Can you call yourself a Florida Gators fan this week?
Dawgs fans find themselves pulling for turncoat Will Muschamp's team this week. (Associated Press)
So, I’m getting on the elevator at work yesterday and a colleague who attended that school in Gainesville, Fla., asks me, “Can you call yourself a Florida Gators fan this week?”
My reply: “No, I wouldn’t go that far. But would I prefer for Florida to beat South Carolina? Yeah.”
He said he thought I finessed that question pretty well.
Let’s be clear about this: It’s strictly self-interest that has UGA players, coaches and fans pulling for that hated team in blue and orange to continue its unlikely 2012 rebound under former Bulldog Will Muschamp this week. Another loss for Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks would pretty much eliminate them from contention to win the SEC East.
And that would put the Dogs’ destiny back under their own control: Win out in the rest of their conference games, including beating Florida, and Georgia would be back in the Dome.
Of course, that would make the annual tilt in Jacksonville even more of a huge game for the Dawgs this year than it usually is, and considering Georgia’s recent record in big games against Top 10 opponents, that doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence.
But back to this week. Rooting for an arch-rival like the Gators doesn’t come easily for most of us in red and black. Asked if he was pulling for Florida this Saturday, the Dogs’ Amarlo Herrera demurred, “Yeah, something like that.”
Aaron Murray was more emphatic in saying he’s “definitely” rooting for the Gators, but he is, after all, from the Sunshine State.
Still, as Murray said, “I think everyone gets a free pass this week who’s a Georgia fan. I’m not saying to deck out in Florida gear, but you can definitely be a little happier if they can come out with a victory Saturday.”
Actually, his head coach went a bit farther than most in Bulldog Nation are comfortable with on Monday night’s “Bulldog Hotline” call-in show.
“I’ve actually got a little bit of orange in my shirt today,” Mark Richt said. “I don’t have anything that has pure orange but I’ve got one has red and orange stripes. I wore it today in honor of the Florida Gators, but that’s it.”
“I can’t believe you just said that,” was host Scott Howard’s candid response.
Richt laughed. “I’m a Florida fan this weekend,” he said.
Well, I’m not. I’m a Georgia fan who hopes Florida beats South Carolina for no other reason than it’s good for Georgia.
But wear orange, even a little bit?
Never.
What about you?
GOOD TIME FOR A PEP RALLY
UGA is holding a pep rally at Legion Field in Athens at 8 p.m. Thursday for students, faculty and staff.
The football team and coach Richt will be on hand to greet fans and sign autographs and the athletic department promises the appearance of “a famous surprise guest.” Prizes and entertainment also will be provided.
Coming at midseason and after a dispiriting loss, I’d say this is a prime time to get the UGA community fired up behind the Dawgs again. I hope there’s a large turnout to send the team off to Lexington.
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219 comments Add your comment
Border dweller
October 17th, 2012
9:49 pm
I live in Georgia and work in Florida,so I’m well qualified to be a Gator Hater. If the Gators lined up to play Satan’s All-Stars, I’d go buy a pitchfork and root for Ol’ Scratch. About the only thing in College ball I detest more than UF is….Seve Spurrier. And we need this one for our cause, so (gulp) GO GATORS!!!
THWGT
October 17th, 2012
9:54 pm
I’m kind of at a loss for this one. Honestly, we have to rely on other teams to do the job OUR team couldn’t do???? We have to hope we can “back our way” into the Dome? THIS is the program we can be proud of?
Do I like it when my Dawgs win, absolutely. However, I would rather we get the win rather than another team getting us in there because we screwed the pooch when it was our turn….
Further, if this kind of slid continues what awaits this coaching staff and team in the Dome? I’ll tell you, a highly ranked, no BS, well coached, hard nosed team who WILL fight for a win – and no I wasn’t talking about Georgia!
Vampire Bill
October 17th, 2012
10:49 pm
No one would love to see the dawgs in the championship game more then me but I’d rather stay home then back into it like last year and take another dreadful 30 point loss.
Instead, I’d like to see the dawgs rebuild into a top tier team and win the right to play for glory straight up.
Is anyone else tired of seeing the dawgs get beat so soundly? Anyone else having a hard time putting the SC beating behind us and considering it to be just a loss like any other?
Gator Navy UF 78
October 17th, 2012
11:23 pm
It is good to know that Georgia fans still remember that Florida’s chief rival should always be Georgia. That was how I was raised and I know that is how Will was raised also. Memories of Jacksonville are ever dear yet I still cringe knowing that I sat in a near drunken state watching the worse play in history unfold before me. All true Georgia fans know what play I am talking about but I will give you a hint – I was a brand new Navy ensign watching the game about thirty-two years ago and it was a short pass and a 94 yard long run! The nice thing was that I also remember the aftermath – visiting with two beautiful Georgia girls in their motorhome for the after game party. Yep, I will always love our greatest party, er – game, in Jacksonville! Go Gators and may Georgia always lose to us!
Laughing at you
October 17th, 2012
11:38 pm
Just so you know, on the GSMB (Gator Sports Message Board), they have this blog link and they are laughing at you pathetic losers. How does it feel to know that you will never win the SEC outright, but will always need help from someone else’s failures? Losers!
7576DAWG
October 18th, 2012
12:02 am
Sanders and Ellington for South Carolina will miss the game or have no strength because they are battling the flu this week. Clowney and Lattimore will miss the game or be severely limited. Looks like Florida just may help us out.
If Florida does win I sure hope that Georgia give a better effort against Florida than they did against South Carolina. A lose is terrible but all can hold their head up if you have a game like L.S.U. and South Carolina . Having a game like Georgia and South Carolina is a totally different thing.
JRW7
October 18th, 2012
12:41 am
Go Gators, beat SC, go DAWGS!
ludawici
October 18th, 2012
2:35 am
i wouldn’t pull for fla if they were playing the taliban. fla can shove it.
Drub-a-Dub-Dub
October 18th, 2012
7:03 am
Florida Gators 37
Georgia Bulldogs 20
What a fine drubbing it will be!
TNGatorGirl
October 18th, 2012
8:51 am
And you guys think jawja is going to be Florida? hahahahahaha
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2012
9:03 am
Yea, I am sure that these folks in here are really going to NOT whine just as much, if Georgie were to lose by 1 point to UF with “effort”. paleeze.
ryan
October 18th, 2012
9:05 am
I wonder if the author of this article has an IQ over 70. Question for whoever wrote this nonsense.
A- Do you realize the best coach in the history of your program is an Auburn grad? I guess he’s a turncoat as well.
B- Why do you feel entitled that Muschamp owes you or anyone involved in your program anything?
If I didn’t know any better I would think this was written by an immature , petty child. Whining about the pretty girl saying no to go to the dance. Grow up King.
LakeDawg
October 18th, 2012
9:09 am
I don’t even care who wins the UF/USCe game. Its irrelevent.
AirForce1
October 18th, 2012
9:10 am
Hey Dawg fans, including myself…you wouldn’t ever have to pull or cheer for some other team, especially a hated rival if you took care of business and win! Boom! Really…two years in a row we have to pull for someone to win or lose to make it to the SECCG? Come On Man!
Just Great
October 18th, 2012
9:25 am
Enter your comments here
BMOC
October 18th, 2012
9:41 am
I cannot remember the last time I hoped Florida won a game.. And this week will be no different. This is why: If FLORIDA beats SCar, then beats GEORGIA, which we all know if very possible, then that would mean that FLORIDA will go to the SEC Championship game. If SCar beats FLORIDA, then they both have one loss, with SCar having to play ALABAMA would be their 2nd loss. OR SCar could beat ALABAMA.. (I think SCar has a better chance of bearing ALABAMA than FLORIDA). At any rate, I would rather see SCar go to the SEC Championship game than FLORIDA. And if SCar beat GEORGIA 35-7 in a game that wasn’t even that close, why in the world would a GEORGIA fan want to play ALABAMA in the SEC Championship game? Sorry…I’m a huge GEORGIA fan, but I’m tired of being embarrassed after big games. My take: If GEORGIA coaches want to get to the SEC Championship game, then win the big games is the correct path to doing that; Pulling for the FLORIDA GATORS.. Or any other team.. Is the wrong way.
Jax Dawg
October 18th, 2012
9:43 am
Hopefully Carolina loses but maybe the lizards players in a celebratory manner all get suspended after their win and all get suspended for Georgia Fla
PowerDawg
October 18th, 2012
9:47 am
I hope they beat the chicks from Columbia, but becoming a “fan” of the gators?
HELL NO.
REDNECK
October 18th, 2012
9:48 am
good morning every 1 lolz!
REDNECK
October 18th, 2012
9:50 am
YO WHO PLAYIN DIS WEEKEND ?
James
October 18th, 2012
9:52 am
i think ga -n- bama
Mike Bozo
October 18th, 2012
10:35 am
I’ve got a great idea…… Let our RB’s tote the rock more!
Swami SEZ
October 18th, 2012
10:39 am
Dawgs need not worry about Gators. Dawgs are gonna struggle with Kentucky…..
Red-N-Black
October 18th, 2012
10:43 am
NO, and never will be. If the DAWGS can’t get it done by beating the teams in the East straight up they dont’ deserve to make it to the SEC Championship game. I love the Dawgs with all my heart but I also believe you have to earn it not “hope” someone else takes care of business for you. I think UGA should worry more about winning a bowl game than SEC game, it’s been a couple of years since they tasted bowl victory. I’ll say it again I love’em but what’s right is right and the best team should play and from what I’ve seen this season the best team in the EAST doesn’t reside in Athens.
UGAorBust
October 18th, 2012
10:50 am
I hate Spurrier more than the Gators…Go Gators!
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2012
11:02 am
R and B, you do realize that UF beating SC would not hand us the East Lead, right. So your point is moot.
We would have to beat the top team and TAKE that lead. SC would be a non-factor at that point, same as TN, or any other div team that lost (multiple games) thier way out of contention.
There is not a football fan on the planet that doesn’t pull for this team or that, to set up scenerios for thier team.
Red-N-Black
October 18th, 2012
11:11 am
AltamahaDawg
Yes of course I realize that, but after that pitiful performance against the one coach I truly hate but I come from the old school and I respect your opinion but certainly don’t share it. Like I said I love the DAWGS and have since I was a little kid in the 70’s BEFORE HERSCHEL.
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2012
11:12 am
Appearantly, Georgia fans all of a sudden now believe that only undefeated team should ever be allowed to play in the SECCG.
Perhaps a small does of humility……..and not all this bruised ego chest thumping, might be in order.
Red-N-Black
October 18th, 2012
11:13 am
There is not a football fan on the planet that doesn’t pull for this team or that, to set up scenerios for thier team.
I’m the definition of FAN – I even have a UGA ROOM! But after last year’s SEC Champ game I would rather someone else from the East who could beat Bama or LSU show and actually win
Red-N-Black
October 18th, 2012
11:16 am
Appearantly, Georgia fans all of a sudden now believe that only undefeated team should ever be allowed to play in the SECCG.
Perhaps a small does of humility……..and not all this bruised ego chest thumping, might be in order.
Not the case at all, quite the contrary – If you cannot get up to atleast SHOW UP for a rival game and yes SC is a rival game now. You shouldn’t represent your division. I love the Dawgs but I don’t see the championship form on the D and the offense was taken out of the game by a better Defense than they would meet in Atlanta.
Red-N-Black
October 18th, 2012
11:18 am
Trust me I keep waiting for them to convince me they are for real! I would love nothing more than for that to happen, but you are what your record says you are and against ranked teams in the past 4 years we are pooh.
dirtyo11
October 18th, 2012
11:18 am
It’s hard for me to make a decision…who do I hate the most Fla or Spurrier. ‘m pulling foFla because UGA need them to beat S.C. then UGA will upset Fla & then win out the rest of their SEC games.
I think Fla, Ga or S.C. has the talent to beat Bama. The only problem with Ga is getting them motivated from the beginning till the end of a game against Bama. Richt & his staff is to blame for his players coming out dry or not finishing a game after havin a big lead like they did last yr against LSU
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2012
11:18 am
You don’t share my opinion that IF we can beat the top 5, undefeated University of Florida, Thus taking the lead in the division from them..that we rightfully deserve the chance to represent the East……because we didn’t beat Steve Spurrier’s team?
(and I guess they woulddeserve it having lost 2 or more games in the conference?)
I find that very difficult to believe.
1974gator
October 18th, 2012
11:30 am
It does my heart good to see you silly puppies whine and whimper about these sort of things. You hired a second string, clipboard carrying, University of Miami QB to be your HC…..live with it.
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2012
11:31 am
SO because SC beat us by such a large margin, but then lost 2 weeks in a row, THEY deserve to be there over a team that won more game. (and beat a team that beat them). That’s your honest opinion?
And Why would a 10-3 SC look so much more ready to beat (Alabama) if this is how it all turns out? The LOST to a LSU that they clearly should have beat.
AltamahaDawg
October 18th, 2012
11:31 am
10-2
Skokie Dog
October 18th, 2012
11:42 am
Altamaha: What could possibly lead you to imagine that this U.Ga. team, coached by this staff, COULD beat a top 5, undefeated University of Florida? I hope you’re a member of your local Optimists’ Club. Otherwise, you may have missed your calling in your community.
GATOR BOYY
October 18th, 2012
11:45 am
heyy GATORS
GATOR BOYY
October 18th, 2012
11:47 am
YO YALL HEARD FROM flat tire on i 95 ?
GATOR BOYY
October 18th, 2012
11:49 am
im the WATERBOYY @ EMANUEL COUNTY INSTITUTE
GATOR BOYY
October 18th, 2012
11:51 am
YO WHOS GOING 2 THE GA. (FLORDIA) GAME ???? ANY ONE!
JAWGA BOYY
October 18th, 2012
11:52 am
Enter your comments here
JAWGA BOYY
October 18th, 2012
11:56 am
ga is gonna stomp flordia in the FREAKIN DIRT BABY !! I WOULDNT SPIT ON A GATOR IF HE WAZ ON FIRE!!!!!!
GATOR BOYY
October 18th, 2012
11:59 am
jawga boyy,
LOOK I WOULDNT BET THAT YET BUDDY BOY
JAWGA BOYY
October 18th, 2012
12:04 pm
A NOW
I tell u wat meet me @ the ga vs flda game next weekend
DawginNY
October 18th, 2012
12:15 pm
I am sick of this conversation. The problem isn’t having to pull for a team that I hate. The problem is that we are consistently outcoached by other teams with relatively similar talent and better coaching. And what exacerbates the problem is that like Charlie Brown always believing that Lucy isn’t going to move the ball and make me look like a moron, I keep believing the same hype only to be let down.
It was Grantham who had me tricked this year. I thought one year with a decent defense made him a good coach. And I thought that we would return to the early 2000s and that we would compete with the best teams like we did when Van Gorder was here. Nope! Richt produces top 25 teams with top 5 talent. He can’t win big without a good DC. And we don’t have one.
Stuart Townsend
October 18th, 2012
12:37 pm
There is no way in hell I will ever root for or hope that the “Gaytors” win anything. I love the Dawgs but they have made their bed and will have to lay in it.
It will be a cold day in the hot place and Satan will be giving sleigh rides before I don anything Orange and Blue.
Go DAWGS!
14 Titles
October 18th, 2012
12:43 pm
It don’t matter who gets to the sec championship to play Alabama—it will be a beatdown by the Tide. That game will be like the last 3–blowout! RTR—Nick’s going for title #3 in 4 years, 15 titles for the Tide!!!!
dawgfacedboy
October 18th, 2012
12:49 pm
2 things I can say without a doubt.1) I will be rooting for Florida this weekend.2) No way in *$&% that Florida is the #2 team in America.
Hip hop Dawg
October 18th, 2012
1:09 pm
Um