NFL in ‘fantasy’ world if it doesn’t believe product damaged
This is what it looks like when replacement officials lose control. (AP photo)
Right about the seventh time the NFL’s replacement game officials went into conference like some wayward Congressional subcommittee Monday night, I started having visions of them breaking huddle, with Curly turning and accidentally hitting Larry in the head with the ladder, which of course led to Larry dropping the paint bucket on Moe, which of course led to Moe turning on his microphone and announcing, “Personal foul. Red team. I mean, first down. False start? Ground-rule double? Wait, who had the turkey sandwich with no mayo?”
This is the NFL.
This is the NFL, isn’t it?
Last month I wrote a column stating that the NFL was damaging its own product by using replacement officials. League and former Falcons executive Ray Anderson disagreed with me, saying among other things: “By the time the season starts, this will be a very credible group of officials. We’re frankly very comfortable.”
This won't end well.
Oops.
I don’t want to heap too much criticism on the officials because that would be like screaming at an eighth-grader, “Why can’t you cover Julio Jones!?!” They’ve been put into an impossible situation. So let’s put all of the bad calls and conferences aside for a moment.
The league did this. Goodell did this. Anderson did this. Maybe the games are still great and the tickets are still sold and the ratings are still high. But to deny this exercise has been a complete embarrassment would be like denying Larry’s head hurts and Moe is covered with paint.
– Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy told a radio station that the faux officials are “like fans,” adding, “One of the refs was talking about his fantasy team, like ‘McCoy, come on, I need you for my fantasy [team].’ Ahhh, what?!”
– The NFL had to pull a side judge off of a crew just hours before the New Orleans-Carolina game after it was discovered he was a Saints’ fan. Brian Stropolo’s Facebook page (since taken down) included several pictures of him wearing Saints gear and tailgating at games. Nice background check.
– The Falcons-Denver game included several delays for conferences, one lasting nearly 10 minutes while officials huddled after a fumble by Knowshon Moreno and a two-team scrum. Players came off the bench. Officials had clearly lost control of the game and were being yelled at — and touched — by players. Ultimately, one official called a personal foul on “93 red” (Falcon Ray Edwards). That was an improvement for the Falcons after being called “Arizona” in an exhibition game.
If you were one of the locked out real officials, this was a dream scenario: League humiliation in a marquee game on national TV. Negotiating leverage swung big time.
The real danger is that things are likely to get worse. The fact that Week 2 was worst than Week 1 suggests players will try to get away with more every game. That increases the risk for illegal play, late hits and injuries.
If you missed it, Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young had a great rant on ESPN’s postgame about the NFL’s stance throughout this (video posted below). I agree with everything Young said except for the part about the league “not caring. Goodell cares. But does he care enough? So far the answer is no.
If the NFL, a $9.3 billion industry, doesn’t settle soon with the real officials for relative pocket change — the equivalent of or $6,445.31 per game — somebody is going to get seriously injured.
A bad call is the least of the concerns.
By Jeff Schultz
•
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108 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
September 18th, 2012
2:02 pm
I’m still looking forward to seeing one of these replacement refs throw a flag for “giving him the business“. Over/under Week 6 before that happens.
Biff
September 18th, 2012
2:07 pm
That’s about as funny as a screen door on a battleship.
Taylor Wooten
September 18th, 2012
2:13 pm
this “blog” is fantasy.
Common
September 18th, 2012
2:17 pm
Good win guys…The game was very stop and go. Not fluid and very sloppy. But like you pointed out, it’s not necessarily the officials’ faults that they are not trained enough to be in this situation…How about that William Moore? He was looking fantastic. Hate to see the news about Michael Turner…And it sounds so cliche, but jeez, get a cab!
Anita
September 18th, 2012
2:34 pm
I have not noticed one iota of difference between with the replacement refs. The game is exactly the same.
Old Boy
September 18th, 2012
2:36 pm
One of the announcers last night (I think it was Gruden) made a good point: the replacement refs aren’t the best refs who aren’t locked out because those guys are doing SEC, Big 10, etc. games (Penn Wagers being the exception). These guys are playing way out of their league (pun intended).
Old Boy
September 18th, 2012
2:36 pm
One of the announcers last night (I think it was Gruden) made a good point: the replacement refs aren’t the best refs who aren’t locked out because those guys are doing SEC, Big 10, etc. games (Penn Wagers being the exception). These guys are playing way out of their league (pun intended).
Hillbilly D
September 18th, 2012
2:41 pm
Let’s be realistic, as long as people keep buying tickets and watching the commercials, the NFL doesn’t care.
Hillbilly D
September 18th, 2012
2:45 pm
Let’s be realistic, as long as folks keep buying tickets and watching the commercials, the NFL doesn’t care.
Hillbilly D
September 18th, 2012
2:46 pm
Sorry for the double post.
OldSchool
September 18th, 2012
2:50 pm
Agreed with everything you wrote, Jeff. It is really such a no-brainer that it is laughable. We are talking about chump change, and Goodell and his minions—as well as probably many of the owners—are continuing a power play for what?? Last night was a farce and a total embrassment for the NFL, but you can’t blame the RRs; they are doing the best they can in a no-win situation. Well, maybe you can a little. The tipped pass/pass interference initial call and marking off the wrong yardage on a couple of plays—the latter being a difference between college football and the NFL— was really inexcusable.
Sooner or later, the RRs’ incompetence and lack of experience is going to cost someone a game and cause an avoidable injury. And when the latter occurs, some player will sue the NFL for malpractice.
Sadly, however, it is going to take a grievous error that indisputably costs a team a win and/or the RRs totally losing control of a game and inciting a big-time melee to force the NFL to capitulate. Until that time, however, the NFL’s stubborn/elitist refusal to recognize the importance of the third most important facet of any NFL game is an embarassment to the leadership of the league and the team owners.
BTW, what is Arthur’s stance on this issue? Oh, I forgot, the NFL does not allow him to have one.
RW-(the original)
September 18th, 2012
3:02 pm
It’s probably been longer ago than it seems but I recall the NFL used to brag about not having full time refs. They’d even put the refs name on the screen along with what his real job was.
DeepDiver
September 18th, 2012
3:07 pm
Jeff, you’re correct but you’re missing the point.
The NFL does not care because demand has not shifted one iota. They don’t care about the PR nightmare or the loss of face, because we are still watching.
There is ZERO bargaining leverage shifting in this situation. NFL can continue to play hardball because they are ultimately a corporation and, by definition, in it for the money. We are going to continue watching, because what else are we gonna do? We’ll all moan about the officials, but we’ll all continue watching.
I suggest we all just sit back and enjoy this playing out. It makes for good comedy.
Hillbilly D
September 18th, 2012
3:07 pm
RW @ 3:02
I remember it, too. Damn we’re gettin’ old.
RW-(the original)
September 18th, 2012
3:23 pm
Damn we’re gettin’ old
As long as we don’t start using Roman numerals we can keep it in double digits for awhile.
Matt
September 18th, 2012
3:43 pm
Some, not all, of the blame has to also be put on the NFL referees. $140,000+ per year for a part time job isn’t enough? Please, they aren’t as squeeky clean on this debacle as some portray
DJ Sniper
September 18th, 2012
3:47 pm
Najee, thank you for that blast from the past! LMAO!!!
Kegger
September 18th, 2012
3:54 pm
It’s kind of like the BP oil spill… we might be pissed off about it but we’re still buying their gas.
dc
September 18th, 2012
3:55 pm
The only reason I’ve noticed the refs is because of the announcers making a big deal out of nothing. With the advent of instant replay, bad calls are a minor nuisance, not something that damages the brand.
And for most of the players, it’s just another thing to gripe about and blame for their mistakes.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 18th, 2012
4:01 pm
I am 100% behind the NFL in their stance with the officals. BREAK THE UNION!
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 18th, 2012
4:04 pm
RIP Steve Sabol
I love NFL films style of filming, they revolutionized the game.
Class of '98
September 18th, 2012
4:04 pm
Anyone who thinks the “real” refs are much better also live in a fantasy world. All of these mistakes by the scab referees are under a microscope merely because they are scab referees. We are all LOOKING for mistakes.
The “real” refs make LOTS of mistakes too, because they are human beings, just like the QB’s who overthrow recievers, linemen who jump offsides and WR’s who drop passes.
The mistakes by the “real” refs aren’t as closely scrutinized, that’s the only real difference.
rivercard
September 18th, 2012
4:10 pm
Anita – if you believe that I would suggest that you don’t understand the nuances of the game.
Trisha- disagree, but you have identified the issue.
Young is right. I guess people believe that people trained and experienced in their jobs are no better at it than some clown off the street. Don’t know what they do , but might want to hope that attitude doesn’t catch on. If it does, I think I would make one hell of a Commissioner
Amen, Class of '98...
September 18th, 2012
4:11 pm
…if it weren’t for blowhards like the talking heads and Shultzie we would not even know that “the real” refs were not there – they make mistakes, too, it is these “reporters” who keep the issue alive…
SimpleDawg
September 18th, 2012
4:19 pm
I thought Steve Young had been drinkin’……. He was incensed. He went on a scorched-earth rant that made Rush look docile.
I think the others on the set were more than a little surprised he reacted so harshly.
SimpleDawg
September 18th, 2012
4:19 pm
I thought Steve Young had been drinkin’……. He was incensed. He went on a scorched-earth rant that made Rush look docile.
I think the others on the set were more than a little surprised he reacted so harshly.
SimpleDawg
September 18th, 2012
4:19 pm
I thought Steve Young had been drinkin’……. He was incensed. He went on a scorched-earth rant that made Rush look docile.
I think the others on the set were more than a little surprised he reacted so harshly.
SimpleDawg
September 18th, 2012
4:19 pm
I thought Steve Young had been drinkin’……. He was incensed. He went on a scorched-earth rant that made Rush look docile.
I think the others on the set were more than a little surprised he reacted so harshly.
SimpleDawg
September 18th, 2012
4:20 pm
My sender got stuck……
rivercard
September 18th, 2012
4:21 pm
or maybe you were drinking? just kidding
DeepDiver
September 18th, 2012
4:25 pm
Of course the regular refs blow calls, but they tend to keep the game moving and exert a better modicum of control on the action.
The scab refs have made egregious, fundamental mistakes and not all have been caught, eg the granting of extra timeouts, downs, errors in spotting the ball and inaccurate enforcement of called penalties.
So yeah, that is pretty noticeable. It’s not like we are debating pass interference or holding calls.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 18th, 2012
4:27 pm
@Rivercard
I do not say that at this point , the D3 officials are better than Ed Hockuli et al…
I DO despise unions, and I feel life should be a meritocracy as most of the free market is. I will say that the way the NFL has gone about this is not the best. They need to go REAGAN on the NFLRA and fire them all…Then offer open tryouts for previous NFLRA members and MAJOR conference D1 officials. BREAK THE UNION and then hire the best available. We are, after all, in an employers market not an employees market (thanks to obamanomics) in the rest of the private sector.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 18th, 2012
4:30 pm
rivercard,
I DO despise unions, and I feel life should be a meritocracy as most of the free market is. I will say that the way the NFL has gone about this is not the best. They need to go REAGAN on the NFLRA and fire them all…Then offer open tryouts for previous NFLRA members and MAJOR conference D1 officials. BREAK THE UNION and then hire the best available. We are, after all, in an employers market not an employees market (thanks to obamanomics) in the rest of the private sector.
Abnerish
September 18th, 2012
4:33 pm
I turned on Sportscenter Monday morning (first mistake), and it was clear that the Worldwide leader had decided it was time to side with the union and bash the NFL. They talked about this issue ad nauseum and used examples of “bad officiating” that were simply made up. Those examples were not THAT bad and I could easily see experienced officials making similar mistakes. Personally, I think that the refs have done remarkably well considering they are all rookies. The NFL will only cave if the players and coaches continue to make up stories like DeSean Jackson did, and continue to disrespect the refs. If that stuff dies down, the refs will be fully capable by week 6 and the veteran refs will either give in or the union will be busted forever.
eastbound and down
September 18th, 2012
4:37 pm
the stooges reference should have been “3 little pigskins” steve young said all that needed to be said. the nfl doesn’t care. if it did, the officials would be working.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 18th, 2012
4:39 pm
Rivercard, I despise UNIONS. I do not say that the current D3 refs are superior to Ed Hochuli and co. but I do believe in busting Unions. Goodell should do to the NFLPA what Reagan did to PATCO and fire them all and then, he could attract major conference (SEC, PAC!0, BIGTEN) officials because it would not be a week to week gig worried about the NFLRA officials coming back, and who wouldn’t jump from college to the NFL.
rivercard
September 18th, 2012
4:43 pm
Deep Diver – you nailed it.
Abnerish
September 18th, 2012
4:45 pm
Sorry, LeSean McCoy not DeSean Jackson. Easy mistake. Either way, there is no way that story is even remotely true. No chance.
larry
September 18th, 2012
5:02 pm
What a total CROCK! The officiating has always been godawful; often to the point where I’ve been convince the referees were bought and paid for. The replacement refs may be a tad slower; but don’t hand me that utter tripe that the “official” refs are any better. They are most decidedly NOT!
Billy Mumphries
September 18th, 2012
5:07 pm
“I have not noticed one iota of difference between with the replacement refs. The game is exactly the same.”
You’re correct. A bit more confusion and time to work through stuff but will improve. AJC, we’re not talking brain surgeons here. These guys can adapt to unfamiliar rules, in time, and learn to deal with the pressure a bit better. I don’t like some of the advocates coming out of the woodwork and trying to pressure the NFL into a long-term deal that is above what they deserve to earn for what they bring to the table. I’m hopeful that ownership will coninue to negotiatein good faith and give them no more that they deserve. Beat writers and nitwitTV/radio pundits find it easy to spend other people’s money. Perfect fit for the Democrat Party.
Billy Mumphries
September 18th, 2012
5:09 pm
Bst the union….always wanting more than they are worth.
Billy Mumphries
September 18th, 2012
5:09 pm
“Bust”
GT
September 18th, 2012
5:11 pm
I honestly was wondering last night if the outcome of this game would have been different with good refs. The whole flow of the game was off for both quarterbacks, though I thought Matt played very well and his concentration was better than Manning’s.
LawDawg
September 18th, 2012
5:11 pm
I’m sorry. Did anyone posting on here actual watch the effing game last night???
No difference between this and regular refs? Really? That first quarter scrum and some of the other calls were bush league. Sure bad pass interference calls happen and NFL officiating is not over the moon great, but unlike Week 1, Week 2 really showed a difference in refereeing.
rivercard
September 18th, 2012
5:11 pm
larry – I don’t know what you do , but have you not gained any skills or knowledge from your experience that might make it conceivable that someone not so trained might not be able to step in and do the quality of work that you perform?
JSS
September 18th, 2012
5:19 pm
Hilarious, “Break the union!” And you don’t even know what the league locked out the refs for… All the refs want is a pension floor that is clarified and funded! While the glorious NFL led by the gadfly Goodell is trying not just add more officials, but do it without increasing the amount of money paid into the general pool that pays the entire group of officials… A overall decrease of 15% for every ref… That is crazy…
Oh yeah genius, there is a reason why the top refs in college didn’t come up when the regular refs were locked out… They are members of the same signatory agreement (referees, NFL, and the Conferences in D1 and DII) and the NFL locked them out too! Air traffic controlling has never recovered from Reagan’s firing… They weren’t right to strike, but that fool just made the problem worse!
JSS
September 18th, 2012
5:19 pm
Hilarious, “Break the union!” And you don’t even know what the league locked out the refs for… All the refs want is a pension floor that is clarified and funded! While the glorious NFL led by the gadfly Goodell is trying not just add more officials, but do it without increasing the amount of money paid into the general pool that pays the entire group of officials… A overall decrease of 15% for every ref… That is crazy…
Oh yeah genius, there is a reason why the top refs in college didn’t come up when the regular refs were locked out… They are members of the same signatory agreement (referees, NFL, and the Conferences in D1 and DII) and the NFL locked them out too! Air traffic controlling has never recovered from Reagan’s firing… They weren’t right to strike, but that fool just made the problem worse!
JSS
September 18th, 2012
5:19 pm
Hilarious, “Break the union!” And you don’t even know what the league locked out the refs for… All the refs want is a pension floor that is clarified and funded! While the glorious NFL led by the gadfly Goodell is trying not just add more officials, but do it without increasing the amount of money paid into the general pool that pays the entire group of officials… A overall decrease of 15% for every ref… That is crazy…
Oh yeah genius, there is a reason why the top refs in college didn’t come up when the regular refs were locked out… They are members of the same signatory agreement (referees, NFL, and the Conferences in D1 and DII) and the NFL locked them out too! Air traffic controlling has never recovered from Reagan’s firing… They weren’t right to strike, but that fool just made the problem worse!
JSS
September 18th, 2012
5:25 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
Can you delete two of those posts?
Thanks for posting the blog from the pre-season, said it then, saying it now: “The NFL is stealing folks money!”
Boo Boo
September 18th, 2012
5:31 pm
What gets lost in the translation is this: Joe fan pays for any higher salaries and benefits gained by striking referees. Heck, what’s another $6,400 a game to a season ticket holder? $5? $10? They can handle that. Then let’s have another player strike, and another, and another. Why not let the Chicago teachers demand the NFL (i.e.: Joe Fan) pay for them to teach. Seriously though, last night’s game reminded me of Naked Gun, when Leslie Nielson faked being a home plate umpire. Those officials added entertainment to a sporting event. It was like rasslin, where the officials look one way while an offensive player spots the ball another five yards upfield. Hahahaha. No one notices. What could be more funny? Where else can a team get an extra time out at the end of a game. Hilarious! Like when Colorado was co-champions after turning a loss into a victory with a 5th down. We should be honored we don’t have to pay more just to see such fun and games.
Class of '98
September 18th, 2012
5:37 pm
It’s funny how people who never officiated a game in their lives act like experts, but these “scab” refs, some of whom have 20+ years experience officiating football games are supposedly clueless.
Jeff Schultz knows more about growing bangs than officiating football games.
“Somebody is going to get seriously injured”. Like who? Joe Theismann? Sterling Sharpe? Darryl Stingley? Mike Utley? Michael Irvin? Gale Sayers? I didn’t realize it was all scab referees when these players got hurt.
JSS
September 18th, 2012
5:44 pm
Every player you listed did not get hurt because a ref wasn’t doing their job… But the shots that many QBs and wideouts took in WK1 around the league (including your precious Matt Ryan on his first Sonny Jurgensen excursion even when he slid to give himself up) is going to eventually come home to roost… Don’t come back here crying when it does!
Paul in NH
September 18th, 2012
5:44 pm
“Then let’s have another player strike, and another, and another.”
Somebody doesn’t understand the difference between a strike and a lock out.
GTFan
September 18th, 2012
5:59 pm
Aside from all of the complaints about the officiating, the players are taking advantage of their inexperience and there appears to be a lot more “extra-curricular” activity in the pushing, grabbing, and shoving arena. I would suggest to the officials that they grant some of the players an opportunity to take an early shower instead of the rough stuff. My second suggestion would be that the next coach who feels it is necessary to step on the field and complain or swear at the officials be given the same opportunity. Finally, any of them who touched an official should be ejected and suspended. More yellow flags need to hit the ground particularly in the defensive secondary. The players have high level skills and there is no need for what is going on at the present time.
Mark (another one)
September 18th, 2012
6:06 pm
Sorry, I turned it off. The delays and bad calls just made it too hard to watch. I fell asleep and turned off the news when I woke up. Blowing calls happens. 10 minute delays while they try to find out how to restart the game is unacceptable. An old teacher of mine told me that when you get on stage be good or be fast. Don’t stink and be slow. The combination is a killer.
JSS
September 18th, 2012
6:15 pm
@ Paul in NH…
Remember, it is always the union fault when collective bargaining fails
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 18th, 2012
6:30 pm
Btw, Michael Turner..for shame on you! Better call Saul!
ueeediot
September 18th, 2012
6:46 pm
At one point last night the officials penalized Denver for “illegal substitution” and then allowed Denver to challenge the penalty….
Yes, you can challenge a “too many men on the field” penalty (or even a non call), but when did they start allowing you to challenge an illegal substitution?
ueeediot
September 18th, 2012
6:50 pm
Also, no one noticed (or it didnt fit their agenda to report it) that during the scrum for the ball after Knowshawn’s fumble that the Line Judge was down in the scrum and very quickly identified who had the ball and called out ATLANTA’s Ball and signaled possession. How that turned into a 10 minute discussion amazed us all.
This is where the NFL screws the fans at the game. At no time do any of us in the stands get any explanation of penalties, what has been judged or why. The people at the Georgia Dome are clueless morons who cannot even run a replay on the minitron (still photos anyone?) and cannot even supply basic condiments to the fans. I guess having a simple captioning system in place for the refs would just be crazy talk.
Falcon 228
September 18th, 2012
7:03 pm
Paul Tagliabu keep the peace for years. Enter Goodell. I’ve had it with this guy.
no control
September 18th, 2012
7:20 pm
The replacements aren’t missing any more calls than the regular refs, but the games easily spiral out of control with hockey-ish, post-whistle scrums. Ensuing penalties are usually offset so there’s no consequence for either team. What will it take for a substitute ref to toss a player?
Mike Gibbs
September 18th, 2012
7:49 pm
Why don’t you just call them what they are SCABS.
Replacement Officials Face Growing Criticism – New York Times | Sports News
September 18th, 2012
8:06 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Delbert D.
September 18th, 2012
8:13 pm
I think the replacement officials add another interesting story line to the reality TV that the NFL has become. The actors/contestants are paid better than the Jersey Shore people, but they sometimes act just as stupid.
Delbert D.
September 18th, 2012
8:24 pm
Get rid of instant replay and let fans just enjoy a good mystery.
JSS
September 18th, 2012
8:43 pm
“The replacements aren’t missing any more calls than the regular refs”
The sad thing is, he actually believes it…
hind tit
September 18th, 2012
9:09 pm
Delbert you hit it right on the nose. If it wasn’t for instant replay nobody would no the difference. One shot shows a hand in the way, another angle shows a foot in the way, another angle shows a woad fat hanging in the way. They never gave them credit when they got the 12 men on the field right. Even Denver with all their people in the boxes missed it. Did you see Fox apologize for the fit he threw? I’ve seen the number one refs take ten minutes many many times on a revue and still get it wrong. The point is people had their minds made up before the first preseason game that the refs were no good. But there is one thing they can’t be blamed with, throwing three picks in three minutes.
Paul in NH
September 18th, 2012
9:31 pm
I liked Delbert’s comment about the NFL as a reality TV show. If we are really lucky we will see the same level of officiating in Soldier Field on Monday Oct 22 when the Lions come to town. Between the Bears fans and Jim Schwartz there is going to be a meltdown one way or another.
heartofdarkness
September 18th, 2012
9:40 pm
I don’t understand why these games can not be refereed by call center workers in Mumbai, while on their break with the aid of Google. It would be a fitting symbol of an American corporate meme.
DawgNole
September 18th, 2012
9:52 pm
hind tit
September 18th, 2012
9:09 pm
If it wasn’t for instant replay nobody would no the difference. One shot shows a hand in the way, another angle shows a foot in the way, another angle shows a woad fat hanging in the way.
_______________________
A “woad fat”???
Could you translate that one for us?
Hillbilly D
September 18th, 2012
9:57 pm
A “woad fat”???
Wasn’t he Steve McGarrett’s nemesis?
BobDog
September 18th, 2012
10:02 pm
What I see is officials who aren’t much different than the original refs, but players and coaches doing all they can do to intimidate them. Refs need to eject coaches/players who use blatant intimidation tactics. That’ll calm it down as much as anything.
DawgNole
September 18th, 2012
10:14 pm
Hillbilly D
September 18th, 2012
9:57 pm
A “woad fat”???
Wasn’t he Steve McGarrett’s nemesis?
______________________
You got me. That’s why I was hoping hind tit would help us out.
Paddy
September 19th, 2012
2:03 am
Anita………you may want to go back to watching ‘The View’.
DISNEYdawgs.com RICHT-0-PHILES
September 19th, 2012
3:51 am
I’ll tell you what is Fantasy.
Ryan Cranford says Mark Richt is out X and O by other coaches.
“Compare Richt’s record against teams who ended up in the top 10 to other coaches’ records against the same and you’ll find out how stupid your stat is.” I am asked to go do his homework for him.
Guess what we find ?
Surprise to anyone, including him ?
I ask you ?
___________________________________
NFL Drafted by each Team Mark Richt era :
___________________________________
College – Alabama – Florida – LSU – UGA
2012.…….8..…………2.…….5.…….7
2011.…….5.………….4.…….6.…….6
2010.…….7.………….9.…….6.…….5
2009.…….4.………….3.…….6.…….6
2008.…….0.………….2.…….7.…….4
2007.…….3.………….9.…….5.…….5
2006.…….5.………….3.…….7.…….7
2005.…….4.………….3.…….3.…….6
2004.…….4.………….5.…….0.…….4
2003.…….5.………….8.…….4.…….7
2002.…….4.………….8.…….5.…….8
2001.…….3.………….4.…….3.…….7
Total…….52.….……60.…….57……72
So, what is the reason for all this ?
__________________
All-Time Football Wins
__________________
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Top 10 All-Time Football Wins
________________________
895 (1) Michigan
858 (2) Texas
853 (3) Notre Dame
846 (4) Nebraska
825 (5) Ohio State
821 (6) Oklahoma
814 (7) Alabama # 1 of SEC
794 (8) Tennessee # 2 of SEC
779 (9) Southern California
747 (10) Georgia # 3 of SEC
________________________
________________________
It is not as Richt-0-Philes maintain that UGA does not deserve top-notch coaching. That UGA, they state, cannot hire a top coach who can win the big games. Be happy. Be satisfied. Oh, and if you look up the other teams in the Mark Richt era, you will not find that Mark Richt is bad at beating the top teams. It is not true they maintain.
Really ? On any of their points ?
Really ?
______________________________________________
vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 all 12 years Mark Richt era
______________________________________________
Auburn :
Lost to # 2 Georgia 2007
Lost to # 10 Coaches’ # 13 AP Georgia 2008
Won over # 3 LSU 2006
Won over # 8 LSU 2010
Lost to # 2 LSU 2011
Lost to # 5 Arkansas 2011
Lost to # 6 Alabama 2008
Lost to # 1 Alabama 2009
Won over # 10 Alabama 2010
Lost to # 1 Alabama 2011
Won over # 9 South Carolina 2011
Won over # 3 Oregon 2010
Won over # 1 Florida 2006
Lost to # 6 LSU 2005
Lost to # 1 LSU 2003
Lost to # 1 Southern California 2003
Lost to # 4 Southern California 2002
Lost to # 7 LSU 2001
Won over # 10 UGA 2005
Won over # 7 UGA 2004
Lost to # 7 UGA 2003
Lost to # 3 UGA 2002
Won over # 3 Florida 2001
Won over # 8 Alabama 2005
Won over # 10 Virginia Tech 2004
________________________________________________
11-14 Auburn vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
________________________________________________
LSU :
Lost to # 1 Florida 2006
Lost to # 1 Florida 2008
Lost to # 3 Florida 2009
Lost to # 6 Alabama 2008
Lost to # 1 Alabama 2009
Won over # 10 Alabama 2010
Lost to # 1 Alabama 2011
Won over # 1 Alabama 2011
Won over # 5 Arkansas 2011
Lost to # 9 Auburn 2006
Lost to # 1 Auburn 2010
Lost to # 10 Coaches’ # 13 AP Georgia 2008
Lost to # 9 Penn State 2009
Won over # 9 Virginia Tech 2009
Won over # 4 Oregon 2011
Won over # 5 Ohio State 2007
Lost to # 3 Florida 2001
Lost to # 10 UGA 2005
Lost to # 7 UGA 2004
Won over # 7 UGA 2003
Won over # 7 UGA 2003
Lost to # 2 Auburn 2004
Lost to # 4 vols 2001
Lost to # 8 Iowa 2004
Won over # 4 vols 2001
Lost to # 6 Texas 2002
Won over # 3 Oklahoma 2003
Won over # 8 Alabama 2005
______________________________________________
11-17 LSU vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
_______________________________________________
Florida :
Win over # 3 LSU 2006
Lost to # 1 LSU 2007
Lost to # 8 LSU 2010
Lost to # 2 LSU 2011
Win over # 8 Alabama 2008
Lost to # 1 Alabama 2009
Lost to # 10 Alabama 2010
Lost to # 1 Alabama 2011
Lost to # 9 Auburn 2006
Lost to # 9 South Carolina 2011
Lost to # 2 Georgia 2007
Win over # 10 Coaches’ # 13 AP Georgia 2008
Win over # 5 Oklahoma 2008
Win over # 2 Ohio State 2006
Lost to # 6 LSU 2005
Won over # 2 LSU 2003
Won over # 7 LSU 2001
Lost to # 4 vols 2001
Lost to # 2 Miami of Florida 2002
Lost to # 5 Miami of Florida 2003
Lost to # 8 Alabama 2005
Lost to # 9 Michigan 2002
Lost to # 8 Iowa 2005
Won over # 3 UGA 2002
Won over # 7 UGA 2003
Lost to # 7 UGA 2004
Won over # 10 UGA 2005
___________________________________________
10-15 Florida vs made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
___________________________________________
Alabama :
Lost to # 3 LSU 2006
Lost to # 1 LSU 2007
Lost to # 8 LSU 2010
Lost to # 2 LSU 2011
Won over # 2 LSU 2011
Lost to # 9 Auburn 2006
Lost to # 1 Auburn 2010
Lost to # 1 Florida 2006
Lost to # 1 Florida 2008
Won over # 3 Florida 2009
Won over # 5 Arkansas 2011
Lost to # 2 Georgia 2007
Won over # 10 Coaches’ # 13 AP Georgia 2008
Lost to # 2 Utah 2008
Won over # 10 Virginia Tech 2009
Won over # 2 Texas 2009
Lost to # 6 LSU 2005
Lost to # 2 LSU 2003
Lost to # 7 LSU 2001
Lost to # 2 Auburn 2004
Lost to # 4 vols 2001
Lost to # 5 Oklahoma 2002
Lost to # 3 Oklahoma 2003
Lost to # 3 UGA 2002
Lost to # 7 UGA 2003
_________________________________________________
6-19 Alabama vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
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vols :
Won over # 2 UGA 2007
Won over # 7 UGA 2004
Won over # 3 Florida 2001
Won over # 7 LSU 2001
Won over # 6 LSU 2005
Won over # 5 Miami of Florida 2003
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vols 6 Wins vs made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
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Arkansas :
Arkansas beat # 9 Auburn 2006
Arkansas beat # 1 LSU 2007
Arkansas beat # 8 LSU 2010
Arkansas beat # 9 South Carolina 2011
______________________________________________
Arkansas 4 Wins vs made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
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Texas A and M :
Won over # 6 Oklahoma 2010
Won over # 5 Oklahoma 2002
Won over # 10 Texas 2007
___________________________________________________
Texas A and M 3 Wins vs made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
___________________________________________________
“Compare Richt’s record against teams who ended up in the top 10 to other coaches’ records against the same and you’ll find out how stupid your stat is.”
_____________________________________________
Mark Richt all 12 years vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 :
_____________________________________________
26-24 Win 2001 # 4 AP/Coaches TOG #6 /#7 vols*
10-24 Loss 2001 # 3 AP/Coaches TOG 6/6 Florida*
13-34 Loss LSU 2003 # 2*
10-17 Loss LSU 2003 # 2*
06-24 Loss Allbarn 2004 # 2*
34-14 Win LSU 2005 # 6*
35-38 Loss West Virginia mountaineers 2005 # 5*
14-21 Loss Crocodiles 2006 # 1*
37-15 Win Allbarn 2006 # 9*
30-41 Loss Alabama 2008 # 6*
10-49 Loss Crocodiles 2008 # 1*
17-41 Loss Crocodiles 2009 # 3*
31-49 Loss Auburn 2010 # 1*
21-35 Loss Boise State 2011 # 8*
42-45 Loss Sakerlina 2011 # 9*
10-42 Loss LSU 2011 # 2*
3 wins 13 losses Mark Richt all 12 years vs made AP Poll Top 10
.1875 win percentage all 12 years Mark Richt vs made AP Poll Top 10
“Compare Richt’s record against teams who ended up in the top 10 to other coaches’ records against the same and you’ll find out how stupid your stat is.”
Mark Richt is # 8 of just SEC teams now 2012 in Wins over teams who made the AP Poll Top 10 in his entire 12 years’ career here 2001 through today.
And, it ain’t getting any better.
_________________________________________________________________
“Compare Richt’s record against teams who ended up in the top 10 to other
coaches’ records against the same and you’ll find out how stupid your stat is.”
_________________________________________________________________
# 8 of SEC teams 2001 through today vs made AP Poll Top 10
JSS
September 19th, 2012
7:24 am
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
After reading that cut and paste stupidity, you folks can never complain about Saints fans, MCR, or negative critics ever again!
Thomas Brown
September 19th, 2012
7:37 am
That is not a cut-and-paste. I actually sat here, researched what Mark Richt’s record is compared to the other SEC teams 2012 during the Mark Richt era against teams who made the AP Poll Top 10, when I was asked to this morning, and posted it.
# 8 of 2012 SEC teams won/lost record vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 Mark Richt era
jimmyb
September 19th, 2012
8:12 am
Agree the game was terrible Monday night, but you guys, the media, sunk the ship. Preseason wasn’t that bad, week 1 was starting to show with the announcers always referring to them as replacements. After the talking points memo went out to the game announcers to throw these guys under the bus, things got really bad, plus the officials quit on themselves when they didn’t take over the games. Thanks, dripping with sarcasm, for making our games worse.
jimmyb
September 19th, 2012
8:14 am
And, by taking over, I mean Cox should have been ejected and several players, including Edwards, should have been kicked out to take over.
jimmyb
September 19th, 2012
8:14 am
John Fox, the Denver Coach. (not Cox)
Jack Dennis TN
September 19th, 2012
9:32 am
amazed that Goodell would allow this to go on. We’re talking peanut$ in the big scheme of things.
Joey
September 19th, 2012
9:37 am
Dang, Thomas, on a Falcons article?
Did you get banned from the UGA Blog?
Thomas Brown
September 19th, 2012
10:14 am
11 Wins LSU vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 in Mark Richt era # 1
11 Wins Auburn vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 in Mark Richt era # 2
10 Wins Florida vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 in Mark Richt era # 3
6 Wins Alabama vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 in Mark Richt era # 4
6 Wins vols vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 in Mark Richt era # 5
4 Wins Arkansas vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 in Mark Richt era # 6
3 Wins Texas A & M vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 in Mark Richt era # 7
3 Wins UGA vs teams made AP Poll Top 10 all 12 years Mark Richt era # 8
Mark Richt finds other coaches better at X and O than he and thus he cannot beat the top teams, as well as the other teams in his own conference during the same timeframe he’s been here. He’s # 8 of just the 2012 SEC teams against teams who made AP Poll Top 10 all 12 years he’s been here.
That ain’t very good.
____________
MARK RICHT
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# 8 of 2012 SEC teams 2001 through today vs made AP Poll Top 10
TexGT
September 19th, 2012
11:27 am
Thomas Brown – Wrong blog buddy.
Falcons Fan
September 19th, 2012
11:30 am
Jeff – Please explain how a referee is going to get someone “seriously hurt”. I was unaware that referees were allowed to hit players. I thought the players did that. Are you saying that while the refs are in a conference someone might get hurt. Or maybe someone will retaliate for a 11 yard penalty that was only supposed to be 5 yards. I agree the officials are not as good. But this “seriously hurt” BS is just the players supporting a union against the NFL. Shut up and play football.
Vulture
September 19th, 2012
11:46 am
Just adds to it for me. It’s a game after all.
jimmyb
September 19th, 2012
11:51 am
Falcons Fan – Amen! Shut up and play ball, both on the field and in the booth and in the Papers Schulz. (love ya most of the time, but this bites)
Time
September 19th, 2012
11:59 am
I’m sorry but only clownish leftist media types that would support a hopscotch union in a strike against chalk makers see it as damaging the game. It’s pretty pathetic how these “replacement” refs are being slandered, yes slandered, by media types like Shcultzie here. They are NO worse in terms of in game calls than the regular ones. Are they perfect? No. But guess what, neither were the old ones. It’s the players and coaches who are damaging the product with their incessant attempts to bully and sway the new refs. Every player is giving the throw the flag signal after every play. And coaches, like Fox on Monday, are berating them at every turn. Doesn’t matter that there actually was 12 on the field, he had to put on a show like someone had just stolen candy from his baby.
And I’m sorry, but as someone who has been out of work for sometime and not having much luck, I can’t support any worker that has as part time of a job as possible who are already making more for their part time work than the vast majority of Americans crying for more. But that’s the union way. Bully your way to stuff you don’t deserve.
older1
September 19th, 2012
12:23 pm
$140,000 a year! where’s my Hoveround i need to apply for a ref. job in the NFL.
Time
September 19th, 2012
12:29 pm
149,000 for 16 weeks of “work”…and they want more? Funny how greed is always a theme in the media’s bias against anyone with a R next to his name. Let a republican make a little money and he’s a greedy evil guy. But when already vastly over-payed union workers want even more they line up right behind them.
150k??? There are literally millions of Americans out there working 50-60-70 hour weeks every week to make a 1/3 of that. And those are the lucky ones. Thanks again for exposing the amazing hypocrisy of the left so clearly.
SCFalcon
September 19th, 2012
12:39 pm
The better replacement refs aren’t on the field (SEC, ACC etc) because they were threatened with never officating again if they signed up to be a scab. I know because one of them works for me. He got the communication. College and NFL officating is a “good ole boy network”. It is all about who you know.
What amazes me is how the on screen announcers have no problem pointing out the flaws (yes they are bad) of these guys, but stayed mostly silent with the “real” refs. The one thing you can say about the replacements is that they are equally bad to both teams. It might be good to train up a new group without all of the past politics (certain players or teams getting away with things).
Union BS……….
SCFalcon
September 19th, 2012
12:39 pm
The better replacement refs aren’t on the field (SEC, ACC etc) because they were threatened with never officating again if they signed up to be a scab. I know because one of them works for me. He got the communication. College and NFL officating is a “good ole boy network”. It is all about who you know.
What amazes me is how the on screen announcers have no problem pointing out the flaws (yes they are bad) of these guys, but stayed mostly silent with the “real” refs. The one thing you can say about the replacements is that they are equally bad to both teams. It might be good to train up a new group without all of the past politics (certain players or teams getting away with things).
Union BS……….
Thomas Brown
September 19th, 2012
12:42 pm
NFL Officials have actually done a very good job.
How many calls are missed, after replay ?
They want the attention on them.
Jeff is assisting in that.
It didn’t affect the outcome Monday night.
The vols’ QB did.
JSS
September 19th, 2012
12:44 pm
Pretty simple on the injury questions, basic physics… You have a well tuned athlete running at full speed going against another athlete (this one not obeying the rules by the way because he knows the referee is not calling illegal use of hands or ilegal contact downfield) and bam, a player say William Moore illegally gets an advantage by bumping off the receiver off the route! Suddenly, you’re like the Falcons were when Harry Douglas went down… Refs not being assertive in piles or on turnovers, don’t worry, when somebody goes all 1969 Raiders on someone and a player gets hurt, I can hear y’all crying now!
Thomas Brown
September 19th, 2012
12:46 pm
That’s junk. Like trying to say Mark Richt can beat the top football teams.
Boo Boo
September 19th, 2012
1:15 pm
Does anyone have any stats about whether Mark Richt can beat top football teams, with specific comparisons to the Mark Richt era … not other eras?
Thomas Brown
September 19th, 2012
2:13 pm
Yeah, he’s loses them all, always has all 12 years- unlike 8 other better SEC teams
JSS
September 19th, 2012
3:13 pm
^^^^^^^^^^
Coo-coo for Coco Puffs!
GB's Hamburgers
September 19th, 2012
7:37 pm
We need to can all the instant replays and go back to letting the official’s call it on the field. The normal officials mostly get it right. These games are so disjointed that it doesn’t resemble football. Combine this with the normal TV delays and it’s hard to stay motivated to watch.
oldfart
September 19th, 2012
8:14 pm
All it will take is for Vegas to take a big hit or two and Goodell might get an offer he can’t refuse. Here’s hoping he doesn’t own any horses.
Just Saying..
September 19th, 2012
8:15 pm
For the money, the NFL is making, for the money I’m paying for the NFL TV package and my Falcons’ season tickets, this simply can not be a financial decision. Best guess is somehow it’s gotten personal for Goodell. Putting a match not only to his own house, but to the houses of so many others as well. Beyond understanding for me…
Mr. Mustard
September 20th, 2012
12:33 am
The NFL is the NFL because they are good, good at marketing and understand that all teams need a chance, thus creating fan excitement because even the Buffalo Bills might win a title.
However, the NFL is making the classic business mistake of success. They think they can get away with anything.
Like the restaurant that starts out great because they give big portions, then as they make money and max out their customer base but still need to increase profits, someone says “hey, we can cut back on the portions”.
The NFL cares about the product and I say with a few more weeks like week 2 and the real refs will return quickly.
The reason stated publicly will be a face saving statement but they will not let this inferior product continue too much longer.
southern hope
September 20th, 2012
9:35 am
TrishaDishaWarEagle, not to be hostile but you’re a really irritating person. LOL… “Break the union?…..go Reagan on them”…where do you get these talking points? Look, you probably need to read a good article about what the officials are demanding…here’s an overview that’s pretty good (not form a sports site…but more of a dispassionate look at the situation) http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/sports/july-dec12/refs_09-07.html
DocDawg
September 20th, 2012
10:43 am
NFL security hasn’t vetted these guys. How long before the gamblers get to one and we have an NBA situation? Roger, “protect the shield”. The downside risk of a scandal far outweighs “union busting”.
Taxi Smith
September 20th, 2012
12:55 pm
Dang, whatever happened to Furman Bisher?
players and coaches looking more like bad guys by hassling refs
September 22nd, 2012
11:29 am
Old refs aint coming back anytime soon….get over it.
these refs will reach a “better” incompetence level as the old refs in due time.
f unions
September 22nd, 2012
11:34 am
and the old refs were sooooooo good…..yeah right.
Big Brothers Stepford Wife
September 22nd, 2012
11:41 am
with technology, who needs refs…..install computer chips in uniforms, footballs, goal lines, etc.
beeps for every infraction, first down, touchdowns, and so on, and so on and so on.
Games can be 12 hours long since they’ll be calling all the holding calls that don’t get called now along with interference calls, etc., etc.
Yeah, technology sucks a lot of times too…more people on unemployment rolls