Bulldog Bites: Gundy, Richt live in different worlds
Here’s an interesting contrast between Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy and Georgia’s Mark Richt.
An AP report out of Stillwater says Gundy isn’t sure he wants his team shaking hands with the Dogs before Saturday’s game, as the American Football Coaches Association is requesting. He’s afraid a brawl might result.
As one friend put it, Gundy, of “I’m a man” rant fame, seems to be wound a little tight. Such is life in the spotlight when you’re not accustomed to being there.
Meanwhile, Tuesday night at the Touchdown Club of Athens meeting I attended, Richt was getting all warm and fuzzy talking about watching his son Jon play for Mars Hill College against North Greenville last weekend. Richt was struck by how different it was from big-time college football.
“There are probably more people in this room than were at that game,” he told the Athens club. But what really touched Richt was at the end of the game the players from the two schools shook hands, held a prayer together on the field and then their friends and families joined them on the field for congratulations and hugs.
Richt recognized, of course, that such a scenario would be impossible at UGA, where everything is on a much bigger scale. But, he noted wistfully, “It’s so big that sometimes we lose the joy of the game.”
It wasn’t always like this
As expected, the last remaining home football tickets, returned by opponents, were snapped up in minutes Tuesday, making this the ninth consecutive year the Dogs have sold out every home game.
It wasn’t always such.
Reflecting Tuesday night on the death in May of Jimmy Dudley, one of the founding members of the Touchdown Club of Athens, club secretary Candler Meadors noted to Richt that the organization was started in 1946 by a group of Athens businessmen at the request of the UGA administration.
The reason? “To try and sell tickets to football games.”
Richt, players on OSU
Georgiadogs.com has a rundown on Tuesday’s news conference at which Richt and some of his players talked about Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State.
On playing a Top 10 team on the road, Richt said: “I don’t think we can play cautious. What I mean is, I don’t think we can hold anything back that I think could help us win the game. The good news is Joe [Cox] knows the system. We don’t have to sugarcoat anything for him. He can run anything that we do from a mental point of view. There might be some things he does better physically than others. We won’t say we’ll throw every route that Matthew [Stafford] threw; we are going to do what Joe can do best. … The same thing is true for [tailback] Richard [Samuel]. I don’t know what our run-pass ratio will be. We still have to define that. We absolutely know we have to run the ball well to have a chance to be a good offensive team. That’s not just Saturday; it’s all season long. We are hoping for a great balance. If people decide to stop the pass, we have to run well. If they decide to overload the run, we have to throw it well. That’s what I mean by balance.”
Munson update
It’s good to see Larry Munson is still getting himself all worked up about one of the Dogs’ opponents, as Tony Barnhart reports.
I saw Munson’s just-published book written with Barnhart, “From Herschel to a Hobnail Boot: The Life and Times of Larry Munson” (Triumph Books, $24.95), prominently displayed on a table Tuesday at the University of Georgia Bookstore in Athens.
Barnhart says Munson will be on hand at the bookstore to sign copies of the book from 1 to 3 p.m. before the game against South Carolina on Sept. 12.
That should be one long line; better get there early.
Pollack’s view of defense
The Red and Black was on hand Tuesday as former UGA defensive terror David Pollack made a promotional appearance in Athens. The student paper notes Pollack didn’t mince words in talking about last year’s Dogs defense.
“Look at that defense last year, I can’t say they were good and that’s looking without any [subjectivity],” Pollack said. “They weren’t a good defensive unit, I think they’ve got a lot of guys coming back, they’ve got strong defensive tackles, strong linebackers up the gut, [and] a couple of key guys that you’ve got to replace.”
As for Pollack’s old spot at defensive end, he’s particularly high on Justin Houston, who’s suspended for the first two games. “I think Houston’s gonna be a guy at that defensive end position that’s gonna show some people that he can get after the quarterback, which is huge because you need somebody there.”
I have meetings this afternoon, so I’m not sure if I’ll be back on the blog today. In the meantime, if you haven’t checked out my report on Richt’s talk to the Touchdown Club Tuesday night, here it is.
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162 comments Add your comment
Dogbyte
September 2nd, 2009
10:48 am
A coach who has so little control of his players that he is reluctant to have them shake hands with their opponent before the game? Incredible!
Woody Hayes Mental Clinic
September 2nd, 2009
10:49 am
Coach Mike Gundy has escaped the Woody Hayes Clinic having Bulldog Brawl Hallucinations !
CLTDawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:51 am
Because we are known for getting into brawls before games. It is a big game, I don’t think CMR will do anything to jeopardize any of the players from playing in the game.
Sounds to me like the Pokes are worried.
CLTDawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:52 am
Enter your comments here
catfish suppa
September 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
whats the word on OSUs cox?
key to the game is hit the QB and hit him hard-he is by far the best player on their team
McDawg
September 2nd, 2009
11:01 am
UGA & USC also live in different worlds-a one games suspension for Geathers for resisting arrest? -give me a break
Facts
September 2nd, 2009
11:02 am
Enemy fan here… but UGA is going to win this game only because of the calm, focused demeanor of Richt. The UGA team seems ready to go, but with an assured air of confidence. Okie State seems like a shaken can of Coke on hot Georgia asphalt in August. It ain’t pretty.
D'Tavious
September 2nd, 2009
11:03 am
“I’m a man, I’m 40…My team’s about to get it’s @ss kicked…”
Gatorzone
September 2nd, 2009
11:03 am
Sounds like Gundy really has his @ss drawn up. I look for Richt to really out coach him on Saturday. Dawgs win big. Should I double my bet?
SEC
SEC
SEC!!!
L-Dawg
September 2nd, 2009
11:05 am
GLORY GLORY TO OLE’ GEORGIA!!!!
CHEERING > BOOING
GO DAWGS!!!!
3 SHORT DAYS MY FRIENDS!!!!!
Gatorzone
September 2nd, 2009
11:07 am
UGA + 5.5 that sounds like a sure thing against a team that seems to be wound up as tight as they are. Also, couple that with their off the field issues and their lack of defense and UGA’s returning D linemen with a chip on their shoulder and I am feeling better and better about this game.
Do us proud JAWJA!!!!
-No Handshakes Allowed-
September 2nd, 2009
11:09 am
Gundy is a cowBOY, NOT A MAN.
-No Handshakes Allowed-
September 2nd, 2009
11:14 am
Enter your comments here
Paul H
September 2nd, 2009
11:14 am
Gundy is wound WAY too tight and it’s obvious OSU is new to big games. Not a good sign for them.
I’m a man, I’m 32.
Saint Simons
September 2nd, 2009
11:15 am
Richt = drama queen hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
CentralFLDawg
September 2nd, 2009
11:18 am
Regarding Gundy’s comment about shaking hands…is he wound up tight or trying to turn his team into a self-proclaimed bunch of bad-a$$ thugs?
I think his comments are unfortunate but provide a meaningful insight into how he’s attempting to motivate his team. He and his team aren’t use to the notoriety and their lack of maturity is showing.
So…let them come out trash-mouthing if they like. If UGA beats them, they are left to explain it after the game. If they beat UGA, they can continue down the road to the thuggery their coach seems to embrace.
Mark C.
September 2nd, 2009
11:25 am
I love this guy. He needs to find a job in the SEC so I can follow him all the time. Hey Coach, how about just telling your players not to punch anybody? Is that really asking a whole lot? Can he send his players to read to the local elementary school kids without worrying about then stealing some kids lunch money?
T Boone
September 2nd, 2009
11:26 am
What’s that I see? Oh it’s Zac throwing another bomb to Dez. Yep, we are going to win easily over the overrated mutts. 47-20
Will
September 2nd, 2009
11:27 am
After the game reporters will ask Zac, why were you on your back all damn day? He will say because some guy named Marcus Washington dominated and abused our slow, fat offensive line. UGA 34-10.
Doug T
September 2nd, 2009
11:27 am
Mark I think he’s more concerned about the violent and undisciplined character of the bulldogs.
Kendawg
September 2nd, 2009
11:27 am
We haven’t heard much about Cornelius Washington this fall. From what I’ve read in the past, he’s supposed to be a very good pass rusher. Has he not done well in practice, or are the coaches simply not saying anything?
CHARLOTTE DAWG
September 2nd, 2009
11:29 am
In regards to Gundy’s comment about a pre-game brawl, I just sent the following comment to my father and fellow dawg fan that I would simply like to cut, paste, and post.
“I find his comment about fisticuffs very irresponsible. It sends mixed messages. When he made that comment, he indicated he doesn’t want it to happen. But just stating it as a possibility could encourage a few thug players(on both teams) to start something and live up to the expectation.
Very irresponsible comment. I hope the game starts and ends without an incident. Can you imagine how awful it would be if the game didn’t even start b/c of a fight? Both teams would probably lose their right to a bowl game amongst other NCAA penalties.
That comment puts Richt’s team at risk. If I was him, I’d probably have a little birdy make a complaint to an NCAA authority.
Uncalled for! Both teams are not rivals and there is no history of bad blood so why on earth did he think it necessary to say a fight could ensue? Sounds like a desperation tactic from a desperate man.
Stupid thing to say!”
Craps
September 2nd, 2009
11:39 am
Boss hog drank at a bar close to me last night!!!!!!!
Joe Hamilton
September 2nd, 2009
11:39 am
Saint Simons knows all about queens.
Gatorzone
September 2nd, 2009
11:53 am
Looks like another Hawaii type situation to me.
I-DOG
September 2nd, 2009
12:06 pm
He is wound pretty darn tight, but I think I understand what he was “trying” to say here. 10 basketball players shaking hands before tipoff is one thing. 170 guys in shoulder pads and helmets just doesn’t lend itself to shaking hands before the game. I don’t think he is trying to say that it can’t be done. Football is different… the players are sky high right before the game unlike baseball, basketball, soccer, etc…
I like the idea of the players doing this AFTER the game. Their adrenaline is spent and they are exhausted (the one’s that played anyway). I’d like to see the 22 players on the field at the end of the game shake hands and say good game and then get off the field or join the prayer circle if they wish.
MoDawg
September 2nd, 2009
12:07 pm
Taint Simpleton calling someone else a drama queen…..now that’s funny!
Sanford Drive
September 2nd, 2009
12:13 pm
Gundy is an idiot for mentioning a brawl. Why the hell would UGA brawl with a team we hardly ever play? That makes no sense.
Sanford Drive
September 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Gatorzone,
Hope you’re right, but I think OSU is a lot more legit than Hawaii!
Gratefuldawghead
September 2nd, 2009
12:15 pm
OSU is Choking under pressure (250 million put into stadium / top 10 ranking) and Gundy is worried about a handshake?
GO DAWGS SIC’EM
Old Dawg
September 2nd, 2009
12:18 pm
Why would a coach say this? Gundy certainly needs some media skills, especially when he’s under stress.
I hope all the distractions in Stillwater keep his mind off the job and help the Dawgs return home with a big victory.
smashmouth
September 2nd, 2009
12:18 pm
I say the DAWGS oughtta storm the endzone after every touchdown…lol…The Dawgs are in their heads… it’s so obvious. The closer we get to Saturday and the more news I hear from OSU… the better I feel about a BIG “W”. GATA
how2fish
September 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
smashmouth well said..we are in OSU’s head and your right you can tell..just like we are in the Bugs heads..notice how much more shrill their posts get the closer to Nov 28th we get…
McDawg
September 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
right now they expect between 41,000 and 44,000 fans
Gary
September 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
Lets worry about fighting when we play Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, Tech, and Auburn. Those games are tough because there is a lot of history between the teams and players. There is always a hint of electricity in the air before the game. This is a afternoon game against a team we have little history with. I am pretty sure they can shake hands without hitting someone. I a Georgia player and a Florida player can shakes hands and take a knee and pray together after that game, I think our guys have enough disciplne to shake hands with OSU before the game. The players may talk some trash during the game, but that usually doesn’t start until the clock is running. Unless of course you go out and stomp on the home teams logo in mid field. Then its on!
Roger
September 2nd, 2009
12:28 pm
I’m sure a lot of f’ball fans remember the thugs and criminals on Barry Switzer’s teams at OU…seems the thug and criminal population still strives in Oklahoma sports. I officiated b’all for 26 years and I have witnessed several coaches at all levels who should not have EVER been hired to be around children!! I think its sad commentary for a coach not to take control of his/her team to at least promote good sportsmanship, before, during and after an athletic contest. The best job this coach is suited for is tending a herd of buffalo on the plains of Oklahoma.
reebok
September 2nd, 2009
12:36 pm
Tech fan here…the surest bet in college football this weekend is UGA to cover…in fact, they will win straight up.
ChuckWDawg
September 2nd, 2009
12:36 pm
This Mike Gundy just seems like a weird dude. I’m glad he isn’t coaching the team I root for.
DavidPandGA
September 2nd, 2009
12:47 pm
Reebok,
the only tech fan whos actually used that yellow jacket education.
GO DAWGS!!
Cdawg
September 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
Excellent locker room material, we will save our fight for the field…..
Gatorman
September 2nd, 2009
12:50 pm
If Richt is such a peace monger why the stunt in Jacksonville two years ago?? Didn’t that take away from the game?
I like Richt but let’s be real, he’s no saint.
Take it to OSU on Saturday!! SEC!
Cdawg
September 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
Gatorman, we just needed to change something in Jax 2 years ago. We need for it to get back to normal(pre spurrier)…
Gatorman
September 2nd, 2009
1:02 pm
Cdawg- you would have won that game without doing the stunt.
uuugh...
September 2nd, 2009
1:03 pm
No saint compared to Tebow Gatorman. I can’t wait until he assends directly to heaven after the Gator’s Bowl game this year. I am as tired of hearing about that stupid penalty as I am about Tim Tebow. Give it a reast clown you own us…why gloat? I vote Corch Meyers for President, Percey Harvey (12 on the Wonderlic) for smartest man alive, and Tim Tebow for Jesus.
uuugh...
September 2nd, 2009
1:06 pm
that should be “rest clown,”
Cdawg
September 2nd, 2009
1:07 pm
Gatorman, I believe you are referring to Tebow’s injury, however I believe it is something else. We need that monkey of our back and UF is butter(on a roll). We should be better than 3-15 since 1991.
Dawggrl
September 2nd, 2009
1:11 pm
I agree that we have OSU right where we want them! Richt would never stand for a pre-game fight and any player that participated in such event would be punished. Gundy is shakin’ in his cowboy boots about this one!!!!
anotherdawg
September 2nd, 2009
1:14 pm
Can you imagine if this was OSU versus Tenn. Lane could rip off his shirt and flex his pecs during the handshake.
Dawg Man
September 2nd, 2009
1:20 pm
Yeah, we’re really known for starting brawls.
I doubt this lame handshake idea will take hold anywhere..the article clearly says it’s some group that is “encouraging” it. Meaning it isn’t mandatory. And as long as the NCAA doesn’t make it an order, I don’t think it’ll be a big deal.
Fleischman in Chattanooga
September 2nd, 2009
1:21 pm
the flea bags are a bunch of thugs. I wouldn’t shake their hands either. Spray tan Richt recruits Georgia’s finest gangstas for his football team.