Georgia ‘wins’ practice game; Malcome likely starter at tailback
Georgia coach Mark Richt said Wednesday he's "pretty sure" sophomore Ken Malcome will get the start at tailback in the Bulldogs' season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. (UGA photo by Steven Colquitt)
ATHENS — Georgia coach Mark Richt was having way too much fun with this whole “practice game” theme on Wednesday. He excitedly announced that the Bulldogs’ “won” Wednesday’s scrimmage at Sanford Stadium 49-48 over “Buffalo” in overtime.
That may sound somewhat distressing to UGA fans until they realize that Georgia played just one half and its traveling squad spotted the scout team (aka Buffalo) 35 points. Also, one of the Bulls’ touchdowns came after Richt placed the ball on the Georgia 11-yard line.
“But we could have stopped them or forced a field goal,” Richt said with a grin.
Fictional scores aside, Wednesday’s “dress rehearsal” scrimmage was an important component in the Bulldogs’ preparation for the Sept. 1 season opener. Georgia went through their entire pregame routine, including bussing to the stadium and playing under all the constraints of a regular game, with a working clock, referees, substitutions and live kicking.
“To be honest, it was like a real game,” said senior wide receiver Marlon Brown, who led the Bulldogs with 98 yards on 7 catches. “We left from the Butts-Mehre, went to the stadium, went to the locker room, did the team and individual warm-ups, listened to Coach Richt’s speech and went out there and played. It’s good because it’s Georgia versus somebody else instead offense against the defense all the time.”
It was a closed scrimmage but UGA’s Sports Communications staff kept statistics. According to them, quarterback Aaron Murray had a huge day, completing 20-of-25 passes for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Freshman tailback Todd Gurley was the leading rusher for the third straight scrimmage with 54 yards on six carries and a touchdown. Sophomore Ken Malcome added 50 yards on six carries, freshman Keith Marshall had three for 17 (with a 30-yard TD called back due to a holding penalty) and Richard Samuel had three for 10. Marshall and Michael Bennett each had touchdown catches and Georgia had no fumbles or interceptions.
Defensively, the Bulldogs were led my linebacker Mike Gillard with 4 tackles and Amarlo Herrera had 3 stops and returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown.
“I didn’t like that they got spotted so many points,” Herrera said. I don’t like seeing 48 points up there from anybody; that’s way too many. Nobody’s scoring 48 on us.”
Richt said “Georgia” had a chance to win in regulation. But freshman place-kicker Marshall Morgan missed a 57-yard field goal, his only attempt of the day. Murray scored the winning touchdown on a two-yard quarterback sneak.
“But it was kind of unfair I guess because they can’t tackle me,” Murray said.
“Buffalo” scored on its ensuing overtime possession but lost the game when on the attempted two-point conversion.
“It’s always fun to go out in Sanford Stadium and play and go through the whole routine, do all that,” Murray said. “It was fun. I thought it was a great day.”
Malcome likely starter at tailback
Richt was hesitant to discuss the pecking order of the tailbacks or which one might start the opener. But after some cajoling he admitted to reporters after the scrimmage that Malcome most likely will get the nod against Buffalo.
“I’m pretty sure Ken Malcome is going to start,” he said. “But something could change between now and then.”
Richt said he might not make an announcement until the night before the opener and then it may be only to the team.
“I don’t know for sure,” he said. “I even haven’t talked to the staff yet about how we’re gonna do it. Even when we do that I doubt I’ll announce the thing because I don’t even want them to know. I want them to keep fighting and competing. We’ll tell them the night before the game maybe.”
Informed after the scrimmage that Richt was leaning toward starting him, Malcome was unmoved.
“I mean, it’s not that I don’t care,” he said. “That’s what I was already thinking anyway. But I’m gonna keep pushing. I’m not going to let that one little statement go to my head.”
For what it’s worth, here are the tailbacks’ rushing stats in the three scrimmages: Gurley — 19 carries for 199 yards with 4 TDs; Malcome — 16-117-1; Marshall 15-63-1; Samuel 9-50-1.
This & that . . .
Richt said he was misunderstood and did not close the rest of the Bulldogs’ practices this week because he was mad at the media.”If anything I’m mad at myself,” he said of having a competition period opened Tuesday in which reporters saw Marshall get shaken up on a hard hit. Richt said only Thursday’s “situational scrimmage” at Sanford Stadium is off-limits. There will be designated media observation periods as per normal routine for Friday’s and Saturday’s workouts. . . . Though the Bulldogs’ starting lineups are pretty much set for the opener, Richt wouldn’t say who the starting safeties are going to be. All-American free safety Bacarri Rambo is thought to be suspended for the opener but Georgia hasn’t made an announcement to that effect. Same for starting inside linebacker Alec Ogletree.
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193 comments Add your comment
Chip Towers
August 23rd, 2012
11:01 am
kingdaddy: The third- and fourth-teamers were on the scout team. Faton Bauta was the quarterback, which makes sense since the Buffalo QB is a big dual-threat guy.The TDs were scored by WRs Michael Erdman and Kenneth Towns. Not sure about others.
UGA Insider
August 23rd, 2012
11:01 am
Had friends in Calhoun that said Da’Rick would NEVER finish college wherever he went. I never forgot that conversation when he spurned us. He is suspended for a 5th or 6th drug violation like Honey Badger. You wonder why the SEC has such a bad reputation..
ps Joey…. I did vote for Obama and regret it everyday I wake up. Worst mistake I ever made. I just really believed him at the time. He won’t get me the 2nd time however.
LHarding Dawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:02 am
Good for Malcome! He was by far the best back Georgia had running against LSU last season. I felt he should have had more carries in that game. Also, don’t forget about Samuel, he had a tremendous impact in the Florida game last season. These two also know how to pass block. To me its a no brainer who starts.
Newman
August 23rd, 2012
11:06 am
Boo is a quitter.
WDE
August 23rd, 2012
11:17 am
@newman really Boo is a quitter….when troll did he quit?
Evansdawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:20 am
I’m just not feeling it this year. I’ve never waivered in my support of Coach Richt and am in no way on the “Fire Richt” bandwagon…but to me, the Dawgs have a lot to prove. Losing to Mich State last year still stings. Out of 6 “big games” last year, the Dawgs only won 2. Until they knock off a top-20 opponent or two…I’m skeptical. I just can’t help it.
flagboy?
August 23rd, 2012
11:24 am
Not sure about the how long Da’Rick’s suspension is. . .but the more that comes out about him up there, the more it seems like UGA dodged a bullet with him flipping to UT.
Destin Dawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:26 am
THIS is our year.. S & C with nutritionist Jen Ketterly’s dailey buffet at Butts Mehre = more stamina and 4th qtr. Run the ball and play shutdown defense… win the SEC Champs .. we can beat Bammer too !
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:27 am
haha, I was 2 seconds away from suggested thatI would bet the farm that Insider DID vote for Obama, and regreted it now.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
$5 says there is a Prius in the driveway.
LogicalUS
August 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
“UGa’s young players and depth are suspect if they are that bad”
Not really that bad since in reality this scout squad did not include any of player who would travel on a regular game so the scout squad was basically defenseless.
And why NOTHING should be taken from this scrimmage about players or playing time…it was basically like the actual UGA gameday squad vs Athens Country Day.
Malcome is starting because UGA fans simply can not understand that Gurley has averaged 1.8 yds a carry + two long runs against the 2nd team defense in scrimmages. It is like the nutters who scream for the 3rd team RB who lights up Coastal Carolina for a TD in the 4th Qtr with the score already 56-0 because they think the only thing blocking his same success against LSU\SC defenses is that Bobo doesn’t like his haircut.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:31 am
Just picking on you man. I’ll officially get off you case now that we are on the countdown. You are a DGD and a pretty good sport for putting up with my jabs this summer.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:32 am
Joey, you have seen the longwinded version, so you know.
trueUGAfan
August 23rd, 2012
11:38 am
Da’rick Rogers suspended by UT
GimmeAbreak
August 23rd, 2012
11:38 am
How did “Amarlo Herrera had 3 stops and returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown.” if “Georgia had no fumbles or interceptions”? I gotta see this!
WDE
August 23rd, 2012
11:40 am
@LogicalUS that was well stated…some of the Gurley fans might even be able to follow the logic.
Gamechanger is clueless
August 23rd, 2012
11:40 am
Here Gamechanger goes a gain making stupid idiotic statements. Ok game changer list the yards given up and the teams that curb stomped Georgias defense in 2011, I can’t wait. Still waiting on John Jenkins to be declared academically ineligible and georgia Subsequent probation, or JHC leaving team, 1st team all american linebackers can’t tackle SEC running backs, Murray having a horrible fall camp was you grand observation yesterday, , and who can forget 6′9″ 350 lb linemen can’t compete in the SEC. You are certified idiot.
CPODAWG
August 23rd, 2012
11:44 am
Just saw were Da’Rick Rogers has been suspended indefinitely from Tennessee.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:46 am
Gamechanger = namechanger.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:46 am
Gimme a break……which squad was be playing on? Georgia or “buffalo”?
zbulldawg
August 23rd, 2012
12:06 pm
Richt’s getting wiser ! The media has been cruel to him, his faith, & the team the past few years ! They have been cruel to the whole coaching staff & players ! It’s all good because IT’s TIME !! TO LET THE BIG DAWG EAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SICK EM
Joey
August 23rd, 2012
12:07 pm
UGA Insider, . . . . . . . . . (just sadly shaking my head).
I have seen that post (column), AD, and could almost recite it . . .
azdawg
August 23rd, 2012
12:09 pm
Just read that DaRick Rogers has been suspended indefinitely by UT for undisclosed reasons. I think he’s out at TN.
zbulldawg
August 23rd, 2012
12:13 pm
Chip if you hadn’t been so negative about us in the past. You would know more about what’s going on. Ya’ll made your bed now you got to lay in it ! TRUST is a big part of LIFE !!
PerroGrande
August 23rd, 2012
12:24 pm
Z, got to disagree with you on Chip. He is excellent. When was he negative?
Craig
August 23rd, 2012
12:25 pm
Also, one of the Bulls’ touchdowns came after Richt placed the ball on the Georgia 11-yard line.
Sounds like CMR threw this in….no different in a regular game….this would be where Murray fumbles
Joey
August 23rd, 2012
12:25 pm
Chip? Cruel? Negative? I’ve never read anything about Richt’s faith in Chip’s blog.
What the hell are you talking about zbulldawg?
JK
August 23rd, 2012
12:27 pm
Based off of the scrimmage results, Gurley will be much better than Herchel ever was. Take Herchel, add some Bo Jackson, sprinkle in a little bit of Barry Sanders then you will have about 55-60% of the greatness that will be Gurley.
Craig
August 23rd, 2012
12:30 pm
“I’m pretty sure Ken Malcome is going to start,” he said.
Yet, all indications are that Gurley is the best player……hmmmm….we still dont get it. BEST players on the field PERIOD!!!
Joey
August 23rd, 2012
12:37 pm
Oh hell, tropical storm heading to Haiti.
Hope our head coach doesn’t get the urge to head down there.
Coach, just send a check . . .
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
12:43 pm
Define “best” craig.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
12:45 pm
For that matter, define ” on the field.”
docdawg
August 23rd, 2012
12:48 pm
Does it really matter who starts in the backfield? Ken should probably get the nod with a year under his belt and his maturing work ethic carrying over from last year. That doesn`t necessarily mean that he`s the best back on the team, but it represents an award for effort and diligence learning the system and becoming a leader. Richard could very well get the nod for the same reason. The best backs will play based upon performance starting week 2, but as we saw against LSU, multiple backs with varying skill sets are a great asset and keep everyone fresh. 30 carries a game get people fatigued and usually injured, just ask Lattimore. I think this is the best group of backs since Garrison and Terrel, deeper and faster, with some bruisers in the mix. Once the oline settles in, the offense will cause headaches for everyone down the line. should be a great year that could be very special.
PerroGrande
August 23rd, 2012
12:50 pm
Joey, Haiti’s storm resistance is very low. A bad hurricane could kill thousands. Don’t act like St. Simons–joke appropriately. If Richt wants to go to Haiti next week, more power to him!
PerroGrande
August 23rd, 2012
12:52 pm
Thx, Doc! Nail on the head, and that is exactly how it works. They will all get a chance and playing time will be based on their performance. It isn’t an issue.
Joey
August 23rd, 2012
12:55 pm
I thought Marshall would have the edge of the rookie backs, having gotten in Athens in Januray, and having learned that humongous, 3-page playbook!
Seriously, many heralded RBs have come in and didn’t have a clue about pass protection, and therefore not played much. Caleb comes to mind, but there were others.
Hope these youngins pick it up quick and get in there.
Joey
August 23rd, 2012
1:01 pm
Perro, it’s called tongue-in-cheek. Humor. If it hurts you, skip it.
Mind your own business, doofus.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
1:02 pm
Something always bothers me about the term “reward”.
I suppose it’s true. When players are the best choice, they are rewarded by playing. I don’t really consider that a “reward” as much as it is just common sense. In this case I think it’s probably a case of overall knowledge of the offense, doing the less glorified work of protecting the qb, and his ability to run the ball.
To me, starting Gurley would more qualify as a “reward” for just having a surprise camp in one of those categories. To me that would be more of playing favorites, or misplaced loyalty to one player over another. To start a guy who is not the best choice for the job. that’s if if he is not, maybe he is , or will be)
VINCE
August 23rd, 2012
1:05 pm
Just glad there isnt any midgets in the mix
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
1:05 pm
Anybody that does not think a freshman RB , not picking up the blitz is not a serious factor, needs only to watch the 2008 cocktail party game and see that cost us the game.
Newman
August 23rd, 2012
1:09 pm
WDE…Malcom quit the team last year.
SCdawg
August 23rd, 2012
1:11 pm
Whats the deal with Marshall? I thaught he was supose to be way better than Gurley. Is Gurley that good or is Marshall not doing so well? All the hype this summer was about Marshall..I havent seen neither of them play so idk there playing styles..just curious. I guess we will see soon huh? I take it from what ive read that maybe Gurley is a little bit more powereful than Marshall….
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
1:18 pm
I could easily make the case that last year a freshman RB missing his assignments was a major part of 2 turnovers that contributed greatly to loss(s).
Ghost
August 23rd, 2012
2:02 pm
Perhaps the coaching staff is saving something for Missouri? Gurley and Marshall probably haven’t grasped the whole playbook, no need in letting Missouri get more than a glimpse of what they can do.
WDE
August 23rd, 2012
2:10 pm
Newman I don’t think Boo missed as much as a practice did he?
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
2:33 pm
One.
PerroGrande
August 23rd, 2012
2:45 pm
Joey, it wasn’t funny–joking about large scale death and destruction. Thank God Richt wants to help and that he understands football is just a game. Too bad you don’t, and don’t even get the problem. I’ll mind my business if you will mind yours.
AltamahaDawg
August 23rd, 2012
2:56 pm
Mark Richt has lost control of Joey’s humor.
dawgfacedboy
August 23rd, 2012
3:11 pm
It usually comes down to pass blocking doesn’t it? At least that’s what I thought Richt always fell back on. Wasn’t an issue of whether or not a back could run but rather could he do the other things he was supposed to do; i.e. pick up the blitz.
Joey
August 23rd, 2012
3:12 pm
Thanks AD – not for the putdown, but for the humor, something one dimwit on here doesn’t get.
He’s trying to drum up sympathy for something that hasn’t yet, and in all probability won’t even happen, then scolding me for making a joke, beforehand!
Go lay down and weep for some, random victim somewhere in the world, and get off of a football blog, moron.