Read all about it: UCF 10, UGA 6
A roundup of the AJC’s coverage of Georgia’s loss to Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl:
My game story on another sobering loss in a lost season:
MEMPHIS — Georgia’s football season ended as it began. Badly. Very badly.
The Bulldogs, who started the season by losing four of their first five games, lost their finale here Friday, falling to Central Florida 10-6 in the Liberty Bowl.
The loss — to a Conference USA team that had never before won a bowl game — dropped Georgia’s record to 6-7, giving the Bulldogs their first losing season in 14 years and punctuating a dismal year on and off the field for the UGA program.
“It’s embarrassing to be part of a losing season. It absolutely is,” said kicker Blair Walsh, whose two field goals accounted for all the points the Bulldogs could muster against Central Florida.
Jeff Schultz’s column, which asks if Georgia’s coach can fix his broken program:
MEMPHIS – Mark Richt says he is disappointed. He says he has to make changes. He says the Georgia football program is not where it needs to be, and when a once-respectable SEC program ends its season by failing to score a touchdown against a team from Conference USA, nobody is going to dispute that.
Here’s the only matter up for debate: Does anybody believe Mark Richt can still get it done?
My notebook, including items on Aaron Murray’s gloves, Richt’s decision to settle for a field goal on 4th-and-1 from the UCF 3-yard line and this:
Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green, widely expected to enter the 2011 NFL draft, wasn’t ready to declare his intentions after the Liberty Bowl.
“Not right now because I’m not clear-minded,” he said. “I’m just going to give it a couple of days, let it pass through, and go from there.”
And a photo gallery from the game, including this shot of the post-game handshake between Richt and UCF coach (and former Georgia Tech coach) George O’Leary:
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490 comments Add your comment
JB
January 1st, 2011
10:58 am
Sad day…..Been a sad two years…….The nose dive is getting worse. Chart ALL the Stats on this team the last three years, and you will be sick……But, some will come on here today and want to give Mark a contract extension…. I think most, if not all Georgia people can handle an off year. Next year will YEAR FOUR. Last night, they might of well hung signs around their necks that said “we quit”
Nub
January 1st, 2011
10:58 am
Big announcement coming!!!!!!
dawgfan
January 1st, 2011
11:00 am
As predicted, the AJC is all over this like white on rice. Meanwhile, the Techies’ own beat writer has yet to write a column about their epic failure of a season. He posted some quotes and then immiediately started awarding “player of the year” honors.
No, the AJC isn’t a pot stirring piece of tabloid garbage at all. Naaaah.
LMAO.
That said, enough is enough. Richt should be fired immediately. It was a nice run and we should all wish him the best, but he can no longer get it done in the SEC. He should take over an ACC program where the competion isn’t as stiff and the expectations aren’t so high. I’m dead serious. I think he would be a good fit in the ACC. He would do well.
JB
January 1st, 2011
11:01 am
Lake Dawg….I don’t think so….I think the powers to be decided several weeks ago after the Tech win to bring him back…I thinks most AD’s know weeks in advance of a firing and start preparing. I don’t expect to see a knee jerk move from Adams, Now Bobo, Searles, those two could be gone.
JB
January 1st, 2011
11:02 am
Lake Dawg…..Unless he’s ordered to fire Bobo and Searles and refuses, then things could get interesting.
SEChater
January 1st, 2011
11:03 am
Good news, the WAC is looking for a couple football teams. UGA and Tech might even win a few games in that conference. Signed Conference USA and the MWC.
JB
January 1st, 2011
11:04 am
Dawg fan….agreed, but the ACC thus far is handling the SEC pretty well in post season….
LakeDawg
January 1st, 2011
11:07 am
JB———I think you’re right. However, I don’t think CMR could get any decent coaches if he fires those you mentioned. Who would want to come to a sinking ship. I bet Grantham already wishes he could take back his move. BTW While we’re on the subject of firing assistants, I would add Garner to that list.
Nub
January 1st, 2011
11:08 am
Deadline for Contributions to heartless fund February 15….. LMAO
George O'Leary, Marcus Lattimore, Florida Gators
January 1st, 2011
11:13 am
WE RUN THIS STATE!
JB
January 1st, 2011
11:15 am
I think Rome is burning……And I think we stay the course….and the next ten month’s around Georgia football will be worst ever Karma wise in her history……The panic will roll down to the players and we will sleep walk through games next year as Richt is questioned about his firing weekly. Adams and McGarity are surely discussing this. Putting this off another year will be hard on all, But kinda late to be looking for the next 5 year contract guy to help us.
gcs
January 1st, 2011
11:17 am
It’s not too late to give Richt the boot. At this point the Boise game does not look encouraging.
.
JB
January 1st, 2011
11:19 am
I don’t know if we have the coaching or the players to stop teams from gutting us the middle at will running the ball. We looked pitiful on D last night up the middle. It was there all night..Also, Why did Richt burn a time out late when we tackled the guy out of bounds to stop the clock……..what are they thinking……..
JB
January 1st, 2011
11:21 am
gcs…. Then who…..We can’t hire a Temp for a year………There is a guy sitting at home in North Carlina who used to coach the Steelers………..HUM……………It’d take 6mil per.
DawginOH
January 1st, 2011
11:24 am
First we throw Bobo under the bus because the Dawgs can’t get in the end zone against SC. Then we throw Grantham under the bus because the Dawgs score 30+ points for the last seven games of the season but give up embarrassing play after embarrassing play on D, resulting in sickening losses to Florida and Auburn. Now we’re saying Grantham did a good job last night but we’re throwing Bobo under the bus again for not being able to find the end zone against a team from a lower-tier conference.
I think this sums it all up, fellow frustrated Dawg fans- Georgia stands at 6-7 right now because the team couldn’t muster a complete game on both sides of the ball all season against a team that mattered. There is no consistency or leadership on this team and it all starts at the top. I want Richt to be the guy to bring Georgia back, I really do, but if he doesn’t have it in him anymore (or if he’s not interested in doing so), then we really need a head coaching change as soon as possible.
2011 starts today and there needs to be some serious work done on the recruiting trail. This coaching staff needs to do all it takes to bring in young men with character and drive, both on the field and off of it. They should be honored to don the red and black. They should take playing between the hedges of Saturday with an enormous sense of pride. No more self-absorbed kids who don’t care about their teammates and just look at Georgia as little more than a stepping stone to the NFL.
I’m happy just to close the book on this lousy embarrassment of a season. Here’s to 2011! Go Dawgs!
LakeDawg
January 1st, 2011
11:28 am
Yeah JB, next year is going to be miserable. I was hoping to avoid a wasted year that might set the Dawgs back several years. Alas, we might not have any choice. McGarity has to have time to get the right man, but a year of mediocrity with Richt answering the inevitable firing questions, while McGarity is researching possible hires behind Richt’s back will get very UGLY.
MaconKnight
January 1st, 2011
11:31 am
We the fans are suppose to be disappointed that we lost this game, but how about being supportive to show this these kids that no matter what we will still be behind you, we are on the cusp of a top 5 recruiting class people, we don’t need the negativity.. Go Dawgs close strong on the recruiting trail !!!!!!!!
BirdDog
January 1st, 2011
11:39 am
Well that was a perfect ending to a lousy season of GA football. Clearly the worst UGA team since the Goff era. 14-12 in the last two seasons says it all. At least I can sleep off my hang-over but CMR cannot…
LakeDawg
January 1st, 2011
11:40 am
UGA has officially become Clemson…..a program with tons of potential ( facilities, rabid fan base, sitting in the middle of a recruiting hotbed, tradition ) that underachieves year after year and continuously makes bad coaching hires. Clemson now typically draws 60,000+ to an 80,000 seat stadium. Is that next for UGA?
War Eagle
January 1st, 2011
11:40 am
Don`t you nasty talking Dawgs(Cam Newton blogs) try to hire Gus Matzahn, his 42 ppg is not available to you.
Enough
January 1st, 2011
11:43 am
Enough! McGarity, do something! Until you do don’t expect anymore money from me.
Gratefuldawghead
January 1st, 2011
11:45 am
Richt has taken us a far as he can. Now its getting Embrassing. FIRE RICHT!
Kramer
January 1st, 2011
11:47 am
While we all demand changes, Mark is sitting in his million dollar home balancing his checkbook and laughing his a$$ off. Problem is, he doesn’t realize that he is too far in over his head to ever bring about the change needed. Let’s hope McGarity does.
Big D Dawg
January 1st, 2011
11:50 am
I will be the one wearing a bag over my head at the spring game. Will anyone join me???
Ol BirdDog
January 1st, 2011
11:50 am
Why complicate the simple. Coaching, coaching, coaching, period. We MUST have a change. NOW!!!!!!!
jack bull
January 1st, 2011
11:50 am
Keep Richt Mr. McGarity. Please don’t listen to the lunatic fringe, which includes Jeff Schultz, who obviously would be the greatest coach ever…
stendek
January 1st, 2011
11:51 am
What is wrong with previous post? STENDEK
JB
January 1st, 2011
11:52 am
On the Rivals site this AM Richt said several of the offensive players were really verbal in their displeasure with his decision to kick that field goal early…..I believe it…I think the OL quit right there. Watch it over if you have in on DVR. No effort and shoulder bumps as there defense blew by them the rest of the night. We’re toast.
stendek
January 1st, 2011
11:52 am
Hi Tim. Please point out objectionable portion of my post.
Okay. 
STENDEK
Old Fashioned
January 1st, 2011
11:53 am
When they lose,we call them “kids.” When they win,they are “warriors” or “heroes.” (What an insult to real HEROES who have to RISK THEIR Lives to earn the title.) Maybe they should be treated as young ADULTS instead,and demand that they have good character and be responsible for their actions. Perhaps even go to classes and try to learn about the real world,which involves more,much more,than football!
SOS DAWG
January 1st, 2011
11:55 am
Close the checkbooks people !
SOS DAWG
January 1st, 2011
11:58 am
MaconKnight…… Go support your local Pee Wee football team. Thats where the kids play you jack wagon!
Georgia is Florida's Bitch
January 1st, 2011
12:19 pm
18 of 21, and 10-6. This state owns you. Get a life, losers
Boobie Bowden
January 1st, 2011
12:27 pm
It would appear to me that there is even more trouble in River City. Seems like the boys at North Avenue have decided to change their name to Georgia and North Florida Institute of Technology since dawgs can’t handle anything with Florida in its name. Oh yeah, that gastrointestinal mess with Bruce (now ain’t that a cute name for a bowsie wowsie little dawg), anyway he drank some Florida Indian River orange juice with his kibbles which is what put him down, and that A.J. character – just before the game his mama told him he weren’t really a green, he was an orange. Really messed his head up. And Murray’s gloves – he’s allergic to grapefruit and he thought that was what the UCF defense had for breakfast. So none of this is St. Risht’s fault, Just keep keeping him and we can find even more excuses.
Aaron Murray runs a little tight sometimes
January 1st, 2011
12:32 pm
Ever notice Aaron running onto the field from the sidelines and to the huddle ? Now he is wearing gloves and it makes me wonder. just saying……..
SecGuy
January 1st, 2011
12:34 pm
Osborne, Paterno, Bryant all had dips in their programs as all programs do. Hopefully, a bunch of internet, know-nothing, PlayStation coaches won’t be able to influence the decison makers who actually understand the game of football and the ups and downs that come with it. Richt deserves another year, and the whiners neeed to get a life.
Florida schools win Bowl games
January 1st, 2011
12:36 pm
Hey SEC Guy…. go root for them chickens dude !
OMG
January 1st, 2011
12:37 pm
OMG I AM STILL LAUGHING, IT WAS THE BEST NEW YEARS EVER, ESPECIALLY SINCE THEIR UGA FANS LOVE TO RUN THEIR MOUTHS ALL OVER THE GT BLOGS AND DIDN’T THINK TO WAIT UNTIL THEY PLAYED THEIR BOWL GAME JUST KNEW THAT BOWL GAME WAS IN THE BAG…BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
UGA CONGRATS BY FAR THE BIGGEST LAUGHINGSTOCK OF THIS COUNTRY
Live from beautiful Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens
January 1st, 2011
12:39 pm
I’m cutting out eye holes in brown paper bags getting ready for next season. We suck so bad.
CHUCK UGA
January 1st, 2011
12:44 pm
There are no more excuses. McGarity is just putting off the inevitable. Mark Richt cannot bring in the right mix of players to win. He DID win with a mixture of Donnan recruits and players Van Gorder helped identify and develop. He COULD NOT find a D-Coordinator last year. No one wanted the job because they knew Richt would be gone in two years. 2011 will be his last year after UGA loses 4 or 5 games next year. You have to be delusional to think they have the players to turn this mess around. They are losing too much talent and have nothing left to launch them into the 2011 season. Another 2-2 start on the way will finally convince the fools that this man’s strategy was left behind with the “old school” Bobby Bowden regime. It isn’t working and it won’t work next season either. Don’t fool yourself into believing Mark Richt has some sort of clue how to “change things.” He doesn’t or he already would have. Did you see a Georgia team improve this season? Nope unless you are either a liar or a delusional fool.
SAY WHAT
January 1st, 2011
12:45 pm
this comment on Twitter by Tony Barnhart may be the most uncalled for statement he has made all year. I realize he believe the SEC and Cam Newton can do no wrong although Cam did wrong at FL that we know of but here’s Barnhart running his mouth about Terrell Pryor of Ohio State. That kid said he was sorry too and again he is just a kid. Does Barnhart honestly have the power to point his finger at some kid? What a COWARD FULL OF HIS OWN SHAME, I think I will let Ohio State see this
“MrCFB Some news for young Mr. Pryor:. Kirk Herbstreit does more for Ohio State on a good weekend than you’ll do in four (make that 3.5) years.. 47 minutes ago · reply “
T Dog
January 1st, 2011
12:49 pm
Richt just don’t like white guys playing on D.
Look at that UCF ’s Miller guy from Canton Ga,Thay Would Not offer him…And he wanted to go to UGA.
Voyager Dawg
January 1st, 2011
12:53 pm
Agree with the comments above about additional coaching changes. Don’t know if the issue is with Bobo, or if Richt is still calling the shots. Either way, we need a change and someone to take charge of the talent we have on offense. Searles has been a disappointment with the offensive line. Go get Jimmy Ray Stevens from Middle Tennessee State. He’ll get the line where it needs to be. Go Dawgs!
Ttd
January 1st, 2011
1:00 pm
Something has to CHANGE… I’m not saying fire coach or don’t fire coach richt, but UGA has to find a way to get it together…period
SouthGA Dawg
January 1st, 2011
1:14 pm
Someone needs to be FIRED and NOW!!!
SouthGA Dawg
January 1st, 2011
1:17 pm
UGA offensive line is the worst I have seen this year.They failed big time. Murray was rushed all game. No holes for the back to run in. Very poorly coached line.
Coffee Bluff DAWG
January 1st, 2011
1:21 pm
Voyager Dawg,
Agree that O line was porous again last night. Couldn’t run except for Murray running for his life on most pass attempts.
SouthGA Dawg
January 1st, 2011
1:24 pm
Poorly coached, poor conditioning,poor respect for rules and the law,poor work ethics.So whos fault is it? Anyone feel free to answer? I love my Dawgs but when do you scream for help? These kids do what they want to do not what they are instructed to do. This is very obvious. They have no heart.CMR noone owes you a check you need to work for the money you are being paid. Heads must role attitudes must change. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!! Damn it lets play BALL!!!
DawgIdiot
January 1st, 2011
1:31 pm
Central Florida runs this state! HAHAHAHA! Central Florida runs this state!
The Dawg Nation is a group of jail houses in Central Georgia. Out of control. An embarrassment.
Paroled to the NFL. HAHAHAHA!
formerjacketfan
January 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
Since both GT and UGA are licking their wounds from dismal seasons, we can at least turn our attention to some bowl games that matter and to the Falcons tomorrow. Wow, first time in 14 years that neither team had a winning record…unbelievable. How quickly one can fall from grace. The only difference between Tech and Georgia is the talent level. Tech at least over achieves on occasion with the talent that it gets (3 stars mostly) whereas Georgia consistently (year in and year out) has a top 10 if not top 5 recruiting class. That would be maddening to me if I were a Georgia fan. As a former Jacket fan, I can still relish in UGA’s woes, along with every other non-UGA fan does, because you UGA fans are the most obnoxious fans in the nation. You are obnoxious when you win and obnoxious when you lose, so everyone else is enjoying this moment.