Tough Loss To Michigan State
That was a tough loss. The 'Dogs leave Tampa with a lot of regrets.
Got to give Michigan State credit. They were down, got up, fought back and won. Their seniors were determined to go out a winner. Tip your cap to them.
But this is a tough one to take for Georgia. Gave up a 16 point halftime lead. Let a late lead get away, with less than 2:00 to play. Had a shot to end it in the first overtime, but Walsh missed another one. This is a game that the 'Dogs allowed to get away.
Aaron Murray's second half performance was disappointing. Two 3rd quarter picks resulted in 2 Spartan TDs. That's a killer. Aaron made some plays too. But those 3 turnovers really turned the game over to Michigan State.
It sure looked good with 1:55 remaining on the 4th quarter, with the 'Dogs up 27-20 and State getting the ball at their own 15 yard line. Thought for sure Grantham's defense would slam the door shut on them. But instead, they gave up a 10-play, 85 yard TD drive, to force OT.
The biggest mistake by Coach Richt was playing for the FG in the 1st overtime. We sat on it, so Blair Walsh could miss another one. Could understand that approach, if Rex Robinson or Kevin Butler was kicking, but Walsh? After the season he had? That prevented us from winning. Richt should have allowed Bobo to be aggressive there.
Our O-Line got whipped. Our RB situation is below average. That was crystal clear too.
Losing that one is a big disappointment.
Boykin played his rear end off. He was out MVP. Tavarres King had a record setting day. He was outstanding. Jarvis Jones was making a huge impact, until he injured his knee. We had some guys play well. But we are still a few players short of being able to handle a Top 25 team.
Buck I agree with you again-we lost to a very good Football team that really fought hard-but we should have won-I don't ever bash the coaching but with their linebackers attacking the line-It would have been nice to throw to our tight ends or maybe a fullback sneaking out into the flat-oh well hope it doesn't hurt recruiting-thanks Buck I enjoy your blog--Bruce
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Amen! If I EVER see the "prevent defense" employed again, it will be too soon!! Clearly a case of misplaced loyalty by CMR.
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Too much emphasis is placed on play calling. The offense belongs to Bobo. He's the CEO of the offense. He's in charge of game plan, game preparation, blocking, pitching, catching, half time adjustments, player personnel, etc. When Murray does not understand the importance of ball security it's Bobo's to fix. I keep reading what a great QB coach he is. Hog wash. Stafford and now Murray underachieved under Bobo. I believe Richt ends the year back on the hot seat. He should have signed something before the Michigan State game. I wonder if the McGarity "love" still burns. And yes - Bobo's not a good play caller.
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Buck,
What's up with Murray? Did you read his quotes from the AJC:
The second pick six was tipped...stuff happens.
But that first pick...UGA was up 16-0. They had just stopped MSU (three and out) on the opening kickoff of the second half. Had run the ball successfully a few times and were moving down the field with realtive ease. Had ALL the momentum. He was rolling out on first down at mid-field and could have picked up 5 yards sliding upfield. Instead he slung it (Brett Farve style) ... not to a wide open receiver but to a spot he anticipated where King would be! Good Lord! This is not "miscommunication in the scramble drill". This is a dumb, dumb play by a smart (I think) QB - but he is not recognizing it as such. That really worries me, Buck! Surely this is so obvious even to the casual observer. Please, please call him out publically so that someone points out that the king has no clothes before it is too late. No generalities, please..."you have to respect the ball"...but specifics.
This was clearly the play that turned the whole game around early in the second half when the Dawgs were rolling, and Murray apparently does not see it that way. Red flag, Buck, for the UGA QB big time! Both for the coaches and for the player.
Another example is when he fumbled by putting his head down and trying to get an extra yard when he was 8 yards away from the first down. No need to do that. Dumb play. This is not competitive juices by a great player. This is stupid play by someone who is supposed to be smart. This is why Aaron rodgers is better than Brett Favre (remember when all he had to do was slide to give the Vikings a chance to go to the Super Bowl and he threw across his body into traffic for a pick at the end of the game? Just like he had done his whole career.
Murray, like Favre, is tough as nails, a great leader, a strong arm and a good player. But someone needs to point out that this play (like a few others in his early career) are not just bad throws. The are bad judgements at a critical time (even if he completes it). David Green and Buck Belue never did this. Stafford did but he had uber talent to compensate (like Favre). Murray needs to play smarter!
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Blair Walsh - addition by subtraction - but not his fault - coaches fault for putting him out there - would have loved to see Bogatay get a shot at one of those attempts! Love Murray as a person - the bigger the game the more he turns the ball over - would like to see Mason at least get a shot when it matters - I think he would take care of the ball and manage the game - that would keep the defense from being gassed in the fourth quarter having to "defend' Aaron's mistakes. Still love Coach Richt.
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Today you defended Bozo saying we fans who wanted him out no nothing about play calling! Really??? I just have one question. Did Orson go pro early? Not one pass thrown to the best tight end in the country!!! Great play calling I guess in your mind????
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