Georgia has chance to alter perceptions with one win
Mark Richt and Georgia hope to take control of SEC East with win over Will Muschamp and Florida.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There are those rare games that can unify a fan base. This is one of them.
Just for a moment, put aside that Georgia’s defense has underachieved and may have a level of dysfunctionality in the locker room. Put aside that the Bulldogs, in a week where they should’ve been focused and in assault mode, made Kentucky look relevant. Put aside whatever it was that happened in Columbia.
One game changes everything.
Georgia isn’t just playing Florida on Saturday in Jacksonville. It’s playing for a chance to change its season and obliterate perceptions about “big game” performances. That doesn’t mean the Bulldogs haven’t won big games under coach Mark Richt, but the results in recent seasons certainly aren’t something that any coach wants slapped on his resume: 3-11 against Top 25 teams since 2009, 1-9 against top 10 teams since 2008.
One win over Florida, the No. 2 team in the BCS, would act like a bucket of Kilz. Clean wall, fresh start, new season. It would put the Dogs in control in the SEC East and give them a chance to return to the SEC title game. All of their goals, save an undefeated season, would be restored.
Is Georgia capable of beating Florida? Of course. The perceived talent on this defense is unequaled by most programs in the nation. The freshmen running backs are solid, and the quarterback, Aaron Murray, is solid and certainly the better of the two in this game.
There’s just all of this baggage. The season hasn’t been nearly what anybody expected. A record of 6-1 looks good in most college towns, but not when it’s owned by a projected top-10 (at least) team with a soft schedule, and that team was absolutely bodyslammed by its only ranked opponent (South Carolina).
“I’m sure it gnaws on Aaron, and it gnaws on everybody — we all want to win the big game,” wide receiver Marlon Brown said. “If we win this game, the fans maybe will stop talking about the South Carolina game.”
Questions about games like this always seem to wind up at the same intersection: What does this mean for Mark Richt?
It’s not a situation exclusive to Athens. It happens at every major college football program, and certainly on every campus in the SEC (save, maybe, Vanderbilt). As many as four conference schools (Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn) may change coaches after this season. Among those who soon could be out of a job: Gene Chizik, who won a national championship at Auburn two years ago.
The sparks around Richt have lingered really since 2008, when lopsided losses to Alabama and Florida derailed SEC and BCS title hopes. Even the 10-game winning streak after the 0-2 start last season didn’t appease all critics because none of the wins came over great teams (Auburn was No. 24, Georgia Tech No. 25 by the Associated Press).
So what would it mean to Richt if the Bulldogs lost? I’m not sure anything.
Richt obviously needs this to alter perceptions by some that his program has hit a ceiling. But if the Dogs lose in Jacksonville and then win the remainder of their games, they will finish the season 10-2 (pre-bowl).
I can’t claim to know what’s going on inside the head of athletic director Greg McGarity. But canning a head coach with a 10-2 record just doesn’t seem plausible – especially if the second loss came to the No. 2 team in the country.
That said, Richt will have to do as good a coaching job as he ever has to pull off a win. He will have to unify his players. One of the team’s co-captains, safety Shawn Williams, vented earlier in the week about the defense playing soft. He might’ve been right. But the bigger issue came when Williams suggested lineup changes, which effectively threw two of his teammates, linebackers Michael Gilliard and Christian Robinson, under the bus.
Gilliard said he “felt disrespected.” Robinson said, “I’m not mad at (Williams),” but disputed his comments and said, “I’ve got to go back to work with him and we’ve got a big game to win.”
A bigger game than we’ve seen for some time.
By Jeff Schultz
What you may have missed:
• Weekend Predictions: Sorry Doggies, Gators look too good
• Georgia has one edge on Florida — it’s Aaron Murray
• Pessimism reigns by Georgia fans on Twitter
• Georgia Tech stops the bleeding but assumes nothing
• Larry Drew is prepared to work without a parachute
• Weekend Predictions: Bulldogs, Jackets rise from the dead
• Falcons are NFL’s last unbeaten team: Here’s fate of others (with video)
• Falcons 6-0 but Turner is frustrated with running game
• Fan revolts out of control, one even wanted to fight UGA player
• Weekend Predictions: No sacrifices, but Falcons, LSU win
• Radakovich says Johnson is ‘right person for job’
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399 comments Add your comment
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:12 pm
If it turns into a rushing game, gotta like UGA.
In 2011, UGA rushed for 200 yards, UF -20.
Let’s hope it does.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:14 pm
Muschamp is 2-6 vs. ranked teams. Richt went 6-2 in his frist 8 games vs. ranked teams.
Can Muschamp change perception that he chokes in big games?
Muschamp has a .330 win % vs. ranked teams, only Dooley is worse??
Whiznot
October 26th, 2012
2:16 pm
If our Dawgs get crushed by the hated Gators and follow that up by losing to Auburn maybe we will be able to rid ourselves of the preacher and acquire a coach. The entire sports universe knows that Richt is dumb and weak.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:16 pm
Muschamp promised his team they would get better in 2012.
Defense is @300 yards per game, offense is @105 ranked in yards per game.
JUST LIKE 2011.
Muschamp doesn’t have any credibility.
He didn’t deliver on his promises.
Grant Park Gator
October 26th, 2012
2:17 pm
You dawg fans are so predictable. We’re not Tech. Now run home with your tail between your legs like 18 of the last 22 times before. If you ain’t a Gator you’re Gator bait….
North Ave
October 26th, 2012
2:18 pm
ONE GAME LOSS TO GA IS A LOSING CURSE? ARE YOU AN ADULT?
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:19 pm
fLORIDA IS A house of cards.
Defense:
LAST in SEC in sacks
7th in tackles for loss
Offense:
LAST in sacks allowed
102nd in total offense
11th in SEC in scoring
118th in passing
Coach:
Muschamp is 2-6 vs. ranked teams
Muschamp is 0-1 vs. UGA
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:21 pm
Florida is GTech
Both are top 25 in rushing
Both are bottom 10 in passing
Richt’s 11-1 vs. GTech and Muschamp’s 1 dimensional offenses
Dawg Doo
October 26th, 2012
2:21 pm
Just like 2011?? Leave to a leg humper to use stats to “demonstrate” how a 7-0 team is really no better than the 4-3 team was a year earlier.
Grant Park Gator
October 26th, 2012
2:21 pm
TVDOG- #2 in the BCS with wins over LSU, USC, AND A&M. Get real man.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:23 pm
No Muschamp is 0-6 vs. UGA as player, Asst Coach and Head Coach.
His team always loses.
Is Muschamp CURSED in this series or just a loser?
Grant Park Gator
October 26th, 2012
2:25 pm
If that is really the best you got I am not worried about our chances…Georgia is mediocre at best and all you UGA fans can do is point the finger and blame losses on your coaching staff…
Joey
October 26th, 2012
2:26 pm
Damn, ARdawg, the closer Saturday gets here, the more you sound like you did before the SC game.
Tell me this – what has changed for the good, in 3 weeks?
North Ave
October 26th, 2012
2:26 pm
…as a player… lol… COOO COOO!!!
RNB
October 26th, 2012
2:27 pm
Jeff,last I checked we still had the same coaching staff. No way they win this game and yes I think he should be fired if Georgia does not win and finishes 10 and 2. It’s time for change. The program has gotten stale.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:27 pm
6 out of 7 teams Muschamp has faced do not score as many points or total as many yards as UGA’s offense.
Muschamp’s D MIGHT be a LITTLE OVERRATED.
SSIgator
October 26th, 2012
2:28 pm
Joey -
Feeling better since you quit the Kool-Aid? You sound better.
Grant Park Gator
October 26th, 2012
2:29 pm
Did you beat USC by a score of 44-11? Did you beat LSU? Oh thats right you had a cupcake schedule and still are second in the East.
dawg tired
October 26th, 2012
2:31 pm
FL 31
GA 6
After game, Coach Richt says something about life lessons, boys becoming men and learning from lossess together.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:31 pm
Did Florida beat Vandy 45-3? Did Florida score 57 on Tenn?
GB's Hamburgers
October 26th, 2012
2:31 pm
Here we are over halfway through the season and pollsters, opponents and fans are still wondering exactly what kind of football team Georgia has. While what Alabama, USC, Florida and the rest of the SEC bring to the table is clear, UGA remains undecipherable (a Shultz description). This happens every year.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:32 pm
By the way, since Florida’s offense doesn’t practice passing, guess what the Florida DEFENSE doesn’t practice?
PASS DEFENSE!!!
Good for Murray.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:36 pm
Anyone know what the all time SEC record is for sacks in one game? That record might be broken by UGA tomorrow, Jones might get 4 sacks AGAIN, JUST LIKE 2011, all by himself.
He Hate Gator
October 26th, 2012
2:36 pm
For some of you, you know not the difference between a non-reality blind faith/no matter what fan,a fan who analyzes and understands both the good and bad, the wishy washy fan that gravitates with whatever the most recent game was, the fan that will see imperfection no matter what., or the Richt fan who thinks they are a Georgia fan. I hope Ga of course wins and, yes, it would help to alter the perception that has developed…
Grant Park Gator
October 26th, 2012
2:37 pm
Are you an idiot? Where do you get these stupid, false facts?
GB's Hamburgers
October 26th, 2012
2:37 pm
While it is clear is that UGA remains undecipherable virtually every year, one thing does stand out. Underachievement. So going with what we do know about UGA it has to be a FLA win. But with that said, about once every half decade, they surprise everyone and put it all together. I think this happens by pure accident and in obedience to the law of averages.
Cobb Dawg
October 26th, 2012
2:38 pm
Telling stat: 1-9 against top 10 since ‘08. Add the uninspired play this season and it all points to vast underachievement. I like CMR as a man. But he’s not doing the job that he’s being paid to do. I’ll watch and support the Dawgs this Sat. But I’m not betting on them until they show a lot more than they have.
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:41 pm
Even though UGA has won 16 out of their last 17 regular season games
Even though UGA beat 2 ranked teams in 2011 in Auburn and GTech
Even though UGA beat Florida in 2011
Even though UGA ranks top 5 in apparel sales
Even though UGA ranks top 5 in college football team profits
Even though UGA ranks #2 in players on NFL rosters
Even though UGA has finished in the top 10 in recruiting for the last 10 of 11 seasons.
Be nice to keep the perception high.
Nice to see UGA ranked anywhere from No 5 to No 10 in BCS all season.
Nice to be so well thought of all around the nation.
Nice to beat Florida again.
Just like 2011.
CC
October 26th, 2012
2:41 pm
GO DAWGS!!
oh brother!
October 26th, 2012
2:42 pm
what a joke…UF is no the second coming…they are a good football team…that is all..not number 2. They didn’t even get 200 yards of offense. UGA wins very easy.
SSIgator
October 26th, 2012
2:42 pm
“Will Georgia seize the moment”
__________________
Probably not, but it is likely they will “seize up” based their past recent history. Also, as history has proven, having St. Markus Rectumus and his merry band of coaching thieves does not bode well for UGA in a big game situation. But I guess even a blind hog gets lucky from time to time – and I guess I could win the Florida Lottery if I buy enough tickets.
The Ghost of Wally Butts
October 26th, 2012
2:43 pm
So what if we can’t beat top-tier teams?
Personally, I think Northern Louisiana is a wonderful, family-friendly place to go for our annual bowl game.
Who knows, we may even run into the ol’ Honey Badger himself in a Shreveport bar.
North Ave
October 26th, 2012
2:43 pm
GB Hamburger’s facts make a lot more sense than the bias dribble TV Boy posts here… The law of averages is GA’s best bet. It sure isn’t their ability to win in big games that helps them beat FL every 5 or 6 years!
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:44 pm
How good is UGA in 2012?
Like 2010 Auburn team in:
a) Offensive scoring points per game
b) offensive yards per game
c) defensive pts allowed per game
d) 2nd half pts allowed per game
e) 4th quarter points allowed per game
How good was Auburn, 2010?
UGA 2012 is playing at the same level, on offense, and defense.
Joey
October 26th, 2012
2:45 pm
I’d like to run up with one of these SOBs that keep telling those of us critical of Richt, that we aren’t “real fans.” I live 45 minutes from Jax, and will be glad to meet any of you dumbasses that keep spouting that crap. I’ll bring old checks to UGA in the $ thousands over the years, to prove I’m a “real fan.” Let’s see how many of you morons can match my donations to the Hartman Fund.
Since the end of ‘07, UGA has barely been average, losing 20 times, with 9 blowout losses. How could ANY coach with this talent let this happen ever single year. Look it up, if you can see our of your belly buttons.
And be sure and stop by and look at the money I’ve spent at UGA. If that doesn’t convince you, I’ve got a tire iron that will.
Skokie Dog
October 26th, 2012
2:48 pm
TVDog: Thanks for making me laugh this afternoon. I haven’t seen anyone who’s not a politician using statistics to such good effect as you have in quite a long time. By the way, do you know what Richt’s teams’ records as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, are against UF? Do you know what his teams’ record is in games played the week after a near-loss to subpar competition? Just askin’….
Lonnie
October 26th, 2012
2:48 pm
Florida is definitely worthy of their ranking!!!! Muschamp is doing a great job with them right now. But the SEC is the best conference because it is incredibly hard to get up and beat team after team. I think low expectations and return of Jarvis + Defense something to prove will carry us to victory! Let’s go dawgs!!!!
crackhead
October 26th, 2012
2:49 pm
Buckeye = ashamed tech fan
TVDog
October 26th, 2012
2:50 pm
Yes, Richt’s record against Muschamp is 1-0, he has won 100% of the time against Muschamp. So glad you asked, as I love to type that out.
Grant Park Gator
October 26th, 2012
2:50 pm
Mediocre…TVBOY that team had Cam Newton you have Aaron ( Ryan Leaf) Murray…
Roll Tide with Pride!!!
October 26th, 2012
2:50 pm
Dawgs – you are what you are – your defense is not waking up tomorrow as the 85 Bears!
Florida is going to come out and pound – and catch UGA off with a throw, cross pattern or something that will make – or set up and easy score.
UGA is an average team playing a very weak schedule – which makes them look better than they are.
If Tennessee had UGA’s schedule this year – then the heat would be off Dooley.
IF UGA played Tennessee’s schedule this year – then Richt would be on the hot seat with losses to Florida, Alabama and Mississippi State.
Again guys – THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA is ….or should be – one of the crown jewels of college football.
1. Beautiful Campus
2. Athens
3. Great facilities
4. Fanatastic Stadium on campus
5. Fan support
6. Rich Finances
7. In the heart of the best recruiting area (states of Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina).
8. IN the SEC!
9. Tradition Rich
10. Coeds.
And who has UGA beaten the last 5 years worth a darn – a top 10 ranked GT team.
Hey – programs go in cycles – but NO excuses for UGA going 6-7 with losses to Colorado and UCF 2 years ago. And last lyear – the only 4 decent teams UGA played – they lost by being out coached and out played.
And this year – UGA has the athletes, a very good QB, stud RB’s and got totally embarrassed by USCe – losing 35-0 before the trash TD in the final minute. Then the embarrasment in Lexington.
Dang UGA fans – just when is being mediocre acceptable BETWEEN THE HEDGES?
Richt is a great great great human being – I am in awe of him. But his program he runs at what should be a premier football powere year in and year out is only barely above mediocre.
I hope UGA wins tomorrow – but the Dawgs are who they are – and tomorrow, Florida is going to undress UGA and will totally own the 4th Q – mauling UGA’s Defense with a pounding game.
UGA is under coached, over rated, and under achieving based on the stud athletes that are on this roster……. no excuses.
Next year will be Richts last year after UGA wins goes 8-4 with the following losses:
1. Clemson
2. South Carolina
3 LSU
4. Florida
Be glad that Tennessee and Auburn suck.
Nativebird
October 26th, 2012
2:51 pm
Gators roll….Jeff Driskel is just now staring to show the multiple skills and problems he poses for defenses. Think Tim Tebow but with a better arm, better downfield recognition and much much faster legs. Muschamp has turned their D into 11 ball hawking, head hunting, beasts with the beef up front to back it up. This is pretty simple: a 7-0 SEC team against the toughest schedule in the league versus a 6-1 SEC team against the easiest schedule.
TheSmoker
October 26th, 2012
2:52 pm
Since I may never get to say this again as long as I live – HAHA you suck gators and we beat you last year!
Tomorrow this will not be the case I’m sure.
Ted M
October 26th, 2012
2:52 pm
Nothing I’ve seen of UGA this season and the last couple suggests they can win. However for unknown reasons I think GA wins.
TVDog Too
October 26th, 2012
2:54 pm
Like in 1980:
1) We rushed for an average of 250 yards per game
A) We had less than one turnover on average per game
2) The sun would peek out of the clouds 80% of the time when GA had the ball!
B) Defensive points allowed
3) GA graduated a higher % of students than FL!
C) There was more sunspot activity this year than any other!
4) Last 2 minutes of 4th Quarter!
Win P
October 26th, 2012
2:55 pm
Jeff, disagree. Georgia’s high expectations for the season ended with the South Carolina game. Agree with the advantages you pointed out for UGA (running backs and OB)
Before the South Carolina game, I predicted that SC would win because of three advantages…. 1. Home field advantage, 2. better defensive and offensive lines & 3. better game coaching. The same advantages will work for Fl. Add a 4th advantage for Fl… better game plan and preparation.
zbulldawg
October 26th, 2012
2:58 pm
Who knows the out come ? I do know this UGA will play their best game of the year against the gators. If that’s good enough I don’t know. Field goals will be hard to come by for both teams. Passing won’t be much better with the wind being like it’s going to be. Who can run the ball best will win this one & who can complete the big pass when they have to. I am worried about turnovers Cuz BoBo is hung up on the long pass. We must controll the clock & win the second half. But knowing BoBo he will be thinking Let’s jump out the a good lead & make them have to throw the ball. But that could back fire !! Big time !!! I don’t understand why UGA just won’t try to pound the ball at first. But it’s like if the run doesn’t work at first he just thinks we’ll Pass Pass Pass Then the D is tired late in the game. Please Dawgs work on your run game.
TheSmoker
October 26th, 2012
2:58 pm
Hey Roll Tide, I am not sure if you can read, but I don’t think many UGA fans are happy about the last ten years, but what can we do about it. That joke of a coach just keeps getting more years tacked on even though he sucks. I’m not the AD, so not much I can do but find something other than college football to watch.
BlueGator
October 26th, 2012
2:59 pm
At least that TVposter has got some good purple koolaid going, just be careful you might have to step over him on the street before the game starts.
Joey
October 26th, 2012
3:00 pm
“How good was Auburn, 2010?”
****************************
Good enough to win all their games.
Good enough they didn’t get get blown out by a (now) 2-loss team.
And, in 1980, we had a TEAM.
This season, we have stars, waiting on NFL Draft-Day . . .