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
Let the Big Dawg eat
December 31st, 2010
10:55 pm
MR is worn out i say come get him MIA
Thomp
December 31st, 2010
10:56 pm
Fire McGarity since he will not do his job. But he very tough and demanding to volleyball coaches.
Hairy Perry
December 31st, 2010
10:57 pm
I cannot believe how far our program has fallen so fast. Dog fans we are the laughing stock of college football, This team is weak and confused. No one is intimidated about playing Georgia. I’m sure the opposing coach sais don’t worry Georgia will make a key mistake, we just need to capitolize. I have supported this coaching staff until the very end. I am not going to say disrespectful
person things about them, but it is time for coaching changes. It saddens me that this is the case.
Sarge1
December 31st, 2010
10:58 pm
Relax, DogNation. A bad game: players, coaches, everybody pro-UGA football. CMR is the same quality coach he was years ago. At least UGA gets better next year. Tech probably won’t. Did you see the guy with the sign in the crowd that read: “AJ Green sold me this sign”? I needed the laugh that provided.
Hairy Perry
December 31st, 2010
11:03 pm
This team is showing no signs of turning things around. There is nothing that you can look at and say, This is positive or we are growing in this area. We have players on defence that loaf around like thier board. It is time to make some tough decisions for our new “top notch AD”.
FLA DAWG
December 31st, 2010
11:05 pm
How can Adams & McGarity allow this coaching staff to return to SEC play after this season and this complete meltdown of a bowl game!?
For God’s Sake this is ENOUGH!
Angry Alumnus
December 31st, 2010
11:06 pm
Mark Richt and his staff are not getting the job done. Time to severe ties and start over!
Hollywood
December 31st, 2010
11:06 pm
Coach Richt you settle for a field goal in the first quarter on the opening drive! Look you are a nice guy, maybe you need to go coach at a Div II school, this is the SEC! We need a aggressive SOB coach who can bring fire to the team! No more of these “Gosh Darn it” coaches! UGA fans deserve National Championships, just like Tennessee, LSU, Alabama, Florida, and now possibly Auburn.
sickemdog
December 31st, 2010
11:07 pm
Richt should have the class to resign.
Reality Check
December 31st, 2010
11:07 pm
The Dawgs will not be any better next year! Maybe worse!
Hairy Perry
December 31st, 2010
11:07 pm
Sarge 1,
You are right Richt is the same coach that he was years ago, thats the problem. Being the coach that he was is not getting us wins anymore and he is going to have to make some drastic changes in the way he coaches to keep his coaching job at Georgia. I hope he does, I really do.
dawggone
December 31st, 2010
11:08 pm
HAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Flowery Branch Dawg
December 31st, 2010
11:08 pm
I’m fed up! Mark Richt needs to be fired!
dawggone
December 31st, 2010
11:09 pm
Richt and the 5 Star recruits will win the BCS NC next year, you just wait….
Hairy Perry
December 31st, 2010
11:11 pm
Hollywood is spot on. That was weak and it set the tone for the game. If we change our uniforms again we should have little pink dresses and flowers on the sides of our helmets.
football wife
December 31st, 2010
11:12 pm
Wow, the Dawgs stank up the place today.
ROZEMAN13
December 31st, 2010
11:12 pm
I think coach richt is an honest man whom is just plain done .I think he will do the right thing in a few days and resign hes done with coaching and now he knows it. just let him get his ducks in arow it will happen by tuesday.
Herry Perry
December 31st, 2010
11:14 pm
I love when Tech fans come on here and talk crap. What a joke.
ROZEMAN13
December 31st, 2010
11:15 pm
Lets becareful who we wish for to replace him
Herry Perry
December 31st, 2010
11:16 pm
The Dogs will be back, I’m just wondering how long it will take.
Demetre Baker
December 31st, 2010
11:21 pm
You say AJ’s jersey is up for sale???
Well, I’ll bid
- 12 hundred dollar handshakes
- 11 get out of jail cards
- 10 pre-written term papers
- 9 free lunches
- 8 pass interceptions
- 7 2010 game losses
- 6 2010 game wins
- 5 golden liberty bowl rings
- 4 game suspension
- 3 voluptuous coeds
- 2 measley field goals
- 1 timeout with the clock stopped
kerryb
December 31st, 2010
11:28 pm
Tech fans are sure consumed by UGA. At least we went to Shreveport last year and won. You need to worry about your own pathetic program. You guys have a losing season this year too and it doesn’t even seem to bother you. Instead you take the time to come on a UGA blog and try to bash us. Nobody listens to you because your team stinks and has for years. Your team couldn’t stop a team that runs the same kind of offense yours does and your defense sees in practice everyday. How bad is that? We may be having a ough time now but we will still beat you every year.
virginia dog
December 31st, 2010
11:28 pm
Adams likes to say he run UGA like a business. well his cash cow is being poorly managed and a change is needed now !!! Or it could result in a change in the boardroom.
bart
December 31st, 2010
11:31 pm
I’m speechless. I cannot remember a more pitiful showing by a Bulldog team. Not going for it on 4th and inches inside the 5 yard line was unfathomable. What the hell did we have to lose even if we didn’t make it? It’s not like we were playing for anything that mattered. Richt was showing absolutely no confidence in his team. What a weak leader he has become. He needs to “man up” and resign. If not, McGarity needs to fire him, and get on a plane to Pasadena with a blank check for Gary Partterson.
Lousy mutts
December 31st, 2010
11:32 pm
What a pathetic performance by the vaunted SEC! 0-3! Can’t wait to see the Big Ten continue the beat down. The final touches to be added by the lowly PAC-10!
bart
December 31st, 2010
11:32 pm
Patterson
drunkyard dogs
December 31st, 2010
11:32 pm
HAHAHAHA, LAUGHING STOCKS OF THE NATION…for awhile there I thought maybe GT, Clemson or TN might win the laughingstock award at 6 and 7, but no Dogtards could not be outdone, no sir, must sux to be you idiots
kerryb
December 31st, 2010
11:35 pm
Drunkyard dogs, HA Ha Ha, your name sure is original. Not
GwinnettDad
December 31st, 2010
11:36 pm
Caleb King.
stendek
December 31st, 2010
11:38 pm
More salt for those wounds…
http://stendek77.wordpress.com/2011/01/01/dawgs-clueless-under-mark-richt-in-bowl-collapse-to-end-6-7/
Happy New Year. STENDEK
DawginLex
December 31st, 2010
11:42 pm
Everyone on these blogs know that i have supported Richt.
I simply can not anymore.
I will never pull for us to lose so the coach goes.
In my opinion, Richt should resign tomorrow morning for the sake of the progeam, the fanbase and the alumni.
Recruiting is going to get hammered with a “give him one more year” approach.
I will always admire and respect Coach Richt for the person he is and for what he has done for the UGA program.
He simply needs to step down now.
It really pains me to write this.
Ed (The Original)
December 31st, 2010
11:44 pm
The mighty SEC is 0-3 so far this bowl season. A combined 0-3 against the ACC & Conference USA.
Richt must go. He’s done. Why throw away a whole season next year just to confirm what everyone already knows?
Coastal Dawg
December 31st, 2010
11:45 pm
What a pathetic showing!
The lines were whipped on both sides of the ball. Pass blocking broke down and when it didn’t there were no open receivers. Run blocking as always is nonexistent. Where was Murray throwing most of the night? Triple coverage?
What a bunch of sissies these offensive lineman played like. How much experience have they had together?
Not going for it on 4th and inches from the 2 yard line on our first drive ultimately cost us the game. If the game is tied at the end as it would have been, it completely changes the dynamics. No longer are we trying to drive the length of the field for a touchdown, but are trying to get in position for a game winning FG. Totally different situation and almost assuredly able to be accomplished.
Late in the game as someone else pointed out with 1st and 25 from our 10 yd line and we run the ball up the middle?! Watching other games, they run the ball quickly and with purpose, but then again most have competent O-lines.
Easy to point out the obvious; more difficult to fix it. But you can bet if I was making the big bucks that is being paid out, I would be changing it all up. Something has to be done and very soon. I am always a supporter and always will be, but let’s just say I won’t be as active until it gets a whole lot better. I am sick and tired of our program continuing to go downhill. And many of you are so dumb that you think next year will just suddenly get better. Oh, it’ll be LeMay or Crowell or someone else…..this is not a problem 2 or 3 athletes (all unproven) can repair. It is a much deeper problem.
At the beginnning of the game I was sad that there would be no more UGA football for 8 months; by halftime I was so thankful for the same reason.
NORRIS
December 31st, 2010
11:45 pm
If we cant beat central florida. what are we going to do when we start the year off against Boise and South Carolina?
green will be gone and houston as well. (Houston didnt do anything tonight. He needs to keep his butt where it is)
richt will lose again next year. They will fire him and then we will have to go thru losing recruits and rebuilding.
We are 5-6 years away from a winning team again.
GwinnettDad
December 31st, 2010
11:46 pm
Really glad I missed the game. Apparently CMR and the Dawgs did too.
NORRIS
December 31st, 2010
11:47 pm
why would Crowell want to come to UGA? I mean I am the biggest dawg fan I know and I wouldnt want to go there next year.
Ed (The Original)
December 31st, 2010
11:49 pm
Richt and Spurrier: two underperforming coaches who have lived off of past glory for far too long. Both should be canned tomorrow. How did the SEC East get so bad so fast?
British Bulldog
December 31st, 2010
11:53 pm
Oh and by the way… Wow!
Where's the love
December 31st, 2010
11:54 pm
Okay, that was a disgraceful loss today to mighty UCF, but there were a lot of things for the dawgs to celebrate this year. Let’s see…
1. A drunken, whoring athletic director.
2. Twelve players arrested.
3. A player suspended for violating NCAA rules.
4. Winning the Fulmer Cup for the most players arrested.
5. Winning the title of #1 party school (i.e., the most drunken student body in the USA).
6. A sleazy assistant coach who razzes opposing players, unethical coaching conduct in violation of NCAA rules.
7. A super sleazy head coach who thinks he’s a saint, but recruits thug wannabes, gangbangers, and illiterate morons.
8. A 6-6 record despite having a team full of 4- and 5-star recruits.
Really something to be proud of!
big bad BRUCIE (UGA VIII)
December 31st, 2010
11:55 pm
Thanks Russ the Temporary Mascot for covering for me because of my stomach problems. I have some pepto bismol leftover; I know you need it for the nausea you have from watching the way we played today.
rxdawg
December 31st, 2010
11:57 pm
Enter your comments here
gtfanfrom1951
December 31st, 2010
11:57 pm
Oh how the mighty have fallen! The once mighty SEC loses to Conference USA and could not score a touchdown. What does that say about the SEC? After all they score against all those other SEC teams. Can’t run the ball, can’t throw the ball, so how are you’ll going to score? Looking very black for next season. Bring back those black helmets. HAHAHAHA 10-6.
Uncle Curly
December 31st, 2010
11:58 pm
if the UGA nation really wants change you will have to get the attention of the powers that be. if its like everything else only one thing will do that…..money….or the lack of it.
Happy New Year
January 1st, 2011
12:00 am
Not another arrest already – good grief
DawginOH
January 1st, 2011
12:02 am
Nothing more to do but close the book on this horrible excuse for a season. Richt has some serious work ahead of him and it all starts tomorrow morning with recruiting. If he’s not up to it, bring in someone who is ASAP.
James K. Polk
January 1st, 2011
12:03 am
What’s wrong with everyone? We haven’t lost a game so far this year!
If
January 1st, 2011
12:07 am
Tech is the joke by the coke, then Ga is the “has-beens between the hedges”. 6-7, beaten by a Conference USA team against which they could not even score a touchdown.
Dawgstradamus
January 1st, 2011
12:09 am
James K Polk
you are right but my talents at accurately predicting the future says it is only down hill from here.
Eagle's Salivate for 2012
January 1st, 2011
12:11 am
I’ll speak for the only winning Division 1 Football program in Georgia and congratulate Dawg Nation on the $$$$$ you make. Championship Football hasn’t been what the Dawgs are about in 30 years since Erk left and Trump bought Herschel. Erk’s legacy is alive and well. Thanks so much for letting him go. BTW, Georgia Southern is 10-1 vs Central Fla. Looking forward to 2012! Please keep Richt!
119 Years of UGA Football and only 2 NC and 14 Conference Championships. 14? Really? There’s just no excuse for that, but Dawg Nation has lots of “fans” who have can’t find Athens on a map yet have Green Bay Packer “G’s” on everything they own. Ya’ll must be proud
80 Year Old Blind UGA Fan
January 1st, 2011
12:13 am
I highly doubt it is for the lack of funds, but if so… I will gladly step in to fill Mike Bobo’s tiny shoes next year FREE OF CHARGE. Blind I am, but even a man at such great disadvantage can put together an offense with more dimensions than Bobo. True, I am advanced in age, but my war stories will inspire more passion and fire in these kids, something that is desperately needed before we can call ourselves a team.
In a traditional sense, insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. In my sense, it is defined as allowing Mike Bobo to run our offense. 1st and 25 is not a time to run. Statistically, you have better odds of winning the lottery three times in a row. On the flip side of statistics, 4th an Inches is a very safe bet, but we have decided to settle far too many times this year. It shows ZERO confidence in 11 of your players and that sticks with 20 year olds far longer than one play. We lost the game at that moment.
As one Christian to another, CMR please stop using our program as a testing ground for unprove/untested OC’s and DC’s. Top flight programs are the destination of the top coaching talent in the nation, not the leaping board. It is time to bring in an offensive genius… if Weiss was/is available why was the call not made by us???? Why are we always looking back saying what if or why not? We have the talent, we have the facilities… now we NEED you to do what is right – Hire the right coaches for us to succeed or step down because you are unwilling to do so.