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
TampaGator
December 2nd, 2011
9:22 pm
Dawg48…..
I wish Dawg fans would just enjoy the moment. But they have to trash the Gators. The Gators are obviously in transition to the pro style offense….but as I said above….Muschamp is already getting the players he needs to make the Gators championship quality again…probably even next year. But Georgia is good too….but no Gator….on the football team or in the stands….has a single ounce of fear related to “Dawgs”…..just a fact.
Vaildawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:23 pm
Jeff Schultz writing positive articles about Mark Richt……..Who would have thunk it..
truedawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:24 pm
I am very thankful for our 10 win season. I’m also thankful that I don’t have to go on other teams blogs becuase my team is .500 and my team is still and always will be..The Joke next to Coke
Go Dawgs!!!
TampaGator
December 2nd, 2011
9:24 pm
sammian….
NO IT DOESN’T……IT IS GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR…..is and wil always be. Go Gators.
Dawg48
December 2nd, 2011
9:24 pm
Tampa
Lol that’s why it’s a rivalry.
It’s difficult to change systems and have a good year….
45ACP
December 2nd, 2011
9:24 pm
TampaGator showing some class! Thanks!
Buford T. Pusser
December 2nd, 2011
9:25 pm
Leave all the hyperbole off the blog. UGA will receive a beatdown again against the only other top 25 team they have played since the second game of the season (both losses). This UGA team has won 10 games in a row with smoke and mirrors (no wins against a top 25 team). Vegas has established a 13 point line, those guys don’t stay in business because they lose money.
Dogs get annihilated. Quit drinking the kool-aid.
The Sheriff has spoken.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:26 pm
TampaGator –
Only trashing Gators ‘cuz they’re here.
They must be here for a reason.
Most of us figure they’re here for that reason.
Kinda masochistic.
But fun for us nevertheless.
Have fun shopping tomorrow.
OkieDawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:28 pm
Anybody remember that great Florida Gayturd recruiting class of 2010? It was called the class of the decade. Two more guys left the team this week which makes 10 guys from 2010 to leave the program. Florida is down to 68 scholarship players. The point is: No player confidence in Judas Muschamp and Charlie “Bufffet Boy” Weis. Floyd, Powell and Easley have reportedly contacted Urban about a transfer to OSU. They said they committed to Urban not Coach Boom Boom. Urban has already contacted current Gayturd commits who are now waffling on Boom Boom. Can you imagine Coach Buffet Boy teaching technique to a QB while sitting on a cooler? I hear the Zooker is available.
kral
December 2nd, 2011
9:28 pm
actually they lost14 pts.(17-3) to a team they have dominated for awhile….but you will have to wait a year for sweet dreams…do not wish nightmares for you…but even you cannot be sure the last weekend in October will not be scary for you next year.. TG
TampaGator
December 2nd, 2011
9:31 pm
No shopping for me on Saturday…….will be watching the game…..and pulling for the SEC East team…..but not for some jokers on here.
I think Georgia will take the game close into the 4th quarter….but will wear down under the constant pressure and amazing depth on both sides of the line of scrrimmage….and will falter in the end. But a good season for the Dawgs. The SEC is going to be really a great league next year…..and it is going to be hard for any team to get back to Atlatna. So enjoy the moment. Gators fans have a lot lately…..and will again soon under Muschamp.
Georgia Tech
December 2nd, 2011
9:31 pm
Why do we suck sooo bad??? Can we beat Georgia, I want to know what it feels like! Why is our defense and special teams always so bad? I wish I had a life and didn’t have to troll over my rival’s blogs!
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
9:31 pm
True……..The Sugar doesn’t have to take an SEC if LSU and Bama are in the BCSCG. If Bama doesn’t go to the BCSCG I don’t know what all the Sugar’s options are.
sting'um
December 2nd, 2011
9:33 pm
Great game and win against my Jackets but please UGA fans are the worst,
2 loses and you are ready to fire your coach 10 in a road with the easiest
schedule in the SEC and he is god. Be a real fan like a real Jacket and love your coach
thru the good and bad. Damn glad I do not bleed red and black.
truedawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:34 pm
What a bunch of jealous trolls..GT hasn’t been worth mentioning in football in 60 years. UF sucks this year as much as they did the first 50 years before Big game choking Steve couldn’t win the big game in the 60’s. Those that can play play..and those that can’t coach! Now all UF’s great were cheering on the Chickens last year when steve beat urban buckeye last year. What does it tell you when football Alums cheer against there old team?? Having a degree from UF or Tech.. It’s like voting for a democrat for president, even if you get a good one, you’ll never be proud of it!
GO DAWGS!!!
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
9:34 pm
Isn’t the 3rd quarter typically & statically MURRAY’s worst quarter of games?
UGA may keep it close to the half, but if Murray has a typical 3rd quarter it could be over right there.
Georgia Tech
December 2nd, 2011
9:34 pm
We should have won, if we didn’t have a quarterback who threw interceptions!! Georgia got lucky! Oh no, wait, what if they are actually better than us?
Finebalm
December 2nd, 2011
9:35 pm
I see UGA controlling the clock with a power running game. Dawgs win easy. GO DAWGS.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
9:35 pm
Dawg48 -
It is what it is. If reality is crap then so be it.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:35 pm
TampaGAtor –
Agreed. All points.
I’ll be shopping for beer and potato chips ’til noon.
Then friends and family, all SEC fans, coming over.
We’ll talk some smack, just like we do here.
And then we’ll watch what points to be a very, very good college football game.
Dunno how we’ll do. Really have no idea. We are better, but still have a lot of youth.
But I like that were here, and I like where we’re going.
Play the game. Move on.
TampaGator
December 2nd, 2011
9:36 pm
OkieDawg….
It is Dawg fans like you that smear other Dawg fans. What a crock of crap you just posted.
The DB left the team to go back to California to be with his deathly ill grandfather and help take care of his family. He tweeted that he hated to leave his Gator family and love his time in Gainesville and coach Muschamp. The DE that left would have never played a down at Florida. Powell, Easley, and Floyd love it in Gaineville and love playing for Muschamp and his defense. And Meyer has not contacted a single Gator commit. He has contact recruits that are not committed to Florida yet. So, why don’t you post something that is accurate.
flagboy?
December 2nd, 2011
9:37 pm
Good luck to the coaches and players!
GATA tomorrow!
John Crowell
December 2nd, 2011
9:38 pm
I wonder if Isaiah was white or didnt have dreadlocks would he be the center of all this critism or FALSE rumors….this is the only fan base in the country that turns on its players quickly and spread and start rumors about your own players…ALL THE RUMORS ARE FALSE, and its clear you country bumpkins have no clue or inside knowledge of the program, for the record, his teamates LOVE him, and he did not get into it with none of his teamates, gee whiz, this kid is 18 yrs old, get off his jock, talent wise he’s the best back since Knowshon….#OnlyInGaDoTheyTryToTarnishTheirOwnKids
TampaGator
December 2nd, 2011
9:38 pm
TrueDawg…
And I bet you don’t have an ounce of generalized, biased nature in you, do you? Probably a very opened mined individual as well, right?
North Georgia Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:39 pm
TampaGator, ignore his post, he’s talking out of his butt. Just wants to argue.
kerryb
December 2nd, 2011
9:39 pm
TampaGator, thanks for the nice comments. If we can get them three and out some in the first half and have some decent drives then the defense will be okay in the second half. I really don’t think Muschamp is the guy for UF. I think he is more of a career assistant type instead of a head coach. UF can get better than that.
DILLIGAF
December 2nd, 2011
9:41 pm
OkieDawg:
Absolutely correct about departure of players and wait until you see the impact that the coaching change will have on the decline in commits. Meyers is also already picking personnel from the coaching staff.
Next year will be a big step in placing the Gators back into irrelevancy and UGA will be back to running the state of FLA like we did in the not so distant past, along with the state of GA.
Hunker Down You Hairy Dawgs!
UGA/85′
GATA!
OkieDawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:41 pm
Okay TampaGator, you had an excuse for 2 of 10 who have left. How about the other 8? If you would like, I can give you their names as I am positive I have better intell into Gainesville that you.
North Georgia Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:41 pm
Tech, didn’t you guys lose to us? Didn’t UGA win easily? So stop obsessing over our team and worry about your own team and their upcoming bowl game.
5150 UOAD
December 2nd, 2011
9:42 pm
Finebalm…………when have you seen a Real Power Running attack? What has been mentioned is UGA has not really faced a real good Defense to run against. I hope you see something in Crowell that gives you confidence, but I don’t.
North Georgia Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:42 pm
31-17, Tech trolls.
TampaGator
December 2nd, 2011
9:43 pm
kerryB…..
You keep thinking about Muschamp. The culture at Florida is much better than it was under Zook or Meyer….already. The players love playing for Muschamp and the defense finished 10th in the nation with a lot of freshmen and sophs playing….and absolutely no offense to help them. The offense will be a lot better next year. Muschamp is putting together a great recruiting class, with players that fit his systme. Muschamp will be in Gainesville a long time…..
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:43 pm
GATA indeed.
Leave it all on the field guys.
Win or lose, we’re proud of your year. Great turnaround.
G’nite.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
9:44 pm
sammiamm -
Make sure you check back in after the game and let us know how many of your friends turned on UGA and trashed their own team (like they did in September) when LSU is beating them into the ground like a stake.
Finebalm
December 2nd, 2011
9:44 pm
I think Gtu is stilled pegged for the Sun Bowl. No one knows what that is.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:44 pm
5150 –
you need a BS detection system of some sort.
North Georgia Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:45 pm
Dawgs, even if LSU blows us out, this has still been a good season. 10 wins, with wins over our three biggest rivals, I’ll take it. And we should have Murray for another 2 years!
Finebalm
December 2nd, 2011
9:46 pm
This blog contains two angry fan bases: Gtu and the gaters. One two three four five…DAWGS take no jive.
Georgia Tech
December 2nd, 2011
9:46 pm
Stupid Georgia always beats us, why does our defense suck so bad?
truedawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:47 pm
Tampa, I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Dawg fan, but I’ve never went on another teams blog and talked crap. I married into a family from Lakeland…My other inlaws are all Bama fans. We watch the UGA/UF game together every year. We make the same bet, This year was nice to see my father inlaw once again wearing a RED UGA cap for a week. I am a fan, but I respect the other fans. I don’t get on the AJC and look to start an arguement!!
GO DAWGS!!
North Georgia Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:47 pm
31-17, 45-7 and 24-20. Gotta love those scores over our most hated rivals.
sammiamm
December 2nd, 2011
9:47 pm
SSI –
I will if I have time.
One thing we know for sure: You’ll be here.
So maybe I’ll just check back in on Sunday and you can lay all the facts and truth on me and all us other Dawg fans.
That’s why you’re here, right? Keep us all seeing the light?
That’s your calling? Duty?
Thought so.
nerds are funny
December 2nd, 2011
9:48 pm
Tech fans on here giving their opinion of this game is like a 10 year old giving their advice on the economy. Both don’t know squat because they are not mature enough. I give you 5150 TOAD and gtbob as examples. Please go away and leave the adults to speak about the game. Thank you.
kerryb
December 2nd, 2011
9:50 pm
SSIgator, Our D is good enough that we are not getting beaten into the ground like Florida did. If we don’t win they will win by 7-10 points.
SSIgator
December 2nd, 2011
9:50 pm
John Crowell -
If you are a relative, there is this thing called re-hab – you might want to help steer him that direction.
Jim Tavegia
December 2nd, 2011
9:50 pm
I am so sick and over players with attitudes, especially when you not even made the all SEC team, or even 2nd team. Get over your self and prove you belong a starter for the Dawgs. It continues to prove that you cannot teach class.
North Georgia Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
9:50 pm
I figured GTbob would go hide after his team was embarrassed last week. But I guess unlike some of the other trolls he’s gonna stay on the blog.
kral
December 2nd, 2011
9:51 pm
Colquitt just went ahead of Greyson 31- 28…7:00 to go
kerryb
December 2nd, 2011
9:51 pm
Maybe you should be worrying more about what is going on at UF. You’ve had 2 guys bail on you in the last week.
PerroGrande
December 2nd, 2011
9:52 pm
SSI Gator = no life dog basher…