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
Bobo is Not the Problem
January 4th, 2012
2:31 pm
dawgtired, you are 100% correct that Richt ultimately is responsible for all areas of the team. If Bobo’s not doing his job, Richt needs to fix it. He is the CEO.
My handle is “Bobo is not the problem” because 99% of football fans (not just UGA fans) blame offensive failures on playcalling. Yet playcalling is difficult to analyze. If you run it up the middle four times in a row successfully, and then throw an incomplete pass, fans will ask why you stopped doing what was working. Yet if you run up the middle on that fifth play and get stuffed, fans will ask why you are being so predictable. It is a game of second-guessing.
If you really analyze playcalling, you will find that fans often take a contradictory position, decrying what didn’t work, yet lauding those same calls when they do work.
It really comes down to execution.
Someone else made the point that Bobo, as OC, is also responsible for execution. True. Richt bears an even greater responsibility.
Yet MOST fans think of the OC as the playcaller and gripe about Bobo’s playcalling. I hear very few fans complaining about Bobo’s lack of drilling execution and fundamentals into the players’ heads.
DawginLex
January 4th, 2012
2:31 pm
We will see if Insider is right. Does McGarity actually run athletics at UGA or does Michael Adams run the show?
Later boys.
G-Dawg
January 4th, 2012
2:33 pm
Losing Charles this year wont be a big deal..we cant even get him the ball!!!
The whole playbook needs re-writing!!
Big O
January 4th, 2012
2:34 pm
Cuz How is the big boat coming along? Go Dawgs!
DawginLex
January 4th, 2012
2:34 pm
bobo not the problem
1 more thought
Yes, he is the problem. Why? He has no feel for how to call a game.
Some have it. Some don’t.
Richt had it
bobo does not
Just because he is running Richt’s offense does not mean he can transfer the feel for the game to him.
If he could, he would just get bobo to put the playbook under his pillow at night
7576DAWG
January 4th, 2012
2:34 pm
UGA Insider
I do agree that the Georgia football team’s real problem is Adam’s. I really don’t think that Adam’s cares if we win or not as long as we are respectable enough that the supporter’s donation’s are sufficient to keep Georgia as one of the most profitable program’s in the nation. The big question is how involved is Adam’s in trying to do McGarity’s job. If Adam’s won’t interfere with anything that McGarity does I think Georgia football will get in the upper tier of the SEC and stay there for a long time.
Georgia is real close to being an SEC power again and I think McGarity know’s that the status quo will not get us there but we have come a long way in 2 year’s with better recruiting, coaching in some of the position’s and attitude. More is needed on the offense side and special team’s . The big question is will CMR admit it and will McGarity be allowed to make the changes necessary to keep us improving.
Tallydawg
January 4th, 2012
2:37 pm
Richt makes his living off recruiting, not coaching. That’s why he keeps Bobo; not for his coaching skills but for his recruiting abilities. As long as they can mine the rich state of GA and surrounding states for talent, they know they can win enough to keep their jobs indefinitely. Look for a lot of mediocre seasons ahead fellow dawgs.
this dawg want hunt!!
January 4th, 2012
2:38 pm
For all of you cool-aid drinkers and there are many of you. Take off the red and black glasses, Richt is the problem at UGA, and he has been since 2005. He has never had an O.L. that dominates people, and he is responsible for the worst O.C. in the SEC that being Bobo. Bobo was promoted to O.C. at a top SEC program at the time with no O.C. experience, he was a fuc–g Q.B. coach, that should tell you all you need to know about Richt and his head coaching decisions. No competent head coach in the SEC would ever promote a Q.B. coach with zero and i mean ZERO experience as an O.C. to that position in the SEC. But yet Richt gets a pass on this pathetic decision. My God at least the idiot at Florida hired a competent O.C. with NFL experience, but the mighty Richt promotes a Q.B. coach. Richt is a joke, always has been and always will be, send his ass back to Fl.State, where he learned his pathetic offense from the biggest phony in college football Bowden. Pastor Mark was fortunate enough to have the talent Donnan left for him, but those days are long gone. And now” Walk on the water Richt”, has to depend on the most pathetic coaching staff in the SEC on the offensive side of the ball to bail his sorrry ass out. Sorry cool-aid drinkers, not gonna happen with pretty boy Richt in charge. Never has and it never will. Richt, Bobo, Ball, Friend=high school coaching talent. It is a shame UGA has to settle for this B.S, but hey we have such a wonderful A.D.. McGarity is full of hot air. he is a puppet ,nothing more. UGA=the laughing program in college football, after all we just got beat by the team everyone compares us to Mich.St. LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Bobo is Not the Problem
January 4th, 2012
2:39 pm
dawginlex, I am not here to argue whether Bobo is or isn’t a good playcaller.
My main belief is that EXECUTION of any gameplan is more critical than the gameplan itself. EXECUTION fixes perceived bad playcalls.
The best gameplan will not overcome shoddy execution of that gameplan.
While Bobo bears responsibility for execution, fans just focus on the playcalling itself.
Richt is ultimately responsible for the gameplan AND the execution.
vesaversa
January 4th, 2012
2:39 pm
Hell i have been very criticle of this 2011 Ga Dawg team and their hugging coach . But they did better than i expected them to. I have heard the ESPN sport pundits questioning the SEC . These mukuks are questioning the SEC.hahahhaaha
AltamahaDawg
January 4th, 2012
2:40 pm
So how will we determine if McGarity runs athletics, or Adams, exactly?
DG
January 4th, 2012
2:41 pm
timbo, do you actually believe that UGA has more pull over Bama w/ the SEC?? Wow! you really talk out of both sides of your mouth, don’t you? Just move on.
DAWG08
January 4th, 2012
2:42 pm
Or either Bobo needs to go back and take a very close look at the plays he ran when Knowshon was playing. Rarely did he run the ball up the middle. I see it on youtube so I know Bobo ans CMR has PLENTY of film to go back on.
evil empire
January 4th, 2012
2:42 pm
@this dawg want hunt!! ….great post…of course, the dawginlex will be offended by your criticism of cmr, so be prepared….
Dawgsgone
January 4th, 2012
2:42 pm
@Dawginlex Perfect breakdown of needed changes but little chance they will be adopted. Would add that jury is still out on O line coach and S & C cooridinator. Even if we hired new OC would probably be along the lines of Offensive line coach (small school, unknown commodity, no record) and while I have no problem with young, talented, aggressive coaches who earn and deserve promotions, these people need direction and great leadership and I don’t think we offer that in CMR. Don’t get me wrong, if I had a son who needed life direction and an example to follow, CM R would be high on the list tyo do that but we are talking about big time football and he is just not cut out for the hard, tough decision making that is required. That said without tremendous improvement in our O line and running game we are looking at 8-9 wins next year regardless of schedule. Depressing but true.
this dawg want hunt!!
January 4th, 2012
2:45 pm
Tallydawg, hate to break the news to you but Richt and Bobo are getting there asses handed to them in recruiting as well by Saban and Smart. There are 6 players from the state of Ga. in the Army-AA game, and none of them have committed to UGA. 3 have committed to Bama. Also, of the top 11 players in state of Ga. only 1 has commited to your wonderful recruiter Bobo and Richt. 3 to bama, 2 to auburn, and to leaning to bama. That is the most pathetic job of recruiting in state of any head coach that has ever coached at UGA. So keep dreaming about your boys Richt and Bobo, they are total jokes on game day, and now it is spreading to recruiting. Richt,Bobo,McGarity= total joke.
G-Dawg
January 4th, 2012
2:46 pm
But Bobo should understand his teams strengths and weaknesses!! All other teams adjust to our gameplan, why dont me make the necessary adjustments to theirs?
There’s no creativity to get the ball to playmakers into space.
Defensively much improved, but still not finishing the drill in the second halves of games. Depth is still an issue, but hopefully recruiting will continue to get better. Thats why we needs those big stud in-state recruits like Clemons, Jenkins, Whitehead, Foster, Nkemdiche are huge additions to this already stellar committed group.
McDawg
January 4th, 2012
2:47 pm
we need a healthy IC
O-Line should be good enough
question is do we have the “It” factor
RxDawg
January 4th, 2012
2:47 pm
Mike you had some really great points back ~ 12:20 or so. Thanks for helping some of my perspective.
kybodawg
January 4th, 2012
2:52 pm
evil some guys have character something im sure u know nothing about. dawgs will have 2 all american lbs. next year.
Tallydawg
January 4th, 2012
2:52 pm
This dawg want hunt, I didn’t mean to imply that Richt and Bobo were great recruiters, only that they are able to mine enough talent in the talent rich state of Georgia to maintain mediocrity.
ARdawg
January 4th, 2012
2:54 pm
Improved, not much improved. Just improved.
Abnerish
January 4th, 2012
2:55 pm
There’s no doubt that he has become more conservative over the years. I remember a game in Richt’s early years where he called a dangerous pitch to a tailback in order to ice a game against Tennessee. But then again, in the Florida game this year he threw a pass to Conley to help ice that game. If you look back at Richt’s career, he was incredibly fortunate to win some of the games he won. In 2002, without SC fumbling on our 2 yd line at the end of the game, and without the absolute miracle of a finish against Auburn we never play for the East title. And he lucked out in the 02 SECC game not having to face Alabama who was on probation that year. Instead we face a mediocre Arkansas team.
With all that said, I think he’s a very good coach and an even better representative for our University. I am glad he’s our coach and hopeful that he will learn from his experiences this year. Perhaps Grantham can instill some of his personality in Richt and in this team. I am convinced that Grantham’s comment about needed to learn how to “finish a team off” was directed more at Richt and Bobo than at the players. Perhaps that’s just wishful thinking!
Dawgsgone
January 4th, 2012
2:55 pm
As for a running game, Samuel seems to be a great kid and a DGD but handing him the ball from the shotgun when he is standing still and 3-5 yards behing the line is never going to work. He is strong and tough but giving him the ball there is like handing it to a statue and with opur O line he ususally has at least one if not two defenders in the backfield with him. that’s why is was so discouraging to watch the last drive and the over time series. I love what he did against Florida and if IC had his heart and desire and work ethic, he (IC) would be much better suited to the SEC. I’ll still always love my DAWGS but realistically until a lot of changes are made we are about where we belong based on coaching.
AceDawg
January 4th, 2012
2:55 pm
I doubt Richt does much of anything at all with the defense, meaning that so much of UGA’s success in the Richt era has been tied to Van Gorder and now Grantham. The UGA offense has made some nice plays over the years with some solid college athletes, but UGA has never been a powerhouse offense – many years UGA scoring has been based on defense whereas the offense typically struggles in the red zone and struggles to make big plays when they are needed most. Richt and Bobo are a BELOW AVERAGE offensive coaching combo. If Richt keeps Bobo, he again places limitations on the offense that are almost definitely going to cost UGA football games.
Richt – Act like you are paid about $3 million a year and tell Bobo to go coach a high school team since most colleges would probably never consider him as an offensive coodinator much less a head coach. Bobo is not a head coach in waiting for UGA unless UGA gets a death penalty ethical violation and Bobo is the only coach in America willing to coach there.
LakeDawg
January 4th, 2012
2:57 pm
Bill, you insinuated it, but didn’t come out and say it. The problem is CMR. The OL can’t run block, because they don’t do any running to speak of during scrimmages. CMR is a pass guy. He doesn’t really believe in a running game. Never has. Then he gets a lead and tries to run out the clock. LMAO. CMR seems to be under the delusion that if you wish for something, it will happen. Nothing else is required. Want a running game to kill the clock? Just do it, no practice required. Want to be great? Just state you are on the verge of greatness and it will happen. Maybe he thinks Jesus is going step in for him.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
2:57 pm
3/4 MURRAY’S great performance against MSU is about be replayed on CSS.
Dawg fans go check it out and really watch the game this time knowing what you know.
You might find some bright spots or a shorter rope to hang everybody.
EDawgs
January 4th, 2012
2:58 pm
Aaron Murray better be registered for the Manning passing camp instead of playing pickup soccer, get sick of see that what happened look on his face.
7576DAWG
January 4th, 2012
2:58 pm
Bobo is Not the Problem
I disagree that Bobo is not the problem. The play calling was exactly our problem this year. Michigan State saw they could not run against our defense so they threw the ball 51 time’s. When we saw that our running back’s could not penetrate Michigan State senior defensive line Murray should have also become a passing machine with the great receiver that we have but I don’t think CMR had enough confidence in Murray to trust that he would not turn the ball over. That tell’s me that as good as Murray seem’s at time’s he is terrible at time’s also ,especially passing the ball and he can not run like he did in high school because he is not strong enough to hold on to the ball after being hit.
All of us wanted a balanced offense but this year our strength was receiver’s not running back’s and the offense needed to play to our strength’s not to our weakness.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
3:01 pm
3 pm on CSS
3 pm on CSS
3 pm on CSS
Watch and really get MAD at 3/4 Murray, Bobo, and Grantham’s D.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
3:02 pm
it is funny as hell now listening to jon “Chucky” gruden suck up to UGA and the SEC.
Gatorhater
January 4th, 2012
3:02 pm
It’s the scheme, play calling and a poor offensive line….running draw play out of the shotgun, 4 and 1 at the MSt 2 and they call a running play with pulling interior linemen….never had a chance. What happen to rhetoric end?? Where did the fullback go? It not difficult to see, so I sure cmr can see it if I can ….what’s he going to do about it?
G-Dawg
January 4th, 2012
3:03 pm
Peterson has a new 5 yr extension at Boise! Guess he isnt going anywhere soon!!
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
3:06 pm
G-Dawg his QB just went like 53-2 the last 4 years and those 2 loses were missed FGs that the Talking Head used to keep BSU out of BCS games. Why the hell would he want to leave? If RICHt was fired he might leave but that ain’t happening. LMAO
vesaversa
January 4th, 2012
3:12 pm
SEC still rule the NCAA
McDawg
January 4th, 2012
3:12 pm
blame it on S. Williams for falling untouched on the INT return
and how many times did J. Jones ALMOST get a sack-now we have a culprit
how about blaming Walsh for losing the USC game and the Outback
or blame M. Mitchell and T. King for drop passes which resulted in losing the SEC championship game
so many scape goats to go around
The Archbishop of Canterbury
January 4th, 2012
3:13 pm
The reason Mark Richt will be able to stay at UGA as long as he desires is his missionairy work and perception(actually a reality) of how he works with the FCA. At “most” schools those would be considered nice qualities but not enough to insure lifetime tenure. Mark Richt is LOVED by those who would ever have to make a decision to fire him. Has anyone wondered why Richt has NEVER received a “scent” of interest from an NFL team? The guys in the NFL see Marcus for what he is–a guy with a superior recruiting base in a fertile state of exceptional talent whrere Georgia is seen as the choice over TECH by 90& of the high school kids. He also gets to benrfit from the Vandys, Mississippis, Kentuckys and directional schools of the country that guarantees him at least 7 wins before season starts. If he goes 3-2 in the “real” games hei s sitting at 10-2 and we get to hear “How can you knock the guy he wins 10 games a year?’
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
3:13 pm
vesaversa sorry WRONG. ESPN runs the NCAA and BCS because THEY have All the $$$$$$$$
7576DAWG
January 4th, 2012
3:14 pm
To not admit that Grantham need’s more improvement is crazy. Our defense was lite year’s better than last year with the player’s learning the 3-4. They finally have the depth to be a dominate unit but Georgia has got to improve on red zone defense and when the other team’s go into their two minute offense we have got to stop them. On Michigan state’s last drive when it was important to stop them I would have blitzed on every play to put as much pressure on their QB as possible. Murray can not handle that kind of pressure and you can only hope that you’re opponent’s QB wouldn’t either.
Lakedawg
January 4th, 2012
3:15 pm
One thing our Dawgs have id the best aem=chair QB/Coaches in all of college football. Lets fire CMR , believe Derek Dooley will be available real soon, or was it Dan Mullen last year?
What a bunch of dumb______ par tof fan base and all the trolls are.
Who truthfully expected Dawgs would be top 10 team this year, I did not not. We lost to # 1, 6, 7 and 12 ranked teams in country. Yeah I know 2 of those we coulda shoulda beat, that leaves losses to 2 top 7 teams in county. How many on here complaining then with a 12-2 record?
Were we better than last year, yes. Will we better than this year, yes. Should crack that top 10 next year. Even the 4 losses teams not that much better, just couplde plays or players away.
So shut-up get behind the Dawgs are contribute and pull for someone else.
G-Dawg
January 4th, 2012
3:16 pm
Money…thats why!! But since they just joined the Big East, now he’ll get his guaranteed BCS spot. If Richt would have bombed this season, he might have ended up in Athens. Just saying!
Still@theKool-aidBAR
January 4th, 2012
3:18 pm
LakeDawg I love your passion and commitment. I back my team too. i hate coaching changes because of all that comes with it, but How do you think UGa can make the next step up? It has to be BOBO has to go or RICHT has to GO if he doesn’t have the GUTS to make the change in OC.
doug dawg
January 4th, 2012
3:19 pm
hutson will never get a chance at georgia, nor will anyone else for the next two years. nor will any running back as long as we have the prophet isaiah, no matter how few plays he’s involved with. richt and bobo are etched in stone. no moving them in any direction. same old, same old. rigid is as rigid does. sad, sad, sad.
Beast from the East Eaten By Dawg
January 4th, 2012
3:20 pm
UGA still has the most favorable schedule out of UGA, USC and UF in 2012. They will have a very good shot at getting back to Atlanta as long as there aren’t a bunch of off-field issues (arrests, supsensions, transfers, etc). The problem for veryone in the East will be what to do gainst LSU if you do make it to Atlanta? They look to be just as good in 2012.
G-Dawg
January 4th, 2012
3:20 pm
Many of us are behind our beloved Dawgs…but still unhappy with some of the coaching decisions in big games!!
Stephen A.DAWG: UGA has sold its SEC soul.
January 4th, 2012
3:22 pm
Miracles never cease. Dawg in Lex has sworn off the kool-aid, sobered up, and came up with a logical list of changes UGA must mandate to Richt. Way to go, Dawg in Lex. Stay sober in 2012
DawgByte
January 4th, 2012
3:25 pm
I like DawginLex’s 6 point plan. How likely is it? Not so much.
1. Richt is not going to hire a new OC… not going to happen. Why? Too many NFL coaches have told him our players are very well coached and are well adapted to play in the pro’s. Second, he’s too loyal to Bobo to demote him. He’ll say that had Murray not coughed up the ball three times we would have won rendering any discussion of Bobo’s bad play calling – moot.
2. I think Richt is now use to being the Commander In Chief and doesn’t relish getting into day-to-day scheming, which is what would be required if he were to resume Special Teams coaching. A better option would be to name a current coach or Grad Assistant as Head Special Teams coach and tell the other coaches they’re going to have to cough up their players to support the greater good.
3. Whoever replaces Bean Anderson is going to be an upgrade. My early guess is that will be Watts Dantzler. I’m not convinced we’re set at Center yet. I expect that position will changes hands a couple of times before a 1st stringer is announced.
4. Our Running Back situation is inexcusable. Willie McClendon is not the answer.
5. We still need help in our S&C program. MSU looked huge and their offense gassed our D-Line.
6. Aaron Murray is prone to being rattled in big games and still makes freshman mistakes. I think Richt ought to open the QB competition. We can’t afford to lose Mason, he’s too damn good.
JB
January 4th, 2012
3:34 pm
Best thing written all day on here is someone ask “how much control does McGarity have”? I think after spending 17 years in Florida, the glory years, sitting next to Foley, he knows what winning takes. not 9-10 wins and a good bowl type winning, but real winning. If McGarity can’t see the flaws….or have the authority to change it, we’re screwed. The HC in charge is cool with it.
G-Dawg
January 4th, 2012
3:37 pm
Agree with #4…its sad when our two most effective RBs are DBs.
Hardy Dog
January 4th, 2012
3:39 pm
Richt and BOO BOO are both losers. Richt doesn’t have the foresight to change QB’s. I heard so many times that Hutson Mason is the better of the 2 QB’s.escpecially with Murray folding under pressure, reminds me of a young Romo.
UGA will always be average until Richt and his band ofr fools are replaced.