Even after another Dome drubbing, UGA’s progress is clear
Reasons to be cheerful: Alec Ogletree, Todd Grantham. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
It ended as it began: A massive Georgia contingent arrived at the Dome for a hugely anticipated game against a brand-name opponent, and the folks wearing red went home early. On Sept. 3 the Bulldogs led Boise State 7-0 and lost by two touchdowns; on Dec. 3 they led LSU by 10 points and lost by 32. And now you’re asking: This is progress?
Absolutely. The Boise game was a function of scheduling: Georgia’s choices were either to play or forfeit. The LSU game was for the championship of the nation’s best conference, and the Bulldogs had to win their way there. For the first time since 2005, the Bulldogs graced the big December game in the big city, and to qualify they had to rise from a 6-7 season and a Liberty Bowl to, ahem, Central Florida.
Another way in which the Boise loss wasn’t the LSU loss: Georgia was outfought and out-thought against the Broncos. As tight end Orson Charles admitted not long ago, “The first game was too big for us.” The only thing too big for Georgia on Saturday was its opponent.
The Georgia Bulldogs have played a lot of good teams over their long and distinguished history, but they might never have played one so physically imposing. There have been collegiate teams with greater skill, but as far as running fast and hitting hard the 2011 LSU Tigers might rank near the top of any list you’d care to compile.
To its credit, Georgia started fast and furious. Had it not dropped two touchdown passes and missed a field goal — and had the replay official been more diligent after Tyrann Mathieu flipped the ball to the official at the end of his first epic punt return — the Bulldogs could have led by 17 or 21 points and the game would have changed. LSU would probably have changed quarterbacks. (Coach Les Miles admitted afterward he was considering it at 10-0.) LSU would have had to throw the ball, which isn’t what LSU wants to do. That said …
LSU still might have won. There’s an indomitable nature to these Tigers that comes from being secure in their physical gifts, but such self-assurance is also fueled by the knowledge that they’ve played and won a bunch of big games against teams of comparable worth. Georgia still can’t say as much. Its biggest victories en route to the Dome were against Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech, which lost a total of 15 games. LSU’s biggest victories were against Oregon, Alabama and Arkansas, which lost a total of five games.
This isn’t to say Georgia can’t ascend to that exalted plane. The Bulldogs could return as many as 16 starters and, apart from tailback Isaiah Crowell and receiver Malcolm Mitchell, the effect of the Dream Team recruiting class hasn’t been felt. Georgia will be a Top 10 pick in preseason and the favorite to win the SEC East. (And with Florida and Tennessee in clear retreat, Vanderbilt might be tabbed third behind South Carolina.)
Loading ...Better still, the Bulldogs proved in 2011 that coaching, which failed in 2009 and 2010, is no longer an issue. Todd Grantham’s defense was tremendous. (Can’t do any better than holding the nation’s No. 1 team to no first downs in a half.) Mark Richt recommitted himself to offensive scheming, and the results were apparent. He and Mike Bobo stitched together a cohesive attack without benefit of a reliable tailback, which isn’t easy to do.
That said: The key issue over the winter might again be the question of Crowell. His signing topped off the Dream Team last February, and his first appearance against Boise State was greeted with a mighty cheer. Contrast that to the boos spawned by his third and fourth limp-offs against LSU. Clearly Crowell has tried his coaches’ patience: He was disciplined twice this season, and Saturday he drew an unsportsmanlike penalty from the bench. Two weeks ago Richt, casting an eye toward the recruit Keith Marshall of Raleigh, noted the “tremendous opportunity” awaiting a running back at Georgia.
And he’s right. There is opportunity here, not just for a tailback but for a team. Georgia figures to be back in the SEC title game next year, and in December 2012 the Tigers — don’t look now, but LSU is also scheduled to return 16 starters — mightn’t hold the same edge in manpower and mindset.
In his final words to the media Saturday night, Richt said: “I don’t think we’re that far off. I really don’t.”
Right again. A team that couldn’t break .500 last year just played for an SEC championship. The Bulldogs will play for another soon enough, and before long they’ll win one.
By Mark Bradley
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507 comments Add your comment
Preston
December 4th, 2011
1:37 pm
7576, they were deeper than us and rotated players in and out to stay fresh. That’s how. Recruiting should help us with that in 12′.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 4th, 2011
1:38 pm
Erk Russell’s Dog
I will not argue with you thats a truthful statement
Just watch out for the “who you going to hire genius” statements with some of these blind bong smokers that come on here
Preston
December 4th, 2011
1:39 pm
It’s scary to think that LSU is bringing back 16 starters as well. WOW!
george
December 4th, 2011
1:42 pm
can yall really be that dumb?
1.boise-loss
2.usc- we beat
3.coast carolina-win
4.ole miss-we beat
5. ms st-we beat
6.ut-win
7.vandy- prob a win
8.florida-we beat
9.new mexico st-win
10.kentucky-win
11.tech- probably a loss
most likely 10-2, or 9-3 at the very worst
Coffee Bluff DAWG
December 4th, 2011
1:46 pm
7576DAWG,
With Tyson out of the game and Gilliard hurt early and on crutches I think it got down to a lack of depth on D that turned into fatigue in the 2nd half.
LSU beat UGA like they beat a lot of other good teams.
That is win the TO battle, mix in some special teams play, wear down teams in the 2nd H and end up scoring > 40. It turns what was once a close game into a rout.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 4th, 2011
1:46 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg
evil empire
I said just the other day if we can keep it within 10 even if we lose by 10 and win our bowl game then I will be the first to say this staff is turning the corner
Sorry
I was hoping for a more competitive game but
After last night this season was nothing more than smoke and mirrors period and I see the same for next year. 10 wins 2 losses, or 9 wins 3 losses
This staff cannot win the big game; say what you want about Dooley and Erk but they could beat good teams even when UGA’s record was not that good during a season
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 4th, 2011
1:46 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg
I said just the other day if we can keep it within 10 even if we lose by 10 and win our bowl game then I will be the first to say this staff is turning the corner
Sorry
I was hoping for a more competitive game but
After last night this season was nothing more than smoke and mirrors period and I see the same for next year. 10 wins 2 losses, or 9 wins 3 losses
This staff cannot win the big game; say what you want about Dooley and Erk but they could beat good teams even when UGA’s record was not that good during a season
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 4th, 2011
1:47 pm
Mark Bradley
For once fix your filter good grief
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 4th, 2011
1:48 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg
evil empire
I said just the other day if we can keep it within 10 even if we lose by 10 and win our bowl game then I will be the first to say this staff is turning the corner
This staff cannot win the big game; say what you want about Dooley and Erk but they could beat good teams even when UGA’s record was not that good during a season
george
December 4th, 2011
1:49 pm
now lets see how uga would have fared with a real schedule.
1. utah st-win
2. ms st-beat
3. clemson- 50/50
4. fl atl-win
5. usc-lost
6. ark-loss
7. fla-beat
8. lsu-lost
9. ole miss-beat
10.samford-win
11.bama-loss
either 8-4 or 7-5
RTR22
December 4th, 2011
1:49 pm
IC, Thanks for choosing Ga,
Sincerely,
Nick Saban/Trent Richardson
PS You are way tooooooo soft and a me, me, me guy
7576DAWG
December 4th, 2011
1:50 pm
The question is do we need to make a change at the coaching position to make us better. The only coach that we need to change is Bryan McClendon. He must want to be the running back’s friend instead of their coach. Every running back at Georgia has been a discipline or academic problem for the last few years. CMR need’s to take that important position more serious and admit that we can do a lot better finding a mentor and coach.
Since we can’t have a coach just to coach special teams someone is going to have to either do a better job coaching special teams or Georgia is going to have to replace somebody else that is actually doing a good job with a new coach that can actually do as good of a job as the person they are replacing but is also a proven special team’s coach.
Address our problem’s on special teams and running back and Georgia will be a force in the SEC for a long time.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
1:51 pm
George
Auburn should ask Mike Slive to let them move to the eastern Division of the SEC. you all further east on a map than Texas A&M & Missouri. Then you can aviod playing Bama ,LSU and Arkansas every year just like the Dawgs this year.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
December 4th, 2011
1:53 pm
Flat,
You do have a valid point. I give you that. This staff still needs to get over the “hump” in year 11. That is a bitter pill to swallow for all Dawg fans. Lets just hope the development continues.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
1:54 pm
Watching the CSS feed of the LSU GA game. Buck Belue actually being critical of UGA recruiting and lack of evaluating talent by the coaching staff.
JDawg1785
December 4th, 2011
1:55 pm
Well said, Mark! There’s definitely a lot to look forward to for the next few years.
We can all be very proud of this young 2011 team. There’s no shame in losing to a team that will steamroll its way to the MNC. Good luck, LSU! Go Dawgs!
george
December 4th, 2011
1:57 pm
i enjoy playing those teams. I want to beat the best to be the best. I am not saying auburn was anywhere near uga this year bc we all know that is not the case. All I am saying is imo the two most important things to look at pre season to judge a team is the schedule and the two lines. Auburn had one of the hardest schedules in the country and very young poor lines. Uga on the other hand had one of the easiest schedules of the year and very stout lines. Even years are always much more favorable for us and that is why we have gone undefeated two of the last 4 even years.
Coach's
December 4th, 2011
1:58 pm
poll still has ALA #2
dawg gone
December 4th, 2011
1:59 pm
Jawga should be primed for another butt whupping next year in SEC Championship game as they again don’t play LSU, ARK, looks like ALA, will be replaced with Mizz, and then you got always tough Buffalo, Georgia Southern, and lets don’t forget Florida Atlantic, LMAO.
Get em on.....Get em over..... Get em Home
December 4th, 2011
2:00 pm
george,
Again which team is yours on UGA’s 2012 schedule?
Flat Tire,
I’m not a blind CMR homer but I asked a legit question on whom. I agree with most of your comments but you have to have a plan if you are going to change.
Dawgfan (the original)
December 4th, 2011
2:02 pm
Great 1st half, great to be a Bulldog, keep working Dawgs until we win them all!
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
2:04 pm
George
Having that Newton kid last year did’nt hurt your chances either.
dawg gone
December 4th, 2011
2:05 pm
sec east, wwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy OVER RATED
To me
December 4th, 2011
2:05 pm
that’s the problem with playing a mostly cream puff schedule. A team needs to be pushed to reach it’s peak. IF you are not tested all season then when crunch time comes you are not really prepared. LSU played the best and beat them this year.
johnny boy says
December 4th, 2011
2:05 pm
Wasted to much time and energy taunting the Tigers. It is UGA not thUGA ! Can’t wait til this bunch of gangstas are out of here. Guessing the thug stuff came from Tallahassee somehow….
7576DAWG
December 4th, 2011
2:07 pm
As good as LSU is I think Alabama is better and will win a rematch because Alabama has a great power running game and can take advantage of LSU’s only slight weakness which is pass coverage. If Alabama’s Quarterback can pass the ball their running game will keep LSU’s defensive back’s busy enough to exploit the only weakness I see. Good luck to both , make the SEC proud.
SecFan
December 4th, 2011
2:08 pm
Get ready! I can feel it coming! I can feel it!! For the umpteenth time Bradley’s gonna pick the Dawgs to win it all. It’s coming!! Hallelujah!!
Does not
December 4th, 2011
2:08 pm
pay to poke a stick at a Tiger. Might get your head handed to you. Let your play do your talking.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
2:10 pm
dawg gone
If we could only get an ex-dawg to take over @SC then the Dawgs would rule the east forever. It has neutralized Tenn and Florida.
johnny boy says
December 4th, 2011
2:10 pm
We are down 18, stop a run play and act like we are killin em….??? What is that all about ???
juice sourcer
December 4th, 2011
2:10 pm
You playing for the SEC championship means nothing as you beat nobody and played in the pathetic East…UCLA played for the PAC 10 Championship…does that mean they are close to winning anything out there…hell they fired their coach before the game.
classic
December 4th, 2011
2:11 pm
7576,
I was thinking the same thing…UGA needs a qualified RB coach, period.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
2:15 pm
Juicer
the only reason UCLA played in the PAC 12 championship is USC was ineligible. Ucla did play a tougher schedule than UGA.
thUGA
December 4th, 2011
2:16 pm
Here are the facts:
1. You had 10 wins against essentially very weak teams
2. You got man-handled by the good teams you played
3. You brag about your recruits but they can’t seem to win against quality opponents
4. You players are better at thUG activities (drawing personal fouls, skipping team meetings, smoking dope, etc) than they are at football basics (covering punts, tackling, catching the ball, etc)
UGA is a lot of symbolism over substance this year. 10 wins gained by a weakarse schedule, but no talent or coaching scheme to back it up.
Next year will be more of the same, which will make it fun to here all the UGA fans go back into their usual arrogant mode. Only to have no reason to be arrogant. It’s quit funny to watch. Last national championship was in 1980. Haha. Clemson and Ga Tech have even had one since then. But to hear all these UGA fans arrogance, you would think this was a team always playing for a national championship. Its only in their minds and in the papers between seasons that it exists
@flat tire
December 4th, 2011
2:18 pm
Go and be a tech fan, Bobo didn’t drop a td pass or fumble or miss an assignment or a field goal.LSU was a better team it would’ve taken an almost perfect game to beat them, The defense played it in the first half but the young pups on offense did not execute.
J Bo
December 4th, 2011
2:20 pm
Depth is not made by tallent sitting on the bench. I guess we are waiting for a rainy day to play our dream team guys. What’s wrong with putting two fullbacks in the backfield to block for Murray? Did we forget big John wears #6 so he could run the ball. May two tight ends could have helped, it did for LSU. Big weapons are only effective if you use them. Running backs from Carver Columbus have burned us too long we need to look elsewhere even if it’s outside the state of GA.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 4th, 2011
2:25 pm
Get em on…..Get em over….. Get em Home
TCU’s Gary Patterson would be my first guy if there is no chance at Peterson
Chucky Gruden would be another one
I would look at some of the NFL assistants
Kirby Smart maybe but he would be down on my list
You cant just stick your head in the sand and say well who are we going to hire. Alabama doesnt have that attitude and neither does FL
jack bull
December 4th, 2011
2:26 pm
I think I smell a QB controversy myself….
Future looks Bright ?
December 4th, 2011
2:26 pm
FIRE BOBO!
Christ Peterson
December 4th, 2011
2:27 pm
Still want me?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 4th, 2011
2:30 pm
@flat tire
Did I ever say we would beat LSU in any of my posts before, during, or after this game.
What I was hoping to see was a good play calling game. You saw it in the first Qtr and then it went right back to conservatism and getting away from what was working.
Yes there was dropped passes but we had nothing to lose in this game so why go away from what was working
No bud you go pull for Tech they are happy to beat UGA and its getting to where we have to many fans that are just happy if we beat Tech
Smoke and Mirrors
December 4th, 2011
2:31 pm
Our Offensive line is overweight and are a bunch of puds. This line was manhandled by both Vandy and Kentucky. Will Friend is a joke of a hire. We still have offensive line issues.
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
2:31 pm
Mark……????
“And with Florida and Tennessee in clear retreat, Vanderbilt might be tabbed third behind South Carolina.”
Here is a little mud in your mind’s eye:
1. Florida dominated Vandy this year…..much worse than the score indicated.
2. Florida lost to Georgia by 4 points……..with a one legged QB.
3. FSU won by having 94 yards of total offense against the Gators….just a horrible defense the Gators have.
4. LSU 42, Georgia 10….in the SEC title game and in, basically, Georgia’s home town.
5. LSU 41, Florida 11…..in Baton Rouge, with Florida playing freshmen QBs only.
6. Florida gave SC all they could handle in Columbia.
7. Florida had the 10th rated defense in the country, without any offensive support.
8. Georgia had the 5th rated defense in the country, with a lot of offensive support.
9. Florida is returning everone on defense except Jaye Howard.
10. Florida returns all but 8 starters on offense….gets rid of Brantley and Rainey.
11. Florida has two very good, young QBs returning in Brissett and Driskell….and they will be much better next year under year two with Weis.
12. Debose starting to play like a 5-star WR this year (only a soph)
13. Jordan Reed is going to be a star at TE/slot receiver next year.
14. Colin Thompson comes in to play the big, blocking TE postion required in Weis’ offense.
15. Matt Jones and Mike Davis will be a much better combo in the pro style than Rainey and Demps….and they will be joined by Gillessee and Brown at RB.
16. The two injured freshmen OL will return next year to provide much needed backup on the OL, and the OL graduates no one….and they will be joined by Dunker and Humphries….and a few others.
Yep……Florida is in obvious decline….no chance against Vandy next year. Keep printing it…and keep believing it. Florida is right there with Georgia…..and only just an improved offense from being ahead.
P.S. Georgia did make a lot of strides this year…..but they had all the stars aligned this year….and still did not win it all. The stars will be less aligned next year….
I'm stunned
December 4th, 2011
2:34 pm
Mark, did you and the rest of the glass-half-full watch the same team all season–and last night–that I did? Maybe I was tuned into a different team, no??? I gotta tell ya, if you’re happy with Bobo as an OC, and you guys think Richt is the guy to lead this team anywhere, I guess I know a lot less about college football than I thought. But I don’t think so. Keep sippin’ the koolaid boys, and mentally prepae for 3-5 more years of this ridiculous tripe. At $3 million a year, we should have a top-tier coach, and we aint even close.
Buckeye
December 4th, 2011
2:34 pm
Progress? Progress?
10 wins vs. 12-53 teams?
Progress?
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
2:34 pm
…..should have read:
“returns all but 3 starters on offense”…..actually, returns 8 starters….and…finally….Brantley is gone forever.
Smart Dawg
December 4th, 2011
2:35 pm
What UGA needs to do is make sure that T. King(aka Desean Jackson) never plays another down, Crowell(aka Maurice Clarett) is released from his scholarship and that Bryan McClendon is fired. How can you have a below average college receiver be your running backs coach?? Rumor is that Richt is going to quit, here is one UGA fan who can’t wait!
Almost Ex-Dawg
December 4th, 2011
2:35 pm
nuts
MS. Bully
December 4th, 2011
2:38 pm
As long as the SEC East sucks as bad as they do, UGA will always have a chance to play in the Dome. The SEC West dominates College Football!!
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
2:39 pm
Tampa Gator
What number would you give your coaching staff on your list,17, 25 ,75. Good luck when all of Urban’s recruits are gone,in fact his last recruiting class was rated low for by Gator standards.