Read all about it: the aftermath of Georgia’s loss to Arkansas (updated)
(Updated 10 p.m. Sunday)
A roundup of the AJC’s coverage of Georgia’s loss to Arkansas:
My game story, which notes the calendar seemed turned back:
ATHENS — It felt a lot like 1993 in Sanford Stadium on Saturday.
For the first time in 17 years, Georgia lost to Arkansas. For the first time in 17 years, the Bulldogs dropped to 0-2 in the SEC.
Georgia tried to avoid this daunting hole by rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie the game 24-24 with about four minutes to play, but the Dogs’ defense, which twice earlier had allowed easy touchdowns on blown coverages, committed another gaffe at the end as Arkansas clinched a 31-24 victory.
Jeff Schultz’s column, which notes Georgia’s 2-6 record in its past eight SEC games:
ATHENS – It’s not about one player not being here. It’s not about playing a freshman quarterback or having a certain soft spot on the depth chart or the big, bad NCAA being out to get Georgia.
When a program sinks to lows not seen since the Ray Goff administration, it’s not an aberration.
Andy Johnston’s sidebar on what the heck happened on those three Arkansas TD passes:
ATHENS — Ryan Mallett’s three touchdown passes were remarkably similar in Arkansas’ 31-24 victory over Georgia on Saturday. On all three, his receivers were wide open, leaving Bulldogs defenders and coaches searching for answers to the breakdowns.
Andy Johnston’s sidebar on what the heck happened on those six sacks of Aaron Murray:
ATHENS — Mike Bobo didn’t place all the blame for Georgia’s offensive problems on the offensive line.
He said the six sacks in Arkansas’ 31-24 victory Saturday were a combination of poor play from an offensive line that missed injured starting guard Chris Davis and of redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray taking too much time in the pocket.
My notebook from the game, including Michael Adams’ comments on the A.J. Green case and football arrests, plus other items:
ATHENS — University of Georgia president Michael Adams said Saturday the school did everything it could to get star wide receiver A.J. Green’s suspension reduced, but Adams did not quarrel with the NCAA’s rejection of the appeal.
. . . On another topic, Adams said he spoke to “every employee” of the Athletic Association in a recent staff meeting, delivering the message that he wants a stop put to the off-field problems on the football team. Nine players have been arrested this year.
Andy Johnston’s report on Mark Richt’s Sunday conference call:
. . . Arkansas’ six sacks were a combination of the offensive line breaking down, poor protection from the running backs and Aaron Murray hanging onto the ball too long.
“I don’t want to throw out anything that would sound like dirty laundry or anything on these kids,” Richt said. “[The blame] was spread out across the board. It wasn’t just one culprit.”
The AJC’s weekly feature looking back at the past game and peeking ahead to the next, which is Saturday at Mississippi State:
Mississippi State, like Georgia, is on a two-game SEC losing streak after opening the season with an easy victory. Coach Dan Mullen’s quarterbacks –- starter Chris Relf and backup Tyler Russell -– combined to throw five interceptions in Saturday’s 29-7 loss to LSU. Mississippi State trailed just 12-7 in the third quarter, but the Tigers scored the final 17 points. Mullen said LSU’s average starting field position was Mississippi State’s 48, thanks to the five interceptions. He added that Relf will start against Georgia.
And here’s Brant Sanderlin’s 23-photo gallery from the Georgia-Arkansas game.
This is how the game ended, Arkansas' Tramain Thomas breaking up a last-gasp 70-yard Aaron Murray heave in the end zone in front of Aron White.
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372 comments Add your comment
bonairedawg
September 19th, 2010
7:15 pm
ALL THIS YAK, YAK, YAK IS REALLY GOOD FOR THE ONE THING THAT CAN MAKE US BETTER. RECRUITING. COME ON YALL. KIDS DONT LIKE ALL THIS CRAP FROM FANS. IF YOUR A REAL DAWG FAN LETS GIVE THE PLAYERS AND COACHES OUR SUPPORT. ITS NOT LIKE THERE HAS BEEN A LONG LINE OF COACHES KNOCKING DOWN THE DOOR TO COACH AT UGA. CHECK THE RECORD SINCE DOOLEY. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5150 P.O.A.D
September 19th, 2010
7:16 pm
Mike Richt didn’t play at a ACC school. Richt played at Miami.
athdog
September 19th, 2010
7:16 pm
3rd and 4…time running out….two tight ends that can catch and run….send everyone deep, Murray’s sacked, game over.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 19th, 2010
7:18 pm
Mike rich’t sat on the bench as a backup to Jim Kelly.
beanuga
September 19th, 2010
7:27 pm
Murray is a baller. Our strengths are letting us down. Offensive line and running game supposed to be the strengths to take pressure off our young QB. Murray is not the problem. Lets try Ealey missing a block that like to have got Murray killed from the blind side. Defense is looking alot better than Wm’s weak ass d. Who coaches the special teams? OMG what a break down. I can predict what play is coming next. COACHES GET THE TEAM FIRED UP BEFORE THE GAME. NOT THE 4 TH QUARTER
Statesborodawg13
September 19th, 2010
7:34 pm
The last failed GA drive shows exactly the problem with Georgia’s offensive play calling: 2:14 left on the clock, timeouts, that’s the ideal time to chip away, chip away, chip away … and finally in the last few seconds get in position for a game winning field goal. GA has no offensive clue how to chip away. You put Florida, Alabama, most any good SEC team with 2:14 and timeouts, they know how to chip away, and call plays that’ll get 4 or 5 yards a down, then finally kick the field goal.
Clock management, ball control, short passes to tight ends … that somehow escapes Bobo’s mindset. Why not a screen pass to Ealey on the final offensive play? Why not one of those short passes to the tight end on the sideline that 100% of the time picks up 7 or 8 yards? Heck, run Ealey on 3rd and 4, even if he gets only 3 you could go for it on 4th and 1. Anything but some lame long ball that has little chance for a completion.
Very disappointing GA defense even had to be on the field having to save the game – should never have happened.
Dawgs Roll
September 19th, 2010
7:51 pm
The Dawgs will beat Miss St., even without AJ! Take it to the bank!
DDawg10
September 19th, 2010
7:51 pm
Bobo said Murray was to blame for the final sack, an 8-yard loss on third-and-four that forced the Bulldogs to punt with 54 seconds left in the game.
Bobo, why don’t you put some of this blame on your play calling. Why were all 3 receivers 20 yard down field on the 3 and 4 with no check down receiver. When you are assigning blame, please look into the mirror. A lot of it starts there.
a fan
September 19th, 2010
7:51 pm
What happened to Bobo’s nose ?
Brogens Hero
September 19th, 2010
7:54 pm
SSI Gator go play with your cut off jeans wearing mullet haired friends who all live in trailer park near the airport you pathetic loser!!!!
Special K
September 19th, 2010
7:57 pm
Head butted by a player before the game. They mentioned it on TV. Sounds like celebration coming out of the tunnell. That may be the reason for the terrible play calling.
college is forever
September 19th, 2010
8:02 pm
http://www.collegelunchboxes.com There is good news and bad news. First the good news, the Women’s Tennis team won six singles matches on Saturday and the Women’s Soccer team beat the College of Charleston 3-1 on Friday night. The Bad news is the Football team really, really Sucks.
bruce mac
September 19th, 2010
8:04 pm
Cardinal, you give the “I told you so” when your prediction comes true. Idiot. 1 and 2 is not a 6 win season. I can only assume you are a Tech fan or Gayturd as they all have trouble with logic.
still a dawg fan
September 19th, 2010
8:05 pm
Face it guys,our o-line is a little overrated & there’s not much talent on defense.Coaches need to do a better job of evaluating the talent. The recruits we are getting seem to be deciding between ga,kentucky & vanderbuilt. We loss out on most of the hi profile recruits that end up going to Alabama, Florida,Florida St,etc. & that leaves us with 2nd tier recruits.Look at SC last week , they have better talent from the state of ga then we do.WE ARE LOSSING ALL OF THE STATES BEST PLAYERS TO OTHER SCHOOLS—THAT MUST STOP!!!!!!!!!
Where have our TE’s been in the first two games?
In order to win again we must keep the states best at home.
Seriosuly
September 19th, 2010
8:06 pm
Richt should have called a timeout when Ark was going down the field…his team was not in the right frame of mind. This lose is typical of Richt not managing the game correctly.
DawginLex
September 19th, 2010
8:10 pm
SSI gator,
Florida couldn’t beat Arkansas.
We won’t lose Saturday.
We will be 6-2 when we go to Jacksonville and Murray will be a lot better by then.
Bobo blew the game.
3rd and 4 and all the receivers are 20 yards downfield. Bobo needs to be re-assigned, NOW.
5150 P.O.A.D
September 19th, 2010
8:11 pm
How can UGA be losing all the best players to other school? At UGA the players can take easy classes, do whatever thay want, and still get to play. Why would any kid leave the state when UGA is so easy to get to play ball at?
Ole Yeller Dawg
September 19th, 2010
8:16 pm
For all of you who claim coach BoBo intentionally called a play and sent all the receivers 20 yards deep on 3rd down with 4 yards to go for a first down, didn’t watch the play! I believe Washaun Ealey was actually supposed to be the relief valve (short receiver) but Arkansas blew it up by blitzing either a linebacker or a safety through the same hole that Ealey was trying to use in his route. In Ealey’s haste to get open he almost ran pass the blitzing Arkansas player that he was actually responsible for blocking! For all of you who keep harping on that Mark Richt needs to take over the Offensive play calling these are his plays, he approves every Offensive play that is called!
Emotion is all that is missing on this team, if coach Richt will show more emotion during practice and games you will suddenly see better run blocking, better tackling, better overall all play all the way around! It’s just that simple! Come on coach Richt GATA!!!! Go-Dawgs
Tider222
September 19th, 2010
8:19 pm
changing coaches would be foolish
Bama Wins
September 19th, 2010
8:21 pm
This year will be a wash for everyone but bama. Every other team will be second. Beat up UGA, but unless you like Bama, your teams stinks too. Roll Tide!!!!!
ugaclassof2004
September 19th, 2010
8:24 pm
Frank Lane,
You really think Donnan was a better coach than Richt? That’s just stupid! Richt has clearly had more success than Donnan. Now if you want to say that Donnan was a better recruiter than Richt, then that’s a fair argument. Both have underachieved with the talent that got, the difference is that Richt was able to at least win a few conference titles while Donnan lost 3 in a row to Ga. Tech.
As for UGA right now, I think a few things:
1. We as UGA fans really need to have more reasonable expectations when it comes to our program. Expecting a team to finish 10-2 when they are breaking in a freshman QB and learning a new defensive scheme is just idiotic! Both David Greene and Matt Stafford finished with 4 losses their first year as starters. Did any of ya’ll really think team would not struggle?
2. Going along those lines: I think that you can’t really gauge a team until you see them play 3-4 games vs. real competition. UGA is struggling right now due to inexperience and a lack of talent on defense. But the offense played better vs. Arkansas, and I liked how the players fought hard in the second half. Last year’s team would have laid down to Arkansas in the 4th quarter, but this team came out and fought and that should NOT be underestimated! This team reminds me a lot of the 2006 team that lost close games Vandy and Kentucky, but were able to put it all together in a blowout of Auburn towards the end of that year. This may sound crazy but I think that this team could put it all together vs. a Florida or Auburn, neither of whom have been that impressive despite their 3-0 starts. I really believe this UGA team is in a corner and corned animals always fight the hardest. I sure wouldn’t want to have to play this team if I were a Florida, Auburn, or GT.
3. UGA has already played arguably the best RB in the conference in Marcus Lattimore and the best QB in Ryan Mallet. The next 5 games( MSU, Colorado, UT, Vandy, and Kentucky) don’t have that caliber of talent on their teams, and all of those games are very winnable. I think having to overcome adversity early will work to the Dawgs advantage.
Things are never as good or as bad as they seem. UGA will finish 8-5 or 9-4. South Carolina and Arkansas will be exposed when they have to actually play some decent teams, and will fold down the stretch. Trust me, they are not championship caliber teams. Florida will finish with 3-4 losses, mark it down! Alabama, on the other hand is the real deal. They could very well repeat this year!
haha
September 19th, 2010
8:26 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
constructive criticism
September 19th, 2010
8:31 pm
1. Clock mgt at the end of the 4th Q was bad. Why not let the clock run all the way down, then call a time out. 3rd down play should have been roll out run/pass option. Let clock run if you don’t make it. Call TO if you do. Bottom line is we needed to try to make sure there was as little time on the clock for Ark. We didn’t.
2. Murray holds the ball too long, but Bobo has no check down receiver for him to dump the ball off to–that should have been addressed at half time.
3. Young secondary must learn to read wheel routs, etc. Also, I don’t know why we didn’t blitz more. Ark QB didn’t like to be hurried. Teach DBs to hold onto the ball.
4. When will we learn to keep someone home to mind the store on punts? Hogs accidental fake punt should’ve been stopped. Remember WV game (fake punt), Florida (fake punt). Come on special teams coach! Also, when is the last time we had a special teams fake punt/play that worked?
5. Players are working hard and playing their hearts out. Murray will be a great QB. RBs need to block. Def. should come together–better do it quickly. Coaches, put your players in position to win.
Steve
September 19th, 2010
8:39 pm
I’ve been a dawg for years and the sad thing is that Im getting use to loosing.
HawgTide
September 19th, 2010
8:39 pm
SOOOOOOOOOOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! How did you Jawja fans like that game? Okay. I’ll stop gloating for a while but it was well worth the drive to Jawja just to see my Hawgs win a close one. Here’s a little tid bit for you Jawja fans – we will beat Alabama next week just to make you look decent in the SEC. Patrino is a better coach than Saban and we will catch those elephants with their pants down. Mallet will drill the Tide for 5 TDs. Arkansas will play SC in the Atlanta Dome and win the SECCG. It’s been a long time coming but the Hawgs are on the hunt!!!
Wreckmaniac
September 19th, 2010
8:43 pm
Reality Dawg: Are you implying that the current dawgs are a pack of scholastic genuises ? I doubt it.
Wreckmaniac
September 19th, 2010
8:48 pm
Its gotten so bad that razzing UGA fans is no longer any fun and I’m angry about it. I want somebody to pick on and now I have to go find another team. I guess its going to be the Thrashers. But, at the end of the day, I just cannot resist UGA. Its like making fun of the Taliban.
HawgTide
September 19th, 2010
8:48 pm
Arkansas for the national title!! Who can stop us? Jawja sure choked and so will the Alabama elephants. Mallet for Heisman!!! That guy can really check down and throw a pass! Sooooooooweeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
HawgTide
September 19th, 2010
8:56 pm
Well, good night Jawja fans. I’m outta here now. Hey, I know you’re hurting but look on the bright side. You might get a new coach who knows how to win instead of fretting about his tan, hair style or high dive technique. Jawja is a joke and I’m so glad we beat you boys. We’ll beat Alabama on Saturday just to prove it was no fluke. The Hawgs are here to stay in the SEC West and we will be undefeated! Bring it on!!!
Drifter
September 19th, 2010
8:57 pm
The SEC doesn’t look very good this year. Basically, it’s Alabama, some teams that are re-building and some perennial losers who’ll get a change to win a few SEC games. But in the end, nobody can play with Alabama.
saban
September 19th, 2010
8:59 pm
Mississippi State wins by 30.
Dawgs yearn for another invite to Shreveport.
Vanderbilt plays b team against dawgs to keep it close.
Class Action
September 19th, 2010
9:03 pm
Ok Georgia fans, there’s enough attorneys in Georgia to provide at least one who will sue the NCAA in a class action suit. Get real, 4 games suspension, is a crock! Come on Mr. Attorney, any takers??
Mr. HawgTide is dilerious
September 19th, 2010
9:06 pm
And then lose in the championship game when your quarterback drops the football! LOLOLOLOL
HawgTide listen up
September 19th, 2010
9:10 pm
Now now HawgTide, gloating begats a hard fall. Please bring your pig butt back next Sunday so we can listen to some more of your gloating. I’m off to eat Bar-B-Que and think of a big elephant sitting on top of a razorback while redneck fans from Little Rock plead for Bama to at least put their ‘c’ string in so the store stops at 100 hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe
Wayshun Ealey
September 19th, 2010
9:11 pm
HEY HOMES, YALL LIKE THAT VISOR WAVE I DID FOR TV AFTER A PLAY? YEA, THAT WAS TIGHT!
NOBODYYOUKNOW
September 19th, 2010
9:14 pm
Beast from the east, you are right on. But Some meatheads are just too thick!
Tim
September 19th, 2010
9:14 pm
UGA has got to have the worst fans in college football. Also, the “fans” who think they can coach and choose to spend the whole game trying to do so are pathetic. Leave it to the professionals and shout at the TV at home. I promise you are only embarrassing yourself. How do you call yourself a fan when every comment out of your mouth is negative? I think I know where part of the lack of motivation is coming from.
crabapplejoe
September 19th, 2010
9:17 pm
Great game…..Georgia did a heck of a job coming back. Aaron Murray is going to be good…and be at UGA for years to come. The Dawgs have found a receiver in Kris Durham that looks better than Green (kick Green off the team, don’t need him and his antics). The defense is where the problem lies….Georgia should have won at home with the 24 points. I see good things ahead for Georgia if they can find some defensive players.
CLEVON LITTLE
September 19th, 2010
9:17 pm
Dawg_Mike , I can tell you what Bobo’s problem is: he thinks that a 3rd & 4 that everybody will expect a QB roll-out or screen pass, so he sends the WR’s out 20 yards. Problem is, WHO CARES WHAT THE OTHER TEAMS THINKS YOU ARE GOING TO RUN!!! It was FOUR YARDS BOBO!!!!!!!!!! You have a very mobile QB, so do the math % on completing a 20 yard pass or rolling out for a 1st down!!! What an idiot of a decision.
Swampdawg
September 19th, 2010
9:30 pm
The Defense is the problem! Need more Diversity on the Team. Need Upper Body Strength and Good Tacklers!
dbc
September 19th, 2010
9:32 pm
SSIGator @ 1pm. The fact that you took the time to put that post together pretty much sums up your poor, miserable, pathetic life. Wow. Wanna take my friend’s slow sister to the prom? My dog is also available to go for a walk. I’ll even let you mow my lawn, just to get your cream of wheat brain some fresh air. When your mouth opens, do I get a gumball?
Swampdawg
September 19th, 2010
9:34 pm
Look at Iowa! Now those guys can block and tackle!
Stinger
September 19th, 2010
9:34 pm
Good night Irene, the party is over. No bowl game for you dawgs this year. How does being a bottom feeder feel?
Swampdawg
September 19th, 2010
9:35 pm
Our Defense looks like Grambling or Southern out there!
Coon Dawg
September 19th, 2010
9:36 pm
Somebody call the mechanic cause the wheels are coming off the Dawg Wagon…
Coon Rapper
September 19th, 2010
9:38 pm
7-5 will be lucky. I’m going with 6-6.
Stinger needs Raid
September 19th, 2010
9:38 pm
Talk big techite, your season is not over yet, or at least I haven’t heard you’ve won the ACC yet. Clemson, Boston College, Miami all have your number.
Coon Hunter
September 19th, 2010
9:39 pm
Richt owes UGA a refund.
Funky Freddy
September 19th, 2010
9:41 pm
Is Chuck Dowdle Mark Richt’s uncle er sommin’ ?
Hey Coon Hunter
September 19th, 2010
9:42 pm
California is calling you – oh shoot, not that was Kiffin wasn’t it hehehehehehehehehehehehehe