Five yards short: In bitter defeat, a winning Georgia effort
The final moments of a fabulous game: Chris Conley catches the ball. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
There are people who say that only championships matter, that finishing second is the same as finishing last. To those people, we say this: Go away now. Go away while we honor — and yes, that’s the proper word — as gallant a runner-up as we’ll ever see. Go away and let us speak of the Georgia Bulldogs.
They’d waited 30 years for a game this big, and they came as close as you could come to winning it without actually winning. Three times they took a lead over the mighty Alabama, and even after what should have been a crushing Tide touchdown with 3:15 remaining, even after what seemed a clinching Bama interception inside the final minute … even then, these Bulldogs found themselves with first-and-goal and time flying.
That they fell five yards short, that a tipped Aaron Murray pass for Malcolm Mitchell was caught by a falling Chris Conley and the final five seconds ticked away, cannot take away from the effort spent and the excellence displayed. The Bulldogs arrived as a underdog, but they carried the fight to the reigning national champion and they left five yards shy of the most thrilling victory — apologies to Lindsay Scott — Georgia football has ever known.
This was easily the best of the 21 SEC Championship Games, and it was one of the finest displays of collegiate football ever witnessed. “Alabama’s a great football team,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said, “and we were pretty good, too.”
Has a losing team ever had more championship-caliber men and moments? From Sanders Commings intercepting an AJ McCarron pass in the end zone to the same Commings catching a pass from tight end Arthur Lynch to convert a galvanizing fake punt; from Cornelius Washington blocking a field goal and Alec Ogletree taking the carom the distance; from the freshman back Todd Gurley pounding the midsection of the nation’s best defense to Murray taking his team downfield in the final minute … has there ever, in the long and distinguished history of Georgia football, been a prouder loss?
Alas, the Bulldogs needed 85 yards, and they could manage only 80. Are five yards sufficient reason to characterize them as losers, to suggest that this four-point loss is living proof that Richt and/or Murray can’t win the Big One? No and no, and if you’re of such a mind didn’t you hear me when I said, “Go away”?
Contrary to popular belief, not every winning effort translates to winning. Alabama was just a bit better (and much stronger up front), but the Bulldogs spurned every opportunity — and there were many — to throw up their collective hands and say, “We’ve given it a go, but this isn’t our day.” And that fighting spirit nearly turned this into the Dogs’ day after all.
“They played well, we played well, the clock ran out,” Richt said. “What are you going to say?”
It was the game for which Georgia had waited since Herschel Walker left Athens in the spring of 1983, the game Richt had waited 12 seasons to coach. It was a game to win one championship and go play for another, and there can be no dishonor in the way the day played out. Quibble with the ending if you will — should Georgia have spiked the ball before Murray’s last throw? Probably not, for Bama was clearly rattled — but you cannot fault the Bulldogs’ skill or heart or pride.
If you claim to be a Georgia fan, you cannot be disappointed with the performance — only the result. How many teams could have stood in against Alabama after the Tide ground out 350 rushing yards? Alabama is the nation’s best program and has the nation’s best coach, and with 10 seconds left there was no assurance that regal Bama would leave the Georgia Dome as the winner.
“I shook every man’s hand,” Richt said, speaking of his crestfallen Bulldogs, “and if someone had his head in his hands I rubbed his head and told him I loved him.”
If you love anything about competitive sports, anything at all, you had to love this game. “That was a great football game by both teams, and they could have won today the same as us,” said Nick Saban, the hard-driving Alabama coach. “It came down to the last play.”
That the final play on this frenzied day was made by Georgia’s opponent in no way diminishes Georgia. If anything, the Bulldogs stand ennobled after falling to Alabama in a way that they hadn’t after any victory of the past half-dozen years. They didn’t win, but they didn’t really lose. “The clock just ran out,” Richt said, and there was no better recap of these stirring events than that.
Alabama played great. Georgia played great. And then the clock ran out.
Further reading: Bama’s backs, Saban’s gaffe and a classic SEC title game.
By Mark Bradley
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1,506 comments Add your comment
Gary
December 4th, 2012
2:13 pm
I remember at the beginning of the year being told UGA had no business in the SEC CG because of our in conference schedule. They proved themselves this weekend to the nation. It was a well played great football game. The haters are sounding stupid today.
miles
December 4th, 2012
2:18 pm
You look at UGA’s schedule for the past two years. Every time they’ve been favored, they’ve won. And every time they’ve been the underdog, they’ve lost. EVERY TIME. And had they played LSU or Texas AM or Alabama in the regular season, they would have lost those also. For a bunch of talented people, they sure do underachieve.
ROTFLMFAO
December 4th, 2012
2:34 pm
And there are losing teams who also showed heart; while at the same time losing. Amongst them include LSU, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Missouri, Ole Miss, and Auburn. All these, brethren, strove for victory, but came up short. Sometimes by more than 5 yards…..sometimes by less. To the fans and devotees of these “losers”, hold your heads high, look ‘em square in the eye, and proclaim in your loudest voice, “JUST WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!”
: )
miles
December 4th, 2012
2:39 pm
ROTFLMFAO – How long you guys been saying that? 32 years??? LOLOLOL
drew
December 4th, 2012
2:57 pm
OMG – I know it’s your job but give it a rest already…..or will you next examine the chemical makeup of the turf and use that to explain the defeat???
REALLY
December 4th, 2012
4:45 pm
Let’s get real, Georgia is one of the five most talented teams in the country, no question. We got up by 11 points and then played no defense with several future NFL players on that side of the ball. Georgia blew it!!!
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
December 4th, 2012
4:54 pm
“Georgia is one of the five most talented teams in the country, no question.”
And they’re 0-2 in the SEC Championship.
Fort Worth Dawg
December 4th, 2012
7:58 pm
Everyone go to the Lincoln Journal Star Website and sign up for a free account so you can post comments between now and the bowl game.
The Monger
December 4th, 2012
8:32 pm
Here is the letter I just sent Greg McGarity, who I believe relies on FACTS and reason, unlike you so called lunatic fans, that support and embrace LOSING the biggest games of the year EVERY year. IDIOTS. 3 friends also sent letters similar to this, but with a little different wording, as they are their own letters. Finally, we are uniting to get Richt out of town….Anyways here’s my letter to McGarity…
Hello Sir,
Mr. McGarity I have tremendous respect for yourself and the entire University of Georgia. I am a proud 2007 graduate, and a successful chef who contributes to the athletic association on an annual basis. I just want you to know that I have never been so ashamed by some of the so-called fans and alums of this University than I have since the loss to Alabama. I am at a loss for words as to why so many alums are proud of the loss, as well as the coaching staff. Correct me if I am wrong but how is giving up 520 yards of offense, including 350 rushing, something to be proud of. Especially, considering we have 9 NFL caliber players on our defense. I did not agree with extending Grantham and giving him a raise, and I still don’t. I just want you to realize FACTS about the program (that I know you know, but want to reinforce). Despite similar recruits, facilities, resources, and financial status, Nick Saban has only lost 5 games in the last 3 years, while Mark Richt has lost 13 games since 2010. The answer is clear as day…. Alabama is a well-coached, well-run, well-conditioned program with top notch atheletes striving to be their best. Georgia is under coached, under prepared, and can’t play with teams of similar stature in the SEC. It is evident by Mark Richt’s 1-11 record against teams that finished the season ranked since 2009. How can you justify paying 3 million a year for this ineptitude sir? I understand he is a good man with clean, Christian values, but are we not trying to win Championships. The nail in the coffin is the simple fact that Mark Richt has not delivered a Championship of ANY kind since 2005, 7 LONG years ago. How much longer do we have to wait sir? Despite top 10 recruiting classes every year, he fails to win A SINGLE big game (outside of the florida game, in which Georgia was given 6 turnovers to work with), and Alabama is yet another in a LONG list of failures in big games by this regime. I ask you humbly to please help the REAL supporters of UGA football, and bring us a staff that can not only compete every year, but win championships on at least a somewhat consistent basis. I was embarrassed of Mark Richt and the University at his childish outburst at the post SEC championship interview room, in which Richt stormed out of the room like a toddler have a temper tantrum, at a truthful evaluation from a reporter asking him about his meager record in meaningful games. I hope you evaluate THOROUGHLY the state of this coaching staff and the direction of this football program, which hasn’t won a championship in over 7 years, despite top 10 recruiting classes and millions of dollars from investors like myself being funneled into the athletic program. Thank you for listening, sir.
Sincerely,
Keith Thompson, Alum 2007
Richt must go now
December 4th, 2012
10:31 pm
The Monger,
I love your letter. You are right on the money.
UGA is content with Richt and the fan base thinks he hung the moon. He is not going anywhere, trust me. Ever.
I can’t stand him, Grantham or Bobo. They are terrible coaches.
zbulldawg
December 5th, 2012
5:31 am
This was Football at it’s best !! A pure heavy weight fight !! This is why the SEC has won all these titles !! I’m SO proud to see my JUNKYARD DAWGS back with the ELITE !! LET THE BIG DAWG EAT !!!!!
@ Keith Thompson
December 5th, 2012
6:16 am
THANK YOU.
I know there are least to fans that are not happy with mediocrity .Sad to to say most of the bulldawg nation is happy with morale victories.(Saban is not happy with morale victories ,that explains all of his National Championships and we can’t even win a S.E.C. championship game.)
2ND PLACE IS A 1ST. PLACE LOSER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leroy
December 5th, 2012
7:06 am
Have fun in the Outback bowl puppies …………..PS moral victories are not championships lol…..
Dog Island Gator
December 5th, 2012
7:25 am
Just as in the early 90’s, there is no more “wait until next year”. Georgia had its chance the past two years with a so soft schedule and FL in transit. The Gators are back and will start a roll of SEC championships for the next 5 years. It’s good to be a Gator!
South Carolina DAWGS
December 5th, 2012
7:32 am
Beautifully written article Mark
This will always be known and ” The Clock Ran Out Game in Ga History”. What a proud and gallant effort by OURS!!!!!
I will have to “lick my wounds” over this one for a few weeks. Hurts like HELL!!!!!
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
December 5th, 2012
8:50 am
“why isnt UGA playing Tex A&M in a BCS bowl???”
Because ATM would destroy UGA on television again. Hey, when’s the last time UGA won a bowl game?
Jim S
December 5th, 2012
9:50 am
Great column Mark – one of your best.
Tap Out
December 5th, 2012
10:09 am
The #2 team beat the #3 team. Good game, but no real surprise by the outcome. Folks seemed to be surprised that Georgia played so well. It appears many UGA fans thought their own team was overrated and not in Bama’s class. I guess I expected a close game, and the #3 team to play as well as they did. Good job Dawgs, you proved you were not overrated or overranked.
BS Patrol
December 5th, 2012
10:20 am
I never heard so much whining and sniveling in my life over a moral victory. You doggies are poor sports.
james boyett
December 5th, 2012
10:39 am
R U ever going to admit that this game was close more because UA had 3 major kick blunders, a fake punt called back, 2 ints and 2 fumbles- one at your 2. Ur defense ran like babies and couldn’t man up- once again, a UGA team, suppose to be the best in 10 years lost to rebuilding UA team replacinf 11 to the nfl. U played a real god game on OFFENSE amd pecial teams but ur sorry defense cost u and ua blunders kept this close
james boyett
December 5th, 2012
11:13 am
Alabam was suppose to finish 2nd in the West behind LSU- UGA was suppose to win the East which they did because the SEC office scheduled them Ole Miss instead of LSU and SC got LSU.Ua was not even suppose to be in this game.!!!! Now, U feel UGA was an underdog and deserves a lollypop because they lost a game they should have been able to win.?? Keep that mentality Georgia- see how many more 30 years you go without a NC chance. It was an awful played game by UA fundamentaly – not a great game. It was just an exciting game and a close game – there is a big difference
RIcht will never win
December 5th, 2012
12:44 pm
UGA fans are the laughing stock of the SEC….I live in Georgia, but there is no way I can take this program seriously as long as Richt is the head coach. I see them like I see Ga Tech now, a casual observer with no expectations of a potential championship.
Kenny D
December 5th, 2012
12:50 pm
All I can say is why Murray didn’t spike the ball with 14 sec left in the game. That’s two shots at the end zone.
bali high
December 5th, 2012
8:23 pm
Game over, Bama won, Move on people!
Hob Nail
December 5th, 2012
8:55 pm
Hey, St. Mark, how did Bama’s hobnail boots feel grinding into your face?
yellow hammer
December 5th, 2012
8:59 pm
as anyone even looked at the box score,this game shouldn’t have been close
dawginduluth
December 5th, 2012
9:47 pm
It really sucks living in the world of “almosts” and “could have beens”, don’t it?
No NC with Richt.
Never.
Hank
December 5th, 2012
11:49 pm
Most enjoyable game of season. Love to see Georgia lose the big game.
GT Alum '88
December 6th, 2012
2:34 am
We still have the most recent National Championship between both schools & the most overall.
Love it.
THWG!
james boyett
December 6th, 2012
8:08 am
why cant u UGA fans and media admit that stats show u were soundly beaten in this game.U were recipients of several breaks that made this close. Less first downs, less time of possession, more penalities, less total offense, less rushing yards, I mean what do u wont? Do you really think u deserved to win with that defensive perfprmance?
ROLLTIDE
December 6th, 2012
9:25 am
GEORGIA HAS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED ABOUT , THEY GAVE US A GAME
Now we know for sure
December 6th, 2012
10:01 am
ROLLTIDE,
Congrats like yours is never well received esp from the opposing fans, clown.
Now we know for sure
December 6th, 2012
10:05 am
Hey Richt, instead of playing games with the reporter after the game about the origin of the question, how bout answering the question. That question was how do you respond to the critics that say you and Arron consistently lose to top 10 teams.
JRC
December 6th, 2012
2:03 pm
“as close as you could come to winning it without actually winning it”, get a life!
The DAWGS lost the game, get over it and move on. How long can the AJC sports staff keep on feeling sorry.
D?
December 6th, 2012
2:20 pm
UGA is likely losing 8 defensive starters this year….
Not good when youre adding LSU and Clemson to the schedule for 2013.
Good luck, hope you didnt miss your shot this year.
Buzz 2011
December 6th, 2012
11:33 pm
We are ready for Yellow Jacket football Bradley,
Let’s pull for those CPJ Jackets. You are a real supporter.
Get this damn blog down.
Dog Island Gator
December 7th, 2012
1:33 am
Mark, Are leaving this blog open for such a long time to send a message to someone? Or are you so distraught with the loss you’ve left the building?
Ed
December 7th, 2012
5:15 am
Five yards? You were up 21-10 and blew it! No Excuses.
crossdawg
December 7th, 2012
9:24 am
Yeah, I know they are in South GA but is it asking too much for the AJC to mention GA SOUTHERN being is the 2nd round of the natl playoffs. I’m about sick of moral victories & 2nd class bowls.
James
December 7th, 2012
12:15 pm
Go away? Go away while we celebrate our loss. Go away while we wait another 11 years for a chance to play the big one. Go away while one of the top teams in college football settles for the toilet bowl. CMR has had 2 of the best teams in UGA history and some may say 3 if you count the 2002 season. Lets rewind to the USC game this year, remember that one. UGA got their butts handed to them. Thus the toilet bowl trip this year. In 2007 they lost 2 games that kept them from the big one, with arguably the best team in UGA history. This was a great game, and a good season. But we all have waited a long time as you said and are asked to be happy that we almost made it. Look across the field my friend. Alabama has had to suffer through what looks like 3 national championships in 6 years under NS. Is it a lot to ask to at least make it to the big game in 11 years? We are not in their league, ask your self why? Coaching. So go celebrate your loss and be happy with it. This is the best it gets with CMR football. I will go away now.
Chris Williamson
December 7th, 2012
3:54 pm
Mark, I appreciate how well you captured the sentiments of all true Georgia fans. I am a proud graduate (1990) of the University, and I never believe in “moral victories” until that crushing moment when Michael Conley fell down. It’s hard to take, but I had never been prouder of my team. Thanks for the kind words, sir.
Flounder
December 7th, 2012
4:40 pm
30 pages of Comments (and counting) … you lost, Georgia … deal with it and move on.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
December 7th, 2012
5:32 pm
UGA FANS ARE STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPID!!!!!!!!
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
December 7th, 2012
5:33 pm
“30 pages of Comments (and counting) … you lost, Georgia … deal with it and move on.”
They can’t move on because they have NOTHING to cheer for. UGA hasn’t been relevant since Jimmy Carter left office.
Bama, LSU, Auburn, Florida and TN have all won championships since then.
SUCK IT LOSERS!!!!!!
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
December 7th, 2012
5:34 pm
“It really sucks living in the world of “almosts” and “could have beens”, don’t it?
That’s life in the state of GA. Only one championship in Atlanta in recent years.
Smart like a fox
December 7th, 2012
10:57 pm
good thing about all these ga crybabies….Lake Lanier is back to full pool
Kaitlyn
December 8th, 2012
7:49 am
I’ve just finished watching the last couple of minutes of the game for about the tenth time. My goodness, I love my DVR. It is so heartwarming to see the stunned look on the faces of Richt’s thugs as they realize that they’ve blown another big game.
But hey, there’s always next year for the dawgs!
Techster
December 8th, 2012
8:03 am
The loss must have put Bradley in a funk. He hasn’t written anything since.
Techster
December 8th, 2012
8:05 am
Mark? Are you there? Come back Mark. The world didn’t end with the dogs’ loss. The earth is still spinning.
jbill
December 8th, 2012
10:04 am
Don’t take it so bad MARK Bradley and come back to work..its been a week. Not the end of the world.
UGA will be ok..