
Buck Belue's touchdown pass to Lindsay Scott was a "fluke" play, the Orlando Sentinel says. (University of Georgia)
Say this for the Orlando Sentinel: They’re at least consistent in their orange and blue advocacy.
You’ll recall that the Sentinel, whose sportswriters appear to operate as an unofficial arm of the Gators sports information program, drew headlines a while back for ranking the Georgia Bulldogs as only the 64th best team in the country this season.
Before that, the Sentinel had been among the first of the media outlets in states surrounding us to get the Mark-Richt-on-the-hot-seat bandwagon rolling. And, of course, they did it in typical hyperbolic style, noting in complete disregard to the facts that “It seems almost every season Richt’s name comes up as being on the hot seat.”
Now the Sentinel’s Mike Bianchi has taken another flying leap into absurdity. In writing about the SEC Media Days, he opened his latest blog saying, “Keep hearing and reading about how Georgia coach Mark Richt is on the imaginary hot seat.”
Such talk, Bianchi generously allows, “is a disservice to one of the classiest coaches in college football and one of the best coaches Georgia has ever had.” (It was, of course, Bianchi who raised the “hot seat” question question to Richt at the SEC media gathering.)
Naturally, he was just setting up Georgia fans for the Sentinel’s latest swipe. The problem, he says, is “Georgia fans have way too high of an opinion of their program. In fact, I believe an argument could be made that Georgia is the the most overrated program in college football history.”
His case consists mainly of calling Lindsay Scott’s touchdown catch in the 1980 game against the Gators “one of the biggest fluke plays in college football history,” and he concludes that without the national title that the Bulldogs won that year thanks to Herschel Walker and Scott, “Georgia would be closer in history and tradition to South Carolina than it is to Florida.”
Yes, we all know Florida has dominated the Dogs-Gators rivalry the past 20 years (the only period of college football history Gators fans pay any attention to) and that Florida has won a couple of BCS national titles and Georgia hasn’t.
But Bianchi’s notion that Georgia football history is pretty much limited to 1980 is so far off the mark it’s embarrassing. If he checked NCAA records, he’d find UGA is ranked as one of the Top 15 winningest college football programs of all time … and ahead of the University of Florida.
It’s one thing to try and rile up a rival state’s fandom, but at least Bianchi and the Sentinel could try and keep it based in reality.
468 comments Add your comment
reggie's reason for the streak
July 23rd, 2010
12:23 pm
But the issue is us TECH fans can’t even go to the over all record because the Dawgs own us there too.
thUGA
July 23rd, 2010
12:24 pm
Over rated in every catagory except arrests!!
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:24 pm
also, keep Richt around. Kentucky loves beating you.
murfdawg
July 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
If the uf defensive backs had not been so busy doing the funky chicken before that play, maybe they could have gotten better coverage. It is always a fluke when you throw the ball to the second fastest man on the field(Herschel was the fastest). That is why it was always so much fun to beat the gators back then. Bianchi is the typical fl fan from the 80’s and it is still fun to listen to him whine.
thUGA
July 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
Oh except when you are talking about UGA beating Tech. Not over rated when it comes to that.
Red Ryder
July 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
I agree with sweat socks. Until Ga can beat Florida again with regularity the Dawgs will continue to be the butt of and fodder for all the jokes that are passed around about the over rated Dawgs. Just a fact of life. Win or sit down and shut up.
Grant
July 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
According to the most accurate college football guy, Florida is overrated, and are about to begin a descent, and Georgia’s program is on the rise.
Steele is the most accurate guy in the business.
Read the June 29 article for yourself, it absolutely crishes Forida, and proves that what Georgia fans think about the program is not only on track, but perhaps the fans don’t even realize JUST HOW GOOD this team and program really is.
Richt’s 4 consecutive top 10 finishes is something Saban or Meyer can’t do.
Richt has a higher winning % than Nick Saban.
Mark Richt is the most UNDERRATED coahc in the country, his teams have finished in the top 10 14 CONSECUTIVE times, and 19 out of 24 of his years coaching.
URBAN MEYER CAN’T TOUCH THAT.
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/Individual_Team_blogs/Georgia_Blog.html
D Gator
July 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
Enter your comments here
God
July 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
Tim Tebow’s plays were not flukes. They were My will.
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
And I love playing video games and not talking with girls
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
Erik,
I am sure Florida is begging to trade those national championships for your conference championships…Retard!
SKB
July 23rd, 2010
12:27 pm
Florida can say all these things, b/c IT IS TRUE. UGA’s program ISN’T even CLOSE to UF. Each year, its the exact same thing: UGA thinks they are going to win championship, thinking way ahead and are overly confident for their own good. They get 47-10 manhandled by UF. Maybe for once UGA should not be so arrogant and look at reality and learn from their mistakes. Thats the reason they can’t win, they already have it in their mind, their football program is the great, but that was the past, and this is the present. They should WORK HARD and talk less.
Tuna Tuesday
July 23rd, 2010
12:28 pm
I think the hate of Georgia is magnified by the fact that Atlanta is the biggest city within several states and attracts fans from many of those states who need work. Not to mention all the northern folks who move down b/c their states generally suck balls – I know, I’m from one of those states. Then they get angry when the local media covers the Dawgs more than their beloved team and that anger turns into hate.
Suck on that you bunch of jealous biatches. Georgia will always be the most beloved team in this state and you can’t change that, no matter how much you try.
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:29 pm
BTW I love dudes
bjohndawg
July 23rd, 2010
12:30 pm
Florida has owned us since the mid 90s. Its a fact. No since hiding from it.
But only the Dawgs can change that. And only on the field. Not on a blog with could of and should of and can do’s…
With 10 of 11 starters on offense and a new defensive attitude, I am feeling good about our us righting the trend.
But I sense that is about to change. And I think people in Florida have that same feeling.
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
Really,
2 NC’s? Do your research a-HOLE! The one in the 40’s went to Ohio State!!! Georgia claims it to not look as pathetic. Check it out anywhere. Why don’t you do your research? My guess is that reading is not your strong point.
Mel Gibson's #1 fan
July 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
Talk about hitting the nail on the head…. great job by the Orlando paper.
Yikes!
July 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
That is great “j” but nobody cares.
Starkweather
July 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
I don’t think I have ever heard the words “compelling” and Buck Belue in the same sentence. A very simple man to say the least.
Half Century Dawg fan
July 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
@ Sweat Socks, Amen Brother, great post.
Mel Gibson's #1 fan
July 23rd, 2010
12:32 pm
Even know stats say the exact opposite I too wish this was the case but I don’t really believe it.
Paddy
July 23rd, 2010
12:32 pm
Bianchi is not like any true professional journalist I have ever witnessed. Grocery store tabloids is his next stop would be my guess. Don’t get your shorts in a knot Dawg fans, this too shall pass. If I was not so angry at this article, I would not even consider a post of my own. He really did get my poop hot. Truth is, I am mad at myself for even falling for this ploy! Guess I am the real idiot here!!! I had the right to remain silent I just didn’t have the ability to remain silent!
Red Ryder
July 23rd, 2010
12:33 pm
Tuna Tuesday The most beloved team of losers in the state eh?
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:33 pm
Really,
Let me help you since you are seem to be an oxygen stealing stealing obama/UGA fan…
1940 Minnesota 8-0-0 No bowl Bernie Bierman
1941 Minnesota 8-0-0 No bowl Bernie Bierman
1942 Ohio State 9-1-0 No bowl Paul Brown
1943 Notre Dame 9-1-0 No bowl Frank Leahy
1944 Army 9-0-0 No bowl Red Blaik
1945 Army 9-0-0 No bowl Red Blaik
1946 Notre Dame 8-0-1 No bowl Frank Leahy
*-1947 Notre Dame 9-0-0 No bowl Frank Leahy
1948 Michigan 9-0-0 No bowl Bennie Oosterbaan
1949 Notre Dame 10-0-0 No bowl Frank Leahy
http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/champions_national.html
Erik
July 23rd, 2010
12:35 pm
j,
If Florida’s so great, why do they only have 8 championships? They’re no better than Georgia, Tennessee, or LSU.
Go back to rooting for the North Avenue Trade School and leave the football talk to people who actually know a thing or two about sports. Your fan base is a joke. It’s tiny and you’re all completely obsessed with Georgia.
savh dawg
July 23rd, 2010
12:35 pm
Florida had a white guy playing safety. Bad coaching on that fluke play.
D Gator
July 23rd, 2010
12:35 pm
Florida, SEC Champs: ‘84*, 85*, 90* 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 2000, 06, 08 = consistently good for 30 years
Georgia SEC Champs: 80, 81(tie), 82, 02, 05 = a joke for 20 years.
Florida: 3 NC in last 14 years
Georgia: 0 NC in last 29 years
j is gay!
July 23rd, 2010
12:35 pm
IF UGA wanted to do that they could claim 5 National Championships. And they don’t. Only 2
Why Not
July 23rd, 2010
12:36 pm
I didn’t know this guy was alive in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He must be a vampire and was born before the football was even invented. LOL – what a complete tool box talking out his arse.
Yurtle_the_turtle
July 23rd, 2010
12:36 pm
As a GT fan, I think UGA should invite Bianchi to a half-time event this year during the GA-Arkansas game (Sept 18th). That would be fun.
Most schools would love to have UGAs football success. Go Jackets!
Grant
July 23rd, 2010
12:37 pm
If you look at the match-ups on the schedule, Richt has a dominating record against every team except Florida. Overrated? No way.
This team will go 12 or 13 wins in 2010.
TigerTime
July 23rd, 2010
12:37 pm
This Orlando writer is absolutely, 110% dead on. THuga is without a doubt THE…most overrated, overhyped college football program in the sport’s history. No close second. Poor Ga. Tech sits over here in ATL with more national titles (including the most recent title of the two), SEC championships from it’s time back when it was in the SEC, and is now a program going to it’s conference championship. But what do we hear all 365 days a year???????? THuga this….THuga that…..Most delusional fanbase in college football too.
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:38 pm
Eric,
Actually my brother goes to Georgia so I am used to un-educated fans. Like the ones who say UGA has 2 NC’s. I am sure you are one of them! Sounds like you know it all! But for the record, Georgia tech has way more than UGA. And also has the most recent one between the 2 schools. I am sorry that the truth hurts so bad!
Archie Griffin was OVERRATED!
July 23rd, 2010
12:38 pm
If Ohio State can claim 7 national titles, Georgia can definitely claim 2. Georgia was voted #1 in at least half the recognized polls in 1942.
DDPO
July 23rd, 2010
12:39 pm
Sounds like this guy has UGA pegged…
Erik
July 23rd, 2010
12:39 pm
j,
I don’t have any respect for your opinion whatsoever. You’re a complete idiot and a typical Tech fan. Have a great weekend and keep staying indoors!
Really?
July 23rd, 2010
12:41 pm
j – actually 8 publications crowned UGA Champs and only 5 crowned Ohio State. So just like it is done today. UGA received more votes than Ohio State so UGA won the NC. Nice try! Please do not comment on here again till you do research first. Thanks!
Dre Day
July 23rd, 2010
12:41 pm
D Gator,
You can’t claim 84, 85, or 90. You were on probation. Everyone knows that. Thanks for trying to spin it though!
DDPO
July 23rd, 2010
12:41 pm
Did Bill King do the Gallery Furniture commercials back in the 80’s/90’s? Ask for The Wolfman? Or was it ask for Donna?
GoldenDawg
July 23rd, 2010
12:42 pm
Thanks, I needed something to wipe with.
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:44 pm
Speaking of something that hurts. How about you guys beating us 8 of the last 9 and you owning us on the overall record. And even in our best season in years we couldn’t beat the DAWGS. Sucks being a Tech fan but I have to live with it.Speaking of something that hurts us TECH fans. How about you guys beating us 8 of the last 9 and you owning us on the over all record. And even in our best season in years we couldn’t beat the DAWGS. Sucks being a Tech fan but I have to live with it.
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:44 pm
Really?,
You are wrong my friend. I have copied and posted from the actual site. You can go with your fellow UGA Y buddies and cry about it elsewhere. Till then, I would work on that pathetic offense and see if you can get past Tennessee’s 34 yard line…or even maybe beat Kentucky! Set your expectations low so you can have a happy season.
PS – I wouldn’t even worry about trying to beat Florida.
Douglas
July 23rd, 2010
12:45 pm
Why are we surprised the UF fans are so arrogant? Most of them are a bunch of yankees who had to move to the South because their precious northern teams were too big and slow. There thinking: if you can beat the Southern teams, why not join them?
j
July 23rd, 2010
12:45 pm
To the fake j, you really show how classy UGA y people are. I wouldn’t make fun of Tech fans because you seem a little nerdier thn them.
uga1989
July 23rd, 2010
12:45 pm
Sounds about right. Also: Fox News is fair and balanced.
Mr Me
July 23rd, 2010
12:46 pm
@ Tuna Tuesday, you hit it right on- I’ve been saying the same thing for years. The same goes for the Braves too, way too many transplants here hating on the local teams because their crap teams dont get covered by the media here. When I lived in other cities I never expected to hear anything about my teams but some people are just that ignorant
DP
July 23rd, 2010
12:47 pm
Bianchi has become Orlando’s version of Paul Finebaum. He’s looking for page hits and you handed a bunch of them to him. The other day he was ripping on Alabama as the most corrupt program in NCAA history and his argument for that was about as fair and balanced as this one on Georgia.
Unfortunately, using inflammatory rhetoric to generate page hits and comments has become pretty standard across what’s left of the newspaper industry. See Jeff Schultz and Mark Bradley. Reporting, sources, fact checking, context, balance…no time for all that in the internet age I guess.
Dawg Fan
July 23rd, 2010
12:48 pm
It will only take 1 sub par year from the Gators for their fans to throw their Gators hat in the closet with their Buccaneers, Lightning, Marlins, and Rays hats. The state motto of Florida should be changed to “We love our teams! One year at a time!”
mudcat
July 23rd, 2010
12:52 pm
bianchi? Isn’t that something you find in a baby’s diaper?
Really?
July 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
j – I like how you use one sites opinion. Here are the votes. Now you can decide for yourself. The right are the top selectors and who they picked. UGA 1942 National Champions
1942 Georgia 11–1 Wally Butts B(QPRS), BR, DeS, HS, L, PS, SR, WS
Ohio State 9–1 Paul Brown AP, BS, DuS, CFRA, NCF
Wisconsin 8–1–1 Harry Stuhldreher HAF