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
The "Has-Beens" Between the Hedges
January 1st, 2011
9:26 am
it is the exception that proves the rule
Jim
January 1st, 2011
9:27 am
Does anyone know why Aaron Murray was wearing gloves? He had to have some sort of injury that forced him to because it was not that cold.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas
January 1st, 2011
9:31 am
Boise State 59, UGA 6.
Take Boise State to cover the 30 point spread.
collegeballfan
January 1st, 2011
9:32 am
I watched the game on TV like most of you. UCF was playing the game with passion. UGA showed up and played.
This is the exact thing that happened to GT against Air Force. AFA played with a passion and Tech just showed up and played.
And that is about how both teams played this year, just showed up for the game and played. Fulfilled the contract, so to speak.
Tech’s problem is not enough really talented players. And when a team with average players just shows up, a loss occurs.
Georgia’s problem is a really talented team that plays with little passion. We all know UGA should have beaten South Carolina, Ms State and Florida this past season. But they did not.
We all know UGA should have run the table against its non conference opponents. But they did not.
Auburn was a better team than UGA and that loss was a given. But no other loss by UGA should have happened. But the losses happened.
If I had the answer I would right a book and retire a millionaire. But I do not have the answer.
Right now Ala, Aub, Fla and LSU are the cream of the SEC crop. UGA is in that mid-tier group of KY, Ms State, SC and UT. It appears KY, Ms State, SC and UT may be moving up. I cannot say that about UGA this morning. They appear to be on the way down.
And I find that sad.
Dawg Whispere
January 1st, 2011
9:34 am
How is Uga doing today? Is he still crapping all over everything?
dawgbites
January 1st, 2011
9:34 am
What was that coach thinking???? Five-star recruits played like grammar school players!!! SEC not looking too good in bowls this year with exception of Music City . . . UT played their hearts out only to lose again on “extra” play given by officials. Now there’s an offense to reckon with in the years ahead! Tyler Bray (The Gunslinger)
Burning Question
January 1st, 2011
9:35 am
Collegeballfan…good observations. Also, those mid-tier schools Ms State, SC and UT are getting better…UGA is getting worse.
the koolaid pitcher has run dry
January 1st, 2011
9:38 am
well, we all knew it would happen.
hopefully mcgarity will make a new batch of koolaide for yall soon.
mayorbob
January 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Just glad that Larry Munson does not have to call UGA games anymore….
Also….it’s time to revolt…no more sell-outs…no more financial support to football program..cut the funds and watch the rats run….no fans in the stands..means the fan are not buying..what UGA is selling…
Also #2…UGA football ticket offer for 2011…”buy 2 tickets to a UGA home game and receive a $50.00 Shell gas card”…We will pay you to come see us….UGA Football”…(better than 4 hot dogs and 4 cokes)…
Snake Doc
January 1st, 2011
9:41 am
Has Beens – Some here would say I’m not a true fan because I want MR fired.
As long as MR is at UGAG Georgia will win Nothing! That is nothing more than a Fulmer cup championship.
How sad that the team I have rooted for since I can remember has stooped to such a level of non-relevance. Even during th Goff years there was excitement and imagination. Now theres Nothingness as far as the eye can see.
I think its great that UCF came out and played their hearts out and won. To all you boneheads, thats how its done by a real HC. O’Leary got his team ready to play and play they did. Give credit where credit is due! Whens the last time you saw UGA play with that much heart and passion? I say not since Pollack and Greene were here, and they were recruited by Donnan.
MR must go!
CashMan
January 1st, 2011
9:45 am
Does anyone give UCF any credit? They don’t belong in Conference USA……………..they belong in an AQ for sure.
powerhouse?
January 1st, 2011
9:46 am
Sorry about the loss dogs. But what got me was the TV announcers kept calling Murry “Erin”…
Don Duck
January 1st, 2011
9:46 am
“We have to make some changes. We have to make sure this doesn’t happen in the future. Now when I say change, I don’t necessarily mean personnel or anything like that. I don’t want to light a fire.” – Mark Richt after the defeat to UCF
This is exactly why we are 6-7 this year.
Volhater
January 1st, 2011
9:49 am
dawgbites,
Typical vol fan…blame the officials. It was the right call just like the LSU game. The gunslinger (aka player of the game ) slung right into the NC linebackers hands. Tyler need work on his short throws and not his cut throat moves.
THE (G) ON THE MUTTS HELMET STANDS 4 GAY
January 1st, 2011
9:52 am
6-7 HAHAHA!
USMC dawg
January 1st, 2011
9:52 am
I am boycotting next season and every season after that until we hire a NEW Headcoach.
We are embarassing to watch, and I will gladly use my time on my Saturdays to enjoy other activities, golf, camping, fishing, etc.
And to the yahoos who keep ranting about “We run this state”, you are a total embarassment to our University.
When you beat your rival, GT, in football, you shake hands and walk proudly with your mouth SHUT.
George O’Leary did us a HUGE favor by beating UGA yesterday; blessing in disquise.
Now Greg McGarity needs to step up to the plate and hire a new headcoach, NOW, not next year.
Coach Richt has been a great coach for us and we owe him thanks, but his time has come…
Dogs Smell
January 1st, 2011
9:53 am
Dog fans, enough of the excuses already ! When will you as a loyal fan face the fact you’re not entitled You haven’t been higher than preseason polls. Never live to expectations, havent been a NC in 30 years. Tennessee owned you for a decade, Florida has owned you even longer and they still beat you when they field their worst team in a decade. UT has gone through 3 coaches in 3 years and show more progress and hope for next year than even your team does. People get on here and blog with hate because of your inability to be realistic. Next season does NOT look to be any better.
Coffee Bluff DAWG
January 1st, 2011
9:55 am
I give UCF credit for the win. They don’t get the recruits that UGA gets but they play hard and with passion.
UCF likely would have won the BE this year and played OK in the Fiesta. BE had only 1 team ranked WV (# 22) and that was before their loss to NCSU.
Chillahill43
January 1st, 2011
9:55 am
You yankee boys just keep thinking that yall have seen a real SEC team play yet. Yall have seen the worst SEC teams play. The EAst . Yalls smack down is on the way.. The real SEC plays in real Bowl games and yea the big ten does too. Thats why The mighty SEC always wins Big Bowl games. Cause when the real SEC teams show up. The real Big Ten goes home with their tail between their legs. Just ask your number 1 representative how they match up to the real SEC boys.. How does Nofer sound? When its all said and done the SEC will own yalls sorry azzes.
Lets see 5 SEC teams in 5 years with NC beside their name- dont see that from any other conference, do I? Right, so yea it is the “Mighty SEC” until you pathetic bunch of Yankee posers prove otherwise!
Volhater
January 1st, 2011
9:56 am
Enter your comments here
Bull Meacham
January 1st, 2011
9:59 am
Lowest I have seen in 25 years. Lack of effort and typical gutless coaching. But, this has been coming for years. Listless blowout in Sugar Bowl vs. WVa, listless blowout in Knoxville, underachieving Stafford/Moreno team. What more evidence do you need to make a change. UGA isn’t serious about competing at highest level.
Coach Bobo
January 1st, 2011
10:05 am
Folks, have you not looked at our schedule next season? We’re a lock for at least 7 wins. We pour our heart and soul into this team and school. You lame fans have no faith. Now that i’m Head Coach In Waiting I Should be able to influence Richt a little more. Stay faithful! Our moto next year will be changed from, “Finish the Drill” to “We Believe”.
alex
January 1st, 2011
10:06 am
Can anyone here tell me why we(Dawgs) continue to run play action pass fakes when we haven’t gained a single yard running? Murray has his back to the defence and can’t see what the defence is doing, not to mention who has not been blocked by our “one of the best O lines in the country”
Bobo would be an average high school coach!!!! Love CMR but, DAMN!!! We are going to get embarrased by Boise St in our NEXT GAME!!
Damon Evans
January 1st, 2011
10:06 am
I think the dogs need a change. The red panties don’t seem to be bringing them any luck.
Damon Evans
January 1st, 2011
10:07 am
Finish the drill? What drill is that? I thought the red panties were going to unify the Thuga nation.
Mrs. Richt
January 1st, 2011
10:09 am
I have resigned as water boy for the team. I have to concentrate on making sure Saint Mark’s hair looks right.
6 and 7
January 1st, 2011
10:10 am
Is the drill finished yet? Where is my tape of the win over that powerful Idaho State team. Its going to be a long cold winter.
6 and 7
January 1st, 2011
10:11 am
With the easiest schedule in the SEC, the best the Thugs could do was 6 and 7. Thank goodness for Idaho State.
Dogs Smell
January 1st, 2011
10:11 am
This is funny ! So are UGa fans ! 6-7 same record as Tennessee and they play 36- 17 year olds !
Uga VIII
January 1st, 2011
10:11 am
I’m taking my predecessors’ advice and taking the easy way out, like he did.
Someone pass the barkbituates.
Royal D
January 1st, 2011
10:13 am
Yesterday’s performance sums up the entire season: Pathetic! At best, this team played it’s entire season as “disinterested.” Not one single game did the Dawgs play to their potential and Friday’s Liberty Bowl was no exception. 12 arrests, an un-inspired coach, an offense so predictable that the opposing team could play us blindfolded and still come up with a win. I was never one of these on the Fire Mark Richt bandwagon, but I dont see any reason to think that next season is going to be any differnt than this one.
Georgia Saturdays Are Smartcar Tough™
January 1st, 2011
10:16 am
“Call Katharyn”
*ring*….*ring*…..
“Hello?”
“Hey, honey…..say ‘Go DAWGS!’”
…..
…..
…..
*snort*…..*click*
Funny
January 1st, 2011
10:18 am
Mascot &Name:
Jawja Pink Poodles
LMAO
Potential
January 1st, 2011
10:20 am
What Potential? You Jawja fans still don’t get it.
6 – 7 is your potential. SEC dwellers. LOSERS!!!!!!
6 and 7
January 1st, 2011
10:20 am
Wayshon drove the team bus back to Athens last night. Only hit 14 cars. And Pay J Green has now listed his Liberty Bowl for sale on Ebay. Let the bidding begin.
T-Bone
January 1st, 2011
10:20 am
You see, the difference is this. Tech and UGA finish their seasons with the same record, but Tech fans have hope that their coach can actually turn things around. What did Spurrier always say? “He gets all these 5-star recruits, but doesn’t do anything with them.” Imagine what CPJ could do with those 5-star recruits!
Besides, does anybody, even on this blog, think that CPJ would have kicked a field goal rather than go for it? Didn’t think so.
6 and 7
January 1st, 2011
10:21 am
When is Thuga going to finish the drill? And what exactly is the drill?
trouble is a brewin
January 1st, 2011
10:23 am
And the Nerds and Gaytors thought FSU was coming ater Richt when Bowden left.
Ha!
Cheap
January 1st, 2011
10:24 am
With all that big money you ga fansl claim thru the athletic association and:
You couldn’t afford Cecil and Cam. Ya right,,,,you have all that money to throw around.
McDawg
January 1st, 2011
10:25 am
if any of those juniors on the Offensive Line leave early for the draft–then i say good riddance
McDawg
January 1st, 2011
10:27 am
CMR came fully out of the closet when he kicked the FG
trouble is a brewin
January 1st, 2011
10:27 am
We got Bobo as OC
and Florida is getting Charlie Weis.
Oh Boy!
6 and 7
January 1st, 2011
10:27 am
That Ben Jones is a typical Georgia thug. Master of the Chop Block.
Did You Hear
January 1st, 2011
10:27 am
Did You Hear that the GA football record was 6 -7?
LMAO
Head in a bag
January 1st, 2011
10:29 am
Forget LeMay and Crowell – Nick Marshall will be THE MAN for the 2011 Dawgs!
MT
January 1st, 2011
10:29 am
McGarity do the right thing! The Richt thing is over.
Couldn't Do It
January 1st, 2011
10:29 am
Couldn’t sell enough “G” t-shirts to take Cecil up on his offer.
LMAO
6 and 7
January 1st, 2011
10:30 am
Thuga had no business being in a bowl game with a 6 and 6 record in the regular season. One of those wins was against Idaho State, one was against Vandy, one was against the Vols, and one was because Tech’s field goal kicker missed an extra point. But, now that they are 6 and 7, the delusional fan base will still say they should be in the top 5 in the preseason polls for 2011.
Govmint
January 1st, 2011
10:30 am
OK, UGA (8-5) beats Texas A&M (6-7) in the Indy Bowl in 2009. This year UGA goes to the Liberty Bowl (ok) and finishes 6-7 while A&M goes to the Cotton Bowl and will finish the season with a winning record. Not a happy camper right now as we replaced coaches as necessary but still need to turn up the recruiting a notch or two. The State of Georgia only has two D-IA football programs so why can’t UGA secure more D-I talent? Georgia State, I think, will remain D-IAA.
By the way lawmakers and decision makers, our neighbors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama each have at least three D-I bowl eligible football programs. Tennessee and North Carolina have at least five, and Florida, seven. That’s SEVEN. South Carolina’s programs will be judged as soon as their Luv Guv stops hiking in Argentina.
Sorry, like a lot of Dawg fans, just frustrated. Happy New Year to everyone.
Still in Jail
January 1st, 2011
10:31 am
Could someone tell me if my Dawgs won the Liberty Bowl? I’m still stuck in the Auburn jail after setting fire to Toomer’s corner.