Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan?
Any time you start out 0-2 in conference play, you can expect unrest in the fan base.
Mark Richt seems to be looking the other way when it comes to Mike Bobo's handling of quarterback Aaron Murray. (Brand Sanderlin / AJC)
It’s been a rough couple of seasons in Athens, with a few highs and way too many lows. And the unhappiness with the mediocrity that the Dogs have exhibited of late has been exacerbated by the fact that Mark Richt had gotten off to such a great start in the first half of his tenure in Athens, with two SEC titles.
So it’s not surprising that most of the barking of late in the Bulldog Nation hasn’t been the kind the cheerleaders elicit.
But there are two sorts of college football fans: those who enjoy the ride on the bandwagon when everything’s going great, but are ready to jump off when it gets bumpy, and those die-hards who support their team even when they’re not happy with the way things are going.
A caller to Richt’s Monday night weekly radio show who apparently falls into the former category asked the coach to “sell” him on continuing to support Georgia’s football program.
Richt rightly demurred.
“The bottom line,” he told the caller, “is if you’re a true fan, in my opinion, you’re going to support your team no matter what. I don’t think you’re going to just love the boys when they win and hate on them when they lose, you know.”
I’m certainly not happy with the current state of the Georgia program. There’s lots of room for improvement.
But as a lifelong fan, whether it’s the mostly good times with Vince Dooley and Richt or the mostly painful times with Johnny Griffith, Ray Goff or Jim Donnan, I support the Dogs. I love it when they’re riding high, but I’m still invested in the program (literally, thanks to my season tickets) even when things aren’t going well.
I still think Richt is the right man to lead this program. Of course, that view might change at some point.
And as a fan I certainly reserve the right to criticize the problems I see, whether it’s the work of an assistant coach, players besmirching the university’s name with dumb decisions or the head coach who at times doesn’t seem to demand quite enough from his players or coaching staff.
But whether the Dogs are challenging the conference elite or struggling to keep from slipping into the perennial also-ran category, I’ll be there at Sanford Stadium, cheering them on and proudly wearing the red and black.
I grew up as a Dogs fan. I graduated from UGA.
They’re my team, no matter what. And nobody has to “sell” me on supporting them.
SPEAKING OF PROBLEMS …
I’m puzzled why Richt refuses to acknowledge (at least publicly) that Mike Bobo’s playcall on that third-and-4 sack Saturday was a bad one.
Talking about the play, Richt said, “I did watch the TV copy myself, and I know the commentators were saying … there was no outlet, there was no short route, that there ought to be. I don’t know what he saw, but there were actually two routes that were about a five- or six-yard depth and a couple of them that would be deeper routes.”
Maybe so, though you certainly can’t tell it from the replays. And obviously Aaron Murray didn’t see them, either.
As we’ve already discussed here, Bobo blamed Murray for holding on to the ball too long and blamed him for most of the six sacks the Razorbacks got. Richt did at least spread the blame around a bit more, saying, “It’s a combination of an offensive line issue, a running backs issue as pass protectors and quarterback issues. It was spread out across the board.”
He didn’t mention a “playcalling issue,” though. Whatever the problems with execution by the players, I’d feel a whole lot more encouraged about the direction of things if Richt was willing to concede that Bobo’s call in that situation at the very least did not maximize Murray’s chances of success.
Murray will learn and get better. But if his boss continues to give him a free ride, I’m not so sure about Bobo.
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404 comments Add your comment
waynester
September 21st, 2010
12:11 pm
Why ask questions to which you already know the answer? We wouldn’t be reading this blog if we were the kind of bandwagon fans that wuss out that easily…we’re Dawgs forevermore, Bill, and you know it….
NYC Dawg
September 21st, 2010
12:11 pm
BILL-
Will you please find out if Mark Richt was calling plays in the 4th quarter of the game on Saturday? I could have sworn I saw him with Bobo’s sheet. Nothing would make me happier, and those last two scores seemed to come out of no where. Please respond.
JaxDawg05
September 21st, 2010
12:11 pm
If anything I hope this rebuilding year helps weed out the fans that scream for heads to roll after every loss. The last thing I want to sit next to at home games are fans who heckle players and coaches on every play, go to Gainesville, FL if you like that atmosphere. UGA has a new quarterback and defensive scheme that will take time to implement but it doesn’t deter me as a fan one bit. My only wish is all the “new” players and schemes would have happened last year. An 8-5 year with 13 games of learning would have made this year a little different.
ATLBUZZ
September 21st, 2010
12:13 pm
YOU GUYS WILL BE LUCKY TO GO 5 – 7 THIS YEAR. IF NO BOWL – NO JOB!
09/25/10 at Mississippi State
10/02/10 at Colorado
10/09/10 vs. Tennessee
10/16/10 vs. Vanderbilt
10/23/10 at Kentucky
10/30/10 vs. Florida
11/06/10 vs. Idaho State
11/13/10 at Auburn
11/27/10 vs. Georgia Tech
Old Dawg
September 21st, 2010
12:13 pm
I’m a Dawg whether we win or not. Like I said on a post earlier this morning, I may not like the coaching decisions, play selection, defensive schemes, kicking team etc, but I am a Dawg til the day I die.
I struggled with the hiring of Ray Goff and I didn’t like Jim Donnan from the moment he was hired. But I remained a Dawg.
UGA has had two very tough opponents in the last two weeks, but I was impressed with the way the team fought back last Saturday and almost pulled the game out. Was I pleased with the defensive breakdowns? Not in the least. Was I pleased with the play selection on third and 4? Not at all.
But come Saturday I will still be watching the Dawgs and pulling for a win.
As for fair weather fans, I don’t understand folks like that. My high school team didn’t beat our arch-rivals for over 10 years, but when we beat them my junior and senior seasons it was the (next) best feeling in the world … and all my teammates and I talk about those games every time we get together.
As we know, and should keep in our minds, victory is difficult to achieve all of the time. I’m sure the Georgia coaching staff is reviewing everything they’re doing and will make the appropriate changes required to win. If they don’t they may not be back for future seasons.
Lucky for true Dawg fans, we may lose games and have sorry seasons, but we’re always Dawg fans. And we’re a proud group of loyal followers. If you’re not part of our pack, go follow somebody else. We don’t need you.
boots
September 21st, 2010
12:15 pm
Of course not, Bill. Honestly, weak article. No one likes to lose the first to SEC games – certainly not Georgia. We like to win, and it will dampen the enthusiasm for the rest of the season, but I am still huge fan and all true Dawgs are. I think the core problem started by us not having a solid option at QB last year, and now we have a freshman starting. In hindsight, Murray should have played last year and gotten the experience. One bad year would have been ok, but having two in a row is not acceptable.
258DAWG
September 21st, 2010
12:15 pm
No they do not have to win to keep me as a fan.
I HOPE ALL OF YOU READ THIS VERY CLOSE
I believe this weekend you will see a team with the against all odds swager that will absolutely rip into miss st. and to tell you the truth I think its time like these where fans have come done so much on them that maybe they just dont stop and keep running it up.
thing is, we played 2 very good teams (top 15) with our best player out the game and we did everything in our power to lose both games and still we were in both games to the end. WHEN we win this weekend at miss st. our team will finally be fully intact and the experience the Defense and the QB are getting allows me to make you this promise. WE WILL NOT LOSE THE REST OF THE SEASON!
if things break right and we win the east then that statement still holds up as well.
you can only beat on a dog for so long before he bites back. buy in or get off the train now
Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Dogs Store Online
September 21st, 2010
12:16 pm
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Dawg Tell
September 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
Bill, love my dawgs good times and bad.However if you are alumni or fan you can not deny the status of our program. All the off the field problems and current/past seasons have left a bitter taste in my mouth when I defend Richt and the program. I hope we still have a good season,but my gut feelings are not so sound. I have told everyone for the last five years ” Wait till next year” It’s getting old and I see no sign of improvement.Same ole, Same ole!!
DawginLex
September 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
I ain’t going anywhere, win or lose.
I still believe this team is going to be really good by the end of the season.
I’m still with them.
Bobo needs to get with the program and start putting some of the blame on himself and quit throwing Aaron Murray under the bus.
BillnJax
September 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
If I could stay a fan through the Ray Goff and Jim Donnan era then I can certainly remain a fan now. I just wish these Dawgs would play with more heart and intensity. Looks like they take on the demeanor of the coach and I don’t know if that is good for play in the SEC East. Anyway, GO DAWGS!
ARdawg
September 21st, 2010
12:18 pm
Anyone that thinks blind loyalty makes them a “true fan” has drank too much of the kool-aid. True, a true fan does not have to be “sold” on the program by anybody. But to sit back and remain silent as we watch our beloved Dawgs wallow in the mire and muck of mediocrity and less isn’t a true fan either. There is no sin in calling them like you see them. We’ve got some problems and the general consensus is it’s an offensive play calling problem. I’d say it is pretty “offensive”. The problem is Richt. Until he decides to correct it, he is held accountable for it. We give him everything and he gives us more turd sandwiches. I’m tired of the turd sandwiches
BDAWG
September 21st, 2010
12:20 pm
Naw. Really like the Dawgs. Just wish we could win a NC. Need to get rid of Bobo and until Richt can learn how to fire people in a timely manner, I don’t think we will win a NC as long as he is the HC. Also, Searles needs to go and we need better recruiters who can close the deal on recruits.
BillnJax
September 21st, 2010
12:22 pm
@ATLBUZZ: You must be a Jacket fan cause you don’t know jack about the Dawgs. Maybe you think this is going to be your year. Forget about it! We’ll see who will have the last laugh in November. Dawgs all the way BABY!
Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Dog Online Shoping
September 21st, 2010
12:24 pm
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Northern Sympathizer
September 21st, 2010
12:29 pm
Everyone needs to get off of Bobo’s back. He is a solid play-caller. Fact is, the offensive line hasn’t blocked well for the past 10 years.
Adam
September 21st, 2010
12:29 pm
I have a different take on this. I don’t think for one second that Richt didn’t speak to Bobo about the play call. However, I do applaud Richt for not publicly criticizing Bobo in the media. Nothing gets accomplished by Richt telling anyone about conversations that he has with Bobo about plays that are called. No one knows for sure what has happened, but I’d be shocked if Richt, given his background with play calling, hasn’t had conversations about it with Bobo.
I actually applaud Richt for not throwing Bobo under the bus and keeping the dirty laundry in-house. Now Bobo and Grantham need to do the same thing when it comes to their players.
Coachdawg 2000
September 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
I got was a freshman Ray Goff’s last year and graduated a week or so after Donnan got canned( I wasn’t in real big hurry to leave Athens! LOL!).I know what being mediocre looks and feels like. And this ain’t it. We need to keep some perspective. I graduated from UGA and sat in the rain in ‘96 to watch us finally win a game in sqeaker over Texas Tech. I was there in 2000 to watch the geeks get their third win in a row. Jim Donnan was a good coach but we are lightyears ahead of where we were. Some of yall need to go follow pro sports or go pick another bandwagon. It is embarassing how patheitc some on you are when you ask our coach to sell you on being a fan or you show up late and leave early.
Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Dog Deals Online
September 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
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Jason
September 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
That fan that called in and asked for CMR to “sell” him on being a fan is very typical. The band wagon fans always jump off when times are hard and on when times are bad. I remember not too long ago that you couldn’t find a true Bama fan in Alabama. Now, they’re everywhere. Same goes for UGA right now. Those of us that are true fans hang on in the tough times. When you do, it makes the good times seem even better! Go Dawgs!!! It’s still good to be a Georgia Bulldog!! No matter what our record is! I love the Red and Black and always will!
Dawgfan97
September 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
I dont know anyone who is threatening to leave the fan base. Personally, I would never even think about cheering on anyone else other than my Dawgs. I think with that being said the caller was probably trying to get a little emotion out of Richt. Maybe throwing something out there to get some type of reaction. That is my problem with the guy. He NEVER shows emotion. He always acts like everything is just fine when it so obviously is not. Bobo is a clown and should not be allowed on the sideline. If Richt doesn’t realize that soon and do something about it, he is sealing his own fate with the program. This mediocrity is sickening. There is no excuse why we should not be better…and yes I mean talent wise….than South Carolina and Arkansas. These are two programs that year in and year out are also rans.
MURPHY
September 21st, 2010
12:32 pm
They could loose every game and I would still be a fan!! Not a happy fan but still a fan. Bulldog born,Bulldog bred and when I die I will be Bulldog dead. Im very upset a the situation this football program is in right now and over the last 3 years.Im very discouraged by the way this team and coaching staff competes week in and week out,as is all other UGA fans.We are very passionate fans and will always support our Dawgs,but we are not going to stand for being non-competative. Some changes must be made to restore our once proud program.
robodawg
September 21st, 2010
12:32 pm
I’m not sure we should just “blame Bobo” for the 3rd and 4 play call. We had a time out beforehand, so Richt knew exactly what the call would be and would have plenty of time to override it. So, they felt that was the best call at that time.
Maybe they were wrong, maybe the defense did something they didn’t expect, or maybe we just didn’t execute it correctly. Maybe they wanted to create space should Murray decide to scramble. Maybe some receivers were breaking open had he thrown it. Maybe maybe maybe. But I don’t see many comments from anyone who knows otherwise.
Petrino is one of the best playcallers out there, with one of the best college QBs in the nation, but sometimes his playcalling didn’t look that great either. Sometimes Spurrier’s playcalling looks bad too. Sometimes the wrong play is the problem, sometimes the D guesses right or just outplays the O, but put 22 18 to 22 year olds on a field and all kinds of things can happen.
We took TWO sacks on the last series of downs, on first and third downs. The second down call that got us within 4 yards must have been a pretty good one!
savannahdawg
September 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
I am frustrated and have voiced that on these blogs. But I love my Dawgs and always will!!! I hope we don’t have any fence-jumping, band-wagon fans on this blog!!!
GO DAWGS!!!!!!
Jeff
September 21st, 2010
12:35 pm
Am I upset? yes….am I disappointed? yes…..am I furious at some of the attitudes and play by our players? yes….am I disgusted at seeing some of the same stuff (playcalling, strengh and conditioning, arrest, etc etc? YES! but lets be very clear- this is MY team and win or lose I am in the stands till the end! I want you to think back to how you felt in Dec 1974: Miami of OHIO 21 UGA 10……things do get better….much better….
ARdawg
September 21st, 2010
12:35 pm
Testicle
ARdawg
September 21st, 2010
12:36 pm
Bill King was I getting banned from posting?….whats the deal?
DawginLex
September 21st, 2010
12:37 pm
I would like to see richt do one of the following:
1.) Demote Bobo and go back to calling plays now. This would salvage Bobo’s job as QB coach.
or
2.) Do # 1 and next year, switch to more of a zone read, spread like SC did. That is the formation that would take the most advantage of Murray and LeMay.
hornblowermg
September 21st, 2010
12:38 pm
it’s not a question of being a “good” fan or a “bad” fan, or even of “bandwaggoning”. the problem i have regarding the UGa football program is being embarrassed by the lack of concern for performing fundamental football skills by the entire coaching staff and most of the players. winning and/or losing is overshadowed by the embarrassment of the obvious lack of concern for excellence. cmr has been telling us for more than a year and a half to expect better while he continues to give us more of the same, expecting us to not know the difference. JIM HARBAUGH, JIM HARBAUGH, JIM HARBAUGH, JIM HARBAUGH
Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Dogs Online Deals
September 21st, 2010
12:38 pm
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Jeff
September 21st, 2010
12:39 pm
if you have to be “SOLD” on being a fan of ANY team- you are not one and the fan base of whatever that team is doesnt need you. To the moron that asked that question- there is a rambling wreck up here in atlanta that would be more in line with the fan base your looking for.
Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Dogs Online Shop
September 21st, 2010
12:42 pm
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MURPHY
September 21st, 2010
12:43 pm
I have paid my dues to the Dawgs being mediocre when I took the trip to Gainesville and watched my Dawgs coached by Ray Goff get hammered in a rain storm in the swamp.I will never forget walking to the stadium for kickoff and all the Gaytor students chanting “KEEP RAY GOFF”. I certainly hope we are not headed in that direction again!
Stick With Richt, Bobo Has Gotta Go!!!
September 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
Stick With Richt, Bobo Has Gotta Go!!!
Richt needs to start calling plays again…
Dale
September 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
Jason, I didn’t hear the show, but it sounds like the caller was looking for Richt to give him some hope. Asking Richt to explain why the program isn’t heading the direction it seems to be.
Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Dog Online Blog
September 21st, 2010
12:48 pm
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Disgusted
September 21st, 2010
12:49 pm
The caller that asked that question is not a fan. He disgusts me. If you are a true fan, you should never have to be sold on the program. Sure, you can complain but to stop support…absurd.
Coachdawg 2000
September 21st, 2010
12:52 pm
If you’ve had any experience dealing with young people then you know that you can tell them and show what to do, then have them do something else. Do yall not think that all of the coaches are angry/dissapointed/frustrated by our record? They work 20 hour days 7 days a week to win these ball games. Every coach will tell you that the highs of the wins pails compared to the lows of losing. NOBODY, AND I MEAN NOBODY, HURTS MORE OVER THIS THAN THE COACHES! You cannot blame a man because his personality is not to be animated. Do you want somebody like Jerry Glanville? A clown who draws attention to himself. Do you think CMR saying bobo is an idiot on monday night would change the score from the previous Saturday? Or would it make him jerk who throws his assistnats under the bus. Maybe we should go talk to some of your bosses/wives to see if they are always pleased with your efforts/results at your job.
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September 21st, 2010
12:52 pm
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Nick
September 21st, 2010
12:52 pm
Do the Dogs have to win for you to stay a fan?
No but it sure would make me happier! I’m starting to lose a little faith in the coaching staff for the first time but in no way am I clammering to fire them all. (Just Searels).
What kills me is people become so outraged about this, and while I completely understand and I am a never-say-die Dawg fan, I’m not about to go calling for heads to roll and lives to be uprooted because they don’t win every single game.
You don’t know what you got until it’s gone, and while the last few seasons have been less than stellar and a bit underachieving, it could always be worse. Talk about being at the bottom, fire Richt and his entire staff, then have to bring in a totally new system and philosophy, new recruits and some “rebuilding” years, and you’ll be at the bottom.
I know all the older fans appreciate this as I do; the fact that there’s been way too much turnaround over recent years with coaching staffs. I’d love to get back to the good old days when coaches actually stayed put for decades. I mean if UGA’s finishing 2-10 every year, then yeah, something’s gotta give, but come on, stability can only help at this point. And I don’t think the wheels have exactly come completely off.
You can’t and won’t win every game. No team can. I ain’t making excuses for anybody and I am overly disappointed in their play the last 4 years and especially the last two games, but it’ll get better. It has to.
You still have my support, Coach Richt.
Go Dawgs! GATA!
Big Dawg
September 21st, 2010
12:53 pm
Right on, hornblowermg!
This isn’t a problem with FANS, it’s a problem with THE DIRECTION OF THE PROGRAM!
THE FANS DIDN’T GET US HERE. CMR AND HIS STAFF DID!
WonderDawg
September 21st, 2010
12:53 pm
Bill, Richt was protective of Willie, too, even though everyone else knew he was not DC material. Bobo is not OC material, but, he is a Dawg and I’m just for demoting him back to QB coach.
Richt is not an offensive whiz anymore and certainly doesn’t need to call his plays himself.
Richt needs badly, to get new blood at OC.
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September 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
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John Galt
September 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
I’m a fan, win or lose. I graduated right BEFORE Herschel enrolled, so for my senior season I got to endure Vince Dooley’s worse- struggling with Jeff Pyburn, having no real offense, losing on Homecoming 33-0 to Kentucky in front of Prince Charles, etc. This was only 2 years after Ray Goff and Matt Robinson won the SEC and Erk invented the Junkyard Dawgs, and ONE year before a National Championship.
Success is great but if they aren’t your Dawgs, win or lose, you are not a fan and you should go away. I suspect that a couple of months from now we might realize just how good SC and ARK really are. Aaron Murray will be a star. If MR will take over the play-calling this season can be salvaged. We can beat anybody left on our schedule.
Be a man, be a fan, or be gone.
Stildawg
September 21st, 2010
12:55 pm
I a UGA grad and a Fan. I always will be a suppotive fan. I just hate to see a downward turn.
Old Dawg
September 21st, 2010
12:56 pm
Well said, John Galt.
papadawg
September 21st, 2010
12:57 pm
Been a Dawg since 1969 and will be till death. I’ve seen good times, great times and bad times. College teams change year to year and if you expect championships every year you WILL be disappointed
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September 21st, 2010
12:59 pm
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John Galt
September 21st, 2010
1:00 pm
PS-
It was DISGUSTING for Bobo to throw Murray under the bus- what a cowardly, wimpy thing to do.
Have you folks been watching? This team can still beat Tennessee, Florida and the insects. With the intensity that Auburn had against Clemson, they are my biggest fear. As a matter of fact, I predict 9-3 heading into the bowls- with a loss to AU, and USC winning the East.
MURPHY
September 21st, 2010
1:00 pm
If our team and coaches would show the same passionate emotions that our fans do this program could be turned around in a hurry.