In a fight to the finish, Georgia shows it can punch back
Whoosh! Branden Smith scores on an end-around. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
Athens — We learned something about these Bulldogs on Saturday night. We learned that they might not be as gifted or as polished as vintage Georgia teams, but we learned that they still have Bulldog-sized hearts.
Yes, they played better — at least on offense and on special teams — than they had in Stillwater, but the revelation was that they played infinitely harder. They could never quite shake South Carolina, but if not for their resolve they wouldn’t have exited with a careening victory. They’d have left 0-2.
And an 0-2 Georgia team would have touched off a hue and cry unlike any raised since Mark Richt came north from Tallahassee. We know from the week just past that even one loss is enough to set off Bulldog Nation. (”Bench Joe Cox!” “Fire Mike Bobo!” “Hire Jon Gruden!”) A second loss so soon into the 2009 season would brought the even bigger heat. And there were long and scary moments when a second loss seemed a distinct possibility.
They trailed 17-7 early, and if not for a Brandon Boykin kickoff return it would have been worse. Then they squandered 14 points off a 15-point lead by snapping the ball out of the end zone and by throwing the ball to the outrageously talented Acworthian Eric Norwood, who plays for South Carolina, and inside the final minute there was no assurance 0-1 wouldn’t become 0-2.
It was 41-37 with 6:13 left when Carolina took the ball, and within every Bulldog fan’s mind danced something other than sugarplums. Georgia would have to bank on its defense to halt somebody with the game on the line, and we all know what Georgia fans think of their defense and its coordinator. But this time the men of Willie Martinez made their stand.
Inside the Georgia 10-yard-line, inside the final 30 seconds, Carolina throwing for the end zone, and the men of Martinez held up their end. Stephen Garcia’s final two passes fell incomplete, neither of them great throws, but neither were directed toward a receiver left unencumbered. The indomitable Rennie Curran foiled the last throw, and in the end nothing much mattered except the rather astonishing score:
Georgia 41, South Carolina 37.
Loading ...Joe Cox, the quarterback deemed insufficient to requirements by some among his constituency, had a nice enough game except for one regrettable interception. He kept Georgia moving after it fell behind early, and when it was 38-23 Cox seemed to have put the Gamecocks away. But then a bad snap became a safety, and then there came a field goal, and then Norwood’s interception return for a touchdown, and suddenly it was tied.
Except it wasn’t. DeAngelo Tyson, a sophomore defensive end from Statesboro, blocked the automatic PAT, and Georgia still held the skinniest of leads. That’s the kind of play a defensive end doesn’t figure to make, a quick turnaround after the opposing D has just scored, but Tyson threw up his hand and kept the Bulldogs in front by being, not to put too fine a point on it, a bulldog.
And that’s what Georgia fans could and should take from this one. This isn’t a great team by any measure, but it was never going to be. What was troubling about falling to 0-1 was how readily the Bulldogs succumbed to Oklahoma State (which just lost to Houston — yikes). What we needed to see this night wasn’t if Georgia was the nation’s most gifted assemblage — it isn’t — but if it still can play the full-tilt brand of football that made this program famous.
It took a while, both literally and figuratively in a game that lasted four hours, but we have our answer. There’s still fight in these Dawgs. These 1-1 Dawgs.
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539 comments Add your comment
dawgstephen
September 13th, 2009
12:16 am
yes, mark, I love badgering the naysayers as much as they love blathering their stupid Fire this guy, fire that guy rants. Look at it folks!!! WILLIES DFENSE DID NOT GIVE UP A TOUCHDOWN IN THE FINAL THREE QUARTERS!!
Cuz
September 13th, 2009
12:17 am
Hey Mark, how many different endings did you have ready? I am guessing at least one. Man with a short zone like your deadline, don’t you love computers?
dawgstephen
September 13th, 2009
12:18 am
Ohh and in case you guys wanted to know what A REAL BAD Qb performance is…look at Tennessee…
Crompton against UCLA 13 of 26, 93 yards, 0 TD and 3 INT….NO OFFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS for TN…..
And their reward?? Florida in the swamp….gulp!!! CHOMP CHOMP!!!
2N4YEARS
September 13th, 2009
12:18 am
Mark, Just a FYI…. The saftey from the over-the-head snap made it 28-38, so the field goal came BEFORE the saftey.
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:18 am
Pretty hard to give up on a season when you’re 1-0 in SEC play.
senoiadawgs
September 13th, 2009
12:18 am
Hey Dog Town I saw Brown finally with about 6 minutes left in the game. I think he was in for 2 plays on that last series. Certainly looks a lot like AJ but more a little bigger. Why would we want to play him, he is a freshman so he must have no clue how to play UGA football? I remember some guy named Knowshown that couldn’t play as a freshman either.
Top Dawg
September 13th, 2009
12:18 am
The “men of Martinez” should have stopped South Carolina’s offense way before the final gasp at the goal line. Why are our recruiting classes so much more impressive than South Carolina’s, only to have South Carolina’s football teams play toe to toe with us each year?????????????????????
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:19 am
They had another field goal after the safety to make 38-31. Then the interception to make it 38-37.
Dog Town Bulldog
September 13th, 2009
12:19 am
Bama Stan, Good post. Next time, though, try ‘parity’. Parody is making fun of something, parity is when many are roughly equal. No offense, though. I mean you are BAMA Stan.
2N4YEARS
September 13th, 2009
12:20 am
I second that Bobdawg.
senoiadawgs
September 13th, 2009
12:20 am
Wilie’s defense didn’t give up any TD’s in the final 3 quarters yes that is good. But, remember they did give up a touchdown to USC in the final 3 quarters that is South Carolina not Southern Cal. Is that really impressive?
400+ yards by USC I think not
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:20 am
Could it be that recruiting rankings are overrated?
Nah. Surely not.
Bobdawg
September 13th, 2009
12:20 am
Dawg fans dont negate the fact that we gave Carolina three turnovers that accounted for 16 points, while we have to stop these mistakes I was encouraged that we did not allow all the mistakes (including giving Carolina plenty of life after third down stops due to penalties) to steamroll like they did last year. I liked the way Samuel ran against a GOOD run defense and I liked that we have some playmakers with speed. If this team can gel and cut down on errors we should do fine. I mean sorry Carolina fans but we helped to keep it close. As for Tech fans on this blog I….Well lets just wait for November and then I will talk.
Dog Town Bulldog
September 13th, 2009
12:21 am
Senoia, yeah and a guy named AJ that couldn’t play as a freshman. And what about the Orson Charles? Guys going to be a stud.
senoiadawgs
September 13th, 2009
12:22 am
Could is be coaching….
Nah. Surely not.
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:22 am
Nope. Only had one ending ready. If SC had scored, I’d have missed deadline. But I thought Georgia would hold them. Why, I’m not sure.
Top Dawg
September 13th, 2009
12:23 am
Hey Dog Town Bulldog, was that the ONLY error you found in BAMA Stan’s bloviating, or were you just being nice (and not mentioning the other dozen or so miscues)?
senoiadawgs
September 13th, 2009
12:23 am
It’s really hilarious watching this coaching staff…
Brandon Smith scores a TD and sees the ball one more time… Brilliant
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:24 am
One thing I did hear Richt say afterward: The middle was open, but it closed when SC got close to the goal line. Just reporting here. Not rushing to intangible analysis to meet a deadline or something.
TheItalianDawg
September 13th, 2009
12:24 am
Our team play really hard and deserve the win. our defense played really hard but WM again failed to adjust the D for spurrier’s passing attack. I dont know what he was thinking. why its hard for him figuring it out! Cox played much better but clearly we have great athletes on the D and O. the bottom line is Our D has a lot of heart, played very hard but needs to play smarter and adjust to the O plan and showed how pathetic our D coordinator is because clearly he lacks the knowledge to be a D coordinator
Cuz
September 13th, 2009
12:24 am
I would love it when the rest of the Bulldawg Nation besides the Augusta contingent realises how much this game means to USCe. The rest of the nation thinks this is an easy win. Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it.
tired of the crybabies
September 13th, 2009
12:24 am
We’re 1-0 and tied for first place in the SEC east. Joe Cox, Mark Richt, and a host of young players with talent and a lot of heart got us here. So quit whining and celebrate the victory and prepare yourselves for a race for the east title. Goooooooooooo Dawgs.
Topp Dogg
September 13th, 2009
12:24 am
The crap that half of you write in here is astonishing,when most of you couldnt pick out a football out of a bag full of golfballs.
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:25 am
And let me ask this: Would you really want Logan Gray, who has barely played quarterback in a game, to start next week against Arkansas at night in Fayetteville?
45ACP
September 13th, 2009
12:25 am
BugKiller- Let me spell it out for you. Now listen. Joe Cox is the Georgia QB because he was recruited by Georgia. An elite 11 QB. Has waited 4 years. Mark Richt is loyal. A man of his word. He will reward a player for doing all the right things. Conduct, class, practice, etc.
Now let it go dude. It is what it is.
Rod
September 13th, 2009
12:26 am
Mark Richt is a great coach and Im proud of him and Willie Martinez. The defense was on the field all night and was gased. It’s amazing Mark richt and Willie Martinez and his Defense can win despite Joe Cox and Fabris. Yes the specials were good and we couldn’t have won with out it tonight but I can’t remember the last time Fabris’s special teams kickoffs didn’t put the defense behind the 8ball. Maybe Fabris is finally getting it though.
Top Dawg
September 13th, 2009
12:26 am
If that’s true Mark, and it may well be, why aren’t we signing the top guys? In other words, why is South Carolina able to sign the kind of talent UGA is able to sign?
VancouverDawg
September 13th, 2009
12:26 am
Some of this internet coaching staff makes me sick!!! Sheesh, some people are so negative and can not even give credit where credit is due. Special Teams kicked butt tonight! Joe Cox looked waaaay better than last week, and our defense came through when it really mattered. If you think the Dawgs are so awful, then become a Florida or USC fan. Fair-weather fans make me sick. Give constructive criticism, but quit this negativity. I am from Washington State, have only been a Dawg fan for the past 5 years (thanks to my GA native hubby), and I feel more like a true fan than some of you whiners.
Dog Town Bulldog
September 13th, 2009
12:27 am
Top Dawg,
After four hours at Sanford, I am just too worn out to point out Stan’s mistakes in total.
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:27 am
You got it, Cuz. South Carolina plays the heck out of Georgia. Always has. The week after Kevin Butler kicked the 60-yard field goal to beat Clemson? UGA went to Columbia and lost to Mike Hold and Ira Hillary.
senoiadawgs
September 13th, 2009
12:27 am
Ooopsss.. forgot only those who played football can comment… Does turning down a football scholarship for baseball count? I guess since I chose baseball I can’t talk or have an opinion
2N4YEARS
September 13th, 2009
12:27 am
FORGET recruiting rankings. UGA’s coaching staff ultimitly decides who they offer, They recruit players they like & should coach them. You cannot blame poor play on recruiting sources. Poor play falls on the player, and ultimately on the coaches for recruiting & ‘coaching’.
GAGRAD05
September 13th, 2009
12:28 am
Jon P- Seriously you are going to point out that I typed your instead of you’re after my night of drinking? I know that your is like “your small brain” meaning possession and you’re means you are. It’s just a blog. Get over it.
SamoanDawg
September 13th, 2009
12:28 am
Rennie did again. Last season he jarred the ball loose and tonite he tipped it to seal the victory. Great job Dawgs!
Joe Cox played ok’d.
Our D looked dead tired tho.
I’m happy with the W. Now lets regroup and go beat the Hogs!
Sic’em!
senoiadawgs
September 13th, 2009
12:28 am
The downfall of Richt… Richt is loyal to a player not a team
Yes I would rather see Logan or Murray play. They can complete the flat passes just as good as Joe
Fierce Dawg
September 13th, 2009
12:29 am
man, look at all the disappointed Nerds on here……..still gotta say somethin even after we win. as if THEIR game on Thursday wasn’t almost the EXACT same thing….had to escape at the end. i also find it funny that they would say the refs “gave” us a game after Thursday’s holding call “break.”
As for fair weather fans and nay-sayers………..go to hell. Joe Cox was 17 of 24 for 200 yards with 2 touchdowns and yes, a pick 6. Stafford 2 years ago went like 18 for 45 against USC and i didn’t hear you idiots b1tching about him!
Rod
September 13th, 2009
12:29 am
No Mark, I would not want Logaan Grey to start next week.
senoiadawgs
September 13th, 2009
12:29 am
Maybe both of them have problems handing the ball off or taking the snap from center. Joe seems pretty good at that.
ugasc
September 13th, 2009
12:30 am
But, Mark, what about our failure to run the ball consistently, especially in the 4th quarter? I thought the play calling was poor in that regard and has been dating back to last season.
dan
September 13th, 2009
12:30 am
Bugkiller,
Cox is the best UGA has man! That might not be what you want to hear, but it’s the truth. And I’m sorry but Logan Gray is not that good. Gray’s an athlete at QB who returns punts. That’s like when Joe. T III played at UGA and Richt would use him as a long snapper.
Did you ever see Stafford, Greene or Shockley returning punts or long snapping? Oh course not! Why? Because they are legit 1# QB’s in the SEC.The fact that Richt would let one of his QB’s play special teams goes to show you that he doesn’t have any real plans for him.Gray might could provide UGA’s offense a spark here or there, but his throwing motion is awful. He’s not the long term answer at QB. He’s been around for 2-3 years, and if he can’t win the job from Cox, then it’s safe to say that he won’t be able to.
I think Murray can be good, but he’s nowhere near ready to play either, and Richt doesn’t want to throw the kid to the wolves like he did with Stafford in 2006. Murray doesn’t have Stafford’s arm or ability, which is fine. But what that means is that he needs time to learn the offense. And until he does, I say Richt should go with his most experienced guys
Liguria
September 13th, 2009
12:31 am
This game showed once again how inept UGA coaching is. CMR and staff needs to go.
Stop ruining the career of 4 and 5 star recruit’s that could have done better with Sabin, Urban Cryer, Miles and even Kiffen. 2.9 million dollar coach and a less than medicocre team. Fire CMR and all his friend’s before we have another frustrating year! With our talent we need to be in the final mix of the SEC. He is payed enough to do much better. For all the CMR apologist’s, if you want to keep the current coaching, let’s begin by paying Mark 1 million instead of almost 3 million. We deserve to be as good as Bama, Fla, and Ole Miss. Lag
Greek Dawg
September 13th, 2009
12:31 am
A W is a W is a W. Stop all the griping. A 4 point win over SC is what evrybody expected. If UGA had won 14-10, most of you guys would be all over Cox again. My problem last week was about the terrible coacing on offense and special teams. Well the offense and special teams both stepped up. We even kicked-off into the end zone. I’m not sure why we’re throwing on first down with the score and clock in our favor and Samuels running so well. But we came back. Heart? Hell yea. I’m not playing for next year. I playing for this year. If we suck so bad, stop watching!
GwinnettDawg
September 13th, 2009
12:32 am
dawgstephen I will join you, WILLIES DEFENSE DID NOT GIVE UP A TOUCHDOWN IN THE FINAL THREE QUARTERS!! South Carolina only scored one TD not off a turnover!! Last week Oklahoma State Scored 17 points off a short field!! This week South Carolina scores 17 points off turnover!! Are we noticing a trend here? Give the opposing team a gift on your side of the field it haunts you!! Lesson STOP TURNING THE BALL OVER!!!
dawgstephen
September 13th, 2009
12:32 am
Bama Stan, thanks for the classy post as always. You always call it like you see it, and always honest and clean. Thanks!!!
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
Cuz
September 13th, 2009
12:32 am
Mark, you got faith that is for sure. Were you holding on to a bobble head Larry Munson and throwing a few Hail Marys to the end of the booth waiting for the win to submit the column?
Two great columns in what two days. You are ready for an upgrade. From now on you are not only President of Two Idiots Marketing, you are Janitorial Supervisor also. Now if we can just make enough to hire you a janitorial associate. I am working on getting Smoky Robinson for Restasas. I can’t sing “Tears of a Clown” without Restasas twice a day. I think we might have something.
Rod
September 13th, 2009
12:33 am
Was Morten Anderson the former falcon kicker at the game? Thought I saw him on the in the stands.
HalfDrunkDawg
September 13th, 2009
12:33 am
Bama Stan, thanks for the post! Hey, a win is a win and it’s always a slug-fest between these 2 teams. On another note, is it a concern that FIU was able to put up 14 against you guys in the 1st half? Didn’t watch the game so I really don’t know. Great win though!!!!
Mark Bradley
September 13th, 2009
12:33 am
Coaches are funny. They think they should throw when the other team is expecting them to run, which kind of makes sense. But it looks pretty bad when you’re trying to protect a lead and your quarterback throws an awful interception.
Athenzdawg
September 13th, 2009
12:34 am
Mark let me ask you a couple questions?
1. Are Evans and Reshad Jones just a lesser version of Greg Blue? Am I the only who sees that neither of these safeties have cover skills…they just try for the big hit. In some situations thats good, but they continuously get burned. Are these really the two best safeties we have?
2. Why were we in zone defense the whole game? Why were there open SC wideouts as far as the eye can see? Can we not cover in man to man? Can our LB’s not even cover a slow QB out of the backfield or even worse a full back? Every time Carolina needed a play thier receivers were wide open. I just don’t understand what “Wizard” Willie is trying to get done on defense.
3. And finally…..what was the point of bringing Logan Gray in for one play just to hand the ball off in the middle of a series. Is CMR trying to show he has a lil of the ole’ Ball Coach in him? At least with David Greene and DJ, he would give DJ a whole series to get in some sort of flow….
Gah Frustrated again…..Gonna be a long season…
2N4YEARS
September 13th, 2009
12:35 am
Tonights game:
UGA Offence – B
UGA Defence – C+
Special Teams – A