Tigers show Dogs half a win isn’t better than nothing
Malcolm Mitchell contemplates what might have been after dropping a sure touchdown pass. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Is there such a thing as half a moral victory?
If so, you could probably chalk up Georgia’s first-half showing in the SEC title game as something along those lines.
Of course, the cold, hard truth is that moral victories are just losses in which you can find something to make it hurt just a little less. And that’s where UGA fans are left after running into the Honey Badger and Co.
Yes, the Dogs were soundly beaten by LSU in the Georgia Dome in what turned into a very ugly rout in the second half. But that doesn’t change the fact that the Georgia defense played a remarkable first half, holding the No. 1 team in the country to a mere dozen yards of offense and absolutely no first downs.
I can’t remember ever seeing that before in a game against a major opponent.
Unfortunately, while Georgia came out initially with an aggressive game plan that included a flawlessly executed onside kick at one point, the rest of the offensive execution left much to be desired, thanks to several dropped passes (including two sure touchdowns) and continued special teams miscues. And playcaller Mike Bobo suddenly reverted to a conservative approach that took all the wind out of Georgia’s sails.
In the second quarter, neither team could move the ball, as Georgia continued to stuff LSU’s running game but the Tigers defense adjusted to the fact that the Dogs had no running game and they could turn loose and just go after the quarterback.
So instead of leading LSU 21-0 at halftime as they should have, the Dogs had a mere 10-7 advantage.
And then the wheels came off.
I had the feeling it wasn’t going to be a good half for Georgia when Bobo opened it up trying in vain to run little Carlton Thomas up the middle twice, putting his quarterback in just the sort of third-and-long situation you don’t want to face against the ferocious Tiger defense. Aaron Murray’s resulting fumble as he scrambled gave LSU a short field — and one of their patented scoring spurts was off and running.
At that point, you pretty much knew it was over.
Murray had a pretty lousy night, completing just 16 of 40 passes with two interceptions on top of that fumble, but some of the blame for that should go to Bobo, who put his QB in bad situations. Admittedly, though, Bobo was hampered by not having a running game.
You had a gimpy Isaiah Crowell, the anti-Lattimore, who was ineffective running the ball, averaging just 1.5 yards per carry, but who managed to draw a penalty running his mouth. Then there was Thomas, who wasn’t well used by Bobo before leaving the game with an injury. And Ken Malcome, who had some tough runs late in the game when it was already decided and who probably should have been the starter, as he was against Georgia Tech. A curious decision on the part of Bobo and Mark Richt.
No wonder a testy Richt didn’t want to talk about the tailbacks this week. LSU had four pretty interchangeable backs and Georgia couldn’t come up with one consistent threat, which is the difference between pretty good and great.
Keith Marshall, come on down!
Still, Georgia fans shouldn’t get so down in the dumps over our Dogs being throttled by what may well turn out to be one of college football’s greatest teams ever that we lose sight of the 10 wins in a row that secured UGA the SEC East title and a trip to a January bowl game.
Richt’s program isn’t yet back in the SEC elite with LSU and Alabama, at least not for a full 60 minutes.
But Saturday’s first half showed the Dogs aren’t all that far away.
Feel free to share your own views of the game against LSU and what Georgia needs to pull even with Les Miles’ program.
Got a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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498 comments Add your comment
Dawg 39
December 4th, 2011
8:02 pm
The Dawgs game plan & play calling pretty much mirrored the Tigers. They just had a little more to work with. Bobo called a very good game. The ones that disagree are wrong. End Of Story.
truedawg
December 4th, 2011
8:02 pm
What UGA needs is a RB! some more O linemen. Bobo isn’t terrible, but isn’t great either. He is good. He did seem to loose hope with the dropped passes and lack of a running game. A great OC learns to scheme with what he has to work with. But you can’t make chicken salad with chicken poop not matter how much mayo you add!!
You know we had no shot against LSU without a running game. And the D line can’t stop 4 fresh legs the whole game. AS time goes on, and wait and see how many kids wanna come to UGA and be part of this Defense!! Sign Big “T” up to a 5 year deal!!
CMR knows what he’s doing. Next year we’ll be back at the DOME in DEC! GET BOBO A RUNNING BACK. And lets hope Crowell groes up…we need more than one!
GO DAWGS!! and GATA for the BOWL!!
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 4th, 2011
8:08 pm
Do we really need a 3 hour BSC show to tells how stupid we are and how we need the BCS to make the right decision for us?
Dawg48
December 4th, 2011
8:09 pm
Still
Record it and watch it 3 times on your flight to el paso
BIG DAWG
December 4th, 2011
8:16 pm
All the folks trashing Bobo for game plan and play calling are off base.
Bobo had a great game plan and that was evident in the first quarter. Problem was our guys couldn’t execute it and the fact that we had to do so against a heckuva defense and we lacked a legit, healthy RB – tough draw for any OC.
Yet, we were in position to pull it off because of the game plan and play calling. We catch those two dropped TD’s and…. We didn’t and that sports fans is what it is and doesn’t have squat to do with poor play calling. Nothing wrong with the first half calls either. You’re backed up with bad field position so you don’t go over aggressive against a great D like LSU or they make you pay. You take what you can get and then if you can’t get it, you live to see another day and try and change the field position and let your D work for you. Unfortunately, your QB fumbles and there goes your lead and the game….
We hit the plays in the first half and Murray doesn’t fumble to start the second and the game is likely different or at least a full game battle and you’re likely lauding the OC and not trashing him.
Proud of the team and the Coaches. Still work to do and not a complete team but I am excited about what we’ve got and where we’re going in the future.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 4th, 2011
8:17 pm
no thanks 48 i will not watch it tonight. I can read all of it in 10 minutes. 3 hours of talking heads telling us why we should love the game match-ups.
Dawg48
December 4th, 2011
8:19 pm
Well it’s LSU and BAMA
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 4th, 2011
8:22 pm
Screw Bama. I’ve seen that game already.
Les Miles
December 4th, 2011
8:22 pm
Ga, here it is….I’d like to hand you…your A4@.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 4th, 2011
8:23 pm
If bama loses again to LSU then what did we Learn NEW? not a GD thing that is what.
B Boykin
December 4th, 2011
8:24 pm
Did you like the way I played “speed bump”?
Dawg48
December 4th, 2011
8:25 pm
Thisisthe biggest joke!
The back door is wide open BAMA come on in!
We steal ruin this state
December 4th, 2011
8:26 pm
Earlier today, someone posted this: Have Bama/OK St play for #2. LSU is crowned champ without playing
I Crowell
December 4th, 2011
8:27 pm
I am the greatest RB to ever enroll at GA. Now, where my weed?
3-10 Against Ranked Teams
December 4th, 2011
9:09 pm
For all you Richt lovers….the beatdown of the dawgs by LSU has brought a needed sense of reality to your pipedreams.
As Dennis Greene so eloquently said “We are who we thought we are!”
As my LSU best friend told me after the game…..”we’re so happy Richt will be at UGA for another 5 years!”
GT is a 4th rate high school team
December 4th, 2011
9:12 pm
How many more times is UGA going to allow BOBO demoralize their team before letting him go or demoting him down to just a QB coach????????? Wake up UGAA, wake up.
DawgVoiceofReason
December 4th, 2011
9:26 pm
The two best teams in college football are Alabama and LSU. Thus, a rematch is appropriate. For those who wanted to see something different, if the teams that had a chance to be number two hadn’t wet the bed, you might have had a different opponent for LSU. No one else deserves a shot; they failed the test.
That being said, the BCS is awful and needs to be scrapped. It has way too many flaws that can’t be fixed with anything short of some sort of playoff. I would even be happier with the so-called plus one system.
DawgVoiceofReason
December 4th, 2011
9:37 pm
The first half of the SEC championship game was both incredibly impressive and incredibly frustrating. Our defense showed how dominant they can be. Our offense showed how explosive they can be but they missed some golden opportunities. It would have been great to see whether we could have held up in the second half after establishing a big lead. Instead we had a small lead, that the team obviously knew was fragile and when it slipped a little, it all came apart.
Realistically, we weren’t going to win without a running game and we couldn’t have more than one turnover at most. Also, watch the replay of the Honey Badger’s first punt return and ignore the blown call when he flipped the ball at the goal line. Just look at the two (at least) clips that were missed. That was inexcusable.
big JOE
December 4th, 2011
9:50 pm
Bill
Why in the Heck don’t they use Hudson Mason more? Is it just me or does he look a lot sharper than Murray??? Murray seems like a great kid that has a lot of heart, and regardless of his number’s he just doesn’t seem like a QB that’s going to get UGA to the promised land. I think 9-10 wins is his MAX. By himself he gave 14 points to LSU (more than the UGA offense scored together, and the dame amount he gave to SCar, who only won by 3). He isn’t a ‘true’ QB.. Sad thing is Mark Richt & Co aren’t going to pull Murray out, so the Best QB UGA has will probably finish his days graduating at the same time as Murray & sitting on the sidelines for 2 more years.
junkyarddawg
December 4th, 2011
9:51 pm
Wrong again Brad – probably been a DAWG longer than you’ve been alive. Garner-Gardner whatever – we just need him gone! We dont need him bringing in anyone else like C King, W Ealy,and I Crowell. All 3 have turned out to be total waste of scholarships.
big JOE
December 4th, 2011
9:58 pm
3-10 Against Ranked Teams
You’re an idiot. LSU won the game because they have deeper talent on the defensive side of the ball & because of their special teams play.
Richt has lots of faults that I won’t make excuses for. Just be reminded here that UGA’s record over the last 5 games vs LSU is 3-2 – and that’s INCLUDING the game SAT night (was 3-1 before the game).
Idiot.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 4th, 2011
10:06 pm
If you watch the SECCG on rewind UGA comes out with a Tie.
Typical
December 4th, 2011
10:08 pm
Let me sum it up…
UGA played 3 teams this year that were ranked (and still are), and lost all 3 of those games. Then, they played 10 games against un-ranked teams and won them.
UGA is a very average football team.
junkyarddawg
December 4th, 2011
10:11 pm
We were beat by the best team in the country and they’ll have a chance to prove they are again when they face the 2nd best team in the country who are both from the best conference in the country. There are plenty of other teams in the country who wish they were 10-3 after playing for their conference championship and bowling on 1/2/12. Nothing to be ashamed of Dawgs and all you haters are right, we are saying wait till mext year and so is every other team, except the 2 who will play on 1/9/12!
Typical
December 4th, 2011
10:13 pm
junkyard….UGA is an average team. Lost to all 3 ranked teams they played.
Typical
December 4th, 2011
10:15 pm
Junkyard…
AND if you had played LSU/BAMA/Arkansas in the regular season, you wouldn’t have been in the SECCG.
Ga Tiger
December 4th, 2011
10:18 pm
Nobody argues that UGA can beat mediocre teams. That makes you a good team. Your last championship was 31 years ago when just about any other good team that had Hershel could have done the same thing. Why you seem to think you can join the Great Teams Club is beyond anyone but you. The SEC West is laughing at you along with everyone else. My Tigers just proved it. You’re not in the spotlight. Sit down and shut up. Geaux Tigers.
No clue
December 4th, 2011
10:24 pm
Everyone said uga playing loose. It seems to me they were playing to lose. Look at those drop passes. Bobo wasted too many running plays and leave Murray no choice but taking risk. I have no idea why didn’t we punt the ball away from #7. Butler is a good punter but the coverage is so poor. Need a good special team coach and couple good running backs..
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 4th, 2011
10:25 pm
The Bad ACC has 2 teams in BCS games. That is pretty nice. VT in the Sugar and UGA gets the Outback.
pete
December 4th, 2011
10:54 pm
“What Georgia needs to pull even with Les Miles’ program?” To start with a special teams coach. Someone to take pride in the special teams and put the most effective players there whether they are walkons or starters. How does an All-American kicker deteriorate to a less than average kicker(is there no help on staff for him?). Also the secondary must man up and not be afraid to hit anyone over 230.
“share your own views of the game against LSU” First off a great gameplan to start the game. it should not have been abandoned without LSU stopping it. They did not,UGA stopped their self by running on first and 2nd downs.
Also if UGA would have executed better at start of game, and built that 21-0 lead; LSU may have stayed in catchup mode instead of going to the power run game, which UGA could not stop.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
December 4th, 2011
11:04 pm
4:45 left in the 3rd qtr and Buck Blew said “I just checked and Herschel doesn’t have any eligibility left. Damn the Dawgs live so much in the past with that crap and so much in the Future with the constant Wait Til Next Year. Dawgs try living in the present
d1reality
December 5th, 2011
12:04 am
What a tail whuppin…..must have been those adjustments Grantham made at halftime.
DCLee
December 5th, 2011
1:00 am
Tough 2nd half but a great season! One of the best sights I saw on television last night was late in the game when the broadcast cut to a shot of Coach Todd Grantham and CMR standing on the sideline together side by side determined like two men on the same page and knowing that they can do the work to get the Dawgs back to Atlanta and perhaps beyond to the BCS title game. They will learn from this game just like the opener vs Boise. Loved that the onside kick worked to perfection unlike the USC game where everything was just a fraction off. LSU will beat Bama IMO.
DCLee
December 5th, 2011
1:09 am
@Typical They also rolled the #25 team in the BCS Auburn 45-7 at home. Alabama beat 3…let me type that again. 3 ranked teams and they are playing the BCS title game so what is your point. You play the teams on your schedule. 2009 UF team may have been one of the best ever assembled heading into that season. Their out of conference games were Florida Atlantic, Troy and some other high school squad. They didn’t go out of their way to schedule the likes of Miami or anyone else decent so again what is your point.
WDE
December 5th, 2011
7:38 am
..
WDE
December 5th, 2011
7:44 am
Hats off to a great LSU team, they could have faltered after that first half but champions overcome and they did. All those who think this is Bobo’s fault need to understand the difference between plan and execution, LSU was completely unable to slow up down in the first half and we dropped two TD balls and then they scored on a play that if they review it is no score. Folks you can’t give a 21 point swing to the best team in the land and expect to win. All in all we had a pretty good year from 6-7 last year, for one half we were close to a great year. Again congrats to the LSU coaches and players !
Annnd...
December 5th, 2011
7:49 am
Nothing like a BLOWOUT!!!!
((((((((((((((((((42-10)))))))))))))))))))))))
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I Crowell
December 5th, 2011
7:50 am
Now, where my weed?
Over rated, over hyped
December 5th, 2011
7:51 am
Back to reality. 42-10!!!!!
SEC Football
December 5th, 2011
7:53 am
LSU
Alabama
Auburn
Florida
the others
PAUL7
December 5th, 2011
7:56 am
MAN! I THOUGHT GA might win it! Well, they did win the 1st half almost, until they kicked to #7. He showed LSU the LIGHT at the end of the tunnel. I wish GA had 1 0r more power backs, you got to have power runners in the SEC. It’s one reason why BAMA/LSU are so DOMINANT! I commend GA for a GREAT 1st half anyway, 28 – 0 is what you all should’ve hung on them boys!
NoDawgInThisFight
December 5th, 2011
7:57 am
I’m not a UGA or LSU fan – but it’s pretty clear that the UGA offense was based on a lot of trick plays in the first half. Fans love trick plays but after you run three or four, you have to go back to your basic packages – at which point LSU just destroyed UGA. Still, an unbelievable first half defensive performance by UGA.
ole yeller
December 5th, 2011
8:24 am
I am proud of the way UGA performed in the SEC title game. The second half was not pretty but predictable. UGA needs depth at “O” line & “RB”. The “D” needs a couple of more “LB” and linemen to have a better rotation. I think the missed opportunities and lack of dept was the big difference. You can’t play with tired personel when the other team keeps fesh legs most all game.
jalexan49
December 5th, 2011
8:27 am
I’m not a basher of players or coaches but, I honestly don’t understand the runs up the middle? Why didn’t Georgia stay with the wide open offense they played in the first half? LSU had no answer for it.. dropped passes if caught could have made a huge difference in the game.
My hat’s of to the defensive players… Great effort.. Great first half and I understand the beating you took in the second half. A defense cannot be put on the field for as long as you guys were in the 2nd half and expected to be like you were in the first half.
I hope the juniors will come back and give it another try. Thanks to all the Seniors, it’s better to have Georgia at 10-3 than 6-7!!!!!
Georgia you have the making of being an outstanding team next year ! Good luck in the Bowl game and bring home a win for Georgia against a good Michigan State team.
James
December 5th, 2011
8:31 am
Coach wiuld not comment last Friday about running backs. he sid he would wait until after the game. Well what is he waiting on now. Also after Crowell got flag for running his mouth and while coach was talking to him he turned and walked away??? Player wouldn’t have a chance to turn his back to me a second time.
DawginLex
December 5th, 2011
8:35 am
I’m not going to stay on here off and on all day and argue with the idiots.
1.)We played a great 1st half defensively
2.)We dropped TD passes that cost us momentum
3.)we need more line depth on OL and DL
4.)We need more innovation with the play calling until #3 gets accomplished on the OL
5.)I’m proud to be playing in a New Year’s Day Bowl game
6.)Still believe we will be looking at a bright future
7.)Still proud of the coaches for the 10 game win streak
8.)Especially thankful McGarity is AD
Enjoy your day folks
UGA81
December 5th, 2011
8:45 am
Les Miles stated after the game that they had looked past UGA. Good thing, or the Tigers could have hung 100 on the dogs.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
December 5th, 2011
8:47 am
SSIGator
I am totally with you on the AltamahaDawg and DawginLex comment….I am confident they will put some sort of political spin on this bring something positive from it. That is what I love about Athens, no matter how pathetic this program is, they never drop the hammer on the coaches or AD.
Jeremy Foley is my hero, 2 football titles, and a national basketball title, now that is a AD.
James
December 5th, 2011
8:47 am
Will some one tell me how much money the other schools in the SEC will get just because LSU and Bama are playing for the NC.
hornblowermg
December 5th, 2011
8:48 am
there were two “blocks in the back” on the punt return where either of the two fouled players could have tackled number 7. their fullback should have been penalized & thrown out of the ballgame for flagrantly punched our guy(s). and on, and on, and on. if Richt & his coaches would play football instead of politics, we might have given a much better game with Hutson Mason & Ken Malcolm instead of a very inaccurate Murray and wimps Crowell & Thomas. oh, well; that’s college football.