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
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
2:40 pm
Plus……
Georgia has to fix their RB position if they are going to win the East next year. Crowell is too inconsistent, too unreliable, too messed up in the head. And Georgia is going to need more than just Marshall to fix the problem….he is not an every down back….not yet anyway. Will need another 10 to 20 lbs to be one….and at least a year’s worth of experience in the SEC. Murray folded as a result of not having a running game yesterday….the defense will get deeper next year….but Georgia is losing some key players on defense as well……who replaces them?
angela
December 4th, 2011
2:41 pm
over and over and over again
what kind of coach cannot understand malcome is better than the sissys he put on the field
this alone makes me think richt should resign or get some brain scans
again and again we know richt is nice fellow but enough is enough
maybe richt can take over recruiting and peterson from bosie can run the team
that gives richt time off for guatemala or honduras
all these fans keep talking about some kids from n carolina who never played in the sec
malcome looked like trent richardson against LSU
we need to ask les miles was he not trying to stop malcome on purpose
because if LSU was really trying we have a real back NOW NOT WAITING TILL NEXT YEAR
I WILL BE HAPPY TO SEE RICHT GO IF MALCOME DOES NOT START THE BOWL GAME AND GET THE MAX CARRIES
destin dawg
December 4th, 2011
2:42 pm
Until UGA decides it’s going to oversign athletes as practiced by LSU, UA, ARK, in double digits by the way, they will remain a 2nd tier SEC school. The Georgia way is to sign the number of players they have room for, the SEC West way is to overbook and weed out. That’s why we are thin and can’t compete in the 3rd and 4th quarter. CMR and Greg should be commended for doing the best thing for the student athletes, Saban and Miles use the numbers game to win championships. Dog fans shouldn’t get all upset about losing games to these teams until the playing field is leveled by outlawing oversigning. I don’t know why this isn’t discussed more, I guess it’s more fun to crank on Bobo or CMR, but they do a good job with what they have to work with.
I'm stunned
December 4th, 2011
2:43 pm
Man, for all you guys seeing this glass as half-full…I just don’t get it. Were you watching the same games all season, and the game last night, that I watched. This is one inept coaching staff, and one truly overrated team.I’m sorry, wish I believed differently, but them’s the facts. If you want Richt back, so be it. But don’t be bitching on here for the next 3-5 years when the results DON’T CHANGE.
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
2:43 pm
Erk Russell….
Meyer’s last recruiting class was ranked #1 in the country…..and they were all sophs and redshirt freshmen this year. Floirda has a top 10 class last year with Muschamp coming in late. And Florida is going to have a top 3 class this year….maybe #1 again.
Coaching???
Defense………#10 in the country with no offensive support.
Offense………Weis did not have his pro style parts this year…..bit WR, blocking TE, OL depth, no power back, and a horrible QB. Things will be much better in those categories next year and the following year….
Cuz
December 4th, 2011
2:43 pm
Congratulations to LSU, the 2011 SEC Champs.
No geaux win another Crystal football.
Alabama Jack
December 4th, 2011
2:44 pm
Nest year Dawgs go to South Carolina, Alabama and Auburn as well as Florida for their annual beatdown. They also pick up perennial powerhouses Florida Atlantic, Old Miss and Buffalo. IC better pack his big boy panties for some of these games.
boots
December 4th, 2011
2:45 pm
The future is bright red, and I feel much better this December than I did last December. Wow, it seems like ten years ago that we lost to Central Florida, and I am glad my memory works that way. Nice season for the staff and the players. Now, let’s win the bowl game and end the year on a winning note.
Smoke and Mirrors
December 4th, 2011
2:45 pm
A lot of Kool Aid Drinking dawg fans who wont demand better from this inept coaching staff. Sad….
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
2:46 pm
UGA is such an embarrassment to the State of Georgia. They stunk yesterday, just like I knew they would against a quality opponent. Story of the season – 3 games against quality teams and their record is 0-3. As far as I see it, we did not win a freakin game all year. Crowell will be OK next year at Delta Community College until he gets thrown into a Mississippi prison for drugs. He needs to go and go now. He is pathetic. And our receivers were pathetic too. I am embarrassed today to be a Georgia Buldog.
Smoke and Mirrors
December 4th, 2011
2:47 pm
Barely Beat Vandy ,Kentucky and got our brains bashed in by LSU. Yep thats progress and real bright allright.
I'm stunned
December 4th, 2011
2:48 pm
enter comments here
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
2:49 pm
Tampa
Glad you have confidence in your group.I guess all the reports of transfers and de-commits are unfounded.Just don’t wait too long for Weiss to implement his pro style offense ,I think they are still waiting in South Bend.
I'm stunned
December 4th, 2011
2:50 pm
Wow, guys, I am truly stunned if you see this glass as half-full…did you guys watcht ehs ame team all year, and the game last night, that I did? And you can still feel good about this program, and its leadership. Man, wish I had your optimism. Just remember this–if you give Richt/Bobo 3-5 more years, don’t come on here bitching every week about how crappy this program is…we already know that NOW.
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
2:51 pm
This has been an odd year for college football…….LSU and Bama really stand out above all other teams…..but I would still put Oklahoma State vs. LSU for the national title…..if it were me…..BAMA has already had their opportunity…..and lost……PERIOD. Give another team….in another conference…..a chance to play…..and lose to LSU. If Bama plays and wins….then it should be a co-championship between LSU and Bama…..nothing will be decided unless LSU wins. It should not be that way……we need a bowl system with a plus one system next year.
LSU vs. Oklahoma State – Sugar
Bama vs. Boise State – Fiesta
and the two winners play the plus one for the no-BS national title.
When does it happen? Next year, I hope.
Stay thirsty, my friends
December 4th, 2011
2:51 pm
Crowell needs to be given his scholarship and sent on his way. not fit to be a dawg. I really wonder if he has a soft bone disease.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
2:52 pm
Erk’s Dog – Florida will be back to kickin our butts next year. We are pathetic.
I'm stunned
December 4th, 2011
2:52 pm
For all of you that see this glass as half-full, just remember that when you come on here after evry game next year talking about the pathetic state of the Georgia football program. we already know that NOW.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
2:53 pm
Bama Jack
I’m hurt you left my boys off of Uga’s weak sister schedule. Or maybe you tide fans do not consider GA Southern to be a weak sister since they hung over 300 yards rushing on the mighty Tide Defense.
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
2:56 pm
Erik Russell……
The spread offense players are transferring……..only….and that is best for them if they want to play in the future.
What decommits would that be? I doubt Meyer will contact the recruits who have already committed to Florida….even though I am beginning to wonder about what he will or will not do these days. I fully expect him to go big time after the FSU commits…..like Fowler….and others….those he had relationships with before leaving Florida. Pittman is the only recruit who has mentioned Meyer…..and Meyer has not contacted him because he is committed to Florida. He would have to first decommit…..and he has not done that. None have.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
2:57 pm
Okie State should get their chance at LSU. Alabama had their chance and LOST at HOME for cryin out loud. Don’t give those redneck inbreds another chance. OSU actually has a chance to score against LSU. Bama don’t.
Seriously?
December 4th, 2011
2:57 pm
Seriously Mark?? The Bulldogs played 3 teams that are currently ranked in the top 25. They LOST to all 3. Can’t wait for your August article when you pick the pups to win it all. A high school team could have won the SEC East this year.
dawg time 3
December 4th, 2011
2:57 pm
FIRE RICHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FIRE BOBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FIRE GRANTHAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
2:58 pm
I am glad Herbert Myers is gettin to coach again…. he will have the Bukize in a bowl game soon
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
2:59 pm
and probably kickin the UGa butts and luvin ever minute of it
reality gator
December 4th, 2011
2:59 pm
This is why sports writers like Mark B, could never work in Florida, continue to tell a team that won 10 games against opponents incl florida combine record wins in the SEC 12-54, and 0-3 vs teams with a winning record.
Mark B. you are why these people can not win a Nat, you keep them from reality.
Hey puppies what did Florida and Georga had in common this year? we both could not beat a team with a winning record, we lost by 30 to LSU you lost by 32 in Georgia, Al, Wv, Ark were leading LSU at half time, you dont hear any of their fans saying this was a moral loss, I guess when you have not won anything big since Carter was President you have two fool yourself, ha, ha
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
2:59 pm
Also…..
I think Meyer will be spending a lot of time in Ohio and Michigan estalishing relationships….as those areas will be where most of his recruits will come from in the future…..with a few Florida kids mixed in…..and some from Georgia as well….I suspect. Meyer recrutis everywhere…….there are excellent high school players.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
2:59 pm
preach it dawg time 3
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
3:01 pm
Bvg
Even if Uga improves next year it will be hard to repeat 10 wins ,they may win 8 or 9 games and actually have a better team than.. this 2011 team. Dawgs were damn lucky this year @Vandy and @Tennessee .
Major Well Factor
December 4th, 2011
3:02 pm
Expedia guy likes him some Honey Badger!
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
3:02 pm
I see that the speeding training with “bridge leaping bandwagoners” is still rusing bye today……
“Fire Richt”
“Fire BOO BOO”
“Fire Grant a wish”
“Fire everyone”
JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!
But……get ready to jump back on this summer…..as usual.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:03 pm
UGa will have a much tuffer schedule next year and I predict 6-5 and the Weedeater Bowl
Almost Ex-Dawg
December 4th, 2011
3:03 pm
I’m tired of all the shuda,cuda,wuda….tired of all the disrespect toward coaches, university, system, rules.. oth team and life, tired of arrests and excuses for same, tired of suspending players,tired of every week guessing who we will play…tired of 3 and 18 vs Fla. tired of 10-12 penities a game with no disiplen seems as though no ones in charge or cares….whare is the pride, the respect…someone needs to take charge…soon, or be just another med. school if we’re not already.
Major Well Factor
December 4th, 2011
3:05 pm
Where is tha Burma Shave Boy? Expedia guy wants to know….
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
3:06 pm
reality gator…..
It was no “moral loss” against Bama in Tebow’s senior year, was it? As with Tebow…..we didn’t see any good in that loss. But….then…..the Gators bounced back and crushed Cincy in the bowl game. That is what Gators do……bounce back and take chomps out of Dawgs, Cats, etc. etc.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:07 pm
I predick that UGa will get crushed by Michigan State in some meaningless Florida bowl game
Major Well Factor
December 4th, 2011
3:08 pm
Crapital One Bowl…… EW Expedia Guy
Dawgfan
December 4th, 2011
3:09 pm
buck blew…please tell me that you honestly think Florida is making progress in their program. Because if you think that you know absolutely nothing about football…which is evident already. Youre a turd.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:09 pm
the right thing to do would be to decline a bowl invitation after yesterday’s pathetic performance
Major Well Factor
December 4th, 2011
3:11 pm
bvgdoesneedahaircut…. I think you are on to something. Decline the invite…… ew…… Expedia Guy
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:11 pm
Florida is in trouble since they have an ex-Dawgie
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:11 pm
as coach
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:13 pm
I just know if our drug addicted running backs get a couple of weeks in Florida, it will be a major mistake and a big pay day for the bail bondsmen
TampaGator
December 4th, 2011
3:15 pm
Michigan State plays no defense…..in fact…..no one in the Big 10 (or whatever) plays defense. Georgia will do just fine against Michigan State. Florida, on the other hand, still has John Brantley at QB….and will lose to Ohio State 13-2 or something like that….with Ohio State getting 100 yards of total offense and Florida getting 50. I wish Florida would punt with a bowl game this year…..like Miami….unless Muschamp is planning to start Jacoby Brissett or Jeff Driskell and play them the entire game…..and let Brantley coach from the sideline with Weis…..
Erk Russell's Dog
December 4th, 2011
3:16 pm
Tampa Gator
Go talk to some of your older alumni from the Pell and Hall regimes and you will know how the Dawg fans feel today. Have all the talented players and can’t win a big game. Luckily for you Gator fans ‘
“The Ole Ball Coach ” led the Gators out of the Darkness. And Urban Meyer carried it forward from there.
The Dawg fans are still waiting, we have endured Ray Goff, Jim “Ponzi”Donnan and now the Right Rev. Mark Richt. We are just tired of having smoke blown up our butts every year about being able to compete with the big boys.
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:16 pm
Weis will be head coach at UF in 2 yrs
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:17 pm
Mark Rick is a good coach, even if he does have two first names
bvgdoesneedahaircut
December 4th, 2011
3:19 pm
You know who I want in Athens as our next coach – the great BVG. He does need a hair cut though so he don’t look like a ’70’s porn star
gmandog
December 4th, 2011
3:20 pm
Mark – Why do you support mediocrity in the UGA coaching staff. UGA has the raw talent to compete in the SEC but it does not have a head coach who can mold that talent into a National Championship contender. Richt does not have the killer instict that it takes to motivate, discipline, and drive a team to a National Championship. I know you know that but you keep pandering the the Bulldog nation and perpetuating the mediocrity – compared to the available talent – that is patent in the UGA football program. Yesterday’s performance is proof. Inconsistency in a sports program is directly attributable to coaching. The talent is evident at brief periods but when the going gets tough and discipline, motivation, and conditioning is necessary, UGA fails. So please, don’t pander.
Bill Cooper
December 4th, 2011
3:21 pm
I noticed you had UGA as the favorite ahead of South Carolina and Vandy with UF and UT in retreat. Does this mean Mizzou is relegated to fighting it out with Kentucky for the basement? We may have the best QB in the SEC East next year in James Franklin who will be a Junior and a ton of returning players from a 7-5 team that lost some close games and had a top ten schedule in terms of strength. We shall see