The All-UGA Heat Check: Hot – Mark Richt’s seat. (Duh)
Isaiah Crowell: It wasn't all (or even mostly) his fault, folks. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
The Monday Heat Check arrives, due to the holiday, a day later than usual. Georgia fans might wish it didn’t arrive at all. Because it’s all about the Bulldogs.
Mark Richt’s nerve: It was in place. Georgia won the toss and chose to receive. Get After Their Assets, as the famous Bulldog slogan (sort of) goes. Trouble was, the players’ nerves were jumping all over the place. There was a false start before the first snap, another false start on third down and a delay of game before the punt. Heat Index: Richt tried to be cool, but his players were uncool.
Todd Grantham’s pass defense: Kellen Moore threw 34 passes. One was intercepted. (He was pressured and threw poorly.) Five were incompletions. Twenty-eight were completed. Georgia mustered no sacks. Heat Index: If this is aggressive D at its best, Willie Martinez is Buddy Ryan.
Mike Bobo’s offense: It managed 373 yards, which doesn’t sound so bad. But 167 of those yards came on three plays. (All resulting in touchdowns.) Georgia ran 60 plays and netted 13 first downs. It converted two of 13 third downs. Only one possession spanned more than seven plays, and it ended when Richt chose to go for it on fourth-and-one and Richard Samuel was halted in the backfield. Heat Index: A damp squib.
Isaiah Crowell: He rushed for 60 yards, which is only 24 fewer than Herschel Walker managed in his collegiate debut. But Herschel scored two touchdowns and trampled Bill Bates. Not really a fair comparison, I know — but so much hope has been invested in this latest New Herschel. Heat Index: By normal standards, Crowell’s first game was warm enough.
Aaron Murray: If you want to call it the worst game this gifted quarterback has played as a Bulldog, I wouldn’t argue. He wasn’t terrible; he just wasn’t very good. Heat Index: What’s the opposite of balmy? Tepid?
Alec Ogletree: He figured to be Georgia’s best defender this season. He broke his foot in the first half. He’s out at least a month. Heat Index: That cold chill? It’s traversing the spinal column of the aforementioned Mr. Grantham.
Georgia fans: They came to praise their team. Many left early. Some booed as they departed. Heat Index: A few of these folks seemed hot under their dog collars, if you’ll pardon the expression.
Mark Richt’s seat: He’s not going to be fired on Sunday if Georgia loses to South Carolina on Saturday. But losing to South Carolina could well convince Bulldog Nation that there will never again be great days under this coach, and once that happens there’s almost no going back. Heat Index: No warmer than a blast furnace.
By Mark Bradley
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720 comments Add your comment
Antoine Carr
September 6th, 2011
11:42 am
I am sure that if the best QB in the country had Bobo calling his plays he would look terrible.
Ginger
September 6th, 2011
11:43 am
I wonder if Richt—will just tell Bobo—-Bo—our jobs are on the line–I am calling the plays on saturday…I darn sure would if I were Richt….You got to be willing to make demotions is if needed…I am from Colquitt County and our HS coach Propst demoted the defensive coordinator back to like 8 or 9 grade coach and got another defensive coordinator for the playoff run and it paid off…Colquitt County played in the state championship game….just a note the defensive coordinator that got demoted was Bobby Bowden’s son-in–law…but as head of the program–you gotta be willing to make the tough calls
Frank Lane
September 6th, 2011
11:43 am
I stand solidly behind the team and Coach Richt.
sandman053
September 6th, 2011
11:43 am
Gator Mike thanks for the confidence. I remember when Florida played football prior to 1990 as well. I think you guys got a heck of a ball coach in Muschamp. Sure wish we could have gotten him. I’d love anyone with some intensity and much less “inner peace”.
bamaguy
September 6th, 2011
11:44 am
Word of caution Sandman: When Alabama was on scholarship reduction and no bowls the AD kept what was rumored to be called called “The List”. That is everyone who dropped their Season Ticket buying during the down time. Now there is no way they are getting off “the list” as long as there are others who are willing to donate to Tide Pride and buy season tickets.
Stand by your team, even if not the coaches (who are paid very well).
Vince
September 6th, 2011
11:45 am
We are going to beat South Carolina. Mark my word. No doubt. Go Dawgs!
Ben
September 6th, 2011
11:45 am
Richt has hired his staff that would not be working at any other SEC school in the same position: IE OC and others. He’s reeping the rewards of decisions he’s made. I’m not hopeful about SC game either.
Mark Richt
September 6th, 2011
11:45 am
Where is Headly Lamar ???? posser jerk !!!
sandman053
September 6th, 2011
11:47 am
Wow never heard about “the list” but that makes sense. Plus with donations down the previous four years it is easier now than ever to get tickets with minimal donation. I know the University says donations aren’t down $$-wise, but this year they didn’t publish a cut-off score to get tickets. This year if you donated the per seat minimum you got seats. THAT should tell you something about the state of the program.
I-DOG
September 6th, 2011
11:47 am
4.) Poor offensive gameplan. The book on Boise state is to run the ball outside on them where their lack of footspeed defensively is best exploited. Georgia repeatedly lined up in the shotgun and ran the sprint draw up the middle for minimal gains. The first run play to the outside with Boykin went 75 yards. We ran 0 toss sweeps and very very few running plays to the oustide despite that being the only successful offensive play in the first 20 minutes of the game for UGA. On Boise’s first three toss sweep plays they scored a touchdown on the first, scored a touchdown on the 2nd, and picked up a critical first down early 4th quarter on the third. We don’t know how successful we could have been with the toss sweep because we NEVER RAN IT. We have a 270 pound former tight end at fullback and we don’t even TRY a toss sweep? The 10% of the snaps we ran from the I formation were some of the most successful, but we prefer 90% shotgun. That is not the sign of a well prepared team.
5.) Players not properly vetted and prepared for game action: How does a 5th year senior jump offsides on the opening drive in the first game. A well coached team does not incur 3 penalties on it’s first drive in the opener.
6.) Not having a properly vetted and prepared 4th and short play: On the 4th and short play in the first half… Junior All SEC Orson Charles is not aware that he needs to block the player in front of him and a sure 2 yard gain and an important perhaps game changing first down is stuffed. I can live with a player getting physically beaten, but if Charles doesn’t know the blocking assignment on the 4th and short play for UGA, then have Artie Lynch run it or put a walk on in to just get in the way. A well coached team goes into the opener after 8 months with a properly practiced 4th and short play that they are confident can be executed.
7.) Not using Murray’s mobility: We have a QB with quick feet. A well coached team would have a QB sneak play that might be able to pick up one of those 3rd and longs we were in all night. We STILL don’t know if that would have worked because we didn’t try it. We have a backup QB in Mason available so we don’t have to hold our breath if Murray runs. I’m not talking about 15 called QB sneaks, but how about trying it once and if it works maybe even use it a 2nd time later in the game?
8.) No screen passes: When a team sacks you 6 times and your QB is holding the ball too long, a screen pass is something that a well coached team would use. Georgia failed to attempt a single screen pass in this game and instead 90% of the pass plays were either long bombs or throw on the line of scrimmage outside to a receiver. Could a quick slant or a curl have worked? We won’t know as we mostly did double moves and long patterns that resulted in 6 sacks.
9.) An NFL defensive coordinator should be able to coach his players to recognize and be in position to attempt to cover a wheel route especially when the film on Grantham’s D last year would have any offensive coordinator salivating at the ease with which this was executed against UGA last year. That is the only fault I have with Peterson who had a well prepared team, but why run the wheel route only once against UGA when we can’t stop it? Of course it went for a 20 yard gain, but surprised they didn’t try it a few more times.
If ands buts
September 6th, 2011
11:48 am
Perhaps we should have never scheduled Boise St. Louisville would have been a better option. Under the radar, less stress, and a chance to get some confidence instilled in the young first timers. But with a UF guy at AD, whaddya expect.
McDawg
September 6th, 2011
11:48 am
No offensive Line-No defensive line-same story the past 2-3 yrs exactly how many double teams did our NGs command ?? i counted 2
tailback up the butt of the O-Line-looked familiar
if Crowell gets some room to run he is going to be great
BigTimeTechFan
September 6th, 2011
11:49 am
@PMC
But they just came out after half time rest of like 20 minutes, and Bose only ran like 5 or 6 plays.
But overall I can see UGA has a lot of talent, I just think it was one of thoses games where your a little over hyped for the game and don’t pay attention to the details. Game also a good lesson that no matter who you are you have to control line of scrimmage.
I just could not tell if the OL/DL was a talent issue or scheem issue??
hard to tell after one game.
x fan
September 6th, 2011
11:49 am
Love coach Richt but I’ve had enough of this BS……..
BreakingNews
September 6th, 2011
11:49 am
GT – your lame attempt at humor is actually pretty annoying. We get it, you can stop posting now.
icallbs
September 6th, 2011
11:50 am
@reality check: “… what if Bobo was holding back trying not to give SC a good look? What if Grantham was doing the same and didn’t send pressure?”
Unlikely. That would require a level of thought process never before seen by this group of coaches:
What if they had adjusted to Boise’s rugby punts by rushing instead of being in coverage?
What if they had more than one game plan on offense ready just in case the O-line could not protect Murray for more than 2 seconds?
Get Real
September 6th, 2011
11:50 am
Just so all of you will know. Mark Richt doesn’t humiliate me, a lifelong resident of the state of Georgia. Because, contrary to what all UGA fans think, most of us don’t give a crap about UGA football or their fans.
Mark Bradley
September 6th, 2011
11:50 am
I can’t believe anyone would seriously describe Greg McGarity as “a UF guy.” He worked at Florida, yes. He’s a Georgia graduate.
DJDawg
September 6th, 2011
11:50 am
Not excited at all. Team showed no fire at all. And how many times can they throw a 7 yard slant and we have no one and I mean no one even in the pictute?!
If ands buts
September 6th, 2011
11:50 am
Here’s a fair question: If UGA beats SC and makes a run to the SEC Championship, do people change their opinion of Richt? Just saying….after all, imagine how VA TECH fans felt about Beamer last year after 2 games.
Ginger
September 6th, 2011
11:51 am
On defense–been thinking about how to stop Lattimore—–go with four man front since Tree is out and put A. Jones, Jenkins, Geathers, Tyson….then at backer J. Jones, C.Robinson, Washington.
corners Boykin, Commings…Safety Rambo and Williams….nickel back Love….
Do we have the depth on the line to play Jenkins and Geathers at the same time….who would rest them–Thornton and ??
TampaDawg
September 6th, 2011
11:51 am
ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!! ONE SIXTY SIXTH!!!!
x fan
September 6th, 2011
11:51 am
Vince we heard that crap before……
If ands buts
September 6th, 2011
11:51 am
Mark..seriously…that’s like calling Kirby or Will UGA guys. If you put money ahead of UGA Pride, then you don’t bleed red and black. Period.
TampaDawg
September 6th, 2011
11:52 am
not even. Man, can’t get a break…..
PMC
September 6th, 2011
11:52 am
Indeed, I do think they will come along and be better as the season goes along. Probably pretty good team by November, but I think it’s going to be several years before they are good on the line of scrimmage offensively again.
Mark Bradley
September 6th, 2011
11:52 am
One other thing: It’s entirely possible Georgia just played a team that will grace the BCS title game. It was a bad loss, yes. But it was one game. This weekend is bigger game.
Dan Mullen
September 6th, 2011
11:53 am
Crowell will be fine as long as the playcalling isn’t predictable. You need a creative mind to give that kid (and Murray) a chance to succeed. Call me.
JP
September 6th, 2011
11:55 am
Georgia Bulldogs, perennial pre-season national champions for the last thirty years. We’re going to do this, we’re going to do that. Blah!blah!blah!
Go Dreamers!
bamaguy
September 6th, 2011
11:55 am
An “Alabama guy” just went to UT. These guys are professionals. This is what they do for a living. It is how they support their families and secure their retirement. They go where the opportunity and money is just like other professionals. Emotions are left for the fan base.
Vance Duly
September 6th, 2011
11:55 am
Coach Bobo had 8 months to develop an inspired, innovative offensive game plan for Boise. Other than Boykin’s ONE play, it looked like the WORST of Georgia offense. NO quick-hitting runs, NO fullback carries, NO screen passes, NO wide receiver screens, NO toss sweeps. WHERE was the creativity…? If Boise State’s defensive coordinator was a mentally challenged chimpanzee, the chimp could have figured out our offense………. Include yet another underperforming O-line, and we got what anyone would expect………..BARF!
WHO in their right mind would run a no-huddle offense that is slowed to molasses speed because Bobo has to call plays down to the field, for someone else to signal to Murray?! That was the most muddling no-huddle in the history of football………….. How unprepared and uninspired can an offense be!?!?!?! It will be a shame if Bobo’s lack of innovation, consistency and terrible predictability cost Coach Richt his job……. I KNOW we can beat Coastal Carolina in 2 weeks, though. GO DAWGS!!!
DJDawg
September 6th, 2011
11:56 am
Mark-Really? It was one game, one game that GA was supposed to show that we had something to look forward to rathen than seeing they same song and dance that we have seen in the past couple of seaesons! Did you see anything to get excited about? Not me
If ands buts
September 6th, 2011
11:56 am
And that I completely agree with. UGA simply suffered the same fate as TCU, Va Tech, and Oregon over the last few years. Boise St is legit…amazing what they do with less talent. I still think this team can…will beat SC.
Rev. Richt
September 6th, 2011
11:56 am
Everyone, please calm down. I will be taking the boys to the UGA pool this afternoon so they cna get LOCKED IN mentally to the task at hand. We all know that the UGA pool solves all football related problems. There is even a rumor that Coach Friend is planning on doing a cannon ball off of the top dive. Stay tuned and god bless!
Herschel Talker
September 6th, 2011
11:57 am
smokedawg2011:
Welcome to the reality of the situation. Richt just doesn’t have the moxie to do what needs to be done. He is the CEO of the team, and he is not cut out to be a CEO. It is time to move on.
FIRE MARK RICHT!!!
HT
sandman053
September 6th, 2011
11:57 am
There is a REASON Bobo isn’t on ANYONE’s list of Ass. Coaches waiting on the call to go be a HC somewhere.
Chan Gailey's Revenge
September 6th, 2011
11:57 am
GT = Most recent Georgia team to play in and win a conference championship game, most recent Georgia team to play in BCS bowl game, most recent Georgia team to win National Championship, Georgia team with most National Championships, and, most importantly, most recent BCS Georgia team to WIN A GAME!
Herschel Talker
September 6th, 2011
11:58 am
Frank Lane at 11:43am:
You’re behind Richt? What exactly have you seen over the last few seasons that makes you continue to believe he is the right man for the job? Seriously, are you even watching the games and seeing how we perform?
HT
OldFan
September 6th, 2011
11:58 am
Mark, nice assessment, but I’m still unsure about calling Murray “gifted”. He can be impressive statistically, but eventually he has to be judged on how well he leads the team to win. I’m afraid he’s become one of those QBs who are better than they play. Maybe the offensive game plan and sideline play calling are at fault, but he looks hesitant, uncertain under pressure, and unable to improvise. But in all fairness, I’ll keep looking for the gifted part.
sandman053
September 6th, 2011
11:58 am
Didn’t that conference championship game get voided? For the ineligible player…you know the one that dropped the ball against UGA to lose #7 or 8 or 9..however many they’ve lost to UGA in the past couple of decades.
Chan Gailey's Revenge
September 6th, 2011
11:59 am
Hey UGA fans! Please fly to KC this weekend and support me and the Bills as we play the Chiefs! Only thing is, please, please, please stay in the stadium until AT LEAST halftime. Can you all handle that? Thanks! Gotta run! CG
Mudcatjoe
September 6th, 2011
11:59 am
What was up with two players wearing #1. Can they not even count at that school? Great game by the way!!
The Bottom Line
September 6th, 2011
11:59 am
What if this and what if that. Pay attention to the trends. Yeah, Georgia could win a few games down the stretch but the reality is the rest of the conference elite are playing chess while UGA is still playing checkers. Look at the hires, the offense, the conditioning program, the playcalling. NONE of it has been creative or aggressive. So how do you expect to keep up long term?
roughrider
September 6th, 2011
12:00 pm
Forget the SEC east, we will be lucky to have a winning season.We will beat Tech as we do 90 % of the time but not many others. Hope McGarity has not lost Urban Meyer’s number.
Chan Gailey's Revenge
September 6th, 2011
12:00 pm
Hey Mark! Stil waiting to hear if you’re interested in joining my staff. I’m sure Ryan Fitzpatrick could greatly benefit from your great coaching skills. Just text me ASAP and let me know. Thanks! Ciao! CG
Vance Duly
September 6th, 2011
12:01 pm
Mark, has anyone asked Coach Bobo what his game plan actually was against Boise? What he thought would work against them? Why not a toss sweep or a screen pass or a quick hitter to the fullback on 4th &1 or Murray faking a handoff and taking it outside himself…? Does Bobo ever get asked the tough questions — to explain what the heck he was thinking??! It seemed like the same old retreaded plays from the past couple of years, and always in the predictable situations. How many times can we run on 2nd and 10 after Murray throws an incompletion on 1st down?! It fails every time we do it, yet we continue to run the same 2nd down play!!!!!!!!!!!!
YCity
September 6th, 2011
12:02 pm
I saw improvement:
1- 3rd and long defense was outstanding, gave up 0 long plays of 20+ yards, big offseason goal, progress was amazing
2- held Martin, a 6+ ypc guy vs. ranked teams, to 2.4 ypc, rush defense has impoved a lot with Geathers & Jenkins and CRobinson and JJones.
3- Explosion plays–Bobo had 3 plays that were 30+ yards against a top 5 defense
4- Def 3rd down conv, held Kellen Moore to 33% on 3rd down conv.
5- Offense scored more in 2nd half than 1st half—big off season goal
6- wern’t outscored in 4th qaurter—7-7 tie to top 5 team–this was big off season goal
7- Found some new playmakers in Mitchell & Boykin on offense
8- DB’s shut down Boise’s long game, NO COMPLETIONS ALL GAME ON A SINGLE LONG PASS, forced Boise into a 5 yard pass attack, kept game closer
schmeckdawg
September 6th, 2011
12:02 pm
Hey folks, is bad to say that after one game this is already a long season?
RK
September 6th, 2011
12:02 pm
Everybody remain calm and stick by and support our team. It was the first game of the season against a pretty successful and very well coached group of athletes, I will admit I wanted more aggression on defense and a more balanced offense(running game). But I put my faith in these guys and hope and believe they are motivated to come out and beat SC Saturday. Maybe this game revealed a few kinks and they are ironed out this week. I guarantee they will play a good game against SC. To the Dawgs: Pop some Gamecocks Saturday. Millions of people love and support all of you. Good Luck and we’re behind you ’til December and beyond.
HK Dawg
September 6th, 2011
12:03 pm
I don’t see the intangibles that good teams always have. Coming up with a big stop when needed etc. After falling behind they looked scared to me. They looked like a beaten team well before the game had ended. Like many who have commented I like Mark as a person and hope things turn around but as most coaches in similar positions he will stay until asked to leave. If things don’t improve a lot then it is time to move on. It will be in Mark’s and the University’s best interest.