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
olddawg66
October 11th, 2009
11:23 am
I have been a Dawg fan for 60+ years. I am now hurting. Yesterday was humiliating. It is just wrong for GA to be outcoached, but we certainly were. Kiffin outcoached Richt. Richt is a good man but a bad head coach. A head coach gives his assistants direction, and requires them to perform. If they do not he replaces them with assistants who can do the job. Bobo and Martinez cannot. The team is rapidly heading downhill and this must be stopped. Richt should show loyalty to GA and the GA fans more than to non-performing assistant coaches. If Richt cannot or will not make the changes needed then Evans must do so.
We're # 60
October 11th, 2009
11:24 am
Sing it, “We’re # 60! We’re #60 ..oh wait, sorry, ESPN staff have the dawgs at 59, my bad.
Whoof-Whoof, go dogs
UGA fans are clueless
October 11th, 2009
11:25 am
Keep you head up, though, Dawg fans. You are a few plays away from being 1-5 and I’m sure you’ll have a top 10 recruiting class this year. If only that translated into wins…
FLA DAWG
October 11th, 2009
11:27 am
Mark Richt has proven he is one of the finest Offensive Coordinators in the country. He has also proven he is a failure as Head Coach when he relinquished Offensive Playcalling to Bobo and put his old roomie Martinez in as DC.
He now asserts that unless you have been in the arena you aren’t allowed to criticize. In other words DAWG NATION, Richt believes he should be allowed to continue to embarrass UGA, waste Blue Chip Talent and disappoint all Dawg Fans without a word of complaint from anyone!
As if yesterday’s nauseating performance wasn’t bad enough in itself, Richt now insults the very Fans who attended and support this school and the football program.
That is the LAST STRAW CZAR RICHT………………YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY OUT!
TAKE MAR – BO WITH YOU.
Clueless in Athens
October 11th, 2009
11:27 am
…and delusional, disgusted, demented, frustrated, obnoxious, cocky, litter bugs, and home to the nation’s #1 under achieving football program, congrats puppy dogs, karma is a beyotch.
Airheadmotorcycle
October 11th, 2009
11:29 am
UGA fans are idiots! I don’t believe the crap they’ve written. One poster stated that the first play of the season showed what kind of coach Richt is. That’s loony! Everyone knew this was a rebuilding year. UGA should have beaten LSU except for the worst officiating mistake in years. UGA fans that claim Richt doesn’t really like it at UGA are ignorant. How do you know that? Because he doesn’t get as animated as other coaches? Pure stupidity. First of all, Mark Richt is one of the best recruiters in the business. Last year’s class is unbelievable. He’s playing Joe Cox, giving him a chance after waiting 4 years. He deserves that.
Yes that was a terrible loss yesterday, and something is wrong. But don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Richt is the second best coach you’ve ever had. And all the glory you refer to, wasn’t really that great anyway. Outside of 1980 you don’t have that much to brag about. Those early SEC Championships were because you rarely played Alabama.
Three years ago I read these same loonies claiming Tebow sucked and Urban Meyer’s offense could never win in the SEC. You’re all fools! And you’re lucky to have Richt.
Go Gators!
Clueless in Athens
October 11th, 2009
11:29 am
home to the most obnoxious, arrogant, delusional football fans in america. congrats puppies, you’re #1 in something! yeah, GO DAWGS, woof woof
UGA fans are clueless
October 11th, 2009
11:29 am
I went out for breakfast this morning and didn’t see a lot of Georgia flags flying. I’m sure they will come out again during the offseason as the lofty expectations build up again for another disappointing season.
79 dog
October 11th, 2009
11:31 am
think we should humbled by this weekend and turn down the volume on the smack talk.
dawgballs00
October 11th, 2009
11:31 am
Richt’s loyalty to Willie Martinez is killing UGA football. Richt should have John Chavis on the staff right now. Either get rid of Willie or get rid of Richt. I’d love to see Brian Van Gorder as the head coach. He reminds me of happier days when the Dawgs had one sick D.
catlady
October 11th, 2009
11:32 am
It seems to me that the problems are much more widely systemic than just coaching. I would offer: get rid of the coaches. All of them. Get rid of the AD. Get rid of the President, Adams. And disband the football team. Let the players EARN their scholarships. No more bandaids.
Athens D bags
October 11th, 2009
11:32 am
How much is Vandy favored by this week? Don’t worry Dawg fans, you might be able to pull off an upset against Tennessee Tech. Where are all the Dawg fans who talk about GT going to play on the blue field in Boise? It would be a miracle if the Dawgs could back into the Blue Field bowl now.. You guys suck and still won’t admit it. Its all coaching right?
FLA DAWG
October 11th, 2009
11:32 am
Hey airhead,
If you think we’re so lucky to have Richt then I’ll gladly trade him for Urban…………..deal?
NorthStarsDave
October 11th, 2009
11:33 am
To all you Techies….when was the last time that Georgia played a bowl game on the wonderful blue turf of Boise? Or in one of those big Bowls in Silicon Valley? Or the one in Seattle? AND LOST!
Tech has since CMR has been at UGA…..
dawgie doo
October 11th, 2009
11:33 am
oh, have no fear, the flags will be flying, the fans will be howling and talking s-it in the spring about how great the dawgs will be. what a JOKE. UGA is mediocre at best. deal w/ it puppies
Cheese with that whine?
October 11th, 2009
11:35 am
What a bunch of crybabies! You guys will be lucky to beat Tennessee Tech. Keep your head up, though, and remember that Joe Cox never lost a game in HS. LOL.
This just in
October 11th, 2009
11:35 am
UGA has forfeited the game to Tenn Tech! Go Daaaaaaaaaawgs
GT '93
October 11th, 2009
11:36 am
Jeff,
More poking please. They’ve earned it.
Blame Game
October 11th, 2009
11:36 am
who’s to blame this weekend puppies? the refs, the D, the O, cmr, cox, who? news flash, dawgs suck, reality is a bitch hey.
FLA DAWG
October 11th, 2009
11:37 am
Spurrier has done a damn fine job with a fairly moderate amount of talent at S. Carolina. Imagine what he could do with our crop of Blue Chips!
I can’t believe I would ever think of such a thing but let’s make Spurrier a deal and unload Pastor Richt and his two inept Coordinators.
Cheese with that whine?
October 11th, 2009
11:37 am
NorthSTarsDave,
You guys will be lucky to qualify for the blue turf bowl this year. I’d rather be in that bowl than sitting at home like you guys will be. I’m going to say it loud with emphasis: THE DAWGS SUCK. The football power has clearly shifted in this state and the home of college football in Georgia resides in Atlanta. State champs baby. UGA and their worthless coaching staff are now STate CHUMPS. Gotta love it.
idiotsinohio
October 11th, 2009
11:38 am
Humble Pie Recipe
Round steak — 2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
Onion — one large onion, peeled and chopped
Carrots — two carrots, peeled and sliced
Parsnip — one parsnip, peeled and sliced
Bell Pepper — one red or yellow pepper, minced
Beef stock — 1 cup
Tomato juice — 1 cups
Minced garlic — 3 teaspoons
Cornstarch — 3 tablespoons
Spices — paprika (2 tsps), black pepper (1 tsp), salt (1 tsp), bay leaf (1)
Pie pastry — one package prepared pie pastry
Egg — one, beaten (to glaze pie crust)
Bulldog
October 11th, 2009
11:38 am
c’mon y’all, sing it with, go georgia bulldogs …go georgia bulldogs …
UGA fans are the worst
October 11th, 2009
11:39 am
The bandwagon is a little empty right now it seems. I predict the VAnderbilt Commodores get their first SEC win this week. Yes, it can and will get worse for you UGA fans. Richt has no sack.
adsfhliuhaewioqhwnjksn cj blasdfhauy
October 11th, 2009
11:40 am
Tech is 5-1 pts for: 199 pts against: 159 Total Offense: 426.3 yds/game, 169.2 passing efficiency
Total Defense: 249.7 pass yards/game 135.5 rush yards/game
Uga is 3-3 pts for: 155 pts against: 184 Total Offense: 324 yds/game, 129.5 passing efficiency
Total Defense: 249 pass yards/game 129 rush yards/game
adsfhliuhaewioqhwnjksn cj blasdfhauy
October 11th, 2009
11:41 am
And Demayius Thomas is every bit as good as AJ Green if not BETTER
3 AND 3
October 11th, 2009
11:41 am
and loving every minute of it. poor puppies, once again expectations way too high ..should be 2 and 4, count your blessings, its gonna get worse before it gets better.
go daaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwgs
UGA fans are the worst
October 11th, 2009
11:41 am
What is that redneck Uncle Jessie going to write in his Bulldawg Blog this week? Nobody deserves this season like the UGA fan base, overzealous, irrational, and always with a lofty sense of self. Your team is terrible
Pi$$onaDawg
October 11th, 2009
11:42 am
As a TECH fan I do take some JOY in UGA VII’s 13-6 record. Tech’s D didn’t look good last day/night but Ponder is no Cox or Compton. HAHAHAHA. CUZ and 45ACP I just had to go there.
UGA fans are the worst
October 11th, 2009
11:42 am
Correction 3 and 3, they should be 1-5.
Jborodawg
October 11th, 2009
11:42 am
Here’s a ‘typical’ comment from Awbun fans at the Bumingham News…
“…I’m not too happy with this loss but it’s not all bad. First Razorback stadium is a cursed place, especially if we play up there in the daytime and we’re favored. It’s a tough place to play for us for some reason. Second, the loss was due to plain old mistakes — penalties, turnovers, missed assignments. We don’t need to change or add any plays, just execute the ones we’ve got — they work. Third, our defense got better as the game went on. Yes, they gave up 500 yards and 48 points but a lot of times they had to work on a short field and a couple of times they were able to bottle up Mallet, Smith and Co. I’m not too worried. We’re way ahead of schedule and I’m proud of them no matter what. Let’s go beat the crap out of Kentucky now!…”
I like that statement, “..defense got better…gave up 500 yds and 48 points…” LMAO. Yet, not one wants to fire Chizik. Why, I don’t know.
At some programs, hope springs eternal.
5-1 GEORGIA TECH
October 11th, 2009
11:43 am
High School Offense?
OSU grad
October 11th, 2009
11:43 am
and you guys take shots at us, you ain’t sniffing a shot at a national championship, hell, you ain’t sniffing the chick filet bowl, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
how bout dem dawgs
Jborodawg
October 11th, 2009
11:44 am
Now, back to Schultz’ original statement. We got our a**ses whipped and it does fall on coaching. But to start firing people right now is ridiculous.
Pi$$onaDawg
October 11th, 2009
11:45 am
GOOD OLD ROCKY TOP ROCKY TOP TEMMESSEE. UGA VII is 13-6 damn poor dawg unless he is working for Missippi State. Sonny do you have a new pup ready to take over for UGA VII?
Dawg Crap
October 11th, 2009
11:45 am
Go (insert redneck accent here) Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwgs
how’s the season so far puppies
adsfhliuhaewioqhwnjksn cj blasdfhauy
October 11th, 2009
11:45 am
dogs maybe 6-6 this year with loss to lowly Vandy?
Tuberville
October 11th, 2009
11:46 am
You have to be able to RUN the ball in the SEC bobo head.
Prisondawg
October 11th, 2009
11:47 am
this is bad, really bad. the team quit in knoxville and all cmr did all day was flick his hair and smirk, embarrasing
adsfhliuhaewioqhwnjksn cj blasdfhauy
October 11th, 2009
11:47 am
6-6 is very possible: UGA could and probably will lose to Tech, Auburn, and Florida maybe even Kentucky or Vandy
SEC fan
October 11th, 2009
11:48 am
Can’t blame this one on the refs dawg fans. That was an azz kicking from start to finish. Anytime you get a freebie like a 100 yard kickoff return, an easy pick 6, a safety off a blocked punt, that’s basically 16 freebie points. You get all those easy points you should win.
Instead the UGA offense had one sustained drive all day for a grand total of 3 freaking points. That’s nothing short of horrible. All these idiots criticizing WM and the defense. You ought to remember just how freaking bad your offense is. Your whole program is in decline.
You should just fire Richt and simply start over from scratch. From this year on he is on the hot seat. Next year after yet another loss to UF and certainly a couple of losses between Carolina, Auburn, UT, and CMR will be gone. It has started. The writing is on the wall.
Breaking News
October 11th, 2009
11:48 am
UT just scored again!
LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
Richt's Brain
October 11th, 2009
11:48 am
my team’s fans are usually so easily distracted by my great tan, my love for jesus, and my dancing with the team to soulja boy that they don’t even realize the kingdom is crumbling before their very eyes. alabama ruined my black jerseys last year and if i don’t come up with something pretty quickly i might have to really try to be a football coach…x’s and o’s just aren’t my thing.
wait a second, i’ve got it!
my ace in the hole
SILVER JERSEYS
not only will they look great, i can spend my time designing them instead of watching film of willie’s defense and then when everyone complains i can reveal my new design and pretend like it’s a great new tradition which will distract everyone from the other great new georgia bulldog football tradition of giving up over 40 points a game!
Dog Food Bowl
October 11th, 2009
11:49 am
A coaching staff shake-up seems logical, ……go Ramblin Wreck.
adsfhliuhaewioqhwnjksn cj blasdfhauy
October 11th, 2009
11:50 am
Josh Nesbitt for Heisman
Yellow Fuzz wannabee
October 11th, 2009
11:51 am
Rivals.com new all time WORST College Football Programs
1. Prairie View (1989-98)
2. Macalester College (1974-80)
3. Northwestern (1979-82)
4. Columbia (1983-88)
5. Oberlin (1994-2000)
6. Swarthmore (1997-99)
7. Duke (1999-2001)
8. Marietta College (1980-84)
9. New Mexico State (1988-90)
10. Georgia (2009)
11. Kansas State (1944-1948)
12. Cumberland College (1916)
Note: There were extenuating circumstances with most teams in the ranking (IE: NCAA Probation, World War One, First year program and Plague).
Where have you gone jim Bob Cooter ?
October 11th, 2009
11:51 am
Does ANYBODY remember how noted prognosticator Paul Finebaum called for Tennessee to cut ties , yes CUT TIES with Lane Kiffin just weeks after he was hired but even before the first spring scrimmage ? Not to put the guy in the hall of fame here, but I think that Finebaum jackass owes Kiffin an apology. Richt has had 9 years to build a program ,Kiffin has had 6 games. The SEC East just got more interesting…
UGAly
October 11th, 2009
11:51 am
lookin good dogs, keep fighting, getting better every week, will beat vandy by 30 ..
the thoughts of the delusional dawg fans.Go commodores, make the dawgs o for tennessee
adsfhliuhaewioqhwnjksn cj blasdfhauy
October 11th, 2009
11:52 am
Wait Joe Cox for Heisman
montanadawg
October 11th, 2009
11:52 am
I am a loyal fan whether or not the Dawgs win ballgames. My concern (that has been going on for several years) is that we continue to get the Top 5-10 best recruiting classes yet cannot put a CONSISTENT program together. The Dawgs have never been dominate, and we cannot seem to play a complete game on both sides of the ball. Our excessive penalties and turnovers mask a much bigger problem. It all comes back to coaching. Maybe the best thing to happen this year is for us to simply lose our remaining games so Evans and company will sit up and take notice (if they haven’t already). If we even end up .500 or a bit better then I seriously doubt any major coaching changes will go forward. We seriously need to just tank this year – get creamed by Florida, GT, and Auburn and start from scratch.