UGA fan talk: Do Richt and Bobo lack a killer instinct?
Do Mark Richt and Mike Bobo play not to lose? (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
I’ll be off next week and away from the Blawg as we get my daughter settled in Athens — which is sure to get me even more primed for football season to begin!
In the meantime, let’s jump into some of this week’s Junkyard Mail. …
David Youngerman writes: Bill, I enjoy your blog and the attempts to stay grounded as a fellow diehard fan. With all the chatter around Top 5 question marks going into the season, I’m in agreement the OL, RB’s, and special teams are potential watch-outs (even though special teams is the only one that scares me). That said, my biggest concern going into the season isn’t one of those three topics and I’m worried my concern doesn’t get discussed more often. Recent years have shown a pattern (particularly from the offense) of not having the ability to close out a team when we have them down. I honestly believe this reflects Coach Richt and Bobo’s personalities as we repeatedly “play not to lose” once we get a nice lead (see Michigan State, Vandy, Miss. St. last year). Seems to me we used to close out games with sustained, time-killing drives and end up in the “victory” formation at the end more often before Bobo started calling the plays. We just seem to have a soft mindset towards really closing a team out.
The lack of a killer instinct has been a common complaint, really, throughout the Mark Richt era, not just since Mike Bobo started calling the offensive plays. (Although, once again, I have to say that Bobo’s maddening tendency in games to go away from whatever has been working offensively drives me up the wall.) But I don’t think it’s just a matter of the coaches trying to play it safe in their play calling (though that certainly appeared to be the case in the bowl game against Michigan State) or generally not keeping the pressure on offensively when they’re ahead (which we’ve also seen quite a few times). More than that, conditioning was a problem for the Dogs late in quite a few games in recent years, and although last season showed some improvement in that regard, the bowl game against the Spartans was an example where our defense looked gassed in the fourth quarter. Hopefully, the continued changes in the strength and conditioning program will help turn that around.
As for your reference to areas of concern, I tend to agree with you that special teams is the scariest, especially since Richt hasn’t taken any really concrete steps to revamp that portion of the game, aside from saying they’ll practice it more and more starters will play kick coverage. Like many fans, I wish he would name a special teams coach to focus more directly on that area, though I understand that NCAA coaching limitations complicate that.
Nick Saban supplements his coaching staff with "analysts." (Associated Press)
There apparently are ways to get around those limitations, however, as Nick Saban is showing at Alabama. Al.com recently reported Saban’s staff now includes nine “analysts,” up from six last season and three the year before that. Five of the “analysts” work with the offense, three “analysts” work with the defense, and John Wozniak, most recently the running backs coach and co-special teams coordinator at UAB, is Alabama’s new special teams “analyst.” If he can’t free up a coaching position to handle special teams, maybe Richt needs to follow the Saban model and add a special teams “analyst” to his staff.
Andy M. Johnson writes: As a Dawg Fan, I worry about our recent years of “slow starts” and wonder what coaching strategy has been implemented to rectify this ongoing issue…
I don’t know what changes might have been instituted, but I just hope the Georgia coaching staff avoids doing whatever they did in getting the team ready for last year’s season-opener against Boise State! That was as poorly prepared a Georgia team as I’ve seen in a while, which made the improvement (at least, in terms of the offense) from that game to the game against South Carolina all the more remarkable.
Along those lines, Steve Upshaw writes: I have absolutely no confidence that Mark Richt will have the Dogs prepared when they go to Columbia, MO. We already have our tickets, as we do for most road games with the Dogs. For 30 years, we’ve traveled with and supported the team, but this organization is on a very long, slow and steady slide. The facts clearly bear this out. I remember standing in the stands at the Superdome the night we beat Hawaii and quietly thinking how lucky and blessed we are to have Richt as our head coach. I have stood by, supported and defended Richt as long as I can. So I’ll state this before even the first game of the season: It is absolutely time for a change in Athens. Of course, we could be satisfied with our 10-win seasons and a Jan 1st bowl game, but that’s all we’ll accomplish with the current regime. I’m in the high-end medical hardware business. My travels take me to every corner of the nation. Outside the SEC region, UGA is never mentioned as a power team and one to be feared, as are Alabama, LSU and even Florida. We have become Tennessee. Like Alabama a few years back, it looks like we will spend the next few years lost in the wilderness looking for a way out.
I’m glad to hear your pessimism hasn’t prompted you to give up supporting the program, even if you’ve given up on Richt. That kind of school loyalty is what makes the Bulldog Nation a great fan base. I haven’t yet given up on Richt, but I know you’re not alone in your view. As for what folks in other regions think, that’s pretty much a function of who’s taken home the crystal football. That’s the millstone hanging around Richt’s neck.
Aaron Murray might surprise some Georgia fans this season. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Glenn Goldstein writes: Bill, It’s fairly easy to point out Georgia’s expected strengths — defense, QB, receivers — and potential weaknesses and questions—OL, tailback, special teams — going into the season, but where do you think the unexpected surprises will come from?
On the positive side, I think the receiving corps might surprise a lot of folks this season, and I believe Aaron Murray may surprise the many naysayers about him in fan forums. Daniel Jeremiah, who covered this summer’s Manning Passing Academy for NFL.com, was impressed by Murray and said he was surprised at how powerfully Murray threw the deep ball. “Murray had as much range as any quarterback at the camp,” he said.
On the negative side, I’m tempted to say we’ll probably have some suspensions crop up during the season, but I’m not sure that would really qualify as a surprise any more.
Bill C. writes: I think Richt is doing a really good job coaching UGA in a highly competitive league. Why can we not get over the hump though? I can think of lots of reasons: inconsistent at best special teams, really bad luck (i.e. losing Shockley before UF), we play in the toughest league ever, etc. But those aren’t the reasons why we haven’t won it all. We haven’t won it all because, unlike his peers, Richt does not value winning above all else. Urban Meyer almost killed himself winning his championships, Nick Saban would kill anyone within 200 miles of Tuscaloosa if he thought they might negatively affect his team, Gene Chizik and Auburn bought their championship, Les Miles isn’t smart enough to care about anything but winning, and it’s no mystery how Steve Spurrier feels about winning. Richt runs an ethical and clean program. I respect where winning ranks in Richt’s overall values: I am guessing 4th, behind his religion, family, and the overall well-being of his players. However, if we’re going to win it all, that value ranking has to change. Winning needs to move to number 2 behind player health for 3 1/2 hours 14 times a year. I’m not talking about partying in the end zone, I’m talking about players never letting up or losing to someone who wants it more. I hope Richt finds that killer instinct somewhere inside of him and finally brings a team above and beyond its potential. Thoughts?
I’m not sure I agree that you have to be ruthless and obsessed to win a national championship, though I’m sure it might simplify the process. A bit of fire in the belly certainly doesn’t preclude having high standards and sticking to them. And despite his laid-back demeanor, I think Richt is probably every bit as competitive inside as the coaches you named. What will it take for Georgia to win a national title? A Heisman-winning player usually helps a lot in that regard. Plus a dominating defense. I don’t know whether Georgia has that kind of game-changing player on the roster right now, but I think the Dawgs are on the right track defensively. A bit of luck usually comes in handy, too. Maybe that’s why so many Georgia fans get so frustrated with Richt: the program isn’t that far away from rejoining the elite.
Do you have something you want to discuss concerning the upcoming football season or UGA athletics in general? Got a question you want the Junkyard Blawg to tackle? If so, send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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330 comments Add your comment
Bad Dawg
August 5th, 2012
10:04 am
Plus1 and RedHatter, Are you trying to prove that Richt is a better head coach or equal to Bear Bryant? Because if you are then bless your precious souls.
FLA DAWG
August 5th, 2012
10:07 am
In The SEC No Killer Instinct = No SECC Title.
We backed into the SEC East Title and were slaughtered in the conference title game.
We’ve had more than enough talent to win multiple SECC’s (and perhaps more than that) but I believe Richt and Bobo will never get us to the Big Dance.
Poy
August 5th, 2012
10:09 am
Mark Richt has finished #2 and then #3, 2 top 3 finishes in his first 11 seasons, that’s better than Saban or Bear Bryant did in their first 11 seasons.
Sad Richards
August 5th, 2012
10:10 am
@ Poy…… Whoopeeee!
Sad Richards
August 5th, 2012
10:12 am
So tired of hearing about the labor pains with Richt. Im Ready for the Baby!
Will
August 5th, 2012
10:13 am
Bobby Bowden had 0 top 10 finishes in his first 11 seasons. Richt had 6.
Will
August 5th, 2012
10:17 am
Bowden spent the last page in his bio book, trying to defend his legacy and explain why Bowden only had 1 top 5 finish before Mark Richt joined his staff, and 14 while Richt was on his staff. After Richt left tin 2000, Bowden never finished in the top 5 again.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 5th, 2012
10:21 am
Lets see now does this Coaching staff have the fortitude to win
I can recall a meaningless bowl game against a team that played football in Division II up until a few years ago
Yea I recall how we were inside the 10 yard line with 4th and inches in this meaningless bowl game against UCF a Division II level program and our fine championship caliber coaching staff decides you know what we just arent good enough to go for it this team is too tough for Georgia to take a risk and go for it. We just will play it safe and kick the field
The answer is no this a staff wont get it done
FLA DAWG
August 5th, 2012
10:23 am
The difference between The Bear and Richt is Bryant improved while Richt has deteriorated. Someone above stated well by writing that the team play has just gotten worse and worse. The only improvement has been the D with the dismissal of Martinez and hiring of Grantham.
Our O Line was huge – bigger than any even in The NFL last season but couldn’t open a hole or hold for a pass rush. Our backfield was weak. Our special teams were pathetic. The D was not spectacular but they held their own until they were gassed from being on the field too long. We never seem to control the game anymore.
I was amazed Richt and Bobo received extensions by McGarity. A 10 win streak against patsies sandwiched between double losses to good teams is not a good record.
Sad Richards
August 5th, 2012
10:25 am
Amen Fla Dawg!
SEC-K
August 5th, 2012
10:33 am
5: best coaches in the SEC:
#1 / #2: Saban and Miles—way above everyone else.
#3: Spurrier
#4: Richt–good, not great
#5: chizik–good, but won the title only because of cam newton
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 5th, 2012
10:34 am
FLA DAWG
How could you spit in the kool-aid like that
FLA DAWG
August 5th, 2012
10:37 am
Flat,
For what it’s worth I’ve noted fewer and fewer Richt supporters over the past three years on this site. The few remaining ones will never see the reality of the situation.
I still don’t understand how Richt (and especially Bobo!) got a new contract. Was it for another five years?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 5th, 2012
10:45 am
FLA DAWG
Richt had 2 remaining on his current contract they added 3 more years to it so you can basically say its 5 yrs
I was slammed by the kool-aid drunks when I stated that he should not be signed to an extension since he had 2 more years but oh no; the response was if we dont sing him we will lose all those recruits
Richt has had recruits for years and what have we done with them
TJ
August 5th, 2012
10:59 am
The answer is yes.
tony
August 5th, 2012
11:03 am
FLA DAWG
August 5th, 2012
10:37 am
__________________________
I also don”t understand. It reminds me of the time when Arthur Blank extended Jim Mora Jr contract. I was livid! I hated Mora style of coaching. He allowed MV to do whatever he wanted to do. At least Arthur Blank was bold enough to get him out of Atlanta.
Beast from the East
August 5th, 2012
11:12 am
Killer instinct? Richt? Great man, great recruiter, good coach. It depends on what you’re looking for in a Head Coach. I don’t think he will ever win more than a conference title at UGA. I also think those are done with the improvement the rest of league has made (Bama, LSU, SC) and the addition of Mizzou and A&M.
There is no excuse for the longest tenured HC in the conference to be opening his 11th season 20 players under the scholarship limit. Did UGA go on probation and get hammered with reduced scholarships while we weren’t paying attention? You’ll find out how tough that reduced roster is after just a few key injuries. Want proof? Look at UF the last 2 years.
Fair n Balanced
August 5th, 2012
11:17 am
I didn’t even read the article but here is the answer to the question…yes they lack the killer instinct. The fact that they havent killed anybody proves it.
Joey
August 5th, 2012
11:29 am
The thing I ask the Richt-fan-boys, and never get answered is, when is the last time you saw Richt win a game as an underdog – or when did you last see Richt out-coach the guy on the other sideline?
A perfect illustration of Richt’s ability is the SECCG last season. I give Richt and Bobo a lot of credit for the game plan – two dropped passes cost us a 21-0 lead. The problem is when good DCs make adjustments – Richt has no answers for that. 3-and-out, over and over.
Richt came to Athens, and gave UGA respectability again, and for that I’m am grateful to him. But we have come full circle in terms of respect – the off-field problems, and little on-field success since ‘07 has a “Donnan-like” feel to the program again.
Our talent and schedule may save Richt again, but I think, true to form, he will lose a game or two to underdogs, and once again, we will be looking at 10 WINS! I hope for the best, but know what’s coming . . .
Icedawg
August 5th, 2012
11:39 am
Since the OL had difficulties run blocking the past few years the defense has had to be on the field an inordinate amount of time. You would be gassed in the fourth quarter, too. The Dawg offense has been able to score on the home run plays to stay in most games. But they have not been consistent in grinding out the time and scoring. You’ve got to have a productive running game to do that and you have to have a good run blocking OL to do that. That has been the biggest glaring weakness of recent Dawg teams.
angela
August 5th, 2012
11:49 am
after the scandal at penn state it is a blessing that we have richt
while he is not bear bryant his morals are more important
after all this maybe the best thing is to have someone like richt
and if we get lucky and find another herschel without paying his family
we can win a national championship
but at least we will never go thru what penn state did
is he the best coach available for money
probably saban is better but we should be gratefull for richt
you never know where the next scandal will come maybe some sec team but not ours
Joey
August 5th, 2012
12:08 pm
You be “gratefull” angela.
I’ll keep wishing for an innovative, smart, sideline coach for UGA. I’m pretty sure the NCAA is full of head coaches who don’t allow pedophiles in their locker rooms . . .
A sideline job where CMR is moonlighting as UGA coach
August 5th, 2012
12:22 pm
UGA grad here. Class of 71 & 73.
Richt is involved in his international ministries, like in Honduras. THAT is the man’s first love and his wife and family and close knit friends are all in.
COACHING UGA for him is a sideline. He monnlights at coaching. Usually a man has a golf game or running or camping or boating hobby to escape the pressures. For CMR COACHING FOOTBALL is that pressure reflief valve in issues of the soul and the heart …………..his first love is his missionary work. This is where Mark Richt’s passion is. Ask him.
It is what it is. I see 9-3 thing this year.
Go Dogs
Joey
August 5th, 2012
12:29 pm
Nice. I wish I had a $3M a year “sideline.”
And our last few games against ranked teams pretty much confirm that “moonlight” comment . . .
Preston
August 5th, 2012
12:47 pm
I’ve been saying it for years now. Richt does not have the killer instinct that it takes to compete for national championships. He’s a great man and a good coach but I’m afraid the humanitarian side of him will not allow him to get to the ultimate goal.
it aint gonna change
August 5th, 2012
12:49 pm
folks, a good friend of mine who is a long time FSU football fan said that Richt was the same way when he was OC at FSU. They would get a lead and he would start running up the middle. This guy said that the fans in the stands started a countdown to see how long it took Bobby Bowden to rip the headseat off of someones head, get on there and go “Dadgummit Mark, put your foot on the gas petal!!” Shortly thereafter, FSU would start opening it up again and throttling their opponents.
It aint gonna change….to add insult to injury, “sideline” is right on the money.
chazzo
August 5th, 2012
12:49 pm
Killer instinct? Intangible, immeasurable, unquantifiable….. Spare us the BS macho rhetoric.
Any sport is about consistent execution of principles and endurance (both mental and physical). Changes were made. We have seen improvements in those areas. It’s not about BS like killer instinct or swagger.
Stop speculating about personality traits of people that the vast majority of us have never even met and certainly do not know well enough to make these assumptions.
tide roll
August 5th, 2012
12:49 pm
In the article on your new center 6′1″ 280 lb. private school product Andrews, Chris Burnette is quoted as being impressed with Andrew’s reads and technique. Obviously Byrnette is familiar with such things, having been in the system for 3 years now. Therefore, doen’t it make sense to move Burnette, who is 2 inches taller , 50 lbs. heavier and 3 years more experienced to Center !? Then, simply move 6′4″ 330lb. Mark Beard to Right Guard. OH, I forgot, Beard can’t pick up the system. How convenient for Richt.Still playing the fan bases’s favorites. 32 years!
Joey
August 5th, 2012
12:54 pm
tide roll = a doofus for 32 years!
7576DAWG
August 5th, 2012
12:54 pm
Some Coordinator are meant to be Head coaches and some Head coaches should have stayed Coordinators. I think Bobo may be a very good Head Coach. He should start in Division 3 and work up. He is a very good recruiter . The only question would be does he have the ability to MANAGE his staff and that means to fire someone who is not getting their job done, EITHER COACHING OR RECRUITING.
That brings us to Coach Mark Richt. CMR had tremendous success at Florida State because he did not have to make the tough decisions. Bobby Bowden did. CMR is a very good recruiter and has a very good football mind which made him a great Coordinator but as a Head Coach that is only part of your job . With McGarity in his ear I think Richt has finally realized where his failures have been as Head Coach. Things will change at Georgia in the next 2 to 3 year one way or another if Mark Richt doesn’t prove he finally gets what it take to be a great Head Coach versus a great Coordinator.
bawbie
August 5th, 2012
1:32 pm
FIRE PERNO!
Sad Richards
August 5th, 2012
1:37 pm
@chazzo….. spare us for being a Richt appologist……
GATiger
August 5th, 2012
1:42 pm
Love the comment,”Miles isn’t smart enough to care about anything but winning.” Yeah, those degrees from Michigan just don’t measure up against those from Miami, Kent State or UF. Just keep on underestimating ole Les, folks.
GATiger
August 5th, 2012
1:48 pm
“…he has beaten LSU 5 in a row…”
Uh, World Wide Dawg, would you care to enlighten me on which 5 games that span covers?
Mr. Hankey
August 5th, 2012
1:52 pm
Whether or not anything would a, should a, coulda, blah, blah, blah, Murray destroyed us time and time again with turnovers. Period. Unless you’ve forgotten SC, LSU, Mich. State, all winnable games. Look, the guy is good but I’d rather have less talent hold onto the friggin ball and screw the poooch 60 percent of the time when under pressure. Nuf said.
Pcola-dawg
August 5th, 2012
1:57 pm
Tide roll, We know what you think about the UGA program and fan base, no need to reiterate your thoughts, which is what you did in response to my post. I asked you to let us in on your pathology. What is it exactly that drives your obsession with a group of people that can’t hold a candle to you and your mighty tide? (By the way which is .500 against LSU, USC and UGA since Saban’s arrival). I will make it easy for you and provide you with a pick list. jealousy, bitterness, angry, sadness, depression. I can’t quite understand your complete obsession with the program and fan base and just looking for some insight.
Stephen A.Dogg: Tide Roll was Dawg Roo
August 5th, 2012
2:03 pm
Hey Joey, I think after reading the mainly logical anti-Richt and anti-Georgia rants of Tide Roll, it’s my perception Tide Roll was or still is a Georgia Bulldog fan who is tired of waiting over 30 years for a title at UGA. So he ran across the west Georgia border and leapt on the Saban-driven Alabama bandwagon. However, Tide Roll is still very bitter about being forced to leave his first love…….Georgia. That why the Bulldogs are always on Tide Roll’s mind. In respect of his continued Georgia concerns, I will refer to him as the Former Dawg aka Tide Roll. LOL!
Stephen A.Dogg: Let's be realistic not delusional UGA fans.
August 5th, 2012
2:07 pm
Tide Roll was Dawg Roll once upon a time.
Pcola-dawg
August 5th, 2012
2:37 pm
Stephen, You may be on to something but I would like to hear it from old tide roll just exactly what is behind his obsession with the dawg nation and all things Georgia
claytondawg
August 5th, 2012
2:57 pm
@ Kingdaddy…Enjoyed your comments from 10:03 AM. There are many more questions to be answered, but my contention is this: “Fire in the eyes and the belly” begins at the top, the Head Coach. It’s nice to see Grantham’s fire in his defense. You can NOT see it in the offense because Bobo not only lacks the fire, he lacks the intuitiveness. Back to you, Coach Richt!!! Go ‘Dogs!!!!
Chris
August 5th, 2012
3:01 pm
If anyone can’t see that Bobo and Richt lack a killer instinct, then where have you been the last 11 years???
It has been a trademark, and a very annoying trademark mind you, for Richt to take his foot off the pedal when he gets a lead. I would say that they need to correct this, but since Richt hasn’t done so in 11 years, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. Yes, we had some costly turnovers against Mich. St. but when Richt decided to play not to loose, the game was over. It has happened many times before under Richt and it’s just plain sickening.
There’s nothing else that needs to be said. It’s pretty freakin obvious!
claytondawg
August 5th, 2012
3:06 pm
Ok…one more thing about killer instinct: CROWELL had the perfect opportunity to have that killer instinct. Afterall, he had the weapon under his seat. That was bad, wasn’t it? But, it gave me a chuckle.
Statues R' Us
August 5th, 2012
3:16 pm
Special Teams deserve more attention from the highly paid coaching staff.
'94 UGA Alumni
August 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
I’m still not over the Mich St game. I still have nightmares about the 3rd and long run up the middle by Samuel with about 2 minutes left in the game. I also have nightmares about downing the ball on 2nd & 7 in the 1st OT. Those 2 calls are the epitome of ‘playing not to lose’ instead of ‘playing to win’. The coaches did not have enough ‘guts’ to make a call to win the game. I’m afraid that lack of a killer instinct will cost us a game or 2 this year also.
BC
August 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
Richt’s winning % is better than Saban, Miles or Spurrier. Richt’s also had 6 Nationally top 10 finishes in the AP Polls, all this in his first 11 years as a Head Coach, which is way beyond what the Bear Bryants and Nick Saban’s did in their first 11 years.
Bear Bryant went 1-9 his 10th season, where was Bear Bryant’s “killer instinct” in his 10th season? What a dumb question.
RedJr
August 5th, 2012
3:46 pm
Agree, listen, you got a Coach in Coach Richt, who is getting the job done, he’s putting teams out there 9 out of 11 times that are top 25 calibre, 6 out of 11 times are top 10 nationally. Keep on doing that, and eventually you’ll give yourself a chance.
Richt is more consistent at fielding top 10 teams than Bear Bryant or Nick Saban Saban were in their first 11 years.
All you need to know.
RedJr
August 5th, 2012
3:48 pm
I havn’t seen this much excitement about UGA football since 2008, people are pumped about UGA, Coach’s have us at #6 pre-season, SEC Media writers favor us again to win the East, if you don’t like it, find another team because Richt just signed an extension and will be here for 4 years minimum.
GEORGIA FOOTBALL
August 5th, 2012
4:14 pm
yes, yes, yes
Chris
August 5th, 2012
4:19 pm
RedJr and BC = “Idiots that don’t know jack s__t about football.” You are probably the same person that has your head stuck up Richt’s azz, because if you don’t think Richt has played “not to loose” when he has had the lead many times in the past, then you obvioulsy have not been watching Georgia. Who cares what the winning percentage is of Saban, Miles, Bryant, and Spurrier. That is irrelevant. Saban coached at Michigan State long before he came to the SEC, Bryant coahced at Kentucky, Spurrier coached at Duke, and who cares where Miles coached. It’s all irrelevant to this article. The fact remains that they all have won more national championships than Richt, they all have or had a killer instinct, and the coaches you mentioned that are still alive are better coaches than Richt has ever been. That is all you need to know.
It is amazing how little you know about football. Those that don’t know anything post a lot of useless numbers.
RedJr
August 5th, 2012
4:57 pm
Nick Saban must not have had the killer instinct at LSU where he went 5-3 in SEC play 3 years straight.
Guess you bloggers here would have all said that.
And you’d been wrong, because he won the Natl Champ the next year.
Come on fellas, learn the game and you’ll look smarter.