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
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
8:48 am
UCLA did not beat anyone
UCLA is a horrible football team
UCLA has a losing record
UCLA FIRED THEIR COACH – BEFORE THE GAME
To you UCLA is UGA clueless, which is why you defend them
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:49 am
I don’t care who we beat, so long as Coach Richt maintains a respectable winning percentage.
Did you know that he’s one of the best Head Coaches in America? Statistically speaking, that is.
"Don't Feed into the Hype" in WR
December 3rd, 2011
8:50 am
Special teams does need to show up today. As far as the running backs go we have to play with the cards we have been dealt. If CMR is at peace then he must know something we don’t because the RB situation has been enough to keep grown men up, this season! Enjoy this link for a light hearted look at today’s game (skip the LSWHO rebuttal on YouTube, they think they can rap but can’t post a video, lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvrDrwxJhpg&feature=share
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:51 am
Well UCLA has a trophy, don’t they?
Where did all of those other PAC-12 teams play yesterday? Huh?
Take that!
Joey
December 3rd, 2011
8:51 am
Congrats on your dismal season, Buckeye.
Never cared one way or another about OSU til you showed up on here with insults galore. Now I take great pleasure in the news out of THE osu.
Particularly all of the cheating, freebies, and oh yeah, the MAJOR NCAA PROBATION!
Congrats again.
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
8:52 am
Statisically speaking, if you want to talk about him beating a team finishing in the top 10 – like LSU today – you have to go back Six (6) Years all the way back to 2006 when he beat # 9 Auburn that year, but LOST 4 games 2006 in so doing, including LOSS to 8-Loss Vandie.
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
8:52 am
Statisically speaking Mark Richt runs up his win totals beating cupcakes and LOSING EVERY OTHER GAME.
Like this year
AGAIN.
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
8:53 am
Mark Richt statistically speaking is JUST EXACTLY LIKE AARON MURRAY.
Neither has beat a team who finishes a season in the top 25 YET.
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
8:56 am
Well I’ve been told that Aaron Murray is the best quarterback since Joe Montana. They say he will be the difference maker in this game.
urban meyer
December 3rd, 2011
9:08 am
gaw-ga doesn’t have a prayer in this game…..it has to be a million to one odds.
urban meyer
December 3rd, 2011
9:10 am
aaron murray couldn’t carry tim tebow’s jock strap. what a pathetic qb.
Bama fan
December 3rd, 2011
9:11 am
“And they have a legitimate shot to win this. Aaron Murray is playing that well. So are his receivers. So is the defense.”
Surely you jest. Georgia has ZERO chance against LSU. Plain and simple.
Orange11
December 3rd, 2011
9:11 am
I’m hoping for a big, big, big, big, upset. “GET IT ON DOGS”!
Clueless
December 3rd, 2011
9:12 am
a million to one, eh?
So… You’re saying we have a chance?
Snowball in Hell
December 3rd, 2011
9:15 am
Trust me… There’s always a chance.
"Don't Feed into the Hype" in WR
December 3rd, 2011
9:16 am
Bama fan, why are you blogging here? You have a good team, leave it alone and move on. Enjoy your season. At least UGA is playing today. You can’t win the SEC if don’t make it to the DOME!
1eyedJack
December 3rd, 2011
9:17 am
What a beautiful day the Lord has made. Let us Dawg fans rejoice and be glad in it.
A special shout out to all of our GnaTs friends who took the time out to come and wish us the best here on the blogs this morning, before they get busy raking leaves or taking the better half to the mall. GT merchandise 75% off, just in time for Christmas!!! Makes great gag gifts.
I’ll wager Coach Fishfry and Coach Methuselah believes Georgia has a chance today.
Sam
December 3rd, 2011
9:17 am
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team. Wants to go to LSU or Georgia!
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
"Don't Feed into the Hype" in WR
December 3rd, 2011
9:19 am
Urban Cryer, thanks for the one chance. We’ll take it!
Coffee Bluff DAWG
December 3rd, 2011
9:22 am
Bama fan,
Maybe you didn’t watch the WV-LSU game. WV actually has a QB that can throw unlike BAMA – almost 500 yds through the air.
So yes, UGA has a good chance for the win and will come down to how Murray plays.
"Don't Feed into the Hype" in WR
December 3rd, 2011
9:22 am
Sam, you must be is dad! LOL You posted it at least twice! I watched it and he looks good on the small stage. If he can translate that to the big boy field then he needs to visit Athens! Good luck!
urban meyer
December 3rd, 2011
9:26 am
i don’t think you dawg fans are getting enough oxygen….lsu wins 55-10
Cuz
December 3rd, 2011
9:27 am
Just read it. Great article Jeff.
Now lets claim the Dome!
ARdawg
December 3rd, 2011
9:30 am
1eyedjacl
LOL
It’s GREAT to be a Georgia Bulldog
Flo-Ri-Duh
December 3rd, 2011
9:33 am
Crowell found himself 1st on the depth chart at the age of 18 when King flunked out and Ealey quit. He is young and needs to grow up. In a perfect world he would have been worked in to the system carrying the ball maybe 10 to15 times a game. In high school he rarely played past the 1st half because his team was so far ahead. He has talent but he needs to grow up and be coached up.. His style is speed and elusiveness. He has never been a Herschel, who was speed and power. Georgia needs to get a couple of RB’s in this recruiting class because it will be at least two years before Crowell is physically tough enough to carry the load. Expectations were way over board for a true freshman and he is feeling the pressure and hearing the displeasure, on TV and in the news. Unless you are willing to suit up and get crushed by 300 pounders back off on the criticism and give him one full year to get stronger and tougher. He is going to be good – in time.
"Don't Feed into the Hype" in WR
December 3rd, 2011
9:36 am
Urban Cryer, are you on this morning to provoke? Did they issue you a matching ankle bracelet with your new job so can be monitored like most of your new team? Your on the wrong blog site! You’re not in the SEC anymore, remember? You couldn’t handle the stress, right? Win, lose or draw UGA is in the championship today!
"Don't Feed into the Hype" in WR
December 3rd, 2011
9:42 am
Flo-Ri-Duh,
You are spot on my man. I could see that the first game I saw him play. He was not up to the hype I had read. If he can just survive the heat from the spotlight and grow up he may be OK but it is going to be tough. He needs some serious one on one mentoring and coaching up. Otherwise he may become a statistic like the last two that just left.
katherine
December 3rd, 2011
9:43 am
Go Tech!
December 2nd, 2011
6:04 pm
We know how this will turn out. Mass arrests of hooligan bulldog players, academic fraud, coaching shenanigans, and numerous NCAA violations will be forthcoming; business as usual when you are talking about Georgia athletics.
Seriously? Why are you on this blog bad mouthing UGA, who is excited to be in the sec title game. , talking about them doing bad things, which isnt true, and your school was just investigated for doing bad things….i just don’t get the haters being in here at all. Does is make you all feel better about yourself to try and make uga fans feel bad? How sad your livss must be…..
katherine
December 3rd, 2011
9:44 am
*lives
Old Dog
December 3rd, 2011
9:48 am
That SAM has been posting the same post on every blog about this kicker from Tenn. Must be his son. Says he wants to go to every college. Apparently he isn’t worth a darn since no college is recruiting him and his (father?) has to resort to lame attempts at advertizing to get his name out there. It just burns me up. He doesn’t even change the content, just cuts and pastes. So he is lazy, too. I get tired of seeing it.
ARdawg
December 3rd, 2011
9:50 am
Even Tony Blowhart isn’t giving the Dawgs a chance. I expected as much from Finebaum and the ilk but Tony the turner Barnhart? What a fan huh? It’s not a matter of protecting his credibility, he didn’t have any when he was writing for this rag.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/five-predictions-sec-championship-1249556.html
Old Dog
December 3rd, 2011
9:50 am
“hooligan bulldog players, academic fraud, coaching shenanigans, and numerous NCAA violations will be forthcoming”
Sorry, he got his teams mixed up. He meant to say Auburn,
ARdawg
December 3rd, 2011
9:51 am
LSU, All I have to say is “bring it”
ARdawg
December 3rd, 2011
9:52 am
Old Dog
The guy might be working a strategy, coaches read these blogs
1eyedJack
December 3rd, 2011
9:55 am
Hate to wish my life away but, I wish it were four o’clock.
JT
December 3rd, 2011
9:57 am
Congratulations to the Bulldogs on playing in the SEC championship game. Before you get to thinking that you can beat LSU you need a reality check. Did you beat every team in the SEC East? Have you beaten a team currently ranked in the top 25? LSU beat the entire West and that includes two teams currently ranked in the top ten. Throw in number nine Oregon and you get the picture, However, miracles do happen. Lots of luck.
inquiring minds want to know
December 3rd, 2011
10:02 am
Has anyone explained how Trent Richardson rolls in a late model tricked out Tahoe. Not bad for a kid from a poor family led by a single mom. Why doesn’t the ESPN look into this instead of allowing ESPN to feature Saban during the SEC championship game when his team lost their right to play in it? ESPN is Saban’s whore.
betting the mortgage on LSU today
December 3rd, 2011
10:02 am
merry christmas to me! thanks to all of you UGA homers who are keeping the lines low
inquiring minds want to know
December 3rd, 2011
10:04 am
When does the NCAA investigate Trent Richardson rolling in a late model tricked out Tahoe? Will they wait until Saban is gone. Where there is smoke, there is fiya! Get worried, the stinch is rising in AL.
Orange11
December 3rd, 2011
10:05 am
“aaron murray couldn’t carry tim tebow’s jock strap. what a pathetic qb”
Oh come on, he probably could. But he would probably get sacked by all those Gator fans.
1eyedJack
December 3rd, 2011
10:08 am
This game will be decided in the “trenches”. Let’s hope our Dawgs ate their Kibbles & Grits.
BillyT
December 3rd, 2011
10:12 am
Congratulations Seniors! You guys deserve it. Underdawgs in the SEC championship game means you still have a shot at being Champs before you leave. However, I am looking for our offensive freshman to have a big day today. Ga can score more than 10-11 points on these guys…Plus Murray will be prepared. LSU is NOT invincible, they overlook the Dawgs today looking ahead to BCS and get stepped on by the hog nailed boot. Dawgs win big at our second home, the Dome…Domefield advantage goes to the Dawgs! SEC Champions and we do it for Larry today.
1eyedJack
December 3rd, 2011
10:14 am
He meant “hob nailed boot”.
The MAIN EVENT ALL OVER THE US SPORTING WORD and it drives GT fans nuts
December 3rd, 2011
10:15 am
Win or lose UGA is in the SEC C G and THAT is one of the very top sports venues in the USA. Period. Win or lose UGA is there and for the 4th or 5th? time in CMR’s 11 years.
THAT IS A REMARKABLE feat. UGA, Alabama, Florida, LSU are the teams MOST FREQUENTLY to visit the Dome in this era of SEC divisional play. U of ARKY and MSU have been there too but UGA in 11 years enjoys a very presitgious spot with approximately 40% of the East appearances over 11 years. Wow!!!
THAT says it all.
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Dogs.
ACC title game will be played in Charlotte and in front of 28,000 fans. THAT TOO says it all.
headley lamar
December 3rd, 2011
10:16 am
ESPN is giving an open mic to Nick Saban for two hours to let us all know Alabama is great and should play for the BCS
Big Shocker.
Rhall55
December 3rd, 2011
10:18 am
Congrats to CMR and the UGA Bulldogs!! After the first (2) games of the year, I was on the firing bandwagon; then came the news of major recruits in the next (2) year’s classes committing to other schools (fire them!!); and the transfers and suspensions (hang them out to dry!!), but kudos to CMR and CTG pulling this Team together!! Granted, they may lose to LSU in double digits, but this Team is playing with more heart and a better attitude (abeit IC); THANKS FOR THIS YEAR!!
BillyT
December 3rd, 2011
10:19 am
my bad. “hob nailed boot” Thanks, 1eyedjack. I got a little excited
Snowball in Hell
December 3rd, 2011
10:21 am
That Tony Barnhart just acts like I’m not even in the room.
It really pisses me off!
Go Tech!
December 3rd, 2011
10:36 am
LSU will bury the bulldogs and hopefully that will shut their redneck fans up.
jsmooth
December 3rd, 2011
10:54 am
GT Bob:
Losing is tough, isn’t it. Can’t get over 1 out of 11?? Man, you have some “hate” for UGA. Dude, get a life and start pulling for a team that plays real football instead of that joke at the coke!!