UGA fans, what’s an acceptable result in Jacksonville?
Is it possible to lose to the hated Gators and still feel good? (AJC photo by Pouya Dianat)
Georgia heads to Jacksonville unranked, which it almost never is, and a two-touchdown underdog, which it never is. It will be met by a team that hasn’t lost since September 2008, a team tracking a second consecutive BCS title. (Know how many schools have won consecutive BCS titles? None.)
Put simply, Georgia is up against it in a way unaccustomed to Georgia teams under Mark Richt. It lost to Florida 49-10 a year ago in what seemed a coin-flip game going in. This one is no coin flip. This outcome seems foregone.
But hope springs eternal in the breast of every fan, and on the day before Halloween I want to ask Dawg fans this question: What would you deem an acceptable outcome Saturday?
A narrow and honorable loss? (Within a touchdown, say.) Or is actual victory the only satisfactory result? And here’s a twist: If beating Florida convinces Mark Richt he doesn’t need to make changes within his program, would you rather Georgia lose? Or would beating the Gators when they’re ranked No. 1 be worth another year of Willie Martinez?
I’d put up a poll, but I don’t think the parameters of a poll are broad enough. I’m interested in your thoughts. So rather that click on “yes” or “no,” I invite you denizens of Bulldog Nation to avail yourselves of the white comment box below. And I thank you in advance. And you’ll hear from me again Saturday afternoon from you-know-where.
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700 comments Add your comment
HairyDawg
October 30th, 2009
6:45 am
UGA 42 – FLA 17
In other news, VTs loss exsposures the ACC. Those ACC teams just don’t haves the SEC speedynesses. After ripping tail off Gaytors I can’t waits to use SEC speeds on the Yechie nerds from the ATL. Wes is goning to clobber thems this year.
Sloan
October 30th, 2009
6:59 am
Bradley’s question is one of those that doesn’t deal in reality so it really is mute to begin with. Losing is unacceptable. Martinez’ defense has been unacceptable all season (and last). Bobo’s offense and Searles’ o-line have been unacceptable as well. The outcome of this one game shouldn’t change anyone’s evaluation of the state of UGA’s football program. Truthfully, the only way I can see UGA winning is if Florida turns the ball over multiple times and beats themselves. Florida has looked vulnerable the last few weeks because the teams they played either have good defenses (which UGA doesn’t) or good offenses (which UGA doesn’t). No, UF doesn’t look like a team that will hang 50 points on you and leave you in the dust, but they don’t have to because they have a defense that can dominate you (Willie take notes please). I think UGA loses a closer one than the line because UF’s offense is pedestrian but ours is worse. UF 27 – UGA 17
FireUga7.net
October 30th, 2009
7:01 am
In the macro sense, there is no “acceptable” loss, as this will UGA 3-17 against UF in the last 20. There’s not THAT much disparity between the resources and talents of the two schools. Simply put, the difference has been coaching. And UGA administrators and fans have not demanded the best in coaching over the last two decades. The results of this complacency have been horrific.
Until UGA fans and administration demand nothing but the very best, the results against UF and other top schools will continue to disappoint. (And don’t even get me started on the contrast between UGA and UF basketball over the last 20 years.)
Lame Kittien
October 30th, 2009
7:05 am
Who said moral victory,I’ll take 2{he does appease the ignorant}
ChipperDoodle
October 30th, 2009
7:09 am
Blind ambition.
jerry
October 30th, 2009
7:11 am
The criticism of Willie is totally misplaced. He has done the best he could and he didn’t twist Richt’s arm to get the job. The criticism should be placed squarely on Richt, who hired him and has kept him. Here is the problem:
Trailing by a 7 and with a first-and-goal at the 1, host Georgia had time for at least two and most likely three passing attempts. But Richt decided to run Jasper S(t)anks. He was stuffed for no gain and time ran out on Georgia.
Points scored by Richt’s offense vs the four major teams-SC,UT,UF,AU- that UGA plays every year and that know Richt’s offense.
17-6-17-9-10-13-18-13-13-20-14-17-10-18-14-12-14-14-10-19=65% scores 20 or less
OrlG8r
October 30th, 2009
7:12 am
For lesser teams or coaches, say the Vandy’s or Lame Kiffin’s of the world, there is such as thing as a “moral victory”. A win is the only acceptable outcome for teams with UGA’s or UF’s caliber, though. That said, I go with the Gators, but not a rout. UF 24, UGA 10
Gordon
October 30th, 2009
7:13 am
What a difference 15 months make. From #1 in the nation to finding a hard fought loss to UF acceptable.
Michael Stipe
October 30th, 2009
7:18 am
Uh, Mook Badley, I’m split between wanting an upset and wanting changes for the OC, DC, and special teams fiascos. Somehow, I feel if we end up on a good note, say, lose to Florida but win the rest, he’ll keep the Moron and the Bozo.
As always, I fart on all things GAYtor.
And for good measure, I fart on saintsimons’ sensibilities.
Everybody farts, sometime.
Just Sayin'
October 30th, 2009
7:19 am
Unless UGA shuts down the Florida offense and then goes on to defensively dominate the rest of their opponents, I suspect that CMR will make a change to a new defensive coordinator next season. I doubt they would make a change at both offensive and defensive coordinator during the same offseason. They have too many good athletes on the team. Just with their athletes alone, they should be able to defensively challenge my beloved YellowJackets.
It’s been a very odd year seeing UGA play below their level of talent. Mark Richt seems like a compassionate and classy guy. But compassionate and classy just doesn’t seem to cut it in football…as many folks have noted on AJC blogs prevously. They need to hire or recruit and Erk Russell type coach (Dang, he was good!!) or David Pollick type player to motivate that team and bring out the energy. Maybe they could hire David Pollick as an assistance coach in hopes of creating a spark. They need to do something.
I hope they rebound against Florida and play the rest of the season like the Bulldogs of old. I don’t want them to beat Tech, but I want it to be a good battle. This state should have two highly ranked teams for several seasons to come…maybe even a few national championships between the two schools. It’s CMR’s time to step up and get things back on track. They really need a victory in Jacksonville.
JORTS ARE COOL---NOT!
October 30th, 2009
7:20 am
UGA 23 UF 20 IN OT…
Robert Daniell
October 30th, 2009
7:22 am
It is sad indeed to hear the Georgia bretheran berate and put down our program….especially before this game…..and even worse, they have every reason to feel this way. Has Bobby retired yet? Kirby pleeeeease come home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (In spite of the coaching…win this one to honor those days when Erk and Vince led us to victory on the banks of the St. John’s!)
RADLY DAWG
Buckhead Bulldog
October 30th, 2009
7:24 am
The Dogs will come out fired up and hang with the Gators early. UGA (and Mark Richt) needs this win more than UF. They just won’t be able to pull it off. The Florida defense will make another big play to pull away, and Timmmmayyyyy and the Gator offense will do enough to stay unbeaten. Florida 31 Georgia 17
Top Dawg
October 30th, 2009
7:29 am
THE SUGGESTION THAT A “MORAL VICTORY” MAY BE SATISFACTORY SHOWS HOW FAR THE UGA PROGRAM HAS FALLEN. A VICTORY IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE RESULT – PERIOD. ALSO, WILLIE MARTINEZ MUST GO – NO EXCEPTIONS.
MN Possum
October 30th, 2009
7:29 am
I predict the scholar athletes from the University of Georgia will triumph over the scholar athletes from the University of Florida in a rather heated debate over the role of string theory in modern cosmology and subatomic physics. Look for some really pithy comments related to the Higgs boson from the UGA side.
Else, I hope UGA keeps Florida under 70 points.
Lilburnn Dawg
October 30th, 2009
7:40 am
With Dawg teams of years past, I would have said that a ‘moral victory’ doesn’t exist in our vocabulary. Are we now at the point that we know we don’t have a chance to win games and we will settle for a ‘moral victory’ and feel good with it??? I will not feel good about any loss. But given that we are most likely going to lose this one, I would at least like to see us play Florida on the level that Tennessee did. I would like to see our offense score some points (with the run and pass), put pressure on Tebow most of the game, not collapse in the 3rd or 4th quarter, not get a lot of penalties, not have any turnovers, see our O line blocking for runs, and not see any more childish calls by our coaching staff. I guess that’s a tall order to still not win.
The Question is Mute
October 30th, 2009
7:42 am
Or is it “moot” ? Or maybe “moat” ? Help me out here, Sloan.
jerry
October 30th, 2009
7:43 am
You have to admit that Richt is innovative. Having one’s wife on the sideline is a 1st. I just can’t imagine Bryant or Lombardi or Parcells or…………
FalconUGAFan
October 30th, 2009
7:47 am
Top Dawg, couldn’t say it better myself. I have alot of respect for Richt, but he has some hard decisions to make very soon. Hope he is up to it or it will be taken out of his hands. Many of you are right , we are NOT an elite program but that is what we want to become. It is ludicrous to want anything less. Whats the point of showing up if you don’t want to be the best. This isn’t peewee league where everyone gets to play. Go DAWGS, Go Falcons!
innocent bystander
October 30th, 2009
7:49 am
A win is acceptable unlikely as it is.I don’t think Coach Martinez should be retained even if we shut Florida out.But there will probably be arguments made for him if we they score less than 30.We should never hope for a loss in any case ESPECIALLY against Florida.The fact is the people who write to this blog(including me) don’t know half as much as they need to know (or half as much as Coach Richt knows) to determine who should be fired. I’ve said it before: the fans who call for Coach Richt’s ouster don’t know the history of Georgia football. They are spoiled by the success Coach Richt brought us:No SEC title since 82, no division title even until he arrived. Tied for best record in the SEC 1999-2009. I know Coach Donnan was in Athens the first two of those years. Comparing Richts’s recent record to Donnan’s latter record is cooking the books. You have to look at what Georgia has always been and everything Coach Richt brought us his entire tenure.If Coach Richt stubbornly clings to Coach Martinez after we lose 2 or 3 more and get embarrassed by Florida and or Tech and then we have an equally embarrassing year next year the we have to consider the possibility that Coach Richt has lost his grip and is not in touch with reality. Whether Damon will let it get to that point or not I don’t know.Damon’s opinion is the only one that counts in any case. We can all see that our talent has not been coached up recently. A pity that.History suggests that we can upset Florida. I was at the game in 1965 when we upset Bear Bryant with the flea-flicker. But that was a miracle. It will take another miracle to win tomorrow. Let’s hope it happens.
Rick
October 30th, 2009
7:53 am
MARK:
A WIN! is a must, in this series. Anyone who is a true Dawg fan knows that FL is our biggest rivalry and that this game means more than any other (see SEC division).
Not only do we need a new DC we also need a new defensive scheme. 4-3 and cover 2 has run it’s course.
The Ghost of WLCP Past
October 30th, 2009
7:54 am
Well, the Dawgs have the Gators at a disadvantage……they don’t suspect a thing.
HH
October 30th, 2009
7:56 am
The firing of Willie Martinez and the other incompetents that work for Richt will be the only acceptable result.
bad brad
October 30th, 2009
8:03 am
Here’s my vision…the Dawgs keep it close into the 4th Qtr. The record heat and a relentless sun cause the black out with the Bible verses on his face to run into Tebow’s eyes and make him as blind as Paul on the road to Damascus at a critical juncture and he throws yet another pick six and Ga wins late.
Anything less than a win is just a loss. Even when things seem lost, play to win and expect a miracle. It’s happened before and it can/will happen again.
Changes MUST be Made
October 30th, 2009
8:03 am
The only acceptable results is giving up 40+ points, no matter what UGA’s offense scores. UF must pour it on and take Willie to the woodshed. Richt can be given NO excuses for trying to keep Willie and a win by UGA with low points given up would be the excuse he is looking for. It hurts to watch this year, but I better not see anything better than 6-6 this year. I (and every other UGA fan I know agrees) am willing to suffer short term pain (this year) for long terms gain (many years to come)- which means getting real coaches in here on D from next season onwards. We are all willing to sacrifice this season to get the progam back where it should be.
TommyP
October 30th, 2009
8:06 am
If the season had turned out differently for Florida and they were crushing teams by 30, I’d say keeping it close with this team would be ideal.
But Florida is barely beating teams. They lose to Arkansas but somehow the refs penalize Arky to a Florida victory. They struggled with Miss. State big time. They struggled with Tennessee.
This is not the same Florida team that had Percy Harvin and a couple of other breakout receivers.
Georgia has had two weeks to prepare for this game. Florida has played several tough games in a row. Monte Kiffin layed the blueprint out there on how to stop Florida.
It’s there for Georgia to win. A victory is all that’s acceptable.
Newnandawg
October 30th, 2009
8:08 am
I think that only a win in Jacksonville will assuage this seasons woes. Do I think UGA will win? No.
John
October 30th, 2009
8:11 am
A acceptable result Saturday? The Dawgs don’t have to prevail by 39 points. Heck, they don’t even have to win. An honorable acquittal of their collective football character would be nice after last year’s buggering.
I’ve been a UGA fan (not fanatic) my whole life. Never in that time have I seen the Dawgs humiliated – make that emasculated – like they were last year. Now that unpleasant spectacle appears to be a watershed moment for Georgia football – It’s when we lost our credibility as an elite program.
Last year’s loss was the result of many things – not the least of which that Florida was just flat a better team with better coaches and superior talent. That explains a loss, but it doesn’t excuse what Georgia allowed Florida to do to them last year in front of a national TV audience.
Anybody can lose, but your opponent can humiliate you only if you let him. UGA let the Gators have their way with them last year. They were totally unprepared from every possible angle to play that game – and their ignoble effort will live in Dawg infamy.
I haven’t seen anything in the 2009 bunch that leads to believe this year’s outcome will be much different than last.
We’ll see.
OUCH!
October 30th, 2009
8:17 am
The worst insult anyone can do is to call another person a “Mark Bradley!” OUCH!
Tech sucks
October 30th, 2009
8:26 am
No, they have to win. With 3 losses already there is no more room for moral victories. At least we will get rid of Willie with a loss to UF.
GeoffDawg
October 30th, 2009
8:29 am
The only acceptable outcome is a win, no matter how ugly. When you start counting your moral victories, you know you’re in a place you don’t want to be, ie populated by the Georgia Techs of the world.
Regarding personnel changes, I would hope that CMR would look at the body of coaching work and not base any decision on isolated coaching successes.
» SEC links: Georgia-Florida is still intense John Clay’s Sidelines
October 30th, 2009
8:29 am
[...] Mark Bradley of the AJC wants to know what’s an acceptable result for Georgia fans for Florida game. [...]
gymjacket
October 30th, 2009
8:30 am
Acceptable result, no one gets arrested.
GeoffDawg
October 30th, 2009
8:30 am
Off topic but did you hear that rant from Mike Leach at Texas Tech regarding his players’ “fat little girlfriends”? I literally lol’ed.
John
October 30th, 2009
8:33 am
Tech sucks,
You gotta walk before you run. It’s gotten that bad for UGA. A win would be nice. An honorable effort is a must.
And I know Willie Martinez is everybody’s whipping boy, but tell me, is he any worse a DC than he was last year? Who decided to retain him?
Dink
October 30th, 2009
8:36 am
Only a win is satisfying.
Go Dawgs! Beat the Gators!
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
October 30th, 2009
8:36 am
I will be happy if the dogs play hard and cover the point spread because I am thinking it could be even worse than last year .If the dogs can cover the spread I will get to watch the entire game without throwing a fake brick at my tv and firing Willie Martinez 15 times during the game .For those of you that are disgusted with the dogs DC try standing up and screaming you’re fired Willie everytime the gators score. It helps a little and if you have kids they will be firing willie by the end of the first quarter too. keep a tab of how many times you fire him during the game . I do think that unless the Dawgs run the table ( I know not going to happen) that the decision might not be CMR if he trys to keep sweet willie .
I agree with some of the posters that have suggested that willie will take a demotion ,and I pay cut so let him recruit . Now I have to go try and find some more of those foam bricks I think I am going to need them saturday.
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nemov
October 30th, 2009
8:38 am
Last year’s game wasn’t a coin flip. It seems like everyone has forgotten how beat up Georgia was last season. Plus, many Georgia fans know that CWM can’t stop even the most pedestrian of offense.
I’d love for the Dawgs to win, but let’s face it. How does a team win with a defense as bad as ours? How does a team with as much talent as Georgia settle for this kind of defense?
keith
October 30th, 2009
8:39 am
Show up and look prepared
(as opposed to the Tn. game) Make ajustments during the game, in general, look like we can play and coach. If we get beat, so be it.
Snoop Dawg
October 30th, 2009
8:40 am
Yo Dawgs-
Don’t be drinking the Koolaid at the Cocktail Party. Don’t bite on the ruse about Willie. It ain’t Willie, folks, it’s the Preacher Man. He’s da man, not little Willie or BooBoo. He’s in charge and his salary represents $100 for every student at UGA every year. The Preacher Man and his Koolaid stand need to go, and when he goes is Deacons BooBoo and little Willie will follow him like little puppie dogs… Until then there will be a pox on the Dawg Nation
Snoop Dawg
October 30th, 2009
8:41 am
Koolaid…
Snoop Dawg
October 30th, 2009
8:42 am
Preacher Man
CharlotteDawgFan
October 30th, 2009
8:42 am
A win is the only acceptable outcome for any true fan. That said, it’s going to take a near-perfect game for everyone on the field (including CMR & his gang). And sadly, we know that’s not going to happen.
I just don’t get CMR’s reluctance to bench non-performing starters. He has athletes that he recruited from all over the country who are dying to play, yet he refuses to use the bench effectively. Put the chumps on the pine, CMR. Have a little faith in your recruits – if there’s ever a time to try out some new players, this is it (and by “players,” I mean quarterbacks. And yes, I know I’m being somewhat disloyal to Cox, since we’re both from Charlotte). CMR’s main mission: to win football games. That’s it.
Snoop Dawg
October 30th, 2009
8:42 am
Little Willie
Snoop Dawg
October 30th, 2009
8:42 am
Booboo
Snoop Dawg
October 30th, 2009
8:43 am
Deh all gotta go, y’all if you want the Dawgs to be winners again…
timthebrave
October 30th, 2009
8:43 am
I don’t believe that losing should ever make you feel good. Nothing is acceptable except a victory. Go Dawgs!! 24-23
Joe M
October 30th, 2009
8:44 am
I ALWAYS want UGA to win. So in short, a win is what I want.
At the same time, I want a HC that can make appropriate realizations about the state of the program. If UGA were to shut UF out that wouldn’t signal that the D is revived.
Here what happens. CWM plays it his way until the fire gets white hot. From there he’ll go outside his personal comfort zone and blitz a little, just enough, to make it appear as thought the D has improved. Then back to Williville. All with Richt’s blind blessing.
But hey, at least we saved the commitment of ANOTHER UNDERSIZED corner!
Snoop Dawg
October 30th, 2009
8:45 am
Gonna be a beatdown. Gonna be real ugly… History book ugly…
lefty fielder
October 30th, 2009
8:46 am
quote from the Urban Legend:
“I’m flipping on Georgia (on tape), and statistically, I know everybody is like, ‘What about this and what about that?’ ” Meyer said. “All I know is what I see, and that’s as good a defensive personnel as there is in college football.”