Friday, February 4, 2011

Georgia Bulldogs: Coach Bobo Needs To Bring His 'A' Game In 2011

Last season, Mike Bobo wasn't impressive.

While Mark Richt was quick to point out the streak where Georgia's offense put up 30 or more points (six)—setting some kind of record—most of us failed to be wowed by the overall product.

To be frank, Bobo's tendencies towards being too predictable became difficult to watch and, most of the time, you found yourself wondering why he was wearing a set of headphones in the first place.

So, the natural question continues to be this: why is he still the offensive coordinator at Georgia? What on earth does coach Richt see that so many others don't?

Those of us who judge Bobo, from our sofas and office water coolers, have already decided at least this much about him, 1) he often moves away from what's working (whether that be the run or the pass) in an attempt to diversify the offense, 2) he falls in love with a particular play and keeps running it (even when it becomes clear said play is not working), 3) he can't seem to make an offensive adjustment to save his life, and 4) he has no idea how to use the talent he has on the field.

Last season was a perfect example of that last point. It was clear that Green was Bobo's ace, and he wasn't prepared to call an offense that didn't feature him—who could blame him, right? A.J. Green wasn't only a playmaker for Georgia, he was the playmaker—no disrespect to Kris Durham—and while he was out, no one else seemed to step up.

Where were Marlon Brown?... Rantavious Wooten?... Tavarres King?

Or perhaps the better question was this: why didn't Bobo change his play calling to fit the guys he had on the field? Why not develop plays that take advantage of each player's respective skills?

Every team can't be blessed with an A.J. Green, so it's important that the offensive coordinator understand the skill-sets of each position player on his team's roster so that he is better able to use those skills in a productive manner.

For example, Tavarres King was able to get deep at numerous points last season, yet Bobo seemed hesitant to target him—even when it was clear that Green was not the best option (although, to be fair, that blame could have been just as much on Aaron Murray's shoulders).

Marlon Brown is a huge target, why didn't he get more redzone looks? Better still, with the gluttony of talent at tight end, why not employ more two-tight end sets once Georgia was in scoring range? Mix it up! Be innovative! Do something!

If Bobo has clear concepts of what he wants to do, he doesn't seem to have a clue how to get them from his head to the football field and that's a a problem.

2011 will be his defining season and, minus Green, Bobo will need to tap into whatever creativity he has if he expects to see the further progression of Aaron Murray on the football field.

Bobo's on-the-job-training ended a long time ago, it's time to see if he's worth the confidence that coach Richt keeps throwing his way—his job, and coaching future, likely depends on it.







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