5 things that could rain on my sunny forecast and undo UGA
These folks seem rather cheerful. Well, don't they? (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
I’m on record as having picked Georgia to go 10-2, win the SEC East and finish No. 11 in the land. I would say that qualifies me, just this once, as an optimist.
But I wouldn’t be gloomy ol’ MB if my every thought was sweetness and light. I’m willing to concede that this season could come undone … if all (or most of) this happens.
1. Isaiah Crowell is overrated. I don’t think he is. But not everyone can be The Next Herschel Walker. The Bulldogs have searched for three decades and haven’t quite found another. (Although Tim Worley and Rodney Hampton and Garrison Hearst and the pre-surgical Robert Edwards and Knowshon Moreno were pretty good. And Terrell Davis would have been had Ray Goff gotten him the ball.)
Since Signing Day, Mark Richt has acted if Crowell, borrowing from the soccer coach Jose Mourinho, is indeed “a special one.” When asked last month if he feared his backfield, without the washouts Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, would suffer, Richt said, “I don’t know there was a time last year when I thought our backs were playing lights-out.” The implication was that this season might be such a time. But that’s a lot to ask of any freshman. If not the new Herschel, Crowell needs at least to be the new Hearst.
2. A.J. Green and Kris Durham prove irreplaceable. Even if Crowell is great, we shouldn’t expect these Bulldogs to become the 1980 Bulldogs. Richt’s is a finesse offense. His quarterback will throw the ball a lot. At issue is whether Tavarres King and Marlon Brown and Malcolm Mitchell and Rantavious Wooten — all of whom are talents — can supply the production lost with Green and Durham.
Given that Green was the greatest wide receiver in Georgia history, the guess here is that there’ll be some decline. But let’s not forget Orson Charles, who’s technically a tight end but who often aligns himself as a slot receiver. He might be the best tight end in Bulldog annals. (And yes, that’s saying something.) He’s the key to the passing game.
3. Todd Grantham is overrated. He has a big reputation and gets paid a ton of money and gives expert (if ineffective) choke signs, but he hasn’t yet proved he’s a top-shelf collegiate defensive coordinator. (Then again, he has only been a college DC for one year.) His 3-4 looked good on occasion last season, less good on other occasions. Auburn ran through it, but Auburn did that to a lot of defenses, Alabama’s included. Georgia Tech ran through it without its starting quarterback, but Paul Johnson can have that effect.
There’s no reason Georgia shouldn’t have a big-time defense. It has seasoned defensive backs, gifted linebackers and the requisite nose tackle (in either Kwame Geathers or Jonathan Jenkins) it lacked last season. If the Bulldogs can’t stop people this season, it’ll be because Richt hired the wrong man to replace Willie Martinez.
4. It starts 0-2. Georgia could lose to Boise State this Saturday. It could lose to South Carolina the next week. (For the record, I don’t think it will lose either game.) Should that doomsday scenario occur, would the season still be worth playing? Or should Georgia just fire Richt and hire Kirby Smart on the spot?
Wait a second. Even at 0-2, Georgia would still have a chance to right itself. Its two toughest games would be behind it. Mississippi State has to come to Athens. Tennessee and Florida are in major flux. From 0-2, it wouldn’t be unthinkable to see the Bulldogs — who are a young team, and young teams tend to get better as they go — win nine or even 10 games. There might indeed be life after doomsday.
5. It has simply forgotten how to win. This is the biggest concern. Check Georgia’s stats from last season and you’ll get the drift. The Bulldogs outscored opponents by 130 points. They outgained opponents by 734 yards and had 10 fewer turnovers. And yet they finished with a losing record.
This happened because Georgia lost every game that was in doubt in the fourth quarter save Georgia Tech. (Another stat: Georgia outscored the opposition in each of the first three quarters on the season — but was outscored 92-68 in the fourth.) The Bulldogs shouldn’t have been 6-7, but they were. Was 2010, as Richt has suggested, just one of those bizarre years, or was it the clearest indication yet that Georgia is no longer Georgia? And if that’s the case, can even a Dream Team save this program?
By Mark Bradley
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256 comments Add your comment
DawginLex
August 29th, 2011
2:40 pm
Because I’m in the Circle of Trust
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:42 pm
Beast……….way to bring us back to earth…As you know Florida really took off with the arrival of Sprurrier……and boy did it. We’ll give Boise all they want. We have the athletes to beat them . We’ll just have to see.
Curious George
August 29th, 2011
2:43 pm
After which of this year’s defeats with Coach Mark Richt submit his resignation?
Curious George
August 29th, 2011
2:45 pm
Due to the hideous nature of Georgia’s Nike “Pro Combat” uniforms and the betrayal of Bulldog Nations, is it really fair to compare Mark Richt’s relationship with Nike to that of Judas to the Roman Army?
Joey
August 29th, 2011
2:45 pm
So, Beast, Saban tried to hire the 50th+ best DC in ‘07? Yeah, he offered the job to Grantham, got turned down, then gave the job to Smart.
Speaking of Saban, anybody think Boykin would have pulled that Twitter BS if he played for Bama? I can’t stand that “ME” crap. Boykin might have scored a few TDs last year, but his team went 6-7.
How about win a big game before you talk smack . . .
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:45 pm
C Georgia, at about $275,000 per game, I’m sure resigning is not in his play book.
AltamahaDawg
August 29th, 2011
2:45 pm
I think the forgetting how to win is accurate for last year. But that’s different than never knew how, or can’t. It’s easy to remember. “oh yea, thats where I put it”. All you have to do is retrace your steps and focus. Not nearly as hard as having to learn or invent something new.
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:47 pm
Geathers,Jarvis Jones and Olgeltree will make a HUGH difference this year. HUGE.
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:48 pm
HUGE………..I don’t know who Hugh is….LOL
Ringleader
August 29th, 2011
2:49 pm
Terrell Davis had a bad ankle his last year. Got it in camp and never recovered. He was never able to tote the rock because of it. It was not something that Goff did.
As for Searles, he was forced to play a pass protection style of blocking rather than a straight ahead zone
blocking syle. It will be interesting to see what style we go to this fall. I do not think we should be a pass
first team, but should be more into the running game. We seem to continue to run the old FSU offense, with little to do with the power game.
Southside Dawg
August 29th, 2011
2:50 pm
Dawgs will win by 11
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:50 pm
Keep Moore running for his life all night, we win pretty easy. Let him sit back and survey the field, NFL DB’s have a tough time covering speedy wideouts.
5 Time National Champs Nebraska
August 29th, 2011
2:51 pm
DawginLex
August 29th, 2011
2:40 pm
Because I’m in the Circle of Trust
_________________________________________________________________________________
?
You need to relax. Just because someone see’s the UGA program differently than you does not make them a troll. It’s possible that UGA may not have a great season. To offer that up in discussion does not make one a troll, it just means their perspective is different, and less delusional.
I’ve offered civil discourse, yet you prefer the insults. Again, way to represent UGA.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 29th, 2011
2:52 pm
Nice post Bama in Atlanta. Actual facts to support your argument. How refreshing indeed.
Nate the Great
August 29th, 2011
2:52 pm
@Nebraska:
1) You are not a UGA fan, so your opinion means jack squat to us. You are a Big 10 fan and they suck. You are a Nebraska fan and they are irrelevant. They haven’t been irrelevant since Osborne.
2) You never say anything positive about our program. You just throw stones and then talk about how great your Academic AAs are.
We don’t care about Nebraska and sure as sh*t don’t care about your opinion.
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:52 pm
We better be able to open a hole this year. We couldn’t last year.
edumacated
August 29th, 2011
2:52 pm
Beast, your Gators have had a lot of things happen right for them over the last couple of decades, but common sense says that it can’t last forever. Just ask Florida State. Your day is coming, and Georgia will own you again. Count on it.
Curious George
August 29th, 2011
2:53 pm
Will Mark Richt be on the new season of “Dancing With the Stars?”
Beast from the East
August 29th, 2011
2:54 pm
Beast
It’s the truth. You know it.
As each year goes by, you will agree with me more and more.
DawginLex,
I disagree. I believe the Gators will have another NC this decade. I can’t say the same thing for UGA…..unless they upgrade the HC. Just my opinion.
DawginLex
August 29th, 2011
2:54 pm
Nebraska
Nothing about you has been civil. There are folks on these blogs who represent other teams who discuss things in a civil adult manner.
That ain’t you.
Joey
August 29th, 2011
2:54 pm
“They spread you out and use a lot of misdirection.”
***********************************
Cutting-edge football?
Hope we see some of that in our O this season. Richt promised . . .
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:54 pm
I’m thinking Orson Charles makes our young WR’s better. You gotta double Charles, which should leave a LB on a WR somewhere.
Dawg-a-licious!
August 29th, 2011
2:55 pm
Nebraska,
Have you watched “The U” 30/30 episode? Didn’t work out too well for your Cornsuckers!!!
Also, DawginLex is a true DAWGS fan. My point…..he can discuss the issues with our program. Plus….best I can remember from other folks who have tried to push his buttons….he’s a big ‘un!! You might just walk a little funny with that cornstalk up your @$$!!!!
Sic ‘em Dawgs….and DawginLex!
Boise in ATL
August 29th, 2011
2:56 pm
Good article:
1. Crowell the next Hershall – nope – never happen – there NEVER will be another Hershall Walker.
However, in the future – UGA should hope that they might find a back that might be the next I. Crowell. I think this kid will be very good.
2. WR’s could be an issue. Mitchell might be the difference maker – his speed and catching ability (if reports are true) could be just what the doctor ordered. Also – without AJ GREEN – Murray may be forced to spread the wealth – which could make the Offense more dangerous.
3. DC is overrated – time will tell. Year 1 was Year Zero – he had to install a system – and recruit players that fit the system. Just remember – SABAN went 6-6 his first year at ALABAMA – so I think UGA defense will be improved – if anything – maybe better against the run – which would be HUGE.
4.Starting 0-2 if a very real possiblity – as UGA has so many new players and issues that it may take some time to jell. USCe seems to play their best ball first half of the year – then fade or hang on as the season progresses. I think this is more probable than not.
5. Forgotton how to win? Possibly – I think the last two season were:
a. 2009 – UGA was in transition due to losses of Stafford, Moreno and others. Also, O-Line depth plagued UGA.
b. 2010 – with new D-Staff and 3-4 – the defense was in transition- and needed the offense to carry the team. problem was s&c, attitude and leadeship. the inmates were running the asylum. 13 arrests – two starting RB’s consistently in the Dawghouse and suspended various times during the season- (wonder why the fumbled or blocked poorley?) Losing AJ Green for 1st 4 games. O-Line coach not has good as advertised. I would say the program needed addtional attitude adjustments and changes – which Richt has done.
If UGA starts 0-2 – I woudl suggest Dog fans be patient and supportive. However, If UGA loses to Missisippi State, Tennessee and Florida – making a change in leadership of the program should be on the table.
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:57 pm
They single cover Charles, it’ll be early Christmas. WR in a TE body. He’ll catch 15 passes for 2-3 TD’s.
Beast from the East
August 29th, 2011
2:57 pm
Beast……….way to bring us back to earth…As you know Florida really took off with the arrival of Sprurrier……and boy did it. We’ll give Boise all they want. We have the athletes to beat them . We’ll just have to see.
JB,
I have UGA picked to win Saturday and I’ll be routing for you guys! The only 3 games I want to watch are all on at the same time (LSU/Ducks, BSU/UGA and the Gators). Lots of channel swapping!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 29th, 2011
2:58 pm
Boise in ATL agree with you 100%
JB
August 29th, 2011
2:59 pm
Gut Check…….we ain’t starting 0-2.
Athens Dawg
August 29th, 2011
3:00 pm
Single covering Charles would be a mistake.
5 Time National Champs Nebraska
August 29th, 2011
3:02 pm
Dawg-a-licious!
August 29th, 2011
2:55 pm
Nebraska,
Have you watched “The U” 30/30 episode? Didn’t work out too well for your Cornsuckers!!!
Also, DawginLex is a true DAWGS fan. My point…..he can discuss the issues with our program. Plus….best I can remember from other folks who have tried to push his buttons….he’s a big ‘un!! You might just walk a little funny with that cornstalk up your @$$!!!!
Sic ‘em Dawgs….and DawginLex!
And this is civil?
You people are truly ill.
Curious George
August 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
Is there any truth to the rumor that Coach Richt’s mishandling of the UGA Football Team over the past year or there is due to him coming down with a severe case of “BIEBER FEVER?”
Smitty
August 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
There is only ONE reason why your pandering will be proven wrong. UGA is only good in one of the 3 aspects of football. When your biggest bragging spot is your kicking game, you gotta start to wonder. Put the same players in a Kentucky uniform and you would be saying they go 6-7. Name a single SEC school who has NOT improved more than UGA from last season to this season. I hear the fans’ delusional statements about new strength coach, recruiting, nutrition, Aaron Murray, etc. I just don’t see how any of that has improved enough to fill in the gaps from last season and the new ones (no AJ Green). Mark Richt has proven he can do less with more talent than any coach in the nation. As for Grantham, he’s Rex Ryan without the talent. He’s a fat loudmouth who hasn’t proven a thing. UF had a AWFUL offense last season and Grantham’s “junkpile dogs” made them look like the 2001 Rams.
Troll Power Ratings
August 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
@Nebraska: please see Boise in ATL for appropriate, well thought out discussion from an opponent. Yes, you are a moronic troll.
About those running backs ...
August 29th, 2011
3:04 pm
Mark, I’m not sure Richt was saying Crowell will be special. He was just saying that what they had last year wasn’t special — and that’s hard to argue.
5 Time National Champs Nebraska
August 29th, 2011
3:05 pm
Troll Power Ratings
August 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
@Nebraska: please see Boise in ATL for appropriate, well thought out discussion from an opponent. Yes, you are a moronic troll.
I can say the same for you.
Yellow Fuzz
August 29th, 2011
3:06 pm
DawgInLex:
You are such a know it all!
Hahahahahaha
5 Time National Champs Nebraska
August 29th, 2011
3:06 pm
Troll Power Ratings
August 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
@Nebraska: please see Boise in ATL for appropriate, well thought out discussion from an opponent. Yes, you are a moronic troll.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I can say the same for you.
5 Time National Champs Nebraska
August 29th, 2011
3:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Gbal
August 29th, 2011
3:07 pm
GOOD BULETIN BOARD MATERIAL FOUND IN THE BOISE SPORTS SECTION THIS WEEKEND.
Georgia kick returner and cornerback Brandon Boykin (@BrandonBoykin2) posted a message to Boise State coach Chris Petersen on Twitter on Saturday:
“Dear Coach petersen, I DARE you to Kick to me…. Sincerely, Me and my #dawgs”
Boykin is the only player in Southeastern Conference history with three 100-yard plays in his career — all kickoff returns for touchdowns.
He might be in luck. Here’s what Boise State special teams coach Jeff Choate told me earlier this month about the Broncos facing three dynamic kick returners early in the season:
“We’ll have our hands full. But that’s why you do this. I don’t think we’ve ever backed down from a challenge. It should be fun.”
DawginLex
August 29th, 2011
3:09 pm
Look who is back.
My old nemesis Yellow Fuzz
The only Tech fan who actually put up a tent outside Bobby Dodd Stadium and tried to start fights with UGA fans.
PRICELESS
5 Time National Champs Nebraska
August 29th, 2011
3:11 pm
Troll Power Ratings
August 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
@Nebraska: please see Boise in ATL for appropriate, well thought out discussion from an opponent. Yes, you are a moronic troll.
__________________________________________________________________________________
I can say the same to you.
The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
August 29th, 2011
3:12 pm
Bunch of Bud Light drinking hillbillies.
Mobile Dawg
August 29th, 2011
3:13 pm
“Georgia kick returner and cornerback Brandon Boykin (@BrandonBoykin2) posted a message to Boise State coach Chris Petersen on Twitter on Saturday:
“Dear Coach petersen, I DARE you to Kick to me…. Sincerely, Me and my #dawgs””
Tell me this really didn’t happen, please. How ignorant can these kids be, were I CMR and this really did happen I guess we would be in Athens General getting my foot removed from his a$$.
Better yet, Mr. B wouldn’t get the opportunity to return kicks against BS.
ElephantEars
August 29th, 2011
3:13 pm
Well now, if I were an optimist, I’d say UGA could have easily been 9-4 or even 10-3, since UGA lost 3 games by 4 points or less (UCF, UF, UCF) and another by 7 in the last minute (Ark). Then again, Spurrier did that for YEARS at SC, and that was always his excuse.
But I’m not an optimist.
Mobile Dawg
August 29th, 2011
3:14 pm
Bud Light to classy for you Reverend?
BanjoBilly
August 29th, 2011
3:16 pm
By Herschel, if you mean can we find a back who aerages better than Walker’s 5.3 yards per carry, and better than Walker’s 1 td per 20 carry ratio, yes we can, his name was Washaun Ealey.
JB
August 29th, 2011
3:18 pm
ElephantEars………Bama I assume……..Tell us about Bama between Stallings and Saban. Tell us about games forfeited……Tell us about Richt’s record against Bama while at Georgia……………….And please tell us those wins were why we were not any good…..LOL
BanjoBilly
August 29th, 2011
3:19 pm
Bet Ealey’s laughin hard right now, since King left, Thomas got hurt. LB had to moved over to RB. And Richt letting Crowell play WITHOUT LEARNING PASSBLOCKING CSCHEMES.
Apparently, since Crowell’s a favorite of Richt’s, he’s going to have Aaron Murray tell Crowell what they passblocking schemes are for each passing down. (Hint defense: when you see murray talking to Crowell, it’s a pass play).
I bet Ealey wishes HE would have gotten to play without knowign the Pass Pro schemes.
Crowell’s a class favorite. Rules do not apply.
Troll Power Ratings
August 29th, 2011
3:20 pm
@BanjoBilly: Yep Washaun was awesome. Lots better than Herschel. What’s a few fumbles here or there, or an attitude problem? You nailed it. Wow, if only you were on the coaching staff.
BanjoBilly
August 29th, 2011
3:21 pm
I do believe the team has forgotten how to win MB. Like D Pollack said on ESPN today, 11-10-8-6, that’s Richt’s win totals last 4 years.