UGA signing Keith Marshall can only help Isaiah Crowell
Isaiah Crowell disappointed many fans and yet still was SEC freshman of the year. (Associated Press)
The shift in UGA fan support away from Isaiah Crowell and toward Keith Marshall has been swift and decisive, at least online.
But I really don’t understand some folks’ penchant for viewing Georgia’s tailback situation next year as an either-or proposition where Marshall, the new golden boy, supplants Crowell, the disappointing former favorite.
Let’s keep some perspective here. Yes, the injury-prone Crowell rubbed many the wrong way to start with this season by frequently taking himself out of games after a couple of runs. Then there was the immaturity that manifested itself in a couple of suspensions.
And there definitely seems to be a bit of an attitude problem, evident when we saw Crowell turn his back on his head coach in the middle of a dressing down for drawing a penalty with his mouthing off during the SEC championship game. That’s something even the ever-patient Mark Richt shouldn’t tolerate.
But Crowell still ran well enough this season to be the SEC’s freshman of the year and the Dogs would not have 10 wins without him.
Keith Marshall says he'll enroll at UGA in January. (Associated Press)
More importantly, Georgia will need to utilize the talents of both Crowell and Marshall next season and probably Richard Samuel, Boo Malcome and any other running back who is still on the roster.
LSU and its four-headed running attack is a prime example of what a successful SEC offense needs these days. Tailbacks get hurt; it’s just part of the game. If the talent gap between your starter and the backups is as stark as it was at Georgia this year, it puts you at a severe disadvantage (unless you’re playing Georgia Tech).
I believe Marshall competing with Crowell for playing time could be the best thing that has happened to Isaiah at UGA. But whichever one ends up the starter (and my money would be on a healthy Crowell), there’ll be plenty of carries for the other one. And if they’re both living up to their potential, well, Alabama didn’t do so badly splitting time between Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.
Georgia signing the nation’s most wanted tailback two years in a row will be quite an accomplishment, but it shouldn’t be a rarity. You can never have too many good tailbacks in the SEC and Richt and his staff should be signing a five-star running back every season.
Go Dogs!
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433 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
9:53 am
SPOT ON Bill. Not to mention that our OC would be looking a lot better to everybody if he had any sort of a running game.
Charlie Hayes
December 8th, 2011
9:58 am
I have heard rumors from several people that Crowell made a statement prior to the SEC Championship Game something along the lines of “I dont want to get hurt in a losing effort against LSU”. Can anyone provide insight on if this statement is true or false. I am having a hard time belieiving that Crowell, or anyone for that matter on the team, would make that statement prior to the game. However, I have heard it from three (3) differenct sources and it is bothering me. Can anyone shed light on this?
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
10:16 am
Boneheads equal zombies.
Ayone who criticizes their beloved program is a Yech fan. So predictable of smile minded zombies. They cannot truly argue facts sot hey resort to their feelings to explain as to how great their program is. Never thinking logically nor rationally about what the real problem(s) at UGA are.
Hint for ya simpletons…. Coaching! Specifically the man tan orange CEO
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
10:26 am
You got to love the feigned indignation that anyone would doubt the motives of bloggers that merely express calm rational questioning of specific errors by the coach, ended with silly personal insults of the man, (and trying to minimize the fans who don’t see it thier way)
In other words, you just proved their point. Troll.
TampaDawg
December 8th, 2011
10:28 am
Snake Doc, for someone to come on here and crack on people saying “they cannot truly argue facts so they resort to their feelings”, you sure didn’t bring any facts to the table yourself. But hey listen, rather than getting into childish insults, let’s really talk about it (I am an Army guy, so “talking” about things tends to quell the violent side).
You know, the CMR thing isn’t about “accepting mediocrity” as most would tell you. It’s about knowing what you have versus not knowing what you could bring in. It’s about knowing that NCAA violations are kept to an absolute minimum and quite honestly, I haven’t seen any coach in college self report “possible” violations” more than CMR. It’s about knowing that there is a level of integrity with CMR that is rare within college coaching nowadays. Not saying that there are no other coaches with good character, it’s just not the norm. And it’s about knowing that during recruiting season, we can bring in players that will at least get us in position to win games. The championship will be there, I believe it without a doubt,
But keep this in mind when you have the thoughts of needing to replace CMR at this point. For every Saban and Meyer brought in to a program, there are three CPJs, D Mullens, Lame Kittens, Will Muschamps, Randy Shannon’s, Frank Solich’s, Jim Tressel’s (controversial NC, and look at where OSU is now), and Charlie Wies’. In other words, be careful what you wish for.
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
10:29 am
Charlie, I would say that his actions, continually going back in with an injured ankle, do not fit that rumor.
78Dawg
December 8th, 2011
10:43 am
Crowell REALLY needs to remake himself starting now. I don’t ever remember a bulldog ever being booed coming off the field. His disrespect to CMR should have sent him to the showers. Right now I think of him as a selfish punk kid. He needs to make a lot of fans believe otherwise.
ugarph1985
December 8th, 2011
10:50 am
UGA use to be TBU when they used the fullbacks and the power I to open wholes and block. Our fullbacks where not used muched at all this season, in the past the where used for pass plays, (hobnob play against UT) I think when UGA use the power I formation rather then the single back set UGA had a better running game and it opened up the passing game. Plus you had 2 backs that could help block and release for screen passes. UGA would be set with those fast backs they have IC,CT,and this great new kid that has a good head on his shoulders KM especially if the use the power I formation more to open wholes. HW the best ever always ran from the power I and you see what he did for UGA. These new kids have the ablity they just need to be used and have a OFC that knows what he is doing. The 2nd half of the conference championship goes to show once again Bobo has got to go. He did not give AM a chance to succeed in the 2nd half and Bobo once again was out coached again by a DC of a higher ranked team. It is time to make a change he is a good qb coach but not OFC never has been never will be. Go dawgs! I can’t wait to see the running game next year with Crowell and Marshall if they are used correctly.
Complacent Dawg
December 8th, 2011
11:23 am
We may not win championships, but we’re good enough, we’re smart enough, and, doggonit, people like us!
WDE
December 8th, 2011
11:23 am
@ugarph1985 you mean the same Bobo that Les Miles said prepared the best game used against LSU all year?
nolan mclaine
December 8th, 2011
11:28 am
we need a good running back, not one that wants to be seen, thanks for keith m.
PT
December 8th, 2011
11:31 am
Georgia just played in the SEC Championship game with 3 freshmen WR’s, a sophomore QB, and a Freshman TB with two preemie’s as backups. How can you not see what a great job Bobo did this year? What do people think could be done with that line up, national title contenders? Idiots
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
11:36 am
So knowing that OUR beloved program will never play for a NC while the saint is running the show is better than doing anything to actually bring some national respect and championships to this program.
(((42-10)))
What do you not understand about that?
LSU and Bama playing for their second NC Championship for two coaches Les Miles and Nick Saban.
LSU palying for a third NC in 8 years.
And just how many NC’s has the CEO witht he orange tan coached UGA to?
None!
Fact enough for ya simpleton?
PT
December 8th, 2011
11:43 am
Snake Doc – Did you make a bad investment with Georgia? How much Stock do you own in the program. Who’s your choice as Head CEO?
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
11:50 am
As Head CEO? No one!
As Head Coach – TBD
But doing nothing is not the answer and you all know it, even though you won’t admit it!
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
11:52 am
define doing nothing
PT
December 8th, 2011
11:56 am
Ahhh yes another astute individual with all the answers until you ask for the specifics.
Mobile Dawg
December 8th, 2011
11:59 am
Seems to me that Bobo (and Richt) get locked into the playcalling they’re most comfortable with. Which also seems isn’t always the best playcalling for the situation, nor personnel, at that particular time. Bobo is not what I would consider a “good” OC. Just a couple of examples, with the TB’s obviously a weakness why didn’t the “fullback express” get utilized more. I’m sure it was more than three times this YEAR, but seriously, I only remember three fullback runs, and they were successful. Also the long pass, usually wastes a down, and is a momentum killer.
PT
December 8th, 2011
12:03 pm
yes mobile – a good example of a well used fullback would be that of Georgia Tech.
SSIgator
December 8th, 2011
12:03 pm
“Crowell rubbed many the wrong way to start with this season by frequently taking himself out of games after a couple of runs”
Now we know where those total yards gained came from – running back and forth from the sideline. Zero net yards in the LSU game wins Freshman of the Year? Oh, that’s right. It was because of that killer schedule that UGA played after they opened the season with two losses that sealed the deal.
WDE
December 8th, 2011
12:07 pm
@Snake Doc most of the UGA fans want to keep CMR…bottom line.
WDE
December 8th, 2011
12:09 pm
@SSIgator last I looked that killer schedule had Auburn, UT, Bug U and the gators on it..sorry if you sux get better and we will look better, but then again we don’t care what you think.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
December 8th, 2011
12:12 pm
Yeah less of a vertical passing attack and more runs for the FB. Come’on man!
PT
December 8th, 2011
12:16 pm
Looking at schedules, Mark Bradley pointed out that Alabama only played four teams with winning records and one was Georgia Southern. I had not noticed that. They are playing for a Title?
layinlow
December 8th, 2011
12:16 pm
I came on these message boards last winter and warned everyone what crowell was all about. Of course most of my fellow UGA fans were convinced he was the saviour and absolutey blasted me off the message boards. I was called a liar and a TECH or BAMA fan in disguise. lol. After watching him play in that Calhoun game last year it was crystal clear that this guy was a punk with a bad attitude. His senior year in high school he stayed hurt so it was apparent that he was injury prone. All the warning signs were there. Now that Marshall is coming, Richt is going hard after the davis kid at stephenson and it wouldn’t suprise me to see UGA even sign a third running back. Post Isiah Crowell plans are already being put in motion as Richt can already see that this kid will go the way of washaun ealey. Mark my word Crowell is not going to make it at UGA and the coaches can already see it.
SSIgator
December 8th, 2011
12:17 pm
WDE -
“Snake Doc most of the UGA fans want to keep CMR…bottom line”
And the rest of the SEC will be forever grateful. UGA – Home of the ten win seasons, but no titles. But hey, UGA gets to play in the the SEC CG every so often – only to get their tails kicked.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
December 8th, 2011
12:19 pm
Gators come to the board to make themselves feel better b/c Muschump looks like a bust. Weiss is eating out the mess hall and Crier has left for his DREAM job. Nice stepping stone of a program Florida is.
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
12:22 pm
Another fact – Since 2007 UGA and the CEO are 1-7 against Top 10 teams. The one win against Yech in 2009. Well, that doesn’t say much for the sainted CEO and his coaching brilliance does it?
PT
December 8th, 2011
12:22 pm
Layinlow – You are correct. I don’t think he will be academically eligible after this semester.
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
12:23 pm
Another fact UGA beat one team with a winning record this year, Auburn. Man that CEO sure is the best CEO money can buy. Ain’t he?
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
12:25 pm
The CEO is so brilliant UGA doesn’t even need a special teams coach. Is that a fact or stupidity?
SSIgator
December 8th, 2011
12:27 pm
Snake Doc -
UGA has special teams – Special Ed teams.
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
12:28 pm
And as for who should replace the sainted CEO… Well its up to McGarity to answer that question. At least I want change and to be a national powerhouse while all you chest thumpers want is to continue the same crud over and over again.
Doint the same thing over and over again expecting different results is the definition of insanity.
Well, now there is the answer to why UGA will never be a powerhouse. Too many are content with doing the same thing over and over again. Boneheads!
PT
December 8th, 2011
12:29 pm
Snake Doc – Management 101 says that it is not allowed to complain about a specific situation or current state of affairs unless you have a better plan. Otherwise, you are just reading a phone book.
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
12:30 pm
Seems like the FB is a prime example OF playing with the personel at the time. When we had better FB’s, we ran them more. We do not now have better FBs. Which is still a problem that they own, but it’s not the same as locked into something, and overlooking a perfectly acceptable way of getting more rushing yards if they could. I imagine the idea has been brought up.
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
12:30 pm
WDE and that is why I can’t root for my own team! Until the saint is gone, who I do not respect as a football man, I ain’t rooting for them.
Richt is a fine man and a good Christian man, but CEO? NO!
TampaDawg
December 8th, 2011
12:32 pm
PT
December 8th, 2011
11:31 am
Georgia just played in the SEC Championship game with 3 freshmen WR’s, a sophomore QB, and a Freshman TB with two preemie’s as backups. How can you not see what a great job Bobo did this year? What do people think could be done with that line up, national title contenders? Idiots
——
lol, dead on dude
SSIgator
December 8th, 2011
12:39 pm
PT -
“What do people think could be done with that line up, national title contenders? Idiots”
I have never seen someone sum up the UGA fan base with so few words. Very well done.
Mobile Dawg
December 8th, 2011
12:41 pm
Gotta have a running game man, if the tailbacks can’t provide it, fullbacks, qb, and wildcat. We have to much vertical passing Lowcountry, need more balance. Altamaha, our playcalling is 98% vanilla, we’re predictable, we have a lot of weapons to utilize, in many different ways. Bobo doesn’t know how to take advantage of the tools he has.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
December 8th, 2011
12:51 pm
I agree you have to have a running game, but I am not in favor of increasing the carries to a FB. Essentially the position has gone the way of the Dinosaur in football. Need big plays, explosiveness out of the running game and FB’s do not offer that. IMO I am tired of the “Pro Style” offense that is ran. That is what is vanilla by our offense. I am more in favor of having a offense that plays in space and mixes in more of a West Coast style attack. The talent on the perimeter this team has should try and get more YAC yards out of the receivers. The West Coast would do that by incorporating more slants,crossing routes and with the talent at TE it would be perfect for Charles.
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
12:57 pm
So, just use the “wishing it true” playbook?
Pago Pago Dawg
December 8th, 2011
12:58 pm
The great ic will “mentor” KM…say it ain’t so!
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
1:00 pm
I’ve never somebody sum up a fan base as well as SSigator.
PT
December 8th, 2011
1:00 pm
Last one, I believe UGA’s problem has been that the program did not have a DC until recently. Bobo and Richt have always put up good numbers offensively, this year they are very young. I expect Georgia to be ranked in the top ten next year in preseason polls. If they can keep Grantham, expect a much improved program. Will they play in the SEC Championship game next year? I will say yes.
Bama Mike
December 8th, 2011
1:04 pm
Just busting a gut to share this. We just received commitment from number 1 linebacking prospect out of Louisiana which gives gives us now 4 of the top 10 linebacking recruits in the country. This beast is 6′4″ 225 lbs and runs 4.5. The process continues.
TampaDawg
December 8th, 2011
1:06 pm
Snake Doc
December 8th, 2011
12:25 pm
The CEO is so brilliant UGA doesn’t even need a special teams coach. Is that a fact or stupidity?
—————————————–
Probably more stupidity on your part for not knowing the NCAA rules on allowed coaches. I mean, sure, he could have just pulled one of his other coaches mid-season from their duties to do it, but then again, ANYONE knowing anything about ANY leadership realizes that is a horrible idea. You can’t just hire a coach at every position there buddy.
PT
December 8th, 2011
1:08 pm
Bama – your process consists of a great defense and running back. Thats it!
AltamahaDawg
December 8th, 2011
1:09 pm
Bobo not knowing how to utilize his different weapons is completely without merit this year. Plenty of points that dispute that.
Mobile Dawg
December 8th, 2011
1:13 pm
Filtered again, no time to repost such thoughtful insight. Everyone have a great day, gotta run….
Mobile Dawg
December 8th, 2011
1:15 pm
One more, per my filtered post, Altamaha, you’re awarded an honorary law degree from UGA, if you don’t already have one. For every point, you have a counter point. Excellent work….