Lack of BCS title doesn’t keep Dogs from decade’s Top 10
UGA fans have had a lot to celebrate in the past decade. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
We’ve heard a lot recently about how Georgia fans are disappointed with the way things have been going lately for Mark Richt’s program. But it’s worth noting that most of that disappointment is focused on the past two seasons and, in fact, is prompted in large measure by how consistently successful the Dogs have been since Richt came to Athens.
Richt raised the standards of what Georgia fans consider acceptable, and how he has to live up to those standards.
That point is driven home by some numbers crunching done by the CFB Data Warehouse (with a tip of the hat to Rivals’ Fanblogs.com for pointing this out).
Factoring in winning percentage, schedule, national championships won and Big 4 bowl appearances, the Data Warehouse folks have compiled a comprehensive college football ranking for the years 2000-2009, and UGA comes in No. 8 for the decade. (That covers Jim Donnan’s last season and all of Richt’s to date.)
Here’s how the Top 25 looks:
1. Southern Cal 2. Florida 3. LSU 4. Ohio State 5. Oklahoma 6. Texas 7. Miami 8. Georgia 9. Oregon 10. FSU 11. Virginia Tech 12. Alabama 13. Oregon State 14. Michigan 15. Auburn 16. Notre Dame 17. Tennessee 18. Georgia Tech 19. UCLA 20. California 21. Penn State 22. Iowa 23. Wisconsin 24. West Virginia 25. Boston College
What’s especially notable is that all of the teams ranked ahead of Georgia won a national championship during that decade and the Dogs are the highest-ranked team that didn’t win one.
While it might be popular to judge things from a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately point of view, Richt’s most severe critics have to concede that when you look at the overall record, he’s done a remarkable job, even without winning a crystal football.
Whether you think he can keep it up in the next decade and eventually get UGA a BCS title is certainly something that’s hotly debated in Bulldog circles. You either see this past season and a half as a hiccup for a still successful program, or you see a program starting to decline.
I’m with the hiccup crowd. What about you?
While on the subject of the decade ranking, it’s also notable that using the same criteria, the SEC was the top-ranked conference for 2000-2009, followed by the Pac 10, Big 12, Big 10, ACC, Big East, Mountain West, Division 1-A independents, the WAC and Conference USA. Which might come as a surprise to a lot of Big 12 boosters.
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307 comments Add your comment
Dorsey Hill
February 23rd, 2010
2:11 pm
UGA’s head to head record against these top programs in the last decade is also very respectable:
3-1 vs. Bama
6-4 vs. UT
6-4 vs. Auburn
2-8 vs. UF
8-2 vs. GT
3-3 vs. LSU
0-1 vs. WVU
1-0 vs. Wisconsin
1-0 vs. Va. Tech
1-0 vs. FSU
0-1 vs. BC
That makes us 31-24 (56%) vs. top competition. It should also be noted that we 1-0 vs. Boise State. (How aren’t they a Top 25 team?)
I’d like to know how many teams on that list can boast a better winning perecentage against that list having play 50 or more games. UF clearly would but after that???? . The non-SEC teams probably didn’t play 50 of these types of games and other than perhaps LSU, I am confident that the other SEC schools on the list are under .500.
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
February 23rd, 2010
2:11 pm
Love ChuyDawg’s comments below:
1. If I’m not mistaken, UGA is the most profitable football program. They generate more revenue other than Texas.
If they’re behind Texas, doesn’t that mean that they are NOT the most profitable program?
His logic exemplifies the typical fans mentality…
JB
February 23rd, 2010
2:12 pm
Took Joe Pa 17 years at Penn…….The haters on here are praying Grantham ain’t the real deal. They know we can score almost every year. We get the D back to standards, they are screwed and they know it.
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:13 pm
Ala “won” a championship? Really? I thought an opinion poll “awarded” them their championships. But when did ALA go thru a playoff and “win” a championship? I must have missed it.
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
February 23rd, 2010
2:13 pm
yeah ok then:
UF has two national titles over the past ten years. UGA has none.
If its over wins, then Boise State is better than UGA, right?
yeah, ok then!
All SEC FANS
February 23rd, 2010
2:13 pm
Don’t make fun of UGA because they might wake up and fire Marky Mark.
Gratefuldawghead
February 23rd, 2010
2:13 pm
Check ther Facts…Dawgs still lead the series over Florida and Urban hasn’t cloned Tebow yet. How about Aaron Murray winning Urban Meyer’s QB camp and signing with the DAWGS! Its about to flip again so talk it while you can!
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
February 23rd, 2010
2:14 pm
Ah, Patrick is back under the “yeah, ok then” name… Good times!
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:15 pm
Diamond Dog’s Parole Officer cant be that stupid. Revenue and profit is not the same. UGA has made more of a profit as Texas has spent more of its revenue. Damn that was stupid.
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
February 23rd, 2010
2:16 pm
So, if UGA were to play in the BCS championship game and win, it wouldn’t mean anything, right?
Then why not just proclaim UGA is the best program in the country now. Oh yeah, you guys already do that. Ok then…
check the facts...
February 23rd, 2010
2:17 pm
Yeah ok then 2 National Titles and a 7-2 record vs. UGA. Game over. You can thank Ron Zook for all the extraneous irrellevant spin you have and he even he owned Richt and UGA. Mark Richt @ UGA is TWO and SEVEN vs. UF…again Game over thanks for playing….
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:17 pm
Revenue = gross receipts.
Profits are gross receipts minus expenses.
Texas has more revenue but spends more of it, hence UGAs profit margin is better. This is not rocket science
Dayum you are dumb
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:19 pm
check the facts….UGAs goal is winning the SEC not beating Fla. Both would be good but I would rather lose every year to Fla if they could win the SEC. And UGA and Fla have the same amount of SEC titles under Richts time with UGA. Game over.
JB
February 23rd, 2010
2:20 pm
What I’m accustomed to is up to two years ago, you couldn’t find a Bama fan on here with Lewis and Clark leading the way. They hire a good coach and they’ve had success and you would think we never beat them …or Auburn ( I’ll always remember the thumb) or been caught cheating.
Dawg 39
February 23rd, 2010
2:20 pm
Let the rumblings and grumblings continue. The DAWGS under CMR have been and will continue to be a top 10 team. The selection for the NCG is a beauty contest. Auburn in 2004 and USC & the DAWGS in 2007 were left out. The list goes on. If the next 4 years are as good as I anticipate, then more SEC titles for the Dawgs. That IS what really counts.
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:20 pm
Again, UGA and Fla…2 SEC title in last 9 years. Both have won 90 games….hmmmmm. The goal each year is not beating Fla but winning the SEC. Duh. Game, set, match
check the facts...
February 23rd, 2010
2:21 pm
Gratefuldawghead
Congrats on that series record and to Aaron Murray…doesnt amount to squat in this conversation but making you look stupid for trying to make it worth a damn.
FYI-Tim Tebow didn’t play one down of defense in the 4 wins Meyer has put on UGA when his DEFENSE flat out made UGA look silly.
Keep thinking Tebow is the reason in your mind you will start winning games again in this series. Will make that “Series” record that more important…while you still have it…
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:21 pm
So if the NC is legit then explain how there can be more than one each year?
AltamahaDawg
February 23rd, 2010
2:22 pm
As usual, a tech fan is the expect on “as usual” in a Dawg blog.
JB
February 23rd, 2010
2:23 pm
Diamond jerky must be a Tech guy. The only people I know that “grade’ the blogs. You know, being a Tech Grad and all, they feel they have to.
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
February 23rd, 2010
2:24 pm
I know the difference between revenue and profit. And if you had the article from Forbes, you would also know that UGa is not more profitable. Apology accepted, Patrick
cantondawg
February 23rd, 2010
2:27 pm
I considered 2009 a “bad” season by UGA’s standards..However, i do not consider 2008 a failure. Why, UGA went 10-3 with an enormous amount of injuries. We lost Sturdivant and Owens for the entire year. The offensive line was extremely young and the defense was riddled with injuries. Even with Stafford, Moreno and MoMass i think 10-3 was a successful year because of all the youth and injuries suffered. The only reason 2008 is considered a failure was the preseason #1 ranking which we should have never had based upon the overall youth of the team..
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:28 pm
No need for me to apologize…you clearly indicated that revenue was the same as profit. Here is your quote….
“Love ChuyDawg’s comments below:
1. If I’m not mistaken, UGA is the most profitable football program. They generate more revenue other than Texas.
If they’re behind Texas, doesn’t that mean that they are NOT the most profitable program?
His logic exemplifies the typical fans mentality…”
JB
February 23rd, 2010
2:30 pm
Georgia starts this year beating Florida. Lot’s of coach’s, players gone, a fragile head coach and an offense designed around one guy ….who is gone. Yes, we know you are loaded, but with all your starters back last year off the National Championship team, you looked beatable.
The Georgia defense that back peddled, read and reacted is GONE. Welcome to our speed players bringing the heat and a new DB coach who doesn’t believe in ” let ‘em catch it, just keep it front of you. Those days are gone. see ya on the field.
dawgfacedboy
February 23rd, 2010
2:31 pm
LSUinAtl- Richt is the problem? I already explained to you that he had the identical season Miles did, problem was that other teams helped LSU out that year. Didn’t LSU controversially jump someone that year to play OSU??
The Lone Trumpeter
February 23rd, 2010
2:32 pm
Not saying I don’t want a national title, but until there is a playoff they are just beauty pageants.
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:32 pm
Diamond Dog….exposed aas a idiot AGIAN
Georgia was the nation’s most profitable college sports program,
according to the equity reports, making $23.9 million more than it
spent. Michigan, Wisconsin and Texas were next at $17 million, $15.8
million and $15.2 million, respectively.
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
February 23rd, 2010
2:34 pm
UF has SEC titles in 2000, 2006 and 2008. Right?
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:35 pm
As far as revenue………Texas pulled in $53.2 million.
The University of Georgia reported $50.9 million in revenue
SEC FANATIC
February 23rd, 2010
2:36 pm
One season is a hiccup. Two seasons is a trend. Three seasons is a problem. If UGA goes 7-5 regular season again this year then there is a problem. If they go 10-2 or even 9-3 regular season, then they are back on track to “very good”. This is why I think this season is so pivitol for Richt and the Bulldogs. Certainly if they can regain a high level of success, then Richt deserves the opportunity to get them to the next level. Like it or not, to be considered to be truly elite, you must have a NC on your resume, even if you think it is mythical. That’s the way the college football world will see you and judge your program overall. Some coaches are very good at maintaining a high level, but just cannot get their teams to that next level. You would think that a fan base could be happy with that, but if your peers (teams within our conference) are reaching the highest level, then it becomes harder to take…
Gratefuldawghead
February 23rd, 2010
2:36 pm
Check the facts…Aaron Murray, A.J Green, Ealey (the one yall tried to poke his eyes out) and the new Junkyard Defense say “Game ON”!!!
JB
February 23rd, 2010
2:37 pm
Yeah ok then……………..You know he’s a Tech guy and the smartest, highest paid person in the nation……..Mistake free and full of himself down to the last pimple and pocket protector.
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:38 pm
Richt didnt coach UGA in 2000.
We were talking about Richts time in the SEC. The discussion has been on how Richt fared during his time at UGA.
AGAIN….UGA in last 9 years (as I said) 2 SEC titles…Fla 2 SEC titles
You would think you would get tired of being wrong after a while.
The Lone Trumpeter
February 23rd, 2010
2:38 pm
Good points fanatic. I am happy with SEC titles. Anything after that is up to voting and profit margins.
yeah ok then
February 23rd, 2010
2:40 pm
All of this discussion has been on UGA during RICHTS tenure. Thats the last 9 years….not 2000
JacketLady
February 23rd, 2010
2:41 pm
By the start of the season UGA will be top 5. During the season out of the top 20….gotta have something to keep the faithful excited and talking about…LOL!
AgDawg
February 23rd, 2010
2:42 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAbBwfDr6_s
Gratefuldawghead
February 23rd, 2010
2:45 pm
LOL…at a actual Lady pulling for Tech!
Pierre Louis
February 23rd, 2010
2:47 pm
I got a bad rap in Gainesville, all I did was
strangle my girl friend. Heck, a lot of Florida
players did worse than this and they’re still
playing.
The Lone Trumpeter
February 23rd, 2010
2:48 pm
Was GT in the top 20 at seasons end as acc chumps?
South Georgia UGA Hick
February 23rd, 2010
2:48 pm
Can one of you Florida fans on here give me
some information?
Ref: The stuffed gator in ya’lls sky box.
Who shot the Gator?
Name of the taxidermist in Gainesville that
mounted your Mascot.
UGA rest in peace.
South Georgia UGA Hick
February 23rd, 2010
2:49 pm
When is Florida going to have an unbeaten season?
RxDawg
February 23rd, 2010
2:50 pm
hiccup
The Lone Trumpeter
February 23rd, 2010
2:51 pm
I have as many bowl victories as Paul Johnson.
check the facts...
February 23rd, 2010
2:51 pm
Gratefuldawghead
Aaron Murray has NEVER taken a snap in college and John Brantley is a better QB than him. UF’s running backs return with much more production than Ealey and UGA’s backs and will be running behind an OL than has its whole 2 deep except one player back.
Florida lost 11 starters but UGA lost 8 themselves. Even with that UF is more talented and more experienced than UGA and has a much better head coach.
You guys keep praying things will be different but like every other year around this time I would learn to keep my mouth shut until your team actually proves you right.
JB,
Meyer’s offense has always been designed around the talent he has. Does the name Cjris Leak ring a bell? You know because he won a National Title while at UF and Brantley is much better than he ever was. STart learning some facts instead of talking about what you hope is the truth when its not.
Fladawg
February 23rd, 2010
2:51 pm
You would think from the AJC writers that UGA is not even in the top 25.
Fladawg
February 23rd, 2010
2:52 pm
Enter your comments here
Floridiot Gayturd
February 23rd, 2010
2:58 pm
Hey Bobby Dodd Ghost……you Yechsters have never won a title outright and unshared. Your Institution for the Retarded’s entire athletic program in all sports combined has only 1 (one!!!!) official NCAA national title — ONE!!! — in women’s tennis. As they say, the women at Tech sure are butch!
The Lone Trumpeter
February 23rd, 2010
3:00 pm
Florida will be good not great. To think they will be as productive as when tebow was there reminds me of myself thinking cox would be a better leader than stafford. Brantley will do ok but he will have big shoes to fill syndrome and probably try to do too much early on. It will be hilarious watching florida try to run out of the I. They will be using the spread option against good teams. They are just not built to play smash-mouth SEC football, which is fine as long as they win. Best way to beat them is still just to run it down their throats and keep the offense off the field.
SEC FANATIC
February 23rd, 2010
3:01 pm
Parole Officer…you are correct…Florida has 3 SEC titles and 2 National Championships for the decade. That, by any measure, is elite success. Many thought that the Golden Gator era was the 90’s with Spurrier but really what that did was lay the very solid foundation for the following decade. Based on recruiting success and the fact that it looks like Meyer will be there for perhaps a few more years, it looks like a positive trend, although it might be asking too much to duplicate the last 10 years (aside from the Zook era). But as long as Jeremy Foley is ultimately pulling the strings, I wouldn’t necessarily bet against it either…