TB Isaiah Crowell to get first career start vs. Coastal Carolina
ATHENS – Just got back from interviewing Georgia players following head coach Mark Richt’s weekly press conference. As you could imagine there wasn’t a whole lot of talk about Coastal Carolina, the Bulldogs opponent for Week 3. It was more about the aftermath of last Saturday’s loss to South Carolina and what has to happen going forward.
The biggest bit of news to come out of the half-hour session with Coach Richt was the decision to start freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell this week. Crowell had 158 all-purpose yards — including 118 rushing — and two touchdowns against the Gamecocks was named SEC co-freshman of the week, The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Columbus native now leads the Bulldogs in rushing with 178 yards, or 89 per game and is the team’s second-leading scorer.
So here quickly is what Richt had to say about Crowell. . . .
- On tailback rotation: “Right now we do have [Crowell] slated as the starter for this week. Part of it is just his production as a runner. That’s a big part of it certainly. But Richard [Samuel] is also kind of hobbled. I don’t know how much work he’ll get today. Now that Isaiah is in that role, a lot of guys when they get into that starting role they can an even greater sense of urgency in their preparation.”
- His assessment of Crowell’s play so far: “I think he’s done pretty well. I think he has learned a lot. It’s just so hard to explain to a guy what it’s going to be like until they just start doing it. Now that he’s been in the Dome and had that experience and then he had a Southeastern Conference experience and a game that he could tell one play could make the difference. I think that he understands a lot more about what it takes and I think he’s even more motivated to work even harder in practice and to make sure he makes sure he takes care of every little detail. Not to say that he wasn’t, but it’s just . . . he’s a freshman. Until you play in an SEC game like that you just don’t get it fully. But I saw an even more urgency on his part, even in yesterday’s practice. He just seemed to be excited about what the future holds.”
- On Crowell’s performance versus South Carolina: “I think he is a very special back. As the game was going on I thought he was running very well, but when I looked at the film I realized he really made some great runs. So we hope he can keep doing that.”
- On Crowell not getting more carries: “He did take a shot in the ribs and he was having trouble breathing. A couple of runs in a row and I think, because of his energy level and excitement level, he’d raise his hand and want to come off. So when a guy does that, you could say stay in there but you don’t know why a guy wants to come out when he’s asking to come out. So he came out. I think he’ll stay in a little bit more than a couple of runs. Although there were a couple of relatively long runs, I think his endurance will build as we go, too, as he prepares and as the weather cools as the season goes on.
- On Samuel’s injury: “It’s not a muscle pull. It was like a heel, something with his heel. It wasn’t a break or anything like that. More of a heel contusion.”
- Who will be second team if Samuel can’t go: “Right now in my opinion it’d be Carlton [Thomas]. But today is a big day. It’s a competition day, a physical day, a day we’ll get in pads and do some live football. Guys will get an opportunity to show they need to be playing.”
– Chip Towers
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
143 comments Add your comment
CHDawg
September 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
Murray went 8 for 8 on the drive he picked SC apart after the mistakes. Not only am I sold on him, protect him well, and I think he can pick apart any D in the country with our young receivers, who are getting better each week. He was running for his life in both games and still looked brilliant at times.
Columbus
September 13th, 2011
4:44 pm
Supporters of Mark Richt @facebook. New page just getting going. Come contribute and get on board.
Will
September 13th, 2011
4:47 pm
Why would anyone need a facebook page for a coach? The AD doesn’t care what we think…. Only the $$$.
Chris
September 13th, 2011
4:48 pm
Why isn’t Ken Malcome getting significan’t reps?? He’s a big back and it seems like he would be a good short yardage rushing option? It would take some pressure off an injured Samuel and a freshman being forced to learn on the fly…
BG
September 13th, 2011
4:50 pm
This game will be like Tech’s first 2 games.
CHDawg
September 13th, 2011
4:50 pm
Amused, you sound like Kung Fu…very short memory. We were also ranked #1, and we lost 3 games in 08, including our cross state rival. Very similar seasons. If you will remember after the loss to Tech, Dawg fans were complaining then almost like they are now.
lagdawg
September 13th, 2011
4:53 pm
Crowell should start and so should Malcolm Mitchell. The way that CMR and Bobo hold back the Freshman players is absurd. This is why UGA is 0-2. Use the best players whether they are freshman or seniors. Too much talent to be 0-2.
ken
September 13th, 2011
4:54 pm
insider, you have a state champ in the 100m dash, 200, and the runner up on the sidelines, if they are to stay then they need to play and now, that’s a lot of speed sitting in the garage, kickoffs, punt returns, something to use that, I know junior and jb can hall ass fellow, now let,s see what they can do in the battle, soldier or fold what cha think, I KNOW!!!!!
BEAT UGA SOUTH CAROLINA SO RICHT CAN KEEP HIS JOB
September 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
KEEP RICHT AND BOBO YOU HICKS DESERVE WHAT YOUR GETTING AT UGAY!
BEAT UGA SOUTH CAROLINA SO RICHT CAN KEEP HIS JOB
September 13th, 2011
5:01 pm
RICHT AND BOZO ARE TO BIASED,THEY DONT EVER PLAY THE BEST PLAYERS,THIS IS WHY UGAY WONT EVER WIN A NATIONAL TITLE WITH THESE BUMS! 11YEARS AND NO TITLE!
GENE,NICK,URBAN AND LES ALL HAVE WON NATIONAL TITLES IN UNDER THREE YEARS! SUCK ON THAT MUTT FANS!
BEAT UGA SOUTH CAROLINA SO RICHT CAN KEEP HIS JOB
September 13th, 2011
5:06 pm
UGA FANS MARK RICHT HAS BEEN HERE 11 YEARS AND NO NATIONAL TITLES,SINCE HE HAS BEEN HERE LSU HAS(2) FLORIDA(2) AND ALABAMA(1) WITH AUBURN(1) WINNING LAST YEAR!
SUCK ON THAT UGAY FANS
Troof
September 13th, 2011
5:07 pm
Seriously Dawg fans? Beating on Coastal Carolina is enough to take the heat off Richt and crew? Even if he goes 9-3 should he stay? Your program has been on the declin since the Bama Beatdown in 2008. Why does UGA not have the courage to make the right move an fire him? You say ‘Who will we hire?’ So the right move is to keep the guy who can’t get it done anymore? UGA hasn’t done squat since better coaches have come into the SEC (Saban, Meyer, etc.). That’s not going to change.
31 YEARS AND COUNTING DAWG FANS SINCE YOUR LAST NATIONAL TITLE! GOOD TO SEE YOU LOVE BEING MEDIOCRE!
RTR!
Joe
September 13th, 2011
5:08 pm
Just a question. In that picture of # 1 Crowell? being chased by #21 Lattimore??? or is that Smith or Boykin?
CHDawg
September 13th, 2011
5:10 pm
Why do you care, Troof?
CHDawg
September 13th, 2011
5:11 pm
Joe SC had a 21 on D, too.
Troof
September 13th, 2011
5:14 pm
I care because I want to see quality programs in the SEC. UGA should be one of those and not some second tier program. Not a Dawg fan by any means but it’s pathetic what UGA has become. Pull off the Band Aid, make the change, and go from there.
Mad Dog One
September 13th, 2011
5:15 pm
I will just say I don’t care what any of the trolls have to say. And not very many of the UGA fans that want to trash our team. You can be critical without beina an A$$ H@!$. UGA played their a$$ of most of the game. As I have said before I would liked to have watched that game if I wasn’t a UGA fan. GO DOGS p.s. BUSCSRCKHJ YOU ARE A DUMB A$$.
Win P
September 13th, 2011
5:17 pm
The last thing UGA needs is a blow out against Coastal. Assuming the game becomes lopsided in favor of UGA, would like to see the younger guys getting game experience. That should include quarter backs. Murray is one good tackle from riding the bench. If someway that is avoided, then the accumulation of the beatings he’s taking will make him less effective and put him on the bench. Opposition knows the way to beat UGA is pressure on Murray. He needs greater protection from the Offenseline and other blockers,plus elimination of his mistakes. Cannot see Murray playing the entire season because injuries.
Chip, did you see or sense that Richt participated more in the play calling, game prepration and game adustments in the South Carolina game?
CHDawg
September 13th, 2011
5:20 pm
Troof, who is your team?
Troof
September 13th, 2011
5:26 pm
RTR = Roll Tide Roll = Bama
And no, UGA can’t have our coach! LOL!
Game over
September 13th, 2011
5:29 pm
Crowell will not save Richt’s job. After Florida blows them out, it’s game over for Richt.
CHDawg
September 13th, 2011
5:53 pm
OK Troof, so you are just another concerned Bama fan cruising the various SEC team blogs trying to strengthen the play of the other teams by advocating they fire their coaches? I understand now. Nothing else to worry about in Tuscaloosa? I’ll mind your business a little. I think Florida is going to beat you. You probably have more athletic talent, but Weiss and Muschamp are better coaches. I look for the Gators to take you by 10. What do you think?
Double Zero Eight
September 13th, 2011
5:57 pm
Crowell should have started the second game.
01HAWK
September 13th, 2011
5:58 pm
CROWELL should only play a half of football against Coastal Carolina. You do not want your best players getting hurt against a team that you should blow out.
Never have I seen a guy at 276 IBS. run as fast as Melvin Ingram ………………….No. 6 for South Carolina. NFL scouts must be going crazy thinking about the possibilities.
He actually was a kick returner for SC IN 2007. Unbelieveable athlete. This guy should be a Tight End in the NFL. He would give Linebackers fits.
ken
September 13th, 2011
6:05 pm
let the freshman play
ken
September 13th, 2011
6:06 pm
you see wat the group you got now is gonna do absolutely nothing lets cut the fat and roll with this youth movement at least we will know if there is reason for next season
Athens Dawg
September 13th, 2011
6:15 pm
I bet Crowell runs all over Florida. That game, my friends, will be his coming out party. If you think he did SC wrong, wait until he runs over Florida. I will be you guys he runs for over 100 yards that game only if given the rock 20+ times. I’m telling you, Crowell is going to shine.
Athens Dawg
September 13th, 2011
6:16 pm
“MY GOD A FRESHMAN!” Crowell will be an All-Time great before he hangs up his cleats for the last time between the hedges. Watch n see. Stay thirsty my friends.
gdawgs86
September 13th, 2011
6:37 pm
dont sleep on coastal. If we go into this week thinking were playing a tune up game, we might get shocked. I watched film on their QB who was a transfer from USC and he is very very shifty. Please please dont sleep on them! Plus its my brothers an alumni and ill never hear the end of it.
JAWJeRDAWG
September 13th, 2011
6:51 pm
@ Joe – 5:08 pm
It wasn’t Lattimore. It was a defensive player for SC also wearing # 21.
Co-shared #’s like with Crowell and Smith for UGA. They just can’t play on the field at the same time. .. Go Dawgs!
Athens Dawg
September 13th, 2011
6:57 pm
Guys, we have an extremely young team with very few seniors. Two seniors are on the O-line. We really don’t have any seniors at the skill positions. I say Richt needs to stay because while 2011 could still be a good year, 2012 could be a tremendous season for us. Jenkins and Geathers should still be here, we’ll be in year 3 in the defense, we’ll have Murray for year 3, Crowell in year 2, etc.
Our team is young and learning how to compete in the SEC. I don’t think it would make too much sense to fire Richt after this season. I think he is the man for the job. Just give him time. Trust me.
Oh and Crowell will run for about 200 yards this weekend and about 3 touchdowns.
loel
September 13th, 2011
7:26 pm
I believe mighty Alabama lost 4 games last season.
bigcalidawg
September 13th, 2011
7:57 pm
In basketball, coaches don’t mind losing (early) tough games to really good teams. They know that their teams are able to learn from their mistakes against tough competition and can improve as the season goes along. Problem is, the football season is only 12, 13, or 14 games long.
It’s true that there is an overinflated sense of gloom-and-doom right now, but I don’t believe it is justified. We lost to #12 and to #5. Yes, we want to win, but the games were back to back and many kids were baptised by fire. Tough way to start out.
I believe we will beat Fla this year (which will make everythong OTAY), but I see us going 8-4.
They Serve Gruel In Prison
September 13th, 2011
8:19 pm
Ken Malcolm needs to get some carries Saturday too.
bugsquacher
September 13th, 2011
8:50 pm
Why Georgia should be thinking about a coaching change…..
1-Georgia is a combined 0-5 against Top 25 teams in 2010 and 2011 and has lost 10 of its last 12 against ranked teams.
2- richt is now 14-14 in his last 28 games
3- Lets look at the remaining schedule. Games they will probably lose: 1- Miss St. 2- Tenn 3-Florida 4-Auburn. Games we should win (if we don’t have an off week): 1- Costal Carolina, 2-Miss, 3- Kentucky, 4- New Mexico, 5-Tech, 6-Vandy. LOOKS LIKE A 50/50 CHANCE OF ANOTHER LOSING SEASON.
Bernie Matt
September 13th, 2011
9:07 pm
Please nobody mention that this team is young! It is an old trick by sorry coaches trying to extend their tenure to run off the upper classmen during the offseason, then cry about the team being young and inexperienced. THINK PEOPLE!
bilbo799
September 13th, 2011
9:56 pm
We UGA fans expect a lot from our football team. We have tons of homegrown talent and have phenomenal financial resources. When our coach and offensive coordinator wait until the THIRD game to start our best tailback, we are entitled to be angry.
bigcalidawg
September 13th, 2011
10:18 pm
Ok, I’m gonna make excuses here. It’s tough to win in this league with an inexperienced QB, but look at our running back situation. Seems to me that a good running game can offset inexperience at QB, but our running back situation has been, ahem, fluid over the past few years.
Murray is ready to win now. That game made me sick cuz it was reminiscent of last years Fla game.
WtfWruthnkn
September 13th, 2011
11:12 pm
Please stop asking about boo. If he was healthy or any good he would be on the field.
Chip Towers
September 14th, 2011
12:08 am
Tobias Funke: It’s pronounced CROW (like the bird) — well
Troup Co. Dawg
September 14th, 2011
3:20 am
Enter your comments here
norris
September 14th, 2011
9:28 am
Not sure if anyone else notices anything while they are at the games, but Richard Samuel was limping pretty badly on Saturday as he was during the Boise game. He is playing hurt because we need him for his pass blocking. This guy is and has always been a team player. It’s not his fault he has been jerked around since he got here. Let’s give him a break! Go Dawgs! Go Richard! Go Isaiah! and yes, please let’s go Horton, Malcome or Thomas!
Santa Cruz Bulldog
September 17th, 2011
10:06 am
Start the best 22 you have available regardless, of class seniority.
Aka Mitchell and Herrera.
P.S we need to open up “A Can of Whoop A$$”, this week to find out who is ready to play, in the tough October games.