Finally, a positive spin on Richt’s future at UGA
Do you see Mark Richt growing old at UGA? (Associated Press)
It’s a given that Mark Richt’s program lost a little momentum last season, which in the knee-jerk world of college football “analysis” prompted the “hot seat” talk that reached a crescendo during the prolonged search for a defensive coordinator. After Kirby Smart decided to stay at Alabama, MrSEC.com declared flatly that Richt was “in trouble” and “his days are running out.”
The hiring of Todd Grantham calmed the waters a bit, but there’s still a contingent of pundits who seem to think that anything less than an SEC East title this fall will leave Richt with a tenuous grip on his job.
So it’s refreshing to see ESPN.com’s Chris Low opining that if any SEC coach is in it for the long haul, it’s Richt.
Low says that “Steve Spurrier told me last summer that he doubts the SEC will ever see a head coach again who endures at one place for 16 or 17 seasons the way Phillip Fulmer did at Tennessee. The money coaches are making these days is out of control. The pressure to win (right away) is even more out of control. But if there’s going to be another guy who makes it 15-plus years in this league at the same school, my money’s on Richt.”
Not only that, but Low says that while it remains to be seen if anybody can catch Alabama or Florida in the league, “if anybody can, I would go with Richt and the Bulldogs. He’s shown a willingness to change by overhauling his defensive staff, and they’re again working on a top 4 recruiting class nationally. And even after a disappointing season in 2009, the team didn’t get away from him and actually played its best football at the end. Let’s see what the next couple of seasons hold for the Bulldogs before we start writing Richt’s demise.”
Amen to that. I see Richt at Georgia for the long haul. What about you?
THERE’S THAT WORD AGAIN
Turnovers. The problem that plagued Georgia’s football team in 2009 was also responsible for the basketball Dogs’ loss to Florida Wednesday night despite strong scoring showings from Trey Thompkins and Ricky McPhee and the Dogs shooting 59.6 from the floor, a season high. It was nip and tuck for much of the first half before Florida went on a run in the last 4 minutes. The culprit mainly was poor ball-handling. Georgia turned the ball over 19 times, which translated into 33 points for the Gators.
Best assessment of the game I’ve seen so far came from coach Mark Fox at Georgiadogs.com: “We didn’t take care of the ball well enough or rebound well enough, and [Florida’s] points-off-turnovers and second-chance points ate us up tonight. … When we didn’t turn the ball over, we were pretty good at finishing plays. We have to defend better on the road if we’re going to give ourselves a chance to win. We have to rebound better on the road. We didn’t do either of those things.”
That’s a hallmark of a young team like Fox has this year. But they’re learning. The Dogs finally managed to put a game away against Tennessee. Now it’s time to grow up some more and win one on the road this Saturday against South Carolina, which upset No. 1 Kentucky this week.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE … OR FOUR
If you missed David Hale’s report on Orson Charles in Bulldog Blog, check it out. As part of a military science class he’s taken, Charles has decided to join the early morning ROTC physical training sessions at UGA in addition to his football conditioning. Reports Charles: “It’s definitely different than football — way different. In football, the most you’ll probably run is probably 200 [yards] back and forth. They go miles and miles and miles, and my whole method is just trying to keep up with them.”
Charles found he wasn’t in as good a shape as he thought he was, but he’s relishing the challenge of the 4-mile runs. “It’s more something I wanted to see if I could do,” he said. “Hopefully it rubs off on football.”
I like what this says about that young man.
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449 comments Add your comment
Otto
January 28th, 2010
12:33 pm
The defense and offense have both been a problem. Turnovers have killed UGA the past few years along with not being able to sustain drives regularly. Bama bet UF in the SECCG by opening the game with a very long clock killing drive. UGA has not done that regularly sicne DJ was QB and CMR was calling plays.
If you send the defense out every 2-3min expect the points to go up. Late INTs by the defense saved UGA at Auburn and UK last year, turnovers by the offense gave away the UK game this year. GT last year both sides are responsible for, we all know the defense gave up points but how many times did UGA’s offense have the ball and for how long especially in that 3rd Qtr where it was given away? CWM atleast had players in position the make the tackle but the chest bumped and arm tackled. Bobo has not had the players in the right place to make the play. Atleast fundamentals would have fixed the defense.
30-24 Dawgs - WE RUN THIS STATE!
January 28th, 2010
12:35 pm
Looking forward to a great season from the Dawgs and for CMR to be in Athens for a long time to come!
Orson Charles is a beast that needs to be fed the ball even more this season. Dawgs are loaded on the offensive side of the ball this year.
How2fish
January 28th, 2010
12:35 pm
HardTruthSoldier..bring it son bring it !! You and OoltewahDawg hit the nail right on the head..great post. And J you truly are the village idiot…remember there is no Bug Nation just a village..with a bad water supply and a crime problem.In 07 CMR’s team ended the year ranked no 2 in the nation..in 08 with a gazillion injuries his team won 10 games…stay in the village son its scary out here.
toga
January 28th, 2010
12:40 pm
All you 90 in 9 fans need to look at another number. How about 10-6 in the SEC the past 2 years. How about 26-2 for the past 2 years and a NC for Alabama. That my friends is a number worth posting. Glad you are happy with the Richt and hope you keep him for a long time.
When you can say you have 13 NCs and a winning record against every SEC program, then post something. Otherwords, you just look like a bunch of Obamas.
Roll Tide!!!!!!!
FLGator
January 28th, 2010
12:42 pm
YES!!!! The rest of the SEC is hopes Richt stays. Beating Georgia is becoming common place . Now Richt could have more ‘black out’ games, the lower SEC teams will be happy.
macrotech
January 28th, 2010
12:43 pm
I never understood all the bruh-ha-ha over Richts’ search for a DC. He aimed high (is this bad?) and ended up with a solid DC that will reinvigorate uga’s defense. CMR has proven to be a quality human being and an excellent coach. EVEN during last season, he managed to keep the dawgs focused and, as stated by Bill, had them playing their best football by the end of the season. UGA is blessed to have CMR and I can’t imagine him going anywhere, soon. EVEN as a Tech fan, I have the best hopes for uga…..till November, of course!
Goldenrod
January 28th, 2010
12:46 pm
Look for Georgia Tech to dominate UGA again in Athens this year. Nesbitt for Heisman!
I’ll go ahead and predict it now, 51-7 thrashing, a 12-0 season and then Coach Paul Johnson totally dismantles Coach Saban and the Cheatin’ Tide in the MNC game.
Chris
January 28th, 2010
12:46 pm
BC, you’re a fool. It was a nice write up Bill. I particularly liked that it was Spurrier who said ‘if anyone were to stay 15+ years, my money would be on Richt’. I for one have always liked that Spurrier actually said something when interviewed outside of ‘just winning the next game’. The way he dressed down Kiffin at SEC media days last spring was classic…’go on now, git in the elavatah’. Of course I enjoy his interviews a great deal more now than I did in the 90’s when he was beating hell out of us.
But yeah, beating Auburn, Tech and winning a bowl game and getting better was about coaching. That second half catastrophe with KY may be the best thing to have happened to him professionally. Spurrier didn’t win a NC until he hired Stoops and Brown didin’t either until he hired Muschamp.
People are crazy. Don’t any of you remember the Goff or Donnan years? Think of the list of names you would never know if they had coached in today’s instant gratification society? Dean Smith, Dooley,,,I would think you could compile quite a list. It’s almost like politics. On these blogs, 80% are either extreme right or left and you get a few rational opinions. Most people lie in the middle. I’m proud he’s our coach and hope he stays 20 years.
Yellow Fuzz84
January 28th, 2010
12:48 pm
First
59bulldawg
January 28th, 2010
12:48 pm
LOL! Put down the crack pipe Goldenrod!
SAINT> DAWG
January 28th, 2010
12:51 pm
Ok DAWG nation you all think you know what happened with CKS and CTG for the DC job,Well lets me say you don’t…My source told the low down on how everything took place,so here it is.. The day after CWM was fired,CMR called and talked with CKS about the job…Then the fiollowing week he called and talked with CBF and asked him about CTG and that if all else fails would he be interested in the job..A few days later he talked back again with CKS and he {CKS} gave Richt a soft verb. committment that he would take the job,so thats why the wait was so long…there was really only two coaches concidered….With that being said i think it all worked out for the best..But now on too what really matters..CMR needs to go back to O side of the team..And have Bobo on the side lines beside him and start back calling plays with Bobo,and all will be back the way it sould be…Let CTG coach all D side off the ball and Richt coach the O side and everything will be fine…CMR is not going anywhere folks until he decides to do so ok……We will be better next year but i think everything comes together in 2011… So every true BULLDOG fan relax,the fun is about to begin!!!! oh and GATA and {{30-24}}………Eat your hearts out YELLOW BUGS…HEHEHE
gadawgs
January 28th, 2010
12:56 pm
J……Actually 90 wins in 9 seasons is VERY impressive. Only a handful of coach’s have ever accomplished that. Throw in two SEC championships, several BCS game victories and doing it ethically and honest as well. I am very proud to have CMR as our head coach and hope he retires as our coach. You my friend need to get your facts straight or maybe you just do not know football.
Plataniumrod
January 28th, 2010
12:58 pm
Did you know that gold is a soft metal?
Grey Dog
January 28th, 2010
1:00 pm
Tech will be lucky to have a winning season this year!
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:02 pm
Bill King, I am happy that everyone is happy with a coach who has lost to Vandy and Kentucky since he’s been the Head Coach; I can’t remember the last time the Gators lost to the 2 worst teams in the conference.
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
January 28th, 2010
1:02 pm
toga, you went out of style in the 6th century. Beat UTAH and then post. And no Bammer doesn’t have 13 NC’s either. Lord that lie gets old
jellybeandawg
January 28th, 2010
1:09 pm
Richt is as phony as his fake tan. He continues to put his own personal relationships ahead of the program and is now being exposed as a so so coach that relies on superior talent to win. It has been shown time and time again that against teams with better leadership and equal or better talent he doesn’t stand a chance.
His teams are characteristically poor in special teams, heavily penalized, and very undisciplined. Thank God he is finally being exposed as the fraud that he is. Now he is hoping Grantham can save his behind but we shall see.
dougdawg
January 28th, 2010
1:13 pm
hardtruthsoldier has it right on. i hope all parents, potential recruits, and coaching staffs read his post. i am so sick of teenage boys, no matter how talented and no matter how hyped, making commitments and then ‘looking around’ and ’so interested in another school (read: team) for their own selfish purposes. a commitment is just that. don’t commit if you are not sure. it becomes a circus of hat ceremonies, with 18-year-olds taunting institutions of higher education — and it is so demeaning for everyone. some of us remember when a handshake and a commitment meant something in life, business, marriage, and so forth. unfortunately there are some coaches and administrations who send out strong messages today that commitments don’t mean anything — e.g., kiffin, et. al. can you imagine how these kids are going to go through life with this attitude? thank the lord for people like mark richt who know what the word ‘commitment’ means.
nemov
January 28th, 2010
1:14 pm
Hilarious Tide fans. They have one good season after fifteen years and now everyone has to shut up. BTW – Richt has a winning record against the Tide.
Sorry Guy! – I’m guessing it will take a couple of years to fix the defense. It took Saben 2-3 to create a shut down defense. We’re starting off with more talent so maybe things will go quicker.
WonderDawg
January 28th, 2010
1:14 pm
Nice read, Bill. I’m afraid Richt will have to make the same type change at OC after this season. Bobo just doesn’t seem to have the ability to create ways to get the ball in the hands of playmakers, the way that other OCs seems to. We have some real burners at RB and WR who go several games without touching the ball. You’ve got to get the ball in the hands of playmakers, and that comes down to Xs and Os.
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:18 pm
WonderDawg, this is Richt’s offense, Bobo just has the keys. Do you think Richt has any say in the planning? If not it’s his fault, If so it’s also his fault.
How2fish
January 28th, 2010
1:20 pm
toga really 13 NC’s son your whole inflated idea of your school is completely flawed..only a Bama fan counts 13 NC’s and not the 5 smart ones .And FLGator not only will CMR be here a long time but next year were going to start dancing again…not on the field but on Gators…just like the old days. Damn bring on the season..its Great to Be a Georgia Bull Dog !
toga
January 28th, 2010
1:20 pm
But we are 0-1 against Louisiana Monroe! Go Bama
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
January 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
jellybean, you ain’t no dawg. My guess is a little jealous gnat. Tell me I’m wrong, go ahead, lie to me
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
How2fish, we sure hope he is around a long time. Was it great when Kentucky beat you at home last year?
FLGator
January 28th, 2010
1:23 pm
I am a TECH fan
Colin C.
January 28th, 2010
1:25 pm
I would give Richt a lifetime contract right now. I’m amazed that more people don’t give Richt and the UGA program the credit they deserve. He has coached the dogs to a couple of SEC championships with only 1 loss (with another great 2 loss team the same year LSU won the National Title with 2 losses). We just weren’t as fortunate as Florida or LSU during their 1 or 2 loss seasons in which they won the SEC and got to play in the National Championship. People have bad memories I guess and act like Florida or LSU went undefeated. Richt is a class act, steady, and has proven he can lead us to success as long as the crazy fringe doesn’t run him off. We are lucky to have him.
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:26 pm
I too am a Tech fan
papadawg
January 28th, 2010
1:29 pm
A head coach has to learn to hire good coaches around him to be successful. I hope with the firing of the defenseive coaches he now understands. All programs with good coaches will lose coaches every year and since Van Gorder nobody has wanted to hire coaches from UGA.
Delbert D.
January 28th, 2010
1:29 pm
The comparison to Phil Fulmer is interesting. Things just sort of decayed around him after quite a long run as coach.
Edugator
January 28th, 2010
1:30 pm
Georgia will finish #2 in the East and that is not based on what they might do but by default. Tenn. will be average even with a Dooley at the Helm, SC can’t find a Qb that is smart enough for Spurrier’s “O” and Vandy .. well is Vandy.
Florida, although it will have a new Qb and DC is just in a reload situation as Ga. was for many years in the past.
Spin it any way you want the Dawgs will still be #2.
Delbert D.
January 28th, 2010
1:34 pm
“Thank God he is finally being exposed as the fraud that he is.”
“thank the lord for people like mark richt”
For those who believe in prayer to one diety or another, it would be good if you’d choose something more significant than a college football coach.
nemov
January 28th, 2010
1:37 pm
Edugator – the Gators might very well win the East, but it will b/c UGA is stuck in the mud, not because Florida “reloaded.” You simply don’t reload on Defense and at QB. Well, you do… it’s called Florida 2007.
papadawg
January 28th, 2010
1:40 pm
Gator fans do you remember the Gators before and just after Spurrier? Bad smell from the swamp back then. The Dawgs won’t be down for long and Coach Richt IS coming back this year, how bout your coach
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:43 pm
No nemov, it’s called recruiting well and not stupidly redshirting players like SOME coaches have.
how2fish
January 28th, 2010
1:44 pm
Dawg Pounder me too that happens almost as much as Tech beating us 8-1.
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:45 pm
papadawg, even in our worst years just before and after Spurrier we didn’t lose to Vandy and KY in the Swamp!
dan
January 28th, 2010
1:45 pm
I’m holding off judgement on the future of the UGA program under Richt until I see this team perform next season.Hiring someone from the outside is such a foreign concept to Richt, that I have to see how he adjusts to the change as well as his players. We UGA fans like to throw out statistics from the past saying things like the Dawgs have never had back to back 4 loss seasons, but this is essentially a new team and you can’t compare any other team to this one because it is such a culture change.
I think most UGA fans seriously overestimate our talent level. But I do think UGA is able to recruit well enough to where they shouldn’t be doing worse than 8-4. Anything below that(barring an injury plagued season) is absolutely unacceptable! And those 4 losses better be competitive! Losing 49-10 to Florida or 45-19 to the Vols is inexcusable!And if those players quit on the field then they can sit their sorry asses on the bench. I really tired of the half assness, and if Richt doesn’t doing something about it then he can go.
Cuz
January 28th, 2010
1:47 pm
CMR is in for the long haul. He is not going anywhere and I am glad. Missionary trips and visiting the troops, only a crustacean would see this as bad thing.
Orson is one fine dawg. If Murray gets the nod at QB there will be some wonderful highlights on the Mark Richt show.
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:47 pm
No Tech fan here; Can’t stand Johnson and hope you beat em every year.
nemov
January 28th, 2010
1:50 pm
Dawgpounder. In 2007 Florida’s QB was Tebow and he won the Heisman. They still lost four games.
how2fish
January 28th, 2010
1:51 pm
Dawg Pounder..old miss in the swamp……if you’d of played the Dogs in the swamp back then there would be a lot more swamp losses..
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:54 pm
nemov, we’ve had 2 great recruiting classes since then, and since 90 one of our programs has over acheived and the other has underacheived. Which one is UGA.
SowegaDawg
January 28th, 2010
1:54 pm
toga-enjoy Saban while you can because he won’t be around much longer-the old greener pastures thing you know. FLgator-your coach is as nutty as a fruitcake. Imagine the chest pains he’s gonna have when the losses start to pile up next season-and they’re coming. Always remember-the sun don’t always shine on the same (whatever)’s a$$.
wolfman
January 28th, 2010
1:55 pm
There was an interesting article in the AJC — GT has 1/2 the graduates of UGA but twice the endowment. Maybe its true that a lot of UGA grads end up with pizza delivery as a career.
Dawg Pounder
January 28th, 2010
1:56 pm
how2fish, who cares about back when; the last 2 times we played home and home what happened? So now I guess it’s going back to “we need to play home and home”. I wish we would because what’s your record there since Suntan boy has been there?
DawgDad
January 28th, 2010
1:56 pm
“No one does less with more than Richt. He will have another top 5 class that goes 6-6 as usual. He had Staffor and Moreno and did absolutely nothing with them other than showing a lack of coaching.”
Must not be watching the same games I’ve been watching.
If all you think SEC football is about is winning the National Championship then all but one team are failures in your mind. Thankfully, Richt and UGA (and several other programs in the SEC) “get it”. Not so sure Alabama and Tennessee “get it”, but that’s life.
This is a comptetition, yes. But there is a point where too much emphasis can be placed on short term results vs. the long term “program”. Teams DO cheat to win, no doubt. At the extreme, would you rather be SMU or UGA? SMU or Kentucky? Pretty clear choice in my mind; if you have to sacrifice integrity to win you’ve really lost (can you say “Memphis”?).
nemov
January 28th, 2010
1:56 pm
Dawg Pounder, what does that have to do with 2007? Florida and Georgia have great recruiting classes every year. In 2007 Florida didn’t underachieve. They lost their defense and their starting QB and struggled.
how2fish
January 28th, 2010
1:57 pm
Dawg Pounder with the stellar classes you guys have had you’d have to say you’ve under acheived…if your recuirting class is No.1 every year as the reptiles tell us it is each and every year. That means you have to end the season you have to be No.1 or underacheive…so in your case 2 teams since 90 has reached their potential..correct?
papadawg
January 28th, 2010
1:57 pm
Gators you won’t a starting QB this year kinda like the Dawgs last year. What you gonna do