Mike Bobo offers a positive spin … and the usual tease
Mike Bobo offered a tease about freshman Jay Rome. (Associated Press)
Most of what offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said when he met with reporters Wednesday was pretty predictable (like his playcalling, some wags would say).
He was optimistic about the thin offensive line (”We’re not very deep, but you only need five. We played in ’02 with only five linemen.”), was circumspect about prospects for highly hyped running back Isaiah Crowell (”He might be the guy that comes in and really helps.”) and put a positive spin on the offseason attrition of players: “It’s not going to be easy, and we’ve made it extremely tough around here. When you turn up the heat, sometimes you’re going to have guys that don’t want to be a part of it. That’s their choice.”
He was also slightly self-deprecating when it came to talking about what he has to do with the personnel that remains, saying, “We’ve got to play to the advantage of the guys that we have playing. We can learn from last year not having A.J. Green for the first four games. I probably didn’t play to my other guys’ strength too well because I didn’t give them enough credit.”
And, Bobo being Bobo, he couldn’t resist throwing in one tantalizing little tidbit out of the blue, floating the possibility of using true freshman Jay Rome (who has a logjam of experienced players ahead of him at tight end) as a sort of hybrid fullback-tight end, much the way TE-turned-FB Bruce Figgins is expected to line up some of the time. Said Bobo of Rome: “He’s a bigger guy. He could be that guy.”
Of course, longtime Bobo watchers will offer the caveat that he’s known for sprinkling his interviews with intriguing ideas that either never come to pass or wind up making a token appearance in his offense (as with the Wild Dawg).
A couple of players also met with reporters Wednesday, and much of that continued the theme of those Bulldogs who are still in Athens rededicating themselves to turning the program around. Orson Charles put it rather bluntly when he said, “Every team has dead weight, somebody pulling you back and I think the university and Coach Richt did a very good job of letting people go.”
Asked whether he was underutilized last season, Charles said: “I don’t think so. I think Bobo did a fairly good job of calling the plays. I felt like as a whole we could have played a little harder, played a little faster, and had fun playing the game. But I think this spring it changed a lot. We were having fun, we were competing. In the locker room we were just embracing. So I’m just looking forward to this season.”
A good positive outlook, though someone might want to mention to the youngster that saying your coach did a “fairly good job” probably isn’t the most politic characterization, even if it is pretty accurate.
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346 comments Add your comment
JB
July 28th, 2011
1:43 pm
I do know one thing. Opposing DC’s will tell their Defense on 3rd and 20, look for Carlton Thomas between the tackles….LOL
Boise in ATL
July 28th, 2011
1:49 pm
I think UGA will have a much better year – but could see UGA starting 0-2 – yet potentially finishing 8-4.
I look for Boise winning in the Dome as UGA in what will be a very entertaining – hard fought game. I see South Carolina coming into Athens and survivng a war of a game – just think South Carolina is a better program – at this time – than UGA. Defense is better, runningn game is better, South Carolina is a more physical and tougher team – and Spurrier knows his team can beat UGA – this gives South Carolina the edge.
Give UGA a few games under their belt – they potentially could be a very good team. Big concern is your O-Line and the depth.
UGA getting beat by UCF, Colorado, a 5 loss South Carolina team, a 5 loss Florida team, and the 5th place SEC West team is not a fluke year – it tell’s you where your program is.
UGA will be improved – but at best – UGA will be the fighting for 6th best SEC team this year with MS State – behind AL, LSU, ARK, So. Carolina and FLORIDA.
Yeah, I know – who does Boise play? Bosie has an easy schedule!! Blah Blah Blah.
First – thank you UGA for giving Boise this game. This is almost a NO win situation for UGA – UGA wins – it’s because it’s Boise, UGA loses – it’s embarrasing.
Second – Boise would love to play a better schedule – we changed conferences to upgrade our opponents – but then BYU and UTAH leave – and TCU will be bolting for the Big East. Hoping the B12 will pull us in – and that will never happen – no TV market.
I know think the best thing for Boise is to be independent.
At any rate – best to UGA this year.
Bozo the Clown
July 28th, 2011
1:52 pm
Bozo was a dimwit when he played, and he’s a pathetic clown as a coach.
The jerk should just keep his stupid mouth shut.
1eyedJack
July 28th, 2011
1:53 pm
The play that’s called in the huddle ain’t always the one that’s run at the line of scrimmage.
AFDawg
July 28th, 2011
1:55 pm
SSIgator, Obviously you’re a Gator fan judging from your moniker. We could care less what you think about our coaching staff just like you could care less what we think of yours. Truth be told, you’re probably an imposter just tryng to throw out hate towards the Dawgs. We could care less what you have to say so please go blog on a Gator site. Goodbye!
JB
July 28th, 2011
2:01 pm
Boise….The only thing better in Boise is coaching. Georgia has a ton of talent, Big and fast talent….A new creed in the off season in the S&C program and a big time embarrassment from that bowl game to work off. 6 new faces on defense. All our LB’s were track stars also. Don’t write a check yet that your mouth can’t cash. I think the Dawgs will make the SEC proud that night. We’ve been getting ready for this for a while. See ya in the dome!
Snoop Dawg
July 28th, 2011
2:10 pm
Could we take up a collection to give to North Carolina so that they could attract Mark Richt? and Bobo? Pleeeeezzzzzeeeee?????
Athens= God's Country
July 28th, 2011
2:10 pm
I love the “fans” that expect a first down on every play of every drive.
These are the same people that want Richt gone… bunch of Morons.
JB
July 28th, 2011
2:14 pm
AfDawg….Good call on SSiGator…….They have as many problems ans questions as anybody. He’s living and posting off history. Tebow gone. Meyer gone. Strong and Mullen gone. No proven QB or RB. suspect OL. lost 5 games last year. And the jury is still way out on Muschamp. We know he could be a cheerleader by watching him….but can he be a head coach in the SEC in a high pressure job?
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:14 pm
Bobo is getting worse against ranked teams in scoring every year:
2007 35 points a game
2008 28 points a game
2009 20 points a game
2010 15 points a game
2011 7 points a game (projected based on 3 year trend)
2012 0 points a game (projected base don 3 year trend)
Here’s where you can go to find out:
http://www.cfbstats.com/2010/leader/911/team/offense/split13/category09/sort01.html
Stinger2
July 28th, 2011
2:15 pm
These responses about CMR going to UNC are ridiculious.
Wake up UGA fans. You have a good coach who is going no where. Be thankful.
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:16 pm
What’s the positive spin on going 0 & 5 against ranked teams last year?
“we we’re in every game in the 4th quarter”
DawginLex
July 28th, 2011
2:17 pm
Ed
How did Bobo do against defensive coordinators with black hair while playing in a wind of less than 10 MPH???
JB
July 28th, 2011
2:17 pm
I would love to see the eyes of the first 170 pound Boise DB seeing Samuel’s coming at him at full speed.
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:18 pm
Ealey & King leaving wasn’t because they didn’t want to rotate with Crowell, Malcome, and Thomas as designated passblockers, but was:
“they couldn’t handle the heat being turned up”
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:18 pm
I don’t know that stat, but I do know Bobop finished 10th in rushing in the SEC.
JB
July 28th, 2011
2:19 pm
The heat is up in Athens. I’m hoping Boise is watching the Bowl game tape against UCF getting ready for us.
DawginLex
July 28th, 2011
2:20 pm
We finished 9th in rushing in 2002
How did that turn out?
Same plays being called.
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:20 pm
Only Ben Jones with experience at his OL position, and no depth at 2 deep there means for Bobo:
“More opportunities for others. It’s very exciting. I feel great”
tide roll
July 28th, 2011
2:22 pm
“We only need five”. Are you kidding me?! What if you suffer injuries? What logic! Because you “got by with 5 in a previous season, you assume that all you need is 5 this season !? More importantly, what if your opponents, such as Auburn and Florida, have suffered personnel losses on their defensive line that indicate that by having more than 5, you would substantially increase your chances of defeating them !! Anyone with a modicum of awareness would realize that THIS YEAR, moreso than in any other, the LAST thing you would want is to try to get by with 5 !! Un friggin believable!
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:23 pm
Lost 2 best WR’s to NFL, lost 2 best RB’s to didn’t care anymore or feel the vibe.
Bobop’s spin:
“Crowell could be the next Herscel Walker”
Still@theBAR
July 28th, 2011
2:23 pm
JB
July 28th, 2011
2:17 pm
I would love to see the eyes of the first 170 pound Boise DB seeing Samuel’s coming at him at full speed.
Buy a HD 60inch screen TV. I know it will be the whole wall of your double wide manufactured home, but it might be worth it.
Part out the Firebird on blocks on you lot if you need money.
SC Fan
July 28th, 2011
2:24 pm
OFF TOPIC, Please read the SI article from 7-28 on Chick Kelly. He is a quadraplegic that is being hung out to dry by the NCAA. If enough people get after them, maybe they will get their wallet out. Thanks,
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:25 pm
What Orson Charles should have said:
“No man, Bobop didn’t use me enough? 26 passes, are you kidding me? Looking at my catch average and me projecting to go #1 in the NFL draft next year, Bobop should have thrown me 7 passes a game. Did you watch the Florida game? I went for over 100 and scored a td. I can do that every game if Bobop would throw me the ball”
Still@theBAR
July 28th, 2011
2:25 pm
DawginLex
How did Bobo do against defensive coordinators with black hair while playing in a wind of less than 10 MPH???
I don’t know but Richt’s Hair looked great in those games I am sure.
Top Recruit
July 28th, 2011
2:26 pm
“Play faster”. Now where do you think this going in 2012…inexperienced backfield and thin line depth. I have some ideas, but let us wait and check the spell checkers.
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:27 pm
Aaron Murray threw 19 of his 24 td’s against unranked teams. Only 5 td’s against ranked teams.
Bobop spin:
” Murray had a great year, threw for 2400 yards & 24 td’s”.
By the way, Bray threw for 1800 yards in 7 games. Had he started all 12 games, he would have crushed Murray’s stats.
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:30 pm
Bobop’s offense didn’t score against UCF, South Carolina.
Bobop’s spin:
“We have to learen how to finish in the 4th quarter”
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:31 pm
Ealey scored 11 td’s to King’s 2 td’s. Ealey quit because he didn’t like being rotated with a guy he outperformed by 5.5x.
Bobop’s spin:
“Some guys couldn’t handle the heat and got off the energy bus’
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:33 pm
Bobop’s offense went 0-6 in games where the other team scored first.
Bobop’s spin:
“We just have to finish the drill—just didn’t finish good enough man”
JB
July 28th, 2011
2:33 pm
37 days.
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:40 pm
Talk of new stuff is designed to throw off Boise. Bobop tried the same thing last year talking up the WildDawg. Didn’t really run it much at all, just blew a bunch of spin.
http://blogs.ajc.com/junkyard-blawg/2010/07/20/a-j-green-in-the-wild-dawg-or-is-bobo-just-teasing-us-again/
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:43 pm
Richt is positive spin mode last year:
http://blogs.ajc.com/junkyard-blawg/2010/06/02/stoking-the-fires-of-offseason-optimism-among-dogs-fans/
Last Word
July 28th, 2011
2:43 pm
AFDawg:
The expression is, “COULDN’T care less!”
JEEEZ!
truedawg
July 28th, 2011
2:49 pm
I’m glad atleast that Bobo has been told, or realized that his play calling isn’t up to par. I wonder which one happened? I don’t worry about having the same plays as we did before. Jus mix it up better. Teams that run trick plays usually don’t get talked about as much in November. The ones that do, always have better tallent to make the play happen. UGA has to use the tallent thay have better. We are stacked at TE, use them. We now have 2 RB that run fast and between tackles. use them. Take a lesson from SC last year, if you’re able to run the ball straight ahead for 4 yards a carry, do it, til the other team can stop you. Play to your teams strength but also to the D’s weakness. I believe in the play book, just have to do a better job of picking the plays. BOBO is the key to a win in the Dome. We have bigger stronger and faster players than Boise. GATA GO DAWGS!!! 24-17 DAWGS win
truedawg
July 28th, 2011
2:51 pm
Ed,
Please enough, we don’t care. Sit down and just read a few minutes, the Grown ups wanna talk.
GO DAWGS!!!
Ed
July 28th, 2011
2:51 pm
Murray was consistently bad against winning teams, going 0-6 as a starter.
Bobo spin:
“Murray needs to be more consistent”
No he doesn’t, He was VERY consistent, consistently BAD. He needs to be more WINNING.
Snoop Dawg
July 28th, 2011
3:00 pm
You’d think by reading some of these chumps’ drivel like DawginFex, Redand Black, Altamahadog, and Athens=dogcountry that they have somehow been assigned as lords over the Bulldog Nation, making determinations about who is and who is not worthy of being a Dawg. I beg to point that these zombies who are so in the tank with the incompetent Preacha Man and his sidekick Bobo have no such authority. They are just a little thick between the ears. They really don’t care whether the Dawgs win or lose as long as they can drink the koolaid before, during, and after the game. Look at it like this: Soldiers can’t win a battle without the General’s strategy and the Sergeant’s training. Likewise, the team can’t win if all the coaches are idiots. No amount of player talent and desire can overcome incompetent coaching.
Richt and his coaching must go in order for UGA to return to its Glory Days.
JB
July 28th, 2011
3:00 pm
WE were horrible last year in the wilddawg with Logan Gray. First mistake. Letting Gray sit back there for what seemed forever and go through a series of “checkoffs” which gave the DC all the time he need to call out his defense….. and the results were horrible…mainly because Logan was told to take the snap…and just look for an opening somewhere and good luck son….Geez.
JB
July 28th, 2011
3:02 pm
Snoop…I know I have bad days on here……….but you bring nothing to the table.
Ed
July 28th, 2011
3:05 pm
dOES WINNING IN THE 4TH QUARTER DEPEND MORE ON:
A) CONDITIONING
B) PLAYCALLING
C) PLAY EXECUTION BY PLAYERS
SSIgator
July 28th, 2011
3:06 pm
I want to applogize for my rude remarks ealier. I do understand that, I myself have never coached college football, and to be honest , I have never even stepped on the sidelines of a college football field. I just love to bash ours for what they do, when in fact I am just a lonely old man living in my parents basement trolling blogs for enjoyment.
“MOM” can you bring me some more Kool-Aid?
.
drew25walk
July 28th, 2011
3:06 pm
I believe that Bobo gets in his own way as far as play calling. He plays it safe too often instead of being aggressive and then if it doesn’t work, back down, adjust, adapt. Like he said, he doesn’t trust his players enough to make plays……every time he opens up the offense, the yards and points seem to come more easily…..jmo
Ed
July 28th, 2011
3:07 pm
bOB GETS 42 POINTS A GAME AGHAINST UNRANKED TEAMS, YET ONLY 15 AGAINST RANKED TEAMS.
BOBOP’S SPIN:
“MAN, DID YOU SEE THE LOUSIANA LAFAYETTE GAME? GREAT OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION HUH?”
Old Dawg Fan
July 28th, 2011
3:08 pm
Worst OC I have seen in 20 years. Predictable play calling in critical situations, then terrible play calling during “no pressure” situations. Time for him to be given his walking papers. As long as he is OC Bulldogs will not win the East, period!!!!..
JB
July 28th, 2011
3:09 pm
Look how explosive the Georgia offense is when we are down by 3 TD’s…….and then watch it when we have ANY type of lead. That tells the story. You can bet the house if we get the ball back with 3 or 4 minutes with a small lead, the other team WILL get the ball back due to us going in a shell.
Beast from the East
July 28th, 2011
3:10 pm
The offense hasn’t been the problem. It’s been the defense and the penalties the past few years. That may change this year with the lack of depth on the o-line and the new RB’s and WR’s, but Bobo has done a pretty solid job. He’s no Dan Mullen or Gus Malzahn, but he certainly isn’t the main reason the Dawgs have had a few rough seasons. I don’t understand why so many want to make him the scapegoat.
Coach Bobo
July 28th, 2011
3:10 pm
I like dem french fried poaters….
MMMMMMMMMMMM
Ed
July 28th, 2011
3:11 pm
90% OF COACHES THAT MAKE THE COACHES HOTSEAT TOP 5 GET FIRED.
Bobo’s spin:
“Uhh, I’ll be right back, I gotta fax my resume out”
http://www.coacheshotseat.com/CoachesHotSeatRanking.htm
Destin Dawg
July 28th, 2011
3:12 pm
144 comments after just 3 hours ??? lots of people on here need a life .. .. especially the haters…. Grantham’s Junkyard Dawg defense will cause punts and turnovers… kicking game & special teams will win field position…. Awesome season coming up… Stay tuned … Go Dawgs !!!