In a game and season going wrong, UGA gets it right
Washaun Ealey gives extra effort on a night of extra effort. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Athens – It began almost as an ending. Auburn led by 14 points after 12 minutes, and Georgia needed a whole quarter just to make a first down, and the crowd was booing the home side, and it was possible in that moment to see the entire Mark Richt Era unraveling in a pile of bad penalties and blown coverages.
It ended, however, as something approaching a new beginning. It ended with Georgia winning 31-24, with the Bulldogs defense having held Auburn offense to three points over the final 48 minutes, with Georgia looking not just like the better team but the stronger team, the smarter team, the more forceful team. And when last could we say that?
It ended with Georgia becoming bowl-eligible, but there was more on the line here than a trip to Memphis or Nashville. At stake this impassioned night was the credibility of a famous program. Because if Georgia couldn’t beat either Lane Kiffin or Gene Chizik in Year 1, what hope was there when those ambitious coaches got to Years 2, 3, 5?
But now we see that, contrary to popular belief, there’s life in the Red & Black just yet. There are young players capable of seizing a big game going wrong on a night when A.J. Green was lost in the first quarter, players like Tavarres King and Washaun Ealey and Orson Charles and Israel Troupe. And even Caleb King, of whom so much has been expected, ran hard and well in the second half of this turnaround game, and suddenly the future of Georgia football doesn’t seem half so bleak.
And here we pause for a few words about the beset defensive coordinator. Georgia’s D opened the game as if it hadn’t looked at a frame of film. Auburn had 145 yards in the first quarter, and it seemed Martinez had ordered his players not into the traditional Cover 2 but some sort of Cover None.
But then it changed. To borrow from Ray Goff, Georgia “got after ‘em.” The defensive line got a surge. The offensive line, strangely benign most of the season, got a push. The Bulldogs wrested control of both scrimmage lines. The defensive front so addled quarterback Chris Todd that he threw one ball to an offensive tackle and another to defensive back Reshad Jones, who really wasn’t covering anyone.
Jones’ interception changed the game. Auburn had just retied it at 24 after a 99-yard kickoff return and had stopped Georgia inside the final nine minutes, and the Tigers were driving. But Todd threw the ball to a Georgia man when he had a teammate wide open, and then it was Georgia’s game to win.
And Georgia won it. Joe Cox found T. King down the sideline. C. King burst up the middle to score. There was time enough for Auburn to answer, but something about Martinez’s men was different this time. They were hitting harder, closing faster. The closest Auburn came was when Mario Fannin shook loose down the middle, but Bacarri Rambo arrived concurrent with the ball and the pass was incomplete.
Rambo stayed down 10 minutes, a sobering scene, and was immobilized before being stretchered off. But his effort was symptomatic of the reborn Bulldogs — full-tilt and fearless. And his mates made two more plays, and it was done.
Georgia had won. Georgia would not wind up 5-7. Georgia would not cede recruiting ground to Gene Chizik. Given every chance, Georgia would not back down. Georgia reached into its storied past and finally offered up an effort worthy of the nickname “Bulldogs.”
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© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
555 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
November 14th, 2009
11:05 pm
First
defactodawg
November 14th, 2009
11:07 pm
well said Mark, but it shouldn’t be the saving grace for the staff. There still must be changes are we’re looking at a similar scenario next year.
jfdd
November 14th, 2009
11:07 pm
first?
Barry
November 14th, 2009
11:07 pm
Not going to claim that coveted first position.
defactodawg
November 14th, 2009
11:07 pm
of course that s/b ‘or”
jfdd
November 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
actually 31-24
Barry
November 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
But an excellent three quarter performance by the defense.
jesse james
November 14th, 2009
11:09 pm
Great Job Dawgs!!!
Bride of ChuckyKnapp
November 14th, 2009
11:09 pm
Later!
Bride of ChuckyKnapp
November 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
Congrats Dogs! It was like watching a real football game again!
Go Dogs!
willie martinez
November 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
Mark, you got anything on rambo yet?
Bark Madley
November 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
ga still sucks. hopefully u girls can beat uk next week to make our SOS better when we drop half a hundred on you
Douglas
November 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
Sad was…seeing CMR hugging slick WM at the end of the game…oh my, does that mean we have to keep WM? I went to UGA…was born in Athens…but this is pathetic.
willie martinez
November 14th, 2009
11:11 pm
i never saw what happened. didnt look that bad on the sidelines. but i couldnt tell
willie martinez
November 14th, 2009
11:11 pm
all these bloggers are taking my idea of spelling stuff backwards.
UGAFan
November 14th, 2009
11:12 pm
Nice win. Fewer penalties and turnovers. Focused clean game by the dawgs!
dawg4lyf
November 14th, 2009
11:12 pm
The guys showed some heart tonight and deserve the praise they get. Congrads guys…
bjfussell
November 14th, 2009
11:12 pm
on to shrevport
Texas Dawg
November 14th, 2009
11:12 pm
DEFENSE!
Keep it Real!
November 14th, 2009
11:12 pm
Good home victory by the Dawgs, but the talent on this team is overrated! These players are not top 5 type football classes.
Coaching cannot give you a football brain to not make stupid penalties and this team does not have the talent to overcome mistakes!
The Other Saint Simons
November 14th, 2009
11:13 pm
Dear St. Simons,
I need someone to carry my bag tomorrow at Frederica. Can you make it?
Thanks.
Big Sexy
November 14th, 2009
11:13 pm
Tifton’s Israel Troupe caught his first touchdown on the night when the team was honoring Tifton’s Chance Veazey. great night for Tifton in other words
Coffee Bluff DAWG
November 14th, 2009
11:13 pm
Way to go DAWGS. UGA can win out if we eliminate penalties and get turnovers as shown tonight.
Did you even watch the game???
November 14th, 2009
11:13 pm
Mark – 24-17???? Really? What game did you watch? I mean honestly, how hard can it be to write down the correct score of the game you supposedly JUST COVERED? Incompetence and AJC go hand in hand apparently…not that we didn’t already know that.
Mark Bradley
November 14th, 2009
11:13 pm
Richt told Chuck Dowdle that Rambo has movement in all extremities. He was unconscious for a while after the tackle. He is being taken to Saint Mary’s.
The Other Saint Simons
November 14th, 2009
11:14 pm
Dear St. Simons, Can you carry my sack tomorrow at Frederica? I need a caddy.
Thanks.
dooley
November 14th, 2009
11:14 pm
ealy + King = victory. Good running game. way to help the D. The kickoof return was caused because of richard Samuels loafing on the kickoff. watch and see.
Bride of ChuckyKnapp
November 14th, 2009
11:15 pm
Nice column, Mark. I like reading it over and over, just to make sure it’s all true.
Erk Russell
November 14th, 2009
11:15 pm
Great and Right On! You soind like Furman Bisher and Harley Bowers!!
Mark Bradley
November 14th, 2009
11:16 pm
Thanks, JFDD. You win the copy-editing prize.
Coffee Bluff DAWG
November 14th, 2009
11:16 pm
Glad to hear about Rambo. GREAT NEWS.
Jamie
November 14th, 2009
11:17 pm
Defense played with heart after a bad start! They could have folded the tent but didnt
sherry
November 14th, 2009
11:17 pm
no more directional kicking!! walsh can and should always put it in the end zone!!
Bride of ChuckyKnapp
November 14th, 2009
11:18 pm
Hey “Did you”, haven’t you heard the SEC reviewed the game and took points away from both teams. UGA still won, though.
joe taxpayer
November 14th, 2009
11:18 pm
Does this mean CWM is coming back.
vtfalcon
November 14th, 2009
11:19 pm
I like Jeff’s “First”!
Every player on Auburn’s team that was thinking of going to Georgia before deciding on Auburn is experiencing a pang of regret.
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:19 pm
Never give up, never say never again.
Willie DC for life……………
Coffee Bluff DAWG
November 14th, 2009
11:20 pm
Hey St. Simons,
Can you list the UGA score for everyone tonight?
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:20 pm
I did not like that one deep kick of Walsh that landed on the one and went for 99 yards. Kick it out of bounds next time.
Floundering Fox Hounds
November 14th, 2009
11:20 pm
These red clay hounds just saved Willies job for another year of mediocrity. This program has two big wins since their beatdowns this past season, Tenn Tech and now a horrible Auburn team. 6 – 6 dawgs MARK IT DOWN!!!!!
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
How about a trip to the PURINA BOWL?
monty
November 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
Rambo made the TD saving play!! Way to go Rambo!!
Joe Daddy
November 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
man what a great win for our boys! We showed a lot of heart after the first quarter! Let’s keep it going boys and give the next two game all we got! Played like Dawgs today!
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
Marked down Flounder. You know fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life boy.
SOUTHGADAWG88
November 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
Eal and King are both fresh and hungry we should ride them 30-40 carries a game
Greg
November 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
Mark, does this game affect your opinion on the UGA vs. GT game?
Barkin'Dog
November 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
Great job, Mark. Well said (as usual) about the Dawgs tonight. They played their hearts out and left it all on the field. Couldn’t be prouder of the team, the coaches, the results and the program. Now on to 3 more wins for a 9-4 season… much better than predicted. That’s right, Techsters… talk all you want… you know what’s coming, and you’re afraid. Be very afraid. The Dawgs are coming for you!! Woof-woof!
dawgs
November 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
dawgs going to a bowl games
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
Do they serve Dawg Chow in the Purina Bowl?
td
November 14th, 2009
11:25 pm
It is amazing how much better the D plays when they rush the passer. I saw a great push by the tackles and the young DE’s stepped up and starting putting some pressure on the QB after the first quarter. Very good job with during the game adjustments.
buzzDawg
November 14th, 2009
11:27 pm
Let the Georgia fans borrow from Auburn’s mantra from a few years back with four straight wins over Bama going into the next year – “Fear the thumb”
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:27 pm
What happened to Willie. Some dude with a bald head was imitating him on the sideline and doing it badly. Everyone knows Willie cannot motivate a defense. Horrible imitation.
Floundering Fox Hounds
November 14th, 2009
11:27 pm
Only thing here that is fat is all of these blind homer heads.
Mark Bradley
November 14th, 2009
11:28 pm
I might write something about the Tech-UGA game within the next 24 hours, Greg. Don’t make me tip my hand.
Bama Stan
November 14th, 2009
11:28 pm
12 NATIONAL TITLES – 21 SEC TITLES!!!
WAY TO MAN UP UGA!!!
Defense was fearless last 3 quarters – and adjusted well to Auburns attack.
However, I agree with UGA fans that changes still need to be made – too often UGA defense is not prepared to start the game.
Glad to see Auburn get beat – again congratulations.
One last thing – very glad to hear B. RAMBO is OK!
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:29 pm
Four over Auburn in a row. I can’t remember this in my life but I am a young pup at fifty.
Denver Dog
November 14th, 2009
11:29 pm
Well, I hope that it is a turnaround. I was impressed with the D after the 14-0, still not happy with the KO team, and I thought that they played with alot more discipline. It was a good victory, and UGA coaches, players, and fans should be congratulated. This was a night when UGA could have rolled over. They didn’t. They are a fair team with great talent, good coaching, and good fans. I’m sure that there is still a need for a new D coordinator, and maybe an O coordinator too! We need to leave that until the end of the season. For Now, GO DOGS!!!!!!!
Dawg in Bham
November 14th, 2009
11:29 pm
Mark,
Great read on the game. Maybe a tad too upbeat for me. As much as I love UGA football(didn’t miss a home game in the 80’s), I just don’t come away from this game feeling as positive about the next two. Living here in AU/AL land, I see that AU is NOT a good team and we hung on to beat them. KY and AU are about the same quality right now, so next week will not be a cake walk…and I don’t even want to think about GT. They’re gonna hang 50 on us and our offense, I’m afraid, is just not strong enough to put up 51 on them.
But, again, a great read. I’m thankful for the internet and the ability to live among these morons while being able to read you and Jeff’s articles.
GT
November 14th, 2009
11:30 pm
See you in Atlanta.
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:30 pm
Well Flounder at least you admit to being drunk and stupid.
Butt Cuts Galore
November 14th, 2009
11:30 pm
I still like to look up at the jumbotron and smirk!
Mark Bradley
November 14th, 2009
11:30 pm
Thanks, Bham. But you know me — Mr. Upbeat.
Kentucky
November 14th, 2009
11:31 pm
We’re not Auburn. Get plenty of rest.
Greg
November 14th, 2009
11:32 pm
Update on how long Green will be out. I know the type just not the length?
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:32 pm
Thanks Bama Stan for Bacari. You know I know that you know we think you are a class act and an SEC fan.
Dawg in Bham
November 14th, 2009
11:32 pm
Mark,
Drunk, fat and upbeat is a good way to go thru life…
Buckhead Bulldog
November 14th, 2009
11:32 pm
If I were a GT fan I would be freaking out right about NOW because it is almost midnight for Cindy. Where’s your glass slipper Techsters?
The Dogs are finally, finally coming to life.
Sic’em Dogs
Mark Bradley
November 14th, 2009
11:33 pm
A.J. Green could be out the rest of the regular season, according to Richt.
hey dawg in bham
November 14th, 2009
11:33 pm
have you watched our (GTs) defense! GTs defense is pathetic i bet Yall can put 51 on us especially if AJ plays! Its gonna be like last years game probably! The only problem is that GT and UGA especially has to play an almost flawless game! Because history shows if Techs offense gets up by 2 scores then the game is over!
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 14th, 2009
11:33 pm
Come to the PURINA BOWL and you can play with yourselves.
Chuck Doodle
November 14th, 2009
11:34 pm
Any softball Questions for CMR ? Suggestions?
E-Dog
November 14th, 2009
11:34 pm
Spot on Mark. We found out a little about this team tonight. They finally pushed back on somebody. It was the first time all year we’ve seen this team really get after it. Both the O and D line play was encouraging. No question that the three remaining games are all winnable. It’ll be interesting to see if the team continues to improve.
Pago Flyer
November 14th, 2009
11:34 pm
Looks like Willie stays for another year…
Bobby Houseman
November 14th, 2009
11:35 pm
Good read, Mark. We’ll be lucky to beat Tech, but hopefully can top UK. It’s always nice to beat up on the Auburn Tigers/Plainsmen/War Eagles/Tractor Drivers/Inbreeds.
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:35 pm
No Kentucky, you are not Auburn. You are the second to worst defense in the SEC. Auburn is better than you at third. Be grateful for Arkansas.
Buckhead Bulldog
November 14th, 2009
11:36 pm
A Kentucky fan bowing up? That is funny right there.
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:36 pm
Gee Mark, thanks for the cup of cheer.
reddawg
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
In th words of Vince Lombardi: “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.” Congrats Dawgs. Great effort. Be proud!
MN
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
Time to get ready for Uk, then Gt. We will beat them both easily. GT is acc crap. This time it’s payback time for their lucky comeback. The high school O will get shut down. The whining tech fan base will have nothing to say in 2 weeks. Cap one bowl is likely.
Greg
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
As a Tech fan, I was impressed with the win and how UGA handled adversity in the first quarter. I’m still not seeing enough consistent play from their offense and defense, but still a good win for UGA.
JChucktowm
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
Pass Rush=good DB’s
td
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
That is horrible news about AJ Mark. Did the give anymore details about what the injury is?
WILLIE
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
We beat Tenn. Tech and Auburn, we’re back.
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
Oh c’mon Pago, who are we going to blame if Mart-nez is gone?
Kentucky
November 14th, 2009
11:38 pm
We beat Auburn too. And we will beat you.
Dawg Whisperer
November 14th, 2009
11:39 pm
Beating a major rival was key for Mark Richt and he knows it. Losing all your major rivalry games will get you talked about in the past tense in a hurry. If UGA can win out this year with an upset over GT, folks will begin to believe again especially if the defense shows up. The Tech game will show whether this dawg team has turned the corner.
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:39 pm
GT is not crap. The ACC is not crap. I would rather concentrate on the Wildcats. Leave the looking ahead to USCw.
Greg
November 14th, 2009
11:40 pm
UGA fans, I have seen a good bit of the games but want to know your opinion what the possible loss of AJ means for your offense/team.
godawgs
November 14th, 2009
11:41 pm
Ealey is a Dynamo!
98 yards rushing, if he’d been given the ball 20 times, he’d have had a 100 yard game.
That’s the formula–when we run the ball, we control the clock, we rest the D, we pysch out the opponent, we get 1st downs, we take pressure off the passing game, we open up the passing game, we commit less turnovers, to name a few.
Richt is 38-3 when he gets a 100 yard rusher.
Ealey was the spark tonight.
Frankie Knuckles
November 14th, 2009
11:41 pm
Go Dawgs! Richt is suspect. Bradley thanks for staying in touch with fans. I hope you keep DOB on his toes next MLB season. By the way, Hanson as closer = insane. Later.
SLP
November 14th, 2009
11:41 pm
These dawgs still have some fight in them. See you in Athens, Kentucky.
Cuz
November 14th, 2009
11:41 pm
No Kentucky, the SEC DC fantasy league says you lose. It has only been wrong once in the last four weeks on all SEC games. Put that in your crack pipe and smoke it.
godawgs
November 14th, 2009
11:42 pm
Ealey got 98 yards—-Ga wins!!!
Clear Jelly
November 14th, 2009
11:42 pm
KY will ease and slide past the Dawgs! dawgstyle!
DawgFan
November 14th, 2009
11:42 pm
We still need to get rid of Bobo and WIllie. Funny thing, if Ga wins next week they could get the Chick fil A bowl. Show how the big bowls want the SEC. The ACC #2 plays the SEC #5 in the Chick fil a. Every year almost the #5 SEC team whips up on the #2 ACC team. Remember the pounding Tech took last year? SEC bowls: Usually NC, then Sugar, then Captial One (6 million payoff, biggest after BCS games), Outback, Chick fil a, Motor CIty, Liberty then Independance. All of the bowls will have an SEC. Saw today the ACC wasn’t going to have enough 6 win teams to fill their bowls. Oh well, guess someone else will need to go to Boise.
WHO CARES
November 14th, 2009
11:42 pm
This was a battle of two teams that have a combined 13 wins. Why isn’t the battle of two teams with a combined 15 wins the headliner? Oh yeah, I forgot, we need to make the Bulldog faithful feel like they have something to smile about. Sorry Georgia, I thought you were better than that.
DawgFan
November 14th, 2009
11:43 pm
Correction: Capital and Music City
Abe Lincoln
November 14th, 2009
11:43 pm
Most, really most of you people are retarded. They won Enjoy it, get over it, or go bea off.
MN
November 14th, 2009
11:44 pm
The acc is crap. GT has won so many lucky games this year. We are going to kill the nerds. I predict at least 4 turnovers by them. And then clemson will kick their butts to and as usual they will lose there bowl game. 3 losses to end the season while we have 5 wins. Time to put tech back where they belong. 2 weeks and the butt kicking can’t come soon enough. And the acc will get only 5 or 6 bowl teams and lose all but one, maybe two.
td
November 14th, 2009
11:44 pm
One game at a time. Kentucky is playing well and will be hard to beat. GT is a very good team this year and they have next week off to get healthy and prepare.