Caleb’s turn to start at tailback?
Look for Caleb King to start at tailback for Georgia against Tennessee Tech on Saturday.
Coach Mark Richt expressed concern on his weekly radio show Monday night about Washaun Ealey’s pass-protection performance and said King “will probably start for us” this week
If so, it would be the first collegiate start for the former Gwinnett County prep star, a redshirt sophomore. And he would become Georgia’s third starter of the season at tailback.
Richard Samuel, who won the job while King was sidelined with a pulled hamstring in preseason, started the first six games. Ealey, a true freshman, has started the past two games against Vanderbilt and Florida, although Richt said after the Vandy game that the choice between King and Ealey to start came down to which play Georgia decided to call first.
Ealey had 17 of Georgia’s 33 rushing carries and 70 of its 121 rushing yards against Florida last week.
“Washaun certainly ran the ball well,” Richt said Monday night. “He still needs to continue to get better in his pass protection, and I think Caleb has earned the right to be the starter because of his ability to run and pass-protect. But Washaun — we will continue to work hard on him and his ability to pass-protect.”
Richt said a problem with pass protection is “very typical” for a true freshman back. “We don’t want to get him in too many situations where he could put everybody at risk if he’s not able to do a good job there.”
But starting King would not signal a retreat on playing Ealey, Richt said.
“We’re not going to back off of playing him at all, although . . . Caleb will probably start for us,” Richt said. “But we’ll still see a good bit of Washaun Ealey for sure.”
Georgia used three running backs against Florida. Samuel had six carries for 40 yards – 33 on one fourth-quarter carry – and King five for 19.
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181 comments Add your comment
ctown dawg
November 3rd, 2009
12:39 am
First!!!! Let Ealey start and bench joe!! Come on Dawgs we still have a lot to play for.
gameplan
November 3rd, 2009
12:52 am
Run each tailback 15 times, let Cox throw it 5 times, give Logan Gray some playing time along with all of the other backups and get ready for Auburn.
BarkingBulldawg
November 3rd, 2009
2:43 am
Man, Caleb King is terrible. He has no burst whatsoever. Time for the coaches to forget about how many recruiting stars he had and consider how he has looked on the field.
Washaun on the flip side has been about the lone bright of the last month. He instantly provided a spark vs. LSU, is clearly the best RB on the team already as a true frosh, and I loved the way he stood up to Spikes/reacted to the situation both during the game and with his comments afterward.
But hey, at least Caleb “blocks well”. That’s great because he doesn’t do anything else well..
Far Away From Home Dawg
November 3rd, 2009
5:24 am
How about Dontavious? Didn’t he show promise against Vandy? Pass protection issues there too? Could we see a rotation situation similar to Brown, Lumpkin, and Ware? Hopefully the Dawgs can eventually settle on a 25 carry per game stud back who will set a rhythm … Washaun’s character seems to be a plus since he had plenty of time to “retaliate” like a sorry Urbanite Gator.
As for the QB situation … Just sad … They should be playing the best QB that gives the best chance at winning short and long term … Seems to be Murray … Starting back at square one next year seems to be a set up for mediocrity … despite an easier schedule.
If Richt’s loyalty to Coach Martinez gets in the way too much … Nice knowing you CMR … and what a waste that would be. Maybe Coach Martinez will take himself out rather than endangering his buddy’s job.
NCMTNDawg
November 3rd, 2009
5:58 am
CMR’s loyalty is getting very old. CWM, Cox and King? I am very appreciative of the things he has done during his tenure, but a free pass he is not entitled too. Yet, he seems unable to shake things up (besides changing uniform colors). Sorry to be so blunt, but it is time to grow a pair!
GO DAWGS!!!
big dog
November 3rd, 2009
6:37 am
Dawg fans, the season is over for you. Suck it up and get ready for some basketball. Your five star running backs are pathetic. As bad as the gators handled you, Tennessee by far more violently handed your asses to you. It was the worst Dawg ass whipping that I have ever seen. UT is about ready to put a run on you much like the Chompers. As you relive the Hershel days the rest of the league is moving on and up. So long.
76 Dawg
November 3rd, 2009
6:53 am
Damon, please help! It appears nothing is going to change unless you get involved.
BobDawg
November 3rd, 2009
7:02 am
Since a team’s record seems to be everything, look for a major “resurgence” next year. If you check the schedule, we drop off LSU (replaced by Miss. St.) and the non=conference games are against Louisiana-Lafayette,Colorado, Idaho State, and of course Georgia Tech. Here is next year’s schedule:
Sat, Sep 04 University of Louisiana-Lafayette Athens, Ga.
Sat, Sep 11 South Carolina * at Columbia, S.C.
Sat, Sep 18 Arkansas * Athens, Ga.
Sat, Sep 25 Mississippi State * at Starkville, Miss.
Sat, Oct 02 Colorado at Boulder, Colo.
Sat, Oct 09 Tennessee * Athens, Ga.
Sat, Oct 16 Vanderbilt * Athens, Ga.
Sat, Oct 23 Kentucky * at Lexington, Ky.
Sat, Oct 30 Florida * at Jacksonville, Fla.
Sat, Nov 06 Idaho State Athens, Ga.
Sat, Nov 13 Auburn * at Auburn, Ala.
Sat, Nov 27 Georgia Tech Athens, Ga.
WTH
November 3rd, 2009
7:11 am
Yea, with a freshman quarterback, the record should improve to 7 and 5 or 8 and 4, but UGA fans will not be able to talk about how strong there out of conference schedule is.
Gator Fan
November 3rd, 2009
7:11 am
ctown dog. No, sadly you guy’s don’t have a lot to play for. Unless you call a bowl in shreveport your season’s goal. Dogs could easily lose to everyone left on their schedule e/x Tech…the TN one.
Don’t worry though, if UGA loses to UF,UT,GT and AU, in the same season, you can basically kiss WIllie goodbye, Richt won’t have a choice after losing to all of UGA’s rivals.
chiefdawg
November 3rd, 2009
7:37 am
This is exactly the kind of attitude that keeps UGA coaches in hot water. C. King deserves nothing.He has had 2 years to show what he can do and has failed. He is a wasted scholarshhip. Who cares whether Ealy can pass block. Without AJ Green, the passing game will be ineffective.
pensadawg
November 3rd, 2009
7:52 am
Next years schedule looks like Florida’s schedule this year. We could be undefeated going into Jax. I hope Richt does not look ahead and keep coaches thinking things will be easier next year
WTH
November 3rd, 2009
8:00 am
Undefeated next year, so UGA with a freshman quarterback, should have no problem with SC, UT, UK, Arkansas and a quickly improving Mississippi State.
WTH
November 3rd, 2009
8:01 am
Before I am corrected, Undefeated going into Jax, ………
senoiadawgs
November 3rd, 2009
8:03 am
My goodness, I have heard it all now. A struggling running team finally finds a real RB and what does our brilliant coach do, bench him. I guess if you you are a QB at UGA throwing INT’s in every game is acceptable and doesn’t deserve to be benched. A RB missing a pass block gets you benched. If you are a corner at UGA(Miller) mr pass interference, thug #1, and blown coverages you get to keep your job. A RB missing a pass block gets you benched. Bryan Evans and Reshad Jones are good for at least 5+ blown coverages, late hits and school yard play every week but they continue to start. A RB missing a pass block gets you benched.
That’s what I want a UGA, tailback U, a running back that can block but has shown practically zero ability to be a successful runner.
He has totally lost it folks.
Frogger
November 3rd, 2009
8:11 am
Wow, just think of the high draft pick were gonna get with this losing record. Oh wait, this is mid-rate college football.
senoiadawgs
November 3rd, 2009
8:13 am
I figured it out. Basically what Richt is doing saying this is blaming Ealy for INT’s in the game on Saturday. Taking up for this piss poor SR QB. I am done with CMR
WTH
November 3rd, 2009
8:18 am
They voted for who was going to start at QB. I think they drew straws for who is going to start at RB. Next, there will be a poll conducted for who will start at wide receiver in Green’s place.
BigDawg
November 3rd, 2009
8:30 am
How about start Ealey and King both in the backfield? Maybe put Gray in at QB and run the spread option some? Florida played some power I why can’t we play the spread with Gray? Nah, lets just run up the middle twice from the I and try to hit AJ Green in triple coverage on third down – that’s been pretty effective so far. At least it worked against Vandy! Watch out for young coach Derek Dooley and Tommy Spangler. Don’t want to lose CMR but there has to be changes other than RB!
Gator Bob
November 3rd, 2009
8:34 am
Man – What has happened to this program???
On behalf of the Gator Nation that thinks like me – Spikes should be suspended for two games minimal. No excuses. Cheap shot and we don’t need that at all. This is was crap. Glad Ealey was not hurt.
UGA has a HUGE issue – recruiting has been good – talent level is good – but here is why UGA has fallen:
1. Skill Position:
– QB – Cox – had his moments – a great kid – but a below average QB – has made some mental errors that have hurt UGA.
– RB – These backs are average at best – your best back is Ealey – who might be a star if he learns how to pass protect.
– OL – no improvement over last year – in fact – maybe taken a step back – all with the same players.
– Defense – this is a generous bunch and needs a totally new approach because IT AIN’T WORKING.
This all leads to……..COACHING
Richt – has fallen into the CEO mentality. Funny how coaches come in driven, are hands on – become successful – then take a CEO approach and let novices take on more responsibility while the head coach sells Carpet and Ford Trucks. Richt needs to look at what got UGA under his tenure successful – recruiting – and hands on coaching. The staff is obviously stale – and needs some shaking up – a tweak or two can make a huge difference.
Defensive Coordinator – Well – the Martinez experiment has failed. This is a bad defense – yet is athletic and has speed. This team is not prepared to play. Soft zone? 3rd and 3 – your corners are 8 yards off? Easy pickings!!!
Discipline: Thanks for the extra yards and keeping our drives alive. Richt looks like a fool when he states, “FSU was the most penalized team in the ACC and we won Championships!” FSU was the only decent team in the ACC and could get away with it then. The competition was very weak – that is way Bobby Bowden turned down the opportunity to join the SEC – the path of least resistence. IF FSU was in the SEC – they would have been exposed and would not have had the success they enjoyed.
What will UGA need to do to catch up?
1. Richt needs to get hands on again – although I will say this – Bobo called a good game against Florida – the team did not execute and shot itself in the foot. Penalties first half – turn onvers second.
2. New defensive coordinator – Brian Van Gorder – or go after Kirby Smart.
3. No need to go Nuclear on the staff – a few tweaks will have a huge impact. This is clear – a new DC is a must – the game planning is weak. Offense – Bobo shows promise and is appatently is a good coach – OL and not having good RB’s and a adequate QB are killing the offense.
By the way – for all of those that say UGA is no longer part of the the SEC ELITE – noting that FLORIDA, BAMA, LSU – have passed them by. You need to add TENNESSEE. This program has blown our UGA 3 of last 4 years and was in the the SEC title game in 2007 – more recent than UGA. Also – SC is playing much better than UGA.
Go GATORS!!!
3. Better stockpile QB’s that fit what ever system you want to run.
Matt
November 3rd, 2009
8:41 am
Eventhough next year’s schedule is not as tough we still play 6 legit games (more than any other conference can say by far) plus Vandy and Kentucky are in conference, can’t help that, and Colorado is D-1 program. The only patsy games on that schedule is Idaho St. and LL. With most likely a freshman QB next year the Colorado, Vandy, and Kentucky games are far from gimmes.
senoiadawgs
November 3rd, 2009
8:42 am
Good point BigDawg, I have been saying that all year. That would show to much imagination on the part of Bobo and Richt. Kinda like getting Brandon Smith the ball. You know he gains big yardage sometimes and scores touchdowns. Would hate to see our team do things like that. These guys are way in over there heads right now.
Blindog
November 3rd, 2009
8:46 am
No chance to make a play if the QB is running for his life because a running back missed a block! Think about it people!
Matt
November 3rd, 2009
8:48 am
Senoiadawg- I agree about Jones and Evans. I thought we were supposed to see alot more of Rambo?? Playing to well lately so he was MIA?? Did you notice that when the Florida receiver (i think it was Demps) bobbled that WIDE OPEN (surprise surprise) pass that noone was even in sight??? He bobbled that thing at least 4 times before Evans was even in the screen!!! Where the hell was he playing????????
WTH
November 3rd, 2009
8:52 am
BigDawg,
You don’t really want to run a high school offense, do you?
Things that make you go hmmmm… « Get The Picture
November 3rd, 2009
8:52 am
[...] that make you go hmmmm… Jump to Comments From Tim Tucker’s blog: Coach Mark Richt expressed concern on his weekly radio show Monday night about Washaun Ealey’s [...]
Georgia Headlines – 11/3/09 | MrSEC.com
November 3rd, 2009
8:53 am
[...] NOT play against Tennessee Tech after sustaining a bruised lung against Florida last weekend.5. Caleb King “will probably start” at tailback due to concerns about Waushaun Ealey’s ability to pass protect. Join the forum discussion [...]
Loyal to a fault
November 3rd, 2009
8:56 am
The only reason Stafford played as a freshman was Joe T. got hurt and we’re talking about a future #1 pick!!!
Blindog- Cox is not good. AJ Green makes him look much better. Without him he is no better than Joe T III. Any D-1 QB SHOULD be able to complete passes when he has all day to throw. Can he make big plays when you need him to? Can he find the open receiver instead of throwing into triple coverage? Can he look off defenders? Can he check down and dump the ball off? Ours can’t do any of these things, except complete passes when he has all day to throw.
Gator Bob
November 3rd, 2009
9:00 am
BobBDawg – Thanks for posting the schedule.
You make good points – but you have to realize that UGA is not where it used to be….the pack not only has caught up to UGA – but several teams are passing UGA.
The reality is that UGA has been sliding for several years – Stafford and Moreno covered up the cracks – this year is merely providing clarity to the actual state of the program.
2010 is another transition year where the QB will need to get a year of experience to step up. 2011 is when UGA will be poised to be ahead of the pack – but not elite – a tweener – by that I mean they will still be looking up at TN and FL – but will be ahead of SC and KY. Similar to Donnan teams.
So looking at the schedule:
Wins(5)
UofL Lafayette
Colorado
Vandy
KY
ID STATE
Losses (6)
SC (improved team – Spurrier has his QB – UGA breaking in a QB)
ARK (Petrino’s team will be improved – Mallet set for a big 2010 season)
TN (Kiffin will run up the score and go spurrier on UGA The distance between these programs is huge)
FL – see Tennessee – UGA is our Vandy
Auburn – will beat UGA in 2009 and 2010.
GT – 3 in a row over UGA -this program is on a roll
50/50
MISS STATE – team is improved – seeking a big win – although beating UGA will not be a big win in name only as UGA will struggle again in 2010.
Go GATORS!!!
Nick
November 3rd, 2009
9:09 am
Guys, I’m anxious to see what Murray can do, and putting him out there now may pay dividends but, he’s much more unproven than Joe Cox right now. He’s not played a down. It’s possible with Murray in the game instead that things could actually get worse. Then what are ya’ll going to complain about? Bench Murray and get Mettenberger in there? Where does it end? Their problems are so much deeper than the QB position, although, yes, that’s a part of the problem as well. I do agree Ealey should be the 25 carry a game man, regardless of his pass protection, quite honestly, the offensive line, whose jobs it is to block, ain’t getting the job done and haven’t all season. No Sturdivant or with him, they’ve stunk this year. Period.
Saint Simons
November 3rd, 2009
9:19 am
next year UGA will lose 6 games, maybe 7!!!!!
Blindog
November 3rd, 2009
9:24 am
You are right,Cox is bad,but poor blocking can make a bad QB,real bad which is what we are seeing now.
senoiadawgs
November 3rd, 2009
9:28 am
Running game blocking has stunk it up except for last week and the OKST game. Pass protection has not been an issue for Cox. For 98% or better of his throws he has an extremely nice pocket to throw from with very little pressure. Pass protection has not been an issue so please let’s not go down that road and be like our coach making excuses for this guy.
Don
November 3rd, 2009
9:32 am
Wouldn’t you think starting Ealey against a lesser opponent would be good experience for him with his pass blocking skills?
So now, with Caleb starting, we will continue to pass marginally and run with inferiority. It seems that at least we would try to do one thing well. Ealey should start and run and run often.
UGASeven
November 3rd, 2009
9:36 am
Blindog, you obviously don’t watch football outside the SEC, ever hear of Jeremiah Masoli, how bout Colt Mcoy? Nothing to think about, CEE OHHH EX ES YOU EX. and when did Richt all of a sudden become such a good judge of talent.
Veroyn Haynes was recruited a FULLBACK, wee nice job of seeing the talent coach.
Knowshon never even sniffed the ball as a true freshman, that worked out great didn’t it?
Oh and AJ, you think he’s gonna stick around for more of this crap his senior season? The best Receiver in UGA history will be wasted, by playing behind 2 QB with no experience (cox and grey or murry or metz)
The really funny thing is UGA has gone from a team that wore black to “have fun” to a team that needs a gimmick (wearing black helmets) to get the team motivated or fired up?
And how much more ill prepared can the defense look, hmmm Fla, doesn’t really throw that much for lack of receivers, but their running game is solid, and it looks like our biggest flaw is outside containment., let’s work on that this week and come up with a good scheme and some adjustments to help our chances if they start consistently running outside. NAW! It’ll be fine doing what we’re doing now.
Albert Einstein said; Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Is this not Mark Richt and Willie Martinez?
JaxDawg
November 3rd, 2009
9:37 am
Nick- Murray, Gray or Mettenberger can’t possibly be worse than Joe T IV and his noodle arm. UGA has 21 turnovers for the season, Joe T IV is responsible for 13 OF THEM!!! He has a pick in every single game, and for me the final straw was hanging AJ out to dry and causing him to get cracked. He has one of the weakest arms and longest “wind-ups” I’ve seen. Go back and look at the play where he made the long throw in the UF game that was almost picked off by 3 defenders. Everyone assumes he was throwing to AJ. Go back and look at the film, there’s a WIDE OPEN T.King in the endzone. I think he was trying to hit him and just didn’t have the arm strength to make the throw.
Everyone knows Murray is a freshman and will make mistakes but I’d rather him go through his growing pains now and be ready for next season, than to have to grow next year. Even if you don’t want to burn his shirt, put Logan back there, and install a few bootleg plays. His athleticism will make up for the poor pass blocking and teams will have to respect his running ability. At least give the kid a series or two and see what he can do. He’s played all of 5-6 plays and most of the time he’s put in horrible situations when he does get in. It’s almost like the coaches put him in terrible situations with a poor play so they can sit back and say, “see we told you Joe T IV is our best shot”. Do you know how foolish the coaches would look if they ran either Murray or Gray out there and the offensive turnovers went down and the offense actually began to move the ball?!
No it’s better for them to suffer through with Cox, go into the offseason and make a few personnel changes, and be able to sit back and say “well we addressed the issues and here’s the new look dawgs.”
Again there will only be more heat on the entire staff if they make the change now, because everyone will ask “Why didn’t we make these changes sooner?!” and the coaches will look more inept than they do now if that’s even possible.
Don
November 3rd, 2009
9:37 am
Gator Bob – I agree with your assessment if CMR makes no coaching changes. If he addresses his coordinator issues as he should (esp defense), results will improve.
As stated on the radio many times on the radio the last couple of days, we do not have a bunch of players that no one else wanted. All major southeastern schools were after the same players. We need coaches to coach them up.
Johnny Test
November 3rd, 2009
9:41 am
Gator Bob, you did a pretty good job of summing up the UGA issues. You can be a little more hands off if you have great asst. coaches but you can’t if you don’t. Richt needs to clean house.
If 2010 unfolds as you predict(which I pray it doesn’t) then I’d like to see Richt gone too.
D&D fan
November 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
Hey coach wanna know why your players don’t get up for games; there not buying in to your philosophy, coaching, game plan and scheme. How psyched would YOU be playing for this team and its coaching staff?
uuughh...
November 3rd, 2009
9:49 am
BobDawg…Thanks boss, that is comforting. So our record will be 2-3 next year going into our annual beat down with Tennessee. Maybe Coach will let the kids wear all Purple to try and get them up enough to get back to .500…all the while telling the fans that we don’t know anything about football, that Logan Gray gives us the best chance to win even though he is helping us lead the nation in turnovers for a second year in a row, and that setting new NCAA records for penalties in 3 of 5 games is not a problem because FSU did so dad gum well when they led the conference in penalties.
Our QB play sucks because we are not developing them and we never ever blow anyone out so they don’t get any game experience. We’ll be in the exact same boat next year. Gray on Special Teams? He should have transferred when that possiblilty arrose–we screwed that kid. Our QB’s are also at a huge disadvantage because every Defensive Coordinator in the league knows exactly what play we are going to run on almost every play. This leads to some of our ints…the rest are because Joe Cox only ever has one receiver in mind per play (hint: if 1 receiver is covered by 4 people, someone else is probably open).
Here is something that may help our Running backs…Scrap the QB checking into other plays at the line. That worked when the defenses didn’t know what play we were checking into. We haven’t changed our offense at all since Richt has been there; so the defenses now can actually get us to check into a play that they know based on their formation! If it seems like they know what play we are going to run 80% of the game, THEY DO!
Another thing that might help the Running Backs? An Offensive line that is taught to Run Block as well as Pass Block. It makes me so angry that our best running back can’t run the ball because he can’t pass block. They would all be good if they ever had any holes to run through or that idiot Bobo wasn’t calling a run play on 3rd and 15 six times every game.
While our young defensive players have promise, another year under WM should ruin them. Rennie Curran–great player…but his tackling has gotten worse and worse each year under Martinez. At least Martinez is coming back to continue his demolition of our once proud defense!
Go Dawgs…5-7 in 2009 and 4-8 in 2010! We are in huge trouble people.
BG
November 3rd, 2009
9:49 am
When one has the G on their helmet that should be enough excitment.
jason
November 3rd, 2009
9:51 am
Thanks, Mr. Joe Cox. Your BS accurracy has now gotten our only offesive weapon hurt. You never fail to throw the ball high and behind the WR. Again thank you Mr. Cox.
Really does not matter who starts at RB. With our OL full pansies, it’s not like there will be lanes opening up to run through. UGA is the softest team in the SEC, hell the country. They try to prove they are tough with all the PF penalties. Doen’t prove they are tough though. Just proves they are stupid.
It is way past time for CMR and company to go. Gator Bob, I agree with your assessment. You are spot on. I disagree though with the backing of CMR though. He promoted to coaches to OC and DC who had no experience to show they could handle those duties. We also have coaching problems from the ST coach all the way down to the strength and conditioning coach. Not to mention a WR coaching the RBs and a RB coaching the WRs, and yet we wonder why Ealy cannot pass protect. UGA is a dysfunctional family. But hold on there is hope. After all Joe Cox gives us the best chance to win.
Denver Dog
November 3rd, 2009
9:58 am
Gator Bob, yeah right, and Tebow will be back for a 5th year! Tenn is a senior laiden team, as is UF. As is Ark. UF will be breaking in a QB, as will UT, as will UK, as will Colorado. SC will be breaking in a new defense as will UF. So you have to take it all into consideration. UF next year 4-3 in conference.
Atlantalawyer
November 3rd, 2009
10:00 am
This is exactly the kind of dysfunctional lack of leadership that has been driving me crazy all year. We have a starting runningback, Ealey. He has run the ball much better than the others. If he can’t pass block to your satisfaction – YOU COACH HIM UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don’t sit him down hoping that he’ll suddenly “get it,” meanwhile Georgia is not using its best back.
jason
November 3rd, 2009
10:04 am
Atlantalawyer, I agree. How do you coach him up when your RB coach is a WR? What expeience does the RB coach have that shows he can coach Ealy up on pass protection. That is whats wrong with UGA.
uuughh...
November 3rd, 2009
10:05 am
Denver Dawg…Florida will be 4-3 in conference only if they $hit can Meyer and hire Mark Richt.
You want mediocrity? Mark is your man. You want your team to be a black hole of emotion? Mark is your man. You want cheap uniform gimmicks? Mark is your man.
Want to be the best? Look someplace else.
Gator Bob
November 3rd, 2009
10:17 am
No sense in Joe Cox bashing – the guy is doing his best. The real issue why UGA coaches did not have the next “Stafford” or “DJ” or “David Green” ready to go?
Certainly the coaches new Stafford was going to leave early. Also, they no that Cox has limited arm strength. I watched the UGA Spring game on TV – when Cox threw that “long” 45 yard bomb to start the game – he had to put his entire body into the throw – me and my buddies knew right away that UGA was in trouble.
Now compare that throw to the one Aaron Murray made at the end of the game – a 25 yard strike – 12 feet off the ground. UGA would have been better served to use this year like 2006 – Staffords freshman year.
ONE LAST THING – then you guys can lay waste to my opinion:
In my opinion, Richt is done at UGA. He had success – but the cards for a National Title did not fall in his favor…..and now the program has gone to the middle of the pack.
Look at the successfull National Title winning coaches in the SEC – and look what they have in common:
1. DRIVEN
2. HUGE EGO’s
3. HANDS ON
4. HUMILITY?….not
Now look at URBAN, SABAN, MILES, SPURRIER – see the common traits. These are driven men with huge ego’s.
Now look at the carpet salesman – RICHT. How does he compare?
Now look at the idiot in TENNESSEE – KIFFIN – how does he compare?
My bet is that KIFFIN has a better chance to a NATIONAL TITLE than RICHT. The idiot is driven, brash, competitive, huge ego, has put together a big time staff, and is recruiting his butt off. TENNESSEE is FLORIDA’S immediate threat in the SEC EAST. UGA = SC, KY, Vandy – and SC may have passed UGA as well.
RICHT has proven he can elevate a program – but he got lazy and became a CEO. The program is now in worse shape than when DONNAN left…..or maybe the coaching is that incompetent. Either way – the program will suffer again in 2010 – but should be beating back SC for SEC 3rd position in 2011. TENNESSEE is way ahead of you.
GO GATORS!!!
jason
November 3rd, 2009
10:22 am
Gator Bob, truth hurts. I agree with both of your posts. I have been on the fire CMR for a while now. Ever since the Tenn game this year. It is one thing to have a down year with some recruits not panning. Whole different story when your team continously shows up unprepared game after game. Even in games we win. We win those on talent, definitely not coaching and game planning. Am I the only one who noices that evey time the offense or defense is on the sidelines, there is no coaching going on. They just sit there sipping gatorade.
Sanford Drive
November 3rd, 2009
10:25 am
Seriously?
Why is Caleb King even allowed to play? That kid sucks.
dan
November 3rd, 2009
10:29 am
Benching Washaun Ealey? Are we serious? The guy has 70 yards on 17 carries in the Florida game, and what does our brilliant coaching staff do? Put Richard Samuel in and totally destroy our momentum.And I’m not bashing Samuel, if he had the hot hand in that game I’d want him to have more carries as well. I think this is the biggest problem with Bobo/Richt: they think plays instead of PLAYERS. If AJ is having a good game, you throw the ball to him. If Washuan is playing well, you keep him in the game and CONTINUE to feed him the ball. I understand Richt wanting Ealey to be a team guy and do his share of the blocking in the the passing game. But benching him in favor of Caleb sends an idiotic message. And what happened to Carlton Thomas? Through 8 games, this is how I would rank the RB’s in order 1. Washuan Ealey 2. Carlton Thomas 3. Richard Samuel 4. Caleb King. So essentially this coaching staff is choosing to go with their 3rd and 4th string RB’s! And then we wonder why the running game sucks and why the offense continues to struggle.
German Shepherd Dawg
November 3rd, 2009
10:30 am
I alternate between amusement and amazement at the vociferous clamor for the head of Mark Richt after this season which failed to live up to standards for sure, and now because last year’s team failed to live up to expectations.
Am I happy we are losing and showing poorly on the field? Of course not.
On the other hand, the man has earned the right to have time to correct the problems, and not judged on one inferior year by his standards (and ours) when his overall record is outstanding. Because we lost to UT at Knoxville does not make Laine Kiffin a better coach than Richt. Sure, it would be great to see our defense play like those of Will Muschamp, Kirby Smart or Charlie Strong, but those guys coach for other teams and may not be available.
To say our last two football schedules have been brutal is an understatement. Florida would not be undefeated if they played our schedule this year. Arguably, they wouldn’t be undefeated without help from the refs against Arkansas with some home cooking.
For those who think “every” other coach in the country automatically wants the UGA job, I have two words for you: Glenn Mason.
Finally, while I can’t tell you all to just shut up and be patient without sounding rude, I can go back to ignoring you while this nonsense is an ongoing topic of conversation. When we win the SEC title again within the next two years, I’ll expect to hear mea culpas from all you maroons out there.
German Shepherd Dawg
November 3rd, 2009
10:33 am
Gator Bob,
The reason Aaron Murray was redshirted is called triceps tendonitis. It makes no sense to waste a year of eligibility rushing him up to speed for less than half a season. He’s learning the job in practice and the film room and prepping to be the QB of the future.
WTH
November 3rd, 2009
10:36 am
So Florida could not beat OSU and ASU? Isn’t that the only major difference in schedules?
jason
November 3rd, 2009
10:38 am
Some people like CMR have an excuse for evrything wrong at UGA. Every excuse that does not involve CMR taking any responsibility for this mess. It’s CWM’s fault, no Bobos, no wait the refs, no wait…
Gator Bob
November 3rd, 2009
10:40 am
Denver Dog – class turnover is what makes each season special and so unpredictable. What is predictable is that certain programs will be consistent winners – as they get on a role and merely reload.
Look at Florida in 2007 – Tebow’s first year as starter – went 9-4 – but our issue was defense – a very very young defense. 2008 – best defense in the country. 2009 – we are there again.
9-4 is not a bad transition year!
Brantley is a solid QB – and better than anything UGA has to offer. URBAN is a smart enough coach to make adjustments and tweaks to better fit his players abilities.
Speaking of coaching – adjustments – and game planning:
– I hear Crompton is rolling out…..again and untouched!!! “Let’s give him evrything underneath!!!!”
– How bout the GATORS attacking the sides – the entire first half and steam rolling UGA like a hot knife through BUTTER! 14-0 in a blink of an eye ….. great preparation by UGA – great adjustments – read and react???
I know I am picking on you – but I am obviously pointing out that UGA coaching is at a level way below that of TENNESSEE’s and FLORIDA’s. IF UGA wants to compete – they HAVE to address the coaching situation first.
At the end of the season – we will see what RICHT will do. AGAIN – i do not think he needs to clean house – he needs a couple of tweaks – and that will go a long way!
Dan
November 3rd, 2009
10:41 am
samuel is still the best RB. not sure why he’s getting shafted
Low Country Dog
November 3rd, 2009
10:41 am
Well said German Shepherd Dawg, everyone is calling for CMR’s head on a plate and wants him to fire CWM today or yesterday for that matter, but what good what that do. We have no one to step in and be the DC right now and who fires a coordinator in the middle of the year. Also if he made these moves the majority of these fair weather fans would still complain. Everyone on here talking about what he should do and why we are not winning are just monday morning quarterbacks. Cause if you weren’t and did know half as much as you think you do about the game well, how would you have time to bash this time. You would game planning for youe next opponent, but I guess coaching is easy on PS3.
SSI gator
November 3rd, 2009
10:44 am
German Shepherd Dawg -
“When we win the SEC title again within the next two years, I’ll expect to hear mea culpas from all you maroons out there.”
You can not be serious. Are UF, AL, LSU and TN going to the ACC? Wow. I thought all of the Kool-Aid drinkers had sobered up by now.
DawgFan24
November 3rd, 2009
10:44 am
Gator Bob,
The Bartender at Blake’s just called, and he missed you this morning at the bar. Your opinions and ‘insights’ are unwanted here.
BIGBOY
November 3rd, 2009
10:49 am
Something I think some folks are missing here…Maybe Gray is not a good QB….there was a REASON we didn’t see much of Cox…and there is a reason we have not seen much of Gray.I’m not sure how many stud QB you guys seriously thought were going to sign at UGA with Stafford a starting freshman.You guys go on and on with this dribble about Richt somehow forgetting what that position is all about.Green started as freshman,Shockley got a year,Stafford starts as freshman,Murray got hurt as a senior and IMO Richt is playing it safe with his next 4 year starter.Some of you were on here jumping for joy when Stafford left…sucks now don’t it?
GaDg64
November 3rd, 2009
10:55 am
Next years schedule doesn’t look as easy as some of you think it will be. Tennessee will be better, Auburn will be better, South Carolina will be better, Mississipi State will be better, and Florida will simply reload and may be just as strong. The SEC is a stong conference and if you can’t turn it up a notch you are going to the middle of the pack. Georgia better get tougher or the other SEC programs are going to run over it and ground it into hamburger meat
uuughh...
November 3rd, 2009
11:00 am
German Shepherd Dawg…a big Maroon here, whole heartedly disagreeing with you.
The reason Kiffin is a better coach than Richt is because his team has shown improvement all year long. Richt’s team on the other hand, has shown the same lack of discipline, unpreparedness, and lack of emotion in every game this year. Kiffin surrounded himself with proven coordinators and position coaches and has them paid well. Richt has surrounded himself with unproven coordinators (who are his close friends), given try outs to position coaches who have little to no experience, and a one good coach in Searles (whose OL is horrendous this year). Kiffin also surrounded himself with great recruiters. Richt has Garner who is a great recruiter but who has been passed over for the DC job and holds us hostage each offseason for a raise. Richt also handed out raises to the rest of the staff after a 2008 season that wasy enormously disappointing. A good head coach fires coaches for a year like we had last year–we gave them all raises.
Tennessee owns us. Florida owns us. We can’t beat a GT team in their first year under a new coach with an offense nobody in the country runs…much less beat them in year 2 no that they are really getting it.
Next year looks no better than this year. Why not start over so that in 2011 we can at least be competitive again?
You may be right, not every coach would be willing to come to UGA. Great coaches are driven by teaching, motivating players, and winning. The players in Athens right now are primed for a coach to come in, teach, and motivate them into the winners they can be. If that ain’t enough, I’ll bet the 3 or 4 million a year salary and the promise of an indoor practice field (which Richt has bitched about not having), would be more than enough to convince them.
I guess I am just a big maroon though that thinks our team should be better than it is.
murfdawg
November 3rd, 2009
11:04 am
Gator Bob,
I hate it when you are right, but you are right. I like CMR and I think he is a good coach. He does need to make some tough decisions about his staff if he wants to be a great coach.
But you have to look at his record and give him the benefit of doubt about what he has done at UGA.
AU 5-3
GT 7-1
LSU 3-2(MAYBE 3-3)
TN 5-4
BAMA 2-2
USC 7-2
and last but not least
UF 2-7
If changes are not made, we could be in for two or more years of 6-6.
p.s. Where do you think the Dawgs would be if we still had Stafford and Moreno?
jason
November 3rd, 2009
11:09 am
CMR coaches? Who knew? I thought he was CEO or something. What does he actually coach?
Joe's Sack-Shack
November 3rd, 2009
11:14 am
41-17 – End O’ story
uuughh...
November 3rd, 2009
11:19 am
jason…he coaches poise. You can see those results in the number of penalties each game.
Lost dog
November 3rd, 2009
11:22 am
Next year SC will be better, ARK will be better, UT will be better, Auburn will be better, UF will be, well UF will be UF, KY will be better and Miss St will be better and Vandy has to improve so the conference schedule will be tough. We know GT will be better, Colorado should improve so UGA has their work cut out for them. 8 and 4 seems a stretch. 6 and 6 more likely.
Back to the future
November 3rd, 2009
11:24 am
I would love to build a time machine and go back to the game to tell Spikes not to do that. Then I would like to come back to today and see what the Dawg fans would be crying about.
AceDawg
November 3rd, 2009
11:48 am
Move Samuel to linebacker – he is fast, he is strong, he has problems breaking tackles and holding the ball. King has something to offer, but Ealey sure seems like the one with vision and power we need to build our running game on. He ran well against Florida.
Gator Bob
November 3rd, 2009
11:54 am
Good arguements being posted.
GERMAN SHEPHARD DAWG – thanks for the update on Murray.
Not saying fire Richt – and yes UGA is in a transistion period – but his coaching staff needs to be tweaked – again – not saying he has to go nuclear. See Les Miles and Johnny Chavis.
DEFENSE
A new DC is appropriate. Game planning is bad in this specific area.
OFFENSE
Not sure if I would make any changes. I think BOBO is pretty good coach – game plans seem to be solid – penalties and turnovers killing the Offense.
QB is a leader and a kid you want to root for – but medicore skills at this position will not keep you in SEC ELITE status.
RB – KING was a stud in HS – has not panned out yet. Ealey looks very good
WR/TE – UGA looks solid
OL – has depth – just a little more development and UGA will be very good in this position
2010 will also be a year in transistion – best bet is to be patient and see how competitive 2011 team is.
However, if Richt does not make a few tweaks on his staff – targeting DC position – he will be on the hot seat after 2010.
GO GATORS!!!!
Otto
November 3rd, 2009
12:06 pm
It isn’t Cox and it isn’t the OL. Stacy produced at prior jobs, Bobo has not. Bobo blew ‘07 games with S. Car. and UT. Turnovers have been a problem since ‘06.
Defenses have UGA figured out, UGA gets a RB that is making yards and he does not get to start because he can not pass block?
The QB rotation under Green and DJ killed the ‘02 season. RB on rotation did not work either. UGA’s only stand out RB was produced when the other RBs were injured and Moreno was allowed to carry the load. Ealey is looking like he could be the guy.
UGA does not have the OL to run a boring Pro Style offense like Bama. UGA does not recruit the OL as heavy but they do have 4 Elite 11 QBs. Who made that decision? Who wasted a scholarship on a kicker to kick it for touchbacks but elects to stick with the directional kicks?
Back to the Future,
Crying about the staff and their decisions which is what many of us are doing here. UGA was out game planned and was under prepared in fundamentals (turnovers, procedure penalties etc). NO excuses many long time UGA fans are ashamed. The best thing the coaches can do to motivate players is a uniform change? Do they get ice cream after the game if they win?
Roy Wood
November 3rd, 2009
12:12 pm
Just find out what Van Gorder is making with the Falcons and see if the school can afford to pay him and hire him back
Concerned Dawg
November 3rd, 2009
12:16 pm
Good posts. Even with an easier schedule it will be more of the same next year. It could CMR’s last one at UGA.
The reason is that he will not change enough between seasons. He will keep Martinez as DB coach. He told the CB recruit from Frostproof, Fla. as much. That’s why that kid is not jumping ship. The problem is that the defensive backfield is the most clueless part of this weak team. If that doesn’t improve (which it won’t with WM as coach) the results will be the same or worse.
This is a classic greek tragedy. A very good man (Richt) is being done in by a tragic flaw (inability to understand that he must be more loyal to the team than to his buddy) resulting in his downfall.
Martinez is a good man who tried his best. Buy him out, give him a good severance, but don’t let him coach any more Dawg players. Also, hire a special teams coach. Everybody else gets another year to fix this mess. Maybe they will learn that the only thing that motivates a player not to turnover the ball or make a stupid penalty is the bench.
Gator Bob
November 3rd, 2009
12:22 pm
MurfDAWG – to answer your question – if Stafford and Moreno had stayed?
Hard to say – Changes the entire dynamic of the team.
UGA probably 6-2 vs 4-4:
– Think UGA would beats OK STATE – but a tight game.
– Think UGA would have beaten LSU
– Think TN beats UGA. Team no-showed again – as UGA seems to do on occasion – at least once a year.
– Think FLorida – UGA game tighter. But Gators win.
UGA would be 6-2 and fans still screaming about Martinez and the team underachieving. Would finish 9-3 – win a bowl game – be 10-3.
Again – I think the program has slid some since 2005 – and not having Stafford and Moreno is providing Clarity to the real state of the program. QB position is critical for success and COX – while a kid you want to root for – just does not have elite skill.
Think UGA is in a 2 year transition period (2009/2010)and needs to address DC position. Good sophomore, redshirt freshman and freshman talent. UGA needs a big time QB and a better RB. OLine still developing – thought they played good against the GATORs – were not intimidated – held their blocks. UGA moved the ball.
But here is the concern for UGA – they are their own worst enemy as they turn the ball over – do not force turn overs – and penalties are killing this team. COACHING!!!
But remember MurfDawg – alot of parity out there -that is why turnovers and penalties are killers – can ruin a season! Look at UGA’s two – three year trend.
Tennessee has the talent – and now has the staff.
Auburn always has talent.
LSU, Florida, Alabama.
SC is a team not to overlook
Arkansas – another team that you better not overlook.
KY – if not in the SEC -but B10 or ACC – would be a top half in those leagues and bowling every year.
What a fun league!!
MurfDawg – what are your thoughts if Moreno and Stafford stayed?
GO GATORS!!!
Macclenny_dawg
November 3rd, 2009
12:23 pm
It doesn’t matter who starts at running back this week!!! Its our only cup cake on the schedule!! We will run the ball well against them this week!! Then everybody will say where has all this running game been!!! Cox shouldn’t be starting anymore though!!! He waited his turn and had his chance and well he has blown it!!! Give Gray his shot with Murray getting some playing time!!! I know Richt wants to get the best bowl he can for money purposes but is this year worth what we can have next if we get our future qb ready for next????? This season is shot so I say we prepare our young guys and whatever bowl game we get we send the seniors out of here with them starting that game!!! The next 4 games should be for getting our young guys extensive playing time win or lose!!! Next year we should at least be able to win the east!!!! Florida qb and lb will be gone. So they start a new qb that has had some experience even in a mop up roll!!! Tennessee will start a new qb next year!!!!! If we get our qb some experience now we will be ahead of both Florida and Tennessee as far as a little starting game experience!! But our main concern is defense!!! We have to find a good d-coordinator!!!! If we do this we can have a great year next season!!!!
Chris
November 3rd, 2009
12:32 pm
We heard this same B.S. with Thomas Brown and Knoshon….are you kidding me???
You play the players that give you the best chance to WIN!!!
It’s that simple, but for some reason Richt can’t figure that out. If King blocks so freakin well, then throw him in their every now and then on pass plays. Either way, you need to give Ealey a chance. I’m sure he’s not that bad in pass protection. You play your running backs that RUN the ball the best, and that is obviously Ealey. They are not full time blockers.
Georgia needs help, and it’s looking more and more like Richt has lost it.
Sanford Drive
November 3rd, 2009
12:35 pm
This entire coaching staff is pathetic. Instead of changing gameplans, they change to black outfits. Instead of switiching up defensive schemes they try to switch the Ga/Fl venue to the Dome. Pathetic.
Please just win in JAX in our regular jerseys. My god.
RogerDawg
November 3rd, 2009
12:36 pm
Come on dawg fans…stop the the negative comments and get behind this team! Caleb King should do fine this week. He should put up 100 yards and the O-line should dominate the line of scrimmage. We should hang 50+ on this team.
Go Dawgs
Sanford Drive
November 3rd, 2009
12:42 pm
I don’t think Evans and Adams have enough to sense to fire Mark Richt after he sucks again next season. And when they do get around to firing him, they’ll hire a consulting firm to find a new head coach, and we’ll end up with some no-name. The entire institution is run by idiots. We’re screwed for quite a long time.
jason
November 3rd, 2009
12:49 pm
The question is this. As we have all seen this program sliding for the past few years, is there enough faith in CMR to turn things around? I for one don’t think so. CMR has made some extrremely poor decisions. I am beginning to question the man’s desire. Is his true calling a HC or a missionarry? I understand that you want the coaches to suuceed as you do the players, but you cannot have 2 inexpeienced coordinators. LIke I have said, if it was just CWM, you fire him and move on. But it’s not, It is also Bobo, Fabris, Janacek, The Wr coach whowas a RB, the RB coach who was a WR. The list goes on and on, and that’s just the coaching staff. We also have no game management to speak of. How many useless TOs does UGA burn a game because they can’t get the right personel groupin on the field? Whether it be offense, defense, STs. The undiscplined play we play with. Rather than looking at UGA in most penalties, I wonder what the count is for PF penalties. We often show up unprepared and lack emotion. We look lethargic, even in wins. And lastly, looking at recruits, there are questions about are we recruiting the right players for CMR’s scheme? That;s debatable because the players being recruitd are the players CMR wants. Shows a lack of ability to evaluate talent. This is obvious by looking at the coachin staff CMR has built.
jason
November 3rd, 2009
12:52 pm
RogerDawg, that’s the problem. We should hang 50+ on TT. We will score mostlike 35 or so. King won’t have 100 yards. Once he gets on a roll, he will be pulled for Samuel. My question is if AJ is out, who does Cox throw to. That’s the only player he looks for.
Bamamatt
November 3rd, 2009
12:55 pm
Stafford and Moreno helped hide the coaching problems that have been there since Shockley left. There is no reason in the damn world they shouldn’t have one the SEC in one of Moreno/Stafford years there. Stafford throwing a perfect pass to the WR in the endzone to beat Bama in OT is not coaching. Stafford throwing a perfect pass after running for his life to get a last second win against UK is not coaching.
Those 2 would’ve been top 15 picks no matter where they went. How many games did those 2 win for you by themselves?? The offense has put the D in some compromising positions???? It’s ok for the D to come up with some turnovers of their own ya know?!?!?
dog mad
November 3rd, 2009
1:04 pm
Why won’t CMR do us all a favor and resign. It’s not fair to us dog fans to put up with this s–t year after year. I spend $4000.00 a year watching this bunch of clowns, but come next year I will not attend a game unless someone is removed like CWM.
jason
November 3rd, 2009
1:06 pm
CMR is not resigning. He will not walk away from a big pay day. Nope he will let UGA fire him so they will have to buy him out.
dog mad
November 3rd, 2009
1:14 pm
Jason, I understand what you are saying, but can’t this guys see that the fans are hurting and tired of spending their money week after week to watch this s–t.
hodge
November 3rd, 2009
1:16 pm
So, CMR saying that when Caleb King is in they will pass the ball and when Ealey is in we are going to run the ball. No wonder our offense is has issues. When we sub the other team knows what plays were are running based on the players on the field.
dog mad
November 3rd, 2009
1:16 pm
Jason, I understand what you are saying, but can’t this guy see that the fans are hurting and tired of spending their money week after week to watch this s–t.
Phil
November 3rd, 2009
1:17 pm
Gator Bob actually makes some good points. Richt has gone into the CEO approach, I agree. He needs to go back to calling the plays and put Bobo back as the QB coach. That buffoon Wille Martinez needs to be thrown out of Athens.
Even if Richt makes those changes, I still don’t have a lot of confidence that he will turn it around. 9 years of Richt and we are still just as undisciplined as the day he walked in. It’s still OK to hit people out of bounds, hit people late, get up and celebrate after a first down and get a 15 yard celebration penalty. He hasn’t done a damn thing about that crap since he’s been here.
I think Richt is done, he will never get us to a national championship. If anyone believes that he will, you are kidding yourself. However much longer Richt stays at Georgia is only wasting the time we could use with someone else to get us there.
FreshmanHonors
November 3rd, 2009
1:18 pm
Perhaps this would be the game to start nearly all the freshman. Being that upperclassmen are committing penalties by the basket load and making a similar volume of ‘mistakes’, why not let these mistakes be made by freshman who will have a more valid reason for making them. Bench the upperclassmen. It would be refreshing to get a full idea of what Marlon Brown, Washan Ealey, Rantavious Wooten, Authur Lynch, and all the other freshman who have played thus far get an opportunity to play and perhaps make the same mistakes that the upperclassmen are already making. Who knows, perhaps they make fewer mistakes and actually execute plays better than the current starters. If we are forced to experience the same lackluster play as we’ve seen lately, it might as well be with players who deserve the same opportunity given the results the current starters have produced. The redshirt issue with Aaron and Zach is one that probably should be decided by them. If it has already been determined that Joe Cox will start and complete the season, then it doesn’t seem logical to play the freshmen quarterbacks given Logan Gray’s availablity and talents. Logan has not really been given the opportunity to contribute significantly in a meaningful way. Inserting him in a game inside Florida’s ten yard line and expecting his inexperience to move the ball with such poor play calling should not count. It would likely improve our prospects for recruiting as well. We have very little to lose at this point in doing so. Marlon Brown would be an interesting replacement for AJ Green. Additionally, this could be a very motivational move to improve the upperclassmen for the remaining games. Coach Richt should have a standing rule of immediately pulling a player from the lineup who commits a penalty for at least a series if not more. A second penalty by the same player should result in benching him for the remainder of the game.
timthebrave
November 3rd, 2009
1:20 pm
So Caleb King gets the start. The only thing this will do is teach Ealey that pass blocking is very important. It will make him a better running back for the future. Look for him to get 15-20 carries as the “back up”
dog mad
November 3rd, 2009
1:22 pm
If so many fans feel this way about CMR and we are the ones that pay his salary why is he still here. This mean that Evans needs to go too.
takedowndawg
November 3rd, 2009
1:26 pm
I hope that CMR can read BIG warning signs. If he does not, next year will probably be his last as a DAWG. The lights are flashing bigtime.
Not changing direction when the program’s direction is failing miserably is pure stubborness on his part in my opinion. If our team’s problems were only in one or two areas I could possibly understand the positions he is taking. But, other than our punting and field goal kicking where are we solid we are bad. We have stable of gifted athletes(A.J. Green) and others but we do not block well, tackle well, run well, pass well, cover well, call plays well, continuously commit atrocious penalities and the list keeps going on and on and on. Not to make changes??????What is he thinking?
Supes
November 3rd, 2009
1:29 pm
I’ll be…a FLA fan…Gator Bob making the most sense on this uga blog today.
Many good classy comments, and a realistic view of the state of UGA football for the next 2 years.
Of course CMR is making a mistake…starting C.King. Not b/c King is a bum, but simply b/c from what I’ve seen Ealey has WON the job with his running. So the kid missed a block or two…SO WHAT? Is blocking the most important part of a RB’s game? C. King is not an explosive back, dances around too much and doesn’t have a burst of speed to take it to the house. Now I haven’t seen enough of Ealey, but from what I’ve seen…he can rip off a 20-30 yard run, run hard between the tackles, make the tough runs, keeps his feet moving forward. Ealey is the future at tailback…but then again CMR refuses to play the BEST player at these skill positions. A combination of rewarding seniority and misguided belief in (blocking being more important than running for a RB) is giving King the start at RB.
Here is the other thing…when a team rotates 3-4RB in a game…you DON’T have a true RB.
UGA has to find a number 1 tailback that is going to get 20-25 carries a game.
I believe Ealey can be that back, 20+ touches per game. I believe C. Thomas can be a good 3rd down back(screen pass receiver).
King should be Ealey’s backup at best. Guy has underachieved when you look at his recruiting status coming into UGA (and yes I know about the injuries, but he’s supposed to be healthy now so what’s the excuse?)
Flo-Ri-Duh!
November 3rd, 2009
1:31 pm
UGA should seek a highly ranked LB that excels at eye gouging and then they will start winning.
Supes
November 3rd, 2009
1:32 pm
CMR refuses to play the most talanted, best players at each position in a “rebuilding year”.
What’s the excuse. Anyone like RogerDawg, come on, find one reason why this year we shouldn’t have started with Aaron Murray or Mettenberg at QB, and Ealey as our first and second down back, Thomas as our 3rd down back…and playing with 3 or 4 WR sets, using our talanted young receivers aside from AJ Green?
Supes
November 3rd, 2009
1:35 pm
If (and we probably will) we finish 6-6 this year, (no bowl)…why not play these kids and give them the experience so they’ll be better prepared for a full 2010?
Because “I think we owe it to our seniors, to play ‘our seniors’ and go 6-6 with them”. That very mindset shows the clear difference between CMR’s “nice guy” approach, versus a Pete Carroll at USC who gets it and plays the best players regardless of seniority or loyalty. Pete just wants to win. CMR wants to be a good guy who sells ford trucks and carpets. Oh well, USC – Elite top 5 national powerhouse, UGA – AVERAGE in the SEC.
Supes
November 3rd, 2009
1:39 pm
Come on CMR excuse makers, this should be fun…let’s hear you defend his flawed logic of starters selection.
Oh, and I agree with the guy who said we SHOULD score 50+ on these Tenn Tech scrubs, but we won’t. We’ll be lucky to get to the mid 30’s…plus Richt instead of working on the offese throughout the entire game, will “show class” and “ease off the pedal” when it’s 34-10 or whatever in the 3rd Quarter to show “mercy”. Whatever. That’s the reason Richt won’t win a NT like Saban, Meyer or Miles. No killer instinct and doesn’t do whatever it takes to win (which would mean getting rid of his best pal Free Willie)!
Deadend Road Time 4 Change
November 3rd, 2009
1:48 pm
I love the Dogs but doing the same things over again has gotten us routine failer.I have had enough,I think its time we talked to TCU’s coach before somebody else grabs him first. This guy runs a first rate program,team is extremely discipline, monster defenses like old UGA teams and much more creative on offense. His strongest point is taking 4 and 3 star talent and getting them to perform at 5 star level. He is a great judge of talent and a master at getting kids into the position that gets them a chance to play in the NFL. He has converted good running backs into super linebackers and good tight ends into super defensive ends and good receivers into great defensive backs and safeties. They are extremely fast to the ball on defense and they will bust you in the mouth. Very aggressive tenacious defense like old UGA teams. I think its time to give the TCU coach and his staff a call before someone else snatches him up. This is the type of team I want to see take the field at UGA. Extremely motivated without uniform changes.The kids are glad to just have an opportunity to play.They are well coached week in and week out. I am not exactly sure, but I think they are one of the least penalized teams ranked in the top 10, in other words they don’t beat themselves by being undisciplined.
HardNoseHarry
November 3rd, 2009
1:48 pm
Mark Richt is too soft and indecisive; however, replacing him would be difficult. Is there an available coach who could produce more than what Coach Richt has produced thus far in his tenure here? Knowing the fan demands at UGA, who would be daring enough to come here and equal to the task of winning the SEC and NC that is expected by the fans? Making such a coaching change given Coach Richt’s past success would possible produce even more problems. The concensus among most fans seems to be that Coach Richt, while being an outstanding recruiter, is just not the tough-minded disciplinarian needed to lead a Division I, trophy minded program. His soft, gimmick styled approach recently has failed miserably. The maturity of the team has diminished since 2007 and so have his results. While it seems that he is enormously popular with his players, he seems to have lost the control and authority to be effective. He is to be applauded for the academic strides UGA has made in improving the student athletes in our football program, he has been sorely lacking in his ability to improve them as players. Currently, our players are either completely over-rated as recruits or completely underperforming as players. Neither of these reflect well on our present coaching staff. Our kicking game is the only area that has improved significantly since last year. This is a problem. At the present, it probably would be best to retain Coach Richt; if this pattern continues into next year, it would probably then be time to consider other the option of change. Every head coach deserves the right to hire his own coaches knowing the consequences of retaining them when results are not favorable. Coach Richt should be given this same opportunity, even if, eventually it means that he receives a vote of ‘no confidence’ from the fan base and administration. This will happen if nothing changes.(ie.Ray Goff, Jim Donnan). Who to start at tailback this week is really insignificant if other changes aren’t made.
59bulldawg
November 3rd, 2009
1:59 pm
“UGA is our Vandy!” LOL! Ouch! Gator Bob you really know how to hurt a Dawg! LOL! BTW great posts! Like Atlanta Gator another class act!