Fumbles will cost Ealey starting job, playing time this week
ATHENS — Washaun Ealey’s fumbles cost Georgia dearly in losses to South Carolina and Mississippi State, and they will cost the sophomore tailback some playing time this week at Colorado.
“He’s going to play, but if a guy is turning it over, you’ve got to take some playing time away from him,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said Tuesday night.
Bobo and running backs coach Bryan McClendon said either Caleb King or Carlton Thomas will start at tailback Saturday and get some snaps that otherwise would have gone to Ealey. All three tailbacks played last week and, according to the coaches, will again this week.
Ealey has started at tailback the past three games, but his fumbles inside the opponent’s 5-yard line denied Georgia potential touchdowns at South Carolina and Mississippi State.
Both of Ealey’s fumbles resulted from “a slip in his technique,” McClendon said. “We have to make sure that can’t happen. It’s so hard to win in this league, but you make it that much harder when you’re laying the ball on the ground.”
The coaches weren’t specific on how much Ealey’s playing time will be reduced, although McClendon said “it won’t be a bunch less.”
King played on a limited basis last week after missing the previous two games with a sprained right ankle. McClendon said last week’s game helped King regain confidence in the ankle. He is “not missing a beat” in practice this week, McClendon said.
The 5-foot-7, 176-pound Thomas, who entered the season as the No. 3 tailback, relishes the idea of increased playing time.
“I’m just pretty much waiting for more,” Thomas said. “I’m ready to get into that rhythm, man. . . . I love reps. I want some more to show what I can do.”
Georgia has struggled unexpectedly in the running game this season, ranking 11th — next-to-last — in the SEC with an average of 124.2 yards rushing per game.
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427 comments Add your comment
Jeff
September 29th, 2010
7:22 am
so Coach Mcclendon and Bobo….the fumbles resulted in a “slip of his technique”? Can you explain to me then his lack of any kind of blocking???? was that a slip in his technique also????? THIS IS THE CRAP THINKING WE HAVE FROM COACHES AND WE ARE SURPRISED WE ARE 1-3???? Talk about a joke- you bimbos cant even attempt to say something that makes sense. Boy I bet Ealey is shaking in his boots……man- I have to miss a couple of plays……boy…my coaches are sure sending me a message to play better…..EARTH TO BOBO….SIT HIS BUTT OUT FOR A GAME….
Dr. Brian Surgery
September 29th, 2010
7:40 am
In the case of Washaun Ealey, the cause of the law breaking, the fumbling on crucial plays, and the dancing on the sideline when his team is getting drubbed can be attributed to what I call “Echo Syndrome”.
In my professional opinion based on the exceptionally tiny head size of Mr. Ealey, there could not possibly be enough room for a brain in Washaun’s head, considering how much physical space is naturally taken up by two eyes, the nasal cavity, and the mouth cavity. There may be some rudimentary device inside, perhaps a NO/NC switch, but not much else.
liars and damm liars
September 29th, 2010
7:51 am
Look we have the cupcake part of the schdule next. We have 6 games with only one potential loss that being to the gators. At that point we should easily be 6-4 if we get lucky then 7-3. Then the last two games will determine the season.
Ben
September 29th, 2010
7:51 am
Reading this blog is surreal, oh so many monday morning quarterbacks. Let’s see, we have blamed every coach, the offensive line, the defense, the running backs. There are others you can blame, how bout the officials, oh, how bout fans like you, called fair weather fans. Come on folks, get a life this is just a game.
Randy
September 29th, 2010
7:53 am
Good move, you can’t reward somebody who fumbles on the goal-line twice with a start. Ealey needs to hold it tight and high, and when 3 guys are tackling you, and have position on you, just go down. Hard to fault effort to ge tin the end zone, but the risk isn’t worth the reward with Ealey, he’s not exactly running much better than King or Thomas.
Look for him to break a long one against Colorado and win his starting job back.
Brandon Spikes
September 29th, 2010
7:53 am
I guess he is still upset that I gouged him in his eye.
Brandon Spikes
September 29th, 2010
7:55 am
liars and damm liars with the way your underacheiving team and coaching staff have performed this year, every game is a potential loss. Delusional dreamers like you is what has this coaching staff in trouble.
SEC Scheduling Office
September 29th, 2010
7:56 am
Notice for mr. liars and damned liars: UGA is part of every other teams cupcake schedule.
Evansdawg
September 29th, 2010
7:59 am
I don’t think I will ever believe an ounce of pre-season reporting again. Articles before the season said, “OL will be among the best units in the country,” and “UGA has a running back tandem that is second to none in the conference and perhaps nationally.” All of which has been exposed as hooey.
M-DAWG
September 29th, 2010
8:00 am
At least Coach BoBo won’t leave UGA for a head coaching job in the next 5 years!
Jingle Dingle
September 29th, 2010
8:01 am
What ever happened UGA being stacked at the RB position?? All I see now is a bunch of mediocre players with goofy looking chin straps.
liars and damm liars
September 29th, 2010
8:01 am
Brandon and SEC If we don’t go 5 and 1 for the next 6 games I will say pull the plug but do you really think the dogs will lose to any of these cupcake schools?
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:01 am
Just don’t let Ealey run the ball inside the opponents 20 yard line (red zone).
M-DAWG
September 29th, 2010
8:02 am
Even if we Fire Mark Richt, who would fill his position and be a better fit?
coachKR
September 29th, 2010
8:03 am
Richard Samuel is the best running back on UGA’s roster. However, that crappy o-line, one of the worst in the country (thanks Searles!), made the bandwagon fans on UGA gripe about Richard. THe coaches listened to the fans and moved him to LB. Hopefully, Richard gets red-shirted now. He should still be the starting running back. He has speed and power, but when you get hit behind the line every other time you run the ball, that is on the line. Watch the replay of the last 3 games and count how many times the lineman stand up and look behind them to see where the running back is. They don’t run-block! Watch Chris Davis play!!! He should not be on the field! Yes, the running backs fumble, but, they are having to try to carry the running game by themselves, because they will get no help from that offensive line.
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:04 am
Yeah, the missed blocking by Ealey cost Murray several sacks and ended several drives. He fumbles and can’t block on blitzes. Why is he even playing ?
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:05 am
Wonder how many UGA players will be Rocky Mountain High on Coors beer in Colorado ? My guess is at least 12.
Vick=Dog killing thug
September 29th, 2010
8:06 am
I think it is soooo sad when Bobo makes some incredibly obvious remark like: If a player continues to fumble then we will play him less.
Are they afraid of hurting his feelings? Ask Saban what to do with a running back that fumbles.
coachKR
September 29th, 2010
8:08 am
And can anyone explain to me why we have a former wide receiver as the running backs coach? Heck, Bobo must be coaching the offensive line then. That could explain why the repeatedly don’t know their blocking assignments!
Go use “BOB” o-line.
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:09 am
I was listening to 680 The Fan morning show and they were saying “You can’t blame the coaching its the players”. Well I ask them how does 3,4,and 5 star recruits in high school go to UGA and translate into a 6-6 team ? I mean UGA has been top 10 and even top 5 recently in recruiting rankings. So if you are getting the best players every year and they aren’t winning then it has to be the coaching. Why does Bama and Fla. get the same rated recruits and WIN ? Its the coaching plain and simple. Richt’s gotta go.
SEC Scheduling Office
September 29th, 2010
8:09 am
UGA will lose at home to Tennessee, barely beat Vandy and lose to Kentucky on the road. UGA is a cupcake school. It is reality and the sooner the lunatic fringe realizes this the sooner you can right the ship. You are like an alcoholic; you still dont think you have a problem. Oh yea this will work coach, “We are gonna just work harder” You should of thought about that when you let the “boys” out of 2 a day practices.
The Ol Ball Coach
September 29th, 2010
8:11 am
Ray it is just like when you were coach. Something happens to them when they get to jawja.
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:11 am
Did I mention I’m available. Some mentioned John Gruden and Kirby Smart. They would be much better than Richt. We do need a defensive minded coach that can hire a creative minded offensive coordinator.
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:13 am
Spurriering off at the mouth, when I coached we got 1 and 2 star recruits. Bama,Tenn,and Auburn got all our top recruits. Just look it up.
The Ol Ball Coach
September 29th, 2010
8:14 am
Goff you are still making excuses. I owned your lame a$$.
jtdawg
September 29th, 2010
8:14 am
Jiggy Smaha -
INSANITY, Jiggy, by definition, is to repeat the same events expecting a different outcome. Attitudes like yours will never bring consistent excellence.
And I challenge you on your misinformed statement- which by the way completely contradicts itself. How can you possibly say that the last 5 years have been better than any 5 year period other than the Herschal years, when in fact the FIRST five years of the Richt era were by far supperior.
In fact, the last 5 years bears striking resemblance to the man Richt replaced, if you ignore the fact that UGA actually got BETTER during the Donnan years, instead of getting WORSE, like it is now.
To all Blind Homers (which are dwindling by the day I might add):
Study the trends – they NEVER, EVER lie….
GaGator
September 29th, 2010
8:16 am
#1 You don’t fix fumbling in 1 week
#2 At Florida if you fumble, you don’t have your playing time reduce——–you don’t play period.
#3 Are we being to see a difference in coaching——-one team wins, one team is 1-3.
#4 It’s as simple as that————-Richt just isn’t getting it done and needs to be let go.
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:16 am
True. But I still got paid ! Auburn was snatching every top defensive player the state of Georgia had back then. I was a great coach but a poor recruiter. How did that NFL gig work out for you in Washington ,Steve ?
The Ol Ball Coach
September 29th, 2010
8:17 am
I am going to start a website just like the one we had when I was at Florida. Instead of don’t fire Ray, it will be don’t fire Helen Hunt look a like, COACH MARKO RICHTO.
The Ol Ball Coach
September 29th, 2010
8:18 am
Ray Goff the NFL gig made me rich, how has your retirement gig work out ray ray?
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:21 am
I bought oil stocks in the early 90’s and every time you fill up your tanks I make a mint. I bought in at $18 per share and sold half of my oil stocks in 2009 at $97 per share.
Eaassyy
September 29th, 2010
8:21 am
WTF is Brian Mclendon the running backs coach? Shouldn’t he be a receiving assistant or something? Dude probably knows less about how to hit a hole, break a tackle, and pass block then I do. This is crazy.
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:22 am
While you go to work everyday and cater to 18 year olds I sit back and relax.
TazzDawg
September 29th, 2010
8:24 am
You pervs really want LeMay on this team? Here we go again, another man-child with out any discipline, not even out of H.S., suspended senior season, that means ain’t gonna play. Then he’s coming to UGA, And all y’all will welcome the young perv with open arms? No wondoer people call us THUGA-U!
No way LeMay should be allowed within a hundred miles of Athens!
Ray Goff
September 29th, 2010
8:26 am
I’m off to play 36 holes of golf in Augusta. Pat a few guys on rear end for me Stevo…
The Ol Ball Coach
September 29th, 2010
8:26 am
Ray Goff and in your moments alone with your wife, you wonder; was Stevie here too?
The Ol Ball Coach
September 29th, 2010
8:28 am
Ray Ray you forgot to mention that the oil stocks came from a promise that Vince made when he recruited you. How was the class you had with Jan Kemp?
Rob
September 29th, 2010
8:31 am
It’s funny reading these blogs. Before the season, everyone was saying how stupid Richt was for starting King over Ealey since Ealey was by far the better back. Now, Ealey should have been kicked off the team for his hit & run incident, he should never play again, blah, blah, blah. Maybe now everyone understands why King was named the starter in the first place. Maybe he (King) is the more complete back afterall. Now if that O-Line will block somebody, BooBoo will open up the playbook and stop running a 175lb back up the middle against a defense with 8 men in the box, something good will happen.
dawgster
September 29th, 2010
8:32 am
drbasic1…great post and comments…hopefully some of the true dawg fans will appreciate your posts..most of the people who are bashing the players and coaches and calling them names never played a down in of football in their life…oh they will tell you they have, but they haven’t…Dawg fans you have to remember the other teams fans are for the most part not going to let up on us, but its sad when we bash our own team…i’m not saying we should be pleased, but bashing the team, players, AD, mascot…on a daily basis is just classless…
Foster Brooks
September 29th, 2010
8:32 am
Ben Jones is a dirty player. Maybe that is what the line does when they can’t move or block anyone they resort to cheap illegal blocks that can ruin careers. What a punk ass program as Tide Roll said. Your AD this summer, all the arrest, cheap shot artist like Ben Jones. I would say your whole effing program has no discipline and is a joke at best. But hey, you keep recruiting all those 4 and 5 “star” players who have no character at all, and then tell everyone what a great recruiting class you had. Yeah, top 10 classes 4 of the last 5 years and look at you. A undisciplined, program from your former AD all the way down to Ben Jones…what a effing joke and embarrassment this “university” (and I use the word loosley) is to the whole state of Georgia!
GaGator
September 29th, 2010
8:33 am
Ray Goff
The Ol Ball Coach
PATRICK, this is a new one, talking to yourself———————grow up already.
Christian LeMay
September 29th, 2010
8:34 am
Think I will fit in ok at uga?
StraightJacket
September 29th, 2010
8:36 am
Washedup Early is a better back than Knowless Moron was.
I say Coach Booboo should give him the ball MORE; … not less. The fumbles will stop.
Eventually.
Wally Butts' Designated Stumbler
September 29th, 2010
8:38 am
What about Ben Jones? For how long is he being benched? How about asking THAT question, Tim or Chip?
oklahomadawg
September 29th, 2010
8:38 am
On the issue of discipline….Ealey wrecks at approx 0345am and Baker gets arrested around 0400 hrs (both incidents happen during the season).
Why are the players hangin out this late. Is there know curfew during the football season, or ever for that matter.
0 and 3 in the SEC
September 29th, 2010
8:39 am
No additional comment needed
TazzDawg
September 29th, 2010
8:39 am
If Lemay steps one foot between the hedges I’m done with this whole mess!
Of course if UGA wins a few games all you buck belues and blind homers will be licking his toes! Hypocrites every darn one of you!
Phil
September 29th, 2010
8:39 am
Bobo needs to lose “play calling time” based on his idiotic performances.
You can't make a filet out of Alpo
September 29th, 2010
8:41 am
This UGA problem rushing the ball will not go away by shifting starters. It is deeper than that. This rushing issue is core to UGA’s problems for two or three years.
In the SEC you have to have big, strong backs and three deep to withstand the pounding of big boy ball. Problem is that UGA football is not designed for big boy SEC ball. It is the same type of team that FSU ran with in the 90s vs. weak, weak ACC teams and prior to their joing the ACC. Finess and speed.
UGA has no finess and really has no speed. Their backs are itty, bitty and they are slow and ealey has a bad case of the dropsys. He needs to be let go ………… like he lets go of the ball and like he has cost UGA 3 games …….KY,SC and Arkansas. He is terrible.
This edition of UGA football has shown us the depths of the failed recruiting at key spots ( linemen and backs and one more good, quality QB that can play in the SEC ) and this staff need to resign or be fired.
UGA man, class of 71 & 73
Vixzilla
September 29th, 2010
8:42 am
Anyone else notice that when Ealy fumbled this past week, it was when he got knocked the hell out. Yes fumbling is unacceptable but sometimes you just gotta say “man that’s a tough one”. Good play by the Miss State Defense more so that bad play by Ealy.