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
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:10 pm
48………….I just hope BRADLEY doesn’t do the Live blog for the game. I hate Bradley and he will not let me on his blog. I notice Bill has not done live game blogs this year. He used to.
Let's talk about UGA!
December 2nd, 2011
8:11 pm
Thanks Dawg48!
Now,
Come to the trailer and pick your mom up. We’re done.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:11 pm
Joel -
Shouldn’t you be getting ready for bed about now? Oh, that’s right. It is Friday night. I guess your Mom lets you stay up an extra hour to play on her computer since you do not have school tomorrow. Good thing the game is at 4:00 pm Saturday so you can see all of it.
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:11 pm
The PAC12 Championship game is a Home game for Oregon. That just ain’t fair.
Sopwith Camel
December 2nd, 2011
8:12 pm
Crowell is going to be hit tomorrow like he’s never been hit before. I hope he lasts more than one series.
12/2/2011 Evening Edition | collegefootballnewswire.com
December 2nd, 2011
8:14 pm
[...] On Oklahoma State For It’s Bedlam Breakthrough Saban to Be On ESPN Before SEC Title Game Georgia’s Ascent To Title Game A Positive Sign For The Future Richt Plans To Remain ‘As Long As Georgia Wants Me’ The Debate Between Supporting [...]
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:15 pm
Murray is probably going to get hit like he has never been hit before too.
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:15 pm
Walton another score! 21-3.
kral
December 2nd, 2011
8:16 pm
well poad we finally have something in common..even JS would not let me on for a year almost..just found out the other day I could get back on his blog
Joel
December 2nd, 2011
8:16 pm
Make your childish comments. You hurt only yourself.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:16 pm
this dawg want hunt!! -
WTF? I am going to have to enlist the services of a translator to tell me what it is your are trying to type in words. Better yet, get your Mom to help you with the English language. If she speaks and writes it.
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
8:17 pm
Let’s talk about uga football
Oh the momma jokes now! Ok ok let me go back to middle school now……lets see…….
Ok your momma is so fat….. When she sits around the house…She sits AROUND tha house!
Ok your momma is so fat ….. She has to roll over 4 times in the bath tub just to get wet!
Ok your momma is so fat….. She wears a VCR for a pager!
Ok your momma is so fat….. When she wears yellow people thinks she is the yellow cab!
Eaassyy
December 2nd, 2011
8:18 pm
Crowell wishes he would have redshirted. Either that or he really does smoke way too much weed…
kral
December 2nd, 2011
8:18 pm
poad…did you watch the Auburn game last year
Whatta ya mean
December 2nd, 2011
8:19 pm
What is going on with all the folks talking about how good Georgia’s football team is, all of a sudden. They still have not beaten anybody. By all rights, they should be able to play LSU talent to talent, considering the recruiting reports. Georgia is #2 in recruiting for the last ten years. Tomorrow, we find out whether that talent has been coached. If they are able to hang with LSU, even if they lose, then maybe they are on the right track, but if they get blown out, they are doing nothing different than the last five years. They beat Auburn, in a very down year for Auburn. They beat GT, so what. Georgia fields four times the talent Tech does. I’ll believe CMR is a coach when I see them competitive with LSU & Ala. Until then, Georgia needs a coach.
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
8:19 pm
5150
lOL
Are you band from Bradley?
Eaassyy
December 2nd, 2011
8:19 pm
Is Florida even in the league anymore?
Dawg48's mama
December 2nd, 2011
8:21 pm
Shut up!
Get over to this trailer and pick me up — and bring me a pack of Lucky Strikes!
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
8:23 pm
Joel
I heard today samuels is going to dress this Saturday.
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:23 pm
48…………..your mom is so old she farts dust and pees oil.
Yes I called bradley a moron when he was saying Clemson and FSU were going to join the SEC.
karl………..yes I saw the Auburn game last year. I still think LSU has a better D than Auburn did. UGA just couldn’t handle Fairley.
Spurrier
December 2nd, 2011
8:23 pm
I’m still here. Love beating the dawgs! More to come, too.
45ACP
December 2nd, 2011
8:24 pm
And with the victory on Saturday the Dawgs take a big leap forward. GO DAWGS!!!
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:25 pm
48…………..I am Bailer Band or am I Baylor Banned? LOL
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:26 pm
I see OREGON is on the board going for it on 4th down.
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
8:26 pm
5150
Lol banned
kral
December 2nd, 2011
8:27 pm
slightly a gator…pullling the grammar code…mama cut…ooohhh that is deep…that is like like harming for life…stutter…shock..outrage..how could go off on someone like that..such cruelty..insensitivity..is nothing sacred anymore…you joke..8:16 blog
kral
December 2nd, 2011
8:27 pm
slightly a gator…pullling the grammar code…mama cut…ooohhh that is deep…that is like like harming for life…stutter…shock..outrage..how could go off on someone like that..such cruelty..insensitivity..is nothing sacred anymore…you joke..8:16 blog
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
8:27 pm
Samuel IV is dressing
Buford T. Pusser
December 2nd, 2011
8:28 pm
Ten wins, none against a team currently ranked in the top 25. Losses against the only two teams on their schedule ranked in the top 25. Near losses to Vandy and Kentucky. You won the worst SEC East division since its inception and escaped the three top teams in the West. And this team is how awesome? Their is a reason the line is 13. Prepare for a beatdown Delusional Bulldog Nation.
The Sheriff has spoken.
harold
December 2nd, 2011
8:28 pm
I JUST DON’T SEE IT FOR UGA. RICHT’S FIRST 5 YEARS WAS GREAT. AFTER VAN GORDER LEFT AND HIS OWN PLAYERS CAME ON BOARD THE RECORD SHOWS A CLEAR DIGRESSION. HE HAS LOST “15″ GAMES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.
FACT: COASTAL CAROLINA-UNRANKED
FACT: NEW MEXICO STATE-UNRANKED
FACT: OLE MISS-UNRANKED
FACT: MISSISSIPPI STATE-UNRANKED
FACT: TENNESSEE-UNRANKED
FACT: VANDY-UNRANKED
FACT: KENTUCKY-UNRANKED
FACT: FLORIDA-UNRANKED
FACT: AUBURN-UNRANKED
FACT: GEORGIA TECH # 25
FACT: THIS IS AN NFL LIKE TEAM UGA PLAYS SATURDAY. THEY HIT HARD. THEY ARE NFL LIKE. MILES WILL COACH CIRCLES AROUND RICHT. THE LSU STAFF IS SENSATIONAL. THE UGA STAFF LIKE THEIR HEAD COACH IS WEAK. I MEAN LOOK WHO UGA HAS THIS SO CALLED WINNING STREAK AGAINST.
UGA WILL GET “ABUSED” FROM THE OPENING KICK OFF. THIS GAME WILL BE A MASSACURE. LSU WILL BITCH SLAP UGA BACK TO NEXT WEEK & BEAT EM’ LIKE THEY OWE EM MONEY. IT WON’T EVEN BE A GAME.
RealitySetsIN
December 2nd, 2011
8:28 pm
Its Sunday morning and the depression runs deep over the shocking 51-0 drubbing by LSU….
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
8:29 pm
5150
All you had to say last night was fried twinkies and I would have put the puzzle together a lot faster!
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:29 pm
45ACP -
“And with the victory on Saturday the Dawgs take a big leap forward”
No. That is reserved for when Richt takes the team to the swimming pool on Wednesdays and shows them his abilities as a wannabee Olympic diver.
kb
December 2nd, 2011
8:31 pm
Fact: Harold is an idiot
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
8:32 pm
48 OK
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
8:32 pm
Does Florida have a dive team?
zbulldawg
December 2nd, 2011
8:34 pm
PUT the season away,Lock up the babies Hide the old ladies There’s a war going on Down in GEORGIA !! ALL the talk & BS is done !! LET’s PLAY !!!!!!!! McGarity you better be real carefull how you handle this !! IF you mess around & hurt recruiting you WILL BE KICKED TO THE CURB ! THE Bulldawg nation will turn on you HARD & FAST !!! Get these coaches locked in & pay them well !!!!!!!!!! IT’S hurting recruiting NOW with all this wishy washy BULL !! HERE KITTY KITTY !! SICK EM
45ACP
December 2nd, 2011
8:34 pm
Sorry if you don’t get it gator. That’s your problem.What team are the lowly gators playing Saturday?
It’s GREAT to be a DAWG FAN!!!
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
8:34 pm
Sammiamm
I don’t know about a dive team?
But they dropped in the poles real fast this year!
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
8:34 pm
Yup. It’s AKA their football team.
Took a very, very deep dive backward.
Tebow’s eligibility couldn’t last forever.
Even Buckeye Myer knew that.
Let's talk about UGA!
December 2nd, 2011
8:35 pm
I’m drunk.
I’m going to bed.
This holiday season I’m thankful for livestock.
Go Dawgs!
Sic ‘em!
Woof! Woof! Woof!
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:36 pm
sammiamm -
They used to. It was called into action the last couple of decades to find the UGA football team at the bottom of the SEC East standings. At the moment they are trying to find their own team.
45ACP
December 2nd, 2011
8:36 pm
LOL…You guys have that re-re muschump jerking and jumping on the side lines…
Better you than us.
War Dang Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
8:37 pm
“Crowell is a mystery to me.”
Bill, Crowell’s no mystery. He’s what we use to call, in less PC times, an a-hole. And Richt should think hard in the offseason about whether he wants Crowell back next year. If he returns, it should be on Richt’s terms and with a major attitude adjustment. Coaches have gone soft. Bear Bryant would have had this kid crying for his momma by now. He probably would have quit. And this sissy hairstyle that’s so prominent with so major players would have never been tolerated. I think society has become so afraid to offend ANYONE that we now go for anything.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
8:37 pm
Well good luck with that SSI.
Win or lose, we’ll be playing some ball.
And that’s what it’s all about.
See you in… ..?
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:40 pm
sammiamm -
Are you also having the Green Eggs and Ham?
Harold
December 2nd, 2011
8:40 pm
Dawg fans, we need to be thankful for Richt. Just a couple of short years ago, Alabama and LSU were basically irrelevant, and now look at them. Every team has it’s ups and downs…it comes with the territory. Richt is a model of stability in a shaky profession what with the carousel that is college coaching. Good luck Richt and Co, and GO DAWGS!!
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
8:42 pm
Only on St. Patrick’s day.
kral
December 2nd, 2011
8:44 pm
massacre for harold a slightly gated or jaded…agree poad…but hits don’t get much worse
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:45 pm
Harold -
“Richt is a model of stability”
That is an admirable trait for a husband and a father. Too bad he is a mediocre football coach. UGA – Home of the ten-wins-a-year football team, but no titles.