Big questions temper optimism as Dogs look ahead to 2012
Georgia returns a lot of talent, including Aaron Murray, but still has some major concerns to deal with in 2012. (Associated Press)
A week ago, in the wake of the SEC’s 2012 schedule being announced, optimism was running wild in the Bulldog Nation.
This week, after watching the Dogs again collapse in the second half amid continued problems with special teams play and establishing a running game, many Georgia fans are tempering their optimism.
The Dogs still may start out next season as a Top 10 team based on a load of returning talent and an even more favorable schedule than this year’s, but there will be some big challenges, especially if the team is hit with major losses to the NFL. Orson Charles going pro would hurt, but the chance of the defense possibly losing two or three underclassmen is more worrisome.
Meanwhile, the offensive line, which was good enough against middling teams this season but gave up 33 sacks and faltered against the four best defenses Georgia faced, will lose three senior starters and will have little returning experience.
The Dogs will have to replace both their placekicker and their punter and still haven’t solved the problem of spotty special teams play overall.
Record-setting QB Aaron Murray will return but has some ball security problems to deal with (his turnovers when pressured or scrambling played a major role in three of the Dogs’ four losses), and Georgia could lose what little backup experience it has at the position if Hutson Mason decides to transfer.
And then there’s the running game, which went from inconsistent to pathetic late in the season as Isaiah Crowell found myriad ways to stay off the field. The bright spot there in 2012 is the arrival of Keith Marshall and probably at least one other freshman tailback, but we learned this season that signing a five-star recruit at that position is no guarantee of long-term success.
So, yes, Georgia reeled off 10 wins in a row this season and took the SEC East but as Mark Richt said, “our guys had a good year, not a great year,” losing to the four teams they played that ended up ranked in the Top 20 while getting their wins against teams that finished the season unranked.
All of which raises this question: Were the 2011 Dogs that much better than the 2010 team that finished 6-7, or was the SEC East title more a function of scheduling?
I think the answer is a qualified yes, the Dogs were much improved — mainly on defense. But they remained, as Richt noted, far from a great team. There’s no denying that a schedule that didn’t include the toughest teams from the SEC West probably was the biggest factor in Georgia’s 2011 turnaround.
They’ll get that break again next season. But it’s going to take more than that for Richt and company to improve on a 10-4 record.
Got something on your mind concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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828 comments Add your comment
Imagine
January 4th, 2012
5:56 pm
The old guard UGA alumni will be ill if McGarity re ups Richt for two or three more years at a huge increase in salary. The guy simply does not deserve a huge pay raise or one at all. Granthom DOES DESERVE ONE. CMR was fortunate to get CTG in place last year and we are on D much better and much more athletic. We do wear down eventually because we are full of big men on the D line.
As for the O ……………it is obvious for all the world to see Murray looks and looks for the home run ball and either dumps it out of PANIC for a quick 6 pic or he fumbles or takes a sack. UGA can do better than this folks.
UGA needs new blood on this O coaching staff ………….end of story. I am hoping that AD- Greg McGarity will absolutely insist on some MAJOR CHANGES ON O. Bryan Mc Clendon caught the winning TD in the Tech game about 5 years ago. Congrats!! He does not deserve however, to make the $265,000 base salary at 27 years old by being UGA’s LOUSY Running Back coach and some times recruiter. He needs to focus on recruiting OR BE GONE. Bobo needs to be QB coach only. He is an on the job training failure. He makes about $450,000 per year folks!!! That is outrageous.
McGarity really needs to rethink ANY IDEA of boosting Richt’s income and tenure folks and PAY CTG some bread $ !!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
5:59 pm
Im hoping we play no one ranked in the top 20 next year
Then we wont have to worry about Richt and Bobo running in the locker room to hide during the game
Gene
January 4th, 2012
6:06 pm
Dyer and Lattimore started as freshmen and were very effective. The idea that freshmen can’t contribute is just wrong. The fact is, Crowell was overrated, and Richt apparently doesn’t make any independent analysis of talent. All of Richt’s recruiting flattery of Crowell helped make the kid think he was the second coming . Crowell found out that he wasn’t in high school any more, and he actually was expected to block, which he never did with any effort. My guess is, Richt will have #1 again in 2012 to lure another “number diva”.By the way, any kid who signs with a school for a particular number is a very stupid kid who won’t be around long.
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
6:09 pm
Possible slogans for 2012 season: “UGA football, we strive for mediocrity”, “Aaron Murray – he’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get”, “Hey, at least Blair Walsh is gone”, “Since the team only plays for one half, all ticket prices are half off”.
Isaiah Crowell the bests rb @ uga
January 4th, 2012
6:11 pm
I have learned that they is alot of snakes oil salesmens at uga. this team, coachies, ain’t going nowhere, ain’t going to wins nothins here. why would i want to stay heres for? gets hurts and ruin my chances in the nfl.
Isaiah Crowell the bests rb @ uga
January 4th, 2012
6:13 pm
i be tellin yous peoples, these coaches coach us down.
1984uga
January 4th, 2012
6:14 pm
Contrary to the majority of the posts, if I had a son & he wanted to play football, I would hope that he would choose to play for Richt. The column by ESPN says it all about LSU & Alabama…
http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/story/_/id/7422972/lsu-tigers-alabama-crimson-tide-built-image-their-coaches-les-miles-nick-saban-bcs-national-championship-game
Both Miles & Saban are great coaches – no question. But I suspect their PRIMARY goal is to win games regardless of the player i.e. Saban’s stance on over-signing. I genuinely believe that CMR has the players BEST interest at heart. While it may not translate to national championships, I’ll take it anyday over Saban & Miles if I had a son that played football.
evil empire
January 4th, 2012
6:19 pm
1984uga…cmr’s primary goal needs to be winning games…not raise someone else’s kid…he has to have uga’s best interest at heart…thats the way it works now…
SatillaDawg
January 4th, 2012
6:23 pm
Play Hutson Mason and Lemay. Murray stinks. Get rid of boo boo. Or make him the QB Coach. We need OC,we have a good DC.
Stephen A.DAWG: Gee whiz, ......9-3 at best in 2012.
January 4th, 2012
6:23 pm
I hope I’m wrong but I can already envision Georgia losing the first game of the ‘12 season on the road at Missouri. I know we will lose to South Carolina on the road because they have a top twenty program now. And we know Richt/Bobo/Murray can’t beat a ranked team to save their lives. UF will beat Georgia in Jacksonville, because it is a must win game for Muschamp and he can’t go 0-2 to UGA and stay. So barring any other unforeseen losses at least UGA may win 9 games and lose 3 to make the 2013 Chick-Fila Peach Bowl. Georgia has hit a mediocrity ceiling under Richt. UGA is knocking on the door of second tier greatness is what Richt meant. He knocked on it and it fell on him. Murray said he’s excited and the Dawg Fans should be excited to witness more mediocrity at its best.
Dawg Whisperer
January 4th, 2012
6:30 pm
SSIGator… you’re about the only person I’ve heard that doesn’t think much about the job Grantham has done at UGA. Apparently, the Gatoraide you’re drinking is much stronger than our koolaid.
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
6:31 pm
timbo
January 4th, 2012
5:06 pm
Oh man, ‘True Dawg Fan’ is leaving???? Must be nap time.
Or I was driving home from work. But good assumption
Bogey
January 4th, 2012
6:32 pm
Just the facts sir, just the facts stated this morning that Bama and LSU would return to the schedule in 2013. Not possible unless go to nine game conference schedule because only 2 teams from the west will be on any east teams schedule and Auburn is the traditional rival for the Dawgs.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
6:37 pm
1984uga
I didnt know UGA was a daycare center
And do me a favor
Since that is your stance, do you mind writing President Adams, and Mcgarity and tell them since UGA’s job is to raise kids;
to please stop making fans to have to donate large amounts of money to get season tickets since we are not woried about winning but instead raising kids
Thanks
Flat Tire
todd grantham needs to go too
January 4th, 2012
6:39 pm
defense has given up too many points. understand redneck nation?
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
6:41 pm
evil empire
January 4th, 2012
5:05 pm
evans had you on the right path by scheduling home and home ooc games…mcgarrity will NEVER do that…
What path??? the one not taken by any other SEC school due to the grueling nature of having to play 8 SEC games????
Please inform me on what the issue is here??? Not McGarity, UGA, or the fans problems what the SEC does with the schedule or how good or not the SEC teams are that are PLACED BY THE SEC on our schedule.
As for the ACC and the other little sister conferences, it is necessary to schedule good home and homes bc they don’t even come close to playing in the SEC. Not our fault we were given a favorable schedule. I would rather smack bama around again and watch Saban cry, (especially with us going against Bama for the top talent in the country next year). But we will get a shot at them in 2013 and 2014.
But maybe by 2020 OSU will be good again and when that home and home happens you will get to relive your love for that DA Evans! (FYI do some research McGarity got Boise on their this year, and attempted to get ND, Penn St, and a few others from the big ten before settling on Boise. Since they were the only ones man enough to accept the challenge.)
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
6:44 pm
Stephen A.DAWG: Gee whiz, ……9-3 at best in 2012.
January 4th, 2012
6:23 pm
I hope I’m wrong but I can already envision Georgia losing the first game of the ‘12 season on the road at Missouri. I know we will lose to South Carolina on the road because they have a top twenty program now. And we know Richt/Bobo/Murray can’t beat a ranked team to save their lives. UF will beat Georgia in Jacksonville, because it is a must win game for Muschamp and he can’t go 0-2 to UGA and stay. So barring any other unforeseen losses at least UGA may win 9 games and lose 3 to make the 2013 Chick-Fila Peach Bowl. Georgia has hit a mediocrity ceiling under Richt. UGA is knocking on the door of second tier greatness is what Richt meant. He knocked on it and it fell on him. Murray said he’s excited and the Dawg Fans should be excited to witness more mediocrity at its best.
Wow learn the schedule before you try and insult a fan base
And UF????? ahaahahahahahahhahahaha
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
6:45 pm
Bogey
January 4th, 2012
6:32 pm
Just the facts sir, just the facts stated this morning that Bama and LSU would return to the schedule in 2013. Not possible unless go to nine game conference schedule because only 2 teams from the west will be on any east teams schedule and Auburn is the traditional rival for the Dawgs.
You are correct!
Lsu or Arkansas will roll onto the schedule after Alabama in 2015. Unless SEC changes to 9 games in SEC.
John
January 4th, 2012
6:46 pm
I think everyone knows a Richt will never coach UGA to a national championship and will keep his job if he continues to have 10 win seasons. I don’t think he has the drive or competitveness to go undefeated and is satisfied with 2-3 loss seasons. That is sad for us UGA fans b/c we have come to expect disappointment every year under Richt. He is a very good person though and great to the fans of UGA football.
WalterEgo
January 4th, 2012
6:52 pm
How can a blog about “Big Questions” regarding the dawgs not address the problem of Bobo as an OC directly?!? Lame.
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
6:58 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
6:37 pm
Say that all you want, but its winning the recruits. If we get Jordan Jenkins it will only be bc of Richt. Not to mention the long line of recruits that have only come here because of his values, that wins parents over.
But does it in turn give the best coaching style?? No.
But do you honestly think that McGarity isnt smart enough to build most of the necessary changes into the extension??? Give the guy some credit. I would put money down that changes to the offense and special teams will be built in. Starting with play calling. He was just at Florida watching crazy run and Gun offenses that put up huge numbers and knocked off the big guys. He doesnt expect anything less here.
If McGarity can force Richt to put Bobo at RC and QB coach and get rid of McClendon in favor of a OC (someone has to be fired). And pray to God whoever they hire is good with RBs.
And then force Richt to take control of special teams (Instead of 9 co head special teams coaches) we will be fine.
The other option is to force them to actually use some of the new formations that they have been drawing up and to take chances on offense by actually using the fricken wild dawg (And put N. Marshall back there, former QB). This is where the problem is. They have the plays but either Richt has them marked as dont even think about it, or Bobo is just too scared to call them.
Either way we need changes on play calling (dont give me that execution crap, how is C. Thomas at 160 pounds supposed to run up the gut??????) and then how special teams is run (fricken mess, they dont even have anyone in control of the whole group)
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
6:59 pm
True Dawg Fan
Please enlighten us on why you think Richt is turning the SS Mediocrity around
SSIgator
January 4th, 2012
7:02 pm
Hey, it is my old pal dawgster back on the scene. It has been awhile since you crawled all over me regarding my comments about Richt, but as you can see from some of the other posts, I am certainly not the only one with a negative opinion. Looks like you have your work cut out for you to convert the other non-believers. Good luck.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
7:04 pm
True Dawg Fan
I never said nothing about player execution, thats an excuse Im tired of hearing come out of Richts mouth.
you make some good points but the problem is Richt isnt going to do none of that his track record has shown he refuses to make changes
also
Under the Richt tenure UGA has ranked 2nd in recruiting behind USC among the 120 schools and UGA has put more players in the NFL than any other SEC school
Bottom line
The talent has been their the coach has been to busy designing Uniforms and reading books on Energy Vampires
SSIgator
January 4th, 2012
7:05 pm
Dawg Whisperer -
You might want to read the other posts in a little more detail. There happens to be one on this page as well.
wins-by-a-link
January 4th, 2012
7:06 pm
The future of the football program at Ga does not rest with Coach Richt but with then new AD, McGarity who came to Ga from Fla has to see the problems with Richt’s program, The whole offensive side of the team has to be revamped, Coaches must go, New blood brought in, Richt will not change on his own, Remember he almost was fired before he would replace Willie Martinez, So its all on McGarity, Watch for one of two things to happen, (1) Richt announces that Bobo will be replaced by another OC along with other coaches on offense or (2) Richt is given a contract extension and he announces that his entire offensive staff including Bobo will return, If its the latter then you can forget about any improvement and expect more of what you saw in the last two games, More Bobo and more Murray.
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
7:09 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
7:04 pm
True Dawg Fan
I never said nothing about player execution, thats an excuse Im tired of hearing come out of Richts mouth.
you make some good points but the problem is Richt isnt going to do none of that his track record has shown he refuses to make changes
also
Under the Richt tenure UGA has ranked 2nd in recruiting behind USC among the 120 schools and UGA has put more players in the NFL than any other SEC school
Bottom line
The talent has been their the coach has been to busy designing Uniforms and reading books on Energy Vampires
So hes wasting time because he is trying to get the players to buy into the program??? We were 6-7 last year there is a lot of convincing that needed to be done. He has them behind him again, but Bobo and or who ever is stoping the plays from being called are the problem. Richt stays as long as he brings in the recruits. Find an OC from the pros that will get in their face and cuss them out when they mess up and we are fine. Bobo is too much like Richt, lucky for us it brings in the recruits but it allows them to walk on you once inside.
Bring in the OC. Put someone in charge of special teams and UGA with Richt will go far.
SSIgator
January 4th, 2012
7:11 pm
True Dawg Fan -
We were starting to worry about you not being around here for awhile. We thought you might have been canned at Tire Kingdom in your role as tire advisor. That would have been a shame in this economy. Free company computer time is not easy to come buy. Welcome back and by the way, what happened to that set of Pirrellis I had you order for me before Christmas?
evil empire
January 4th, 2012
7:11 pm
man its good to true dawg fan back…good times indeed…no way i’d choose to send my kid to play for richt when he could work with ol’ TDF!!….i’ll need that opinion on IVAN before the market opens tomorrow morning…toodles…..
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
7:12 pm
TRUE DAWG FAN……………………………………………..U Dosen’t hav’n 2 CopZ n Past Peeholes comzents 2z letn usn Noze wo u bez takn’n 2.
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
7:12 pm
wins-by-a-link
January 4th, 2012
7:06 pm
The future of the football program at Ga does not rest with Coach Richt but with then new AD, McGarity who came to Ga from Fla has to see the problems with Richt’s program, The whole offensive side of the team has to be revamped, Coaches must go, New blood brought in, Richt will not change on his own, Remember he almost was fired before he would replace Willie Martinez, So its all on McGarity, Watch for one of two things to happen, (1) Richt announces that Bobo will be replaced by another OC along with other coaches on offense or (2) Richt is given a contract extension and he announces that his entire offensive staff including Bobo will return, If its the latter then you can forget about any improvement and expect more of what you saw in the last two games, More Bobo and more Murray.
Not if McGarity puts clauses in the extension that require things to change on offense and special teams. If he can do that and get Richt to sign off on it. We may be ok. But Bobo would have to prove it to everyone that he can call a whole game, and then prove it again every week after that the whole year. Then , maybe just maybe we will be ok.
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
7:13 pm
SSIgator
January 4th, 2012
7:11 pm
True Dawg Fan -
We were starting to worry about you not being around here for awhile. We thought you might have been canned at Tire Kingdom in your role as tire advisor. That would have been a shame in this economy. Free company computer time is not easy to come buy. Welcome back and by the way, what happened to that set of Pirrellis I had you order for me before Christmas?
Yawn
Anything else or you just going to say the same stupid stuff???
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
7:15 pm
True Dawg Fan
How about this
Hire Richt as the lead recruiting coordinator and go find a head coach that knows how to win instead of playing Beamer ball
I can gaurantee you this is what would happen in the business world
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
7:15 pm
TRUE DAWG FAN’s great post on the Tech blogs. He brings so much VALUE to the blogs.
Bc im on here during the middle of my work day on the slowest work week of the year in between Xmas and New Years I need to get a life???
WHY ARE YOU ON THIS WEEK THEN?
ahahahaha I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Family and Financial Planning. Also I dont have any kids so my money spent on tickets is my business.
Actually I got a great education at UGA.
FROM YOUR SPELLING I DOUBT YOU GRADUATED laude ANYTHING
This place speeds my day up, seeing as its the slowest week of the year ill be here till thursday!!
AGAIN WHY ARE YOU ON TODAY THEN?
ahahahha Actually engaged and will be married in May, so once again………. YOUR WRONG!
LUCKY GUY. WHAT IS HIS NAME?
When you work with 10M$ clients and up this is the slowest week. They are all off in Europe or on their yachts headed for their beach houses for new years. But then again you can just use your insane logic and make up all these extra assumptions to prove your point.
you asked why were slow if all other financial institutions were slammed so I told you. When your clients have a min. of 10M investable assets you dont have much to do at years end except to make sure their charitable donations go through. Its on auto pilot here and we are just here this week incase of a client emergency. So believe what you want about me doesnt hurt my feelings even a little.
you asked why were slow if all other financial institutions were slammed so I told you. When your clients have a min. of 10M investable assets you dont have much to do at years end except to make sure their charitable donations go through. Its on auto pilot here and we are just here this week incase of a client emergency. So believe what you want about me doesnt hurt my feelings even a little.
They were 11-1 last year and were Co champions of the big ten that year of course they came out in full support. They squandered the big 10 championship this year, and most likely left a sour taste in their fans mouths.
THERE IS THE MONEY YOU TALK ABOUT.
Last year were they came into this game on fire and had a great shot at winning and beating bama (which obviously didnt happen).
This year they limp into their bowl game, so not unnatural that their fans wouldnt wanna pay 1K per fan to come down to Florida when there is a good chance that they get waxed again this year by an SEC Powerhouse.
HOW DID THE powerhouse SEC DAWGS DO AGAINS MSU AGAIN?
Stop crying and wait till Jan 2 and we will show you how a real team from georgia is supposed to play.
I agree that a lot of extra credit given to Big ten teams whens its not deserved. They dont have the speed to compete with the SEC, OSU proved that in back to back years. as have countless others that get blown out in bowl games. MSU got that treatment from Bama last year.
THE DAWGS LOST TO MSU
Actually being a financial planner all I need is spell check. Havent taken english since I was a freshman at UGA about 7 years ago. Thats the beauty of working with numbers.
I work 8:30 to 5 monday through friday big guy. If you dont like what I have to say then dont read it.
But dont worry Im off for the day. And good news for you im off on friday as well so I wont be here then either!
Dawg89
January 4th, 2012
7:18 pm
I made a promise to myself after the MSU debacle not care as much next season unless there is some meaningful change to the offensive coaching staff. Why is it that we have great defensive coaching talent but have Bobo, Ball, McClendon, and Friend on offense?
smart dawg
January 4th, 2012
7:21 pm
True dawg, come clean. I saw you working in one of the kiosks at Southlake mall. Just to the left of one of the shoe stores.
evil empire
January 4th, 2012
7:21 pm
hey still@…what the he11 was that rant????
always
January 4th, 2012
7:26 pm
each year there’s always some reason (excuse). really getting old.
Stephen A.DAWG: Gee whiz, ......9-3 at best in 2012.
January 4th, 2012
7:26 pm
true dog fan is an idiot & not a Dawg fan at all.
SSIgator
January 4th, 2012
7:28 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville -
Aren’t you the lucky guy tonight. You get to have True Dawg Fan entertain you. That is if you can decipher what it is that he is trying to say when he types it out. I think it must be some sort of Kool-Aid Code or something. But like he says, in his role as tire advisor at Tire Kingdom, he doesn’t need English, he only works with numbers. Have fun.
evil empire
January 4th, 2012
7:28 pm
is that 265k per year figure for mclendon true?…
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
7:30 pm
evil empire it is ALL the crap TRUE DAWG FAN posted on the TECH blog the day after Christmas
kral
January 4th, 2012
7:35 pm
Would you rip-em if Blair makes the first shorter fg…if so whose really got a problem
East Repeat
January 4th, 2012
7:36 pm
Still@Bar show nuff knoze hes sheaaaat!
Orange11
January 4th, 2012
7:38 pm
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray: It wasn’t the return Murray was hoping for to his hometown of Tampa. The Bulldogs’ sophomore quarterback had a banner season with his school-record 35 touchdown passes, but the Outback Bowl turned in Michigan State’s favor on Murray’s two third-quarter interceptions. The first pick set up a touchdown, and the second pick was returned 38 yards for a touchdown, completely changing the complexion of that game.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
7:41 pm
On this UGA Blog WHO are you guys pulling for in the Clem&Sons v Tennessee Vols without a Razor ORANGE BOWL?
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
7:44 pm
I hate anything orange, so reluctantly………..go mountaineers. I’d rather gotten them in the SEC than Missouri also, in case anyone cares.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
7:48 pm
Big Wally you might be one of the few that wanted WVU. Hell their level of Academic Excellence is just above Clayton Co in Ga. It would allow both Vol fans and Mountaineer fans to date and marry just outside the family gene pool though.
Sharkman
January 4th, 2012
7:51 pm
1.) Fire Bobo.
2.) Hire a FULL TIME Special Teams coach.
3.) Let Mason and Murray rotate series like Greene and Schockley did.
4.) Give Richt a 2 year extension with no buyout clause. I don’t paid millions of dollars after fired for doing a terrible job. I don’t reckon anybody else out there does either. Except College coaches. THAT’S INSANE!!!
True Dawg Fan
January 4th, 2012
7:51 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
7:30 pm
evil empire it is ALL the crap TRUE DAWG FAN posted on the TECH blog the day after Christmas
At least we all know that you and smart enough are one and the same. Can’t show urself as him anymore so you switch back. Hahaha aha aha how pathetic!!
Did I embarrass u at bad???? Gotta love the dumb all caps comments underneath mine. Is that all you can do??