Georgia’s ascent to SEC title game is positive sign for future
Mark Richt has Georgia back in SEC title game for first time since 2005. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
In Mark Richt’s first five seasons at Georgia, the Bulldogs played in three SEC championship games. In the next five, they played in zero. So this somewhat qualifies as a welcome back to relevancy.
But does the euphoria of playing in the conference title game against LSU on Saturday project to long-term significance?
If Georgia’s 10-game winning streak wasn’t the mere residue of a soft schedule, if Richt once again truly is in command of this program, if the relative off-the-field peace – let’s put Isaiah Crowell aside for a moment – isn’t some aberration, then the Dogs can celebrate much more than a division title.
Georgia may suddenly find itself in a position to flip the power structure in the conference.
That’s not to suggest LSU or Alabama may implode any time soon. (They won’t.) But given the Dogs’ youth and ascent, the maturity and resiliency following the 0-2 start, returning talent, and an expected impact on recruiting, completing for SEC titles may be the norm again. And competing for SEC titles means relevancy on the national landscape, as well.
Athletic director Greg McGarity isn’t that far removed from having to ponder making a coaching change after this season. So he has been careful not to be overly effusive in praise or make grand proclamations in recent weeks. But he didn’t hesitate when asked about the future.
“The potential is there for us to build on what we’ve established this year,” he said. “Things are definitely going in the direction we want them to be going in. But you can never stop having a sense of urgency.
Isaiah Crowell (center), the subject of rumors in recent days, will suit up, but Richt wouldn't address status of his running backs. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
“I think we’ve seen in this conference that you can turn things around quickly. That’s evidenced by what Steve [Spurrier] did at Florida. It’s evidenced by what [Nick] Saban has done at Alabama, and what he and [Les] Miles did at LSU. The difficult thing is staying competitive. If your recruiting falls off or you have [coaching] turnover, you can fall behind in a hurry. Look at what happened at LSU before Nick got there. Look at Tennessee now.”
The Dogs don’t need to upset LSU in the Georgia Dome to validate their season. But not getting blown out would help. And they have a legitimate shot to win this. Aaron Murray is playing that well. So are his receivers. So is the defense.
The biggest problem is the running game in general and Crowell in particular. He has been a cyber-rumor with ears in the past few days. Pick one: He malingered at practice; he feuded with teammates; he quit; he got suspended. The only certainty is that his health (lately his ankle) has been an issue all season.
Crowell was at the Dome with his teammates Friday. He is on the “dress-out” list. Richt again declined to comment on the status of any of his running backs. But McGarity chuckled when asked about the suspension rumor, saying he knows nothing of it and commenting, “I’d know, wouldn’t I?”
If the situation is weighing on Richt, he hid it well. He seemed at peace. He referenced his 100th career win at Tennessee, the comeback against Florida, the wins over Auburn, Kentucky and Georgia Tech. It was a news conference of reflection for Richt, which is unusual for him during the season.
“We’ve had a lot of really special times with this team this year,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it maybe as much as any season that I’ve coached.”
He referenced the 0-2 start, the 6-7 record in 2010 and “all of the things I knew were swirling around, which I’m sure intensified. I didn’t pay a lot of attention to it, but I knew it was out there.”
When a national writer asked Richt if he felt vindicated, he responded: “This year in particular I’ve been very thankful for everything that’s happened. I’m thankful for a group of men who bought in back in January and went through all the things you have to go through to create team atmosphere and chemistry.”
It got them to the title game. It could get them to more in the future.
By Jeff Schultz
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608 comments Add your comment
gtfanfrom1951
December 3rd, 2011
4:22 am
LSU 52
UGA 14
RMikel58
December 3rd, 2011
4:53 am
LSU gets shocked in the dome! Georgia 33-13. After capitalizing on LSU’s miscue at the 13 and 20 Georgia made quick work of a tired and depleted Tiger Defense. Aaron Murray’s 3 touchdowns in the first half proved too much for LSU’s maligned offense to catchg up.
Going to a no huddle offense Aaron Murray throwing at will with great protection was able to connect to Marlon Brown for a 13 yard touchdown in the 1st quarter, then a phenominal grab at the LSU’s 18 yard line by freshman sensation Malcolm Mitchell proved too much in the 1st quarter for a seemingly confused LSU defensive backs.
LSU would kick a field goal to end the quarter but clearly Georgia was the better team up to that point.
Georgia 14-3. Later in the 2nd quarter Georgia marching down against LSU, Isiah Crowell runs from the Georgia 38 all the way down to the LSU’s 22 yard line.
Pick and roll, Aaron Murray connects to Orson Charles in the middle and takes it all the way down to the LSU 3. Isiah Crowell punches it in for a Georgia 21-3 lead over #1 ranked LSU.
On the pursuing kickoff LSU fumbles at the 13 yard line, minutes later Georgia kicks a field goal making it 24-3 over what seems to be a rout.
LSU then on a 2 minute drill finds a way to salvage the first half by kicking a 37 yard field goal. Georgia 24-6 over LSU.
Dont think it cant happen? Think again. If your tigers comes to the dome as arrogant and full of itself like the naysayers LSU fans, then they got a huge problem. Overconfidence breeds inconsistency, arrogance developes into non-motivational attitudes.
LSU just cannot seem to get up and pull itself together, maybe its because theyre looking toward the BCS Championship or maybe they never paid any respect toward Georgia. To get so far without any blemishes, to have the best defense in the land and give up 397 yards.
How this will shake up the BCS now with Alabama at No.#2 and the long list of 1 loss teams. Congradulations Georgia on your 33-13 win over what seems to be an overrated LSU team. LSU seemed to not find their way Saturday as Georgia capitalized on 2 miscues by LSU.
This is Georgia’s National Championship game and not LSU’s. LSU spits at Georgia’s record and totally disregards their strength of schedule like it was a game with Grambling.
Game means nothing more than a SEC Championship to LSU with the grand prize for them down the road. Dont even start to compare that this game means alot to LSU compared to Georgia.
LSU fans just sit back and enjoy your beer in your recliner during the game. After Saturday’s loss all of you LSU fans will be wanting Les Miles head on a platter for losing to a 12th ranked team that played a weak schedule.
pat
December 3rd, 2011
5:17 am
Crowell will not be a Dawg in fall of 2012. You heard it here first.
Finebalm
December 3rd, 2011
5:18 am
Hey all Haters, reset the take that the SEC East is down this year. I have not heard that. Good stuff.
Heeldawg
December 3rd, 2011
5:24 am
This blog contains such an assortment of inanities that it validates the old adage about opinions being like…donkeys. Or something like that.
LSU fans, love your egomaniacal predictions of doom for the Dawgs. Hope your players waltz into this feeling the same way. I’m sure that they will enjoy meeting Jarvis Jones and company. Jordan Jefferson will be having nightmares about the Georgia defense and his parole officer chasing him through the streets of Atlanta. Here’s to the esteemed criminal justice system in the banana republic otherwise known as Loozianna, where all you have to do to get out of a felony is be the starting QB for the state’s flagship public university. Think about it: If JJ had been just an average non-Tiger, he’d be starting his prison term right about now.
And as far as GT Bob and Go Tech are concerned, I’m sure that it makes both of you feel a whole lot better about the whole perpetual mediocrity/perennial beatdown/little brother/10 out of the last 11 thing to to come onto the AJC Blogs and vent your spleen about a team that perpetually reminds you of your own myriad shortcomings in life. Stuck in a boring, mediocre, low-paying job? Wish you’d one day be able to find a girl who’ll actually talk to you? Tired of being reminded of your own innate ineptitude? We’re here to help. Fire away. Salve that ego. And enjoy the next decade or two of mediocrity, by the way–both with your chosen football team and with your life. It’s only going to get worse.
And to Go Tech, specifically: yeah, right. Just remember: we’re not the ones on probation.
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2011
5:56 am
dogs live in the past. 1981 specifically.
carcon
December 3rd, 2011
6:10 am
Georgia will get a welcome to reality test today. They are much improved but not ready for the big boys yet. LSU will score 35. If you would of played anyone beside in the west besides the botton of the conference you wouldn’t be in the game today.
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2011
6:21 am
Your “dream boy” Isiah needs to spend several hours over several months with Tony Dungee. Too bad Pryor didn’t do the same.
BBQ MAN
December 3rd, 2011
6:42 am
folks… the spelling of “dawgs” is no longer cutesy or cool. just adds to the ignorant red neck reputation of uga. grow up Bulldogs and kick Lsu’s a^^
Old Coot
December 3rd, 2011
7:03 am
RMikel58
December 3rd, 2011
4:53 am
Is this what the young’uns mean when they are talking about Fantasy Football?
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
7:08 am
I really thought that UCLA would win that one last night. I was sure hoping they would, just to show those ESPN talking heads that they don’t know everything. UCLA is definitely the second best team in the PAC-12 anyway – or they wouldn’t have been there.
bubba4dawgs
December 3rd, 2011
7:10 am
It is terribly unfortunate that Crowell has been the huge disappointment that he has for the DAWGS this season. Here’s a boy (not yet a man) who seemingly refuses to “grow up”. Football on this level is a “man’s world” and he simply doesn’t bring it! Capable in every respect except between the ears. Here he is going thru the “walk thru” at the Dome texting on his cell phone……gee, what is he doing so unfocused, ordering more weed? Unfortunately, he was treated like a prima dona while at Carver. He comes to UGA with flashes of talent and glory and dictates even when he’s going to play, taking himself out of games at will. I think the Coaches at UGA have about had enough and I knoiw the fans have. This is the reason that top notch running backs are a HUGE concern for next year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ve heard the last of Sir Crowell after this season. You never know if a player will “cut it” when they come out of puberty but this one definitely hasn’t made that change!
Call me a Crowell basher? Call it what you will, IC! Prove all of us wrong! The silver britches at USA are lined with Great Ones! CMR saw that in you when he gave you a scholarship and pasted a “”#1 on your jersey and even got into trouble with the “missing man) formation when you visited UGA! What do you have? Can you prove all of us wrong? Do you really have what it takes?? I still say your # should be changed to (0) and maybe even (00) until you prove it consistently. There are other truly #1’s out there itching to get going and make you look like a pee-wee player! Anyway, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!! GO DAWGS!!!!! Oh, by the way, if and I do mean IF you do show up in this game, try not to take your stupid tweats out to the huddle during the game! It won’t look very good on TV and you just might hurt yourself a little bit!! GROW UP, for Pete’s sake!!
From Where I Sit
December 3rd, 2011
7:24 am
Not so fast Jeff! Given UGA’s weak schedule along with the fact of SC’s late hiccup and a down year for the Gators, GA backed their way into this game. Therefore, LSU will OWN GA in this one my friend!
Enough Said!!!
Andy
December 3rd, 2011
7:34 am
CDP I think you need to get your facts correct Alabama has 22 SEC Championships
GT
December 3rd, 2011
7:35 am
Is there a PR man from Georgia that goes around Atlanta and hands out talking points. No where in the universe do they push the accomplishments of Georgia like we are seeing here. Most people are still open to this not being a mirage, but certainly the jury is not in and the only reason South Carolina is not back in the SEC Championship is because of a schedule that included Arkansas. I think this was one of the weakest years in decades for the SEC covered up by the very good teams on top that are the quality the nations has learn to love about the SEC. Florida who usually keeps Georgia honest is one of the worst teams in the SEC this year, Auburn may be worse than Florida after being the national champion. Mississippi State is back to being Mississippi State and Mississippi is going through one of the sloppiest seasons they have ever seen. Vandy and Tech may have been the strongest teams Georgia saw in this stretch, and for some reason Tech mail the defense in like it did against Virginia and Miami who beat a very mediocre Tech team. When has Tennessee been worse in our memory and Kentucky who was killed by Vandy beat Tenn. This are is not just a weak schedule, I challenge anyone who knows SEC football to name a team in 20 years that has had a weaker schedule. A lot of this is because of the fall of other programs, and the amazement that one of the real teams in the SEC did not have to play Georgia.
I was listening to Bulue on radio. He says even if Georgia loses big today we should celebrate the season and Richt. If Georgia gets blown out today which I believe they will, those contracts will be back in question and Richt’s days will be numbered.
guy
December 3rd, 2011
7:47 am
All I will say is Crowell and Thomas better walk the tightrope and not make one mistake.Their butts are on CMR’s radar gun’s sight and he’s had enough of their selfish ways.UGA will recruit a couple of good running backs and be prepared because the odds are that either Thomas or Crowell will blow the turn.Stay tuned!
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
7:47 am
Great running backs are a dime a dozen in Georgia. I say we clean house every year and start over with a whole new stable of backs. That way, we’ll always have a fresh set of legs in the game.
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2011
7:48 am
Bubba4dogs,
The “The Annointed One II”.
Obama is the first.
Name (required)
December 3rd, 2011
7:48 am
since when is backing into the SEC champ game “ascending”??
No moral victory. Play to win it!
December 3rd, 2011
7:53 am
When you get the shot to play for any title, you don’t play it for a moral victory. You play to win. Go Dawgs!
ole yeller
December 3rd, 2011
7:57 am
Say what you will about “IC”. I don’t know what is going on with “IC”. This I do know. There will be a big time “RB” at UGA by Christmas that will push “IC” for playing time that is if he’s still at UGA. My guess we will know Next Tuesday the 6th of December 2011.. Also, my guess that “RB” is Kieth Marshall.
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
7:58 am
@Name (required)
Since losing the Consolation Prize Bowl to UCF?
John
December 3rd, 2011
7:58 am
Exact same can be said about South Carolina. They played as many freshman as anyone, save Aubie (Aubie played 26, SC played 25). Their recruiting this year looks better than ever. Coaching staff is very young. Except for SOS and Ellis Johnson, everyone else is in their 20s and 30s. They’ve beaten UGA, UF and UT 2 years in a row. They’ve beaten Clem 3 years in a row. They beat Bama when they last played last year.
This ain’t your daddy’s SC anymore.
TheAntiMe
December 3rd, 2011
7:59 am
It looks like Isiah Crowell is baring his fangs again. Mark Richt needs to hook Dracula up on a date with Buffy.
u got to be kidding
December 3rd, 2011
8:03 am
protect the ball
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:06 am
“I was listening to Bulue on radio. He says even if Georgia loses big today we should celebrate the season and Richt. If Georgia gets blown out today which I believe they will, those contracts will be back in question and Richt’s days will be numbered.”
Nonsense. Buck is right. This is the best season that Mark Richt has produced since he’s been at Georgia. His pay raise and contract extension are already in the bag – no matter what happens today.
Ranger Jacket
December 3rd, 2011
8:08 am
Good Luck Dawgs. As hard as that is for me to say.
To all of my fellow Yellow Jackets out there talking trash to the Dawg Fans. Shut the hell up and support your own team.
ole yeller
December 3rd, 2011
8:08 am
It appears everone has written UGA off in this game. Please remember “D” win championships and “O” sells tickets. UGA goes have the 3rd best “D” in the SEC and the 4th “D” nation wide. That should count for something. I know that want win this game but I think it will keep it close.
All I know is that there is NOT one talking head in the AJ-C this morning picking UGA. Most have LSU by Blow-Out.
December 3rd, 2011
8:09 am
So, I sat down and read the AJ-C this morning. Not 1 talking-head is picking UGA and most call this game a blow-out.
And, this is supposed to be good because South Carolina had to play Arkansas and both of us missed Alabama and LSU ?
Excuse me. UGA plays LSU this afternoon. Their offense is efficient, while ours is not. Their special teams are dominate, while ours are dominated by every one of the lousy # 43 SoS teams we played this season. Their defense is better than ours. Their coaching staff runs rings around ours.
What’s that leave us with ?
3-Losses and South Carolina, 2.
# 5 team in The SEC.
10-Win season like 26 teams this season ALONE.
No win over any of the 26 teams who are 10-Win Season teams too.
No win over any team ranked today in any poll.
No win over any team who ends the season ranked by any poll.
Mark Richt getting a major extension to a contract already two years too long.
TheAntiMe
December 3rd, 2011
8:15 am
10 wins in a row in the with SEC conference games included and people are still whining. Amazing.
tell me again
December 3rd, 2011
8:16 am
GT Bob – let me just say what all of us are thinking – you’re just a Tech Turd. A menial little person who thinks that raining on somebody else’s parade makes you some kind of “I see the truth” guru. Guess what. You don’t antagonize anyone here – pitiful little Tech turds like you are an amusing anecdote to the blogs. You are proof that Tech really does not have any academic or intellectual superiority over UGA or even the staff at the local Zesto’s. Thank you for being a reminder that the quality of Tech fans is as bad as we all know it to be. And if you want to quote stats: here’s one for you – Richt has more ten win seasons – about 5 times as many, in just his tenure, as Tech as had EVER. GO DAWGS! We’re playing for the SEC Championship – what are you playing for on Saturday? That’s what I thought.
Amazed
December 3rd, 2011
8:17 am
The SEC East plus teams like NM State were a joke. LSU will clean the field with them. W hat has Schiulz been eating?
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:17 am
Waah.
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:19 am
I’m happy for Coach Richt’s success this year. He’s a really nice guy, and I’ve never seen him grazing on a gridiron like Les Miles. We don’t need a grass eating coach in Athens.
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:20 am
No, what we need is a coach who has NO DISCIPLINE and who hasn’t beat any team finishing in the top 25 of any poll in years and years and years and years and years.
Simple Logic
December 3rd, 2011
8:21 am
Tech is to Georgia as Georgia is to LSU.
Shut Up Tech! This is our beat-down. You already had yours.
Don't Feed into the Hype in WR
December 3rd, 2011
8:21 am
While Georgia has to be a significant underdawg today it is just one game and anything can happen in one game if you come prepared with a game plan! I hope Bobo has some plays up his sleeve that can keep that mighty LSU defense wondering and off balance. Now its not Bobo’s schtick to have the mentality of a Spurrier but it sure doesn’t hurt. The defense can only help the offense so much. They have to keep the LSU offense off the field. We have to be able to control the line and drive the ball, eat up time. This team is young but has been growing up this season. It ain’t been pretty at times but today is the day to grow a little or a lot more. Which will it be? Crowell is a college freshman that needs to grow up some. Remember when you were a freshman in college? Go Dawgs! Don’t be too over pumped like you were for a little while with Boise State. Act like you belong here today, because you earned it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:24 am
What about the special teams, while you sit there hoping and praying Mike Bobo does something with no running backs – 7 missing in action 2011.
dawgfarts
December 3rd, 2011
8:26 am
dogs get hammered today … UGA sucks! Time for a complete and historic beatdown
CMR's Secret Weapon
December 3rd, 2011
8:27 am
The reason that Coach Richt has refused to discuss the running back situation is that he’s had CPJ join the team in closed practices ever since the Tech game teaching Bobo and the UGA O the triple option.
Turns out CPJ hates LSU just as much as we do!
Less Miles won’t know what hit him!
GATA!!!
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:30 am
Seriously, Georgia tek is the “best” team we beat this season ?
Help us, oh Lord when Georgia tek is the measure of The Unviersity of Georgia Bulldogs’ Football Program.
They haven’t won a Major Bowl game since 1957. They have lost 6 bowl games in a row. They are on NCAA PROBATION in FOOTBALL back-to-back repeat offenders. Georgia tek is not ranked in any poll whatsoever. Neither is Auburn, if what we did to Auburn was our best win. I presume even Auburn could beat Georgia tek with their lack of players. 25 seniors and the juniors being eyed for the NFL Draft now except for Aaron Murray who no one will EVER draft. And, we see – this is a young team. Hogwash. This is a football team who for years has been unable to beat a single team who ends the season in the in-fact top 25 even. We beat no one this season : Nobody – but Nobody.
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:32 am
4 touchdowns would not surprise me.
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:35 am
Why all of the complaining? This is only Coach Richt’s first year with the Dream Team©. He should get at least two more years to get his new system in place before we pass judgment – and ten wins is better than most teams can do!
Keyboard-bravado-is-whack
December 3rd, 2011
8:36 am
The sad part is people like gtbob think they matter on an anonymous blog…..beyond that u r a loser
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:39 am
2 more years to get it together ?
Mark Richt has been here for 11 years now and done nothing.
He is doing nothing.
He has done nothing for years.
Oh, the team is young.
Whose fault is THAT ?
11 years.
2002 – only a 4-Loss Auburn only other SEC team ranked Coaches’ Poll top 25
2005 – ended up # 3-ranked SEC team in EVERY POLL.
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:40 am
Dream Team© is based up Isaiah Crowell as the headliner # 1 running back in the nation.
LSU has Five (5) running backs this season alone who have MORE TOUCHDOWS than Isaiah Crowell.
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:42 am
Eleven years? Really?
I didn’t realize it had been that long. Time flies when you’re having fun, eh?
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2011
8:43 am
The dogs are to the SEC! SEC! Championship as UCLA was to the PAC 10 Championship.
26 teams this season alone have 10-Win Seasons. And, we beat NONE of the 26 teams with 10-Win Seasons this year.
December 3rd, 2011
8:45 am
I am having loads of fun.
Not beating any of the top 25 teams every single year
while throwing in a lousy LOSS every year on the average too
all 11 years.
Why is it so much fun for you ?
Fun implies BEATING GREAT FOOTBALL TEAMS
Name 1
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:47 am
UCLA has plenty to be proud of. They are their Division Champions, after all.
Nobody can take that away from them.