Same old problems plague Dogs in loss to Spartans
Brandon Boykin had a career day against Michigan State — but it wasn't enough. (Associated Press)
Mark Richt’s Bulldogs didn’t have to find any new ways to lose in the Outback Bowl — instead, they simply let lots of familiar problems resurface in suffering another second-half collapse and dropping a three-overtime battle with Michigan State.
Again, the Dogs wasted a superlative first-half defensive effort by giving the opponent a couple of cheap touchdowns thanks to turnovers by an erratic Aaron Murray, whose two interceptions put the Spartans back in the ball game.
Again, Georgia’s almost complete lack of a running game made the Dog’ offense one-dimensional. And was anyone at all surprised when Isaiah Crowell, reduced to a backup role, limped off the field after a handful of runs?
Again, placekicker Blair Walsh, once one of the nation’s premier specialists, proved himself more a liability than a weapon and ended up costing Georgia the game by missing two kicks in OT.
And again, playcaller Mike Bobo seemed incapable of adjusting to the realities of what was happening on the field and stubbornly stuck with what wasn’t working.
With the middle of the Spartan’s defensive line as solid as a brick wall, Bobo continually called for runs up the middle — often with delays that turned into tackles for loss since State was getting into the Georgia backfield so quickly. Early on, Georgia was able to have some running success on the outside, but once MSU adjusted to stop that, the Dogs basically were no threat on the ground.
To top it all off, with the Spartans continually blitzing from the corner, Bobo insisted on calling slow-developing downfield passing plays, an all too familiar scenario made even worse by Murray’s poor decision-making when pressured and Georgia’s tight ends being a nonfactor in the game.
Overall, Georgia relied too much on its big-play capability and never was able to really sustain anything offensively against the talented Spartans defense.
Typical of the day was what happened with a little over 3 and a half minutes left in regulation. Needing a first down or two to kill the clock and ice a victory, the Dogs went ultra-conservative and ultra-predictable — two hallmarks of Bobo’s career as a playcaller — by trying again in vain to run Richard Samuel up the middle.
It surprised no one, and the fact that it didn’t work didn’t surprise anyone, either.
And then the banged-up Georgia defense, which had played well most of the day, looked gassed on the Spartans’ last drive of regulation, getting no pressure on MSU QB Kirk Cousins, who cooly passed his team down the field to send it into overtime.
Just think how ugly things might have gotten had Brandon Boykin not played the game of his life in his farewell performance as a Georgia Bulldog, nailing a Spartan receiver for a safety, scoring on a thrilling 92-yard punt return that saw him reversing direction and weaving his way all over the field, and then moving over to offense to catch a touchdown pass for his third different score of the day.
He’ll be missed big-time.
So two disappointing losses bookended a Georgia season that started out 0-2.
Sure, the 10 wins between those four losses and an SEC East title is a big improvement over last season.
But, looking ahead, even though Georgia returns a lot of talent and will have another favorable schedule next year, if the problems that continually reared their head this season aren’t addressed, it’s going to be tough for Richt’s program to take the next step forward.
Got something on your mind concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,469 comments Add your comment
BBQ MAN
January 2nd, 2012
8:46 pm
still haven’t won against a team with a winning record. STILL!! this is what your arrogance reaps
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
8:47 pm
I am loving the fact that Mark Richt’s job is safe for a few more years. Of course, what do we have to worry about. Richt is the best this underachieving franchise has done in 30 years!
Dawgs
January 2nd, 2012
8:47 pm
Lost dog, nobody before or after auburn was saying we would play for NC, go back to your moms basement.
Not Representating the SEC!
January 2nd, 2012
8:48 pm
No thanks to UGA and Vandy for NOT winning their bowl games. But congrats to Auburn, Miss St. and USC for winning their games and representating the #1 conference in college football.
KB
January 2nd, 2012
8:48 pm
Bobo has to go. Getting rid of Martinez and hiring Grantham proved the grass is greener on the other side. Bobo cannot compete in the SEC. The fact that Carlton Thomas was in the game (with Samual, Malcome and Harden on the side-line) proves that Bobo has no business calling a D-1 game.
bubba4dawgs
January 2nd, 2012
8:49 pm
I tried but it doesn’t get posted! I’m tired of trying!!
Dawg Fans
January 2nd, 2012
8:49 pm
Georgia’s big lineman are gassed in the 4th quarter and overtime. They are NFL big but not conditioned
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
8:49 pm
And to think, the Dawgs actually thought they had a good defense! HAHA. The entire state sucks at sports!
bamaguy
January 2nd, 2012
8:50 pm
SEC: Florida won as well.
UGAKEV from columbus ga
January 2nd, 2012
8:50 pm
I feel like we are in a bigger mess now then we were after last season because now we are stuck with Richts decisions for another 3-5 seasons. It does scare me to death because I got sucked into us getting better during that 10 game winning streak. Next season we will have a YOUNG offensive line so Murray may be running for his life and throwing even more picks. If Bobo stays expect more conservative play calling with a young O-LINE. Lemay will be our man but when will it actually happen!! Because I believe even if Lemay is better in practice than Murray this next season it won’t matter because Richt will never pull Murray.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
8:50 pm
Does anyone else really wish UGA would just become a basketball school? I really think they could be a powerhouse. Football is just not their thing.
Ga1
January 2nd, 2012
8:51 pm
Once again POOR play calling by BOBO and we play not to lose instead of playing to win. How long do we put up with BOBO?
heehawSamWainwright
January 2nd, 2012
8:51 pm
BOBO NONO!!!…………….
Einstein’s definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Bobo’s definition of insanity is adjusting to a defense’s strength or at least trying something other than a run up the middle on 3rd and 8.
The sooner we hire Grantham’s equivalent as an offensive coordinator, the better.
And P.S. to Tech fan… losing sucks but I’d still rather be us than you.
Bobo’s definition of insanity is doing different, innovative things over and over again and expecting different results
The sooner we find Grantham’s equivalent in an offensive coordinator the better.
crossdawg
January 2nd, 2012
8:51 pm
Embarassed again. BooBoo & mop head crowell need to pack up & leave. Glad Walsh in a Sr.
Mountain Dawg
January 2nd, 2012
8:52 pm
Did Bobo draw up the plays on the bus on the way to the stadium? Come on Richt, coach to win the game!!!!
Kennyg
January 2nd, 2012
8:52 pm
So UGA starts with a blowout loss and a close loss (that the Dogs should have won) and they close the same way. Feels like the program is right back where it was when the season started. Not even competitive against LSU and losing to a team they should have clobbered because of poor coaching and erratic play at the QB and kicker positions and not being able to finish the game. Remember in the 6-7 year, they were out of shape. Now they get gassed when the game is on the line. Going out this pitiful way makes me think Richt can’t reach the next level. Auburn and Florida won’t be down long. Who knows about Tennessee? South Carolina has passed UGA. It’s been 32 years since the lone National Championship. Something just doesn’t feel right about the football program. I don’t feel like I connect to Richt and what he’s trying to do. Feels like he keeps the program kind of too himself and keeps the fans at bay. All too distant and aloof. Something isn’t right.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
8:52 pm
What are you Dawgs worried about? You’re already in the SEC championship next year. You’re going to lose…but any mid-tier SEC school should be happy to go to the SEC championship.
Dawg89
January 2nd, 2012
8:52 pm
Richt and Bobo = Dumb and Dumber.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
8:53 pm
Grantham’s equivalent??? Did you watch the last two games?!? Idiot Dawgs think they have a good defense because they stop Kentucky.
DawgGone
January 2nd, 2012
8:54 pm
This one is all on the coaching staff. As a matter of fact, the LSU game was too. They proved they can play in the first half of each pf these 2 games, but Ga’s patheticcoaching staff couldn’t make the necessary adjustments. I truely believe that Bobo must go, but there is no way that Richt will fire him. He’ll just say that the offense scored plenty of points. That’s what the idiots on 680 say also.I am so sick of people in this town defending Richt and Bobo. CMR is an average coach, maybe even a little above, but he is nowhere near the caliber of Les Miles or Nick Saban. He just can’t put an opponent away when he has the chance. Oh well, at least he got a contract extention out of this mess. Another disappointing year, and nothing to show that next year will be better.
Dawg48
January 2nd, 2012
8:54 pm
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
Now I know what it’s like to lose a game by missing a field goal!
You know how that feels don’t you!
bubba4dawgs
January 2nd, 2012
8:54 pm
Hey Boo Boo, go catch the bus and take Murray and Crowell with you!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 2nd, 2012
8:55 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
Why yes this fun
Its also fun to watch ignorance unfold throughout the year
aka, chazzo, columbus, Altamaha Dawg, and the list goes on
Fire Mike Bobo
January 2nd, 2012
8:55 pm
I absolutely can not and will not support this program, either financially or emotionally until AT LEAST mike bobo is gone. Richt is basically just as culpable for allowing Dodo anywhere near a coaching assignment. It’s devastating to be absolutely certain that we’ll never be anything more than mediocre because mike bobo is allowed to call plays – and because richt is too soft and apathetic to care that we’re sooooo inept.
rpidge
January 2nd, 2012
8:55 pm
I am a Georgia grad and not an outsider on what I am about to say. Simply put Geaorgia will not ever compete for a national title as long as we keep Mike Bobo as offensive cordinator. Move him to another position on the staff and get a paroven Off. Cord. or watch all the best recruits come up short in the long run. You can take this to the bank.
Red
January 2nd, 2012
8:55 pm
I say we bring in the Evil Genius! Can you imagine what Spurrier could do with our talent?
Jim
January 2nd, 2012
8:55 pm
Bill, Muschamp said he was waiting until after the Bowl games to hire an OC. I would see this as he is targeting someone who is playing in a bowl game. Your thoughts?
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
8:55 pm
I know how a National Championship game feels. I know you don’t if you are less than 32 years old…
Dawg48
January 2nd, 2012
8:56 pm
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
You have Harvey updyke mentality!
Flo-Ri-Duh
January 2nd, 2012
8:56 pm
Same thing that beat UGA against LSU. Good defense 1st half, but missed oportunities on offense. Turnovers in the 3rd quarter and lacked a running game. Missed field goals were the final straw. The OL was not holding up – try screen passes and an occassional draw to slow down the rush. Bring in Arthue Lynch at TE to block and move Orson Charles to WR. Samuel & Crowell had bad ankles and should have not even played. They couldn’t cut. When your field goal kicker has missed 13 field goals you try to score a TD in ver time – not run up the middle once and take a knee on the next play. Pitiful execution by the offense overall but especially in over time.
dogger
January 2nd, 2012
8:57 pm
Hey I’m a real fan unlike all you pretenders. I think we should keep Ricth for another 20 years you know at least give him a chance. Besides I enjoy losing to ranked teams all real Georgia fans should keep cheering him on… Ricth Ricth he’s our man if he can’t lose to em BoBo can go Ricth!!!
UGAKEV from columbus ga
January 2nd, 2012
8:57 pm
I wonder how big the buyout will be after we have to fire Richt the year after we give him the extension? It will be very embarressing for the program.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
Nick Saban’s or Les Miles defenses would be nothing that they are with Mike Bonehead calling their offense.
Why
Because their defense would be on the field too long due to all the 3 and outs
jack bull
January 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
how was the QB play today? or in the 4 losses this year? i think i see a common thread there..
Eddie Haskell
January 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
At least you beat Vanderbilt
Dead Dawg
January 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
Richt and UGA is a delusional bunch of losers. Think they will be good next year. Face the facts
Will return a lousy offensive line, no running backs, an errattic QB, incompetent coaching staff.
Most returning players that are eligible for NFL should leave. Mason should leave for his own good.
Crowell should be run off. Contract extension my ass You deserve what you get for next several years. LOSERVILLE
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
Don’t you guys get it. Bobo is the best you can do. What good coordinator wants to come “learn” under Richt, not sign enough talent because “it’s the right thing to do,” and have no shot at winning anything meaningful at a second-rate school?
And if you think Grantham’s much better, check out the scores against your quality opponents (Boise, USC, LSU, and MSU). Great defense!
Same old problems plague Dogs in loss to Spartans – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Best Dogs World
January 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
[...] webmaster@technorati.com wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
Dog DO DO
January 2nd, 2012
8:59 pm
Atleast you DAWGS got lucky and don’t have to play Alabama next year…Oh Yeah, nor do you play LSU or Arkansas…What an easy schedule…Still, UGA will be lucky to make a decent bowl…
Dawg48
January 2nd, 2012
9:00 pm
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
Are you acting big and bad on a Georgia blog cause bama beat us in the black out game?
Are you upset cause LSU with Saban owned BAMA?
Are you upset cause LSU with Miles owns BAMA?
Are you really happy with sloppy seconds with Saban after LSU got first?
Or are you upset cause a crappy coach like mark richt has a 3 and 1 record against big bad bama?
JE
January 2nd, 2012
9:02 pm
I wonder if when Bobo and Murray are trying to run the clock out by watching the game clock down to 1 or 2 second there is no defensive coordinator in the world that does not tell his defense to count down the clock and be ready for the snap….Looks like it gives a defense an advantage to do this everytime we are trying to run out the clock… We have not been successful with it.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
9:02 pm
Yes, all us Bama fans are terribly upset now. It’s like we just had our grand delusions shot down by losing to a Big 10 school…
UGAKEV from columbus ga
January 2nd, 2012
9:03 pm
Dog DO DO,
Noo the sad thing is we will probably win 10 or 11 games next season. Some fans probably will get sucked in again but I know I won’t be.
bamaguy
January 2nd, 2012
9:03 pm
Bamaguy agrees with Dawg48
Dawgs
January 2nd, 2012
9:03 pm
Hey tide rolling. You have won nothing, weren’t even allowed to attend the conference title. Minus ur one title 2 yrs ago, the last 25 yrs you hadnt won crap….your last 20 yrs have been average at best. Now, aside from football. You live in alabama…….hahahahahahahahahahahahahah !
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 2nd, 2012
9:03 pm
BAMA
BAMA
BAMA
BAMA
Bama will win the game by 9 or better.
The TRUTH is WE the REGULAR BLOGGERS need to MEET for a GAME at a sports bar and drop the attitude but have fun and realize we are FANS of out teams. Maybe I can get a Block of Braves Game tickets foe all of us to go to the GT v UGA baseball game this spring for charity.
You Bloggers interested? i will get it in the works.
waytogoricht
January 2nd, 2012
9:03 pm
Same old problems continue to plague Georgia, did you say Bill? . . .and the biggest one continues to be Richt, in not concentrating when in the offseason he was trying to learn football, like in going with Aaron(still can’t beat anyone relevant) Murray, and going with Walsh who shanked more than a few field goals this year.
But UGA will delay the pain of kicking him out and give this POS of a coach an extension.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can Stop it
January 2nd, 2012
9:04 pm
I love Mark Richt!
Fun blog, Bill
January 2nd, 2012
9:05 pm
some of the whimpering were laughing about two days ago because of missed field goals…just saying.
Richard Dawson
January 2nd, 2012
9:05 pm
FIRE MARK RICHT.
It’s not the playcalling.
It’s the overall execution on offense and defense.
It’s the lack of intensity.
It’s the lack of a championship mentality.
Alabama beat this team 51-7, yet we struggle to lose by a field goal.
Forget the playcalling, forget the kicking.
Get a championship coach.
FIRE MARK RICHT.