Florida game bigger for Dogs’ SEC hopes than it is for Richt’s job status
Can Mark Richt survive a loss to Florida this year? (Associated Press)
In a season of “must-win” games, Georgia will make the trip to Jacksonville facing twin imperatives:
First, with South Carolina holding the tie-breaker over the Dogs in the SEC East, a loss to Florida might not finish off UGA’s chances of making it to the championship game in the Georgia Dome (the Gamecocks, after all, are missing Marcus Lattimore), but the odds surely would get a lot longer. Without a win over the Gators, Georgia would need South Carolina to lose at least twice more in the conference while the Dogs won over Auburn and Kentucky.
And secondly, if Mark Richt, who’s won only twice against Florida in his 10 previous seasons at Georgia, can’t get a victory against a first-year coach of a team that’s lost three in a row and is on thin ice when it comes to its quarterbacking corps, the heat under his seat is going to suddenly ramp back up to pretty near the level it was when the Dogs opened 0-2.
But is this really a must-win game for Richt to keep his job? I don’t think so. Sure, it’ll get awfully ugly in the Bulldog Nation if he loses again to the Gators, but if the Dogs then win out and finish 9-3, with a decent bowl likely in the offing, I doubt very much Greg McGarity and Michael Adams would be thinking coaching change at the end of the season.
Conversely, if Georgia collapses down the stretch and loses two or more games but somehow gets a win over hated rival Florida, it’s possible Richt still would survive to face another season of hot-seat speculation.
So, yes, Georgia-Florida is a very important game for both the Georgia team and its head coach.
But I don’t see it as a must win.
Agree or disagree? Feel free to share your views in the comments. Go Dogs!
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199 comments Add your comment
social circle dawg
October 25th, 2011
1:18 pm
Bill, What you fail to realize is if we lose to Florida and then win out and go 9-3 and still get invited to a decent bowl…we beat all the teams we should have and got beat by all the others. This has been the same story for the last 5 years for Dawg Nation. How long will the supporters of this program continue to accept this? This is a must win game for Mark Richt. He has not beaten a team that he should not have in a looong time. Was Auburn 2006 the last time we beat a team ranked higher than us? Just sayin’…….
piermontdawgny
October 25th, 2011
1:19 pm
THIS IS A MUST WIN….PERIOD!
Tom, Resident Georgia Fan
October 25th, 2011
1:23 pm
It’s a damn must win for me!!!
look at the record...
October 25th, 2011
1:39 pm
Richt vs. “hated rivals”
Tennessee 7-4 (prior 11 years I think 1-10) BIG improvement!
Auburn 6-4 (improvement as well, Tuberville had our number)
Tech 9-1 (need I say more…remember O’Leary beating us)
Florida 2-9 (terrible to say the least I admit, but he has got 2 of the 3 wins in this terrible streak…just sayin)
Overall record 101-36, .737 winning percentage, 2 SEC championships…
I’ll take these overall standings over anything the preceding 11 years produced.
Don’t buy into the insanity about Richt being on a hot seat. We would plummet to newfound obscurity when the players he recruited bolt, stop playing, and have to learn a new system. Get over it already…
Dicey
October 25th, 2011
2:00 pm
I don’t think Richt keep his job unless he finishes in the top 25 in the final polls.
Gonna be hard, because Richt don’t play no more ranked teams now. Lose 1 game, and he’s done.
cliff from waleska
October 25th, 2011
2:02 pm
Richt and Paterno have basically the same win pct (around 74%). Game has passed them both by. McGarrity needs to pull the trigger; fans of winning demand it. Fans of hugs and “happy birthday” over the phone antics will disagree with me.
Just win baby!
October 25th, 2011
2:06 pm
Just win the darn game. Quit making this game out to be bigger than it is Dawgs. Fundamentals. Execute. Play with poise. Be accountable.
Play like you’ve been there before. UGA leads series despite losing 18 of past 21. Watch the game Hoosiers before the game. The field is 100 yards long just like at Sanford Stadium. The ball is the same size. Get over the psycho part of the game.
Dicey
October 25th, 2011
2:08 pm
mR. mARKY mARK rICHT
GOES 0-2 VS. RANKED TEAMS
BEATS THE LOUSY TEAMS BY 14 POINTS OR LESS.
FIRE HIM NOW!
zbulldawg
October 25th, 2011
2:08 pm
Urban left for more reasons than he stated.With all the talent he had during his hey days,it was hard on recruiting.Look at the changes that he saw coming.Bama,LSU,S.C,even Dooley at Tenn.and of coarse UGA starting to sign underclassmen. Keeping more in state talent at home.Let’s not forget what Auburn did last year.Patrino speaks for itself. My point being Urban and Saban have raised the bar for the SEC.But also they will protect there win lost records. Zook left Urban a solid team,all he had to do is add some players that fit his offense.Same at Bama for Saban,I’m sure they looked at the foundation that was already there before they came on board.Now UGA has been restructuring in all phases.I beg the Bulldogs Fans to let things happen.Give Mark Richt his due for making the changes.Like Vince said there’s none better out there for UGA.Mark has the trust of the mothers and families.These coaches are working very VERY well recruiting together on both sides the ball.They are keeping our in state players home more.And this will continue ” THE BEST IS YET TO COME” Richt had them there before he’s young, college football is changing and he’s changing UGA to compete with the changes.We haven’t put a complete game together yet but I truly feel with the this off week they will iron out the special teams,Hopfully get Murray to relax and not have to think so much just go out and start a good flow.This defense is a Beast and growing.We can score points on anybody.Yes this a big game,for the SEC east,for recruiting,to end the losing to FLA.BUT I SAY “THERE IS MORE PRESURE ON MUSHCHAMP THAN MARK RICHT” Mushchamp hired a coach that is hanging over his head more & more with every lost.LET”S slam the door on these gators. THE PICKING IS RIGHT.I’m glad he turned UGA down for THE “D” coach for us.It just adds to his pressure.He has shown he can lose his comprosure during big games.I don’t think Weiss is comforable in this HEAT.The DAWGS are focused they smell blood and they will taste it this weekend.They know everyone is saying we haven’t fared will with teams with winning records.But this team is different it has no memory.I SAY THIS TEAM WILL PLAY FOR A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. OH YEA BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZ GET A LIFE THIS IS FOOTBALL Recruiting is your problem not grades.You can’t get the great high school players just offering engineering! Not everyone is cut out to be one. BUT EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UGA Insider
October 25th, 2011
2:10 pm
It was recently reported that Chris Peterson received a new contract with Boise State. The school is also desperately trying to get into the Big East.
Translate- UGA is hot on his heels and can easily pay the $650,000 buyout on his contract. Boise is trying everything to keep him but they know it’s not going to work because UGA can offer up to $4,500,000/yr.
Dicey
October 25th, 2011
2:13 pm
i SAY GET AN OFFENSIVE GUY WHO CAN BEAT THE BIG BOYS,
OK ST, AUB OFF COOR, OR BOISE ST COACH.
WE NEED A WINNER.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 25th, 2011
2:13 pm
look at the record…
LOL
And Tennessee has been at the level they were in the 90’s this past decade? Nope
And GT Ray Goff lost to them once
Auburn has always been a coin flip for any of our coaches
FLORIDA the record speaks for itself
And you throw up the 101 wins wow who cares
Here is what matters
Richt is 29-26 against top 25 teams thats barely a 500 record
and he hasnt beaten a top 25 team in 2 yrs
Richt is 8-11 against top 10 teams
Richt’s SEC championship appearances have been not because he beat FL head to head, nope he had to hope FL lost out to get in just like we are doing this year with SC.
He has never won the east outright like FL has
Under the RIcht era; he has put more players in the NFL than any other SEC school the last 10 yrs and has had better Recruiting than anyone in the SEC the last 10 years
And those are the results
No its time for you to come to reality and realize that this is not acceptable at programs like AL or FL
stoned pony
October 25th, 2011
2:14 pm
@ look at the record…
Don’t buy into the insanity about Richt being on a hot seat. We would plummet to newfound obscurity when the players he recruited bolt, stop playing, and have to learn a new system. Get over it already…
guess Ohio State should have kept Cooper, Auburn should have kept Tubberville, USC should have kept Hackett, Bama kept Shula, LSU kept DiNardo, Tennessee kept Majors…maybe Georgia kept Donnan…Donnan would probably have won a NC by now…Richt NEVER WILL…
Nate the Great
October 25th, 2011
2:14 pm
This how it is for every UGA hc:
Wins against UF get you contract extensions.
Loses to GT get you fired
PS B King: really stupid question, if your goals are to win championships and be competitive then EVERY game is a must win!!
Thomas Brown
October 25th, 2011
2:15 pm
SEC hopes, hogwash.
Bigger for UGA’s SEC hopes than for Mark Richt – that’s not what anyone else has said Bill, sir.
Nate the Great
October 25th, 2011
2:16 pm
Sorry it losses noe loses. My bad grammar patrol:)
Dicey
October 25th, 2011
2:17 pm
WITH RICHT CURSING LIKE A JAILMAN THESE DAYS, HE CAN’T EVEN APPEAL TO HIS MORALS.
stoned pony
October 25th, 2011
2:18 pm
Peterson won’t work in the SEC; would be an extension of Richt’s catch me/kiss me style of football. Need a guy who’s philosophy is like that of Miles and Saban, ie power running game, sound, tough defense.
Nate the Great
October 25th, 2011
2:19 pm
@Stoned pony: You list doesn’t include anyone that won a conference championship. UT should have kept Fulmer? What about that one?
Nate the Great
October 25th, 2011
2:26 pm
So pony who is that coach? You say who it isn’t and who it’s like but don’t give a name. So give a reasonable name. No bill cowhers or belichecks but someone that might actually take the job
stoned pony
October 25th, 2011
2:26 pm
the list includes schools that replaced coaches who didn’t win National Championships for those who did. Tennessee did the right thing in removing Fulmer, the program was in decline (just like Georgia); Kiffen was not the right answer. Dooley will do fine.
Hammerdawg
October 25th, 2011
2:30 pm
FIRE BOBO! Get a real OC and this team will take off! If not we are doomed to mediocracy or worse !!!!!!!!!!!!!
War Dang Dawg
October 25th, 2011
2:31 pm
If this isn’t a must-win game for Richt to keep his job, then why the hell not? If he falls to 2-9 against Florida, a robust .182 winning percentage, then it’s clear the WLOCP is a hump Richt simply cannot get over.
Is an annual, almost conceded loss in the biggest conference game of the year acceptable to you? It’s not to me. And let’s face it, Florida’s Tebow-led championships in ‘06 and ‘08 have been an anomaly during the Richt era. Those two seasons aside, Florida hasn’t been that great since Spurrier left.
If Richt can’t get the job done, then for Gawd’s sake let’s fine someone who can at least beat UF half the time. No one in the SEC West seems to have too much trouble with them.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 25th, 2011
2:34 pm
Nate the Great
Do a little research
When Fulmer lost David Cutcliff both times Tennessee went immediately in decline
Fulmer should be thankful he had Cutcliff as his OC
Like Richt should be thankful he had VanGorder
look at the record...
October 25th, 2011
2:36 pm
You idiots need to get over it. Georgia was great from 1980-82 with Herschel and that great defense we all loved. He ain’t coming back, although he probably could still run for 1500 yards (seem him lately)!
Anyway, Georgia is not the premier SEC destination…it is ONE of many fine institutions, but not the big boy you Richt haters make it out to be. Overall, I know Alabama and Tennessee have better all-time records. And I know Alabama, LSU, Florida and Auburn have been much better recently. Like I said, we’re doing about as well as should be expected this year…give or take one game vs. South Carolina.
Give the man a break…he’s number 3 all-time at UGA in wins!!
Go Dawgs!
stoned pony
October 25th, 2011
2:36 pm
there are some guys out there who fit the bill; sadly, I think it will take a coach with a Big 10/midwest background…maybe Stoops is ready to get out of Oklahoma…Gruden would be great in the SEC, but that won’t happen…Al Golden will leave Miami soon, he would be a great hire…
gomdawg
October 25th, 2011
2:36 pm
Dicey, CMR did not curse
Charlotte Gator
October 25th, 2011
2:39 pm
Dawgs should win it this year. Florida has more talent but uncertainty at QB was a much bigger deal than it should have been against a bad Auburn team.
However, I said SHOULD win it. I actually think the Gators will win the game because no matter who plays quarterback, the Gators are due to show up for a game “in the zone” and beat the crap out of somebody to the degree that their talent suggests they should.
Which is really too bad, because I don’t see anybody in the SEC East beating the Gators during the 2012-2014 stretch. Driskel has Stafford’s arm, Tebow’s body, and Cam Newton’s speed.
Incidentally, it seems almost unavoidable the Kirby Smart will be your next head coach.
moleman
October 25th, 2011
2:43 pm
how ironic…uga would hire a guy named after a vacuum cleaner…they both suck!!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 25th, 2011
2:49 pm
look at the record…
Your an idiot
The state of Georgia has ranked 3rd in 4 and 5 star recruits for years
The state of Georgia Ranked 2nd last year in recruiting ahead of California
The state of Georgia has ranked as a top 5 recruiting state for over 20 years
UGA ranks 2nd in money
UGA consitantly ranks in the top 5 in merchandise sales
UGA has ranked in the top 5 in putting players in the NFL
UGA has ranked #1 in the SEC in putting more players in the NFL in the last 10 yrs
UGA has the facilities, the recruiting, the fanbase, and the money to compete for championships
The only problem is we have too many 10 win season loving, moronic, milk toast fans like you who demand only that our coaches beat Div II level GT
Please go pull for mediocre loving programs like Ole Miss, Miss St, Vandy or Ky they need more fans and money
Programs like FL, AL, Texas, Ohio ST, Mich, USC, Oklahoma and the list goes on will not put up with this
funny...
October 25th, 2011
2:50 pm
At least fire Bobo.
You know Ralph Friedgen will be available next year.
Dude lives on Lake Oconee.
That would be AWESOME.
funny...
October 25th, 2011
2:51 pm
flat tire ***you’re***
moleman
October 25th, 2011
2:55 pm
great post flat tire…the guy always tells it like it is and I for one appreciate that…thanks…
BrizDawg
October 25th, 2011
2:56 pm
I want to beat Florida bad, but the way the team has played thus far I think it’s likely we lose to both Florida and Auburn. We’re barely beating the teams we should beat, with the exception of USC who we lost to but should have beat. The football program should be running like a well-oiled machine, but it feels like we have a first year coach, a rebuilding year. So does Richt stay if the dogs finish 8-4 without a win over the reptiles? Wins over Coastal Carolina and New Mexico State shouldn’t count, so we’re really talking 6-4. I think the world of Richt as a person, but as a coach I think he has to beat Florida or we have to say thanks for the memories and begin a new era of UGA football.
Nashville Dawg
October 25th, 2011
2:57 pm
Just BEAT the HELL out of the Gaytors and we’re in the driver seat. SC will lose to UT, upset of the week.
funny...
October 25th, 2011
2:58 pm
Agree, I like Flat Tire.
Someone that agrees that the booster and alumni base are cool with the current program goal of “just beat Tech”. Well that’s great, but Tech is awful.
Spurrier realized that Florida needed to focus on UT and UGA and they would always have a shot at Atlanta. Georgia has yet to realize that the only games that matter (since 1991) are UT and UF.
That’s it. Beat Tennessee and Florida and you own the East.
Charlotte Gator
October 25th, 2011
2:59 pm
Have said this before but it bears repeating: UGA has been surrounded by top-caliber coaching upgrades at Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas and LSU during the span of Richt’s tenure. This has a direct bearing upon recruiting and team toughness.
Unless he’s a bad recruiter, Bobo’s offensive play calling is a non-factor in the big picture.
In addition to coaching hires at competing SEC schools, you may also be suffering from the same sort of kinder, gentler head coach syndrome that afflicted the Gators last year, during Meyer’s indecision. Richt’s family health issues may have soften his approach to the team.
JB
October 25th, 2011
3:12 pm
I would love to see just one time Richt and company devise, install and execute a game plan to exploit our foe’s weakness……rather than, we’re Georgia, this is what we do and good luck with it.
Shannon in Athens
October 25th, 2011
3:12 pm
MUST WIN.
PERIOD.
Nashville Dawg
October 25th, 2011
3:15 pm
Just BEAT the HELL out of the Gaytors and we’re in the driver seat. SC will lose to UT, upset of the week.
JB
October 25th, 2011
3:21 pm
Florida talks about our unrealistic expectations. Word I’m getting out of my Florida friend is that if they lose to us, that they feel they have hired the wrong guy. They base that on the cupboard was NOT bare and Muschamp has not done anything to have this team competitive with any of these key games. Well, i can’t believe I’m going to take up for a Gator, but he did leave it almost bare. No Qb. No SEC type RB’s. No really skilled SEC type WR’s. Average OL with little depth. It’s a spread roster. Now on D, you would think they would be better, especially hiring a DC. He’ll have this year, but fumbling around next year will not be pretty. They have had a 20 year run, and they think they belong in the hunt every year,
It is THE GAME of his 10.7 year UGA career
October 25th, 2011
3:37 pm
The first two ugly losses took their toll with any remaining capital with the alumni and with Dr. Adams and AD McGarity and the student body. The police matters have also tarnished his record BUT that at least, for now, seems to be down substantially calmed down.
Adams and mcGarity want UGA to always be in the hunt of the SEC East and about every 4 or 5 years win the SEC C. That means to always be right at the top in the SEC East. SC has now passed UGA by and UGLY losses to KY and to UT three and four years ago, have quieted those realistic desires.
UGA is not now or was ever a ALL ABOUT A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP school. Yes, we alumni do desire one more NC and more SEC East Cs and one more SEC C in the last 4 or 5 years. Frankly, we know that to win the East and to win the SEC C is to be in THE HUNT.
The last two years are behind us and so we are back to 2011 with Boise State and SC. Two ugly losses to start the 2011 season were horrific. With this recent history it is what it is ……………… CMR MUST DEFEAT Florida this year to continue as UGA HC. The $$$ alumni will be howling otherwise and McGarity and Adams do not want that ……………period. The school is divided ………….like with Jim Donnan.
This game IS THE GAME of CMR’s career. We should win with a stable coaching staff and players that supposedly know their positions. My issue is that UGA has never had the killer instinct on the field under CMR and this Saturday, likely will be no different. I feafr trick plays and UGA looking stupid on special teams.
Walsh is shaky at best this season and he could be the difference ……………….one way or other. Muarry? With this kid, who knows? He IS too emotional for UGA to win big ………….look at his big game record.
UGA class of 71 & 73
Nashville Dawg
October 25th, 2011
3:43 pm
Just BEAT the HELL out of the Gaytors.
J.T. Keene
October 25th, 2011
4:05 pm
well….guess this is why they play the game. lets all think of mcgarity. all those years of sitting on the winners side, and now ?
» Blog Archive » Florida game bigger for Dogs’ SEC hopes than it is for Richt’s job status – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
October 25th, 2011
4:10 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
harold
October 25th, 2011
4:13 pm
3-18 AGAINST THE GATORS IN THE LAST 21 GAMES IS AWFUL. RICHT HAS ONLY WON “2″ TIMES AGAINST FLORIDA. THEY DON’T HAVE A GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM THIS YEAR.
RICHT MUST BE IN THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME OR HE IS DONE!
winderdawg
October 25th, 2011
4:16 pm
CMR must win 3 of the next four.
If he loses to Florida and Auburn he might be in trouble, lose to Florida, Auburn & GT he is gone. I for one think he wins 3 0f 4 and maybe all four if he wins Saturday.
9-3 or 10-2 keeps him at the helm.
I just hope that Murray is spot on Saturday and no gimmick plays work for the gators.
If Murray brings it all four quarters with no mistakes and the defense plays solid and no gimmick play working – then UGA by 10-14 points.
I Say
October 25th, 2011
5:17 pm
Who’s King of the Dog House
http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-tennis/spec-rel/102411aab.html
61-39-5 vs Tech- 47-40-2 vs Florida
October 25th, 2011
5:56 pm
WE still own Tech and Florida
Supes
October 25th, 2011
6:00 pm
Of course it’s a MUST WIN, enough is enough. At some point we’ve gotta make this a competitive rivalry again…if not go on a “winning streak” of our own at least win the game every other year or something of that sort.
This mentality of well we can lose and still be OK in the EAST DIV. Race is a way to get beat.
Players and coaches should view it as a MUST WIN. It’s their own doing.