Bama delivers BCS knockout of Georgia, 32-28, in SEC Championship
With a BCS championship bid on the line, a heavyweight boxing match broke out at the Georgia Dome on Saturday, and it was defending national champion Alabama that delivered the knock-out blow in a 32-28 slugfest.
But give the Georgia Bulldogs credit. They got up off the mat and nearly won it.
With no timeouts and 85 yards to go with 1:08 to play, Georgia’s Aaron Murray got his team down to the Alabama 8. But rather than spike the ball with about nine seconds left, the Bulldogs elected to run another play. Murray’s pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and caught by flanker Chris Conley at the 5. He fell to the ground inbounds, and the last four seconds ticked off the clock.
“I told the players I was disappointed, but not disappointed in them,” a forlorn Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “It was a knock-down, drag-out fight, and everybody was swinging. We just ran out of time.”
For the No. 2-ranked Crimson Tide (12-1), the victory means a third trip to the BCS championship game in the past four years. They won the previous two. Alabama will face undefeated and No. 1-ranked Notre Dame (12-0) on Jan. 7.
But Alabama coach Nick Saban indicated he and his players will enjoy the school’s 23rd SEC title for a while before worrying about that one.
“My focus right now is to give the players the positive gratification they deserve,” Alabama coach Nick Saban. “I don’t even know what the date of the (BCS) game is. We probably won’t practice for a couple of weeks.”
The Bulldogs (11-2), who haven’t won a national championship since 1980 and haven’t played for one in 30 years, will play Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando.
Richt’s decision not to spike the ball at the 8 and instead run a hurry-up play will be debated for a while. A 26-yard catch by Arthur Lynch with 15 seconds remaining got the Bulldogs to the 8. There were about nine seconds remaining by the time Georgia lined up.
Murray rushed the offense into formation and tried to hit Malcolm Mitchell with a pass in the back right of the end zone. But the ball was tipped at the line of scrimmage, and Conley caught the ball inbounds at the 5-yard line.
“I know in hindsight now the ball wasn’t meant to go my way,” Conley said. “It was tipped at the line and, unfortunately I wasn’t able to make a smart play. Instinctively I grabbed the ball when I probably should let it go.”
Richt vehemently defended the decision.
“You don’t need to spike the ball there,” he said. “We had the play we wanted. It takes time to spike the ball, and we’re thinking about more than one play there.”
But that wasn’t where Georgia lost the game. The Bulldogs were manhandled up front by the Crimson Tide, who managed to run for 350 of their 512 yards. Junior tailback Eddie Lacy earned most valuable player honors with 181 yards and two touchdowns and his freshman backup T.J. Yeldon added 153 and another score. The Crimson Tide had the ball for nearly 38 minutes to Georgia’s 22:25.
“We did a great job of running the ball in the second half,” Saban said. “And the reason we did it was we couldn’t handle the pass rush.”
“I like the way we played,” said Jarvis Jones, who had six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. “I think we challenged them for 60 minutes. We came four seconds from playing for the BCS title. I’m just proud of all these guys that sacrificed for us to get here.”
Georgia freshman Todd Gurley had 122 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Murray finished 18-of-33 passing for 265 yards with a touchdown and an interception and was sacked three times. Tavarres King led the Bulldogs with five catches for 142 yards.
“Oh, man, it was crazy the way that it was so close,” Murray said. “That’s something you dream of as a little kid, to win the game like that. It’s just crappy the way it ended, that’s for sure.”
Saturday’s game was essentially a BCS championship semifinal, and the two teams played accordingly. After exchanging the lead three times in the second half, Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron hit Amari Cooper for a 45-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline for the game-winning score. Cooper, who had 127 yards on seven catches, got behind sophomore nickel back Damian Swann on the play, which came with 3:15 remaining.
On the ensuing possession, Murray was sacked on first down by linebacker Adrian Hubbard — a sophomore from Norcross — who stunted inside on a blitz for the 8-yard loss. Georgia ended up punting the ball to Alabama with 2:17 remaining, and it appeared the game might end like that.
But the Bulldogs used their final two timeouts and forced Alabama into a three-and-out. Mitchell’s fair catch at the 15 with 1:08 left gave Georgia one final shot.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
Game story: Alabama delivers BCS knockout of Georgia, 32-28
Bradley column: Five yards short in bitter defeat a winning UGA effort
Schultz column: Georgia earns respect in defeat, but loss not easy to take
The final drive and play: An agonizing ending for Georgia
What they said: post-game comments from players, coaches on both teams
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834 comments Add your comment
Renae Still
December 1st, 2012
8:54 pm
Roll Tide Roll!!!
James
December 1st, 2012
8:54 pm
I really think Georgia would have beaten Notre Dame handily. I am wondering now what bowl game our state Bulldogs will go to. For some reason, I would like to see us play UCLA.
Dawg_Mike
December 1st, 2012
8:55 pm
Do something against the Tides running game and its a different story…..Then spik clocking the ball would not have been necessary.
Disgusted
December 1st, 2012
8:55 pm
UGA is always a victim of a tough loss or, is it that they are not good enough.
Me thinks they are not good enough. And never will be — too many second rate yrs –
The Herschel era is long gone in case some have not noticed. Nothing to hang your hat on now.
Dawg_Mike
December 1st, 2012
8:56 pm
so close………………….but yet so far…………………………………………..
NC Dawg
December 1st, 2012
8:56 pm
Good effort just 4 yards short proud of these Dawgs and CMR.
unknown hinson
December 1st, 2012
8:56 pm
gotta spike the ball, unreal.
Gators sugar bowl
December 1st, 2012
8:56 pm
Typical Georgia, celebrate almost winning, just like you pathetic civil war inbreds. Must be ingrained in the south to celebrate second place and getting beat lol!,
TomDawg
December 1st, 2012
8:57 pm
Noboby has even mentioned the reason Ga. lost the game. Poor tackling. Grabbing at the shoulders does not bring the guy down, wrapping up the legs, thats what brings him down. Bama knows how to tackle, Ga. does not. And thats unexceptable at this level. Aarron Murry please enter the NFL draft next year.
GA SUCKS
December 1st, 2012
8:57 pm
Ho Ho Ho! Yall are bammers ho! Yall aren’t dogs, yall are kittens!
Phil
December 1st, 2012
8:58 pm
Nothing to be ashamed of, we played great and was one play short of pulling it out. Not blaming anyone on this, it was just a great game to the very end.
Gdawg
December 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
Now as close as it looks///////take away mccarrons td pass and lacy’s td run and your right. You idiot.
SOSDD
December 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
What is sad (and I understand where “Disgusted” is coming from)…we all KNEW Georgia would fall short…you’re lying if you don’t admit that in your heart of hearts, you knew this team would find a way to lose this game…and they did. Got outplayed by a better team, but should still have won this game.
Dawg_Mike
December 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
I say congrats to the Tide.Now go and roll the Irish
E Cole
December 1st, 2012
9:00 pm
“Disgusted”. Feel free to choose another team to support. UGA wouldn’t miss you.
Contractor
December 1st, 2012
9:00 pm
Dawg_Mike,
What do you mean “try” to stop the running game”? They did try, and couldn’t. You talk as if they just let them run by them on purpose. Some things you can’t defend and just get outplayed at. Alabama didn’t defend the pass all that well, but it wasn’t from lack of trying,
74 Dawg
December 1st, 2012
9:02 pm
The first half the zebras called was one of the worst in recent history. The hit on Murray at the end of the half, Jarvis being held, even tackled on every play. The players should decide the game, not the refs.The entire crew should be quietly fired in the off season. Proud of the kids, especially the last 2 possessions the defense did what they had to do- 3 and out for the tide.. Murray willed them to win on the last drive, they just ran out of time. They score there, it is one of the greatest drives by a college quarterback ever. No reason for our guys to hang their heads- they left it all on the field. It IS great to be a Georgia Bulldog. Go Dawgs!
North Campus Trash
December 1st, 2012
9:03 pm
Damn Fine Effort, Georgia Bulldogs.
74 Dawg
December 1st, 2012
9:03 pm
I will not be watching the game, but will be pulling for the Irish. F- Bama.
Phil
December 1st, 2012
9:04 pm
Not blaming Richt or Bobo this time. I think they played great and just came up 5 yards and 5 seconds short. I think they played as well as they possibly could. Not the typical blowout like we usually endure against teams like that.
willie wingate
December 1st, 2012
9:05 pm
.Boy what a game! No one should criticize Coach Richt or the Dawgs,because they just about beat a great Bama team. Those who are consistently griping about this staff and team should stay with your fantasy football, because you are ignorant about the “real” game.
just the truth
December 1st, 2012
9:06 pm
Lost lost and lost! Georgia is terrible. So many many ways to of won and they laid an egg. Maybe now we can get off this bandwagon season and get some players that care about the team. Too many primary Donna’s on this one
guru
December 1st, 2012
9:06 pm
Do Grantham believe in making ajustments? Sometimes you have to come out of the 3-4. They was blocking your nose with their center and doubling your DT with their guard and tackle.
UGABrave
December 1st, 2012
9:06 pm
Richt has to let Murray spike the ball there at the end..i hate it, but he costs his team teh game with the bone headed call..sucks!
Proud UGA Fan
December 1st, 2012
9:06 pm
I’m sick and tired of loser so-called “fans.” You’re the kind that are referred to as fair-weather fans. Bet you always get on the band wagon of another team. 52-0? ARE YOU KIDDING?!? Get real! I’m a fan of the Braves, Falcons, and UGA whether they are winning or not.
Disgusted
December 1st, 2012
9:06 pm
Noboby has even mentioned the reason Ga. lost the game. Poor tackling. Grabbing at the shoulders does not bring the guy down, wrapping up the legs, thats what brings him down. Bama knows how to tackle, Ga. does not. And thats unexceptable at this level. Aarron Murry please enter the NFL draft next year.”
How true that post is. They got the bejeesus beaten out of them at the line of scrimmage and they lost. Old Three and OUT Aaron Murray could not execute a drive when they were in a position to take control of the game and UGA let an outstanding Ala team hang around.
I have had enough of the loser Murray — pls go away and join your other UGA chole buddy Stafford in the NFL.
Anyone who is celebrating this game and is a UGA fan is a fool in my book. This was the opportuneyr with the level of talent around and they did not get it done.
The Man
December 1st, 2012
9:06 pm
The poodles are no match for Alabama. Hope the puppy nation will not cry all night. They will never be equals to Bama or LSU. Just saying.
JC
December 1st, 2012
9:06 pm
Does anyone know why the coaches wouldnt play Herrera in the second half to help defend the run..? #35 was getting abused
Rob
December 1st, 2012
9:07 pm
We could have spikedz the ball and still had the same result….it would have given the Tide a chance to breathe and reset as well. Dawgs played a great game. No matter what bowl we go to, I’m still proud…..would have rather won though.
Disgusted
December 1st, 2012
9:08 pm
“I will not be watching the game, but will be pulling for the Irish. F- Bama.”
Amen 74 Dawg — I wish the guys on this team and coaching staff had the same attitude and mindset.
Rooting for Alabama is like rooting for the guy who took your girlfriend or wife.
georgia fan
December 1st, 2012
9:09 pm
i have been watching football for more than 35 years and never seen such a badly called game. Alabama was allowed to hold, block in the back and hit quarterbacks without being called for anything. that was joke. Alabama won the last major championship for a long time. they are one dimensional and if you think they will get away with holding against the Irish you are crazy.
SJvet
December 1st, 2012
9:09 pm
As usual, the talent exceeded the coaching, especially play calling and time management. This is the third game I’ve seen Richt lose due to poor clock management. He kept Marshall mostly on the bench, just like he did with Danny Ware because he liked Thomas Brown. Ware has two Super Bowl rings and Brown has none. I guess no one on the coaching staff noticed Marshall’s long runs for TDs.
DaTruth
December 1st, 2012
9:10 pm
The truth is UGA will never win with Mark Richt as coach. Attitude from the top trickles down to the team and Mark Richt does not have the attitude of a CHAMPION winning coach, too passive. Way too much talent on these Ga. teams for year after year to be ending with excuse after excuse. IT’S THE COACHING, IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN. Talent has to be coached to win championships and the coach has to get to the point where LOOSING IS NOT AN OPTION, for Mark Richt loosing is an option and the fans year after year are more upset than him. THAT’S THE PROBLEM
Loyal Dawg
December 1st, 2012
9:10 pm
Great game. Extremely proud of our team. Awesome effort. Good coaching job by CMR and staff. Had the guys ready to play. Painful, painful loss. Dawgs left everything on that field.
TODawgfan
December 1st, 2012
9:11 pm
Richt was trying to catch them off guard with not spiking it and if you watch Murry he always does that little hand motion after every long pass play he wasn’t calling for the spike.
Let me say I have felt at time the coaches have not had the team ready to play and the players have not played to their potential at times, but that was not this game this game they played their hearts out. Yes I would have liked our D not to give up the runs but Alabama is a great team and Georgia showed they are a great team. To fight the way they did and never give up the coaches and players both need to know that they did a great job. Anyone that says different clearly knows nothing about the game. If Florida jumps Georgia the voters clearly did not watch the game.
DOGGIE IN NC
December 1st, 2012
9:11 pm
I think we just watched the True National Championship game. They ran that last play to give them two chances at the end zone. If you spike it, then probably just one play. I believe he was throwing it to the end zone for the other receiver – just got tipped. What a great game! Be proud of your effort Dawgs! GO DOGGIES!
82 Dawg
December 1st, 2012
9:11 pm
I kept reading about how Alabama doesn’t make mistakes or commit penalties. Now I see why, they do commit penalties, a lot of them, but none of them get called. No holding calls, even though JJ was consistenly held and taken to the ground, no pass interference penalties, no block in the black penalties. No personal fouls, even though I saw numerous puncheds thrown after the whistle. It sure helps your running game and your offensive line performance when you don’t have to worry about. Was that a $100 Saban handed the official on the field after the roughing the passer call?
Really?
December 1st, 2012
9:12 pm
Did Murray really run straight to the locker room after the game? What a class act – not!
dave
December 1st, 2012
9:13 pm
Great, another bogus BCS National Championship game between two bogus teams that don’t deserve to be there. Guess I’ll be boycotting this one. Haven’t had a legitimate national championship game since USC and Texas. How many years does Alabama have to keep backing into the bogus BCS final game before we have a playoff? What about the other 1 loss teams? What about Oregon? What about Kansas State? What about A&M which beat Alabama? It’s completely bogus that Alabama keeps getting the title game slot every year and all their fake titles are bogus and tainted. No one can say with any certainty that Alabama is better than Oregon or Kansas State. And Notre Dame barely squeaked by Purdue, BYU and Pitt. That is as bogus a team as they come. Wake me up when we have a playoff.
Shankit
December 1st, 2012
9:14 pm
Enter your comments here
Peaked
December 1st, 2012
9:14 pm
Richt and the dawgies had their shot this year, and as always fall SHORT! LOSERS! Tougher schedule! Surging Gators, and no defense means fighting with Kentucky for last place is in your future dawgs!!! MUHa ha haha
Loyal Dawg
December 1st, 2012
9:14 pm
Every single person questioning CMR is an idiot. If that ball was not tiped; but instead caught for a touchdown NO ONE would be saying a thing.
Tommy Maddox
December 1st, 2012
9:14 pm
You know something is VERY WRONG when you can hear everybody all the way down the street yelling “SPIKE IT!!”
Sorry but heads should roll on this.
JC
December 1st, 2012
9:15 pm
Say what you want..TJ Yeldon wanted that first down more than SWilliams wanted to stop him. He ran right over him. A true freshman ran over a senior who several weeks earlier called his teammates soft. The Bama players were mentally and physically tougher than the Dawgs
JoeDon
December 1st, 2012
9:17 pm
A great game and a heartbreaking loss for all of us GA fans. We’ll get ‘em next year. For now, go ‘Bama and carry the SEC banner forward against Notre Dame.
BillRoy
December 1st, 2012
9:18 pm
The “fire Richt” nonsense has already started. You will not find another coach much better and will only begin again with another system that will take time to firm up. Look at Tennessee and how messed up their coaching situation has been since they fired Phil Fulmer. Seeing a game like this one, and bad mouthing the coach because you ran up against possibly the best college team in the nation is sour grapes and will not move you forward. But keep it up and you may get what you wish for, a coach with a big resume and no improvement over the one you have.
E Cole
December 1st, 2012
9:18 pm
The sun will come up in the morning. Go Dawgs.
Good night.
STUDENT ATHLETE
December 1st, 2012
9:18 pm
MUHAMMED ALI VS. JOE FRAZIER. I am proud of these bulldogs. Earned the respect of the whole nation. And congratulations to Alabama. Great coach. Great program. Finally, this bulldog hopes Aaron Murray comes back.
Bulldog
December 1st, 2012
9:19 pm
Go way far away Richt. And take Mark Fox with you! PLEASE!
marseilles mutt
December 1st, 2012
9:20 pm
Actually, I DID root and really felt indebted to the guy who took away my wife! …liked him a LOT!
That having been said, great game dawgs, so much for the suposed blow- out!