Georgia’s problem is direction, and that falls on Richt
Here's a common sight: A Tennessee receiver (Gerald Jones) making a catch in front of a Georgia defender (Bryan Evans) Saturday. (AP photo)
KNOXVILLE — The problems just became big picture.
This isn’t just about the quarterback looking overmatched or the coordinators looking lost. It’s not about the schedule or the injuries or maybe some conspiracy theories about SEC referees having an agenda because the team got too excited with an end-zone celebration in Jacksonville two years ago.
Plug in, folks. Georgia just lost to Tennessee like no team should lose to Tennessee (45-19). The offense didn’t score a touchdown. The defense just made Jonathan Crompton look like Jonathan Unitas. Lane Kiffin just schooled Mark Richt.
Six games and they’re going backward. Six games and they’re 3-3, their worst start in 13 years. And you begin to realize: If not for those late wins over South Carolina and Arizona State and surviving mayhem against Arkansas, we could be talking scorched earth at midseason.
This is when you wonder about direction. The same coach who two years ago we were toasting for finishing the season with a No. 2 ranking is now walking off the field and into news conferences looking like toast.
On Saturday, Richt was asked a question one never could have imagined two Januarys ago: “Are you worried about the state of the program?”
His answer: “We didn’t play very good today. We haven’t had a game this season where we played a really solid football game. So I’m concerned about that.”
Is it just me, or did he not completely shoot down the premise of the question?
Let’s make this clear. This is not a “Fire Mark Richt” column. His body of work speaks for itself. But Florida and LSU and Alabama have boat-raced Georgia in the SEC, and of maybe even greater concern is the lack of separation between the Bulldogs and everybody else.
This isn’t a former No. 2-ranked team that has maintained its level of excellence. It’s a program that has regressed. Significantly. Whatever Richt was doing before is not working now. Either the wrong players are being recruited, or the right players are being coached the wrong way.
Blame Mike Bobo for the offense. Blame Willie Martinez for the defense. Blame Stacy Searels, the vaunted offensive line coach, who, by the way, hasn’t done bupkis. Blame anybody you want.
But it starts with Richt. It’s his program. He sets the tone and establishes direction. He is the one coaching at a school that hadn’t started a season so poorly since Jim Donnan’s first year in 1996 (3-5 on the way to 5-6). Richt is the one whose team committed three more turnovers against Tennessee and ranks as the worst in the conference and among the dregs nationally with 16 giveaways and a minus-11 turnover ratio.
Volunteers quarterback Jonathan Crompton threw touchdown passes on three consecutive possessions in the second quarter and finished with four. He had been largely lampooned in Knoxville and had never thrown more than two in his career. Well, with one exception. He threw five against Western Kentucky.
So that’s where Georgia’s defense belongs: in the Sun Belt.
Asked what he would think if he was a Georgia fan watching this game on television, Martinez said: “Well, I am a Georgia fan. I’m not happy. We just got whipped.”
Things are no better on offense. The Bulldogs have failed to score an offensive touchdown in 10 of the past 11 quarters. Against Tennessee, the offense (field goal) was outscored by special teams (nine points, off a kickoff return and a blocked punt for a safety) and the defense (interception return).
Didn’t Richt make his bones in offense at Florida State?
He somewhat came to Bobo’s defense: “I like his play calling.”
When asked if he felt quarterback Joe Cox was regressing, he said: “I’ve got to look at the film before I start making comments like that.”
Just as well. This isn’t the time to be throwing anybody else under the bus.
“We’ve got a long way to go before we become a good football team,” Richt said.
And he should know. He’s the one driving the bus.
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1,679 comments Add your comment
CMR
October 10th, 2009
9:53 pm
Sorry that was so wrong!
Barry Jay
October 10th, 2009
9:53 pm
A few thoughts about Richt and the program:
1–Every coach as down years. Richt is no exception. When you hit a rough patch in your career you either learn from it and improve or you get fired. Richt will learn from it.
2–This is a young team. They are going to look lost sometimes They will improve. I just wish Richt would get our QB of the future out there. If we have any other “players of the future” we should be playing them a lot now. We need our team to gel at the right time to compete for the SECC.
3–I am not sure WM and Bobo are the problems as much as CMR is. CMR seems to like the schemes we’re running and seems to like the playcalling. I agree with those who say this falls to Richt. Hopefully, this is one of the lessons CMR learns before he gets fired…make the coordinators accountable and fire them if it’s not working.
4–I think this team will improve and grow. If we don’t see significant improvement over the next two years, Richt will indeed be on the hot seat. I believe the team will grow up next year…provided we get our qb of the future some playing time this year.
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
9:53 pm
i love you too cmr.
AUG24
October 10th, 2009
9:53 pm
In a post game interview, Richt made the comment about some people have never been in the arena, so they don’t know what it is like. I’m so tired of Richt not being able to handle critics. I’m a big Richt supporter but he needs to quit acting like fans don’t have the right to gripe. They are putting a sorry product on the field. Oh, we just have to coach and play better same BS every week. Richt is a great man but very soft! I don’t want Richt to be fired but step up fire your staff!
Halee
October 10th, 2009
9:53 pm
*************Fire Willie Martinez**************
*************Joe Cox should be replaced with a fresh man QB**************
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
9:54 pm
thank you barry j. i’m printing out your comments for tommorows meeting with mark
beanuga
October 10th, 2009
9:55 pm
Mark Richt? I don’t know. Why would you give a WM another chance? Head coaches get rid of the coaches who can not get it done. I know the dawgs have had great winning seasons with MR. Everyone knows Uga has struggled with alot of sorry teams through the years. Every year I look back and say man this could have been a losing season. Alot of the times the other teams beat theirselves. Florida and Alabama are getting it done. They play together. They have technique. They aren’t lost. What is going on? Are they breaking the rules and getting more practice time? Are the Ga coaches just taking the money and running? Bobo is way to predictable. I know what ga is going to run every play. Theses coaches supposed to be leaders. I would like to see a new DC. That Stlyle of defense does not work. Please hire a DC.
Gen. Douglas MacArthur
October 10th, 2009
9:55 pm
My soldiers didn’t “like” me, but they respected me, and we won.
Soldiers didn’t really “like” Washington or Patton, but they respected them, and they won.
Players didn’t “like” Bear Bryant, he could be as mean as h#ll, but they respected him, and they won.
Players don’t “like” Parcells, or Chuck Knoll, or Belicheck, but there is respect, and they all wear championship rings (which they do NOT sell on e-bay, by the way).
UGA “playas” sure seem to LIKE Saint Mark, he does high dives for them and takes them horse riding and lets them dance on sidelines. They have a real friend in him. And you see the result.
CMR
October 10th, 2009
9:55 pm
Ha – You losers – I have been telling you for the last 4 years that we will grow and learn – You still believe that junk – You’re dumber then I thought you were. I will be king forever!!! Willie and I rule!
Get used to it UGA will stink as long as Willie and I are here!
AUG24
October 10th, 2009
9:56 pm
Why is Bryan McClendon our running backs coach? He played receiver at UGA and doesn’t have any coaching experience. Let him cut his teeth at Georgia Southern. Again, another curious hire by Richt. Why don’t we have top notch coaches. Fire Bobo, Fabris, and Martinez. Please!
Lane Train
October 10th, 2009
9:58 pm
We just stepped on their chest (all day long) with a hobnail boot. Richt = Fulmer!
Nate
October 10th, 2009
9:58 pm
FREE WILLIE!!!! Tell Damon Evans: FREE WILLIE!!!!
dawgerbrown
October 10th, 2009
9:58 pm
UT was so much better prepared for this game=poor coaching
Hey Willie, the zone isn’t working=poor coaching
Blitz equals pressure on the QB, and forces man coverage
Hey Bobo, we can’t run on first down, why do you keep running 75% of the time on second and long?
Hey Bobo, why did we throw the ball downfield only once, and not to AJ?
Hey Bobo, why did we keep throwing 5 and 6 yard passes on third and eight or third and ten?
Hey Willie, can we coach our players to tackle?
Can we coach our offensive line to run block?
HOW CAN A TEAM WITH SO MUCH TALENT PLAY SO BAD? POOR COACHING
Please don’t tell me they are young, UT is young too.
GtBuzz81
October 10th, 2009
9:59 pm
Hey Gator Chomp Chump,
I got to watch your awfence against lowsy state during the lightning delay,not that impressed.What ya’ll going to do without Teboy next year?
HairyDawg
October 10th, 2009
9:59 pm
SmartyVols: “Maybe give Tennessee some credit? UGA always underestimates Tennessee. You’re not God’s gift to football. Tennessee has good players too and we’re on the rise. Better get used to it……AGAIN.”
Your right. UT had better players than some of the stinky ones at UGA. Just wait til we get some new players from Hargrave and new recruits next year. However that big mouth Lame Kiffin couldnt coach his way out of a pi$$ soaked bag. Mark Richt is a great coach with 2 conference titles and 3 trips to New Orleans Bowls. Mark Richt will spank Kiffin in a blowout next year in Athens. The Rocky Slop Vols better get ready to be smashed by the Dawgs for years to come.
JohnsonD
October 10th, 2009
9:59 pm
FOR THE NEXT YEAR, GIVE SOME PLAYING TIME TO NEW QBs
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:00 pm
coach mark richt told the bulldog nation “have no fear of escalation; i am trying everyone to please; tho it isnt really war, i’m spending fifty thousand more to keep my main man marteneez”
WTFDAWG
October 10th, 2009
10:00 pm
Did we just give up 45 points to a “kleinsfelter” (look it up) of a QB? Our program is in trouble guys. Richt has lost control and I am wondering if he even realizes it. Loyalty to his best friend has killed our program. Anyone watching the Bama vs LSU game? It’s sad to say, but we used to look like that. Yea, we wouldnt score more then 24 in a game but you weren’t going to score more then 17 on our D. It’s all been said – time for a change in Athens. I may be the only one on here that feels this way but I am willing to lose 3-4 more this year to make their are some changes in Athens after this season, drastic changes. There’s nothing left to play for guys….we gave our season up this game. And no, we will not win out. We don’t have the coaches to get that kind of production out of this team. Change is around the corner Dawgs, just hand on. I feel it….it’s coming.
Dog poop
October 10th, 2009
10:01 pm
Kelly, I love Vince Dooley, but do you remember when UGA played Nebraska in the sun bowl some years ago and got whipped by Nebraska 45 to 6, I beleive. Also they were in a bowl playing Arkansas and I don”t remember the score but the dawgs were never in that game as far as I can remember.I’m sure someone will correct me on those scores if I wrong.
Sanddbag
October 10th, 2009
10:01 pm
As a dawg fan, time to accept that we are a nice program but what makes anyone
think we are a national power? Facilities? – everyone has them now. Recruiting?
Please; recruiting is overated proved by the likes of Caleb King and Rashad Jones.
We’ll win out 10 games every third year and an SEC title every 6th or 7th year. That’s who we
are and time to accept it.
Looking forward to the Mark Fox regime this winter.
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:01 pm
dawgerbrown, a real christian doesnt hit.
Paul's Johnson
October 10th, 2009
10:01 pm
I’m not going to rehash the same redundant comments that have been posted for the last two seasons by true UGA fans and by people that follow college football.
My observation is that I have never seen the look in Coach Richt’s face as what I saw in his face today. His expression has changed from one of composure and a little bit of self assured cockiness into one one of uncertainty. You can see the look of trepidation as to what his next move as head coach of the team should be.
He has definately arrived at a crossroads of his tenure at UGA and I believe the rumblings are starting to make him think about the future of this program and where he stands with six years left on his contract.
What I see in his face is a man of conviction, loyalty and faith, all very admirable traits and I certainly can relate to and I do admire his convictions but I think that he’s a little more New Testament Christian witha “turn the other cheek attitude” than a Old Testament Christian with an “eye for an eye tooth for a tooth” stance. I think in fotball you need to have the Old Testament mentality.
I think that he kwnows what he needs to do as far as demanding accountability within his coaching staff… I just don’t know if he will be able to put his Christian values and his friendships and loyalties aside in order to do what’s right for the UGA.
I hope that he makes the right decisions.
dawgfanatic24-7
October 10th, 2009
10:02 pm
The best thing Willie did today is replace that slack a$$ Bryan Evans with Rambo. Evans is a showboater that only wants to dance out there and make weak arm tackles. We’ve got to face the facts dawg fans and realize what UT did in this situation last year…..let the season be over! Let this uncoached team continue down this road of losing and hopefully CMR will be forced to get rid of these bad coaches or he will be gone with them. Bobo, Martinez and Fabris to be specific. When a friend gave me free tickets to the game today I first felt like the luckiest guy on earth. When leaving Neyland Stadium at the beginning of the 4th qtr I felt like a chump. If CMR is smart he will sit Joe Tereshenski IV (Joe Cox) over where Evans is on the pine and let them think up new dances for the guys who want to play real football.
beanuga
October 10th, 2009
10:02 pm
you think kirby smart would come back?
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:03 pm
all, just talked to damon. he’s giving me a raise cause i kept tennessee from scoring 50. take that nate.
CMR
October 10th, 2009
10:03 pm
All the answers to your questions and concerns are that I am King! My minions do my bidding as will you!
If you criticize me I will leave your sorry program and you will suffer because you anger me! For I am King and you shall worship only me! There shall be no other coach before me!
My mind control leaves you powerless in my sight! I am king, I rule and you stink!
My philosophy for coaching – Its in my new book – You can buy it online soon!
The title is “Its good to be the King!”
W. Norton
October 10th, 2009
10:03 pm
Jeff Schultz is a bed-wetting liberal worm whose job performance is far-worse than any UGA coach.Write enough though, and even a blind pig like Schultz can find an acorn … this article is his acorn and he is right. God help us!
Early Curly
October 10th, 2009
10:04 pm
me and hairy dawg been smoking crack. if you don’t think so just read his posts.
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:04 pm
ok, ok, we lost. whats the big deal? tennessee has the best qb in the nation.
Big Dog
October 10th, 2009
10:05 pm
I got two words! WILL MUSCHAMP!!!!! I bet he would get the job done, and put some life into a dead team!!!!
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:05 pm
kirby smart aint nearly as good as me.
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:06 pm
muschamp?? schultz and me cant even spell his name.
Early Curly of the squidbillies
October 10th, 2009
10:07 pm
hairy dawg will u stop singing rockytop.
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:07 pm
and my real name is william. not willie!
JPaul
October 10th, 2009
10:07 pm
cmr must fire wille– enough excuses and Bobo is close behind. we need Kirby Smart
CMR
October 10th, 2009
10:07 pm
Mus who????? How do yo spell that?
GtBuzz81
October 10th, 2009
10:08 pm
The only reason I come on this blog is I’m doing research for my new book,”Why We Lost,1001 Excuses:The Georgia Bulldog Story”.Should be available at your local bookstore soon,I’ve gotten alot of help the last two weeks.
Auburngrad99
October 10th, 2009
10:08 pm
UGA fans,
I cannot comment on poor play bc we has our butts handed to us today BUT all things being equal we were predicted to finish 10th in the SEC and we are 5-1. I was a huge Tuberville supporter but it became evident last year that changes needed to be made for the long term sucess of our program and i see the exact same thing at Georgia today. Just my honest opinion. WDE until Nov 14th
A Vol Fan
October 10th, 2009
10:08 pm
Shultz: why not mention the negative impact of losing skill players like Stafford and Moreno to the NFL? The SEC is like the stock market, and no team stays on top forever. In the east, FL, TN and GA will always be rotating, with FL having the edge due to in-state talent.
CMR
October 10th, 2009
10:08 pm
Wiill – I am – I can’t spell that either! Is that why you still work for me?
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:09 pm
i am the best coordinator in the land. just ask kiffin, myer, johnson, and several others.
CMR
October 10th, 2009
10:09 pm
A Vol Fan – just gave me another excuse for this week! Love it or leave it! Criticize me and I eill leave!!! HA HA HA!!!!!!
Burt
October 10th, 2009
10:10 pm
Anyone can see the faults Mr.Journalist. How about some solutions?
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:11 pm
cmr, we cant tell ALL our secrets on this silly fan blog. byw, hows my water girl?
Courage
October 10th, 2009
10:11 pm
Damn Willie what in the wide wide world of sports is going on around here! And no, I don’t need anymore beans! You ain’t fired yet?
bigdawg88
October 10th, 2009
10:12 pm
All of you people trying to get Mark Richt fired up sound stupid. Who the heck needs their coach to get fired up to play hard? You guys ever watch Tom Landry coach? You guys see the Steelers coach? If CMR was the jump around type, then so be it, but he’s not. If he started doing it, it would look fake as hell and he would lose every player on the team because they’d be thinking, “what the heck is wrong with coach? He’s lost his freakin’ mind!”
If you’re on a major college team and you need your coach jumping around to get in the game, maybe you need to up your meds!
That being said, Mr. Martinez (who does jump around), it’s time to pack the bags. Heck, I’ll pack your house for you – FOR FREE! Dude, we have the same first name, and I feel like changing mine!!
FLA DAWG
October 10th, 2009
10:12 pm
I’ve been following The Dawgs since before I started attending school there in 1974 but I do not have the concentrated knowledge that a Jeff Schultz or any other big time sports newspaper writer has. My point is this………………many of us came to this conclusion last season and were openly criticized for wanting Martinez & Bobo to get the boot.
Jeff, it took you THIS LONG to come to the same conclusion!? A blind man could have seen it last year and earlier this season for Christ’s sake.
As I have stated last season, if Richt won’t fire those two dopes then HE owns the problem. Congratulations Coach Richt, you just embarrassed our football program and our university in front of an entire nation. What encore awaits us at the UGA / FLA Game!?
CMR
October 10th, 2009
10:12 pm
sorry Willie, I know yo are the true brains behind this operation
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
10:12 pm
thanks burt. that nitwit schultz dont know anything about coaching defense.
WTFDAWG
October 10th, 2009
10:13 pm
Cuz, with all due respect, that’s a touching story. Really, nice to know what we used to do. But with all due respect, I’m more interested in what we are doing now. Or should I say, what we are not doing. This is disgraceful. I say we offer Steve Sarkisian (sp?) 4MM to come right the ship. Will the coach that won 2 SEC championships and a Sugar Bowl please stand up.