
An empty doghouse. It has been that kind of season in Athens.
ATHENS — They got bruised in Stillwater, blindsided in Knoxville and humbled in Jacksonville. Also, their dog died.
Put it all together and Georgia’s season is a like country-western song.
So here’s my question for you: If you’re still watching, what is it you’re hoping this team can still accomplish?
The Dogs play their final home game of the season tonight against

Mark Richt has tried to keep everybody focused on the season, not what comes after.
Kentucky. The backdrop isn’t what this team’s seniors were hoping for, especially after what seemingly was projected two years ago when Georgia finished the season ranked No. 2 in the nation. But there are still some tangible goals left.
I’m guessing if Bulldog fans could lay out a perfect finish to an imperfect season, it would go something like this (in order of priority):
1) Beat Georgia Tech next week.
2) Win the season’s final three games (Cats, Jackets, bowl opponent) to finish a respectable 9-4.
3) Blow up the coaching staff.
I’m adding the last one because I’m guessing that even closing the season strong would not eliminate the bitter taste left by the 4-4 start and all that came with it.

This could be Willie Martinez's last home game as defensive coordinator.
Most of you still believe in coach Mark Richt — as you should — but want changes in his staff and/or some of his methods.
Pure my speculation here, based on no inside information, other than what I see and hear and how Richt is now reacting to questions about his off-season plans: 1) Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez is gone; 2) There will be other changes on the staff, mostly on the defensive side of the ball and possibly with the strength and conditioning coach; 3) Some or all of these changes may be announced fairly quickly, possibly soon after the Georgia Tech game and before the bowl game.
I would be stunned if Richt made no changes. I would be surprised if he makes only one.
Let me add one more thing: While Martinez’s shortcomings as a defensive coordinator have been debated for a while, I still believe the team’s problems run deeper than one assistant coach. The problems start at the top with accountability. That’s Richt’s department. I thought his decision last week to pull out any players who committed a bad penalty was a terrific first step.
Now, about tonight’s game. Kentucky is in that, “We should beat them,” category. But this game won’t be easy. The Wildcats have won four of their last five and beat Auburn (21-14) by the same margin as Georgia (31-24). They’re averaging over 200 rushing yards per game and the defense, while not great, is among conference leaders with 13 interceptions. They’ve also committed about half as many penalties (46) in 10 games as the Dogs (89).
So here we go. Let me know what you’re looking for tonight and I’ll be back shortly.
2,054 comments Add your comment
jesse james
November 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
Touchdown Dawgs! To Hell with Tech!!!!!!
buzzDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
Go Joe! Go Rantavious!
catfish31015
November 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
Richt certainly isn’t to blame for the bulldogs woes…He’s a top SEC coach…would be a shame to let him leave because of a bunch of stinkers….And he certainly didn’t knock off UGA (the dog)….hated he had to pass, but I don’t think it will stop them from drinking. Its known as a party school, but like I said, Richt is one of the BEST. Go Dawgs…..LOL.
Pi$$onaDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
TRY BOISE in the winter. If you ski then a few hours off the slopes to watch a football game may not be bad but the game ain’t why you are going to Boise. Nice pass JOE
bugsquacher
November 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
OK WILLIE, CAN YOU GIVES US A LITTLE GAME…
godawgs
November 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
King missed ANoTHER block–Cox almost sacked 2x in a row….
Dog Genius
November 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
UGA’s house looks great when it’s empty!
Paul Johnson's breaf stanks
November 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Well I was wrong you were too 10 – 6….. GO WOOOOOOOT
Pi$$onaDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Jesse you are playing KENTUCKY
Dawgs Man
November 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Jeff. One out of four isn’t too good is it?
Jackson
November 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
It was clean. Whistle hadn’t blown. It was a little cheap but seriously, that is the best the sec officials can cone up with… Really? Seriously?
td
November 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
I think we are going to be loaded at receiver for the next couple of years.
godawgs
November 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
Nice pass-Joe’s the man
Paul Johnson's breaf stanks
November 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
OK where is Willie?
Dog Genius
November 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
C. King is a joke…and all the hype around him…another joke…
Jeff Schultz
November 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
BTW, that’s 2 straight scoring drives after opening game with a 3-and-out.
Delbert D.
November 21st, 2009
8:42 pm
What about the bowl game they are planning for Yankee Stadium? Can do the Times Square New Years’ Eve thing and freeze your buns off, too.
Pi$$onaDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:42 pm
I thought I was American but people keep telling me I can’t be from the US because “YOUR A PEE’N On a DAWG” who knew?
Buckhead Bulldog
November 21st, 2009
8:42 pm
Paula Zahn is still looking hot. I think I’m going to watch her new show.
Paul Johnson's breaf stanks
November 21st, 2009
8:42 pm
boob davie is a tool
Delbert D.
November 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
Davie, just shut up!
Dog Genius
November 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
Nice return, BIG BLUE!
Paul Johnson's breaf stanks
November 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
ok TY Fabris youre such a tool…
boots
November 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
Kick the freaking ball through the end of the end zone, Fabris. Hope you are looking for a job.
buzzDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
Instead of kicking off, why don’t we just agree to give the ball to the other team on their forty?
45ACP
November 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
Go Willie!
godawgs
November 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
as usual, Our O-Line gave great pass protection…Go O-Line! Cox is a LEADER people!
Bill
November 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
Davie is an idiot!!!
Finger N Cider
November 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
paula Zhan is HAWT !
boots
November 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
Oregon, TCU, Boise State… all in the top ten? Wow.
jesse james
November 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
Pissonadawg – I know it, but i’m practicing for next week. Hey are you and 45ACP breaking down Clemson or UGA Film tonight? Please don’t look past us to Clemson, I don’t want any excuses.
Paul Johnson's breaf stanks
November 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
SOFT WILLIE!!!!!
La Jolla Dawg
November 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
Is Rambo playing Jeff? Could have sworn we just saw number 18 on the field.
WE BEAT HIGH SCHOOL OFFENCES
November 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
Dogs 35 tech24
Delbert D.
November 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
Looking weak on D
45ACP
November 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
Yeah, and we don’t like folks form overseas telling us how to play football
Jimmy
November 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
Good grief. Jekyl and Hyde defense. Time for an adjustment.
How are our DB’s getting locked up on the outside runs?
Pi$$onaDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
Jesse not me and I don’t think Pual will either. Bring it dawgs.
45ACP
November 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
That’s our beloved Willie.
buzzDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
A penalty that is not on Georgia? It’s a miracle,
NewnanDawg
November 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
why are the safeties (B. Evans) sittin back on runs…come up and hit somebody….where is Erk???
Paul Johnson's breaf stanks
November 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
Joker Phillips and Charlie Strong a pair huh?
boots
November 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
Davie talks about pretty much anything BUT the game.
Sage of Blueland
November 21st, 2009
8:48 pm
Did the Klan show up at this game to protest too?
Damn crackers.
Irked ERK
November 21st, 2009
8:48 pm
this D aint got it yet but ok now
45ACP
November 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Willie is playing a vanilla defense tonight so we don’t give away anything to the Jackets for next week. Yeah, that’s it.
Jimmy
November 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Richt had to get Jones off the field before a celebration penalty.
Fan of anyone but UGA
November 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Dawgs suck, period end of story, big deal beating ken, tenn tech, arkansas, weak sisters all of them.
Barkin'Dog
November 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
WOW, guys… what a beautiful night. No rain (like expected). Hope Cuz and Bailey are enjoying themselves. Go Dawgs… lookin’ good so far.
boots
November 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Wille needs to go, but the defense is playing much better the last couple of games. These guys are stepping up their game.