Notebook: Bulldogs look to resurrect rushing attack against run-stuffing Gators
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the three games leading up to the South Carolina game, Georgia averaged 301 yards and 5 touchdowns running the football. In the two games since, the Bulldogs have averaged 96 yards and one-half a TD.
The Bulldogs believe the truth that is their 2012 rushing attack lay somewhere in between those two samples. They’re probably not as mighty as they seemed when they were gashing Florida Atlantic for 328 yards on Sept. 15 or as meek as they were eking out 77 yards against Kentucky last week.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be that good every week,” said freshman tailback Keith Marshall, who had 164 yards against Tennessee and leads the backs with a 7 yards per carry average. “This is SEC football, you know. I think teams were just having to respect the run a little more than they were at the beginning of the season. That’s no excuse. I still think we’re capable of doing big things and I think we’ll get back to doing it.”
Fellow freshman tailback Todd Gurley, who once led the SEC in rushing and had five 100-yard games, has managed only 86 the last two games. He’s now sixth in the league at 88.9 yards per game.
The No. 2-ranked Florida Gators’ defense is hardly one against which to expect improvement. They come into Saturday’s game ranked among the nation’s top 10 in rushing defense (10th, 97.29 ypg), total defense (7th, 282 ypg) and scoring defense (12.14 ppg).
Regardless, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said it’s important the Bulldogs stay committed to the run. So he and his staff have worked overtime examining the issues of the last two games with the hope of making the necessary adjustments.
“I think it was a little bit of execution at South Carolina and a little bit of us getting whipped and then getting down and getting away from the running game,” Bobo said. “This past week, I think it was a little bit about what their defense was doing. They made a commitment to stop the run. We knew it would be tough but we thought we could pop a (long) run in there. But we never did and had more success in the air. So, overall, I wasn’t disappointed with the run game because it didn’t do anything to hurt us. It enabled us to open up the passing game and throw for over 400 yards.”
Georgia managed 505 yards offense against Kentucky thanks to quarterback Aaron Murray’s 427-yard passing night. But the Gators are good at stopping that, too. They rank 3rd nationally in pass efficiency defense.
The key for the Bulldogs is to stay patient keep them guessing.
“Against one of the best rush defenses in America, you may run for less yards than you’re averaging and still have a heck of a day running the ball,” coach Mark Richt said. “We definitely don’t want to abort the run by any means. We have to make sure that we run it well enough to the point they have some respect for it.”
Said Bobo: “I think we’re a confident (offense). We believe in ourselves and believe we can execute any time we step on the field. The thing you’ve got to keep preaching is, sometimes the defense is going to stop you. But you can’t get rattled; you can’t worry about it. You’ve got to keep playing and I think we do a great job of that.”
Close to home
Georgia has a dozen players from the state of Florida, but none grew up closer to Georgia-Florida game than John Theus.
The Bulldogs’ freshman right tackle and his older brother, snapper Nathan Theus, graduated from the Bolles School, just around the corner from EverBank Field.
“I’ve always thought it would be cool to be able to play in that stadium that I’ve watched so many games in,” John Theus said this week. “I know the place so well. It’s cool to go back.”
Etc… .
Malcolm Mitchell has played 336 snaps this season: 178 on defense, 103 on special teams and 55 on offense. . . . Georgia is among the top six teams in the nation when it comes to playing freshmen. The Bulldogs had played 13 true freshmen this season, which ranks sixth among FBS teams. Another nine redshirt freshmen have played. . . . Bulldogs and Gators fans were arriving by the thousands on Thursday and were greeted cloudy skies but very warm temperatures. Hurricane Sandy, a category 1 storm in the Caribbean Sea, appears to be turning away Florida. But high winds and unpredictable weather is expect the next two days as it heads to the Atlantic Ocean.
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
207 comments Add your comment
Jim
October 26th, 2012
9:17 am
Pat Dye once said Georgia wasn’t man enough, well this year Mark Richt is not coach enough to beat Will Muschamp.
Mobile Dawg
October 26th, 2012
9:19 am
I don’t think the recruits on the Oline are the big problem. The NFL seems to take their share of our OL guys, problem is in the culture, environment, conditioning, ultimately it all boils down to coaching.
G-Dawg
October 26th, 2012
9:20 am
Said Bobo: “I think we’re a confident (offense). We believe in ourselves and believe we can execute any time we step on the field.”
Believing and doing are completely two different things Bobo!!
Neutral
October 26th, 2012
9:20 am
I don’t know FLA Dawg…..let’s give CMR, CTG and CMB 30 more hours before throwing in the towel!!! I will either jump on or off your bandwagon at 6:30 tomorrow. Go Dawgs!!!
CoachG30
October 26th, 2012
9:24 am
“Regardless, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said it’s important the Bulldogs stay committed to the run.”
If you have watched him call plays the last 5-6 years then you know that its BoBo’s philosophy to go AWAY from what works. Contrary to popular belief, Bobo is groundbreaking with this approach keeping his job longer than other coordinator in history that has tried this approached. Atta Boy.
Neutral
October 26th, 2012
9:24 am
G-Dawg
Bobo needs to just follow the (I think) Nike saying, “JUST DO IT”!!!!
old dog
October 26th, 2012
9:25 am
I know we put some o-linemen in the NFL, but the other ones alongside them do not measure up. You cannot have a stud or two and then a midget beside them. I’d rather have a solid line than 1-2 NFL players and Non D-1 players filling in th blanks! As a unit, cumulitively the talent grade is not there. Don’t blame me…….watch us play a good team!
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
9:28 am
Neutral,
Beginning in ‘09 I was calling for Richt’s removal (Bobo even earlier). When this season started I saw the O playing great ball and the D giving up points like it was Christmas time in preschool.
I knew we were playing patsies but so does everyone else and really thought the Vandy Game was a turnaround for our D. I actually gave Richt a pass and began to think that maybe, just maybe Bobo was beginning to catch onto SEC football.
The our miserable performance against UT and SC followed and with it the last of my hope that Richt will ever be able to consistently beat ranked teams.
No sir, Richt cannot beat UF. I have zero confidence in him, Bobo and Grantham.
Faith can move mountains but it cannot help a poorly coached SEC Team beat a well-coached SEC Team.
Alphare
October 26th, 2012
9:29 am
“The key for the Bulldogs is to stay patient keep them guessing.”
Keep whom guessing? the UGA fans or coaches?
Mobile Dawg
October 26th, 2012
9:32 am
How did Boise do it old dog? I’m just saying I think Richt’s soft culture is to shoulder the biggest blame. He doesn’t teach physical football. I use Ben Jones as an example, he had the tenacity of a bull. In his freshman year he would push a block 10 yards downfield. Contrast that to his senior year, he tried to talk like a leader but had become a teddy bear. Saw him playing in the NFL the other night.
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
9:36 am
Mobile,
There has been an “everything will be alright” attitude in Athens under Richt that began about three or four years after his arrival. I think it has something to do with his strong faith.
I applaud the man for having high morales but he is not a competitive SEC HC and has proven it for three or four years straight now.
air of mendacity
October 26th, 2012
9:38 am
down here in Jacksonville – pretty windy, so passing game may be problematic. Hope lines are not dominated like in the Cocks game. I have to agree with Kiper Jr. – dogs have more overall talent than Gators, and if they don’t turn the ball over, they will be in it till the end with a good chance to win. GO DAWGS
Mobile Dawg
October 26th, 2012
9:46 am
I’m with you FLA DAWG, I started seeing the problems in 2007, and am on record bringing those problems to light starting with Willie Martinez, and a total lack of discipline on and off the field. Richt has run out of leash with me, I stopped my contributions beginning in 09, last game I went to was at Auburn, when we helped Cam Newton look great.
old dog
October 26th, 2012
9:49 am
Mobile Dawg,
Boise did it last year like LSU and Michigan State did it…..they spanked our o-line. They over-powered us up front. It took LSU and Michigan State (for some reason) until the second half but they finally figured out our weakness. I know that EVERYBODY wants to win, and that a multitude of factors contribute to various opinions, but here is a FACT, NOT AN OPINION. There are other questionable areas, but our lack of talent up front is not in question. Even at their best, this o-line DOES NOT HAVE AND WILL NOT HAVE the talent factor that a ‘Bama, or S.C., or several other teams have. Our D has talent….they just ain’t clickin’, and there are several contributing factors. However, in our recruiting efforts (or lack there-of) we either get an NFL lineman, or one who couldn’t start for another D-1 team. We need to consistently brring in top-notch o-linemen and AT LEAST get our talent level up to the point that we can blame coaching!
Neutral
October 26th, 2012
9:50 am
Think positive guys!!!!!
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
9:53 am
Right on the mark in my opinion Mobile.
I stopped my UGA contributes around the same time.
No more tickets or souveniers until Richt, Bobo and Grantham are fired.
Completely agree about Martinez. I thought Grantham was a good hire but I guess I was wrong there. Maybe if Richt hadn’t chewed him out for being too tough on the players the D wouldn’t stink so bad two years later though.
I thought of Grantham as a modern day Erk and Dooley would never have done to Erk what Richt did to Grantham – especially on national tv.
The whole damn thing is a mess. Time to startover.
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
9:54 am
Neutral
You know if you start talking to Thomasina, he won’t let you go, lol. He will “pull your files” and reread your post from two or three years ago. I think he has a man-crush on me, lmaoff,and I’m not kidding. At least he calls me kingdaddy sir…only reason I tolerate him…
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
9:54 am
Neutral,
Ok, I’m positive we cannot be UF.
air of mendacity
October 26th, 2012
9:55 am
Richt has got to start winning games of importance. If we get blown out, then his days should be numbered. Remember McGarity comes from the Spurrier / Urban days when Gators were winning everthing in sight. His patience has to be wearing thin with the inability of the current staff not being able to get over the top.
Pete
October 26th, 2012
9:57 am
If GA reverts back to trying to run up the middle every 1rst down; particularily with a small lead, they will give away another game.
RealDawg
October 26th, 2012
10:01 am
“I think we’re a confident (offense).” Found the problem
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Love the way some of our “so-called” fans say we have NO CHANCE! Doesn’t sound like a UGA fan to me. Smells a little fishy to this Dawg-fan. If you say you are a fan, but have given-up on this #11 team that is 6-1, then I will say UGA doesn’t need your kind of support. What are you trying to do, hedge your bets? If we win, then you’re all great with it, but if we lose, you knew it all along, lol. What a total waste of a fan. Move on and find your “perfect” team…
CDAWG
October 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Tampa Gator, no way the score is that close. That SC game coupled with the poor performance against KY did something to us. I think for the first time a lot, not all of the faithful are thinking Richt can’t get the job done. I wished Richt would GET MAD! Bobo said we have to keep the Gators guessing…really? I can call most of his plays from my easy chair and he is going to keep them guessing; I am too sad to laugh. I am at the point that I just hope the Dawgs don’t lay down and we look respectable.
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
10:07 am
old dawg,
Your points have merit vs quality teams and we did roll up points vs patsies but to give up 107 points in four games vs Buffalo, Mizzou, FAU(!?) & UT is an absolute joke.
Please don’t try to tell me those teams have more talent on O than we have on D.
old dog
October 26th, 2012
10:07 am
Pete…u r so right…..we ain’t runnin’ up the middle on these guys.
Neutral….not trying NOT to be positive, but I would rather lose a hard-fought game to an opponent who was better that day than to go into it with a talent-disadvantage. We got d-talent….it just is not clicking now. We have a better QB than we give him credit for, and good backs/fair receivers. But why can the backs not run in the big games, and why is our QB running for his life (yeah, like any QB he may make a mistake, but still) in the big games. It is due to lack or production up front!
ARdawg
October 26th, 2012
10:09 am
Neutral
LOL…good call.
I think the preseason was USC, Bama, Oregon, LSU, AR
Vance
October 26th, 2012
10:09 am
I share the other fans comments about CMR–I admire him and appreciate all he has done for us; but he seems to have lost his mojo. He’s tried everything he can to bring us a national title, but has come up short. If fans are content with losing the big games, like this one, but having fairly successful seasons, then things will remain the same. If we lose to UF …again…fans may start to lose their patience. Eventually a coaching change will come. After the SC thrashing in every area of the game, I have finally lost my confidence in this staff. I hope for Murray’ sake, we pull off the upset, so he won’t be left with a legacy of never winning the big games despite his amazing abilities and records.
Pete
October 26th, 2012
10:09 am
Keys to GA victory: Defence: do not underestimate speed of QB, give same respect that was given Mizz QB. Offence: No tipped balled at the line. Special teams: No fumbles and run up and make Fair Catch instead of letting ball hit and roll 29 yards.
CDAWG
October 26th, 2012
10:11 am
kingdaddy, as Jim Carrey put it in Dumb and Dumber when he asked what the chances for him and the actress in the movie to hook up and she said one in a million and he said so there is a chance. So yes we have a chance!
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
10:11 am
kingdaddy,
I was in New Orleans for the NC – the greatest NC defensive game probably ever played.
I was in Jax for the Miracle on Duval Street.
I supported the team through thick and thin but the last several years has revealed coaching issues to anyone not wearing Rose Colored Glasses and these problems have not been addressed. I am supporting my team by demanding change.
When fans continue to support this coaching staff it is detrimental to UGA, the football program, the team, students, alumni and other fans.
Period.
archie
October 26th, 2012
10:12 am
Westside(Macon) OC has had BEST gameplan I’ve seen this year at ANY level. He kept a fast, strong, tough Northside defense off balance all night in a 42-18 loss, vs. a team giving up @ 120 yards, 7 points; they gained @ 450!!
Hire their OC uga, or steep in mediocrity til the cows come home.
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
10:14 am
Hope none of you “so-called” fans aren’t married, cause when the times get tough, you guys would fold like a cheap table. You have no backbone. It is OK to say “SCREW RICHT! “, but it isn’t OK to abandon your team when they need you the most. Wouldn’t want you on my team or at my back…
DJ Dawg
October 26th, 2012
10:18 am
Well said, kingdaddy!!!!
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
10:18 am
kingdaddy,
Perhaps you’d like to tell all of us the last time our Dawgs beat a Top Ten Team?
The D players are now engaged in “In-Fighting”, we’ve had more kids on suspension over the past few years than I can remember, Bobo is still the OC and you are defending all of this krap?
What will it take for you to realize Richt must go? A loss to a patsie team?
Ok, how about the loss to Central Florida?
dmr
October 26th, 2012
10:23 am
3 step drops, short to intermediate pass game, get the tight ends involved in passing and blocking, 1st downs can be passing downs, stay out of third and longs, sustained drives vs. going for homeruns, and don’t be afraid to put 7 linemen in the game if running is really what you want. 1 center, 2 guards, 4 tackles —- 2 other tackles at tight end spots. Build a wall and push them back.
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
10:24 am
FLA DAWG
If you feel that I am talking to you , then you may feel a little guilty. My words are not said lightly. I believe in family, & team. Al real Dawg fans are brothers & sisters. Vent if you need to, its normal and healthy. I was addressing those that have given-up. If you don’t fit in that catagory, then don’t take offense. If my words offend you, then take a close look in the mirror. I don’t think supporting this team is
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
10:25 am
Detrimental…Sorry about that…
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
10:28 am
king,
No reason to apologize. We simply have a difference of opinion.
You think I criticize to hurt the team. I think my comments and those of many others will lead to the changes we need to get back on the winning track.
Consider Bama, LSU and Auburn unloaded their coaches and won SEC and BCS in short order.
No reason why we cannot do the same.
Mike Franklin
October 26th, 2012
10:29 am
If that storm gets too close to the coast, there won’t be a lot to run in except mud, lol. Gonna be an interesting contest…
Woof woof!
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
10:31 am
Fla. D,
seems like you have lost your “zest” for the team. When winning becomes the most important thing in your life, you forget how to cope with the loses that are a natural part of it. I don’t want UGA to ever lose, but it sounds like some of you are actually pulling for it…
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
10:34 am
FLA DAWG
You are my brother. I know you care. We just go about it in different ways…
Z Dawg
October 26th, 2012
10:35 am
Coach CMR and BoBo just find a way to keep the chains moving. If this happens, DAWGS will win.Go DAWGS.
kingdaddy
October 26th, 2012
10:35 am
Gotta run. Surf’s up…
FLA DAWG
October 26th, 2012
10:36 am
I don’t want to lose any game. But the fact is we have not beaten any decent team in years. So if some losses (and we will lose to UF regardless of what you and I write) will eventually lead to an improvement in the area of weakness we have (coaching) then let it be so.
Neutral
October 26th, 2012
10:41 am
Kingdaddy,
Good warning about Thomas Brown……I think he may want my bod so I’ll act like I don’t read his blogs!!! “act”!!! I don’t have time to read his ramblings!!!
Hardtruth and No Championship since 1980
October 26th, 2012
10:44 am
So Bobo’s working overtime for the Gergia-Florida game to focus on the run? Hey Bobo I thought coaches worked overtime for every game you moron! It’s the difference between us and Sabans crew. He’s focused on football and not making kids yearly. Geez man get a clue or get outta Georgia. You and Richt had to key games that you had to focus hard on, and you’ve blown one. Redemption or bust. Mediocrity can know lnger be the standaed. Either you guys will win, or UGA Alumni will close there wallets. Think McGarrity won’t hear the fans then?
Hardtruth and No Championship since 1980
October 26th, 2012
10:48 am
Mediocrity can know longer be the standard. Sorry about that. Gator spelling rubbing on me. Lol
ub6ib9
October 26th, 2012
10:55 am
Do anything to get some fire into this UGA team…team endzone celebration after first touchdown a la 2007, Grantham outburst, etc. Mark “Ford” Richt will not show any passion…somebody step up and get this team playing like it wants to win!!
Neutral
October 26th, 2012
10:56 am
I agree with Kingdaddy that it really feels like many anti-CMR bloggers are almost wanting the Dawgs to lose so UGa will fire him. I sincerely believe in the power of positive thinking and believe the negative vibes don’t help at all. Also, I’ve been a hard core UGa fan for over 50 years and it kills me to see the Dawgs in a rut, but I try to put it all in a positive perspective. I agree that CMR is a good coach, but not spectacular. With that said, I think there are only 5 or 6 coaches at the spectacular level……and 3 have coached in the SEC……making life miserable for the very good coaches who have to face these superstars. Let’s get off the negative kick and spend the next 24 hours talking about how the Dawgs will win. For example: I believe our defense got a wake-up call this week and now the “soft” players knows they will be watched under a microscope on national television. They will play tougher than they did against Vandy against a Florida team that has an “egg-sucking” offense that is not ranked in the top100. UGa will beat a mediocre Gator team that the experts think is the second best in America…..so we will jump over folks in the polls/computers and finish Sunday night in the BCS around 6-7 placing us in the NC picture.
Ron Roberts
October 26th, 2012
10:57 am
Get Richard Samuel and Ken Malcolme involved, Bobo. It’s not rocket science, dude.