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
AI Gator
October 26th, 2012
3:05 pm
@TVDog is such a pansy and simply wants the attention. He’s probably a Tech fan.
If Florida’s defense is so bad, why have they not given up more than 20 points to anyone this year? Better yet, only ONE touchdown in the 4th quarter and that was to Vandy with the 2nd stringers. The best coached 2nd half team in the country! So go bark up another tree you babbling idiot. The Gators OWN Georgia for the past 22 years.
Soup Nazi
October 26th, 2012
3:07 pm
Please, no more posts from TV Dog Poo! NO MORE PPOST FOR YOU!
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2012
3:11 pm
I hope everyone has fun and is safe. There is a terrible road block on HWy 1 at GA FL line.
Alphare
October 26th, 2012
3:12 pm
TVDog,
I know you have all those stats to back up UGA, just don’t go crazy and bet your house on it. You may have a small chance losing it considering the hurricane effect.
Stinger2
October 26th, 2012
3:19 pm
This blog is getting out of control when someone threatens with a tire iron. Calm down people. I am a GT fan but I like UGA until our game with you. Between you negative fans and Jeff Schultz, there is way too much pressure being put on the team. I believe that UGA will beat UF by two TD`s. UF has beaten two good teams but UGA is ready to play better defense than they did against SC and KY and UF is not a good team offensively. Also, I believe you who constantly criticize CMR and Bobo are in the vast minority. You naysayers try to justify your ranting by saying you support UGA football with you money, etc. So maybe you do. However, you undo all that with what you publically say.
crawdaddy
October 26th, 2012
3:22 pm
CMR needs to go! I am a long time Dag fan living in Colorado. When I watched the Bulldogs lose to the University of Colorado a few years back, It was embarrassing! There are a lot of Dog fans out here in the Rockies and all of us were talking smack, certain that we would roll over the lowly Buffs. We could have run the ball on every play and won by three touchdowns! Instead we lose to a team that was clearly smaller and slower. It comes down to coaching. I am sick and tired of seeing UGA players who do almost nothing at UGA, somehow make to the pros as free agents and succeed. Almost every team in the NFL has a Georgia Bulldog on the roster. Yet the Bulldogs, year after year, under perform. Richt is a great recruiter but I wonder if it the programs ability to place players into the NFL, the atmosphere in Athens, and the fact that UGA is on national television nearly every week has more to do with recruiting than CMR. When I first moved to Denver, I could watch almost every UGA game on national TV, with UGA slipping, it seems like there are less UGA games on national TV. I think this trend will continue with CMR and less national TV exposure will affect recruiting. Uga will always get most of the top Georgia players but the big time national recruits that currently chose UGA will play elsewhere.
StAug Dawg
October 26th, 2012
3:22 pm
Yes, UGA has become a second tier SEC program over the past 5 years or so….That is why the beatdown by SC was so scary. They too are a second tier team in the SEC. Over the past 5 years, Top tier teams would include UF, AL, and LSU..(the teams that we recruit equally too).
The Gators
October 26th, 2012
3:22 pm
Univ. of Dogs = Gator Snack
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 26th, 2012
3:26 pm
So if UGa wins they will no longer be seen as the DRUNK FAKE BLONDE GIRLS COLLEGE & PLANTATION of GEORGIA? I don’t buy it.
All UGa fan not attending the game are being given UGa Diploma Paper(toilet paper) and Eggs to decorate the UGa players Cars, dorms, and rental homes for Halloween.
Basspro2150
October 26th, 2012
3:27 pm
UGA 27 GAY-TORS 17
BulldogBen
October 26th, 2012
3:31 pm
The lid is squarely back on the program these days.
That said, destroy.
Archibald Hole Broke
October 26th, 2012
3:31 pm
Mutts lose. CMR will be a full time F-150 salesman next year.
StAug Dawg
October 26th, 2012
3:31 pm
Mark Richt is one of the classiest men in the land. He, however, is the reason that UGA underachieves so often. So,what do you prefer? A great guy that recruits well or a championship contender? The buck stops with Richt as HC. Georgia is far too often out of position on D, sloppy and careless on Special Teams and far too predictable on offense. There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that College Football Headcoaching jobs are not for everyone – and definately not for a mild mannered guy like Richt(who wants to be everyone’s friend). CMR would make an outstanding Recruiting Coordinator and/or Offensive Coordinator and I would love to see UGA keep him, although unprecedented and highly unlikely.
jmacs
October 26th, 2012
3:38 pm
The Dawgs, best 9-3 team year in and year out! Unfortunately the 3 losses are the big games year in and year out!
Joey
October 26th, 2012
3:41 pm
Listen, “Clusters stalker,” somebody will have to come to see me to see a tire iron, so don’t wet your mom-jeans.
And opinions are like you-know-what, and I could care less about yours . . .
Beast from the East
October 26th, 2012
3:42 pm
TVDog=Catherine Richt
Joey
October 26th, 2012
3:44 pm
UGA Insider, that roadblock is about 5 miles from my home – they do it every year.
What have you heard about Jarvis Jones’ injuries? Hard to believe he is already good to go – those groin injuries linger on and on.
We need him bad tomorrow.
Go Dawgs!
short memories
October 26th, 2012
3:46 pm
UGA against any ranked team is the safest bet in football. I will take your money every time.
Boise Dawg
October 26th, 2012
3:48 pm
Jeff,
I agree that I don’t think it is likely McGarity fires Richt if they lose this game and finish 10-2… but if Georgia doesn’t have a good showing tomorrow and again looks flat, I think McGarity has to at least consider his options in terms of who might be available to replace Richt. Also, if Georgia were to go on a lose the bowl game again to a Big Ten team we are expected to beat… I think things might get a little interesting in Athens. At the very least Richt is going to be starting 2013 under a lot more pressure again, similar to 2011.
Skokie Dog
October 26th, 2012
3:48 pm
Stinger2: I think that you’ve jumped to conclusions too quickly about those of us who are “naysayers.” I prefer to think of our group as fans who are observant and have brains. Oh, and I haven’t given a dime of my money directly to the U.Ga. Athletic Association, but I have several friends who have dropped thousands of hard-earned dollars into that organization for the privilege of buying tickets. I did grow up in Athens, was fortunate to be sitting in the student section during the early 1980s, and do remember that Dooley’s Dogs were not invincible every year. I criticize Richt and his staff because I see this team show up unprepared to play the meaningful games every year now (since the loss to West Virginia in the Sugar Bowl game played in Atlanta), as well as taking off a quarter or a half in some of the other games that they should win easily. I’m aware that Donnan had a limited upside too, but I think it’s a travesty that Richt is paid so well to do apparently so little with the wealth of resources and talent that are available to him. I believe that U.Ga. could do better with another coach or just as well with another coach earning a more reasonable salary. If the Dogs show up tomorrow in JAX and play hard for sixty minutes, I’ll be surprised. If they play hard for sixty minutes and actually win the game, I’ll be shocked. If you’re correct that we “naysayers” are a small minority of U.Ga. fans, then I’m sure that the majority will be just fine with an embarrassing loss. That might be okay at Tech, but many fans of the ‘Dogs expect better outcomes.
Mutley
October 26th, 2012
3:48 pm
The pressure is all on Richt. Muschamp has exceeded Florida’s wildest expectations for 2012 and won’t be the end of the world if he loses. Richt, well and we all know how Richt handles pressure. FLA-by what ever score Muschamp choses GA-by however many points Muschamp will allow his Alma Mater.
Thogwummpy
October 26th, 2012
3:49 pm
Sandy’s wind gusts will kill Murray’s passing game….and Georgia can’t stop the run—from any team. So, it’s sadly looking like a blow-out loss for my Dawgs. Odds are massively stacked against the underachievers; bet your house on Florida. Dang!
Joey
October 26th, 2012
3:50 pm
StAug Dawg, I hoped back when we fired our AD, that Richt would move to that position and hire a new football coach. He would have been great as UGA’s AD, but . . .
The difference on UGA’s football program in Richt’s first 5 years, and the last 6 are night-and-day. He never embarrassed UGA back then, and now does a couple of times a year.
Apparently he and his Fan-Boy Club are the only ones who don’t notice.
Joey
October 26th, 2012
3:54 pm
Skokie Dog, nice post. It’s exactly what I think, with-out the anger at the Fan-Boys.
joe jenkins
October 26th, 2012
3:55 pm
dogtv is sammy.lol
DwayneL
October 26th, 2012
3:55 pm
Gators by at least 21 points! Bank on it.
Skokie Dog
October 26th, 2012
3:57 pm
Did anyone else notice that that photo with this story looks awfully like Muschamp sharing a coaching tip with Mr. Richt? I hope he’s listening.
UFFan
October 26th, 2012
3:58 pm
If Muschamp goes 0-2 vs. Richt, will he be fired? Probably, all the forums think so. Lot of pressure on the kid. Not like the wundercoach Richt who won 70% of his first 8 games against ranked teams, Coach M has only won 33%. Not good. And the wind favors Murray, who spins the ball as well as anyone in the country, our QB is still trying to stop 1 hopping the passes to the receivers. If it turns into the gorundgame, we all remember how 2011 ended, Ga 183 yards, Gatorz -19. The horror. Oh well, I figure we’ll win more games than last year, and maybe get to another Bowl game, Coach M just can’t seem to get a ‘W” in this series, like ever.
Bingo
October 26th, 2012
3:59 pm
Joey is Bulldawg, as we all know he hates UGA.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
October 26th, 2012
4:00 pm
“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.”
If 2012 is considered by itself, not as Year 5 of a continuing trend, then that statement would be credible.
But as everybody knows, the 2008 and 2009 seasons established a trend continued through 2010, 2011 and 2012 to date: UGA can’t win big games.
There’s another a trend – intentional or not – started in 2011. UGA is playing an extremely weak schedule. All the easier then, to discredit what’s clearly an inflated won/loss record – even a 10 win season – as justification for retaining CMR.
It all boils down to one question: Does UGA want to be a top SEC football program, or is looking like one (based on won-lost record) good enough?
It seems clear that for the decision makers at UGA – and many local sports scribes – the answer is the latter.
With the exception of Mike Bobo and CMR, UGA has recycled every other significant component of the football program. Yet here sit the Dawgs – mired in continued mediocrity from 2008 until today.
With the football talent at CMR’s disposal, year in and year out, that seems to be a pretty stinging indictment of CMR the coach.
After five years, if CMR ain’t the problem, who is – what is?
ARdawg
October 26th, 2012
4:00 pm
Joey
How do you mean re: before the SC game?
Skokie Dog
October 26th, 2012
4:01 pm
Richt in the photo above: “Rush the passer? Dang, Will, how’d you come up with that?”
Bingo
October 26th, 2012
4:01 pm
sKOKIE, UMM Bulldawg, no, Richt explained later in the picture he had just said “I bet you end up with less than 1 yard rushign today?”
Richt was right. -18 yards rushing.
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 26th, 2012
4:03 pm
Murray getting Blown by SANDY? That will be a first. It did say Sandy and not SAMMY right?
Skokie Dog
October 26th, 2012
4:04 pm
Come on, folks, let’s have some more captions for that photo.
Bingo
October 26th, 2012
4:04 pm
We got one hater on the board again today, boy, does Bulldawg post a lot of negative posts or what, I do like his clever names though like Skokie, and Joey, boy, does Bulldaw envy/hate UGA, don’t blame him after thew 24-20 loss ot UGA last season.
StAug Dawg
October 26th, 2012
4:04 pm
Joey, I can see him as an AD. The only problem that I can see with that scenario would be his lack of ability to fire anyone. As an AD, would Richt clap and congratulate his new coach on a “tough road win” after beating a terrible KY team? Would he renew his HC’s contract and give him a raise due to a “10-win season” even though the 10 wins were against poor competition and all losses were against competent teams?
Beast from the East
October 26th, 2012
4:05 pm
UFFan
October 26th, 2012
3:58 pm
If Muschamp goes 0-2 vs. Richt, will he be fired? Probably, all the forums think so. Lot of pressure on the kid. Not like the wundercoach Richt who won 70% of his first 8 games against ranked teams, Coach M has only won 33%. Not good. And the wind favors Murray, who spins the ball as well as anyone in the country, our QB is still trying to stop 1 hopping the passes to the receivers. If it turns into the gorundgame, we all remember how 2011 ended, Ga 183 yards, Gatorz -19. The horror. Oh well, I figure we’ll win more games than last year, and maybe get to another Bowl game, Coach M just can’t seem to get a ‘W” in this series, like ever.
——————————————————-
You are NOT a Gator fan. Not a single Gator fan is calling for Muschamp’s head. Quite the opposite, as he has won over the fan base with his outstanding improvement from year 1 to year 2. Lying d-bag.
Bingo
October 26th, 2012
4:05 pm
Yes, Muschamp would make a good AD. He’ll be lucky to have that job going winless aginst UGA though.
Bluey
October 26th, 2012
4:07 pm
Look here. Mark Richt has a .740 career win percentage at UGA.
Higher than Nickky Saban.
BOOM!
Jon
October 26th, 2012
4:08 pm
Hunker down you hairy DAWG!
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/40034488/
Skokie Dog
October 26th, 2012
4:08 pm
Muschamp in the photo: “And I tell our defensive guys to wrap both arms around the guy carrying the ball, and then throw him to the ground.”
Richt in reply: “Hang on, dude, I need to get Todd over here to hear this. Hey, anybody seen Todd? Somebody said he’s practicing his choke sign.”
ZinoDawg
October 26th, 2012
4:09 pm
Hate to write this but I ran out of Kool aid and stepped on my rose colored glasses.
Gators 35
Trembling Chihuahuas 0
Chomper
October 26th, 2012
4:10 pm
Didin’t ralize gators offense was ranked #102. Long day for my gators tomorrow.
Beast from the East
October 26th, 2012
4:10 pm
Skokie Dog,
Here’s my take on the conversation in the photo:
Muschamp- “It takes stones THIS big to come in after a guy that just won 2 National Championships in 6 years.”
Richt- “You just need a hug, Will”.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
October 26th, 2012
4:12 pm
Nick Saban has built 3 teams sport, MSU,LSU,and Bama. Your preacher man has been at Overrated U for what 12 years years and his best win is against Hawaii??? Call use when the pool boy wins a NC and we can talk about Saban (3). 1980…denial isn’t a plan but continue.
Chomper
October 26th, 2012
4:12 pm
Big question in Gator Nation is Coach Muschamp lucky or good? We’re concerned because we seem to be winning off of ball bounces and turnovers instead of sacks, tackles for losses, balanced offense, and so on. without all those lucky ball bounces, we’d be 3-4 again this season.
Dawg Pile
October 26th, 2012
4:13 pm
Here’s what gets me: it seems like Muschamp inherited a roster last year with a lot of the problems that we have right now – soft players with a sense of entitlement, poor team chemistry, etc. What he’s done with that group in one year is pretty impressive. What will he do with a roster full of his own guys? How much better will his program be with players that he’s recruited and that signed on to play for him?
To me, that’s the definition of a good coach – he can win even when circumstances aren’t optimal.
Skokie Dog
October 26th, 2012
4:14 pm
I’d be happy to see U.Ga. winning big games as a result of “lucky” plays.
Beast from the East
October 26th, 2012
4:14 pm
Chomper=UFFan=TVDog=Catherine Richt