Time for Richt and UGA to un-redshirt Aaron Murray
Joe Cox: Not pointing the way to tomorrow. (AJC photo by Bob Andres)
Mark Richt wouldn’t say Sunday night if Joe Cox will start against Tennessee Tech. But another guy, also named Mark, will say something here and now:
There’s no call to start Cox again this season. It’s time to try a younger guy. And not Logan Gray.
Aaron Murray seems Georgia’s quarterback of the future, at least at the moment. Were Gray any upgrade on Cox, wouldn’t we have seen him do more than fair-catch punts by now?
Cox has been only OK since the Arkansas game, and increasingly he has been less than OK. He has thrown 12 interceptions in eight games, meaning the redshirt senior has nearly matched the interception total of Matthew Stafford as a true freshman. No, this season isn’t over, but the only issue now is whether Georgia winds up in Memphis or Shreveport (or perhaps in no bowl). And that’s not enough of a reason not to deploy Murray.
Cox will be done in five (or four) games. Murray has four years of eligibility remaining. You can argue that it would be senseless to waste a year’s eligibility at this late date, but there’s a more powerful counterpoint: If Murray doesn’t play now, Georgia will go into 2010 the same way it entered 2009 — with an unproven and untested quarterback.
Richt said Saturday he would start “whoever gives us the best chance to win.” (He said it again Sunday night.) But 2009 is going, going, almost gone. Richt’s chief responsibility now is to ensure that 2009 doesn’t happen again next year. He can do that by deploying Aaron Murray these next four games. Maybe that means starting him behind Gray; maybe it means giving him two series a half off the bench. But the worst thing Richt can do is to lose with a senior.
And it isn’t as if this hasn’t worked out before. In 2006 Richt suffered losses to Vanderbilt and Florida and Kentucky with a true freshman, but come 2007 the freshman was capable of leading Georgia to an 11-2 season. Is Aaron Murray as good as Matthew Stafford? Almost certainly not. But Murray figures to be better than Cox or Gray. And if he isn’t, Georgia needs to find out now.
Richt has already made one fashion blunder. He cannot compound the error of switching to black helmets with the overuse of Murray’s red shirt. That needs to come off now.
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564 comments Add your comment
Stanco
November 2nd, 2009
12:28 am
Amen!!!!
patrick
November 2nd, 2009
12:33 am
too bad he will not listen. By the way Willie needs to go. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MT
November 2nd, 2009
12:35 am
Pretty faulty logic… Just because we haven’t seen Logan play in any meaningful game situations does not equate him to being near-useless.
Playing Murray now would be fairly dumb, in my opinion. This is not a Knowshow-situation at all. Very few QBs leave early for the pros, and burning his redshirt year now would lessen his long-term impact on the program.
I am still waiting for the moment this year where Richt allows Bobo to line up Logan in the shotgun, have Branden Smith at HB, Cox in the slot, and AJ/Michael Moore spread out to either side…
RED DOG 77
November 2nd, 2009
12:40 am
Third, Wow I am sho nuff movin up in the world!
Well said
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
Let murray take his lumps now. He will be ready for 2010. No need to go through this pain again…..
Billy
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 am
I could not agree with you more Mark. If we dont find out who our QB is for 2010, I think we will see a repeat of this year. I understand CMR being faithful to his players, but that should also not be a detriment to the team, school and fans. I believe a repeat of this years results in 2010 could also be the downfall of Coach Richt. I have a lot of respect for him, but as much as I hate it college football is a business. He must learn to make more decisions with his head, rather than his heart. I will stand behind the DAWGS no matter what, but we are better than this. I love your articles Mark and sent you a friends request on facebook.
SD Dawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:52 am
Why do other top programs consistently put freshmen QB’s in yet Richt always wants to defer to the senior? USC, Texas, Oklahoma…they all play their best athletes and let them learn on the job in the fire.
Agree. Pull the redshirt and let the QB competition begin THIS year!
MikeInValdosta
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 am
Murray for four games at the risk of missing 4 weeks of bowl practice for all of the young pups?
SD Dawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:56 am
I should add this though: the offensive game plan will probably look much different for Murray and Gray over Cox or Met. We know Gray is more mobile and I think Murray is as well. There will probably be more of a spread aspect to our offense next year.
UGA75
November 2nd, 2009
12:57 am
Mark
I think the whole Coaching staff needs to sit down and decide if they are in the right profession. Since 1975 when I attended UGA I’ve only seen the football team quit in 2 games, both are this season first Tennessee and now against Florida. Getting beaten is no fun for anyone, being unable to get your players to continue to exert their best efforts just because they are behind is inexcusable. I bleed Red and Black like most good Dawgs do, until this year I’ve never been ashamed of Georgia Players efforts, win or lose. Tonight I’m ashamed of our coaches, disappointed in our players, and question UGA’s football future. Start Murray, fire Martinez, let Richt resign if he can’t face letting a coach so over his head, go. This situation is impossible and changes have to be made.
Cory Barnes
November 2nd, 2009
12:59 am
I am going to have to agree with MT. Burning a year of eligibility for a few games only to chalk them up to experience would not seem prudent. I am not saying that Richt shouldn’t have made the decision to start Murray or Mettenberger before the year started, but in the present situation I do not think that their extra year of eligibility should be wasted.
Starting Logan Grey would be a viable option. Yes, it would be very easy to write him off after his embarrassing performance against Florida, but come on, a few series in a high pressure game that you are already losing is not enough to tell whether or not he has the skill to make it as the starter for an entire game. Let him take the first snap against Tennessee with an offense that is keyed around him and let’s see what happens. That said, he will really have to prove himself to fans after the throw out of the end zone on Saturday Night.
My objection to starting Murray now is that Georgia fans can handle a down season, as long as it is leading to a year that will add to Georgia’s legacy as one of the best programs in college football. Georgia fans will just have to suffer through the rest of ’09 and look forward to the fact that we have a very good prospect in Mettenberger or Murray for the next four years.
Dawg Gone
November 2nd, 2009
1:03 am
Unfortunately, I’ve heard that Murray is not that good, which is the reason he’s not playing this year. Hopefully, Richt recruits someone good for next year, who can throw the ball to UGA receivers, not UF DBs.
RED DOG 77
November 2nd, 2009
1:14 am
Mark, Mark, Mark…….You for real? As bad as I want to see us win a meaningful game for a change, to waste a whole year just to get Murray some snaps in live action at this point would certainly be foolhardy. From all I know I spose Murray is our future, But child Please!!! The kid probubly only knows half of the playbook at this point. Heck let Gray start mix it up with him and Cox, a little competition during game time might just spark a little improvement. Murray is the type of QB that will probubly stick for 4 years, we are rebuilding right now dont blow it by taking Murrays red shirt off. Remember we do have some studs who can run and catch the football and more coming in , so lets not get ahead of ourselves, As one who bleeds RED and BLACK , I would rather lose all remaining 09 games, to be in position to win the SEC in two years, and mabe that MNC. After spring and fall practice a whole year under his belt throwing to the afore mentioned recievers and knowing the system he will be hard to beat in 2011, with two more years of eligability after that. SO again, Child please!!!!!!!
Stanfield
November 2nd, 2009
1:16 am
I know that Cox had three interceptions but also know that 2 were deflections off the recivers hands. Should we replace the receivers also? (They are just as much at fault) I remember when the saying was” If ya can touch it, you can catch it” I think too much of the blame for poor coaching and inadequate effort is getting placed on J. Cox.
Bob in SF
November 2nd, 2009
1:26 am
I think it’s a few games too late to burn a red shirt. They have made their bed with Cox and after spending the last 6 months defending the decision, Richt is not going to turn back now. Grey might get so more playing time but Cox is capable of winning at least 3 of the last 4; Tenn Tech is a W, Kentucky should be and Auburn is winnable as well although it will be a shootout. GT is a rivalry game and anything can happen although the final score might be 56-48 either way.
drbasic1
November 2nd, 2009
1:29 am
Give Logan a chance, not on our 10 yard line against the number 1 defense. We certainly can do no worse with him. Murray, will be a good Qb but i don’t think this deep into the already lost season is worth a loss of a year of elgibility. Give him the chance this spring to see if he is the missing link. Then maybe run the wildcat some with Logan. I do not see logan being the man since he is back on punts, but then again the way our coaches think, anything is possible.
BravesFan79
November 2nd, 2009
1:35 am
Loose a whole year of football for just a few games in a meaningless season?? Hell no!! Im sure glad your not the coach of Ga. And this is coming from a UGA but GT 1st fan.
I say let Cox and Grey share the snaps the rest of the season and see how things go.
Sick of It
November 2nd, 2009
1:45 am
What about Mettenberger? Is he not as good as Murray? I know he’s a big boy…
BugKiller
November 2nd, 2009
1:51 am
As most who aren’t blind have been saying for the past five weeks or so, Joe Cox does NOTHING for us beyond this year.
It is FAR better to go 6-6 with Murray or Gray than go 6-6 with Cox.
Joe Cox is even worse than Joe T III if that can be believed.
As for Mark Richt… Mark Richt needs to go.
I remember when Larry Coker was fired a few years ago and I was listening to Colin Cowherd who said something profound.
If y’all remember, Coker won a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, and had a very good overall winning percentage.
But Cowherd looked at his record during his tenure at UM, and saw a trend over three years where Coker’s number of wins got worse every year.
The program was going down, pointed in the wrong direction, and his firing was justified.
And this was a guy who won a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP and played for another one!!!
Mark Richt has overseen far too many teams which have underachieved.
2004 Bulldogs. 2007 Bulldogs. 2008 Bulldogs.
He has overseen teams which are more and more less disciplined and stupid and downright poor ambassadors of our University.
He’s lost control of his team and program.
He treats his coaching staff like a ten year old treats his tree house. Only friends allowed.
Mark Richt refuses to understand that the business of college football is WINNING FOOTBALL GAMES, and not to keep your inept best friend employed because no one else would want someone of his terrible resume.
Mark Richt oversees a program in steep decline, in the SEC, in the FOURTH MOST TALENT RICH STATE IN THE COUNTRY.
Mark Richt is only, as a coach, only SLIGHTLY less disapointing than say, Bobby Cox, who’s never met talent-rich team he couldn’t sink.
But where Cox would sink a team with his personal ineptness and should have been fired after 1996, Mar Richt is disappointing because he refuses to do what it takes, make the hard decisions is takes, TO WIN.
He had the chance to do the right thing and fire Martinez before the year. Instead, no matter what the facts said, that the Georgia defense got worse EVERY year under Martinez, Richt defended Martinez and gave him a RAISE.
With Joe Cox, he should have benched him after Tennessee. After getting embarrassed in that game and having no chance to win the East, why is Cox allowed to start another game?
Pete Carroll and Urban Meyer play the best talent they have. They don’t hand bench warmers like Joe Cox or Aaron Corp the keys to the team. They play the best they have.
They don’t keep starting Thomas Brown over Knowshon Moreno, or take him out of the game against South Carolina in 2007 when he’s killing the Gamecocks and Brown can’t run for 2 yards. They play their best talent.
That’s why they win and Richt doesn’t.
USC is going to be preseason number one next year. Why? Because Matt Barkley is taking his lumps NOW.
Mark Richt just doesn’t get it, and he never will get it.
It’s time Georgia got a head coach who doesn’t keep excusing the mediocrity on his coaching staff and with his players.
It’s time Georgia got a head coach who takes turnovers, penalties, and SPECIAL TEAMS seriously, because Meyer, Miles, Saban, and Kiffin do.
It’s time Georgia FIRE MARK RICHT and hire Kyle Whittingham or Brian Kelly.
FIRE MARK RICHT!!!
FIRE MARK RICHT!!!
FIRE MARK RICHT!!!
The Gators are loose
November 2nd, 2009
2:01 am
Unfortunately – you know that Richt doesn’t have the guts/balls to start anyone besides Cox or Logan – so it is a waste of time.
Give Kox a chance
November 2nd, 2009
2:04 am
Well – Me thinkss that Cox will have a great game against Tenn State = just what the doc ordered. That is the ONLY time he and UGA will look good
BugKiller
November 2nd, 2009
2:12 am
Hey AJC Monitor, where the hell is my post from like 10 minutes ago???
I put a lot of thought into that, and there was NOTHING offensive in it.
SO POST IT ALREADY!!!!
Jason
November 2nd, 2009
2:18 am
This article seems to be written from the material I have been posting on the web boards here on AJC since mid September. Amen!
jason
November 2nd, 2009
2:35 am
CMR is such a PU$$y. Embarrassing as the HC of UGA. I know, I get it. He is trying to protect the players and blah, blah, blah. Grow a set and state what it is you will do to give UGA a chance to win next year. Screw the SRS. Do we really care? It is all about next year, because this year is over. Do what’s right and play Murray. Also give Ealy the starting RB spot. CMR is the worst HC in the NCAA. God (oops sorry CMR) we need a new HC now, today. CMR has proven he does not have what it takes. Speaking of that… To all the UGA faithful with their DAWG colored glasses on, HC CMR has not done crap since he reliquinshed all of his coaching duties. He is a coach no more, he is a CEO. Wow, A CEO of all things. He has no say in coaching duties, because he is to busy out kissing A$$ and raking in UGA Alums $$$$. He has no say so in who plays and who sits. That is up to Bobo and CWM. What does CMR do at UGA besides pick pocket the Alums money? Someone please answer that for me.
DirtyDawg
November 2nd, 2009
2:36 am
Now wait a minute Jason…I’m quite sure that I said it first. Well, maybe not since mid-September. Regardless, you, and Bradley and I are right. So what if you burn a season of eligibility, if Murray’s as good as advertised he’ll probably be gone after his junior year anyway, and if he’s not now’s the time to find out. Plus you’ve got to give the kid some experience.
I’m sorry about Joe Cox, and regardless if he could have benefited from more playing time over the past couple of years- that’s water under the bridge – but the program has to make this move, now. Let’s not be saying the same thing about Murray a years or two from now. Plus if he, Murray, doesn’t show some promise this season we’ll know more about how much of a priority we’ll need to place on recruiting a QB for next year’s recruiting class.
RealityRose
November 2nd, 2009
2:38 am
Mark,
Coach Richt can play Aaron Murray at quarterback, but it will not help improve the results. As a unit the UGA players can, if they choose, help improve the results. Let’s be realistic about this happening; it won’t. Evidence that it is unlikely to happen; continued penalties, continued turnovers, continued poor play-calling, continued dependence on gimmicks, and most of all continued lack of execution by the team. Aaron Murray nor any quarterback on UGA’s roster will make any difference whatsoever. It is entirely possibly that it could make things worse. The Dawgs will likely win against Tennessee Tech. The remaining games are very doubtful. Even Kentucky is playing well enough to beat UGA with little difficulty. The problems have started each of the past two years during offseason training. Evidently discipline is discussed, but not demanded or even expected. Coach Richt seems to make it an ‘optional issue’ for our beloved Dawgs. It’s very difficult to imagine that a Division I team of Georgia’s calibre could behave and react so unintelligently on the field through such a long period of time without the Georgia coaching staff finding and applying a remedy that works. It is difficult to determine who is the least intelligent in the Georgia program, the coaches or the players? Perhaps it’s a hopeless tie. At any rate, Aaron Murray nor any other quarterback will change that. The problem is not at a position…..whatsoever. The Georgia team’s problem is behavioral and intellectual and probably not just the players. Whatever it is……..it probably will not be solved this year. I hope that I am wrong. My greatest fear is that I am not.
DirtyDawg
November 2nd, 2009
2:42 am
Wait a minute Jason. I was reacting to your first comment about needing to try Aaron Murray now…not the crap you posted in you 2:35 am post. Mark Richt will do what has to be done…you can take your hockey mask off now, Halloween is over.
jason
November 2nd, 2009
2:49 am
DirtyDawg, sorry there is apparently 2 jasons on here. I go by jason. the other guy goes by Jason. See capital J. I have been posting regulaly for the past couple of years, and I am the Jason who is tired of CMR’s act. Now, I am one not to BS and name call. Just answer my post about what it is that the Great CMR does as a HC nowdays.
UGA Celebrates Diversity
November 2nd, 2009
2:51 am
With those “special” uniforms used in the Florida game, Coach Richt was merely paying the proper respect to “Gay Pride Week.”
You Go, UGA GIrl!
However, it should be noted that an actual all-gay football team would’ve put up a better fight than Richt’s Bulldogs did on Saturday.
Say, isn’t “BULLDOGS” the name of that popular all-gay sports bar in Atlanta?
Why, YES, I believe it is.
Coincidence?
I doubt it.
dagnabit
November 2nd, 2009
2:55 am
If we’re going to get rid of Richt, I want to push for hiring Willie for head coach. Why not. It’s just jawja.
jason
November 2nd, 2009
2:58 am
Like I have said time and time again, It is not the loss, but the way we lost. The same ol, same ol for about 3 years now. It is also not how we win, but the way we win. Inside the SEC, it really is not impressive. We stuggle constantly with the USCes, Vandys, UKs, etc. There is a problem in the program at UGA. Alot of people don’t want to admit it, and it is not just CWM either.
The Grinch
November 2nd, 2009
3:03 am
Ealy must start. Murray must start. Martinez must go. That is all.
UGAFANS11
November 2nd, 2009
3:04 am
It Really Doesnt Matter Who We start at quarterback because are style of offense doesnt require a great quarterback. a decent one will do.. i think we should think about moving to a complete spread offense.. everybody is doing this and it is working.. i kno alabama runs the same offense as us but they HAVE the defense to back them up. our defense stinks.. if we would have ran an oregon style offense this year with logan gray i say we would be 7-1 right now.. only lost would be to florida in a good gm not a blowout like saturday..
jackie
November 2nd, 2009
3:20 am
We need worse than anything a running back. That atlanta school has at least three better than anything we have,,, That gets some pressure off your qb.
uncle bsdawg
November 2nd, 2009
4:07 am
cox, willie and bobo, we need to get someone with fire in the belly. I think CMR is smart enough to see the writing on the wall and will make some minor changes right now but at the end of the season I feel sure willie will go.
gomdawg
November 2nd, 2009
4:10 am
Defence WINS game simple get a DC . Coach now that is what you O the fans.
gomdawg
November 2nd, 2009
5:28 am
Defense
NikkiFree
November 2nd, 2009
6:08 am
Give Logan a chance. Coach just throws Gray in there for one snap here or there and expects him to perform well as a QB like magic. How is the guy supposed to perform well when the only live action coach gives him regularly is as a kick returner? come on, coach!!!!
George
November 2nd, 2009
6:09 am
You can’t go wrong with a black dress and a strand of pearls. Or, so they say.
Go Dawgs
November 2nd, 2009
6:14 am
Totally agree. Instead of fashion statements like black helmets this team needs to get back to the basics. You dont see UF or UA changing helmets, jerseys etc. They go out and play football plain and simple. When I hear from a coach they changed helmets to “give them some more motivation” ..its a sad state. This was Florida any player on that team that wasnt motivated needs to leave! Cox said the key to beating UF was passion- HA! no stupid- the key to beating UF was no penalties that kept drives going and turnovers by our QBs that led to half the points. same story…different week. and yet, nothing is done.
Mitch (the one in Rome)
November 2nd, 2009
6:17 am
Our offense, though not great, has been so so, and frankly if we didn’t give up the house every the D stepped on the field we would be fine. We have never been dynamite on O since CMR has been here, but our D has been great. Willie has to Go, and be replaced with Kirby Smart. We become a contender instantly.
People need to stop asking for wholesale firing. The program is not in the toilet. We are having a transition year from a pretty good team to a young team with no clear firepower. That is not bad, it is normal. We need a new DC, but other than that we are not that bad.
Relax people. 90% of college football would like to be UGA. And stop envying Tech. Seriously. They have had 2 decent years compared to our 8 with CMR. Seriously. They are 1-7 against us in that time span. Don’t judge the time on one loss and a tough season.
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
6:18 am
Has anyone give a thought that it may be about the players and not the coaches. Maybe they are not as talented as you tought. I remember when CMR was hired away from FSU. CBB stated that he did not think CMR had the toughness to be a HC. He was not able to make those tough decision when they had to be made. Maybe he was right. Might be a good idea to get some of those 2 & 3 star athletes who are hungry and want to play. A team of stars usually does not play well because the egos get in the way. It seems to me that panic has set in with the dawg nation and I truly don’t think CMR is dump enough to waste a red shirt decision on 4 remaining games, what can the kid learn?
jsmuga
November 2nd, 2009
6:19 am
What season is there to save? I don’t think this team will beat Kentucky, Auburn or GT…… You have to play for next year instead of some crappy bowl…
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
6:21 am
What makes everone think Kirby Smart would come back to Georgia? Earlier that should have been dumb, not dump.
hugedawgfan
November 2nd, 2009
6:22 am
Richt doesn’t really seem to know what to do at this point. His loyalty to a Senior is no shock (look what his loyalty to WM has gotten us). Play Murray now, this season is a bust anyway, let him take his lumps so he can have some sort of knowledge about the 2010 season and what it is going to take to play. Really think we need to recruit a more mobile QB due to the O-line’s inability to pass protect–Shockley showed we can win with a scrambler and passer. The problems are far more severe than QB issues but I understand the article’s point. I say play Murray now but a coach with a clue would have done this games ago. No need to talk about the D, we all know what needs to transpire there. I also think if I were Evans, it would be time to have a long sit down, face to face with Richt and see what Richt’s expectations and ideas are for the near future and if I’m not liking what is said, time to start putting it out there to try and see Gruden, Brian Kelley, Chris Petersen, or Gary PAtterson would love to come and run the show in Athens. Still trying to figure out the whole “juice needing thing” against UF and gimmick uniforms. This entire program is dead and that is evident from the HC on down. Really think it is time for new blood in Athens and I mean new, not promoting one from within the ranks. Would like to keep Searles and Garner(for recruiting purposes) but everyone else, including the HC, needs their pink slips. Time for change(never thought I would use an Obamaism). Don’t blame recruits for jumping ship as anyone can see this vessel is almost completely submerged. Don’t really think we can become bowl eligible now-I see a W for TNTech but losses against AU, KY, and definitely GT. They should have at least 500yds rushing and no less than 55 pts. No longer will I have blind loyalty for this program-It needs coaching changes now along with player changes at several positions. Kind of like Spurrier said, UGA gets all those 4 and 5 star recruits but what happens to them once they get there? Well, we are seeing what happens–nothing! That all starts with coaching, but I would like an above average intelligence with some skill position players every once in a while. These are as elusive as wins right now. Please GOD, bring us change.
Josh
November 2nd, 2009
6:23 am
I agree with jmsuga and I’m not even a UGA fan. Why put the kid in “now”? The season won’t be saved. Losing his redshirt for only a meaningless games doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I get it that he’ll get some experience, but at this point how valuable would that experience be versus another year of eligibility?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
6:26 am
Well if that is to happen it must begin this weekend with TT coming to Athens. Honestly I think CMR gives first crack to Logan Grey, but I would not be totally shocked if Murray where to get a shot at it.
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
6:26 am
This blog is very interesting. The dawg fans are finally talking about problems within their program and not trashing and making excuses. Very up lifting. Although I think some of the suggestion are rather off the wall, including Mark’s suggestion. Oops guess I spoke too soon Mitch (the one in Rome)has now began to bring Tech into the conversation. Well I knew it was to good to last. Let the excuses begin.
Ostrich Racer
November 2nd, 2009
6:29 am
If Murray is our future, the future should begin now. Let him start against Tennessee Tech.
I do have a serious question about the helmets, and it’s not fashion related. Is a football helmet the sort of thing you can be comfortable in the first time you put it on? Isn’t there a break-in period, to get used to the new fit? Also, if you’ve spent 4 years in practice looking for red hats downfield to throw to, wouldn’t it be a little disconcerting to be checking off black-orange-black-orange all afternoon?
The uniforms didn’t cost Georgia that game — bad football did. But the Gator Bowl might not be the ideal place to try out new distractions.
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
6:31 am
Maybe Cox was wearing AJ’s helment and it was to tight. He did have a lot of red marks on his head during the close ups. That is it, the helment was to tight and making he see crosseyed.
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
6:32 am
him, not he. too early in the morning. I hope you guys find an answer. So long.
Dark Days - At the Bottom
November 2nd, 2009
6:37 am
Mark Richt’s loyalty costs us again. It’s a toss up … giving a qb some game experince and having all the young players for four extra weeks practice. Experience for many or experience for one. I think I’ll take the many and pray for the one. It’s been a nightmare of a season and I’ve yet to see one clear statement about possible change from anyone at UGA. I say nobody will go including Willie. I believe CMR will play a pat hand next year even at the risk of his job. CMR must get tough to stay in the same arena with UF/SC/TN/LSU/ALA/ARK/ and even VU or MS. Richt is too nice and not agressive enough to motivate the bulldogs to greatness. He needs to change his entire coaching outlook.
TampaGator
November 2nd, 2009
6:40 am
Richt, if you had played Murray, you would have no doubt won the Gator game this past weekend despite all those terrible calls by the refs, that horrible person that plays MLB for the Gators, having the week off, despite playing mostly thugs, out recruiting the Gators every year, and playing in Jacksonville where half the crowd supports you. Yep, Georgia should have beaten the Gators. They are obviously better than the Gators in every way, especially coaching.
Chris
November 2nd, 2009
6:42 am
I keep wondering why anytime we aren’t in red hats, red shirts and grey pants, it’s a gimmick. Silver britches – gimmick. Black jerseys – gimmick. Black hats – gimmick. We are the red and BLACK, are we not? Kids like different looks. Go ask Oregon. They’re winning now, so not too many people are making fun of their 8002 combinations. Throwing in some black every once in awhile isn’t going to kill anyone.
-Murray isn’t the answer this year. At all. No reason to waste his eligibility over a lost season. Honestly, I don’t even really want us to go to a bowl. We don’t deserve it. Logan has bid his time at the punt return position the last two years, he needs a start. We need to know if he can do it. Give him the snaps, and he can be the #1 (legitimately) going into spring ball.
-Fire Martinez. Seriously. No more excuses are going to cut it. I know Florida wasn’t really his fault, but we need some new blood. We also need some new blood in o-line coaching. That was supposed to be our strength this year, and we can’t get anyone any yards at all. Even when our RBs aren’t getting their eyes poked out.
-Bobo and whomever need to be on the same page. I think Bobo is a pretty decent OC, but everyone needs to see the predicted results and execute.
-Find some DBs who are taller than 5′9″.
That would get us a decent 2010.
Georgiadawg1970
November 2nd, 2009
6:43 am
CMR has never been competetive aginst Florida even when the doofuss Zook was the coach. Changing quarterbacks isn’t going to matter. Better accept it. I have.
King Gator
November 2nd, 2009
6:45 am
Hey did Cox just throw another INT? Go Gators!
CrashTestChris
November 2nd, 2009
6:45 am
Interesting…..Isn’t it something when sports writers know how to coach better than you do….Anybody with any sense knew that this wasn’t going to be Georgia’s year….And this Florida game was no different than last year’s…The GREAT Stafford threw 3 interceptions and the GREAT K. Marino fumbled away an easy pitch giving the Gators 4 TD’s…Four turnovers and the GREAT Florida offense had 71 yards total yards of offense….Was there a big clamor for Cox and Caleb King then?
benadawg
November 2nd, 2009
6:46 am
the real changes need to be made to the coaching staff, go ahead and drop the bomb and be honest to the recruits, if the go elsewhere with what we have done in talent judgement maybe it will not be so bad….I think Joe Cox is as bad as it gets and our defense is a lost. Penalties are killing us, from now on a penalty should be cause for removal from the game, whoever it is!!!
Dark Days - At the Bottom
November 2nd, 2009
6:47 am
GT is the 10th best team in the nation…. UGA is unranked. Enough said.
Dark Days - At the Bottom
November 2nd, 2009
6:47 am
GT is the 10th best team in the nation…. UGA is unranked. Enough said.
Georgiadawg1970
November 2nd, 2009
6:52 am
Georgia should hire Tommy Tuberville. I think his record against Fla is better that CMR. Even if he looses he will drip snuff juice all over their pretty green frost proof grass.
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
6:56 am
It is a gamble with the black helments. If you win then they are really great…if you don’t win it is the most stupid. The best team usually wins..there are some exceptions but that is generally true. Fla is the better team. Are they the best in the nation..well they are until someone beats them. They are the reining champs.
Seymore
November 2nd, 2009
6:58 am
Mark, Mark……I know fall weekends are tough on a talented sports journalist like yourself, but think about it. This season is a bust, and quite frankly, next season isn’t looking like a barn burner to me. Let’s leave the kid’s red shirt on, and start working on the future. CMR is a smart guy. He will eventually do what’s needed with his staff AND his players. Yes, he’s a little slow to make some moves, but actually that might be a good thing. Lets stay the course, get out of this season as best we can, even if it means no bowl trip, then get to work on the future. Mark my words, the dogs will be back in the mix, but it will be for the long haul, not for a quick fix.
redeployed dawg
November 2nd, 2009
7:00 am
I saw Murray play in one of the All American games and was not impressed. I agree that we need to move the majority of our seniors into supporting roles, and this definitely includes Cox, but I am not sold on Murray. If he is the guy leading us next year (or the rest of this year) I hope that I am drastically wrong. On a side note, Evans and Miller should be done getting snaps at DB. Even if you ignore the fact they are liabilities in position, they are seniors and gone at the end of this year (Rashad Jones will be gone at the end of the year, but he is not as much of a liability).
Georgiadawg1970
November 2nd, 2009
7:01 am
Seymore, Against Fla. Ga. has not been in the mix since ole grunt and punt Dooley left.
gator dawgpounding
November 2nd, 2009
7:06 am
Some pretty good comments from an outsider. Obviously, we don’t want UGA to fire CMR as even the Zooker had a winning record against him. UGA hired Richt because they thought he owned UF from his days as the OC for FSU. FSU did have a winning record against UF during his time, but only the Charlie Ward/Warrick Dunn years were because of the offense. The real reason was because FSU always had dominating defenses and thus the only change you really need is to hire a new DC and start signing agressive defensive players. I couldn’t stand some of the guys FSU signed during the day just like UGA hates Brandon Spikes but I cannot tell you how many people I heard say saturday; I hate him but I wish he played for us.
Kennesaw Dawg
November 2nd, 2009
7:07 am
The other issue is that we don’t have any running backs either. Or an offensive line for that matter. Or a defense. So switching to another QB who we know nothing about may not accomplish anything even if he is good!
Mark, people have posted good reasons for un-redshirting Murray and not doing it. But what I’d like to know is what is causing you to advocate for Murray and not Mettenberger. I don’t know anything about either one, really, but just wondered what it is you know that causes you to believe Murray is so much better than Mettenberger.
HH
November 2nd, 2009
7:08 am
Bradley, old boy, you have been around long enough by now to know that Richt doesn’t have a CLUE what to do. Personally, at this stage of the game, I wouldn’t waste a year of elligibility for either Murray or the other red-shirt. Gray was put in Sat. in a very awkward situation. Play him the rest of the way and let the two red-shirts begin their 2010 season in the spring. So far as the rest of the year goes, what the Hell? The year is an abject failure as it is anyway. One more sure loss against Johnson, and either Auburn or KY a possibility. The best they could do is a trash bowl anyway.
The far more important thing to worry about for 2010 is what is going to be done about Richt and his merry band of incompetents after this season. If Adams and his office-manager Evans don’t solve THAT problem, who plays quarterback next year won’t amount to a hill of beans anyway. The real problem that needs to be addressed at this stage is not what quarterback needs to start, but, rather, what to do with Richt after 2009 is history.
Seymore
November 2nd, 2009
7:09 am
So true Georgiadawg1970, but it’s like a long time UGA fan told me 30 years ago about Tech. He said you can knock em down, but they won’t stay down. They’ll be back and back with a vengeance. This program is built on tradition, and the good folks who support and promote this program will not accept mediocrity. It won’t be this season, and might not be this decade, but UGA will own Jacksonville and the Gators again. Mark my words.
MarkBradleyismyDaddy
November 2nd, 2009
7:10 am
Well said Daddy. Let Murray take his licks this season so we can be competitive next. He’s got one more season with AJ and I would hate to waste it while he “learns the speed” of the conference next season. By the way, what’s for breakfast?
76Dawg
November 2nd, 2009
7:11 am
It may be time for Damon Evans to get involved, he is in charge of watching over the program.
Seymore
November 2nd, 2009
7:11 am
Georgiadawg1970, what are you doing blogging this time of day? Don’t you need to be getting ready for work?
HoCoJo
November 2nd, 2009
7:11 am
Do we have any red-shirt coaches to activate?
Bill West 1941 DOG
November 2nd, 2009
7:15 am
Hate to see Murray lose a year, but we need him NOW and it will be a lot better next year, he should started the first game of this year Go Dogs
Bride of ChuckyKnapp
November 2nd, 2009
7:15 am
Why? So we can better move the ball only to piss it away? So we can lose games by only one touchdown instead of three or more? If Murray is good, the situation would still be like Stafford and just make it easier for this team to get away with poor play and poor planning.
I am not a Richt fan (or Adams, Evans, or Dooley as AD, for that matter). But, I think right now he needs to stay. He’s a good recruiter because he’s good with parents, so I think we’ll still get a steady flow of talent. He seems to be soft all around, which could work if he gave the assistants rein to be the heavies, which it doesn’t look like he does. WM is just wrong, no matter how you slice it and needs to be given a chance to leave by the end of the year. Special teams is also horrible, which is so sad as this used to be a UGA strong point. Bill Hartman, we need you!
gator dawgpounding
November 2nd, 2009
7:19 am
Georgia will never own anyone again (except Tenn Tech) as long as all you hear at every UGA game is the Ref’s cheated us!. I go to almost every home UGA game with friends and that is all I hear.
Bear Lombardi
November 2nd, 2009
7:20 am
The NCAA should go back to their old rules. No freshman can play varsity games. They play JV games. NO REDSHIRTING except for medical reasons.
Bill
November 2nd, 2009
7:22 am
I tend to agree with you about Murray; however, none of us has had the opportunity to see Logan Gray in a game situation which is indicative of an actual game, rather than a “take a knee situation” or backed up to our own goal line and attempting to throw a pass against an onrushing herd.
AthensSG
November 2nd, 2009
7:23 am
Half the playbook, Red Dog 77?!?!?! Hell, how many plays are in it? I’ve seen about a dozen this whole year!!!!!
Judy Jetson
November 2nd, 2009
7:23 am
Hey, next week, wear clear unifroms and helmets!
Dawg Knowledge
November 2nd, 2009
7:25 am
The Dawgs will get it turned around against Tennessee Tech—mark it down! Jox Cox will have a breakout game and the Dawg machine will be back on track! The dawgs will upset Auburn and Tech, and go to the Music City Bowl! Take it to the bank!!!!
Bill
November 2nd, 2009
7:26 am
Oh…and I need to add I tender my comments from my lofty perch of vast football coaching experience…namely NONE. In that regard, I’m in the same boat as all the others who comment on these things.
FsuNoleInDC
November 2nd, 2009
7:26 am
murray is a stud…he looked better than any of the other qb’s at the spring game….
gator dawgpounding
November 2nd, 2009
7:26 am
No clear pants; you might see what the real problem is.
gator dawgpounding
November 2nd, 2009
7:27 am
He did look good but it was against Georgia’s defense.
jerry
November 2nd, 2009
7:30 am
Why waste Murray on a season already shot?
SuperB
November 2nd, 2009
7:33 am
He should have started Aaron Murray against Oklahoma State– and every other game provided Aaron was healthy. Aaron was ready last spring.
gator dawgpounding
November 2nd, 2009
7:33 am
because if he is as good as UGA people think, he will leave after his 3rd season anyways. not many Tebow’s or Colt McCoys out there. Maybe schools should start signing more of their in state players that have some loyalty.
jerry
November 2nd, 2009
7:35 am
Stafford and Moreno: 10-49
Cox et al.: 17-41
Was it a QB problem or a coaching problem? If the latter a change won’t matter.
LD
November 2nd, 2009
7:36 am
Murray should have plyed in the OK St game. Cox has been inconsistant all year and nothing has changed. Defense same comment see above. Worst in penalties. Worst in turnovers. BAD, BAD, BAD and something has got to change. NOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
Hurricane Fan
November 2nd, 2009
7:36 am
If you are going to “build for the future” you should have started Murray when the season began. You don’t blow a year of eligibility this late in a season. Why waste “potentially” 4 years of greatness to salvage a season.
AWJ
November 2nd, 2009
7:38 am
Might as well play Murray. It is not about saving this season, but about him learning for next. The one thing that is different is the coaching staff needs to be fairly certain that Murray will be the guy. If they are not fairly certain of that, then don’t burn the year, go with Gray.
I have all the respect for Joe Cox. He is a dawg through and through but he has been given his chance. I know it is not all his fault, but it is time to give someone else a chance.
JD
November 2nd, 2009
7:40 am
Finally someone agrees with me. I have been saying that Aaron Murray should have been playing starting with game one. He played good enough during the spring to warrant playing time. As a Dawg fan I really appreciate the heart and guts of Joe Cox and i’m not saying not play him at all but we cannot go into next season with another quarterback situation that is inproven. Every quarterback should know coming in that it doesn’t matter what class you are in, the goal is to win with who will give us the best cahnce. Now it’s Murray’s chance.
DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE!!!!!! This football team lacks game situation discipline and focus. Too much talent on both sides of the ball to embarass Dawg nation like that. Bonehead penalties, miss coverages, and the miss tackles. What gives? Willie Martinez needs to go. Good coach and mentor to the players but in the SEC you need to be a great coach to match wits with the play calling of the other coaches.
Mark Richt, please start lighting a fire under your players at some point this year. Changing uniforms and reverse physicology won’t get it done.
Mikey
November 2nd, 2009
7:40 am
My little diatribe:
The black helmets with red facemasks were hideous. The facemasks should have been black as well, then we would have been Grambling for sure.
Tennessee looked more hideous than us, but they won so it didnt matter.
Putting Logan Gray in backed up deep in FL territory was one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen. Give him meaningful playing time and lets see what he can do. Leave Murray on the bench because this year is toast.
Speaking of toast, is number 3 a Senior? I hope so…
Did my eyes deceive me or did one of our best defenders (Rambo) never make it on the field Saturday?
Seymore
November 2nd, 2009
7:41 am
By UGA standards, this season is lost, gone, kaputtski. If we win out, it’s still a crummy season. Forget about it, lets focus on the future, and I say leave the red shirt on the kid. Right, indifferent, or obviously wrong, the decision was made in August to save the kid for the future. Stand by that decision, there’s no season to salvage, but there is a bright future with the talent this program has coming along. The dogs will be back. Write it down.
Loran
November 2nd, 2009
7:44 am
DAMON PLEASE STEP IN NOW AND HELP GET THIS PROGRAM BACK ON TRACK
Phil
November 2nd, 2009
7:46 am
It’s too late in the season to start Murray. You would be cutting short his season to only 4 games. No need to do that, let him start next year and get the full schedule. This season is down the toilet anyway, no need to waste a full season of Murray’s eligibility on this god forsaken season.
PMC
November 2nd, 2009
7:46 am
Honestly at this point 2009 can’t get over with fast enough. The penalties and turnovers fall more on the players than the coaching staff. I’m sure they are doing everything they can save benching which should have happened already for these guys commiting these stupid mistakes. They know how to play football and they are old enough to know not to keep hitting a guy out of bounds or grabbing a face mask… that falls under just plain stupid.
The coaching issues are in other areas… I’m not sure there is worse safety play in the nation. These guys are just lost.
Michael
November 2nd, 2009
7:47 am
UGA’s remaining schedule includes two definite losses, one probable loss, and one probable win. And that’s going to be true no matter who plays QB. So why burn a year of eligibility for Murray? It just doesn’t make sense. Although I sorta agree with a previous poster who said that if Murray was all that great we’d already have seen him by now.
big dog
November 2nd, 2009
7:49 am
Listening to these Dawg fans bleating, crying and moaning is killing me. They remind me of the long ago tiny tears wind up dolls. It is next to a sexual experience. Don’t stop now.