Richt’s Dogs have struggled against ranked teams
Mark Richt is only 2-7 in his last nine games against ranked teams. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
If most are doubting Georgia’s chances of upsetting No. 2 ranked Auburn Saturday, one reason is that the Bulldogs’ five wins have come over Louisiana-Lafayette (2-7), Tennessee (3-6), Vanderbilt (2-7), Kentucky (5-5) and Idaho State (1-8).
But there’s another reason: Mark Richt’s teams have struggled against any team in the top 25, let alone a BCS title contender.
Richt’s Dogs have lost seven of their last nine against ranked teams and are 4-8 since 2008. That includes losses this season to the only two ranked teams they’ve played — No. 24 South Carolina (17-6) and No. 12 Arkansas (31-24).
Contrast that with Georgia going 5-0 against ranked teams in 2007 and 10-1 in a stretch that started in November 2006.
In the recent 2-7 stretch vs. ranked teams, the lone victories came over No. 7 Georgia Tech in 2009 and No. 18 Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl the year before. The losses came to Florida (twice), Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, LSU, South Carolina and Arkansas.
The breakdowns:
♦ Here’s Mark Richt vs ranked teams year by year: 2001: 2-3 2002: 5-0 2003: 3-3 2004: 2-2 2005: 4-3 2006: 3-22007: 5-0 2008: 3-3
2009: 1-3 2010: 0-2 Total: 28-21 Here’s the breakdown since 2008: 2008 #8 Alabama: Lost 41-30 #22 Vanderbilt: Won 24-14 #13 LSU: Won 52-38 #5 Florida: Lost 49-10 #22 Georgia Tech: Lost 45-42 #18 Michigan State: Won 24-12 2009 #9 Oklahoma State: Lost 24-10 #4 LSU: Lost 20-13 #1 Florida: Lost 41-17 #7 Georgia Tech: Won 30-24 2010 #24 South Carolina: Lost 17-6 #12 Arkansas: Lost 31-24
♦
So there are the numbers. How confident are you that Georgia will buck this trend in Auburn?
♦
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445 comments Add your comment
droopydawg
November 8th, 2010
4:37 pm
On the other hand, we only ever lose to ranked teams (Colorado notwithstanding) in the Richt era (I’m looking at you Tech)
Jeff Schultz
November 8th, 2010
6:29 pm
This is hilarious. There’s one commenter on this blog who has used at least 7 different names (I stopped counting) to post at least 20 comments (I stopped counting) in order to make it seem like there’s a lot of support for his position. Some people have absolutely no life. Bonus points to the first reader who can name one of his screen names!
YES WE DID
November 8th, 2010
6:33 pm
sounds to me that the one who “doesn’t know Jack about football” is college fan in general. First of all, Tech is such a great school academic wise that they don’t offer Journalism degrees, nor degrees in “Housing”, which nearly a third of all UGA football players are majoring in. Do you know what that degree in “Housing” is? It’s a major that was drafted at UGA so their athletes can have a major. It allows them to be able to go into “public housing management”. Wow – what a hard major – I bet you don’t find THAT major at GT.
But my main point about you not knowing “Jack” is when you look at the recruiting classes that CMR has had every year since he has been there (usually in the Top 10, some years have been in the Top 5), then CMR doesn’t look that great. CMR should get PAID for beating the Florida’s, Auburns, Alabama’s etc; NOT Louisiana-Lafayette, Idaho St, Central Michigan, Georgia Southern, Tenn. Tech, Troy, Western Carolina, Western Kentucky, and Troy – who UGA has played over the last 5 years; Plus the annual Vandy and KY games.
Ray
November 8th, 2010
6:38 pm
Rex Robinson, one of the many former Dawgs, said on 680 today that he believes that Mark Richt is the man for the job and that he would be back next year. It is hard to imagine UGA firing, arguably, the most successful coach in their history. Lots of former UGA players are singing the same song–both those that played for Richt and those who preceded him–the song is “Richt is a great coach.” Almost to a man–they are singing that song. CMR has the resume to back it up. He was considered an offensive genius at FS. His record at UGA against top ranked and unranked teams alike is among the very best in the nation. Do you guys realize how far the program would be set back if Richt were to be fired? Come on guys…
Dawg stuck in Bham
November 8th, 2010
6:38 pm
Jeff…is it SickandTired and Vaindangling?
Jeff Schultz
November 8th, 2010
6:51 pm
Dawg stuck … Nope.
Hairy Dawg
November 8th, 2010
7:30 pm
After slicing dicincg and mashing the potatoes last week were goning to making some Yankee New[ton] England C[l]am Chowder this weeks as we turning loose dominants with the real mens as Dawgs insteads of kiddie tiger cub eaglets.
Ted Striker
November 8th, 2010
7:31 pm
No way Jeff Schultz is anti-Richt. He’s not anti- or pro- any team he covers. Dude is like Switzerland. That said, he does owe me 14 or 15 beers and I intend to collect if it’s his last paycheck and his children’s feet are cold and they don’t have shoes.
Dawg stuck in Bham
November 8th, 2010
7:34 pm
ok…Jesse Stone and Superwave?
THE (G) ON THE MUTTS HELMET STANDS 4 GAY
November 8th, 2010
7:43 pm
YOU HILLBILLY HICKS LOST TO S.CAROLINA,ARK,COLO,MISS ST AND FLORIDA!
AND NOW YOU DUMB HICKS THINK THAT YOU CAN UPSET AUBURN? NOT!
GO SMOKE SOME CRYSTAL METH UGA FANS!
THE (G) ON THE MUTTS HELMET STANDS 4 GAY
November 8th, 2010
7:45 pm
AND PLEASE KEEP MARK RICHT!
Paul in RDU
November 8th, 2010
8:41 pm
Jeff – think I nailed 12 of screen names earlier today. Jesse Stone nailed him as well.
Paul in RDU
November 8th, 2010
2:37 pm
Wow – I see we have a new record in most screen names used in one day by a single blogger
Nick = Kenneth = Hank = Joey = Richard = Rick = Ellie = Dave = Super Wave = Timmy = Vincent = Tony
Jeff Schultz
November 8th, 2010
9:32 pm
Paul in RDU — I think we have a winner.
Zack
November 8th, 2010
10:04 pm
There is a lot of similarity between this year’s Georgia team and the 2007 Alabama team. Both were in the first year putting in that new 3 down lineman type of defense, both beat a bunch of unranked non-impressive teams, both had a lot of off-the-field arrests/incidents, both lost to a team they shouldn’t have (Bama to Louisiana Monoroe, Georgia to Colorado), both played Auburn late (and lost likely), both finish the season with no more than 7 wins, and no lss than 6 losses. Both defenses were pretty good and held opponents to less than 23 points a game on the average, Georgia’s a little better so faf on defense, but after Auburn, might be equal there too. Of ourse, Alabama went on to go 13-1 in 2008, and 14-0 in 2009, so we can only hope 2011 & 2012 works out the same for Georgia. Overall, it seems to me, Georgia’s surprisingly ahead of where Alabama was in 2007.
Zack
November 8th, 2010
10:16 pm
Bit of a down year in East division. Florida and Georgia both haven a bad yar where nobody canhardly beat a good rankd team. Atypical that Coach Meyer and Coach Richt both have a year, where neither one can whoop a ranked team.
mdr
November 8th, 2010
11:25 pm
I feel 100% confident that we (UGA) will lose. Sorry, but my optimism in this team (and program) died a while ago. If we win, I will be happier than a pig in sh!t, but I am not going to let it ruin my week if (when) we lose. Again.
But Tech still sucks and we do own your little maggot a$$es, so don’t forget it.
Hairy Dawg
November 9th, 2010
1:08 am
It’s is more respects for Aubie now that I know Newton cheating at school with Gaytors before Auburn recruiting. Dawgs got to doing same by putting pointy headers like Adams in place to focus on domnantcing football. Then we sign best talent recruits with no Adams blocking to get good team and winning it’s all.
Hairy Dawg
November 9th, 2010
1:18 am
http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Source-says-Newton-left-Florida-after-cheating-scandal
Terry
November 9th, 2010
7:51 am
Great win by the Dogs. 55-7 domination. Defense looked great, offense was humming, special teams was cooking. Good to see Georgia didn’t have a let down like teams led by Saban usually do, remember when Saban lost to La Monoroe in 07′? None of that fr Richt against Idaho, just won going away, completely dominatd the game. The 3 interceptions were nice, also thought Murray finally got on track in the second quarter and had anice game, and Justin Houston continues to be the defensive player of the year, best in SEC, best in country. gletree looked superb. Tavarres, AJ, Brown, Durham, receivers looked smooth.
Buzz Killer
November 9th, 2010
8:08 am
I don’t see Auburn blowing good teams out of the water. Barely beat Kentucky and did score a bunch against Ark. but Mallett went down in that game from what I remember. Their big wins are against lowly unranked teams also.
SEC: ESPN projects Kentucky in the Liberty Bowl : Acrylic Sports
November 9th, 2010
8:10 am
[...] And Georgia under Mark Richt has had trouble with ranked teams, writes Jeff Schultz of the AJC. [...]
Dawgfan
November 9th, 2010
8:11 am
Blah Blah Blah, Shults is trash
Terry
November 9th, 2010
8:15 am
Richt wins no matter how Auburn does.
If AUburn wins, Meyer looks like the dumbest coach in history for getting rid of Cam Newton. Also, LSU iwll be knocked out of the SEC race, a little pay back to Les Miles for 2007?
If Georgia wins, Richt’s legend grows even deeper.
Carolina
November 9th, 2010
8:59 am
Okefenokeedawg…talk all the garbage you want but you still lost to us 17-6. Run along mutt.
Epaminondas
November 9th, 2010
9:53 am
GA will not win on Saturday. However, if Dawgs lose to Tech, Richt will be asked to leave. Count on it.
Vick=Dog killing thug
November 9th, 2010
9:56 am
Dawgs have a chance against AUB but I want to go on public record now and state that UGA will DESTROY the lowly bugs.
I’m thinking like a Idaho State beat down, something to the tune of 55-7 where tech gets a garbage td late against our walkons.
dawgfacedboy
November 9th, 2010
12:30 pm
With the talent and facilities they have that is pathetic and should be unacceptable.
GaStateAlum
November 9th, 2010
1:18 pm
If what I’m hearing is true, Richt leaving Ga is a done deal. He is apparently going to be the next offensive coordinator at Miami(Fl). Will Muschamp is the likely successor, though the way Texas is playing this year I would have some second thoughts about that.
Only 1 ACC team in the top 25
November 9th, 2010
1:23 pm
Speaking of ranked teams, what about that mighty ACC, ehh……..???
how stupid can you get
November 9th, 2010
1:24 pm
Yeah, I’m sure Richt will leave UGA just so he can be an OC on another college team. Brilliant gossip!!!
Greg
November 9th, 2010
1:29 pm
This season was a lost cause after the Colorado game. The fact some people think Richt can get fired, or even more stupidly are trying say he will just walk away, is ridiculous if the season gets worse. Even if UGA drops their last two and does not make a bowl he will still be back. Now if he has a repeat of this next year, that’s a different story.
MURPHY
November 9th, 2010
1:44 pm
Ga State Alum,
It isnt true-I assure you of that-Someone is filling you full of bull my friend.Muschamp is no were near ready to be a head coach at any BCS school.Not even close.
MURPHY
November 9th, 2010
1:45 pm
Dont be surprised if Richt offers Hawkins a job as offensive cord.
MURPHY
November 9th, 2010
1:50 pm
I would rather keep Richt than have Muschamp at this time. It would be a disaster
GaStateAlum
November 9th, 2010
2:00 pm
how stupid can you get
November 9th, 2010
1:24 pm
Yeah, I’m sure Richt will leave UGA just so he can be an OC on another college team. Brilliant gossip!!!
Just relaying what I’m hearing, it is my understanding he is not leaving voluntarily. I don’t have a dog in the hunt, pardon the pun, I’m not anti-Georgia, I’m pretty much neutral as far as the Dogs go. One reason may be is an offensive coordinator does not have to deal with the amount of criticism as a head coach. Time will tell if it is true. I do agree with Murphy about Muschamp, Texas’a season may be proving he is not the coach people seem to think he is, they look pretty bad on both sides of the ball
how stupid can you get
November 9th, 2010
2:32 pm
Yeah, Richt was supposed to replace Bobby Bowden, Richt was supposed to take the Miami job a few years ago, blah blah blah. Just because you hear something stupid doesn’t mean you have to seriously consider it. He’s not a loser like Al Groh who was a complete failure as a head coach and had to settle for a coordinators job at a decaying program. Use your brain before you speak or post.
Mike Bobo
November 9th, 2010
5:12 pm
Collegefaningeneral must have been generally asleep for the past 3 years because, since the Sugar Bowl after the 2007 season, Georgia has been: A colossal disappointment in 2008 getting hammered in the first half against ‘Bama and completely blown out by Florida and edged by Tech after the hype of a preseason #1 ranking. A big tease with Joe Cox in 2009 with his uneven performances, beating Auburn but again getting blown out by Florida throwing so many picks I lost count or an explanation of why I kept calling pass plays. A complete abortion in 2010, with players 11 players spending as much or more time in jail and in the police blog as in games. Keep resting on those laurel, collegefaningeneral…2007 seems like an eternity ago.
Mike Bobo
November 9th, 2010
5:14 pm
Murph, I think Hawkins would be a decided improvement over me…!
Derek
November 9th, 2010
7:11 pm
Has Richt ’struggled’?
A sane answer.
Richt’s finished rankings:
2001- #22
2002- #3
2003- #6
2004- #7
2005- #10
2006- #23
2007- #2
2008- #10
Sane Answer:
Uh no, not even close.
GaStateAlum
November 10th, 2010
7:47 am
how stupid can you get
November 9th, 2010
2:32 pm
Yeah, Richt was supposed to replace Bobby Bowden, Richt was supposed to take the Miami job a few years ago, blah blah blah. Just because you hear something stupid doesn’t mean you have to seriously consider it. He’s not a loser like Al Groh who was a complete failure as a head coach and had to settle for a coordinators job at a decaying program. Use your brain before you speak or post.
You are setting one hell of a poor example of using one’s brain. You are acting like an idiot though my guess is that it is not an act. Keyboard bullies are the most cowardly of all. Grow up
Zeus
November 10th, 2010
8:49 am
Everything will work out. Georgia is still Georgia and Florida is still Florida. The east really hasnt changed that much. We still cannot beat Florida and Florida again will go to the championship game. South Carolina is looking weak. Maybe they will get up for this Florida game-=–who knows. If they do —they go to the game in ATL—Georgia can win this week if they want to—dont know if they want it bad though—we will see.
Butt Sniffer 1st Class
November 10th, 2010
9:06 am
Turns out all along UGA was just a nerd wannabe. Now you can add “helluva of a half ass engineer” to the fight song.
Saint Simons Boyfriend
November 10th, 2010
10:04 am
Every member of the Bulldog Nation is going to laughing after we witness Saint Simons go through another crying jag, as his beloved Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets get destroyed in Sanford Stadium. Grantham will have the D dialed in and Nesbitt’s replacement will be pounded into the turf like a piece of fertilizer. Murray is going to light up Tech’s secondary and our immense offensive line will crush GT’s fragile D-Line. The line on this game should be at least 14 points. I see another 51-7 blowout in Saint Simons future. During the game he’ll have to change his Depends at least 12 times.
Merkin Muffly
November 10th, 2010
10:23 am
UGA is a big underdog to Auburn, but I think you have to throw out the records with these two teams. Georgia has won four-in-a-row against the War Eagles (is that their name this week?) and Auburn’s defense has been poreous (putting it mildly). Nobody has been able to stop Newton and there’s no reason to think Georgia can either, however that should be the goal. Containing him is a better objective. Limit his ability to make the big play. For me the key to a Georgia victory resides on the shoulders of our linebackers and safeties. If Rambo takes of his diapers and puts on a real football uniform, he could be the difference maker. He needs to get a hard lick on Newton early to set the tone.
I’m very confident Georgia’s offense will put a lot of points on the board, as long as Murray is accurate.
Auburn fan
November 10th, 2010
10:49 am
Well, I’ve enjoyed having a football program for my beloved Tigers. Now it looks like I’m going to have to bite the bullet and start pulling for the inbred Tide team since mine is about to receive the death penalty.