Can Richt again lift UGA the way Johnson has inspired Tech?
Here's the man who has changed football in this state. (Photo by Stephen Jensen)
Georgia has a problem. Actually, Georgia has several problems, but for today we’ll concern ourselves with one. His name is Paul Johnson. He coaches Georgia Tech. And he continues to prove just how much of a difference one determined man can make.
Tech was a notch above mediocrity when Johnson took over. Today it is 5-1 and underrated at No. 19. It is coming off its first-ever victory in Tallahassee on a night when the Jackets might have lost a dozen different times. But it won because Johnson has both a clever plan and a personality large enough to make large young men do his bidding. Which brings us to Mark Richt.
There was a time when Richt was the man with the plan. He arrived from Tallahassee and promised to Finish The Drill and proceeded, in Year 2, to Knock The Lid Off a long-frustrated program. His men began to believe in their coach — P-44-Haynes in Knoxville and 70X Takeoff that cold day at Auburn made believing easy — and soon Georgia was the rising power in the nation’s best conference.
Today Georgia rises no more. Today Georgia keeps tripping and falling. The Bulldogs are 9-6 over their past 15 games. They have lost to Florida by 39 points and now to Tennessee by 26, meaning the two worst losses in Richt’s nine seasons have come within a 49-week span. This is not a program getting better, or even holding its ground. This is a program in decline.
Georgia is 100th in the nation in scoring defense, 97th in total offense, 116th in penalties, 118th (of 120) in turnover margin. With those numbers, it’s lucky to be 3-3.
But now we check the recruiting rankings, as offered by Rivals.com. Georgia was third nationally in 2002, sixth in 2003 and 2004, 1oth in 2005, fourth in 2006, ninth in 2007, seventh in 2008, sixth in 2009. Yet the Bulldogs did not receive a single 25th-place vote in this week’s Associated Press poll. And now we must raise the issue Steve Spurrier hoisted on Nov. 11, 1991, in Jacksonville:
“Georgia gets all these recruits. I don’t know what happens to them.”
The loss in Knoxville on Saturday was the worst, perception-wise if not number-wise, of Richt’s career. It was, not to be unkind, a Ray Goff-like loss. Georgia lost to Tennessee by 26 points with the Vols in Year 1 under a coach of uncertain portfolio. His offense managed three points. His defense yielded 472 yards. Which brings us back to Tech.
Loading ...The Jackets yielded 44 points and 539 yards to Florida State on Saturday. Difference was, Tech won. Tech had the strength of will — a strength fueled by its coach — to keep fighting. Georgia got a bad call for excessive celebration against LSU and seized it as that week’s excuse. Tech and Johnson accept no excuses. You fumble the ball, you go get it back.
If you’re seeking a play that defines the growing gap between Tech and Georgia, it was Josh Nesbitt re-stealing the ball from Nigel Carr, who’d recovered a fourth-quarter fumble. The Tech quarterback — the Tech quarterback — made a great play from a terrible one. Georgia makes the occasional play because of its talent, but talent alone has ceased to be sufficient.
Paul Johnson rolled in and refused to settle for so-so. At issue now is whether Mark Richt, who elevated Georgia to the pinnacle of the SEC, will stand and watch his program deteriorate. He needs better coaches around him. He needs to connect with the Bulldogs in 2009 the way he did the Bulldogs of 2002. He needs to do something this minute because he’s the guy with the TV show and the Ford truck ads and the $2.8 million salary.
Georgia fans aren’t oblivious. They see the difference being made by one forceful man at the North Avenue Trade School. What they need now is to see their coach again make that sort of difference. That’s assuming their coach still can.
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927 comments Add your comment
davidbaker
October 11th, 2009
8:20 pm
foist?
davidbaker
October 11th, 2009
8:20 pm
buzzzzzzz………..
RAMBLE ON!!!
October 11th, 2009
8:21 pm
Haha, Nope.
YEP
October 11th, 2009
8:23 pm
2nd…!
YEP
October 11th, 2009
8:23 pm
k, 4th!
WHY DO MUTTS BARK? CAUSE BEES STING
October 11th, 2009
8:23 pm
1ST IF YOU LIKE A PREACHER THEN GO TO CHURCH COACH RICHT,CAUSE HE COACHES LIKE A PASTOR,PRAYING FOR A WIN,INSTEAD OF COACHING HIS TEAM UP! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ST MARK RICHT!
defactodawg
October 11th, 2009
8:24 pm
First…The true measure of Coach Richt will come in the off-season. If he makes the changes that must be made, he may well hang around for a while. If not, 2010 will likely be his swan song in Athens. It seems 2007 was a fluke because we’ve struggled for 3+ seasons. It’s time for serious changes with cream of the crop coaches being hired or we’re doomed to more of the Goff-Donnan type years.
YEP
October 11th, 2009
8:24 pm
and 5th!
Chris
October 11th, 2009
8:24 pm
If Richt doesn’t make changes after this year, 2010 will be his last year coaching the Georgia Bulldogs. It is as simple as that.
I hope you are listening Mark Richt because you failed to do so last year, and look at us now.
N-TROUBLE
October 11th, 2009
8:25 pm
As a long time UGA fan we look pathetic and I am embarressd. This has to stop excuse me this will stop with or with out CMR. He has this year with no worries – if it continues next year then Houston he has a problem and will be the richest man in the unemployment line.
blazerdawg
October 11th, 2009
8:25 pm
CMR can fix the problem, but will he? Kirby…
Cosmosdawg
October 11th, 2009
8:27 pm
The talent is there but the dawgs got out coached vs Tenn. A bad game for Bobo. Mark, what’s happened to the offensive line? The same personnel as last year but totally different results. Defense made the worst qb in the conference look like he’s All SEC.
RAMBLE ON!!!
October 11th, 2009
8:27 pm
Chan Gailey’s available.
Jersey Jacket
October 11th, 2009
8:28 pm
Why is this on the Tech page?
Stuckey's Asst Mgr Dawg
October 11th, 2009
8:28 pm
But Paul Johnson is just so mean and loud and yells and stuff. That’s not very nice.
Brandon from Warner Robins
October 11th, 2009
8:29 pm
Terrible comparison, Mark. Get a good night’s sleep and rethink this… lol kidding.
Ginger
October 11th, 2009
8:30 pm
We can do better…CMR can do better. It remains to be seen if CMR makes the right moves. I hope he does. Some thioughts on how we can get better.
1 Develop character as team….Team Captains need to call a players’ only meeting and lay down the law…Demand excellence in all phases and play hard every down…Players hold themselves accountable…The team leaders should be the hardest working players….Get to practice early and stay late…Meeting together without coaches if need be with practice rules–limited hrs….Team Captains need to set a tone and a standard.
2. CMR needs to demand excellence from players and coaches & not accept anything less…Don’t be satisfied…Look for ways to do better.
3. Consult with bright football defensive people…Fresh eyes to look at the defensive problems and help CWM out….don’t think CMR would demote CWM in midseason….Be we can get some solid football folks to come to Athens and consult….Defense has to improve now or we are going to lose a lot more games and lose a lot more recruits…Lane Kiffin wants state of Ga. players bad.
4. CMR take over play calling duties and coach more on offensive…Let’s face it CMB needs help.
very bad offensive showing Sat…..we have to find ways to run the ball.
5. Strongly consider rotating QB’s in game…J. Cox made some really terrible–no excuse plays
We need to find a QB to step up to the plate and not make mistake after mistake….Hopefully, by getting some other QB s in game—1 will really step up and shine.
The biggest thing is demand excellence.
Mark Bradley
October 11th, 2009
8:31 pm
I am going to get a night’s sleep. Some night.
Stewed Tomatoes
October 11th, 2009
8:32 pm
If you don’t like Richt that is fine. lay off his Christian life as that is not the reason for the team problems. Only an ass would stoop so low to make fun of a man’s religious convictions.
Not Happy Dawg
October 11th, 2009
8:32 pm
Richt most important evaluation should be of himself. He created this mess yet continues to condenscend the UGA fans with lame excuses….one after another. He needs to check his own ego and take accountability. He should say “This is on me. I will get it corrected. Maybe not in 1 or 2 weeks but by the time we KO in 2010, it will be fixed. I am sorry to the players and the fans. Please stick with me through this.” How hard is it to be a man and be honest with people? The fans would stand behind him in force if he would just acknowledge the mess. But he doesn’t and we are left trying to figure out whether he is an idiot or an ego-maniac.
malibuGT
October 11th, 2009
8:34 pm
I’m sure our friends in Athens will figure it out. Meanwhile, I’m just happy we found the right guy for our program and can’t wait ’til Saturday night. Go Jackets!!
Matthew
October 11th, 2009
8:34 pm
I think Richt needs to make some coaching changes. Yes, this is a down year; however, LSU went 7-5 last year and Florida lost 3 SEC games in 2007. Bad years happen and it gives opportunities for perseverence. I think the idea that Georgia is in decline based on a year when 3 offensive weapons left and are now starting in the NFL is a little short-sighted.
Again, there needs to be changes in Georgia to correct the ship.
And then, to suggest that Tech (who is having a good year in a mediocre conference) has improved and surpassed Georgia just adds insult to injury. Neither team has played a complete game. The game GT played against FSU last night was the same one Georgia played against South Carolina… and Arkansas.
And excuse or not, the LSU defeat was handed to them wrapped in a worthless yellow flag. Did LSU make the touchdown to win? Yes. But they only needed a field goal and that field position was handed to them from the officiating crew.
With that blow, the team gave up. They didn’t show up in Knoxville because they’ve written 2009 off.
If Georgia has an off year next year and Tech continues to improve, then you can talk about decline… but you need a trend to define a decline. This year is an abberation.
N-TROUBLE
October 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
Here’s the funny part – when the North Avenue Trade School sucks (which is often bTW) if you go their blog you don’t see any dawg fans out their ripping their team because we have better things to do but when we suck i.e. 2009 they are all over this blog. go back and study your calculus 4 idiots so you can come work for UGA grads as programming nerds.
Paul Williams
October 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
CMR’s choices are clear. He must man up and deal with Martinez and Bobo’s deficiencies. He can send them packing or wait a year and go with them.
FLA DAWG
October 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
You’ve described the problem acurately in my opinion. May I offer a solution?
Richt stays on as HC and takes over Offensive Playcalling as he did when he arrived – that is his specialty. Bobo and Martinez are demoted – or more preferably released.
Tubberville is hired to takeover the Defense. I’ve already heard the early rumors of this. I can tell you that if that kind of scenario comes to pass The Dawgs will be a fearsome force again in the SEC – Gator Killers!
He might change
October 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
but not in mid season.
Note…he did not get this far being …not smart. If non football whiners can see it, you just know a smart coach sees…the “it” factor.
David
October 11th, 2009
8:36 pm
Great article, Mark, and yhou’re spot on. Even in our bad games, I’ve loved that CPJ seems passionate, in control, and never “at ease” with a loss (rather, he’s chewing someone out for missing a block, dropping a pitch, not making the right read, etc). Mark Richt, on the other hand, doesn’t seem happy after losses, but he doesn’t seem upset in the way he should, especailly after a lackluster performance like Saturday. Great article.
Paul Williams
October 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
Not Happy Dawg-
Amen, you are dead on-
Paul
The Lone Trumpeter
October 11th, 2009
8:38 pm
Good Article Mark. I don’t pretend to know what will fix uga at this point. There seem to be so many issues that im not sure they can all be fixed in one season. The lack of discipline is just unacceptable. That play to spike the ball with one second left in the first half showed me that there is a REAL problem with the uga staff. What needs to be done? Regain the edge of UGA football. How do we do it? I just don’t know.
route66
October 11th, 2009
8:38 pm
Mark Richt on Bobo’s play calling.I like Mike’s play calling. Hello, are you watching the same game we are?
b.davis
October 11th, 2009
8:39 pm
Have to say your comments are pretty much right on.
I have been a Tech fan for many years. It was never easy being a fan because we were mired in one problem after another.
What Johnson has done is change the paradigm for Tech. Tech now has a way to win.
Before we spent too much time being like everybody else but with talent that was not the best.
This kind of offense makes so much of the talent gap irrelevent. Folks now have to do their job when they play Tech, before they didn`t.
Too much was given away.
Swear I saw Boddy Dodd smile Saturday night. Great smile and Gentleman. Will never forget him.
I imagine Paul Johnson will never get the overall talent Georgia does. He will do more with it.
Joe M
October 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. There will be no changes unless a coach leaves on his own.
Troup Dawg
October 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
When you don’t require discipline then you don’t require excellence. I was reminded of how ugly the lost was yesterday to TN when I watched the Raiders just get blown out by the Giants. Difference in the 2 teams? One coach demands excellence from his players while another punches out his own coaches.
Till Richt requires a standard to be met by players and coaches, then NO he can not re-store what he has allowed to erode.
Discipline hones a team and makes a team..i.e. U S Marines….No discipline creates “me” players…
The bible he so strongly believes also teaches discipline of one’s mind and body. Maybe he should listen in SS class rather than teach.
Justin
October 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
2007 was not a FLUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T.O.S.S.
October 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
St. Richt will die on his sword.
ratherBgambling
October 11th, 2009
8:41 pm
Best part of this article is the Spurrier quote. Couldn’t win with Stafford/Moreno, what makes anyone think he can with marginal talent?
Bozo owns Richt and UGA……….hahahhahhahahhahahhaha
GT-'93
October 11th, 2009
8:41 pm
Mark,
Please remind you partner Jeff he owes me a commemorate article titled “The Sonny Side of Things” to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of The Goober’s infamous trips to Knoxville.
He’ll know what I mean. That sarcastic piece of work is a classic!
GT-’93
zorba
October 11th, 2009
8:42 pm
Mark, great column. Please send it to St. Mark and have him sign for it. Save the heathen in the off season, preacher. Step up and lead with some passion during the season. Loyalty has its place in friendship, not competitive athletics. Wake up Mark from your meditation and lead!
G Man
October 11th, 2009
8:42 pm
Another great column Mark; yor’re 2-for-2 the last 2 days, so you’re on a roll also. It alwys amazes me how much difference one man can make to a program, Examples on the plus side are Ross at Tech, Richt at UGA, Saban at LSU and now Bama, Spurrier at Fla, even the Bear at Bama and Dooley at UGA, etc. By the same token, average coaches – Goff, Bill Lewis and Chan Gailey, Weiss at ND and the ASU coach that went to OSU – show how programs can decline. I think the job PJ has done in the last 22-odd months at Tech is as strong as any I have ever seen. Tech now has no quit in it – I can not wait to see the game with VT (who also has a coach that ultimately turned that program around).
College football is primo.
Big Fat Elephant
October 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
What exactly has Paul Johnson accomplished?
Stinger
October 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
I believe Chan would make a great Offense Cordinator for Mark Richt. He could run the type offense that no one can figure out in lieu of the High School offense that we run that won’t work in Divn 1 . I kept reading how everyone had caught up with our high school offense. They don’t get up early enough to out coach Paul Johnson. He is the best at making adjustments.
Michael Adams
October 11th, 2009
8:44 pm
Is Georgia struggling? Yes. Do we need a new OC and DC? Yes. Is the program in trouble? No. To all the Tech fans, yes Georgia is struggling but it is nothing a couple of asst coaching changes will not fix. If Georgia gets a DC like Muschamp all will be forgotten and Mark Bradley will be writing a completely different article. Money is not the problem. UGA has plenty of it and believe me I will spend what it takes to get Georgia back on top. Enjoy it while you can.
Bat Masterson
October 11th, 2009
8:45 pm
I don’t know what the problem is with Ricth, he seems disconnected. Our guys do not seem to play with a purpose, nor are they disciplined. I look at Saban, Urban Crier, and Less Miles and think they have pulled away from everyone else. Is Ricth going to be happy as an also ran. Something has to give.
I have never really cared about the Tech game, no disrespect but it’s not a conference game. I have always believed if The Bulldogs are playing well enough to challenge for the conference, the Tech game will take care of it’s self. I will say I have always pulled for Tech in every game but one, It’s a state pride thing with me. That said after having read a lot of the comments on these blogs lately, and all the hatred, I found myself pulling for the ‘Noles last night. Well I did not like that and said the hell with this I’m going to bed. I’m glad Tech won, anyway.
lawton
October 11th, 2009
8:47 pm
simple, one of the most talented teams in the nation, but one of the worst coaching staffs, top to bottom.
GTman
October 11th, 2009
8:48 pm
I love the article but your missing something Mark….Tech would probably lose to LSU and Tennessee too…this year….We will be lucky to beat UGA in November…..thats the truth and that is this year…I firmly beleive that if Paul Johnson stays at Tech and Mark Richt stays at Georgia we will be a better team and win 3 out every 4 games agianst UGA in the coming years.
I have never liked Richt but has’nt he won 10 games a year for 10 years or something crazy like that. UGA you should be a National Power like FL and Texas…you need to get some damn football players and quit giving scholorships to tarzans who play like jane. There are so many kids in the state of Georgia who would play like hell for UGA and you turn them away for some guy from New Jersey who runs a faster 40.
rhynster
October 11th, 2009
8:48 pm
Honestly, I just don’t see where Richt would ever fire anyone.
He’s the NCAA version of Bobby Cox.
CPJhomer
October 11th, 2009
8:49 pm
who was it last night that CPJ jerked up on the sidelines and rattled around?
Bat Masterson
October 11th, 2009
8:49 pm
Did my comment get eaten because I used the word hell, or ………………..
Matthew
October 11th, 2009
8:49 pm
Mark Richt needs to make changes with his coaching staff.
However, LSU went 7-5 last year. In 2007 Florida lost 3 SEC games before losing its bowl game. Teams will have sub-par years. This year Georgia is playing with an offense that lost 3 NFL starters and that would be a blow to any team.
Georgia’s year is off to a dreadful start.
Georgia Tech is off to a good start. Granted, they play in a mediocre conference. And, of course, the game they had against Florida State was the same exact game Georgia had against South Carolina… and Arkansas.
Add that to the fact that the LSU loss was gift-wrapped in a worthless yellow flag. True, LSU scored the winning touchdown… but they didn’t need a touchdown. They needed a field goal, and the field position to make that score was handed to them with absolutely no effort.
You can talk about Georgia being in decline when it is a trend. A bad year is an abberation.
Buford T Justice
October 11th, 2009
8:51 pm
Willie Martinez, Mark Richt needs to BBQ your a**!
Dawgman
October 11th, 2009
8:52 pm
Beat GA and get a ring. Win at FSU for the first time ever. Have Mark Bradley fall in love with CPJ. All this really only proves how pathetic the program has been. Trust me the Dawgs will be back. Enjoy it while you can it will not last long.
jacketnation
October 11th, 2009
8:52 pm
ahhhhhaaahhhhaaa,
BullDawg Mike
October 11th, 2009
8:52 pm
After working so hard to close up our borders, so to speak , yesterday the gates to the state of Georgia have been flung wide open. We were getting the prime talent from our own high schools,not to mention beginning to get very good players from the state of Florida. It used to be that Florida High schoolers never really considered UGA. Now we will have Auburn and Tenn., not to mention Carolina and Clemson, being able to make heavy inroads back into our stomping grounds. That’s what a game like yesterday will do for us, and that’s what a season like this one will do for the program for years down the road… If you think I’m over-reacting over one game, just keep watching over the next two recruiting years…..
rhynster
October 11th, 2009
8:53 pm
You got the feeling when Verron Haynes scored to beat Tennessee that it changed the program for years to come.
Well, you kind of get the sense that the 1st half of last year’s Alabama game did the same thing, but for the worse.
Robert
October 11th, 2009
8:54 pm
CMR is a good coach, but hes got some house cleaning to do.
Fire Willie Martinez! DUH! There is no argument to not do so. Numbers do not lie.
Hire Sylvester Croom as new DC.
Fire Fabris! What exactly does he do?
Demote Bozo to QB coach, where he belongs. Again, numbers do not lie.
Hire the best offensive coach available.
Fire McClendon? He’s what, 27? Has no prior coaching experiences and was a WR in college. There is no running game to speak of, and a novice will not get the job done.
Fire Van Halanger? With all of our injuries, something has to be wrong with our conditioning.
Everyone says he is “one of the best S&C coaches in the country.” Is he really?
All of our coaches seem to, inexplicably, coach the players down, not up. There is ludicrous talent on this team and they suck because our coaching sucks. Its simple really. Only and idiot can argue that point. How many more games must be a TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT? Our recruiting will really begin to suffer. The rest of the SEC is passing us by and if CMR keeps letting this ship sink, he should be fired as well.
Embarrased Tech Fan
October 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
As a Tech fan, I only HOPE UGAg is actually dumb enough to fire Richt! He’s a great coach, who is having a bad season… stupid fans!
Robert
October 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
THE TREND IS A DECLINE!
Pit bull
October 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
Bobby Bowden said he didn’t know if Mark Richt was tough enough to be a head coach when he got the job. Bobby Bowden was right, he is not tough enough. Doesn’t desire to be. Would you care if you were a multi millionaire?
Oger
October 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
NERDS!!!!!!!!
Dawg Whisperer
October 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
Surprise!!! Christianty and coaching is not mutually exclusive. Near sighted ignorance adversely associates the two. Whether the profession is coaching, teaching, engineering, medicine or in any field of leadership, Christianty adds strength and character that is unparalleled. Anyone familar with this country’s history knows very well that our most prominent leaders were of a strong Christian faith that sustained and encouraged them. Can a Christian be a head coach of a successful college football program? Grouse all you want about Bobby Bowden but the last time I checked, only one man in history has won more collegiate football games… even more than… dare, I say, the Bear.
m
October 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
Thank God and Greyhound that chan gomer gailey is gone forever. I guess it is about time you idiots (including you Mark) realize what a coach Tech has now.
And it is only the beginning.
Matthew
October 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
Robert… Croom would be awesome.
McDawg
October 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
win a championship and then we can talk
jacketnation
October 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
our 3 star recruits running this quote; “high school offense” is going to beat UGA like a red headed step child. Bunch of excuse makers. your team with all it’s five star recruits stinks.
rhynster
October 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
Paul Johnson is a ridiculously good coach. Anyone who can’t see it is a dolt or just refuses to look.
And firing Richt would be completely asinine. Good luck getting someone who’d want the job if you’ve just fired a guy with Richt’s record.
Tom
October 11th, 2009
8:59 pm
Mark Bradley, u r my hero!
Buford T Justice
October 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
That Tennessee game is what I call an attention getter
Dubble Knot Dawg Spy
October 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
I can now reveal what I have recently learned from lots of very serious spy work…
Jon Fabris is a deeply-embedded SLEEPER AGENT. Turns out his first coaching job was as a gradulate assistant at (you guessed it) GEORGIA TECH.
What time do we shoot him?
techrednect
October 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
M. Richt can fix the problem, but the dawg fans will not give him time. As one “win at any cost” fan said ” WE ARE GA.” we don’t rebuild we reload” what a bunch of BS. They all go through lean seasons but most just won’t except that fact.
et
October 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
Thanks for the North Avenue Trade School reference. Its good to have a job.
Gator Hater
October 11th, 2009
9:02 pm
Hey Mark Bradley, I hope you get your crow ready to eat because Cmr wil correct this problem and there will a be beat down of the Jackets the saturday after thanksgiving. Tech beats georgia one time and Fsu in tallahassee and Paul Johnson is the best coach in tech history. He has yet to win a Acc title.Coach Richt has raised the bar at georgia and is having a bad year to this point. Yes the dawgs could be 1 & 5 or 0 & 6 at this point. But they are not, the season is not over yet and the dawgs will not go down with out a fight. I believe they will finish 10 & 3 or 9&4 at worst. Bradley I will have your crow ready on the grill after the beating the dawgs put on the tech terds. Go cover the tech terds for the rest of the year. CMR I still believe in you and Go Dawgs.
Robert
October 11th, 2009
9:03 pm
Matthew,
Yes, Croom would be awesome. Solid defensive-minded coach who would be great for recruiting as well. Knows the SEC.
dawgfan
October 11th, 2009
9:03 pm
Bradley, you almost had almost wrote a column that isn’t a laughable joke until you accused Richt and his players of using the excessive celebration penalty as an excuse for the LSU loss. They did no such thing. You just made it up because you are poor journalist just trying to push buttons. Georgia football has its problems to be sure, but making excuses isn’t one of them. That’s just a cheap shot.
By the way, howabout that Tech defense Mr. Paul johnson Super Fan? If Georgia had played like that against a total crap FSU team you wouldn’t have had a single positive thing to say about it. But Tech barely scrapes by and they are fearless warriors?
Your agenda is as clear as glass. The AJC is probably telling you to write this garbage to in a desperate attempt to revive a dwindling readership. What a sellout.
See ya.
Shane Ford
October 11th, 2009
9:03 pm
Are you kidding writing an article like this? Ga Tech wins a few games and all of a sudden their great? Are you kidding? Ga. is having a bad year, but 82-26 and 24-6 away from hom in the SEC speaks for itself. If you think Ga won’t boucne back, you’re not a very smart sports writer. Sounds to me like you want to start controversy instead of tell it like it really is.
CPJ
October 11th, 2009
9:03 pm
Mark let me actually win something first.
Jim
October 11th, 2009
9:04 pm
Richt has consistently done less with more talent than anyone in the league. I say revamp the staff or go. Tuberville made the same mistake at Auburn with his loyalty to a system and an old staff.
Pi$$onatechie
October 11th, 2009
9:04 pm
you know Bradly I dont have problem with the title of your column or the subject but why in the hell you inserting Paul Johnson in this, he obviously has no place and frankly he is not my type of coach or offense. he has so far limited success,tech was lucky to win yesterday and very lucky against clemson. Richt has had lots of success at Georgia more than tech will ever hope for. Richt made a big mistake by keeping mediocre coaches around him, he needs to grow some balls
Gt4ever
October 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
It’s really funny to see all these UGA fans cry……. Good point Stewed tomatoes…. I find it hard to believe that Tenn beat the pups that bad.. I’m just glad I didn’t have any money on that debacle, because I would pick the bulldogs to beat a very average team like Tenn every time. If your a GT fan, I wouldn’t put the W on our game just yet….
Old dawg
October 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
I’ve read all the comments with some amusement. Yes MR is a nice guy; we see PJ
screaming at his players and say he is mean. NOT! You must remember PJ learned under the finest motivator ever, Erk Russell. Coach Russell was in your face guy. There are many types offenses that work. Remember the coach has to be a motivator. He has to be a drill sargeant and a psychologist. He also has to make his assistant coaches to their jobs. But being nice or screaming is just a matter of coaching style. If PJ is so mean why do his players love him? Erk Russell’s players worshiped him! MR has been successful and so has PJ. The problem is we don’t know what the problem is. We only see the results and we are not happy. It is up to MR to examine his program and make the needed changes. We are all rather stunned because UGA has talent and it is not being used. As an old football coach I can’t understand why the running game is nonexistent. Too much is dependent on the pass. The offense must be balanced to make both aspects work. I go back to last season and I see the same thing. We depended too much on Matt Stafford to pull off miracle pass completions which he did on many occasions. We criticize Cox because he isn’t doing the same miracles. Cox is a good QB but he isn’t Matt Stafford. If MR is going to continue as coach at UGA he has to examing his coaching staff, his philosophy, and determine what he has to do to turn this sagging program around. We all know something is wrong and he is the one who has to correct it. He has the ball. It is up to him. After ten years this program should be a top contender. It ain’t! As we used to say, it is time for a gut check!
James
October 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
If his recruits number of stars are supposed to make a difference in performance, it sure hasn’t shown.
matt
October 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
This article pretty much says it all.
Tom
October 11th, 2009
9:07 pm
Hey, Shane.
their great? their great what?
Billy Bob
October 11th, 2009
9:07 pm
Mark. Hang around you can get back on our bandwagon when we make few asst coaching changes.
Virginia Dog
October 11th, 2009
9:07 pm
I admit that there are problems with the UGA program. But I am getting tired of everyone making statements about things they don’t know anything about. How do the bloggers know that discipline is not being implemented in Athens. Why does everyone think that a coach has to yell and scream during a game to be effective. Did Tom Landry coach that way? Tony Dungy? And finally, wasn’t there an article in the AJC after the Arkansas game about how much fight was in the Dawgs and how they made up for mistakes by keeping their head in the game? I know, I know, it sure didn’t look like it in Knoxville, but neither did GT in Miami…..Nesbitt was 6-15 passing, 12 first downs vs. Miami’s 21 & 228 total yards (93 rushing) to 454 for Miami. Just stop making demonstrative statements every week depending on the latest game performance. There is a lot of season left.
GT4Life
October 11th, 2009
9:08 pm
“Why do Dawgs bark? Cause bees sting”,
That is ridiculous. No reason to attack a man’s religious beliefs. There is plenty of negative things you can say about the uga coaches and football team without going there.
Navigator
October 11th, 2009
9:10 pm
I think Bradley may be right but for all of the wrong reasons. Look around the SEC today, and one of the things happening now, that was not happening when Richt took over, and that’s stability of coaching at a number of big institutions: Florida, LSU, and now Alabama. Also, that same thing is happening at Tennessee and Auburn. Richt once only had to worry about Florida and LSU (when they played them), and had the upper hand over anyone else in the SEC. That is not the case now, as those other schools have better athletes and better coaching. Now to Tech, PJohnson is heavily recruiting in Georgia, where the previous coach was looking all of the country (New Jersey, Texas, Florida) for players. A number of those Tech players would have gone to UGA in the past, and maybe not as starters, but just as importantly, the bench. The bench is where UGA is weaker than they used to be. I think Richt will figure this all out, and bring the program back, but 13-1 may be a stretch in the future, and fans have to understand that. The biggest mistake UGA fans could make is to create a negative environment for Richt in Athens, because the grass is not greener somewhere else.
INSIDER
October 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
This just in. CMR has contacted Tenuta and Muschamp already gauging interest. Martinez has already been told he will be domoted.
Ringleader
October 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
You win the toss…….Lets defer to the second half, What? That is exceeded only by .01 on the clock, What do we do?, Lets spike the ball, time runs out. Why did you not run the kicker out, or try a Flutie pass The only worse call I have ever heard was Kiffin attempting a 75 yard field goal with the Raiders, or maybe throwing the ball out of bounds on 4th down might be worse.
GtBuzz 81
October 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
In my Flash Forward I saw Ugag lose to Tenn,Vandy,Florida,Auburn and GT,finishing the season 5-7.I didn’t think much about it until Tenn kicked Ugay’s a$$ ALL OVER THE FIELD,but it looks like I really did see into the future.
MtnDawg
October 11th, 2009
9:12 pm
The Georgia Bulldogs should never be ranked 100-plus in ANYTHING. Forget wins and losses for a second: our team is terrible. Is it the players? Maybe. Our DBs look totally confused on a weekly basis. Our O-line can’t block. If nothing is changed, we won’t beat Tenn. Tech. Our players have talent, I think. But they have NO DIRECTION. That is on the coaches. The buck stops with CMR.
PDAWG
October 11th, 2009
9:12 pm
That was one of the most embarrassing performances I can remember seeing from Georgia, and I have been a fan for a long time. I think it is painfully obvious that the coaching for the DAWGS has become second rate compared to the rest of the SEC. I don’t know if CMR has lost the ability to inspire and get 110% out of his guys or what, but we looked pathetic. I love his ability to recruit, but if he does not make some changes at the coordinator positions on both sides of the ball he needs to go. I can’t sit and watch us blow this season off with a 5th year senior quarterback leading us. It’s time to put Aaron Murray in and let him grow. We need a little something to be excited about for next year. I would be really excited if we let Bobo and Martinez go after the season (or tomorrow). I don’t recall Martinez dialing up one blitz against a notoriously sloppy and boneheaded quarterback. Inexcusable on all fronts.
Connie Lingous
October 11th, 2009
9:13 pm
Mark, we haven’t lost 7 games out of the last 15.
Just 6.
Max Sizemore
October 11th, 2009
9:13 pm
I remember when Bobo became OC it seemed like a big improvement over Richt, so I’m not ready to blame him for problems which likely are beyond his portfolio. Martinez, however, has been terrible from the start and should have been re-assigned before the season. It looks to me like the players lack confidence, and that the biggest problem of all is intangible. It’s lack of leadership, lack of direction . . . something. Watch Alabama’s defense for a few series. Watch Virginia Tech’s. The players are aggressive, confident, good at disguising what they’re going to do. The stunts and coverages are not predictable. Then watch Georgia’s defense. It’s like watching a middle-school team.
Buzz Belle
October 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
N-Trouble – you have GOT to be kidding, right? UGAY fans are not all over our blogs? Why in the world do you think we are sitting back reading your blogs and laughing? Because you are such good sports? Nooooo. Because it doesn’ t matter if Ga. is or isn’ t good, they are all over our blogs telling us how much better they think their football team, the SEC or their school is. Hopefully, this little down stretch for Ga. will be short run and you will be back up on your game again. And in the meantime, learn what it is to win and lose gracefully, because in my 35 years of watching and loving my Yellow Jackets, I have known very few UGA fans that knew what gracious was. When you go to Texas, Notre Dame, or even USC, the school hosting the game always has fans walk up to you, shake their hand and tell you they are glad you are there. I have never seen that at Ga. It is a shame but don’t expect any coollege football fan to treat you with graciousness when you have never done the same. Neither fans or your team know what sportsmanlike conduct is – and they get it from your coach. Then to try to say that Tech grads are programmers for you UGA grads? That’s not even worth commenting on – Jerk! THWG. And by the way, I hope you keep Ritch. All of us are enjoying it. Good night!
jacketnation
October 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
I agree with you Dawg Whisperer 100%. Our nation was founded by God fearing men. Coach Richt and Bowden are both Godly men and have enjoyed very successful careers. How horribly afraid I am to know that the President of the United States does NOT follow in the footsteps of ANY of our great leaders and forefathers; but instead stands up for and promotes sodomy, abortion, Obamanism, Fascism, Opraism, and the new age movement. He got elected because he is black. And that does NOT make him a strong Christian leader. Martin Luther would vomit because of Obama’s policy and ungodliness. There is nothing Christian about Obama. Oh, we are talking about football hear. What if a college head coach encouraged openly gay relationships on his football team and told the cheerleaders to get an abortion if they get pregnant?
Mark Bradley
October 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
Thanks, Connie. Sorry.
jason
October 11th, 2009
9:15 pm
I feel compelled to repost this:
If your OC SUCKS, your DC SUCKS, Your STs Coach SUCKS, your PT Coord SUCKS, your LB coach SUCKS…. Is it me or is it that Your SACRED Christian HC Might SUCK most of all?
Nate
October 11th, 2009
9:15 pm
As a Tech fan, I honestly think Mark Richt is a great man with excellent morals and character. He represents the University of Georgia well and every Tech fan should respect that. And for those that have to call him out about his religious affiliations, please just let it go, didn’t he even adopt some children in need? I honestly wish our fans would stop gloating and just let the games speak for themselves. Good luck UGA and from a Tech fan, I honestly mean that. I hope you guys get some new DC and OC coordinators at the end of the year and turn the program around.
Dawg stuck in Bham
October 11th, 2009
9:15 pm
Mark,
The problem Richt has is “where do I start? in regards to changes.
1. DC–If we base it on numbers, then a change is due
2. OC–Again, numbers say a change is needed
3. Linebackers coach: This is a position that is CONSTANTLY playing poorly…exception: Curran
4. O-Line: Has been sliding downhill since Searles arrived.
5. Running backs: McClendon??? 27 years old?? Was even surprised himself when he got the job.
6. Special Teams: We all know how poor kickoff coverage has been. At least we saw some bright spots this past Saturday on punt coverage and kick returns. But a change is due here.
So…where does Richt begin?????? If one or two changes are made, there are still some GLARING weaknesses in other positions.
I’m a Richt fan. I love everthing he stands for as a man. I’m afraid, though, he’s dug himself a hole that he will not be able to get out of.
Joe Schmoe
October 11th, 2009
9:17 pm
Now you have done it Mark! The doggies are gonna get mad and win a game because of you.