahln at Auburn, Mullen at MSU, and now Weiss at UF….we have Mike Bobo. Get the picture?
6- OL is fat and weak and slow.
7- things that make you go “what the hell???” 4th and inches at the opponents 2 yrd line IN THE LIBERTY BOWL and you kick a field goal…..first and 25 in what may be the last possesion on the game and you run the ball…..just a couple of example in tonights game of things that happen all the time.
8- Poor clock management on so many occasions i can’t count that high.
9- we have lowered ourselve to black pants, black outs, endzone dances and such. i don’t see Alabama and Auburn doing these things so they can “get a spark”. i say we need to coach better, recruit better, put on the silver pants, red helmet and red or white jersey and compete at a high level because we are prpared in every way to play. We often seem extremely unprepared….like tonight.
So, as much as i like Coach Richt and as much as i hate to go through a coaching change, i’m afraid next year will be another lost year filled with mediocrty(at best) and losses. there is just not any way to spin it and say it is going to get better….and believe me, i have been the one to do just that with the last 2 coaches…. but there is nothing here to spin.
On a positive note, should be easy to get season tix next year or better seats for those who already have them. that is the best i can come up with for a positive. sit back and settle in folks cause there is some lean times coming if nothing changes.
True Fan
December 31st, 2010
9:38 pm
Mark Richt is the best thing that ever happpened to this University. I can’t believe you are a true UGA fan and actually have the nerve to demean our coaching staff and student athletes. Bobo is doing a fine job and we just lost do a better team today. I would love to win them all but we haven’t done that in 30 years folks. Grow up and get off Richt’s back
Boo Dawgs
December 31st, 2010
9:39 pm
We have as good a talent as any team in the SEC,,, we have NEVER coached up our players under Richt…. UCF shouldn’t be able to hold our ” j strap”… Defense much better… but only had one way to go after the last 4-5 seasons of below average… CMR had us all excited his first few years… then handed over the offensive play calling to Booboo…and hung on to his buddy on defense until given the ultimatum..
Lastly…. still no discipline… too much off the field problems… These kids should understand the honor they have been given to play on a division 1 team…and Georgia with a deep history… they should want to play for the coach… but be fearful of him should they do something wrong…. All players at Alabama want to play for Saben…but scared to death should they get out of line…
we need GOOD COACHING AND STRONG DISCIPLINE..
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:41 pm
Dream Team will not be no recruit wants to be here!
AR
December 31st, 2010
9:41 pm
How about recruiting players with character and intelligence? I am tried of the arrests and stupid penalties.
Joe Hamilton
December 31st, 2010
9:41 pm
O’Leary’s got yall’s number. Plus Godsey, former Tech QB, is an assistant coach at UCF. They did it again. DOn’t ever forget Godsey ran all over the puppies at Sanford stadium–then we got us some hedges!
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:42 pm
True Fan are you seriously that blind?
Kenny Rogers as "The Gambler"
December 31st, 2010
9:42 pm
Y’all don’t get Coach Richt’s strategy – he deliberately lost this game today to sucker those pansies out at Boise State. I’m sure they watched today’s game, and now they’re all laughing and overconfident and all. They’re right where we want them. Then, when we play them next September, their Superman blue covered azzes will be ripe for the picking! What will all of you be saying about our leader, Coach Richt, after the 87-2 pounding he’s going to lay on them?
sly dog
December 31st, 2010
9:43 pm
POOR OLD GA. WITH ALL THAT TALENT..READ THE ATHENS PAPER; GA. 6 7 TO MENNIE DRUNKS AND THUGS AT UGA.
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:45 pm
4 star 5 star i believe David Green and David Pollock were 3 star recruits everyone falls in love with stars it not that people it is heart pride and motivation
wayxdawg
December 31st, 2010
9:45 pm
He should have played Hutson Mason? Is that serious or a joke? The whole thing gets back to the discussion the other day. We were not a good team and should have stayed home. There is no sense of pride in the program when we take 6-6 teams to bowls. Sometimes it is better to start planning early for next year
Flying Tigers
December 31st, 2010
9:46 pm
Roll Tide, guess blowing and I mean BLOWING a 24 point lead sticks in the craw doesn’t it. Glad to know it hurts, and you owning Auburn is a thing of the past, check the last 10 years. I have news for you the Bear is dead and ain’t coming back, and Saban will be gone in 2 or 3 years. As far as the ncaa, hearing that from a bama fan is nothing short of hypocritcal. You guys wrote the book on cheating, and if not for the Bear and his connections you would still be on probation from 1960.
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:47 pm
We need to get Cromwell don’t get me wrong we need a back that will knock some people on their a$$
Junk Yard Dawg
December 31st, 2010
9:48 pm
lol……………….hey wayxdawg since AJ is gone do you guys have another Fred Gibson we can use? We are toast next year!!!
Spike
December 31st, 2010
9:48 pm
I have been a CMR supporter and defender. No more. This was a poorly prepared team after a month of time. The offensive line is totally inept. Poor tackling. Poor play calling. No fire. No pride. Poor special teams. Pathetic and disgraceful. Run off the whole staff and get it over with. Did I forget to mention the O line is horrible? Enough is enough.
True Fan
December 31st, 2010
9:49 pm
“Let the Big Dog eat”
Not blind enough to actually think we lost the game in the 1st qtr because we didn’t go for it on 4th and short. We are a play or two away from winning every game this year. Our offense has been dynamic all year and Todd has made tremedous improvements with our defense from game to game. If I were the AD I would be considering contract extensions not a firing.
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:51 pm
We need to get back to the basics of smash mouth football pound the rock. And recruit players like Thomas Davis people know how to wrap up when they tackle.
RaceCityDawg
December 31st, 2010
9:52 pm
UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!! This performance was a disgrace especially in the fourth quarter. I think I just jumped on the fire Mark Richt bandwagon. Something is terribly wrong with our game preparation and seems CMR doesn’t know how to prepare this team for four quarters. I’m sick of hearing FINISH THE DRILL, this bunch doesn’t have a clue. I really don’t think things are going to be any better next season. A change is needed now. I hope McGarity can see this before we waste another year.
Old Dawg Fan
December 31st, 2010
9:52 pm
Adams will have to take the lead on this and send Richt packing.
McGarrity won’t do it-to quick for him to pull the trigger.
We can’t continue down this road. I would assume Adams has fielded many calls tonight trying to answer the questions as to why Georgia’s Football Program (or what is left of it) has become the laughing stock of the SEC!!!! PITIFUL!!!!
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:53 pm
I never said we lost the game in the first quarter all i am saying is we were not prepared and that starts with the head coach
True Fan
December 31st, 2010
9:54 pm
“Let the Big Dawg eat”
We were prepared, we just met a better team today. Its not easy for kids to stay focused when attending a bowl game and all the media hype that goes with it.
Old Dawg Fan
December 31st, 2010
9:56 pm
One more thing! Who in the “hell” would buy a F150 after watching the enthusiasm from Mark Richt in their commercial. Ford should have never aired that mess. I guess they were contractually obligated but it is awful-Kinda like UGA Football!!!
Dawgstradamus
December 31st, 2010
9:56 pm
Boo Dawg
Agree with almost everything you said. i don’t see where the D is “much” better. Maybe a little better but as you said, no where to go but up. And the recruiting thing….Although we have had some really good classes, we still seemto be behind a few other schools YOY, and unfortunatley we have to play most of them. so i would say we have as good of players as most teams in the SEC. Certainly good enough to be more competitive that we’ve been, though.
And lets all remember the CMR is making a lot of $$$ to win football game on a high level, not to be a nice guy….that is what a coach is judged on….wins and losses.
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:56 pm
I like CMR, but you are paid to prepare your team and he didn’t D looked ok but Rambo still doesn’t have a clue about how to tackle what is that preperation
Public Service Announcement
December 31st, 2010
9:57 pm
I OWN THIS STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy New Year,
George O’leary
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:58 pm
Hype man it was the Liberty Bowl hell if it weren’t on ESPN half the country wouldn’t even know what bowl Ga was playing in.
Junk Yard Dawg
December 31st, 2010
9:58 pm
UGA = Vanderbilt
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
9:59 pm
I have been on MR bandwagon until now if he can’t see that Bo Bo needs to go then it is what it is
Uncle Curly
December 31st, 2010
10:00 pm
True Fan
God forbid UGA make a BCS bowl if they can’t handle that totally out of control media hype at the Liberty Bowl.
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
10:00 pm
JYD sad but pretty close to being true
IndianaDog
December 31st, 2010
10:02 pm
First post ever as I’ve been pretty patient with Richt wanting to believe this was just a bad dream or some cyclical thing all programs go through. We are losing on and off the field with a lack of preparation and discipline that really reflects poorly on the program and university. Time for a change!
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
10:03 pm
I bleed red and black I am tired of being the laughing stock of SEC we only a little better than Vandy and Kentucky they are on the rise we are in a downward spiral! Wake up dude time for a change.
DawgVoiceofReason
December 31st, 2010
10:03 pm
gacoastalguy,
The play I saw that stood out was when Christian Robinson (45) shot straight up the middle at Godfrey and had his hands by his sides as the ball flew right over his head for a completion and big first down for UCF. What was he (not) thinking?
Public Service Announcement
December 31st, 2010
10:05 pm
Stay classy mutts.
“Georgia coach Mark Richt didn’t accept the runner’s up trophy, instead telling an official to get it to him later.”
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/408672…lege_football/
Horrible
December 31st, 2010
10:05 pm
Treu Fan- You need an exlax because you’re full of it
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
10:05 pm
I am not saying go get Gruden i seriously doubt he would ever come, but get a guy who believes in discpline and preperation
DawgVoiceofReason
December 31st, 2010
10:06 pm
It’s all about the recruiting this year. If we can somehow pull in a great class, then UGA can again compete with the best in the SEC. If not, then Coach Richt will be in trouble. It’s as simple as that. Meanwhile, Grantham needs to get it in gear or it may be too late.
True Fan
December 31st, 2010
10:06 pm
“Let the Big Dawg eat” & “Uncle Curly”
Oh, you UGA fans are so easy and fun to play with. TO HELL WITH GEORGIA & GO JACKETS!!!!!
Have a good New Year!!!! lol lol lol
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
10:08 pm
We maybe the laughing stock of the SEC but we can sure as hell stop the triple option NERD
That70sGAdawg
December 31st, 2010
10:08 pm
Richt is SET financially for life after 10 years of spectacular salary at UGA- so No feeling sorry for the “nice Guy”. Not to mention the contract buy out! Move on NOW, why make the program so unattractive to a decent coach with another bad year in 2011 just to save some buy out $?
Bobo is way over paid for his lite experience, and average results. In this economy, this work performance really stands out as a huge failure and makes those working with great experience and results that are underpaid because of the economy angry.