Should Mark Richt’s job ride on winning the SEC East?
Predictions about what it will take to save Mark Richt's job are all over the place. (AJC file)
While we brace ourselves for the inevitable new round of Mark-Richt-on-the-hot-seat talk with the arrival of the SEC’s annual media days, it’s interesting to see the way expectations of what Richt needs to do to keep his job vary.
Recently we discussed here how many wins we thought Richt needed to get this season to keep his job, and the consensus appears to be that 10 wins was a sure thing, nine probably would save him and if it was eight, it would depend on whether that number included a victory over Florida.
But while South Carolina appears still to be most prognosticators’ favorite to win the SEC East, Georgia has popped up in quite a few predictions as the dark horse to take the division, and CollegeFootball News even goes so far as to posit that if the Dogs don’t win the East, Richt won’t be back.
Their all-or-nothing reasoning goes like this: “The timing couldn’t be better to come out of the blue and be a major player in the SEC. Florida probably has one more year before it becomes a monster again, Tennessee is still sleeping, and South Carolina, as good as it is, is still South Carolina; there’s going to be a gaffe or two along the way. Georgia might have a ton of flaws, and it might be relying on a slew of unknowns to carry the way, but the East is never going to get easier than it is right now, and Richt has to take advantage. … No, Georgia won’t be 2010 Auburn, but it could rise up and be good enough to win the East and play for the SEC title. And if not, next year will be all about a new era in Georgia football.”
Summing up its preview of Georgia, CFN says, “The season will be a success if … the Dawgs win the East. When you miss the three best teams from the West — Alabama, LSU, and Arkansas — and get South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Auburn at home, you have to take advantage of it. There are major holes on the offensive line, receiver, and linebacker, but the schedule is favorable, the influx of new talent should be a boost, and the desperation is there to win the East. Winning the SEC title is a stretch considering how good the West champion will be, but getting to the title game will be enough for Richt to stick around.”
At the other extreme, the Macon Telegraph asks whether Richt’s recruiting prowess and the commitments he keeps snagging might not be enough for him to keep his job even if the Dogs have another subpar year on the field, simply because a coaching change might send some of those recruits elsewhere.
I’m not buying either of those scenarios.
While winning the SEC East would surely boost Richt’s stock quite a bit, I don’t believe his job is riding on it. At the same time, if the wheels come off and Georgia has a disaster of a season, I don’t think nonbinding verbal commitments from some blue-chip recruits who may or may not pan out down the road are going to be enough to save Richt. That will still come down to wins and losses.
What do you think?
SILVER LINING
While I’m dismayed yet another Georgia running back has gotten himself in trouble, I have to admit the first thought I had when I heard Carlton Thomas likely won’t be playing against Boise State was that at least Mike Bobo won’t be tempted to run him up the middle on third-and-long.
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397 comments Add your comment
dogdawg
July 21st, 2011
7:24 am
super 4 and 5 star players,millions in salaries and we lose to UCF! Made me sick to watch.With the money hes making and the players we got nothing less than an SEC east title should be expected. Anybody can see we are never ready to play in a big game like we were when Van Gorder was there.If we show up against BS like last year we’re gonna get pasted! CMR lost my support when he kicked that field goal and the players quit.Thats NOT UGA football.Bring back Van Gorder!!!!
bubba4dawgs
July 21st, 2011
7:30 am
Chuck Carvallis with the Knoxville Sentinel says that GA has outstanding athletes but they are dumb. Athletically, they are superior but when they start to play, they do dumb things, like fumbleitis, stupid penalties, i.e., they beat themselves too often. Most games are won with good “D”. Hopefully, the 3-4 is ready this year! I believe the DAWGS are hungry and ready…..at least, they should be in good shape and come out “smokin”! GO DAWGS!
Ted Striker
July 21st, 2011
7:48 am
Bill — This isn’t directed at you.
However some of this “what so & so does to have to keep their job” — while it may pass the time is one of the primary reasons college football is out of kilter and isn’t as much fun as it once was. (And I’m not an old fogey)
Lewis Grizzard would write a scathing (yet funny) column calling out not just the NCAA and school administrations, but also a large majority of the fans. And he wanted to win as badly as anyone. Oh, Lewis, we miss you.
joe taxpayer
July 21st, 2011
8:13 am
He should be fired for the last 4 years.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 21st, 2011
8:53 am
Better be careful what you wish for. Teams changing coaches, usually do not fair too well for the first couple of years after the change. CMR has a proven record and I believe he has made a lot of changes this year to get back on track. We have a lot of inexperience on the offense, but the athletes are there. It is just how fast they mature and how well they use their skills for UGA.
The defense should be a beast and will be heavily counted on to control the game, for the first couple of games until the offense gets it’s feet under itself. The defense has some new DB’s and a couple that will have to step up their game, but I like the attitude of the defense and believe that the D coach will have them ready to go when the season starts. They have the front seven in place to control that line of scrimmage.
All any of us can do, is go by what our AD has said will be the guage for whether or not we have CMR as our coach next year. Information is that area has not been specific, but it does appear that he wants to see a better team both on and off the field. Off the field problems seem to have gotten under control, and UGA will be a force to be confronted with after a few games, I believe.
We do have a brutal two game opening but after that, the DAWGS, have a much easier schedule so, 8 or 9 wins is quite possible. A lot will depend on how well the players put in the effort and how well the coaches coach up the team. I sense, at least from what I can read, that CMR has a renewed sense of purpose and is going to do the job, to the best of his ability this year. If he does that, he is as good as any coach out there. I think the team is much more unified and although not experienced in a lot of areas, will play with heart, showcase their talents and surprise a few people. If Bobo gets some imagination then the offense, will work as well. If not, CMR I believe will step in where needed.
Any team that takes UGA too lightly might find themselves in some trouble. It will not be good for a team to fall behind UGA, one way or another, because the defense will make it tough for them to catch up.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
8:54 am
No.
Because of the injururies, and transfers, Richt gets a pass for this year. This is a rebuilding year, McGarity won’t expect much.
Don't Matter
July 21st, 2011
9:13 am
Adams and McGarity are both losers. Why would they want to fire a loser like Richt. That would be like firing themselves.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
9:19 am
Richt needs to allow competition at QB. Murray hasn’t earned the starting position yet, Murray hasn’t beaten a winning team yet (0-6 record).
Richt’s afraid of letting Hutson Mason or Christian Lemay start a game because I think Richt fears they’ll outplay Murray and that might start a QB controversy and split the lockeroom.
I know Richt really likes Murray as a person, and as a fellow religious person. But he has to put aside that and look, not at YARDS, TD’S, But only look at WINS.
CAN MURRAY WIN? HAS HE EVER LED HIS TEAM TO A VICTORY AGAINST A WINNING TEAM?
The answer is no.
I always thought WINNING was the bottom line, instead of YARDS.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
9:25 am
Murray’s a Marino, he’s all about setting records for yards and stuff. But low on the TEAM thing, TEAM goals like WINS. What’s needed is a McElroy, what we have is a Marino. Some guys WILL their team to VICTORIES in BIG GAMES. Murray NEVER has. Murray lacks the TEAM orientation, and lacks LEADERSHIP. It’s PAST TIME for an OPEN COMPETITION N THE FIELD AT QB between Murray, Lemay, and Mason. If Murray’s good, he should win it, if not, time to make a change.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
9:27 am
McGarity should tell Richt, not to worry about his job this season. Just have competition on the field during games to find his QB, RB, WR, and so on. Sort of how Tenn did with Sims & Bray. Once Bray came in, won 4 out the next 5 games.
Bodda Getta
July 21st, 2011
9:31 am
Tanman + Bobo + Bagman + Chokesign = losing seasons
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
9:32 am
I guarantee you Murray would lose any open competition in real games. Lemay would probably win the most games, and Mason would set more records than Murray. Murray would finish 3rd in that competition.
Richt’s so afraid of this being true, he won’t let Lemay or Mason start a game. Even though Murray has never won a game against a team with a winning record.
big john 330 lbs
July 21st, 2011
9:34 am
363rd!
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
9:38 am
McGarity needs to quickly recognize this seaosn for what it is, a rebuilding year, and start letting his coaches try new things, and let players compete in real games to win their spot. It’s going to be 6-6 season at best (Auburn–Florida–South Carolina–Boise State–Mississippi State—Tenn), may as well have something to show for the 6-6 season.
Let Bobo try out some new schemes. Let Grantham have a competition at DLine & LB and see which combinations work (4-3 line might work better than 3-4 dline with Geathers and Jenkins).
big john 330 lbs
July 21st, 2011
9:44 am
It’s too early to be drinkin’ Lunchpail.
Murray is the best returning QB in the SEC…even the coaches agree on that.
So Bray won 4 out of 5, but your arguement for Murray isn’t the same for Bray as well??? Go back and look at the 4 teams TN beat w/ Bray.
ALL LOSING TEAMS!!!
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
9:52 am
Let’s see. Let’s compete on the field, instead of entitle Murray with eh job he hasn’t earned. Let’s give Mason & Lemay some starts this year against winning teams, what do you have to lose, you know Murray’s record against those kind of teams is 0-6, Mason or Lemay can’t be any worse. It’s a rebuilding year anyway.
The Bray & Sims competition should have 50/50 against winning teams to be fair. So should Georgia’s.
What TEAM GOALS has Murray done to EARN his position?
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
9:56 am
If Richt’s not afraid of Murray getting beat in a real game, why won’t he let Mason or Lemay start a game? It can’t possibly be that Murray gives him the best chance to win those kind of games, after all, Murray’s 0-6 against winning teams. It’s because Richt fears Murray will get beat in an OBJECTIVE TEST.
DawginLex
July 21st, 2011
10:00 am
Murray 41
Bray 14
Next
big john 330 lbs
July 21st, 2011
10:03 am
You’ve got to be the only person who’s worried about Murray.
QB is the ONLY position besides center and tight end that most GA fans feel good about.
I would take Lemay or Mason over your beloved Bray though.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
10:09 am
No, Richt has the same worries about Murray, that’s why he won’t let Lemay or Mason start a game against a winning team, even though Murray has an 0-6 record there. Richt’s the most worried about Murray if you look at that.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
10:10 am
What TEAM GOALS has Murray achieved yet? Beat Vanderbilt? Geez.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
10:11 am
if Murray’s as good as you think, he would beat out Mason & Lemay in a real game tryout against winning teams.
Loyal Dawg
July 21st, 2011
10:21 am
Quick note to Columbus, who was trying to defend CMR (which I agree with); but stated Dooley accomplished very little before Herschel. Doole won three SEC titles and only had one losing season before Hershel. This during a time when Bear Bryant was not only dominating the SEC but all of college football. To the couple of posters hating on Murray- You guys must have some other hidden agenda; because everyone else in the country believes Murray is not only the best QB in the SEC, but one of the top 10 or 15 in the country and this is only his second season playing. How in the world you’ve concluded Christian LeMay (who I will have not complaints if he wins the Heisman someday; but has yet to play a single college football game) would come in and instantly be a better QB- I can’t figure out. Also, CMR will put the QB that he feels gives his team the best chance to win every week- you can bet that. Why don’t you pipe down and support the the coach and ALL the QB’s (if you are a UGA fan- otherwise, just pipe down).
Loyal Dawg
July 21st, 2011
10:24 am
Lunchpail, why do you think CMR would start Murray over LeMay or Mason if he believed that one of those other two were better and gave him the best chance to win? He’s played two QB’s in the past.
virginia dog
July 21st, 2011
10:27 am
If USC wins the east it will be two years in a row. That alone is egnough to cost CMR his job. So yes he has to win, but on a dark note. It will be best for the program for CMR to go. HE IS DONE to much damage has been done to the UGA brand by CMR and his horrible staff.
Interestingly CMR will be the 2nd coach that that the evil genius has gotten fired at UGA.
DawginLex
July 21st, 2011
10:29 am
Lunchpail is the same troll who comes on everyday folks under a different blog handle
Yesterday he was gruff
Ignore him
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
10:32 am
Considering Murray’s 0-6 record against winning teams, there is NO GOOD REASON ON EARTH to CONTINUE TO LET MURRAY LOSE GAMES. Whatever Richt’s reason is for ENTITLING Murray with a position he has yet to EARN due to his lack of ACHIEVEMENT OF TEAM GOALS, it’s a bad reason. Richt’s afraid of letting Mason or Lemay start a game against a winning team, because he fears they’ll beat out Murray.
Considering Richt started Joe T over Stafford, I’d guess Richt feels a loyalty to guys that have been on the team longer, even if they can’t beat a winning team.
Loyal Dawg
July 21st, 2011
10:33 am
DawginLex, just wanted to see if he would answer the question honestly or not.
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
10:37 am
DawginLex, which winning team out of 6 did Murray lead his team to a victory? What’s Murray’s record as a leader against winning teams? What is Murray’s signature game so far? What TEAM GOALS did Murray achieve so far that impress you the most?
Lunchpail
July 21st, 2011
10:48 am
Richt doesn’t want to look bad, like he chose the wrong QB, so he won’t let Mason or Lemay start against a winning team. Richt doesn’t want Murray to COMPETE for the job in an OBJECTIVE TEST. Even though Murray is 0-6 against winning teams as a leader, Richt doesn’t weant to look bad, like his decision to go with Murray was wrong. So he stays with the 0-6 QB.
Loyal Dawg
July 21st, 2011
10:54 am
Lunchpail, you just showed your ignorance (not that anyone doubted it). Richt start Joe T. because he had outperformed Stafford in training camp. What CMR values in a QB is leadership, composure and demonstrated good decisionmaking. Stafford, in his freshman season, was a typical hot-shot, big armed HS QB. He made poor decisions because he was new to the system, was inexperienced at the college level and hadn’t gotten used to the speed of the game. You see, throwing interceptions and not knowing when to “check down” are two game killers for QB’s. Stafford did a lot of that early in his first season. He tried to squeeze to many balls in tight spots because he had a big arm resulting in bad interceptions. He improved as the season when on and became a no.1 draft pick because he learned. Murray demonstrated the characteristics that CMR looks for. You keep sqwauking about TEAM GOALS. It’s a TEAM GAME and Murray was NOT the only PLAYER ON THE FIELD. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
Loyal Dawg
July 21st, 2011
10:57 am
UGA fans can be assured that CMR will play the quarterback that demonstrates the characteristics he looks for, regardless of which QB that is. I’m sure that he doesn’t care about “looking bad”. That is an ignorant statement.
iowa dog
July 21st, 2011
11:05 am
why are we having this conversation? Seems to me everyone is focusing on the negative.When Ga plays in the sec championship game in atlanta all of you negative people will dissapear.The bulldogs will be a major player this year and years to come.People forgit that aj green was out the first 4 games last year.Go Bulldogs.
big john 330 lbs
July 21st, 2011
11:25 am
Lunchpail- do you think he ought to give the QB job to the walk-on Parker Welsh too? He would probably beat Murray in your OBJECTIVE TEST.
Loyal Dawg
July 21st, 2011
11:31 am
No response from Lunchpail. He’s no UGA fan and does not follow the program.
I win, you lose, end of argument.
QVille
July 21st, 2011
11:32 am
Coach Richt’s decided Murray is his guy. That position is locked. Surprised? It’s strange Coach Richt has already settled in on Murray, considering Murray’s weak performances so far and lack of success and propensity to choke in big games (0-6 against winning teams, 0-5 against ranked teams, 4 turnovers against Florida, 2 interceptions and 0 touchdowns in the Bowl game, 0 touchdowns aganst South Carolina, etc.). Considering Richt has the Stat record holder in touchdowns in Hutson Mason and highly touted Christian Lemay on the bench as backups. Really very little substantially on Murray’s resume. Richt must see something else, like how Murray does against the unranked teams. I think Murray’s a Christian, so maybe that’s it.
Richt’s job is riding on how Aaron Murray does.
Loyal Dawg
July 21st, 2011
11:38 am
Lunchpail,Qville,gruff, whomever, you’re a Christian hater too, aren’t you. That’s sad.
LoganvilleDAWG
July 21st, 2011
11:46 am
All of you so called DAWG fans that want Coach Richt fired are dipsticks…he has had success since the loss to UCF. No players arrested, very good recruiting class, improvement in the weight room, the players are buying into the new vision this year. I am as well as others,very excited about the upcoming year, does it mean we will win 10 games, maybe not but only time will tell. I think he is a great coach & sure don’t see other coaches knocking the door down to coach here. I know for a fact that most schools would give there left nut to have Coach Richt. So why can’t you so called fans support this coach & his players & see where the chips fall. GO DAWGS!!!!
QVille
July 21st, 2011
11:50 am
Christian hater? What? No way. Coach Richt sees something in Murray besides winning big games, because Murray has never won a single big game (0-6 against winning teams, 0-5 against ranked teams, Florida, South Carolina, National Champion Auburn, Bowl game, etc.). My guess is Richt’s impressed with either Murray’s performance in non-important games like Lafayette, or impressed with Murray’s similarity in values, and since Coach Richt’s an outspoken Christian, I would assume he’d be most comfortable among a QB who’s an outspoken Christian like Murray, in other words, someone a lot like Coach Richt in values. It really doesn’t make much sense otherwise, because 0-6 against winning teams, 0-5 against ranked teams, would get you on the bench on most teams, or in the middle of a major QB competition. Not so with Coach Richt. Something, besides winning big games, impresses Coach Richt about Murray. Maybe it’s Murray’s high school highlight video, Coach Richt’s also mentioned that.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 21st, 2011
5:40 pm
Doesn’t school start back pretty soon for high school and middle school students? The stupid blogs will be greatly reduced then I believe. Of course, if UGA gets a few breaks here and there, most of the negativity will not even be seen on the weekends either.
I say, let the games begin.
Slick
July 21st, 2011
9:06 pm
Hutson Mason is not in the conversation. 40% completion vs. Lafayette? 37% against Idaho State? He needs to be up around 70% completion to show the coaches what he can do better than Murray, and complete some bombs. If he can do that, he’ll get a shot. He has to sieze every opportunity. Mason started big wiht that td pass on his 1st pass ever, then basically faded out.
Lemay? Kid showed me something on G-Day with the go ahead drive in the last 2 minutes. He is so poised, nothing rattles him. I do think he’ll be rotated in some this season. It will be fun to watch how he does. He could give heavy rotation if Murray falters, and it could be like Brady getitng his chance.
Murray? He has to do something to earn leadership, Richt bequethed Murray the title, but Murray hasn’t earned it on the field yet. Murray needs to win some games against some big teams or his career is likely gonna be a short one at Georgia and he’ll then become yet another wash out story. Hope not. But it’s time for Murray to stop FAKING LEADERSHIP and BEAT A WINNING TEAM.
Slick
July 21st, 2011
9:10 pm
No offense intended, but right now, I think Murray’s at level 1 on the 5 levels of ledership. Maybe level 2.
But until he beats some winning teams, his leadership has topped out at a 2.
http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/2010/10/03/the-five-levels-of-leadership-now-a-book/
Urban Meyer
July 21st, 2011
10:23 pm
Gruff,Plant, Lunchpail,Qville, Slick….. Here is a book suggestion that you’ll find an easy read.
http://www.amazon.com/Football-Dummies-Howie-Long/dp/0764550543
RedandBlackDAWG
July 22nd, 2011
7:30 am
If CMR pulls off a fairly good season, with all that has happened to the team this off season, he deserves to lead the next team on the field so we can see how the dream team has really shaped up. I think 8 wins is realistic and possibly 9, but I am not too sure about the SEC East championship. If he beats UF and finishes with a decent amount of wins, UGA fans can really look forward to next year. This year, can be a success also, I just don’t see the SEC championship for 2011, and I would be nicely surprised if the SEC East is won by UGA.
It is time to be realistic and forget about last year, or even good years in UGA history. None of us knows how a bunch of these young men will play this year, and we will not for about another 6 weeks. I want to see them play with heart, dedication to the team, and go all out in every game. If the coaching staff can keep them motivated and looking forward to each week, He will have done his job as well.
CDawg
July 22nd, 2011
9:50 am
If you really want to throw 30 td’s, just throw 25 td’s against unranked teams and you can get there. Looks like Murray has alreadfy figured this out since only 5 of his scores last year were against top 25 teams.
I’d rather the kid focus on getting more W’s. Means running the ball more.
...
July 25th, 2011
2:00 pm
I’m getting real tired of listening to and reading about everyone questioning whether or not CMR is what’s best for the football program after having one bad season. I think 1953Dawg referenfed Coach Vince Dooley’s record at some point above, and he was one of college football’s greatest coaches. In 25 years, Dooley went 201-77-10 and had a bowl record of 8-10-2. Dooley was with Georgia for 16 years with his fare share of subpar seasons before winning the national championship in 1980. Richt already has a bowl record of 7-3 and a W-L % of .738, which is higher than Vince Dooley’s was. I know everone wants to win, and I would love nothing more than to see the dogs win it all, but leave Richt the F— alone! If he starts having losing seasons every year then gripe, but as long as he consistently has winning seasons and goes to bowl games, shut up.
lemay rules!
July 26th, 2011
12:10 am
lemay will be the starting QB after the south carolina game—mark it down!