ATHENS — The Florida victory has proven even more costly than originally thought.
Georgia coach Mark Richt confirmed on Tuesday that junior tailback Richard Samuel, who starred in the fourth quarter of the Bulldogs’ 24-20 victory last Saturday in Jacksonville, will be out for the remained of the regular season with an ankle injury.
Samuel underwent surgery Tuesday morning to repair ligament damage in Samuel’s left ankle. Samuel injured the leg on the very last play of the game, a nine-yard run down to the Florida 1-yard line.
“We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back, but it obviously won’t be any time soon,” Richt said. “I would say a minimum of four weeks.”
Just four weeks remain in the regular season. Samuel could possibly be back for the SEC Championship or a bowl game.
“We think [the surgery] will allow us to accelerate his rehab,” Richt said. “The surgery, Ron [Courson] felt, was real profitable. It could have been a non-op, it was debatable. But again, this will stabilize it immediately and allow him to get stronger quicker.”
Samuel’s injury comes on the heels of perhaps his best individual performance in a game. Samuel finished with 58 yards on 17 carries. But of those carries came in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning touchdown. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound junior is the Bulldogs’ No. 2 rusher for the season with 240 yards on 73 carries.
“Richard really had probably his finest performance in a really big game,” Richt said. “For it to happen on the last play was just sad for him. Just to read his comments about his goal of just wanting to help the team win, about how that’s why he moved to running back, because he thought he could help the team win. We feel like he’s been helping us win all along. But I think for him personally, he thought, ‘I finally made a significant contribution to this team in a big game and helped us win.’ So he reached that goal in this particular game and now he’s got to wait a little while to do it again. But I was just real pleased with his effort.”
Richt was pleased enough to name Samuel one of Georgia’s four captains for Saturday’s game against New Mexico State, along with center Ben Jones, defensive end DeAngelo Tyson and outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. “He may just ‘crutch it’ on out there” for the coin flip,” Richt said.
Georgia also lost starting guard Dallas Lee to a broken leg in the Florida game. He, too, will be out the remainder of the season. Richt also said freshman wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (hamstring) will remain sidelined this week
“We’ve lost some good players,” Richt said. “It’s sad for all of them really.”
105 comments Add your comment
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
2:32 pm
First???
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
2:32 pm
Maybe last????
MagnoliaDawg
November 1st, 2011
2:39 pm
its time to pull a Robert Edwards move now. We are too thin at running back Rammbo can u play running back?
DawginLex
November 1st, 2011
2:39 pm
I was afraid of that after watching him limp off and then not hearing anything for a couple of days.
That is horrible for this kid as he was just getting lathered up and running downhill between the tackles.
GaTruth
November 1st, 2011
2:40 pm
Alright Crowell, time to dig deep and GUT IT UP! Nicks and dings are part of football. You’ve got to get enough fire inside to be an EVERY down back!
DS_CE91
November 1st, 2011
2:41 pm
Tough luck for the Dawgs and more importantly for this young man. Here’s hoping Samuel makes a full recovery.
GaTruth
November 1st, 2011
2:41 pm
…and please don’t everyone start calling for Ken Malcome. If he was good enough, he’d have been playing already.
WDE
November 1st, 2011
2:42 pm
Drat just when he was reaping some reward for all his hard work ..DGD!
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
2:43 pm
True that .. It’s time for that kid to BE THE MAN. A few spot carries by C. Thomas will be ok, but IC needs to carry the LOAD and show what a 5-star back is all about.
Dawg Girl
November 1st, 2011
2:44 pm
Well I, for one, am calling for Ken Malcome. You never know what a player can do in a game situation until you put him in there. I think he’s hungry and if he has any of the talent left from high school then he’s still a heck of a back IMO.
Hairy Dawg
November 1st, 2011
2:44 pm
Hey, everybody. Crowell, Thomas, and Malcome are all suspended for Saturday’s game for “violating team rules.” That’s gonna be interesting to watch.
DawginLex
November 1st, 2011
2:45 pm
Anyone see the tweet from Ching??
Crowell, Thomas and Malcome all suspended for Saturday.
with Samuel injured, we have no running backs!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom
November 1st, 2011
2:46 pm
Here’s what I want to know….
If these suspensions are related to the rumors from the middle of LAST WEEK, why did the suspensions wait until THIS WEEK?
kydawg
November 1st, 2011
2:47 pm
Agreed, IC needs to toughen up quick!!! Is Auburn in a bye week this week leading up to the Dawgs?
Dawg Girl
November 1st, 2011
2:47 pm
Well, disregard my last post… sheesh… http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/georgia/post?id=224&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fblog%2fcolleges%2fgeorgia%2fpost%3fid%3d224
Tech82
November 1st, 2011
2:47 pm
Tough break for Samuel. Good luck to him for a speedy recovery. Hopefully, it won’t impact the rest of his career.
Hairy Dawg
November 1st, 2011
2:48 pm
Brandon Harton better strap it on tight.
Vance Duly
November 1st, 2011
2:49 pm
Hey, maybe NOW our fullbacks will get their first carries of the season!! (or not….). Let’s crank up the 5th and 6th stringers!!!! GO DAWGS!
Red Clay Hound
November 1st, 2011
2:50 pm
Holy crap! What did they do to get suspended?
Zoli
November 1st, 2011
2:50 pm
Well we have to roll with the punches. Crowell, Boo, Thomas and Harton to carry the load from here. I hope Boo is ready to go, we will need a brusing back to rotate in and out.
GTBob
November 1st, 2011
2:51 pm
Wow, nice timing on these suspensions. What a joke.
McGoo
November 1st, 2011
2:53 pm
I’m more concerned about getting Malcolm Mitchell back. He is a key part of our offense. We MUST have him for Auburn.
Go Dawgs!
November 1st, 2011
2:54 pm
Now the other top 3 running backs are suspended!
William Smith
November 1st, 2011
2:55 pm
I’m 49, its been a few years but I’m ready to go Coach. Our O-Line against N.M. State, I might can get a hundred.
Dawg_Mike
November 1st, 2011
2:55 pm
NO running backs for MN State ?
I guess Z Ogletree and B Figgins are it.
Dawg_Mike
November 1st, 2011
2:55 pm
NM State, sorry…..
Tom
November 1st, 2011
2:56 pm
Bob, the rumors on these suspensions were flying last week. Guess they didn’t have time to meet and decide on the punishment until this week since they were so busy getting ready for the Gators. Hey, better late than never, huh?
Glenn
November 1st, 2011
2:56 pm
Georgia running backs Isaiah Crowell, Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome will be suspended for the Bulldogs’ game against New Mexico State game on Saturday, coach Mark Richt confirmed.
Richt would not discuss the reason behind the suspensions, only that a violation of team rules occurred.
Field Goal Jesus is the answer
November 1st, 2011
2:56 pm
Looks like Richt still has a bunch of cancers on this team with the suspensions. Its time to fire this clown anyway .Our special teams cant even get it right. What joke of a program and we gave these clowns raises too.
DawginLex
November 1st, 2011
2:56 pm
Harton and Van Dyk with figgins and ogletree at fullback
NMSU throws it 50 times a game so Boykin and Smith have to play defense only
frannie mae
November 1st, 2011
2:57 pm
UGA is in BIG BIG trouble……….
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
2:58 pm
GTBob, are you really going to crack on UGA with the sainthood of GT athletics being in your moniker? There’s your joke.
bethlehemdawg
November 1st, 2011
2:58 pm
this is a huge loss. Samuel may not have been a big play back, but he has been good at pounding the ball up the gut for some tough yards. Get better soon
CHDawg
November 1st, 2011
2:59 pm
Just great! So this is twice for Thomas, and a huge distraction to the team by Boo and IC. What is wrong with our TBs? We have had enough TB discipline problems in the last two years to last a generation. I think it’s time to move #6 back there!
Send'em U hauls
November 1st, 2011
2:59 pm
Looks like Isaiah C. is gonna be another bust for UGA……
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
2:59 pm
Field Goal Jesus is the answer
November 1st, 2011
2:56 pm
Looks like Richt still has a bunch of cancers on this team with the suspensions. Its time to fire this clown anyway .Our special teams cant even get it right. What joke of a program and we gave these clowns raises too.
——————————
Thank you so much for your GT perspective. Now go back to your CPJ boards please.
dawggirl
November 1st, 2011
3:01 pm
It is the epitome of selfishness to hurt your team with suspensions when injuries are an unavoidable and inevitable part of the game. Why can’t we get through a season without this (blank) continuing? Ugh, so angry right now.
Samuel deserves to be captain. I hope he has a speedy and healthy recovery.
GTBob
November 1st, 2011
3:02 pm
TampaDawg, do you think if UGA was playing Florida or Auburn this week that there is any chance at all that those three would be suspended? You don’t find it a little laughable that this occurs during the New Mexico St week?
Hollywould
November 1st, 2011
3:03 pm
Rest ‘em . My Tigers are resting. Don’t want any excuses. War Eagle
Send'em U hauls
November 1st, 2011
3:03 pm
All the Kool Aid drinkers are back in full force after a pedestrian and UGALY win over the Gators. Special teams are a joke and UGA still cant run block. Hopw McGarity has his phone on speed dial for a new coach at the end of the season.
Tim
November 1st, 2011
3:04 pm
If the suspensions are true, then Ga. knew about this on Friday and played those players anyway. That goes to show you that smoking dope is not as important as winning……unbelievable
CHDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:04 pm
GTBob, unsportsmanlike blogging, pal! Richt suspended Thomas and Rambo against the only top 5 teams we have faced. Also, he suspended Washington for two weeks when he jumped the rails. Case closed.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 1st, 2011
3:04 pm
GTBob,
Richt is just copying the Les Miles card of issuing suspensions!
bawbie
November 1st, 2011
3:04 pm
Fire Dave Perno!
Ga Tech Old Timer
November 1st, 2011
3:05 pm
Sorry to learn of Samuel and Lee getting hurt and being out for the rest of the regular season. Hopefully they’ll be back for whatever bowl y’all go to and represent the state and UGA well. I pray but one prayer before game days and that’s the players come through safely and play to the best of their ability. Here’s wishing y’all the best of luck in your remaining games – until we meet in Atlanta. Should be a great one!
UGA '05
November 1st, 2011
3:05 pm
Thomas, Malcome, and Crowell have been suspended for this Sat’s game. Reasons unknown. It’s the main headline. http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110111aag.html
Who will be our RB against NMSU?
CHDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:05 pm
Make that team, Bob. Tim, why Friday? Because you said?
Alabama Jack
November 1st, 2011
3:06 pm
I bleed Old Gold and White but I really hope for the best for Samuel. He has proven he is a team player, even if for what I think is the wrong team. Get well young man, and best wishes for continued success after the Thanksgiving weekend.
Spaceman Spiff
November 1st, 2011
3:06 pm
@ Field Goal Jesus
You, sir, have just qualified for today’s version of “Do you just say stupid sh!t?”
Send'em U hauls
November 1st, 2011
3:07 pm
Maybe Richt will lose Sarurday with the suspensions and then it will be a good reason to kiss him goodbye.
Tom
November 1st, 2011
3:08 pm
Chuck/Chernoff discussing suspensions now. Chuck confirms the rumors from last week.
edawg
November 1st, 2011
3:08 pm
Where is Kem Malcome? I thought he changed his mind was back to 100% committed to the Dawgs
DawginLex
November 1st, 2011
3:09 pm
sorry u haul TROLL. Murray will just throw it 60 times and set a school record for yardage and TD’s……………………
dawggirl
November 1st, 2011
3:09 pm
Must have been living under a rock (actually, I was on vacation in St. Thomas with no internet/little TV and hardly any phone), so I didn’t even hear about these rumors.
WDE
November 1st, 2011
3:10 pm
@Alabama Jack thanks for that classy post…your living breathing proof that you don’t have to be a Ahole to be a Jacket fan..thank you Sir!
Saban
November 1st, 2011
3:10 pm
Suspensions for New Mexico State. Real quality program.
GTBob
November 1st, 2011
3:10 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg, that is true. Don’t forget Florida also with that Rainey stuff they pulled last year.
Dawg_Mike
November 1st, 2011
3:10 pm
Chuck Oliver reported that “according to the UGA AD only 3 things constitute “violation of team rules”
Missing classes
Missing study hours
failed drug test
It could have been any one of or a combo of all 3 IMO.
BigDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:10 pm
GTBob, what about Tech playing with eligible questionable players and getting their ACC title stripped? Get a life Bozo and be careful to avoid all of the crime around GT!
Spaceman Spiff
November 1st, 2011
3:10 pm
@ Send’em U hauls
Go back to your pathetic little technerd blog…oh, and we won’t lose “Sarurday”…
Hallween is OVA
November 1st, 2011
3:11 pm
Why are these players all the sudden want to be energy vampires? Richt needs to be canned period.
Halloween is OVA
November 1st, 2011
3:12 pm
I wonder why all these playas want to be energy vampires? Fire Richt!
G-Dawg
November 1st, 2011
3:14 pm
Samuel..DGD!!!
Dope Dawg
November 1st, 2011
3:14 pm
Looks like someone has been smoking some big fat spliffs,
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:15 pm
GTBob
November 1st, 2011
3:02 pm
TampaDawg, do you think if UGA was playing Florida or Auburn this week that there is any chance at all that those three would be suspended? You don’t find it a little laughable that this occurs during the New Mexico St week?
——————
Guess you missed the Bacarri Rambo suspension right before the Boise State game huh? It’s easy to say “oh, well look at the timing of this” yet forget the many times a player has been suspended by the team before other big games. Keep in mind that AJ Green’s 4 game suspension last year by the “NCAA” was initially done by UGA suspending him in house.
Spaceman Spiff
November 1st, 2011
3:15 pm
@ Halloween
Which is it now? Send’em U hauls under a new name? Once again, go back to your technerd blogs…
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:17 pm
Saban
November 1st, 2011
3:10 pm
Suspensions for New Mexico State. Real quality program.
—————–
Ok, we know you are a tech fan “Saban” but really, even if you were a Bama guy, that would be one of the more hypocritical statements of all time.
GTBob
November 1st, 2011
3:17 pm
It could have been any one of or a combo of all 3 IMO.
The rumors are pointing to number 3. They are just rumors though.
CHDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:17 pm
Maybe the Lord decided He wanted to see Brandon Harton’s number called 20 times on Saturday! Can’t wait to see him. BTW, I agree that Samuel is the man. Too bad for Boo. If he hadn’t violated the rules, he would have gotten a lot of carries Saturday. Obedience first, blessings follow.
G-Dawg
November 1st, 2011
3:20 pm
Put big ole Jenkins in the backfield!!!!
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:20 pm
CHDawg – “Obedience first, blessings follow.” I can’t believe I just saw this on here but this is the best line of any post on here. And hey, maybe Harton gets to the century mark and Murray throws for 400 plus and 6 scores.
Destin Dawg
November 1st, 2011
3:20 pm
Zander Ogletree will impress…. 100 yards ???
VegasGT
November 1st, 2011
3:21 pm
Sorry to hear about the injuries, I hate to see kids get hurt for our enjoyment, but I guess it’s part of the game. May the heal quickly and completely.
As for the suspensions, hate to see those as well, but it appears there are lessons that need to be learned first hand before some of these kids will take them to heart.
As for the timing of the suspensions, that falls on the coach. You gotta wonder though if the lesson will truly be learned when the full impact of the punishment is lessoned by the one doling it out.
Anyway, not sure I wouldn’t have done the same thing though.
GTood luck to you guys in your upcoming games. May GT and UGA meet with only the two existing losses each.
Tom
November 1st, 2011
3:22 pm
Sounds like Chip is going to be on with Chuck/Chernoff in a bit.
Spaceman Spiff
November 1st, 2011
3:25 pm
@DawgMike
Apparantly you didn’t read the article well enough, because he said that those are some of the things that suspensions can be given for…
CHDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:26 pm
Tampa, it reminds me of when Gideon got tapped to start a few years back….he was the smallest guy on his team, too!
TampaDawg
November 1st, 2011
3:40 pm
LOL CHDawg .. wonder how many people got that reference. A great one though. And it worked out well for him.
true dawg fan
November 1st, 2011
3:57 pm
ruh roh and dummm da dummm dummmm. aggies could give us a hard time. FM please
Hairy Dawg
November 1st, 2011
4:07 pm
I hate the news for Samuel. His attitude and his effort are things the rest of the team should try to match.
He played extremely hard Saturday throughout the game and not just in the 4th quarter. Hope he recovers quickly. I may have been unpleased with his outcome before, but I will NEVER question his effort and his dedication. He helps us in many ways. DGD!
AL Dawg
November 1st, 2011
4:12 pm
GTBob, seriously? Which institution is on probation? Seriously?
juvenal
November 1st, 2011
4:12 pm
i hope he makes a fast recovery, it’s a shame, he was really impressive-don’t usually watch y’all, but it was on where i was eating before our game…don’t ever want to see anyone hurt…..he will be in my prayers….
juvenal
November 1st, 2011
4:13 pm
with the italics, could bob be……headley?
Old GT Guy
November 1st, 2011
4:31 pm
Really sorry about Richard Samuel. The kid was a real stud against the Gators. Here’s hoping he makes a full recovery. I would have given him a lot more carries last week though. I still hope that you guys and Tech both win out. It would give our game even more coverage which is good for both schools. That said, go Jackets.
Bristol Va Dawg
November 1st, 2011
4:51 pm
We need more Richard Samuels on our team.
Jborodawg
November 1st, 2011
5:32 pm
Some terrible news about Richard Samuel, because he really is a team player and a DGD. Sure hope his rehab goes well, along with D. Lee. Really hate for both of em.
GT Old Timer, VegasGT, and Old GT Guy….classy posts; thanks. I wish GT well also…until we meet.
Anyone who speculates about the suspensions is….well, it’s just speculation. I think it’s admirable that coach Richt doesn’t air the team’s dirty laundry nor embarrass his players publicly. I sure hope it turns out like coach says, that it’ll make better men of them.
Maybe Murray won’t be so inconsistent and we can get a win with a great passing game. Our D should be able to shut NM St down; hold em to a FG or a garbage time TD. It will be tough on the D if we have to use Boykin or Smith at RB. It will take a supreme effort to win with no running game.
Goooo Dawgs! Get ready to GATA against NM St!
Wrecker
November 1st, 2011
5:36 pm
Tough luck for Samuel. That dude really represented your school well, unlike some others that won’t be playing against NMSU. I hope he recovers in time to play in a bowl game. He has done everything the team has asked and has put the team ahead of his personal goals.
1969 Graduate
November 1st, 2011
6:25 pm
Best of wishes for a fast, safe, full recovery for Mr. Samuels, an excellent team player, and DGD. I know God is healing him already. I know, too, that he will work to rehabilitate himself as soon as he can, and that he will play hard when he returns to the team.
It would be great if everybody else in the backfield played with as much heart as Richard Samuels. Apparently, not everyone loves the team, and lives up to the team’s standards as well as he.
Go, Georgia Bulldogs.
Lakedawg
November 1st, 2011
7:05 pm
Everyone that saw the spring game knows that Harton looked as good as anyone that day, and I would take wagers he will get 100 yards Saturday.
If this is Carlton thomas 2nd for same offense he may have played his last game as a Dawg. Could have been a good day for Malcome to finally prove whether he is a player or not. Maybe he needs to move on also. Crowell ???????? Not sure at this point if he will make it 3 years or not?
This just more important for us to get Gurley and Marshall both signing day as this current bunch is major disappointing.
Jordan
November 1st, 2011
7:18 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2011/11/01/uga-suspends-3-rbs/
GaTruth
November 1st, 2011
8:43 pm
Please ignore my earlier post (2:41pm). In order for Crowell to Man-up, he’s got have big enough cajones to stop smokin’ dope and act like he freakin’ gets it. Can anyone say Lawrence Phillips? Another punkA$$ thinking he’s is better than the school. If he doesn’t straighten up I hope they ship him to Tennessee and let our linebackers slobberknock him back to south Georgia.
J Bo
November 1st, 2011
8:51 pm
Godspeed to Richard for a speed recovery. Wonder if Bobo ever though of using Tamburo as a running back. He did have 1878 yards and 33 rushing TD’s as a high school QB. If I were him, I would be in Bobo’s ear about playing as he may never get to see the field as a Georgia QB. I’m sure well see Harden trying to run off tackle like Thomas as they are about the same size. I guess this week we will not have to worry about two #1s on the field. We need to hire Herchel to run a summer condioning program.
Brucerugby79
November 1st, 2011
9:35 pm
GATECH OLDTIMER you are a class act– I pray the same prayer-guess we will have a lot of time to talk about it -on the other side-bless you brother
jd
November 2nd, 2011
12:02 am
Wow, where are all those people that were against a class act like Samuel not playing TB. Well they got their wish he is on the sideline now. Be careful what you wish for.
bobby
November 2nd, 2011
12:18 am
THE WAY IT LOOKS HATTON THE WALK ON KID WILL BE THE STARTER AND WHO THE BACKUPS REMAINS TO BE SEEN.
UGADAWGS2011
November 2nd, 2011
2:24 am
I truly hate this for a DGD. Richard Samuel deserves alot more recognition than he gets, as he is usually the tailback we put in on obvious pass situations, due to his experience and skill at picking up a blitz. Crowell has shown improvement in this regard, but as a true freshman, he is still learning. Most importantly, if Richard can possibly be game ready by the Championship game, and if UGA makes it, he will surely be needed against an LSU/Alabama defense.
Black Mountain NC Bulldog
November 2nd, 2011
4:29 am
Lee and Samuel seem like fine young men. I hate to see their seasons end with injuries.
Morning Reads for Wednesday, November 2nd — Peach Pundit
November 2nd, 2011
7:02 am
[...] Isaiah Crowell, were suspended yesterday, allegedly due to drug test results. And Richard Samuel is out for the rest of the season. Meet your starter for Saturday’s game against New Mexico State. – Economists explain the NBA [...]
Les Miles
November 2nd, 2011
9:32 am
Yes, winning is MUCH more important than disciplining for smoking dope.
Paul Johnson
November 2nd, 2011
9:34 am
I don’t care if they graduate or are eligible, if they can run fast with the ball, I’m playin’ em!
Steve Superior
November 2nd, 2011
9:35 am
OK, Stephen…..this is your absolute LAST chance. I always give someone 6 chances, but on the 7th one, you’re out!
Randall
November 2nd, 2011
2:33 pm
If it were anyone else it wouldn’t bother me so much, not because he can’t play but because Richard is one of the finest young I’ve ever seen. He just says what can I do to help! The Lord bless and keep you in your time of trouble.
College Football Week 10– Three Dawgs In The Doghouse on Georgia Homecoming– New Mexico State (November 5, 2011) | Georgia Dawg Football
November 2nd, 2011
4:09 pm
[...] The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) is reporting that Georgia’s top three running backs are suspended for Saturday’s Homecoming game against New Mexico State. Specifically, this means no Isaiah Crowell, Carlton Thomas, or Ken Malcome for Saturday’s 12:30 contest. To make matters worse, the AJC reports that Richard Samuel is done for the regular season with an a… [...]
nobody
November 2nd, 2011
6:30 pm
Shawn Williams was a heckuva RB at Early County High School…he’s big, fast, strong, punishing….more like Samuel, but a natural….would love to see him get the chance…
Morning Reads for Wednesday, November 2nd
November 3rd, 2011
6:42 am
[...] Isaiah Crowell, were suspended yesterday, allegedly due to drug test results. And Richard Samuel is out for the rest of the season. Meet your starter for Saturday’s game against New Mexico State. – Economists explain the NBA [...]
godawgs_uga
November 3rd, 2011
8:58 am
If you could take Richard Samuel’s heart and desire and fuse it with Crowell’s pure god-given talent……you would have one hell of a running back……And Isaiah, put your freaking helmet on! We play FOUR quarters at Georgia!!