5+1 reasons UGA’s loss was even worse than it seemed
Here's the first of Joe Cox's several interceptions. (AJC photo by Bob Andres)
1. With Georgia within 14 points and still 10 minutes to play, some 10,000 Georgia backers up and left. Think about that. You’ve paid for tickets, parking, food, hotel and gas/airfare to come watch your team, and your team still has a theoretical chance. (One tipped pass and it’s a one-score game.) And you have so little faith in your team that you walk out. And your program has won 10 or more games six times in the past seven seasons. This would seem to say, at least to me, that Mark Richt is losing his constituency.
2. When Georgia pulled within 14-10, it did its huddle-up-and-jump-around thing on the sideline, and I typed on the live chat, “I smell a late hit coming.” It came on the kickoff. Michael Gilliard, late hit. It is uncanny how this team cannot play by the rules.
3. Florida scored 41 points without doing anything extraordinary. No Gator rushed for 100 yards. No Gator had 100 yards receiving. Tim Tebow’s longest completion was for 29 yards. Not until the game’s final drive did Florida gain 30 yards on a scrimmage play. And the Gators didn’t throw a fourth-quarter pass (though Tebow was sacked once). And a merciful Urban Meyer had John Brantley take a knee with the ball on the Georgia 20. Think Spurrier would have?
Loading ...4. Joe Cox was supposed to be a game manager. Instead the fifth-year senior has been wilder than Matthew Stafford was as a freshman. Stafford had 13 interceptions in 2006 and didn’t start every game. Cox has 12 interceptions in eight games. And the second interception Saturday was just sad: Pressured, Cox tried to throw the ball out of bounds but couldn’t sling it far enough. The exact same thing had happened in Knoxville. Which brings us to …
5. Tennessee. It’s coming fast. If Georgia didn’t figure to finish ahead of Florida in 2009, neither did it seem any other SEC East school posed an imminent threat to the Bulldogs’ hold on second place. South Carolina is ensconced as a 7-5 or 8-4 team, and Kentucky and Vandy are Kentucky and Vandy. But Tennessee has now beaten Georgia and South Carolina and has played Florida and Alabama close, and that’s a scary sign. Because if Tennessee in Year 1 under Kiffin can have the same overall record as Georgia in Year 9 under Richt, what happens in 2010?
6. The black helmets. Just embarrassing.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,240 comments Add your comment
Bo Williams
November 1st, 2009
2:58 pm
DBCooper, Wake Forest does more w/its 3500 students, all of whom are superior academically to your school’s 20,000+ students, than your school ever dreamed of doing. Go retake the SAT and reapply in 6 months.
JBT
November 1st, 2009
2:59 pm
Lot’s of comments here…. but give this a thought, dawg fans. UGA will always get it’s fair share of good recruits just being UGA but…….would UGA football be better it they swapped Ala or UF or LSU coaching staffs???….If so, then you have your answer and should be getting to it with the clean up of your coaching staff—-top to bottom. UGA being UGA should be no less than an 8 win/1 SEC lose team year-in and year-out at a minimum by just showing up to the playing field. Anything above or below that should be a yardstick of your team’s coaches and their coaching ability. Right now…the answer is fairly clear to the outside observer. And….remember…discipline starts in the home. Until UGA coaches teach discipline and respect, they will continue to get none. Princ(ess) Miller would be a good place to start with the push-ups and running the bleachers.
App. St. Fan
November 1st, 2009
3:01 pm
We beat Georgia Southern 52-17 and I know Ga. and Ga. Southern are comparable teams. If Ga. played at The Rock in Boone we would win by at least 3 touchdowns.
Yellow Fuzz
November 1st, 2009
3:04 pm
FLA DAWG,
Maybe if you HAD read all the GT blogs the last 3000 days (8 years) you would know the answer of why so many schools smack the dog nation when they are down.
The dog nation wrote the book on “absolute lack of class”. And obviously it has cut pretty deep. And that’s why I, Yellow Fuzz, give it to them daily. They deserve everything they get and it sure feels great to finally have leveled the playing field.
“You guys have lost one heck of a lot of respect from others and in yourselves”. Walk a mile in my shoes before you judge me azzhole. In fact walk 3000 miles like stated above.
“Please respond and let more readers see your infantile drivel”.
“Bank on it”.
Now STFU before I call up THE…OHIO….STATE…..BUCKEYE. As I recall he kicked your azz pretty good a few years back.
Football Guy
November 1st, 2009
3:04 pm
Bradley your such a HYPOCRITE!… In #1 you say Mark Richt is losing his constituency.
THen in #2 you said you were expecting UGA to make a mistake with the late hit.
Im really glad your a so called UGA fan and not a UF fan. Way to support your team slug.
Bo Williams
November 1st, 2009
3:04 pm
I think UGA coaches letting the players to wear pink panties under those black bottoms was freon cool.
ladawg100
November 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
Would FSU take CMR??
I hear they are having second thoughts about Jimbo Fisher succeeding the prima dona Bowden.
dawgerbrown
November 1st, 2009
3:07 pm
Black helmets, pants, jerseys don’t make teams win. Soing back flips off the high dive, and jumping up and down with your team doesn’t make a team win. When Richt first came to UGA all the talk was mat drills, how hard they were and “finish the drill”. Now, it’s seems that the players are treated like his adpoted children. Richt is a good man, I like him and I beilieve he has plenty to offer. However, it seems the player don’t feel a need to perform for him or his staff. They don’t seem to be concerned about the consequences of failing. Our offensive coordinator’s FIRST job is the one he has now. It looked like Florida was the team with the bye week, UGA was totally OUCOACHED.
FalconUGAFan
November 1st, 2009
3:08 pm
I love the Dawgs, but they embarrassed me yesterday. I don’t care what other teams do, I want clean, disciplined, gentlemanly, smash mouth football. No dancing, no uniform changes, no team celebrations. Score your touchdown or make your block and go back to the huddle. Fix it Mark, We don’t like this brand of football. Make examples of the arrestees and trash talkers. Discipline your team, don’t coddle. Don’t perform, bench em. Rebuild, turn em around whatever you gotta do, fix it. This team is an embarrassment and not because they lose, but because of the way they act.
Tom
November 1st, 2009
3:09 pm
CMR is captain of a ship that has lost its rudder. He needs to make the hard decisions and get it right. If he has to make gimmick uniform changes to fire up a team, then he needs to get some new players. Pathetic.
Delbert D.
November 1st, 2009
3:11 pm
Ugly game, worse after. Why doesn’t CMR say something that makes sense? Trying to translate here:
1) “..4-4″ “..is an indictment of where we are this year.” *What does that mean??*
2) “I think women are made where they want love.” *Huh??*
3) “I think we’re going to look at the big picture at all positions.” *A nothing statement.*
The direct quote statements about turnovers, and the “no guarantee of a bowl right at this moment” I don’t think need dissecting. This man is in shock, and is stream-of-consciousness blathering. Not what one would expect from a leader of men.
Nick Saban
November 1st, 2009
3:12 pm
Mark Richt…. You have to realize that people wear black to a funeral or to mourn. I thought you learned that last year against Alabama.
jack bull
November 1st, 2009
3:15 pm
Mark Richt doesn’t need to be fired, he really shouldn’t even be on the hot seat, but he should, and i think he will, make a change on the defensive side of the ball. and i’m anxious to see if he lets someone else get a whole lot more playing time at QB..I’m even for taking the redshirt off of one of the young guys, i’m telling ya, we don’t need to go thru more “growing pains” next year at that position..
Born2Buzz
November 1st, 2009
3:15 pm
Obviously I am a GT fan but I’ve always been a fan of Mark Richt. Two years ago he was lauded as doing everything right to make his team play with emotion and everything looked good. I was so envious because our coach was such a milquetoast loser.
My have things changed.
What blows me away was hearing Richt on the radio Friday talking about how this was such a big rivalry game there wasn’t any need to pull any stunt to fire his team up. Then he turns around and does the silly black helmet and pants thing. Sad.
Bill
November 1st, 2009
3:15 pm
Amen!
Nick Saban
November 1st, 2009
3:15 pm
Why do you run the ball on 3rd and 15? If you don’t have confidence in the guys on the field then you need to get some guys on the field that you are confident in.
I'm the biggest Ga Fan.
November 1st, 2009
3:15 pm
Georgia will always be number 1. There is no way Tenn Tech, App. St., Auburn, KY, GT, Fla. and maybe many NFL teams if we could play them, are ever going to beat Ga. this year, next year, or ever again. Just you see!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Large Orange
November 1st, 2009
3:16 pm
Mark Richt…..the NEW Phillip Fulmer. Suffer you leg-humpers!!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!
Jax Dawg
November 1st, 2009
3:16 pm
It’s time for CMR to make a deicision on where his true loyalty really is to his below average assistants or UGA. Loyalty is good thing to have but when it starts clouding your judgement then it’s time to make a change. If CMR is unwilling to do what is necessary then maybe Damon Evans needs to step in and make it for him. All anyone has to do is look at what is going on at FSU to see what happens when you let a good coach have too much control and the school’s program falls into shell of what it once was. I don’t put all the blame on the coaches because the players should be held accountable for their on the field play and if they can’t live up to that then take away scholarships. There are plenty of good high school players that may not rate four or five stars that could play at the same level or better than what the current first team is showing.
Brad
November 1st, 2009
3:16 pm
Mark, why don’t you just admit you hate anything to do with the Dogs. Just concern yourself with sucking up to the Jackets. You didn’t like the dawgs when they were winning, and you hate them when they are losing.
Keep USA #1
November 1st, 2009
3:18 pm
Coach Richt needs a new Coaching staff. He’s to loyal to friends, etc. that needs to go. May end up costing him his job. God bless the USA.
jayjay
November 1st, 2009
3:18 pm
You know the academics at UGA have really gone up. The average SAT score is really getting up there.
Winder Dawg
November 1st, 2009
3:19 pm
@ I’m the biggest Ga Fan……..Please change your User Name to “I’m the biggest Dumbazz Ga. Fan” immediately. I am hoping you are jacked up on some type of recreational drugs to even post that garbage!
Byrd Dog
November 1st, 2009
3:19 pm
Where is Tommy Tubbeville and do you think we could pay Charlie Strong enough money to leave Florida?
no, I'm the biggest ga. fan, you're not!!!!!
November 1st, 2009
3:20 pm
I’ll take it one step further. We should just stop playing football because no one is ever going to beat us again so why even play!!!Enough said!!!!
KingGator
November 1st, 2009
3:20 pm
Note to GA Faithful: Please keep Mark Richt. All Gator Fans LOVE Him!!
o-me
November 1st, 2009
3:21 pm
Brad, go take a shower and wash the BS off. Marks doing his job “Fair and balanced”. He’s the Best AJC’s got– back off.
UGA84
November 1st, 2009
3:21 pm
Yes I think we can be proud of the higher average freshmen SAT score.
Matt
November 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
The mighty SEC has just 3 ranked teams now. Ooooh.
W&Ws
November 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
Fans have legitimate ownership of team tradition – and part of that is team colors. A coach who fools around with colors/uniforms strikes me as a bit of arrogance – surprising from someone like Richt.
Jax Dawg
November 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
The weather in Jacksonville drop 15 degrees from all the UGA flags flapping in the wind heading north on I-95 yesterday.
o-me
November 1st, 2009
3:24 pm
Hate to say it but Tenn. is coming on strong….lookout next few years. I hate them.
Matt
November 1st, 2009
3:24 pm
Just shows how ridiculous the polls are. USC only drops 8 spots after getting BLOWN out. They have 2 losses, one to a crap losing record wash team. These polls are a joke. USC is not a top 15 team. Top 20-25 yes, not 12.
Hedges
November 1st, 2009
3:25 pm
Academics is what a university is really all about. The education of our young people. UGA fans should be please with the improved academic standards at The University.
firemarkricht.net
November 1st, 2009
3:26 pm
Love the man, the tan, and the gimmicky black helmets or love the tradition.
Fire Mark Richt and his staff of 2nd rate coordinators.
Justafan
November 1st, 2009
3:28 pm
Looking forward to UGA Basketball with the always good Lady Dogs and Mens new Coach Fox. It should be fun for a change.
Top 10 UGA Excuses
November 1st, 2009
3:29 pm
MB, While we’re making lists, here’s mine.
Top 10 UGA Excuses
10. Had our eyes closed! (By Brandon Spikes?)
9. Didn’t realize it was THAT University in Florida.
8. Thought the Number 1 was in reverse order.
7. Groggy from late night studying for drivers tests.
6. Left playbook in other uniform.
5. Kept hoping Tebow would turn the other cheek.
4. New uniforms are the OLD black.
3. Tired from Harry Dawg’s constant whining to go out.
2. Thought, “While in Jacksonville, play like Jacksonville.”
1. Unfortantely, like Coach Mark Richt, Built Ford Tough.
Y DO MUTTS BARK?CAUSE BEES STING!
November 1st, 2009
3:30 pm
KARMA FOR THE MUTTS,TALK THAT TRASH NOW REDNECKS! HERE COMES THE REAL TEAM FROM GEORGIA(TECH),WE HAVE MOVED INTO THE TOP RANKING WHILE YOU MUTTS R NO WHERE 2 BE FOUND,WAY TO GO WILLIE AND BOB,MARK RICHT KEEP YOUR COACHING STAFF INTACT,DONT LISTEN 2 THE SUPER HATER MARK BRADLEY OR THESE REDNECK HICKS!
Sun Devil Dave
November 1st, 2009
3:30 pm
No Bowl fo youuuuuuuu!!!!!
homely
November 1st, 2009
3:30 pm
Yes its wonderful the academics at UGA is so improved. Athens is a lovely college town as well. Charming really.
Grandad
November 1st, 2009
3:32 pm
Leave the guy’s [cmr] faith out of it. We should all be defined by our faith. Coach has a real problem and he knows it. It’s deeper than Coa. Mrtnz. although he must go.
1. I think most of his older players are _______ fill in the blank.
He needs them to just go away. He is loyal, as he should be, to Joe.
However, several( I won’t mention names ), he should just show them
the door. This is where he could learn to be tougher (meaner). He’s
trying to save (not in a religious sense) all his kids.
2. We are terribly young.[re Fla. yr. before last] At this pt. that is
a good thing.
3. Do not play A. Murray now ! Please don’t waste his red-shirt now !
4. Joe: He’s our QB.; Sr.- inexperienced, not his fault. Joe was
having a pretty good game until:
*1st play 2nd half – got rattled. Where was QB coach either in his
face or arm around shoulder. coaching is more than X’s and o’s.
*Bobo pannicked and said we were down and had to abandon run
game…this killed Joe because he is not a gunslinger.
*Joe was trying to make plays and win game. Unfortunately, he
does not have that kind of talent.
I learned a long time ago, the pendulum will always swing back.
Top 10 UGA Excuses
November 1st, 2009
3:32 pm
MB, while we’re making lists, here’s mine.
Top 10 UGA Excuses
10. Had our eyes closed! (By Brandon Spikes?)
9. Didn’t realize it was THAT University in Florida.
8. Thought the Number 1 was in reverse order.
7. Groggy from late night studying for drivers tests.
6. Left playbook in other uniform.
5. Kept hoping Tebow would turn the other cheek.
4. New uniforms are the OLD black.
3. Tired from Harry Dawg’s constant whining to go out.
2. Thought, “While in Jacksonville, play like Jacksonville.”
1. Unfortantely, like Coach Mark Richt, Built Ford Tough.
embarassed
November 1st, 2009
3:32 pm
It’s truly embarrassing watching your team jump up and down on the sideline in group delirium when all they did was score a touchdown. Not a touchdown to give them the lead, not a touchdown to win a game, just a regular old, still behind by four points touchdown. The program has fallen in two years, to Goff like status.
And yes, Spikes did go after Ealey’s eyes. What a thug.
bball
November 1st, 2009
3:33 pm
Yes! The B-ball team should be really exciting. Wonder what their uniforms will look like this year?
Bottom Line
November 1st, 2009
3:35 pm
Richt knew this team did not have enough talent to beat the gators, so he tried to get some extra motivation out of his players with the black helmets. Can’t fault him there. There are many changes that need to be made, and if they are not made richt will be gone. If they are made, we will return to where we should be- a top tier program in the SEC. Richt needs to take back over the playcalling and hire the baddest, meanest def. coordinator in the country; and find a QB. Calm down people, we will regroup.
Ted Striker
November 1st, 2009
3:36 pm
There’s been a lot of talk about the UGA team and coaching staff. So here’s a retrospective on a certain contingent of UGA “fans.”
Over 10,000 UGA fans had already packed up and left the stadium –in 1980 — when Buck Belue threw a certain pass to Lindsey Scott. Many fans during the 1980-1982 seasons were harping about the predictability of the offensive play calling, even with Herschel Walker in the backfield. Even more fans were saying the defense was too geared toward a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy. In fact the only time many of you weren’t whining, was after one game, in 1981.
Here’s the thing. A lot of you are far worse at being fans than Martinez has even been at being a defensive coordinator. Which leads to this.
You’re nothing to me now. You’re not a brother, you’re not a friend. I don’t want to know you or what you do. I don’t want to see you at the hotels, I don’t want you near my house. When you see our mother, I want to know a day in advance, so I won’t be there. You understand?
Sincerely,
Ted “M. Corleone” Striker
sugarbuzzed
November 1st, 2009
3:40 pm
Athens is a charming little college town. And I’m relieved to know the Georgia Theater can be saved. Historic preservation is important to maintaining an environment of intellectual pursuit like that we are so proud of at UGA.
GT For You And Me
November 1st, 2009
3:40 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2BRV_bU2jE This is how Richt feels about his team,ending in 2008 and I assume now also.. Listen to his comments..
Biggest Bulldawg Fan
November 1st, 2009
3:40 pm
I agree with those two other bulldawg fans. We will play anyone, anywhere, anytime. I just won’t matter. Mark my words UGA will never lose again. I don’t care if its in Sanford Stadium, Jacksonville, or any place on this planet. Georgia will not lose another game!!!!!The Guiness World Book of Records better get ready!!!! You just watch and see!!!Don’t be jealous either when it happens! I’ve got inside information. This was UGA’s last defeat, starting next week vs Tenn Tech, we won’t lose again. All you Georgia fans, we’ll have the final laugh.
Looking for the Upside
November 1st, 2009
3:43 pm
At least the Herschel Zaxby’s commercial was good…