SEC title would mean Georgia’s return to elite status (video added)
Mark Richt has Georgia in the SEC championship game for second straight year. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
(VIDEO ADDED BELOW)
This might stun starry-eyed middle-schoolers and high school players, who are otherwise oblivious to ancient history before 2006 in the SEC. But even the football Godzillas of this conference and, it follows, the globe, aren’t that far removed from humility (and Shreveport).
Before the last five seasons under Nick Saban, Alabama had an 11-year stretch (1997-2007) when it reached double digits in wins only three times, suffered through four losing seasons, four non-bowl years, lost to Auburn six straight years, went to the Music City Bowl twice and even was subjected to the Independence Bowl . . . three times! There’s your, “Roll Tide.”
Florida fans would like to forget the Ron Zook era of relative torment, sandwiched between Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer.
Auburn just fired a coach, Gene Chizik, who won a national championship two years ago.
LSU: You say Saban and Les Miles. I raise you Mike Archer, Curley Hallman and Gerry DiNardo.
The Dogs have given fans much to cheer about. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
It happened before, it can happened again. It happened to Georgia. Mark Richt won two SEC championships in his first five seasons (2002 and 2005). He is still waiting for a third.
So before anybody makes any grand declarations about what Georgia’s return to national relevancy this season means for the future of the Bulldogs’ program, place a ping-pong ball on the kitchen table, open the window and try to give assurances that it won’t roll off the edge at some point.
However, Georgia’s ascent this season — and actually it’s climb since the 0-2 start of 2011 — has significance. Credit to Richt, his staff and all associated with the Georgia program, because a team doesn’t go 21-1 in a stretch of regular season games, even it managed to avoid Alabama or LSU, without doing a lot of things right. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 3 in the BCS. They are back in the SEC title game again, facing No. 2 Alabama in Saturday’s SEC championship. The winner faces No. 1 for the national title.
It’s this simple: Georgia has an opportunity to affirm itself as a member of the SEC’s elite, and ranking among the SEC elite is synonymous with the national elite. Imagine how this feels for Richt, after seeing his program seemingly erode over several months, going 7-9 in consecutive SEC seasons, losing to the likes of Kentucky, Mississippi State, Colorado and Central Florida.
“It’s what you always hope for,” Richt said Sunday of the team’s position this week. “It’s what you want. We know pre‑season rankings are for the fans. Where you’re ranked at the end of the year is the most important. [But] it’s not about me. It’s about Georgia. It’s about this program, this team, these young men, this coaching staff. I don’t worry too much about all the personal stuff. But it is great to be in this position at this point. You fight like mad every year to get your team in this position.”
Georgia was in the SEC title game a year ago against then-No. 1 LSU, but there’s a greater sense of excitement and confidence in Athens now. The Dogs ranked only 14th in the BCS before last year’s SEC game. National title hopes were smothered in Week 1 (loss to Boise State). Respectability hopes were stomped on in Week 2 (loss to South Carolina).
If Richt wants to play the no-respect card with his players this week, it’s available. Most of the national commentary has focused on the potential of an Alabama-Notre Dame final. But that was expected. One doesn’t eclipse Alabama until one beats Alabama.
Even while acknowledging that Georgia and Alabama mirror each other in several areas this year, Richt said: “One thing they’ve done is they’ve been national champions and we’ve not. They’ve been SEC champions and we’ve not, during the time-frame of these kids’ careers.”
They are the measuring sticks all go by. Richt has won his share of games since 2006 but his accomplishments have paled compared to Saban, Miles and Meyer. Saban is 39-9 (.812) in the SEC with one conference and two BCS titles. Miles is 40-10 (.800) with two SEC and one BCS championship. In Meyer’s last five seasons at Florida (2006-10), he went 31-9 (.775) in the SEC, with two conference and two crystal trophies.
Georgia is back on the doorstep to both. The climb has been impressive.
– By Jeff Schultz
Video: Is Georgia’s defense more talented than Alabama’s?
A trip down blog Memory Lane
• Georgia playing at level we haven’t seen under Richt
• Short takes (UGA): Rambo’s ascent, Gurley’s comfort
• Upsetting Georgia would give Tech needed boost for future
• Weekend Predictions: Georgia will win on Red-and-Black-Saturday
• Vince Dooley: Joy from Georgia’s resurgence, pain from son’s firing
• Wonder why SEC is on top? Look at other conference finals
• Falcons win — but run before somebody changes their mind
• Georgia’s new reality: From on the brink to BCS title possibility
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502 comments Add your comment
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:08 am
Cdpridg
My team has owned your team for the last 20 years. Don’t even think about trying to use the “we own you” line with me, child.
ARdawg
November 26th, 2012
9:08 am
MAN! It is GREAT to be a Georgia Bulldog!!!
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
9:09 am
New Era
You refuse to state your school affilliation. Guess its none of our business is it? You sir are just a common troll who is jealous of UGAs accension. If we beat Bama, who else in the COUNTRY will have accomplished this??? 2 top 5 teams…that’s special wheather you like it or not…
flagboy?
November 26th, 2012
9:09 am
Beat Alabama and play for the National Championship.
Simple.
zeke
November 26th, 2012
9:09 am
Ain’t going to happen!
Bama 42
Dawg 17
Just remember what happened at “THE BRICE”!
35 to 7!
AND IT WAS NOT THAT CLOSE!
AM STILL HAVING NIGHTMARES ABOUT CLOWNEY, TAYLOR AND SUTTON!!
Thomas Brown
November 26th, 2012
9:10 am
Buckeye never answers a direct question, either.
Buckeye did not go to the Ohio State Michigan game, and he did not go to the UGA Georgie tek game, either.
These other handles have no team affiliation in them, as you say, and they don’t answer direct questions about who their team is as well. When you see Buckeye, likewise, answer a question asked of him – other than Chris Spielman is the biggest best Ohio State football player who ever did anything in football – wake me up.
flagboy?
November 26th, 2012
9:10 am
Football didn’t start 20 years ago.
Ted M
November 26th, 2012
9:10 am
Georgia needs to throw at least 5 screen passes against the Tide.
zeke
November 26th, 2012
9:11 am
And next year the USC-UGA game goes back to the earlier date! That means the there will be at a minimum 6 maybe 8 UGA players suspended for the game!
Cdpridg
November 26th, 2012
9:11 am
Donnan…dont hide…spell it out….who is your team? Coward much? You should be…you are conversing with your superiors. If you need to prove it to yourself mr envy…lol….take a good look at how you spend your time moron…
BullDogMike
November 26th, 2012
9:13 am
This Buckeye commenting on UGA and and SEC in general , shows what a complete moron really is. THE Ohio St..what a joke. Only beat an SEC team in a bowl game ONCE in their entire history..Lousy conference , lousy teams…they would be 6-5 in SEC…and it don’t matter who you get as coach. And by the way, it will be fun watching , sorry I mean NOT watching OSU in a bowl.LMAO
flagboy?
November 26th, 2012
9:14 am
Listen, we’ve all been in Zeke’s or Donnan’s shoes in the past.
It’s the end of the year, and one team you hate has a chance to do something pretty special, and you just hope like crazy it doesn’t happen. It just happens that this year, that team with the chance of doing something special is UGA, and they’re the ones hoping like crazy.
Heck, I’ve done it myself. Granted, I always end up pulling for the SEC team in the national championship game but. . .
ARdawg
November 26th, 2012
9:15 am
Georgia will beat Alabama is likely what will be the best college game of the year. I’ll venture a guess that even the BCSCG pales in comparison
ARdawg
November 26th, 2012
9:17 am
zeke, Whiskey breath, NEW DONNON are all Nerd trolls. There’ll be plenty more as the day rolls on. It’s what they do. They have nothing else. Have you been on a GT blog lately?
flagboy?
November 26th, 2012
9:17 am
I’ll go ahead and take the winner of the SEC title game over ND
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
9:19 am
Flagboy
I think the 20 was refering to his age or IQ…
Love the way the posers come in here hiding behind anonymity, lol…
Bulldawg Charlie
November 26th, 2012
9:19 am
This is a NEW BREED of pups and everybody knows it. Anyone who thinks Bama beats UGA in anything other than a close game hasn’t been watching the last month and a half.
Alabama can certainly be beaten. Georgia’s offense is better than Bama. Georgia’s defense is better than Bama. We’ll see how it plays out Saturday, but methinks it will be a close game.
Either way, Flah-da can go home and shut up. You losers will be home this Saturday watching.
BullDogMike
November 26th, 2012
9:19 am
Zeke, how do you think South Cakalaka is able to ever beat us. Just be glad you don’t have to play us right now..and by the way, Gaturds didn’t score any TD’s against us…how bad did they beat Carolina again?
The Ghost of Woody Hayes
November 26th, 2012
9:20 am
BullDogMike, you should point out that The Ohio State University’s sole win against an SEC team was vacated. Therefore they are 0-9 against the SEC in bowl games.
BullDogMike
November 26th, 2012
9:23 am
Vegas already has SEC champ favored over the Irish, no matter which team wins Saturday.. You can look it up….
BullDogMike
November 26th, 2012
9:25 am
Ghost, you are correct.. So all Buckeyes can go home now ..you are finished …still LMAO
claytondawg
November 26th, 2012
9:29 am
To the UGA fans, kudos to both Tampa Gator and Gator Nation for many classy comments on this blog. Thanks. I am very cautiously realistic about the SECCG this Saturday. The ‘Dogs slim chances are there and should take full advantage of any Alabama mistakes. I know; I know; the sun will still rise and life will go on if the ‘Dogs lose. But, hopefully, we’ll see a good game where the ‘Dogs can take care of business and show Bama what you’re made of!!!
Thomas Brown
November 26th, 2012
9:29 am
“Only beat an SEC team in a bowl game ONCE in their entire history.”
________________________________________________________
No.
Ohio State VACATED that bowl game as part of their 6th and current NCAA PROBATION.
Cdpridg
November 26th, 2012
9:29 am
If you are not a Alabama fan ready to talk football. We Dawg fans dont want to hear from you wannabe fans of other teams. That is pointed directly at you fans of the north ave trade school…42-10 much????
Thomas Brown
November 26th, 2012
9:31 am
Ohio State has played The SEC 11 times in bowl games.
They have – 0 – wins.
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
9:34 am
Who knows what will happen? I’m just glad to be in this position and I’m not going to let Bulldog hater effect my week. I hope its a close game where UGA prevails and Bama isn’t knocked too far down the ladder. I want all of the SEC to do great, even the Crocks (ouuu, I just threw-up in my mouth) I hope this game is a classic that will be remembered for a long time…
You haters are pitiful losers that nobody wants to be around. For you, lonely is normal and your state of hate is your only solace. Your misery is your bliss. We feel sorry for you and anyone close to you…
Beast from the East
November 26th, 2012
9:36 am
My prediction:
Dawgs 26
Tide 21
Then you’ll finally have your shot at the crystal football.
Best of luck, Dawgs.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:38 am
“If we beat Bama, who else in the COUNTRY will have accomplished this??? ”
Texas AM beat Bama.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:39 am
“Donnan…dont hide…spell it out….who is your team? Coward much? You should be…you are conversing with your superiors. If you need to prove it to yourself mr envy…lol….take a good look at how you spend your time moron…”
Blah blah blah. Keep spouting nonsense, child.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:40 am
“Listen, we’ve all been in Zeke’s or Donnan’s shoes in the past.”
33 years ago?
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:42 am
“Football didn’t start 20 years ago.”
Ya don’t say, mutt. Ya don’t say.
Thomas Brown
November 26th, 2012
9:42 am
Alabama has played UGA 63 games, 38 of them HOME games for Alabama, and beat us 36 of the 63 games.
AJ McCarron is NOT as good as Aaron Murray. Alabama has no Todd Gurley, either. Alabama beat # 7 LSU and we beat # 4 Florida, who beat # 9 Texas A & M who beat Alabama. SEC West is NOT better than SEC East 2012, not at anything – yet. Alec Ogletree, Alabama has no 1 to compare. Jarvis Jones Alabama has no 1 to compare. Bacarri Rambo, Alabama has no 1 to compare. Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley, Alabama has no 1 to compare. John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers Alabama has no 1 to compare.
Alabama is not scoring any 38 points on UGA’s Defense.
Aaron Murray drove the field and scored 2 TD on Florida, to their – 0 – TD on our defense, and Florida would WIPE THE FLOOR WITH ALABAMA. Aaron Murray WILLED US TO THE WIN over # 4 Florida, when he tried to have Todd Gurley run us to win the game – game in balance, Florida losing by 1-point, 4th quarter time winding down. Florida was not going to let Todd Gurley run then.
Aaron Murray at that point, TOOK OVER THE FOOTBALL GAME.
That’s what happened.
Aaron Murray is going to DESTROY Alabama because of Todd Gurley, and because our Defense is better than Alabama’s. Alabama is # 1 Defense Florida # 5 Defense but Florida played toughest schedule, while only win by Alabama is over # 7 LSU.
We beat # 4 Florida.
This game will have to be won on the field.
Cdpridg
November 26th, 2012
9:42 am
Donnan….we will leave the nonsense to you…..techie….
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
9:44 am
It’s good to see so many UGA fans on the blogs lately. I know a lot of trolls hate me, but reverse the situation and you haters will understand. Do I come on your blogs trashing your school and fans??? Nope, I don’t need to go to your blogs, you’re always here, lol…
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:44 am
“Donnan….we will leave the nonsense to you…..techie….”
Ah yes, when you can’t win an argument, just accuse someone of being a fan of a school they’re not a fan of.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:45 am
“Aaron Murray is going to DESTROY Alabama because of Todd Gurley, and because our Defense is better than Alabama’s.”
Yes, you might win the first half like you did in that beat down LSU gave you in 2011.
Gator Mike
November 26th, 2012
9:46 am
Good luck to the Dawgs against BAMA. Although I am a Gator, I will be pulling for UGA. It should be a good game, and the winner will clobber ND.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:47 am
“AJ McCarron is NOT as good as Aaron Murray.”
Maybe not but Bama has a better offense/defense than UGA.
Buckeye
November 26th, 2012
9:48 am
Can’t wait until the SEC! SEC! rumors begin that Jim Tressel is on everyone’s hire list.
HUH?????
November 26th, 2012
9:49 am
UGA beat UF 17-9.
That’s the best UGA could do against UF. UF’s defense is nowhere near as good as Bama’s defense. Saban will have Bama MORE than ready to destroy UGA.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:50 am
Buckeye
I could see KY going after Tressel. That’s about it, though.
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
9:50 am
New era
you really can’t read can you? You took my comments out of context. I said, if we beat Bama, who else will have beaten 2 top 5 teams in the COUNTRY? —DID YOU GET IT THIS TIME???
You write a lot like Bob…
Bulldogs for Muschamp Lifetime Contract
November 26th, 2012
9:51 am
I love the butt hurt gators talking crap
Bud, it 8:43 in Gainesville all year
Backed in? We beat your azz in Jacksonville.
Wah !! Wah!! Wah!! We have to be champions of something because we are gators! Wah!! Wah!!
I love it
Buckeye
November 26th, 2012
9:51 am
tom brown,
Please chronicle (tom brown style) the dogs record vs. Top 25 teams of late and for extra credit, Murray’s performances in those games.
Ready
Set
Go!
Bulldogs for Muschamp Lifetime Contract
November 26th, 2012
9:52 am
Hey HUH???
Is Trooper spraying fruit at Walmart yet??
Bulldogs for Muschamp Lifetime Contract
November 26th, 2012
9:53 am
Buckeye
Please list a team on Ohio State’s schedule that was worth a crap
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
9:53 am
I see Beast is in da house…
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:54 am
“you really can’t read can you? You took my comments out of context. I said, if we beat Bama, who else will have beaten 2 top 5 teams in the COUNTRY? ”
Poor baby. Bama will make it a painless death for your overhyped dawgs after the first 13 mins of the game.
Bulldogs for Muschamp Lifetime Contract
November 26th, 2012
9:55 am
OSU beat 2 teams in Cal and Purdue that fired their coaches yet both teams took OSU to the wire.
OSU would lose to the following and the games would not be close:
Bama
Florida
Georgia
Texas A&M
South Carolina
LSU
Enjoy your 12-0 WAC schedule while you watch non-cheating teams play for something meaningful
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 26th, 2012
9:55 am
Buckeye
Come on now, Murray did put up big numbers against powerhouses like Buffalo and Georgia Southern.