I got you loud and clear. I even thought it was funny with a little truth behind it. All this crap just kind of hits a nerve.

No. They don’t matter at all ever. these rankings are as worthless and senseless as the polls and predictions that will come out midsummer. It is fun to hypothsize (and in some cases gamble), but it doesn’t mean a thing.

Richt’s strength first and foremost lies in his ability to build trust and confidence in his players. I have seen him put true freshmen in crucial situations with no doubt that they will succeed, and they ususally do. Ocasionally, it could be argued that he is too caring of his players. Personally, I think it is better to err in that direction. All of you who want to see Richt behave like a depraved drill seargent really don’t understand the psychology involved. BTW, I have yet to see Saban ridicule and belittle a player in public. It is just bad practice.

Richt’s other strength is his ability to learn and take new approaches. When he came to UGA, it was all about the pass and no huddle. The no huddle created fast turns; he got away from it. Tubberville tells him you got to have horses, and Richt unleashed the tailbacks. In my humble opinion, having no access to Richt personally, I would say a new phase is under way. Look for a new emphasis on agressive D and a more profound running game.

The Martinez plan was a bend don’t break attitude. Make the other team eat up the clock. They also started recruiting speedy small guys in an effort to combat the spread (this is conjecture on my part). This didn’t work. Richt now brings in a new scheme. He has shown his willingness to make tough decisions about staff. I fully accept the argument that he may have waited a season too long. I don’t think, however, that his being a good coach to work and play for is going to hurt the program in recruiting players and assitants at any rate.

The rapid fire and hire era is over. Richt is just beginning. He is at the advent of his career, not a downward spiral. It is laughable that the doomsayers look to one mediocre season after losing all fire power as evidence of this imagined downward turn. I know. I know. There is a list of stats and big game victories and SEC championships and National Titles. Save your breath. He took over a program that was poorly managed for years, and he began to manage it well. Richt now has the ability to match gameplans with players, to find the best combinations and strategies. A coach simply can’t get to this point in a short period of time. Not taking anything away from Saban’s or Meyers’ ability, but the NCs didn’t come in a single season. Things were coming together before they ever got there. It takes time for the right chemistry and the right strategy and schedule to come together. They are both excellent coaches that stepped in at incredibly opportune times.

I am looking forward to the 2010 season. With a new QB and Defense, I am not going to get carried away predicting championships. I am willing to say that this team will surprise some folks. So, let ‘em think the dawgs suck. Please, please, please take UGA lightly.