A powerful performance by a suddenly powerful UGA team
Did this guy outcoach Paul Johnson? Yes he did. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
There have been times lately when we’ve wondered, “Who are these guys?” Because they weren’t the Bulldogs we’d come to know and admire. They were undisciplined and undercoached. They were always reacting to an opponent, never forcing the issue. They were a finesse team, and a team devoid of force doesn’t win big in the broad-shouldered SEC.
But on the final night of an underwhelming regular season, Georgia played as if it remembered its breeding. It acted like an SEC team. It ran the ball with fury and blocked like the crack of dawn and played big-boy football. And at halftime we were saying, “Who are these guys?”
Because these weren’t the Bulldogs of recent vintage. These were tougher, stronger, meaner. They had come into the stadium of a team looking to solidify its hold on a rivalry and a state, and they’d been the aggressor from the first. Indeed, they were the aggressor from the coin toss. Georgia won it and, rather than do as every coach does in modern football, Mark Richt didn’t defer his choice. He wanted the ball and he wanted it now.
And when his men got it, they pounded Tech in a way Georgia never pounds anybody anymore. Ten plays, all runs, Caleb King and Washaun Ealey taking turns, the unassuming offensive line blowing massive holes in the Tech line. Ten plays, all runs, and just like that Georgia was ahead in a game it was supposed to lose.
Give Richt credit: All week he had to answer questions — one from me on the Wednesday SEC teleconference — about the need for change in his program, and in this game he did change. He and Mike Bobo eschewed the fancy stuff and just Lombardi’ed the game plan, and it was beautiful in its brutality. Three Tech defenders had to be helped off the field in the first half, and after 30 minutes Georgia had outgained the nation’s No. 7 team by 141 yards and had outscored it by 14 points.
But it was only a year ago in Athens that Georgia had led by 16 points at the half, and within seven minutes that lead was gone. Everyone knew Tech would again come out flying, and sure enough the Jackets scored on their first possession. But Georgia needed only one play to answer, Caleb King taking a handoff and fleeing 75 yards. And from then on Tech was chasing, and in the end the fleet Jackets couldn’t run fast enough.
It came down to one possession. Georgia up six, Tech with a chance to win. The Jackets moved across midfield but unaccountably stopped running the ball. Four consecutive passes, the first three nicely defensed, the fourth simply dropped. (The second and third passes were defended by Reshad Jones, the Georgia safety who’d spent the last year answering questions about his missed tackle of Tech’s Roddy Jones.) And suddenly Georgia was the second-best team in Georgia no longer.
Richt and Bobo and Willie Martinez had outflanked the new genius Paul Johnson and had done it without A.J. Green, their best player. And the guys who did play outfought a Tech team known for its pugnacity.
And now we have issues galore. Does one blissful night off North Avenue override the worst season under Richt? Probably not. But for the Bulldogs and their coach and all his coaches, it had to feel good to reclaim state supremacy and to mar what has been a glorious Tech season. (To say nothing of wrecking the ACC title game.) What happens with Martinez and the other assistants can wait until another day. What happened Saturday night was a slice of deliverance 365 days in the making.
Back to our question: Who were these guys? They were the Georgia Bulldogs, only they weren’t the Georgia Bulldogs that contrived to lose five games this season. These were Bulldogs from a different time, a time when Georgia football was power football. (The Bulldogs rushed for 339 yards, the highest total under Richt.)
And if this is the way Georgia football it to look in 2010 and beyond … well, maybe the future isn’t so grim after all. Maybe the future is big and brawny thing.
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1,342 comments Add your comment
TampaGator
November 29th, 2009
11:02 am
EZ dog…seriously, I don’t care what you think. Post what you want and don’t read my posts. That is called freedom. We live in America. Exercise your rights to ignore my posts.
takedowndawg
November 29th, 2009
11:02 am
tampagator, I guess that you have not been watching Mallett at Arkansas. Right now, if he has better pass protection year next, I think that he will be the #1 qb next year. Has an arm to die for. A little excitable but he will be deadly. For us, I am still excited for our Murray. I keep rehearsing the G-game and those tight spirals lasered in. He has a huge upside and also has been playing catch with TE pheom Orson Charles for years. Can’t help but be optimistic for next year tampagat.
The Grinch
November 29th, 2009
11:03 am
Riiiiiight. Johnson is such an offensive genius. He couldn’t even figure out how to win over Martinez. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Sanford Drive
November 29th, 2009
11:03 am
I thought Willie was supposed to resign after the Tech game. What’s the ETA on that?
hardmanb
November 29th, 2009
11:04 am
Congrats to the Bulldogs and especially the players and coaches. For UGA this was a great game. The win was clear, no excuses, no questionable calls…a complete and clean win. Richt is complete justified, and Bobo and Martinez showed that they can coach and motivate players. Bobo crafted a masterful game plan and called it flawlessly. Martinez showed he could deliver a defense that could tackle and frustrate the #2 national rushing offense, and #4 national total offense, and could motivate the players to smother every advantage of an opponent. This was a complete vindication of the coaching staff, and they all deserve raises, contract extensions and consideration for national coaching honors.
The Grinch
November 29th, 2009
11:04 am
I take a size 12 ring. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
EZ Dog
November 29th, 2009
11:04 am
Tampon Gator…dang almost forgot..you are right…thx
takedowndawg
November 29th, 2009
11:06 am
tampagator, funny that you were offended at my diversified statement. Live 50+ years and my view might have a little more relevance to you. Go DAWGGS!!!
SEC Dominance
November 29th, 2009
11:06 am
Tech’s front 7 = Eaten alive.
jason
November 29th, 2009
11:07 am
hardmanb, I agree. Some people do not want to give TEch the respect they deserve for being a good team. They act as if Tech doesn’t have the player to be able to make plays and rack up yards. Tech is a good team, and they will make plays. UGA just made more and made them when it counted. BS all you want, but #9 JOnes stepped it up in pass coverage on Tech’s last drive.
mjones
November 29th, 2009
11:09 am
fist yourself st simons 30-24
Tech Tony
November 29th, 2009
11:09 am
I’m not ducking anyone. I didn’t talk trash but I’ll let you talk your smack to me.
I’m still proud to be a Tech fan, no matter how last night turned out. You wrecked our season to a large degree just like we entirely ruined yours last year. As you will remember, it’s not a happy place. I think Tech shouldn’t be ashamed as much as it should credit Georgia. They played like they HAD to win, we didn’t.
With that out of the way, you took it to us and deserved the win. We had no answer and in the end deserved to lose.
I am living proof that Tech = class. No denying that.
SUNBURY
November 29th, 2009
11:10 am
who owns georgia???????
30-24
go dawgs
TampaGator
November 29th, 2009
11:11 am
Jason…I for one know that Tebow is not an NFL QB. He will have to transition to another position in the NFL, either FB or TE. He is a great college QB, however. He is also not good at going to secondary receivers or looking off defensive backs. He generally targets one receiver and if not open takes off running. Florida has some outstanding receivers (two coming back from injuries next year in Dubose and Moore). Georgia fans will realize how good the receivers are next year when Brantley is throwing the ball all over the field to about 5 different receivers. And yes, Hernandez is gone. That is why he threw the ball into the stands. It has become a tradition for receivers to do that in their last home game. He will be the most difficult player to replace on the Gator team next year. But, like with Leak, you probably will not see a lot of sets next year with a TE. You will see more 5 WR sets with Brantley at the QB postion. And Florida will be 5 deep and RB next year…all outstanding backs. And the D is going to be excellent. Not as good as this year, but excellent. The O is going to be better and more diverse, believe me, with Brantley at QB.
Spurrier
November 29th, 2009
11:12 am
UGA wins, still has “NO” class. You get to keep MARK, BOOBOO, WILLIE.
Brian
November 29th, 2009
11:12 am
Wow…. now you want to pump up UGA huh Mark?! Lest we forget the whole diatribe about “the power shift in the state”…. And now as usual the GT flags and shirts will disappear, no more comments on blogs or calls to radio shows. UGA fans show their support no matter what, GT fans only come out of the woodwork when they’re winning, and now will quietly go away again!! Go Dawgs!
Big L
November 29th, 2009
11:12 am
Man tampagator, u r as delusional as we were about Cox. If Brantleybwere that good, why ha he not strted one game. Even cox started one when we had Stafford. Crap TD’s against FIU do not count. Tebows only come around once in a long while. I will admit he is one of the most special to come along since Hershal. But you will regret not getting Arron Murray. Young Dawgs next year will rule SEC east.
TampaGator
November 29th, 2009
11:13 am
takedown…I have, and spending 20 plus years in high level marketing/advertising management has made the term more relevant to me (and I have a better understanding of it obviously) than you.
Tech Tony
November 29th, 2009
11:13 am
To the UGA fans who think Tech will disappear:
You are sadly mistaken. I can’t prove that until next season but I, for one, am going nowhere.
Sanford Drive
November 29th, 2009
11:14 am
Big L,
The difference between UGA and UF is that UF actually has decent backup QBs…kind of like when Shockley backed up Greene. If you think UF is going to be bad next season, you’re in for a surprise. Pipe dreams, my friend.
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 29th, 2009
11:16 am
Good game, DAWGS, from a Tech fan. You still have a lot of concerns to address.
bjfussell
November 29th, 2009
11:16 am
demarius thomas stole my butterfinger. KING ME NERDS!!!!!
jason
November 29th, 2009
11:16 am
TampaGator, that’s the scary thing about UF and Meyer. HC will adjust to his QBs strengths. And Yes, Hernandez will be the most difficult to replace. That kid could line up anywhere and do damage. I know that WR held UFs O back a ‘lil bit earlier this year.
How many of the underclassmen on defense do you expect to declare for the draft. While catching a glimpse of your game yesterday, I thought I heard them mention a DB.
Metal Jacket
November 29th, 2009
11:18 am
What about “KENTUCKY.” Who stays and who goes?
bjfussell
November 29th, 2009
11:19 am
tampa gator why do you look at atlanta websites? is the tampa tribune that bad?
TampaGator
November 29th, 2009
11:19 am
BIG L. Tebow did not start when Leak was there. And Tebow turned out to be fairly good, don’t you think. Brantley does not start because Tebow is there. Check his stats this year when he has played. They are very impressive, including when he played against Kentucky and yesterday against FSU. Plus, the Florida coaches were not concerned at all about the game when he was projected to start against LSU. They had full confidence in his skills. And every TV announcer has raved about his skills, including Lou Holtz, who knows a little something about football. Comparing Cox to Brantley is dilusional.
Digdawg
November 29th, 2009
11:20 am
Just face it, Tech SUCKS!!!!
Sanford Drive
November 29th, 2009
11:21 am
Brantley might be a good QB, but Lou Holtz is a blithering idiot. The guy said Notre Dame would go to the NC game. What’s their record again???
first string
November 29th, 2009
11:21 am
whewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Big L
November 29th, 2009
11:22 am
Bacari Rambo(best name in all of sports) , Montez Robinson, Justin Houston, Arron Murray, Washaun Ealy, Caleb King, A.J. Green, and the rest. If we get a DC who can bring it together and Bobo spreads the offense out to suit Murray , man it’s gonna be a great next three years.
takedowndawg
November 29th, 2009
11:23 am
tampagator, so as the great Jim Carrey would say, “so what your’re saying is you haven’t lived 50+ years?” Believe me, it WILL happen once you turn 50! Very amusing high level marketing senior vp of the North American continent. Calm down. Your arrogance is a little annoying to some of us. But, you are a good SEC fan. Have to hand it to you.
jason
November 29th, 2009
11:23 am
tampa gator, I have alot of respect for UF. I don’t like ‘em, but I do respect them. UF is the team to aspire to be, and also aspire to beat. By be, I mean achieve the level of success that has become the norm, there. UGA is not the only team either, you also have Tenn, heck even LSU. UF and UA have raised the bar in the competition in short manner of time. Looking forward to next year.s WLOCP. Hopefully that will be one for the ages, and not another melt down by my DAWGS, or another but whipping delivered to my DAWGS.
bjfussell
November 29th, 2009
11:23 am
now only if atlanta can win..
ATL krusher
November 29th, 2009
11:24 am
wheres all those tech fans now? the whole week before the game they said they would be on here after the game win or lose. No balls tech fans, No balls
Sonny Clusters
November 29th, 2009
11:24 am
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear…
ratherBgambling
November 29th, 2009
11:25 am
Pathetic to hear how UGA fans are touting UF not being as good as this year as opposed to UGA being better next year. As long as Meyer is the HC, UF will never stupe to UGA’s level.
Pounceys, Hernandez, Haden, Dunlap are NFL bound.
Who won?
November 29th, 2009
11:25 am
a comment for your coworkers….Barnhardt puts too much brown hair dye on, here is a tip do not leave it on that long when coloring your hair…and Junkyard Blawg needs a complete makeover. That gray shaggy beard looks atrocious and his style of glasses went out 20 years ago. Could you post a pic with the cap off as well after you get an up to date haircut…it is hard to look to you
TampaGator
November 29th, 2009
11:25 am
bfRussell…I have homes in both Atlanta (in Marietta) and the Tampa area. Therefore, I visit both websites, along with many others. One of my homes (condo actually) is on the beach, where I sit right now several stories up looking over the sea and drinking coffee. It is a little too chilly to be out here though. But I plan to walk on the beach later and then catch a flight back to Atlanta later tonight. Retirement to the Tampa area is near in the future, however. Can’t say I will miss Atlanta that much when I do leave. I liked it better 10 years ago. But I will continue to visit AJC.com even then.
winterdawg
November 29th, 2009
11:25 am
Tampa, what is your feeling on Meyer? I know he said he wasn’t leaving but I remember him saying that at Utah. Is there any feeling from you guys that he would take the Notre Dame job after the season is complete? His exit would make the SEC weaker.
bjfussell
November 29th, 2009
11:26 am
russ deserves a plaque or something
Big L
November 29th, 2009
11:28 am
how is that tampagator , cox had ge experience bfore he was starter. If you think game exp does’nt matter YOU ARE crazy.
TampaGator
November 29th, 2009
11:28 am
Sanford Drive…good point about Holtz. But he was a good coach and recognized talent. He is a little senile now, I agree, and too loyal to Notre Dame.
Big L
November 29th, 2009
11:29 am
how is that tampagator , cox had game experience bfore he was starter. If you think game exp does’nt matter YOU ARE crazy. and Richt had confidence in Joe Cox too, look where that got us.
bjfussell
November 29th, 2009
11:30 am
ealy+king=more victories dawgs-CWM=kirby smart
TampaGator
November 29th, 2009
11:32 am
WinterDawg…Meyer isn’t going to Notre Dame or anywhere for that matter. There is a big difference from going to Utah from Bowling Green and Florida from Utah…to going from Florida to Notre Dame…that would be a step down for Meyer. He isn’t interested in taking a step down. That is why he came to Florida over Notre Dame the first time. Now, in a few years, he might be interested in the NFL. But I doubt it. He has the best college coaching job in America…and he is getting paid 4 mill to do it…and will likely get another raise soon.
jason
November 29th, 2009
11:33 am
winterdawg, I know this ? was for Tampa, but if you don’t mind….
My thinking is while this would be the perfect time for Meyer to head to ND; with his beloved SRs departing with possibly another MNC and undefeated season, and take on the enormous challange that is ND. I don’t think he is leaving. He may turn this into another hellacious raise. Why would he leave? He is in a talent rich state with a team that is pretty much an every season winner. He is basicly playing for MNCs yearly. At ND, the talent level will drop considerably while the expectations will be even more higher than at UF, and that is saying alot. What are the pluses of going to ND? ND is the ND of old, and as soon as the people at ND come to grips with that, then maybe they will lower their expectations and get a guy in there that can and will restore ND to a National Power to be reconned with. If Meyer was to leave UF, I think it will be as SOS. A trip to the NFL to see if his coaching and his offense will work in the pros. His EGO will be to HC with the best.
The Grinch
November 29th, 2009
11:38 am
The SEC championship game…. #1 Florida versus #2 Alabama
The ACC (Anyone Care Conference?) championship game…. two non-top-10 teams who got hammered yesterdat by middle of the road SEC teams.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Houdawg
November 29th, 2009
11:38 am
To St.Simons ….. Yellow Fuzz ….. Opinion & all other Tech posters …… some well-deserved disrespect : GO TO HELL !!!
Your 10 – 1 juggernaut ; best Tech team in 20 YEARS couldn’t beat the WORST UGA team fielded in a long time. We KICKED your A$$ sideways-to-sunday …… You’re PATHETIC ……… and NEVER FORGET …..
YOU’RE AN ACC TEAM !!
YOU’RE GA.TECH !!
YOU’RE AN ACC TEAM !!
YOU’LL ALWAYS BE GA.TECH — UGA’S WHIPPING BOY !!!
GOT IT ? LIVE WITH IT !!
YOU’RE AN ACC TEAM !!
YOU’RE LITTLE ACC CHAMP GAME IS COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT !!!!!!
IT MEANS JACK-SQUAT !!!!
OH YEAH —– GO TO HELL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P-Man
November 29th, 2009
11:38 am
I guess “m” was wrong again. The ACC did not go 4 out of 7 against the SEC, instead going 2 out of 7. The saddest part is, if this is the worst he has seen the SEC in his lifetime, what does that make the ACC, when their 2 division winners cannot even beat a pair of middling 6-5 teams from the SEC? While the SEC may indeed be down, it is still better than the ACC. The hope was, when FSU joined the conference, and then Miami, that the other teams would raise their level of play. Instead, it seems that the other teams have pulled FSU and Miami down.
I do agree with “m” on one point: we do need a playoff, but I have a different idea about how it should work. The NCAA should create 8 “Super Conferences” of 16 teams each, divided into 2 8-team divisions. Each team plays the 7 teams in their division plus 3 out-of-conference teams (that way, no rematches in conference title games). The Conference Title Games becaome the first round of a 16 team playoff. No politics, no lobbying, no committee. Win your division, you’re in the playoffs, simple as that. Everything won on the field.
It’ll never happen, because it makes too much sense!
Big L
November 29th, 2009
11:39 am
Don’t get me wrong Tampagator. I am coming from as huble a place as possible. Not gonna doubt UF but you don’t lose Tebow, Hernandez, Pouncy’s and get better.