Where Exactly Does the Problem Lie With the O-Line

I’ve pondered this question recently, and have had some good conversations with corbin on this exact issue.

We have what was thought to be the premiere Offensive Line coach in America in CSS. He was on Saban’s staff when he won a NC, took our line from shambles to riches in 2007, and is generally regarded as the best in the business.

We have several offensive linemen who are projected to be great NFL linemen. We were told that our O-line would be the most dominant in the conference prior to the 2010 season. Yet we witnessed a line who under-performed all year long, had a difficult time opening up holes, and generally got out-played for most of the season.

So, the best I can tell, there are four possible answers as to why we seem to be struggling so badly on the offensive line. I will preface this by saying I was an offensive lineman, and while a great running back is a line’s best friend, a running back is generally only as good as his line.

1-      Coach Stacy Searels is not as great a coach as we all thought. Maybe he was the product of great athletes at LSU, came to UGA and had one of the best running backs we’ve seen since Herschel, and rode Knowshon to perceived greatness. He really didn’t do a great job early on but had good results based on personnel. Now that he’s left with the current personnel, he is not really all that good. I don’t think this is the case.

2-      Our “NFL-caliber” linemen really aren’t as good as they are cracked up to be. I don’t know how this could be the case, but maybe it is. I’m not a scout, so I don’t know exactly what the deal is here. I would think that the folks who look at this stuff know what they’re talking about, and that these guys really are good. But if they are that good, and Searels is that good, then something’s got to give. I guess this has a little more validity than the above point.

3-      Knowshon and Stafford made the line look better than they actually are, and Murray and Ealey/King are bringing the level back down. I touched on this in my first point, and while I don’t think it’s the case, there may be some validity here. I just find it hard to believe that Searels could have a unit look so great for a couple of years and then have a unit look so mediocre the last two years. But maybe 24 hit the holes harder and also elevated the play of the line. Who knows? If so, then what’s the fix? And what does that mean about CSS? What role does Bobo take in it?

4-      Maybe CSS is a great O-line coach, and maybe our guys are truly talented. They’ve just become a product of a bad system. Honestly, I hope that this is the case. Maybe CSS has been brought down a level by his surroundings. Maybe these horses haven’t been given the proper training in the weight room and the gymnasium. We could have an “FSU factor” in place, where you have NFL talent that isn’t being developed properly. But doesn’t part of that fall on CSS? Hopefully with changes in the S&C program, this area of concern will get fixed. But if this is the case, then we’re left with a head scratcher. Our linemen are big, no doubt. And we have seen the reports on how strong they are. Is there a disparity between weight-room talent and on-field talent? I really don’t know. If this point is valid, will the changes this year help fix the problem?

The bottom line is this: If CSS is a great coach, and we have really talented linemen, then something has got to give.

Listen, there are many, many things for us to complain about this offseason. Likewise, there are a lot of areas that need to be fixed. This is just one of many. I know we scored a ton of points this year, but when we needed it we didn’t have it. The run game digressed in 2010, and if we didn’t have AJ spread out wide taking attention away, Murray would probably have struggled infinitely more.

I’m just wondering what the problem is here, and if it is a S&C issue, is it something that can be fixed? I am one of the fanatics who thought CSS was the greatest thing to happen to our line when he came on board, and have sweated every time his name was mentioned elsewhere. I hope that I wasn’t foolish in my thoughts, and that he really is the best O-line coach in America.

Maybe I’m way off base on everything and I am concerned over nothing. What are your thoughts?

Ucheedawg  

One Item I noticed from Sugar Bowl

I noticed something that I had never seen before. Maybe because I hadn’t looked for it, maybe because I had preconceived notions about the man. But…

I noticed Jim Tressell jump up and chest bump one of the Ohio State players on the sideline. Then, he continued to yell and fist pump and show emotion. As I watched more closely, he was intense the entire game. No downtime, just purely in the zone the whole 60 minutes.

JIM TRESSELL! The sweater vest, tie wearing Jim Tressell. The Professor. Showing emotion. I guess I just thought he was a boring, general-type head coach. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. 

It has got to be good for the players and the morale of the team to see your undisputed leader, the brains and calm behind the operation, to show passion because he was pleased that what he worked so hard to teach is being displayed on the field. That he is fired up in being “in the moment” and that there is no doubt an equal excitement from him being there.

How I wish that we would see some of that again from our head man. We saw it once, but it’s not something you can script. It just has to be there. Not saying anyone needs to yell and cheerlead the whole game. Not saying that at all. You can just see it. If you noticed it last night, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

ucheedawg

Turning Points

A turning point in a historical event sends ripple effects that won’t fully be understood until years down the road.

I’ve waited a day or two to let the dust settle from New Year’s Eve, but I’m starting to join the chorus on a coaching change.

Its been already said by many that the turning point for Mark Richt’s career was 2008 Georgia v. Alabama game. I really think the true turning point was Bama’s first offensive drive. Since that turning point, there has been something wrong with the Georgia football program.

The stage was set for that game unlike any other game that I have seen in Sanford Stadium.  We had blackout, top 10 matchup, and Gameday decided to show up.  And then Bama came out drove 73 yards down during their first possession, capping it off with a TD run by Freshman RB Mark Ingram, eventually leaving at halftime with 31 unanswered points. Yes, Georgia outscored Bama 30-10 in the second half, but that first drive spoke volumes.

That first half, we were completely whipped on both sides of the ball.  After that game, questions were raised concerning the level of talent that Georgia had recruited, especially on the offensive line.

During the past two and a half years I have feared that this game would mean more than just a loss and severe drop in the rankings.  Since that painful game, UGA has a total record of  20-15, with a SEC record of 11-11 (That’s .500 folks) with bad non-conference losses to OK State (2009) and Tech (2008), where we were outcoached in both games.  Just in case you’ve been living underground since then, 2 SEC schools not named Georgia have won the National Championships, with a third on the way.

We all know about Richt’s character, but I think that it is that alone that is saving his job right now.  Any other coach, and I think McGarity pulls the trigger.

We all know about Richt’s personality, but I think his perceived “calm” demeanor has an effect on a team.  A team follows the personality of its coach, right? That’s our problem then– we’re too calm.  I don’t believe people when they say that Richt is intense in the locker room.  I don’t think he is that schizo.

Both McGarity and Richt has been quoted as saying that changes will be made, but any changes for assistants only has a certain level of impact.  With that said, the next logical move is probably a change at Offensive Coordinator.  The bad thing is that a change in offensive or defensive systems typically buys a coach a few years.  Do you think we can turn it around in 3 years under Richt, Grantham, and a new OC? I don’t think we can.

I suppose we’ll have to wait and see, but I really think that the Liberty Bowl should be Richt’s last game as Head Coach. Yet, I’m wrong all the time– just look at my bowl picks online.

barndawg

Why Does It Still Irk Me….

…when I read this headline: Georgia’s lame-duck head coach? Maybe it’s my continued disdain for Bill Shanks. I mean, he’s pretty much spot on with everything in his post. So I don’t know why it bothers me.

I’m by no means waving the flag for Richt’s departure, but I’m not supporting him in his cause either.  He is left with defending his record,and when a head coach has to defend himself, it can’t, and usually doesn’t, end well. If we were to find out tomorrow that he was dismissed, I don’t know how I’d react. I’ll still support him while he’s here, but the days of taking up and defending are over. I wish he could have had a 25 year successful run at UGA, but it just doesn’t work that way. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it again…it is very hard to produce and perform at such a high level for over a decade. It’s why Urban is stepping down. It’s why Pastors and Governors and others have a hard time staying in one place for a long period of time. 

Shanks hits the nail on the head- we have witnessed an uninspired team for the past 2 1/2 years. We’ve regressed rapidly, and 2011 doesn’t appear to set up really well for a bounce back.

One of my close friends put it best when he said “I’m an eternal optimist about the Dawgs. I can’t remember the last time we entered a season where I didn’t think we’d go undefeated. I just hope we go .500 in 2011.” That pretty much sums up the thoughts of most optimists.

So, why does the headline bother me so much? I don’t know.

I’ll make a new years resolution to not be so tough on you, Bill. Maybe you were right before everyone else.

ucheedawg

One Reason Why CMR Will be in Athens in 2011

Simply put, does Greg McGarity want his first major decison to be replacing Mark Richt as HC? Does he want to take that gamble and be “the one who dumped Richt”? I don’t think so.

So, like it or not (and I am not sure I do), I think we will have Richt as HC next year. Regardless, it will continue to be the topic of conversation as long as Georgia continues playing like we have the last 4 weeks. But at this point I think it’s a coping mechanism for dreary Dawg fans as much as anything.

ucheedawg

Our Friends On Hwy. 15 Say It Best

I debated on whether or not to put this picture up, but so many of us are familiar with the barn located on Hwy. 15 that I figured why not. Most folks have either seen this barn going to GA-FL in late October or headed up to Athens from South GA. They paint new messages a few times a year. This one sums up my wife’s current thoughts on the coaching situation.

ucheedawg

“IT’S DIVISION ONE FOOTBALL!!!!”

Yes, going up against Colorado and Dan Hawkins means that you better get ready for some DIVISION ONE FOOTBALL!!!!

When it pours, it storms

It’s pretty simple. If you are looking to contend for the top of the SEC, you cannot and should not lose to Mississippi State. It was sobering enough going into the game for Georgia to be an underdog. Not only did they lose, but they were, when the game was on the line in the fourth quarter, were physically manhandled…by Mississippi State. For a program with the resources and drawing power of UGA, it is inexcusable to be physically beaten by MSU….just as was the case two games ago against South Carolina.

Since 2006, UGA has now lost to each team in the conference at least once except for Auburn and Ole Miss.

The list of problems at UGA continue to grow between off-field arrests and on-field failures. Are all of the problems the fault of head coach Mark Richt? No. But as head coach, it’s his job to fix them, and do so in a hurry. If not, matters will continue to worsen.

Lugnut Dawg

Failure Will Make Mark Richt Better

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.

            -Robert E. Lee

I alluded to this back last fall.   I truly think that the failures of the 2009 season are going to pay huge dividends, if not this season then certainly in the upcoming years.

Mark Richt is one of the greatest head coaches in UGA history, and one of the best coaches in the country.  I thought last fall that Mark Richt would learn from the failures and improve.  A 10-3 season and talented players like Stafford, Knowshon and Massaquoi can hide a lot of ugliness-the slowness to respond to the failures of 2008 are on Coach Richt.  I think it’s fair to say he got a bit complacent.  2009 was like a slap in the face.  A wake up call, if you will. 

It seems like the problems that have plagued this team the last few seasons have been addressed.  I know this past weekend’s game was a tune up for bigger tests the next two weeks, but I was thrilled with what I saw Saturday Between the Hedges.

As General Lee said, failure can prove a blessing.  I am sure if General Lee could redo Gettysburg, he would.  Mistakes are there for us to learn from and get better. 

Let’s look at the best coach in college football today, Nick Saban. 

Let me say this:  Nick Saban is the best coach on any level in sports today.  He is remarkable, and a proven winner.  He has won two BCS Championships at two different schools in the SEC.  Winning a single title at one stop would be difficult enough, much less one at two different stops. Coach Saban has been dominant since 2008, having two back to back perfect regular SEC seasons, and a perfect season in 2009.

There was a time when Nick Saban and Mark Richt were on the same level of coaching. 

Prior to the 2008 season, here are Coach Richt’s notable statistics:  73-19 (.793), 2 SEC Championships. 

Prior to 2008, here are Nick Saban’s notable coaching statistics (SEC only):  55-22 (.714), 2 SEC Championships, 1 National Championship. 

For all intents a purposes, Nick Saban and Ricth were equal.  Yes, there was the National Championship in 2003, but remember this: UGA 2002: 13-1 (7-1); only loss a 7 point loss to Zook-coached Florida on a neutral field.  LSU 2003:  13-1 (7-1), only loss a 7 point loss to Zook-coached Florida at home.  No real difference from UGA vs. LSU those two years, only the outside influences-and that is one reason why the BCS needs to be abolished, but that is a different story for a different day.

I give you all that to show that Saban and Richt were both very good coaches.  But in 2008, Saban took the next step into a whole different, historic level.  Why? 

I think it has to do with Saban’s  failures.  Remember, Saban had never had back to back 10 win seasons until 2008-2009.  He left the college ranks to go “home” to the NFL and, like Spurrier before him, saw failure, finishing 15-17 in two years.  He publically said he would not leave the Dolphins, only to do an about face.  He returns to the SEC (West) amid great fanfare and money. 

Alabama proceeded to go 7-6 in his first year.  Now, coaches do get a pass in their first year on the job, but Saban’s Alabama squad in 2007 lost to Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State at the house the Bear built-two offenses that should NEVER be done!  In a three year span of coaching, Saban had gone 22-23. 

The great and mighty Nick Saban became a .500 coach over three seasons.  Do you think that sat well with him? I am sure it did not.  So Saban was able to get better.  He took these failures, and even the best need to learn a lesson.  His failure motivated him, drove him.  An already great, motivated coach became even better.  His failure led to the greatest run in the Southeastern Conference in over a decade.

Will UGA soon have the same success that Nick Saban and Alabama had over the last two years?  I sure hope so, but it is doubtful. 

But can we expect Coach Richt and UGA to get better as a result of the previous failures?

Ask Bacarri Rambo-I think that was answered Saturday afternoon by Coach Grantham. 

Corbindawg

One Good Quote

I don’t care very much for Mark Bradley. I don’t particularly care for the “hot seat” talk surrounding CMR either. In Bradley’s article today, however, he does bring up one good point:

Evans and Adams aren’t paying a first-time defensive coordinator $750,000 just to make this program competitive. They’re paying big money because they want to win big. Georgia fans came to love Mark Richt because he won SEC championships. He would do well to win another soon.

Evans wasn’t willing to pay that kind of cash for another 8-5 season. He is essentially demanding excellence now, and that’s a good thing. I think we’re going to see it delivered this year, and the CMR “hot seat” bs is going to go by the wayside. If we don’t see a major improvement, then there will be some validity to that talk, but right now it is senseless. 8-5 again this year won’t cut it with those types of salaries for the two top men. But, nothing I have seen has made me think that we’ll see 8-5, or even 9-4.

Bottom line, this hot seat talk is just silly right now. I feel confident that the ship will be righted this season and all of that chatter will subside. We’ve got the tools in place, and more importantly, we’ve removed hindrances to the program (see CWM).

ucheedawg