When Georgia built a 20-6 lead over Kentucky at halftime, nobody expected that the Dawgs would end up losing the game. However, when your team plays like this, anything can happen. And that "anything" did happen, as four turnovers sent Georgia to a 34-27 loss to the Wildcats.
After some slow offensive possessions, Kentucky took a 6-0 lead five minutes into the game (as the extra point snap was fumbled). Georgia then ripped off four scores before halftime - Joe Cox completed a touchdown pass to Rantavious Wooten and a second one to Orson Charles, and Blair Walsh kicked two field goals. The Dawgs had a commanding 20-6 lead going into the locker room.
Georgia then came out for the second half and made mistake after mistake. It started with Branden Smith fumbling the second half kickoff over to Kentucky. Randall Cobb ran into the end zone two plays later to cut the Dawgs' lead to 20-13. After the two teams exchanged punts, the Dawgs punched it in on another Joe Cox touchdown pass to take a 27-13 lead. However, everything went downhill from there.
Joe Cox should get most of the credit for the Kentucky rally, as his two interceptions and one fumble allowed the Wildcats to take the lead and hold on to it. (Yes, the fumble was given to Washaun Ealey, but it was actually Cox's fault). Morgan Newton threw for two touchdowns and Randall Cobb ran for another score to give Kentucky the 34-27 lead, which they would not relinquish.
Joe Cox completed only 12 out of 30 passes, but ended up with 291 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions (the last stat is the biggest). Washaun Ealey led teh rushing attack with 19 carries for 77 yards. Caleb King came in second with 18 carries for 77 yards. Branden Smith had a good first half, rushing three times for 52 yards.
Now, here's our biggest problem on offense: the play calling. Freshman tight end Orson Charles caught four passes for 73 yards in the game. All of that was in the first half. He wasn't even thrown to in the second half. When a guy is on fire like that, you need to get the ball in his hands. However, that's not the only example of stupid play calling from the game. Mike Bobo called a DRAW PLAY ON A 3RD-AND-LONG. When you have third and really long, at least pass the ball so you still have a chance to win the game and are not showing the defense that you're giving up.
I've changed my mind about our coaches after watching this performance. Both Mike Bobo AND Willie Martinez need to be fired during the offseason. And while I don't really want Mark Richt to be fired, I would not oppose this move.
Now we get to prepare for an epic beating in Atlanta next weekend. I'm saying the Yellow Jackets will put up 45 points again (and I'm kind of being optimistic there). We need to do SOMETHING to turn this program around.
