It’s been too long since Richt, Dogs have had signature win
This isn't the last time Mark Richt celebrated, but it might be the last time a celebration really meant something in the big picture. The game? Two years ago against Florida. (AJC photo)
Two years ago, Georgia made news with a team-wide celebration in the end zone. In retrospect, maybe the team should’ve pitched a tent there. The program hasn’t had a signature win since.
“I’m trying to think,” Mark Richt said Wednesday night. “Did we win any big ones last year?” And then he laughed, that little oh-jeez, has-it-been-that-long, kind of laugh.
It hasn’t been an easy season for Richt. The Bulldogs are 4-3. They’re given little chance of upsetting No. 1 ranked Florida. Bowl prospects include words like “Independence” and “Liberty,” which would be fine if this was something minor like a revolution, not college football in the S0uth.
Georgia still has five games left in the regular season, but it’s fighting a perception problem. Teams are defined, to some degree, by “signature” wins. Within the SEC, the Dogs have come up dry since beating Florida in 2007. They are 9-4 in conference games since the start of last season, and those nine wins have come over (in order): South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, LSU, Kentucky, Auburn, South Carolina (again), Arkansas and Vanderbilt (again). The LSU win looked big at the time, but the Tigers went on to finish only 3-5 in the conference. In fact, every win came over a team that finished with a losing or .500 record in the SEC, save the current South Carolina team (which is 3-2).
Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer got their revenge against Georgia last season (AJC photo)
Meanwhile, the four losses came to Florida (7-1), Alabama (8-1), LSU (4-1) and Tennessee (1-3).
Fans cling to hope, and perception feeds into that hope. But when the mind has to travel too far back to think of a high point, hope deteriorates. Beating Vanderbilt a week ago after getting whacked by Tennessee didn’t build hope. All that did was prevent Butts-Mehre from being turned into the Russian front.
Georgia needs a win over Florida because the program has done nothing to affirm it belongs with the conference elite since that day in Jacksonville two years ago. There is no opponent left on the schedule, Georgia Tech included, that could send out such a positive signal.
Asked if he believes in the “signature” win concept Richt said, “I don’t think you can talk about them prior to any game. I think you can look back and say, ‘That was a signature win.’ Usually a signature win is a win that propels you into something very meaningful as far as a championship, or maybe helps define your problem. When we beat Auburn and that got us into the SEC championship game [in 2002] for the first time ever, that was a signature victory. But I don’t know if you can say when you’re 4-3 and you get a win, it’s a signature win.”
When asked what he felt was Georgia’s last signature win, Richt said, “I’d have to think about that. What do you think?” Told Florida, he responded, “Yeah, that was a big game. That helped propel us into a streak where we ended up finishing No. 2 in the AP.”
He referenced a win at Alabama in 2007. He even referenced a last-second desperation win at Vanderbilt a few weeks later because it stopped the bleeding following a loss to Tennessee, set up a seven-win finishing kick and the enabled the Bulldogs to end at 11-2.
Similarly, one huge upset Saturday changes a lot. “It could erase a lot of negativity,” defensive end Demarcus Dobbs said. “We’re pretty much down in the hole.”
What was Georgia’s last big win? “To me, it’s Florida,” he said. “A lot of people would probably look at beating an undefeated Hawaii team in the Sugar Bowl. But to me, it’s Florida.”
Two years ago, they had a dog pile in the end zone. Some thought that was a problem. Turns out, that was the high point.
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357 comments Add your comment
Taylor
October 29th, 2009
12:33 pm
Alright,well I’m going to let you comment to yourself Yellow Fuzz. I hope someone answers your 5 year old comments so you have someone to talk to.
Yellow Fuzz
October 29th, 2009
12:34 pm
“Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes, forty five – forty two”
CincyDog
October 29th, 2009
12:35 pm
I’m a dawg fan from way back. Win, lose or draw I’ll still love them. I still a CMR fan too. But…….
What really bugs me the most (besides Tech) is that the Bulldogs have lost their identity. Use to you could count on a well discipline, hard hitting, in your face defense and a solid no thrills offense. Use to be when you played the dogs the opposition knew what that needed to do to stop them, they were just helpless to stop it. The defense attacked, the offense steam-rolled…when the game was over the other team didn’t walk off, they limped off.
This team here plays with no heart. They seemed more afraid of making a mistake than making a play. They seem content to lay back on defense and wait for the other team to make a play. Why does this team not attack anymore? Why kind of football are we playing at Georgia now? I’m ashamed, I’m embarrassed, I’m shocked. Time for this team to quit laying down and start to play some Georgia Football. They need to go out and punch Florida in the face right off the bat just to remind them who Georgia is (they have obviously forgotten)! Then play an attacking swarming defense. Not even the great Tebow can throw or run with three guys hanging on him. The offense needs to play ball control and wear the Florida defense down. There is no reason this team cannot beat Florida, NONE!
The time is now CMR….prepare this team the way I know you can, and play some hardnose, in your face, SEC football!
Go Dawgs!
gdawginkalamazoo
October 29th, 2009
12:37 pm
I really don’t have a problem with Richt’s loyalty to his assistant coaches to a certain degree. I don’t believe you should start chunking your coordinator because you have a bad year. If you have a run like we have on defense then obviously changes need to be made. I think Richt has allowed Willie the time to get things straightened out and it just hasn’t happened. Make changes, everybody is man enough to say it just didn;t work out. With Bobo I think Richt knows and we as fans should know is that he is still learning at that position. And I don’t have a problem with that. He will make mistakes, he will make big mistakes. He is adjusting to a new QB and will be again next year. I think he did a good job last year with the exception of the Florida game (remember they scored 30 in the second half of the Bama game). I would give Bobo another year or two to get it together. He has the talent on hand he just needs to figure out how to utilized it. Things aren’t so bad in Athens we fans need to hang in there.
Mike
October 29th, 2009
12:40 pm
Taylor,
I think Yellow’s posts are humorous. Just because they cut to the bone doesn’t mean you have to call him a 5 year old.
Disgraced Vance
October 29th, 2009
12:41 pm
If the Dawgs were playing Tennessee Tech this week Vince Vance would be suspended. Richt figures he can’t afford to lose a starter against a defense that is going to dominate them all day anyway. I think the NCAA should look into who bailed this kid out of jail, is that considered a gift? There could be violations here.
lonely GT student
October 29th, 2009
12:42 pm
Can someone please tell me what I have to do to get a date? I’m a 22 year old senior and I’ve never even kissed a girl. Thanks
Gatortime
October 29th, 2009
12:42 pm
Punch them right in the frickin’ head!!!!!! Right Chazzo that’s like asking a one legged man to win a butt kicking contest- not going to happen- but you hunker down OK? You little sister of the state would be more of a game than you flea bags!
Pi$$onaDAWG
October 29th, 2009
12:43 pm
UGA’s signature game this year was at Okie St. I didn’t say WIN but that game proved what Willie and Bobo bring to the UGA sidline to start this season. In the Beauty contest that is the BCS UGA has a HOT CHICK but she answers questions like Miss South Carolina.
Corliss
October 29th, 2009
12:44 pm
Sadly, THIS is our bowl game/National championship Game on Saturday. The Dawgs can either bend over or fight if they get down 10 or 14-0. It’s really too bad Smart or Muschamp aren’t available after the season. For CMR to be such a developer of QBs, Joe Cox is a try hard/effort guy: nothing more. As a freshman, Matt Barkley@USC is better than ANY QB in the SEC West(even Mallet or the overrated Snead) & from a pure QB skill set, even better than Tebow or anyone else in the East. Hopefully CMR can get a kid like him because lifetime achievement awards only mean something if you have talent;which Cox does not. I just hope there’s a talented QB ready to play next yr as well as a competent D/C. GO DAWGS!!!
gdawginkalamazoo
October 29th, 2009
12:46 pm
Yellow Fuzz, yes please keep updating us on our possible bowl appearances because we all know that you know all about the lower tier bowls because you have been there. You could probably help us out with travel arrangements too. So what is the best way to get to Boise?
Yellow Fuzz
October 29th, 2009
12:47 pm
Gatortime,
Doubt we are ready for you yet but you’rr right, we would give you a better challenge than georgia. I went to Jacksonville last year and I have NEVER see a team give up like they have. Do me a favor on Saturday. Make it hurt!
Pi$$onaDAWG
October 29th, 2009
12:49 pm
Lonely GT Student just go to Athens any weekend during football season and there will be more than enough Drunk & Fake Blonde Chick to go around and around and up and down. You just have to hold their hair when they puke after slobbering on your Honeycomb.
Urine color Fuzz
October 29th, 2009
12:50 pm
Awww, look at little fuzzy asking the Gators to do to UGA what he knows his joke of a program can’t. T-W-O lonely ACC titles in 56 years, LOL!!!!!!
LincolnHusker
October 29th, 2009
12:50 pm
It is amazing to me that Georgia fans are so critical of Mark Richt. He is an amazing coach averaging 10 wins per year! I believe that Georgia will lose to Florida due to the Gators #1 Defense in the NCAA this year. Also, remember that defense and ball controll win championships, not offense. Ask the Huskers of the 90’s!
You would benefit more by complimenting your coach than by suggesting he needs a signature win. He is a fine man and has created a nice record for your state. Florida has earned respect nationwide with professional management of special teams and defense, but the offense has stole the show. Many in Nebraska believe Florida will win its 3rd national championship in 4 years based on good old fashioned physical smash mouth football!
You should not be harsh with Coach Richt, but be more critical of yourselves by not understanding that he is a remarkable man.
Slim
October 29th, 2009
12:50 pm
Fire Richt… Gators are gonna wipe the floor with the Mutts…. Hey…. the Vols just scored again.
Yellow Fuzz
October 29th, 2009
12:50 pm
gdawginkalamazoo,
Dude I have been to Boise and it sucks. That’s why I want you guys to make it. As for me, I’ll be digging my toes in the sand in Tampa and then again in Miami. My group will have a toast or two for you!
gdawginkalamazoo
October 29th, 2009
12:50 pm
Corliss, we happen to have three Elite 11 QB’s on the sideline so we don’t need Matt Barkley. What we need is some competition amongst them if the ball isn’t moving for a qtr or a half you need do something to get somebody motivated. No problem with having the talent right now. the problem is getting it on the field.
DAWGHouse
October 29th, 2009
12:51 pm
Lonely GT student,
That is pretty sad, but my advice to you is to do what every other GT “man” has had to resort to. Pay for it. Hope that helps.
gdawginkalamazoo
October 29th, 2009
12:52 pm
Yellow Fuzz, and good luck with that too! Too bad all the good teams in the ACC are in your side of the conference. The CG will be easy for you guys.
Tarrant
October 29th, 2009
12:53 pm
Maaaan, why Coach say I cant bee with inn 50 yards of any sororority holmes? Why he think I bee gonna due?
Slim
October 29th, 2009
12:53 pm
Ga. Tech ia ALREADY bowl eligible….. The Dogs STILL have to win two more games…. They WON’T get one of them this weekend against the Gators….. HAHAHAHA
Born2Buzz
October 29th, 2009
12:53 pm
UGA Fans, Yellow Fuzz does not represent the majority of Tech folks.
Come on Dogs, I’m pulling for you to beat UF.
Now the fact that your football coach has to check on a 22 year old’s drivers license situation is pretty sad. How can a 22 year old not have a valid drivers license?
Yellow Fuzz
October 29th, 2009
12:53 pm
“Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes, four leaves from the hedges”
Just An Observation
October 29th, 2009
12:54 pm
What Richt “NEEDS” and what he “GETS” are going to be two totally separate issues. UGA winning against Florida on Saturday……NOT!!!!!
bobby dead dodd
October 29th, 2009
12:55 pm
Yellow Fuzz for years and no degree for Joey Hamilton or Reggie Ball.
fred dre
October 29th, 2009
12:55 pm
hey bobo, the play in which cox tuns left and throws the ball directly to the wide receiver while he’s standing at the line of scrimmage has failed to gain a yard this season. florida will be sitting and waiting for this worthless play on saturday. I N T for six.
the sad truth is.....
October 29th, 2009
12:55 pm
Richt’s comments are indicative of what the problem is with UGA football. Finding reasons to justify being mediocre.
Lack of intensity, lack of heart, lack of anything except putting your feet up on the desk and piling up the money in your bank account.
If we win – it will be a huge upset.
If we lose – we will have had a great gameplan that wasn’t properly executed.
RealityYech
October 29th, 2009
12:55 pm
The house of cards for the tools will come tumbling down sooner rather than later. And as usual, all the brand new, shiny GT car tags and decals will suddenly disappear. It’s like clockwork, all you gotta do is wait for it
Richt is sackless
October 29th, 2009
12:56 pm
It doesn’t matter which Vince or Vance it is, an arrest the same week as a game is usually grounds for a suspension. It doesn’t matter how atrocious the offense is or isn’t, the net result was AN ARREST. I guarantee you Richt would be suspending him if this were the Tennessee Tech game. And all you Mutts know it, too. Richt has never been a true disciplinarian and is showing that he doesn’t care what it takes to win. The vast majority of coaches in America today would have immediately suspended the guy.
Slim
October 29th, 2009
12:56 pm
A degree from UGA=TOLIET PAPER.
Kim Z's Packace
October 29th, 2009
12:57 pm
DAWGHouse: when you pay for “IT” it leaves when you are done. You don’t have to buy it a meal. You don’t have to fake like you care she feels fat, ugly, or buy “IT” clothes to make “IT” feel good about “ITSELF”. Renting “IT” is cheaper than trying to buy “IT” for 5 years and having to split your crap with the “IT”.
Yellow Fuzz
October 29th, 2009
12:57 pm
“Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes, forty tons of trash to clean up from dog tailgaters”
Stan da man
October 29th, 2009
12:57 pm
Maybe Tech can sellout a game if they have free kissing booths set up at all the gates. The free coke and hot dog thing just ain’t cutting it……
11
October 29th, 2009
12:58 pm
Enter your comments here
Pago Flyer
October 29th, 2009
12:59 pm
It appears that the new VOLS coach is for real!
R.S.V.P.
October 29th, 2009
12:59 pm
Joe, Iz lik to com to ya perty onz tha 5th toos wacth tha SEC Titles Gamez. I wil brinz sum gurlz andz sum berrs. I lok furward two tha gamez andz tha funz. Seez youz therz,
Rennie Curran
Saint Richt
October 29th, 2009
1:00 pm
Did Vance fail his drivers test or is his license suspended from a previous run in with the law? My guess is the latter.. Its funny how this is swept under the rug by the AJC, with none of the AJC writers questioning Richt’s decision to allow him to play. And again, before you mutts start talking about the offense itself- it doesn’t and shouldn’t matter. An arrest is an arrest is an arrest… Anybody that holds themselves out to be on a higher moral ground should immediately suspend the guy. But not St. Richt and certainly not for the Florida game! unbelievable, hypocrite.
cupid
October 29th, 2009
1:00 pm
Nerds crying about a kid getting a driving violation while going to class; yet they proudly played a thug that was busted in an FBI drug sting and currently have a kid that forced himself on a girl playing every Saturday. Unreal. Just when you thought the trade school douches couldn’t get anymore trashy.
Dear UGA fans
October 29th, 2009
1:00 pm
keep your chin up. you can always find solace in last year’s preseason national title trophy. it must have been such a difficult task to achieve. i mean being overrated must take hard work, and letting everyone down is also monumental.
Chuck Uga
October 29th, 2009
1:00 pm
Jeff,
You are a master of the obvious, aren’t you?! There will be no signature win until Mark Richt makes the required staff changes to compete with the other programs which have progressed while he has stood still. This is a law of nature which Mark Richt hasn’t caught onto yet. You CANNOT keep doing the same things and expect different results, especially since the same things aren’t working.
Yellow Fuzz
October 29th, 2009
1:00 pm
georgia is not MAN enough to beat Florida.
Gatortime
October 29th, 2009
1:03 pm
It’s always funny when the hillbilly rednecks calls us the jort wearing sister dating people- I laugh because most of the time they are all gone by the 3rd qtr anyway-Yellow fuzz thanks for the props on our team-Us down hear see the tides changing up in the state of GA- and UGA I think is going to be in for a rude wake up call from ya’lls coach- Coach M already said there is no way he would put the Jackets on the schedule- Maybe ya’ll want be the red headed step kid anymore as long as he is there! Look forward to seeing how many yards ya’ll rush for against the Hillbillies as well- Tebow breaks the old man’s record this weekend- I will say the Best Running back I’ve ever seen in College! But you have to give credit to Mr Tebow as well-class act kid!
Jason
October 29th, 2009
1:03 pm
The funniest thing I think I’ve ever seen was a few years back, I believe during one of their Smurf Bowl appearences. They were interviewing Tech’s SENIOR punter at the time, and for his major they flashed up on the screen UNDECIDED. LOL, only at the Trade School can a senior be UNDECIDED, LOL!!!
Lostin Athens
October 29th, 2009
1:04 pm
Will – that was funny!
Junkyard Dawg
October 29th, 2009
1:05 pm
The cure to the DAWGS defensive woes could be cured if they were shown some film of Erk Russell’s Junkyard Dawg defenses. Erk was the ultimate motivator. This team needs a heavy dose of this both from the DC and CMR to have any chance on Saturday. Having said that, let me say that most of you must live pathetic little lives. Get a life people and get back to work.
Sam Adams
October 29th, 2009
1:06 pm
Gatortime,
Only on the campus of UF do you find guys still wearing hoop earrings, gold necklaces, turtle necks and frosted tipped hair like it’s 1992. You people are nearly two decades behind the rest of the country. There’s something about the northern part of Florida. It’s like passing through a time machine. What douchebags.
Kim Z's Packace
October 29th, 2009
1:07 pm
CUPID I think the charges were thrown out on J. Terrant’s case. You know like the UGA plaayers feeling-up a Pregnant girl in the dorms. J. Terrant stayed in school, went to class, and is now playing after all was setteled. UGA likes to send their problems to PG work at Hardgrave or the JUDCO route. JT stayed and kept working to get his chance.
BAWHAHAHA!!!
October 29th, 2009
1:10 pm
Sam Adams, BINGO!!!! That made me spit up my water!!! Absolutely dead on!!!!!
notbowleligible
October 29th, 2009
1:11 pm
You will notice that these loser fleabags can’t talk about football on the field. It’s only about their conference and their stadium size. How exactly does the BCS use that info, 4 and 4’s? Talks but can’t walk. I’d rather one person watch me win than 80,000 watch me get amy arse beat.