A midseason assessment of the hard-to-assess Bulldogs
Hope on the horizon: Washaun Ealey. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Mark Richt said it himself: “It’s been an unusual year in terms of knowing what you’re going to get on a week-to-week basis.” And it has: Georgia yielded 78 points in consecutive games and won both. Georgia yielded only 44 points against two Top 10 opponents and w0n neither time. A midseason appraisal of this strange bunch of Bulldogs:
Plus: The effort has returned. After a strangely tepid performance in Stillwater, the Bulldogs have taken to playing in the full-tilt manner to which we’re accustomed. Indeed, effort was all that kept Georgia in the game against LSU.
Minus: Georgia hasn’t yet run the ball to appreciable effect. Wasn’t the line supposed to be the strength of this offense? Yes, Trinton Sturdivant has been lost again, but didn’t Georgia advertise itself as having six starters for five positions? Isn’t Stacy Searels supposed to be some hotshot line coach? So how come the Bulldogs rank 105th among 120 FBS teams in rushing?
Plus: Washaun Ealey looked good against LSU. Let’s not go crazy. The freshman isn’t Herschel Walker and isn’t Knowshon Moreno. But he hit holes, such as there were, harder and faster in the second half Saturday than any other Bulldog back has this season. (Then again, his longest gain was eight yards.)
Minus: The only thing Georgia does well is throw the ball. Joe Cox detractors should cover their ears, but if not for the red-headed quarterback and A.J. Green the Bulldogs might well be 0-5. Georgia ranks last in the SEC in rushing; next-to-last in pass defense, scoring defense and total defense; 10th in total offense, and eighth in rushing defense and scoring offense. It’s third in passing offense.
Loading ...Plus: A.J. Green is the greatest Bulldog since Herschel. He’s better than David Pollack, better than Garrison Hearst and Eric Zeier, better than Champ Bailey. More than simply the best receiver in the country, Green might well be the best player.
Minus: A.J. Green doesn’t play defense. He has, as we know, worked on special teams to spectacular effect, blocking a field goal against Arizona State. Perhaps he should be pressed into service as a safety. Because Georgia has induced four turnovers in five games.
Plus: The latest batch of recruits doesn’t seem to have been overrated. Orson Charles has made a half-dozen big plays. Branden Smith has made one. Ealey has tantalizing potential. Rantavious Wooten will do something soon. The only disappointment: Marlon Brown hasn’t yet gotten a real look.
Minus: The emphasis on playing by the rules hasn’t yet panned out. Georgia is 115th in the nation in penalties. It finished 116th in 2008. This would seem to fall under the heading of “incremental improvement.”
Plus: Whoops, found something else Georgia does really well. It can punt the ol’ pigskin. It’s almost like Drew Butler’s dad was a professional kicker or something.
Minus: The feeling persists that the Bulldogs have better talent than early results would indicate. Let’s see. If you’ve got good players who are again playing hard, what does that leave? Coaching, you say?
Plus: The schedule is about to ease. Georgia should be 5-2 headed to Jacksonville and 6-3 when it meets Auburn in Athens on Nov. 14. That game now seems the difference between an OK season (8-4, which assumes another loss to Tech) and the worst under Richt.
Minus: Given its wax-and-wane capabilities, Georgia could go lose to Kiffin in K-Town this weekend. But it won’t. Georgia is puzzling. Tennessee is just bad.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
365 comments Add your comment
jack
October 5th, 2009
3:22 am
first
Mark Bradley
October 5th, 2009
3:23 am
Yes you are, Jack. Kudos.
Jeff
October 5th, 2009
3:24 am
I’m failing to see how AJ Green is the best reciever in the nation. Demaryius Thomas has fewer catches, more yards and more yards per catch than AJ Green. And Thomas plays on a team that doesn’t focus on passing the ball.
Mark Bradley
October 5th, 2009
3:25 am
Bay-bay is an excellent receiver. A.J. is a great receiver.
NecUga
October 5th, 2009
3:52 am
We will always be a good program; never a great one. The reason I’m up at this hour is because I’m accountable to my employer and customers. The coaches at UGA obviously are accountable to no one.
Boris1s
October 5th, 2009
3:56 am
Enter your comments here
another great well written article
keep up the thoughts
thanks
Ross
October 5th, 2009
3:58 am
Holy cow, where are all the whiners? Did they leap from that RR bridge in Athens?
It’s great to be a fuzzy bee!
MagnaCarterGT
October 5th, 2009
4:04 am
I don’t think Tennessee is as bad as you think they are, Mark – all their losses have been pretty close (or relatively close, in Florida’s case). We’ll just have to wait until Saturday to see which one of us thinks right, though.
GATORMAN 722
October 5th, 2009
4:36 am
Georgia needs to join the Big 10, with Ron Zook up there they may win something.
Yellow Fuzz
October 5th, 2009
5:10 am
Mark,
“More than simply the best receiver in the country, Green might well be the best player”.
AJ Green is GREAT. And granted he will only be at georgia through his junior year. But the best “player” in the nation right now? At age 19? That kind of Koolaid is exactly why georgia fans are the way they are. They really believe that kind of stuff. Two years ago some guy at ajc wrote that Caleb King was the 2nd coming of Hershal too.
RomeDawg
October 5th, 2009
5:16 am
Maybe we aren’t so bad! Our loses come to teams currently ranked in the top 14. As a Dawg fan I expect us to win every game but I am a realist. The football program is in fine hands. And Ross, in case you haven’t noticed Tech ain’t so great this year, but with lower standards losing is expected!
Jim007
October 5th, 2009
5:47 am
Georgia is Very lucky….record could easily be 1-4
Kendall
October 5th, 2009
5:49 am
Why don’t we start the growing for next year and remove Joe Cox and let the freshmen quarterbacks get some experience so we don’t have to go through the same thing next year. Joe Cox is not helping us this year with his incosistencies. The penalty at the end of the game would not have been an issue if Joe Cox had hit one of the three opportunities is the first half to score.
Dave
October 5th, 2009
6:11 am
“The only thing Georgia does well is throw the ball” – I’ve been watching some other team play that is wearing GA’s uniforms. GA’s passing game is marginal, at best. If the receivers were 10 feet tall them maybe Joe would be doing a whole bunch better. Give me a break!
Larry
October 5th, 2009
6:12 am
Enter your comments here If, and that is a big IF, we had not lost two Junior players to the NFL we would be at least #3 are huigher in the polls, so lets give Mark Richt some slack and let the young kids get a little experience before we write the dogs as a lost season. GO DOGS!!!!!!!
J. Michael Blakely
October 5th, 2009
6:20 am
Mr. Bradley,
I am in agreement with your assessment. I’d like more to be written as to why the UGA team annually leads the nation in penalties. Of all the problems a team can have, leading the free world in penalties is not one to have, much less OWN. Coach Richt has to accept blame for not taking steps to correct this problem. As for the lack of coaching that you touched upon, I would like upgrades at offensive coordinator, offensive line, special teams, and running backs; those coaches have proven their lack of work and talent during the past three seasons. The offensive line is below UGA standards. The special teams play is horrible, especially the coverage teams. If not for another great punter in Butler and place-kicker in Walsh, the fans would have little to look forward to on special teams. As for the defensive coordinator, Willie Martinez, I’d like to see him move on so that a proven DC can be hired. UGA has as much talent as any team in the SEC and in many cases, better talent; coaching is the problem. Sub-standard coaching is something I never expected from Coach Mark Richt. Let Coach Richt lose to the north avenue trade school once more, and the heat on his coaching seat will turn up many more times than he ever expected; as for a third loss, let Mark Richt refer back to Jim Donnan for proven advice.
dawgerbrown
October 5th, 2009
6:34 am
Georgia is playing hard……..but, what coach on the staff are the players afraid of? I like Richt, two SEC titles is impressive. Does he have any assistant that gets in the players’ face? Gets them fired up? Should an offensive coordinators first job be at a D1 program. Doesn’t it seem Martinez begs more than coaches? Where is this team’s Erk or VanGorder? One trait that Bobby Bowden is guilty of is blind loyalty to his staff, this may be the one that we didn’t Richt to inherit from Bowden.
VADAWG
October 5th, 2009
6:40 am
Bottomline, Coach Richt gets paid a lot of money to run this team successfully and whatever the team does or does not do is his ultimate responsibility. As talented as they are, Coach Richt and his team clearly lack a “killer instinct” and are more into finesse than physical smash-mouth football. They need more balance in this respect. A healthy dose of aggression and physical smash-mouth play would improve the running game and defense immensely (along with a first rate DC).
Ozzy
October 5th, 2009
6:43 am
Just curious.
How many stars did Caleb King have? How many did Richard Samuels have?
A.J. Green would look good in a Falcon’s uniform. One more year and he’s gone like Stafford and Moreno.
George
October 5th, 2009
6:43 am
I simply can’t understand why Georgia is not in the same league with Alabama, Florida, and LSU every year. Lord only knows they have money, alumni support, and the facilities. But there’s always something standing in the way. Anyway, it’s quite possible that we will be talking of the same thing 20 years from now. Oh well, won’t be long till basketball season and that playoff thing you do each year.
Top Dawg
October 5th, 2009
6:44 am
Mark: Do you think we will stumble around in relative assistant coach mediocrity, or will CMR make changes? I am in favor of retaining CMR, but it is mind-boggling to consider retaining some of his assistants/coordinators. What do you see happening?
Marie
October 5th, 2009
6:47 am
That depends on who is supposed to win this game. NO, I did not say who I want to win or who I think will, but Who is SUPPOSED to win?? Figure it out yet, with the happenings Sat. it is obvious now.
J. Michael Blakely
October 5th, 2009
6:50 am
Not my question, but I’ll throw out an answer: Coach Richt will make no changes. Zero. None. Nada. The current staff is like a “family” to Coach Richt. If UGA fans are fortuante, maybe Fabris and Martinez will leave or get hired away. Same for the offensive line coach (Searles?).
Larry
October 5th, 2009
6:56 am
Excessive penalties, the opponents best receiver frequently complete uncovered, poor return coverage, after three RB’s now the OL still can’t open any holes and thus the worst running game in the SEC, one game with a pass rush, missed open field tackles, bizarre calls at the worst time by the OC, the seemingly inability by the defense to stop a game winning drive, save the miracle play in the end zone, and not playing hard in the opener.
How could anyone conclude there isn’t a coaching/motivation/leasdership issue?
Reality Check
October 5th, 2009
6:59 am
Searles is one of the best oline coaches in the country and you are crazy if you want him to leave. You don’t just clean house because of an average football season. I agree changes need to be made to the staff but lets be smart about it.
jdawg
October 5th, 2009
7:04 am
We are talking about adding on to the stadium, and colesium, and we have sub standard bathroom facilities in Sanford, but we have two new engines on the King Air. Now, my point is that when you sit in the stadium behind the bench and see the confusion….you want to question everything. All of those posting should advise whether they are watching on TV or from the stadium….if stadium, you see what the writers observe. I really hate that folks do not attend and make a comment. Being live is the only way….right now after Sat. Fab needs to move on….anyone that cannot line up for a kick-off and a fair catch when you are not rushing….just basics….this is going to be up and down the rest of the year…CMR…it is your hands and you need to move to the job, not emotions for friends…jdawg
chazzo
October 5th, 2009
7:05 am
A lot of the great players you mentioned were in high school last year. There are two seniors on the offense and neither started a whole season in their careers. The D did well against LSU. that’s the bottom line. Even if they were helped by some boneheaded LSU offensive calls, the D did pretty darn good. Is it surprising that a team that lost something like 85% of its fire power and coming off a strange season last year should be struggling with its identity a bit? You also failed to mention that there were two major grey-area calls that went against the dogs in both losses: Rashad Jones’ unnecessary roughness clean hit on an OK St. receiver and AJ Green’s excessive celebration with his own team after catching a game winner. I am not saying that there weren’t far more serious problems that contributed to the losses. I am saying it is part of the puzzling if you want to puzzle.
Thank you for not comparing Ealey to Walker. Oh, but wait, you kind of did. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER A WALKER, DOOLEY, TARKENTON, BUTTS, SINKWICH, ET AL! Get over it dawg fans. How come every good player that comes along has to be the next Walker???? Knowshon Marino was not the next Walker. It gets ludicrous. Nothing matters except the Tennessee game. It doesn’t matter how many times someone won the SEC or what the record is when the dawgs play in Nashville at night on an even numbered day. It definitely doesn’t matter that we had a phenomenal player and a number one rating in 1980. Great memories and tradition…. but it just doesn’t matter. Herschel was my childhood hero, but it doesn’t matter. None of these players had even been born yet. Let them be who they are.
You are absolutely right about AJ Green. Definitely in next year’s Heisman race, if not this year’s.
Peachtree John
October 5th, 2009
7:06 am
Amen to Kendall’s comments. Joe will never make the big time at QB. The skill set is just not there. Bring on the freshmen–all over the field. Let them gain valuable reps before the 2010 season begins.
It also seems that the fire in the players’ belly is misdirected. Coaches need to focus the fire on every play, and restrict it when a decent play is made.
MR is a great individual and a good coach, though he might be a bit stubborn in keeping hires who are not doing their jobs.
GA DAWGS.
JB
October 5th, 2009
7:09 am
This is what is scary…..Richt said ALL OFF SEASON that he was going to get back to basics, hard work outs, return to our first year focus,more hands on yada yada yada……HOLY MOLEY………………..We look more lost than ever……………………I am beginning to believe some folks on here who say some of our defensive problems are because of our offense. The pass coverage still stinks, but I was proud of the pressure they put on the QB in the second half. We need to dial that up more often.
Michael Scharff
October 5th, 2009
7:09 am
I think that Caoch Richt is a fine, humble gentleman, and I know he cares about his players. On the other hand, I’m afraid he lacks the “killer” instinct that keep Meyer and Saban, and therefore Florida and ‘Bama, in the top tier of the SEC East and West. Our team suffers from this, as well as from a lack of hard-nosed discipline. I know people, including the AJC’s own Bill King, who thought it was fine that the Dawgs were dancing on the sideline two weeks ago during a tie ball-game with the outcome still very much in doubt. I think personally that this shows a lack of discipline and a lack or respect for the other team. Someone has go to step up and teach these young men to stop clowning around. A lot of this can be attributed to the chest thumping, finger pointing, football spiking/dunking over the goal-post pros these kids every Sunday on t.v. That being said, I agree with with Kevin Butler on the post-game show Saturday night. Since the Florida celebration two years ago, the SEC refs have placed a yellow target square on Georgia’s back. Our coaches must recognize this and teach our players to kep any celebrating of big plays strictly to the side-lines.
chazzo
October 5th, 2009
7:09 am
I certainly don’t think Richt will fire anyone because anyone here makes the recommendation. All we are doing is stirring up controversy and animosity.
Go Dawgs!! Whip the Vols!!
WhatAbout...
October 5th, 2009
7:11 am
Jon Gruden? Any thoughts Dawg Nation? You gotta admit…he’s got Junkyard Dawg potential.
SatchelBuzz
October 5th, 2009
7:12 am
Hello Shreveport!!!!
JB
October 5th, 2009
7:12 am
Anybody catch the sideline shots of the Auburn coach? Notice anything different from Mark. I know all coach’s have their style, but that guy was in to it. That team was jacked……….as was their coach.
JB
October 5th, 2009
7:13 am
Satchel…………………….I hope we don’t do like Tech, and take any bone thrown our way….I hope we stay home.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:14 am
RomeDawg, you make no sense at all. Expectations are the same for everyone, including Tech. As a fan I expect them to win every game they play. Maybe you are thinking of the old regime at the Flats where 7-5 was considered a good season. Those days are gone. I have one observation about UGA and that has to do with their Top 10 recruiting class. I spent 25 years around Ga. High School football and saw some the finest player this state has produced. I even saw Hershel before his time at UGA. Top 10 recruiting classes are fine on paper but that is not the true judge of how a player will do in college. Give me a few of the 2 and 3 star players who have the heart and the drive to improve. The guys who are not anointed to be super stars. They will be the ones who put your program over the top. Just my opinion.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:17 am
Larry, I am sure the coaching staff knew they were going to see those two players in the NFL this year. I believe Stafford chose UGA because he felt it would give him the best chance to leave early and be drafted high. Just as they know they have one more year with AJ.
JB
October 5th, 2009
7:18 am
whatabout……………………………I’m just hoping for a change in Assit. coach’s. Mark will have to lose
5 to 6 games a year for 3 years or so and lose to Tech those three years for any change at the top.
I will say this. If we go 7-5 and all this staff comes back, there will be a large financial backlash that will get a lot of people’s attention………Prez Adams for one……
JB
October 5th, 2009
7:23 am
AZ jacket………………………I totally agree with you……..Your Jackets are proving that. That roster is loaded with 2-3 stars players and Gailey could do little with them, but they are getting coached up……………………..and winning. The problem in Athens is NOT a lack of talent.
Douglas
October 5th, 2009
7:24 am
I used to have the ultimate respect for CMR as a coach but I have never seen someone make up so many excuses for his coaches and blame the players. If we have so many great Assistants, then why aren’t other schools going after them? CMR also seems to now accept losing. I don’t expect us to go undefeated every season but the stats do not lie. It’s time the fans started putting heat on our AD Evans because CMR is not going to make changes or accept responsibility. Why should he? Even if he gets fired, he will get paid a lot of money. He has no incentive to do well — the man has lost his passion to win.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:25 am
Why does UGA trail Ala, Fla, and LSU? It is called coaching. You can say what you want about the devil Saban but where was Ala. before he arrived. Middle of the pack, lack luster play. Fla., the dawg nation wanted nothing more than for Ron Zook to stay on the Fla. sideline. Under him Fla. was not really a major threat in the SEC east. How many SEC championships games has UGA seen since the arrival of Mr. Urban Meyer. Look in the mirror dawg nation and you will see where your problem lies. You just can’t show up and beat well coached teams the way UGA once did.
SimpleDawg
October 5th, 2009
7:26 am
The Bar has been raised.
This ain’t the Limbo. It’s a high jump.
Somebody had better start jumping higher.
Sautee Dawg
October 5th, 2009
7:27 am
Mark
You need to get off the Serals idea before it even gets started. He’s a line coach, not a play caller. Bobo is responsible for this offense. Or irresponsible.
As far as Cox and the passing game, A.J. Green makes Joe Cox look like a quaterback.
BTW, you forgot to mention Rennie Curran had 16 tackles,
BTW you also forgot to mention UGA had 6 sacks.
You also forgot to mention UGA held the number 4 team in the country to 2 fieldgoals through 3 quarters.
Lot of respect for you and your articles Mark but, this Serals remark is not worthy of reading, You know what the problem’s are with this team.
WhatAbout...
October 5th, 2009
7:29 am
JB I don’t think we will see Richt cut anybody lose. I also think, and it saddens me to say this, that we have seen the best Richt has to offer as a head coach. So, we’re doomed to be mediocre until Damon Evans or Michael Adams can no longer defend the issue, or until Richts contract can be bought out. A long wait however you look at it. If Richt would clean house, I would say keep him. We all know he won’t, so here we go, back to the days of Jim Donnan.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:30 am
I am not sure when the dust settles this LSU team will be #4. Damn, I was impressed with that Auburn offense Sat. night.
Saint Simons
October 5th, 2009
7:31 am
(((((( 20 – 13 ))))) hahahahahahahahahahaha
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:32 am
Saint Simons is here and the average IQ of this blog just dropped 20 points.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
7:38 am
I can’t believe anyone would get on here and argue that AJ Green isn’t the best player in America right now. He’s probably one of the Top 10 wide receivers playing at ANY level right now. He’s every bit as good as Calvin Johnson ever was, and Calvin was the best player in America for a couple of seasons (in my opinion.)
BufordDawg
October 5th, 2009
7:38 am
Mark, I disagree with your assessment of UT. They concern me greatly. I could see the UT defense stifling the UGA offense, Montario Hardesty getting his yards and Willie’s back pedal defense making Crompton look like an All-American. The potential for an ugly loss in Knoxville is there… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how prepared the Dawgs are for the Vols.
I am still holding out hope that both sides of the ball will show up for a game this season and would like to see all the cylinders on offense firing instead of just Cox to Green.
I agree with Peachtree John, I think there’s fire and energy it’s just misdirected.
I joked to my wife while listening to the 1st half of the LSU game on the radio that it was going to be a long day when all we had to brag about is our punter. Walsh and Butler are about the only thing “special” about the Special Teams.
Maybe they’ll get it together and the best is yet to come this season…
Golden Hand
October 5th, 2009
7:40 am
I agree on the AJ/Baybay comparison. Thomas is a heck of a receiver, but Green has perfected the art of pushing off without getting flagged — in announcer-speak, gaining separation — which is the difference between them. Green runs better routes, too. Thomas is a better blocker, but that’s because he’s bigger and does a lot more of it.
defactodawg
October 5th, 2009
7:41 am
It’s judgment time for CMR. Special teams play is horrific, the team is woefully undisciplined and unprepared and complacency has set in. There MSUT be changes on the staff to infuse a new energy. If CMR allows his blind loyalty to override the reality and maintain the status quo, he can take the entire staff with him to his next coaching spot because his time in Athens will be done.
FalconUGAFan
October 5th, 2009
7:44 am
AZ Jacket, thank you very much for your respectul contributions to this blog.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:44 am
AJ Green is excellent and a comparison to Thomas is tough because of the different schemes. He is in the Top 10 but the best in American is a stretch. The kid at Ala. comes to mind, where do you put him? AJ has come to the top because he is the UGA offense.
Big time?? Not
October 5th, 2009
7:48 am
Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes
Sautee Dawg
October 5th, 2009
7:51 am
Mark
Still thinking about the Searals comments.
Mark Our O-line hasn’t given up a sack in the past 2 games, after playing AZ. St. supposedly had one of the best defensive ends in the country. And you know how stout LSU’s d-line is.
plenty of holes to run through on saturday, kinda hard to run through them with that swing pass to the fullback. Or the pass to the WR and him 5 yards behind the line of scrimage. That play is called at least 10 times a game and in 9 years it’s never gotten more than a couple of yards.
Our biggest problem is the lack of a dedicated SPECIAL TEAMS COACH!!
Putting Logan Gray back to fair catch the ball on punts is unheard of. LSU, and everyone else we play puts the fastest man on the team. Watched Logan warming up before the game and he worked out with the kick recieving team instead of the Qb’s. And people think he’s going to get a chance to play? That’s why he’s playing on special teams, he;s worked hard in pratice and deserves to play.
He called a fair catch twice saturday before the football ever left the punters foot. Once standing at the 28 yardline.
Gray is coached to do this, I bet if asked he would love to return a punt.
Why kick off to the fastest player in college football? We usually kick one out of bounds in every game because of Fabris and his directional kick. Wouldn’t the last kickoff have been a good time to do this? Let LSU take the ball on their 40 instead of ours?
COACHING.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:52 am
Another 20 point drop, Big time?? Not has chimed in. Not sure that deal is available now.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:56 am
It looks like the idiot fringe from both programs are starting to wake up and I am afraid this blog will go down hill quickly. Thanks for the interesting talk and I enjoyed the insight. Now as has been said by a couple of the uga fringe, the drive through is backing up so I need to get back to work. Have a great day. College Football is the greatest, no matter who you pull for.
barneyb
October 5th, 2009
7:56 am
Aw come on Rome Dog…”The football progam is in fine hands”????
You have got to be joking! The coaching staff is in so far over their heads! A fair amount of talent, yet no one on staff knows what to do with it! Lack of discipline, thugs dancing on the sidelines (when there’s nothing to be dancing about anyway), penalties, dreadlocks swinging everywhere…..this season is gone.
High Hopes
October 5th, 2009
7:56 am
Florida can lose to LSU and Georgia, (nothing is impossible), then Georgia wins the SEC East.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
7:59 am
High Hopes, a true optimist. Way to go man. (I could not leave without posting on that one.)
Jimmy
October 5th, 2009
8:01 am
“Tennessee is just bad.”
Hahahahahahaha.
Dawg fans:
You idiots better not lose in Knoxville. Seriously.
NecUga
October 5th, 2009
8:01 am
DARE TO READ THIS:
I was there for the win over SC. I was literally hoping the pass was be completed and we’d lose. Had we lost, the heat on Richt would be exponentially hotter by now. My son attends law school at Alabama, and we’ve been attending some games there for a couple of years. Initially, I did not drink the Saban Kool-Aid, but I was wrong. He holds EVERYONE accountable; coaches, players, trainers and even secretaries I’m sure. That will never happen here. We have peaked with Richt. We’ll always be a good program, but never a great one.
Crystal Tiger
October 5th, 2009
8:03 am
Great game Saturday. Good luck to the Dawgs the rest of the year.
mojogummba
October 5th, 2009
8:04 am
One thing I have noticed is that Richt was from the ACC—-and Fla state passed alot. I just do not see Richt ever being a tough intense coach. He is after all who he is—-and he is not into smash mouth football. Meyer had gone back to the basics. And the basics are —ok we see what you are doing on defense and we are going to run you over and score—simple, and, it works. You cant win games with circus play. It looks cool but you never wear down the other teams defense. And this last game GA had against LSU, it looked to me as if GA really did not have a game plan. The plays were all mixed up and had not intent of wearing down LSU’s defense. It is what it is.
Chopper
October 5th, 2009
8:06 am
Mark,
We all agree that A.J. Green is awesome. Top 5 NLF pick awesome I would say. What do you think the chances are that he goes pro after this year? In your opinion, is the his last season as a Dawg?
Eric
October 5th, 2009
8:06 am
Mark AJ is a great player. But he is not the best player in the country. Good lord you are delusional. He’s not as good as Calvin was in his 3rd year. You never wrote anything like that about CJ.
FBR
October 5th, 2009
8:06 am
Larry—-ABSOLUTELY PERFECTLY STATED. I CAN’T IMPROVE ON YOUR OBSERVATIONS.
PT
October 5th, 2009
8:06 am
Its nothing suprising Mark, we knew about what they would be until they evolve into what they will be. It takes time, good lord it took 6 weeks in 07 and 8 weeks in 06. You never know. A lot of positives. We are the only team in America to play 5 straight BCS conference teams without a by and we are 3-2, 2-1 in the SEC. Come on, and all you guys at the AJC want to talk is the negative and say it is time for Tech to take over. LOL. That will never happen, they may get a year of 2 every so often but Tech will never establish itself longterm. Georgia will be fine. Florifa went 8-5 just 2 years ago and LSU did last year did the writers say they were going in the wrong direction. NO
PT
October 5th, 2009
8:07 am
Chopper AJ can t go pro this year he is only 2 yrs out of High school
Da Coach
October 5th, 2009
8:08 am
Here is a good thing to remember about Saban: he was mediocre at Michigan State (57% winning percentage) and had a losing record with the Dolphins. Then he gets the keys to the kingdom at LSU and Alabama. Coaching or talent? Just sayin’…..
Chopper
October 5th, 2009
8:12 am
PT, didn’t Knowshon go after his sophomore season?
Bone
October 5th, 2009
8:15 am
Richt had one moment to work his Georgia career off of, and he has made nothing of it. I’m speaking of the celebration in the 2007 Florida game. That was the driving moment in the 2007 season that got them to #2 at the end of the year.
What has happen since then? Each time the Dawgs win against a so-so team, the sports writers think nothing about dropping them down in the polls. If they lose, even to a good team, they drop nearly double-digits. If that’s not the case, then why is LSU still in the top 5 this week? The printed word speaks for itself.
But, the main focus is on Richt. He has got to take over this team again. Reckless and undecipline, they need a leader. Richt has got to step up and be a head coach, or we’ll see a similar situation that is going on at Florida State right now.
senoiadawgs
October 5th, 2009
8:17 am
You say coaching struggles, I say coaching ineptitude…. Struggling to make a first down in the first half we throw exactly zero passes that are high percentage throws that would have given us a first down if the ball would have been caught and the receiver tackled immediately. This is just plain dumb… instead we throw screens and go patterns on third down.
I guess if I had to rely on the same QB I may be scared to throw timing patterns and the ball over the middle as well though.
JB Wright
October 5th, 2009
8:17 am
Joe Cox is the worst QB at GA since Jeff Pyburn. This season is toast! Put in a young guy and get Cox outta there!
Billy
October 5th, 2009
8:18 am
CHOPPER., This is only A.J.’s second year. He cannot enter the NFL next year, so the only way this is his last year in Athen’s is if he does not play anywhere next year. You must wait 3 years after H.S. to enter the NFL.
bamafan
October 5th, 2009
8:18 am
I watched the entire UGA LSU game. UGA lacks discipline….it has permeated the entire team and every aspect of their play. AJ Green is great and should have been able to celebrate but coaches should have warned him after UGA’s first celebration penalty. I don’t think AJ Green lost the game and I think the refs made a mistake but part of the game is playing well enough to overcome human error by the refs. How about the second penalty (on the kickoff)? What genius coach failed to have 4 players to the right of the kicker? That moved the ball to the 38 and LSU set up shop within field goal range. UGA fans need to quit bragging about how much better AJ Green is than other players and find him some help both on the field and on the sidelines. By the way, the wheels are coming off the train in Tallahassee; there may be two vacancies there soon. CMR and CWM might be welcome there.
9-11
October 5th, 2009
8:20 am
Nick Saban is a pussillanimous pussyfooter.
Whopperr Dawg
October 5th, 2009
8:20 am
I’d double Green every play and chalk up a V. Watch Papa Kiffin, Green will have his worst game. Bobo vs Kiffin, Martinez vs anybody, who would you bet on?
Atticus
October 5th, 2009
8:21 am
Mark, the running game is bad because the scheme is terrible. Very few counters, not many pulls, no two back split or misdirection. And the line is just not tough for some reason. It depends upon a first round draft pick to do anything (Moreno) and you aren’t going to have that every year. Bobo’s playcalling in the first half was pathetic. He is a high school coach. LSU’s playcalling was terrible as well, that was like watching sandlot football. GA should have gone after the game right there.
Every week Richt comes up with some new excuse. Yes the penalty was a bad call but you know what coach, LSU had the same opportunity and took it to a TD in 3 plays because your team can’t cover kickoffs and can’t get stops when they need them. Your team did nothing with the kickoff.
When you listen to Paul Johnson after a win, he sounds like he lost because he is still focusing on what Tech did wrong. Richt just makes excuses for his coaches.
Unless Bobo, Martinez and Fabris are gone and Richt wakes up, GA will be 5th or 6th in the SEC. He won the first four years because he had great defenses and he was more aggressive with the play calling. Now, he has a pitiful defense and overmatched coaches.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
8:21 am
Tech has played 4 straight BCS teams and we are 3-1. We have had our 1AA team but yours is coming up in Tenn. Tech. Playing BCS teams does not make you a power house or does it solve your problems. I don’t see that Tech has passed UGA, just that UGA has reached a certain level and the conference has improved greatly, aka Fla.,LSU, and Ala. UGA is experiencing something new to them. I like to call it the “one play syndrom.” Out of 5 games one play and the game could go either way. Really, look at your wins. Once play and they could be in the “L” column. But who am I, just a lowly non enspiring Tech fan who is happy with 7 wins and a winter game on the blue carpet. Good thing our AD and Head Coach does not feel that way…..Chan is gone.
T.O.S.S.
October 5th, 2009
8:23 am
It is time to look at the top. Saint Richt needs to accept some of the blame for this mediocrity, yet he shrugs it all off and all of the Richt apologists let it slide.
If mediocrity is acceptable, why didn’t we keep Goff or Donnan? Year over year we recruit top talent and most years we come in second (or third) to Florida and Tenn. Nevermind the fact we couldn’t tackle and lost to an inferior Tech teaem last year.
Look at the top.
Billy
October 5th, 2009
8:24 am
I cannot believe people are still wanting to get rid of Cox. Yes he has his bad moments, but we are dead last in the SEC in rushing and we don’t even have 500 yds rushing after 5 games. Take away 140 yds we got on 2 plays and we would be averaging 70 yds a game in rushing. That is not UGA football. I’m sorry folks but there are way more obvious problems than Joe Cox. O line, special teams, pass defense, penalties, turnovers, running backs and coaching are just a few.
NecUga
October 5th, 2009
8:25 am
Damonn Evans’ email:
devans@sports.uga.edu
Atticus
October 5th, 2009
8:25 am
Hey Da Coach—what was Michigan State, LSU and Bama’s programs like before he got there? And what were they like when he left. Pro football is different.
He is LIGHT years a better football coach than Mark Richt and I hate to say that because I can’t stand Saban.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
8:25 am
Sorry, Inspiring
Supes
October 5th, 2009
8:27 am
CMR should play as many freshman and red shirt freshman as possible this season to get them experience NOW, while the program is going through a rebuilding year (in the skill positions on offense especially).
Why not play Ealey, Murray or Mettenberg, get Marlon Brown in there with Wooten? What do we have to lose (if the team is going to lose games anyways with the noodle arm of Joe Cox at QB and the likes of Moore and King at WR and C. King at RB?)
Richard Samuel is not a 1 RB in the SEC, but he could be an ALL SEC LB if he is switched to Defense in the off-season. Guy has a motor that would be perfect for LB (plus he’s got the size too).
C King has shown NOTHING when given the chance at RB, some of that goes to the O-Line failing to push people and open up holes but some is King dancing around too much side stepping behind the line instead of hitting the hole full steam ahead.
Ealey needs to be given the chance at number 1 on the depth chart at RB, and Carlton Thomas needs to be utilized as our 3rd down back and get more involved in the screen pass (short routes) passing game.
Get the best talent out there regardless of experience and get them the experience they need RIGHT now, not in 2010.
We’ll be going through the same sh*t in 2010 in the skill positions on offense if CMR refuses to play the freshmen right now.
Nate
October 5th, 2009
8:30 am
I knew it. If ga loses to lsu there would be people making excuses saying hey they were ranked #4. Hello you were favored by 3.5-4.
And if you had lucked out and won, the same people would be saying we should be in the top 5. We just beat a top 5 team.
T.O.S.S.
October 5th, 2009
8:31 am
The problem isn’t Joe Cox, it is Mark Richt.
Supes
October 5th, 2009
8:31 am
Those who are against playing the young guys, ask yourselves this question.
What is the difference of going 7-5 or 8-4 with Cox at QB (knowning he’s out of here for 2010) or the same with Aaron Murray or Zack Mettenberg at QB (knowing they’ll have the experience they need to improve for the 2010 season)?
Pete Carroll has no issues with going with the best talent at QB in Matt Barkley, (rated number 1 QB coming out of HS in the nation), we have the NUMBER 3 QB rated out of HS at UGA and he’s going to be red shirted! FOR WHAT?
Mark Bradley
October 5th, 2009
8:33 am
Moreno went pro after playing two seasons but being redshirted as a true freshman.
Supes
October 5th, 2009
8:33 am
The problem isn’t Joe Cox, it is Mark Richt.
*************************************************
I beg to differ when I saw Cox miss by 5 yards behind receivers on a 10 yard route several times in the LSU game, and also OVERTHROWING AJ Green who was wide open and beaten the DB for a sure TD that could have changed the game early on (same game against LSU).
DB’s don’t fear Joe Cox’s arm, he can’t stretch the field.
Yes the O-Line has failed to deliver (in the run game), but also how much can be attributed to the DB’s knowing that Cox can’t go deep effectively enough so they can afford to play closer to the line and stop the run?
Daniel
October 5th, 2009
8:34 am
HILARIOUS!!! And very realistic. Great article.
bad brad
October 5th, 2009
8:35 am
I heard this solution from someone in my section Saturday: Put Bobo in as defensive coordinator…he can stop any offense.
Note to NecUga: Admitting that you “literally pulled” for the Dawgs to lose to SC indicates that you are not a GA fan; there is no excuse for that kind of logic.
senoiadawgs
October 5th, 2009
8:35 am
My goodness, I am still seeing a lot of the comments that the problem with this team is that they are young. Those of you who think this please open your eyes. Our biggest problems are caused by our SR.’s and Jr.’s. The FR and SO are our playmakers and most consistent on both sides of the ball. For goodness sake CMR play the best people. Of I keep forgetting they are not ready just like Ealey.
With the Searles comments, while the O-Line hasn’t gotten the push I expected there are plenty of holes to run through for the backs. King and Samuel unfortunately just stink. Samuel has the speed and toughness but no vision or cutting ability. King just likes to dance around.
Seriously how can anyone defend Cox, it’s kind of like defending Martinez. Have you watched a game this year?
rodent of unusal size
October 5th, 2009
8:35 am
Jeff: you can’t rate a wide receiver simply by yards per catch or total yards, especially in college.
Bigger issues. Important catches ( first down, red zone, TD) great catches, ( catches other would not normally make). Big play potential after the catch. The need to double team, which creates opening for others. AJ is someone every defense coach- will have to account for in scheme for the rest of the year.
Who the best? Take a poll of coaches in the SEC or any other coaches that have seen AJ. As the TV commentary mentioned during Arizona TV broadcast, when he was watching warm ups AJ stood out as being on different level than everyone else. When he comes out he will be the top prospect since Calvin Johnson.
Joe Blue-Collar Six-Pack
October 5th, 2009
8:36 am
2009 Line-Up:
Damon “Yes Sir President Adams, Sir” Evans
Saint Mark and his millions in the bank
Willie “Ranked Last in Everything” Martinez
“Special John” Fabris
Joe “I Could Care Less” Cox
A.J. “Push-Off” Green
Reshad “Cheap Shot” Jones
Quite a crew. This rambling wreck hopes everything in Athens stays just the way it is. And soon, your new hero “Push-Off” Green will leave to the NFL, and it will be even more fun to watch you whiners.
AZ Jacket
October 5th, 2009
8:36 am
Maybe Cox is the best you have at this point in time. Do you think the MR is playing him because of his loyalty to the UGA program or that he is the best available?
UGA '57 Bulldog
October 5th, 2009
8:36 am
I believe the north avenue trade school has a place to “vent.” As usual, the insects must take what small joy they have in life, when the UGA football program is looking average. I’m not sure if our Dogs have enough to beat the nats this season or not, but never the less, the fools can keep their damned coach and his wishbone offense. The nats will never do better than they already have with Paul Johnson. LSU put the insects in their place in the Chicken Bowl and Miami did it earlier this season. A well-coached defense handles Johnson’s wishbone. A poorly coached defense has trouble (DC Martinez?). I would say the insects have not done so well this season; why? Miami killed the insects, and Virginia Tech will do the same thing (if VaTech is on the schedule). Clemson should have beaten the insects. AS I see things, the insects have as many problems as UGA. Who has the nats beaten? North Carolina? Clemson? Navy? Jacksonville State? Mississippi State? Man, please, give me a break! Today in 2009 is the same as it has always been, even back in 1957….georgia tech sucks. TO HELL WITH TECH!
rodent of unusal size
October 5th, 2009
8:38 am
If there is a silver lining for this year, it will hopefully be that the teams record will encourage MR to play the younger QBs to get ready for next year.
Dawgs Fan
October 5th, 2009
8:39 am
Georgia needs to join a conference where the refs don’t punish you for 3 years for a team celebration penalty. Georgia should be 5-0 if not for a penalty on a punt return against OSU and the fantasy excessive celebration penalties…I am sick of refs who have never played football deciding big time college football games. Those guys Saturday should be working the high school level at best. Get some quality refs with your new ESPN contract SEC BOSS!