UPDATED: Georgia struggles vs. Kentucky, but win sets up monumental matchup with Florida
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Florida did its part by taking down South Carolina on Saturday. Georgia followed suit by beating Kentucky, though it didn’t go down like anyone predicted.
Nearly a four-touchdown favorite, the No. 11-ranked Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1 SEC) found themselves in a street fight with the 1-7 Wildcats. Georgia finally eked out a 29-24 victory, but there was hardly a wild celebration in postgame locker room. Even the tone of the ever-optimistic Mark Richt seemed indifferent and weary.
“You know what, I’m happy with the victory,” Richt said somewhat unconvincingly. “We’re what, 6-1? That’s not bad.”
It’s good enough to set up at SEC Eastern Division showdown next Saturday in Jacksonville. After Saturday’s disparate results — the No. 2-ranked Gators (7-0, 6-0 SEC) thumped No. 7 South Carolina 44-11 in Gainesville — not many will give Georgia a chance in their annual rivalry game next to the St. Johns River. Still, a win over what will be a favored Florida team will put the Bulldogs in the driver’s seat to repeat as SEC champions.
“That’s why you play on Saturdays,” Richt said.
Kentucky was certainly saying that Saturday. Georgia needed a record-setting night from quarterback Aaron Murray, a roughing-the-kicker penalty and an a hotly-contested onsides kick recovery to settle Saturday’s score. The victory wasn’t finalized until the Bulldogs stopped Kentucky’s final pass for a 13-yard gain at the Wildcats’ 30-yard line as time expired.
Aaron Murray’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Lynch – it was his fourth on a record-setting night — made it 29-17 with 7:51 to play, the first time the Bulldogs had been ahead by more than a touchdown all night. Ultimately, that play gave Georgia the cushion it needed to get back to Athens with the victory.
Murray finished with a career-best 427 yards on 30-of-38 passing and now holds the school record for career touchdown passes with 75. David Greene (2001-04) had the previous record with 72.
“I’m not a record guy,” said Murray, who also set the school mark for completion percentage with 30 or more receptions (78.95). “I just want victories. I want championships. That put us another step closer toward achieving those goals. We just have to go out there and keep competing and winning games.”
Said Richt: “A lot of things have to go well to throw the ball like that. You’ve got to be able to protect, to run good routes, to put the ball on the money and catch it. And you have to have a good idea what you’re doing. You have to have some scheme involved in there. I thought everything came together well.”
Murray completed the majority of his passes to wideouts Tavarres King and Malcolm Mitchell, who finished with nine receptions apiece. King had 188 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a 66-yarder. Mitchell had 103 yards. Marlon Brown dropped what would have been a sure-fire touchdown from 52 yards out in the second quarter.
Despite their struggles running the ball — they managed only 77 yards on 32 attempts — the Bulldogs’ claim their ability to throw the ball gives the offense confidence heading into Saturday’s game against the defensive-minded Gators.
“I think so,” King said. “I think those big guys, our O-L, will take pride in protecting No. 11 and let him get it down field to his boys.”
Florida’s offense might be licking its chops after getting a close look at Georgia’s defense, which continued to give up yardage in huge chunks to the previous hapless Cats. Kentucky, which came into the game 13th in the 14-team SEC in total offense, gained 329 yards, 198 of it in the first half . The Wildcats converted 4-of-7 third downs in the first half, all on runs, and finished 6-of-14.
“hey ran the ball on third-and-10 or so a lot and we let them run for first downs,” defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “We need to stop that in the zone that we have if we play physical. Obviously we’re going to address that. I didn’t think we played the third-down runs well and we need to clean that up.”
The game was still in the balance when Georgia’s Connor Norman recovered on onsides kick attempt by Kentucky with 3:59 to play to thwart the final upset attempt. It was a bang-bang p[lay as Kentucky’s kicker Joe Mansour hesitated to pounce on the ball as it slowly rolled 10 yards. Norman dove in under Mansour, a LaGrange native, just as he went down.
“Connor was heads up to go in there and snatch it and convince the refs it was his,” Richt said.
The Bulldogs were able to knock out three first downs after that and ended its possession at the Kentucky 16 when tight end dropped what would have been a first-down catch at the Wildcats 1.
Kentucky had time only to get off one desperation pass, which it completed to no avail at its own 30. The plan was for some sort of hook-and-lateral, but Georgia’s Shawn Williams was on Kentucky’s La’Rod King too fast and wrapped him up before King could get rid of it.
“Well, I don’t live in ‘almost,’” said Kentucky coach Joke Phillips, who drops to 12-21 as the Wildcats’ coach. “At the end of the year, we don’t say we almost win. The records say wins and losses. This was a loss.”
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555 comments Add your comment
Hairy Dawg
October 21st, 2012
1:47 am
I don’t give a crap whether we cover spreads or not, but I do give a crap about whether we play like we have functioning brains in our damned skulls.
Hairy Dawg
October 21st, 2012
1:49 am
“Well, I don’t live in ‘almost,’” said Kentucky coach Joke Phillips, who drops to 12-21 as the Wildcats’ coach.
Maybe that wasn’t a Freudian slip of a typo, but I bet there are some UK fans who think it is.
go-bravos
October 21st, 2012
1:50 am
1.Kirby Smart
2.Chris Peterson
3.Mike Reilly
4.Charlie Strong
Dawgs83
October 21st, 2012
2:06 am
You are all a disgrace to the school and this fan base. I know it’s a what if but what will you say next week if UGA goes in and wins in Jacksonville? “Great win but did you see CMR’s hair? How dare he comb his hair that way.” I’ll bet you won’t see Ward making any comments on here. Hey Ward if you’re so ballsy why not post your email address on here so the real fans can blow your email up if UGA wins and heads to the SEC championship 2 years in a row. One loss yet you’d think we haven’t won a game this year. You’re all the same fans who were calling for Mettenberger when he was still here. Great idea. You’re all a joke.
Maxx4955
October 21st, 2012
2:07 am
With Ritcht and his Snoopy coaching staff, UGA will never compete with the likes of Bama, LSU, FL. or USC. Richts plays favorite to his veterans…even when they play horrible. The starting DBs give up big plays pretty much ever game and for the most part are very poor tacklers. Sorry Ritchbo, your time is up.
markj
October 21st, 2012
2:13 am
One last comment to those who say CMR is so expressionless. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Saban as a coach who wears his emotions on his sleeve. Seems pretty in control of his emotions. @ go bravos have any of these coaches been head coahes in the SEC. Winning in the Pac 12 and Big East is not the same as winning in the SEC. They might be great coaches but then again they might be the beginning of 2-3 coaching changes before we get back on track
dbc
October 21st, 2012
2:15 am
I want someone on here with a pulse to give me one reason to believe UGA will beat Florida? Make your case. Based on what I’ve seen, this is the most poorly coached team UGA has ever produced — based on the supposed talent returning. Murray? Nope — has never won a single, SINGLE, game of significance. Rambo? Please — over rated and toast in the secondary. Corneilious W.? — well he ran his mouth about criticism and hasn’t been heard from since. Swann? – a dropped pass away from getting burned by the worst team in the SEC. Our D line? — fat and out of shape. 206 yards rushing from the worst team in the SEC. Our O line? Not enough time to list. Special teams? Are you kidding? Richt said they get a bad rap — and they are terrible and rightly so. Can’t field a punt and barely a kickoff THIS MANY GAMES INTO THE SEASON? Rhett McCowenn? Really? CMR is stealing his salary as are the clowns who call themselves coaches. Prediction: Florida wins easily by at least 30. And it will never be close. Those who disagree? Tell me why I should have any optimism at all?
Dawgs83
October 21st, 2012
2:25 am
You know what…you’re absolutely right dbc, why should UGA even make the trip to Jacksonville? A waste of gas, especially in this economy. Do I wish we won this and every other game handily? Of course. But be realistic. UF beating SC this bad shows that no matter how good you are, and a lot of you are saying SC are the bees knees, anything can happen week to week. I’m assuming that all of you negative nancy’s are at the top of your respective professions given the fervor with which you degrade this coaching staff.
Maxx4955
October 21st, 2012
2:34 am
@dbc…with you all the way. Man, it’s frustrating to watch my Dawgs. People keep saying that UGA has the best defensive players…where? They must be on the bench because the crew that’s out there now must be a skeleton crew impersonating a great defensive. Rambo is horrible…he should have left when he had the chance. S. Williams (my opinion) makes tackles but still misses key coverages. Hell, I say give guys like C. Norman and Corey Moore more time on the field…they can’t be any worst then these busters we have out there now. Both can cover well and Moore can sure of enough tackle.
AKdog
October 21st, 2012
2:34 am
We could be Kentucky….. Big game next week. Another chance for Richt to get a big win. One win away from a very real chance of playing for the right to go to the NC game. We control our own destiny after 7 games. Important relevant games in late october. I love GA football. No body saw SC getting blown out by LSU just like nobody saw GA getting blown out by SC. Let them play Saturday before you string them up. All this negativity sure doesn’t help recruiting. GA 35-24 over the Gators. Ill be back next week to take my lickens or to dole out some Sh##.
Later
AKdog
October 21st, 2012
2:37 am
I meant FL blowing out SC. The SC LSU game was actually a good game
dbc
October 21st, 2012
2:58 am
The word “blow” here has all the relevance in the world. Time will tell who we pin it on.
doggoneit
October 21st, 2012
3:16 am
UGA wins 7-9 games a year. Squeak by bad teams-get beat by good teams. No pride no passion, but win on talent against the Kentucky’s of the world. Florida will blow us out, Ole Miss will beats us. Either Auburn or Ga Tech will beat us. Maybe I’m being optomistic predicting 8-4. Oh, we will lose bowl game to finish 8-5. Richt and staff all return for another year that will be about the same.
Cal22
October 21st, 2012
3:37 am
Good win, you guys definitely showed you can hang with the big boys. Florida doesn’t stand a chance.
10-2coming up
October 21st, 2012
4:29 am
Ga has a game every year where they show up and totally dominate, ala Auburn last year. Unfortunately, this year we’ve already had it, against Vandy.
Florida rolls.
DAWG GONE
October 21st, 2012
4:49 am
Hell no. That was NOT a penalty on the roughing the kicker. Replays clearly showed him being BLOCKED into the kicker….. Dawgs will lose by 50 v. the gators…. That UGA D may give up a hundred…. in the first half. Somebody’s gotta go…… 29-24 against a team with one win with this win against the powerful Kent State Golden Flashes.? Somebody has got to go! That was NOT a penalty on the roughing the kicker. Replays clearly showed him being BLOCKED into the kicker…..WT heck.
7576DAWG
October 21st, 2012
5:00 am
Late in the game when we faked the kick and Mitchell ran for a first down but a flag called Georgia for illegal formation , not enough players on the line. Replay clearly showed that everybody was on the line except three players which I think is just fine. That call against Georgia was big and in my opinion was a bad call.
dawg fan
October 21st, 2012
5:04 am
VERY, VERY,DISAPPOINTING WIN…Defense looked like a high school team. I think right now even hopeless Auburn could be us right now. We are going to get slaughtered in Jacksonville if they don’t get their act together.
same stuff - different year
October 21st, 2012
5:07 am
it amazes me to read the same stupid stuff from you fools. How could anybody watch this team play over the last couple of months and not see how bad this teams sux? Y’all mush be watching though red and black glasses cuz a blind man can see that you will repeat the same performance you always do. 8-4 or 9-3. Maybe even 10-2, but then you’ll get your azzes beat in a meaningless bowl game; claim the best recruiting class in the nation and repeat it again…. and again. Insanity.
Dawg in Griffin
October 21st, 2012
5:10 am
Pathetic. The University’s students and alumni deserve better. Does Richt even prepare the team for a specific opponent? They always seems befuddled by what the other team is doing. I refuse to believe that everyone saves their best game for UGA, yet it seems that way on the field. Embarrassing.
Penalty on #7576. 5yds and still 4th down!
October 21st, 2012
5:12 am
7576Dawg – it takes 7 men on the line and four guys in the backfield. 8 players on the line is against the rules. Ever played the game??? You better hit that pipe again. Then, check your rule book. The penalty may be on you.
TY
October 21st, 2012
5:19 am
Quit beating Murray to death. The whole team the whole program, the whole system is O and forever with top rated teams. Georgia cannot handle this because they are always ranked above where they should creating a false sense of identity. They are there they feel this sense of belonging when they have not deserved such high rankings. This puts a target on their back. Other teams below their ranking play inspired to beat a team ranked above them and even teams like Kentucky play inspired to beat a highe r ranked GA team. Georgia has always been ranked too high and had a target on their back. When they play a top ranked team, Georgia is never mentally ready to beat them. When they play a team as some on this years schedule, the opponent plays out of their heads to beat GA and GA never looks good because the teams come out ready to play GA. The only game Georgia showed this kind of killer instinct was the Vandy game. Richt and Bobo have put too much pressure on Murray to succeed vs the top teams. We have rotated so many top receivers to keep our passing game successful we have forgot that the RB’s take a pounding. The way we are using the two freshmen will haunt us in the future by not letting some other capable backs run some in the game and keeping the two freshmen fresh. We are saving a fifth year senior on the bench for what? We are putting Malcome in the game at the end for what mop up duty. We eventually will wear these two out and we do not have anyone signed for running back for next year….You cannot expect two running backs to enter GA each year of this caliber. As Vince Dooly said about a departed running back. “It would have been nice to see a great back carry the ball fresh in the fourth quarter vs a tired defense.” The offensive scheme is that “offensive” at times. The worst thing Georgia does is not develop offensive linemen in mass…Hershel is gone…The national championship is over. We cannot bring it back by looking to Gershall, or Scott-Belue, or cannot remember those offensive linemen that blocked for the national championship…They wanted it more than our teams do today. They won with a more simple approach than we are attempting today. This is a coaching responsibility. Get them ready whether they are ranked high or not. If they are ranked high get ready to play all teams. If we are ranked lower get them ready to play all teams and challenge the teams above them. Georgia does not seem to have this instinct because they have not been where they should have been ranked and do not know how to handle it. Well the same goes for the coaching. They have not been there and they do not know how to handle it. McClendon for example…Is he using the backs in the best offense for the talent? but this is not his problem. Is Richt using the best offense to beat todays teams? Probably not.
GwinnettDad
October 21st, 2012
5:23 am
Oh my. The World’s Largest Cocktail Party looks to be upooming to be the World’s Largest Ugly Drunk, if you’re a Georgia fan. UGA will choke and disappoint, since when it comes to big games, they look as if it is 1864, CMR is Hood, and Florida is Sherman.
Old Coach
October 21st, 2012
5:34 am
@ Penalty
Maybe you are the one that doesn’t know the rules! ” 8 players on the line is against the rules” Have you ever played the game?
ZinoDawg
October 21st, 2012
5:47 am
Gators 48
Dawgs 7
slydog
October 21st, 2012
5:48 am
It’s like this fellas: Can the Dawgs beat the Gators? Yes. Could they have beaten USCe or lose the game in a closer fashion? Yes. By why continue this misery? Surprising wins against teams you wouldn’t normally beat is what keeps giving this regime breathing room. It’s like getting married and having kids too young. The wife or the husband sometimes does not grow up. There is no growth for Georgia Football right now. No momentum. No variations. And worst of all, no luck. If CMR somehow gets a victory next week, I’m afraid the pain will continue. Another year of ruining the better team’s chances of going to the Dome so we can back door ourselves in. It’s pathetic.
dmr
October 21st, 2012
5:52 am
Coaches coach. Players play. Fans go indiscriminately crazy. Count me in. Georgia beat Kentucky. So a load of NFL talent just played a glorified high school and struggled to win. Coaches have to believe. Players have to believe. Fans have to decide whether or not they believe. Seven (7) games into the season and I have absolutely NO REASON to believe that this Georgia team can hang with Florida. Special teams still awful. Defense cannot stop the run. Offense still predictable.
All that said….112 – 39 in 11 1/2 years at Georgia. Look at our history. Find someone who has done a better job. My point is I still think Richt can get the job done, but it is time to make some internal changes when this season is over.
But how are we all going to feel if Richt and Co. pull off the “Cocktail Upset” and head back to the Dome? Just saying.
westpointgadawg
October 21st, 2012
5:57 am
We all keep hearing from CMR that we got to execute this, execute that. Same old talk every year, sounds like someone he works for in FSU. Where is the fire that takes teams to the next level. No discipline on the team, same old lame excuses for the lack of play. We are going to get our lunch handed to us in Jacksonville. If we get blown out like Carolina did, then time for a change, either the O.C./D.C. or both, maybe CMR himself. WE are sick and tired of the lackluster sit on the lead and run the clock out wins, lets blow some teams out of the water. There is no intensity, no fire, just lame UGA football. This Bobby Bowden style of coaching went out in the 90’s. A CHANGE OF SOME SORT NEEDS TO BE MADE !!!! LET’S START WITH BOBO CAUSE HE’S GOT TO GOGO….
Bitter---gurshal
October 21st, 2012
6:03 am
What the F bomb happen to gurly running over people
——he gets hit now and falls staraight down
———-he evan ran east and west —–what has happened to the
————–two freshman———????—-really
——–This all stims over—–DRUG TEST
—————-MESSAGE TOO THOSE DAWGS WHO ROLLED OVER
——–PLEAS JUST QUIT AND GO AWAY!!!!!——PEE TEST ARE HERE TO STAY
Bitter---gurshal
October 21st, 2012
6:08 am
THIS IS A TOUGH DIVISION——-Chickens got plucked —-
——–NOW LSU will get revenge———-
————–ga_yturds will be looking to blow us out in front of
————-national TV——-STAY HOME —-or—DRINK PLENTY
Bitter---gurshal
October 21st, 2012
6:12 am
What happned for this Coaching staff???????
——-This defence is playing at 50%
———-tree and rambo look at 25%——–give them back their
——————–CRACK PIPE——–Let the whole team get high
———friggen————–CRY-BABIES
———-MAN UP————LADIES
Bitter---gurshal
October 21st, 2012
6:13 am
————–TEAM MEETING TIME—————
Bitter---gurshal
October 21st, 2012
6:16 am
All this talk of 6 first round NFL DRAFT-EES
————-Not any more———big number 6 jenkins had 1 tackle
———–BLAHAHAHAHAHAHAHhahahahahahahahahhahhhaaaa
————WE are now the joke of the SEC——–ALL TALLENT
————————NO HEART
Bitter---BLUNT
October 21st, 2012
6:26 am
——WHAT HAPPENED TO THE YOUNG RUNNERS——–????????
—————-FIND OUT WHY THE DEFENCE HAS QUIT??????
———IM GOING TO be stonned this saturday———
—going to go deer hunting —will cut out the HEART and send it to
—————–ya CRY-BABIES
Bozo N. Richt
October 21st, 2012
6:48 am
Coaching staff’s comments evidence their loser mentality. Second rate program that continues to underachieve under the direction of a dimwitted, overpaid coaching staff. If I close my eyes when listening to their press conference comments it sounds like I’m watching swamp people.
Been saying for years that nothing will change as long as the current braintrust remains in Athens. The only way things will change is if the fans force change with their wallets.
Next week we will get exactly what we deserve – another embarrassment on national TV. Second rate is what second rate does . . . yet again.
Ray
October 21st, 2012
6:56 am
Just as I’ve said before this coaching staff must go. I think CTG is the only one I would want to stay, but Mark Richt and Mike Bozo are in over their heads.
I am putting this is all caps AARON MURRAY IS OVERRATED! HE IS THE TONY ROMO OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL! Okay I feel better now.
Sad, Sad UGA
October 21st, 2012
7:07 am
Does anyone here think Muschamp would have said ——————–”You know what, I’m happy with the victory,” . “We’re what, 6-1? That’s not bad.”
Sad, Sad UGA
October 21st, 2012
7:10 am
Ray, are you nuts, you want CTG to stay after KY ran all over his defense. He had two friggin weeks to game plan gezzzzzzzzzzzzzz
ben
October 21st, 2012
7:12 am
Hey Hairy Dog…go back to school you IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(does ya really talk this way, ya moron?)
Lonnie
October 21st, 2012
7:18 am
Any fan of a team that wants them to lose is not a fan!!!!! I am a dawg and support my team. No excuse for poor defense and lack of rushing attempts, but knocking a QB after a 30-38 427 and 4 td game is ridiculous! He had the bounce back we needed! Good protection and great fake punt! Florida is finishing a gauntlet with being up for game after game and now has to beat us. I think we can get them! Let’s go Dawgs!!!!!
legionaire
October 21st, 2012
7:22 am
Kentucky always plays UGA tough. This is the SEC and only a fool believes that a team like UK cannot win one. The line play is what is killing UGA, Evidently Grantham has lost the confidence of his players because I never saw an Erk Russell D play the way this team does. It will not be pleasant to watch the lizard game.
Sad, Sad UGA
October 21st, 2012
7:26 am
77 yards rushing——————piteful
Sad, Sad UGA
October 21st, 2012
7:30 am
Lonnie said, “Florida is finishing a gauntlet with being up for game after game and now has to beat us. I think we can get them! Let’s go Dawgs!!!!!”
Are you friggin nuts??????????????? The Gators will have no problem taking away the run (KY did), and then they humilate Murray—the kid has never beaten a rank team, much less a top 5 team.
Piney Woods Pete
October 21st, 2012
7:35 am
Florida 56, Georgia 10
Can you say BEATDOWN?
Jeff
October 21st, 2012
7:35 am
Fire the Athletic Director. He has tied his wagon to CMR and that pathetic coaching staff. He talked a good game when he came back to UGA but he has not delivered. Get rid of him and the new AD will know coming in that this staff has to go. This team is truly over rated. To barely beat the worst team in the conference by 5 points is a prime example of how sorry a job this coach staff does preparing the football team. They had 2 weeks to prepare the team. The defense is horrible. The offensive line could not run the ball against Kentucky. A basketball school. LSU ran the ball against Carolina with 9-man fronts. No question this team is over rated. This staff will never ever win the big game. Watch Bama play and see what a staff can do with good football players. That team is fundamentally sound in their assignments. UGA defense is constantly out of position allowing the big play.
dawginduluth
October 21st, 2012
7:53 am
Wow! I’ve never had the many folks on the wagon with me! Where were you jackasses 6 years ago when I was pointing out what seemed so obvious at the time. Richt was an excellent recruites and a lousy coach. It became so apparent after he depleted Donna’s recruits and watching him fumble with clock management since day one. But noooooooooooo, he’s a nice guy, a Christian, a GREAT coach, blah, blah, blah. Then it was the “Who is good enough to replace him?” crap. Well, how about one of our own named Muschamp? But, oh, he would never leave Texas! Right! He’s going to kick our a$$ next week and we’ll be Florida’s be-atch once again. I don’t mean to say that I’ve been telling you so BUT I HAVE BEEN TELLING YOU, you Richt loving losers. OK who’s going to be the first loser to call me a bad UGA fan? Come on, I know you’re out there, you loser.
Dawg89-2
October 21st, 2012
7:54 am
Any fan of a team that wants them to lose is not a fan.
No, you’re wrong. A real fan wants the team to pile up enough losses or near losses to inferior teams that the idiots in the Butt-Smear building will have no choice but to sack the 3rd-rate coach and hire a real coach who can take the program to the highest levels – an SEC championship and then on to the BCS. It should be crystal clear by now that that’s never going to happen with Mark Richt.
Real fans would be marching on Athens right now to demand a change. Under a new coach, eventually the words “Georgia Bulldogs” would command respect instead of derision, and the real fans could begin the healing process of recovering from years of mediocrity and irrelevance.
That’s what real fans would do.
dawginduluth
October 21st, 2012
7:55 am
Oh, I forgot….
No NC with Richt. Never.
Meh
October 21st, 2012
8:00 am
@dawginduluth: “I’ve never had the many folks on the wagon with me! Where were you jackasses 6 years ago when I was pointing out what seemed so obvious at the time.”
You were right then, and you’re right now. Richt has to go.
CJ
October 21st, 2012
8:01 am
how embarrassing, what did this team do for last two weeks? is this how you come out against a bad KY team after getting your @$$ handed to you by South Carolina? This team has no character and no direction; the Gators will destroy you, be ready!