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
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:29 pm
I’ll just point out that CMR will be mad and threaten to leave if Evans gets involved in any part of the football program. I’m sure he’ll slink away when I mention CMR’s name. Oops, Coach Mark Richt’s name. We all know Evans is scared of him!
howard
October 10th, 2009
8:29 pm
Our coach is unwilling to be the leader necessary to carry Georgia to the top…consistently. What I mean is that requires him to make tough personnel decisions. Sometimes you have to let people go for the good of the organization. He has coaches that aren’t producing…defense to start with. And, if he can’t make the tough choices, then our Athletic Director must. The Georgia Bulldogs demand excellence and right now it looks like we have a ways to go to achieve that goal. It starts with the head coach making it happen, not wanting it to happen.
Jamie
October 10th, 2009
8:30 pm
This team is a dumpster fire!
pensadawg
October 10th, 2009
8:30 pm
You “Georgia” fans make me sick, I’m literally embarrased to read all this negative, unloyal, bandwagon bullcrap. You so called fans should be ashamed of yourselves. You sound like a bunch of immature, LOSER, armchair coaches. GET A LIFE – Todays game was horrible – I agree. Coach Richt needs to makes some changes, but he has single handidly brought Georgia back to national prominence – I bet most of you idiots attention span is as short as your memory. All you “experts” need to chill. The man has earned some good will. If some changes aren’t made at the end the year, then I can understand some of this extreme criticism, but until then Everyone just RELAX. I bet most of you making these posts are a “joy” to live with, you probably talk to your families with as much disrespect as you do on your posts. Try to show some CLASS – if you even know what that is
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:30 pm
Willie!!! I’m LMAO!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Out played
October 10th, 2009
8:30 pm
Enter your comments here
kevin
October 10th, 2009
8:31 pm
UGA did not get inside the red zone ALL game…they had no plays inside the UT 35. Domination
A JEFF FAN!
October 10th, 2009
8:31 pm
Any Ga. fan want to join me at the Gator and dawgs football game I have a extra ticket, but you have to wear a Gator shirt.
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
8:33 pm
thanks courage. the second episode will have some of the pics i have of damon.
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:33 pm
Heck no!!!!
Pensadawg – Wake up and smell the coffee and quit drinking the kool aid! CMR’s snake oil has you bamboozled son!
Out played
October 10th, 2009
8:34 pm
Pensadawg – you are the only bandwagon bull crap fan – it is time for changes – it was time for changes after last year and the year b4 – new oc new dc new line coach – but good ole CMR always has an excuse – kind of a smooth talker – reminds me of Obama – full of ideas with no backbone and nothing getting done
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:34 pm
You’re killing me Willie. Just like you killing the Dawgs!!!! You’re too funny!!!
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
8:34 pm
kevin: the red zone, the red zone. what are you talking about man? my red zone is the most engenious pass coverage ever invented.
Law Dawg
October 10th, 2009
8:34 pm
ways to fix the 2009 season
1) Rest up, physically and mentally. It’s coming after Vandy.
2) Get Branden Smith and Logan Gray more involved in the running game. I think you play the QB who gives you the best chance to win, period. Regardless of your record. But giving Logan a series here or there gives a D something else to prepare for during the week (see DJ Shockley during Greene’s last 3 seasons at QB). It doesn’t look like we have a workhorse at TB. We have to be creative in moving the ball on the ground. Branden from the wildcat, Logan running the read option.
3) Play more man defense. We’re getting killed in the 2-deep. Our safeties aren’t playing well enough to make that work. Give the corners the chance to make plays on the ball.
4) Put more speed on kick coverage teams. Even if it means using starters.
5) Manufacture QB pressure. Blitz. The DE’s aren’t getting there. At least not yet.
6) Get the ball in AJ’s hands at least once out of every three plays. He’s the best offensive player in the conference, Tebow included.
things to do after 2009:
1) reassess defensive coaching staff. The numbers don’t lie.
2) move Samuel to LB. He can be an all-American there. Tremendous athlete, but not a TB.
3) recruit a TB.
4) recruit another TB.
5) extend Coach Richt’s contract.
THE CATHOLIC HAMMER
October 10th, 2009
8:35 pm
Tennessee is the 2nd best team in the SEC East, and got beat by UCLA (at home!)
Stop with the “SEC is so tough” propaganda.
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
8:35 pm
thanks courage. my real name is ray goff.
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:35 pm
I don’t want to know what those pics are!
Partisay
October 10th, 2009
8:35 pm
Coach Smith…let’s try this again.
Vols Record…
2006 BEAT Cal, Air Force, Marshall, Memphis, Ga, Bama, S. Carolina, Vandy, Ky
LOST Fla, LSU, Ark
Then lost to Penn St on New Years Day to go 9 – 4
2007 BEAT Southern Miss, Ark St., Ga, Miss St., S. Carolina, Lousiana Laf, Ky, Ark, Vandy
LOST Cal, Fla, Bama
Then lost to LSU in SEC game and beat Wisconsin on New Years Day to go 10-4
2008 Won 5, lost 7
That’s 24 wins, 15 loses thet last 3 years. So where do you get 18 – 19 the last 3 seasons?
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND???????
That’s
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:39 pm
At least with Goff we had an offense. And like Goff’s teams we had no defense. yes, I would believe you’re Goff i disguise!
Law Dawg – Agree with all but #5 – Lets wait two years before any extension is given. Then you will be like me. Calling for hope and change we all can believe in!
Willie Martinez
October 10th, 2009
8:39 pm
courage, cant tell you what the pics are. you’ll just have to wait for the program. starts april 1.
Early Curly
October 10th, 2009
8:39 pm
my boy rusty is a better dfense caller that williy
Macho Man
October 10th, 2009
8:39 pm
Willie Martinez
Well do you think you would resign if I ask nicely
45-19
October 10th, 2009
8:40 pm
Monte Kiffin took Mike Bobo to school. Plain and simple. And Willie Martinez just figured out how to make Jon Crompton look like a Heisman candidate. UGA is in a world of hurt.
Out played
October 10th, 2009
8:41 pm
go
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:41 pm
Partisay – Bundy, aka coach smith – ain’t right.
Presenting facts to him is like arguing with a dining room table. He ain’t from this planet!!! LMAO!
He scored 4 touchdowns in a pee wee league game and thinks he’s a coach. Nuff said!
FRED
October 10th, 2009
8:42 pm
Come on you clowns do you really think that all you have to do is fire Martinez and that will change the problem. Dream on defence is only about 40% of the problem. How about the offence?no, this team needs a whole new program and nothing less. But we will never see it. As long as the stadium is full their will be no changes.
A JEFF FAN!
October 10th, 2009
8:42 pm
Out Played, see that’s Ga problem you to busy talking about Obama instead of focusing on the real problem. you guys
Mike
October 10th, 2009
8:43 pm
I am soo sick and tired of the excusess players hurt ,playing players that are young,and the CMR list cound go on for months on end.Does CMR expect us to belive U.G.A.the only school is faced with these promblems ?
BOTTOM line !! Other schools in the S.E.C. are bringing in the same level of players as U.G.A. year after year. Those schools are playing in the top 10 and U.G.A. program is going in backwords.
Damon Evans needs to step in and tell CMR to make some personal changes on his staff or he needs to find another place to coach.It is so obivous CMR does not have the stones to do it!!(Western Kentucky won’t hire CMR they can play the vols closer with less talent.The gators along with everyone else in the S.E.C. are foaming to play GA.
Dusty
October 10th, 2009
8:43 pm
I got the numbers from the media guide… did the math because it confirmed what I thought!!!!! CWM is now giving up 85% more ppg than CBV did in his last year… getting worse EVERY year!!!!!!!! You can look at the media guide, numbers don’t lie!
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:43 pm
Sorry Bundy – I just couldn’t resist. You keep shooting yourself in the foot with erroneous facts!!!!!!
pensadawg
October 10th, 2009
8:43 pm
Thank you Law Dawg for some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism – I couldn’t agree with you more. Obviously you are one of the more educated, realistic fans making posts tonight
Macho Man
October 10th, 2009
8:44 pm
Willie Martinez
do you think u might have an extra ticket to the FL game
After watching all the games I think in 3 weeks you will have time to make the right adjustments so we can win
Buck Belue
October 10th, 2009
8:44 pm
Georgia program has been heading south for over two years. Answer your own question. Bama is a program that keeps rising with hard work–unlike your pup-py dogs. Keep jacking your mouth.
Early Curly
October 10th, 2009
8:44 pm
can obama help my dogs out?
Big Dawg 'N VA
October 10th, 2009
8:45 pm
Note to the head football coach and assistand coaches at UGA…..COACH EM UP AND DON’T LET EM QUIT! EVERYBODY HAS AN OPINION.
Courage
October 10th, 2009
8:46 pm
Thanks Dusty – Numbers don’t lie.
Only courage and the willingness to make the necessary changes will turn this program around now!
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 10th, 2009
8:46 pm
Over rated recruiting in a conference of parity combined with an over-rated coaching ability… The smoke has lifted and the king wears no clothes.
Water Girl Wants To Know
October 10th, 2009
8:47 pm
The coaches have heard your whining but they are not listening
They have done a great job
YOu can’t win every game so shut or jump on another band wagon
Nate
October 10th, 2009
8:48 pm
Dusty you nailed it. The defense is horrible. Fire Martinez. Recruit Will Muschamp, offer 1M, and head coach in waiting. If that doesn’t work recruit the defensive coordinators:
1) Virginia Tech
2) Baltimore Ravens
3) TCU
4) Ted Roof at USF
5) Alabama
Any of these coordinators would be better than Willie.
cltdawg
October 10th, 2009
8:48 pm
i guess if we don’t have a first round draft pick at qb and rb we shouldn’t expect to see the red zone. clearly these coaches are are being outcoached (as they were with stafford, knowshon and mo-ma). if i wasn’t so embarrased, i’d be mad.
Big Jon
October 10th, 2009
8:48 pm
Fire CMR!!!
Haha dawgs
October 10th, 2009
8:49 pm
Haha…you guys are wayyyy too full of yourselves. You’ve lost to “lowly” Tennessee many times the past few years, even when Tennessee was at their lowest. Get used to it. You’re being out-recruited, and you’ve already been outcoached. You’ve got another Fulmer over there and it will take you guys some really bad seasons to get rid of him. Hahahahaha.
Water Girl Wants To Know
October 10th, 2009
8:49 pm
Willie will you show you ungrateful fans when he beats FL
Sammy
October 10th, 2009
8:51 pm
The doggies need some of that Obama stuff: HOPE and CHANGE. Maybe if Richt starts talking about Hope and Change he could win a Nobel Peace Prize also for doing nothing and talking a good game.
Ha ha Puppy Doggies. Your time has come and gone. You are at the bottom of the SEC with Kentucky, Miss State, and Vandy. Your program has quickly become a joke. Good luck the rest of the way. You will certainly need it.
Early Curly
October 10th, 2009
8:51 pm
I HEAR THE FEDS FOUND 929 GALLONS OF MOONSHINE IN NC MOUNTAINS TODAY.
Haha dawgs
October 10th, 2009
8:51 pm
Why would Muschamp go to Georgia to be DC and head-coach-in-waiting when he has the same thing at Texas? Why would the Baltimore Ravens or Alabama DC’s take the same position at UGA?
JSS
October 10th, 2009
8:51 pm
Ed (AKA Mr. Wrong)
Why is motivation a problem for UGA? Because here is something you are use to saying but have no clue to what it truly means: “ENTITLEMENT!” The fans, the players, and the coaches feel just because they walk out on a playing field with that white and black Green Bay “G” on the helmet and pants that they are GEORGIA and god has anointed us! The kids kids from other schools can read, all they have to do is visit any uga blog or watch local sports program and hear the smarmy comments of the Bulldogs and their fans… This worth 40 more reps in the weight room alone… Add to a coaching staff that shows the same amount arrogance, it is a recipe for disaster… Ain’t it beautiful!
MUTT H8tER
October 10th, 2009
8:52 pm
45 – 42
Carl Spackler
October 10th, 2009
8:52 pm
Just an observation…anybody remember how sure Coach Smith was at the beginning of the year…remember his superior knowledge of the game…remember how if you didn’t strap on the ol pads then you didn’t know what you were doing, well congrat’s because apparently you did…
jw
October 10th, 2009
8:52 pm
Richt is a very nice guy – seems too loyal to his coaches – this isn’t high school – better right the ship or the Nation is going to get angry! The big dawg barking now is just a little ‘yap’ ‘yap’ right now – and scares no one right now! The Nation isn’t used to 3 losses in early October – going to be a tough season in Dawgville – get those tickets to Nashville on December 30th – before they sell out! Six wins may be hard to get, though!