It was an awful loss, but it wasn’t the end of UGA’s ascent
It wasn't the greatest homecoming for Georgia's Aaron Murray, was it? (AP photo)
Tampa — This was a bad loss, OK? This was a really bad loss by a team that had positioned itself to win by two touchdowns until its quarterback began throwing the ball to the wrong team. But in the grand scheme — and by “grand” I mean a distance of Grand Canyon dimensions — losing to Michigan State might be a good thing for the Georgia Bulldogs.
A year and two days ago, Georgia was wondering how how long it would take to rise from 6-7. To the Bulldogs’ credit, they rose to 10-2 and to the SEC East title in the span of 11 months. In its final two games, Georgia proved its transformation from underachiever to champion is not yet complete.
In the SEC championship game, Georgia led LSU 10-0 but lost 42-10. In the Outback Bowl here Monday, the Bulldogs led Michigan State 16-0 and had outgained the Spartans 217 yards to 81 when, four minutes into the third quarter, Aaron Murray scrambled to his right and saw Tavarres King near midfield. Murray thought King would backtrack. Instead King ran deeper. Murray’s pass, directed where King wasn’t, was intercepted. With that, a game Georgia had dominated began to unspool.
Said Mark Richt, Georgia’s coach: “Aaron had plenty of space. He was being pressured, but he wasn’t under duress.”
Had Murray scrambled for a modest gain, had he flung the ball out of bounds, Georgia might well have won this game breezing. The interception gave the Spartans a lift they hadn’t really earned, and therein hangs a lesson.
Said Todd Grantham, Georgia’s defensive coordinator: “Good teams are always going to make plays. You have to learn to put teams away, and there’s a learning curve for that. You’ve got to educate yourself. You’ve got to go through things.”
What Georgia went through the rest of this excruciating day was a crash course in comeuppance. Ahead and in control, the Bulldogs blew that 16-point lead, surged back ahead inside the final seven minutes, saw Michigan State tie it with 19 seconds left in regulation and managed to mess up three overtimes as badly as three overtimes can be messed up. It was as if the Football Fates said, “Yeah, you’re young and you’re talented, but you’re not there yet.”
Bacarri Rambo intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass at the beginning of overtime, and that should have been that. But Richt, choosing to err on the side of extreme caution, opted to have Blair Walsh try a field goal on third down from the 25, which is where you get the ball to start an overtime. Sure enough, Walsh missed. (A low snap contributed.) Two more overtimes would follow, and finally it ended with a Walsh kick being blocked.
Georgia’s offensive yield in the three OTs: Eight plays for minus-4 yards. Indeed, Michigan State — which managed two first downs in the first 35 minutes — would outgain the Bulldogs 391 yards to 339. Georgia couldn’t run a lick, and 20 Murray completions were offset by two interceptions, a lost fumble and four sacks.
The second Murray interception was returned for a touchdown, the fourth time this season a Murray throw yielded six opposing points. Three of those came in losses. As superb as Murray can be, there’s still a bit of the wild point guard in him: He can keep both teams in the game.
Said Mike Bobo, the offensive coordinator: “We’ve just got to do a better job as a team of protecting the football.”
Said Richt: “You’ve got to respect the ball.”
Somehow Georgia contrived to lose on a day when Brandon Boykin, ostensibly a defender, scored three times (tackle for safety, punt return, pass reception). Somehow the champ of the SEC East lost to the champ of the Big Ten Legends Division, and we all know the SEC shouldn’t be losing to the Big Ten in a bowl game. That said …
This ugly loss does not — repeat, does not — invalidate the 10 games Georgia won in 2011. This game is not — repeat, is not — proof that these Bulldogs will never win anything big under Richt. Yeah, it was a wretched ending to a turnaround season, but the turnaround stands.
Said Boykin, a senior who was the game’s MVP: “We made huge strides from 6-7, but great teams finish when they’re supposed to. The LSUs and Alabamas — there’s a reason they’re going to the national championship game. We held LSU to 12 yards in the first half and didn’t finish. We had the lead today and didn’t finish. Once they figure out how to pound a team and not give up anything, Georgia can be special.”
Said Richt: “At the moment, this one hurts. But in time it will heal.”
Some of you might consider those empty words. But we need recall another bowl loss, the Music City defeat by a Boston College team of no special distinction, that capped Richt’s first season. It was easy that day in Nashville to claim that Georgia was still the same old Georgia, but soon it wasn’t. The next year the Bulldogs went 13-1 and won Georgia’s first SEC title in two decades.
By Mark Bradley
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1,128 comments Add your comment
redryderredryder
January 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
Out coached, someone needs to challenge Murray ,send Bobo to play calling school,and a Big team more motivated than a UGA team ?
Tuzo
January 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
They were overrated anyway – easy schedule. This was not an upset. Georgia is not that good but neither are they bad.
kerryb
January 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
I don’t get the dumping on IC for re-injuring that ankle. Has anyone on here had a badly sprained ankle? I have. I couldn’t walk for 3 weeks. I don’t want a RB in there that can’t run and can’t block on a solid ankle.
wreckmaniac
January 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
Knocking on the door of greatness ? How about knocking on the door of Fort Knox.
Phil
January 2nd, 2012
9:46 pm
Crowell is a bust, complete wimp. Boykin got his bell rung on that safety but came back and played a great game, on both sides of the ball. Crowell needs to man up or go home.
NYC Dawg
January 2nd, 2012
9:46 pm
On the bright side… we had a good year overall. We beat all our old enemies in the games that really mattered: UT, UF, Tech, and as pointed out above, we crushed Auburn, the defending champs, 45-7. That hasn’t happened since my senior year, 1982. It was a little like Michael Corleone settling all his scores in The Godfather movies.
The people who say “UGA hasn’t beaten anybody” do not understand the top priorities of the lifelong, “real” UGA fans.
While I hate that we threw away today’s game, I would much rather have those wins over UT, UF, Tech and AU than wins in the supposedly “bigger” games against Boise and MSU. It is worth noting that in the non-BCS bowl games, the stands are typically 50-60% full. There’s a reason for that…the games are not very meaningful.
Cuz
January 2nd, 2012
9:46 pm
Kevin Butler pointed out that getting a new DC took us one whole year to have a competitive D again.
The same could happen with getting rid of Bobo. And as Mark pointed out earlier in a reply. Bobo is running the plays that CMR wants. Three runs at the end of regulation.
Hate on Bobo all you want, but getting rid of him will not make us National Champs in 2012.
Dawg in Milton
January 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
to the guy braggin’ that we beat AU and Tech….this was the worst AU team in a long time and Tech sucks..so what’s your point….
Pmc
January 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
It’s what 11 seasons now? How long does Richt need 40 years?
Erk Russell's Dog
January 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
Flat tire
We have become the university of Virginia.10 wins used to mean more when you only played 11 games a year. And the schedule was not full of non conference cupcakes. We used to play Clemson every year, not directional State U . Heck we even played BYU with Steve Young at QB back in 80 or 81.
superDawg
January 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
I have had it with Coach Mark Richt. We will never be a top 10 team as long as he is our coach. We are so one dimensional on offense. We recruit the # 1 running back in the country and he can’t run his way out of a paper bag. Coach Boo Boo will never be fired as long as Richt is head coach. I thought our defense was coming around, but after the last 2 games I wish we had Martinez back. UGA will never get another penny from me until these clowns are fired as head coach. I also am embarrassed by our schedule next year. We are too chicken to play anyone from the west and that is why we are not tough enough to win games. We flat out suck !! Nuff said.
wreckmaniac
January 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
We can always recruit our way out of this can’t we ?
BamaDAWG
January 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
We deserve EVERYTHING we get over the next 3-5 years for giving this guy a contact extension!
I had hoped the new AD learned some killer instinct from coaches that wanted to win AND coached that way while at Florida, but I don’t see that as the case!
Any other coach with talent like ours, would be playing for National Titles!
kerryb
January 2nd, 2012
9:48 pm
Phil, I bet if Boykin re-injured a bad ankle he wouldn’t have been back.
JB
January 2nd, 2012
9:48 pm
IS this contract deal a done deal…..Does anyone think McGarity, like last year, demands changes in trade for a new deal, like reassign Bobo and hire some help.
wreckmaniac
January 2nd, 2012
9:49 pm
I think this was just bad luck and LSU was playing for a national championship. Surely, this loss can be explained. Any rational person can understand this, right ?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 2nd, 2012
9:49 pm
kerryb
with our schedule next year 1 loss is considered a failure as no one on our schedule will be any good
0-4
January 2nd, 2012
9:49 pm
Ga against good teams in 2011: 0-4
Ga against patsies / mediocre teams in 2011: 10-0
Congrats!!! Give out rings, print t-shirts, make videos!!! the dawgs have arrived!
jimnalph
January 2nd, 2012
9:49 pm
Couldn’t happen to a worse group of losers. Love it.
JB
January 2nd, 2012
9:50 pm
Fla,AU,Tenn, Tech ALL stink….just think IF they were all good
wreckmaniac
January 2nd, 2012
9:50 pm
Maybe UGA should call the SEC office and make some more scheduling changes for next year. They should be able to count Ga Southern as an SEC conference game if they want to.
kerryb
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
Dawg in Milton
January 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
to the guy braggin’ that we beat AU and Tech….this was the worst AU team in a long time and Tech sucks..so what’s your point….
_____________________________________________________________–
Did you bother to read the post I was answering. He said we hadn’t beat a team ranked in the top 25 in 3 years. I pointed out to him that when we beat Tech and Auburn they were ranked in the top 25. Understand now?
Dennis
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
How about that forearm shiver that the Great Todd gave the MSU team as they were leaving the field at halftime. How could MSU even come back out at halftime much less mount a comeback. Standing on the edge of greatness must mean that MR could see all facets of the LSU team from the sideline and could see greatness from there. And yes Mark, all of this incorrect comparison of UGA defense with the great teams in the nation is very misplaced. They earned that last drive when a great defense would not have let them score.
ICro
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
IC tired of this disrespect! He want more carries next year or he’ll be transferring.
Jacket99
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
kerryb
December 31st, 2011
6:24 pm
Go Jackets!,I don’t hate Tech like some UGA fans do. My brother-in-law went there. What I do hate is idiot Tech trollers that come on UGA blogs talking trash when their team can’t win a bowl game. I had to come on here and dish it out some for pay back.
I feel your pain.
Supes
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
Mark,
You should be ASHAMED of yourself for WRITING this GARBAGE of an article today. Are you afraid that if you CALL IT LIKE IT IS, Coach RIcht and UGA “wont be as nice to you” and “you won’t be welcomed over in Athens?” Seriously what is it with the AJC…Schultz at least calls it like it is…he can come across as a rude you know what sometimes but he isn’t afraid to state the obvious.
UGA is not “ascending”…it’s standing still. PLEASE have the courage and conviction to go with the facts…Richt, Bobo and Murray are what 0-9 against teams ranked in the top 20?
Thuga
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
What do you expect from a middle of the pack SEC team? Happy to see thuga’s chop blocking center go out with a loss!
JB
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
jimnalph………………….I’m glad we’re pissed…………..You must be a Techie just back from a fish fry hearing Paul talking it up.
kerryb
January 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
I-95, quit saying OUR. You are NOT an OUR.
The Monger
January 2nd, 2012
9:52 pm
That is 8 games this year we were outcoached, and we give this man Richt 3 million dollars every year to be outcoached in 60 percent of his games??? Really people??? By contrast how many games did Nick Saban get outcoached this year?? How many games did Les Miles get outcoached??? Thats what I thought…..
-GREAT POINT MONGER…OH YEAH FIRE RICHT!!!!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 2nd, 2012
9:52 pm
Erk Russell’s Dog
Heck I hate to say this but we are quickly becoming GT
Since most of our fans consider GT the most important game. and that losing to top SEC teams is UGA football
Patrick
January 2nd, 2012
9:52 pm
I feel like the town folk that got tired of the little boy crying wolf….Where is the wolf?? All I see-despite being told that greatness is near–is a rudderless ship. Great talent ( Crowell not included) and no leader providing the heart. Losing to the big ten–ouch–not much of a turnaround. Maybe we should have played UAB….
tenn.DAWG
January 2nd, 2012
9:53 pm
Really Mark,I’m not sure we were watching the same game.The play calling was pitiful and the O-line was as bad as it’s been the last two years.Pass the Kool-Aid,maybe it will be less stressful.
Paul in NH
January 2nd, 2012
9:53 pm
Dang guys – today was only one game. UGA had a good season that finished with a bad bowl loss. It doesn’t take away what should have been an enjoyable season for most of you.
Tech Man in Mom's Basement
January 2nd, 2012
9:54 pm
Mom, when you bring my cookies please ask Grandad to come down and tell me again about Hershel Walker and that team in 1980.
GATA
January 2nd, 2012
9:54 pm
UGA needs to learn from LSU and Bama – be a run dominant team. That is what it takes to win on a championship level and the biggest difference between UGA and them. LSU/Bama scored 33-35 each tds on the ground this season, while UGA was 15. Yes UGA had 35 passing td’s, but you can’t control the ball and wear down defenses with a predominantly passing offense. You can’t melt the clock, get that short gain first down or td with a weak running attack, which is what we’ve seen time and time again.
Bottom line, if Richt can get a “Grantham” on offense, and keep building a great D, the Dawgs will get there. If he continues to put it all in the QB’s hands, we’ll go no farther. You must be run-dominant to control the game, wear down defenses and THEN go to the passing game to win the big games.
Phil
January 2nd, 2012
9:54 pm
wreckmaniac
Alabama played Ga Southern this year. They had some pretty weak non-conference games as well. Not uncommon for teams to schedule weak teams.
2012!
January 2nd, 2012
9:54 pm
ga had a lot of injuries and bad breaks in 2011. In 2012, ga will be a lot better and should win the sec east again with ease.
Herschel Talker
January 2nd, 2012
9:54 pm
MB:
Why do you continue to drink the Mark Richt cool aid?
Enough with your feel good CMR articles. Lately you have been on the “just wait ’til next year” bandwagon with Richt. How many years is it before he proves that he just can’t win the big games?
Enough with the “well the LSU and Mich St losses weren’t so bad because UGA wil be so good next year” stuff. Please enough.
Richt wins 10 straight by beating 10 bad to mediocre teams. Is that greatness?
FIRE MARK RICHT!
HT
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 2nd, 2012
9:55 pm
kerryb
oh Im not a UGA fan because I refuse to be an idiot like you who believes Richt and company can coach big time football
Sorry bud but UGA football is better than this especially with the talent in this state has and the money UGA has
Bad Calls!
January 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
Georgia got hosed the whole game by terrible officiating. With good calls, Ga would have won that game easy.
JRW7
January 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
Bad way to lose, kick on 3rd down? Maybe AM will leave for NFL, he just can’t win the big game!!! I am very very disappointed in todays game, we gave it away!
bad brad
January 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
What bothers me is that with 16 seconds left in regulation, we have Murray take a knee. PLAY TO WIN!!! All this playing “not to lose” is what is wrong with Richt. Great guy, great recruiter, BUT NO HEART. We should have taken a shot down the field and if successful, call that last timeout and let Bogotay give it a try, not Walsh. Instead we take a knee, go to overtime and LOSE.
Did anybody else notice that Mich State (bench and fans) were jumping up and down and going ballistic; the Dawgs were just standing around in disarray and that is what carried over to OT.
Same thing happened last year in Liberty Bowl. You’ve got to play like you want to win…I’m just saying…and then if you lose, you gave it your best shot.
Jacket99
January 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
kerryb
December 31st, 2011
6:24 pm
Go Jackets!,I don’t hate Tech like some UGA fans do. My brother-in-law went there. What I do hate is idiot Tech trollers that come on UGA blogs talking trash when their team can’t win a bowl game. I had to come on here and dish it out some for pay back.
I feel your pain. Believe me, there are plenty of idiot trolls on both blogs. Sometimes I think it is the same two trolls changing names because they seem to repeat themselves.
SpartyKizz-SECSucks
January 2nd, 2012
9:57 pm
To all you UGA fans….. You ALL sound like some whiny babies that can’t fathom the FACT that the Big 10 Spartans whooped your behinds!!! UGA fans are so full of themselves, that they will forever make excuses about why the winning team won and UGA lost. And there are ALWAYS excues. Blame the coaches, blame the officials, blame the wind, blame the curve of the earth, whatever… Just admit the fact that UGA is NOT the end-all-be-all to college football. Yes, you need work. Yes, the Spartans need work. But I’ve never heard such crying and whining from FAIR WEATHER fans like UGA fans. If you’re winning, everthing is GREAT. But lose a game…. And you turn your backs… I’m a DIE HARD Spartans fan, win or lose…. But swallow this jagged little pill UGA fans… THE SPARTANS BEAT YOU!!! GO GREEN!!!
Ga > fla
January 2nd, 2012
9:58 pm
in 2012, fla will be way down again and uga will beat them easy—bet the house.
We Ruin this State
January 2nd, 2012
9:59 pm
I think we are on the verge
DP
January 2nd, 2012
9:59 pm
No Mark Bradley, when Richt commented that Murray threw the ball even though he really wasn’t under pressure and that he needed to value the ball, he wasn’t criticizing Murray at all.
If Richt had given me the standard line about kicking on 3rd down in case of a bad snap, I’d have asked him if he could name a game he’d ever been involved with or seen where a holder had fallen on a bad snap on 3rd down and kicked the field goal on 4th. I’ve never seen one. And you also could have mentioned that had there been a bad snap the 4th down field goal would have been 50 yards or more into the wind. But I guess it would be rude for a journalist to ask difficult questions of a guy making $3 million a year to coach football.
i love tech and we suck
January 2nd, 2012
10:00 pm
sad to see both teams from georgia lose in an ugly fashion. i think both head coaches need to be fired, or at least johnson needs to change his whole team dramatically. for georgia, richt has had too many chances. auburn and tech were awful this year and those games dont count as significant wins. georgia has all the talent of lsu and bama but the coaching is poor. unfortunately they are going nowhere
Tech Man
January 2nd, 2012
10:00 pm
Looking forward to seeing what Richt’s will do off the field. Or, following parole.