A mark of LSU greatness: Stink for a half, win by 32 points
Ladies and gents, that's a darn strong football team. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
After the Arkansas game, Lenn Robbins of the New York Post asked LSU coach Les Miles if he believed his team might be the greatest in collegiate football history. Eight days later, the Tigers laid sole claim to another superlative:
Worst first half ever authored by the offense of a team this great.
How bad was it? Well, LSU tied a record that can never be broken — fewest first downs in the first two quarters. And this goose egg wasn’t laid by Podunk State against Almighty A&M. This was the championship game of the nation’s best conference, and this monstrosity had been concocted by a team considered the nation’s finest by such a distance it was believed LSU could lose to Georgia and still play for the BCS title. But would an aggregation that couldn’t manage one crummy first down on such a stage deserve a mulligan?
First-half numbers: LSU had 12 total yards, 123 fewer than Georgia, and had completed two passes, one of them underhanded. It trailed 10-0 after one quarter and was still 10 points down six minutes before half. And was the man beneath the white hat concerned?
“That defense,” said Miles, speaking of his own,” and the way it was defending — when they got 10, I thought that would be it [for Georgia]. Quite frankly, we just needed to get it started offensively.”
To Miles’ other attributes — darn good coach, intriguing wordsmith, eater of grass — we can now add “ace prognosticator.” Georgia didn’t score again. LSU started scoring on Tyrann Mathieu’s punt return and never stopped. And we on the periphery can only stand back and wonder: If the Tigers can go an entire first half without benefit of an offense against a opponent of quality, might this be one of the finest teams ever assembled?
What transpired Saturday night beneath the Georgia Dome was truly breathtaking, and I mean that literally: You could see the air — and the life — sucked from the buoyant Bulldogs. Georgia started bold and fast and smart and, if not for two dropped touchdown passes and a missed field goal, would have had a lead so big even Miles would have blanched. But then the Honey Badger started running back kicks and John Chavis’ defense threw a hammerlock on the Bulldog offense, and midway through the third quarter a game that was nearly a runaway one way had gone the other.
Of Mathieu, the eloquent Miles said: “He really is the ‘Honey Badger.’ He takes what he wants. He takes what he gets his hands on.”
Which pretty much describes the Tigers in toto. Down 14-0 against Arkansas, they won 41-17. Down 10-0 against Georgia, they won 42-10. Nobody doubted that this was the nation’s best team before the past two weekends, but now there’s no doubt.
Miles: “Never are they out of it. Never was there any question that they would get their feet, get their bearings and compete.”
This doesn’t mean that this demonstrably superb team will win the national championship. The Tigers will almost surely have to play Alabama again, and how would you like to have your road to the BCS title blocked by a bunch coached by Nick Saban that you had to move heaven and Earth to beat the first time? We can argue forever the fairness of that, but Les Miles wasn’t really in the mood Saturday.
“It’s a tremendous conference top to bottom,” he said. “[Alabama has] a great team. We’ll look forward to competing against them. But I’m going to enjoy this night first.”
And why not? After a unbeaten regular season that closed with come-from-behind comprehensive routs against Top 15 opposition, why should Miles or the Honey Badger or any Tiger fear man or Saban? Tell the truth: When last did you see a team this powerful, this fast, this unyielding?
“That second half, we basically got it going,” Mile said. Then this: “This is a quality group. It’s a great team.”
By Mark Bradley
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506 comments Add your comment
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 3rd, 2011
10:14 pm
I can except a loss (correction)
DawgFan1987
December 3rd, 2011
10:14 pm
Where are the TRUE dawg fans and not the crybabies that want to throw them under the bus? Those who think with rationale and not emotions……
SteveW
December 3rd, 2011
10:14 pm
Well, I had said that UGA would lose, and it would be because of turnovers. I didn’t mention 2 punt returns. But really, outside of that 93 yard drive on 5 rushes for LSU, our D played great. You can’t give up 14 points on a punt return and a pick 6, then give them great field position with two other TO’s and another punt return.
LSU is a great team, I give them that. Brutal D. And no turnovers.
Buford T. Pusser
December 3rd, 2011
10:14 pm
Hey Mark. Thanks for setting your filters so tight that none of my posts, with no profanity, could get through. No wonder you are the most hated sportswriter in ATL.
JB
December 3rd, 2011
10:15 pm
And as far as Richt goes……I use to not believe this, but I do now. He’ll be in Athens as long as Dr. Adams is president. A ” competitive” team is all this man cares about…..and 10-2 makes him gitty.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 3rd, 2011
10:15 pm
It’s a shame Clemmons College is winning the ACC title game and no one in Clemmons SC can see it ,the power is out all over town.
antonio romero
December 3rd, 2011
10:15 pm
Alot can be said about the game. For now, let me speak about my “nations no. 1 recruit running back”. When he had his early carries he limped off. When he had a good run he showed no trouble. When he didnt have a “you tube ” moment , he limped off,. When he got his ass knocked off in pass coverage, he limped off. I have seen all I want. Even my head coach says, ” it is a great opportunity for a running back to come to Georgia.” You can give em class shedules , tutors, meals, and whatever– you cannot coach or schedule HEART OR GUTS OR GATA. Find the kids with the “WANT TO” and lets be DAWGS and GATA. And was it just me, or did you notice him turn his head away from the head coach after his actions at sidline? Seen all I need or want to! Go Dawgs.
Vince
December 3rd, 2011
10:15 pm
Beyond Pathetic. UGA coaches—Do you know that people are laughing ? Coach Richt—your reputation for being a very poor halftime coach continues on and on. 42 straight points—we are so second tier that its not funny!!!! Coach Richt will get you 8-10 wins per year, but never ever the BIG ONE–A Les Miles or Lou Saban——————–He Aint. What an embarassment!!!!!!!!!!
Send'em Uhauls
December 3rd, 2011
10:16 pm
Fire these Clowns immediately!
SteveW
December 3rd, 2011
10:17 pm
That 5 RB thing they got going on at LSU, maybe we can learn from that. And man, they don’t go down after the 1st hit either, they just keep going N-S.
BobDawg
December 3rd, 2011
10:17 pm
FLAT TIRE… easy on the Makers…”accept a loss by 17pts”… Go to Bed, Dude….
Buford T. Pusser
December 3rd, 2011
10:17 pm
Sugar Bowl Sam,
Tell the thruth Brother!
WOW
December 3rd, 2011
10:17 pm
The only thing about “next year” is South Carolina will be that much older with Shaw and Lattimore and a great defense. Bama will be even better. LSU is deep as hell, any one of their RBs would be #1 on any team. UF, UT and AUB have some rebounding to do but all three of those teams have done something UGA has not, won a BCS national championship. They’ll recruit pretty well and honestly on offense there are going to be a lot of holes for UGA to fill. I do not think they have a running game, they have Drew Brees Lite at QB but a good defense will eat through the offensive line and force Murray to do what he did tonight- throw INTs.
I’d say it’s bleak for UGA but they’ll compete for SEC East but that ain’t saying much. It’s not much better than Conference USA in the East right now. The West is outrageous.
LT
December 3rd, 2011
10:17 pm
10-3 – Losses to 3 top ten and teams, after last year i’d say that’s a step forward. Let’s build off this and get ready for next season. Thanks for an entertaining season. I look to be back here next year!!
71 Dawg
December 3rd, 2011
10:17 pm
I’m a dawg fan forever and I am proud of what they accomplished this year, but how much longer do we have to endure Bobo’s play calling? We came out of the gate throwing the ball and got ahead 10 – zip – had a 3 point lead at half – came out in the second half running with with worthless Crowell – our 1st two series ended with a 3rd and 9 – just don’t get it. . . .
Dawg48
December 3rd, 2011
10:18 pm
Dawgfan1987
Well I said earlier that malcome deserves the start for the bowl game….
Can’t wait till Tuesday at 2:45 to see if we get KM
WOW
December 3rd, 2011
10:19 pm
You have to admit, the SEC East is really bad. And the SEC East representative tonight wasn’t even the highest ranked SEC East team, it was the second highest.
LT
December 3rd, 2011
10:19 pm
71….worthless is a bit strong to call Crowell…the kid was playing hurt and we would be in this game without his efforts earlier in the season
JB
December 3rd, 2011
10:19 pm
Wonder what Boo Malcome parents thinks after their son, who Had to be put in late and on two rushes drug 4 LSU players 5 yards each time.
Wild Hoage
December 3rd, 2011
10:19 pm
After an incredible effort by the defense and leaving at least 14 points on the field (well, 21 if honey badger’s fumble/toss to the ref had been correctly called), that 2nd half collapse was utterly complete and painful. Murray was forcing it, but with no running game whatsoever there was not much else to do. Those play action fakes he does so well don’t do much good once they realize we are not going to actually run it. I don’t really blame him or the play calling when we have no SEC quality backs to complete the offense. Even if we converted those opportunities it might not have been enough Special teams got us again, but its a little more understandable with that #7 returning punts. Crowell is an enigma, too brittle and a slight head case but he may still get it together his soph year. Dogs going hard after #1 running back Marshall, so hopefully he will have some competition. All that said, LSU is in a separate class — a team so good it wins with a completely mediocre qb. Kind of amazing really. But they are so physically imposing you could see us starting to quit in the 2nd half. That was disheartening, but we have a lot of talent returning and the defense will be able to dominate for a complete game against most teams — including the SEC East next year. Don’t see anyone in our division really stopping us from another SEC championship game in 2012 — maybe we will be better situated to stay with LSU or Bama then. But we better bring a legit running game.
stendek
December 3rd, 2011
10:19 pm
To all my detractors. There is only one coach on the UGA campus in Athens. That guy is in charge of defense. Fights. Claws. Yells. Cries. Gets bloody. Takes up for his players. Something I have never seen Saint Mark do! Want more seasons of playing just well enough to lose close? Offer an extension. I personally thirst for more. Like wins over ranked quality teams. Any decent team can defeat patsies. Which is all that 10 game winning streak consisted of. Same delusional fans. Enjoy the next few seasons as SEC wins more national recognition. Every team except the Dawgs! I want a REAL coach for my beloved Dawgs. Not an overpaid overrated soft truck pitchman without a clue!
Vince
December 3rd, 2011
10:19 pm
What happens to my posts?
WOW
December 3rd, 2011
10:21 pm
Has it really been 3 years since UGA beat a team ranked at seasons end in the top 25?
Erk Russell's Dog
December 3rd, 2011
10:21 pm
JB
Doc Adams is trying to turn UGA into the wine and cheese crew at Virginia. I bet Doc Adams wishes they did not keep score and everyone can get a participation trophy for just showing up.
Tucker
December 3rd, 2011
10:22 pm
Dawg fur still falling from the sky!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 3rd, 2011
10:22 pm
BobDawg
The only one on the Makers is you
During Richts Tenure, UGA has put more players in the NFL than any other team in the SEC
yet
We havent beat a good team in 6 yrs
Get a clue bud
Doggoneit
December 3rd, 2011
10:22 pm
stendek, You’re an idoit
Draggin Fly
December 3rd, 2011
10:22 pm
Meanwhile, Okie State is up by 31 over the Sooners, and the second half just started. Bama had their chance. Time for someone else to play for all the marbles.
Vince
December 3rd, 2011
10:22 pm
What a total embarassment !!!!!!!! We are so so so second tier!!!!!!!!
san diego steve
December 3rd, 2011
10:22 pm
Kudos to LSU. They certainly played a championship caliber 2nd half. You can’t go from 6-7 to SEC champion in just one year but UGA has made a lot of progress. This defense will only get better. I’m not sure what future IC has with this team. He missed his pass block assignments all game and then had a really stupid penalty.CMR gave him the quick evil eye on the sideline. It will be interesting to see if he starts or even plays in whatever bowl they play.
WOW
December 3rd, 2011
10:24 pm
You have to admit, SEC East is bad. I watched the Conference USA game and i think Southern Miss could’ve done well in the East. What is Mizzou is added to the east and they win it next year? I’m sure Auburn is hoping to get out of the West. Can’t blame them, Texas A&M will be good with a better coach and their recruiting in TX as the only SEC team will be huge for them.
JB
December 3rd, 2011
10:24 pm
We are only a 235 lb firebreathing tailback and 5 -330 lb bad as** away on the OL with the defense we have from being pretty dang good. Chavis knew in the second half we had 0 running backs…..and he adjusted and you saw the results. I’m on record on these blogs for 2 years that Richt runs a scripted offense….and you saw the results tonight.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 3rd, 2011
10:25 pm
Saban was on Game Day shilling for the Tide with Corso and Herbie .He better show up on the Espn Final Wrap Up Show with Dr. Lou and Marky May or Okie State may steal his BCS candy.
virginia dog
December 3rd, 2011
10:26 pm
I know Steve W … i kept wondering when they where going send in there 5′ 7” 165 running back. But instead they kept lining up 230 lbs studs. Never the less, happy to see improvement. And don’t be too sure about Adams. I hear from good sources he is not sure Richt has the right stuff. In fact i keep hearing that Richt and Adams are not too friendly because of it. Like him or hate him Adams is a winner and good for UGA and if you don’t believe me just walk the UGA campus and walk these other school’s grounds. The UGA campus is state of the art boys. State of the art.
WOW
December 3rd, 2011
10:26 pm
Quick question, who did UGA beat 6 years ago that Flat Tire is referring too? Was it a top 5 team? When is the last time UGA did that? Has it been 6 years?
Right now by my count they haven’t beaten a team that finished in the top 25 since 2009. And in all of 2010 they didn’t beat a single team with a winning record. And the SEC teams they beat this year were 14-42 in SEC play. That’s bad.
Big Mac
December 3rd, 2011
10:26 pm
No BCS for the Dawgs! There is justice in the world.
Dr. Warren
December 3rd, 2011
10:27 pm
The two USC national championship teams under Pete Carroll would have beaten this LSU team. The team that lost to Texas in the championship the next year would have beaten LSU, as well.
san diego steve
December 3rd, 2011
10:27 pm
Clemson is flat out whipping VT right now.
Atlanta Native
December 3rd, 2011
10:27 pm
I am a DAWG fan because my kids go to school there but I confess I know nothing about football. But when I see guys consistently missing passes of balls they were supposed to catch; and when I see them dropping balls that they sorta caught but fumbled them; and when I see LSU guys consistently being right alongside our receivers to drag them down, yet our guys are nowhere to be found when an LSU guy catches the ball and runs freely to get a touchdown, I know one of two things: either the players are not good or the coaching staff is not training them properly or not giving them the proper strategy to win. Maybe it’s a combination of both. And from what I have observed, we can win against lesser teams but can’t cut the mustard against stronger rated teams. I’m thinking we need a staff adjustment. Good football takes talent but it can, just like math, science and English, be learned.
stendek
December 3rd, 2011
10:28 pm
My prediction is Bama over LSU if a rematch is forthcoming. It is just so difficult to defeat a quality team twice. Even for talented LSU! If a pretender like Okie State makes it I look for yet another mismatch in favor of SEC. There you go!
Mobile Dawg
December 3rd, 2011
10:29 pm
antonio, it wasn’t just you, you’re the third I’ve seen mention it. We will probably never get an explanation, and I don’t need one, for what we saw. Crowell turned his back and walked off while his Head Coach was talking to him. If I’m not mistaken that was the end of the night for him, Malcome played the rest of the game.
For what it’s worth, we were moving the ball with the running game early, I just think our thin Oline wore down. We need depth to be a Championship caliber team.
SenoiaDawgs
December 3rd, 2011
10:29 pm
Go Dawgs!!!!
I am proud of that team for the season. I expected 8 wins and at best C-Fil-a bowl. We got much more.
Defense gave up two drives to the #1 team in the nation. UGA outgained the #1 team in the nation.
Murray is our QB. Until someone shows more heart than that kid or talent I’ll take him any day.
Our freshman receivers Mitchell and Bennett learned a lot tonight. T King you gotta step up way to many drops this year. Work hard and get better.
K. Malcome why are you in the doghouse. When in a game you run with heart and power. What are you doing off the field and at practice to not be playing? Dedicate yourself.
I. Crowell go ahead and head back to Columbus now. Like others said the ankle was fine after good runs and you showed your true colors on that penalty and all of the limping off the field. RB coach has to take the blame for the mess that 2011 RB’s were.
Guys we had a bunch of freshman and sophmores lose to the number 1 team in the nation and they beat them for a half.
We have a lot to look forward to and these players realize it minus IC.
daddo
December 3rd, 2011
10:29 pm
Daddo knows football.
Just the most fair and objective facts.
And while yall have wasted your time dreaming that u could stay on the field with the West, u r losing badly in recruiting.
Georgia ranked 32 by Scout.
Georgia re signing coaching staff. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Alabama reloading.
Think LSU had a defense? Not even close to Alabama’s.
Time to size those new rings at the Capstone.
Daddo knows Football. Listen to Daddo.
Just the most fair and objective facts.
WOW
December 3rd, 2011
10:30 pm
If I was Richt, I’d consider two things. 1) you’ve won 100 games, look in your locker room and face the reality that’s not going to be a top 15 team next year and move on from coaching and take a job with ESPN in place of Meyer. you’ve got the face for tv anyways and you can spend 6 months out of the year doing missionary work.
2) go to penn st. like the rumors have been floating around. they’d take him over mullens even though mullens is a local boy. but they’ll never fire you and they’ll pay you a lot of money for a long time.
But staying at UGA, I wouldn’t do it if it were me.
Kevin
December 3rd, 2011
10:30 pm
I love hearing about what Alabama will do the next time around! You guys had your chance (at home even) and you BLEW IT!! Congrats to LSU for a DOMINATE 2nd half of football and a dominate season for that matter. The best and deepest college team I have seen in a long while. Now smack down the Alabama clowns for the second time and collect your rings!!
WOW
December 3rd, 2011
10:30 pm
daddo, I think LSU is more loaded than Bama and shockingly better coached.
Send'em Uhauls
December 3rd, 2011
10:31 pm
Im Sick and tired of our program underachieving. Clemson is winning Big, LSU and Bama playing for another MNC. When will Bulldog nation wake up and demand better?
christophorm
December 3rd, 2011
10:31 pm
IF IF IF the UGA players could catch the football they would of had a huge lead ..but even though they can’t catch ,that was working so bobo should’ve stuck with it.The only hope was uga WR’s vs lsu’s DB’s.There will never be another hershel ,so can we stop with that every year ..please please please !
bjohndawg
December 3rd, 2011
10:31 pm
Hats off to LSU. They made the big plays on special teams, and created the turnovers.
Bobo called a great game the first half. But for some reason they decided to go away from that and try to establish a running game. Not his fault we dropped a basket full of passes( two TDs and one interception dropped by Cummings that would have been great), but I never will understand why Bobo will go away from what is working( he has a history of doing that).
10 wins and a good bowl.And we beat TN, Fla, and Tech Much more than I expected with the exception of Tech win. Now we need to load up on RBs and OLs and get GATA to improve.
Eddiein acworth
December 3rd, 2011
10:32 pm
@flat tire in jax
You are exactly right. Bobo is awful and the loss is on him. Yes the wr dropped passes, but the game was LOST in first half when we were backed up inside the 15 and we change to the I formation and start RUNNING the ball up the middle. The “spread” shotgun plays had been working…..and suddenly we go conservative. Ridiculous.
And kicking to #7 was the dumbest part of the whole game. Did they even watch tape of the ark game?? Kick it out of bounds!
This team is young and will get better, but unfortunately will continue to lose big games because the whole coaching staff save grantham is clueless.