When Auburn jumped out to a 14-0 lead after their first two possessions, Georgia fans had to be reminded of the 1999 game, in which the Tigers came in and dominated the first half on their way to a 31-0 halftime lead.
And, just like in that nightmarish contest, the crowd booed lustily. The once-promising Richt Era has now decayed into familiar scenes for UGA fans, reminding many of the end of the Goff and Donnan Eras in Athens. Sloppy play, penalties, dropped passes, and just an overall lack of poise and confidence plagued Georgia teams in all three eras.
For instance, on Georgia’s first drive tonight the team shot itself in the foot three times. On the first play, a predictable wide receiver screen to AJ Green was called and Green had no chance. Caleb King missed a block and Green was hit for a five-yard loss. A false start was called prior to the next play and UGA found themselves in a 2nd and 20 hole. Joe Cox then bobbled a snap on 3rd and 20 and the Dawgs had to punt.
Who could blame Georgia fans at this point for booing?
Auburn then converted three third downs on their next possession and then scored on a 41-yard touchdown pass in which Terrell Zachary somehow found himself wide open in the Georgia end zone.
Georgia finally got something going on their third possession when Cox hit Green for two first downs and then found Israel Troupe streaking wide open down the sideline for a 50-yard touchdown pass. Despite the sloppiness and questionable play-calling the Dawgs are still in this one at the half, trailing 14-7.
EALEY NEARLY INVISIBLE
Washaun Ealey got all of one carry in the first quarter. After Auburn’s first drive, the Dawgs threw three-straight passes before punting. Georgia fans have to wonder why Ealey was not starting and also why he did not get his second carry until there was 9:37 left in the half.
Predictably, Ealey gained 22 yards on three carries on UGA’s fourth drive. At the half, Ealey is the game’s leading rusher with 41 yards on seven carries.
Perhaps his absence is one of the reasons why Auburn led Georgia after one quarter 145-5 in total yardage. It has been proven that Cox is not effective until the running game is set up. Georgia fans have to wonder why they are starting the game throwing the ball and without their best back in the game.
GREEN INJURED AGAIN
One of the Dawgs’ few bright spots has been AJ Green this season. Unfortunately for Mark Richt and his staff, Green injured the AC joint in his shoulder at the beginning of the second quarter and is out for the game.
Obviously, this is a major blow to Georgia’s chances tonight as well as in future games if he is forced to miss more action.
Black can be reached at sblack@scoreatl.com.
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