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
kral
December 2nd, 2011
8:45 pm
that was and slightly gatored
kral
December 2nd, 2011
8:45 pm
that was and slightly gatored
'94 UGA Alumni
December 2nd, 2011
8:46 pm
If Crowell had the heart that Samuel or Moreno have he’d have a legitimate shot at winning the Heisman. Instead, he will probably get kicked off the team and never reach his full potential. I wish he could realize how lucky he is to have a full scholarship and to be able to play for such a great school. I wonder if he has ever seen the movie Rudy. That is what heart is all about. Very few people are lucky enough to have the talent that Crowell has and it’s painful to watch it go to waste. I wonder what it would take to get through to him before it’s too late.
kb
December 2nd, 2011
8:49 pm
Muschchamp will erase all good Spurrier did at UF, Florida headed back to pre spurrier years, No SEC titles, very few wins over UGA.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:51 pm
‘94 UGA Alumni -
Too late? Too late for what? As long as the string of mules keeps coming in from Mexico, Crowell and the rest of the Doobie Brothers will be happy campers.
acstas87
December 2nd, 2011
8:52 pm
Fluke of schedule. Much as I wish it were real, avoiding Arkansas, LSU, and Alabama made this happen. It won’t happen again, and Richt still needs to go.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
8:53 pm
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/december-2-2011-mugs?page=10
Awesome.
Geaux to jail. And do not pass Geaux.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:53 pm
kb -
Since you are such a great prognosticator (sorry, is that too big of a word?) would you please let me know what the winning lottery numbers are for tomorrow?
Jc_atl
December 2nd, 2011
8:54 pm
If Georgia gets a fast start they have a chance but if it stays close to halftime, LSU is stacked with fresh players on offense and defense and will win by simply wearing UGA down in the second half. It happened to Bama and it happened big-time to Arkansas.
LSU 45, UGA 27
BobDawg
December 2nd, 2011
8:55 pm
I like what Coach Garner said about being in a ‘bar fight” with these guys.. You know you are gonna get thrown out .. you just have to get up and go back in… GO DAWGS…
I will say the LSU fans down around me at the Dome have been super nice and good with the lively banter and super Gumbo!!!!
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
8:55 pm
SSIgator
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-09-17/sports/os-florida-gators-arrests-list-20100915_1_frankie-hammond-second-degree-misdemeanor-charge-misdemeanor-possession
Sourgrapes
December 2nd, 2011
8:56 pm
Tech fans, there’s a fine line between rooting for the other team (which I always do) and being uncivilized.
UGA caught fire after starting 0-2 and won 10 straight. Unfortunately, you lost to the two best teams you played this year. Looking at your wins, Auburn and GT are the “best” wins you had. I always go with the hot team, but this game I just can’t – cause LSU is hotter.
Crowell looks like he’s going down the Ealey / King path doesn’t he?
I think the Dogs lose, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see you pull this one out. (A blowout win would shock me).
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
8:57 pm
BobDawg -
Only one problem with that. UGA is relying on knives and LSU is bringing the guns. Good luck with that one.
Mountain DAWG
December 2nd, 2011
8:59 pm
I do not like that samiam!
kral
December 2nd, 2011
9:01 pm
and your packing water pistols right now huh slightly gated gator
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:01 pm
I do not like green blogs and spam.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:03 pm
SSI –
We have throwing stars too.
Finebalm
December 2nd, 2011
9:03 pm
LSU fans smell like corn dogs. Gtu fans smell like feces.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:03 pm
Get that… ..?
truedawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:03 pm
ok, serious question folks. Ok, I hope UGA wins, but if the lose, and its close, say LSU wins by 7 or less…Does UGA still make it to the Sugar Bowl? If they hang til 4th qtr and it comes down to that, that would mean that UGA was the best team they beat? I think with a loss like that it’d still be impressive enough to get the Dawgs in the Sugar. What ya think?? I’m still thinking upset though..UGA 24 LSU 14
Go DAWGS!!
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
9:04 pm
Dawg48 -
You like reading about past history do you? Well, this should please you. Some guy is selling DVD’s of the 1980 UGA football season at the Dome tomorrow. At least he has upgraded them from the VHS tapes that it used to be on. Better stock up. It will be the only chance you have to travel back in time to the “Glory Years” of UGA. It may be your only chance to see UGA win a NC once more.
vuduchld
December 2nd, 2011
9:04 pm
This UGA team is a sham and a fraud. Tomorrow LSU will expose them as such, next subject.
GSUEagle91
December 2nd, 2011
9:04 pm
Dawg fans should be quite excited about their team. 10-2 is a great season and now they have a chance to win the SEC…
But LSU is a juggernaut, and I expect them to wipe the floor with UGA after a close first quarter…
LSU 41 UGA 13
Realistic
December 2nd, 2011
9:05 pm
Instead of trembling in our boots or having crazy ideas of blowing LSU out, I for one am hoping we play a complete game. Of course I want us to win but how we lose to me is an important sign of how we have really progressed this year.
45ACP
December 2nd, 2011
9:06 pm
muschump looks like Joe Cocker in concert, having a seizure, while being tasered by 3 cops.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:06 pm
Realistic –
Spot on.
Play the game.
Move on.
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
9:08 pm
Your the one throwing stones in a glass house PAL!
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
9:08 pm
truedawg -
The only “upset” tomorrow will be the stomachs of the members of Mark Richt’s KoolAid Club. Don’t worry though. All Atlanta/Athens area pharmacies have ordered extra quantities of Tums, Rolaids, etc.
kral
December 2nd, 2011
9:08 pm
talk about living in the past sssssssssssssgg
GFY
December 2nd, 2011
9:10 pm
Looks like the north avenue nerds are on the blog and green with envy. Why don’t they go on the pocket protector blog? Oh that’s right their season is over with a loss to UGA….AGAIN!!!
CoyoteWiley
December 2nd, 2011
9:11 pm
Lost the season’s 1st game at the dome. Need to close out with a win at the dome.
kral
December 2nd, 2011
9:11 pm
Enter your comments here
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
9:11 pm
Ssi
And speaking of the past…..
How about coming up with some “original” stuff your self talking about UGA……..
Same ole crap!
From the same ole crappy gator!
45ACP
December 2nd, 2011
9:11 pm
Current events…6-6 record…3-5 in conference….gator what is your DA doing on here? You suck, your team sucks…
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:11 pm
GFY –
Green is good.
Owning Tech outright is better.
Not even a competition anymore.
Word games
December 2nd, 2011
9:11 pm
Ascent? Yeah……..right
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:13 pm
Georgia = a-scent
Tech = a-stench
truedawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:13 pm
SSI ok, whatever, I asked a serious question. I know this game has nothing to do with UF and this But, if your goign to be here, atleast don’t embaress your Mama by losing all your manners.
OK, once again, Does anyone think that a very close game would still send UGA to the Sugar Bowl?? Even if UGA loses?
GO DAWGS!!
kral
December 2nd, 2011
9:15 pm
I would not go that far sam…but that was funny…gtboobie and poad will surely take offense
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
9:16 pm
No a loss no matter will mean the Sugar looks elsewhere I would bet.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
9:16 pm
Just wondering . . .
UGA will be the first team in Dome history to lose both the opening game of the season and the last game. Oh, wait. They could get invited back to the Chicken Bowl in January and have a chance to go for the coveted three-peat!!! Who says Mark Richt doesn’t have high aspirations?
Buzz Man
December 2nd, 2011
9:16 pm
I am SICK and tired of UGA being our big brother. Why can’t we Techies get it together? I feel like such a LOSER.
Artie
December 2nd, 2011
9:16 pm
Blowout win for the Bayou Bengals tomorrow…mark it down!!!!!!
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
9:17 pm
Ok guys let’s all talk to SSI gator so we can here his trash talk and come backs….
1 we love1980 glory days
2 our running back crowell smokes pot.
3 mark richt only beat Florida 3 times
4 all those 10 win seasons no championships
5 richt likes the high dive
6 spurrier owned us
7 fla has won 3 titles to uga’s 2
Any thing else we need to know?
TampaGator
December 2nd, 2011
9:18 pm
To all you people. Florida has a horrible season this yar. That is a fact. Florida is still in the SEC and in the SEC East. That is a fact. Florida has a lot of very young talent on defense. That is a fact. Florida needs about 5 pro style players on offense to be good on offense…..RB, big WR, three backup OL, blocking TE…that is a fact. FLorida has Matt Jones an Mike Davis coming in next year to play RB. Fact. Florida has Taylor coming in to play the big WR (6′5 and 215)….fact. Florida has Jassman Dunkler, Chris Humprhries, and more than like…Avery Young….coming in to play OL. And they have a big TE coming in, Colin Thompson, to block in the postion. Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskell are very talented QBs who just need to learn more and get some experience.
Sorry….Georgia…..fans. Florida is stil in the SEC……and I think they will have enough talent to more than make up those 4 points they lost by this year.
But….continue to enjoy your chance at a SEC title…….and see you in JAX next year. No Gator is afraid or going anywhere…..except turning more Dawg dreams into Dawg nightmares.
With that said…..good luck against LSU…….I think you are going to need it.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:19 pm
truedawg –
I for one can’t anser your question.
Don’t have that BCS crystal ball, which is more like a house of mirrors and deceptions.
Point of Schultz’s piece is (I think): Is 2011 a very good (not great) year upon which we build for consistency and future greatness?
I for one believe the pieces are falling into place. So yes.
Sux to be a Gator or Bob the Roach.
truedawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:20 pm
Who goes to the Suagr then? ARK? USC? I think UGA still makes it, well I hope.
GO DAWGS!!!
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
9:20 pm
truedawg -
The only “sugar” UGA will see is if the Athens Clarke County PD find the Crowell has graduated from a little smoke to powder pleasures.
Hard Truth Black Soldier
December 2nd, 2011
9:20 pm
GTBob, Monkey Says, and GoTech, Must be NICE to be so freed up and have no team to watch tomorrow, your official video season started last night Saturday, so go bother Blockbuster, Redbox, or to the $5 bend at Wal-Mart and tomorrow you won’t have to cry so much looking at a CHAMPION playing in the Championship Game. Oh before you get started though wear your Tech colors down to the Varsity and get 2 Dawgs all the way with a cold coke to cool you off!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
9:21 pm
Ssi 9:20 post same ole crap