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
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
7:52 pm
I know, I know, but at least they would fit better geographically in the east, than Missouri. Besides WVU vs Tenn. Think of the headlines…Inbred vs Inbred, toothless vs toothless. I can’t develop hatred for Missouri, but WVU – I still have bitterness over that Sugar Bowl a few years ago.
WestOfAthens
January 4th, 2012
7:53 pm
“I think…”
Yes Bill, you are entitled to your opinion.
Opinions drive this blog, although the majority who do post are inept,you must love the freedoms this nation provides. Disagree, but don’t we all?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
7:54 pm
GOOD CALL Big Wally. Can you Imagine the kids born after those two fan bases met and downed a pint of MoonShine?
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
7:56 pm
The horror, the horror.
evil empire
January 4th, 2012
8:00 pm
wvu sugar bowl…another great coaching performance by cmr…ahh the memories…
NiceUni
January 4th, 2012
8:02 pm
Why would Orson Charles going pro hurt? We didn’t throw the ball to him in our LOSS to MSU. Why should he stay. Bobo/Murray won’t throw to him if he does. And when did Richt lose his his manhood. He coaches scared…and coaches not to lose…which is a submissive weak coaching strategy that doesn’t win championships. I’m sick of the jerks hijacking my team and losing (Goff, Donnan, Richt). It’s 20 years of idiocy.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:04 pm
Clem&Sons 30 years ago was here for a National Title…………I bet some of you Dawgs are getting a tear in your eye for that 30 years ago GLORY.
pop
January 4th, 2012
8:04 pm
richt please read the headlines and if u really care about ga please fire same play bobo u need some one that knows what he is doing he is the worst offense cordinator the dawg nation has ever seen getting a def,cordinator was the best thing u ever did now get us a new offense cordinator.dawg nation has spoke
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:06 pm
Yea that WVU Sugar Bowl was just another example of not being prepared to win a football game
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:07 pm
Mark May v Lou Holtz could be as good a Fight as this Game on the field. I really think they don’t like each other very much.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:12 pm
I trying to decide on what is worse
Our offense or ACC football?
AJ WALKER
January 4th, 2012
8:16 pm
BOBO HAS GOT TO GO HAD THEM DOWN GO BACK AND LOOK AT HIS PLAY CALLS IF MARK CANT DO IT THEN HE NEEDS TO GO
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:16 pm
FLAT now be honest Did VT get screwed on the TD Catch in overtime or what? Called a TD and what did the Refs see to change the call?
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
8:18 pm
I think our offense is worse. Blocking is optional at UGA. Our star running backs are as fragile as glass. Our passing attack is basically throw it to whoever is open, our guys or theirs.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:18 pm
Auburn with a Lake by 6 tonight in the Orange Bowl.
CPJ 2K11
January 4th, 2012
8:19 pm
True Dawg Fan is a Magna Cum Load Family and Financial Planner. He works at the bank and can help you select your PIN number for your ATM card.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:22 pm
KICKOFF about to happen. people going to watch and comment?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:31 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
Yea VT got ripped off
And they beat Michigan up and down the field all night but ……….they lost
Anyway does anyone know if Richt and Beamer graduated from The University of I cant coach in a big game?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:33 pm
HOW HOW HOW does he drop that 1st down pass?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:35 pm
FLAT I don’t think VT lost as MUCH as the REFS screwed the call.
smart dawg
January 4th, 2012
8:39 pm
Kool-aid, I plan to be here awhile. Breaking out the scotch soon.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:42 pm
OK Smart i got the jack
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:43 pm
DAMN that boy is fast.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:43 pm
smart dawg
You might want to hold off and save the scotch until after UGA plays a few games this coming season
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:44 pm
and I dont mean to celebrate
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:47 pm
FLAT now you have to go into the season DRUNK on the RICHT Kool-aid or something stronger right?
smart dawg
January 4th, 2012
8:48 pm
No, Flat, I’ll have more. Going tomorrow to restock. I gotta go with the most southern team tonight, Clemson. If WV were playing someone other than ACC/SEC, I’d likely be a mountaineer. Friday, I will be a razorback. Sooey.
Monday…my heart says Bama. My wallet says LSU.
Sparty79
January 4th, 2012
8:48 pm
Overrated as always…..what a weak SEC schedule the leg humpers have in 2012….No way they could even go .500 in the Big 10.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:52 pm
So that guy is a WAKE grad and now getting his Masters at WVU? He must be studying Early American History and West Virginia hasn’t progressed since 1879.
45ACP
January 4th, 2012
8:52 pm
I agree that Bobo needs to be replaced. However 16 tackles for lost yards against Michigan State is not the OC’s fault. Our offensive line has sucked for the last 5 years. Games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. We need some road graders up front to make things work.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:53 pm
smart dawg
I will agree on all that
WhoWantsIt
January 4th, 2012
8:54 pm
So when/if Richt gets fired or resigns…..who is going to replace him?
Let’s look at the facts, guys…
1. Vince Dooley retires and you replace him with….Ray Goff??? How many people were offered the job before him? I think it was three…one being the great Erk Russell.
2. Ray Goff gets fired and you replace him with…..Jim Donnan. Wasn’t the job offered first to some coach at Kansas who accepted and then said, “no thanks”
3. Jim Donnan gets fired and you replace him with …..Mark Richt. Who was the OC at FSU.
Out of the three guys after Dooley…none of them were BIG names, why not?
Who in the world would even want to come coach at Georgia? Compared to the other facilities in the SEC….subpar facilities….they call that an indoor practice field. It’s a glorified garage! From what I hear the fans are yelling at coach’s wives and their kids in the stands. Wow, that is what a guy wants for his family.
Who would even want to come play? Recruits come to watch ballgames and they here the fans cussing and screaming at the players and their coaches. I read on twitter several people call out player and coaches names and say…I hope you die!
Oh and watch a game in our stadium and then go to a game at Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, or LSU. Our fans are pathetic. They sit and watch the game. Anytime I have been to other SEC stadiums their fans stand and cheer the entire time…win or lose
What makes Georgia this great place to take a job?? Beats me
WAKE UP PEOPLE…I don’t think that the Nick Saban, Urban Meyer types will be knocking on our door for a job.
I still love my Dawgs….you should too!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:54 pm
Sparty 79
Big talker couldnt go 500 in the Big 10
When has the Big 10 been relevant?
yearofthedawg
January 4th, 2012
8:56 pm
Sometimes I wonder if Bill is really Glum from the Lilliputians….
“We’re doomed… we’ll never make it.”
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
8:57 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
Ive been sober since the 2008 AL debacle. I refuse to touch that poison. Its not good for you and it can hamper sound thinking
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:58 pm
EVEN Game again.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
8:59 pm
FLAT very TRUE.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
9:00 pm
Some of my JACK & Ice talk is joking and some is true.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
9:01 pm
FLAT right now I am working on a 1:48 scale 14 A Tomcat and watching football.
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
9:05 pm
Go you hairy Mountaineers. I really hate that Clemson fight song.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
9:05 pm
Track meet is ON AGAIN.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
9:06 pm
WALLY more that Rocky Top? Hahahahah
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
9:08 pm
Rocky Top is most hated 1A. Tiger rag is 1B.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
9:09 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
Is your buddy Turkey Neck Johnson going to finally get a QB that can throw.
I hear Hutson Mason is probably going to transfer since Richt doesnt believe in competition
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
9:10 pm
Big Wally
Anything the Gaterds play is 1B
Big Wally
January 4th, 2012
9:11 pm
I am unfamiliar with these running plays, where they actually gain yardage. Did they change rules since Monday?
Loaded O
January 4th, 2012
9:15 pm
Georgia’s offense will be loaded with all this dream team type talent–the only teams that can match up with Ga may be lsu and alabama. Ga wins the east easy again and upsets bama for the title—bet the house.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
9:15 pm
Big Wally
Yes the Mark Richt / Bobo rule is not in effect in this game
Under that rule you can only call draw running plays up the middle any other running play called will be ruled a loss of down
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 4th, 2012
9:16 pm
Loaded O
Are you loaded up on the Honey Badgers sythetic weed or UGA Kryptonite kool-aid
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
9:17 pm
FLAT the thing that KILLS me is that with a good D tech would be in the ACC CG almost every year. If I was a D player I would LOVE ot get a shot at TECH. The other thing is that MOST College players don’t make the NFL and Tech offers a Great Education that will really be USABLE if the NFL is not an option.