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
GTBob
December 2nd, 2011
6:05 pm
bama and UT with 14.
Wow, you are right. I didn’t realize how much Bama owns that conference.
Monkey Says
December 2nd, 2011
6:05 pm
Look closely at Crowell’s family and one will see some very upsetting things that surround him. I hope he overcomes it to do well and get some kind of degree.
Hater
December 2nd, 2011
6:06 pm
LSU 24. UGA 16.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 2nd, 2011
6:07 pm
GT Bob
Delusional pedestal
LOL
Wow who was it saying UGA was going to lose to Tech, yea you and your buddy GT Joke
By the way where is your buddy GT Joe
Hater
December 2nd, 2011
6:09 pm
How does a college football fan not know about Alabama’s dominance in the SEC over the years?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
December 2nd, 2011
6:10 pm
Go Tech!
NCAA violations, academic fraud, player arrests, coaching shenanigans
You just described your sorry program on the North Ave Ghetto
bugsquacher
December 2nd, 2011
6:11 pm
To all you tech fans on this site….. what toliet bowl are you playing in this year….. shut up, you are losers and always will be…
Good Luck Dawgs!
GATA…..play hard, fight for every inch…
Win this one for Munson….
Hater
December 2nd, 2011
6:15 pm
Don’t let the Tech fans bother you…they are just monkeys you control… Watch this… GTBob and others, I command you…speak. Comment on our posts. Write stupid things. Repeats yourself. Use faulty logic. Make us laugh.
CROWELLISACANCER
December 2nd, 2011
6:19 pm
So supposedly, Crowell got popped in practice Wednesday and immediately ran to the sidelines! He put on a Green jersey for the rest of the practice. Ron Courson told him If he didn’t practice he needed to ride the bike. Crowell told him NO!!! After that 6 or 7 seniors took Crowell to the corner of the practice field and had a serious talk with him!!!! Bad attitude will get your nowhere!!! This is a confirmed practice report from Athens~!~!!! Hope the talk works!!! Go Dawgs~~~~!!!
bamaguy
December 2nd, 2011
6:24 pm
I know about Alabama’s SEC dominance, I believe they are 22 times champion, Tennessee is second with 14. But in all honesty, it is primarily due to the Bear Bryant run when the SEC was know as “Alabama and the Seven Dwarfs”.
Since the Championship Game began in 1992, even though Alabama won the first one, it has been dominated by Florida.
Carolina DAWG
December 2nd, 2011
6:25 pm
Your correct B Stanfill – Crowell is a Mystery- hard to figure out what makes the guy TICK. I have opinions that I will keep to myself for now BUT tomorrow if he wants my support and DAWGS like me then HE MUST BRING HIS A GAME tomorrow!!!!! Enough Said……..
Cdpridg
December 2nd, 2011
6:26 pm
Come on little gt bobby….you bring a weak game son! Thought you would bring some facts you big ol bad bug boy! You are just like your team….its all good til you hit the field and preceed to pee your pants. Since you are a bug man trying to talk smack…I expevt something of substance….try again Bobby!?
BIGDAWG38
December 2nd, 2011
6:28 pm
I smell Coon Ass!!! Let’s go Dawgs!!!
oldbird
December 2nd, 2011
6:31 pm
GTBob. Just curious, do the techies have a blog for you to be on? Maybe there’s just no one on it so you feel the need to be on this one.
doc
December 2nd, 2011
6:34 pm
so far, next years schedule looks like a laugher with the big dates being the usual fl, sc, tn and auburn. nothing else in the way to being back at the dome undefeated and being suggested as a possible player for numero uno in the bcs bowl game. quite a turnaround for sure especially if they continue on the bus and find another hard nosed football player that likes to play running back.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
6:34 pm
can’t never is a double negative.
TECHNO!!!
December 2nd, 2011
6:37 pm
True Story: We were tailgating last week at the varsity and we had our psot setup perfect! Grill was going, football on the tv. This old GT Fan came up and asked us If he could put a few hotdogs on our grill, because he couldn’t light his!!!! After being gracious enough to let him use our fire he conveniently tripped on our tv cable and knocked our grill and tv off the stand! They are the biggest NERDS!!! If it’s not a computer, keep them away!!!
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
6:39 pm
GT Bob –
hooligan players, academic fraud, coaching shenanigans, and numerous NCAA violations AND muggings and sword fighters.
Yup. Sounds like the North Avenue Ghetto alright.
Stick to basketball to remain relevant.
Oh wait….
red&black
December 2nd, 2011
6:40 pm
I hope it’s true that several of the seniors had a talk with Crowell. Maybe they got through to him. Maybe, just maybe they helped him see the light. If not, then get rid of his a$$ asap. I would rather lose with people who do want to work, than win with an A$$#*!* like that.
This is something to think about also. I remember reading an article on this fishwrapper’s very website about the recruitment of Marshall. He was asked about the fact that Crowell was already here. Someone should be able to check this out, but his response went something like he didn’t really want to be the main man. Now since we already have a guy like that on campus, do we really want another one? It is my understanding that Todd Gurley is as good if not better than Marshall, and he really likes to hit folks.
I hope Richard Samuel heals and comes back. He was just coming into his own. And that is one unselfish guy right there.
BurytheBone
December 2nd, 2011
6:43 pm
We got this. On 2/3/2012 we shock the world, or maybe just logjam the BCS. But on 2/6/2012 KM puts the dawg hat on and if IC has any game about himself(which remains to be seen) will be reduced to a jc school. Hate it, the kid does have talent. But in this ” what have you done for me latey world” my response would be very little. So see ya wouldn’t want to be ya
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
6:46 pm
GTBob –
“Have you ever tried to be civil and have meaningful discussions or are you just to childish…?
Believe it or not, I did try to once. It doesn’t really work on these blogs so I went with plan B.”
blogs?
plural?
Liar.
You live here.
Like a roach.
A North Avenue Ghetto Roach.
Bob the Roach.
I like you better now.
GT & UGA
December 2nd, 2011
6:48 pm
Living in Georgia I’m lucky to pull for two great schools when they’re not playing each other.
UGA, you and Coach Richt’s Team have made the State of Ga. proud. Good Luck tomorrow against #1 LSU. Win -r-lost we the citizens of Georgia are Proud of your achievements.
I love GT but I’ll be pulling for you to win the BIG ONE!
tony
December 2nd, 2011
6:48 pm
My advise to Crowell:
Think about what you are throwing away young man. Maybe you are too young to understand this but you are throwing away something that is very hard to obtain by most people and that is a decent education and financial freedom.
Stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about your family and your community. You are an extremely talentive young man which makes your destination to the nfl alot easier if you were to take care of your body and carry yourself like a man. It’s up to you.
BurytheBone
December 2nd, 2011
6:49 pm
@sammiamm.. GTBob is really jerry sandusky
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
6:50 pm
What is the OVER-UNDER on the number of plays Crowell will carry the ball before he comes out or is out of the game?
Crowell seems to be about himself too much.
I will go with 15 plays and I say he will be out for the rest of the game.
Murray better make good passes and Figgins had better protect him good.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
6:52 pm
BurytheBone –
you mean 12/3/2011 and 12/6/2011, and I agree. We shock by keeping it close. Marshall will be the first of many.
UGA has great coaches. Great campus. Great academics. Tech has the latter, only. I simply Wouldn’t send my kids to play for CPJ or his ilk. Bitter old men who seemingly (evidently) can’t get jobs at D1 schools of any relevance.
BTW–My kids play soccer anyway…
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
6:53 pm
BurytheBone is the ron jeremy of gay porn.
shankit
December 2nd, 2011
6:54 pm
Hope we got some good backs that can block for Murray.
Give him 4 or 5 seconds and our receivers will hit a seam
that Honey Bear won’t cover. Key is pick up the blitz.
T'TownDawg
December 2nd, 2011
6:54 pm
10 others teams and coaches in the SEC wish they were playing in this game.
Kuddo’s to the UGA players and coaches who BELIEVED!!!
GO DAWGS!!!! Sick ‘Em, and see the Sugar Fall From the Sky, once again!!!!
BurytheBone
December 2nd, 2011
6:54 pm
@5150 he want make 15 carries. We really haven’t won wth him all year. It would be great if he did but he will be in there just to keep the d of the who honest…..
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
6:55 pm
BurytheBone –
Yup. Probably. Another bitter (and depraved) old man. Add him to the ilk list.
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
6:55 pm
Buy Stock in DEPENDS. Bobo will be going thru them faster than crap through a goose.
Tennis Rodman
December 2nd, 2011
6:56 pm
Oh hel, that jerk Les Smiles is in town? What a jerk.
Tennis Rodman
December 2nd, 2011
6:57 pm
CROWELL IS HERE. SEE HIM SITTING THERE? SO SHUT-UP>
Sunshine Falcon
December 2nd, 2011
6:57 pm
The State Playoff game at Calhoun, must have been a foreshadowing, of Crowells true character.
Maybe we can sign Marshall and Gurley, out of North Carolina.
As Larry would have said. Man we have had some really bad luck with all these tailbacks.
Things will get better at Tailback U.
GATA Saturday!
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
6:57 pm
So 5150, GTBob, and StSimons are the same (depraved) loser?
Now I sees it more clearly.
Thanks BurytheBone.
BurytheBone
December 2nd, 2011
6:59 pm
@5150 on your knees biacth. Assume the position. Maybe you and gtb can watch tech’s bowel game together.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
7:00 pm
Bowel Game.
That’s awesome.
doc
December 2nd, 2011
7:02 pm
yes bama has dominated and i cant stand it but there is worse. i had (and the emphasis is had) to suffer through several years in ne tn among the vol nation and it was when bama was dominating and the ball coach was coming into his own and peyton came on the scene. it was also the time of the chop in tallahassee and atlanta.
the joke is, waving the chop and asking, what does this mean in tallahassee? … go noles!
again same motion and asking what does this mean in atlanta (in 1991)? …. go braves!
then again, waving the chop … what does this mean in knoxville? …. first down alabama!
man, they hated that one up there as they were dominated by the bear and bama, then the ball coach got them down and finally a break through after peyton left and they were unsufferable fans.
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
7:02 pm
BurytheBone he has rushed for a lot of yards (800+), but you are right. The games he did real well in the other backs could have gotten the win for the dawgs too.
He he gets hurt this easy he will NEVER want to get hit by NFL players.
BurytheBone
December 2nd, 2011
7:02 pm
@sammiamm…. anytime. I love punkin those 3
kral
December 2nd, 2011
7:02 pm
Go DAWGS….see ya on here poad if you’re wrong…hope you are..you better hope you’re not..do not owe you anything if you are…proud of what this team has accomplished…and you would be too..if 6-0 had turned into 10-2 for you know whoooo
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
7:05 pm
Stock tips from a Tech fan?
Uh, no thanks.
GTBob
December 2nd, 2011
7:06 pm
Wow who was it saying UGA was going to lose to Tech, yea you and your buddy GT Joke
Nope. I never once said we would win. After the Duke game it was pretty obvious we were in trouble, no matter who we played. LSU and Boise St are the only two teams this year that I said UGA would lose to. So far I am 1-0.
OkieDawg
December 2nd, 2011
7:06 pm
Young Mr. Crowell, Do you need a map to show you the way to Jacksonville State University? It’s the last stop before Obscurity.
Shape up, Athens is a nice gig for someone looking for a nice career in football.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
7:09 pm
GTBob –
How do you know he’s “the Ron Jeremy of gay porn”?
Been watching a little?
Good to know.
Outted on a Dawg blog.
That’s awesome too.
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
7:09 pm
come on Ron BurytheBone Jeremy. You can take the abuse. You like saying bad things about Bob. I know you can take.
You need to head to the Dome and get Bob BOUDREAUX to give you some of his Butt Paste. LOL You know he and some other LSU fans got there yesterday. Self-made Millionaire off BUTT PASTE for diaper rash. Hell if it works more power to the man.
DawgInaTruck
December 2nd, 2011
7:11 pm
IC has been a puzzle but, as the father of a child the same age, I would advise not giving up on him just yet. My child is also a frshman and adjusting quite nicely to college life but is under much less scrutiny. When I think of mine in that same position I can understand some mis-steps along the way. After all, IC can be described the same way as mine: A young adult but still a child in many ways. Its up to each of us individually, but you may want to consider allowing him to grow up some. Time is still on his side and talent like that generally finds a way to show itself.
kral
December 2nd, 2011
7:13 pm
MEET you to gt boobie..if I feel like IT…nice to have a shot at a championship of the SEC…going to listen to Greyson and Colquitt CO….
DawgInaTruck
December 2nd, 2011
7:14 pm
Bob, honest question: Did you think we would beat South Carolina? I thought we would likely begin our season 1-1 but I sort of figured the Gamecocks would be the one on the wrong side of the ledger.