Mixed signals from Athens oddly reassuring
Mark Richt and his quarterback, seen here on the first day of camp, didn't seem to be on the same page about this week's scrimmage. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
There’s been an interesting contrast in statements coming out of preseason practice in Athens this week.
On the one hand you get the usual player happy talk, which we’ve had all summer (like usual). That relentlessly positive spin from players about this year’s team and how much better it is than last year’s team generally is good for getting the Bulldog Nation revved up but has proved in past seasons to be not a very good indicator of how things actually are going to go.
Sure, I always hope they’re right when they’re gushing about the up-and-coming talent, but they do tend to go a bit overboard.
Take this week, for instance. While the coaches are trying to keep the tone very even when it comes to the tailbacks, particularly Todd Gurley, star of the first two scrimmages, the players aren’t holding back.
Shawn Williams, in particular, was effusive on the subject of Gurley: “When I’m standing on the sideline and watching, all I can say is, ‘Wow!’ I don’t want to say too much, but when I saw that [No.] 3 running down through there today, I was like, ‘that’s going to be a Trent Richardson right there.’ That’s what I can say. Big and fast, that’s all I can see.”
And Chris Conley chimed in: “I’m seeing a lot of great things out of Todd. … It gets me very excited whenever you see a running back who can create plays like that when there’s really nothing there.”
Head coach Mark Richt tried to keep things in perspective. “Well, he had one big run,” Richt said. “I forget the situation but the one that broke out I think was a short-yardage run. A lot of times that happens. . . . But, yes, he’s done well and I’m impressed with him. I was impressed with the running backs today. They all ran well.”
But that was one of the few semi-positive things Richt had to say after this week’s scrimmage. Mostly he was complaining about mistakes and lack of effort, particularly singling out the quarterbacks for an excessive number of turnovers.
“I saw a lot of bad things,” Richt said. “I saw three bad interceptions, just bad throws. Every time a quarterback got touched, they fumbled the ball.”
I thought for a moment there that maybe Richt had been possessed by Steve Spurrier.
Richt also wasn’t pleased that “our No. 2 offense drove the field on our No. 1 defense and scored. Brandon Harton broke a tackle in the backfield for a first down that got them going. The No. 1 offense started out great, but after the No. 2 offense scored it must’ve inspired the No. 2 defense because they stoned the No. 1 offense on the next three drives and during a one-minute drive. The No. 1 defense got scored on on the goal line, and I didn’t like that. The No. 1 offense scored on one of two tries from the 2-yard line and the 1-yard line, which is not too impressive.”
On the other hand, Aaron Murray said he “thought we had a great day offensively. We scored, I think, 50 percent of the time. We scored six touchdowns. I think we took a step forward. Were we perfect? No, but we have 16 days to continue working and continue working better. And I think if we continue on this pace, we’ll be good.”
And Mike Bobo, after watching video of the scrimmage, said he thought Murray played pretty well. “The one interception he had was a protection blow down,” Bobo said Thursday. “He had to run up in the pocket and the defense made a great play. I think he was 9-for-13 for 69 percent and the one interception was really not his fault. So I thought he had an outstanding scrimmage.”
As for the fumble Murray had, Bobo said: “We’ve got to protect the ball at all times, but that was more of a situation where he said, ‘Well, OK, I’m sacked’ and just kind of sat there and somebody ran in and knocked the ball out.”
Maybe there was an element of good cop/bad cop there with Bobo providing the counterpoint to Richt’s grousing, but frankly I’d rather have the offensive coordinator coming off as demanding as his boss rather than making excuses for turnovers. Especially considering turnovers by Murray were a key factor in at least two of Georgia’s losses last year.
Now, having the head coach and his quarterback and playcaller not on the same page might concern some fans. But I find Richt’s peevish tone oddly reassuring. The knock in many quarters on Georgia’s head coach has been that after his second SEC championship he got a bit complacent, and as a result the program lost its edge. I’d much rather have Richt demanding more of his players, particularly his starting quarterback, than making nice all the time.
I liked it that Richt even got a bit sarcastic in summing up the scrimmage. “I thought we looked like a pretty good team,” he said. “But pretty good is about 8-4, maybe 9-3 if you’re lucky. We’d like to be better than 8-4, but that’s about how we played today. It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t great. Did we have great effort on every play? No. Was every guy busting his tail on every play? No. Was there great effort on some of the plays? Yes. I didn’t see a team that was ready to be great. I saw a team that was still pretty good, and I’m not that thrilled about it.”
In general, there’s been a noticeable edge to Richt this preseason. There was even some bite in his address to the Rotary Club in Athens this week, as reported in the Athens Banner-Herald. Asked if some games mean more to him than others, Richt noted, “Over the years, it has become more personal. I was at FSU for 15 years and … I wasn’t mad at anybody. We were winning. Now that I’ve been in this league for 11 seasons of football, it gets personal.”
Maybe it’s something another team’s coaches did or said. Or perhaps Richt’s time on the hot seat made him less inclined to turn the other cheek.
Either way, I’m hoping Richt stays in this we-can-do-better mode throughout the season. The team needs it.
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167 comments Add your comment
Doggie in NC
August 17th, 2012
4:39 pm
Anyone remember the rants about how KM looked great in practice, but he got red-shirted? Not going to happen with Gurleymon. He is going to make some team’s look around for their jocks. The man-boy will be playing – not redshirting! The off. line is inexperienced, but leaner and quicker. Big enought to block that second/sencond and a 1/2 needed for a back to break through the line, and fast enough to get outside to block the linebackers on end-around runs. The running game is going to open up the passing game for Murray, leading to a lot of wide open receivers running down the field. You will also see more screens this year.
The defense – they are going to be kicking some ARSES!. GO DOGGIES!
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
4:46 pm
Doggie in NC -
Very insightful comments. Too bad the Barnum & Bailey act in Athens only has three rings, but it is nice to daydream.
Joey
August 17th, 2012
5:01 pm
Worse, Gurley will get maximum, 8 carries. Richt’s big ole heart will hurt if he doesn’t give Samuel and the other 4 TBs carries.
The box score will look something like this:
Gurley 8 carries for 69 yds
Marshall 8 carries for 55 yds
Malcome 6 carries for 34 yds
Samual 6 carries for 18 yds
Harton 5 carries for 15 yds
Anybody doubt this?
Doggie in NC
August 17th, 2012
5:07 pm
S GATOR – Your team has the ingredents to be a very good team – defense is on par with the DAWGS, great recruits, but you have GOT TO FIND a quarterback. Even though a lot of people slam Murray, he was the difference in last year’s game (and why you lost). I hope every DAWG/GATOR game goes down to wire – love the excitement. GO DOGGIES!
Doggie in NC
August 17th, 2012
5:08 pm
Joey – better jack those numbers up a bit for the first game – gonna be a blow out!
OkieDawg
August 17th, 2012
5:13 pm
Hey SSIgator…The only way to clear up the Swamp water is to get the pigs out of the swamp. Buffet Boy Weis was a good start, but Coach Judas needs to get out also. If not, Florida is going to suffer irreparable damage to the program. Foley was on a good run but he blew this hire. Mack Brown was on the Finebaum radio show today bad mouthing Muschamp for the Texas team’s performance in 2010. You need to concentrate on the Gators and let us worry about our program.
ARdawg
August 17th, 2012
5:14 pm
SSI, sorry old chap. It was before my time. In the 1950’s I’m sure. It was the basis of the premier movie “Quizshow” and the corruption of gameshows in the 50’s. I remember references to it when I was younger and also remember the cliche’ “Thats the $64, 000 question”
Old Dog Class of 80
August 17th, 2012
5:15 pm
“I saw a lot of bad things,” Richt said. “I saw three bad interceptions, just bad throws. Every time a quarterback got touched, they fumbled the ball.”
How many quarterbacks do we have? I only know of one quarterback that will be allowed to play (unless he gets injured).
If Murray hasn’t learned from last year, we might as well expect another 10-4 season.
GB's Hamburgers
August 17th, 2012
5:17 pm
So Richt’s got an edge. Every coach I every had, had ten times the edge he has. It means nothing unless it leads to a better conditioned team, a team that can play more than one half of football and a team that doesn’t lose games on special teams. What good is an edge when after the scripted plays are done, the other coach out schemes us for the rest of the game?
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
5:18 pm
OkieDawg -
“Florida is going to suffer irreparable damage to the program”
_______________________________________
Yeah, I know. After the Zooker, UF went out and hired a guy that coached the Gators to two NC’s while he was there. Pretty dumb, huh?
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
5:22 pm
ARdawg -
The answers are:
a) 1955
b) CBS
c) Revlon
The first winner on the program was some woman from NJ that won a brand new Cadillac since she did not make it to the top level.
ARdawg
August 17th, 2012
5:22 pm
Joey
I do understand but, just a little food for thought; we have to believe Murray is the QB because he is the best we have. We pay CMR to make that decision. Many things that come with being a fan is accepting most things at face value. I played some football back in my day and while it chapped everyones @zzche for a turnover, most of the time it was a failure on another part of the team that allowed it.
It’s early and the season is about to begin. We have nowhere at this stage to place blame. It’s the time of year you can load up on the faith and hope and start with the highest of expectations. Keep them as the season progresses with wins or let it chip away with losses. P1zzing moaning and complaining about past TOs is futile isn’t it?
OkieDawg
August 17th, 2012
5:22 pm
And that 2 time NC coach left the program in shambles.
JB
August 17th, 2012
5:27 pm
12-0 with any luck…..or 9-3 if this staff goes away from whats working in a particular game. We never know.
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
5:29 pm
OkieDawg -
I’ll bet the UGA cleaning staff has gone through a lot of dust rags keeping that NC trophy from 1980 clean.
OkieDawg
August 17th, 2012
5:31 pm
Good one SSI…Made me laugh…Thanks
Redcoat Trucker
August 17th, 2012
5:32 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzJ5V3UZ9YY
Redcoat Trucker
August 17th, 2012
5:33 pm
ANY UGA FANS GOING TO ANY GAME THIS FALL, PLEASE HELP THE REDCOATS BRING BACK THE TRADITION OF SINGING “HAIL TO GEORGIA” DURING PREGAME….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzJ5V3UZ9YY
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
5:43 pm
Wow, it just hit me that DawginLex has not posted here today. Does that mean she lost her library card or did they revoke her computer access?
Joey
August 17th, 2012
5:46 pm
JB, 12-0 could happen, with 3 “ifs.”
1) Punt and KO return teams are eons better than last season.
2) O-line run blocks and pass protects just a little better
3) Murray matures and protects the ball, and Richt / Bobo trusts him to not turn the ball over
You agree?
Joey
August 17th, 2012
5:47 pm
Punt and KO COVERAGE teams . . .. .
chazzo
August 17th, 2012
5:50 pm
Murray didn’t have a bunch of turnovers. He threw one pick in two scrimmages, a pick by the way that was reportedly a phenomenal Defensive play. Some guy slapped the ball out of his hands after he was touched and the play was dead, according to BoBo. He had some crucial turnovers last season. He was a sophomore. I don’t think the guy deserves the crap he’s getting on this thread, but think what you will.
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
5:51 pm
Joey -
Did it rain much over your way today? It has rained almost non-stop since 11:30 this morning here on the island. Guess I can turn off the sprinkler system.
ARdawg
August 17th, 2012
6:04 pm
chazzo
I for one, agree with you.
DawgNole
August 17th, 2012
7:27 pm
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
5:18 pm
Yeah, I know. After the Zooker, UF went out and hired a guy that coached the Gators to two NC’s while he was there. Pretty dumb, huh?
__________________
And then he turned around and dumped on you. I’d say that was pretty smart, huh?
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
August 17th, 2012
8:16 pm
Any more dawgs arrested today?
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
DawgNole -
Since (by your screen name) you either seem to have a personality disorder or simply can’t make up your mind which team you really want to support as your team, then it is hard to to respond to any of your posts seriously. Until then post on, whatever makes you happy. Don’t forget to kiss your Boobie Bowden doll goodnight.
Burma Shave
August 17th, 2012
8:43 pm
It’s almost time
For the season to start
Time to watch Richt’s goons
As they fall apart
BURMA SHAVE
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
August 17th, 2012
8:59 pm
We have a good Sparty buddy and he still can’t believe they beat UGA!
DawgNole
August 17th, 2012
9:12 pm
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
DawgNole -
Since (by your screen name) you either seem to have a personality disorder or simply can’t make up your mind which team you really want to support as your team, then it is hard to to respond to any of your posts seriously. Until then post on, whatever makes you happy. Don’t forget to kiss your Boobie Bowden doll goodnight.
_____________________
I didn’t ask for a response.
I support both teams.
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
9:27 pm
DawgNole -
“And then he turned around and dumped on you. I’d say that was pretty smart, huh?”
“I didn’t ask for a response.”
Sentences ending with a question mark are usually associated with a response to the question, but so be it. Enjoy your identity crisis.
DawgNole
August 17th, 2012
10:20 pm
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
9:27 pm
DawgNole -
“And then he turned around and dumped on you. I’d say that was pretty smart, huh?”
“I didn’t ask for a response.”
Sentences ending with a question mark are usually associated with a response to the question, but so be it. Enjoy your identity crisis.
_____________________
Yours ended with a question mark. Were you asking for a response? If so, you got one; if not, you got one anyway. I wasn’t asking for one.
No identity crisis here. I pull for both teams. You’re the only one who seems to have a problem with it.
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
10:59 pm
DawgNole -
“Yours ended with a question mark. Were you asking for a response?”
__________________________________
Yes, actually I was – and I got one from OakieDawg – to whom I directed the question towards. If you pay attention to the posts and the responses you will find that they are pretty self-explanatory. As I said, enjoy your dual personality. A certain famous former player for UGA from the early 80’s was diagnosed with six or seven different ones not too long ago, so I believe you will fit in fine and feel right at home. Enjoy.
Smarticus
August 17th, 2012
11:13 pm
Richt is a fraud, a fake. He’s playing these zombie UGA Richt worshippers like a fiddle. This idiot cannot coach a lick of football. He’s very good, however, with absconding with over $3M per year in unearned income…
Wake up, folks, you’re being chumped…
William
August 17th, 2012
11:22 pm
I’m one of the biggest Dawg fans there are but I’m not sold on this years team. New specialist that are freshmen. New linemen that have zero experience. We couldn’t run the ball last year what makes you think we can this year? I’d say 8-4 would be a good year. Anything better than that and Richt ought to be coach of the year. Too many question marks on this team. Go Dawgs, GATA.
7576DAWG
August 18th, 2012
12:33 am
There is definitely a difference in Richts tone this year. Sound like McGarity is in his ear. I think Richt and Bobo patronized Murray too much last year trying to keep his confidence up but this year they are being more critical when he does high school mistakes. Most of the time last year I could tell you about how many turnovers Murray was going to have in each game by the way he was playing in the first half of each game. I really think that if Murray starts turning the game over this year , Richt will bring Mason in and take his red shirt off unless LeMay is ready .
zbull
August 18th, 2012
1:03 am
Where have you been BILL ? Worst to first ! Better coaching, better recruiting Rated in the top 10 FIRST time in along time ! Oh I forgot your NOT A FAN of the DAWGS Your a jerk parading around trying to act like one !! Go away JERK LET THE BIG DAWG EAT
zbulldawg
August 18th, 2012
1:09 am
William Bill what’s the difference ? Your not Dawg fans All your doing is showing how little you know about UGA football ! Take the costumes off it’s not halloween yet ! JERKS LET ” THE BIG DAWG EAT “
Northern Sympathizer
August 18th, 2012
5:46 am
Don’t you ever get tired of harping on Bobo?
it aint gonna change
August 18th, 2012
7:26 am
BILL KING\SETH EMERSON: Yesterday, richt got a scowl on his face and was grumbling.
KOOLAIDE NATION: “See…see….richt is meaner…we are gonna be national champions”
SugarHillDawg
August 18th, 2012
8:15 am
Richt just knows that McGarity ain’t gonna put up with this mediocrity and if we don’t atleast win the east, he’s back on the hot seat.I personally LOVE it. Maybe Richt is FINALLY realizing the urgency of his position.
DawgNole
August 18th, 2012
8:17 am
SSIgator
August 17th, 2012
10:59 pm
DawgNole -
“Yours ended with a question mark. Were you asking for a response?”
__________________________________
Yes, actually I was – and I got one from OakieDawg – to whom I directed the question towards. If you pay attention to the posts and the responses you will find that they are pretty self-explanatory. As I said, enjoy your dual personality. A certain famous former player for UGA from the early 80’s was diagnosed with six or seven different ones not too long ago, so I believe you will fit in fine and feel right at home. Enjoy.
__________________
Figured you’d be back.
“. . . to whom I directed the questions towards.”
Nice writing there, gator.
Oh, I pay attention, and I saw what the response was: that your jerk coach–the one you were bragging on–left you in a lurch. Similar to my response.
Enjoy wringing your hands over how I can support two teams.
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
August 18th, 2012
8:21 am
Any more of the dawgs arrested today?
RealisticDawg
August 18th, 2012
8:36 am
SSIgator : Thank you for bringing some common sense and especially a sense of humor to this board. I think most dawg fans would love to trade for your program’s real NC’s over the 31 consecutive preseason National Championships that this program has had since 1980.
All Saints
August 18th, 2012
8:38 am
In tribute to our beloved martyred Saint Jan Kemp, let’s all bow our heads for a few moments of silent prayer. Thirty years ago, this courageous young lady risked everything to expose the corruption and academic fraud instigated by Vince Dooley, sleazy practices that continue to this day under Mark Richt.
And now, let us all pray for Saint Jan…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thank you, you may now resume your normal activities.
Just Sayin
August 18th, 2012
8:45 am
@all saints
You forgot to mention that Jan Kemp exposed almost every team in the country. “remedial studies” and preferential treatment of football players was not unique to UGa. In fact, GT, FL, SC, TN,LSU,Auburn, Bama, etc. All had similar programs. UGa was never punished or convicted of any violation of NCAA rules. It was a sad day in Athens, but a great day for college football because the rules and expectations changed with this fiasco. I guess if you want to look at it in a different light….UGa was a leader in academic reform for athletes.
Virginia dog
August 18th, 2012
8:53 am
Boys ,,, I’ll say it again. Murray does not value the ball, Too many turnovers and if it is happening in practice … my coach used to say you play like you practice.
Oh yeah!
August 18th, 2012
8:55 am
It’s preseason camp, I’m not going to get too excited or too down on anything at the moment. This is the time to iron out the mistakes.
Tide is Rolling and Nothing can stop it
August 18th, 2012
9:46 am
They could cancel their season and you morons would still be claiming a National Championship!
Bama Man
August 18th, 2012
10:02 am
I’m not a hater like Tide is Rolling, so good luck this season, dogs! We’ll likely play you in Atlanta this December. RTR.